Chapter Three, Dates and Changes

A few days had passed since the article had appeared in the Daily Prophet announcing an Heiress, now Lady of House Peverell had survived the attack on her and her parents via Grindelwald and his sycophantic followers, and Vasilisa was coming on in leaps and bounds. She only had a few bandages left on her person now (on her back in between her shoulder blades and her right leg), and all of the Blacks were astounded and in awe at the sheer depth of her strength and will, but also at the sheer depth of her bond with her Familiar.

They were also astounded by Vasilisa already wanting to make changes to the Wizarding World. She had told them and her remaining family one morning that she'd had a vision of what'd happen if they let Dumbledore and Tom Riddle come into power and they were disgusted that these two wizards were responsible for ending magic within the British Isles in sixty years.

So, with Orion's Uncle Regulus - who was a renowned Potion Master like her cousin Fleamont and owned a store in Horizont Alley -  and Alphard, who was Regulus's Apprentice, started creating Wolfsbane potion to help integrate werewolves into society to stop them joining Grindelwald or siding with anyone else. However, that wasn't the only thing she was working on. Vasilisa had created a Creature Reform which will give all Magical Creatures - including witches and wizards who had Creature blood - a better life within the Wizarding world of the British Isles, leaving Orion besotted at all she was trying to accomplish despite the adversity and the pain she still suffered, she didn't let it stop her.

In fact, she reminded Orion of a Phoenix who rose from the ashes and he could fully admit (to much teasing from Alphard) that he was besotted with his soulmate and was already developing a deep profound love for her, which is why he was creating the best first courtship date for her as he knew this would set the par for their future dates. After speaking to his elder sister to bounce off ideas and to Yelena to find out discreetly what Vasilisa would like, Orion had a sapphire necklace and earring set custom made in a white gold setting, and had decided to hold a picnic for them in the meadow just beyond the rose garden beneath the stars. Her aunt Yelena had told him how she loved the stars as they calmed her so Orion was fully prepared to introduce them to her and even teach her the ones she didn't already know.

However, he could admit he was feeling rather nervous, despite his sister's words of comfort. She looked so beautiful sitting at the desk in the sunroom as she worked with her Familiar perched on the back of her chair (they were hardly ever apart), that Orion hated to disturb her but he also wanted to ask for their first ever courtship date so he waited patiently (impatiently) for Vasilisa to finish her sentence before he interrupted her. Knowing from experience (when he would be interrupted while Spell Crafting) that it could be rather frustrating.
"Lisa my love." Orion called, his heart beating rapidly when he noticed her whole countenance seemed to brighten at the sound of his voice.

"Ori!" She exclaimed happily, her thick Russian accent with her honey voice made a fire burn within Orion but he was nothing if not a gentleman and beat those feelings and urges back (for now). She turned towards him with a bright smile upon her red lips that lit up her whole face and made her beautiful emerald eyes shine brightly; which Orion was happy to see as they had been so dull since her awakening, not that he could blame her with all the horrors she's experienced lately. "Is everything okay?" She asked, a note of concern within her voice that pleaded with both Orion and the creature inside him.
"Everything is perfect, my love, don't fret." Orion assured her, kissing her knuckles through the sheer black lace of her gloves. "I was wondering if you would like to go on our first courtship date?"

Despite how nervous he was inside he exuded nothing but calm and confident but he knew as their bond deepened and especially when they became intimate that they would get an echo of what the other was feeling. If possible Vasilisa seemed to brighten as if she were the sun herself wanting to shine through Orion as if he were the constellation he was named after.
"I'd love to!" Vasilisa exclaimed excitedly, earning a hoot from her owl who assessed Orion once more before returning to grooming Vasilisa's curls seemingly satisfied.
"Great!" Orion exclaimed just as excited as his love, sending her a flirty wink.

"How about tonight at nine pm?" He suggested, as plans immediately started flowing through his brain, working out if he had enough time to enchant her jewellery gift (which he had custom made) with the Dark Protective charms he'd created to protect her. He couldn't come that close to losing her again. Even though she looked a little confused due to the lateness of the hour of their date, Vasilisa easily returned his excited smile with one of her own as she agreed happily.
"Perfect, I shall meet you at the bottom of the hall stairway at nine tonight." Orion agreed.
"What have you been up to? I apologise that we have not seen much of each other today." Vasilisa apologised, while asking him about his day as she wanted to know so much about her soulmate as she had a second chance to be with him and she would make the most of every second of it.

Despite that they both had tasks to complete, Orion sat beside her and told her all about the charms he had been creating to not only put on jewellery to protect their family - (that pleased Vasilisa greatly that he thought of her cousins, aunt and uncle as part of his exceedingly large family. Sometimes she was still in shock how much the Black family had dwindled to just her, Draco, Andromeda, Teddy and Narcissa in the future due to the combined efforts of Walburga, Dumbledore and Riddle) - and enchantments to add to the wards on every property, as well as creating Arithmancy ideas for the curses and jinxes he wished to create. As they spoke in a never ending conversation that just flowed seamlessly between them, they didn't notice the time until Rosie the Head cook brought them their lunch.

"Oh." Vasilisa muttered a blush upon her lightly tanned cheeks. "I didn't notice the time passing by, I have to meet Uncle Regulus and Alphard down in the potion labs after lunch." Vasilisa sighed, not wishing to part just yet. When she had met Orion's uncle a few days ago, the kind man who reminded her so much of Sirius - and Orion - with his fierce desire to protect his love ones and come up with inventive ways to do so, had insisted she call him Uncle Regulus as he welcomed her to the family with open arms.
"No matter, I can always join you if you'd like?" Orion suggested a happy smile was all the answer he needed.

So after lunch once the Creature Reform was safely put away in an Opal-eye hide and her account documents were returned to their Hebridean hide folder after a quick but thorough review before Rosanna returned them to the safety of Vasilisa's room, Orion accompanied Vasilisa down to the labs with her arm laced through the crook of his elbow.
"I was wondering when you would be joining us, dear cousin." Alphard teased the moment Orion entered after Vasilisa.
"Oh shut up Alphard." Orion moaned.
"Enough children!" Regulus admonished teasingly. "Lisa, have you heard back from Gringotts yet?"
"Not as yet." Vasilisa replied, immediately getting to work on ingredients after she had slipped a protective potions apron on over her dress.

"But we have not lived there for nearly a century due to power hungry wizards hunting us for our abilities or because of our link to Death. So my Uncle Nikolai has asked the goblins to do a thorough assessment on the entire property, the grounds, the Herbology greenhouses, the fruit and vegetable greenhouses, and the potion labs, as well as the castle."
"What are you trying to do with this potion?" Orion asked curiously, standing behind the shielded area by the door. He knew the others knew he was blatantly changing the subject but the last time he was told what had been done to his soulmate and her family - via her aunt and uncle while she was in and out of sleep due to the potions - he had lost control of his magic and he knew it would dangerously catastrophic if he did so now.

None of the Blacks - minus Pollux, Irma and Walburga - had cared about her gifts nor sought to gain further influence from her or her abilities and not just because she was Orion's destined soulmate and to do so would be a severe slight to Mother Magic, but also because despite how powerful she was (she was the definition of a powerhouse) she was a young girl who had lost her parents in the most graphic of ways and had gone through too much and they would never seek to cause further pain to someone who's suffered; unless of course they caused harm to any of them first.
"Thanks to Lisa's knowledge we're hoping to improve the general recipe for the Wolfsbane potion by creating a better one, so those who are afflicted don't suffer any or hopefully suffer less pain then they do now." Alphard explained ecstatically, literally bouncing on the balls of his feet.

"Have you had any luck?" Orion asked intrigued, he knew if anyone could do it then it was the three before him.
"Yes." Vasilisa informed him happily. "We've created it and it's in its final stages of brewing but obviously we won't know unless it's tested and then we have to put forth the Reform and the potion to the Wizengamot. Fortunately, Alexsie's friend, Ivan Sokolov, was recently bitten a couple of weeks ago and as he is the second Heir to the Sokolov House, his parents don't know what to do. They have all agreed to try the potion for a full three months, three full moon cycles, and let us know the results as it will bring a new lease of life to him."

"That's brilliant my love, I'm so proud of you for coming up with this, for helping my uncle's business. Anyone else would want the profits for themselves instead of going to Regulus and Alphard and the wolves who trial test the potion, but not my amazing Lisa." Orion exclaimed proudly. "So many witches and wizards can return to our society, adding more magic to the mix and stopping the decline once we deal with Dumbledore, and don't worry about the Wizengamot. I have an idea for that." He added.
"And what's this brilliant idea, cousin?" Alphard teased.

"We invite the Heirs and Heiresses of notable and worthy Houses and introduce Lisa and her cousins. The more we have as allies the less there are on Dumbledore's and Riddle's sides. You know what he was like in school, Alph, there's no way he'd change his mind now not even with the fact that magic dies out in sixty years due to the war he AND Dumbledore started over what? Nothing!" Orion ranted.
"You're right." Alphard sighed with a nod of his head. It was why he kept away from Riddle as much as possible unlike his elder sister who had been disgustingly besotted with him.

And to think he started a war over blood purity when he was a Halfblood himself, he disgusted and completely baffled the Blacks in the know which coincidentally was the entire Black family (including the Potters who were happy their cousin was safe and had made plans to visit her soon, the Prewetts, Weasleys, Crouch's, and Longbottoms) unfortunately the Burkes and Yaxley's were too much like Pollux, Irma and Walburga so they knew nothing and were kept as far away as possible.
"What if we write a letter to Alpha Greyback? Or Alpha Artyom from the Russian pack of Zvezda Luna, or even the French pack?" Vasilisa suggested, pulling the three men out of their thoughts. "He lost his mind in the future due to losing his mate and cubs when she was killed by wizards, but if we can provide them with this potion and the Creature Reform I've written -"

"It'll take a big chunk out of Riddle's future army and take the wind out of the Wizengamot's sails so they cannot deny the credibility of both the Reform and our potion and testing. Wait. Zvezda?" Alphard added excitedly, his silver-grey eyes lighting up blindingly.
"It means star in Russian." Vasilisa replied kindly.
"It's worth a try." Regulus admitted, considering all of their options. "But whether he answers or believes us is another matter." With that the three returned to their tasks at hand while Orion roughly penned a missive to the three Alphas for all of them to pursue later, while he made a mental note to ask Kreacher and Rosanna for help in preparing his first courtship date with his love.

~

With the help of Kreacher and Vasilisa's elf, Rosanna, Orion had prepared and set up a moonlight picnic in the meadow that smelt heavenly due to the gorgeous aroma the tulips and other wildflowers gave off. He was thankful it was a beautiful night with clear skies and a Full Moon that would light their date without adding too many fairy lights or candles. Thanking the elves, for he couldn't have done a better job himself, it was beautiful and he just hoped she would like it.

A thick red blanket lay on the ground with a mound of pillows, a picnic basket packed with all of their foods - including Butterbeer, Dazzling Oak Matured Mead (which had subtle hints of liquorice and cherry) for later, and treacle tart for Lisa and a strawberry pavlova for himself - sat on a low oak table, and finally, a small white tent had been erected at the top of the blankets. Orion looked over everything critically one last fine before setting a small bouquet of lilies and sunflowers (Lisa's favourites) and the blue velvet box containing the necklace set beside the wicker basket with a smile. Everything was ready.

At that thought butterflies fluttered suddenly in Orion's stomach as he returned to the castle, the clock nearing nine which is when he had told Vasilisa their fate would begin. As he entered his family home he was accosted by Lisa's elder cousins, Alexsie and Dimitri, scowls in their faces and muscular arms crossed over their broad chests.
"Your intentions towards our sweet cousin, our little sister, best be pure, Heir Black -" Alexsie started.
"- or you will not like the consequences."
"She has been hurt enough!" They finished together.
"I swear to you my intentions are pure and most certainly honourable." Orion assured them sincerely.

"Not doing the big brother act on Orion again, are you Alex, Dimitri?" Vasilisa asked incredulously, looking so stunning it felt like the air had been punched out of him while the creature inside him howled happily.
"You look simply breathtaking, my love." Orion purred, as Vasilisa elegantly glided down the stairs dressed resplendently in a two-tone black and Hunter green dress with a golden belt day in her waist, black ankle booted heels hugged her slim ankles, and she also wore black lace gloves and a black cloak style coat that she had left undone. Her hair was fine up elegantly in a braided chignon, her green eyes were highlighted by the blue eyeshadow and her lips were painted red.

"Put your tongue back in, it's very unbecoming nephew." Regulus chastised teasingly, leaning against the door to the gardens as he would be their chaperone for the night.
"Uncle Regulus!" Orion complained, sighing dramatically as Vasilisa giggled and her cousins smirked at him.
"My nephew, however, is correct. You do look stunning, Vasilisa." Regulus complimented, as Vasilisa laced her hand through Orion's elbow a faint blush on her cheeks.
"Thank you Regulus." Vasilisa blushed, quickly turning her attention onto her soulmate taking in the dark grey shirt that highlighted his eyes perfectly, a green waistcoat with a golden pocket watch was attached to the pocket, a black blazer with matching trousers and shoes. "You look handsome, Ori."

"Why thank you, my love." Orion said pleased, kissing her hand before returning it to his elbow as he led her out to the meadow.
Vasilisa was stunned upon arriving. It was beautiful and when Orion gifted her a bouquet of her favourite flowers her heart sped up as butterflies erupted in her stomach.
"This is also for you, my love." Orion told her tenderly after he helped her sit on the blanket - Regulus was sitting away from them at a comfy garden table to give them a semblance of privacy while still keeping them in his sights and hearing range.

"Oh Orion!" Vasilisa gasped in awe. "They're beautiful! Everything is perfect and a wonderful first date. I can feel the charms on them, is this what you have been working on?" She enquired.
"It is. May I?" He asked, gesturing to the necklace. With a happy smile Vasilisa turned her back to him, allowing him to put it on while unbeknownst to her Orion was having to resist the temptation of kissing her neck as she put the earrings in. Finally gotten a hold of himself, Orion moved a respectable distance away while still remaining near her. "Perfect." Orion announced, beaming ecstatically, and with so much love in his silver-grey eyes. "They suit you perfectly. I created a Dark Protection Charm that'll protect you from most mild to severe curses and Hexes."

"It's perfect Orion, thank you." Vasilisa said gratefully, taking a chance and kissing his cheek which made his grin widen if that were possible.
"There's no need to thank me, my love." Orion denied. "Now, what would you like to drink? We can either start with Butterbeer or Dazzling Oak Matured Mead?"
"I can never say no to a Butterbeer, and your sister, Tia, tells me you're the same." Vasilisa teased. Orion let out a barking laugh that further showed her just how alike he and Sirius were. Well, she swore to herself, Sirius, Regulus, and any other siblings they may have will have a much better life than they or even herself have had. Already she could see the changes within the Black family as they were much closer than they had been.

"You've got me there." Orion laughed, pouring them both some cool Butterbeer. As they ate the picnic foods they got to know each other in an never ending flow of easy conversation even sharing a bits of each other's favourite foods - which something neither have done before - while sipping on the wine and making plans for the Midsummer celebration in just under a weeks time as June 24th was fast approaching. It was as they were laughing and teasing each other that the stars and constellations appeared overhead mesmerising Vasilisa. They had been so involved in their conversations that they hadn't noticed it darkening around them.

Orion had been eagerly anticipating this. He knew she loved the stars but didn't know much about them and was eager to introduce them to her as he encouraged her to lie back before laying beside her.
"They're beautiful." Vasilisa whispered, enthralled by the stars and constellations beaming down in them.
"Yes they are." Orion agreed, but he wasn't staring at the sky but at Vasilisa, who seemed to realise that as a pretty pink blush danced across her cheeks.

For the next few hours they whiled away the night with Orion pointing out Boötes which had the Arcturus star within it. Next he pointed out the Lyra constellation with the Vega star held within that constellation, Aquila, Vulpecula, Delphinus, Scorpius and Ophiuchus and explaining their meanings until Vasilisa got too cold and they called it a night but not before they shared a soft, tender kiss outside her room away from prying eyes of chaperons.

* * *

A few days later, after they had received an RSVP from a good number of Heirs and Heiresses from all over the spectrum - Neutral, Dark and Lights had all been invited - (and it also gave Vasilisa a chance to meet her distant cousins Lord Fleamont Potter, his brother Heir Master Charlus Potter, Fleamont's wife Lady Euphemia Potter née Braithewait, and Orion's aunt and Charlus's wife Healer Dorea Black Potter) to a large Afternoon Tea that would be held under the gazebo in the beautiful scenic rose gardens located on Castle Black's grounds. The gathering gave the opportunity to gather allies and introduce Vasilisa and her cousins Alexsie, Dimitri and Natalia.

As a surprise Orion had also secretly invited the Krum family to try and make it as comfortable and easy for the four. Much like when they went got their first date, Orion was left speechless when he caught sight of Vasilisa as she came downstairs after changing from this mornings clothes; however, this time she wore a deep red dress that looked amazing against her dark hair and olive complexion, but spotting his first gift around her neck and on her ears made the creature inside of him growl pleasantly.

"Tongue in brother." Lucretia teased, as she followed Vasilisa and Natalia downstairs joining Alphard, Orion, Ignatius, Alexsie and Dimitri (or the Devil Twins as Orion calls them) in the hall.
"How many are joining us today?" Natalia asked.
"Including us, there will be forty-nine in the garden beneath the gazebo. Thankfully it's a very large one." Alphard laughed, unable to take his eyes off of Natalia who smiled gratefully at the Potion Apprentice.
"They'll be here at three, so we best head to the gardens. Kreacher, Rosanna and the others have been instructed to direct them there." Orion stated, looking up from his pocket watch which he promptly tucked back into the pocket of his black waistcoat and took Vasilisa's white gloved hand.

At 3pm the first group to arrive were the Potters with Heir Anthony Longbottom, his younger brother Algie, and Ignatius' sister-in-law Lady Bryn Prewett as unfortunately Lord Ilarion Prewett had to work.
"Merry Meet Lord and Lady Potter, Uncle Charlus and Aunt Dorea." Orion greeted, kissing Euphemia's hand and then his aunt's cheek. "Allow me to introduce my soulmate and your cousin, Lady Vasilisa Peverell."

"Merry Meet Lord Potter, Lady Potter, Heir Master Potter and Healer Black Potter, it's a pleasure to meet you." Vasilisa greeted cordially, dipping into a shallow curtsy. "Allow me to introduce my cousins Heirs Alexsie and Dimitri Ivanov and Heiress Natalia Ivanov, and I'm sure you know Lucretia and Ignatius already." She knew it may seem weird to address Charlus the way she had but he was both a Master in Warding, Ancient Runes and Arithmancy as well as his brother's Heir until they were blessed with their own child so he deserved to be addressed as such.

"Nonsense sweetie, we're family through my dear Monty and Charlus no matter how distant." Euphemia (her future, of past, Grandmother who had died several months before she was born. She was beautiful with sea-blue eyes and golden blonde hair), waved off, a beaming smile in her face that lit up her eyes, her golden locks shining in the summer sun that looked like molten gold. "And it's a pleasure to meet your cousins as well."

"We're sorry for what happened." Fleamont muttered sadly. "Oh, and call us Mia and Monty." He added only to be slapped around the head by both his wife and his sister-in-law as they heatedly admonished him for reminding her of what happened over a month ago. However, Vasilisa had barely heard it as her eyes had glazed over as her eyes stared locked on her grand- on Monty's face, who looked so much like his future son had that it was almost painful.
'Breathe my Mistress.' Death crooned in her mind. 'Breathe, everything's going to be okay.'
'Thank you.' Vasilisa whispered back to him as she pulled herself together.

As the white noise disappeared and sound flooded back she could hear Monty was still being admonished and couldn't help but think of the stories Sirius and Remus had told her regarding her parents, and looked at her grandparents or rather her cousins now, they were exactly alike.
"It's okay." Vasilisa interrupted, a small smile on her lips, only to yelp when Monty suddenly pulled her into a sudden but secure and comforting hug as he apologised profusely. "I'm okay, I promise." She assured everyone. Once they were satisfied she was being truthful, she was then introduced to the Longbottom boys and Lady Prewett, offering up some small talk before the next group arrived.

Within the next half an hour everyone had finally arrived, the groups had been staggered at every five minutes via their Portkey invitations due to not only securing the safety of the Black family and its new family members but also due to the sheer number of guests. With everyone at their designated seats at the large round tables, conversations started as the afternoon tea was served. Refilling and self-heating teapots containing English Tea, a wide variety of finger sandwiches on whole meal bread, bite sized cakes, and scones with Cornish clotted cream and a pick of either raspberry, blackberry or strawberry jam appeared on the tables on three tier cake stands. Vasilisa's favourite was the raspberry jam while Orion's was the blackberry jam.

There were two very large round mahogany tables and a medium sized one covered in elegant silver tablecloths with vases of honeysuckles sat in the middle of the tables giving off their wonderful aroma with china teacups, saucers and plates with beautiful patterns lay at every setting and finally embroider napkins sat beside the plates, all in all the aesthetics of it all were very pleasing to the eye and quite beautiful Lucretia and Vasilisa really did have an eye for event planning. Although Vasilisa had received a shock when Lord Oleander Rosier and his son Heir Felix Rosier had arrived, Vasilisa thought she had held herself quite well especially as she didn't hold it against them.

In fact, they had publicly apologised to her for their cousins' atrocious behaviour towards her and for the hand they had in the murder of her parents. They publicly pledged themselves and their House to her as allies and in recompense (Mother Magic's doing), much like Lady Patil had done so a few days ago. Vasilisa accepted their vow and Lord Rosier - call me Lander - happily sat next to Lord Theseus Scamander on the second large table with Lucretia, Ignatius, Charlus and Dorea were the head of fuller with other Heirs, Heiresses and second sons and daughters.

While Felix sat on the medium table with Heir Alton Avery, Heir Bartimus Crouch, Lord Jace Goldstein (the second son of Master Newt Scamander and his wife Tina Scamander née Goldstein), Heir Ernie, Heiress Aoife and Mr Colin MacMillan, Heir Apollo and Heiress Alyssa Scamander, Heir Jac Abbott, Heir Thomas Greengrass, Heir Morgan Fawley, Ren Kim, Vladimir Krum, and Heir Dakarai Okoro.

On the main table, Vasilisa sat in the middle with Orion to her right and Alexsie to her left, next to Orion sat Heir Abraxas Malfoy followed by Heir Thaddeus Nott who had been teasing Orion for his exuberant countenance, while Alphard (who was quickly becoming besotted with Natalia) looked up from his conversation with Monty to add his own two cents.
"You should've seen him when we were working in the labs, Thaddeus," Alphard laughed. "He was besotted."
"What are you working on, if you don't mind me asking?" Heir Ali Shafiq asked curiously from opposite the table beside his lovely betrothed Heiress Nihaara Patil.

"Alphard, Regulus and I have created a Wolfsbane potion that we're planning to test. A friend of my cousin was recently turned and has promised to speak to his new pack Alpha. We've also written to the Alpha leader in France and to Alpha Greyback, we are just waiting for a response. I've also written a Creature Reform Law that will not only improve the very livelihoods of all creatures, but also the witches and wizards who have a Creature Inheritance which will bring them back to Wizarding Britain and therefore bring magic back; because if we don't bring in fresh blood.

If we carry on the way we have with chasing citizens to other countries or even the Muggle world with these harsh laws, slighting Mother Magic by banning magic, and if we carry on with inbreeding magic will completely die out in Britain within the next sixty years. And it's not just the special abilities that you all used to have that we will lose; all magic will be gone from the British Isles." Vasilisa told them passionately leaving a stunned silence at every table as everyone had been listening with rapt attention to the new enigma that is Lady Peverell.
"Is- is it true?" Oleander Rosier asked, shocked.
"Yes." Orion said simply, leaving everyone in a further state of shock.

Despite the teachings they had been taught from a very young age, everyone sat slumped in their chairs as they thought back on their history pinpointing where their gifts had started to disappear and the lower magical powers had started. They were rethinking their matches (as some had ignored their soulmate marks had married close to the family to keep their line 'pure' only now to discover they had been doing more harm to not only their lines but to Mother Magic as well), for if Heir Black, and therefore the entire Black family believed this (especially as they sometimes married cousins), then it must be true.

And to the quick thinkers in the gardens they quickly realised that rumours regarding the Peverells having the gift of Foresight just also be true as well.
"Oh, and when she says my Uncle and I made the potion, she really means she invented it and we're helping with production." Alphard announced proudly, a smug smile on his face as he threw her under the proverbial bus and ignoring her glare as she just looked cute with the light blush dancing across her cheeks (not that he would ever tell that. He valued his life. Thank you very much!)
"It's in the blood!" Monty crowed proudly, causing Vasilisa's blush to darken.

After that revelation light and amicable conversations floated around the gazebo as allies and kinship were made as everyone got to know those they didn't know at all or knew from school but they never interacted with each other before. It seemed Vasilisa and Orion's plan to mix the three factions together was working as they had one of each faction on either side of them. As it was winding down, however, Kreacher appeared between Vasilisa and Orion and what he whispered to them worried them greatly. Tom Riddle had tried to gain access to Castle Black from the Floo Network of the Black Townhouse 12 Grimmauld Place, but Kreacher had shut it down immediately and had already notified Lord Arcturus Black who told Kreacher to assure them that Pollux, Irma Crabbe Black and Walburga would be dealt with.

Not only was it incredibly rude and a huge social faux pas to turn up to any event an hour and a half late but also without an invitation as well. Vasilisa knew Tom didn't like being told no or being denied anything and would most assuredly retaliate; but if he thought he could take anyone from her in this life then he could think again! Vasilisa would show her deranged cousin the full might of the Peverell magic and honour both her parents and the Battle Mages of her ancestors. Two warm squeezes to both of her hands from two very different ones pulled her out of her thoughts before she could lose control of her magic that raged beneath her skin, dark swirls of magic caressing her skin begging to be unleashed.

"Everything's going to be okay, Svetlyak." Alexsie and Orion assured her (Orion slowly pronouncing the word which meant more to Vasilisa than anything that he was learning her mother language), and with so much conviction and confidence that she wanted to believe them, but she had a feeling saying otherwise and she learnt long ago to trust it.

* * *

~ Hogs Head pub, Hogsmeade, Scotland ~

Albus too-many-names Dumbledore paced up and down in the back room of his brother's pub, much to both their ire and disgust as he waited for his followers, his pawns to arrive. But needs must and he couldn't exactly have this conversation at Hogwarts, and if his brother is blamed for what is about to transpire then all the better. It was either Aberforth or himself and he would always choose himself; every time.

Hearing the door open behind him, he spun on his heel hand reaching for his wand only to recognise the seven Heirs standing before him cockily and not even shrouding their appearances, the fools. But he showed no outward sign of his anger and annoyance but instead smiled genially at them with open arms as if he wasn't tasking them with murder.
"Welcome my friends, I'm sorry it is not with good news I send for you but alas you're the only ones I can trust." Dumbledore said with fake sadness.

"What is it, Professor?" Heir Ezra Diggory asked concerned, the other six sharing his concerns.
"It is Lady Peverell." Dumbledore stated ominously. "She is a danger to our society, to our very existence and must be dealt with at the very next available opportunity. Do not worry about any fallout. I shall protect you against the Ministry and the Wizengamot." The seven wizards smirked smugly knowing they were protected by the great Albus Dumbledore so no one could move against them and agreed without a second thought to commit murder, murder of the most renowned and regal Lady of the Most Ancient and Most Regal House of Peverell.

Once the wizards had left Aberforth entered the backroom slapping the door with anger and disgust clear on his visage, neither brother had noticed that door had bounced back open from the force of the slam.
"How can you plot the murder of a seventeen year old girl all because she is a Peverell and you're still so power hungry and obsessed with the Hallows that you will do anything to get them! You shouldn't even be a teacher let alone anywhere near children! Was causing the death of our beloved little sister not enough?!! Was setting Grindelwald on this path with your plans that you walked alongside him at first, but stopped at our sister's death to protect your precious public image not enough?!

Hundreds have died Albus! Including my son!!!" Aberforth shouted enraged, not knowing another was listening and ran off to tell his Lord.
"That power is mine!" Albus snarled. "And it will be mine. I have worked long enough to get it! Anyone who stands in the way then their life is forfeit!" He stormed to the back exit of the pub before he hurled one last shot at his brother that carved out his heart. "Including you brother so do not get in my way!"

~ In an undisclosed location ~

The wizard who had spied on the Dumbledores headed straight into the grandiose manor before him and right to the main parlour that had been turned into a throne room for his Lord.
"My Lord." The mousy haired wizard breathed, dropping to his knees at his Lord's feet.
"Yes. What is it, Mulciber?" Tom Riddle or as he's starting to get the small band of followers to call him, Lord Voldemort, asked bored. 
"I bring excellent news!" Heir Mulciber rasped. "Dumbledore has ordered seven of his most trusted men to kill this Lady Peverell."

"Hmm." Tom steepled his fingers together in thought. "That is excellent news. I needed the Blacks and now because of her I don't have them and that is unacceptable!" He growled, causing Mulciber to cower away as he got up to pace before his throne. "You and Yaxley are to keep a close eye on those seven and the moment they attack, you both are to follow suit." Tom ordered.
"Yes, my Lord." Mulciber agreed quickly, bowing as he scrambled to his feet, hurriedly leaving the room to find Heir Corban Yaxley.

* * *

~ June 23rd 1946, Carkitt Market, Diagon Alley, London ~

It was the day before the Midsummer celebrations and Lucretia had decided to take Vasilisa and Natalia shopping in Diagon Alley or rather Horizont Alley the north street off of Diagon, for a girls' day out. She had claimed they had been stuck in Castle Black for too long, and that they could get used to the differences between Russia and Britain. So, with permission from Yelena and Nikolai, and being decked out in hidden protective wear (such as jewellery), Lucretia apparated them to Gringotts; where they promptly claimed their Gringotts cards as they started a long day of shopping.

The first stop was Mrs Wilkin's Witches Spa for a manicure and pedicure, then they moved onto Twilfitt and Tattings, then Yellow Apparel - a new high end shop that was quite popular - for some outfits for tomorrow's celebrations. They then went to Gladrags in Carkitt Market (after Vasilisa had stopped in Drusilla's Book Emporium as the last shop in Horizont Alley and brought three large big bags full of books which she promptly shrunk and stuck in her purse, all the dresses would be delivered to Castle Black this evening).

And finally, before they went to lunch at Eternelle's Elixir of Refreshments they stopped in Wickermores Chandlery in Carkitt Market for some candles for tomorrow, their faces bright and flushed with happiness. However, that is when everything went wrong. As they were heading towards their chosen destination for lunch, extremely happy at how the day had gone and feeling much closer to each other, the three suddenly heard a deafening shout, screams erupting all around them as they were surrounded by nine large men; their wands quickly merged into the three women's hands.

"Dirty Necromancy bitch! You'll pay for being a Dark Witch and you will wish Grindelwald had killed you like he did your dirty scumbag parents!" One wizard taunted Vasilisa as the other eight men fired spells at Vasilisa, Lucretia and Natalia in quick succession. Obviously the taunts had been a diversion tactic as he tried to get under her skin.
"Imperium Incido!"
"Infractus Cordis!"
"Bombarda Maxima!"
"Dejugo!"
"Crucio!"
"Ignis Dolor!"
"Caecus!"
"Avada Kedavra!"

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Constellation and Star meanings:

• Boötes: The Romans saw the stars of Ursa Major as both the Triones, a mythical group of oxen, and a plow, and saw the figure in Boötes as the ox driver and ploughman. Other Greek legends regard the figure in Boötes as a keeper or driver or chaser of bears, represented by the constellations Ursa Major and Ursa Minor.

• Arcturus: Arcturus is the brightest star in the northern constellation of Boötes.

• Lyra: It represents the lyre, a musical instrument with strings used in antiquity and later times.

• Vega: Vega is the brightest star in the northern constellation of Lyra. Vega's name comes from the Arabic word "waqi," which means "falling" or "swooping."

• Aquila: in Latin it means "eagle" due to its bird constellation. It represents the bird that carried Zeus/Jupiter's thunderbolts in Greek-Roman mythology.

• Vulpecula: Its name means "the little fox" in Latin. It is not associated with any myths. The constellation is a relatively faint one, with no stars brighter than fourth magnitude.

• Delphinus: Delphinus constellation is located in the northern sky. Its name means "dolphin" in Latin. In Greek mythology, the constellation represents the dolphin sent by the sea god Poseidon to find Amphitrite, the Nereid he wanted to marry.

• Scorpius: Scorpius is a beautiful and easily recognizable constellation. It represents a scorpion sent by the goddess Artemis to kill the hunter Orion in a story from Greek mythology. At the scorpion's heart lies Antares, a giant star that is hundreds of times larger than the sun.

• Ophiuchus: Ophiuchus was recorded in the 2nd century by the Greek astronomer Ptolemy, and the name is Latin for "serpent bearer." The snake is often associated with doctors, so Ophiuchus is often associated with healing images.

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Russian to English translations:

• Svetlyak = firefly.

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Spell meanings:

• Imperium Incido: a Dark spell that causes deep cuts in a dark, sickly blue light.

• Infractus Cordis: a Dark spell that induces a heart attack with an icy-blue light. Wand movements: a circle with a flick at the end.

• Dejugo: a decapitation curse with a navy blue-grey light.

• Ignis Dolor: a Dark spell that causes the target pain made from feeling your on fire when there's nothing there. It's a dark rust orange light.

• Caecus: a Dark spell that makes the target go blind with a sickly white light.

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Author's note: DO NOT ask me to update in any way shape or form. There are other ways of telling me what you thought of this.