**Potter Manor — Grand Dining Room**
**9 August 1971 — Early Evening**
The dining room of Potter Manor was a testament to both ancient wizarding tradition and contemporary magical convenience. The massive mahogany table, which could comfortably seat thirty when fully extended, gleamed under the warm light of floating candles that adjusted their brightness automatically to complement the conversation. Ancient Potter family portraits lined the walls, their occupants maintaining dignified silence during the meal while occasionally nodding approvingly at particularly witty remarks or interesting observations.
House-elf magic had outdone itself tonight—the table fairly groaned under the weight of perfectly prepared dishes that appeared and disappeared as needed, ensuring that everyone's plates remained full and their preferences were mysteriously anticipated before they could voice them. Crystal goblets refilled themselves with whatever beverage their user most desired, while serving dishes rearranged themselves to ensure optimal access for all diners.
As everyone settled into their assigned seats—a careful arrangement that spoke of considerable thought about personality dynamics and conversation facilitation—Natalia found herself positioned perfectly to observe the entire table while maintaining easy conversation access to the most interesting attendees. Her striking auburn hair caught the candlelight as she surveyed the room with emerald eyes that held depths far beyond her eleven years, cataloguing sight lines and conversational dynamics with professional precision.
*This is useful positioning,* she noted with approval that would have impressed intelligence analysts three times her age, though her youthful face showed only polite interest. *I can observe everyone's interactions while appearing to focus on normal dinner conversation.*
But her mind was still reeling from the revelations of her conversation with Hadrian. The implications were staggering—here was someone who not only shared her reincarnated status but possessed detailed knowledge of a future timeline that could prove invaluable in preparing for the war Mother Magic had warned her was coming.
*A war where Lily doesn't have a twin sister,* she thought with growing understanding, her gaze drifting to where her sister was animatedly discussing something with Alice, her wild red curls bouncing with enthusiasm. *Where I don't exist at all. His timeline and this one have already diverged significantly.*
The urge to pull Hadrian aside for immediate and intensive questioning was almost overwhelming, but the dinner setting made private conversation impossible. Every word was potentially overheard, every gesture observed and analyzed by people whose political loyalties and discretion levels were still unknown quantities.
*Patience,* she reminded herself, calling on hard-won discipline from her previous life while maintaining the bright smile expected of an eleven-year-old at a fancy dinner party.
Across the table, Hadrian—whose silver-grey eyes seemed to hold ancient wisdom despite his young face—caught her gaze and gave an almost imperceptible nod. Even at eleven, he carried himself with a quiet authority that made him seem older, though he was careful to temper it with age-appropriate enthusiasm when speaking with the other children.
"Blimey, this place is massive," Sirius Black declared with characteristic enthusiasm, his grey eyes bright with mischief as he gestured broadly with his fork, sending a few peas flying. His dark hair was artfully tousled in a way that suggested he'd spent considerable effort making it look effortless, and his infectious grin made everyone around him want to join whatever adventure he was undoubtedly planning. "I bet you could fit our entire London house in just this one room!"
"Sirius," his mother Walburga said sharply, her dark eyes flashing with the kind of aristocratic disapproval that could freeze flame. Her beauty was austere and intimidating, with sharp features that suggested she found most things beneath her consideration. "One does not gesture with cutlery at the dinner table. We have discussed proper dining etiquette extensively."
"Right, sorry Mother," Sirius replied with exaggerated contrition, though his eyes sparkled with barely contained laughter. "I was just... expressing enthusiasm for our hosts' magnificent home. Very aristocratically."
*That boy,* Aslan observed in Hadrian's mind with rich amusement, his mental voice carrying the sophisticated warmth that made even his sarcasm sound distinguished, *has absolutely no respect for authority and finds the entire concept of proper behavior hilarious. I like him immensely.*
Regulus Black, seated beside his older brother, rolled his grey eyes with the kind of long-suffering expression that suggested he'd been managing Sirius's enthusiasm for years. At nine, he already possessed the ethereal beauty that would make him legendary, with fine features and an almost otherworldly quality that made him look like he'd stepped out of a Renaissance painting. When he spoke, his voice carried a musical quality that made everyone automatically pay attention.
"Sirius has never met a rule he didn't want to break," Regulus said with the weary wisdom of someone far older than his nine years, his voice carrying genuine affection despite the criticism. "Though to be fair, most rules are rather arbitrary when you actually examine them logically."
"Reggie gets it!" Sirius declared with obvious delight, reaching over to ruffle his brother's perfectly styled hair, which made the younger boy duck away with practiced ease. "See? Even my baby brother understands that life's too short to worry about which fork goes with which course."
"I am not your baby brother," Regulus protested with wounded dignity, smoothing down his hair with careful precision. "And I didn't say rules were meaningless, I said they should be logical. There's a significant difference."
"Regulus has a point," Hadrian said with a slight smile, his voice carrying the kind of diplomatic warmth that made everyone feel included in the conversation. "Some traditions exist for good reasons, while others are just... traditional."
"Exactly!" Bellatrix Black exclaimed with fierce enthusiasm, her wild black curls seeming to crackle with energy as she leaned forward with obvious excitement. At eleven, she was already breathtakingly beautiful in a dangerous way, with dark eyes that sparkled with barely contained mischief and a smile that suggested she was always plotting something entertaining. "Like, why can't we have dessert first? Who decided that sweet things have to come after boring vegetables?"
"Because," Narcissa Black said with the kind of patient superiority that suggested she'd been explaining obvious things to her sisters for years, "proper nutrition requires balanced consumption, and dessert first would spoil your appetite for necessary vitamins and minerals." Her platinum blonde hair was perfectly arranged despite her age, and she carried herself with regal dignity that made her look like a young queen holding court.
"Cissy, you sound like a textbook," Andromeda Black observed with gentle amusement, her dark hair catching the light as she shook her head fondly. At eleven, she already showed signs of the classical beauty she would become, with intelligent eyes that suggested depths of compassion beneath her aristocratic upbringing. "Sometimes I think you've memorized every etiquette manual in the Black family library."
"Knowledge of proper behavior is never wasted," Narcissa replied with unshakeable confidence, though her blue eyes held warmth when she looked at her sisters. "Mother says a lady's education should be comprehensive."
"A lady's education," Bellatrix said with dramatic flair, "should include exciting things! Like how to ride hippogriffs and brew interesting potions and maybe learn dueling techniques!"
"Dueling techniques?" James Potter repeated with obvious interest, his hazel eyes lighting up with the kind of enthusiasm that suggested he'd found his new favorite topic. His unruly black hair stuck up at impossible angles despite obvious attempts to tame it, and his infectious energy made him seem like he was constantly in motion even when sitting still. "That sounds brilliant! Do you think they'll teach us that at Hogwarts?"
"Not until at least sixth year," Alice Fortescue said with obvious regret, her kind brown eyes bright with curiosity. Her light brown hair was arranged in neat braids that somehow made her look both younger and older than her eleven years, and there was something naturally nurturing about her presence that made everyone feel comfortable. "My older cousin told me they don't trust younger students with anything more dangerous than basic defensive spells."
"That's rather insulting, isn't it?" Severus Snape observed quietly, his dark eyes reflecting the kind of analytical thinking that characterized all his interactions. His pale features were sharp and intelligent, and despite his obvious nervousness in such grand surroundings, his voice carried genuine curiosity. "Surely our ability to handle advanced magic should be based on demonstrated competence rather than arbitrary age restrictions."
"Severus makes an excellent point," Lily Evans said warmly, her emerald eyes sparkling with intellectual engagement as she turned to give him her full attention. Her wild red curls bounced as she spoke, and her smile had the kind of genuine warmth that made everyone around her feel valued. "Age doesn't necessarily correlate with magical ability or responsibility."
*Your mother,* Aslan observed approvingly, *has always had excellent instincts about people. She recognizes intelligence and treats it with respect regardless of the package it comes in.*
Frank Longbottom, who had been quietly observing the conversation with obvious interest, leaned forward slightly. At eleven, he had the kind of steady presence that suggested reliability and quiet strength, with light brown hair that fell in soft waves and hazel eyes that held genuine warmth. "My grandmother says that magical education used to be much more individualized," he said thoughtfully. "Students advanced based on ability rather than age groups."
"That sounds much more sensible," Natalia said with obvious approval, her analytical mind clearly engaged by the educational theory discussion. "Standardized progression assumes everyone learns at the same rate, which is demonstrably false."
"Demonstrably false?" Sirius repeated with obvious delight, his grin widening as he looked at Natalia with newfound respect. "I like how you talk! You sound like you're presenting evidence to a court or something."
"Well," Alex Evans said with obvious paternal pride, his academic bearing evident even in casual conversation, "both our daughters have always approached learning systematically. Natalia especially enjoys analyzing underlying principles rather than just memorizing facts."
"That's because facts without context are just trivia," Natalia replied with the kind of precision that made several adults exchange impressed looks. "Understanding why something works is infinitely more valuable than just knowing that it works."
*Listen to her,* Aslan observed with growing approval. *That's not just precocious eleven-year-old wisdom. That's someone who's learned hard lessons about the importance of understanding systems rather than just accepting them.*
"—absolutely remarkable how well magical children adapt to complex social dynamics," Euphemia Potter was saying to Melanie Evans, her voice carrying maternal warmth and genuine fascination. Her dark hair was elegantly arranged, and her brown eyes held the kind of intelligence that suggested she missed very little of what happened around her. "I've always been impressed by their natural ability to integrate diverse family backgrounds and magical traditions."
"It's been quite an adjustment for all of us," Melanie replied with obvious honesty, her earlier tension from Walburga's unfortunate comments having largely dissolved under the consistent warmth shown by the Potter family. Her own elegant bearing spoke of someone who had learned to navigate complex social situations, though magical politics was clearly new territory. "Though I have to say, watching Lily and Natalia help each other navigate this world has been one of the most beautiful things I've ever witnessed."
"Twins often develop that kind of intuitive support system," Dorea Potter added with obvious experience, her sophisticated presence commanding attention even in casual conversation. Her auburn hair was perfectly styled, and her brown eyes held depths of wisdom that came from years of managing complex family dynamics. "They seem to instinctively understand how to complement each other's strengths and compensate for each other's challenges."
*If only they knew,* Natalia thought with private amusement, *that one of those twins is actually a grown woman in an eleven-year-old body, using decades of covert operations experience to help her genuinely eleven-year-old sister adjust to magical society.*
"Speaking of adaptations," Charlus Potter said with the kind of commanding presence that made everyone automatically pay attention, his deep voice carrying natural authority, "I believe Harfang has some rather interesting news to share about Hogwarts accommodations."
All eyes turned to Harfang Longbottom, who straightened with obvious pleasure at being given the opportunity to make his announcement. "Indeed I do," he said with satisfaction, his voice carrying the kind of official weight that came from someone accustomed to delivering important news. "I've just spent the better part of three weeks working with Professor Dumbledore, Professor McGonagall, and the rest of the Board of Governors to address what could only be described as an unprecedented situation."
"Unprecedented how?" James asked with obvious curiosity, nearly bouncing in his seat with enthusiasm. "Are we getting new Quidditch equipment? Please tell me we're getting new Quidditch equipment!"
"Better than Quidditch equipment," Harfang replied with a grin. "We're talking about familiar policies."
The effect was immediate and dramatic. Every young person at the table focused their attention on Harfang with laser intensity, conversations halting mid-sentence as they recognized the potential significance of his announcement.
"Familiar policies?" Lily repeated thoughtfully, her intelligent gaze moving between Hadrian's impressive Nundu and her sister's elegant kitsune. "You're talking about Aslan and Laika, aren't you?"
"Indeed I am," Harfang confirmed with obvious pleasure. "When Minerva informed the Board that we had a Nundu cub and a kitsune among this year's incoming familiars, it created quite a stir."
"I imagine it would," Severus said dryly, his dark eyes reflecting the kind of analytical thinking that had impressed McGonagall. "Neither species exactly fits the traditional categories of school-approved familiars."
"Traditional categories being owls, cats, toads, and rats," Alice added helpfully, her brown eyes bright with curiosity. "My cousin said they're very strict about the list."
"They were," Harfang said with obvious satisfaction. "Were being the operative phrase."
*This sounds promising,* Aslan observed with interest, his golden eyes focusing on Harfang with the kind of attention that suggested he understood this discussion would directly impact his future comfort.
"What kind of changes are we talking about?" Hadrian asked carefully, his voice controlled despite the nervous anticipation he was feeling about his familiar's accommodation needs.
"Complete policy revision," Harfang replied with obvious pride. "The Board has approved specialized accommodations for both familiars, along with expanded privileges that recognize their unusual intelligence and bonding depth."
"Specialized accommodations?" Sirius repeated with obvious excitement, his eyes lighting up with the kind of enthusiasm that suggested he was already imagining the possibilities. "Like what? Secret rooms? Hidden passages? Please tell me there are hidden passages involved!"
"Not hidden passages," Newton Scamander interjected with obvious amusement, his scientific curiosity clearly engaged despite his disheveled appearance, "but certainly specialized housing. Nundu cubs require very specific environmental conditions to develop properly."
"Environmental conditions?" Bellatrix asked with fascination, leaning forward with obvious interest. "What kind of environmental conditions? Does Aslan need a jungle? Can we visit the jungle?"
*I like that girl,* Aslan said with obvious approval. *She asks excellent questions and appears to have no fear whatsoever. These are admirable qualities.*
"Not quite a jungle," Newt replied with gentle amusement, "but Aslan will need climate control, reinforced construction materials, and direct access to outdoor exercise areas. Young Nundu are incredibly intelligent and need both physical and mental stimulation to prevent... behavioral issues."
"Behavioral issues?" Walburga Black interjected with obvious concern, her sharp features reflecting the kind of aristocratic alarm that suggested she was already imagining various catastrophic scenarios. "What manner of behavioral issues?"
*Oh, I could demonstrate behavioral issues,* Aslan said with sophisticated menace that somehow managed to sound charming despite its implications. *But I am far too well-mannered for such displays. Usually.*
"Nothing dramatic," Newt assured her quickly, though his expression suggested he was perhaps minimizing the potential scope of Nundu-related property damage. "Young Nundu who become bored tend to investigate their environment in ways that can be... challenging for furniture and occasionally architectural elements."
"Architectural elements?" Alex Evans repeated faintly, his paternal concern evident despite his academic fascination with magical creature behavior.
"The occasional doorframe," Newt said diplomatically. "Perhaps a non-load-bearing wall if they're particularly energetic. But with proper accommodations, these issues are entirely preventable."
"A wall?" James repeated with obvious awe, looking at Aslan with newfound respect. "Aslan could knock down a wall?"
*I resent the implication that I would be so undisciplined,* Aslan said with wounded dignity. *I am a creature of excellent breeding and impeccable self-control. Most of the time.*
"What about Laika?" Natalia asked with obvious interest, reaching down to stroke her kitsune's silver fur. "What kind of accommodations does she need?"
"Kitsune are much more adaptable to traditional dormitory life," Newt replied with enthusiasm. "The main accommodations needed were expanded privileges—library access, permission to attend classes, designated rest areas in common rooms."
"Library access?" Regulus asked with obvious interest, his grey eyes brightening. "She'll be allowed in the library?"
"Kitsune have natural affinity for knowledge acquisition," Newt explained seriously. "Denying library access would be like denying a fish access to water."
Laika's ears perked up at the mention of unlimited library access, her intelligent golden eyes reflecting what looked suspiciously like satisfaction.
"So what's the final verdict?" Frank asked with obvious curiosity. "Are they both coming to Hogwarts?"
"Better than that," Harfang said with obvious pride. "The Board has approved construction of a specialized suite adjacent to Gryffindor Tower for Aslan, complete with climate control and reinforced construction. And they've authorized permanent policy changes to accommodate future students with unusual familiars."
"A suite?" Sirius repeated with obvious amazement. "Aslan gets his own apartment? That's the most brilliant thing I've ever heard!"
*A suite,* Aslan preened. *I do appreciate proper recognition of my status and requirements.*
"This is going to make Hogwarts infinitely more interesting," Bellatrix said with obvious delight, her dark eyes sparkling with anticipation. "I can't wait to see how the other students react!"
"Some reactions will be more positive than others," Narcissa observed with characteristic pragmatism, though her voice carried curiosity rather than concern. "Not everyone is comfortable around powerful magical creatures."
"Then they'll learn to be," James declared with characteristic optimism, his infectious enthusiasm undimmed by potential social complications. "Once people get to know Aslan and Laika personally, they'll realize how brilliant they are."
*Your cousin,* Aslan observed with amusement, *has remarkable faith in people's ability to overcome their prejudices through personal experience. It's either naive or admirably optimistic.*
"Speaking of getting to know each other," Andromeda said with gentle curiosity, "how did you all meet your familiars? I've always wondered about the bonding process."
"Laika just appeared," Natalia said simply, though her voice carried undertones that suggested the story was far more complex than her words indicated. "One morning she was sitting in our garden, and it felt like she'd always been there."
"That's exactly how it happened with Hedwig," Lily added with wonder, glancing at her snowy owl perched regally behind her chair. "She appeared at my window and refused to leave. Like she'd been looking for me specifically."
*They remember,* Aslan said quietly in Hadrian's mind. *Familiar bonds transcend single lifetimes. The connections formed in your previous life are influencing these new relationships.*
"What about you, Hadrian?" Alice asked with obvious curiosity. "How did you meet Aslan?"
"He bonded with me on my birthday," Hadrian replied carefully, his silver-grey eyes reflecting depths of emotion as he spoke. "July thirty-first. It was... unexpected."
"Unexpected is one way to put it," Charlus said with obvious understatement, his rich voice carrying paternal pride mixed with rueful acknowledgment of the complications involved. "Most parents expect their children's eleventh birthday gifts to be books or perhaps a broom. Not apex predators."
"Best birthday ever though," Hadrian said with genuine warmth, reaching down to scratch behind Aslan's ears, which made the Nundu purr with contentment.
*I do provide excellent birthday entertainment,* Aslan agreed with satisfaction.
"What about Corvus?" Severus asked, turning his attention to Regulus with obvious interest. "Ravens are quite sophisticated familiars."
Regulus's pale cheeks colored slightly at the attention, but his voice was steady when he replied. "He appeared while I was reading in the garden. Ancient Runes translation, actually. He seemed interested in the text."
"Ravens are attracted to intellectual activity," Frank observed thoughtfully. "My grandmother says they choose partners based on wisdom potential rather than current knowledge."
"Wisdom potential," Sirius repeated with obvious amusement, grinning at his younger brother with affectionate pride. "Hear that, Reggie? Your bird thinks you're going to be brilliant."
"I am going to be brilliant," Regulus replied with quiet confidence that made several adults hide smiles. "The question is what kind of brilliant."
*That boy,* Aslan observed approvingly, *has excellent self-awareness and healthy ambition. He'll go far.*
"Well," Professor McGonagall said, speaking for the first time since joining the gathering, her crisp voice carrying the kind of authority that made everyone automatically pay attention, "I can confirm that the Board's decision was unanimous once we presented the comprehensive accommodation plans."
"Professor McGonagall!" Lily exclaimed with obvious delight, her face lighting up with genuine pleasure at seeing their soon-to-be Head of House. "When did you arrive?"
"A few minutes ago," McGonagall replied with the slight smile that suggested approval without compromising her professional dignity. Her elegant bearing and sharp intelligence were evident even in casual conversation. "I wanted to observe how you were all managing this rather complex social gathering."
"Are we passing inspection?" James asked with characteristic cheekiness, his hazel eyes sparkling with the kind of mischief that suggested he was testing boundaries rather than showing genuine disrespect.
"So far," McGonagall replied dryly, though her eyes held warmth. "Though I notice certain individuals are having difficulty maintaining proper posture throughout the meal."
Sirius immediately straightened in his chair with exaggerated precision, making several of his cousins snicker quietly.
"Better," McGonagall observed with obvious amusement.
"Professor," Severus said with obvious curiosity, "were there significant objections to the familiar policy changes from other Board members?"
"Some," McGonagall replied honestly, her voice carrying the matter-of-fact tone of someone accustomed to institutional resistance. "There were concerns about safety protocols, insurance implications, and precedent-setting."
"How were those concerns addressed?" Natalia asked with obvious interest, her analytical mind clearly engaged by the institutional change management discussion.
"Primarily through Newton's detailed behavioral analysis and comprehensive safety protocol development," McGonagall replied with obvious respect for Newt's contributions. "When the Board could see specific solutions rather than vague assurances, opposition diminished considerably."
"Plus," Arcturus Black added from his position at the head of the table, his distinguished presence commanding immediate attention, "institutional change often requires influential support from unexpected sources."
His silver hair caught the candlelight as he spoke, and his grey eyes held the kind of quiet authority that made everyone automatically defer to his judgment. Even Walburga straightened slightly when her father-in-law spoke, her earlier sharp edges softening in the presence of true family authority.
"Grandfather's support made all the difference," Orion Black said with obvious gratitude, his cultured voice carrying genuine respect for his father's influence. Despite his aristocratic bearing, there was something warmer about him than his wife, as though he genuinely cared about outcomes rather than just appearances.
"Hogwarts exists to educate magical children," Arcturus said simply, his voice carrying quiet conviction. "If that means adapting our facilities and policies to accommodate changing circumstances, then adaptation is precisely what we should pursue. Tradition should serve education, not constrain it."
*Your godfather,* Aslan observed with approval, *understands the difference between meaningful tradition and arbitrary limitation. That's wisdom worth respecting.*
"This is going to make our year so much more interesting," Alice observed with obvious anticipation, her brown eyes bright with excitement. "I can't wait to see how everyone reacts to having a Nundu and a kitsune in their classes."
"Some people might be scared at first," Frank said thoughtfully, his steady presence adding calm wisdom to the conversation. "But once they see how intelligent and well-behaved both familiars are, I think most students will be fascinated rather than frightened."
"And if they're not," Bellatrix declared with fierce loyalty, her dark eyes flashing with protective determination, "then they're obviously not worth worrying about!"
"Bella," Druella Black said with gentle reproach, her maternal voice carrying sophisticated warmth as she addressed her daughter, "not everyone has your natural comfort around powerful magical creatures. Some people need time to adjust to new experiences."
"I suppose," Bellatrix conceded reluctantly, though her expression suggested she found such cautiousness incomprehensible. "But they'd better adjust quickly, because Aslan and Laika are brilliant and anyone who can't see that is clearly lacking in judgment."
*I appreciate her unwavering support,* Aslan said with obvious satisfaction. *She has excellent taste in magical creatures.*
"Speaking of adjusting to new experiences," Hadrian said, seizing the opportunity to introduce his planned suggestion naturally, "we should all spend more time together before school starts. Get to know each other properly before we're thrown into dormitory life."
"That's a brilliant idea!" James declared immediately, his enthusiasm making him bounce slightly in his seat. "We could visit each other's homes, see how different families live!"
"The Evans house would be perfect for that," Sirius added with obvious excitement, apparently deciding that suburban exploration sounded like an excellent adventure. "Plus, we could meet the famous non-magical neighbors we keep hearing about!"
"And see how normal people live," Narcissa added with obvious curiosity, her aristocratic upbringing making the concept of non-magical suburban life genuinely fascinating to her.
"We'd love to have everyone over," Lily said with immediate warmth, her face lighting up with genuine enthusiasm. "Though I should warn you, suburban Surrey is considerably less magical than Potter Manor."
"Less magical perhaps," Charlus said with obvious charm, "but probably much more authentic to how most people actually live. It would be an educational experience for all of them."
"Educational and entertaining," Andromeda said with gentle amusement, her intelligent eyes reflecting curiosity about experiencing life outside aristocratic magical families.
"When should we plan this grand suburban expedition?" Bellatrix asked with obvious anticipation, her excitement making her practically vibrate in her seat.
"Soon," Hadrian replied, his silver-grey eyes meeting Natalia's with understanding while his voice carried casual enthusiasm. "Perhaps next week? Before we all get too caught up in final school preparations."
"Next week would be perfect," Natalia agreed, her smile warm and genuine while her voice carried undertones that suggested she was already looking forward to much more than simple social visiting.
*Excellent,* Aslan commented with satisfaction. *Natural conversation development, multiple interested parties, reasonable timeline. You're learning to manage complex social situations with considerably more subtlety than I expected.*
"I'm definitely coming," Alice declared with obvious delight. "It'll be wonderful to see where you both grew up!"
"Me too," Frank added with quiet enthusiasm, his steady presence adding weight to the developing plans.
"Obviously we're all coming," Sirius announced with characteristic confidence, speaking for the entire Black family contingent without consultation. "This is going to be the best summer ever!"
"Sirius," Regulus said with gentle exasperation, "you can't commit the entire family to social engagements without asking permission first."
"Why not?" Sirius asked with genuine confusion. "It's not like any of us have anything better to do. And the Evans family is brilliant!"
"We are rather delightful," Lily said with obvious amusement, her emerald eyes sparkling with laughter at Sirius's enthusiastic endorsement.
"The most delightful," Natalia agreed solemnly, though her lips twitched with suppressed amusement.
"See?" Sirius declared triumphantly. "They agree! We're definitely all coming!"
*Your cousin,* Aslan observed with fond amusement, *has the diplomatic subtlety of a Blast-Ended Skrewt. Fortunately, he also has enough natural charm to make his presumption endearing rather than offensive.*
As the conversation continued around the table, moving from visiting plans to school preparations to summer activities, the house-elves began presenting an array of desserts that would have impressed a royal banquet—elaborate ice cream sculptures courtesy of Fortescue's, delicate pastries that seemed to shimmer with their own light, and what appeared to be a chocolate creation that defied several laws of physics in its structural impossibility.
"Oh my," Alice breathed with obvious wonder, staring at the dessert display with wide eyes. "This is even more elaborate than what we serve at the ice cream parlor, and we specialize in magical confections!"
"Your family makes magical ice cream?" Severus asked with obvious interest, his analytical mind clearly intrigued by the intersection of magic and confectionery arts.
"Among other things," Alice replied with obvious pride. "We've been experimenting with flavor-changing varieties and temperature-resistant formulations for outdoor events."
"Flavor-changing ice cream?" James repeated with obvious fascination. "That sounds incredible! What kinds of flavors?"
"Well," Alice said with growing enthusiasm, clearly pleased to discuss her family's specialty, "we have one variety that cycles through seasonal flavors—spring strawberry to summer vanilla to autumn apple to winter chocolate. And another that adapts to the eater's mood."
"Mood-responsive ice cream?" Natalia asked with obvious scientific curiosity. "How does that work exactly?"
"Trade secret," Alice replied with a mysterious smile, "but it involves some rather complex charm work and a few ingredients that most people wouldn't think to combine."
"Fascinating," Severus said with genuine admiration. "The magical applications of food preparation are often underestimated in academic contexts."
*The boy has excellent intellectual instincts,* Aslan observed approvingly. *He recognizes complexity and innovation regardless of the field of application.*
"Speaking of fascinating magical applications," Fleamont Potter interjected with obvious enthusiasm, his cultured voice carrying the kind of intellectual excitement that suggested they'd stumbled onto one of his favorite topics, "I've been following some remarkable developments in potion-enhanced confectionery."
"Potion-enhanced confectionery?" Lily repeated with obvious interest, her scientific curiosity clearly engaged. "That sounds like it would require incredibly precise timing and ingredient balance."
"Precisely the challenge that makes it so intellectually stimulating," Fleamont replied with obvious pleasure at having such an engaged audience. "The intersection of culinary arts and potion brewing requires understanding both magical theory and practical application in ways that neither field demands independently."
"Could you make desserts that provide temporary magical enhancements?" Regulus asked thoughtfully, his grey eyes bright with curiosity. "Like concentration aids for studying, or energy boosts for physical activity?"
"Theoretically, yes," Fleamont replied with obvious approval for the boy's analytical thinking. "Though the regulatory implications would be quite complex. The Ministry has very specific guidelines about magical enhancement through consumables."
"Regulatory implications," Sirius repeated with obvious disdain. "Trust the Ministry to make everything unnecessarily complicated."
"Sirius," his father Orion said with gentle reproach, though his voice carried amusement rather than real disapproval, "the regulations exist to prevent people from accidentally poisoning themselves with experimental magical confections."
"Where's the fun in that?" Sirius asked with obvious disappointment, making several people laugh.
"The fun," Narcissa said with characteristic precision, "is in developing safe methods for achieving the same results without risking accidental poisoning."
"Narcissa has the right approach," McGonagall observed with obvious approval. "Innovation requires both creativity and responsibility."
"Creativity and responsibility," Bellatrix repeated thoughtfully. "That's going to be the challenge at Hogwarts, isn't it? Learning to use magic responsibly while still exploring its possibilities."
"The eternal challenge of magical education," McGonagall agreed with obvious warmth. "Learning to balance curiosity with caution, innovation with tradition, individual growth with community responsibility."
"Community responsibility," Andromeda mused quietly. "That's something we'll all need to navigate together, especially with such unusual familiars drawing attention."
*The girl has excellent social instincts,* Aslan observed approvingly. *She understands that individual actions have collective consequences, which suggests wisdom beyond her years.*
"Which brings us back to the importance of getting to know each other properly before school starts," Hadrian said, smoothly steering the conversation back toward his earlier suggestion. "Understanding each other's perspectives and approaches will make navigating those challenges much easier."
"Absolutely," James agreed with characteristic enthusiasm. "Plus, it'll be brilliant to see how non-magical families celebrate and entertain! I bet the Evans house parties are completely different from magical gatherings."
"Less floating tableware," Lily said with obvious amusement, "but possibly more interesting conversation topics. Our neighbors have fascinating careers and hobbies."
"What kind of careers and hobbies?" Frank asked with obvious curiosity.
"Well," Lily said thoughtfully, "Mrs. Henderson next door is a professional gardener who specializes in rare hybrid roses. Mr. Patterson across the street builds model airplanes that actually fly—without magic! And the Johnsons at the end of the street collect vintage motorcycles."
"Model airplanes that fly without magic?" Regulus repeated with obvious fascination. "How is that possible?"
"Engineering and physics," Alex Evans said with obvious professional pride. "Non-magical humans have developed remarkable technologies for achieving things that magical people accomplish with spells."
"That's actually quite impressive," Severus observed thoughtfully. "Achieving magical results through purely mechanical means requires sophisticated understanding of natural laws."
"Exactly!" Alex replied with obvious enthusiasm for finding someone who appreciated the intellectual challenges of non-magical innovation. "The principles are often quite similar to magical theory, just applied through different methodologies."
*Your father,* Aslan observed with approval, *has excellent instincts for bridging different worldviews. That's a valuable skill in a mixed-magical family.*
"This visit is going to be even more educational than I thought," Alice said with obvious anticipation. "I can't wait to see how non-magical engineering compares to magical applications!"
"Educational and entertaining," Sirius declared with obvious satisfaction. "The perfect combination!"
"When exactly are we planning this cultural exchange expedition?" Melania Black asked with elegant amusement, her sophisticated presence adding maternal oversight to the developing plans. "I assume we'll need to coordinate schedules and ensure proper supervision for such a large gathering."
"Next week would be perfect," Natalia agreed, her smile warm and genuine while her voice carried undertones that suggested she was already looking forward to much more than simple social visiting.
*Excellent,* Aslan commented with satisfaction. *Natural conversation development, multiple interested parties, reasonable timeline. You're learning to manage complex social situations with considerably more subtlety than I expected.*
As the conversation continued around the table, moving from familiar accommodations to school preparations to summer plans, Hadrian found himself genuinely looking forward to the gathering at the Evans house. It would provide the perfect opportunity for extended private conversation with Natalia, while also allowing him to deepen connections with the other young people who would undoubtedly become central figures in his new life.
*The evening has been more successful than I dared hope,* he reflected, watching as James entertained Alice with animated stories about his various misadventures while Severus and Regulus engaged in what appeared to be a serious discussion about advanced magical theory.
*Indeed,* Aslan agreed with satisfaction. *Alliances formed, information gathered, future opportunities established. And we haven't even gotten to dessert yet.*
*Speaking of which,* Hadrian thought as he noticed the house-elves beginning to clear the main course dishes in preparation for what promised to be a spectacular dessert presentation, *I should probably prepare myself for whatever elaborate confections the Potter family kitchens have prepared.*
*Oh yes,* Aslan said with obvious anticipation, *I do hope there's something appropriately magnificent. All this diplomatic success has worked up quite an appetite.*
As if summoned by their conversation, the house-elves began presenting an array of desserts that would have impressed a royal banquet—elaborate ice cream sculptures courtesy of Fortescue's, delicate pastries that seemed to shimmer with their own light, and what appeared to be a chocolate creation that defied several laws of physics in its structural impossibility.
*This,* Hadrian thought with genuine contentment as he looked around the table at faces that were already becoming familiar and dear, *is exactly the kind of evening I was hoping for when Mother Magic offered me a second chance.*
The future remained uncertain, and he knew that challenges lay ahead that would test every alliance formed and every connection established tonight. But for now, surrounded by laughter and warmth and the promise of true friendship, he allowed himself to simply enjoy the moment.
*After all,* he realized, *some of the best planning happens when you're not actively trying to plan anything at all.*
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