mudbloodprincessposts-blog

[mudbloodprincessposts-blog]

The Lockwood Effect (Part 2) A Percival x OC Fanfiction

Lockwood Manor, Charlotte, North Carolina, USA 1924

The Lockwood Manor was an intimidating building, constructed of white marble and golden carvings which would shine against the sun rays. The rooms were large and echoed as the house elves scurried around cleaning furniture and running the house day to day. The manor was large enough to house the core members of the Lockwood clan, it had done so for centuries and for the last twenty six years it had been home to Casperia Lockwood, daughter of Lauren Lockwood.

Following the trial and execution of her mother Casperia moved into the care of her grandmother or as she called her MeeMaw. Growing up around the pure blood elitist belief system of her family had made the child rather brash and rude. Used to getting her way in most things, the family income provided for her needs well enough. Only at the age of eleven when Casperia received her invitation to Ilvermory did Casperia really get a glance at the real world. She was a half-blood, a half-breed and the family noted that but upon the matriarch's insistence there was no word spoke of it. The trial was never brought up and a harsh punishment fell on the head of any servant of family member that divulged the truth about her parentage.

At the age of 12 Casperia met the young Queenie Goldstein, a young witch who following the death of her parents found Ilvermorny as her new home. Her older sister Tina, was always the strict one, the loss of her family meant the elder sister had to care for her sibling which caused her to mature before her time truly came.

Casperia, or Bubbles as she was more commonly referred to by the sisters had no concept of what it was like to live hand to mouth, she never needed to ask for anything – having been brought up in the Lockwood household if she rang a bell her needs would be seen to. This caused a clash between the young Lockwood and the eldest Goldstein on more than one occasion – Bubbles was accused of being a snob and a princess with no concern for anyone around her and Tina was called a tightly wound old woman trapped in the body of a teenager. As they grew older Bubbles elitist upbringing was challenged on occasion and the three remained close friends, with Bubbles sending them money over the holidays or asking them to stay at the Lockwood Manor – much to the distress of her Grandmother. It was Bubbles who threw the sisters their celebratory party when they got their positions in MACUSA and now the sisters were returning the favour by offering their friend a room to live in whilst she transferred to her new job.

The sound of heels cantering across the marble flooring made the house elves scurry and hide behind the furniture, as Bubbles made her way across the great hall into and up the stairway to the first floor she caught sight of familiar looking house elf who was carrying a silver tray of tea and china.

"Pomodore!" Bubbles exclaimed as she ran over to the small creature. Not prepared for the fright the elderly house elf jumped a few metres in the air spilling the boiling water over himself.

"Oh darlin' I am sorry. I didn't mean t'scare ya'." Bubbles giggled to herself as she pulled out a green perfume bottle from her bag and spritzed around the house elf, immediately drying the rags he was wearing.

"Thank you Ma'am." Pomodore said with a shy smile as he clicked his fingers and the broken tea pot and china cups reformed and returned to the silver tray as they had been previously.

"Pomodore, where is Meemaw?" Bubbles asked as she placed the green glass bottle back into her bag.

"In the tea room Ma'am." The house elf replied with a small bow as Bubbles smiled down sadly at the creature. House elves didn't receive much kindness from their family they were seen as lesser beings and objects; Bubbles used to think that way to once. Not anymore, Ilvermorny had taught the young witch a thing or two about kindness.

"Will you be having tea?" Pomodore asked as he motioned to the tray.

"I wouldn't mind a hot chocolate darlin'."

"Thank you." The elf smiled up at the blonde woman before him as the two made their way down the stairs quietly before the atmosphere was broken by the bellowing of the older Lockwood. Madame Lockwood voice could be heard echoing from all corners of the manor, many often thought her related to the banshee – the white hair and voice that could kill a man were two pieces of evidence to support the rumour.

The house elf rushed off in front of Bubbles as she quickened her pace across the landing to the tea room. "MeeMaw!" Bubbles greeted happily as she moved to embrace her grandmother.

"Casperia darlin',I have been waiting for you for over a half an hour. Where were you?" Madame Lockwood chastised as the younger woman took her seat in the opposing white chair. Two decades had not taken from the air of intimidation the snake-like woman gave off even to her granddaughter, it was known as unwise to keep the matriarch waiting.

Pulling out a pack of cigarettes from her bag and offered one to her grandmother who refused by raising her hand and prickling her nose in disgust. With a smirk Bubbles took out one cigarette form the packed and placed it into the end of the white marble holder. Bubbles placed the holder in her mouth and lit the device, taking a deep inhalation before a matching marble ashtray appeared in front of her on the table.

Pomodore stood to the side of the white take holding the silver tray shakily in his hands, scared to move in fear of making a wrong step and receiving a beating. Madame Lockwood noticed this and snapped at the house elf.

"Are you going to pour the tea or do you want me to die of thirst?!" She hissed as she motioned to the house elf who scuttled forward placing down the white and blue china cups before filling it with the hot liquid and scuttling back into his space. Pomodore let out a small cry as the older woman cracked her white staff across the side of his face.

"Do you wish my granddaughter to go thirsty?" She barked as she continued to beat the poor house elf. "I've ordered hot cocoa, MeeMaw!" Bubbles winced as she took another drag of her cigarette.

"Then where is it? We shall just both die of thirst sitting here shall we?" Madame Lockwood snapped back to Pomodore. "I just asked'm on my way here. It's not 'is fault MeeMaw." Bubbles explained trying to stop the beating which was being carried out in front of her.

"Oh do be quiet child." Madame Lockwood snapped at her granddaughter causing her to sit back down in her chair, lowering her head in silence as the older woman finished the beating.

Once she had released enough pent up rage the elderly woman sat back down in her chair with a smile and sipped on her tea as Pomodore scuttled away to prepare the hot cocoa for Bubbles.

Bubbles tapped the ash into the marble tray and watched her grandmother, the woman she used to idolize, the only mother she ever really knew. She would often wonder to herself, that if she did not meet the Goldstein's that she may have turned out as cold as the other members of her family, it was an inherited trait that they were cold hearted people. Bubbles knew her character was far from that of a nice person, she was a snob, she was demanding and a little pompous at times; Tina was the first person to call her this to her face and over the years she kept her relatively grounded.

"I'll be fixin' to leave in the hour MeeMaw." Bubbles said as she picked up her hot cocoa and licked off the cream from the top of the mug making her grandmother grimace at the lack of manners. "I don't know why you insist on staying with those sisters, honestly darlin' you could have stayed in one of the nicer hotels. Those two…" Madame Lockwood began as she took a sip of her tea.

"Those two are my friends and offered me a place to stay with them; it would be rude to not welcome their hospitality." Bubbles spoke up in defence of her friends, giving her grandmother a gentle yet stern glance making the older woman chuckle and shake her head.

"They're as poor as church mice darlin' do you really need to mix with them? It is bad enough that you're moving to New York of all places. Why couldn't you stay in the south?" Madame Lockwood began to rant to herself, her voice getting higher and higher making Bubbles roll her eyes with a smile.

"MeeMaw please don't." Bubbles sighed as she took one final long drag from her cigarette holder and expelled the finished cigarette into the ashtray. "I should be going, going to use the Floo channel to get up there." Bubbles said as she embraced her grandmother before making her way out of the tea room to her bedroom.

The Goldstein's Apartment, New York, 1924 (Tina POV)

It had been such a long day, I was tired, my feet were tired and honestly I am sure my clothes were tired but I still had paperwork to do. Climbing up the stairs to the apartment I shared with my little sister I leaned on the doorframe and pushed open the door.

The familiar scent greeted me at the door; Queenie was cooking again. She was good for that; she always was the best at housekeeping and all manner of housewifery in general. I was thankful for that, I was never one for cooking – I remember being a young teenager and trying to cook our meals after our parents passed away. Thankfully Ilvermorny meals kept us alive as I would not have been able to guarantee our survival on the slop I used to throw together.

Smiling gently to myself I made my way into the flat and placed my files on the table before kicking off my shoes and removing my jacket and hat.

"How was work Tina?" Queenie asked cheerfully as she charmed the food in the kitchen. "The usual, mostly paperwork. Do you know what time Bubbles is supposed to get here?" I replied with a grunt as I sat down on the sofa with a light sigh, as my body relaxed into the embrace of the chair.

"Her letter said she would be arriving within the next hour. I am so excited; I haven't seen Bubbles in so very long." Queenie exclaimed excitedly clapping her hands, I smiled to myself happy to see my sister so happy.

I couldn't help but panic slightly about the arrival of our old friend, I mean I was happy she was moving closer to us and that we would be able to catch up. It was just…the city was on high alert with the No-Maj agitated about the possibility of uncovering our kind in the city…it was an anxious time. We did not want to set off another year of witch trials and Bubbles…well she was not the best with a wand. She never had been, earning herself her nickname from the countless times her wand would expel bubbles instead of spells. We were lucky if her wand worked properly, we had calculated at one point that there was a one in five chance that her wand would bubble over and give a dud spell; it was not the time to have such clumsy witches in the city. I honestly do not know how she got the position of Deputy of Potions and Medical Remedies to begin with..

"Oh Tina! Don't be like that!" Queenie sighed as she placed her hand on her hip with a gentle tut. "What did I say about reading my mind Queenie?" I snapped, slightly ashamed of myself for my thoughts.

"Oh, you know I can't help it! Besides, you are worrying for nothing." Queenie smiled as she walked over to me and leaned on the arm of the large chair.

"We are on high alert if Bubbles uses her wand…" I begin, slightly panicking making Queenie shake her head. "I will make sure she is under control Tina, I will show her the ropes." I winced at the thought of that, I could remember the days those two spent together in school, and they were a pair and a half. I remembered the two blondes walking along; they would get mistaken for sisters more than I would. My sister and I were a few years apart and I was focused on getting my N.E. for my Auror training programme. Queenie was best at charms whilst Bubbles excelled in potions and herbology the two combined tended to cause a few mishaps over the years.

"As I recall, the two of you were quite a pair back in school." I snorted as I took out my wand and charmed the tea pot to pour two cups for us both.

"Yes, but Tina you was a prefect – we were only having fun." Queenie laughed as she took the floating china cup from in front of her. "Bubbles practised her potions on the school mascot!" I exclaimed as I took a sip of the hot tea burning my tongue in the process, wincing I place the mug back down letting it free float in front of me.

"So the Pegasus turned pink! Honestly, he quite liked it." Queenie chuckled as she charmed more sugar into her tea. I smiled as I recalled how the Pegasus flew around showing off his fancy feathers all year until Miss Lickard charmed him back to white again.

"That is so not the point Queenie!" I snort as I stand up and go to close the curtains on the other side of the room.

"Oh Tina, you need to relax sweetie. Besides from what I have heard Bubbles has made quite a name for herself in certain circles. " Queenie said with a proud smile. I sigh, I know she had made a name for herself in the potioneer's community; she was very brilliant she always had been – making up for the lack of wand expertise I was sure.

"I bet she has." I mutter to myself. "Tina! I know the both of you didn't always see eye to eye but she won't out the entire wizarding community over a few bubbles." Queenie exclaimed with a soft smile, I groaned and nodded, she was right it was late and I was prone to overreacting.

"She is not known for being subtle." I begin what was meant to be my final argument before Queenie and I were both scared out of our morning best by the large green flame which appeared in our chimney. Queenie jumped up next to be before we both broke into a smile as the flames faded away.

"Who is not known for being subtle?" A familiar southern drawl echoed around the flat.

In the middle of our living room standing bold as brass was Miss Casperia 'Bubbles' Lockwood; nothing had really changed in the three years since we last saw each other. She was still the same over the top blonde totty we knew.

"Bubbles you're early!" I exclaim as I swallow the conversation that I was about to begin. Not the best time to be talking about it I decided.

I took a glance over at Bubbles, her ice white hair was pulled back into a high ponytail with a blue clip holding it back, her bangs fell down one side of her face her brown eyes hidden beneath a pair of half moon glasses. I took a breath was I smothered in a big white fur coat, Bubbles squeezed me with an excited squeak and she pulled away and looked at me. I coughed a little as the familiar scent of lavender filled the air; she had not learned to tone down the perfume over the years.

"Tina daaarlin'! How are you?" She exclaimed excitedly, I wince a little at the pitch of her voice. She voice not unlike her grandmother could travel through stone walls."Bubbles, it is good to see you." I say as I take a step back allowing me to take a breath of lavender free air.

"Bubbles!" Queenie exclaimed with an excited clap. "Queenie hunney, it is so good to see ya! Come here and give me a squeeze." Bubbles laughed as she opened up her arms for my sister to run into. Looking her up and down, I began to worry not so much about her magic – I worried more about her outfit… 1920's New York was not the best place to be dressing in such expensive clothing.

"We didn't expect you for another hour." Queenie exclaimed as she pulled back from her friend. "Oh I love this!" My sister gushed as she stroked Bubbles' white fur coat, the thing must weigh more than she did. "Do you like it? I brought you and Tina some goodies from home. I will get them out in a sec' if you wan'" Bubbles said excitedly, a bright smile shinning from her face. She was always oblivious to her own eccentricity.

"We thought you were going to be here in an hour or so." I say cutting off the high pitched girl talk. "Well I thought I would have more time to fix my things but MeeMaw had the house elves fix ma' things for mey' whilst I was in town, so I had nothin' to do when I got home. So I thought I'd come right on over and see my two favourite witches!" Bubbles explained with a grin, I smiled and shook my head – her accent was as thick as cream cheese...

"Where are your things?" I asked as I noticed the distinct lack of boxes and bags.

"In here." Bubbles said as she rattled a little white sequin purse in front of her. I nodded, knowing very well that it would have been the charming work of another family member to place all of her things in that small purse.

"I have some paperwork to finish tonight; you can get yourself settled in the spare room." I smiled as I picked up my files from the table and returned to my seat in the chair. The tea cups still hovering mid-air.

"I'm fixin' to do that after I go to the little girl's room…." Bubbles said as she removed her coat and hung it up on the rail and totted down the hall.

"Second door on the right Bubbles." Queenie called out making the second blonde exclaim and turn around and go back a few doors.

"Thank you Baby!" She exclaimed before shutting the door behind her.

Once Bubbles was out of earshot I let out a long sigh as I leaned back against the chair."See, she is so much calmer than she used to be Tina! She was so happy to see us, I could feel it." Queenie said nudging me on the shoulder making me nod. I was too tired for this amount of drama.

"I will fix' ma' room up girls, I will be right out!" Bubbles called as she left the bathroom and toddled into her spare room. "Alrighty hunnie." Queenie called back with smile.

"I'm just worried, she has never been very good with her wand and we are on such a high alert at the moment…the timing is not the best." I think to myself, knowing full well that Queenie is listening in. It was a help to have a her gift at times, I didn't need to say what I was thinking she would just know.

"Oh, she won't be a problem; anyways she will be in MACUSA most of the time with her new position anyway." Queenie said quietly as she waved her wand and stopped all the charmed items in the kitchen and made up the table for dinner.

"Just relax hunnie." Queenie smiled, I nodded and sat down at the table as the food was placed in front of us. It was quiet…a little too quiet; I picked up my glass of water to take a sip but let out a small scream as an explosion sounded off from the spare bedroom.

"You were saying?" I sighed to myself before placing the water down and fixing myself with my wand.

As the sisters ran into the spare bedroom they were caught with what looked like a small bombsite, Bubbles clothes had scattered all over the room, her stockings hung from the lighting and some books lay sprawled across the floor. "What happened!?" I exclaimed as I took in the mess of the room, thankful no one was hurt.

(3POV)

Bubbles stood in the middle of the room with her wand out, looking embarrassed as she bit on her lower lip and let out a groan. "Oh gosh! I'm afraid still as skitty as a wet cat with ma wand." Bubbles sighed as she placed her wand into her ponytail.

Queenie chuckled and pulled out her wand and with a few incantations the room was fixed back to how it was before. Clothes all hung up and everything unpacked and in its place. "See all better, no mess. No harm. No problem Tina." Queenie smiled as she sat down on Bubbles' bed. "You will need a permit- " Tina sighed as she leaned on the wall.

"You are still wound as tight as an eight-day clock Tina darlin'" Bubbles chuckled as she sat back on her bed next to Queenie. "You will need to go to MACUSA for a permit. Your North Carolina permit is not valid here." Tina said with smile as she finally began to calm down, walking over to the bedside table and leaning on the desk.

"I am going to go first thing on Monday." Bubbles announced with a smile, pulling out her wand the two sisters held their breath for a moment."I am better than I was with my wand though girls…lookie' here." She giggled as she pointed her want at the pot of flowers, the two sisters let out a small exclamation of NO! Before the pot shattered into pieces.

"Dag'namit! I was meant to turn them pink…" Bubbles sighed as she leaned back on the bed. Tina took a deep breath and straightened her work clothes and stood up from the table before addressing her friend. "Maybe I need a new wand?" Bubbles sighed as she looked over her wand.

"Maybe we should have a no wand rule in the house…"

[mudbloodprincessposts-blog]

The Lockwood Effect (Part 1) A Percival x OC Fanfiction

Chapter One: The Shameful Daughter.

If you were to ask any American witch or wizard what their most important law was, they would tell you straight. Not a breath needed to be taken before the name would spill off of their tongue; Rappaport's Law. Trepidation and hostility lacing itself around the answer that rolled off their tongues, the American wizarding community knew all too well the harsh penalties that sat on the shoulders of those found breaking the fraternization laws. Of course, there were stories; the rare cases which had made public headlines over the last hundred years or so. The tales of what happened to the poor witches and wizards who had befriended or – worse – married a No-Maj were enough to scare of any particularly inclusive witches and wizards as penalties for fraternization did not warrant thinking about. The most important law in America meant that in short that there was to be no unauthorized contact with the No-Maj.

The Magical Congress of the United States of America was a wondrous sight to behold, to visitors and those employed alike; however to those brought through the doors under less than favourable circumstances the golden walls did not glow with the warmth that greeted the former. The sound of fast paced heels cantering across the stone floors only added to the nerves which fluttered around the body of the accused.

Lauren Lockwood, youngest daughter of the Lockwood clan found herself being hurried into the MACUSA's court room, arms enchanted- bound in front of her. As the accused was brought in, representatives from her clan stood to the left alongside the jury and the courtroom witnesses.

The Lockwood family were well known in America, famed for their wealth and power – if not their affiliation to the greyer areas of the magical community although their place in politics had allowed them to go under the radar for many years. Their clan leader, Madame Penelope Lockwood was an imposing woman, age made a subtle mark on her skin; a tall thin woman in her late sixties, her greying blond hair pulled back into a large high bun contrasting with her long grey gown, her half moon lorgnette spectacles that she charmed with her wand allowing her to observe every part of the spectacle which was about to unfold before her.

Her youngest daughter was a disgrace to their family name; the Lockwood clan had prided themselves in maintaining a pure high standing bloodline. One of the richest magical families in the south no squibs or half bloods had been produced for over three centuries; this due to the inbreeding and the arranged marriage with other pure blood families had perfected their bloodline. Not a family to go unnoticed, they expected to be treated with the respect their name provided. A Lockwood could be spotted in a crowded room; they had a signature look about them. Tall, thin bodies with ice white hair which would sit on their pale skin which could be mistaken for marble and their attitudes and manners were as cold as their skin to touch, the men and women of the family were known for their icy demeanours and the family was known not be to crossed.

As Lauren looked around the room, she noticed a handful of her family members, her three sisters and her brother Alto all stood in the rafters in their best dress waiting for the trial to begin. She searched desperately to catch the eye of one of her family members but to her despair she was met with an almost hiss as her family averted their eyes. Lauren felt herself beginning to shake as she was brought in front of the main bodies of MACUSA. The President, The Director and his son and a collection of dignitaries who would be the ones sentencing her for her crime. A crime she knew she was guilty of…

President Harving, an imposing man in his late fifties stood forms his chair in the centre of the courtroom. His blue suede jacket tight around his ever-expanding waist, the President ran his hands down his front straightening out the material before coughing and addressing the room.

"Lauren Lockwood, you have been found guilty of fraternization with a No-Maj. As you know this goes against one of our most important laws. Do you deny the accusation?" The president began to address the accused who stood in the centre of the room, arms still bound; her skin had faltered to a paler shade than she could have believes possible, her eyes reddened from the hot salty tears which had began to cascade their way down her cheeks.

"No Sir, please let me explain…" Lauren whimpered as all the excuses she sought to say brimmed and bubbled at the back of her mind, sadly her mouth betrayed her. Nothing of importance came out of her mouth and after a moment she lowered her head and sobbed gently. She knew that she was guilty for her supposed crimes; she knew what was going to happen.

"Bring in the husband."The President ordered as he sat back down in his chair with a loud thump, rattling a few of the books which lay across the tables of the jurors. As two men opened up the double doors to the right of the courtroom, a young man in his thirties was brought in although unbound, he carried in his arms a bundle of blankets which he clutched to his chest.

"He didn't know I was a witch. He thought I was a No-Maj!" Lauren shouted as she tried to get to her husband. "Lauren, what is going on?" The man asked as he was passed by Lauren who was now looking on in panic as her husband was brought before the court. "Eric, I'm so sorry…I never meant to lie to you." Lauren wept as she watched the scene unfold in front of her eyes.

Eric had never witnessed anything like the court in his life, the walls coated in a golden sheer, the moving tapestries and posters were something beyond his imagination. Eric was nothing more than a soldier on leave; he had met and fallen in love with the young Lockwood daughter on his visit to the states following the last war. Sadly, he did not get to spend much time in the states as he was due back on ship after a short period of leave. During this time, the two married after a whirlwind romance; the no-maj navy-man had no idea that his young wife was a witch.

"Mr Pandelle, is this woman your wife?" The president asked as he motioned to the blonde tearful woman behind him. "Yes, of course she is!" Eric replied, agitated now at their current predicament. "Who the hell are you?!" He snapped as he tried to get out of his bindings to no prevail. "What is all of this crap?"

"As the court has witnessed by the admission of her husband by law. Lauren Lockwood has knowingly and unashamedly married the No-Maj known as Eric Pandelle and you have produced a child." The President snapped as the court all exchanged hushed comments to their neighbours, the tension in the room began to build as Eric looked around the room at the strangely dressed folk. Lauren remained in the centre of the room, two guards stood to her sides so she made sure not to move but nonetheless she could feel the eyes bearing into her form all around the room.

"Take the child."

"No, no! Please don't hurt my baby!" Lauren cried of from behind Eric who has clutched the bundle in his arms closer to him. He was not going to allow anyone to touch his daughter, not whilst he was able to fight back.

"Penelope Lockwood, please would you collect your granddaughter. You have agreed to take this child into your care." The Vice-President snapped at the matriarch of the Lockwood family, who nodded as she slowly straightened her dress jacket out and placed her spectacles inside her pocket before her son lent her his arm to walk down the stairs onto the main floor – not that there was any necessity for his help, it was purely for show.

"Mother please…I did nothing wrong…I love him." Lauren exclaimed as her mother made her way across the room, stopping for a moment next to her daughter who was now on her knees the older woman looked down at her daughter, the disgust was apparent in her eyes and she snarled and hissed down at the woman she once called her daughter.

"No daughter of mine would love one of those filthy pigs!" She hissed as she snapped her head back up and made her way across the marble floor, much like cobra dancing with its prey the greying witch came face to face with her son-in-law who stepped back clutching the child.

"Who the Hell are you?" The no-maj growled as he tried to step back but to no avail. The older woman drew closer lifting her wand from her pocket. "I am your mother-in-law. Now, give me the baby." She sneered as she raised her wand to the now paling man."Not a chance." Eric snapped as he swallowed hard and made a useless attempt to exit the room.

"Petrificus totalus!"

"Eric!" Lauren cried out as her husband fell to the floor, with a flick of her wand the baby hidden in the bundle of blankets hovered in the air and made its way over to the older woman who took it in her arms and made her way back to her seat in the stands.

"Mrs Pandelle – Lockwood, do you understand the charges you are being accused of?" President Harving began as he settled the members of the court. The room now silent save for the attempted mumbles of the no-maj currently bound on the floor.

"Mrs Pandelle-Lockwood?"

"Yes, Sir…I-I understand…" Lauren whispered as she looked at the marble floor beneath her. She didn't mean to break the law, she knew the laws but she loved the no-maj all the same. He was worth the risk; her daughter was worth the risk.

"You know the punishment for fraternization?" The president stated sadly and Lauren nodded.

"Yes, Sir."

"Very well." The President sighed as he stood once more and motioned to his guards.

"Laura Pandelle-Lockwood you are sentenced to execution. Your daughter shall remain in the care of your family and your No-Maj husband shall be obliviated. He will forget you and your child and we shall hear no more of this matter."

Percival Graves was only a young man during the days of the Lockwood trial, he had been out of Ilvermorny all of three years and had managed to earn himself a place as a cadet in the Auror training under the tutorage of his father, and his Grandfather before him. The Graves were a well respected family, known for their skills as Aurors and politicians it was expected that Percival would step up and stand alongside his ancestors within the MACUSA. He knew about the role of an Auror, he was well trained, he was well read but he did not expect his first case to be of this type. Percival, almost naively was under the illusion that he would be battling dark wizards, after all that was what he thought security was. He did not predict his role would include sentencing what he saw as an innocent woman to death – Percival was a strict man, clean cut a rule follower to a fault but he was not unfeeling; he has studied the law extensively and in any written exam he would have agreed with the ruling. The penalty for marrying a No-Maj was death – he knew it, the accused knew it and the entire wizarding world knew it. However, as he watched the young witch get dragged away to the executioner's halls he felt a churning in his stomach, this was not right but it was a law and they law was not meant to be broken.

"Director Graves?"

As the echo of a male voice broke through his memory, Percival noticed events of the trial from twenty six years ago begin to fade from in front of him. Lifting his gaze from the pensieve in front of him Graves turned to face the voice, belonging to one of the clerks from his division.

"D-director Graves sir?" The younger man repeated nervously, clutching a few brown folders to his chest. "What is it Burke?" Graves snapped waving his hand behind him which caused the pensieve to return to its cabinet in the office wall, locking itself away.

"I have the files you asked for." Burke muttered nervously as he held out the paperwork to his superior. Burke was not a timid man in most cases, however even the bravest of auror were even slightly intimidated by Director Graves and he was nothing more than an office clerk, he knew what a half worked job could lead to.

"Burke, I asked for these files over two hours ago. "Graves commented dryly as he took the files off of the clerk, not a man to tolerate mishaps in his office however, after such a long day the director had no intentions of reprimanding the clerk or prolonging his own time in the office.

"Y-yes sir, well you see…I…" Burke began as he scratched the back of his hands nervously.

"I don't want excuses." Graves snapped as he sat down in his large leather chair behind his desk.

"I'm sorry." The clerk finished nervously as he walked over to the office desk.

"Just stop talking…" Graves ordered curtly as a knock echoed on the office door. Director Graves waved signalling the clerk to move to the side so he could see the door; lifted his head to acknowledge the entrance of Tina Goldstein, an auror from his team.

"Sir, if you don't mind I shall be off now." Tina said with a nod, standing in the office clutching a collection of files. "I will review these at home over the weekend, Sir." Tina commented as she hurried to place the files in her bag.

"Yes, thank you Tina." Graves nodded dismissively as he returned to running his hand over the file which lay on his desk.

Tina could sense the mood in the room, her boss was not in the mood for small talk, not that he was one for it to begin with. He was a strict man, it was well known however on the odd occasion he would not be unpleasant to his team; Tina knew this and respected him. Without much need for a formal exit Tina nodded slightly at the two men before placing her hat on and turning to leave the room.

"Goodnight Sir, Goodnight Burke." Tina said politely as she closed the door behind her.

The room was silent for a moment as the clerk shuffled in place nervously, he had not been dismissed but he was given no task. Director Graves had almost forgot he was still in the room only noticing his presence as the younger man's shadow was appearing in the corner of his eye.

"Burke, why are you still here?" Graves sighed, tired of the clerks' incompetence for one evening he motioned to the office door – a clear indication that he was being told to leave.

"Just go home Burke."

"Yes, Sir…I'm sorry Sir." Burke stuttered as he quickly made his way out of the room, banging into the door handle before turning it and pulling the door open and muttering a silent apology.

Welcoming the silence that filled the office Graves let out a groan as he tilted his head back and stretched out his arms, pushing his fists out until his body gave him the smallest release it could muster, he sat back in his large leather bound office chair he took hold of the file that Burke had brought him.

Earlier that week Director Graves had been informed by some dependable sources that the Department of Potions and Magical Remedies Division had taken on a new deputy following the retirement of old Mr Mayfield. As head of security Graves took it upon himself to security check the new candidate, a Miss Casperia Lockwood.

The memory of the Lockwood trial had been echoing in his mind all day. It had been over twenty years since the trial and Graves was no longer the twenty year old youngster he was on that day; now a seasoned wizard welcoming the later stages of his forties and having clawed his way up the ranks in the last two decades Graves had done his family proud making a name for himself amongst the community within his own right; succeeding his father as the Director of Magical Security. Still, knowing all he knew now his stance on the Lockwood trial had not wavered.

Graves was tired as to be expected, his body began to ache. Graves shot a lazy glance over to the enchanted clock on the wall and with a quick motion the director took out his wand and with a gentle wave he set his papers and files in order for the following day. Picking up the file, he would read the rest at home.

.

. To be continues!

Let me know if you like it! <3 

.