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July 30st, 1992—Potter Manor, (Basildon Park) Berkshire England

She had been so proud of her baby. He was working so hard to prepare for the Dark lord's return. Albus had informed them that he-who-must-not-be-named would come back and would go after her little boy. She had been against training him to hard. He was still a little boy and should enjoy his childhood. She wouldn't lie and say that she was proud of his grades this past year, but he had been so concerned about stopping the fark followers from getting the Philosopher's stone. Ans so she was a little lenient on his grades, and of course he had explained how to Slytherin girl had manipulated all the teachers into think she was the best out of all of them.

But this coming school year would undoubtedly be better since she and James had been helping him with his homework and such. Though all of that could wait for while seeing as tomorrow was her Eddy's birthday and Lily was more concerned about the house elves getting their jobs done then Eddy's school work at the moment.

There were going to be so many guests in their home that she needed to ensure she was the best host possible. There were going to be Eddy's friends, their parents, Dumbledore, and important colleagues of James that she needed to make a great impression and present the prefect wife and mother of the Boy who lived.

§

Eddy hadn't heard from any of his friends. But then again, he hadn't written to any of them either, as he thought that they would get in touch with him. Now that his birthday had come and gone and he had cleared up all the confusion – apparently, it the owls had lost the letters—so he was just enjoying life now. He didn't worry about any of his school work which he had convinced his parents to do, he didn't even think about that stupid little girl that feel done the stairs last year and blamed him for it, though luckily Dumbledore came through for him and kept the "punishment" simple.

Right now, he needed to deal with whatever this fool of a house elf is doing in my room. And he knew that it wasn't one of his families. It was wearing an old ratty pillow case, while his mom made sure that their elves had nice pillowcase with the family crest embroidered on it.

So, who's was it? And what did it want?

Of course, Eddy was smug about how the little creature knew all about. The thing was going on and on about how the elf – which called himself Dobby – was saying how it was such an honor to meet him.

"I know that it is a great honor," Eddy was smug. "But just what are you doing here?"

"Dobby has a reason, yes he does." The elf was so earnest in his excitement, "Dobby has come to tell you sir…it is difficult, sir…Dobby wonders where to start…"

Eddy only looked on waiting for the elf to start. Apparently, whatever he was doing earned him more adoration from the small creature. That look made him preen and puff up, it was always great when others knew and/or realized just how great he was. But the fact still remained that this was a house elf and clearly bound to a family and it wasn't the Potters. What if Dobby was bound to a dark family? Was he ordered to harm him and that was why Dobby was having a hard time telling him whatever it is?

"What family are you bound to?" Eddy almost pushed his chest out when he realized just how smart he was.

Dobby shook his head back and forth, his long claw like fingers were clutching into the hem of his pillow case. He couldn't tell.

Eddy was upset about the fact that the stupid thing wouldn't tell him just what was going on and the more it refused to say the more Eddy thought he was right about Dobby belonging to a dark family.

"Do they know where you are?"

Dobby only shuddered in fear, "oh, no, sir, no… Dobby is going to punish himself most harshly for coming tonight. Dobby will have to shut his ear in the oven door. If they knew, sir…"

Eddy didn't really care if the elf decides to punish himself, it only reinforced what he already knew about Dark families. That they have no feelings for anyone, but themselves, much less a house elf.

"Why are you here, Dobby?"

"Dobby has heard of your greatness, Eddy Potter and Dobby must warn you…"

Eddy smirked knowing that even creatures know just how amazing he is.

"Warn me about what?"

Dobby was hoarse, Eddy didn't know if it was from excitement or what but he still continued to speak, "Dobby heard tell…"

"Heard what exactly?"

"tell about how Eddy Potter met the Dark Lord for a second time, only few weeks ago… that Eddy Potter escaped again."

Eddy knew that none of that happened but he still wanted all the credit though he never even knew that You-Know-Who was even in Hogwarts. He nodded his head in confirmation anyway, and any negative emotion fled when he saw how much joy and adoration not to mention amazement was in Dobby's eyes.

"Eddy Potter is so heroic and daring! He has braved so many dangers! Dobby has come to protect Eddy Potter, to warn him. Eddy Potter must not go back to Hogwarts."

That was to much, "are you insane! I have to go back! It's Hogwarts!"

"no, no, no," Dobby was so squeaky. "Eddy Potter must stay safe, must stay here where he is safe. He is too great to lose. Too good. Going back to Hogwarts will put Eddy Potter in mortal danger."

Eddy was up and on his feet, "Listen here you crazy elf, I will be going back no matter what."

"No Eddy Potter must not. Terrible things are happening and he will be in too much danger."

There was a barely heard clicking sound which Eddy had learned where his mother's heels on the stone floors. From the panicking look on Dobby's face, the elf heard his mother as well.

"Eddy Potter must not go back." Was all the creature said before disappearing with a barely sounding 'pop!'

Eddy only shook his head just how freaking crazy was that thing. As if he would give up tormenting those slimy snakes just because a house elf came and told him that it wasn't safe. Hogwarts was the safest place in the world.

"Is everything alright, sweetheart? I thought I heard a squeaky voice." His mother's voice was wonderful to hear. Especially when she was being motherly and loving Eddy.

Eddy moved from his couch in his sitting/visiting room to the door that lead to his bedroom and to prepare for bed. "Everything is fine mom. It was just one of the books that Hermione sent me for my birthday."

"Oh, ok dear. Are you going to bed? Make sure that you have everything from your party."

"I am mom," here Eddy paused, "I am able to head off to Ron's for the rest of the summer, right?"

"Of course, love."

"Alright, sleep well. Hopefully the elves put everything where it is meant to go."

Lily Potter only smiled as she moved forward to kiss her son's forehead. "Sleep well, darling."

§

Vera wanted to groan in annoyance and aggravation. All these bumbling and chattering people won't get out of her way. All she had wanted to do was gather her books and other school supplies for the coming year, but no. These damned muggle-borns and sympathizers just wanted to stand around all day as if people didn't have anything to do. But seeing all the crowds reminded Veratrum of her birthday two weeks ago.

Flashback

July 31st, 1992 – Peverell Home (Kylemore Abbey, Connemara, County Galway, Ireland)

Veratrum had always had a small birthday celebration. It usually involved herself and her sister but it appears as though her sister had other things in mind when their school friends and a parent or two showed up in their formal gathering room.

Though looking around at them, she was slightly sad to see that Severus wasn't there. She composed herself while remembering that it would seem strange for her professor to be at her birthday gathering. The only adults there were parents, though there weren't many of those either. As she was only friends with five of them her classmates, and one of them she didn't even like. That damn Parkinson bitch. She keeps trying to get her claws into Draco and that just wasn't something that she could over look. Even if the fact remained that Draco didn't know of their connection.

The celebration was dignified as only the purebloods could make it. Though the purebloods behavior didn't surprise Vera, especially how they held themselves at the party. Once Vera had learned that the adults were going to be joining them she instructed the house elves to ensure that they had any beverage that they might have had at any other sort of social gathering.

From the wine that Cerelia Zabini was sipping at, along with the pint of fire-whiskey that both Jameson Nott and Alexander Parkinson were partaking in that was a smart move on Veratrum's part. Despite their subtle glancing, Vera was fully aware of what was going on around her. Their eyes roaming her home and scrutinizing her as a hostess and lady of the home. Though she wondered just what their reaction would be if she mentioned that this was simply that—a house. Not the Peverell Manor which was in Poland. And much grander than this abbey. Of course, they were all astounded by her home.

If Vera understood the statistics on all the other houses the only one that is larger than her home is Malfoy manor and that manor is only bigger by five hundred square meters while her home is three thousand seven hundred meters squared. Malfoy Manor had ten designated rooms with three small rooms that were just there while her home had over seventy rooms.

Vera wasn't trying to be vain about her home, she was simply comparing the two homes while the others were not nearly on the scale of the Peverell home or the Malfoy Manor.

Vera couldn't help but smile as Cypress bounced where she stood when the house elves started to cut the cake and serve it after the meal that they had just enjoyed. It was her favorite – medium rare rib eye steak with a side of cut up potatoes, green beans as well as a starter Caesar salad—Vera needed to think of something to thank her sister. After enjoying the meal as well as the traditional red velvet cake with cream cheese icing it was finally time for the presents and that was what had Cypress irritating not only Lilliana – who had her head in Vera's lap – but Claudius as well.

At this point it had been close to three hours of having all these people in her home and she was prepared for just getting rid of all of them. Though now that dinner and dessert is finished it was time to gifts, now if only she could get all of them done and get them out of her house.

The first gift was from the Parkinson family. The box was not that large but Vera knew that the gift was not something that would slight her family.

It was a square mahogany box it was about 8x8 with filigree designs in the top left and bottom right corners. There was a latch on the front in a hook shape. But inside of the jewelry box it was an aquamarine blue necklace. The aquamarines were cut in a slight oval shape. In the muggle world, it would cost around 24391.22 British pounds (30,360 US dollars) or 8094 galleons 2 sickles 4 knuts in the magical world. It was a gorgeous piece of jewelry and works wonders in keeping the Peverell family appeased.

Vera offered a cold demure smile of thanks before replacing the necklace in the box and setting it aside for the elves to put away later.

The next was another 8x8 jewelry box that was gold that was covered in filigree designs, the inside was black velvet. Instead of a necklace it was a bracelet. A sterling and Marcasite bracelet. There were petals and on each of the petals were a single mother of pearl, it resembles flowers. The cost of such a bracelet was around 6472.20 British pounds (8000 US dollars) or 2147 galleons 13 sickles 4 knuts. Not as much as the necklace but the Nott family didn't have to try as hard seeing as Vera and Cypress got along just fine with Theo while Vera would rather Pansy would disappear. She gave Theo a bit more of a genuine smile, before turning to the next.

From the smile on little Astoria's face, Vera knew that it was the Greengrass family gift. Of course, Astoria was the only sibling beside Cypress that was allowed to come. The little blonde would be a first year in the coming September.

It was a floor length black satin skirt, it flowed out from her waist into a slight circle around her feet. The bottom of the skirt had a slight wave/ruffle in them. Next were two waistcoats, one deep emerald green and another a light lilac shade. The last article was a blouse, it had a Victorian style to it with ruffles along the buttons, the collar, and the sleeve cuffs. If Vera had to guess she would assume that it was close to 100 galleons.

Though when Lady Zabini started joking about how she had to pick out the gift as Blaise was hopeless with presents made her chuckle in amusement. It looks like her sister would have to do the shopping for them when she finally got her fangs into that boy. From the slight glaze in his eyes every time he looked at her sister, it didn't look like it will be much longer. It was a choker, which would go amazingly with her new outfit from the Greengrass. It was a shade of burgundy that felt like velvet. The jewels were garnet connected by a dark gold chain, on the band was dark gold filigree. It was beautiful and she wondered how it would look against her pale skin.

Though Draco's piece was probably one of her favorites. It was a metal choker, with an emerald pendent hanging in the center. There was a filigree casing around the gem and it was a gorgeous Victorian era design. It almost matched her uncovered right eye. Yes, her mate made a good choice…or at least his mother did.

Cypress was the last to give her a gift. it wasn't in a box, it was more like a chest. Small but beautiful Celtic décor around the all the edges and corners, there were rubies and peridot scattered along sparingly. There was a trinity knot where the lock should have been. But inside the chest was another choker which Vera freely admitted to loving and it seemed that her friends all knew that.

It was a green aquamarine almost a clear seafoam gem hanging crystal style of pendant. The chain and casing were golden and simply beautiful. Vera didn't even stop herself from hugging her sister quickly. Though she had to let go when Claudius mewled from between them since he didn't like anyone hogging his owner. Kneezles and cats don't belong to their owners, Cypress and others belong to their felines.

Then she was able to get rid of the damned crowd but now. She was surrounded by the sycophants and sheep, though the only pleasing thing at the moment is the necklace that her beta mate had been able to slip to her when they went to the apothecary for their potion supplies. Looking at her new piece of jewelry she couldn't help but feel as though it fit with Severus' personality. It had a gothic dark feel that vampires are noted for. The design is Victorian filigree that surrounds an oval of indigo blue Montana sapphires with another indigo blue Montana sapphire tear drop that hung in the hollow of her throat right between her collarbones.

Now if she could just get into the bookstore for her DADA class. She was not ready to see Gilderoy Lockhart make a scene.

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. (Greengrass)

listing/119103552/burgundy-velvet-choker-natural-garnet?utm_campaign=shopping_us_ArdentHearts_sfc_osa&utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_custom1=0&utm_content=7310784&gclid=CjwKEAiAlZDFBRCKncm67qihiHwSJABtoNIgZ7M_6LIhr8FPkHQwTfBFB90vjqx5DP1pv7rAkgCVeRoCEvnw_wcB (Zabini)

listing/172131421/montana-sapphire-crystal-necklace-gothic?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-jewelry-necklaces-chokers&utm_custom1=ec51db2b-3f05-4166-8f6e-80b8e0147710&gclid=CjwKEAiAlZDFBRCKncm67qihiHwSJABtoNIgSuZ6hSj7GLqLbJJUyq0MZBO3tYozXGHOWKLuB9bKUBoCxFTw_wcB (Severus)

listing/468973400/emerald-green-silver-victorian-necklace?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_a-jewelry-necklaces-crystal_necklaces&utm_custom1=ec51db2b-3f05-4166-8f6e-80b8e0147710&gclid=CjwKEAiAlZDFBRCKncm67qihiHwSJABtoNIgS5ZSdzy2r-MUeq_B8EtCK1w-r-_8SSNvJXIEXr6MHBoCMc_w_wcB (Malfoy)

listing/101175689/green-aquamarine-swarovski-crystal?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=shopping_us_b-jewelry-necklaces-pendants&utm_custom1=06519ba6-f0ff-48e6-9ce2-e4429314abe3&gclid=CNLcgejbldICFchWDQodckkJyw (Cypress)