checkmate | remus lupin.

chapter four | 4.

October 9th

"Now, remember. You'll have to do some research on your own as well, but there are some things you'll need to be taught." Alphard started, crossing his leg over the other.

Maia had woken up slighter later than usual, but not too late that she was worried about wasting her day away. At nine forty she made her way into the generously sized bathroom and took a shower- that shower was going to take some getting used to. While she understood that she's in the early 1970s, this type of shower was more... victorian age. She honestly didn't know why most Purebloods still took after that era. It was over a century ago for Merlin's sake.

Afterward, she got dressed in the appropriate looking dress and stockings that Petal had made for her. She paused, remembering Petal saying that she had gotten Maia's measurements. The elf had prepared her clothing before she even met Maia. Unless... She sighed. The house-elf that washed her clothes at Hogwarts probably wrote down her measurements upon Dumbledore's request just in case.

She couldn't decide if that was weird or creepy.

The late morning found father and daughter Black in his considerable-sized library, discussing her role as a Pureblood.

"Of course, sir! I got a headstart before coming back. Although I didn't prepare as much as I'd liked, I did bring some books back; hoping they'd help." She prompted, sitting neatly in a plush chair. Her legs were slanted with her ankles crossed. Her back was straight, almost like a string was attached to her head and the ceiling, holding her upright. That was the first lesson she was taught by her new father. Lady's always sat with grace.

"You'll have to watch your posture when walking, remember to keep your chin up, shoulders back and your chest ever so slightly pushed out. When you wake up everyday, you have to have a complete bath. You'll need to shave, exfoliate, wash and condition your hair. Make sure that you're fresh and clean everyday." Alphard listed, watching as Maia corrected the rest of her posture. Almost immediately she sighed in relief. The strain on her lower back disappeared and her tense shoulders seemed to weaken.

"I won't teach you much, as I'm sure the women of the family will be more forthcoming. There's not much that men can teach young women as we are only accustomed to teach young men. For instance, Orion, Cygnus and I have helped Walburga teach her two sons', just as she and Druella helped teach the women. Speaking of, can you tell me the family tree?"

Maia paused for a moment, trying to remember everyone. "Pollux and Irma are your parents. Irma was originally a Crabbe. They had three children, you- Alphard, Walburga and Cygnus. You had one daughter named Maia, but no wife. Walburga married her second cousin named Orion and had two sons; Sirius Orion Black and Regulus Arcturus Black. Cygnus married Druella, who was originally a Rosier. They had three daughters who are named Bellatrix, Andromeda and Narcissa Black."

"Good job!" He praised, a smile pulling his lips wide. "When you start lessons with Walburga and Druella, they'll have you memorize the families of the Sacred Twenty Eight, but you'll be expected to know your own history. You'll need to study that the most." Alphard warned.

After another hour of running through the families of the Sacred Twenty Eight, at Maia's request, they finally departed from the Manor and apparated to Paris.

"Unfortunately, the Black family is still well known here so we'll definitely get stares and it will get back to the Prophet tomorrow morning. After our shopping trip I will go inform the family of your existence; only to prevent them from finding out through the paper." Alphard placed his hand on her shoulder, after moving away from the apparition point. He guided her through the crowd of Wizarding Paris, bringing her to a quaint boutique.