Fantastic Beasts Stories

Porcupines & Salamanders Part 2 | Alternate Universe

Spring, 1921 VPB (Vero Post Bellum, or Post-War of Truth)

New Pork was finally shaking off the last of winter. The trees had flowers, and floral patterns, pastel colors, and lace were all the rage in the major cities. The royal castle was decorated with bouquets of flowers and the seasonal paintings were of Spring.

Princess Porcupine awaited an important guest, Lady Seraphina on her right, and Ambassador Sabernathy on her left as she sat regally in the royal throne. She had not yet been crowned Queen, the title requiring an amount of experience determined by the current ruler. That ruler being Lady Seraphina, and her experience not being so much a time frame but more of a “when you’re ready.” Slightly annoying, mostly time consuming.

And when was ready? Porcupine felt very ready, yet she wasn’t bearing the crown that she was designated since birth to wear!

“Veteran of the E-Gypsie/Italicizians War and previous general of the National Guard of Whale: Purse McGraves.”

The tall, white doors opened, revealing an intimidating man with black hair slicked back on the top and short, greying hair at the temples. He had on a dark grey suit and dress shoes, speaking to his wealth and status, as if his accomplishments listed seconds before along with his name didn’t make it obvious.

“Purse!” said Seraphina, standing up and walking over to him. She was wearing a dark blue pantsuit with black heels and a white blouse.

“Sera!” They kissed each other on the cheek and hugged. “It’s been too long.”

“I know...” she admitted sadly.

Porcupine coughed, cutting the reunion short and the two turned to her. She was wearing a sleeveless dress with a white top, black skirt, and black bow around the waist. She had a long, gold locket around her neck and her nails were painted a bright red. Her bangs were tucked behind her ears and the top part of her hair was tied back. Her dark brown hair fell on her shoulders in loose curls and she had on open-toed black and white heels.

Porcupine stood up from the throne and walked down the few steps to Seraphina and Purse, a small, polite smile on her face.

“Purse, this is Princess Porcupine,” said Seraphina, putting on a smile.

“Thanks for coming, Mr. McGraves,” said Porcupine, shaking his hand firmly.

“It was no trouble. I owe Sera a few favors.” He winked at her.

Seraphina glared at Purse, and Porcupine clapped her hands together.

“Alright, I have everything set up in a secure meeting room just down the hall. This way.” She gestured for Purse and Seraphina to follow her.

“She’s so professional,” he said to Sera quietly.

Porcupine pretended not to hear.

“I know. It seems like it was only yesterday that I got the letter from her parents. I just wish I could have been a bigger part of the girls’ lives.”

“You did what you could. I just wish you could have been a bigger part of our life.”

“You know I wanted to, but I made a promise to Gold and Stein that if anything happened to them that I would raise the girls and give the throne to Porcupine when she was ready. Gold made me promise not to give her the throne until she understood—really understood—why we’re not public. Giving her the throne at the right time and seeing you guys again is something worth waiting for.”

Purse and Sera's hands brushed and she changed the subject.

“How are Nat and Em?”

“Nat’s going for a PHD in Psychology and Em’s still trying to get her book published. She’s trying the twelfth place on Wednesday. Here’s to hoping they like it.”