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Corvus	By : LadyFreak Category: Harry Potter AU/AR > General Views: 23965 -:- Recommendations : 3 -:- Currently Reading : 7
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor to I make any money from this story. These characters are JKR's, I just play with them.

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Disclaimer: I don't, and never will, own Harry Potter. All plots and characters belong to J.K. Rowling and company.

::Parseltongue::

/mind-to-mind with Huginn/

'thoughts'

"Normal Speech"

(26) The Longest Night

The smell of burning wood assailed Corvus’ senses, and he smiled. A bonfire was lit and crackling soothingly, set in the center of a circle made of small stones. It had a ‘door’ (a space with no stones) that was about a foot wide, which they all stepped through.

Corvus loved greeting the sun. He wasn’t so involved this year as usually he would be out with his family, tending the flames and ensuring they didn’t go out, giving light through the longest night of the year. Instead this year, it was Bellatrix, Rabastan, and Mopsy who tended the fire.⁽¹⁾

Corvus arranged his family members while Draco looked on. While he was curious, he was also slightly uncomfortable with the old magic. His parents may have performed rituals in the past, but that was before his time. He stood within the circle, but held no specific part in anything ceremonial.

Narcissa was placed in the North for Earth, Lucius in the South for Fire, Bellatrix in the West for Water, and Rabastan in the East for Air. Severus stood in the center with Corvus and Draco in the role of High Priest. They would not have a High Priestess this evening. (A/N: Think of it as a solitary ritual vs Coven. A HP & HPs are not always required, though it helps with the balance)

They began by casting circle. Mopsy handed him the final rocks and Corvus took a step and began

⁽²⁾This circle of power do we cast

A meeting place secure

With love and peace, joy and trust

With hearts and minds so pure

Corvus concentrated in his mind as he walked, mentally creating a globe of protection that was held and formed by the circle of stones.

Between the worlds of man and Spirit

Beyond the bounds of time

We lay this circle for our working

Casting with this rhyme

Draco looked on curiously and he smiled at his cousin reassuringly as the dark haired wizard continued on.

In perfect love and perfect trust

We cut the circle times three

No ill will or evil shall enter here

Our Circle is Cast

So mote it be.

As Corvus finished chanting, he placed the last of the stones, closing the circle both physically and metaphorically. Those in the circle felt a shimmer of power run over their skin as it closed and Corvus could feel his globe of protection.

He smiled and returned to his Uncle and cousin and turned towards his Uncle Rabastan who began calling Quarters. They faced East as he called,

Guardians of the East we call

Hawk and Owl knowing all

Wisdom and vision we ask of thee

Share with us the gift to see

Welcome to this rite we lay.

Hail and Blessed Be this day.

Rabastan lit a stick of incense with his wand and stood it vertically in the ground. A breeze ran through the circle, causing the incense smoke to twist and twirl around the caller. When the breeze quieted, they all turned to Lucius.

Guardians of the South we call

Phoenix and Dragon standing tall

Cleanse us as you see right

Renew us with your fiery light

Welcome to this rite we lay.

Hail and Blessed Be this day.

Lucius lit a red candle that he stood in the ground as Rabastan had his incense. The flame lit tall as did the bonfire. Shapes of dragons and phoenixes could be seen flapping through the flames. As they calmed, they again turned, this time to Bellatrix.

Guardians of the Western dusk

Oh Undines of Water, share your trust

Those in this circle call to you

Share with us insight and peace too

Welcome to this rite we lay.

Hail and Blessed Be this day.

She laid a bowl before her, and the family watched as the water within rippled and moved in waves like the ocean. When the water was calm, they faced Narcissa

Guardians of the North we call

Gnomes of Earth and mountains tall

Strength and Magic we ask you to lay

To aid us with our magic this day

Welcome to this rite we lay.

Hail and Blessed Be this day.

To finish, Narcissa placed a handful of salt on the earth before her. They watched in amazement as the salt moved as if the earth under was quaking. It finally calmed and they knew they were successful.

With circle closed and quarters complete, they faced the center and the three wizards within. They timed it just right, as the first lights of the sunrise had just begun to peek over the horizon. Severus spoke:

⁽³⁾“The wheel of the year has turned once more, and the nights have grown longer and colder. Tonight, the darkness begins to retreat, and light begins its return once again. As the wheel continues to spin, the sun returns to us once more.”
Mopsy handed Corvus a yellow candle, wide as his hand and twice as tall. It was adorned with carvings of runes representing the sun and day. He lit it and continued where Severus left off.

“Even in the darkest hours, even in the longest nights, the spark of life lingered on. Laying dormant, waiting, ready to return when the time was right. The darkness will leave us now, as the sun begins its journey home.”

He looked at each person who gathered for this and smiled. Mopsy handed each person a small taper candle, which was lit from his larger one. As each person lit their candle, they said:

“As the wheel turns, light returns.”

Once all the candles were lit, Corvus held out a parchment to his cousin and together they read,

“The light of the sun has returned to us, bringing life and warmth with it. The shadows will vanish, and life will continue. We are blessed by the light of the sun.”

They finished in perfect time, just as the sun was completely above the horizon. They all took a moment to think of the new day and it’s meanings. A new day is a new beginning. Rebirth. What could they change? What should they change?

After a few minutes, they bade farewell to the guardians and Corvus opened the circle ⁽⁴⁾. They left the fire to burn out on it’s own as they walked silently back into the house.

Mopsy led them all back to the ballroom, bringing fresh cocoa and tea moments later.

()

As soon as everyone was settled, they realized the tree was now surrounded by piles of gifts. Corvus pulled Mopsy aside and gave her a voucher for a new uniform. He had noticed hers was getting a little ragged and knew what a proud elf she was.

Corvus didn’t have the chance to do much more than catalog shop, but he did a good job. He handed Draco a gift wrapped in silver and green, knowing the blonde’s love of all things Slytherin. Grey eyes widened impossibly as the he stared into a box that held a beautiful pendant. It was a platinum dragon with blue sapphire eyes sitting on a black braided leather cord. It was enchanted to protect from all but the unforgivables. It did not completely protect against the darker curses, but did partially shield from them. The pendant also included a locator charm and he gave the instructions to all of the adults and kept a copy for himself as well.

Draco thanked him with a surprised stutter, and watched as Corvus opened his gift. It was a pendant of a raven carved from snowflake obsidian surrounded by a basilisk of a light blue gem called tanzanite. Blushing, the blonde explained that he read that snowflake obsidian grounds spiritual energy to the physical plane, absorbs negativity, and enhances serenity while the tanzanite has been used for meditation, clairvoyance, spirituality, protection, wisdom, and communication with spirit & animal guides.⁽⁵⁾

Corvus was extremely touched by the though that went into his gift and thanked his cousin with a great hug, making the blonde blush further. After all, Malfoys are not known for displays of affection.

His Uncle Rabastan got a basilisk skin wand holster, since Corvus had noticed the old one becoming worn. From his uncle, he opened a square package that revealed multiple Parselscript books. “I returned to Italy to see if the seller had any more books for you.” his uncle explained. “While I don’t know what they say, I figure you would be interested no matter the subject.” The group chuckled as Corvus nodded dumbly, practically drooling over his books.

“You can read them later, Corvus.” Bellatrix said as she caught him trying to pull out all the books and read them right away. “Come on, more gifts!”

He handed Severus a small book shaped package which was the green journal he had purchased in Italy. It was now filled with the translation of the potions book that was in parselscript. The potions master flipped through quickly and looked wide eyed at the information contained. Severus handed him a package that had fresh, hard to get potions ingredients stuffed inside a new silver cauldron.

For Lucius and Narcissa, Corvus bought a pair of two-way mirrors. “I figure either keep them between yourselves for when Uncle Luc is at the ministry or give one the Draco for Hogwarts.” They nodded their thanks and handed Corvus a tall gift with a handle on top. He looked at them inquiringly, but they just smiled back.

He ripped the paper off to reveal a silver cage with a beautiful snowy white owl sitting inside. Corvus gaped, but was brought out of his silence by a slightly amused ‘hoot!’. He looked into golden eyes “Well aren’t you a beauty” he said softly. The owl puffed it’s chest out proudly and preened. He turned to his aunt and uncle “Thank you so much. I didn’t want to send Huginn out on longer journeys and I didn’t want to bother Draco anymore.”

“We figured that. We saw this owl and were drawn to her for you.”

Corvus opened the cage and the owl hopped onto his shoulder. He whistled and put his arm out. “Huginn, this is... Hedwig?” the owl nodded. “She is my owl and you will need to be nice.”

/Yes young Master/

“You are my friend and familiar, Huginn. I do not like sending you out on long trips. Plus with the Headmaster’s attack on you I don’t want you too far from me. Actually” he paused as he pulled out a small package. He opened it to find a small ring and held it out for the Raven to see. “This is a protection ring. It will size to fit your leg.”

He placed the ring over the claw and watched the silver ring shrink then fade into invisibility. He looked at Hedwig “I will get you one as well.” He pulled out a 1/4 inch square silver plate and pulled Véurr from his neck. “You my dear, will be more difficult, and it may hurt a moment, but not long. It will protect you from magical attacks, except unforgivables and just like Draco’s pendant will partially shield from darker curses. I know your scales protect from most, but this will enhance that and will protect your eyes and mouth as well.” He turned to his godfather “Severus, is there a way to magically insert this into the roof of her mouth?”

“Yes. It will hurt for a moment, but you already warned her. Hold the plate to the roof of her mouth. If she bites you, you won’t be poisoned.” Corvus did as directed and held Véurr’s mouth open. He hissed calmingly to her and pressed the metal to the roof of her mouth with a single finger as Severus waved his wand.

Véurr hissed and bit down reflexively. Corvus squeezed his eyes tightly until he was released.

::I’m sorry Master!::

::It’s alright, I was prepared. Is the pain gone now?::

::Yes, I can’t even feel a difference in my mouth, but I can feel the protection surrounding me.::

Veurr flicked her tongue at her master’s wound and it closed quickly.

::Thank you, Vé::

“I’ll need to get a ring for Hedwig as well. After the incident with Huginn, I don’t trust that man.” At the raised eyebrows, he clarified. “Okay I didn’t trust him before, but now I don’t trust him with my familiars.”

Bellatrix stepped forward “Alright, enough of the old coot. This is our holiday, let’s keep to happy subjects.” She handed Corvus his gift. It was an inch thick and about 11 x 17 inches. He pulled off the paper to reveal a white shipping box that had a muggle label on it. He lifted an eyebrow at his mother and she just waved her hand for him to keep going.

Inside the box was a plaque and a certificate. “The muggles have started naming stars.” She said in explanation “I chose a star in the Constellation Corvus and named it after you. Corvus-Cygnus-Lestrange.”

Corvus jaw dropped. “This is amazing!” he said with a smile and hugged his mother tightly.

The gift was passed around as his mother continued. “They give you the coordinates of your star too so you can look at it.” Then she passed him another gift.

He opened it to reveal a pocket watch with the Lestrange family crest on the front. “Since your father isn’t here, I decided to give you this in his stead. Now that you are eleven, you receive the family watch. It gets passed down from father to son every generation.”

“But what if he gets out and you have a child... one that is rightfully yours by blood.”

“Corvus.” She said sternly “You are rightfully mine. By blood. That ritual we did changed your DNA. Any inheritance or lineage tests done will reflect me and Rodolphus as your parents. Unless the information is told another way, no one would ever know otherwise.”

The young wizard jumped into his mother’s arms with tears in his eyes. “Thank you” he whispered. Then he pulled away and handed her his own gift.

Bellatrix opened a box to reveal a beautiful gold oval locket. The outside was engraved with a scripted letter ‘L’. She opened it to find a mirror on one side and a clock on the other. Only this clock had multiple hands. “It is beautiful Corvus. Show me how it works.”

Corvus stepped forward and whispered ‘Reverto’ and the pendant tripled in size from one inch to three, but the weight did not change. On the clock was a hand for himself, Rabastan, Rodolphus, Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco. Around the face was ‘Lestrange Manor’, ‘Hogwarts’, ‘St. Mungo’s’, ‘Ministry’, ‘traveling’, and ‘Diagon Alley’.

“We can add more hands or more locations if needed.” Corvus explained. “I just added the most often frequented by all of us. Actually I’d like to add one for the hospital wing at Hogwarts. After the manipulations, I want you to know what’s going on”

Bellatrix continued looking at her watch and learning about it. “And the mirror?”

Corvus pulled a long chain with a square locket from around his neck. The front was engraved with C.C.L. above a rave in flight. He opened it to reveal a similar set up, mirror included. “It hangs to mid-chest for me. It is a two-way, like I gave Uncle Luc and Aunt Cissy. All you have to do is say my name, or vice versa, and the locket will warm. You only need the word ‘reverto’ as if it is small, it will enlarge and if it’s large, it will shrink down.”

They finished unwrapping their gifts, including those from acquaintances at school. From Mandy and Morag he received treats for Véurr and Huginn as well as some sweets from himself. He was glad he had though of sending the girls some gifts of their own. He hoped they liked them. He only crafted a few things this year.

()

In Italy, Headmistress Befana was amazed to open a set of vanishing boxes as a gift from young Corvus. They were made of carved wood with hand carved runes surrounding the box. Inside a box with a glowing rune was a note that sat upon the books she had leant him. “Thank you for the books, Headmistress, I hope these boxes meet your approval. They were my first attempt and I could think of no one better to receive my first set. Blessed Yule and Happy Christmas”

She smiled to herself as her hands caressed the well crafted boxes. The boy would go far.

()

Morag MacDougal sat in her family home in Scotland amazed at the gift her friend Corvus had given her. It was a beautiful silver disc pendant that sat on a long chain. It was at least 2 inches in diameter and embossed with a wonderful quote: “The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.” ⁽⁶⁾ Within the same box was a letter that directed her to open it away from her family.

Her parents were wary of the fact that she received a jewelry gift from a male friend, but she explained that they were just friends and nothing more. She told them it was from Corvus Lestrange who was from a high standing family in London. They still didn’t seem appeased, but she just rolled her eyes and continued to open her other gifts.

Once the night was over, she was excited to get back to her room and open the letter.

Dear Morag,

I hope this letter finds you well. I’m sorry I haven’t written sooner, though I’m sure you understand things have been crazy here. After the incident at Hogwarts I had some healing to do and wanted to spend some time with my family.

There’s more to this letter, but to read it, you’ll have to tap it twice with your wand and say the name of Hagrid’s multi-cranial canine.

Morag snorted at the description of the Cerberus, but obligingly tapped her wand twice and incanted “Fluffy”. As the last syllable left her lips, the leter wiped clean and a new letter appeared.

I hope you like your gift. It’s little more than just a necklace. I hope the quote inspires you to keep your mind on the right path.

Morag paused for a moment. He emphasized ‘mind’ on the pendant and in the letter.... She sat and meditated for a moment to see how her Occlumency shields were. She jolted a moment later, shocked at the strength of her shields. True she wouldn’t know their true strength until tested, but what she could see and feel was amazing.

Yes, as I’m sure you just figured out, it is charmed to assist with your Occlumency shields. It will not work unless you also put effort into the shields.

Other than the necklace and my Hogwarts issues, I also wanted to write to you about my books. I very much enjoy Blood Magicks by Dimitri Varislov. He goes over things in detail, even though most witches and wizards today don’t have the power or skill to perform it.

History of World Magic by Stefania Mundis is also a fantastic read. It doesn’t just discuss History of Magic in Britain, but around the world. Have you ever been the the Wizarding District in Italy? It’s amazing! The stalls and artisans are so hard to walk away from. My mother has to drag me away from the book sellers especially whenever we go. Healing Arts by Healer Paeon Asclepius is a must read for everyone. It covers the basics of healing and even some simple healing charms. Véry useful for us Ravenclaws who tend to end up with many paper cuts.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy your gifts and your holiday.

And don’t forget to check the envelope again...

Sincerely, Corvus

Morag was sure the envelope only contained the letter, but decided to check anyway.

She was right. The envelope was empty. But the inside of the envelope had writing on it. Once she noticed that, she opened it up completely and saw it was another gift. A voucher for the same books as Corvus had been studying this semester, along with the owl address and contact information for the sellers.

She smirked at the genius. He couldn’t give her his own books and probably couldn’t gift them to her either, so he gave her a letter that discussed the books he has been reading and what he has enjoyed most about each. And of course, the voucher so she could get them for herself.

()

Mandy Brocklehurst, sat with her family and received a similar gift. She recieved a beautiful journal bound in a deep blue leather. On the inside cover, Corvus had used the same quote as he used on Morag’s necklace: “The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.”

She also received a letter:

Dear Mandy,

I hope you are having a great holiday with your family. I assume they have no issues with my studies, so you’ll forgive me if I just write everything in this letter.

I hope you like the journal and find some use for it. I found the inscribed quote recently and felt it sort of covered how I felt about everything we have been reading and studying. I have faith in the path I see before me. If you still are up to reading and studying together, I’ve included a list of supplemental reading that will help.

See you after the Holidays!

Oh, and don’t forget to look closely at the envelope.

Just as he had done for Morag, Mandy received a voucher for the books.

()

After all the gifts were opened at Lestrange Manor, the Malfoys and Rabastan were off to bed. Only Bellatrix and Corvus were sitting awake, listening to music and watching the fireplace.

Even though it was now about mid-day and they had been up all night, they couldn’t sleep.

Corvus had a serious subject to talk about and figured now was as good a time as any. “Mum?” she hummed and looked at him. “I have some questions...”

Noticing the seriousness in her son’s face and voice, Bellatrix sat up. “I’ll answer if I can.”

“What are the goals of the Dark Lord?”

“He was very against muggles and muggleborns, even half-bloods. He was very against any witch or wizard marrying a muggle, and was known to get rid of the parents of muggleborns.”

“But why? What is the reason behind it? Half-bloods are often more powerful than purebloods and muggleborns are new blood that is needed- and might actually be old blood finally getting their magic.”

“He felt muggles and muggleborns are a threat to our world. Just look at how the old ways are now forbidden and how dark and blood magics are illegal. Magical creatures such as werewolves and vampires who were once treated respectfully, even though they were feared, are now unable to even hold down a job. They condemn what they do not understand. The muggle-raised come into our world and see ‘werewolf’ and look to their muggle myths for truth.”

“So why not correct misconceptions? Why kill? Why torture?”

Bellatrix sighed. “It instills fear in those around him. They were more likely to get out of his way or join him if they feared him.”

“But... the muggle-raised fought against what they feared, like the werewolves and vampires. Why would that work?”

“It didn’t. I joined because I supported separating the muggle world from the wizard world. Do you remember how we explained things in the beginning?”

Corvus nodded “The light wants integration, the dark wants separation.” he said easily. “Which I agree with the dark, but by killing muggles, doesn’t that bring attention to us? How would that keep the wizarding world a secret?”

Bellatrix let out a sigh. “The Dark Lord, when he first started his campaign, was very charismatic. He was handsome, rich and politically savvy. Then he began his rituals as a means to immortality and his appearance changed... and so did he. His essential goals were the same though.”

“When the Dark Lord returns, do we have a choice to follow or not?”

Bellatrix looked surprised at the question. “There are two sides, Cor. Don’t tell me you are going to Dumbledore?”

“No. I’m just worried. You say he went through all those rituals to become immortal and he changed. What will happen now that he has been gone ten years? How do we know what he has done these last ten years? What if he’s gone mad?”

“I don’t know, Corvus. But we will be expected to be on his side.”

Corvus nodded and returned to staring into the flames. He had a lot to think about.

A/N: Some holiday love for you! Hope it was enjoyable. Next update is next Wednesday... probably... unless I get bored ;)

1. Part of the longest night or Yule celebration is lighting a fire and ensuring it stays lit through the whole night.

2. This is actually my own circle and quarters casting. If you decide to use it, please give credit where credit is due.

3. This ritual was found on http://paganwiccan.about.com/od/yulethelongestnight/ht/WelcomeSun_Yule.htm. While the wording is the same, the actions and ritual are different. To find it, search Yule rituals and pull up greeting of the sun.

4. If you want to know the details, let me know and I’ll either message them or add them to the story.

5. http://www.themagickalcat.com/Articles.asp?ID=240

6. “The mind can go in a thousand directions, but on this beautiful path, I walk in peace. With each step, the wind blows. With each step, a flower blooms.” is a quote by Thich Nhat Hanh, a Vietnames monk. I’m not sure of the year.
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Corvus