Three hours later, Amelia, Shacklebolt, and Davenport were returning to the Ministry with a struggling Pettigrew in custody. They had had to enervate the man to get his statement. In which he stuttered and stumbled and danced around their questions like a man with something to hide. Which, Amelia guessed, was fitting considering the information she'd been given by a certain eleven-year-old witch.
"Madam Bones?" Shacklebolt piped up, "May I ask what took so long with Heiress Potter?"
Pettigrew reacted violently at the mention of the two-toned-haired girl. He was struggling so much that Davenport had to stun him. Amelia didn't even bat an eye at the scene as she turned to Shacklebolt. "Not here, too many walls have ears." she stated, "And you'll need to give a vow of silence."
The men exchanged looks before nodding. "Of course, ma'am." they said in sync, Davenport adding, "We'll get him secure, then meet you in your office?"
"Yes." Amelia nodded, "Don't speak to anyone about this."
"Got it, ma'am." the Aurors agreed before the three officials split off.
Amelia headed straight for her office, a vial full of a silvery substance clutched tightly in her hand. This was going to change a lot.
***
Meanwhile, Chrys and the others were being led into Hogwarts by Professor McGonagall. She guided them into the great hall, where Headmaster Dumbledore and Severus greeted them.
"Welcome, children." Dumbledore greeted, "We'll get the first years sorted, then you may eat and trot on to bed."
Severus, though his expression was blank, looked Chrys, Abraxus, and Mattheo over worriedly. When he failed to find any injury, he relaxed.
"Mister Malfoy, you'll be first," McGonagall stated, motioning to a rickety stool. The blond strode toward it gracefully and sat. The older witch placed a ragged wizard's hat on his head, it wasn't there for long before its brim ripped open and it yelled "Slytherin!"
"Miss Potter." Chrys hesitated briefly when she was called. Mattheo gave her hand a reassuring squeeze before gently nudging her forwards. Mortifer trotted alongside her as she walked to the stool and sat, but McGonagall didn't move to put the hat on her. The little redhead looked up confusedly and flinched at the woman's stern expression.
"Those pets are not allowed at Hogwarts." she stated firmly, "You'll have to send them back first thing in the morning."
Chrys grasped the edge of her jumper anxiously, "B-but-"
"No buts, young lady-"
"They're her familiars!" Nymphadora snapped, "You can't force her to send them home!"
McGonagall scoffed, "An eleven-year-old with familiars?"
Mortifer and Noxus growled at their bonded's distress. They simultaneously nipped at Chrys' skin, drawing a little bit of blood. Everyone jolted at the action in surprise and concern before a gentle white glow surrounded Chrys and her familiars. A soft hum resonated as their magic flared and settled.
'Sorry Mistress. We were waiting until you were more comfortable to solidify the bond.' a soft voice chimed in Chys' head as she felt Noxus nuzzle her cheek.
'But we needed to do something just in case they tried to separate us.' Mortifer added, nudging the little witch's hand with a soft whine.
"It's okay.." Chrys murmured, scratching the pup's ear affectionately.
"Believe us now?" Nymphadora snarked, a smirk on her lips as she crossed her arms over her chest.
McGonagall looked rather dumbfounded as Chrys murmured with her, now permanently established, familiars. She cleared her throat and huffed, "Very well. I expect you to make sure they behave."
Chrys nodded, and soon her vision was obscured by an old, too-big hat.
"Chrysanthemum Potter, my what a mind you have!" a voice exclaimed in her mind, "Where to put you? You're patient and hard-working, but your loyalty only lies with those you trust and you have little of that."
The Potter Heiress shifted awkwardly, mumbling, "It's not my fault."
"I wasn't saying it was, little one." the hat assured, "I'm merely going over the traits you have that fit the houses so I can determine which is better suited for you."
"Oh." she murmured, "What's your name, by the way?"
The hat paused, seemingly taken aback, "It's Alistor."
"Nice to meet you Alistor." she smiled softly, feeling a warm hum of magic emit from Alistor.
"The pleasure is mine, young heir." he chuckled, "Now, we've stalled long enough, time to place you. Not Gryffindor, they're much too rowdy and you're much too levelheaded. You're bright enough for Ravenclaw, but you don't prioritize your learning over other things. Better be...
...Slytherin!"
Chrys blinked at the sudden onslaught of light as the hat was yanked off her head. She shyly hopped off the stool and went over to sit beside Abraxus who smiled softly and pat her head. "You did very well, Red." he assured as Nymphadora slung an arm around her shoulders, "Green suits you, snakeling."
Relaxed, Chrys giggled. "Thanks, Nym."
The older witch cooed and snuggled the younger. "It's official, Bill, Charlie, we're adopting her," she claimed, looking at the two redheads with a look that dared them to challenge her. Both brothers laughed, holding their hands up in surrender, "We're not arguing." the eldest chortled.
Mattheo snorted at the scene as he settled between Abraxus and Chrys, his uniform now highlighted by deep green.
Percy, freshly sorted into Gryffindor, followed and sat beside his brothers. He glowered at the green Chrys wore, a frown placed firmly on his lips. Even if she was a snake, she'd be his.
"Now eat up. Once you're finished please head off to your dorms." Dumbledore announced before he left, McGonagall following suit. Severus remained, watching his Slytherin's interactions with the others keenly. So far only the third Weasley was acting suspiciously, perhaps the elder two weren't in on whatever plans their mother agreed to.
"Oh, Red, try this!" Nymphadora smiled brightly, placing a slice of what looked like a very thin pie on Chrys' plate, "It's called Treacle Tart."
Chrys looked curiously at the treat, but she evidently trusted the mischievous Metamorphmagus enough to try it without hesitation. Mattheo and Abraxus watched, it was a habit they developed to ensure the Potter siblings ate. It became a bit of a source of entertainment after they noticed the siblings did a particular thing when they found something they liked to eat.
A soft, delighted hum emitted from the two-tone-haired witch, much to Mattheo, Abraxus, and Severus' amusement and the other's awe. Nymphadora, Bill, and Charlie exchanged looks and nodded firmly then turned to Severus, "Professor, how old do you have to be to adopt someone?"
"Legally?" Severus replied, brow raised, "Seventeen and out of Hogwarts."
"Bill, you need to drop out so we can adopt Chrys," Charlie said seriously. Mattheo and Abraxus watched dumbfounded as the eldest Weasely nodded as if he was actually going to go through with it.
Severus sighed exasperated, "I feel the need to inform you that Chrys and her brother have both already been adopted. So there is no need to drop out, Messers Weasely, Miss Tonks."
Nymphadora lamented, "Bummer."
