4

--Caddell Manor—28th, March 1929—

The room was warm as usual, the way Emrys liked it. The walls were painted a deep rich blue that reminded him of the Ravenclaw colours. In the tall windows that were uncovered, beams of light shone through, lighting up the place where Emrys was accustomed to being nearly every day, a place where he learned. Where he listened and asked questions, learning more about this world.

"Do tell me, Emrys, what do you think magic is?" the man gently asked. He stared at the man for a moment, his lips lightly in thought. What did he think magic was? He wasn't sure. How would one explain it? He was sure the man wasn't exactly expecting much, seeing as he was supposed to be two, but he wanted to answer.

The man who he knew as Edmund Granor spoke smiled, "It's a hard question, is it not?"

"I suppose", Emrys replied, slowly leaning forward, his stomach pressed against the edge of the table before him.

The man was standing in front of him while he was a seat at a desk. He didn't have to write anything, only if he wished to, but he didn't because his tutor, Edmund, always wrote notes on what was mentioned and taught in that lesson. Well, not specifically him, well, his magic. Right there behind the man was a long table filled with all sorts of books that he used. There was a long parchment, a quill floating on top writing.

"Well, what types of magic do you think there is?"

"Light, Grey and Dark?" Emrys spoke, and Edmund nodded, "Yes, that's right. Magic, as it is, has been a part of our world before any of us even came to be. As the earth was formed, magic itself was there as well, formed with the earth, magic courses through the ground we stand on, dormant but still alive in some ways. It has a constant influence on the world. You're born with the inherent capacity to perceive and harness the energy released by vibrations if you're a wizard. You can sense the wonder of that energy if you're a Squib, but you can't harness it. You can't do either if you're a Muggle. Why do you think that is?"

"Blood? Through blood, one can become a wizard… I understand why muggles can't since they wouldn't have a magic parent but squibs? How come squibs become... them? In pureblood families," Emrys asked.

"A good question, which many people have theories for. Some think it's from inbreeding, some think it's Lady Magic punishing their family, while others think their magic was stolen from muggles."

"What's your theory, Edmund?" Emrys asked eagerly. "Hm, my theory? Well, what are you, Emrys?"

Strange question, what answer did he want? "A pureblood?"

"Yes! Just as I am. We'll use my family as an example, the Noble House of Granor. My house has been said to be pure, being dated back until the 1800s, but before then, what was it? It obviously wasn't as pure as it is now, which means there had to be some muggles who were in the family. We all come from somewhere, our parents come from somewhere, our grandparents come from some so on and on. Eventually, you go so back down in your family tree, and you see nothing because of the muggle who used to use their family name. We have the blood and the magic of our ancestors, albeit very concentrated. However, it's still there, I believe that muggle blood was passed down for many generations dormant in our systems, and in a rare case, that blood becomes more dominant than the magical one, resulting in a squib."

He nodded at this theory, finding it probable sure there could be other theories that made sense, but they were, after all, just theories that had no strong proof backing them.

"How does magic form- what's its form? I've read a few books on magic, I suppose, but none ever mentioning its raw form, how it is within… is it a core?" Emrys asked, his eyes watching Edmund's thoughtful gaze, "Not exactly, but something similar. I'm not surprised you're unsure how it is supposed to be or how there isn't much information on the issue. It's hard to simply explain. It course throughout our bodies, not limited to just one particular area. One could just call it a muscle, one you can train and teach. It's not called a magical core, but a 'magicae-intus'," Edmund answered him. Emrys nodded. That was enough for him.

With Emrys' silent show of his understanding, Edmund continued, "Alright, so you've read some books on magic…."

--Caddell Manor--29th, March 1929--

Seraphina and her new friend stepped onto a pristine marble floor surrounded by Grecian columns made of the same material. Seraphina's mother, Ophelia Caddell, sat on one side of an elegant table set for four in an archway at the end of the hall.

"Welcome to Caddell Manor," Seraphine said to her friend, seeing the girl's shocked expression. It wasn't often Seraphina invited her friends to the Manor, mainly because they weren't 'friends'. They were just people clinging to her Caddell name.

They were home for two weeks for their Easter holiday. During this time, Seraphina decided to invite the new friend she made at the start of her second year over to her Manor.

Seraphina's friend Azalia. "May Ronpy take the young Miss's coat?" a squeaky voice asked from their right. Azalia looked at Seraphina with wide eyes. She handed the house-elf her coat and followed the other house-elf, Moopey, who appeared into the dining room.

"You have house-elves?" Azalia muttered in an undertone. "Of course, we do," Seraphina replied, looking surprised. "Why wouldn't we?" Seraphina asked, slightly confused. She looked to her friend, who looked sheepish for asking such a question. Seraphina just shrugged her shoulders. Azalia was a pureblood, so it was strange she asked it.

"Announcing, Young Mistress Seraphina Caddell and Young Mistress Azalia Carrow!" the house-elf squeaked and then stepped aside as two more ran in to pull out their chairs. Azalia couldn't help but feel awkward with the house-elves running about. She thought she was used to them now, but she couldn't let them know that.

Azalia was looking at the Caddells in person for the first time, not on a newspaper's front page. Even if it was just Seraphina's mother sitting there… she was still there and real. She heard a lot about the Caddell family. It would be a crime not to have heard of their name, their wealth. For once in her life, the man she now knew as her father didn't look at her in disappointment and disgust, but in greed when he had found out she had befriended the 'Caddell Princess'.

Mrs- no, Lady Caddel's hair was long, just as long as Seraphina's, but was slightly curlier than what the photographs showed… she was beautiful just like Seraphina was. It was like Seraphina had everything in life. Azalia felt jealous.

She was a pureblood, one people called a 'princess' for her ancient blood. She was related to Ravenclaw herself. Not only that, but she had Slytherin's blood flowing through her from her great grandmother, she had heard. Not one person refused her kind voice. She could walk down the hallway as graceful as always and have all the boys turning to watch her.

Though none of the boys ever dared to approach her with the intent of something romantic. One said she was to be Lady Prince, with her being betrothed to Heir Prince, Adrian Prince. Some hated it. Some just listened as they were supposed to and did not complain, but Seraphina and Adrian? It was an old tradition that most pureblood families took part in, betrothing their children to others.

It was like they were made for each other. Seraphina and the Prince heir both actually liked each other.

The thirteen-year-old, fourth year Slytherin, Adrian Prince, would always approach Seraphina whenever he spotted her throughout the hall, reigning compliments to the third year Ravenclaw. She never failed to blush at his lousy attempts of flirting.

Azalia was glad Lord Caddell wasn't there as well. She didn't doubt the man was similar to her Lord father, Cadmus Carrow. Azalia couldn't help but hate this society at times. Her father would say she should be grateful, but when taken from her mother, how could she?

"You must be Azalia", Ophelia Caddell said softly, her gentle smile warming the room. Azalia couldn't tell if it was a genuine smile or not… the woman was a pureblood, so it was likely a false one- a very good one. The glint in the woman's eyes showed interest. Of course, she did. She was meeting the mysterious Azalia Annabell Carrow.

She was glad Lord Caddell wasn't there.

At that moment, while Ophelia Caddell, Seraphina and Azalia Carrow were in the East Wing of the Manor. In Lord Caddell's office, Lord Caddell and his brother were on a different floor of the wing, discussing an issue.

"Well, met Lady Caddell. Thank you for allowing me into your home," Azalia spoke, remembering the manners expected from a 'pureblood' like herself…

Ophelia smiled approvingly, "Met in kind, dear. There has been much mention about you, Azalia Carrow. Many speculating why you were only introduced into society as you joined your second year of Hogwarts." The curiosity laced through her voice.

Purebloods… love gossip and information. Azalia already knew if she were to meet Seraphina's parents, mention on her sudden appearance would be mentioned. Her father had ensured she had gotten her story right.

"I suppose so, Lady Caddell. Just as my father had said, I had been sick since I was a child… I'm sure you understand why my father would have wished for me to stay hidden, but thankfully I feel fine now."

Ophelia hummed before speaking again, "Yes, I do quite understand. Every pureblood family has their secrets, and Carrows are known for their surprises. The first female Carrow in centuries, it's not surprising your father wished to have you protected. I'm guessing it was in America he had you stay."

Azalia nodded, "Yes, ma'am. I lived in America all my life with a relative on my mother's side of the family. My Father sought to have me brought back to Britain when he heard of my miraculous recovery. With me feeling better now, I begged him to allow me to attend Hogwarts just like my father had done and my elder brother."

Ophelia smiled in understanding, "I'm glad the Ancient and Noble house of Carrow has been blessed with a daughter. It's a pleasure to meet you, darling. Seraphina has owled me so much about you."

Azalia glanced at her friend, then back to Mrs Caddell and hesitantly responded, "She has?"

"Indeed," Ophelia began ", Ever since your second year started, it's been 'Azalia' this and that. I'm glad she has found a friend in you."

Seraphina flushed. "Mother", she hissed lightly, "I wish to show Azalia my gardens now, so we will see you later at dinner."

Ophelia smirked, "Alright." Lady Caddell watched her daughter drag her friend out.

"So… you've told your parents about me?" Azalia asked teasingly, "Shut up. You can't say you haven't told your father about me," Seraphina replied.

"I suppose I have. Where's your brother anyways" Azalia responded.

Seraphina shrugged, "Probably trying to teach my Potter cousin the theory behind gravity."

"…Isn't your brother three?"

"…Sure."

--

"Then what would you have me do!" Baratheon Caddel snapped at his elder brother, Lord Caddell.

Atticus Caddell stood from his seat, pushing it back as he did. He glared at his brother. "He is your son Theon! Don't you dare ask me what you should do!"

Atticus walked around his desk, pacing around the room in thought, running his hands through his dark hair, "The Maxwells threatened to partner with the Partidge's." Atticus contributed, his arms crossed as he walked around the room.

"The Partidge's? They can't! if they did, they'd be a bigger problem than the Erwins." Baratheon responded, his eyes following his brother."

"I know", Atticus hissed, narrowing his eyes at his brother. The Lord stopped right in front of his younger brother. "The deal was that Kester was to wed their eldest daughter Ara, and with this, they would partner with us. This deal was your fucking idea, Baratheon! So, tell me why your son ruined the deal by confronting Lord Maxwell himself, rejecting the marriage proposal."

"Look, brother. We can fix this." Baratheon started, "-How?!" Atticus interrupted.

"We'll find someone else to partner with us. It won't be hard, we offer them a marriage contract with my son Kester, and they'll partner with us in return. I have actually had Polly Crabbe contact her ladies, who would most like to have a union with the Caddell's. I've already informed Kester."

Atticus nodded, "Alright, it will do." Polly Crabbe was the sister of Baratheon's late wife, Regina Caddell né Caddell. The woman was protective of her nephews, Kester and Zion, who had lost their mother. The woman would be sure to find a wife for Kester.

"Maybe a union with the Blacks?" Baratheon mused. Atticus shook his head, "The daughters of the house of Blacks are too young. I can think of Cassiopeia Black. The girl is 14. The rest are even younger, but we need a union now if we want them to agree."

There was silence for a few seconds before Atticus frowned, "Where's your spawn anyways. After what he did, I would like to have a word with him."

--Bordwin Apartment complex, London—

Kester had only gotten home from the awkward conversation with his uncle, Lord Caddell. As a child of the house of Caddell, he was expected to obey and not question authority, but he couldn't do it anymore. His father and Lord Caddell had arranged for him to marry Ara Maxwell, but he couldn't.

He knew he would have to pay for his consequences. He was surprised that neither his father nor uncle had cruico'd him for ruining such an opportunity as if he had just agreed to marry the girl. It didn't even matter what Kester thought about the situation. He wasn't marrying the girl because Lord Maxwell was too prideful for his own good and wouldn't accept any apology Kester was forced to spew.

He was surprised to see Mary in his room the night before he was supposed to have tea with his prospective brides, but he wouldn't complain. It wasn't until he was in bed with her that she realized it wasn't a cruel joke.

Mary Grace. 'Grace' wasn't a pureblood family. If he had to marry anyone… it would be her. He would be blasted off the family tree before he could tell them she was a half-blood after mentioning her name.

He wanted to hold her, but she reached over to his nightstand, grabbing a book he'd hoped she hadn't noticed.

"What's this?" She asked, a wicked expression on her face.

"Mannerisms for Pureblood Ladies," he replied, observing her expression as she turned to him. Her beautiful brown eyes bored into him.

"You know that's not what I mean," Mary told him.

"I am being used as a pawn in a chess game," he told her dryly. "My father and Uncle are trying to secure some deal…. And to get that deal, they decided to marry me off. I'm supposed to meet with the candidates today, so I figured I'd need to know what to expect, which will be boring."

"Surely you already know," Mary said in an amused tone. "You're a pureblood, Kess. I imagine you've been surrounded by purebloods since you could walk."

He shrugged his shoulders. He felt a bit indifferent that she didn't react differently. He had just told her he was to marry… did she not care?

"I knew how to get them into bed, not how to persuade them I'd be terrible to marry," Kester responded.

Mary gave him a smug smile. "I'm sure a 'pathetic' half-blood like little ol' me can help you with that."

"You're not pathetic," Kester said, staring at her taking every detail on her face. Slowly he raised his hand, pushing a strand of her curly brown hair behind her hair. He loved touching it. It was just so soft.

Mary fell silent but moved closer towards him. Kester didn't know what she was doing until she dragged her nails down his torso. His breathing hitched as she neared his lower region. He said nothing has he felt himself stiffen. His eyes drifted to her soft lips, which were slightly parted.

He longed for her touch. She touched it; he didn't push her away. He could never tire of her. Finally, she met his gaze steadily, then gradually began to solidly pump his hardness as she stared intensely into his green eyes. "Merlin, your eyes… are smouldering right now", he commented. "Fucking sexy", he mumbled.

Her movement slowed as she looked to him with amusement, "Are you trying to get your dick sucked?" her smile widening. His brows furrowed at the question. He tilted his head innocently, "You weren't going to do that anyway?"

She burst out laughing. He loved the sound.

Before he could say anything else, her hot mouth was teasing the tip of his cock, her hands wrapped around it. His fingers curled around her hair, keeping it away from her face, and his eyes twinkled as she took him in. She sucked hard, her tongue lathering attention inside her sexy mouth on his crown. Her full sensual lips encircled his hardness. She let out a deep moan that delighted him to the core.

--Idlewood Cottage, London--29th, March 1929--

Polly was pleasantly surprised when her nephew, Kester, arrived at tea smiling. She hadn't expected that from his today, knowing he had no interest in marriage. She knew he was against this occasion.

She was please to at least see him try to engage with the ladies who all had the potential to be a future Madam Caddell. Even if he didn't seem interested in connecting with them.

It didn't matter since emotional connections weren't necessary for political marriages.

After it all, she called her eldest nephew to have a more private conversation and discuss choices. The nineteen-year-old sat quietly in the lounge area of the Crabbe Cottage that belonged to his unmarried Aunt. He wasn't even sure why the woman was interested in being a 'mother' figure and trying to ensure he married.

The woman wasn't even married herself.

"Is something the matter, Kester?" His aunt asked him. He looked up to her shaking his head, "No", he replied, though she didn't look too convinced.

"Were you not interested in any of the ladies at tea today? You should be glad your father is giving you a chance to choose now, after what you did- what about Eileen Prewett? She would give you beautiful heirs."

"Have you not heard those rumours about her?" Kester asked in a bored tone, concentrating on the window than his aunt. "Yes, but nothing severe, Kester. You're making excuses." Her voice was rather unconvincing… She was known for trying to 'conquer' every Lord's son. There was no point trying to cover for the girl. There was no doubt Lord Caddell nor her brother-in-law, Baratheon, would see her as 'worthy', especially since she wasn't a virgin.

"There's someone else, isn't there?"

He snapped his gaze to hers. "…Yeah," he said quietly, "Who is she?"

"I can't tell you now", he responded.

His Aunt raised a brow, "Is she French?" He shook his head.

His Aunt's expression turned to a sneer, "She's not a mudblood Kester, is she? Merlin, help me. Kester Baratheon Caddell!"

"No! She's not Aunt Polly!" he snapped at her over-exaggeration. He rolled his eyes as he saw her sigh in relief. Of course, she would have been mortified if he married someone with 'lesser' blood. Sometimes he wished he hadn't fallen for Mary Grace.

--Bordwin Apartment complex, London--16th, June 1929--

Months…

Hearing the floo in his apartment, Kester walked towards his living room. A hooded robe was none other than Seraphina Ophelia Caddell. The girl in question pulled the hood down, revealing her blonde hair. She smiled hesitantly at her cousin.

"What are you doing here?" he asked her. It was unusual for her to be visiting him.

She shifted awkwardly, saying, "I heard about your betrothal… with Cassiopeia Black."

Ahh… that.

He was sure everyone in the Wizarding world knew about it already. His father had signed a contract with Cygnus Black a few weeks ago, with Lord Black and Lord Caddell present, having joined the new business that was now shared with the House of Black.

They agreed that once she graduated from Hogwarts that they would marry. It was his duty just much as hers.

"I'm fine, you know," he said as he walked off with Seraphina following behind. "Are you? Zion said you threw a fit over it."

Kester snorted, "Zion says anything and everything that isn't true."

"Point taken…" Seraphina whispered.

He smiled towards his cousin. She was only trying to be there for him, "Hot chocolate?" he suggested, and she smiled approvingly. He smiled warmly down at her, "Come, tell me how your second year at Hogwarts was. The school year just ended, didn't it?"