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endlessly-cursed · 2 years

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Another World, Another Primrose, Chapter Two: To Have Loved and to Have Lost

A/N: September is here and I wanted to welcome it with the second chapter of Primrose’s Legacy!

Summary: A year after the successful birth of Primrose, their parents are ready to start discussing the future of Winbourne.

TW: Swearing, miscarriage

Characters that appear: Duchess Coventry @camillejeaneshphm Duchess of Alderly @gaygryffindorgal Lady Brokenshire @cursebreakerfarrier

Taglist: @nicos-oc-hell @slytherindisaster @camillejeaneshphm @catohphm @hphmmatthewluther @thatravenpuffwitch

July, 1882

Primrose had turned just one year, and her parents, alongside the peerage, celebrated the little lady’s birthday. She giggled and played with other children as the adults sat on the different lawns made for them and chatted over business and gossip. Victoria sat with a polite smile as she listened to Princess Louise of Alderly chat about her recent soiree with the Prince and Princess of Wales, though she found partying all day with no sense or care rather childish and very immature, though she reckoned that as a princess and duchess, she could afford to do so. She too could send nannies for her Primrose, but felt wrong to be away from her. She even baffled her peers by breastfeeding her baby herself, though now she had a feeding bottle and had grown into an adorable baby girl who could beguile anyone with those rosy baby cheeks. She could spot her dear husband hearing to the latest business of the Duke of Alderly and could read his face very well: he was deciding whether to excuse himself or just hurl himself into the sun to stop hearing such things. She hid her giggled by pretending to sip her champagne and continue listening to Louise.

While chatting with the Duchess Coventry, she spotted Lady Brokenshire rather lonely, absently petting her adorable cat. She then looked at her ton “Ladies, do you mind if we include Lady Brokenshire?”

“I suppose it’d be rather rude to leave the poor woman excluded.” Louise conceded.

“Yes, do bring her in! I’ve been looking for an excuse to ask her something!”

“Lady Brokenshire! I say, Lady Brokenshire!” She called out, commanding both Lady Brokenshire and the cat’s attention “Do join us here, please!”

Her dear Vincent took the hint and signaled Lord Brokenshire to join the men as well. She sat with them and they welcomed her with a glass of champagne with a small cherry on it and delicious scones and pastries “Do be welcome, my lady!” Victoria smiled. She had met the lady at her time at Hogwarts, and she was aware they all talked about the famous heiress of the ancient house Somerset. Evelyn noticed that none knew of her particular education and a subtle signal of her silence was enough agreement “If I remember correctly, you have a daughter of Prim’s age, don’t you?”

Evelyn smiled at the topic of her baby daughter “Oh yes! My Lillian resembles her father greatly and grows bigger by the day! I’m afraid that if I blink again, she’ll be ready for school!”

Louise smiled “Oh, will you send her to the Paulinas? Please say yes! My girl could use a roomie!”

“We are… still debating school, but I will keep your offer in mind, lady…?”

“Duchess Louise of Alderly.” She replied, her haughty nature showing off like a peacock showing off its wings.

Evelyn’s eyes went wide and quickly offered a curtsy “Do forgive me, Your Grace.”

“Oh, don’t worry!” Victoria quickly jumped in “The lady is learning, but she makes a quick study, duchess! She will be familiar with the territory in no time!” She smiled as she beckoned her servant for a strong champagne for the duchess to compensate.

“I hope so, Lady Brokenshire.”

She nodded and gave a thankful glance to Victoria, who smiled at her and whispered “Worry not, for what I saw in class… we will soon laugh at this!”

The Duchess Coventry pursed her lips “Whatever it is you two are whispering about? I do hate being left out.”

“We were wondering where did you got such a lovely silk, Your Grace.” Evelyn quickly responded “I was thinking of getting one for my sister-in-law. She loves fashion.”

The duchess smiled “You could’ve just asked me, dear! I have this tailor in France…” she kept talking about it and Victoria winked at her for her quick learning. Most noblewomen were won over alcohol, flattery and pretty things. The higher you got, at least.

A while later, the topic shifted to matrimony and a rather tipsy Princess Louise said rather loudly “My dear Thomas and I have been discussing potential betrotheds for our only son and we have thought of your Primrose.” Everyone froze for a minute “Wouldn’t they make the most handsome couple when older?”

Victoria tried to contain her excitement and smiled politely “We’d be honored, Your Grace. You know our doors are open to you, and Henry is the most delightful baby. I’m sure no other man would be more deserving of her than him.”

She smiled and looked at her husband, who didn’t look amused. However could he not be? He was a prince, and was part of her royal family. Any girl would be lucky to be part of them! She knew that they’d have an interesting chat later, she could tell it.

After the party, as both changed into nightwear, Victoria finished to brush her hair and looked at her husband “I couldn’t help but see your expression when the Duchess mentioned a potential proposal,” despite her husband sighing heavily and pinching the bridge of his nose, she didn’t budge “and I think it’d be beneficial to our little girl.”

“She doesn’t have enough age to have a saying in this. She can’t even think yet! And you want to set her with a bloody Hanover.”

“I don’t see anything wrong with it.” She held her head high and her husband finally faced her.

“Can’t we wait until she’s at least sound of mind, hm?”

“They would’ve picked some princess already then!”

“Let them! I am not selling my daughter to the bloody royals!”

Victoria got up and went towards him “This is my house, my estate, and my child too! I bore her for nine months, I gave birth to her and kept her alive, so it’s fair that I get a saying in this!”

“She is a fucking child, Victoria! They both are! They do not even know what marriage means! How can we hurl them into it, eh?”

“Don’t you dare raise your voice at me, Vincent! I am more than your wife; I am your viscountess!”

He got closer and whispered “Who benefits from this, hm? Your ambition?”

“Our future son!” He froze, and she took a deep breath “I am with child, and the most gifted seer told me it’d be a boy with golden hair and would bring a golden age to Winbourne.”

“How long, Victoria?”

“Two months. I wanted to be sure.”

He closed his eyes and sighed, pacing around “I understand your motives, but she’s too young. She can barely make a sentence, let alone understand wifely duties, Vic. Please, tell the Alderlies that you’re flattered, but that she deserves to have a childhood.”

“This is how nobility spends their childhoods. Ensuring their dynasties and persevering the lines with auspicious marriages, cunning and deceit. That is our childhood.” She looked at her husband square in the eye, facing off.

“…So be it.” He picked his pillow and left. Victoria shouted behind him

“You think me selfish and cold, but when we’re surrounded by riches and with our problems and lives solved, you’ll thank me, I assure you!”

She huffed, hurling the brush and trying not to cry. He’d not have it. Not this time.

Six months later

One more month, Victoria thought. One month, and she’d have the son and heir she had promised to her father on his deathbed. She had to. What else was a woman to do in this man-led world? Sure, the times were indeed changing and the authorities were being questioned, even the fairer sex’s role was questioned, but Victoria was in too deep into the lifestyle to think about it. Perhaps her perspicacious daughter, who was proving to be witty and with a sense of humor from a young age, could change the pattern. Only time would tell. Who knows, perhaps in a future ladies wouldn’t take their husbands’ names! Though she suspected the Tories wouldn’t allow it. She had always been wary of them.

She was strolling the grounds with Alina, chatting and watching Primrose play with Ms. Barry when she felt a jolting pain on her stomach and gasped for air “Mama hurt?” Asked Primrose.

“Emma,” she breathed “take her out. Now!” Emma nodded and picked the curious girl and took her out of there despite her complaints. Another jolt of pain came towards her, and she gasped for air. The blood on her leg made her realise. She grabbed Alina by the arm “I’m losing my baby. I’m losing my boy.”

“Not if I have a saying on it. You!” She called to the butler “Fetch the doctor now! At once!”

He nodded and ran off as quickly as he could, and Alina took her to a small room and stayed with her, attending her every need. She also dismissed Vincent, saying that his presence would only make worse the ordeal after months arguing “She is my wife, and that is my child, I have a right to—,”

“After everything you’ve put her through while with child you have a right to shut your stupid mouth and obey me! You seem to forget that I am a Viscountess as well.”

“A Dowager—,”

“Who can feed you to the dogs and pluck out your heart if I wish to do so. Now, do Vicky a favour and be with your daughter and leave women’s business to the actual women.”

“But—,”

“Guard! Take him to his daughter, at once.”

The man hesitated “But, madam, protocol says—,”

“Don’t you dare tell me the protocol of my home! Out with you both! If I see another male here, I will personally feed them to the dogs!” She shouted, scaring everyone, her Ukrainian accent showing.

Every male in their presence left, afraid that she might try make her threats true. She huffed and went back to Victoria, whose condition had worsened. The midwife and doctor came in, she was in excruciating pain and certain that the baby wouldn’t survive.

“Madam, what do we do?” The doctor asked. And she knew well what he was asking.

He was asking her who lived and who died. And she knew who’d live and who’d die, “The Viscountess must survive this. Too many Somersets have died already.” He nodded and started to get to it with the midwife. “I need some air,” She knew what came next, she needn’t watch.

She took a deep breath and fidgeted with the ring that her late husband had once given her, a promise to grow old and make Winbourne everyone’s home. It seemed like another life. She wondered if he had lived and the two of them had another son. Perhaps nothing of this sort would’ve happened. Perhaps she’d be the one negotiating with the Alderlies for an engagement and Vincent and Victoria would’ve settled elsewhere.

But God had decided their destiny long ago and there was no coming back. Winbourne needed a male heir to survive, and it was all up to Victoria. She had thought to remarry, but there were no elder males with a solid claim. Only Vic remained, and the male line had been wiped out by war and sickness. Only the women had survived.

It couldn’t be so bad that a woman ran Winbourne by birth-right. The Queen had done an exceptional job, as had Anne I, Mary I and II, Elizabeth I… Why couldn’t the same rule apply to the nobility? If someone could raise a strong leader, that someone was Victoria. And she’d be sure to tell her.

That day was clear that Victoria’s third pregnancy wouldn’t come to term. Bells chimed in mourning for the lost son, and Victoria wept in helplessness and shame, and Vincent tried to have himself sorted.

Little Primrose observed as the tiny coffin was taken away. She couldn’t understand what was happening, she was too young. She was too damn young for this. Who was to tell her that nature had decided she wouldn’t have a brother?

Victoria later told her husband “We can’t lay such responsibility on her. It is too much for her.”

“Do you think a woman can’t be a viscountess?”

“I think that our daughter deserves a low-key and tranquil life, away from vipers who are waiting to end our line just because she’s a woman. She doesn’t deserve this burden. We must have a son, Vincent, or else this life may very well kill her. If someone must die the next time, let it be me.”

“Let us hope then that nobody has to make such a decision.”

He watched thoughtfully the stars, wondering if looking at these lines and dots full of light had any answer to this. He knew his girl was a though nut, but outside was ruthless and unkind to beautiful ladies with such power. She needed someone who wouldn’t get in the way of her claim and were able to protect her. And Henry wasn’t the one she needed to survive.

Even if he lost his family forever, he’d make of his daughter untouchable to others that nobody would doubt her claim or throw out hundreds of years of history. Not if he had a saying about it. He had loved three children. He had lost two. Whoever dared to touch a single hair of his living heir, would have him on their way.

#hphl #hphl fanfiction #harry potter: hogwarts legacy #primrose gray's legacy #pgl book one #another world another primrose #victoria somerset #vincent gray #alina mikelovna #tw: language #tw: miscarriage #alderly family #coventry family #evelyn brokenshire #rex brokenshire #mywriting*

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endlessly-cursed · 2 years

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One Step Closer (Judespar)

A/N: Writing this fic was an adventure (because I kept being distracted, neurodivergency goes brr) and exploring Jude and Caspar’s story a bit further while taking a bit step: meeting the in-laws! Caspar belongs to the incredible @cursebreakerfarrier

Summary: The Brokenshires invite Jude to dinner

TW: Mentions of emotional abuse, a bit of kissing and angst

Word Count: 6.3k words

February, 1933

Caspar Brokenshire woke up a tad earlier than he should on the Friday morning. He took a deep breath and then took a look at his side, where Jude Dubois slept peacefully, her hair mussed and still with his shirt on. He smiled broadly as he remembered the nice stroll on the park with baby Joseph on his shoulders, the nice dinner they got after they left him with his grandparents to babysit and then coming to Jude’s apartment, where they busied with each other.

He heard Jude waking up and looked at him, arching an eyebrow “Do you know that it’s creepy to stare?”

He chuckled and kissed her cheek “Forgive me, love, but you’re simply a vision even sleeping.”

She smiled and then got up. All this time together, she had opened up about Joseph’s father: he had been cold with her, only paying her attention in the bedroom, never waking up together and simply keeping her like a dirty secret… and treating her like dirt itself.

Caspar always thought that Jude was simply too smart to be with the likes of him, that she’d never fall for it, but not even the most intelligent woman he knew could escape him. It broke his heart and also made his blood boil. He had an incredible woman at his feet, and he decided to treat her like she was not worth it? He did always think him an idiot, and too good for Jude.

When he heard that Jude was pregnant, he feared the worse, and office gossip wasn’t helping. But when Violet Selwyn-Ellison, Jude’s closest friend, told everyone they had split and that Jude would raise her child alone, he felt relief and also concern. Society did not take kindly single mothers and expected them to either marry the father or trap a poor bachelor into marriage and expect him to raise their child.

But Jude had refused to do either of those and, though he knew it had been hard to unhear the foul mouths, she had proved to be a smart, strong and independent woman. He had always felt drawn to her nature, but seeing her with her son, seeing this nurturing, loving and kind creature, he knew she was the one for him. Not to mention, baby Joseph was the funniest, most adorable baby, and always liked him, and the feeling was mutual.

He got up and fetched his clothes, all forgotten all over Jude’s bedroom floor. He took a deep breath as he collected his thoughts, not trying to think on the perfect night they spent here, tangled on each other and the perfect synchrony and rhythm they had reached. He cleared his throat and he came to the kitchen, here he craned his neck, looking for the clock.

“Do you want to stay for breakfast? Joseph will be here at any moment and you two can have your interesting chats.”

He searched for his pocket watch and looked at the time “I’d love nothing more, but I promised my grandmother that I’d visit her. Tell him I said hello, though.”

Jude made a face but quickly recomposed herself, but Caspar quickly read her thoughts “Come here,” he kissed her cheek and caressed her face “I know that it sounds bad, but you know my grandmother Evelyn. You two work in the same field.” He also smiled “And you know that every Saturday morning I visit her. I promise I will come back on Sunday morning, and feel free to ask her if I was truly there.”

She sighed and buried her face in his chest “I’m sorry, Caspar. I don’t mean to be so controlling, it’s just… I can’t help but become paranoid and worrisome when—,”

He hugged her tightly, kissing her head “Don’t worry, love. You should know that I only have eyes for one woman, and I’m cradling her in my arms as we speak.”

She hugged him tighter and he gladly returned the affection and lifted her up, sitting her on the counter and kissed her softly “I promise to visit you at your office. And to tell my granny that you say hello.”

She smiled at him and kissed his cheek “Go. I have to prepare for this new case anyways. Shoo.” They both chuckled before he kissed her one more time before grabbing his keys and coat and leaving her apartment, not before glancing back and mouthing a ‘see you later’ to Jude.

Jude sighed, mentally kicking herself. She had acted irrational again, but thank goodness Caspar was an angel who understood. Her previous relationship with Nigel had bruised her greatly. He had neglected her, cheated on her, insulted and emotionally abused her to the point where she thought she was going crazy. He had never once lifted his hand to her, but there was a point where she wished she did, so people would believe her when she called him out. Many had warned her of him, but she was too engrossed in this powerful, elder, charismatic and confident man who was in reality a narcissist, an entitled, immature and privileged old man who had taken advantage of her. And even when she said, that, people still blamed her for not knowing better. How could she have? She was just twenty-one when she met him, and she never had any relationships before. Sure, she had kissed some men and some dumb one-night stands, but Nigel was serious from the start. Perhaps she did notice his faults, but chose to ignore them.

When she had left Nigel’s cottage—she didn’t even live with him at the estate—his mother had told her that when he left to ‘visit her’, he was with other women, and that habit had always been there. She had carried her pregnancy alone while he was out there, prancing his cock around like some kind of bizarre circus attraction, not giving a damn about his own child, calling her a whore and that he had no interest in a bastard and his commoner mother.

She remembered laying on her bed, weeping and screaming out her feelings, Violet waiting at the door patiently with chocolate, ice cream, and a lot of hugs. The first two terms, she spent them crying and dragging herself to work, with barely any energy. She did relish on her victories and when she acted as a judge when her co-worker couldn’t make it.

Until Caspar started paying her attention. He brought her flowers with notes quoting poems, offered to walk her to her car, but to her, the wound wasn’t entirely closed. She did accept his gifts, but was still reluctant of being courted by yet another rich, influential man. He seemed to understand she needed time and that some things still hurt.

But seeing him with baby Joseph, and his family, and their low-key dates and deep talks, how kind, understanding and sweet he was… Falling for Caspar Brokenshire felt like going to sleep after a long day. At first you weren’t able to do so, overthinking the day, then you started to notice how your body was slowly falling into the world of dreams, adjusting to the comfort and warmth of the bed, and the next thing you knew, you had fallen into the world of dreams, just as she had fallen for him. And the moment she knew, she made sure to let him know how much she appreciated him.

She slowly smiled to herself as she remembered the first time she asked him to stay the night. While they did not lay together, they laid on the bed, talking and cuddling until she fell asleep on his strong arms, secured around her waist. When she woke up next to him, cutely sleeping, she knew that he was what Violet always called ‘Mr. Right’. Many nights had followed, and from cuddling they kissed softly, talking between smooches and sometimes feeding a very hungry baby Joseph, until it was Jude who took the step. She knew that Caspar had been patiently waiting, enjoying their little moments. It felt right. She didn’t feel it as a pressure or something she owed him, like with Nigel, but rather because she chose to, because she wanted him and wanted this. As she passionately kissed him, she whispered to him “I am ready, Caspar. Kiss me and don’t you dare stop.” He had asked her at least three times if she was sure and reassured her they could stop, and she reassured him that she was ready and wanted this and him.

And what a wonderful night they spent! Caspar was so sweet and attentive, and could get over the first-time awkwardness to actual love and passion and admiration for one another. She had never felt so seen, worshipped or spoiled, and later they had a small pillow talk between giddy smiles and where he told her he loved her. She was caught off guard, and he assured her she didn’t need to answer now, but that he wanted her to know.

It was a week later when Joseph wouldn’t sleep and it was already two in the evening when he started humming a lullaby, and he quickly slept on the crib with a small rabbit toy Joseph loved, and when both exited the room, she took gently his face in her hand and looked at him lovingly and adoringly “I love seeing you with Joseph, and how right it feels when the three of us are together, and when I hold you and talk to you… But most of all, I love you, Caspar Sidney Brokenshire. With you I am happier than I have ever been.”

He smiled at her, tears threatening to go down, but instead he kissed her giddily and spent a wonderful night in each other’s arms, loving each other and whispering to the other those three words.

Jude had started to talk more openly about her and Caspar, and she suspected he too talked about her openly as a partner. Her aunt Blanche adored Caspar and always ‘kidnapped’ Joseph so both of them had time together and he had met her family formally in their reunion. She loved seeing him play with her nephew and nieces, Elodie, Èponine and Fabian. And given that when they left, he had a broad smile on his face, she reckoned her brother and father had given their blessing to keep courting Jude.

There were times where she thought that something would go off, that this was too good to be true, but every day with Caspar was a gift. Sure, they had their quarrels, but he always came back to her, always reached a consensus, and their love for the other always reigned victor.

Jude sighed happily as she rummaged through her paperwork, feeling blessed to have Caspar Brokenshire in her life.

As Caspar came out of the car, his grandmother Evelyn was already there with a bright smile on her face. He smiled widely at her and greeted her fondly “Grandmother. You look lovely as usual.”

She smiled “Flatterer! And you look taller than before! How fast time goes by.”

He shook his head, still smiling “I saw you last week, grandmother. Nothing’s changed.”

She was about to say something when his grandfather Rex shouted from the house “Will you let the poor boy in, Evie? It’s freezing outside!” He said teasingly.

Both chuckled and Evelyn let go of her grandson to greet his grandfather. Both of them hugged and exchanged some pleasantries before he knowingly whispered “And I take the perfume smell is due to the fact that you spent the night with your mysterious lady, eh?” He cleared his throat and looked another way, making his grandfather laugh “I warn you; your grandmother won’t stop until she has a name, and you know how persuasive she can be.”

“Uh, what do we have today? I’m starving.”

Rex kept on the teasing “Do not tell me your lady doesn’t feed you!”

Caspar shook his head as Toby observed everything amused “I reserved myself for Grandmother’s cooking. I always end up rolling back to my flat because of the excess of food.”

Sheridan meowed as he chased Evelyn to the kitchen, probably to ask her for treats. He remembered when Jude first met Sheridan, and after a few pets and a small treat, he lay on her lap as both of them dined and conversed about a case she had won recently. He smiled as he remembered how she excitedly explained the technique she used, what she learned from it and the deep research. Jude was hardworking and dedicated to her cause, attributes that first called his attention.

He sat with Toby and played with his nephew a bit, exchanging stories until Toby looked at him “Whoever that unnamed lady is, Cas, she does you good. I hope to meet her one day.”

Evelyn, unnoticed by both men, looked with a knowing smile to her grandson “So there is a lady in your life! Now I owe your mother a shilling.”

He looked at her with wide eyes “You two betted on my love life?!”

His mother, Lillian, joined the conversation “For a few months, dear! Especially after your lady called home asking for you. She has a strong and commanding voice, but she was sweet with me. She even wished that we see each other soon!”

Suddenly, they all started to theorize who could be, much to Caspar’s embarrassment. He sighed “Can we not discuss my love life right now, especially with an empty stomach?”

Evelyn was the one to concede poor Caspar some mercy “Very well. But don’t you think you’re escaping the conversation!”

He shook his head and focused instead on his nephew Leonard, and for a moment he remembered Joseph, who was probably awake and either eating or chewing on the rabbit toy he had gifted him after reaching nine months.

The dinner went on without talking of Caspar’s love life, which relieved him –not because he was ashamed of Jude or didn’t want to talk to her! –but his family never talked about his love life, always focused on his work. Jude was the first woman who had been able to make him think of something more than chasing down truth and justice. Someday, when the time was right, to settle down and form their own family… the thought of it before her never came, and though he liked the idea, he didn’t truly consider it until he fell in love with her.

With tea served and the scones ready, everyone went into groups and Evelyn came to him, a soft expression on her eyes “I think you owe me a conversation of the lady who you won’t mention.”

“I won’t say much, but… she is a Ravenclaw alumni, she works in the Ministry as well, her job is similar to yours—,”

“Oh, do I know her?” She asked.

“It is possible, yes. And… she has a son from a previous relationship.”

“Widowed?”

“No.”

“Divorced, then?”

“Neither.”

“Oh, so she’s a single mother?”

He nodded “Yes. I reckon is hard for her too, but she carries on her duty well. She’s always there with her son and makes also time for herself.”

Evelyn smiled “She sounds like an amazing, strong and independent woman. Now I’m intrigued! How long have you two seen each other?”

“We have seen each other since November of last year.”

“Aren’t you a tease! And you said nothing to me at least?”

He scratched the back of his head “To be fair… I wasn’t sure I’d have a chance. And she was still hurting after the father of her son abandoned her. I wanted to be sure and give her time to open up to me.”

Lillian, who had been casually near –and with that she meant eavesdropping—smiled with pride. She had raised her son well, and how he talked of her proved her and her chest was filled with joy.

Evelyn squeezed her his hand “Well, do tell your mysterious lady she is welcome to join us this Tuesday for a small dinner.”

“And that her son’s invited as well,” Lillian added.

He nodded “I shall let her know tomorrow when I drop by her office.”

Lillian looked at her son “When are you meeting her parents, son?”

He looked away, fully knowing that she’d scold him. His mother took the hint and shook her head “You met a girl’s parents and didn’t tell me or bring me?!”

Now he’d be chided and teased for the rest of the night.

When Caspar had told Jude she’d meet his mother and grandparents, many feelings rushed inside her: excitement, anxiety, pressure and a bit of fear.

She had never been introduced to any of her partner’s parents, not even Nigel’s. She had no experience on the matter whatsoever. But she also felt like the were serious about this, and the relationship was going forward. She also felt anxious and pressured. She wanted nothing more than the good opinion and approval of his family, especially his mother. She had heard many tales from Lillian Brokenshire and have had a chat with his grandmother Evelyn when she consulted her about one of her first cases. And of course, the famous Rex Brokenshire. She suspected that the tales wouldn’t make him justice. She knew by tales of Caspar that he was at the end of the day another regular man, but the intimidating feeling had been there. She was also afraid; what if she messed up? What if she wasn’t good enough? Too many catastrophic scenarios came into mind, and Caspar was quick to spot them rushing into her mind through her worried look.

“Hey,” he placed his hand on her shoulders “I know it can sound intimidating, meeting my family, but I assure you they are regular people with regular lives outside the heroism of my grandfather. They are going to love you, darling. Just be yourself, they do not bite despite their profession of vampirologists.”

That small joke made her chuckle and nodded, taking a deep breath “Alright, I’ll go.” Joseph made a complaining noise as he tugged her pants. Both of them chuckled “Sorry, darling. We’ll go.”

He smiled at her and gave her a chaste kiss before looking at his watch and rushing to his office, for his break was over. Jude sighed as she picked Joseph from the floor “Guess we’ll have to put you on an adorable outfit so all the attention goes to you, hm?”

Joseph cooed, still gnawing at the rabbit toy.

Sliding the beige dress she chose, with a modest neckline and her best makeup with her lucky lipstick –she was convinced that every time she had it on, good things happened—and Joseph dressed as the cutest little gentleman with an adorable suit her tailor gladly made –though he had been stubborn when measuring it and kicked effusively when trying it on—nothing could go wrong.

She explained to Joseph how he should behave in the best way a ten-month-old baby could understand, and with a happy coo and what it seemed like a nod, they waited for Caspar to pick them up and take them to Brokenshire estate, where the dinner would be held.

She had learned that Rex held the title of Lord for a long time, though it was his eldest son and Caspar’s uncle, Ace, who did most of the duties. Caspar smiled broadly at the sight of his girlfriend and kissed her cheek and greeted Joseph, who gladly cooed on his arms.

During the drive, Caspar told Jude some facts and things she should do to impress them while reassuring her that they’d love her no matter what. Joseph still played with his beloved rabbit toy.

They finally arrived, and though the manor was not as portentous and massive as others of the peerage, it was nevertheless impressive. She wiped the sweat off her palms and sighed, hoping for the best. Caspar squeezed her leg in encouragement, and he offered to pick Joseph while she made her entrance. Indeed, Lillian and Evelyn Brokenshire waited for them at the door. She took one deep breath and came out the car with elegant and confident steps and bobbed a curtsy at Evelyn and greeted Lillian. Evelyn gasped and smiled at Jude “So you are the mysterious lady Caspar has been hanging with!”

She smiled bashfully “Guilty as charged. It is nice to see you, Mrs. Brokenshire.”

She clasped her hands in her own “Evelyn, please. We are not at Wizengamot!”

She then turned to Lillian “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She smiled broadly at Lillian “Your son has talked much about you.”

“All good things, I hope?”

She smiled teasingly “I wouldn’t let him talk ill of his own mother, so you can be certain he has.”

The three women laughed until Lillian noticed Caspar with baby Joseph and she smiled “Oh, is that your son? How adorable he is!”

Caspar approached the trio of women “Grandmother, mother, this is Joseph.” The baby then looked at Lillian and her very appealing bejewelled dress and tried to reach it with a mischievous grin “Careful, he is stronger than he appears.”

Lillian wiggled a finger to him and Joseph beamed, catching it and cooing. Evelyn smiled at looked at his flaming red hair “I wonder who he got that gorgeous ginger hair from.”

Jude picked her son and kissed his head “It is from my mother. She has this gorgeous red hair.”

They all came in and she spotted the famous Rex Brokenshire in a neat suit. He looked older than the picture, with a bright grey hair and his face full of the passage of time, but he still had what made him so admired and feared by those who opposed him. She curtsied to him and extended her hand for a greeting “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lord Brokenshire. I have heard nothing but great things from you.”

He smiled warmly at her “Did Cas fill you in of my adventures?”

“He needn’t to. I grew up hearing great tales about you, my lord.”

“You humble me. And I take this is your son?” He signalled Joseph, who was cooing, looking at the shiny insignias he had on his suit.

Jude chuckled “Yes. Lord Brokenshire, this is Joseph Adrien Dubois, my son.”

He bent down to look better at the baby boy and smiled “Hello. I take you want to touch this?” He signalled the insignia and he beamed. He laughed and booped him on the nose “If you are as lovely as your boy, we shall get along well.”

“I truly hope so.”

He signalled her to follow him, and she obliged. Hers and Joseph’s gazes studied the manor and often commented with Rex the paintings and statues, and even greeted some students of his. One blonde girl with an old Victorian attire introduced herself as the little girl who kicked Rex Brokenshire’s arse. Jude did not laugh for politeness’ sake–and too because she saw his embarrassment, but she’d for sure ask Caspar later about her—and took a seat in the drawing room, where Jude placed Joseph on a cushion where he gnawed on his rabbit toy, a habit of his by now.

The women and Caspar joined them soon, though Lillian often made faces to Joseph, who giggled and made sounds of delight by having the attention of the nice lady. Caspar sat beside Jude, often squeezing her hand, letting her know that he was there all the way.

Lillian was the one to start asking questions to Jude “Correct me if I’m wrong, but is the surgeon Ètienne Dubois is your brother?”

She nodded “Yes. He’s very good at it, and is devote. Are you a former patient?”

Lillian shook her head “I’m not, but many of my friends with a more unfortunate passage of time have visited his office, and he’s destined to become one of the best of his generations.”

Jude smiled with pride “He and I always bonded over wanting to do something great and leave our mark in the world. That’s why I wanted to be a lawyer for certain cases where minorities such as women, people of colour and communities that are under-protected by the law knew that someone had their backs.”

Evelyn looked at her “Oh! You were on the case of Gaunt vs Hemmings, right?”

Jude’s chest puffed with pride remembering one of her best victories: Gaunt vs Hemmings was a case of a black muggle women who had been accosted by a pureblood man of the Gaunt family, and when she sued him, he accused her of gold-digger and opportunist. Jude quickly took Hemmings’ side and after months talking with Hemmings and some meetings with Gaunt, found out that he had gotten her pregnant against her own will and when she told him that she was leaving and having an abortion and would report what he did, he had been adamant on not allowing his reputation to be stained. Jude quickly got him right where she wanted him with ‘easy’ questions, and after days where the Muggles asked the judge to imprison Gaunt and the Pureblood accused Hemmings of destroying good families out of pettiness, the judge sentenced Gaunt with a heavy fine and to pay the abortion and to apologise in the courtroom to the Hemmings family and a restraining order, though Jude knew he deserved jail, but this was nevertheless a victory.

Jude has earned new allies and enemies, and had been ascended for her impressive labour by her boss. She and Hemmings still talked “Yes, that was me. Hemmings and I still talk, and she’s married her childhood sweetheart and had triplet boys.”

The women smiled at such a happy ending and Caspar smiled at Jude with adoration “One of the many things that I like of Jude. She’s tenacious and is not easily frightened by those above her.”

Rex raised his glass “Great and rare attributes that are to be rewarded.”

They all toasted to Jude and Joseph seemed to sense it, for he asked something to drink. Jude quickly retrieved a small bottle of water and gave it to him. Rex looked at him and sticked his tongue out, which made him giggle while the water slipped to his clothes. He apologised to Jude but she shook her heard “It’s alright, it’s just water. It’ll pass quickly. The concern would be if it was food.”

They all agreed and the valet announced that dinner was now served. The all sat on the mahogany desk and chatted and exchanged some stories, and Evelyn and Jude discussed cases and experiences, and even indulged some office gossip. Caspar beamed at the sight: his favourite people in the same room and table, getting along and being merry. He spotted Joseph picking his fork and trying to give it to him. Jude giggled “It seems that even my ten-month-old son is aware of your poor eating habits.”

Lillian shook her head at her son “You are truly hopeless if a baby tells you to eat more.” She turned to Jude “He doesn’t listen to him, either?”

“He actually does. Many of Joseph’s meals are offered to Caspar.”

She looked at her son, who looked down embarrassed, shaking her head “I do not know if I should feel offended that you don’t listen to me, or let it pass because it’s adorable.”

Everyone laughed, but Jude squeezed Caspar’s hand and he smiled at her, kissing lovingly her knuckles and sharing some glances. Evelyn whispered to her husband “Do you think we were that obvious at their age?”

“Definitely. Though they have it now easier than we did.”

Joseph cooed, asking for attention, and both chuckled, granting it gladly. Another meal came and the conversation continued, and Jude told them of Dubois manor and some funny stories with Caspar and Joseph, and she also shared something not even Caspar knew “I confess that law and justice were not always my vocation. I loved ballet as a child and Hogwarts years, and was adamant on living in Paris with my grandmother when, out of the academy I attended in summer, I overheard these Pureblood men talking about how they were gods compared to muggles and their wives and how they did terrible things I dare not say out loud and no one would say a thing and even support them. I started reading the newspaper and buying essays and books until I knew that I couldn’t just overlook these things and simply move on with my life. So, I told my father everything and soon started to study harder to get a place at the Ministry. There are times where I still think of that conversation, and now that I have a son to think about… it is my duty as his mother and adult to give him a better world to live in.”

Everyone seemed moved by Jude’s story and Caspar looked at her lovingly, adoration on his eyes. During that speech, he had been reminded again why he loved her so. Lillian, Rex and Evelyn all shared a look: this woman was Caspar’s perfect match. It was amazing and amusing how well they complemented each other, how well they fitted. Lillian placed her hand on Jude’s and smiled at her “Thank you for sharing this story with us. Truly.”

She looked at Evelyn and Rex “If someone could understand where I come from, that would be you both. You two are the great example of doing good for our world.”

Rex lifted his glass “To Caspar and Jude, the couple who will change the world for better after we’re gone.”

Caspar took Jude’s hand and lifted his glass, his chest puffing with pride and joy. Joseph drank of his water and happily chewed his mac and cheese. Both of them looked at each other, feeling even more drawn and connected to the other than before. Lillian’s worries had faded out in that moment. Her son was shining with love and joy, a thing she prayed he felt at least once, like she had with his father once. Not that the feeling had faded, but as years went, the passionate fire that consumed her bones turned into a calm, warming fire that felt like coming home. She also knew her parents were thinking the same, that same fire they felt a long time ago.

After the dinner was over, Rex asked Jude if he could take over watching Joseph for a bit—Jude said that it wasn’t necessary. He chuckled “I don’t mind. I love caring for babies, even if they’re a handful.”

“You’re in luck then,” Caspar smiled “for Joseph if the funniest and most wonderful baby. He has never been a handful.”

“Very well then. But if he needs a change, tell me instantly!” Said Jude.

He nodded and took Joseph in his arms, who cooed at the attention he received. He fussed with Rex’s suit and he laughed, remembering when his children had his age. It felt like a lifetime ago…

Jude and Caspar went out for a stroll in the gardens and they walked in a comfortable silence “Do you think I liked them? Did I talk too much?”

Caspar kissed her forehead “Seems to me like a success. They were delighted with you, trust me. You’re very hard to dislike, Jude Dubois.”

They both smiled before sharing a loving kiss. Jude took a better hold of Caspar’s back of the neck and deepened the kiss, and he gladly returned it. He begged her closer, which resulted in Jude going on her tiptoes for more purchase. His hands went to her lower waist and Jude smiled and stared at him for a few seconds before going for another kiss.

He lifted her bride style and she giggled, encircling her hands on his strong shoulders and both giggled as he spun her around “Stop it! What are you, twelve?”

“When I am with you, dearest, I indeed feel like a whipped schoolboy.”

She smiled before going for another kiss, both relishing in this small moment they had for themselves. He was to suggest to go deeper into the gardens when Joseph’s cry for his mother snapped them back to reality. He reluctantly placed her on the floor again and offered to escort her back “Even I know when Joseph wants you with him and no one else.”

They both walked back to the house, where Evelyn rocked a crying Joseph, asking for his mama when she spotted Jude and Caspar coming back into the manor, their lips red and swollen and their hair mussed and a bit messy. She smiled to herself. Merlin, did she know of the many times Rex and her relied on their friends to have a moment to themselves! Especially when their kids were too little to go looking for them.

Jude shushed her son and took him in her arms, handling her expertly, whispering to him and rocking him in the way he liked best, his small hand strongly gripping on her dress, a small signal that he didn’t want her away from him again, demanding his mother all for himself “Alright, darling, giving the weight of your nappy it’s time for a change, hm?”

“I’ll assist you.” Lillian offered.

Jude smiled politely “It’s alright, I can handle this little monster by myself.”

“I insist!”

Caspar teasingly whispered to her “You won’t win this one. I got my persuasive skills from her.”

Jude shook her head with a smile and beckoned her future mother-in-law to follow her to a room that’d be away from the guests for their noses’ sake. As they went upstairs, the both chatted of trivial things and went into a bedroom, where the servants had left Jude’s stuff should this happen. As they changed him, Joseph was on his best behaviour, barely kicking or making the not-so-pleasant task difficult. Lillian offered to make him laugh as Jude did the dirty work, and Lillian told her of her methods when Caspar had been Joseph’s age: apparently, he had been a serious baby, not easily amused, but grew into a charming and studious boy. Jude was not surprised at all—she had, in fact, suspected it.

Joseph went back to his mother’s arms and Lillian smiled at them both. Maybe it was too soon, but she could imagine her holding her grandson with Caspar, babysitting them… yes, it was too soon perhaps, but an old woman like her could dream!

As they both exited the room, Lillian placed a gentle hand on Jude’s shoulder, and Joseph went to play with her fingers “I can’t speak for my parents, but I wanted to give you, my blessing. You clearly are my son’s perfect match and how much you love him. I hope we can see each other more in the future.”

Jude nodded, trying not to cry of emotion “I’d love nothing more.”

They both smiled and came downstairs, where the men took their whiskey as Evelyn re-told them a story of baby Caspar. At the sight of his girlfriend back, Caspar’s eyes lit and he beckoned her beside him and placed Joseph on his lap, who seemed very happy to be there. He pointed at him and said “Pa!”

Everyone looked around to look at the scene and Jude inhaled sharply, taken by surprise. Her mouth was a big ‘O’ that turned into a smile as she looked at a clearly moved Caspar “What did you say, my boy?”

“Papa!”

Lillian beamed and Rex and Evelyn observed the scene before them with pride and joy. Caspar smiled, full of joy and tears in his eyes and hugged him, and Jude joined the embrace.

“I think it is time to bid our adieus and let them have their moment, don’t you think, Evie?” Rex whispered to his wife, who agreed with him. Soon, Jude and Caspar bid adieu to their hosts and went into the car, an impossible wide grin on their faces as Joseph happily gnawed yet again on the rabbit toy, enjoying the fact that both of them were happy.

After putting Joseph to sleep, they both exited the room and Caspar took Jude’s hands into his own “Please tell me I dreamed all of that.”

Jude shook her head “It is real, my love. Joseph considers you his father.”

He chuckled, moved by the statement, and hugged her tightly, spinning her around. She giggled and kissed him, passionately and happily, both their hearts seeming about to burst. He took her to the bedroom, where they fell asleep in each other’s arms, sharing kisses and giggles, both happy because of today’s events. For both of them, this was one of the happiest days of their lives.

Before they fell asleep, Jude whispered “I’ve met many widows and divorced women who remarried and wondered what it’d be like to have the father in their lives again.” She felt him tense “But with you is different. When Joseph called you papa, it felt right. Like you were his father. And today made it clear. You are his father, even if the two of you share no blood. You feed him, take care of him, love him like your own… and he feels the same. And it honestly makes me so happy. The two men I love the most, getting along so well… if I could freeze the time, it’d be this instant.”

She felt him smiling wide, begging her closer “I don’t want today to end neither.”

They fell asleep, with the biggest smiles they had, both repeating the day over their heads, feeling like today would be the first day of their lives together, that their love story had just begun.

#fbawtft #fbawtft fanfiction #oc: jude dubois #caspar brokenshire #jude x caspar #judespar #rex brokenshire #evelyn hughes #evelyn brokenshire #revelyn #lillian brokenshire #fantastic beasts fic #hp fantastic beasts

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