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Director Percival Graves glared at the large amount of folders in front of him.
He hated paperwork with passion and preferred field work any given day, yet the two positions he was holding prevented any say he had in the matter.
His life had turned upside down a few months ago when he met Lady Hilda Peverell. The British Hit-Witch was everything he dreaded and used to flee from.
She was bold, relentless, and hot-headed. She didn’t care about rules or regulations, and did whatever she wanted without a fleeting thought about the repercussions of her actions.
Sometimes he wondered if she was exceedingly crafty or just plain brash.
However, to stop there was unfair since she was also a splendid witch whose soul was made of gold. She happened to be modest and kind despite being extravagantly wealthy and politically influential.
In the most elevated circles of the British Pureblood society, Hilda was always sought and asked to attend parties and celebrations, but she was too radiantly happy to decline and have better uses of her free time.
More than once, he wondered who sprinkled his drink with Felix Felicis so he met a such striking woman. He marveled how despite their age difference, and the ocean that separated them, they managed to meet and establish such an impregnable bond of love and mutual respect.
The way her breathtaking green eyes sparkled like stars in the night sky whenever he stared into them and confessed his undying love became the highlight of his otherwise work-filled days.
He flicked a deliberate glance at the single photo decorating his plain desk and couldn’t smother his satisfied grin.
Hilda was waving at the photographer, while Aurelius was smiling. Percival was standing in the middle, his arms thrown over the two protectively.
His dark eyes softened as beheld the sight of what had become his family. He remained lonely for too long, all his life gravitating around his work and the safety of every American witch and wizard.
His unconventional encounter with Hilda that cathartic night changed everything. He acquired a glorious girlfriend, whom he intended to spend the rest of his life with, and Aurelius Peverell; Hilda’s cousin and his son in all that mattered.
The young Obscurial was in the process of healing and turning into a tremendously gifted wizard. He managed to find the most accomplished Mind Healer in New York, and with Hilda’s help, convinced Aurelius to attend three sessions per week.
Slowly but steadily, the abused wizard was getting over what he went through for the past years.
As for Mary Lou Barebone, Hilda asked to take care of her personally and he didn’t want to know what she did. The rest of the children were transferred to another orphanage and some of them were adopted.
Hilda took Aurelius occasionally to check on his past friends, they knew how much he needed all available bonds to feel loved and accepted.
His hand went inwardly to his pocket and his heart galloped in his chest as his fingers grazed the small velvet box.
He retrieved his mother’s engagement ring from Gringotts a month ago and took it to the best enchanter he knew of. Master Miller added all the protective charms Percival asked for. He intended to propose soon, he couldn’t wait to have Hilda all to himself.
He even purchased a beautiful house at Stony Cross Street, the old magical district of New York.
It had been difficult to find the honey-colored stone house, surrounded by extensive gardens. The whole of it was situated on a bluff overlooking the Hudson River. There weren’t many neighbors around which would suit their needs as Aurelius still suffered from some Obscurial episodes and he didn’t want any unsuspecting soul to be close by when or if that happened.
Hilda’s magic was strong enough to contain the extremely Dark Magic the young wizard released and he was certain that not many could claim to own similar extremely powerful magical cores.
Thinking of Hilda’s power made him shiver.
His girlfriend was in a league of her own, he wondered if there was any worthy contender out there.
Time and again, he caught a faraway look in her eyes and wondered what ailed her. She had seemed distracted and…sad.
Whenever he asked, she had evaded his questions and distracted him with her mind-boggling kisses that stole his breath and his rational thoughts at once.
She promised that one day soon she would tell him everything about her past and he trusted her word, even though he had forebodings about what she had in store for him. He suspected that she hadn’t enjoyed a peaceful past. It was quite hard for someone so young to possess such a quintessential dueling technique without a good reason.
Despite being lost in his thoughts, Percival became aware of the sound of high-heeled shoes biting into the marbled ground and of the new presence nearby.
He was a Graves, a powerful magic sentinel, but more importantly, he could discern her aura anywhere.
His head swiveled left as the impudent Tina Goldstein whistled. He had the persistent suspicion that she was hiding something but couldn’t manage to catch her red-handed.
“You…” He hissed when Tolliver cleared his throat loudly, and again.
Darting a confused glance at him, he realized that the bastard was trying to choke back amusement and the rejoinder faded on his lips when he caught sight of the perfectly dressed woman heading his way.
He felt his throat tighten and his heartbeat roared in his ears as his eyes drank her in. He struggled to comprehend how he so utterly lost control of the situation whenever he was in her presence.
Hilda Peverell was strikingly beautiful, with an uncompromising femininity that made his nerves jump every single time she was near. The angles of her face were bold, the nose straight, the lips full and inviting. Her skin was not fashionably pale but a rich, glowing pearly white and her hair was a long curtain of midnight black, always free from any restraints, the fine locks tumbling over her shoulders.
There was something of old aristocracy about her, a hint of languid grace. She was sophisticated, keenly intelligent, but there was something not quite civilized about her. A hint of danger, a smolder beneath the surface that drove him crazy.
No matter how dull and monotonous his day was, a single smile from her lips uplifted his spirits and made him forget everything but her.
One corner of her mouth curled with amusement. ”You are late, Percival.”
His eyes widened as he was struck by her words. They planned a night out, with Aurelius and it seemed he forgot, again…
Damn Seraphina Picquery and her never-ending work.
“I’m sorry?” he smiled sheepishly, getting closer to her and admiring her formal black dress.
He became aware of Aurelius who was chatting with Tina and Achilles.
Hilda sighed exasperatedly. ”But you know how hard it was to get the tickets for tonight’s show. Aurelius will be disappointed if we miss it.”
“We won’t. I’ll just call for Mickey to bring my suit,” his eyes wandered again to Aurelius who was watching them intently. He looked handsome with his long hair and the simple black suit he was wearing for the occasion.
He worked hard to instill in him the importance of dressing up. His days as an abused orphan were long since gone and as Hilda’s cousin, and his son, he must understand that clothes maketh the man, hence the sharp suits and tuxedos he preferred.
“Am I hearing an invitation here? Is it going to be another private show for me Director Graves?” Hilda husked sensually as she tugged at his collar. His gaze darted up and he wasn’t surprised when three pairs of eyes followed the interaction with unwavering attention.
“Hilda! This is my workplace, we can’t talk…” he hissed under his breath.
She pouted and ran a sharp red fingernail over his jaw. ”As you wish, but don’t complain later.”
He froze as she started retreating and barely heard Aurelius' whisper. ”Oh heavens, he’ll spend the night on the couch, again.”
That…he couldn’t do.
Before he could rethink what he was about to do, Percival pulled her against his chest and crashed their mouths together. He felt a satisfied smile nudge against his lips, and although he tried to look aghast, he gave her a glance of mingled chagrin and amusement.
His hand coasted over her back, caressing the warm skin as he kissed her ruthlessly, ravishing her mouth. Her hand curved around his neck, drawing him closer and he obliged.
When their lungs started protesting from the lack of air, he released her.
“Wow.” Tina sounded stunned, “I applaud you Hilda but I really want to know what have you done to Director Graves. He…”
“Another word Tina and you’ll enjoy Alaska’s warmth for your next assignment,” he cleared his throat.
“Can we go now Hilda? I believe you made your point.” Aurelius chuckled.
“That, we can. Mickey!” Hilda called for the house elf who popped in, holding his formal black suit.
“I don’t know what to say.” Percival sighed with resignation.
Hilda kissed his jaw. ”A thank you is more than enough. I knew that you’ll forget, so I arranged everything accordingly.”
Percival shook his head and headed toward the adjoining bathroom.
❅──────✧❅✦❅✧──────❅
Hilda’s lips twitched with amusement as Aurelius followed the Maledictus’ transformation with a bated breath. A fine sheen of pink colored his high cheekbones the moment the Burmese Phyton took the form of a beautiful, Asian young woman.
Of course she knew of Nagini, how could she not when Voldemort’s precious Horcrux almost killed her once.
Aurelius gasped when Nagini bowed to the applauding spectators and her eyes clashed with his.
Hilda read the pain in the deep brown depths and her eyes narrowed.
She knew how dearly Nagini paid for each forced transformation. Her Maledictus Curse was spreading through her blood and it was time to stop this blasphemy.
“Beautiful isn’t she?” she purred and Aurelius nodded before he noticed what he did and glared at her.
She chuckled and leaned her head over Percival’s shoulder.
She knew that one day soon, she had to tell Aurelius everything pertaining his family. His treatment was almost over and he would be able to confront the ghosts of his past.
Her informant in the British Ministry of Magic told her that Albus Dumbledore was sniffing around, looking for more Intel on the Hit-Witch who helped Director Graves take care of Grindelwald.
She suspected that he had an inkling about what transpired months ago, she wouldn’t put it past him to have some spies in MACUSA.
However, it wouldn’t matter. His lover was six feet under and her wand was where it was supposed to be, with the Mistress of Death.
Director Percival Graves was something she hadn’t predicted. Yet the moment she set her eyes on him and was assaulted by his raging magic, she recognized what he was to her.
He was the one Death promised her years ago when she took the mantle of Lady Peverell, the Guardian of the Hallows.
Her gaze lingered on his face, and her heart labored to supply blood to her needy limbs as her eyes caressed every part of him, the sharp undercut with the salt and pepper medium fade on the side, the blazing dark eyes, shining with alertness and intelligence.
The scheme of formal black and white was becoming to any man. On someone like Percival, it was literally breathtaking. He wore the clothes with natural ease, his posture relaxed but straight, his shoulders broad.
The simple black butterfly tie provided a striking contrast to his tawny skin, while the light of the lamps above glittered over his sleek hair.
“You are staring,” he smirked.
“I’m thinking,'’ she retorted.
She recognized the moment he stiffened and couldn’t hide her giggle.
“Hilda, when you mentioned Circus Arcane I had my suspicions. But now that I noticed the way you’re looking at the Maledictus, I can’t help but feel trepidation,” Percival sounded wary, however, she knew that deep down he was looking forward to what she had in mind.
He was a good wizard, one of the best.
“We have to do it, otherwise she’ll be lost soon. I can feel the Blood Curse, it’s poisoning her, and then, look at Aurelius. He can sense it too.”
“For the love of the crazy witches of Salem! You’re killing me here,” he groaned.
“Never, love. You’ll have a long and fulfilling life, with me of course,” she said, her voice brimming with emotion.
Percival’s arm slid over her shoulder and he bent down, kissing her forehead.
“I love you, and I love Aurelius,” he murmured.
“And we love you too,” she replied, rubbing her hand over his chest.
“Hilda, what’s going on?” Aurelius finally managed to tear his eyes away from the retreating Nagini.
“How about we bring a new addition to our family?” she asked innocently.
His eyes widened for a split second, and he looked between her and the spot Nagini evacuated a moment ago.
He hugged her waist tightly, smiling radiantly and she drew him closer and pressed her cheek to the top of his head, and spoke with cajoling softness. ’’We’ll save her, don’t worry. That’s what we do best.”