Chapter 12- Surprises and Return

"She's Draco's sister/She's a Malfoy"

Jasmine was incredibly curious about the shy Malfoy, while Rigel was interested in the Greengrass girl, who had yet to become known as the ice queen of Hogwarts just yet. Gliding over to the two blondes, one of which squawked at their arrival, they introduced themselves.

"Good Evening, I am Jasmine Potter, heir to the ancient and noble house of Potter, but you can call me Jasmine," the cheery green-eyed girl said, reverting back to her semi-casual state.

"Jasmine, you could have held formality for at least a minute couldn't you, Arcturus is going to be annoyed if he hears of this. I am Rigel Black, heir of the ancient and noble house Black, a pleasure to make your acquaintance." Daphne was observing the two with her somewhat frosty gaze, something that could only be a result of occlumency of the third-tier, marking her as a natural occlumense… 'or a transformed wampus cat,' Rigel joked to himself.

"A-I'm Lyra Malfoy, of the noble house of Malfoy," the silver-haired girl said softly, her confidence lower than either of the heirs expected from a Malfoy.

"Daphne Greengrass, heir to the noble house of Greengrass, pleased to make your acquaintance as well heirs Black and Potter." Now that the expected formality was complete, the four relaxed somewhat, though it was still awkward.

"So Draco has a sister? Fascinating," Jasmine said excitedly, glad for any possible information on the twat.

"Y-yes. I'm younger though, by almost a year."

"So you'll be at Hogwarts next year, I wonder which house you'll end up in."

"You have a sister her age correct," Rigel asked Daphne who'd simply been observing the two newcomers.

"I do. My sister Astoria. She's at home with my mother due to some health concerns." Again, no emotion slipped through the mask, but Rigel had read enough fan fiction to understand the seriousness of the blood malediction curse that ran in their family. 'I wonder if the philosopher's stone could cure it, or the elder wand. I doubt they haven't tried phoenix tears but the others might stand a chance, along with some particularly nasty rituals.

"I hope she recovers, however serious her condition," he consoled. "This is the longest conversation I've had with a Slytherin in the vicinity without having to hear an insult."

"Well, not every Slytherin student hates Gryffindor. We're just told to stand together outside of the common room."

Jasmine and Lyra continued talking, though the Gryffindor was doing the majority of the speaking, while Rigel and Daphne observed quietly, discussing their holiday homework and how they spent their holidays. Throughout his conversation with the Greengrass heir, he could occasionally catch Lyra's pale sky-blue eyes staring at him over Jasmine's shoulder, while Daphne's own clear blue eyes bore into his own like she was unable to blink.

The conversations were cut short by a collection of Slytherins that kissed Draco's feet, as well as the ferret prince himself. "Daphne, it's so good to see you. Aren't you supposed to come greet the hosts when you arrive?" Both Daphne and Jasmine groaned, while Lyra was looking more nervous than ever, head bowed slightly as she stepped back out of the way of her brother.

"I was unable to find you Draco, so I was talking with your sister instead." Draco sneered in an attempt of capturing his father's face, nose scrunched, eyebrows furrowed slightly and only one side of his face upturned. 'His father might be proud if he heard about this,' Rigel inwardly commented, trying hard to conceal the smirk.

"Hello Draco, Merry Christmas," he greeted, completely forgoing the formalities as Draco had with Daphne. "For my Christmas gift have you brought the money you owe me from that bet in September, or have you decided to sing for me?" While Rigel was no doubt being rude, there was little the Malfoy heir could do, as everyone at Hogwarts knew about the bet, but many assumed Draco had paid on the sly.

"Rigel, yes." The boy was stuck, as his father had warned him not to misbehave as Abraxas would punish them both, regardless of Lucius's Lord status. "Dobby, pay Rigel here the owed amount from the bet. It's not like it's much money anyway."

"No, it's really not. It was 50, then doubled after the 48 hours, then doubled every month since. So a mere 800 galleons, as per the small bets and repayable sums guide sanctioned for use for monetary loans in 1786." Everyone creased in response, Draco, paler than before, while Lyra stood gobsmacked by the situation. Draco had ruled over everyone due to the wealth and political power of their family, and Draco's housemates had been friends of the family for a while, hanging around him and kissing up to him. Yet here he was, completely at a loss, mocked, disrespected in their own manor and forced to pay a debt of 800 galleons due to his own stupidity. Lyra was definitely going to tell Abraxas about Draco's screw-up, right after she befriended the only person she knew to stand up to him, Rigel Black.

"D-Don't you think that's a little extreme? Not that I care, I mean, but it was just a small bet."

"Yes, it was just a friendly wager between heirs. And had you paid the 50, I wouldn't have brought it up again." Dobby arrived with an extended bag.

"Dobby has the 800 galleons for scary heir Black," he said passing over the bag and receiving it back once Rigel had emptied its contents into his own, tucked into a pocket in his suit. When he vanished, Rigel offered his hand.

"Now that the debt's been paid, I wish you a Merry Christmas heir Malfoy." Jasmine almost giggled at the gleam in Rigel's eyes as he turned back to Daphne, who had remained neutral throughout the conversation, observing the two political powerhouses. "Daphne, Lyra, a pleasure again." He then turned, headed towards Arcturus, who looked seconds away from hexing another old goat, dressed in Acromantula and carrying a beautiful ebony cane, his wand no doubt hidden in the handle. He heard Jasmine talking briefly before she hurried behind him and tapped him on the shoulder.

"At least 100 should come to me, right? You bet on me."

"I also fought a duel in your stead the same day, during which you would have gotten your arse handed to you in, and been publicly humiliated. Try again."

"Fair point. Just make me a sugar figurine when we get back to Hogwarts."

"Done."

"Lord Black," the two greet, conjuring a smile on Arcturus's face as he glares still at the old wizard.

"Abraxas, this is my heir, Rigel Black."

"A half-blood," the bigot spat.

"And heiress Jasmine Potter."

"Yet another half-blood. Two pure-blooded lines, destroyed in a single generation."

"I think the families that were entirely wiped out during the genocide attempt we call a wizarding war would argue that our families survived rather well Mr Malfoy. And the most powerful wizard in Magical Britain is a half-blood. Maybe the genes needed some fresh blood?" Rigel's words caused Arcturus to snort, while Abraxas's face grew more contorted.

"So poorly educated Arcturus, it seems the Blacks will fade from existence in another generation."

"Actually, Rigel's the top of all practical classes, and dominated your family's heir within two weeks of attendance."

"Perhaps, I should have a word with my son about his heir's education later tonight. I was not aware of this." There was little he could argue, as a formal duel was a clear demonstration of prowess between wizards and had been used to measure a family's future prominence for centuries. Those with more powerful wizards, were more likely to be successful for the generation. "Young Rigel, Draco would be your cousin correct?"

"Yes Mr Malfoy, as would Lyra."

"Perhaps the two of you could rule the two houses in the future, Gryffindor and Slytherin side by side." Abraxas wasn't even being subtle about it, but Rigel couldn't help but smirk, 'Shame he's unaware he's talking to a REALLY venomous snake.' "I'll take my leave, lots of guests to mingle with. Jasmine, I hope you enjoy your time under Arcturus's care. Anything's better than living with muggles."

Watching him slide off into the crowd, Arcturus cackled lowly, "What a fool. Unaware of his own house's falling state and so quick to try and befriend a real monster." Jasmine was a little confused at the end, but agreed with the rest of his comment.

"I take it, they aren't as close as you guys are?"

"Oh no. Far too interested in their own ambitions for that. Each trying to bite and feed off the other. He's a fairly competent wizard, though it pains me to say, and an even better politician. Not known for subtlety, however, something that according to your tales, Jasmine, was passed down to his grandson." Rigel grabbed another drink for himself and Jasmine, returning to find Daphne and a short dark-haired man with chocolate brown eyes and a plastered smile talking to his grandfather and Jasmine.

"Oh, Arcturus, we never see you at these events anymore. I feel like I have to organise a major crime just to see you at the Wizengamot."

"Well, without an heir, there wasn't much point attending and building up the family's strength was there? Speak of the devil."

"And here he appears," Rigel finished, a warm smile on his cute face. "Rigel Black, pleased to make your acquaintance Lord Greengrass."

"You know me?"

"I know of you. And Daphne doesn't seem like the type to accompany older strangers around social events."

"Haha, I suppose not. A pleasure to meet you, Rigel, Arcturus was just talking about you." While there wasn't much Rigel could do to build a relationship with Jacob Greengrass yet, being seen as a smart, and well-mannered heir was the best he could manage.

"Good things, I hope. Is it true your family has control over most of Britain's magical herb supplies?"

"Uh, yes, we have been the largest grower and supplier of magical plants for at least two centuries. In fact, the Potter family owns a potion-making business off Diagon alley that buys from us. Is there a reason you were asking?"

"I was wondering if purchasing directly from the supplier would be cheaper than the marked-up prices of Slug and Jiggers. Their delivery prices are almost the same as the items themselves."

Jacob held a glint in his eye looking at the young heir, "Indeed, it would be cheaper, but we don't do small transactions, and only sell to businesses. Clever attempt though."

"What a shame, I guess I'll just have to make a deal with Jasmine for cheaper potions instead." Arcturus almost spat out his champagne, quickly catching himself and pulling up his occlumency shields as he watched his heir passive-aggressively comment about his other options and the ease of it.

"You've certainly got the spirit of a Gryffindor," Jacob said finally with a sigh. "Just tell Daphne, or send an owl directly to the greenhouses and I'll make sure your orders are accepted. If you don't like politics, you've certainly got the skill to go into business."

The remainder of the party was a fairly dull affair, and while Rigel caught Lyra staring at him occasionally, she never approached, nor did anyone else from the Hogwarts body, including Snape, who was mingling in the corner with Lucius. Narcissa had nodded to him from a distance, but remained by her husband's side the entire party. Her role as a trophy wife complete. 'She's fit as hell. Lucius is definitely a wand-swallower, because if I was married to a baddie like that, Draco would have at least 10 siblings, not one. I wonder if he had to rub up against Snape to get himself ready to burst first. Yuck, bad image. Gross.' Rigel's thoughts had grossed him out entirely for the rest of the night, and ruined any chance of seeing Snape without sniggering in response.

~~~

The morning of the return trip to Hogwarts, the two children were almost excited for a holiday, viewing the two older wizards as slavedrivers in comparison to even the worst of Hogwarts. Rigel had 'borrowed,' a few books from the family library on combat magic, and promised to send a letter when he needed their help with the dragon. Jasmine and Rigel boarded the train with little fuss, glad to be seeing their friends again. It wasn't that Jasmine and Rigel hadn't gotten closer, they had. But most of the time they were simply too tired to spend additional time together, especially as Jasmine still had the homework to do.

The two crashed down in an empty compartment, Rigel putting up their trunks and empty birdcages. "Jasmine, Rigel, how are you," a cheery Neville spoke up from the door. He looked almost as relieved to be going back as the two of them, though based on the descriptions of his grandmother, Rigel wasn't surprised at all.

"Hey, Nev. How were your holidays?"

"Not too bad, thanks for the book on aquatic herbology, I had no idea how much variation there was based on the salt percentage." Rigel had bought or gifted small gifts to 'his' people, and had received similar gifts, such as a rapidly fruiting miniature pear tree from Neville, sweets from the Patils and a light grey scarf from Lavender, which would thankfully cover the red hood of his robes. "Nan let me plant some herbs and most importantly," he whipped out a wand, far different to his old one. "You were right, Ollivander was surprised I was capable of producing ANY magic with the old one. Gave Nan a right scolding too for disrespecting the wand's wishes." The ride back was soon made noisier as Hermione arrived, instantly discussing what they did for homework and what the future classes would focus on. In fact, she was so fervent in her monologue that she ended up red-faced and was unaware that Lav had sat beside her rolling her eyes at the bushy-haired know-it-all.

Classes resumed the following day, and both Rigel and Jasmine were now FAR beyond their peers in the practical application of charms, and DADA spells, while Rigel was even more detailed in his transfigurations, much to McGonagall's joy. "What were you guys even doing over the holidays," Ron asked, annoyed that Jasmine and Rigel were so far ahead of everyone.

"Rigel's dad and grandfather taught us daily, then for the second week we moved to duelling."

"Already? Why would they teach an eleven-year-old to duel? Not even the most traditional houses do that anymore."

"Because Hogwarts doesn't anymore Ron. If either of us are attacked, we at least stand a BETTER chance now."

"I suppose, especially with Jasmine taking the heir position as the sole female heir. Probably safer to be protected, even if she is under your family's protection."

Lavender slammed her cup down on the common room table, "What was that?"

"She's under Rigel's dad's protection as his ward. So, anyone who attacks her is attacking the Blacks as well, which should scare off the majority of the slimy snakes."

"Death eaters came from every house Ronald," Rigel commented despondently."

"Yeah, but the worst came from Slytherin."

"Barty Crouch Jr didn't," Neville said quietly, his voice barely audible. "He was a Ravenclaw."

"Not to mention those that came from Durmstrang," Parvati added, having heard all about the war from her parents.

"Regardless," Ron replied, "She's protected somewhat under Rigel's name, especially as they're friends." Lavender was still annoyed that Jasmine was now living under Rigel's roof, while Hermione, who knew of her uncle and aunt's treatment, was happy for her.

The rumour about Draco being forced to hand over 800 galleons to Rigel had spread, which amazed Jasmine, as neither Rigel nor herself had told anyone, though Rigel caught the humour in Daphne's eyes during dinner the next morning. While Draco and his bodyguards scowled at Rigel and Jasmine, they never attempted to aggravate them, so the two sides never came into conflict with one another. The following weeks were demanding of Jasmine, as she had near constant quidditch practice, as Wood went a little overzealous, however, Rigel spent his free time in the room of requirement, either physically exercising using bodyweight to build stamina and a more capable physique, or attempting more detailed transfiguration and complex spells. Once, he'd even convinced Flitwick to have a practice duel with him, using the same list of spells, demonstrating how an expert would manoeuvre and cast differently.

Neville's new wand didn't make him an excellent or particularly skilled wizard, but he was now above average, as his repeated practice in wand movement gave him precision the others lacked. As a result, he was far more confident, yet still the same caring boy he was before, unlike Ron who was crap, didn't put in effort, and hated everyone for being better than him.

Jasmine's second match of the year was against the Puff's and while Snape being the referee scared her, Rigel told her that McGonagall would turn him into a toad if he endangered a student or was particularly biased during the game. Not that it mattered anyway, as Jasmine managed to spot and catch the snitch within the first minute of the snitch's release, annoying the hell out of Rigel who'd broken his schedule to watch the game only for it to barely play out. Rigel, Hermione and the star seeker were walking back after she got changed, listening to him grumble about the match's boring conclusion.

"You could have waited a little before snatching it couldn't you?"

The question must have prompted Jasmine's thoughts as she completely ignored the question, instead asking a question herself. "Do you reckon the stone's been stolen yet?" Jasmine asked. "It's not like we've been checking on it all the time."

Hermione disagreed, "If the sole philosopher's stone in the world had been stolen over the holidays, I'm fairly certain it would have made the news." Rigel agreed with her, nodding in confirmation.

"When do you think Snape will steal it?"

"I doubt they'd do it when Professor Dumbledore is here, which explains why it wasn't taken while we were on the holidays. I doubt we have anything to worry about unless Professor Dumbledore is called away for some reason." Rigel was actually impressed with the Granger girl's reasoning, for the first time this year, actually seeming intelligent rather than simply good at memorising things. The three of them saw Snape stalking off towards the forbidden forest, and decided to follow, only to spot the greasy git threatening the quivering Quirrell.

"… d-don't know why you wanted t-t-to meet here of all p-places, Severus …"

"Oh, I thought we'd keep this private," said Snape, his voice icy. "Students aren't supposed to know about the Philosopher's Stone, after all." Jasmine and Hermione leaned forward, while Rigel, who knew how things turned out remained on the lookout. Quirrell was mumbling something.

Snape interrupted him. "Have you found out how to get past that beast of Hagrid's yet?"

"B-b-but Severus, I —"

"You don't want me as your enemy, Quirrell," said Snape, taking a step toward him.

"I-I don't know what you —"

"You know perfectly well what I mean. Figure out where your loyalties lie Quirrell, and we'll have another talk when you do." The three ran off quickly as Snape backed away from the awkward four-inch gap their faces had before, making it to the courtyard entrance by the time they saw Snape's figure leave the forest's treeline.

"Snape was threatening Quirrell," Hermione said disapprovingly.

"Do we tell Professor Dumbledore?" Jasmine asked quietly.

"I'd bet money that he already knows," Rigel said, glad Snivvelus hadn't caught them near the forest and been given the opportunity to punish the three of them. 'Doesn't matter if they don't realise it was Quirrell, as when they find out, they'll trust my words more, and if they do, I get the same benefit. If only our issues could be solved as quickly as she caught that damned snitch.'