The streets of Diagon Alley bustled with wizards and witches shopping, gossiping, and enjoying the early autumn air.
Lucien Aurelius Peverell Lionhardt, impeccably dressed, walked confidently down the cobbled streets, checking in on the Lionhardt family stores and reviewing profits. His tails were completely hidden, shimmering faintly under the illusion magic that maintained his human appearance.
The Scream in the Alley
A sudden scream pierced the air, causing nearby witches and wizards to scatter.
Lucien's violet eyes narrowed.
"Not on my watch," he muttered, stepping forward. With a flick of his hand and a whisper of illusion magic, a shadowy dark wizard appeared frozen in his own fear—Lucien had already disrupted him with a small but terrifying illusion of multiple spectral figures closing in.
A young woman stumbled backward from the attack, her silver-blue hair shining in the sunlight, her appearance strikingly like Kai'Sa from K/DA.
Lucien rushed over.
"Are you alright?" he asked gently.
The woman froze for a moment, stunned by the combination of handsome face, piercing amethyst eyes, and the aura of power emanating from him.
"…I… I'm alright," she stammered, her voice trembling slightly as she tried to regain composure.
Lucien nodded, noticing her gaze lingering on him.
"And your name?" he asked.
"Penelope Clearwater," she replied, her tone softening as she caught her breath.
Lucien's eyes flicked with surprise. The combination of Clearwater and the Peverell-Lionhardt name instantly made her notable in his mind.
Learning About Penelope
Lucien tilted his head, curious.
"And… why are you wandering alone in Diagon Alley?"
Penelope hesitated, her hands clenching slightly.
"I… wanted to test my luck," she admitted quietly, her eyes glimmering with a mixture of sadness and resolve.
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Test your luck… by walking into danger? Surely your parents could have helped you find a safer place to work part-time?"
Penelope's eyes fell. Her voice softened, tinged with sorrow.
"My mother… remarried. I don't… have a good relationship with my parents anymore. I needed to find my own path."
Lucien's heart tightened. No record of her in the books or system… interesting.
Joining the Lionhardt Household
Lucien gave her a calm, reassuring smile.
"Then… why not work at the Lionhardt Mansion? You'll have a safe place to stay, meals provided, a generous salary, and—most importantly—you'll have people who care. Would you like that?"
Penelope's eyes widened. "You… really mean it?"
Lucien nodded. "Bring your luggage tomorrow. Move in. Consider it your new home."
Penelope's lips curved into a faint but genuine smile. "I… thank you. I'll do my best."
First Day at the Mansion
The next day, Penelope arrived at the Lionhardt Mansion.
Venelana and Claire immediately took her under their wing, teaching her the daily routines, showing her the rooms, and introducing her to magic basics. Bayonetta, graceful and elegant, offered advice on personal safety and magical awareness. Nagini, surprisingly gentle, curled up beside Penelope while she unpacked. Angelina, having already developed a friendly relationship, helped Penelope practice spells and incantations, giggling whenever Penelope made minor mistakes.
It quickly became clear: Penelope would not just be a maid—she would be Lucien's personal assistant and trusted companion.
Penelope adapted quickly, learning the layout of the mansion, understanding Lucien's routines, and even helping care for Angelina, who often visited the mansion to practice magic with her.
School Days
Finally, the day came.
Lucien, maintaining his human form, escorted Penelope and Angelina to King's Cross Station.
"Stay safe, and focus on your studies," he instructed, adjusting Penelope's cloak slightly.
"Yes, Master," she replied, a determined gleam in her eyes.
Angelina intertwined her fingers with Lucien's briefly, blushing. "Thanks for walking us here, Lucien."
He smiled faintly. "I wouldn't let anything happen to either of you."
With that, the two girls boarded the train, waving goodbye as Lucien's figure faded into the morning fog. His mind, however, was already back at the Lionhardt Mansion, planning improvements, monitoring assets, and ensuring that everyone under his care remained safe and prosperous.
Lucien's tails, hidden under his illusion, swished faintly as he muttered to himself:
"Another day, another step closer to perfecting everything… and keeping everyone safe."