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hphmmatthewluther · 1 month

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Threads of Silver: Chapter 5 - Ripples in the Valleys

After a long time of waiting due to uni work and creative block, it's finally here! This is the conclusion to this part of TOS, but there is definitely more of this story, that might be told by some other familiar faces! This story features ocs by @camillejeaneshphm and @endlessly-cursed !!

The previous chapter can be found here !!

Chapter 5: Ripples in the Valleys

“It must be understood that in medieval society, poisonings were seen as a fairly regular and harmless practice for dealing with problems, especially when a serf or servant was poisoned, but only if the perpetrator is never caught. To fail at a poisoning, however, was a massive social faux pas, as it often had the capacity to ruin a good feast in a way successful poisonings didn’t.” - Mayson Kowalski’s History Report

It was Gabriel who broke the stunned silence that had filled the hall as Lachlann got to his feet. He looked the apprentice up and down, shaking his head in disbelief. “We all thought…I mean…it was, wasn’t it? The symptoms…the way you…”

Rowena nodded briefly, before turning back to Lachlann. “His body is still dealing with the poison, but…the more fatal symptoms don’t seem to be appearing. Now then, would anyone like to do the decent thing and own up to poisoning my apprentice?”

There was an awkward silence in the air as the many guests looked between each other, Lachlann noticing the Osadas looking directly at Mathilde and Bruna. All of the decorum between the group he had seen early had gone.

It was Mathilde who broke the silence. Between her dark expression and the accusatory look Gabriel was giving her, it seemed rather obvious now what she was notorious for. “Something you’d like to say, good sir?” she asked, her tone of voice passing the judgement back onto Gabriel.

However, it was Rousalie who spoke up. “Oh, don’t be ridiculous-”

“Rousalie, it’s alright-” Gabriel tried to interject, Baron Osada now standing up trying to calm his children down, and the Thane of Cawdor absolutely failing to get everyone to sit back down. Unfortunately, Mathilde and Bruna weren’t helping matters, and it seemed to Lachlann as if an argument would break out there and then. At least until Godric stepped away from the High Table and jumped up onto the one the others had all been sitting on. They all fell silent. Rowena merely rolled her eyes, which conveyed to Lachlann that this wasn’t the first time he’d done this.

“Works every time.” Godric chuckled to himself as he walked across the table towards the others. “Now, I hate to interject, you know me-”

“Oh, please…” Rowena hissed, Lachlann looking up to see Luxia trying to hold in a laugh.

“-but,” Godric continued, holding up his cloak to keep it from getting into any soup, “I feel like all this yelling isn’t helping matters. Let us start with what’s important: are you alright, Lachlann?”

Lachlann winced as the hall now turned to him. He was beginning to understand why Rowena thought of Godric the way she did, but he still appreciated him asking. “I…I definitely feel less faint, and the pain is lessening too…still feel rather sweltered, though.”

Gabriel nodded. “See? This is what I was talking about, all symptoms of Enchanted Nightshade!”

Mathilde chuckled. “Though you are missing the most important component of Enchanted Nightshade, namely the death that follows. Are we sure he didn’t just react badly to our food?”

Rowena tried to stop him, but to Lachlann it didn’t seem like anyone else was following social etiquette either. “Maybe the fact that a certain changeling over there projected into my mind so she can tell me I’m being poisoned.”

Lachlann didn’t need to do much to signpost who he was blaming. The glare he was giving Betwixt was enough for everyone to swivel their heads to find her clutching at the fabric of her dress and glaring back at him, also noticing the Thane of Cawdor looking increasingly agitated. “...And you’re going to all believe him over me? If I wanted to kill him I would have actually done it, not made him pass out for a few minutes, that would simply be-”

She very clearly wanted to say more, but the two changelings either side of her placed a hand on either of her shoulders, and she fell silent. The changeling on the left, the one in the dress, gestured to Godric to continue.

Godric nodded to the other two changelings, his smile fading for a moment. “Thank you. Now, maybe a better question would be “Why didn’t he die?” Because as I’m sure Mathilde knows, that could only be Enchanted Nightshade. I’ve had many a good guest succumb to it in the past few years. And the answer, from where I’m standing at least, is clear.” he said, coming to a stop a few inches from where Lachlann was sitting.

There was a moment of confusion, before Rousalie finally exclaimed “Oh!” and pointed at Lachlann’s bowl. There was a mass of clamouring as the nobles craned their necks to see what she was pointing at, and sure enough within the bowl was still a huge amount of bread and meat. Now she’d pointed it out, it stuck out like a sore thumb amongst the other empty plates.

Bruna finally spoke, still clinging to Mathilde. “I…I don’t quite follow-”

“I do.” Rowena said, a smile now on her face. “Lam, are you alright to stand?”

“I-I think so, milady.” Lachlann said, now feeling a little self-conscious about her holding him up. She let him go and walked over to the table, picking up the bowl. Pulling out her wand, she muttered a few words and her wand glowed a faint purple. There were gasps and a few gags as the food became covered in purple veins.

Godric chuckled. “And there we have it. As Rowena so eloquently demonstrates, It’s not a matter of the food being poorly poisoned. He just didn’t eat enough. My word, this must be why poisonings only happen in noble circles…”

“What makes you say that?” Gabriel asked, squinting at the contaminated food.

Rowena moved it closer to him, Rousalie backing away as she did. “Well, don’t you see? I’m afraid Lachlann here is still getting used to a diet such as ours. Where he comes from they eat different amounts. To him, he ate a normal amount of food.”

“H-He…” Mathilde said quietly, her mouth opening and closing a couple of times. Lachlann stepped over too, and when he did she shot him a look not unlike the one Betwixt gave him. Not just irritation, but sheer disbelief that someone as low as him was able to best her. It made him feel a lot better about the whole thing.

“It was rather rich food.” Lachlann said, absentmindedly. “Does…that settle it?”

“I’m afraid not just yet.” Rowena sighed, turning to the High Table and staring at the Thane. “The last thing I want, O Thane, is for this to devolve into a messy argument that you can skew into one of your battles. As far as I’m concerned, anyone in here could have done it. I confess I’ve made my enemies, after all. I suppose I really should have listened to Lady Hufflepuff. Come, Lam, we’re leaving.”

The Thane looked as if he was about to blow a gasket (not that the gasket had been invented yet). “E-Excuse me?! You talk of me as if I am some common mercenary! My feast has been ruined by the use of magic and so it is my right to use whatever means I have to deal with this!” he spluttered. He looked to either side of him, to Salazar and the third changeling, the one in armour, who seemingly had a conversation between each other based on eye contact alone. Lachlann wondered if they were doing the same thing he and Betwixt had done. Eventually, in part due to the flabbergasted expression on the Thane’s face, Salazar turned to the rest of the hall.

“I find this reasonable. I shall use my magic in the Thane’s service to discover the culprit.” he pledged, his eyes darting across the hall for reactions. They fell on Godric, waiting for his response. For a moment, Lachlann felt as if that was it. He had almost died, but now everyone’s focus was on the Thane’s feast being disrupted. An intense rush of anger filled him at that dismissal of his life, and of Rowena’s, so much so that he almost missed what Godric said next.

“I agree…with Rowena.”. There were gasps. There were mutters. There were exclamations of “What?!”, but Lachlann watched silently. Bruna and Mathilde looked scandalised. The odd thing to Lachlann, though, was that he didn’t think Salazar was taken by surprise by this. Godric, clearly enjoying the attention to the point that he winked at Luxia, continued, “I grant that the feast is ruined, and that is a tragedy. But for you to see yourself as entitled to our services in that way…that I cannot stand. We grant our services as a gift, a price for protection. It becomes clear to me now that perhaps another approach is needed if all it gets us is petty killings and being thrust into battle against each other for the highest bidder.”

Godric leapt off of the table, grinning at the others. “I’m with Rowena on this one. I just don’t think I can stomach another pointless skirmish. What say you, Sal?”

Salazar looked between Godric, at his own apprentices who suddenly looked rather afraid, and then at the Thane. “I’ll admit that I find it slightly degrading at times, but it’s more about finding the right nobles to work…with.” he said, Lachlann unsure if he was looking at the changelings or at the Thane. “But I insist that there is no division between us. You are my friend, Godric. As are you, Lady Ravenclaw. As is anyone who seeks to ensure that magic’s purity is maintained. I imagine you shall be leaving too?”

Godric’s smile had faded once more, and he nodded. “I think that’s for the best. Luxia, my dear apprentices, shall we?”

Luxia got up and walked over to him, maybe milking the attention her walk was getting just a little bit, folding her arm under his once she got there, and not really paying attention to Lachlann. The Osadas, meanwhile, turned and bowed to their parents before joining up with Lachlann and the others.

“Does this happen to you a lot?” Gabriel asked, as the Thane started yelling at the group to stay, his voice undercut by Godric pulling the grand doors open.

“...Not until recently.” Lachlann shrugged, still nursing his stomach.

“I didn’t know serfs ate so little!” Rousalie said, shaking her head in disbelief. “I mean, I saw how much you ate, no wonder you survived!”

“Rousalie, please!” Gabriel said, exasperated. “Sorry, Lam, she really doesn’t mean to be this obnoxious…”

“I-It’s fine, really.” Lachlann reassured him. “Being a serf saved my life, after all.”

“Former serf.” Rousalie said, smiling.

Lachlann found himself laughing at that as they found themselves outside their carriages, as if he hadn’t been poisoned just a few minutes prior. “Yeah…I guess you’re right.”

They ran to catch up with the others, with Godric and Luxia getting into their own coach and leaning over to talk to Rowena. “Are you sure we can’t convince you to stay with us?” Godric asked, looking back at the castle. “I do worry about what that Thane might do.”

“I can take care of myself, as can Lachlann.” Rowena pointed out, opening the door for her apprentice to climb in, “We fought off the Sovereign of the Changelings after all, what’s some foolish noble who thinks he owns the place?”

Godric merely smiled at her. “You’ve been asking that question all your life, I think. Say hello to Helga for me, won’t you?”

Rowena smiled back and nodded, checking to make sure Lachlann was in the carriage. “Safe travels, Lord Gryffindor.”

“You too, Lady Ravenclaw.”

***

An hour or two passed, and before long the carriage had stopped outside a medium-sized castle, the gate already open. As the two climbed out and walked towards it, already Lachlann felt that it had a profoundly different feeling to it than the Thane of Cawdor’s abode. The flames dotted around seemed to glow more warmly, and the structure did not seem to loom over him in the same way either. Lachlann spent a moment clutching his stomach, the carriage journey had not helped his fragile stomach. He brought a shaking hand up to his hair, dreading to think what he must have looked like. A few seconds passed and a woman with blonde hair in a simple yellow dress walked out, accompanied by another blonde woman who was about Lachlann’s age,with incredibly long blonde hair that escaped her veil into two long braids. She seemed to be the other woman’s apprentice, though very clearly was also a noble.

Helga Hufflepuff stared at Rowena and Lachlann for a moment, before clicking her tongue. “I did say it was not wise to attend.” she said finally, looking Lachlann up and down. “My word, boy, what has she put you through?”

Lachlann blinked a few times before mustering up the strength to speak “I…it was not Lady Ravenclaw’s fault, milady…I have some share of the blame for my actions towards the one who hired the poisoner.”

Rowena looked between Lachlann and Helga and sighed. “...I’m sorry. Do you have any medicinal herbs? I might be able to improve his condition before we leave for home.”

Helga nodded, clicking her tongue once more. “Of course. Henriette, if you could see to gathering those, that would be wonderful. Come, I’m sure you’ll want to pick up Helena.” she said, a smile appearing on her face as they entered the castle. “She’s been very well-behaved, for the most part. Kept trying to crawl out into the corridors, though.”

“Well, she’s in a very adventurous stage at the moment.” Rowena shrugged. “You can see why I needed the extra pair of hands.”

“Indeed. I hope you don’t mind me copying your ideas.” Helga chuckled as Henriette returned with the herbs. “Finding an apprentice with connections to the King and Queen has been rather useful with my work in dealing with these pesky wars. No offence to your choice, of course.”

Lachlann didn’t react, only watching as the herbs were prepared. He looked over at Henriette for a moment, who looked back. Lachlann blinked rapidly again. “A-Apologies, um…I’m afraid I’m not exactly in the best of shape.”

“There’s no need to worry, I’m not surprised after a dose of Enchanted Nightshade.” Henriette reassured him, looking over at Helga and Rowena. “Did Lady Hufflepuff’s absence get mentioned?”

Lachlann shrugged. “It might have happened in the time I was unconscious, but it also came up when Lady Ravenclaw was dressing down the Thane.”

Henriette smiled at that. “I am glad to hear it. You are very lucky to have a mage like her teaching you. I’ve heard a lot of things about her spellcasting and knowledge, it’s wonderful to have her active once more.” She said, sagely.

Lachlann nodded along with what she was saying. “Yes, her knowledge of magic is second to none. I’m glad that I’m able to help her. Which reminds me-” he said, walking forward to help with Helena briefly, Henriette following behind.

“It’s alright dear, I’m here…” Rowena whispered, her daughter sobbing for a moment before swiftly calming down as she settled into her mother’s arms. “Thank you, Lam. I see you two have been introduced to each other. I’m sure this won’t be the last time we visit, though perhaps next time we will be able to stay for longer. Alas, Helena needs her cot, and Lam here needs to sleep off the rest of the poison.”

Helga laughed out loud at that, placing a hand over her mouth. “Apologies, my boy, apologies. You’ve been through the wringer tonight, I can see that. And you’re still trying to help where you can. You’re already a fine apprentice, and I’m sure you’ll be a fine wizard as time goes on. I’m sure we’ll see you both again soon, especially if the Thane continues to rage about his feast being ruined.”

Henriette passed over the herbs to Lachlann. “I look forward to seeing you at full health soon.” she said, smiling softly at him.

Lachlann took the herbs and bowed. “Thank you. I’ll try not to annoy the changelings or Lord Slytherin’s lot too much for a little bit.” He turned to leave, feeling a lot better than he had done, and looked across the hills and valleys, covered in silvery moonlight. The wind rushed through the grass, creating waves of movement that scattered themselves across the Highlands. It occurred to Lachlann that this was the second time someone had tried to kill him in the past week. He felt a peculiar sense of pride in that he’d been able to defend Rowena’s beliefs in this way, and as he boarded the carriage and started eating the herbs, he wondered just how much of the magic at work in the realm could be used to push back against those who sought nothing but control.

This is where the night ended for Lachlann of Wexford. But it is not the end of the night for many of the others who attended that ill-fated feast.And thankfully, records exist of their night as well. Across the windy valleys, the ripples blew from the grass to the trees to the fires of the Thane of Cawdor’s castle, that one by one were being blown out. In the courtyard, staring as the last carriage left, Salazar Slytherin stood with the castle’s owner.

“I shall fire all my cooks, just to be sure!” the Thane insisted, unable to look Salazar in the eye, “I cannot apologise enough for what happened! For you to be accused of poisoning like that! I do wonder just what Lord Gryffindor teaches those apprentices of his.”

“Lord Gryffindor is a close personal friend.” Salazar droned in an icy voice. “Please, do stop grovelling. You ought to go and oversee that process personally, I doubt you would want any more of your food to be contaminated, am I right?”

“Y-Yes, of course!” the Thane said suddenly, running off into the castle. A few moments later, a blonde woman and a woman with red hair walked out and towards the waiting Lord of Magic.

There was a moment where he stared at the two before sighing. “I want to hear nothing of portion sizes and what kind of serf or peasant he was. You failed. I ordered you to poison a magic-user and you failed.”

“I’ll say!” came a voice from the open gate. A woman in a deep purple dress walked out, followed by two others. They angrily walked towards the others, holding their dress above the ground as they did so. “I’ve never felt such rage before. I thought you said peasants were supposed to be the weakest of mortals?” she fumed.

“I said that non-magical serfs were the weakest of mortals.” Salazar replied, giving Betwixt no more attention as he turned to the two changelings behind her. “Monarchs Eadar and Sgàthan, I hope this night has not diminished your opinion of mortal feasts.”

The two looked at each other, shrugged, and proceeded to change, their hair turning white as snow and their skin becoming pale and then purplish. When they opened their eyes, there were no pupils. The one in the suit of armour, Eadar, spoke first. “Not at all. We do not share our daughter’s anger at the serf, nor his mistress. Nevertheless, two slights such as these against the Silver Kingdom cannot go unaccounted for.”

“Three, if you count the silver this Lady Ravenclaw is harbouring.” Sgàthan pointed out, dusting down her dress. “You mortals have such fragile lives. I wonder why you put them in danger so frequently.”

“Getting to the point…” Betwixt seethed, also returning to their white hair and eyes, “We came into an agreement with you because you promised you could take out anyone opposing our claim upon these Isles’ silver. And now, that bastard and the woman he babysits for have all the motivation in the world to start gathering allies against us!”

“I doubt Rowena would do anything so rash.” Salazar pointed out, his attention finally turning back to his apprentices. “She will concoct a plan of some kind to achieve her goal. Which gives us valuable time. So I ask you both…what are you going to do with that time to help uphold that agreement with our friends here?”

Mathilde and Bruna looked at each other, clearly feeling a great deal of unease at the way Salazar was talking to them. “Lord Slytherin…Majesties of the Silver Kingdom…” Mathilde began, only now beginning to truly process what had happened. Only now processing that someone had gotten the better of her. Someone lower than her. “We will do whatever is necessary to get rid of them. I will correct my error and ensure that the next time he is brought down by my poisons, he does not wake up.”

Bruna nodded along with Mathilde. “And I pledge myself to that same goal. I will assist in devising a strategy that not even Lady Ravenclaw could predict.”

Salazar smirked and turned to the changelings. “There, I think that settles things, no? Rest assured that soon the serf will be dead, and Rowena…well, her responsibilities that she hired that boy to help with will be too much, I’m afraid. You needn’t worry about her opposing you then.”

Sgàthan nodded approvingly. “Very good. We shall return to our kingdom. Come, Betwixt.”

Betwixt sighed, glaring at Mathilde and Bruna. “I’m sure I’ll be seeing the both of you.” she said, chuckling darkly. “I’d quite like to be there to watch him splutter…” she said, shapeshifting into Lachlann and mimicking him clutching his own neck “...and choke..and turn blue…” before quickly returning to her initial form, laughing aloud as she followed her parents.

The three humans bowed, before turning to the carriage. Before they could get on, however, Salazar put his hand in front of them. “This conversation is not over. I want to know exactly what your plan is and soon. There can be no distractions from this, either. If your family comes calling once more…” he said, pointing at Bruna, “...I cannot promise I can hide you from them. Especially not without the changelings supporting us.”

He moved his arm and allowed them into the carriage, glaring up at them before taking a seat near the front. The carriage moved out of the courtyard, and Bruna and Mathilde turned to look at each other, each with an expression that a thousand words would not be enough to describe, but most of which involved killing Lachlann Doherty.

***

It was late now, and Merula put down the book she was reading from with a sigh. “...There we go. Sorry if that took longer than I thought it would.” She looked up, half-expecting to see them all asleep, but instead she saw Mayson, Persephone and Matthew all still watching intently, smiling.

“Thanks, Mer!” Mayson exclaimed before being shushed by Persephone, “That really does help. I’ve got this assignment in the bag now!”

“I, too, am grateful.” Persephone admitted. “And I appreciate the amount of gossip and scandal that occurred. Such devious plans those nobles had!”

“I do wonder if I’m a walking spoiler for whether or not he makes it through though, um…” Matthew pointed out, at which the group laughed.

“Yeah, well, that’s history for you. About how you get there, not the destination…though that’s still pretty important too.” She said, staring at Matthew for a few seconds before shaking herself out of it. “Right! You two, off to bed, and Luther here has to sneak his way back to Ravenclaw Tower.”

The two lower-years stood up and headed for their respective dormitories, waving goodbye. “Thanks again, Merula!” Mayson said, “I’d prefer you teaching over Binns any day!”

It was now just Merula and Matthew. She started piling up her books, hoping she wasn’t too pink in the face. “I could…walk you up to your room, if you wanted. Keep you out of trouble, and all that.”

Matthew smiled, taking a step closer to her. “As much as I’d like that, um, you look really quite tired. You need sleep too, you know.”

“Oh…fine.” Merula sighed, pulling him close and kissing his cheek. “Go on, get out of here. If I had a bar of silver I could just pull Ravenclaw Tower closer, couldn’t I?”

Matthew blushed and nodded. “Maybe you could. If anyone could figure out that world of ancient magic, it’s you.”

He turned to leave, Merula looking down at her notes, about her ancestors, his, the founders, and the strange and wild magic that roamed. To her, it suddenly didn’t feel all that far away.

#founder's era #hp founders era #threads of silver #lachlann doherty #mathilde of coventry #bruna of cologne #gabriel osada #rousalie osada #rowena ravenclaw #godric gryffindor #helga hufflepuff #salazar slytherin #henriette of wessex #sovereign betwixt

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hphmmatthewluther · 2 months

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Bringing Good Tidings, Part 4: Epiphany

Here it is! Sorry for it being so late! This is the final part of a 4-part collab by myself and @endlessly-cursed, featuring characters by her as well as characters from @camillejeaneshphm and @that-scouse-wizard !!

Bringing Good Tidings, Part 4: Epiphany

As Lachlann watched the Krampus snarl at the many guests, he moved in front of his children on instinct, as did Mathilde. The creature had dark grey fur and moved like a goat on its hind legs, though instead of hooves on the front trotters there was a pair of clawed hands. It had two long horns on its head that curled in different ways before tailing off, and on its back was a large red bag. Lachlann could guess what it planned on putting in there. It cackled at the frightened nobles who fled from it until they were shivering in the far end of the hall. That only left Lachlann’s family, Henriette’s family, Bruna and Betwixt as the last ones not cowering in fear.

“As always…” Mathilde muttered under her breath, holding out her free hand for the other three children to cling onto, Felix remaining in her other one.

Henriette, figuring that they would know at least something that could help, turned to Betwixt, and was surprised to see an expression of abject fear on their face. They saw her looking at them, and tried desperately to calm themselves. They failed. “...I-I apologise…I thought that I would never have to deal with it again…”

The Krampus snapped its neck to look at the group. “Ahh, if it isn’t the ickle Sovereign, no mummy or daddy to keep you from me now…and who do I have to thank for that?”

Lachlann’s grip on his wand tightened as Krampus creaked its neck over to scrutinise him. For the briefest of moments, it was as if the last decade or so had never happened, and he was a scared peasant boy with no idea what magical monstrosity stood before him. “...Anything they could do, Betwixt can do. And more, as a matter of fact.”

The Krampus’ eyes, goatlike with long black slits for irises, stared unblinking. “And what about you? You, who found himself at just the right place at the right time to inherit an abandoned kingdom’s worth of silver and magic? You are a very lucky peasant…but I think your luck may have run out.”

Lachlann considered looking away from the hungry gaze of the beast, but despite his fear a part of his mind considered the possibility of it striking at his children if he did so. But he couldn’t keep staring, couldn’t keep looking at his warped reflection within the goat-man’s eyes.

But then he heard voices to his left and right. “What on earth are you talking about?” he heard Mathilde say, trying not to let his breath hitch when he heard her take a step forward to stand by his side. “I was there, and I can tell you he did a fair bit more than that. He and Henriette saved countless people from meaningless wars and conflicts. The kingdom was just a bonus, really.”

“Indeed.” said Bruna, who he was even more surprised to hear walk forward, “And if his luck’s run out, he’s always got his foolish noble friends to save him, which we’ve often had to do anyway.”

Lachlann nodded silently, his face now level with the Krampus, this strange Fae-like barrier even stronger with the three of them standing together. Betwixt, breathing rapidly, turned to Henriette. “We might be able to get out of this…if we make the Krampus look away, it will have lost, and we can go on the attack.”

Understanding, Henriette directed her attention to the staredown, the Krampus trying and failing to insult Lachlann, with even his children joining in on the conflict. She stifled a smile as they yelled several irish insults that Lachlann must have taught them, even Fèlix was getting in on the act, blowing raspberries at the creature. Henriette marvelled at the Doherty family for a moment before clearing her throat just as the Krampus was beginning to get even more annoyed than it had been previously.

“Cease this!” He raved, his goat-eyes still unblinking in spite of his rage. “I will not be bested by a mortal family…especially not a cursed mortal family!”

Henriette cleared her throat. “You seem quite keen to criticise us, sir, but I’d say you’re ripe for criticism too. I assume you’re here on the invitation of a certain changeling advisor?”

The Krampus tapped on the floor with its hooves a few times. “Please do not distract me, I’m trying to kidnap these children. I’ll get to yours in a minute…maybe they’ll be able to continue their playdate on the way back to the Faewyld.”

“That’s rather what I was getting at. Why do you kidnap children? And why specifically at christmas? I don’t remember a Krampus going to Bethlehem after all.”

The goat stuttered for a moment, before bleating in disgust, still not looking away. “Bah! Typical! No consideration for how your funny little church took over one of the pagan festivals! All this revelry, and dancing, and flirtatiousness? It did not come from your God or his ministers. It came from us! And now we’re taking what you owe: the children you cannot raise right!”

Though it did not turn, Henriette still felt as if a pair of unblinking eyes were now on her too, just as they were on Lachlann. “It’s funny, there are so many more peasants than you noble types, and yet I end up taking far more of these children. I hear them, you know, bickering and gossiping like their parents, with the same disdain for everyone around them that you all have! So in a way, this is something of a gift for them. They get away from you, and have a chance to live free from your sins!”

Henriette thought for a moment that its eye had darted over to her, but it clearly wasn’t enough to break the spell. She felt like looking away, but she didn’t need to. She knew the faces that were standing behind her, just as Lachlann knew the faces behind him. Maybe she was afraid of what they might end up like. But with that fear came excitement at seeing them grow. No matter what might come, what mistakes they made or what tragedies befell them, she would be there for them, and she would make sure their lives were theirs to lead. She took a breath, looked the Krampus up and down, and said “Forgive me for not taking parenting advice from a creature that looks like a gargoyle done on a budget.”

The Krampus snapped its neck to stare at Henriette, the crack echoing through the hall as it realised that the sound was about more than its bones. Fred placed his hand on her shoulder, looking at her and smiling, before turning to the now nervous beast. “Thank you for silencing this prattling beast’s tongue, darling. If he dares to loosen that tongue against our family again, may I relieve him of it?” he asked, brandishing his large sword.

The Krampus scraped across the floor with its hooves nervously. “T-This wasn’t my idea, understand…i-it was that other fellow, the advisor…they said Oberon himself wanted me to do this…I’m beginning to think they might have been lying.”

“Mm, funny that.” Betwixt chuckled, stepping forward too. “Because now you’re going to listen to the Monarch of the Silver Kingdom. Leave, for these children are protected.”

The Krampus bowed its dark head in defeat. “Very well. I see now that you will not let your children go lightly. Not you with your three,” it bowed to Bruna, “not your…however many there are, it’s hard to count-” at which Henriette had to hold Fred back, “and not your five.” Before anyone could say anything else, there was a puff of black smoke, and the Krampus was gone. In its place were two small white goats, one with a label reading “to Lord Lachlann (Doherty) of Wexford” and the other “to Lady Henriette of Wessex”.

At once, the children all ran forward to pet the goats, giggling amongst themselves as the other nobles moved away from the wall and towards the others. Everyone else seemed to be breathing a sigh of relief, but Henriette and Lachlann then shot a look at each other. “Wait a moment,,” Lachlann said, looking at the goats. “Did it say…five?”

Mathilde chuckled, Henriette realising it before Lachlann when she saw Mathilde’s hand on her stomach. She had thought her dress was less tight than Mathilde usually had it, and what was more, Henriette had suspected the same thing was the case for her too, and felt her own hand move over her stomach. The Lady of Coventry chuckled at her husband. “Don’t look like I’ve poisoned you or something. I found out a few days ago, should be due around the Harvest season.”

Sam looked up amongst the gasps and cooing. “What does that mean?”

Caitílin looked as if she was about to mock him, but stopped. “It means that Mum’s having another baby!”

“Does this mean that there’s going to be another feast?” Simone asked, still smiling.

Felix started fidgeting out of his mother’s hands, clearly already getting jealous of the attention the baby a few inches below him was getting. Lachlann scooped him up and kissed Mathilde’s cheek, a warm and wonderful smile on his face. “Oh Tillie, that’s wonderful news, I’m so…I can’t put into words how happy I am.”

“You’ve said that every time.” she replied, smirking as she kissed him back, “But thank you, dear. And yes, Simone, though a small one.” She looked up at Bruna, hoping to see a look that confirmed she would be there, but the smile on her perfectly poised face carried a sadness with it.

“I wish I could, but I am expected to leave here tomorrow.” Bruna sighed, cupping Mathilde’s cheek in plain view of everyone else. “But I shall keep you and your lovely children in my thoughts. You too, Lord Doherty.” she said.

Lachlann blinked once or twice, looking out the doors the Krampus had come through, still ajar, at the starry sky outside. It was Henriette, though, who then spoke, her hand intertwined with Fred’s, Betwixt looking at the two goats with the many children. “Then perhaps we ought to spend this night together, in celebration.” she said, looking between the three knowing that they meant far more to each other than most marriages could articulate.

The two women looked at Lachlann, and at the toddler he was holding, and nodded in unison. “I’d love nothing more, my dears.” Bruna said, the sadness still present in her smile, but now with something more hopeful behind it too.

#bringing good tidings #hp founders era #lachlann doherty #henriette of wessex #mathilde of coventry #bruna of cologne #sovereign betwixt #frederick of kent

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hphmmatthewluther · 4 months

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Bringing Good Tidings, Part 2: Childermass Goes Awry

Here's my first part of this collab between me and @endlessly-cursed ! Apologies for the slight delay! Continuing from her last post, we rejoin Lachlann and Henriette as strange goings-on begin to threaten the holiday...

(Featuring ocs from @endlessly-cursed , @camillejeaneshphm , and @that-scouse-wizard )

The next few days passed with much merriment from those in attendance, though Lachlann continued to worry about the nagging feeling that he was about to be caught off guard by something. As he mingled with the other guests, he was able to pass off any of his nervous glances as “Serf’s Intuition”, which always got a polite laugh from the other guests. But, of course, there was one person he couldn’t keep it hidden from. His wife, Mathilde, looked up at him in a way that only someone who’d studied his entire biology to know how best to poison him could know.

“What is it?” she asked at one point late on the 27th of December, the children already in bed by now (if not asleep, at least in their bedroom). “Is it about the Lord of Misrule business in a couple of days? I doubt you of all people would find it too humiliating, you always have been quite good at dismissing any funny looks.”

“It’s not that.” Lachlann said bluntly, shaking his head for a moment before shuffling closer. “And it’s not even about who that Lord of Misrule is going to be…if anything, I wish that were the explanation…”

“But it’s not, is it?” Mathilde raised an eyebrow at her husband. “You don’t get nervous when dealing with Betwixt. More…mildly irritated.”

“Can you blame me? They cursed our bloodline because of what happened back then…and whenever it comes up I try to tell them how I tried to find another way, but…”

Mathilde placed her hand on his shoulder. “You really can be quite stubborn sometimes. It would take a miracle to get Betwixt to like you, so I suggest moving on. Even they’ve learnt to do that, from what I’ve heard.”

“Oh yeah, that Spaniard woman they married. I honestly can’t believe they settled down after the strop they pulled when Hen- what?”

Mathilde pointed to the woman standing in the door, who had a friendly smile on her face as if recognising Lachlann’s utter embarrassment. “You are somewhat right, Lam.” Henriette began, walking forward and sitting down with the other two. “Betwixt never was one for mortal traditions…or monogamy. Still, they took the time they needed, met a nice immortal, and now they’ve got a family. In fact, I hear that Lady Sancha is expecting her 4th child, hence why Betwixt is only coming for one day.”

“Oh, how lovely for them!” Mathilde exclaimed, Lachlann detecting no amount of her normal snark. “The child must be due soon, in that case.”

“Quite soon, I imagine so, yes.” Henriette confirmed. “Seeing them will be a wonderful change from the routine of these feasts…not to mention tomorrow.”

“Don’t remind me.” Mathilde chuckled, looking over at the corridor that led to their children’s room. “How do your children deal with it? I think Caitílin is just about growing out of being fully terrified by it now, like Sam and Simone are, and Fèlix is still too young to fully understand what’s happening, bless him.”

Henriette smiled as Mathilde recounted their children. “I’d say it’s the same with us, yes. It’s always interesting to see who tries to act all tough and unafraid and who still voices their fears. Speaking of, we ought to get our sleep if we want to be ready for the Mass tomorrow. Still, it’s only for one day. How bad could it be?”

Lachlann bit his tongue and refused to comment on how dangerous it was to ask questions like that. “I suppose we’ll see. Goodnight, Henriette.”

Henriette made her way back to her room, where her husband Frederick was already sleeping. She didn’t blame him, considering how restless the children could get during Childermass. She laid down next to him, shuffling close. As she closed her eyes, she found herself thinking about Lachlann and Mathilde. To say they weren’t a traditional couple was something of an understatement, after all, he was a former serf and she was a former assassin who’d been tasked with killing him. They talked and acted like all the other couples in attendance, of course, but then there were moments when they’d mention what happened during the Mage Wars, and it was obvious how it had given them such a different perspective. They seemed almost untouchable, seeing as most other nobles were terrified of this new clan, too afraid to try to interfere with their matters. This was where Henriette’s mind settled as she drifted off: that her role in maintaining a noble family was one thing, but to get one started was an entirely different beast.

***

The morning silence was broken by the sounds of bickering from the next room. Lachlann leant forward, gently moving Mathilde’s arm from his side, giving her a brief kiss on the forehead. “I’ll handle it, darling.”

Mathilde hummed in relief, trailing her hand down his chest as she settled back in the bed. “Bless you, Lam.” she whispered, Lachlann smiling for a moment before getting dressed and heading out into the other room. Inside, he instinctively took a head count of his children. Caitílin, the oldest, was currently trying to force Fèlix, still very much an infant, into the arms of Sam, the second oldest. Simone, meanwhile, the second youngest, was seemingly content to watch this play out. Lachlann took a seat next to her, waiting for the others to notice him.

“Morning, Daddy.” Simone said, smiling up at him in that way all siblings do when they’re the one not in trouble.

“Morning, sweetie. What’s all the fuss about?” Lachlann whispered back. Simone simply chuckled and pointed to the others.

“It’ll be good for you!”

“I have no clue what I’m doing!”

“Time to learn, then! You’re inheriting the Line, after all.”

“Line, Line!” Fèlix laughed, clearly enjoying the rocking motion, before looking up and seeing “Daddy!”

Caitílin and Sam looked up and finally noticed their father, both stepping back leaving Fèlix staggering in the middle for a moment before Lachlann caught him, picking him up and holding him.

“All up and early, I see. Cait, didn’t your mother say it was your job today to look after your brother?”

“But why? If I’m not inheriting the Line, surely I shouldn’t have those responsibilities!” She said, sounding out the longer words in a way that suggested they weren’t originally hers.

“But I don’t know how to do all of it!” Sam pleaded.

“Neither do I, but you have to do it anyway.” Caitílin said, as if that ended the matter, her face dropping when she saw Lachlann’s expression, which made it very clear that it didn’t.

Lachlann cleared his throat. “Here, Sam. I’d like you to take your brother over to your mother’s room and she’ll get you something to eat. Simone can help you. Can you do that for me?”

Sam thought out the process in his head, before nodding. “Yep! I can do that!” Simone looked over and nodded as well.

“Excellent. Now, Caitílin, out here please.” Lachlann said, pointing to the balcony overlooking the snow-covered fields. The youngest three Doherty children looked at each other, shrugged, and left the two in the room.

They walked over to the balcony, Caitílin sighing as she leant against the wall. “I’m the only one who can see over the wall, the others need me to lift them up.” she said, proudly.

Lachlann smiled at her, before looking out over the fields. “Cait, where’d you hear about all this line stuff?”

She shrugged, tracing a pattern in the snow that had fallen onto the very edge of the wall. “Dunno. One of the other children at the feasts was talking about how since he’s the oldest and a man he gets to inherit the Line of his family.”

Lachlann nodded, understanding perfectly. “And you thought that meant we’d be giving this “Line” to Sam instead.”

Caitílin looked up at him. “Well, aren’t you?! You need a strong line to keep the family going, and that means choosing someone suitable. Well, I’m far more capable at most things than Sam, and I actually want to do it!”

Lachlann shook his head. “Cait, you do realise what a Line is, right? It’s a continued legacy going all the way back through noble families, all the history and betrayal and fighting.” He traced a line in the snow, all along the windowsill. Then, at one end of the line, he put a very tiny dot. “We…don’t really have a Line yet. Your mother and I are the first Dohertys. That’s what you and Sam have been bickering about.”

Caitílin leant over, staring at the little dot in the snow. “...That’s our Line? That’s all it is.”

Lachlann nodded. “Pretty much, yeah. Not so important now, right?”

She shrugged, leaning back from the wall. “I guess not. Can we get breakfast?”

He smiled, taking his daughter by the hand. “Of course. Come on, let’s go and find the others.”

They left the room only to hear more yelling from the others, though this time it was not bickering.

“Mum, Dad! Look! It’s the Lord of Misrule!” came the yelling.

“On Childermass?” Caitílin asked, confused. Lachlann, however, looked more afraid.

“Cait…don’t let go of my hand.”

***

For Henriette and Frederick, the morning seemed oddly quiet. She’d been expecting more arguments between Juliana and Denefigu. But no, there was nothing. At least not until there was a loud knocking at the door. Frederick shuffled in his sleep, clearly assuming it was one of the kids, but it was far too heavy for that. Henriette moved out of bed and got dressed quickly before opening the door, seeing someone who definitely was not one of her children. They were dressed in an incredibly odd costume, consisting of a large green overcoat, matching stockings, a bright gold and silver-covered shirt, and an olive wreath wrapped around a large jester-like hat. It could only be the Lord of Misrule, and that meant…

“Betwixt?” Henriette asked, surprised, watching them breathing heavily as if they had run all the way here.

The Monarch of the Changelings looked up at her, nodding. “A-Apologies…M-Merry Christmas, I…I wish I could say I’m here early for a good reason.”

“I’ll say. It’s Childermass, you know, the day when all the kids are hiding, hoping Herod’s ghost doesn’t come back and get them.” Henriette explained.

“Yes, that’s what I mean.” Betwixt said. “But that’s Catholic tradition. While that and the Fae sometimes are intertwined…and by that I mean they stole from us and our worshippers….sometimes there are differences. Childermass is one of them, and it means that we have to go now.”

Henriette nodded, suddenly aware of how deafening the silence was. “Explain, Betwixt. If something has happened to my children…”

“Your children will be fine, I’m sure…provided we hurry and deal with this as quickly as we can and get them back inside before it’s too late.” Betwixt held out their hand to her. “Come on, we’ll Apparate.”

Henriette looked back at her husband. “Darling, there’s a bit of a problem. Get dressed and meet us down there, alright?” Turning to Betwixt, they took their hand. “How’s life now you’ve settled down, then?”

Betwixt couldn’t help but smile. “It doesn’t feel like settling down, I’ll tell you that much.” With a loud crack, they were gone, as Frederick prepared to bring certain non-magical elements to the fray.

They arrived outside in the snow, Betwixt taking a moment to adjust their tall hat as they surveyed the frost-covered area. “There!” they exclaimed, pointing out at a group of children surrounding someone who was wearing identical clothes to Betwixt, albeit with a strange mask covering the face. The two set off through the snow, their path bringing them past the castle gates. As they ran past, Lachlann and Caitílin emerged. Lachlann saw Betwixt. Betwixt saw Lachlann. The two slowed as they approached each other.

“Don’t tell me you think I’m responsible for this?” Betwixt asked incredulously.

“I wasn’t sure at first. I heard the Lord of Misrule was here on Childermass of all days, and you’re dressed as him, and we all know you’re not exactly a fan of Christian traditions like these.”

“I most certainly am not, that’s true.” Betwixt said, shrugging. “But even I am not enough of a fool to mess with the bizarre magicks of the Yuletide season. However…it would seem that someone is.” They pointed over at the other Lord of Misrule. The two looked back at each other for a moment, before sharing a brief nod, sprinting towards the False Lord.

Henriette followed closely behind, finding herself next to Caitílin. The eldest Doherty looked up at her. “Merry Christmas, Lady Henriette!”

“Merry Christmas, my dear child.” Henriette responded, noticing her children near the Lord. “Though it would seem someone is conspiring to take that merriment away.”

Eventually, they arrived before the False Lord, the children looking very confused as to why there were now two Lords of Misrule. The Fake looked like they were about to say some in-character nonsense to keep the children entranced, but only managed to get out “Well, well, well-” before Lachlann and Henriette blasted them with their wands, Lachlann using a lightning spell and Henriette using an orange and red hex that burned through the air like a flame. The Fake skidded through the snow for a moment before coming to a stop.

Betwixt blinked a few times. “Hmm. I’ll have to tone down what I had planned.” they muttered to themselves. “Still, we are in luck. For a second there I thought the real Lord of Misrule was there, and…” they paused, looking around at the children. “But that couldn’t be right, because I am the real Lord of Misrule!” they began, before catching themselves. “Apologies. It is still Childermass.”

The Fake slowly got to their feet, their mask having fallen away. Lachlann squinted at the face for a moment before raising a moment. “Hang on a second…weren’t you one of the Silver Kingdom’s Royal Advisors?”

The other changeling’s face contorted until the eyes were blank and the skin pale. “I assumed you wouldn’t recognise me, seeing as you were so callous with destroying our home. I am indeed Advisor Pridestone, and do excuse me Monarch, but I thought it fitting to try and teach these insipid mortals a lesson.”

Betwixt had their hand in their arms. “Oh, god, Pridestone, this does not help matters. Firstly, I have already dealt with enacting revenge on Lord Doherty, which means you don’t need to do it, nor do you need to get Lady Henriette’s family involved too.”

Pridestone sneered at her. “She worked with those abhorrent sorcerers that sealed our Kingdom, and helped build a school on top of it!”

Henriette simply sighed. “I apologise if my actions displeased you, my good sir. But I find your method of dealing with grievances to be rather heavy-handed and crude. Not to mention unoriginal, seeing as we all heard of the fascinating tale of a Piper in Hamelin who did something rather similar.”

Pridestone floundered for a moment, their blank eyes staring daggers at Henriette. “Crude?! Unoriginal?! How dare a mortal speak to me like that, I-”

They took a step forward, but were repelled by two more volleys from Lachlann and Henriette. Pridestone went flying into the snow, landing headfirst. Before anyone could say another word, the children erupted into a chorus of cheers, crowding Lachlann and Henriette as Pridestone got up and fled the scene. Lachlann found his own children had made their way closest to him.

“Dad! That was amazing!” Sam yelled, holding Fèlix in his arms who had taken to yelling “Dad! Dad!” over and over. Lachlann picked Fèlix up, nodding at all of his children, watching as Henriette did the same to those that were hers. At this point, a crowd of the other parents were coming out too, Mathilde and Frederick at the very front. But at that moment Lachlann’s eyes were on Betwixt, and their eyes were on the trees of the area, which formed a large forest. Mist seemed to be falling in. Betwixt turned to Lachlann.

“We played right into their hands.” they said, scowling. “I told you, bad things can happen when certain magical energies mix…Let’s just hope it goes away, and we can enjoy the festivities in peace…well, relative peace.”

Caitílin tugged on Lachlann’s arm, grinning, all thoughts of inheritance and family lines forgotten. “This is the best Childermass ever! Why couldn’t we do this every year?”

Lachlann shrugged, ruffling her hair, though he had a nasty feeling that by the end of this they were about to find out why exactly that was.

#bringing good tidings #lachlann doherty #henriette of wessex #mathilde of coventry #frederick of kent #hp founders era #founders' era #sovereign betwixt

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hphmmatthewluther · 6 months

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For the crackship ask game, gimme some Betwixt x Henriette 👀🫶🏻

Oooo thanks for the ask!!

Figured I'd go for a sort of "What if Henriette became a Queen of the Fae"! As much as it's a hotly contested magic-historical debate, it can't be denied that they'd make a cute couple <3

#crackship ask game #sovereign betwixt #henriette of wessex

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hphmmatthewluther · 1 year

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The Vaulties!

Day 2 - Era That Caused the Most Brainrot

This one simply had to go to the Founders’ Era, seeing as it’s inspired me to write a multi-chapter story that is sure to be longer than anything else i’ve written for my ocs before! I just love how the setting is far-removed from the wizarding world of the future, and yet interactions can be had between eras thanks to these characters showing up in History of Magic lessons!

Characters shown here:

Lachlann Doherty

Sovereign Betwixt

Rowena Ravenclaw (co-owned with @endlessly-cursed ) Henriette of Wessex ( @endlessly-cursed )

Mathilde of Coventry ( @camillejeaneshphm )

“It really goes to show how important knowing your history is! It’s also one of my favourite parts of History of Magic, it’s way more interesting than a lot of other portions which sum up to “and then the wizards tricked all the muggles and everyone went home.” So congratulations! Not sure how we can send the Vaultie back a thousand years to them though...” Jane Luther

#hp founders era #the vaulties #lachlann doherty #mathilde of coventry #henriette of wessex #sovereign betwixt #rowena ravenclaw #jane luther

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endlessly-cursed · 2 months

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A Living Dynasty, Chapter Four: Helga's Team

A/N: After months of hiatus and troubles with the doc, I present thee, the fourth chapter!

Summary: With war close to Henriette's doors, she must prepare for the storm ahead

OCs featured: None

OCs mentioned: None

Word Count: 2.1k

Tagging: @hphmmatthewluther @camillejeaneshphm @gaygryffindorgal @that-scouse-wizard

The man gaped at me before recomposing himself and nodded “Right away, my lady.”

After a few minutes, he was back, and took me to the queen’s room, where she was doing needlework. I quickly got on my knees, my eyes fixed on a floor carving as I spoke “Your Majesty, I thank you for receiving me in such circumstances. Your kindness knows no bounds.”

I felt her smiling at me “Stand, my dear. We are among friends, are we not?”

I stood up and sighed “I am glad that you are not angry at me, Your Majesty.”

She motioned me to sit “For not marrying that orc? Heavens, no! Though, do keep this to yourself. The King is still… you know…”

I nodded. I finally smiled “I have missed you, dear friend. How are my parents? And the court?”

The queen shrugged “Your parents have been looking for you, well, mostly your mother. Your father has taken a mistress in order to procreate a male son should you turn up dead.”

I scoffed, brushing off the sting in my heart. But of course, he’d replace his biggest disappointment. A mere girl was no use of him anyways. Aelfgifu took my hands and squeezed them, and I tried not to cry “I miss my mother, but… I can’t return now.”

“What shall I tell them then?”

I squared my shoulders. As much as I’d chat with my oldest friend for days, there was a mission at hand “That I am fine, and in good hands. But I did not come to talk about my parents. This is bigger than them.”

“Go on.”

I swallowed “Have you ever been told about the wizards in the Isles?”

Aelfgifu looked at me “Yes… Most of them are at my king’s service, as well as my lord father.” She then seemed to realise “Henriette, my dear, what have you gotten yourself into?”

I bit my lip “I… am one of them, it seems.”

Aelfgifu’s grip softened as she looked at me, searching for something: a laugh, a joke, something. Then, she dismissed her ladies and squeezed my hands “Henriette… you do realise what happens if you get caught, yes? I won’t be able to stop Aethelred’s wrath if he ever finds out.”

“That is why I need your help. Not only to hide it, but with something else. As queen of the land, wizards and people are killing one another for the mere greed of a few lords I know you despise. Magic or not, they are your subjects, and they need you.”

The queen bit her lip “What would you have me do?”

“Talk to the king. Tell him the horrors of civil war, especially with magic around. There could be some great damage, and the court would be divided. The consequences could be fatal. Seek a punishment that needs not to draw blood unnecessarily.”

Aelfgifu sighed, nodding “Very well, I shall see what I can do. But my dear, keep yourself out of harm’s way. You are new to this, and of delicate constitution. I’d hate to bury you.”

We hugged, and I knew that I had to go back to Helga “I need to go now. My master is waiting for me.”

“Is he at least kind?”

“…She’s wonderful.”

With that, we bid goodbye and I left as quickly as I had come, paying the guard a handsome reward for not telling that I had been there at all.

Then, I was off back to the Highlands.

When I reached the camp, there were already tents and warriors of all gender and kind talking and joking.

I spotted Godric and greeted him “Ah, there you are! I suppose you have news of the queen. Come, I shall take you with Helga.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

When we reached Helga’s golden tent, Godric cried “Guess who came back!”

Helga looked up and sighed, embracing me “I am so glad you made it back! Oh, there is so much I must tell you about!”

“Indeed,” Godric added “the Thane’s feast was incredibly eventful.”

Helga side-eyed him, and he cleared his throat and was out of the tent, leaving us be. I frowned “What feast?”

“That is for later. So, what did the queen say?” She asked, motioning me to sit as we ate from what she normally cooked. I took a bite of pork as I started telling her about the meeting, and skipped telling her about my parents and my father seeking a male replacement. It was humiliating enough to hear it from the queen and my oldest friend already. What Helga didn’t know, couldn’t hurt her, right?

Readying myself in war gear, but without wearing an armour, since I was not prepared enough, I sighed, knowing this battle would be hard to go through. I had heard tales from my father fighting for the king, and of course, my warrior grandparents, but this was different. And highly terrifying. I realised now that, were I want to defend my property, I’d be helpless.

So obviously, I went to the greatest warrior for advice. “Ahem. Lord Gryffindor?”

Kind Godric smiled upon seeing me “Ah, Lady Henriette! Anything I can help you with?”

I bit my lip “This is a bit embarrassing but… do you know anyone who’d train me for battle? I won’t be in the front lines, but I’d like to know the basics at least.”

“Why, of course! I also happen to know a formidable warrior. Luxia, beloved, come here!” He called.

A beautiful and fierce-looking woman came towards us. She had black hair, impassive brown eyes and a powerful and imposing armour that was richly decorated with a bloody red cape. She arched an eyebrow and Godric explained “This is Lady Henriette of Wessex. She’s in need of a trainer, and I know you’ll make of her a fine defender. Do be nice to her, darling.”

“Very well.” She kissed Godric on the lips and turned to me “Come, my lady. I know the movements that a delicate-looking woman like you can pull off without breaking any bones.”

Not exactly encouraging, but she was Godric’s best, so I was stuck with her. She continued talking “You may need a helmet, and a better-tied hair. I shall call my groomer for it. And better boots. Those will sink you in the mud before you can say ‘Amen’.” She observed one of the newer farmers who had joined the ranks recently. He was handsome, with short blonde hair, blue eyes and an innocent look “You there! Blonde boy! Tuck your thumb inside your palm or you’ll break your hand. Also, separate more your legs or you’ll be easily thrown.” Then, she turned to me “Speaking of stances. We’ll start with the basics. First, stand firm, and separate your legs.” I did as she said, and she nodded “Not bad. Plant your feet a bit firmer to the ground. Good. Now, as I told blondie over there, tuck your thumb inside your palm and widen your shoulders. Like that! Now, try to punch me.”

Not wanting to look weak or hesitant, I did as she told me, but she was faster, blocking my punch and kicking my feet. I fell straight to the ground and a yelped. Luxia got close to me “Two mistakes, my lady. One, your legs were too widened. Two, you did not observe my stance. Get up and we’ll go through it again.”

I did as she said, refusing to prove my father right, gritting my teeth. She was so good and straight-forward, it was quite infuriating. It infuriated me that I was so helpless. If only my father had been like hers, I’d be telling you a different story.

“Now, to the stance I taught you, but this time, observe me and my movements. Seek any weakness, and learn my strength.” We rounded each other, and I observed that, while her stance was flawless and firm, she was incredibly tense, given her breaths. That’s when the idea came. I’d pretend to punch her in the face, while elbowing her ribcage.

Observing how the other warriors spun for a moment, I pretended to commit that mistake, but this time, my stance was right and firm, and I spun gracefully, elbowing her in the chest hard. She stumbled back a few paces, coughing and shocked. Everyone stopped to see the commotion. She didn’t seem like the kind of woman to be trounced by a newbie. The whispers told me that.

“Never have I seen someone trounce Luxia Thorne so easily!”

“Even Lady Thorne seems shocked!”

Luxia arched an eyebrow at me and laughed “Not bad, m’lady. Being observant in battle shall save you.”

“Fighting isn’t only throwing punches. It requires cunning and thinking on your feet.” We both turned to see Lady Rowena with her new apprentice. She turned to me “Lady Thorne is all about brute force, and while that is helpful, without said qualities, one is bound to fall in battle. You did well, Lady Henriette.”

“Thank you, my lady.”

“I… shall keep your counsel in mind, my lady. Now, shall we go over offensive spells?”

I nodded, and both went over some defensive spells you might have learned by now. We might have even set one tent on fire because of said spells.

“But wait,” Primrose cut, “those spells are technically harmless. I train with dummies and nothing of the sort ever happened.”

“That is because magic ran more wildly in my time than in yours, child. It was volatile, and unpredictable. During those times, it was raw and uncontrolled. Many liberties were taken. Nothing was regulated or heavily studied like now. Very few mages could have the privilege to take a hold of their own magic.”

“Were you? One of the lucky ones?”

“Yes, as were my children. This was the reason why Hogwarts would be founded later. To help mages all over England and its isles to harness their power and have a certain grip on it.”

Prim stood silent for one moment. She had always heard the story of how the founders came together and built Hogwarts, but never the reasons that led them to build it. The price of it. The lives they had lost before they decided to come together and build it.

But she could now know it. Squaring her shoulders, she nodded “Go on. What happened afterwards?”

“Historians were right on one thing. I didn’t fight any battles physically, but my duties weren’t completely useless. Indeed, I was Helga’s representative on the diplomatic talks, which many forget to mention.”

“How’d that go?”

“Well… we didn’t start with the right foot if I’m being honest.”

“You know what?” I said, panting “I don’t think I’m made for the fighting.” I was breathing heavily, exhausted by the whole training. Luxia shifted.

“I was afraid I’d have to say it. I’d hate to see you killed on the battlefield, my lady.”

“There must be something I can do. I’m going to talk to Helga.”

Nodding to one another goodbye, I marched over Helga’s tent, and decisively raised my chin “My lady, I ask you to please give me a non-warring role. There must be something I can do that doesn’t require me to use a sword.”

Helga looked at me, then sat there, pensive, until a deliver boy came in, panting “My lady, I’m afraid your diplomat has been assassinated by Lord Leofric.”

“What?! I needed him to sit with the lords and the rebels and trace out a peace treaty!”

Suddenly, it struck me “Wait, hold on. Lord Leofric, as in Lord Leofric of East Anglia?” The boy nodded “I know him! Me and his daughters grew up together. That man loves war and bloodshed more than anything.” I turned to Helga, who eyed me curiously “I know each of the men who’ll be at the table, as well as their weaknesses. Send me, Helga. Let me draw the peace. Someone who’s familiar with both sides is what you need.”

Helga caught up silently, and smiled widely “Very well, Lady Henriette. Have it your way. You shall sit with Lady Rowena representing a neutral side and bring us a potential peace. I shall tell her the news.”

Together, we formed a plan: since I wasn’t the favourite of the court right now, I’d go there in disguise until the talks started under the name Senator Gemi. When the talks begun, I’d reveal myself and they’d have to listen to me, despite my reputation. In the meantime, I’d write to the queen so she’d use her influence to sway the rest of the court… and the king.

It’d be a tough fight for peace, but I was more than ready to prove to those old men that I was more than a marriage broodmare.

#hp founders era #hogwarts founders era #hogwarts founders #oc: henriette of wessex #helga hufflepuff #oc: luxia thorne #godric gryffindor #a living dynasty #mywriting*

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endlessly-cursed · 2 months

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jd's birthday edit; frediette + their wedding day through henriette's eyes

i know, i know, it's been weeks as well, but woe is me, i'm spanish and thus get late to everything, lol.

before frediette happened, i always admired you from afar. you were this cool, funny creator that had amazing ocs and content, and tbh, i was a bit intimidated to talk to you, given how well-known you were known in the group.

but getting to know you these past three years while developing this ship, as well as divya and aaron, has been an amazing experience, and helped me through rough patches in my life. i always looked forward brainstorming more of them and their story, and now they have a special place in my heart.

so thank you, for bringing fred into henriette's life and making mine a bit more bearable, querido amigo. que esto te alegre el dia como a mi me lo alegran nuestras conversaciones 🤍✨ @that-scouse-wizard

#hp founders era #founders era #oc: henriette of wessex #frederick of kent #federick x henriette #frediette #myedit*#mine*#mygifset*

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endlessly-cursed · 4 months

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merry christmas and happy new year to guzma, persie, nikki and jd !

brunhilda x lachlann x mathilde ( @hphmmatthewluther @camillejeaneshphm )

lennox x loverboi ( @gcldensnitch )

henriette x frederick ( @that-scouse-wizard )

Guzma: Ever since we truly interacted last year, this year has been a bit better thanks to you. getting to know you, talk to you about anything and goof around made my day. you've grown to be one of my closest friend here and I hope we can have more fun and adventures here. Merry Christmas, you goof ❤🫶🏻

Persie: Despite not having talked much because of our timezones and schedules, I hold you dear and I'm glad that we can be upfront about one another, and I'm always learning with you. I'm glad that you're my friend and hopefully, this 2024 will be more merciful to you and your youth. Joyeux Noel, cherie ❤🫶🏻

Nikki: Even if this year you were mostly gone, the time we've talked was fun, uplifting and made my day and night. You were the first one to talk to me here, and after all these years, we can still talk about anything and you've become like family to me here. Thank you for the gift of Loverboi and hopefully this 24' we can get up to mischief. Merry Christmas, babe ❤🫶🏻

JD: This year, although busy for us, has been a blast nevertheless, and having the gift of frediette has been the best a girl could ask for. You're always such an insightful, funny and wise man, and I always have a blast when talking to you about anything. To more years of this! ✨

#hp founders era #founders era #hp next gen #oc: henriette of wessex #oc: brunhilda of cologne #silvercrownlogne #frediette #lennox x loverboi #myedits*#mine*

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endlessly-cursed · 4 months

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A Lifetime With You

A/N: Happy New Year's! 2023 brought me many good and bad things, but the opportunity to welcome Alys @cursedvaultss and be her friend and create this beautiful ship has been the highlight of the second half. What started like a silly little idea of mine has become this fic, which is now my favourite. Happy 2024, Alys! Here's to more creating and fangirling around <3

Summary: The Somerset family celebrates Christmas, and Edward has a great gift for Akelda.

Word Count: 2.6k

Pairing: Akelda the Tragic x Edward the Valiant

Type: Modern AU, holiday fic

Characters Involved: Henriette of Wessex, Frederick of Kent ( @that-scouse-wizard ) Odalric the Red, Denegifu of Scotland, Juliana of York, Cuthfelda of Ireland, Hilda the Smith, Agatha of Kent, Elfreda (Alys)

Characters mentioned: Respective pairings of the siblings

Taglist: @hphmmatthewluther @gaygryffindorgal

Rating: PG

It was early in the morning when the Somerset house became a mess of cooking, moving furniture and barking orders. Akelda, still cuddling in Edward’s arms, hummed and shifted so she’d cling even more to his warm body.

Not letting go, Edward mumbled “My love?”

“Hmmm.”

“We have to get up and help them.”

“Five more minutes.”

Edward smiled, kissing her cheek to see if he could stir her awake. No reaction, still asleep. He kissed her again, making more noise. She chuckled but didn’t budge. He gently poked her and she groaned in complaint. Then, he moved to her collarbone and made a farting sound. She yelped, bolting awake “Hey!”

“Rise and shine, my little blossom.”

She giggled, grabbing a pillow and hitting him playfully with it. He laughed, retaliating easily. Soon, a pillow battle ensued, both chasing one another in Akelda’s rather spacious room, both yelping and laughing, feathers flying around. Seeing that her pillow had faded away, she shrieked and started running away, but he was quicker and picked her up, covering her in kisses as she yelled and giggled, her short platinum hair all over his face. Both falling to her puff, with Edward on top of her, they both relented, giggling and breathing heavily.

“Alright, alright, I’m awake!”

He kissed her nose, making her giggled “Good morning to you too.”

They suddenly became aware of their position and were about to kiss when Juliana opened the door and called out “Bone later, come help now!” And left.

After a minute of silence, they both looked at one another and burst out laughing “I suppose we should face your family.”

“If we must.”

They both got up and, sporting matching pyjamas, went downstairs, where Akelda’s parents were cooking at least three different dishes as Denegifu helped Odalric move furniture and Hilda, as usual, did it on her own. Agatha was decorating alongside Juliana, and Cuthfelda was setting the table. Henriette looked at her daughter and smiled “Ah, you two are awake! Why don’t you help out by picking the wines from the winery? Here’s the list.”

“Alright. At what hour do we get ready?”

“Guests will come at five, so be ready before then!” Frederick responded.

Hand-in-hand, they both went downstairs, to the slightly illuminated winery and Akelda started reading aloud the needed alcohol “Let’s see: mulled wine, Chardonnay, champagne, gin, scotch and a negroni.”

“Good Lord, how much alcohol do they need?” Edward mused.

“Given the length of the family, their partners and families…”

Edward shook his head “I swear, if I have to watch Juliana flirt with that poor married man again…”

“It seems that his wife doesn’t mind.”

“Gross.” He winced.

Akelda giggled and kissed his cheek, and he quickly softened at her touch. As they reached the wine section, without needing a word, Edward easily prompted Akelda up and she picked the oldest wine there, from 1903. She handed him the wine and put it on the bag. They did the same with the rest among laughs and jokes from Edward, and often taking breaks from having Akelda piggyback on him. Of course, Akelda kissed his supposed ‘boo boos’, though she knew it was an excuse for her to kiss him. An excuse she gladly took.

After they were done counting and checking, they both sat for a bit. Akelda sat on his lap, and he stroked her arm, both in comfortable silence, lazily kissing their cheeks.

“Who knew picking wine bottles would be a workout?”

“Don’t you go to the gym often?” She jested.

“Yes, though I don’t have my girlfriend on my back most of the time.”

Akelda sticked out her tongue and he pecked her on the lips. Gazing onto her, he knew that it was time. His mother was coming over after years of made-up excuses to not come, and after much talking, they agreed: he and Akelda had been together since their third year at Hogwarts, he was basically another one of the family and was crazy about Akelda. And Akelda was crazy about him. They’d be graduating soon.

Finally, what seemed like Dene and Juli arguing again broke them from their trance, they both sighed and went back upstairs, where her sisters were yet again arguing.

“It is my dress! You know that purple is my colour!” Juliana shouted.

“You’re not the only one who dresses in purple! Besides, what are you, the inventor of purple?”

“No, I am the owner of it!”

“Girls, please…” Frederick pleaded, but went unheard.

Akelda clapped hard “Time out! Dene, explain what’s going on.”

Dene sighed “Juli has lost sight of her dress and is, of course, blaming me for it, despite knowing that my dress is white, not purple.”

“I tried to check on her wardrobe, but she wouldn’t let me!”

“Why?” Akelda asked.

“Because it’s my room, and thus my property!” Juliana shouted.

“Why don’t Akelda search for it? It’d be neutral property. I can supervise.” Edward proposed.

“What do you think?” Akelda asked.

“Fine by me.” Denegifu conceded.

“But none of you will be there. Go back to your chores.”

Both sisters sighed and went on. Akelda and Edward both went to Dene’s room, and Akelda searched for it while Edward stood watch. No sign of Juliana’s dress. Mostly clothes of white, black and cream, and no purple in sight.

They tried Juli’s room, and it was a mess to say the least. Edward even had to help with it, and searched on the top shelves of her massive wardrobe. There were old phones, sheets, hidden food, small chests of her private stuff, old dirty magazines but no dress. Akelda looked down the bed and found many purple garments, but no dress.

“Godric, even her thongs are purple.” She mumbled.

Edward grimaced “Gee, thank you for the image.”

Akelda giggled and gave him a tender kiss “Is it gone?”

He pretended to think “I don’t know. Care to double check?”

She shook her head but kissed him anyways, this time longer, and he quickly placed his hands on her waist, deepening the kiss.

Of course, Juliana walked in again “Ugh, can you please not make out in my room?” They separated and asked “Did you find it?”

“Nope. You have everything purple here save a dress. If you don’t count last year’s dress.”

They finally tried one last room where the servants washed the dresses, and Akelda spotted a lilac fabric. There it was, all cleaned up and hanging ready “Mystery solved, Watson.”

Edward hugged her from behind and kissed her temple “That’s my girl.”

She gave it to a happy Juliana, making her promise to apologize to Dene, and she relented. Edward and Akelda went back to their room, which had a door that communicated with the other so they’d be spending time together whenever they wanted, courtesy of Odalric for her seventeenth birthday. Both started changing into their evening clothes. Akelda would wear a baby blue dress that sparkled, alongside long star earrings, her grandmother’s ring and a pearl choker that Edward bought her with some of his savings as a three-year anniversary gift.

Edward, on his part, dressed up in his red suit, which Akelda had helped design and which she always remarked how handsome he looked and how much she loved it. Dropping into his pocket the special gift, he put on Akelda’s favourite cologne and straightened his collar and brushed one more time his hair, wanting to look presentable for his love and in-laws. And, of course, his mother. Taking a long breath, he whispered “You got this.” And met Akelda outside.

His eyes widened at the sight before him: she was a winter goddess, with her sparkly blue dress hugging her figure, a V-neck decorated with fur, her hair slicked back and with two fur gloves that reached her elbow, and her equally frosty makeup. “Akelda, you look… perfect.”

She kissed his cheek, leaving a mark of her pink gloss on his cheek that he would not wipe out “And you look very handsome.”

He offered his arm and she accepted, encountering Odalric already dressed in white and gold, and Denegifu, who wore a illusionary dress that looked like she was naked and covered in diamonds, a certain replica of a dress from Marylin Monroe.

Coming downstairs, Hilda and Agatha were already there. Hilda was wearing a suit with a vest, showing off her muscles, and Agatha wore a simple yet cute pink dress. Her mother wore a white dress with a plunged V-neck that was covered by a long boa of fur, and her father wore a black suit with his hair perfectly brushed. Cuthfelda followed, with a royal blue dress and her hair in a complex hairdo. Juliana was yet to come, probably wanting to make an entrance. Akelda, noticing her boyfriend’s sudden queasiness, squeezed his hand and kissed his cheek, easing him. It worked, but his shoulders tense once his mother, Elfreda, made an entrance. She was wearing a cute blue dress and greeted the hosts. When it was time to greet her son, she hugged him warmly and exchanged knowing looks. She turned to Akelda and smiled “You look beautiful, dear. This shall be a night to remember.”

Akelda looked at her, then back to her boyfriend, who shrugged. When the next wave of guests arrived, Juliana made her entrance, wearing a very revealing sparkling purple dress. Akelda whispered that tomorrow she’d wake up with a terrible cold, and Edward chuckled “Her dress is certainly something, but doesn’t hold a candle to you.”

“Don’t let Juli hear that, or this will be a long night.”

He chuckled. He hoped it’d be a long night, but for other reasons.

The dinner party had winded down, and guests had started mingling, some of them already tipsy. With one look at Frederick, who nodded, he was quick to whisk away Akelda away from her mother, who winked him good luck. They went outside, and he of course offered his jacket. They started walking.

“Where are we going, my love?”

“To the greenhouse.”

“Why?”

He smiled “You’ll see.”

When they reached the doors, he covered Akelda’s eyes and started walking her to the place he had set up earlier that night, when Akelda had been once again helping Agatha with her homework. When they reached the destination, he took off his hands and she looked around, gasping. It had been decorated with a beautiful desk, and her comfort food instead of the dinner’s finger food. In front of them was the fountain, that read ‘I love you’ in sparkles. Akelda looked at her boyfriend “You replicated the dinner where you asked me to be your girlfriend?”

He nodded, and she quickly covered his face in kisses. He laughed “Hey, I’m not done! Sit down.”

He pulled the chair for her and served the cheesy gnocchi they tried on a family vacation to Parma, and she quickly dig in. She moaned, savouring the dish “Mmm! How did you replicate the recipe of the restaurant?”

“I may have reached out to the chef and beg him to give it to me for a special occasion…”

She kissed his hand and they talked for a bit about everything, commenting the flowers. Glancing at his clock, he knew that midnight would strike at any minute. He had two minutes to say the words.

He looked at her well. The moonlight on her face, the reflect of the water on her silver hair and the flowers surrounding him were enough to shoot his shot. He took her hands and cleared his throat “Akelda… These past seven years have been challenging: my mother back, the dispute of my father, the Battle of Hogwarts, your illness… it was all rough for me, and I was scared many times, but there is one thing that kept me brave: you. Seeing you smile through the pain, face it all with grace and kindness, and your love is what has made me braver, and everything that I am today is thanks to you.”

“Edward—,”

“Being your boyfriend has been the best thing in my life, and I am more than sure that you’re the woman of my dreams. I…” And then, midnight struck, and the rare flowers he had ordered bloomed, the room shining. He got on one knee and showed the blue sapphire ring Akelda always mused about having someday “Akelda Eunice Somerset, will you spend the rest of your lifetime with me?”

Akelda stood there, tearing up at such beautiful words, and broke into a smile “Edward, yes… YES!!”

Trembling of emotion, he placed the ring on her finger and got up. He kissed her as he grabbed her by her waist and spun her around, both crying of emotion and kissing each other. He whispered “I am the happiest man alive.”

“So am I.” She whispered back.

They kissed again, this time passionately, their emotions and lips doing the talking for them. His hands traced her neckline, then her back, drawing circles on her sides, just as hers tugged at his wild hair before they descended on his neck and chest “I love you so much… I can hardly breathe when I’m around you.”

“Please do. I need a live groom when I walk down the aisle.”

They both laughed and he kissed her again, dipping her as he deepened the kiss, his hand getting a grip on her leg, drawing gentle circles “I don’t want to get out of here.”

“Neither do I. I want to freeze time and stay here forever.”

“Then let’s not go yet. Stay here with me.”

“I plan to.” He whispered before kissing her again, laying her on the floor gently, not ready to be parted from her yet.

When they finally went back to the mansion, Edward was grinning widely and Akelda was shining as brightly as her sapphire engagement ring. All the guests looked back at them and he took her hand triumphantly, showing the ring “She said yes!”

Their parents cheered, and the sisters started squealing and going over to her sister, gazing at her ring as they gushed on how it had gone. Frederick and Edward shook hands, and Henriette and Elfreda hugged him warmly “Welcome to the family. Both of you.”

Akelda embraced her parents and her mother-in-law, smiling widely “I’m happy to have a girl like you on my family.” Elfreda said.

“And I’m happy to be part of your family as well.”

The party finally ended an hour later, and the newly engaged couple walked back to their shared room. He kissed her ring “I can’t wait to be your wife.”

“And I can’t wait to spend a lifetime with you.”

Akelda smiled “I’ve got you something, but I don’t think it’d be as grand as this,” she raised her palm, showing her ring. Edward smiled.

“Whatever it is, I’ll love it.”

Akelda grabbed the small gift and gave it to him. He opened it and admired it. It was a pair of golden cufflinks with red and blue gemstones. The red one had an ‘A’ on it, and the blue one had an ‘E’ which each looked like Akelda and Edward’s handwriting. He beamed “My love… it’s beautiful! I don’t know how to thank you!”

Akelda smiled “How about you cuddle with me tonight? As a starter.”

He smiled, picking her up and both setting into her princess bed together.

They fell asleep, with a hopeful promise of a forever together.

#hp founders era #founders era #akelda the tragic #edward the valiant #akelda x edward #akedward #oc: henriette of wessex #frederick of kent #denegifu of scotland #juliana of york #oldaric the red #cuthfelda of ireland #hilda the smith #agatha of kent #modern au #founders era modern au #mywriting*

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endlessly-cursed · 4 months

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Bringing Good Tidings, Part One: A Royal Ball

AN: It's here! A thousand times late, but here nevertheless! Tis not the 29th till the sun comes out, lol. This is a collab that Guzma ( @hphmmatthewluther ) and I have created for all of you. Do not worry, this doesn't contain spoilers from neither of our series and can be perfectly read! Enjoy!

Summary: Ten years later after the biggest events on Henriette and Lachlann's lives, the heroes reunite for a royal ball hosted at London.

Word Count: 1.2k

OCs involved: Henriette of Wessex, Frederick of Kent ( @that-scouse-wizard ) Lachlann Doherty ( @hphmmatthewluther ) Mathilde Coventry ( @camillejeaneshphm )

Taglist: let me know if you wish to be added!!

24th of December

Henriette’s estate was chaos.

Servants ran left and right, some chasing the children while the others made sure that Lord Frederick and Lady Henriette would be presentable for their majesties and the horses. Henriette was used to this, although her dear husband was yet to get used to some of the customs. Adjusting her travelling veil and hairstyle, she looked at her husband, who dealt with the rather long sleeves. She chuckled, amused by how uncomfortable he looked in festive gear. She got up from her vanity and adjusted them. Freddie leaned on her touch, kissing her forehead “Thank you, my love.”

“Nervous?” She asked.

“About the king? Not really. But I am anxious about the feast… it’s the first time we bring the children with us.”

“I know. I am anxious as well. But we’ve worked hard to train them for court. All will be well. Besides, many of Hogwarts’ professors and friends will be there! Our children won’t be the only ones under scrutiny.” She realised what she said and kissed his hand “Sorry, my love. Being under scrutiny is not something we ought to enjoy.”

“It’s alright. This is how you’ve lived for decades now. I’d be surprised if you weren’t accustomed to it.”

They were about to kiss when a ten-year-old Odalric barged into the room, Juliana in tow.

“Mother! Juliana is misbehaving again!” He complained.

“Denegifu and I were merely playing, mother!” She retaliated.

The two of them looked at each other before each of them talked to their children “Tell me, Juliana, were you? Misbehaving?” Henriette asked calmly.

“No! Denegifu and I were playing tug-of-war and she lost. I merely teased her!”

“Is it true, son?” Frederick asked.

“She wasn’t just teasing! She started laughing at her and made her cry!”

Juliana turned to her brother “It’s not my fault that she’s still a baby!”

Henriette made her daughter look at her “Hey! Never say such things about family, Juliana! Despite what you might think of her, she is your sister and will be for the rest of your life, and you ought to love and respect her, alright?”

“Fine…”

“Is that all, Odalric?”

“Yes, father. I will go dress now.”

As each nanny took the children to their room, both parents sighed. Frederick shook his head “I know that, sometimes, children can be mean, but I worry about Juliana.”

“Me, too. I fear that there is somebody who’s pitting her against her own sister.”

“Let us hope that it stays a teenage rivalry.”

Lachlann was adding the last touches to his riding gear when an owl arrived. Without even turning, he asked his wife “Tillie, love, do you mind getting that for me, please?”

His wife, Mathilde, picked the scroll from the ill-tempered owl and opened the scroll. After a few minutes, she turned to look at her husband “Our contact has no news of Bruna. Still locked at home with the children.”

Both of them fell silent. Ten years had passed since Brunhilda had been married off to her cousin and whisked away for her cruel husband’s pleasure, and despite following them into a wild goose chase, Bruna herself asked the couple to leave her be for the sake of her children and herself. It pained them both to leave her to Wilhelm’s clutches, but they could do nothing at the moment.

A servant broke the silence by announcing that their children were already dressed and finishing packing. Lam smiled. If something had kept him going, it was his beloved family. They were all each his pride and joy, and despite the fact that at court they’d be heavily watched by the king, he looked forward showing London to his children.

“You know,” Mathilde commented “this is the hottest event in town. Not even a savage like Wilhelm would miss it. Perhaps there is hope for us to see her again before the year ends.”

She was right. The last time they saw her, they had all been in a royal hunt, and Brunhilda had looked pale and tired. Nothing like the energetic and vivacious young woman that they both had loved. She had been left behind in the hut to take care of her daughters while Wilhelm showed off his son in the hunt. Lam could speak for him and his wife when he wondered how come someone like Brunhilda took so much from a monster like him.

The moment the servant announced that they were ready for their journey to London, Lam shook off his thoughts and took Tillie’s hand, putting a brave face to his family for the sake of the holidays.

As they approached the castle, which, for Henriette, was already much familiar, she smiled. Much had happened there over the years. She had finally laid eyes upon her husband, they had shared small moments, married there, and many of their six children had been conceived there. She now may look bigger and older, but she was much happier than she had been when she was merely nineteen.

“Shall we?”

“If we must…”

“Lord Frederick of Kent and Lady Henriette of Wessex!” The herald cried, and they both made their entrance.

They both bowed to the monarchs and each greeted them.

“Your Graces, may I present my children? You may remember my oldest, Odalric. These are Denegifu, Juliana, Akelda, Cuthfelda and Hilda.” Each of the children bowed as Henriette and tutors had taught them and the queen smiled.

“Be welcome, Lady Henriette. We hope that your travels were safe.”

“They were, Your Graces.”

“Lord Lachlann Doherty and his wife, the Lady Mathilde!”

Bowing respectfully, they all moved on to their seats. Henriette’s, of course, was next to the Queen. The children were taken to another room, as per tradition dictated. Setting onto the seat, they observed from afar how the former serf was now handling gracefully a conversation with His Grace, who seemed intrigued by him. He had certainly come far ever since the infamous feast at the Thane of Cawdor’s castle.

The couple came over to them and curtsied to them both “My lord. My lady. It is a pleasure to see you here.”

“Likewise, Lady Mathilde. You look well.”

Mathilde nodded “Same to you. I couldn’t tell that you’ve had six children. You must tell me your secrets.”

“I’d be delighted, my lady.”

“I hope to see you for tomorrow’s feast.”

“Christmastime and your lovely daughter’s birthday, no less. We wouldn’t miss it, would we, dear?”

Lachlann nodded.

“It shall be an interesting soiree, indeed.”

They were a bit right about that.

Henriette and Frederick sat on the edges of their daughter’s bed, who was starting to stir up. She sighed and opened her eyes “Good morning, Mother. Father.”

“Good morning, sweetie.” Frederick smiled.

“Happy birthday!” Henriette smiled.

Akelda beamed weakly “Is it today?”

“Why, yes!”

Frederick ordered the servants to dress her as Henriette woke up the rest of the children as she reminded “Remember, we are now at court, and we must be on our best behaviour! Keep the naughtiness to a minimum!” She chided.

“Yes, Mother!” They all echoed.

As everyone dressed, Akelda was presented with a beautiful cream dress and a brooch with her favourite flower, the magnolia. She beamed and hugged both her parents “Thank you. You’re both very kind.”

“Anything for the birthday girl.”

Lachlann had woken up with a certain queasiness. He felt it. Something was off. He just knew, after his training. Mathilde had said that maybe it was the mulled wine, but he knew better.

As the court danced away, his senses tingled, telling him to be alert.

This had just begun. And he wasn’t referring to the party.

#bringing good tidings #hp founders era #founders era #oc: henriette of wessex #frederick of kent #lachlann doherty #mathilde coventry #frediette #silvercrown #collab #mywriting*

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