Circa February 1996:

Besides the wizarding world dealing with the Death eaters breaking out of Azkaban and the ministry blaming it all on Sirius Black, most Slytherins were trying to act normal.

Usually, they embraced the glaring and scowling they received from their peers, but as the months drawled on, it seemed harder and more difficult to bear.

It would seem that the houses had been clinging to each other, which impacted everyone and disheartened most 1st-year Slytherins. They were mainly targeted with hexes and curses, leaving the older years to defend them, despite needing to study for their O.W.L.S.

Slytherin house were usually ostracised, however, this just felt different, more personal and less logical. Maybe it was due to the death eaters escaping or the hysteria surrounding Voldemort's return, but all they knew was everything had changed and would only get worse.

***

Sunday, February 15th:

SERAMORE MANOR:

Birthdays are a constant reminder of ageing and changing and a 16th birthday is perhaps one of the most renowned ones, which is why Celeste was throwing her daughter a huge party tonight. It had been planned for months, despite the mother-daughter duo's relationship being on the rocks, Celeste believed this was the first step in the right direction for them both.

The guest list was long, ranging from pureblood families and most Slytherin students.

Artemis wanted the divine group to come as well as Luna, but she knew it wouldn't be safe, due to them being half-bloods in a pureblood environment.

Professor Snape managed to attend, although he seemed against coming, he promised he wouldn't miss it. He was a highly respected professor and wizard, therefore his blood status wasn't on trial.

The Mikaelsons wouldn't miss the event, even Marcel had to come and see the girl he had viewed as a little sister.

They all hoped that the day would go swimmingly.

That was the very least life could offer them.

***

SERAMORE BALLROOM:

Artemis plastered on a smile as she fixed her braided ponytail and straightened out her strappy black dress that sat a few inches higher than her matching block heel boots.

She would've usually chosen an emerald-coloured dress, but for once, she wanted to go for something darker.

Magic has already seduced her in ways her mind couldn't resist, so she rather let herself be engulfed by its allure than have the lightness from her soul stripped away completely. Artemis was changing as was everything around her. For better or worse? She honestly didn't know. She had been more open and confident with expressing her true feelings, although she knew something was pulling her back.

She just needed to get it all out of her system, if she knew what it was.

So Artemis rolled her shoulders back and pushed open the illustrious double doors and entered the packed ballroom.

She was immediately surrounded by friends and family as well as a few frenemies.

The room was decorated elegantly and the dress code seemed to match.

The lights were bright and lively, and the windows were full on display, letting the bronze skyline parade throughout the room, touching some guests and glistening the tables. The music was delightful, energetic jazz bounced off the walls and caused the chandeliers to gently shake.

The birthday girl received hugs and kisses from the people she loved and the ones she didn't care for.

Artemis couldn't wait to eat herself to sleep.

She was pleased by what her mother had accomplished, even though she didn't doubt the woman, well... up until Christmas Day. The turnout was amazing, but so was the drinks table, so that was where Artemis wanted to be for the rest of the night.

***

Blaise tried acting like his normal enthusiastic self, however, he was far too tense to even move from a corner in the busy room.

The Zabini boy hadn't bothered to talk to his mother in a few months, mainly out of guilt and anger. He couldn't help but feel responsible for his mother's unlucky track history with men. But his anger overrode that particular emotion. He had been abused for years and he didn't even know, he wanted to process the information but how?

But ever since Christmas Day, Elijah had been at his every beck and call, aiding to his every need, whether it was through exchanging letters or gifts.

Elijah quickly appeared next to the stoic wizard, "Please tell me that water is in that glass." he stated with a smile tugging at his lips.

The original had been keeping an eye on him ever since they had arrived, even when during conversations with other party guests he wanted to stay close to Blaise.

He had taken his father figure role as seriously as humanly possible and it was apparent to all.

Blaise sighed and kept his gaze on his betrothed who danced with his cousin, "Does tonic water count?" He asked tiredly.

Elijah winced at the frown lines that appeared on the teen's face, "Blaise." He said sternly.

"It's the best I could do." The wizard muttered and placed down the glass.

He might've had a few too many drinks, but he was still vigilant, or at least he thought he was.

Elijah placed a hand on his shoulder, he felt the teen tense before he soften at his touch, "I know, but would you rather wake up in a pile of your own making, or at least be able to utter a coherent sentence by the end of the night?" He questioned softly.

"...the first-" Blaise was met with a pointed look, "fine."

Elijah smiled down at him and then dusted off any lint from Blaise's attire, "Come on, let's sober you up before you ruin that fine suit I bought you."

"It's only 1000 galleons."

"2,500, but who's counting?"

***

Ophelia pulled her future daughter-in-law aside after she caught her son talking to Elijah.

"Does he still hate me?" she asked quietly before she sheepishly glanced at Blaise. Ophelia could see the pain hidden behind her son's eyes.

It kept gracing the surface, only causing the guilty feeling to bubble in her stomach.

Daphne immediately shook her head, "He could never hate you, he's just-"

"Pissed?" Ophelia sighed and picked up another glass of chardonnay, before downing its contents.

"No, he's hurt and upset. I keep trying to cheer him up but nothing really seems to be working."

Daphne had discovered the affairs that took place on Christmas day the moment she found her fiancé sobbing in one of the lavatories on the Hogwarts express. Blaise cried in her arms until he drifted to sleep and remained that way for the rest of the journey.

She felt awful for him and did her best to make sure he ate, slept and talked each day. Although she couldn't help but feel sad for Ophelia, but she had to prioritise her fiancé instead and constantly offered him as much emotional support as possible, even though he didn't seem to respond to it well.

Ophelia frowned, "Your presence is enough for him."

Daphne's shoulders slumped, "Sometimes I don't feel like it is."

"Oh honey, it is, I see the way he looks at you and how you look at him. Even the copious amounts of letters you write to me showcase that."

Ophelia was content with the fact her son would end up with someone as loving and caring as Daphne.

"Thank you."

"And I can't wait for the wedding."

"I've been planning it for years." Daphne raved.

Ophelia looped their arms together and smiled for the first time tonight, "Tell me all about it."

***

Artemis and Theo giggled after they saw Snape's disgusted expression at the number of people in his vicinity.

They all had to go back to school tomorrow and the amounts of alcohol everyone was consuming would not be helping with that.

"Your stepdad keeps getting fitter every time I see him," Theo quipped, then his eyes bulged out of his head when Klaus turned to the pair, after hearing him, despite being on the other side of the room.

The Mikaelson shot them a smirk before continuing his conversation with Ophelia.

Artemis smacked Theo's chest, "He's not my stepdad."

"Not yet."

The pair snickered and continued to drink. Neither had noticed that they hadn't spent as much time with each other in so long. Although they were still close, they still missed each other.

"How are you T? Really?" Artemis asked hesitantly.

Confusion furrowed his brows, "Shouldn't I be asking you that?" he questioned, referring to the heartbreaking information she received 2 months ago.

"Don't deflect, it's my speciality and I'm fine."

"Sure." he drawled and eyed her sceptically.

Artemis rolled her eyes, "Shut up, tell me what's been going on in your life I feel like we don't talk as much."

Theo waved her off and sent her a reassuring smile, "We're all busy Temi, it's kind of hard to keep track of everything right now."

Between his studying, severely avoiding Umbridge and running a business, he struggled to find time for anything else.

"Can't argue with that." she agreed.

"All I can say is that life has been getting better. I might even stay with my parents this summer." he sheepishly admitted, which made her eyes shoot out of her head.

"Really?"

"They've actually been really supportive recently, their letters even made me laugh a few times."

The Notts were trying to change for their son and for the most part their efforts had comforted Theo, even though they continued to push him to be with a pureblood.

Artemis's eyes glistened with joy, "Well I'm happy for you," she was practically rocking on her heels.

"Obviously."

"Twat." she playfully scoffed, then tried flicking his forehead, but he successfully swerved her.

He chuckled, "I know and I might be talking to someone."

Artemis wiggled her brows, "Tori?"

He tossed his head back in annoyance, "Why does everyone think I'm with Astoria?" can't I have platonic friendships anymore?

"Because you guys talk all the time." even more than me and you, Artemis thought sadly.

"Platonically," he reassured and was met with a deadpanned expression.

"Sure."

He playfully nudged her, "Bitch."

"I know but who are you talking to?" Artemis went to pick up a few snacks.

"A boy."

Artemis squealed and clapped excitedly, "yes."

He took a step back, "Why does that make you happy?"

"Because the last girl you were with I almost pulled her teeth out." she instantly gritted out, thinking of Hermoine.

Theo rolled his eyes at the mention of the Gryffindor witch, "Granger is in the past and it's not like I would ever revisit that."

He tried not to think about the entirety of third year. It stressed him out and honestly made him sick, for multiple reasons.

Artemis shook her head, "You still could I would just never speak to her."

He snorted, "I know."

"So give me the name of the boy," she asked, grasping her hands together in a pleading manner.

Theo wished he could capture this moment, "You'll just have to wait and see."

"That's unfair," she whined.

"You might just have to pull a Septrim and get me drunk to find out." he joked and hastily ran away before she could pull him back.

"Theo!"

***

"Brother," Draco stated and grabbed Blaise's arm before he could walk away, "are you alright?" he winced once he notice the exhaustion on his godbrother's face.

Draco already had too much to deal with, especially regarding his absent parents, but he knew that Blaise needed him.

The Zabini wizard had always been there for him, acting like his older brother and always making sure that he was always included in everything they did. Draco felt like he had always taken him for granted. The promise that he would never mess up their relationship again was a promise he intended to keep.

Blaise blinked back his tiredness, "No."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Blaise shook his head, "Not really." he just wanted silence and a party was certainly not the best place for him right now.

Draco fidgeted with his ring-clad fingers, "Do you want to go to the roof like we used to with uncle Zeke?" he rushed out, "We don't have to speak if you don't want t-"

Baise tugged on his arm, "Let's go chatterbox."

"I'm not a chatterbox." Draco threw his hands up in the air as they walked out of the ballroom.

"Tell that to a few seconds ago," Blaise argued.

"Arsehole."

"Takes one to know one."

***

"I know your birthday is coming up soon Daphne, this is the 3rd time you've mentioned it in 5 minutes."

Elijah and daphne had been conversing for the past hour. Actually, Daphne had been talking his ear off about her up-and-coming birthday and the original had no choice but to listen.

She shrugged, "I'm making sure everyone knows so they haven't got any excuse to not get me a gift."

"I've already bought you a present," he reassured her and her eyes lit up.

"You have?" she had to force herself not to jump up and down.

Daphne had only recently started exchanging letters with Elijah. She wanted to get to know all her in-laws, as well as future ones. And since she had already a great relationship with Ophelia, she needed one with the original.

What she was unaware of is that Elijah was already very fond of her, otherwise, he wouldn't have thought she and Blaise should be engaged. He even thought she reminded him of his youngest sister Rebekah; blonde, sploit and has a fetish for expensive things.

"And so has Niklaus," Elijah added, very amused by her excitement.

"Really?"

"Yes."

Her eyes sparkled with joy, "Is it something shiny?"

He hummed, "It wouldn't be a surprise if I told you now would it?"

"So is it something shiny?" she shuffled closer to him.

"My lips are sealed." he pretend to lock up his lips and throw away the key, then tried to suppress his laughter once he caught her bubbling anger.

"Fine I'll just find your Brother." she shot him a disapproved look before she swivelled on her feet in search of the hybrid who had already heard their conversation and was making his way toward the exit, "Klaus!"

***

After Daphne practically tried to scale the mansion in search of Klaus, she couldn't find him and reluctantly went back inside and found Blaise and Artemis.

"Daph, I can see the bloody ring, it's blinding." the birthday girl commented after her best friend waved her engagement ring in her face for the 4th time today.

"Just making sure everyone knows," Daphne murmured and made her fiancé crack a smile.

"Believe me the whole wizarding world knows, especially with mum telling the daily prophet about it," Blaise commented but winced at the mention of his mother, something that the witches noticed.

Daphne interlinked their hands and ran her thumb over his skin, resulting in him shifting closer to her, "Daphne Zabini, has a great ring to it don't you think?" she grinned up at him.

"Sounds perfect sweetheart," he muttered and shot her a small smile.

"I need to add to my wedding plans."

"Add?"

Artemis laughed at her cousin's confusion, "She's been documenting her future wedding since 1st year."

"Actually since I was 8, but don't worry about that," Daphne corrected the pair, "come and get some cake with me."

Artemis laughed at the stunned look on Blaise's face as the engaged couple hurried away.

***

"Blaise, may I talk to Draco for a moment." Klaus wondered as he approached the teen boys who were sitting down and eating a full plate of food.

The caterers were serving traditional dishes from Barbados as well as Italy, due to the Seramore's heritage.

Draco immediately snapped his head towards Blaise and muttered, "No."

They all knew the hybrid could hear him, but it was clear that the Malfoy wizard couldn't care less.

"Whatever you want uncle." Blaise joked and they all could hear the sincerity in his tone. He quickly got up and headed over to find Elijah, who was surprisingly conversing with Snape and Pansy.

Klaus's heart swelled at the Zabini boy's words.

The original turned to Draco as he made himself a plate, "I know you don't like me," he started.

Draco nodded, "Correct."

"But I'm in love with your aunt," Klaus said and took a seat next to the frowning wizard.

"And my Arty?" Draco nodded to the birthday girl who was talking to Astoria and Marcel as Gregory and Vincent stood near them.

Klaus thought that Artemis and Draco were a great match, despite believing that they shouldn't be dating, at least not until she was at least 24.

"I treat her like any father should treat their child," Klaus informed him, but then quickly scoffed at his surprised expression, "Dial back on the shock Draco, I've been in her life for almost 3 years, It would be impossible for me not to."

Draco stiffly nodded, "I suppose." he moved around the food on his plate.

"I won't hurt either of them," Klaus promised. they were his family and he wouldn't hurt them.

He wanted to learn and grow from his brutal history with his family members. He had countless chances in the past and he knew not to mess up this one.

"Good," Draco mumbled.

"Good."

Draco turned to the hybrid with a hard look, "But this doesn't mean I like you."

Klaus hummed and suppress the urge to not snap his neck, "I'm aware."

"And if you hurt the love of my life or my aunt in any way I'll find a way to break you," Draco added firmly.

"Funny that, I was thinking the same thing."

Draco rolled his eyes but a ghost of a smile pulled at his lips as he got up and walked away.

Klaus chuckled to himself, he knew he was making progress with the boy, even though it was gradual.

"You're making progress with him," Celeste commented, appearing behind him and wrapping her arms around his shoulders.

He warmed to her touch and leaned back, pressing a kiss to her cheek, "He's a tough one to crack, but I don't mind taking my time," he stated and placed his plate on the table after realising something, "And I've been meaning to ask you a question."

"What is that lovey?"

"Would you care to dance?" he pulled her around to stand in front of him. They both exchanged affectionate looks.

Celeste nodded vigorously, "I've been waiting all evening for you to ask me."

He stood up and took her in his arms, "I'm terribly sorry for keeping you waiting."

The couple laughed as they walked onto the dance floor.

***

After their third dance, Klaus excused himself from his partner and headed over to the birthday girl who was going to get another drink, he hoped it was only water and nothing else.

"Enjoying your birthday bash?" he asked, smiling down at her.

"I supposed," she nodded and went to sip on her drink before he snatched it away, "it was only water," she whined.

He sniffed its contents and laughed, "Tonic water."

She tried to reach out for the glass but he held it above her head, "Still water." she huffed.

Klaus snatched a glass of water off one of the waiter's trays, "Drink this." he held it out for her.

"Fine." she gulped down the drink, panting as she did so. She rolled her eyes at his amusement, "can I tell you something?" she burped out, making him laugh, "I'm glad you're taking care of my mum. She needs it after what she's been through... you need it after what you've been through." she said the last sentence quietly.

Klaus froze at her words, but they ultimately warmed his heart, allowing his breathing to become slightly shaky.

He had never heard Artemis say something so soft. It had been 3 years since he entered her life and it had taken a while to even get a smile out of her, let alone a genuine proclamation.

He saw her as a daughter, although he was unclear about how she saw him.

He just felt lucky to expand his family.

Even over the years, one of the Mikaelson businesses collaborated with La Mente. Klaus even had painted a few designs for the clothing brand and even gained a few royalties, but he made it clear that he didn't want to take any money away from his partner.

He always wanted to treat Celeste as well as her family.

"Thank you," he swallowed the knot forming in his throat, "Would you care to dance?" he held his arm out for her.

"I suppose so."

***

"So if it isn't the birthday girl... you avoiding me?"

Artemis looked up from the glass of dragon whiskey - that she might've stolen from her cousin - she locked eyes on the prodigal Mikaelson son, who had a wide winning smile and smooth mocha skin.

"Yes Marcel, I've been avoiding you, because you've been flirting with all my mum's friends." she sassed and nodded over to a crowd of married witches and a few wizards who were glancing at the vampire.

Artemis knew most of the guests were fearful that the originals were in the room, some were even disgusted by it, however, no one would dare to utter a word of disdain. Necromancy was taboo in the wizarding world. It was also the branch used to create Inferi and Charmed skeletons, who obviously aren't alive and are merely used like puppets to do someone else's bidding. The Mikaelsons and the rest of the vampire community were obviously the cause of the darkest magic, therefore many steered clear of them.

"They are very attractive how could I not?" Marcel chuckled and shot a few of them a wink, grinning when he heard a few of them gasp and gush, before he turned back it to see Artemis fake gagging.

"Disgusting."

"No it isn't unless you heard what I've been saying to them." he feigned hurt when she pushed him.

"Marcel." she tried scolding him but failed the moment a small smile graced her face.

"Calm down, you'll get frown lines before you reach 18." he playfully poked her forehead, before she smacked his hand away, snorting as she did so.

"I'm surprised I haven't."

"Well you're black, so you won't age until your 40."

The two broke out into fits of laughter, which unintentionally attracted the attention of the original hybrid, who smiled at the heartwarming sight.

She shrugged, "Can't argue with that."

"I don't suppose you have another dance in you?" he held his hand out for her to take.

She rolled her eyes and stood up after embracing the gesture, "Come on then."

Marcel teasingly shook his head, "So bossy."

"Shut up."

***

As the party was wrapping up, Artemis was ushered into the centre of the room, with her family standing near and the guests and the rest of her friends surrounding them.

The birthday girl surprisingly had a good day, although she still felt off, like several things and people were missing.

"Quiet," Daphne screeched, causing the room to be engulfed in silence, although a few of the teens snickered at her antics, "thank you." she then shot a look to her best friend who smiled at her.

"Thank you Daph," Artemis paused and let her eyes dart around the room, "I just want to say thank you to everyone who came today," she spoke loudly.

Theo snorted, "Phrasing," he blurted out, resulting in a few laughs and many disapproving looks.

Celeste tutted, "Theodorus." she hushed him.

"Sorry," he raised his hands defensively,  "continue Temi."

Artemis huffed, "it's been a long 16 years and I would've been able to get through it if it wasn't for some of the people in this room and even the few who couldn't make it tonight." her words caused the guests to nod understandably and solemnly, "so thank you all for being here for me."

The entire room broke out in applause and cheers.

***

CELESTE'S OFFICE:

"I here mother," Artemis didn't bother to knock on her mother's door, she sauntered into the room and let it slam shut behind her, causing the older witch to tense.

Most of the guests had already departed, Celeste had told professor Snape that the students that had attended wouldn't return for at least a day or two, therefore they would use the night bus to get arrive there safely. The professor made sure that their absences were noted. He bid the Seramore goodbye, not before taking some containers full of food.

Celeste sighed but didn't bother to comment on her daughter's standoffish facade. So she entered her bottom desk drawer and slowly pulled it out, revealing something she had been storing away for a while.

She forced herself not to shed a tear as she approached her stoic child.

"Thank you," Artemis muttered before taking the gift that had been wrapped up and hadn't seen light in years.

The birthday girl... for only one more hour, unravelled the gift with care, after noticing her mother's shaken demeanour.

Artemis's eyes widened when she opened a small charcoal-coloured box that revealed her father's wedding ring.

E.S.

I WILL ALWAYS LIVE IN YOUR HEART.

Celeste senselessly played with her own wedding ring that she wore as a necklace, the inscription was similar to her deceased husband's. However, hers stated, ' i will always live in your mind'.

The mother wiped a fallen tear from beneath her eye, even though she knew Artemis had already seen it. She cleared her throat and started speaking to the younger witch, "Your father wanted you to have it." she breathed out, "either to wear or just to have around."

Artemis swallowed the knot that had been forming in her throat, "Thank you." she whispered as she ran her fingers across the ring, letting out a small gasp when she made contact with he father's possession.

She recalled all the times she slipped it off his hands and placed it in hers. She even remembered the very last time she had adorned it, Ezekiel always held his hand under hers to ensure it would never fall off her slender and small fingers.

I love you forever daddy, she thought.

Each time she sat or wondered the Hogwarts corridors she was reminded of who took her father's life and how much she wanted revenge for him. Although she was pleased that Dumbledore hadn't been on school grounds, she couldn't help but want to plan his death, just like he did to her father without any remorse or care. But as soon she thought about doing so, she knew she would be just as bad as him.

Artemis didn't realise that she and her mother had been standing in awkward silence for a while, the former was too wrapped in her thoughts, but the latter had been mustering up the courage to exchange more than a few words with her.

"Arty." Celeste's voice snapped her out of her thoughts.

Artemis turned to her mother with a blank look, "Yes mother?"

Celeste's heart ached at the formalities, but she felt like she had no one else to blame but herself. Their relationship had been strained ever since Christmas day, resulting in the older witch barely being able to focus, unless she was around her twin or partner.

"N-nothing." she stammered slightly,  "I hope you had a great day."

"As great as it could be."

Celeste stiffly nodded at her response, "Alright." she tiredly sighed.

"I wanted to ask you something," Artemis stated, closing the box and clutching it close to her chest.

"Go ahead."

Artemis exhaled deeply, pondering whether or not to ask, but she let curiosity get the best of her, "What were you going to name my brother?"

Celeste tried to not let her distress show after hearing the question. It stunned her as well as cause a bigger hole to form in her chest, "The only thing suitable," she laughed sadly.

"Which is...?"

"Apollo."

***

ARTEMIS'S BEDROOM:

"I want to tell you something before we do anything," she nervously smiled up at him. Damn him for making me feel so light and warm.

"I've already locked the door with a spell and you've already used the charm right?"

Although it goes against the legislation involving underage magic. It was only going to be their first offence... well it would've been Artemis's second if Celeste didn't argue with Cornelius's fudge.

The couple didn't to be disturbed and also wanted to be safe.

"It's not that." She said quietly, shaking her head as she played with the hair at the back of his neck.

His face scrunched up in confusion, "What is it?"

He watched as dozens of emotions flashed through her beautiful brown eyes, causing her pupils to dilate and burned into his. Millions of thoughts swarmed Artemis's mind, but they all really came down to one. One that she couldn't get out of her mind. Something that she had been dying to say, but couldn't. Only now she felt it was the right time, the best time to let those adoring words spill from her tongue and enter the loving atmosphere they had been creating for years.

After a while, her lips parted and what was said, was not what he had been expecting.

"I love you."

Artemis's heart hammered against her chest after she spoke those words for the first time in years. It felt as if the huge wall in her mind had been knocked down, allowing new emotions to flood in and engulf her.

Draco blicked back his shock and gasped, "you what?"

She continued, "I know I've had trouble saying it bu-."

"Say it again," he demand and lowered his head, so their lips grazed one another.

When she saw his beaming smile she had no choice but to repeat her truth.

"I love you forever."

"I love you forever."

***

SERAMORE KITCHEN:

Monday, February 16th:

Although aspects of winter remained in the air, the bright sun cast its rays across the horizon, spreading as much delight as possible.

Celeste sipped on her orange juice, whilst she dug into her scrambled eggs. Marcel picked up more food to eat and then joined her. The pair ate in comfortable silence. Klaus entered the room, with a sketchbook and pencil in hand. He pressed a kiss to his son's head, then one on his partner's cheek.

Wordlessly, the witch waved her hand and made a plate for him, filling it with eggs, bacon, mushrooms, hashbrowns, sausages and toast as it drifted in front of him.

Klaus sent her a wide smile, "thank you, my love," he still couldn't get over her talent, whenever or however she showcased it.

She shot him a small wink before they both heard a dramatic gag from Marcel, who immediately acted clueless the moment he felt their eyes on him.

The trio all seemed content, that was until Artemis entered the room in a huge emerald jumper that clearly wasn't hers, much to Marcel's amusement. Draco entered after her with a vest and grey jogging bottoms, which caused Klaus to tense.

Unbeknownst to the younger couple, Celeste received a warning letter an hour prior about the use of a charm that Artemis used last night. Klaus was angered by the entire thing.

"I hope you used the protection charm last night." Celeste quipped the moment they sat down with plates of various fruits and glasses of juice.

Draco instantly choked on his orange juice whilst Artemis' eyes bulge out of her head.

The younger witch's mouth was agape, "How —"

"We have sensitive hearing Arty," Marcel pointed out with a grin, then nodded to his father, who seemed displeased.

Klaus fought the urge to scowl, knowing it wasn't his place to be angry, but his discomfort was evident.

"Marcel," Artemis whined, then dashed a croissant at his face, making him laugh.

"What?" He feigned innocence, he was living for their embarrassment, he wished that Blaise had been here, but unfortunately he, Daphne, Theo, Ophelia and Elijah had already gone back to the Zabini manor last night instead.

"Marcellus," Klaus shot him a look, causing him to raise his hands in faux defence.

"Kill me now," Draco muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose and rolling his eyes at Marcel.

Surprisingly they had gotten along swimmingly, but the same couldn't be said for him and Klaus.

"Nik would love to," Celeste exclaimed, enjoying his protectiveness, "but he won't isn't that right lovey?" she asked turning to him with a wide smile.

"Anything for you my love." Klaus cast her a smile before facing an irritated Draco.

The original hadn't even realised he broke the pencil he was using until his son had taken it from him and Celeste instantly fixed it.

"Just use a silencing spell next time." Marcel mocked again, knowing full well they couldn't perform underage magic outside of school.

"Shut up Marcel!" they all exclaimed.

"AJ certainly didn't last —"

Artemis screeched and stood up and went after him, but he managed to dodge her attempts at smacking him before it lead to a full-on chase throughout the kitchen.

"Watch my vase," Celeste yelled, believing the pair would break it.

Over the next few minutes, the Seramore manor was filled with screaming, shouting and the sounds of broken ceramics.

What a perfect start to the day.

***

a/n:

i know this chapter had been a mess, but it wasn't as chaotic as Christmas day. any new duos you like? hope you like how all the relationships are blossoming and building with one another.

the cousins haven't been okay. blaise seems to be suffering the most.

just to reiterate, they are all underage so I won't be writing any smut!!!

anyone catch the parallel between arty and celeste/ tom and septrim when they mentioned children.

i just relaised that the hadn't seen his parents in 2 years. the end of act 3 or 1994 and now it is 1996. the notts are trying to be more progressive with their child.

i also needed a lighthearted chapter before the next one.