I believe most of you will understand why I cut this long and heavy chapter in two. This is a very difficult chapter to write and it was harder yet to read through it to make sure it was good enough. A lot of nuances might have been lost in the middle of the night while I tried to write it well enough, so I'm sorry lmao 

LEAVE COMMENTS please, because this one was the hardest one to write yet.

Besides, I'm working with a lot of ideas here. I hope I can foreshadow them well here :) (yes, I have been watching House of Dragons, so foreshadows are coming a lot, and I'll hide them well for funsies).

ENJOY.

Alphard Black hated weddings with his whole heart.

During weddings, most people seemed to only care about their appearances more eagerly than in any other moment of their lives, even if they were not the ones getting married. Besides, his family had a history of making weddings be the most suffering moment of their lives.

Cygnus had married while so drunk that Alphard had to help him get down the aisle and keep him standing with discreet magic. He had thrown up all over himself as soon as the ceremony was over and Alphard to clean him before their father saw and punished him, for Pollux couldn't understand Cygnus' long refusal to marry the beautiful, powerful, pure and meek Druella Black.

Walburga – young, small and terrified Walburga – had looked like her mother in her wedding dress, like a child playing in her mother's clothes, which made Pollux lock his jaw and refuse to hear what the girl had to say while she wailed in the bedroom she had been locked in, kicking and screaming at the elves that dressed her. She had lost her mother some years after she was born and didn't have the honour of soft touch in her life, let alone in her wedding day – or wedding night, where her husband had ignored her existence and cried himself to sleep beside her on the bed.

Alphard had been the lucky one, in general. Yes, he missed Magnus, but he had not been forced to live a lie. His undeserved reputation of a rake in his youth had kept him comfortably in a bachelor position. And that position now left him free to ignore all the last-minute preparations happening and allowed him to talk to the guest and calmly drink his brandy; he was even happier that his nephew and partner had joined him in the conversation.

Euphemia Potter wasn't far away, talking happily with Lady Lucretia Prewett (Orion's sister) and her husband.

"I can't believe Aunt Lucretia came. She hates Uncle Cygnus," Regulus said.

"She does, but she doesn't hate your cousin," Alphard said. "She wouldn't make Narcissa get married without the whole family here just because she doesn't like her father. A child shouldn't pay for their father's sins."

"Wise," Luna commended.

Alphard gave her a smile.

"Why, thank you," he said.

Regulus looked around and tensed up.

"Shit," he said.

Alphard turned, ready to scold him for the language when he saw what was happening, almost muttering a curse under his own breath.

"Alright, Miss Lupin, prepare yourself to meet my father," Alphard said, clearing his throat.

Pollux Black wore stylish clothes for someone his age. His hair was mostly grey already and his black robes were sharp and only his tie was of an odd dark blue that went well with the black clothes. There was a silver chain hanging from his pocket, where his pocket watch was – it was charmed to glamour the one in possession to appear slightly younger.

Regulus stepped forward, grabbing Luna's naked hands into his and whispering. "Put up your shields."

She looked down at her feet, focusing while Pollux approached and slowly building up her shields again. She was able to relax while it was just her, Regulus and Alphard, but now the danger was getting to them, even if Pollux was the least dangerous one of them all.

"Son," Pollux greeted.

"Father, it's been a while," Alphard said, a colder greeting than Luna had expected.

Regulus did not let go of Luna's hand even though they had company now.

"Oh, my grandson. Hello, Regulus," Pollux said, clasping Regulus' shoulder too strongly, making the boy flinch. "How are you? How is school?"

"I'm well, Grandfather, and school is great," he answered. "Allow me to present you to my partner. This is Miss Luna Lupin, Lyall Lupin's daughter. Miss Lupin, this is my maternal grandfather, Mister Pollux Black."

Luna did a slightly lower bow with her head respectfully to the much older man, whose eyes seemed to shine brighter at the submissive disposition that Luna showed, seemingly unwilling to look him in the eyes. He had no idea that Luna was still fixing the last few spots of her shields, as Regulus had taught her to do.

Alphard was willing to bet that her meek manners were a wonderful act, but they were false and that much was clear. It was like seeing his own sister at the start of her marriage, when she was still bitter like boldo and her teenagerhood didn't allow her submissive acts to be easily believed. Orion had been a strong man to take her sarcasm and sharp words for so long and letting them fly over his head, knowing the guilt was not heavily in his shoulder as it was on their fathers'.

"A pleasure to meet you, Mister Black," she greeted with a polite smile.

"Ah!" sighed Pollux dramatically in great ecstasy. "Yes. Miss Lupin. Indeed, I have heard about you. My daughter has spoken of you at length at dinner."

Regulus tensed up.

"Oh, has Mother spoken of Miss Lupin? How delightful, for they have barely spoken," said Regulus.

Pollux gave him a warning look, carefully watching him for a second before looking back at his own son.

"And you, son, seemed to monopolise Miss Lupin's time. Have you not allowed her to mingle with the other guests before the wedding starts? They are many here interested in her acquaintance," Pollux said, venom dripping from his tongue.

Though he pretended not to, Alphard was well-aware he was the least favourite child in moments like this. The ranking was clear – Walburga, the daughter that allowed the bloodline to continue with the male sons and allowed him to have some power since he was the grandfather to the Heir of the main branch of the family, was the favourite one, even if she was a woman; then came Cygnus, always far too similar to his own father for him to be hated by him, his only known flaw was to fail three times with his offspring, producing woman after woman and then managing to screw that up as well by letting his middle child run away and elope with a dirty muggle. And then there was Pollux' own screw up in his own middle child. Alphard was proud to be the black-sheep of the family, the only one remaining in the family at that point – unmarried, untitled and happily working in the art world; how much disappointing could he get?

"Miss Lupin is far too interest to allow her to mingle with common folk, Father. I overindulge, it's a flaw of mine – allow me to overindulge in the company as well," Alphard said, smiling at Luna.

Luna looked at him, concerned by his suddenly falsely charming tone. She said nothing, just silently squeezed Regulus' hand, and he squeezed hers in response.

"And what makes Lyall Lupin's daughter so interesting?" Pollux asked.

She hated how he spoke of her as if she wasn't standing right beside him.

"Her mind, Father."

Pollux gave Luna another look, one curious but certainly judgmental.

"Miss Lupin has an incredible mind, very intelligent and ambitious. She's a Ravenclaw, Grandfather," Regulus said. "She plans on following in the Alchemy path."

Luna gave a nod.

"Yes, I do," she said to Regulus, before turning to Pollux. "I find the field fascinating. Such a combination of science and magic is bound to transform the world and create unseen things."

"You sound passionate about it," Alphard commended.

"Your passion is amusing. Your ambition is commendable," Pollux said. "One must be cautious of the path their tread, especially at your age, Miss Lupin. One mustn't let academic pursuits deviate them into fantasy."

An attack, and a clear one at that.

Alchemy was a male-dominated pureblood area, and there it was a half-blood, penniless girl interested in changing everything in the future.

Regulus tensed, locking his jaw in place, but Luna either didn't understand it or she just didn't care. She smiled prettily and nodded, as if he had spoken the greatest truth in the universe. She blinked, looking away.

"Determination and resilience can take one a long way, Mister Black. Perhaps more than money and power, just enough knowledge and a good work-ethic can keep someone well for long enough. Skill speaks for itself, regardless of gender," Luna said.

It was like hearing his own voice out of someone else, Regulus thought. It was not Luna's normal speech pattern, he realised as he understood – finally – that she was copying him, feeling safer in copying him because he was the scariest person she knew. He fixed his posture, putting his chest forward in pride.

"Wise," Alphard said.

"And your family? Are they supportive of the pursuit?" Pollux asked.

Luna's smile remained steady on her lips, though she bared her teeth this time around. It looked like a bright smile, but Alphard could see she was ready to attack right back if the need appeared.

"My mother is from the area of science, my father of the area of magic. They always encouraged intellectual pursuits, and they support any dreams I have," she said.

Pollux made a dramatic sigh, looking away through the wedding guests as if searching for someone, almost as if he was eager to get someone else over to watch Luna fall apart as soon as he was done picking her apart. He was a terrible Occlumes and even worst in getting into someone's mind, but the truth was that he was better with words than most people gave him credit. Often people would slip half-secrets out before they knew what they were doing, and he would hang on that like a lifeline until he knew the other half of the secret, making the person believe that he already knew the truth, but it was hard doing that when Luna was giving him nothing at all.

"And Regulus, what do you think of ambition of hers?" he asked.

Regulus smiled slightly, not showing his teeth just yet.

"I believe her intentions to contribute to the magical community and its health is more meaningful is more important than norms older than my whole family," Regulus said. "Nowadays, there are women working in every area."

"Indeed, I met the best of sculptors not three days ago. Dazzling young lady," Alphard agreed.

Pollux glared at his son by the corner of his eyes. Alphard gave him his most innocent smile.

"Certainly support is crucial in a courtship," Pollux said.

"Well-said, Father!" Alphard agreed.

He wanted this conversation over. It was painful!

"And yet," continued Pollux. Alphard sighed. "One must always be cautious of youthful recklessness. Wouldn't you agree, Miss Lupin?"

Even Alphard tensed up this time around, not just Regulus in his shock and bafflement. And while the men thought of what to say to the implied question within the question – putting in danger Regulus' honour and the girl's whole reputation – Luna just smiled, meeting the old man's gaze steadily, fearless to his mind's attacks (not knowing he was the weakest one in the conversation).

"Indeed, Mister Black," she said, calmly. "Recklessness can lead consequences none are ready for, so it's important to be thoughtful and deliberate in actions. Such as one would be in an Alchemy laboratory."

The noncommittal (non) answer was too much for Pollux, whose lip curled in anger and disgust.

"Quite right," he spat through his teeth. "Such prudence from one so young."

Alphard was so grateful to the small noises of mumbling coming from the tent that he almost cried when he stepped forward, putting his hand on his father's shoulder.

"Father, the ceremony is about to begin. Why don't we take out seats?"

Pollux glanced at his son.

"Of course, Alphard," he replied. His eyes lingered on Luna for a moment. "It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Lupin. I look forward to seeing you again and see what the future holds for you and your bright attitude."

"I'm sure the pleasure was mine, Mister Black," Luna dismissed, smile still dangerous.

Alphard almost dragged Pollux away.

Regulus let out his breath at once in a loud noise, making Luna turn to him by grabbing her shoulder and turning her. He had a huge smile on his face.

"You handled it great, Luna!" he whispered.

Her eyes sparkled in amusement, but her smile was of triumph.

"One out of... who knows how many of your family hates me? she joked back.

Euphemia cleared her throat near them, making the couple turn to look at her.

"Alright, doll, let's find our seats, yes?" she said, putting a hand on Luna's shoulder and making her take a step away from Regulus. "We shall see you soon once the ceremony is over, Regulus."

"Of course, Lady Potter," he said, smiling dimming. He gave a little bow. "Excuse me."

Once Regulus stepped away, Luna turned to Euphemia and raised her eyebrows at her chaperone.

"Did I do a good job?" she asked.

"Wonderful job, Luna. One would think you have some Slytherin in you," Euphemia teased. "Perhaps you do. I wouldn't be too surprised.

"It can't be that bad. I'm doing a good job still. This night might just be a success," Luna said.

"Oh, dear, the night is just starting. Don't jinx it by speaking too much on it just yet," Euphemia said, leading her towards the tent for the wedding. "Now, let's just seat and admire the expensive wedding dress that the bride will be wearing."

Through the whole ceremony, Luna could only just admire Narcissa's surprisingly muggle-looking wedding dress, though it screamed expensive (old-money sort of expensive, too, not the ridiculous young millionaire that Luna was used to seeing of magazines). She barely heard what the Official said, she just admired the couple at the altar.

Narcissa Black (now Malfoy, really) was one the most beautiful women that Luna had ever seen, especially now that she could see her from up-close and not from the other side of the ballroom as she had done in the New Years' Ball. Her hair was blonde, lighter than Luna's, perhaps even lighter than Remus' – the hair was wavy and naturally thick much like Regulus', and it was down, carefully managed into making the curls of falling into graceful places of her back and shoulders, only the very top pulled back into a braid around the flowers in her hair, half-hidden under the veil that had already been pushed over her head. Her dress had no cleavage showing, it had long white sleeves and only the bust was well-shaped, right under her breast the skirt already started, going to the floor, training behind her.

Her face was free for the world to see – and what a face!

Her eyebrows were slightly arched, making her look like the very picture of aristocracy, especially with her grey eyes staring with such admiration to her new husband, her high-bridged nose making her face look longer, especially in combination with the sharp angles that her whole body had, though she looked young enough to have some fat on her cheeks, making her look youthful. Her full lips were pulled in a smile at something that her husband was speaking.

"She's gorgeous," Luna mumbled to Euphemia.

Euphemia glanced at Luna curiously before grinning to herself.

"Careful, you don't want your partner to see you drooling over his cousin," Euphemia joked.

Luna blushed, but smiled.

At least she wasn't blushing and drooling over Narcissa's husband, Lucius Malfoy, who was handsome enough to get Luna's attention, but in the same way that Evan Rosier was handsome – unapproachable, disgustingly aristocratic and proud, but not ethereal.

Lucius was a tall man, his extremely light blonde hair was pulled back low in back of his head, tied with a silk ribbon in greyish blue, like Narcissa's eyes. He wore open black wizarding robes with a three-piece suit underneath and his tie was of the same tone of blue as his hair ribbon. His eyebrows were slightly darker than his shoulder-length hair, arched and very sharp at the end, his lips were on the thinner side, especially when he smiled with his disturbingly white teeth. He looked genuinely happy, small fold on the corner of his eyes whenever he smiled.

"They form a beautiful couple," Luna admitted.

"They form a dangerous couple," Euphemia corrected, still smiling at if she was not scared. "Any couple in the Black family is, especially when they join families such as this."

"The Malfoys?"

Euphemia made a little hum and nodded, but she didn't go into length, not at the gardens of the very family, she had sense enough to steer the conversation away from the disturbing subject before they were caught.

"Come on, let's congratulate the newlyweds," Euphemia said, putting her hands on Luna's shoulder and getting them on the line to greet the bride and groom. "Don't speak before I introduce you, alright?"

Luna raised her eyebrows, but quickly nodded while looking away.

Regulus was at the corner of the tent, talking to Evan and Pandora. Barty was nowhere to be seen. Since the three of them were part of the family, they were waiting for the guest to congratulate the couple for the wedding before the party started inside of the Manor.

It took them no more than a few minutes to get to the main-couple of the night.

"Ah, Lady Potter, how great it is to see that you were able to come!" Lucius Malfoy said, charmingly smiling and cocking his head to the side.

"Mister Malfoy, I thank you for the invitation for me and my family. They couldn't come tonight, I fear; however, I brought my ward to the wedding since she was also invited. I'm here as a chaperone, I fear," Euphemia said, slightly louder than necessary.

Luna narrowed her eyes at Euphemia, trying to understand what she was trying to get with the awkward pleasantries before the actual congratulations for the couple.

"Yes, yes. Of course, no problem," Lucius said, turning his eyes to the young girl beside the woman. "And you are the ward, am I correct?"

Luna opened her mouth, but Euphemia put her hand on her shoulder.

"This is Miss Luna Lupin," she presented. "She's the Potter's Ward."

Someone a few people behind them in line started to whisper and Luna tensed up when Narcissa Malfoy's blood-red lips stretched themselves into a curious and amused smile dangerously similar to Walburga's.

Luna understood then what Euphemia wanted to do. She was launching her position as Luna's Sponsor, and her position inside the Potter Household. From that moment on, people would be a lot more careful with how they treated Luna if that meant getting the Potter's wrath in response to unthought words and accusations.

"A pleasure, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. Congratulations," Luna greeted them with a polite nod and smile.

"I have read wonders about you in my cousin's letters, Miss Lupin. A great pleasure to meet you," Narcissa answered. "Thank you for showing up tonight and showing your support."

Unsure of what to say, Luna just smiled.

"Thank you for the invitation, Mrs. Malfoy," Euphemia quickly said, taking over the conversation again. "We wish you happiness, longevity and a good family."

"Thank you."

Euphemia steered Luna away from the line and towards her friends.

As she walked away from the line, she saw Barty standing not too far away from the couple, waiting for his own turn to congratulate them, he was speaking with Xenophilius, who was chuckling.

Regulus offered his hand, reaching it out to take her hands once she was near enough as soon as he saw her approaching with her chaperone right behind her. Luna took a few steps quicker to reach him faster and took his hand.

Evan made a little disgusted noise.

"They are so sweet together," Pandora said, though nobody knew if she spoke of Luna and Regulus or Narcissa and Lucius.

Euphemia smiled to herself as she stopped a few steps away, quickly recognising someone and calling them over so they could talk. It was Lucia Abbot, an unmarried (and shall she continue being so, at her request), the youngest sister of Sir Abbot, who worked with Fleatmont at the Auror Department.

"Disgusting," Evan said, not even looking at the couples, just watching Barty and Xenophilius. "Look at Abraxas, that's rubbish."

Regulus looked over his shoulder at Baronet Abraxas Malfoy loudly laughing and clasping his hand on Orion's shoulder. Orion looked uncomfortable as he drank a large sip of his brandy silently. Walburga, standing near her husband with Druella, was drinking brandy as well, refusing to look at the scene as she talked to Druella, almost seeming to want to drag her sister-in-law away, but Druella was quite happy with her glass of champagne and talking to a man that Regulus didn't recognise.

"Who is that?" Regulus asked.

"That's Bert Avery," Evan said, voice lowering.

Luna leaned forward.

"How old if he?" she asked.

"Twenty-three," Evan said.

"And she is...?"

"Forty-three," Evans said with a smirk.

Pandora made a little noise of evaluation.

"That sounds wrong," Regulus said.

"They both adults. They certainly have fun, according to what I heard her telling my mother," Evan said, smirk growing.

"That's disgusting, Evan!" Regulus said, narrowing his eyes at his friend before glancing at Luna. Luna tried not to laugh. "He's younger than Bella!"

"It's not like they'll get married, Regulus, they're just having fun," Evan dismissed. "He's bragging to all his friends. He knows what he's doing, he's not being forced or anything like that."

Regulus shook his head.

Pandora covered her own ears. Luna leaned forward to ask and --

A loud bell made Luna gasp and turn around, looking from where the noise came from. Pandora closed her eyes tight and waited for it to end, accepting Evan's quick touch on her back as comfort before freeing her ears.

"This is our signal to go inside," Euphemia said from where she stood a few feet away. "Are you alright, Pandora?"

"Yes, my Lady. I'm well, thank you for asking. Are you alright?"

Liking Pandora's nonchalant answer, Euphemia smiled and nodded, not answering out loud before telling the teens to go ahead.

"Luna," Euphemia called. Evan called Barty over with his hand, dragging Pandora with him towards where Barty and Xenophilius were, leaving Regulus and Luna behind. "Since this is a ballroom, I'm not going to be following you around. I'll be standing over there – find me if you need me and come to me every now and then, please. Don't leave the ballroom without warning."

"Yes, ma'am," she said. Euphemia raised her eyebrows. "I mean, Mia. Alright, Mia."

Regulus offered Luna his arm, leading her to the small table where all his friends had gathered. In the way, he took two glasses of champagne.

"You don't like drinking," Luna said, confused by the alcoholic beverages.

"I know, but people will start asking soon. If I nurse it long enough, people will think it's my second or third," he said. "You can drink, if you want. I'll get you another, if you request it." He hesitated for a moment. "I wouldn't, if I was you. It slows the mind and the Occlumency of a starter can fail. Nursing it might be in your best interest."

She looked at the glass of bubbling liquid with some accusation in silence before nodding at him, not sipping it. He smiled at her reaction and walked with her towards their friends, who noticed their approach.

Sitting at the table, Luna watched Regulus put his arm over the back of her chair.

"This ceremony was so long!" Evan complained.

"It was longer than usual," Pandora agreed.

"I think their vows were very long. We shall have a shorter ceremony," Xenophilius said to Pandora.

"We shouldn't even have a party," Pandora added.

Evan turned to look at his sister, flabbergasted.

"I refuse to believe you just said that. How could you even think that, Panda!" Evan complained.

"What?" she asked, turning to him.

"The party is not for you, it's for us," Evan said.

Barty chuckled.

"That is true, the party is always for the guests, not for the bride and groom. For that, they have the honeymoon," Barty said.

Evan turned to glare at Barty. "Don't talk about my sister's honeymoon in front of me," he grumbled.

"I wasn't talking about her honeymoon!" Barty said, eyes widening.

Xenophilius turned to enter the conversation as well, but he froze, quickly leaning back away to get a better look at the door.

"Oh-oh!" he complained, getting everybody's attention. "Sir Arcturus Black is coming this way."

Evan, in the blink of an eye, was standing and getting his cup of wine, grabbing Barty by the back of his robes and dragging him along as he walked away without excuse or explanation, just running away from the man that he hated so deeply. Barty, who wasn't stupid, took his own cup of wine and followed his friend without complaint, just grateful to have an excuse to leave that table before the man got there. Xenophilius mumbled a request for a dance under his breath, offered his hand to Pandora, who took it, and gave Luna and Regulus a regretful look before disappearing through the guests towards the dance floor with his fiancée alongside him.

Regulus turned to Luna.

"Do you want to –" he started.

"Regulus!" Walburga called out.

Regulus' shoulder dropped. His opportunity of running away and pretending he hadn't seen his grandfather coming were gone, so he turned to see his mother helping her father-in-law with his wheelchair through the guests.

"Mother, Grandsire," he greeted.

He got up from his chair and Luna followed, trying her best not to think about the fact that Regulus had called his granddad 'grandsire'.

Through the music, the guests mingling in the grand ballroom and the laughter from several corners as people talked, Luna thought it if would be very offensive if she sat down again, this way she would be in the same level as Arcturus and, therefore, would listen to him better. She decided to keep standing.

Walburga looked even more beautiful than usual. She wore gold, which was a surprising colour for her, but the cut of her dress was her most used one, so it would look somewhat casual if not for the colour. At her waist, there was a black strip, where a black ribbon was camouflaged and forming a bow at her back. It was mature, but youthful.

Arcturus was well-dressed in black and white wizarding robes and his shoes were shining, clearly new. His completely white hair was well taken care of and cut just under his ears, trimmed perfectly around his neck; his hat was on his lap and his hands were covered in gloves though it was a warm night, and they were made out of an expensive fabric (Luna wished Euphemia wasn't across from her in the ballroom, watching the scene, but that she was closer so she could whisper that comfortable-looking fabric was that).

"Miss Luna Lupin, this is Sir Arcturus Black, Regulus' paternal grandfather," Walburga introduced. "Sir, this is Regulus' partner, Luna Lupin."

"Lupin?"

"Lyall Lupin's daughter," she explained.

"Ah, yes... with the muggle," Arcturus said, still not talking directly with Luna. "He was a good professional. A pity he retired, dear Walburga. He could've been much more successful had he not chosen the family way."

With that Arcturus finally turned his eyes to Luna and she mentally touched her Occlumency shields to make sure they were all in place. His eyes were not like Regulus'; they were cold, sharp and predatory – a predator that had just found its favourite prey and now gleamed in dangerous intelligence, prepared to attack, cutting through the air with sharp talons.

Luna bowed her head and knees, feeling the weight of Arcturus' icy gaze over her, measuring her every movement.

"Hello, Sir. It's an honour to meet you," she said.

Arcturus' eyes bore into hers, expression unreadable if not for the amused eyebrow twitch.

"Miss Lupin," was all that he said in his greeting.

"Grandsire, it has been a while, how have you been?" Regulus asked, trying to get his grandfather's attention on himself.

Arcturus glanced at him before. "I'm well," he dismissed, looking back at Luna. "And, clearly, so have you, dear grandson."

"Yes. My grades –"

"I don't care about your grades, boy, I know you grades. Every grade you get, your parents show it to me. You are their pride and joy," he said, rolling his eyes and turning to Regulus once again. Luna took the opportunity to take a deep breath to calm herself as silently as she could. "At least one of your father's sons wasn't a disgrace."

Walburga looked at the ceiling for a moment, taking a discreet breath, as if she was trying to pretend that she hadn't received a punch to the stomach. Regulus' profile was feathered by a muscle as he forced a nod, either it was agreement, relief or gratefulness for the half-formed compliment nobody knew. Even Luna had to hide her reaction – while she had not forgiven Sirius for what he had done to her brother, it was clear that Arcturus' bitterness and hatred were far more cutting and a deeper issue than hers.

It felt unfair to hate Sirius when he was so hated by that man, somehow.

"And, for what I heard, Miss Lupin won't be a great failure or disgrace to her parents. You are interested in Alchemy," he said. It wasn't a question.

The fact that it was the only personality trait that the Black Family was interested in certainly made Luna suspicious, but she smiled.

"Yes, Sir," she said, maintaining her composure. "I'm passionate about the subject. It's a field that is predicted to grow."

"A lofty ambition for someone like you," he said. Though he wasn't explicit, his tone dripped with disdain and disgust.

Contrary to Pollux, he didn't have a problem with her because she was a girl interested in an academic area; Arcturus had a problem with her being a half-blood. Which side of the coin was worst, Luna was unsure.

"A difficult way, indeed," she forced herself to agree.

Arcturus doubled down.

"Alchemy is not an easy path for anyone, nor one typically pursued by those of lesser blood," he said, watching her closely.

He wanted a reaction from her, but he wouldn't get a big one.

Her smile remained, though her eyes hardened slightly. Had she not have an Occlumency shield, she probably would've attacked him with his words, asked stupid questions or tell him to go fuck himself. But she was there for Regulus, and she wasn't going to embarrass him after he put such effort in helping her.

"I believe that dedication and skill are more important than blood status or my sex when such work is done, Sir Black," she said. It was the same answer she had given Pollux.

Regulus' lips twitched as he hid a smile after his mother glared at him in warning. Neither wanted to be scolded by Arcturus by the end of the night, and Walburga would be the one left behind while Regulus would go back to Hogwarts for months still.

"You sound confident in your abilities, Miss Lupin, or is it arrogance?" he asked.

"It is hope, Sir," she answered.

He made a little hum, raising his chin.

"Tell me, what makes you think you can succeed in such a competitive area? Many good purebloods failed," he said.

Again, it sounded like a test. There was a bad and a worst answer, so Luna chose none.

"It's not about those who came before me or those that will come after. It's about my dedication and my own work ethic, my passion for my job. I'm willing to work hard and learn from those who know more than me, like I'm willing to lean from myself and my experiences," she said. It was barely an answer.

He laughed, as if her half-answer had been amusing, not annoying.

"A Hufflepuff?" he asked.

"A Ravenclaw, Sir," she answered.

"You've been sorted wrong, girl," he said.

"We shall agree that disagreeing is healthy in this occasion," she said, forcing a little nose twitch as if he had something charming or funny.

"Good luck in the world of Alchemy, then, it is cruelly unforgiving to those who do not belong," he added.

"I'll make sure to remember that. Thank you for the concern, Sir Black. I'll do my best to succeed with your words of encouragement in mind," she said, passive aggressive.

He narrowed his eyes at her.

"How's your father?" he asked suddenly.

"Well. Home," she answered.

"Indeed. Your chaperone is Lady Potter," he said, as if the name was disgusting.

Luna understood his distaste with her 'choice' of chaperone. Euphemia Potter was, after all, the woman that had 'stolen' the first Black Heir and his first grandson, and now was coming as companion to the half-blood girl trying to steal his remaining one.

"Yes, I'm her Ward now," she said.

Walburga turned to her. "Oh?" her voice dripped with force politeness.

"It's a new development," she explained. "But it's legal and official now."

"Congratulation," was all that Walburga managed to say before having to look away to hide a particularly bad grimace.

Regulus shifted his weight from leg to leg.

"I've been to Mister Lupin's house for Christmas, Grandsire. It's a beautiful house deep in northern Wales," Regulus said. "Luna's mother and grandmother were amazing cooks."

Luna glanced at Regulus by the corner of her eyes in silence, trying to understand why he mentioned the women as well when Arcturus had spoken only of her father. Until she saw the light softening (barely there) in Arcturus' expression.

"Your grandmother still lives? It is good to hear. She's a good woman," he said.

"You know my grandmother, Sir?" she asked, confused.

Regulus turned to Luna, rolling his shoulders back.

"Your grandmother was neighbours with my grandsire's state in Ireland when they were young," he explained. "By what I understand, they were housemates as well. Grandsire was a year above hers."

"How splendid!" Walburga said, clearly taken by surprise by the information.

"Indeed, indeed," Arcturus quickly dismissive the emotional side of the story. "She was a great student. Talented duellist, and by what I heard from Orion, she taught it well in Hogwarts. I'm glad to hear she is well."

"She was completely charmed by Reg—Mister Black," Luna said.

She winced inside for her slip.

"Regulus... how intimate," Arcturus mocked, eyes predatory over her.

In the back of her mind, near the weakest part of her shield, she felt a light pressure, almost like a brush. The intrusion grew more forceful, so she blinked, focusing on the barriers and pushing against the attempt – it wasn't nearly as discreet as she had hoped, but discreet wouldn't work against him.

She saw the realisation in his eyes.

With a clear of his throat, Barty – shaking and terrified – offered his hand to Luna.

"If I'm not interrupting, may I request for a dance, Miss Lupin?" he said, voice wavering pathetically.

Luna smiled gratefully at him before glancing at Regulus, who nodded once at her and then once at Barty. While at her it had been encouragement, to Barty it had been fervent thankfulness, aware of how deep in trouble they were.

Walburga watched helplessly as her target wavered through the crowd to dance with her friend.

"The girl knows Occlumency," Arcturus said.

Walburga turned to the man.

"Forgive me?" she asked, confused.

Regulus put his hands behind his back.

"At least the basics, and much better than she probably thinks she did. I couldn't get in, and once I was about to find another way in, she pushed right out," Arcturus explained. He turned to Regulus, eyes narrowing. "One must wonder why a young lady must protect her thoughts so fervently. And while her intelligence and power are admirable, they do not replace her blood, Regulus."

"I'm aware of her blood, and I'm aware of many qualities of hers that you aren't listing," Regulus said firmly.

"Regulus –" Walburga started.

"The girl is hiding something," Arcturus said.

"This has to be grounds for this silly courtship to crumble, Regulus," Walburga insisted.

"Why would it be? I was the one who taught her Occlumency, Mother. What she hides is of no concern of any of us but herself, even if I know it. I helped her conceal it," Regulus said, standing his ground.

"And what, pray tell, can a young lady like her have to hide?" Walburga asked.

Regulus hesitated. Before he could response, Arcturus took over, putting his hands on the wheel of the wheelchair and turning himself slightly. "It doesn't matter. Someone with her age and level of understanding of the magic shouldn't be able to block me."

His gaze was icy over Regulus, and his grandson looked into his eyes, shield harder than Luna's. It made Arcturus smile.

"She needs to go," Walburga grumbled.

Regulus looked at his mother.

"I like her, Mother. I really do," he said. "This isn't a teen whim or desire. I like her. And if you gave the chance, you'd like her as well."

Walburga seemed baffled and offended by that.

"Treat her carefully, Walburga," Arcturus said, a calculating look over his face. "Is she learned Occlumency from someone as inexperienced in teaching as Regulus, her potential is considerable. Someone like that in good connection with the family can be useful."

"Please, don't use my partner or plan on using her, Grandsire," Regulus said, uncomfortable with the idea alone.

He turned to Regulus.

"Do you expect me to like the girl? Give me a reason to," he said.

He didn't wait for Walburga this time and wheeled himself away from the conversation.

I hope you all liked it and understood some of the power dynamics inside the House of Black, especially between the main branch and the secundary branch. What do we think of Pollux and Arcturus?  What do we think of Walburga and Alphard now that we got to know them better?