Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Sandry woke up in a cramped small place. The last thing she remembered was dying peacefully in the chair next to her friends. She didn’t know where she was, but she saw a small child sleeping in what looked like worn old clothes and a threadbare blanket. Oh, that wouldn’t do. She willed her magic to reinforce what threads were there and imbue them with some extra warmth. The child sighed in contentment and stopped shivering.

Sandry did not know how she got here or why, but she did not like the conditions this child was in. Nor did she like the look of the poor girl’s magic. It had so many knots and kinks. There was a dark presence attached that was consuming her magic along with another more revolting presence.

After the fight with her cousin the empress, all their circle had grown stronger in their powers. They gained the ability to see magic, and Sandry—Sandry gained the ability to manipulate the threads of magic. She could tighten them or cut them. She could remove binds or place them. Briar was able to control all of the plant life and hear what they said. Daja could manipulate all metals and see where it was located. That was a real shock when she discovered the human body had so much iron. Tris well tris could fully control the weather now. She could calm a tornado or cause a hurricane. When the four worked together, only the creator could stop them.

It was why they went into hiding. They helped those who needed it and taught those with magic. They found love but soon found each other again, and it was a time when they were gray and wrinkled. So they decided to stay isolated from the world. It was peaceful. Sandry saw that her friend's time was close, as was hers. So when she closed her eyes, she expected to have moved on to the afterlife. Yet here she was in a small room with a shivering girl. It was strange.

“Do not be afraid Sandry, the stitch witch.” A presence said in her mind

“Who are you?” she asked

“Who I am is not important; why you’re here is.” They said

“It would be nice to know why I’m here.”

“I have seen this girl's future and, if left, will cause the demise of the magical world. You can deny this request, and I will take you to your parents, but I ask you to hear my request first.” They said

“What is your request?” She asked

“I would like it if you would raise her as your own daughter and teach her magic. Teach her to be stitch witch like yourself and, if possible, keep her from those that would use her.”

“What of others around her?”

“Only she and three others will be able to see you. Unless you choose to reveal yourself.”

“These others-“

“Will have your friends as their guardians, yes. In a way, they and you will be raising the next circle. This world needs a group like yours.”

“I see…Very well, then I accept,” Sandry said

With that acception, the magical world would never be the same.

Chapter Text

Neville had to leave the party after his uncle tried to get his magic to act up. Luckily or unluckily for his uncle, the house's plants ensnared his uncle in response to Neville being attacked. This gave him time to escape to his safe haven, the forest behind Longbottom manner. Before, it was his greenhouse where he could feel a slight hum coming from his plants, but that was when he was four. Now he was six, and it had been two years since he met his guardian.

Briar was a nice change of pace, but he was going to be angry. Neville was only supposed to show that much aptitude for plant magic later, not in response to anger. However, Briar didn’t seem to believe Neville that when his uncle came to visit, there was always the fear of death and injury as a way to develop a response. Thankfully his uncle only visited every couple of months. Briar, unfortunately, wasn’t there those times. Until now, when Neville lost control.

Once they were far enough into the forest, Neville turned around and began to say

“I know you said I have to control my emotions, but-“

Briar held up his hand, signaling Neville to be quiet. Briar stared at Neville and looked at the way the plants responded to him. Neville was like Briar, and in ways, he was like Sandry, Tris, or Daja. But Neville was his student, his charge, and his successor; it was high time Briar responded to that in kind.

“Do not hold yourself accountable. I did not realize how terrible the situation was. You responded just like I did when I felt threatened like that. However, we do need to work on your control. Your good at mediation, but if you're like me, you need something else…confidence. I gained it through learning how to protect myself on the streets, and you're going to gain it by learning how to fight.” Briar finished waiting for Neville’s response.

“W-Why now?” Neville asked

“I have realized that I have been negligent in my duties. I believe I was only assigned to you because, like me, you’re a green mage. I thought because you had a family and were high class, we didn’t have anything in common. I was wrong, and I apologize for being negligent in my duties.” Briar answered with remorse on his face.

“Are you going to leave me again?” Neville questioned.

“No, not if I can help it. I only left for a few times because I was looking for others like me.” Briar answered

“There are others like you? If so, how many?” Neville wondered in amazement.

“As far as I know, three other guardians. I only know because the same entity who brought me to you said I would meet them again.”

“Does-does that mean I’ll meet them too?” Neville asked

“Yep, and their charges,” Briar said, ruffling his hair

“That’s so cool. I wonder if they’ll like me. Oh, I should-should start working. Can we start learning how to fight now? I wanna be able to help protect them,” Neville said, bouncing on his feet in excitement.

Briar smiled at him. “Of course we can, little brother.”

Neville, whooped and hugged Briar tight. This Briar thought was why he loved teaching.

Chapter Text

Hermione had run crying once again away from the mean girls for teasing her hair. She ran into the open field surrounded by trees. It was the one place the girls couldn’t follow her. The one place she felt as if she could be herself and felt safe aside from home.

Unfortunately for Hermione, a storm was about to break. She was caught in the middle of it. The winds were galling, the rain was coming down hard, and lightning was flashing across the ground. Hermione knew she was in major trouble when she heard the sound of a freight train. There were no trains near her place, which could only mean…a tornado.

Hermione felt true fear and sadness completely engulf her. Her parents would be devastated; she would never be able to grow up and experience life. She had barely lived. All she had done was read books, and she never even got to make a friend, not one friend. The sound came closer, and Hermione was lifted violently in the air. She sobbed harder, her panic increasing.

“Calm down child. Breathe. That’s it breathe. Now close your eyes feel the wind around you,” A feminine voice whispered.

Hermione could feel the rapid winds and something else. The winds were wild, violent, but somehow they felt familiar. Hermione couldn’t explain it, but something seemed to click inside of her.

“Very good; it took me years to get that far. Now then use that feeling to ride the wind, don’t try to control just flow with it.”

Usually, Hermione would find such sentiments silly but in for a penny in for a pound. She could feel something drain from her as she followed the woman's orders. Soon the winds began to calm, and she drifted to the ground. When she felt the ground beneath her feet, she opened her eyes.

She saw an older woman with spectacles and hair frizzier than hers. She was a little plump but in a mothering way and a bit see-through as well.

“Well done child. You rode those winds amazingly and helped dissipate the storm without too many casualties.” The woman said.

“W-Who are you,” Hermione asked

“My name is Tris, and I have been assigned as your spirit guardian and magic mentor,” Tris said

“Spir-“ Hermione began to say before she passed into Tris’s arms.

“Oh dear, I forgot how exhausting it is for first-timers to use magic on such massive scales. Ah well, time to figure out where she lives.” Tris frowned. It was times like these she wished Sandry were here. She could locate her home or Briar. Hmm, there's always weather of some kind going on. It was just more difficult to ask them questions.

The wind blew behind her and arranged the leaves into a path.

“Well, that was easy thanks, north,” Tris said to the north wind.

She might not know where her friends were, but she at least knew she would be kept busy. She had a feeling Hermione would have a lot in common with her, which would mean a lot of work.

Chapter Text

It was Draco’s fourth birthday, which meant he got to choose his weapon of choice from the Malfoy vault. It would be his job to care for the weapon and learn to wield it properly. Lucius has just opened the vault that contained the Malfoy armory. Only a Malfoy or their spouses can enter this vault, and only they can remove items from it. Draco walked around trying to contain his excitement

“Remember Draco, a Malfoy does not bounce on their feet or run. We must always put on an air sophistication.” It was something Lucius had told Draco repeatedly.

Draco hovered over a selection of weapons that appeared to be old and seemed like something to only be used as scrap...but this was where his magic pulled him, so this is where he went. Draco hovered his hand over the weapons and felt one leap into his hand.

It was a small dagger, hilt worn down, rusty, metal rusted and bent. Draco loved it still

His father was another matter.

“Draco, I hardly think that is a proper weapon for a Malfoy.”

“If it wasn’t for a Malfoy, why’s it in the vault?” Draco questioned

“Well, that- I mean-“

“Oh, let the boy take the dagger Lucius, we both know he has to make it shine, not us. Besides, no other weapon will choose him.” Narcissa snapped. She hated when Lucius acted this way.

It was later that night when Draco was examining the dagger in front of his fireplace. He was trying to figure out a way to get the bent out of it, but nothing seemed to work. Finally, he ended up chucking it to the ground in frustration.

“Why would my magic pick that stupid dagger.”

“A stupid dagger! child, I don’t think you realize what you have there.”
The child jumped at the sound of the feminine voice

“Who said that!”

A mysterious ghostly woman stepped out of the shadows. She had dark copper skin and held a staff in one hand.

“I did, and if you want, I can teach how to fix that dagger.”

“Re-really” Draco asked excitedly, then paused

“What’s in it for you.”

The woman quirked her eyebrow

“What’s in it for you” he repeated

“ Lesson one, not everyone is out to get you, and sometimes people just want to help...I’m your spirit guide. I was sent to teach you because you have similar magic to mine.”

“Spirit guide?” Draco tilted his head in confusion

Daja rubbed her temples in frustration; dear lord, did she have to teach the brat everything.

“Look kid, do you wanna fix the dagger or not?” Daja asked

“Yes, please,” Draco answered

Jeeze, this kid went from guarded to polite in an instant. She’ll need to help him with that. He might be able to trust her, but a naivete like that can be dangerous.

“Good, now pick up your dagger and find a piece of cloth you no longer care about.” Draco nodded and grabbed the dagger summoning an elf for the cloth.

“Place the cloth at the hilt, then close your eyes, and will the rust to stick to the cloth,” Daja instructed.

“Will it? How am I supposed to do that.” Draco snapped.

“You’re a wizard aren’t you? So use your magic.”

“But I’m not even eleven. The only magic I’ve done is accidental,” Draco exclaimed

“Which is still magic; just remembered how you felt when you had those spurts of magic and apply it to here.”

“Ok, I’ll try,” He said

Draco closed his eyes and reached for his magic. It was similar to when he was in the vault, but this time it sang. His magic wanted to be used, wanted to help. So he willed it to the cloth and wiped the dagger with it.

When he opened his eyes, the dagger was like new it shined as if it had just been polished.

“How-“

“Magic child, you have the magic of a smith or rather someone who can shape and pull metal to your will. If you are willing, I will teach you all I know. I warn you though, it won’t be easy; you will have to work, and some of those ideals your parents have been teaching you will have to go.” Daja stated

“How do you know so much?” Draco asked

“I have been observing you and your family; it wasn’t until you picked that dagger that I knew you were more than you seemed,” Daja said

“What’s so special about this dagger.”

“It belonged to a friend of mine, one who was very loud and very brash but someone who I saw as family. It’s also something I created for them. I created weapons for all my siblings, but that belonged to my brother.” Daja said.

Draco looked at the dagger in reverence and saw that beneath rust was a briar rose etched into the blade. Somehow he knew this would lead him to others like him. He knew what the other three weapons near the dagger were for — his future friends.

“Can you, Can you teach me how to fix the others?” Draco said

“Yes I can, be warned though, if you embark on this journey, there will be no going back,” Daja warned.

“My parents love me even if I change; I know that won’t,” Draco said

Daja smirked, agreeing with him. He reminded her of herself at that age. There were many things they would need to work on. The first, however, would be repairing her old friend's weapons. She had a feeling their charges would need them eventually.

Chapter Text

Sandry had enough, she knew her wards life wasn’t easy. She found her in a closet of all things, but this this took the cake. Sandry hoped her charge’s family would at least

Sandry had enough; she knew her wards life wasn’t easy. She found her in a closet of all things, but this? This took the cake. Sandry hoped her charge’s family would tolerate her a little with her new skills in sewing and embroidery. Instead, they passed her charges wares off as their pig of a son’s, and when they weren’t up to par, they punished her for it.

On the plus side, her ward was developing her healing abilities by stitching her wounds together with magical threads. Still, no child should need to be that advanced. Hell, the only reason she and her ward stayed was because of the wards that provided magical protection. They were tied to blood relatives, and right now, those monsters were the only relatives she had…or were they.

Sandry felt the need to smack herself. Obviously, they couldn’t be the only blood relatives the girl had, and she was a stitch witch time to branch out her magic, but she would need help. Help from Coraline.

“Coraline, what if I told you there was a way to leave this place” Sandry spoke to the timid girl

“What do I have to do, Miss Sandry,” Coraline responded without hesitation.

“All I need is for you to place your hands in mine and focus your magic on finding those of your blood.” Sandry placed her hand palms facing up for Coraline to take. Coraline closed her eyes following Sandry's instruction. Soon they saw strings of blood-red branching from Coraline. Ten of those strings were from her maternal side and looked as if they could connect to the barrier. Two were completely connected to the barrier and led to her cousin and aunt. The others Sandry noted and mapped out.

She would go and explore if these were a possibility or not. For now, she needed to weave her own spell of protection. She placed the entire Dursley family and Coraline into a deep sleep. Then she left to follow the lines.

There were a few possible candidates, but only one seemed rather likely. The only problem was getting them to see her. It wasn’t until she came across a mansion that she was caught.

“Well, well, what would a stitch witch being doing here.” A voice of pure sin spoke. Sandry immediately summoned her threads in her defense.

“Now, there’s no need for that.” The demon said

Sandry snorted, “You really expect me to believe the word of a demon.”

“Well, no, but it’s obvious you’re here for something.”

“What and you think I would tell you.” She asked in disbelief.

“Sebastian, who are you talking to?” A more cultured voice asked.

“Oh, just another nuisance. I’m trying to figure out how she got in, but she’s not being very forthcoming with the information,” Sebastion answered with a smile and eyes closed.

“Unless you can torture a ghost, I doubt you’re going to get any sort of information out of her.” A man with blue hair and one blue eye came into view. The other eye glowed purple with a Faustus contract. Sandry knew he was another demon, but he was the owner of one of the red threads, strange.

“Young Master, you seemed to have forgotten we’re demons. Of course I can torture a ghost.” Sebastian pulled out a set of silver knives, and his aura became far more menacing.

“Er, that won’t really be necessary. I’m here to talk with him, actually.” Sandry pointed towards the young master.

The blue-haired demon sighed in response and turned, walking towards a set of doors. Sandry followed without a word, and Sebastian left as well. They entered into what appeared to be a parlor and two seats. On the table were finger sandwiches and tea.

“Now then, what is it you need to discuss with me.” He said, picking up some tea and sipping at it.

“As you can probably guess, I’m not entirely alive and a stitch witch; however, I’m not a ghost but a spirit guide.” Sandry began.

“And I’m guessing your ward is the reason you’re here.” He stated more than asked.

“Yes, my ward is living with people who are quite frankly worse than demons. The only reason we haven’t left before is because there are a set of wards protecting her. Wards tied to her mother's blood. I can move them, but it would need to be at a place that shares her mother's blood. Strangely enough, you happen to be 1 out of 10 that share her blood. There were a few other options, but at this moment, you are the most viable.”  Sandry explained as she sipped on her own tea.

“What is the child in question's name?” Ciel asked.

“Coraline, Coraline potter.” Sandry felt the room shift as it grew darker, and the man's once blue eye became a blood-red with one slit.

“You dare try to pass your ward off as my own—”

“Before you get pissy at me, maybe you should see her for yourself. Her uncle works for Grunnings.”

“Very well, I will make arrangements to have the entire family meet with me. If I were you, I would prep the wards to be moved just in case I do decide to take the girl in.” The man finished

“Already done, thank you…”

“Lord Phantomhive.”

“Thank you, Lord Phantomhive.” Sandry curtsied and faded away.

“My lord, do you think it wise to have them come here?” Sebastion asked,

“If the girl truly is a descendant of mine, if she is Lily's daughter, then I have to know. Because if she is, then the queen will need to know that her magical citizens have been lying,” Lord Phantomhive hissed.

“I never quite understand your need to come back here and serve as the queen’s guard dog,” Sebastian said

“It’s a sense of duty if there are no other available candidates I come back to serve…that, and it gets boring in the hell dimension.”

“Well, I’m certain I will end up quite entertained either way by this outcome.”

“Guess that just means we will need to set up the mansion for our guests.”

“Should I set it up as I did for that Italian filth?” Sebastian asked

“No, I do believe this might require a more delicate touch.” He responded, drinking more tea

“Ah, so the Undertaker measure?”

“Yes, I think that will do nicely, but first bring me everything on Vernon Dursley and the Grunnings company. It seems I have some work to do.”

“Very well, young master.”

Ciel twitched at the moniker you’d think hundreds of years, and he would stop calling him that but nooooo. Maybe he needed some new blood to at least keep that demon entertained. Ah well, tomorrow is a new day. First things first, information gathering.

Chapter Text

It had been a few years since Draco had chosen his weapon and met his spirit guide. In that time, he learned how to craft and fix weapons. He was even attempting to learn how to make a wand out of precious metals. He figured wooden was all well and good, but for him and his future siblings, he wanted something…less breakable.

However, today was extra special. Daja told him he was finally ready to repair the weapons for his friends. He would have to convince his parents to allow him into the vault and remove the other sets of weapons for his friends. Draco figured with Daja willing to reveal herself, and the fact he would have an unbreakable bond with three others, he would be able to remove them.

Draco walked into the family room, head high, and stride confident, Daja behind him.

“Draco, good morning, is there something you wanted to talk to us about?” Narcissa asked.

“Yes, mother, I wanted to discuss our weapons vault and see if I could remove a few more weapons?” Draco asked

“To repair? I know you have smith magic honey but don’t you think you should take a break?” Narcissa asked.

“No, mother, I am fine. Father.” Draco redirected his attention towards Lucius, who was attempting to read the paper.

“Yes, Draconis?” Lucius responded not looking up from the paper.

“I need to gather weapons from the vault to repair and gift to three others.” Draco rapidly fired off.

Lucius startled from his seat, shocked and in disbelief. What nonsense was coming out of his child’s mouth? Lucius was going to tell Draco that under no circumstances could he give Malfoy weapons away. He was going to when he was interrupted by an apparition.

“Good lord, this is taking way too long. Look, either you give your permission, or I take em back.” Daja snapped, appearing before the parents scaring them.

“Who are you!” Narcissa snapped, pulling her son behind her.

“I’m the brats spirit guide Daja Kisubo.” She snapped, rolling her eyes.

“Kisubo, you mean the smith from the circle?” Lucius asked.

“And the maker of your son’s dagger and the other three weapons in the vault. Weapons that are meant for his fellow circle members.” Daja stated.

“Are you telling me my son is going to be part of the next circle? Why?” Narcissa asked in worry for her only child.

“Not too sure on what I can divulge, but let’s just say the magical world is gonna need the circle later. I’m not sure when, but at some point, disaster will strike, and the only ones who can prevent it are Draco and his fellow members.” Daja said

“And he has no choice in this?” Narcissa snapped.

“Of course, he has a choice. The circle can only be formed if the others agree and willingly at that. They can’t just form it because they feel like they must. Ultimately the circle formation is their decision. They have to truly want it…and they have to earn it.” Daja looked straight into Narcissa’s eyes.

“What do you mean, earn it?” Lucius asked

“My friends and I first created our bond when we were trapped underground. Tris redirected the wind to supply us with air Briar, and I kept the earth from fully collapsing on us by manipulating the plants and metals from within. Sandry created the binding link, so we were able to feed off of one another’s magic.” Daja took a breath before continuing.

“However, it wasn’t until Sandry’s cousin the empress that the bond became permanent, and we gained powers and abilities unknown. Through our travels, we had become distant. We could barely hear each other. Yet when we joined Sandry in her homelands to help her survey them, we became enraptured in the palace's life. We almost didn’t want to leave, which was what she wanted. We are free spirits; however, it’s in our nature to wander and to help others. It was when we attempted to leave that we found how far the empress was willing to go. She attempted to have her mages bind the four of us to her lands. An attempt that failed only because we joined our magic and became the circle. We escaped, and then from there, we traveled and helped not only others like us but magic as well.” Daja finished her story waiting for the parent’s response.”

Lucius was silent. Mulling over everything that had been said. He had always wondered what happened after the circle’s battle with the empress. There were only snippets of people who looked similar to the four traveling and assisting magic. Lucius pondered and thought. He looked to Narcissa, silently communicating.

Narcissa looked at her dragon, her son. She saw the fire in his eyes, the Black determination. Who was she to deny her son's resolution? She nodded towards Lucius.

“Very well, we will allow Draco to remove the weapons and repair them to be gifted to the circle, but only after the circle has been formed,” Lucius stated. He may not like the fact the weapons were leaving the Malfoy vault and going to non-Malfoy’s, but once the circle was formed, his son’s friends would be Malfoy’s through magic.

Draco beamed at his father and ran towards the underground vault. He couldn’t wait until he met his future siblings. Hopefully, they would earn the right to be the next circle. Hopefully, they would all be worthy to carry their weapons. Hopefully, they would like him for just him and not the Malfoy name.

Yes, Draco Malfoy had many hopes, but he knew they were more likely to happen if he worked towards them. Like Daja said, ‘A little hard work can go far.’ And Draco was a very hard worker.

Chapter Text

Weeks after the tornado, Hermione began collecting books on meteorology. She only paid attention to the news when the weather was on. When she could, she would leave her house during storms to practice. This was rather difficult at times, considering her parents didn’t want her outside in storms.

Case in point right now, she was grounded since she left her house during a rather nasty tornado. They didn’t understand. If she hadn't gone, their home would have been destroyed. She needed to practice needed to protect her family.

Tris understood. Tris taught her what she needed. Encouraged her to learn and absorb whatever she could whenever she could. Tris was like her a fellow lover of books and knowledge, a fellow introvert, a fellow outcast.

Her parents were the opposite. They were outgoing, always holding social functions. Hermione hated those functions. She always had to wear those tight, itchy dresses. It was bad enough she had to wear skirts at school. Why were the boys allowed to wear pants but girls weren’t? It just wasn’t fair.

Don’t get her wrong, she loved her parents. She really did. It’s just they were so different. They tried to understand her, and she tried to be the daughter they wanted. She tried, that is, until Tris came into her life.

Tris explained that if her parents loved her, they would accept her for who she was. Not the image of the perfect daughter. It took time, of course, but her parents acclimated and proved their love. The problem is her leaving during storms. It’s not like she could tell them why she left, why she did it.

Which is why she was learning how to cast illusions from Tris. Illusion magic, however, was proving rather tricky to cast since neither she nor tris had a…free mind. Well, that’s not quite right; it’s more along with the terms their minds stuck to facts and logic as opposed to thinking up fantastical things that others could. Which is perfect for weather magic. Illusion magic—not so much.

They wouldn’t give up. Tris told her she had to get decent control over weather magic before school started, lest her emotions spark a tornado. Already her anger had sparked a violent thunderstorm. So Hermione would keep practicing, learning, and evading. Even if her parents didn’t quite approve of her storm tracking.

Chapter Text

Another party, another group of people attempting to force his magic out. Honestly, why does his grandmother keep holding these? She claims they’re for the benefit of the Longbottom family. That was only a cover. These parties were about forcing his magic out.

Honestly, if any of them paid attention, they would see he had access to his magic. He was a green mage for magic’s sake. His idiot of an uncle had left him alone after the last incident. Unfortunately, he refused to believe what happened to him was a result of Neville's magic.

Briar called them idiots, and Neville had to agree. Especially when it came to children his age and older children. They all believed he was a squib; he was useless. They thought they had a right to bully the ‘squib’ so long as it was an attempt to activate his magic.

The one time he went to his grandmother about these issues, she brushed him off. Well, she wouldn’t brush him off after tonight. Briar had given him permission to use not only his combat skills but his magic. And wouldn’t you know his grandmother had decorated the ballroom with morning glories and Ivys. The perfect plant for capture, aside from devils snare, but he didn’t want to kill the idiots…yet.

He watched a group of graduates and current students approached him with sneers on their faces. The graduates wouldn’t attack him just yet. They always let the youngers rough him up first.

“Well, if it isn’t the little squib, I see you’ve lost some of that pudge squib boy.” One said.

“Not that it’ll do you any good. We’re still going to kick your fat ass.” A graduate continued.

I quirked my eyebrow in response. Did they always sound this stupid? This corny? Probably but before, I had been too scared to retaliate. Now though, now would be different. I had to let them throw the first punch—rules of hospitality and all that.

I watched as one of the students threw a punch. It was somewhat sloppy, his form was terrible, and his fist was all wrong. Still, I let it land on me. I needed everyone's eyes on me, and their eyes always focused on me with the echo of the first hit.

He went to knee me in the stomach, but I blocked his kick. I then jabbed my hand into his stomach, knocking the air from his lungs. I threw him towards his buddies. This incited the others to rush towards me.

I kicked the first one in the head while dodging the second's attack. I grabbed the third and used him as a shield, then threw him at his buddies. Soon the students backed off from their attacks when they realized they were the ones with more hits and bruises than I was.

It was then I felt more than saw the spell come at me, dodging out of its path. It looked like the petrification spell.

“You may have learned how to fight, but that still doesn’t change the fact that you’re a filthy squib. A nobody.” The caster snarled as his friends all raised their wands to cast more spells at me.

“Wanna bet,” I said with a smirk on my face as I flooded the room with green magic. The vines responded to my magic, eagerly waiting for my command. I directed them towards the group of graduates and gestured for them to disarm them. Then I wrapped them tight like a present so they couldn’t move.

“Neville Longbottom! What is the meaning of this!” My grandmother shrieked.

“Why grandmother, I thought this is what you wanted. I mean, it’s not like you throw these parties for any other reason than to force my magic out.” I answered sarcastically.

She flinched at me in shock. Guess she thought I was too stupid to catch on to her schemes.

“I wonder, is this what you did to my father? Or did Grandfather stop you?” I spat.

“Your grandfather prevented a fam—”

“Your family tradition, not the LONGBOTTOMS!” I shouted, cutting her off.

“The Longbottom family has always used meditative techniques to locate our magic or find our affinity. We have never tried to force. Do you know why? Because that’s how you get an obscurial!” I continued my rant.

“How did you—I had those books sealed.” She exclaimed.

“News flash, you cannot keep family books from a blood heir. You may have married into the family, but you are not a Longbottom!” I snapped back as I felt the family magics leave her.

“And if any of you had paid attention in the slightest, you would have seen I was a green mage. Now then, since the rules of hospitality have broken, everyone who isn’t family get out!” I pulsed my magic in response to my declaration. Everyone soon left, everyone except my grandmother, her brother, and my great uncle on my father's side—the man who should have been reagent in the first place.

“I said everyone who isn’t family,” I snarled at those two

“How dare you I am the reagent of thi—”

“You are reagent, no more take your brother and get out of my house. Great uncle Alberon is the new reagent. As the last heir of the Longbottom family, so I have decreed it so it shall be!” I cut her off

“So mote it be,” Alberon answered.

I felt the family magics shift from my grandmother to my Great uncle. He was now reagent as he should have been. The wards ended up ejecting my grandmother and her brother from the wards. I didn’t want to have to do this, but she showed her true colors tonight.

“I know you weren’t expecting this when I invited you to the manor tonight, uncle, but I honestly didn’t know you existed until a few weeks ago. I hope you don’t mind if I made you reagent.” I said, turning to him.

“It is fine Neville. Ever since your grandfather died and your parents lost their minds, your grandmother has done everything she could to keep me away from the family. Thankfully she cannot prevent the heir from inviting family to the manor.” He replied

“Still, I trust you far more than her, especially with what I’m about to show you.”

“Trust me wit—” Alberon’s eyes grew wide with shock.

“Lord Briar, but I, you’re—” Alberon couldn’t find the right word.

“Oh come now, none of that lord shit, I was never a lord. And I am technically dead.” Briar said.

“Uncle, as you probably know, this is Briar; he’s my spirit guide.” I introduced.

And with that, my uncle fell to the floor in a dead faint.

“Uncle!” I exclaimed.

Chapter Text

“Alright, girl, I don’t know how but Lord Phantomhive knows you exist. Now you are going to show a shy, quiet but polite little girl. This man owns my company, and I will not lose my job due to your freakishness.” Uncle Vernon said to me before we entered his car.

I could feel Sandry’s anger towards him. There wasn’t much she could do, not until we knew if we could move the wards. I just nodded to him in agreement.

“And if you say anything negative about us, I will make you wish for death.” He snarled at me. I could feel some spit land on my cheek, ew.

I climbed into the backseat next to my cousin. Smoothing out my pink dress. Pink wasn’t really my color, but Aunt Petunia would only let me use this fabric. It didn’t help that it was super itchy. Either way, I’m not really going to this dinner for comfort but rather as a chance to meet possible family.

I stared out the window watching the houses pass by, then the businesses, and now trees. Lot’s of trees. Where did this guy live? I kept watching the trees, and for a split second, I thought I saw a pair of eyes, red eyes. I felt a shiver go down my spine, and my hair stands on end, not in fear but…excitement?

We had pulled up to the entrance of the manor. We saw a child a little older than Dudley and me, but he didn’t feel like a child. He felt much older. Then again, according to Sandry, he was a human turned demon.

Hopefully, I wouldn’t have to make any deals with him to get away from my family.

“Welcome, Vernon Dursley and Family. If you will follow me to the sitting room, we shall have dinner shortly while we become more acquainted.” Lord Phantomhive stated, turning towards the door.

“Certainly, M’lord, and might I just say what a beautiful estate you have.” Vernon simpered, like actually simpered. Didn’t he know that most nobility can tell when you're trying to brownose? I mean, there’s a difference between being polite and being, well, a suck-up.

‘Glad to know someone in my family isn’t a complete imbecile.’

I had to hide my jump lest my uncle see. I knew Demons had psychic powers, but I had thought my barriers would be able to at least tell me about a breach. Guess that’s just another thing I’ll have to work with Sandry on.

‘Oh, your barriers are rather good for your age, but I can communicate with all my descendants this way.’ He stated.

‘ Does that include my aunt and cousin? ‘ I asked

‘ Yes, but I choose who to talk to.’

‘Cool’

We had arrived in the room where there was a chess set. I wanted to play but knew it probably wouldn’t be a good idea. My uncle instead took the side with the white pieces when the butler offered it to him. I watched as my cousin went towards the toys, and my aunt placed her self on the couch.

I decided to just stand and watch what would happen between my uncle and Lord Phantomhive. The butler, who I was pretty sure was also a demon, came in with a cart of drinks and sweets. They looked good, but I didn’t want to spoil dinner.

‘Well, it’s good to see that not everyone in the Phantomhive family is willing to spoil their dinner.’

‘Seriously?! I thought only members of the…you’re bound to the Lord, aren’t you.’

‘Unfortunately, yes, we’ve tried to find a way to break the contract but nothing.’

‘Have you tried a stitch witch?’

‘Yes, we have yet to find any powerful enough to sever our contract…though you may be able to do so.’

‘I’m not quite at that level yet.’

‘Yet, but you will be you are a Phantomhive.’

I’m not really sure what that has to with anything unless…oh. Well, I wonder if that’s gonna crop up at some point if it hasn’t already.

‘I’m quite curious how have they been treating you?’ Lord Phantomhive asked.

‘Why do you want to know? I thought I was only here to find a more suitable place to live.’

‘And you don’t think the fact you would need to find a new place to live would raise alarm bells’

‘Well, yes but—

‘Do you know that the Dursley’s were being paid to take care of you from your family vault?’

‘THEY WHAT. Are you telling me that I lived in a cupboard, did all the household chores, made all those articles of clothing (granted I enjoyed that part, but that’s beside the point) to “pay my way” and all this time they were getting paid to take care of me!!!’ I screamed, mentally feeling my eyes burn.

‘Calm down,’ He ordered.

Like that, I felt my eyes shift. What was that?

‘It would seem your demon blood activated. Which from what you told me was close anyway just needed that extra push, luckily as head of the family, I have some control over that side of you.’ Lord Phantomhive stated.

‘So what’s going to happen now?’

‘Now? Now we employ the Undertaker method. By the end of the night, there will be no more Dursley family.’

‘Leave my cousin out of it. He can’t help what his parents have done. If anything, they are the reason he’s the way he is.’

‘I won’t kill him, but he will be going with Undertaker at the end of the night. If he can redeem himself, then I will accept him back into the family.’

I sighed. Well, that was the best I could hope for. I know I should probably feel bad that he was probably going to kill my aunt and uncle, but…I can’t really feel bad for the people who abused me. I felt a small tap on my shoulder and looked up to see the demonic butler.

“You look a bit unwell young miss. If you would like, I could lead you to the bathroom while your family heads to the dining hall.” He said.

I looked towards my uncle, and he shooed me off. Guess he would prefer me to be far away. Fine with me. I followed him out of the room.

“So, what is your name? Sandry wouldn’t tell me for some reason.”

“Ah, do forgive me, young miss, I am Sebastion of the Phantomhive estate, and I am simply one Hell of a butler.” He smirked Eyes turning red.

I snorted that had to be the most cheesy thing I ever heard.

“You know, I think that’s the first time someones laughed at my introduction.” He said, amused.

“I would say sorry, but, well, I’m not,” I smirked at him.

“Alright, children, I do believe that’s enough. Sebastian, do you think you could show me where the ward stone is so I can set these wards?” Sandry interrupted.

“Certainly Lady Sandry, Miss Potter, if you would like you could come…or you could watch your relatives.” He gave a side-eye glance towards a painting.

“Thanks, but I’d like to keep what little innocence I have left intact.” I deadpanned.

I cringed when I heard a gut-wrenching scream, it sounded slightly feminine. I wonder who that was. My aunt’s screams tend to be more shrill. Ah well.

“It would seem the Young master has started without me pity.” Sebastian sighed.

“I mean, couldn’t you just transport us instead of walking?” I asked.

Sebastian blinked at me and then blinked again. Before rubbing his forehead with his hand.

“Now, why didn’t I think of that. I think I’ve been in my human form for too long.” He said, snapping his fingers, placing us in a room surrounded by runes and dark black rock in the center.

“Oh well, if you two don’t mind, I think I’ll go stretch my wings” He gave a bow before leaving.

“Well, …that was anticlimactic. Anyway, would you like to help me in placing the wards?” Sandry asked

“Are you sure I’m ready for that?”

“If I wasn’t sure, I wouldn’t have asked.”

“Ok,” Yes, things were finally starting to look up for Coraline Potter. All it took was a little bit of blood.

Chapter Text

It had been years since Coraline had moved in with her many times' great-grandfather and his butler. She was finally able to grow into her powers. Making all manner of clothes and embroidery. She had even added to the fashion branch of the Phantomhive company.

She created a steampunk line, bringing back some of her Grandfather’s Victorian style while adding a more modern flair to it. Ciel had mentioned how while today's clothes were comfortable, he did miss the style from his time.

With Coraline’s addition to the company, he was finally able to wear the style he missed so much in public. Furthermore, Ciel had begun training Coraline in not only her demonic powers but also in her duties as the queen's future Guard dog.

Coraline’s cousin Dudley had flourished under Undertakers' guidance. He was no longer the little overweight terror from their younger years. Instead, he was a young lad with growing muscle and a morbid sense of humor.

It probably helps that Dudley only remembers his parents died from a car accident rather than well whatever the pair of demons did to his parents. Still, Coraline and her cousin got along far better now than they did before.

Yes, Coraline was relatively happy with her current situation. She couldn’t ask for a better life. Well, maybe the choice to be homeschooled instead of being forced to go to Hogwarts.

“Sandry, why do I need to attend wizard school? I can learn everything I need from you and Grandfather.” She asked for the fifth time that week.

“Because you need to socialize more with people your own age…and because if you want to receive your Potter inheritance, then you have to attend Hogwarts until your fifth year,” Sandry answered with a sigh. While both reasons were true, there was a third reason. Sandry had a feeling that Coraline and her would meet the other three of the new circle.

“Ok fine, but why do we need to get robes? I can make my own.” Coraline whined

“Yes, but your magic may interfere with the magic of Hogwarts, which would draw unneeded attention to us,” Sandry answered.

“Fine,” Coraline grumbled, crossing her arms. For all of her maturity, Coraline was still a child.

Sandry rolled her eyes as she led Coraline into the shop. They walked through the shop, Coraline still grumbling, and Sandry wondering if coming back as a guide, was really a smart decision. She loved Coraline, but sometimes she could be a handful.

‘Well, aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?’ Sandry snapped her head towards the familiar voice, eyes widening when she saw her sister.

Quickly looking to make sure Coraline was situated and okay, she threw herself at Daja.

‘Daja, I missed you so much. Have you seen the others yet? Do you know where they are?’ Sandry asked.

‘Missed you to Sands, and I haven’t seen Tris yet, but I have seen Briar. Though I’m not too sure who his kid is, Draco thinks he knows who it is.’

‘I take it, Draco is your charge?’ Sandry asked

‘He is, and he is quite the advanced metalsmith. Hell, he’s far more advanced than I was at that age. What about you? I take it the girl whos talking with my charge is yours?’

‘Yea, and I know what you mean. Coraline’s very advanced for her age. It almost makes me scared for them. I hope they won’t face as many trials as we did, but I also know how unlikely that is.’

‘I know what you mean, Sands’ Daja replied

“Daja, who’s this?” Draco asked his guide.

“Ah Dragon, this is Sandry.” Daja gestured to her sister.

“You mean Sandry as in your sister Sandry?” Draco asked, eyes widening in shock.

“And Sandry as in my spirit guide,” Coraline said, popping behind Draco, causing him to jump in fright.

Coraline giggled at his reaction.

“Coraline, why,” Draco whined.

“Oops, did I forget to mention I’m a bit of a prankster?” Coraline grinned wide at Draco.

“Coraline, have you been running around with Undertaker and Grell again?” Sandry asked in exasperation.

“Maybe~,” She said slyly.

Sandry shook her head in response. She tried, Ciel tried, and Sebastian tried, but there was only so much one could do when it came to curbing a Potter’s tendency for mischief.

“I’m sorry, who?” Draco blinked owlishly.

“Extended family, so I guess you’re Daja’s kid?” Coraline asked.

“Yes,” Draco answered

“I knew there was something different about you. Not many people have metallic strings as bright as yours.” Coraline said in amazement.

“Yeah, and not many people smell so strongly of leather,” Draco responded.

“Hey!” Coraline yelled.

“Relax, Coraline, each person has a way of seeing magic; your’s is in people’s ‘strings’ Draco’s happens to be items relating to smiths; I’m pretty sure if the other two are like our siblings, they’ll compare you to plants and weather.” Sandy placated her charge.

“Oh.” Coraline calmed.

“Say Draco, if you’re here to shop for school supplies would you and your parents like to join us?” Coraline asked.

“I would, but I don’t know how my parents would react.” Draco scratched at his cheek in worry.

“What do you mean?” Coraline tilted her head in response

“My parents…were supporters of Voldemort, and well, I think it may be best to ease them into the idea of us becoming friends.” Draco looked down at his shoes.

“Hey, hey, it’s ok I get it. We can always meet up on the train and get to know one another better. That is if you want to.” Coraline waved her hands around frantically in an attempt to bring his spirits up.

Draco looked up and smiled.

“I think I’d like that.”

“Cool, see you then,” Coraline held her hand out, and Draco shook it.

“I’ll see you later, Sandry, hopefully with the other two as well.” Daja walked out with Draco waving goodbye.

“Sandry?” Coraline asked quietly.

“Hmm”

“Promise me that if his parents hurt him, we’ll be there,” Coraline demanded, her eyes glowing red for a split second.

“I promise, now then I think we need to go see about getting you a wand. Not that you actually need one, but since it’s a requirement…” Sandry trailed off.

“I know, better to not draw attention….yet.” Coraline finished.

Chapter Text

Hermione was sitting on the train, observing the landscape passing by. She left the window open to let a breeze through. This allowed her to pick up on what her fellow students were talking about. Most were discussing the girl-who-lived Coraline Potter and how this was the year she would attend Hogwarts. Hermione had to hold back a frown as she heard some talk about using the girl for her money and fame.

Honestly, some people.

“Do you think I might meet other people like me, Sandry?” Hermione startled when she heard the familiar name looking towards her Guide Tris. Tris shushed the girl focusing on the words carried by the wind.

“It’s possible, but remember just because they have guides—”

“Doesn’t mean we’ll get along right off the bat.” Tris rose from her seat, floating outside of the car following the path the wind made. Hermione following close behind.

“Exactly, it took a cave in before our group really became friends,” Sandry said, recalling her memories fondly.

“Considering we were stuck with society’s views of each other until after the cave-in, I would say so.” Tris piped up, surprising Sandry.

“Tris! It’s been so long. How’ve you been? Is your charge with you?” Sandry pulled her old friend/sister into a hug.

“Good, yes, she’s with me. Hermione, you can come in if you’re ready.” Tris called through the closed door.

Hermione exhaled a breath she didn’t know she was holding before opening the door. She was met by a girl with ebony hair and emerald eyes framed in gold. Hermione could sense the girl's inner storm, and it was amazing. She was like the center of a hurricane charged with untapped energy, waiting to unleash yet deadly all the same.

“Hi, I’m Hermione Granger, first-gen nice to meet you.” Hermione held her hand out to the girl, who took it and shook it grinning madly.

“Coraline Potter, not sure which generation I am since my dad was a ‘Pureblood’ and my Mum was a first-gen,” Coraline explained. At the same time, Hermione took a seat across from the girl.

“Do you happen to be the same Coraline Potter everyone is talking about?” Hermione pulled her lunch from her bag, offering some to the girl who declines politely.

“I guess? I don’t know what everyone’s saying, so I couldn’t really tell you.” Coraline brought out the lunch Sebastian made for her.

“Mhm, they’re saying things like how you’re the savior, defeater of Voldemort, stuff like that,” Hermione explained, taking a bite of her sandwich.

Coraline scoffed as she sipped at the tea from her thermos.

“I agree anyone with a brain can tell it was your mother who defeated Voldemort. She invoked powerful magics to protect you, which is what really ended the fiend.” Hermione explained, bringing a smile to the girl's face.

“Thanks. Most people seem to think because my mother’s a first-gen she’s incapable of powerful magics, idiots.” Coraline continued munching on her meal. Then again, not many knew she had demon blood coursing through her veins. Could her mother really be considered first gen then?

‘Yes, Lady Potter’s magic was natural, and she never actually awakened her demon blood.’

Coraline startled as she hears Sebastian's voice, looking around. She spotted the demonic raven perched on the upper open window. Coraline glared at him, ‘not funny’ she sent.

‘I disagree it was amusing.’

“Is that your familiar?” Hermione was glancing at the raven warily. There was something off about that bird.

“Nah, he’s more like my caretaker’s familiar.” They all agreed it would be better to claim Ciel as a caretaker instead of well her, however many great grandfathers. Didn’t help his preferred form was that of a teenager.

“I see; who exactly is your caretaker?” Hermione wondered; the more she looked at Caroline, the more she saw some similarities.

“Ciel Phantomhive.”

Hermione choked on her drink in shock; she pounded on her chest, trying to dislodge the liquid.

“You mean the same Phantomhive who’s known as the queen's guard dog?” She exclaimed, shocking Coraline and the raven.

“How did you—” she trailed off

“My uh, my great-great-grandfather is Finnian; oddly enough, he’s still alive.”

‘He still messing up gardens?’ Sebastian asked the storm witch, causing her to startle in shock.

“Holy shit, grandfather said you were a demon, but that’s not what I was expecting.” Hermione cursed the raven turned demonic butler.

“Apologies, Miss Granger. However, you still haven’t answered my question.” Sebastian bowed, smirking at the girl.

“Gramps did say you were a lady killer, and no Grandmother taught him how to properly garden….after she beat it into his head for the hundredth time.” Hermione smirked back at the butler. Her Gramps was the only member of the Phantomhive staff alive. Apparently, those experiments performed on him extended his life.

“Well, I am simply—”

“One hell of a butler?” She grinned, shocking the demon.

“I think I liked it more when your grandfather was ignorant of what I was,” Sebastian murmured.

“What makes you think he didn’t know what you were?” Hermione took a bite of her apple.

“He never mentioned anything until after it was revealed.”

“How was he going to explain? Hey, mister demon, did you know those scientists you saved me from were using demon blood in their experiments?” Hermione scoffed at the butler.

“So, that’s why he always smelled familiar.” Sebastian had been bothered for years over the fact he couldn’t place Finnian's scent.

Suddenly the door to their compartment was wrenched open as a redhead looked through. Glancing in disgust at Hermione and the demon turned raven. Not that he knew the raven was a demon. He glanced at Coraline's forehead, searching for something before huffing in anger.

“Any of you birds seen Coraline Potter?” The ginger asked.

“No, why?” Coraline asked, glaring at the rude boy.

“I’m Ronald Weasly, her betrothed,” He explained.

“I’m sorry, did you just say her betrothed?” Coraline smiled tightly at him suppressing her growing miasma.

“Yeah, so you better pay me the proper respect,” He said smugly before the raven launched himself clawing at the boy's face.

“Get your raven off me,” Ron screamed in pain.

“Oh dear, apologies, but he doesn’t belong to either of us. He just happened to fly in through the window, you see.” Hermione eloquently spoke.

Ron ran away from the raven once he was free from his talons. Sebastian flew away once he was sure the rude miscreant wouldn’t return. ‘I’ll be letting the young master know about this. If there is a contract, we will be investigating it.’

“Huh, well, that’s not something you see every day.” Draco piped in from the entryway of the door.

“Draco!” Coraline chirped in giddiness.

“Hello, Coraline, who are you?” Draco asked Hermione.

“Hermione Granger First Gen,” Hermione said warily; she had read up on the political climate in the magical conclaves. Most ‘Pureblood’ weren’t too kind to first gens.

“Hmmm, at least you have some manners, Draco Malfoy heir to the Malfoy family.” Draco introduced himself, entering the compart with…

“And this is Neville Longbottom Heir to the Longbottom family and our fourth member.” He introduced Longbottom.

They had run into each other, catching up on the other’s lives when their guides had appeared at the same time. Grabbing them by the arms and leading them towards the compartment.

“So, are we really going to give this a try?” Neville asked, referring to the fact they were possibly going to be the next circle.

“Might as well; I mean, what have we got to lose?” Coraline shrugged her shoulders in response.

“What if we get separated into different houses?” Hermione asked.

“Wouldn’t that be a good start in bringing the people together? From what my parents told me, the houses have caused a divide between people instead of bringing them together.” Draco answered; his parents had explained to him why they joined Voldemort. For some reason, Slytherin had become a house of outcasts. While Gryffindor became the golden child with Ravenclaw and Huffle puff fading to the background.

“Then let’s make a promise here and now, no matter what house we’re separated into, we’ll try with everything we have to bring them together, starting with ourselves first,” Coraline suggested holding her pinkie out.

“Sounds good to me,” Neville said, gripping her pinkie.

“I’m tired of Slytherin always getting a bad rap might as well.” Draco shrugged before joining.

“I have nothing to lose.” Hermione gripped the girl's pinkie in response.

There was a flash of light binding the four to their promise, placing a ring of magic around each pinkie. There was no going back now.

.

Chapter Text

“Hey, Hermione, anyone sitting here?” Coraline asked the bushy-haired girl.

“Nope, go ahead.” Hermione gestured to the seat next to her at the Ravenclaw table.

“Um, Potter, you do know the Puffs are over there, right.” A fellow claw asked.

“She’s not dumb Boot; of course, she knows where the other puffs eat.” Draco rolled his eyes as he sat across from the two girls.

“Why are you over here, Malfoy?” Terry screeched.

“Breakfast? I mean, it is the most important meal of the day.” Draco joked, pulling a small giggle from the two girls.

“That’s not what I mean, you slimy Slytherin.” Terry snapped.

“Huh, you don’t feel slimy to me, Draco,” Nevilles said, running a finger across the blonde's skin as he joined the group.

“Contrary to popular belief, snakes aren’t slimy. That’s slugs. I thought a Ravenclaw would know that.” Draco rolled his eyes as he loaded up his plate.

“Shouldn’t you three be eating at your table?” Penelope Clearwater asked the first years.

“There's no rule that says we have to. Well, excluding the first and last day of school but other than that, students can eat at whatever table they like.” Hermione answered, slapping Coraline's hand away from a jelly danish. The girl already had two on her plate, and she did not need any cavities.

“Aw Mione~ why’d you do that,” Coraline whined to her fellow member.

“My parents are Dentist’s need I say more.” Hermione quirked an eyebrow as she stared Coraline down with the mom glare.

“Here, I thought leaving Sebastian behind would allow me as many sweets as I wanted.” Coraline huffed while pouting. Once the Dursley's were taken care of, her Grandfather introduced her to the fantastic world of sweets. She may have become addicted.

“Can we really sit where we want?” Padma asked. She missed her sister. While they were able to hang out during the weekends, it wasn’t nearly enough time.

“According to the school handbook, yes.” Neville nodded at the Ravenclaw.

Padma got up from her table and went to join the Gryffindor table with her sister. After a brief explanation a squeal of happiness, the twins were together once more and chatting amicably. This seemed to create a chain reaction of friends from other houses joining up together.

“Looks like stage one of our plan is working,” Draco muttered as he spread some butter on his toast.

“Who would have thought nobody would know about that rule.” Coraline agreed.

“How many kids have you met who read the handbook cover to cover.” Neville Deadpanned.

“Pfft, please, I’m the exception, not the rule. I do think it was a good idea to wait until the day after we got our schedules. It gave everyone a few days to get acclimated into their houses.” Hermione nodded her head in agreement. Secretly she was amazed at how efficiently Coraline's plan worked. Who would have thought people would be willing to join other tables if a group started it off.

“Miss Potter, I should have known you’d be the source of this rule-breaking,” Professor Snape sneered, coming from behind the girl.

“Thirty points from Gryffindor.” He smirked before attempting to make his escape.

“Professor?” Coraline called attention towards herself.

“What!” He snapped.

“You may want to get your eyes checked. I’m in Hufflepuff, not Gryffindor; that’s Neville. There’s also no rule preventing people from other houses eating at a different table.” Coraline explained cooly. The man wanted to play? Fine, she’d play.

Professor Snape narrowed his eyes towards the uppity Potter. “How would a first-year know if there wasn’t such a rule.”

“Excuse me, but you are a professor of this school, correct?”

“Of cour—”

“Right, and as a Professor, I’m sure you’ve been a part of creating the student handbook on top of rules and guidelines for students to follow. This means you would have needed to read the handbook to properly edit it and enforce the rules written. Are you trying to tell us you haven’t done your job?” She interrupted the sour man smiling politely as she calmly argued her point like she was talking to a child.

Professor Snape huffed in response before storming up to the faculty table. The man should’ve known not to mess with a Phantomhive.

“For a badger, you’re pretty vicious,” Draco stated, taking a bite from his toast.

“Draco, do you know anything about honey badgers?” Coraline asked him.

“Not really.” He shrugged.

“Right well badgers, tend to be the sort of creatures in the animal kingdom who don’t and pardon my French here give a fuck—” Coraline ignored the gasps from the older years at hearing the curse from a first year.

“Miss Potter?!” Professor McGonagall reprimanded her.

“No, no, Minnie, let the girl speak.” Professor Sprout waved the Lioness down.

“These furry little creatures will knock a Beehive down and devour it while getting stung repeatedly. They can still feel pain from the stinger, but they don’t care. Some of them have claws sharp enough to rip the flesh straight off your bone. Furthermore, some have survived from bullet wounds if any of you know what that is. In other words, we Puffs might be known for our loyalty, but we should be feared for our vindictiveness.” Coraline grinned at the horrified faces of her fellow students. Meanwhile, her fellow puffs were smirking at anyone who looked their way as a confirmation of what she just said.

Draco, for his part, just blinked at the girl owlishly before shrugging and continued to eat his toast. If there was one thing Daja had drilled into his head…don’t underestimate a woman. Especially one out for blood.

Chapter Text

Dumbledore was pacing in his office, frustrated beyond belief. He knew about the disappearance of the Potter girl and the Dursleys. Yet he was unable to find them. He had hoped this would have meant she would show up uneducated and possibly wild. Instead, she shows up with the grace of a noble and the bite of a snake, all while being sorted into Huffle Puff. He could handle Ravenclaw, maybe even Slytherin. Both would have been excellent ways of manipulation, but Hufflepuff? Those kids were too protective.

People thought Slytherins were protective of their own? They obviously never met a Puff out for blood because someone insulted their best friend. Contrary to popular belief, Puffs were far more vindictive and far more challenging to manipulate. He would try and switch his focus to the Longbottom boy, but ever since he gave Augusta the boot, he’s grown a spine.

Why were all his plans falling through? None of it made sense. The Malfoy Heir was supposed to be some entitled little rich boy easily molded to be Potter’s antagonist. Instead, he comes in relaxed calm and buddies up to Potter and a muggle-born.

“What am I going to do Fawks? The Potter girl is ruining everything I’ve built. Her little stunt at Breakfast this morning just proves it.” For years he had secretly been encouraging the divide in houses while stating the opposite. In one day, she had utterly unraveled all his hard work.

“I need to find out what happened between her disappearance and now but how? Snape maybe? No, he said he couldn’t get into her mind earlier. I could always use Hagrid; that oaf would probably be able to get some information from the girl. Yes, I’ll write to him and suggest he invite her to talk about her parents.” Dumbledore nodded to himself, pulling out a sheet of parchment and getting to work on his plans.

Little did he know a certain stitch witch had been listening in on his plans.

Chapter Text

Sandry phased through the Room of Requirement. The room was set up similar to their cabin. Her fellow Guardians and siblings were all seated, waiting for her. Along with a demonic butler, he was part of Coraline’s protection, so she’d allow it.

“We have a problem.” She announced to the room

“Why’s that?” Daja asked as she sipped at some tea, watching as Briar and Tris play wizard’s chess. Such an interesting version of one of her favorite games.

“The Headmaster is displeased with our charges changing the status quo. A status he designed if his muttering were to be believed.” Sandry answered, taking a seat next to Sebastian.

“Do you happen to know what he plans?” Daja asked while the other two split their concentration between the game and her.

“Right now, he’s attempting to gain information with a bit of manipulation thrown in. He plans to use the half-giant, Hagrid, to get said information while also attempting to dangle information of her parents.” Sandry explained smirking, joining the Phantomhives was the best solution after all.

“He’ll have trouble since the young master has been collecting and delivering any and all information on her parents. Considering his connections, she’s probably more informed of her parents than he is.” Sebastian joined in on Sandry’s smirk, revealing a bit of fang along the way.

“Does he have any plans for the others,” Briar asked in concern.

“Not as yet, but knowing his type, he’ll either attempt separating them or pitting them against each other.” Sandry huffed, really. Who did this man think he is?

“Good luck with that. Those four have a stronger bond than we did, and they’ve only known each other for about a week.” Tris snorted to herself as she placed Briar's queen into checkmate.

Briar cursed; that was the fifth game in a row she kicked his ass.

“We know that, but he doesn’t. He’ll probably get his pet potions master on separating them.”

“Eh, Servus is more loyal to his position as Draco’s godfather then as Dumbledore’s spy. If Draco tells him to stop, then he will.” Daja argued, she’d actually met the man, and he was someone who lost enough to treasure those few bonds he held.

“Well, he better do it soon before I do something about him.” Coraline had only one class with the man, and Sandry was ready to kick his ass for how he treated her.

“I’ll pass that along to Draco; what should we do until then,” Daja asked.

“For now, we warn our kids, then we wait, we watch, and when the times right, we strike.” No old man was going to prevent her kids from obtaining their full potential. Not if she had anything to say about it.

Chapter Text

“So…are we going to Hagrid’s?” Hermione inquired of Coraline at breakfast that morning.

“I don’t see why not. Sure, he’s a supporter of Dumbledore, but he seems rather nice. Besides, information gathering can be a two-way street.” Sandry answered, spreading marmalade across her toast.

“I doubt he’d appreciate seeing me with you.” Draco drawled as he scowled at his vegetables. He didn’t know what kind these were. Ever since Hermione found out he only ever ate one vegetable; she’d made it her mission to get him to try every single one out there until he had at least three other alternatives. Honestly, she was like the mom for the entire group…at least when it came to being healthy.

“I don’t care; you’re my friend just as much as Nev and Mione are. He said I could bring my friends; he didn’t say not to bring you.” Coraline growled as she bit into her toast. Hermione had limited Coraline to one sweet a day, so she was using fruit as a substitute for her sugar addiction. It allowed her to save her sweet for dinner time. They were always three times the size at dinner.

“Draco, you are not your parents. If he can’t see that, then why would we bother visiting him after this.” Neville stared the boy down; somehow, Neville had a knack for knowing when each of his group was feeling inferior or thinking nasty thoughts of themselves.

“I—thanks, guys.” Draco gave them a watery smile. He was glad these three were a part of his group. Even if they’d only known each other for a few weeks, they truly felt like a family.

“No problem besides, you said your parents were making an effort to change, and as long as they continue to make that effort, I won’t set my legal team on them,” Coraline smirked at her friends’ looks of shock.

“I—Why?” Draco squeaked in exasperation.

“Sue, for legal custody, your mother is a Black, which makes you a Black, and I’m the heiress.” Coraline shrugged, revealing one of her heir rings to the group.

“You’re the heir??!!!” Draco exclaimed.

“Yep,” Coraline answered, popping the p.

“Can someone please explain to the new blood?” Hermione asked

“Since the current Lord is incapacitated, Coraline has the right to make decisions for her house. Part of that can include suing for custody over children in house black.” Neville explained.

“Wouldn’t him being the heir—”

“Since the Black family is older than the Malfoy family and more powerful, they outrank them. Ergo if Coraline sues for custody over Draco, then they’d have to hand him over to her.” Neville explained.

“What if she was a horrible abusive person, though? Not that she is, but…” Hermione trailed off in her shock.

“Then they would uncover that during the process. If nothing is found, then the person in question is sent to their family.” Coraline answered; she knew where Hermione was coming from. Hell, it pretty much happened to her.

“I see…still not sure how to feel about it.” Hermione frowned, trying to digest everything.

“We don’t expect you to. Mione, you’re doing everything you can to learn about the culture you’ve joined. That’s more than most new bloods.” Draco comforted.

“Thanks, Dray. I think we should head out to Hagrid’s if we’re all done with breakfast?” Hermione smiled at the group before joining them on the trek to the gamekeeper's hut.

Chapter Text

Coraline knocked on the door to the hut stepping back when she heard the man shuffling and arguing with a dog. When the door opened, he looked over the group smiling warmly at them all—even Draco, which shocked him somewhat.

“Don’t just stand there, come in, come in, don’t worry about Fang; he won’t bite. More of a scardey cat if ya ask me.” Hagrid ushered the group inside, setting them down and passing out some tea and relatively dense biscuits. Hermione took one and hit it against the table. Huh, she wondered…

“You wouldn’t happen to be related to Badroy? Would you?” She asked

“How the bloody hell do ya know about me, great grandfather?” Hagrid asked the girl in shock.

“My grandfather is Finnian. Yes, he’s still alive thanks to those experiments.” Hermione chuckled; all Badroy men had trouble in the kitchen. Either they made the food explode or ended up making it into an inedible (though edible to them) weapon.

“Huh, you’ll have ta introduce us at some point.” Hagrid mused before taking a seat.

“So, Coraline, how are ye and yer friends enjoying Hogwarts?”

“We like it so far though we could do less with the house rivalry.” Coraline sharpened her teeth slightly to bite into the biscuit. Hey, demons could eat this sort of thing, well, those with demonic blood anyway.

“Yer mother was the same way. It’s probably why she spent so much time with Snape and some other Slytherins.” Hagrid chuckled as he took a sip of his tea.

“I knew she spent time with other houses, but I didn’t know she and Professor Snape were friends.” Coralline furrowed her eyebrows as she began to process this new information. There was something niggling at the back of her mind.

“Oh yeah, between you and me, I actually thought the two of em would end up together, but then they had a falling out in their sixth year, I think? Though it was obvious to me, he still held feelings for her.” Hagrid nodded

Coraline felt her eyes widening as she remembered the different plants Snape had used in his questions the other day.

“Shit, I need to go talk to him, Draco do you think you’d be willing to come with me? He might not see me otherwise.” Coraline leaped from her seat, looking towards the boy pleadingly before remembering her manners.

“Don’t worry if it’s alright with Hagrid; we’ll keep him company while you go and rectify with the professor.” Neville waved the girl off.

“Aye, I wouldn’t mind spending some time getting to know these two. Sides, I got stories of Neville's parents too.” Hagrid nodded, surprised when she gave him a genuine smile. He smiled back at her, watching as she and the Malfoy heir left. He wasn’t sure why Dumbledor was so worried they seemed like nice kids. He’d tell him as much later, but the other stuff well, his father's ancestor did swear their bloodline to the Phantomhive family.

Chapter Text

Hermione watched as her two friends ran towards the castle. She was curious when Coraline's knowledge of victorian flowers would kick in. If she still hadn’t figured it out, then she and Neville would have gone over some things with her. Now then, time to look—Is that a dragon egg!!!

“Hagrid,” Hermione spoke quietly.

“Yes, Hermione.”

“Why do you have a dragon egg?” She pointed towards the egg, surprising Neville, who honed in on the egg.

“Er, well, I uh won it in a poker game,” Hagrid answered sheepishly

“And here I thought Grandfather was the one obsessed with animals. Next thing I know, you’re going to tell me you have a hell hound.” Hermione snorted, not at all bothered by the egg.

“How do you know about Fluffy?” Hagrid screeched, throwing Hermione off balance along with Tris.

Tris had been staring at Hagrid intently, there was something familiar about the man, but she couldn’t place what.

“Who’s Fluffy?” Hermione questioned.

Hagrid clammed up, refusing to reveal too much.

“Hagrid. Who. Is. Fluffy,” Hermione hissed, glaring at them man adding a bit of wind to her hair.

Hagrid gulped, looking towards Neville, who looked pointedly at the egg before looking back.

“Oh, all right, he’s a Cereburus I raised as a pup and lending to Dumbledor,” Hagrid admitted.

“Let me guess it’s to protect the philosopher's stone?” Neville asked the man.

“How in the blazes did you know that?” Hagrid screeched.

“The paper, it talks of a break-in. I was there when you said you were on business with Dumbledore to pick up something. Which the only thing I can think of that would require a three-headed dog is the stone.” Actually, it was more like Briar got bored and went exploring, finding the traps and the stone. Well, more like Sandry overheard about the stone, and he made the connection between that and the traps.

“Blimey, you two are terrifying.” Hagrid took out a flask and took a swig. His grandfather enjoyed his smokes, and he enjoyed his rum. Not like he could easily get drunk off the stuff anyway.

“You think we’re terrifying; you should see Coraline when she hasn’t had her morning coffee.” Hermione chuckled to herself, remembering how she tore apart the upper year who decided to insult her. Usually, Coraline would let Hermione chew the dumbass out herself, but she hadn’t had her morning coffee; as such, he was fair game.

Hagrid winced as he remembered back to Lily when someone had pissed her off. Lord help the bastard if he said anything about her being on her period.

“Yeah, that’s the expression Draco, and I held, so about my parents?” Neville asked. Unlike Coraline, he didn’t have much to go on. His uncle was helpful when it came to his father but only from his time before Hogwarts, and no information on his mother other than the few letters exchanged between his parents. Ones Augusta didn’t manage to burn, that is.

The woman held plans to force Neville into what she wanted by using his parents against him. Unfortunate he had Briar, unfortunate for her that is.

Chapter Text

“Uncle Severus, come on, open up. I know you’re in there.” Draco pounded on the man’s doors incessantly. He’d seen him duck into the room when he spotted Coraline.

“Draco, move aside. I may have an idea.” Coraline waved the boy back before staring at the snake adorned over the door.

“Professor, either you let us in so we may talk, or I will order this door to let me in,” Coraline warned the man, who remained silent.

“Alright then, I hope you’re decent, professor.” Coraline concentrated on the snakes summoning up her ability as the heir to Slytherin's house.

“Open,” Coraline hissed, smirking as the door unlocked and swung open.

“You dare!” Severus hissed.

“Sit Down!” Coraline ordered, eyes flashing crimson for a split second.

Severus sank back into the couch, shocked at how much she looked like Lily in that one instance.

“Now it has come to my intention that not only do you know my mother, but you feel as if you have something to do with her death. Explain, Now.” Coraline sauntered towards the man glaring at him.

“I overheard a prophecy and delivered it to the dark lord.” Severus pulled up the sleeve of his robes, revealing the dark mark.

“And you believe this caused the death of my mother?” Coraline didn’t care about the mark, not at this moment anyway.

“I begged him to let her live, begged him not to kill her.” Severus held back tears, he was the dungeons' feared bat, and he would not cry.

“Draco be a dear and close the door, would you?” Coraline asked of her hopefully soon to be brother in bonds.

“Sure, just don’t hurt him?” Draco begged the girl before closing the door on his way out.

“Can you tell me what the prophecy said?” She asked the man gently when the door had closed.

“‘The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies.’ That’s all I know.” Severus glared down at the carpet.

“Look at me, Professor Snape,” Coraline demanded.

Severus rose his head, fearing to see familiar eyes filled with hate.

“It’s not your fault she died. That is on Voldemort.” She watched as the man winced, not in fear but pain.

“If I—“

“No, you were fulfilling your duties to the lord you swore an oath to. His actions are his own, not yours. I cannot absolve you of the crimes you might have committed while under his rule, but I can absolve you of my mother’s death. I don’t know what vendetta you had with my father, but it ends here, understand?” Coraline stared the man down, waiting for a reply.

“Why would you care? Why would you be so willing to forgive someone who doesn’t deserve it.” Severus clutched his robes tightly and, for the first time in years, felt tears splash upon them.

“Because it’s obvious you have continuously beat yourself up over something out of your control. You did not betray my parents. You only delivered a prophecy, a self-fulfilling one at that. All you did was prove you are a faithful servant. All you did was obey the man you swore your life to. You didn’t cast the curse. You didn’t lead him to them. You begged for my mother to be spared, and it’s obvious he refused such a request, therefore.” Coraline gripped the wrist with her hand, concentrating on her magics.

“You’re master betrayed his promise, release the man from his oaths.” She commanded the magical brand

“You dare command us?” They hissed back.

“I defeated him. I am the next in line by conquest; you will listen, or I will remove you by force.”

“Go ahead, little girl.”

Coraline’s eyes glowed crimson green as she focused on the threads of magic, snipping the marks carefully away and stitching Severus’s together. The man couldn’t see it, but Sandry guided her ward carefully, ensuring she did not exhaust herself or hurt the man. When all. Was said and done, the mark was a mass of dark energy in her hands—one which she consumed.

“Wha—what did you do, how?” Severus begged pale-faced and faint.

“Ever hear of the phantom hive family?” Coraline looked at the pale man, who blinked at her in shock before he passed out on the couch from shock.

“Well,” Said Sandry, “At least he was already sitting down?”