Disclaimer: Don't own Harry Potter or related characters they belong to J. K. Rowling. OC's are mine.

A/N: Okay, there might have been a little misunderstanding about the last chapter. It's a compilation of the original stories first three chapters, but is in itself by and large different. I've added some new material cut other things, plus did a massive clean up on grammar and spelling. Similar to that chapter this is also a compilation, but has hole new scenes as well as cleaned up dialogue. Since I feel I've done a lot of work to improve this story I'd like some input from the readers. So please leave a review.

Chapter 2

July 31 1991

Hagrid led Petunia and Harry to the Leaky Cauldron, "So Harry ready ta get ya first look at our world?"

Harry turned excitedly to the half-giant, "Yes."

Petunia clutched Harry's shoulder tightly, "No running off now. Every time I went with your mother she darted off leaving mother and me just standing around looking like fools."

Hagrid chuckled, "Lily was always excited about magic."

Harry blinked, "You knew my mother?"

Hagrid nodded, "Of course I knew her." Hagrid pulled a handkerchief from his pocket and blew his nose, "Her and ye da were the nicest witch and wizard I ever knew."

Harry only knew a little about his mother from what his aunt had told him. She knew close to nothing about her time at school, and hadn't seen her save for a brief row they had at their parents' funeral.

Petunia followed the half-giant and Harry into what she assumed was a derelict building, but passing through the doors revealed it to be an active pub.

The activity in the pub ground to the halt as the barman looked up, "Blimey is that Harry Potter?"

Petunia frowned at the man who'd drawn undue attention to her nephew.

It took fifteen minutes to get through the crowd of witches and wizards. Petunia particularly disliked the Hogwarts professor who'd approached them, how good of a teacher was he if he couldn't stop stuttering.

As they stood in the back alley Hagrid took out his pink umbrella and tapped the bricks.

Harry turned to his aunt, "Aunt Petunia, why did all those people want to meet me?"

Petunia pursed her lips, "Because they're fools. They make you out to be some hero, but you're just a boy."

Harry touched his scar, "You mean because I survived when my parents hadn't."

Petunia nodded, "You're famous among these people for something you have no memory of. It's like they expect something of you. You're just a child."

Hagrid chuckled, "He'll be a darn fine wizard, that's for sure."

Harry smiled at Hagrid then followed him into Diagon Alley.

Orion huffed as he waited for Draco to finish getting his measurements for his robes, "Draco what is taking so long?"

Draco glared at his cousin, "This bumbling witch can't get my measurements right. I can't go looking like some filthy muggle-born, I have a reputation to keep."

Orion grumbled, "Yeah, one that is close to meeting my fist. Stop talking like some stuck up high born."

Draco rolled his eyes, "You're just as highborn as me cousin, I don't see why you don't show it more."

Orion stood, "I'm going down to the Owl Emporium Uncle Remus is getting me my owl."

Draco fumed, "I thought father was getting our owls?"

Orion glared, "He's getting yours. He and my godfather worked it out while we were having breakfast; your dad is paying for my wand."

Draco sneered, "Well that's just because your godfather is so poor, why my aunt agreed on him…"

Draco was pulled off the stool and pinned to the wall, Orion glaring at him, "Never talk down about my godfather again."

Madame Mulkin grimaced as she shook her head, "Enough of that you two." She turned to Orion, "You're finished so why don't you go along too Eeylops I'll tell your guardians were you've gone."

Orion nodded and left.

Draco got back up on the stool while the witch doing his measurements and tailoring his robes got back to work.

A few moments later a black haired boy was escorted back. Draco didn't get a good look at the other boy's face but had a rather brief almost one sided conversation before the boy left.

At Eeylop's Owl Emporium Orion followed Remus out holding a large Owl cage with a black Eagle Owl sleeping within. Remus led Orion down the street to the bookstore, "I'm sure Andromeda has your books by now."

Orion nodded, "Thank you for the owl."

Remus smiled, "Well it's the least I can do…have you thought of a name?"

Orion frowned while looking at the owl, "Hmm…Odin."

Remus chuckled, "Good choice, let's hope Odin can live up to his namesake."

Lucius and Andromeda exited the bookstore. Lucius was the first to comment on the owl, "Impressive…I was sure you'd only be able to afford a barn owl at best, but this is most definitely a good specimen of an owl."

Andromeda smiled, "Well Lucius, I think Remus has been saving up to insure Orion had the best owl in the store."

Remus nodded to Andromeda, "Orion deserves it. Seeing as you're almost finished I'll depart. My new job starts tomorrow."

Lucius frowned, "Where have you found work now? Don't tell me you've been reduced to working for muggles."

Remus glared, "Funny, but no. Professor McGonagall has a cousin who runs a small shop in Paris. He agreed to let me work for awhile. France has more lenient regulations than Britain."

Orion turned to him, "You're leaving the country?"

Remus frowned, "I'll be back to see you off to Hogwarts, and for the holidays, but until the ministry relents on their regulations I have to go where I can find work."

Orion nodded, "See you later."

Remus messed up the boys hair then turned and walked down the street, quickly vanishing in the crowd.

Andromeda took Odin and nodded down the street, "Why don't you go ahead and get started at Ollivander's."

Orion nodded and walked back down the street. He entered and was surprised to hear a familiar voice, "Why Orion, surprise seeing ye here."

Orion looked up to find Hagrid standing in front of him, "Hagrid? What are you doing here?"

Hagrid pointed over his shoulder, "Brought one of your fellow first years."

Orion moved so he could see behind the half-giant. Harry was frowned, "Hey, I know you don't I?"

Orion nodded, "Orion Black…I attended your school for one day a few years ago. Surprised you remember that."

Harry pointed to his aunt, "That was a memorable day, a lot of things changed after that."

Mr. Ollivander handed Harry his packaged wand, "Good day Mr. Potter. I expect to hear great things about you." Ollivander ushered Harry, his aunt, and Hagrid out the door, then turned to Orion, "Mr. Black…I figured it wouldn't be long seeing as Mr. Potter was just here."

Orion frowned, "What's Harry being here have anything to do with me?"

Mr. Ollivander smiled, "What happens in the past cannot be discounted in the future? Your father and his were once friends, before your father's apparent betrayal of course."

Orion's frown turned into a glare, "My father didn't betray anyone."

Mr. Ollivander nodded, "I for one believe you, but facts remain. You are marked Mr. Black, your every step has been. People have long memories, and those memories do not remain clear, but enough of my prattling. You are here for your wand, but isn't not your wand is waiting here for you."

Orion held out his hand when requested and waited as the measuring tape began working. Soon Ollivander had brought out a wand, "Hmm…Elm and Unicorn Hair…"

Orion waved it but nothing happened.

Ollivander snatched it away, "No, no…perhaps…" Ollivander grabbed another wand, "Hawthorn and Dragon Heartstring."

Orion repeated the process of waving it.

Ollivander grabbed it immediately, "Not even close…" Ollivander ran to the back of the shop and returned with another wand, "Mahogany and Phoenix Feather."

Orion waved it, but Ollivander snatched it away quickly.

Once more Ollivander entered the back and returned, "I do enjoy a tricky customer, but perhaps we were looking in the wrong place."

Orion looked curiously at the wand he was handed, "What do you mean?"

Ollivander motioned him to try it.

Orion waved the wand and this time crimson and gold sparks shot out the tip.

Ollivander smiled, "Very impressive. It has been many years since I sold a wand like this."

Orion frowned, "What do you mean?"

Ollivander handed the wrapped package to Orion, "the last one like it I sold was to a young man who also had your name."

Orion looked at the box, "My grandfather?"

Ollivander nodded, "Your grandfather fought beside Albus Dumbledore against the forces of Grindelwald."

Orion frowned, "Why would he…he was a pure-blood supremacist."

Ollivander smirked, "You have much to learn. Grindelwald's values were not the same as those held by your family. The Blacks preferred the muggles know nothing of our world, they did not wish to rule them. Your family has also, aside a few bad apples, been mainly loyal to the ministry, and would have stood against Grindelwald anyway."

Ollivander smiled as he watched the Malfoys and Andromeda Tonks enter, "This wand is Mahogany with a Dragon Heartstring core."

Lucius paid for the wand then waited for Draco to get his then both families left and departed for their own homes.

September 1 1991

Orion walked into Kings Cross pushing his luggage cart following Andromeda and Ted. Behind him Tonks followed, over her arm hung a blue cloak with an auror in training badge. Carrying it the way she did made it difficult for the muggles to recognize it as a cloak, and not just some large coat. Walking beside her was Remus Lupin, it was only a week since his last transformation, but on top with his trip back to England he appeared still tired.

As they approached the entrance for platform 9 and 3/4 Orion noticed three people looking at the barrier confused. "Must be a muggleborn," He heard Ted comment.

"I'll help them out," Orion voiced. Andromeda nodded for Orion to go ahead as Ted took over pushing the cart. Orion walked over to the three, "You looking for a particular platform," Orion asked the bushy haired girl and her parents.

The girl turned to him, and cautiously asked, "I'm supposed to go to school today, but can't find this platform." She showed him her ticket.

"Not a problem, my name is Orion Black. It's my first year to." Orion turned to were Ted and Andromeda was walking toward the barrier. "That's my family over there. Watch them closely."

A moment later Ted and Andromeda disappeared through the barrier. "How did they do that?" The girl asked him.

"The barrier is warded so muggles can't see it. Your parents would have a hard time finding it, but anyone like you or me can easily find and pass through it." Orion nodded to were his cousin and godfather stood waiting. "Come on we better hurry. My cousin isn't really known for her patience."

Orion and Tonks guided the girl and her parents through the barrier, while Remus followed behind. As he passed through he caught sight of the Weasleys coming toward the gate with Harry not far behind. Nodding to himself he continued through.

On the other side he came face to face with the girl he had just helped. "Sorry, I forgot to tell you my name. It's Hermione Granger."

"Nice to meet you Hermione, we better find a compartment. I don't know if any of my friends will have gotten one already." Orion noticed Hermione glum look, "What's the matter?"

She looked up, "Oh, it just if you wanted to sit with your friends that's fine."

Orion chuckled, "Well then you'll have to sit with me now won't you."

Mr. and Mrs. Granger were standing next to Orion's family, and smiled at their daughter. At her last school Hermione had trouble making friends. Mrs. Granger turned to Andromeda, "Does your son make friends so easily all the time?"

Andromeda turned to her with a grim smile, "Actually Orion is not my son. He's my cousin's child. His parents were unable to care for him, so Ted and I raised him." Mrs. Granger turned to look at Orion as he helped Hermione get her trunk on the train.

Hermione and Orion returned to say goodbye to their families. "Neville saved me a seat in his compartment. There was an open seat so Hermione is sitting with us." Orion told his guardians.

"That was thoughtful of you." Andromeda smiled down at Orion, "Remember to write to us, and tell us which house you and your friends get into."

Orion nodded, "Of course Andy."

Orion said his goodbyes to the rest of his family, and waited for Hermione. They were just about to climb on the train when a cane handle lightly pulled him back. Hermione turned around to see a man and a woman with blonde hair.

"Well, hello uncle Lucius." Orion remarked to his uncle, "If you're here to get me to join Slytherin you can forget it."

Lucius had to break away his gaze from the mudblood who had been walking with his nephew. "I don't really care which house you are sorted into Orion. Just remember to stay with the right sort of people."

"I know the right sort uncle." Orion turned to face his uncle, "I'm sure my status as a bloodtraitor will get me into the right circles." Orion turned back around, gently grabbed Hermione's by the wrist and pushed her ahead of him into the train, keeping himself between her and his less then pleasant relatives.

They were soon standing outside their compartment she stopped him and turned to face him. "Those people seemed kind of strange."

Orion raised an eyebrow, "That's one way to put it. That was my uncle from my mother's side, he's not what you'd consider the nicest of people, has more than a few skeletons in his closet."

Hermione frowned, but opened the door to the compartment. She sat down across from the boy she had been introduce to by the name of Neville Longbottom. He looked up at Orion as he entered and closed the door. "Something happen?"

Orion nodded then took his seat, "We had a run in with the Malfoys." He turned back to Hermione, "My uncle is from a group of wizards who believe how far back you can trace your magical ancestry determines your worth."

Hermione frowned, "Why do they think that?"

Neville spoke, "They're purebloods, and half of them have been so interbred it's ridiculous?"

Orion frowned, "Hey…watch it Longbottom you're a pureblood to."

Neville smiled, "We're nowhere near as bad as this one family I heard of."

Orion glared, "So what, my grandfather married his cousin. At least my father didn't…" Orion paused, "…gah, that's just wrong."

Hermione frowned, "I take it he didn't have any female cousins?"

Orion looked shocked, "No…all his cousins were female actually. Bellatrix…" Neville glared but the other two didn't notice, "…Andromeda, she's the one I had you watch go through the barrier, and Narcissa, you might of noticed her standing beside my unpleasant uncle I recently mentioned."

Hermione nodded, "So Narcissa is your cousin, and she's married to your mother's brother."

Neville smirked, "Orion's family is pretty crazy…literally."

Orion crossed his arms, "Well some of them have a reason to be. The Tonks are about the best part of my family."

Hermione frowned, "What about that tired looking man with the scars?"

Neville looked surprised, "Hey, you didn't say Remus was here."

Orion shrugged, "Sorry, forgot he's your seventh cousin once removed."

Neville huffed, "It's not that far, but he's the only one on my mom's side still alive."

Hermione frowned, "If he's related to Neville then why was he with you?"

Orion smirked, "While he's distantly related to Neville, he's my godfather."

Their attention was drawn to the overhead racks by a hooting from Orion's owl.

Orion stood and opened the cage, and the owl fluttered down to the seat next to Hermione and looked at her pleadingly.

Orion huffed, "She doesn't have any treats for you, so stop with the begging."

Hermione smiled, "He's beautiful, what's he called."

Orion opened a bag of owl treats and put a few on the seat, "Odin…though sometimes I wonder if Loki would have been better. He's quite the trickster, especially if he thinks he's found a way to get more treats."

Neville grimaced, "At least you have an owl all I have is a stupid toad. He keeps getting away to; it took me all morning to find him. Gran thought we'd be late for sure."

Hermione frowned, "I'm still not sure what I want to get. My parents are worried about the mess an owl would make, and the proprietor of the Leaky Cauldron said toads have gone out of fashion. I was thinking of a cat, but I'm not sure, how do you take care of pets at Hogwarts?"

Orion picked up Odin who'd finished his treats and returned him to his cage, "Well, I know from what my relatives told me owls are cared for in the owlery which is on top of one of the towers. My cousin had a cat; she said they just roam about on their own. I think she said food is left out for them, but most hunt mice."

Hermione frowned, "What about if a student has a rat? I saw them advertised in the window of the Magical Menagerie."

Orion shrugged, "A lot of cats in the magical world are at least part Kneazle, I know a squib who breeds them. Kneazles are by far and large much smarter than your everyday housecat, they'd probably know the difference between a pet and your basic household pest."

Hermione looked curious, "What's a squib?"

Neville frowned, "Well…like how you're a witch born into a family of muggles, a squib is a person with no magic born into a family of those with magic."

The door to the compartment suddenly opened. Orion looked up to see Susan Bones and a second girl. Susan asked Orion if they had room for two more. He silently nodded and helped them store their trunks.

"It's been awhile Susan, how is your aunt?" Orion asked her.

"She's fine Orion." Susan smiled as she sat next to Hermione.

Orion nodded, "So who is this, I don't think we've met before, I'm Orion Black."

"My name is Lavender Brown. I didn't think the notorious Sirius Black had any family left." She made her statement before Susan could stop her.

Neville headed off the fight that was sure to come, "Nice to meet you Lavender. I'm Neville Longbottom, and this is Hermione Granger." Hermione greeted the two girls.

Orion sat quietly for a few minutes, and then Susan nudged Lavender and whispered to her, "It wasn't very nice of you to mention who his father is in the middle of the train."

Lavender looked at Orion, and was about to apologize when he stood up, "Hey Neville, I'm going to see were Ron ended up." He pulled a couple galleons from his pocket, "Get me a couple chocolate frogs from the trolley, and use what's left for whatever the rest of you want." Everyone thanked him for his generosity as he left the compartment.

Neville turned to Lavender, "That's him showing he has no hard feelings, but don't mention his father again. It's like saying you-know-whose name around a death eater."

Hermione looked at the others, "What did his father do that was so bad?"

Susan looked at her kindly, "Among our kind we don't spread one another's secrets so frivolously. If Orion wants you to know he'll tell you. The rest of us know since our parents and relatives know. A lot of the older students might even remember it." She turned her attention to Lavender, "Just don't go spreading gossip around the school like it is no big deal."

Shortly the trolley came by and Neville got everyone's treats. He was putting Orion's chocolate frogs in his trunk when he noticed something missing, "Oh no not again."

The girls all looked up at him. "What's wrong?" Hermione questioned.

"My toad Trevor is missing." Neville began looking through the compartment.

After an extensive search Susan took the lead. "We'll have to split up, and search the train. I'll take the front since most the older students and Slytherins will leave me alone. Hermione and Lavender you split up the middle of the train. Neville you take the back, and if you find Orion see if he can help you search." They all nodded then went to searching the train.

In the back of the train Orion had gone from compartment to compartment searching for Ron. He had come across Fred and George who were with their friend Lee Jordan. They were looking at something in a box.

Orion finally found Ron sitting in the last compartment, with Harry. Orion knocked on the door to announce himself.

Ron waved him in. Harry turned to see Orion walk in. The boy was already wearing his school robes. "Hey Weasley, we wondered where you ended up."

Ron turned back to Harry, "This is a friend of mine his name is Orion Black. His older cousin just graduated with one of my brothers. We've known each other for a long time."

Harry turned to Orion, "We've met. Orion attended my elementary school a few years ago…how much of your story back then was true?"

Orion let off one of his friendly sneers, "Well, my mom really died when I was one, well I was almost two. Also my dad wasn't able to raise me."

Harry looked at Orion quizzically, "Your family name is Black right? You aren't by chance related to a Sirius Black?"

This caught Orion off guard, "I thought you were raised by muggles, where'd you hear that name?"

Harry nodded, "I was, and up till I was about seven they treated me pretty poorly. Then for some reason they completely changed. Aunt Petunia was going to show me to the platform today, but my uncle insisted on driving, we're still not on the best of terms."

Orion remembered his mission for the Order. "So when did you hear about my dad? I wouldn't think they'd know much about him."

Harry looked down at his shoes, "My mother sent them a letter telling them the name of my godfather, but I guess he didn't want me in the end."

Orion shook his head, "Well that's not true. My father would have taken you in if he was able, but the day after your parents and my mother died he was framed for murder."

Harry looked up at Orion, who was leaning on the door frame, "What do you mean framed?"

Ron spoke up; Scabbers burrowed deeper into his pocket, "There are a lot of people that think Sirius Black is innocent." Ron looked at Orion, "I heard my parents talking once and they said he didn't even get a trial."

Orion frowned, "Enough talk about that, I'm sure someone will figure it all out. I mean it's been what ten years, what's another seven."

The three of them continued talking till the door opened again. In front of them stood two massive eleven year olds flanking a platinum blond Orion knew all too well. "Well if it isn't the famous Harry Potter…"

Orion stood up in Draco's face, "Shut it little dragon." Orion used the nickname he'd occasionally heard Professor Snape use when talking privately with his cousin. "Why don't you and your little Slytherin hopefuls go back to your compartment?"

Draco looked smugly at his cousin, "Don't think you can still scare me Orion. I doubt those two would be much help in a fight, and I have Crabbe and Goyle here to help me now."

Orion shook his head, "You really think those two can stand up against the son of Sirius Black." Using his father's name had the desired effect as Crabbe and Goyle both seemed to become nervous.

A moment later Percy walked up, "Is there a problem here?"

Draco glared at Orion, "No there isn't. We were just leaving." Percy walked away, and Draco turned back to his cousin. "This isn't the end of this cousin. You can't hide behind daddy's name forever." He directed his lackeys to follow him.

Ron had to hold back his laughter till they left, "I thought those two gorillas were going to wet themselves when you said your dad's name."

Orion nodded then turned to Harry, "That worthless piece of pureblood trash is my cousin Draco Malfoy. He defines not being unable to chose ones family."

Harry nodded, "I actually ran into him when I was getting my school robes."

Orion shook his head, "I apologize for any offences he may have done in your presence. He never learned to keep his mouth shut."

They continued talking till Neville came to the door. "There you are Orion; I've misplaced Trevor. You don't think you could help me find him."

Orion jumped up and followed Neville out, "Of course. It'll just take a second."

The two looked to see they were alone, and then Orion pulled his wand and used the Accio spell, a moment later Trevor zipped to them. "Here," Orion scooped up Trevor and handed him to Neville, "Don't let him get away again."

Neville thanked Orion then headed down the train, back to his compartment. Orion waited a minute then turned back into Ron and Harry's compartment. "It might be a tight squeeze, but why don't you two get your robes on and come join some of us in our compartment?"

Ron and Harry agreed and said they would be there soon. Orion returned to his compartment to find Hermione and Neville talking about Hogwarts. Susan sat in her spot, and was currently holding Trevor so he couldn't make another escape. Next to her instead of Lavender sat Hannah Abbot. "Hey Orion, I hope you don't mind, but I traded seats with Lavender."

"Not a problem. Just so you all know. I invited a couple other first years to join us." He noticed that everyone was already in their school uniforms, "They were going to get changed then join us."

Susan looked up at Orion, "So who are these two?"

"Ron Weasley and Harry Potter," Orion responded to her.

A sly smile crossed Susan's face. "My aunt told me a rumor that the last Potter in Hogwarts and his best friends, among them your father, were members of a group of pranksters."

Orion smiled back, "My dear Susan, you don't believe I would condone such rule braking."

She began to laugh, "Yeah right, the number of howlers you used to get was just because you were such a good boy. Besides, I think with the group we have here, we would have the smarts and talent to even surpass your father as pranksters."

The door slid open and Ron and Harry entered. They slid their trunks in, and Orion was right, it was a tight fit as he put Hedwig's cage next to Odin's. Ron turned to face Susan, "Did I hear what I thought I heard?" She nodded, "So you want to go against my brothers and Lee, or do you want them to join as well."

She thought it over for a minute, "I think having them would be quite helpful."

Orion hung his head, "Alright you win." He pulled his mirror from his pocket, and then called Fred. "We are having a meeting you three might want to join in on."

Hermione looked at the others nervously, "Um, this isn't something we are going to get in trouble for is it?"

Orion nodded, "It's a definite possibility, my dad and Harry's father still hold the record for the most detentions, and the earliest as well. Though I've heard rumors that Fred and George have come close to rivaling them, and they're only third years."

Susan turned to Hermione, "Don't worry; you can be the brains and conscience of our group. You know make sure we don't go overboard with pranks, and help plan them out. I can already tell you're going to be one of the top students."

Hannah nodded, "Wouldn't surprise me if you were a Ravenclaw, but you've been hanging out with these Gryffindor descendants."

Orion looked at her surprised, "Hannah my father was the only Black in history to not be in Slytherin, and my mother was a Ravenclaw."

Ron and Neville both shook their heads, then Ron commented, "They are right Orion, you practically personify the traits of Gryffindor."

"We'll see won't we," Orion scoffed at them. The door finally opened to reveal Ron's two brothers and their friend Lee. "Finally, what took you so long, the corridor was nearly empty?"

Lee grinned nervously, "Um, my pet kind of got out of his box. Don't worry, we found him and got him back in his box."

Everyone shook their heads at the excuse.

Susan looked at everyone present, "So who's going to be our leaders."

Harry spoke up for the first time, "Leaders of what?"

Orion turned to him with a raised eyebrow, "My dear friend Susan believes that Hogwarts is in need of the second generation of Marauders…or at least that's what my godfather said they called themselves, your father was one to."

Fred and George looked at each other then Harry and Orion, "So, you two are the sons of two of the Marauders?" Fred asked.

"But no one knows who they were. They all had nicknames." George stated.

Orion nodded, "And some day I might tell you what those nicknames meant, but I think Harry should be allowed to find that out on his own." The others nodded. "Now the marauders didn't select nicknames till they achieved a certain risky ability that I'm sure we're all far from learning."

Hermione spoke up, "Will we be asking for others to join, or is this it?"

Orion thought for minute, "This group is large enough, too many and we're bound to get noticed easily. There were only four original marauders after all."

Susan took a turn asking a question "Can some of us get one of those mirrors in case we aren't in the same house."

Orion thought for a moment, "Fred, George, and Lee can share one right?" The third years nodded, and the last two handed their mirrors to Orion. "Here Susan, you take this one, and Hermione you take this one. I'll tell my Aunt in my letter that I need some more mirrors after the sorting."

They continued to talk over how their incarnation of the marauders would work. Neville looked out the window and saw the landscape slowing. "Looks like we are almost there," he informed the others.

The others began gathering their things, and cleaning up their compartment. The third years left to go back to their compartment.

Shortly they were being ushered by Hagrid to a fleet of boats. He then directed them to the door where he turned them over to Professor McGonagall. At this point Orion was standing close to Draco, who not noticing his cousin made a rather derogatory comment about the half-giant. Draco felt a sharp pain in his gut as his cousin's elbow met it. McGonagall raised her eyebrow suspiciously when Orion informed her that his cousin hadn't been feeling well on the train.

When she left them in the entrance hall Draco approached Orion. "Can you go without hitting me for an entire day?"

Orion smirked at his whining cousin, "Watch your mouth around me, if I hear another remark like what you said about Hagrid, you'll be wishing your mommy let you go to Durmstrang."

Orion brushed past Draco to rejoin his group of friends. They talked about which houses they thought they would be put into, and how the sorting was done. Soon several ghosts glided through the hall, and then McGonagall returned. She led them down the middle of the great hall.

Orion ignored the hats song, instead focusing on observing the room. He noted who each Professor was, as he had met most of them growing up. Only the DA professor was unknown to him, as Bill told him that apparently the job was cursed.

He turned his attention back to McGonagall when she began calling names, "Abbot, Hannah"

Orion watched as she was placed in Hufflepuff, then he heard his named called. "Black, Orion"

He walked up to the stool, and sat down. The world went dark as the hat slipped down over his eyes. 'Ahh, a Black, eh, wondered if I'd be seeing any more of you.'

'What you weren't expecting me?' Orion mentally smirked at the hat.

'No, I wasn't. The last generation of your family was all headed to trouble, that much I could see.'

Orion sighed, 'Yeah well, you know how it goes. Dark wizards tend to have trouble, or they cause it.'

The hat couldn't hold back the laughter, 'You will be something new Mr. Black. I see greatness ahead of you, but it is not one you can fine in Slytherin. So it must be' the hat switched so the whole great hall could hear, "Gryffindor"

As Orion moved to join the cheering Gryffindors, he turned to see Hannah cheering him from Hufflepuff, along with most of that house. Many of the older students would still remember his cousin who'd graduated the previous spring.

In short order Susan was sent to Hufflepuff, while Orion was joined at the Gryffindor table by Hermione and Neville.

After several more students were sorted Harry's name was called.

Harry nervously approached the stool and sat, and then the hat was placed on his head.

Harry jumped slightly when he heard a voice, 'Hmm…what do we have here, a good mind…a thirst to prove yourself…hmm…yes, yes good qualities all around. You would do well in any house.'

Harry chanted in his head, 'Not Slytherin, not Slytherin…'

'Not Slytherin eh…' The Hat chuckled, '…But I see greatness ahead of you, and Slytherin could help you on your way to greatness.'

Harry kept up the mental chant.

The Hat conceded, 'Well, if not Slytherin…' The hat switched over so the entire hall could hear, "Gryffindor!"

Harry removed the hat and headed to the Gryffindor table and relieved sat between Percy and Orion.

After Ron was sorted into Gryffindor and Blaise Zabini was put in Slytherin the sorting was finished, and Dumbledore summoned the feast. Orion remained out of most conversation, instead choosing to observe his fellow Gryffindors.

Along with his circle of friends, Lavender Brown, Parvati Patil, Seamus Finnigan, and Dean Thomas had been sorted into Gryffindor. After meeting Lavender on the train, he was surprised to see her in this house. He didn't know the Patil twins very well; their families ran in different circles. Seamus occasionally came over to the Tonks house, usually whenever his mother needed to cover-up his accidental magic use. He overheard Dean telling Hermione that he was also a muggleborn. Overall he couldn't complain about his housemates.

Looking at the Hufflepuff table he saw Susan and Hannah striking up a conversation with some of their new housemates. He'd have to ask them about the other Hufflepuffs. He turned to the Ravenclaws, and knew he'd need to find someone among them he could trust. When he turned to Slytherin he caught the eyes of two first years he knew besides his cousin.

Blaise Zabini and Daphne Greengrass or the least Slytherin like purebloods elitists, he had met them when his Aunt Cissy brought them over with Draco a couple times. Unlike his cousin, they learned quickly, purely by observing what happened to Draco, that elitist behavior was not tolerated in the Tonks house. He learned from his godfather that their families remained neutral during Voldemort's first rise to power.

He slipped his mirror from his pocket and quietly whispered, "Blaise, Daphne."

He saw them slip their own mirrors out of their pockets. Daphne responded first, "Orion, did you have to hit your cousin so hard, he's complaining that you nearly cracked his rib?"

Orion huffed, "I barely hit him, he should feel so lucky that Professor McGonagall was watching otherwise it would have been a black eye."

"Yeah, I know he is a little over the top at times, and doesn't use much common sense, but all of Slytherin is already talking about the latest blood traitor from the Black family." Blaise whispered.

"Well, being put in Gryffindor does that. Just keep your eyes on him, and let me know if he steps out of line got it." Orion saw them nod from across the hall then slipped the mirror in his pocket.

Only Harry saw Orion slip the mirror back in his pocket. "Were you talking to Susan and Hannah just now?"

Orion turned to Harry, "Oh, no. My cousin Tonks wanted me to tell her as soon as we were sorted." Harry accepted this, and turned back to his dessert.

Once everyone was finished Dumbledore gave his welcome speech, which included the warnings about the forest and the third floor corridor. Then they sung the school song, and once Fred and George were finished, they all departed for their dormitories. Once in their room most the first year boys began writing letters home. Orion noticed Harry wasn't.

"You are not writing home?" Ron asked from his bed.

Harry shook his head, "My aunt and uncle said they wanted me to wait a week, and tell them about the first week."

Orion chuckled, "They're muggles, and Harry's mom was one of us. So they probably want a little more information than just what house he's in. Not like they're going to understand much."

Harry nodded, "That and they want as few owls coming and going from their house as possible. My uncle is a little sensitive about them."

Seamus chuckled, "My mum used to hide the Daily Prophet from my dad; he knew nothing about magic until he came home from a trip really early in the morning and found the delivery owl sitting on the table."

Orion grinned, "That's nothing. One of our neighbors was really nosy; she even cut a hole in our hedge so she could see our backyard. I went to send a letter to my Aunt and Uncle…do not ask why…" Orion directed that to Ron, Seamus, and Neville, "…anyway she came scrambling over the hedge swinging a broom. She thought my owl was attacking me."

Harry chuckled, "What'd you do?"

Orion grinned, "My cousin stunned her and called an Obliviator. Andromeda met with her a few days later along with a ministry representative and arranged for her to move to another town."

Dean frowned, "Why'd she need to move?"

Orion shrugged, "Might have been the fact it was the twelfth time she'd needed her memory modified, this year alone."

Seamus frowned, "Mum said memory charms only work for so long when you have to keep redoing them. That's why she finally broke down and told my dad she's a witch and I'm a wizard."

Harry looked worriedly at him, "How'd that conversation go?"

Seamus chuckled, "She had to revive him and tell him again five times before he stopped fainting. Then she spent the next two hours revealing how she got all the house chores done so quickly."

They continued talking until Percy came in telling them to go to bed, and lights out. Orion went to sleep as soon as he lay down. Two beds over, Ron's pet rat sat on the headboard shaking as he watched Orion and Harry sleep.

Early morning September 2 1991

Peter Pettigrew looked through his animal forms eyes at his onetime best friends' sons. They were both sleeping soundly, even though all the pain he had caused them. The boy he used to belong to had been around Orion quite a bit, but this was the first he'd seen Harry since shortly before Halloween back in 1981.

Peter had slept through most the trains ride, not wanting to be noticed. Now he needed to figure out what he was going to do from this point on. He was contemplating this when he noticed a shadow.

Peter kept up his act of being a normal rat as he surveyed the room. Finally he spotted it. Sitting on the window sill was a large hawk. He knew the hawk couldn't be hunting him as normal animals could tell he wasn't actually a rat, but was nervous about its constant staring at him.

Watching the hawk he noticed something familiar about it, like he'd seen it before. Before he could figure it out the hawk took flight, leaving Pettigrew quite disturbed.

He turned to the next two beds and made a quick decision to maintain his cover until he had a chance to rejoin Lord Voldemort.

Morning September 2 1991

The Gryffindor first years walked down to the great hall for breakfast, mostly continuing conversations from the previous night. Orion hung back with Harry and Ron, allowing the rest of their classmates to reach the great hall before them. As they entered, he began to hear murmurings of voices, shaking his head to he turned to Harry.

He could tell Harry heard what was being whispered, "Just ignore it. Give it a day or two and it'll pass."

Harry turned to Orion, "You do know I'm famous for something I don't even remember doing right?"

"Yes I do." Orion laughed, "And I promise to knock you down a peg if you ever let it go to your head."

Harry joined with Orion's laughing, "Thanks, I'll remember that."

They joined the rest of their housemates at the Gryffindor table. Orion had just sat down when Seamus turned to him, "Um, Orion could I send my letter home with your owl. My dad is still kind of getting use to all the wizard stuff."

Orion nodded, "Yeah, its fine. Odin is still in the Owlery. He'll probably be here to pick up my letter in a couple minutes."

Seamus nodded, "Thanks, I owe you." Seamus pulled out his letter, and added a message on the envelope asking Andromeda to deliver it to his parents.

Hermione turned to Orion, "How do owls know to come to you?"

"They are quite intelligent, and usually come and find their masters in the morning to see if we have any work for them." Orion indicated with his head the large black eagle-owl swooped down to the table. "Here Odin, I need you to take these to Andromeda." He tied his and Seamus's letters to his owl, who then flew out the window as other owls arrived to deliver the morning post.

Shortly Professor McGonagall came down the table handing out timetables. "Mr. Black, I need to have a word with you."

"Yes Professor." Orion wondered what it was.

Orion stood and followed Professor McGonagall out of the great hall. Once they were out of ear shot she turned to him, "Orion, since you know all the material for first years and quite a bit of the second year coursework, the Headmaster asks for you to use restraint during classes." Orion was about to interrupt when she motioned for silence, "I don't mean for you to act like an idiot, but don't act like you are above everyone else. Try to stay equal to the top students in your class, and chose a few subjects to do less then top marks. Professor Dumbledore also wishes you to take extra Defense Lessons with Professor Snape."

Orion's eye opened wider than most people would think possible, and his jaw nearly hit the floor. "You have to be joking Professor. There is no way you can expect me to take two classes with that over grown bat."

McGonagall fixed Orion with a stern gaze, "I will pretend I did not hear that comment. It has already been arranged that one of Professor Snape's free periods will correspond to when the Gryffindor first years don't have class on Friday, you'll spend half the time with him and the other half with myself."

"Why?" Orion was confused with this decision.

"A certain individual has requested you begin training in a certain advanced and dangerous ability. Instead of him teaching you in secret I requested the Headmaster allow me to assist." Not being able to say any more she dismissed him with a wave.

He returned to the table, and everyone was staring at him, "What?"

"Well what did she say?" Lavender queried.

He turned to them, "I've got to spend our free time on Friday taking extra Potions and Transfiguration lessons." He decided not to tell them Snap would be teaching him defensive magic.

"Why?" Neville asked.

"No idea, maybe my cousin was weak in those areas…I really have no clue." Orion said then allowed his forehead to hit the table.

Harry turned to Orion, "Well, I guess having people murmuring about me is not as bad as two extra class sessions."

The first year Gryffindors were laughing amongst themselves. Across the room the Slytherins were gathered around Draco, he was telling whoever would listen about his blood traitor cousin. Daphne turned to Blaise and spoke quietly, "We better warn Orion, to be on guard."

Blasie shook his head, "No way to without drawing attention to ourselves…maybe pass the info to someone less suspicious, he's friends with the Bones girl in Hufflepuff right."

Daphne nodded and stood up raising her voice to its normal level, "I'll see you in class. My parents told me to get to know the Bones girl."

Blaise smiled at her covering and replied in kind, "What's left of her family is very highly placed. It would be a good idea to get to know her. Also, I know she's an old friend of Orion's. I think his elder cousin used to watch them both during the summers, maybe she know something about him."

She walked off toward were a group of Hufflepuff girls were standing near the doors. Next to Blaise sat Pansy Parkinson, she glared at Daphne's back, "What is she doing going over to talk with them?"

Blaise looked smugly at Parkinson, "Well, it would be networking outside of our house. You know anyone with half a brain cell would know that to isolate yourself; you would be unable to expect what others were up to."

Pansy huffed then turned back to admiring Draco. Blaise put his hand in his pocket and tapped the mirror hidden there. 'Sorry Draco, but I'm staying on the winning side.'

The Gryffindors shared Transfiguration with Hufflepuff. Professor McGonagall was surprised when she entered to find the class not split with one house or one side of the room and the other house on the other. Orion noticed her expression and spoke up, "Sorry Professor is there a problem?"

"No Mr. Black. I was just surprised by your classes' amount of intermixing between the houses. It usually takes a couple years before students begin to cross the imaginary line." She addressed her class.

"Well Professor, quite a few of us have spent a lot of time growing up as friends before we were sorted." Susan informed her.

Then Ron spoke up, "Just don't expect us to be as friendly with Slytherin."

The entire class broke into laughter. McGonagall shook her head, accepting a small victory, as Gryffindors budding up to Slytherins would be nearly a miracle.

She went into her beginning of term speech for the first years, noting those students that were paying attention. She was not disappointed to see both Harry and Orion absorbed in her lecture as were most of their group. She did see she'd need to keep a close eye on Weasley and Longbottom, though for different reasons.

After the lecture she set the students to changing matches to needles. She noted how Orion had turned his back and forth several times; before he was satisfied it didn't look too perfect. Ms. Granger was sitting next to him and was startled by how easy the task was for him. He motioned for her not to bring attention to it.

At the end of class McGonagall walked along the rows looking at each students match. Most had not been able to make any change, while a few showed great promise. She picked up Hermione's to show the class, as Orion had made his to be less finished then hers.

As the class prepared to depart McGonagall raised her voice once more to be heard, "Will Mr. Black and Ms. Granger please stay behind for a moment?"

The two students told their Gryffindor friends they'd see them at their next class and their Hufflepuff friends at lunch. Orion spoke first, "Is there a problem Professor?"

"Besides the fact you ask that question of me so often, no Mr. Black." McGonagall said sternly with a smile, "But I do believe you owe Ms. Granger an explanation. She was the only one of your classmates that noticed your frantic efforts to not stand out."

Orion looked around nervously, "Yeah, about that, can't we all just forget about that?" The stern look from his Professor was all the answer he needed. He turned to Hermione, "Yeah, I'm pretty sure you caught on that I already knew that spell."

Hermione nodded, "Yes, but I guessed your family taught you some magic before you came."

McGonagall shook her head, "It is very rare for even the oldest magical families to teach their children magic, and Orion was in fact raised in a part muggle household. His uncle never completely gave up on many muggle things."

Orion looked at the Professor slightly offended, "Is it a problem that I know how to use the telephone, and what a television is."

McGonagall had to fight to keep her stern demeanor in place, "No it is not a problem. I and Professor Dumbledore believe it would be beneficial to you to have at least one friend who knows the truth."

Orion frowned, "The truth?"

The Professor nodded. "Ms Granger, are you aware of Mr. Black's heritage in any way?"

Orion frowned, "Hey, Professor, nobody needs to hear this."

Professor McGonagall sent a stern glare at Orion, "Mr Black either I tell it or you will, and we should finish quickly as you need to get to Charms, and I need to prepare for my next class."

Orion grimaced, "Fine…" He turned to Hermione, "…the reason I know that spell is because I know all the coursework for first year, and a lot of the stuff we won't cover until next year."

Hermione frowned, "But Professor McGonagall said your family wouldn't have taught you?"

"Well, actually my family didn't, but they did allow it. You remember Lavender mentioning my father on the train?" Orion saw her nod, "Well, the truth of the matter is my father is in the wizard prison of Azkaban. He was accused of several murders and another crime, but he didn't really commit the crimes he's accused of."

Hermione was quiet for a moment then she spoke, "What does your father's false imprisonment have to do with you learning so early?"

"One of the crimes my father is accused of is being a Death Eater." Hermione looked confused at Orion, "Death Eaters were a group of wizards and witches who followed He Who Must Not Be Named. Though in reality he wasn't a Death Eater, he actually belonged to a group of people opposed to the Death Eaters. Professor Dumbledore thought those Death Eaters still at large would target me in some misguided plan to get back at my father."

Hermione still looked confused, "But why would they come after you?"

Orion sighed, "Don't ask me to understand the mind of a Death Eater, they're very sick and demented individuals from what I've encountered."

Hermione looked surprised, "You've encountered them?"

Orion nodded, "A very notorious one has the cell across from my father's. She happens to be related to my family as well."

Hermione frowned, "You have a Death Eater relative?"

Orion chuckled, "More than one. Four confirmed, and one suspected. When Neville said my family was crazy he really did mean literally."

Satisfied McGonagall sent them on to their next class with a note excusing their tardiness. They arrived late, but found class had not started as Seamus had knocked over Professor Flitwick's books that he used to see over his desk. Currently a group of Ravenclaws were helping him to restack the books. The Gryffindors were quietly separating themselves from Seamus as he was being glared at by the remaining Ravenclaws.

"Man Finnigan, what did you do. Those Ravenclaws could almost put my grandmother Walburga to shame. Now there was a woman that could turn you to stone with a look." Orion said as he found a seat.

Hermione who sat in the row behind him next to Parvati looked horrified at what Orion said, "How can you say that about your own grandmother?"

Orion turned to her, "Trust me. If you had had the bad fortune to meet her you'd agree with me."

Neville who was sitting with Ron leaned across the aisle, "My gran told me about her once. Said she was a retched person. She disowned entire branches of your family for even the smallest indiscretions."

"Yeah, that about sums her up, I was too young to remember really, but Andromeda use to tell me how she was forced to take me over for Sunday teas. Apparently, even though my father is disowned she was hoping I'd turn out better. Thought Aunt Narcissa should be raising me." Orion shook his head, "There are days I'm quite appreciative of my godfather."

Harry turned to Orion, "If your dad is my godfather, who's yours."

Orion chuckled slightly, "Well he's an old friend of our dads. It's kind of hard for him to find work, and he's been traveling to find it. He's actually probably back in France by now; he came to see me to the train, but had to go back almost immediately."

Ron looked over to them, "Too bad he's not teaching DADA, he used to tell us all stories about encounters with dangerous creatures, and if the other adults weren't listening in he'd tell us stories about fighting You Know Who and his followers."

Harry looked back at Orion to see him shaking his head, "That would be great, but I doubt he'd ever apply, and what good would it be. Your brothers' never had the same DADA teacher for more than a year. We'd just be saddled with another cracked pot the next year."

Professor Flitwick put an end to the conversation as he took his place and sent the Ravenclaws back to their seats. He gave them a quick introduction, and lecture. Then issued them their first in class work which they worked on till the bell rang for lunch.

As the Gryffindors moved into the hall they found their path blocked, before them stood the Slytherin first years. Draco in the lead, he was flanked by Crabbe and Goyle, with Nott, Millicent, and Pansy backing them up. Orion noted that Blaise and Daphne were there, but hanging back.

Orion stepped up to his cousin, "I believe you're in our way."

Draco smirked before he answered, "Maybe you Gryffindors should know your place, and let us pass."

Draco's little ruse had a small flaw that caused it to backfire. The other class in that hall currently had several seventh year Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Orion noticed them coming up behind the Slytherins, "Have I ever told you that your timing is impeccable?"

Draco looked at Orion like he was crazy. Orion raised his eyebrows and indicted for Draco to look behind him. One of the seventh year Gryffindors asked, "Are these little snakes causing any problems?"

Draco shook his head, "No we were just on our way to lunch. I needed to ask my cousin here a couple questions. That's all."

The other Slytherins had split and were now lined up on either wall. The lead Gryffindor leaned down so he was face to face with Draco, "Is that a fact?" Draco nodded backing up into Orion. The older Gryffindor then turned to Orion, "So what was his question?"

Orion shook his head, "I honestly don't think it would require the entire first year class of Slytherin to ask a question."

The Gryffindors began cracking their knuckles, "Then it looks like we found our first group of giant squid snacks." Draco and the other Slytherins took off running, except for Blaise and Daphne who'd slipped away when the seventh years showed up. The lead Gryffindor chuckled as he turned to the first years again, "Remember, that never stops being hilarious. Now come on you lot, let's go see what's for lunch."

The first years fell into step behind their seniors and followed them to the great hall. Once they sat at their end Dean motioned for Orion to look over at the Slytherins. Draco was in front of Snape apparently trying to explain something to him, next to Snape stood a smug Percy Weasley.

The first years only had a moment to ponder what happened, as Fred and George slipped in next to them. "You're here just in time." Started Fred

"Apparently that Malfoy brat…" George

"…was planning to start a fight." Fred

"Susan was informed by someone." George

"But she won't tell us who." Fred

"She went to Percy…" George

"…and he got Snape." Fred

Orion held up his hand before they went any further. "If you two don't please stop that, I might have to ask Professor McGonagall how to transfigure your hair to mach my cousins." The twins shared a look, and then finished explaining what had been going on.

Friday was Potions, the class was just settling into the Potions Dungeon when Professor Snape thundered in. He began with the roll call, and it took him only a moment to spot Orion and Harry. Orion immediately noticed his sneer.

Snape walked over to stand in front of Harry, "Well if it isn't our newest celebrity." Snape allowed the Slytherins a moment to snicker then continued with his start of term speech.

Orion started to get angry as Snape ridiculed Harry by asking questions that not even the Potion Master's precious godson Draco would have been able to answer.

Snape was forced to stop questioning Harry when Professor Dumbledore entered. "Is there something I could do for you Headmaster?"

"No Severus, I thought I would observe you with these first years." Orion and Snape both noticed how the twinkle in the Headmasters eye was absent. High above in the Headmasters office the cloaked man sat laughing. He knew that not only Snape was confused, but no doubt Orion as well.

The rest of the day went uneventful. Orion met Harry, Ron, and Hermione in the entrance hall after lunch. Harry turned to his friends, "Hermione are you sure you don't want to come to Hagrid's?"

Hermione nodded, "I have a question for Professor Flitwick on our Charms homework. I overheard him talking to Professor Sprout and Professor Kettleburn they're planning to head down to the village after their last classes; I was hoping to catch him before they left."

Ron frowned, "You could always catch him tomorrow, its Saturday he'll be in his office all day."

Orion frowned, "Ron he's the head of Ravenclaw he'll no doubt have half of them in his office all day tomorrow reviewing all their work from all their classes. You know what that lot is like."

Harry grabbed Ron's shoulder, "Orion's right. Ravenclaw does like to stay on top, and if Hermione is going to keep Gryffindor's image up for the rest of us she'll need to beat all of them in every exam."

Orion and Hermione watched the other two leave then both turned toward the dungeons, "You sure you want to do this?"

Hermione huffed, "You're the one doing the extra lessons I'm just going to be sitting in a corner doing my homework."

Orion nodded, "Yeah, that's what I mean; you could still catch up to Harry and Ron."

Hermione shook her head, "I said I'd help you keep the others from finding out so that's why I'm here."

They entered Snape's office to find the Potions master busy grading papers. He looked up at the two Gryffindors, "Well, I see Ms. Granger is following you around. Is it a family trait that the Blacks have to have more intelligent witches and wizards trailing behind them or is it a learned behavior?"

Orion glared at Snape, "Shut it Death Eater."

Hermione gasped while Snape stood using his wand to close the door behind the two, "Silence! Mr. Black you know better than to call me that."

Orion drew his own wand, "Then stop insulting me, my family, and my friends."

Snape smirked, "It seems I hit a sore spot."

Orion swung his wand around pointed it at Hermione, "Protego!"

Snape scoffed, "Protecting her, well let's see if you remember everything I've taught you. Stupify!"

Orion ducked the bolt of red magic, "Stupify!"

Snape barely dodged as the spell impacted the bookcase behind him, "Very good. Expelliarmus!"

Orion slashed his wand horizontally, "Protego!"

Snape's spell hit the shield charm and dissipated, "So you're not a complete idiot I see."

Hermione watched as the pair fought back and forth for an hour before the door behind her opened and Professor McGonagall entered. Hermione turned to the Professor, "Professor McGonagall?"

The Professor smiled at her then turned to the two dueling wizards, "I believe that's enough for now."

Snape glared at Orion but soon turned to Hermione, "I would appreciate it if you didn't let slip what Mr. Black called me."

McGonagall frowned, "What did he say?"

Snape huffed, "Mr. Black let slip my former allegiance to a certain group of dark wizards."

McGonagall turned to the two Gryffindor first years, "Orion you know better that to accuse Professor Snape he's worked for Dumbledore for many years."

Oroin grumbled something along the lines of greasy git.

McGonagall then focused on Hermione, "Ms. Granger, I'll implore you to heed Professor Snape's request, he is no more a Death Eater than I or anyone else in this castle."

Hermione nodded, "Yes Professor."

McGonagall then turned to Orion, "Well then, we should be off. There's much to do and this conversation is cutting into our work time." McGonagall turned to Snape, "I'll leave Ms. Granger with you."

Snape nodded then watched as the Head of Gryffindor and the son of one of his most hated tormentors departed. After they were gone he turned to Hermione, "Well Ms. Granger, we should see where your strengths lie so I don't waste time trying to improve your skill in a fields you have no talent for."

Orion followed McGonagall into her office. Standing next to the fireplace were both Albus Dumbledore and a man that Orion had only seen in pictures. Faster than the eye could see Orion had his wand out and pointed at the man, "It can't be…you're supposed to be dead."

Dumbledore smiled as the twinkle in his eye showed his amusement at the current situation.

McGonagall shook her head, "Mr. Black, please lower your wand."

Orion frowned, "But Professor…that's Regulus Black, he's a known Death Eater."

Dumbledore nodded, "Yes, that's true, but also I heard that Regulus Black died in early 1979, almost a year before you were born did he not."

Orion slowly lowered his wand, "But…what is he doing here?"

Regulus chuckled, "I've been playing security guard for the castle for the last seven years."

Orion scratched his head, "But…why haven't you shown you were alive?"

Regulus smirked, "So you'd inherit everything after mother died. Sirius and Bellatrix are in Azkaban for life, and seeing as Andromeda, Narcissa, Nymphadora, you, and Draco are the only living descendents of the House of Black. You being directly descended from the last head of the household make you first on the list. Though truthfully Sirius is the inheritor as he's still alive, but as his son the inheritance is being held in trust for you."

Orion grumbled, "Yea, I got a moldy old house and a cantankerous house-elf that doesn't like following my commands."

Regulus frowned, "Kreacher isn't listening to you? Why not he's always been a good elf?"

Orion shrugged, "I don't know, I just told him to help Andromeda around the house while I was away at school."

Regulus nodded, "I see the problem…Orion call him now."

Orion turned to the Headmaster, "Umm…Professor, permission to call my house-elf?"

Dumbledore nodded.

Orion huffed, "Kreacher!"

With a pop the elderly house-elf appeared, "How may I serve young master?"

Regulus spoke up behind the house-elf, "You'll start by following his commands."

Those present would have sworn Kreacher nearly keeled over from shock. Kreacher grovled before the older member of the Black House, "Master Regulus…it is so good to see you again."

Regulus frowned, "I'm not pleased Kreacher. You are defying my nephew's commands?"

Kreacher looked pleadingly at Regulus, "He commands I listen to a blood traitor, disinherited, muggle loving…"

Regulus reached down and caught Kreacher by his pillowcase uniform, "Enough Kreacher. I won't have you speaking so of Andromeda. You will forget that bile and hate my mother spewed and listen to what Orion commands of you. He is your master now, and you will obey him."

Kreacher bowed his head, "Yes Master Regulus…"

Regulus put Kreacher down and turned back to Orion, "You see Orion you don't have to be harsh with them, just firm."

Orion turned to Kreacher, "Return home and help Andromeda."

Kreacher bowed then vanished with a pop.

Regulus sighed, "I forgot how devoted he was to mother." He then turned to his nephew, "Well, we should get started then, it's not like you're going to learn this all over night."

Orion frowned, "Learn what?"

McGonagall huffed, "Your uncle wishes you to begin training to become an Animagus like myself and he are."

Regulus chuckled, "Well, I'd prefer more like me. I really don't see a reason for registering with the ministry."

Orion looked surprised, "You're an unregistered Animagus?"

Regulus nodded, "When my brother and his friends began working on it I became curious. I'm only a year behind them, and my brother wasn't the only one to pick up a few tricks from the muggle-borns and half bloods. During the summer after the first year they started their little project I i picked the lock on his door and copied his notes then began trying it. I mastered it a year after him."

An hour later Orion rejoined his friends at the Gryffindor table, "So how was everyone else's afternoon?"

Hermione grimaced, "Long."

Harry frowned, "Did you have trouble catching up with Professor Flitwick, we saw him on the grounds and he said he'd no intentions of leaving today."

Orion grumbled as he pulled some food onto his plate, "Must have changed his plans."

Ron nodded as his mouth was too stuffed with food to speak.

Hermione smiled at Harry, "Oh, actually I ran into Professor Snape while waiting for Professor Flitwick and he directed me to an appropriate library book."

Ron swallowed his mouthful, "Blimey, Snape actually helping a Gryffindor, never heard that happening before."

Orion shrugged, "Stanger things have happened."

Harry turned to Orion and Hermione, "Have you two heard about the break in at Gringotts?"

Orion frowned, "I've not been reading the Prophet, what happened?"

Harry lowered his voice, "Someone broke into a vault that was emptied that day…I know because I saw Hagrid empting it when he escorted my Aunt and me to my vault."

Hermione frowned, "What was in it?"

Harry shook his head, "It was a small package. Hagrid didn't actually say it, but he sort of admitted the thieves were after that package."

Ron nodded, "Yeah, and here's the kicker. The thieves weren't caught. It was a high security vault and they just walked in and out without being noticed."

Orion shook his head, "That's not possible."

Harry nodded, "That's what Hagrid said when we were there, but today he let on that an extremely dark wizard could."

Hermione looked at the staff table, "Are there any dark wizards who could have done it?"

Orion shrugged, "Voldemort."

Ron and Hermione both made funny choking noises at the name. Harry smirked, "Not afraid of names either?"

Orion chuckled, "Why be afraid? If he kills me it's not like I'm going to be around much to care, but let's stay on topic."

Hermione pulled out a book from her bag, "It says in 'Rise and Fall of the Dark Arts' that Professor Dumbledore was the only wizard that You Know Who feared."

Harry took a bite of his food then after swallowing spoke, "So that would mean Hogwarts is the safest place for something you don't want Him to get his hands on."

Ron nodded, "Makes sense."

Orion frowned, "That's only as long as Professor Dumbledore is here…if he's gone then Hogwarts isn't any safer than Gringotts."

The others nodded at this information. Harry turned to his three closest friends, "We better find out what this thing is and where it's hidden."

Hermione sent a superior look toward Harry, "Harry, didn't you hear the older students at the welcoming feast. They said that the rule about the third floor corridor was new."

Orion nodded, "So we know where it is, but not what it is."

Ron took a bite of food, "So what do we do to figure that out."

Orion turned to Harry, "Mind visiting Hagrid again?"

On Thursday of the following week the boys came down from their dorm they'd had no luck visiting Hagrid as the gamekeeper had been either in the forest or otherwise too busy to see them.

As they mulled around the common room waiting for the girls Ron noticed a new announcement on the board. "Hey, we have flying practice this afternoon."

Harry took a closer look, "Well Orion, seems we'll be seeing a lot of your cousin today. We're paired up with Slytherin again." The others all groaned.

Orion looked to the ceiling, "Why me? It's bad enough we have Potions with them."

Hermione and the girls joined them, "Don't forget DADA, since all first years have it together."

"Oh, then I think I'll take this opportunity to point out that I have to see their Head of House an extra hour more than the rest of you." Orion retorted.

Neville turned to face Orion, "Sorry about that, he gives me the creeps." Orion nodded.

Harry shook his head, "Well unless the rest of us want to chance getting detention with him we'd better get to breakfast."

They trooped down to the great hall, only to be stopped as they entered the entrance hall. Across the hall the Slytherin first years had emerged from the dungeons. "Great," Dean started, "I was hoping we'd at least get some breakfast before we had to lay eyes on those inbreeds."

Ron turned to Dean, "Watch it, some of us our purebloods to."

"Sorry, forgot." Dean stuttered.

"Drop it you two." Orion said as he spotted his cousin approaching. Draco stopped in front of Orion, but he was still slightly shorter than his cousin. "Make it quick Malfoy. Unlike you lot we don't like making our head of house irritated by coming in late to class."

Draco looked at his housemates then at Orion, "Truce"

Orion scoffed, "What?"

"I'm calling a truce. I don't bother you, you don't bother me. We let bygones be bygones." Draco said as coolly as possible.

"Alright, I agree, but I have some terms." Orion shot back, "First you lay off the muggle-borns and half bloods. Second you don't mess with my housemates either or the truce is off."

Everyone present could tell the amount of self-control it was taking Draco to maintain his composure, "Agreed."

Orion looked smugly at Draco, "Then get out of the way little dragon."

After the Gryffindors pushed past the Slytherins and entered the great hall. Nott turned to Draco, "Do you actually think Orion will drop his guard with this truce."

Draco shook his head, "Not an ice cubes chance in a dragon nest." As the Slytherins entered the great hall Daphne slipped over to the Hufflepuffs' table. None of her housemates notice, except for Blaise, who once again tapped his mirror.

Flying lessons were held after lunch, as the lunch period ended they moved out to the courtyard where Madam Hooch waited. They had barely started when Neville fell, and broke his arm. Madam Hooch took him to the Hospital Wing leaving strict instruction not to leave the ground. Draco picked up Neville's remembrall that his grandmother had sent him that morning; it had fallen from his pocket.

Harry had tried to get it back, but it ended up with the two of them chasing each other into the air. They were high up when Draco threw the orb. Harry shot past him to catch it, but didn't notice Draco had over balanced on the broom and was now falling.

Orion cursed to himself as he grabbed a broom and rocketed up into the air. While he didn't necessarily like Malfoy the blond brat was still family.

Orion caught Draco by the collar about ten feet from the ground. He and Harry returned to their group about the same time, and were both escorted away immediately by McGonagall.

She escorted them through the castle till they arrived at the DADA classroom. She went in, and then returned with an older Gryffindor in tow. "Oliver Wood, I've found us a new Seeker," She stated gesturing toward Harry, "And I would suggest you keep an eye on Mr. Black as a possible Chaser."

Orion was all for Quidditch, and played it with his friends and at the Weasleys home quite often. Unfortunately Andromeda had always been slightly overprotective. "Um, Professor there's no real need for that right, I mean Fred and George said the three current chasers are great."

Oliver looked at Orion, "Your father was Sirius right. He and James Potter were some of the best players Gryffindor ever had."

"Yeah, but he didn't have to put up with Andromeda Tonks nee Black." Orion's remarks made McGonagall smile.

"Then we will just have to see she understands that this is a good chance for you." She told them. She dismissed them telling them to return to their dormitory.

As Oliver escorted the two first years back to Gryffindor Tower Orion turned to Harry. "It's been nice knowing you, but after Professor McGonagall tells Andromeda this. She's going to kill me."

Harry turned to Orion, "Is Quidditch really that bad?"

"It depends; Oliver will probably go over the rules with you when he tries you out for seeker. I'm just wondering what they're going to do with that idiot of a cousin of mine." Orion said as they continued up the stairs.

Once they arrived at their dorms Oliver left them in the common room while he went off to check something and talk to some people. Harry and Orion took two of the comfortable chairs in front of the fireplace. They had just sat down when their classmates barreled through the portrait hole. "What happened?" "Are you being expelled?" these were the most common questions.

Harry, answering as Wood had asked them not to mention the team to anyone, "We're not sure yet. McGonagall just sent us to the common room."

Orion turned to them, "I have a good guess she is talking to our families' right about now."

Orion had just finished his sentence when their Head of House stepped in. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Black, please come with me."

Ron turned to the others and whispered, "I wonder if she has confused these two with their fathers yet." The laughter of the others was cut off by a stiff cough from McGonagall.

Harry and Orion fell into step behind her. She led them to a gargoyle on the second floor. She turned to it and said, "Pepper Imps" The gargoyle moved to reveal spiraling stairs.

The boys got on the stairs with McGonagall, and ended up in front of a large wooden door. "This is the Headmasters office. Now we must not keep him wait him waiting, he is a very busy man." McGonagall said as she ushered them to the door.

Dumbledore's voice sounded from the other side, calling them to enter. Harry and Orion stopped immediately upon entering. The Headmaster sat behind his desk, and before it stood five adults. Four of them Orion knew.

"Aunt Petunia? What are you doing here?" Harry asked his Aunt.

She was standing on the right of the group. Upon hearing her name she turned a stern look on Harry. "I am here because apparently you broke a serious rule."

Harry seemed to shrink back, as Orion turned to his relatives. "I really don't think all four of you are needed to yell at me."

Andromeda who was standing between Ted and Petunia shot daggers with her eyes at Orion, "I doubt yelling at you would help, but from what Dumbledore has told us, Lucius and Narcissa should be thanking you."

Orion turned to see the stoic expressions on the Malfoys faces. He turned so only Harry could hear, "Doubt that would ever happen."

Moments later Professor Snape entered dragging Draco by his collar. "Sorry it took so long Professor, Draco believed ranting, blackmailing, and bribing all the way up here was a better use of our time."

"I see," Dumbledore raised an eyebrow at Draco, and then motioned toward three chairs in front of his desk, "boys please take a seat and we will begin." Draco, Orion, and Harry each took a seat, their parents or guardians stood behind them. Snape and McGonagall moved to flank Dumbledore, "Now that we are all present, I would like to hear from the three of you the course of events that led us here."

He motioned for Orion to tell his version first, Harry went next, and received a nod from Dumbledore and McGonagall when his version matched Orion's. Draco went last, and tried to make himself look like the victim.

After the boys finished Dumbledore thought for a minute, then turned to the parents. "I have decided to forgo the maximum required punishment, as no one was injured." He turned back to the boys, "Draco, you will be given weekly detention with Professor Snape until the start of the Christmas Holidays, Orion and Harry, since you were both acting in the interest of others, you will receive no punishment." He looked to see if Lucius was going to interrupt, but along with several others was surprised when he did not, "I have also been informed that your House Quidditch captain has shown an interest in the both of you joining the team."

Orion took a chance to look behind him at Andromeda, but she seemed unusually calm considering the subject matter. When he looked at Harry's Aunt, it was more of what he expected from his. She looked nervously at Harry, and was clenching the back of the chair so her knuckles were white. 'Guess Ted and Andromeda explained Quidditch to her.' He thought to himself.

Orion looked at his uncle Lucius, and was surprised to see him watching him. Lucius turned to Dumbledore, "What positions would two first years be capable enough to play?" He seemed to laugh at the idea.

Dumbledore looked at the adults present, "If their guardians consent. Harry has been nominated for the position of Seeker. While Mr. Wood sent a novel idea to Professor McGonagall, to have a relief chaser, who could also fill in if another positions player was absent."

Ted nodded, "Many muggle athletic sports have relief players, and in our time here some of our players were unable to participate, the substitutes were usually dragged in at the last minute. How would the playtime be divided, or did this Wood kid not think things out that far."

Dumbledore looked to Professor McGonagall, "Since this idea did come from one of your students would you like to elaborate."

"Of course Headmaster," McGonagall stepped forward, "The relief player will be considered a chaser, and will be one of three junior chasers. Each of these students will play in two of the three games for their house. There will also be a senior chaser, who will act as the chasers captain on the field, and play in all games for their house, unless the relief player must step in for them of course."

Dumbledore turned to Lucius, "Since you are a representative of the school governors, would you like to make a ruling on this."

Lucius nodded, "Of course Headmaster. I see it as a good opportunity for more students to show off their skills on the pitch, and I can tell the Gryffindor Captain must be able to see skill if he wants my nephew to join the team this badly. I'll have it written up and ratified by the first game." He turned to Snape, "I hope Slytherin is searching for an adequate relief player."

Snape made no comment. Some more discussion occurred between Orion's relatives, but he didn't pay attention. Instead he watched as Harry talked to his Aunt, "I didn't think muggles could find Hogwarts."

Petunia nodded, "That is normally the case as your headmaster told me. He sent that giant with a potkey, or keyport. I can't remember what it was called."

"How's Dudley doing at Smeltings?" Harry asked.

Petunia smiled, "He's fine. Sent a letter home the other day, said his friends are not as much help when it comes to homework as you are."

Shaking his head Harry replied, "His homework would be a piece of cake compared to what we have to do here."

"I can only fathom a guess. Your mother usually had to write several essays over the summer. Though we had a neighbor that also went here, he usually helped her." Harry didn't notice Petunia's glance at Snape, but Orion did.

Orion walked over to Harry, "We better get down to dinner before Ron eats it all."

Dumbledore who was in conversation with the other Professors overheard him. "Oh, how forgetful of me," He turned to the adults, "Since I've seemed to keep you so late, I must insist that to make amends you join us for dinner."

Lucius bowed low to the Headmaster, "We would be honored to dine with the staff and students of Hogwarts."

Dumbledore turned to Orion, "Mr. Black and Mr. Potter will you please escort your families and the Malfoys to the great hall and allow them to sit with Gryffindor house." Several eyes went wide, but Orion allowed a mischievous smile to cross his face.

"Of course Headmaster," Orion turned to his family, "Uncle Lucius, Aunt Narcissa, if you will follow me." Orion motioned with his hand, in a display of proper manners. Ted and Andromeda could barely hold in their laughter as they followed the others. Harry and Petunia followed, as did Professor McGonagall.

As Professor Snape moved to direct Draco out of the office Draco turned to the Headmaster, "Wouldn't it be proper for my parents to sit with my house, instead of the house of my cousin?"

Dumbledore deemed to answer Draco's question with a question, "And would that not be considered rewarding you for your actions this afternoon?" Draco couldn't think up a reply before Snape grabbed his shoulder and guided him out of the office.

Dumbledore waited a minute before addressing the shadow in the corner of his office, "I believe you will need to take a more active role in your nephew's. Lucius seems to be trying to worm his way in."

Regulus stepped from the shadows, "I've already sent for Orion's broom. A decent one for a Chaser, but will serve him well if he has to play other positions. As for taking as you say a more active role? He's staying here for the holidays; I've already talked to Andromeda about this. It'll give us some time to bond, and I'll be able to tell him more about his father than Sirius can in those hour long visits he gets every few years."

"I see you have it all planned out." Dumbledore checked his watch, "How may I ask is Sarah doing, you are still keeping tabs on her are you not."

Regulus nodded, "You gave me an assignment, though it would be easier if I still had a house-elf." Dumbledore quirked an eyebrow, "When I rebuked Kreacher the other day I basically told him to answer only to Orion, he's listening to Andromeda now because that's the orders Orion gave him."

Dumbledore nodded, "I see. Since you are in my employ, I will allow you to use three of the Hogwarts house elves to assist you in this duty."

"Thank you Headmaster." Regulus said as he bowed. "I'll take my leave, and allow you to go watch Lucius squirm."

Dumbledore left his office soon after, arriving in the great hall as the last student found their places along their tables. He stepped up the dais where the staff table sat then went to his podium, "Good evening students, May I have your attention." It took a moment for the students to quiet down, "As some of you may know, we had some excitement during the flying lessons this afternoon." The Gryffindors and Slitherins looked nervously among themselves. "That matter has been straightened out, and you will all find a notice on your common room boards in the morning. Now though we have another matter that needs to be settled."

The students all looked curiously at their Headmaster. Even the first year Lions and Snakes, Orion whispered across the table to Harry, "Did we do something I don't remember?"

Harry shook his head, "Not that I can think of, and everyone else has been pretty quiet as well."

Lucius raised an eyebrow as he overheard the conversation, 'Too much like their fathers.' He turned to face Dumbledore as he began to speak again.

"It has come to my attention that the first year class has had some rather nasty incidents." He looked across the hall, "There have been fights in the hallways, standoffs between different students and year groups." Dumbledore frowned, "After dinner I ask you all to remain in your seats, we will hold a school meeting to try and find a suitable solution to these problems."

Most the Prefects, Percy Weasley in paticular nodded in agreement.

As normal dinner conversation started to crop up Hermione turned to Andromeda and Ted, "Mr. and Mrs. Tonks, I didn't have a chance to thank you for helping my parents and I at the station."

Andromeda waved it off, "Not a problem dear. Your parents are very nice, we had tea with them after you lot were off." Andromeda saw to her left Lucius and Narcissa attempting to hold a conversation with the two Gryffindor girls sitting across from them.

Lucius turned to the girl who identified herself as Lavender, "Ms. Brown, I take it there has been some altercations over the last few days. I hope my son and nephew haven't been dragging their classmates into their petty grudges."

Lavender began shaking her head, "Orion wouldn't drag any of us into anything. Most the altercations seem to happen when he's not around, or when we're leaving a class. Those of us who are purebloods don't seem to be targeted. It's our muggle-born classmates, and I'm sorry to say Mr. Malfoy, but your son is usually the ringleader."

Parvati nodded, "The two of us and Hermione were coming out of the restroom just the other day, and Draco and his goon squad showed up. The two lummoxes held us back while Draco harassed Hermione. They scattered when they heard the boys coming down the hall. Lavender had to take Hermione back into the restroom to get cleaned up while I distracted Harry, Ron, and Orion."

Narcissa turned to look down the table to where Hermione was sitting. 'She is attractive, for a muggle-born.' She turned to her husband, "I believe we need to have another talk with our son before we leave."

Lucius held up his hand to silence her, "Perhaps…" Lucius turned back to the two girls, "…Have my son and nephew had any exchanges of words of late in either of your presences?"

Lavender nodded, "Just this morning actually. Before breakfast Draco and the rest of Slytherin's first years stopped all of us before we got to the Great Hall."

Parvati nodded, "Yeah, Draco was offering some sort of truce…not that it lasted."

Lucius waited till the food vanished and Dumbledore returned to his podium. He stood up and turned to Professor Dumbledore, "Headmaster, I would like to make a suggestion on a proper…arena…if you would, for students to settle disagreements."

"And what would this arena be, Mr. Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked.

"Why a dueling one of course," Malfoy stepped over the bench and began walking toward the front. "For many years this school had an award winning dueling program. Even your illustrious Charms Professor, had an exemplary career as a master duelist prior to teaching." He stopped standing directly in front of Dumbledore.

Dumbledore leaned down and whispered to Lucius, "What are you up to Lucius?"

"Trying to help you regain control before the students start playing Order of the Phoenix vs. Death Eaters in the halls," He hissed back. "And teach my son a valuable lesson."

Dumbledore gave him a hard look. After a moment of eye contact he turned back to the students. "I and Mr. Malfoy, who is also one of our schools governors, have agreed. We will begin to hold sanctioned duels, but only as a last resort."

"Very well," Lucius turned to the student body, "The first duel that will be sanctioned, under Professor Dumbledore's and my authority will be between Draco Malfoy and Orion Black. I have it on good authority that Draco Malfoy broke an accord between himself and his cousin. This accord was witnessed by several individuals from Gryffindor and Slytherin."

Dumbledore nodded, "The Headmaster agrees with the governor's decision. This duel will take place as soon as the hall can be readied."

Professor Dumbledore asked for everyone to depart the hall so it could be readied for the duel.

Draco attempted to approach his father but was cut off by Snape, "I'm sorry Mr. Malfoy, but the duelists must wait in the room off the great hall with their Head of House."

Orion turned to see Professor McGonagall motion him to come as well. He nodded to her then quickly turned to Harry, "Find out who was talking to my Uncle, and find out exactly what they told him."

Harry nodded as Orion left. He left Petunia with Andromeda, Ted, Hermione, and Dean as he went to find Ron and Susan. He found them talking to Hannah and Neville. "Orion wants us to find who was talking to Mr. Malfoy."

Hannah turned to Harry, "What does he want to know?"

Harry spoke quickly, "He wants to know everything they told Mr. Malfoy."

Susan nodded, "I'll see what I can find."

"Wait," Neville frowned, "Mr. Malfoy was sitting with Gryffindor…Who in Gryffindor has trouble with talking about things they shouldn't."

Hannah grumbled, "Lavender and Pavarti…you guys should really keep an eye on those two."

"Yeah, but why when it's a hopeless cause." Ron asked the others.

They spotted Lavender and Pavarti. Susan motioned them over and spoke as soon as the pair was close enough, "What were you two saying to Mr. Malfoy?"

Lavender grimaced, "Well…we told her we wouldn't tell you guys…especially Orion since he's really protective of his friends and all."

Pavarti nodded, "We told Mr. Malfoy how Draco was harassing Hermione the other day."

Ron frowned, "Harassing?"

Lavender fidgeted with her hands, "He caught us coming out of the bathroom…he started say stuff…"

Pavarti picked up, "…it was a lot of nasty stuff, but I doubt he knew what half of it meant. But he cornered her and had his goon squad keep us from interfering."

Lavender nodded, "They bolted when they heard the three of you coming down the hall."

Harry glared toward the Great Hall doors, "I hope Orion beats Draco."

"Um, he hasn't told any of you what happened to his mom has he?" Susan asked out of the blue. The other three shook their heads, "Well, I don't like spreading secrets, but she was assaulted in Godric's Hallow. Back in 1981, it was pretty brutal from what I've heard."

Harry turned to her, "That was where my parents died." Something had just clicked in Harry's brain, "When we were talking on the train he said his mother died the same night as my parents. We were talking about his dad, who's my godfather, I didn't even think."

Susan put a hand on his shoulder, "I found out when I was helping my Aunt clean up her office. The murder of Orion's mother is still an unsolved case. Some people at the time thought it was his father who did it, but those with an actual brain know it was someone else."

All conversation ended as the doors to the great hall were once more opened. The tables were gone; instead four sets of bleachers, each in a house color were setup around a long rectangular platform. Harry found and sat next to his Aunt and Hermione.

As the students and staff were entering Great Hall, Orion and Draco were given a quick lesson in the stupify and protego spells. After showing the boys the two spells and seeing that they both could use them Professor Flitwick left.

Once everyone was seated Orion and Draco entered the hall followed by Snape and McGonagall.

Flitwick stepped onto the platform. "Mr. Malfoy, you are accused of a lack of honor. You've been challenged. Do you except the challenge, and agree to obey the rules i set down for this match?"

Draco nodded nervously.

Flitwick turned to Orion, "Mr. Black, you are the challenger, do you agree to obey the rules I set down for this match?"

Orion nodded.

Flitwick directed his attention to the crowd, "This duel will last till one of the combatants is unable to duel, or I declare a victor. You may use only the sanctioned spells I instructed you in earlier."

Harry looked around and saw Dumbledore and Lucius Malfoy sitting at what looked like a judge's booth. Orion and Draco both entered the dueling area; they bowed to each other, then the judges, and once more to each other. They stood at the ready until Professor Flitwick waved his wand signaling them to start, and raising a protective shield.

Both combatants pointed their wands at each other, and yelled out the same spell, "Stupefy!" Twin bolts of red light shot from their wand hurtling directly at each other. The first shots collided in the air and cancelled each other out. Draco prepared to send another stupefy, but when he looked up two jets of red light were already coming at him. He dodged the first, but the second caught him in the arm and sent him spinning.

Orion stalked toward his cousin who was trying to regain his balance. "I can't believe you tried something so pathetic as a truce to get me to lower my guard. Well, look who your role models are." With a scream of rage Draco cast two stupefy spells at Orion. Orion easily dodged the hastily thrown spells. With a shrug Orion pointed his wand at Draco, "I was hoping this would last longer, but I guess it's time we ended this. Stupefy!"

Draco was hit square in his chest and thrown back several feet. Professor Flitwick ran over to check him, "The winner is Mr. Black." He turned to Madam Pomfrey, "I do believe he'll need to be revived."

Once Draco was once again on his feet he and Orion stood before Dumbledore and Lucius. "Well done, though congratulations will have to go to Mr. Black." Dumbledore announced. "Mr. Malfoy, you've lost, do you understand the rules you've broken?"

Draco looked downcast under his father's gaze, "Yes sir."

"Very well, your actions have been a negative influence on the harmony of the school. On top of that, you have let yourself and your family down with your dishonorable actions. Your defeat is punishment enough I feel, your current detentions stand as is." With that Dumbledore dismissed everyone.

In the entrance hall Harry and Orion were saying farewell to their relatives. "See you later Andromeda." Orion said as he hugged his 'Aunt.'

"You be good Orion." Ted said as he ruffled his hair, "I don't want to be called from work again, and find out you've gotten yourself into trouble."

Lucius stepped forward, "I think we all know it would be impossible for Orion to stay out of trouble long. Too much of that father of his in him," Narcissa merely smiled at her nephew/cousin, then motioned Lucius that they should leave.

McGonagall entered the hall and saw Ted and Andromeda were still there, "Oh, good you haven't left yet. Professor Dumbledore was wondering if either of you could escort Mrs. Dursley home. It is a little late to arrange a proper portkey."

Ted nodded, "Not a problem. I'll apparate her home before I go myself."

"Thank you," Ted and McGonagall walked over to Harry and his Aunt.

Petunia was in the middle of talking to Harry, "I know you don't get along with Vernon's sister. He insists we visit her this year, I've talked to your Headmaster, and he says it will be fine for you to stay here during the holidays."

"Dudley may start complaining about unfair treatment," Harry chuckled, "I'll send Hedwig with a letter about the middle of next week, if that's ok."

Petunia nodded, "Vernon has been paranoid about when she would show up. Have you remembered to thank Mr. Hagrid for the owl?"

"Yes, Ron and me had tea with him last Friday." Harry told her.

They turned to see McGonagall and Mr. Tonks approach. "Mrs. Dursley, Mr. Tonks has agreed to escort you home. He'll be side-along apparating you back to Private Drive."

The adults said their final goodbyes and departed the castle. Harry and Orion rejoined their fellow Gryffindors and headed up to their common room. Most the older students decided to go to bed, and after congratulating Orion, departed up the stairs. Of the first years, Dean, Seamus, Lavender, and Parvati all decided to go to bed early.

Once the room was clear Orion turned to Hermione, "Get Susan and Hannah on your mirror." She pulled out the mirror and called them up. He pulled out his own and shortly Fred, George, and Lee had returned to the common room. "I think we've received our first target."

There was a general consensus, the five who knew Draco had been harassing Hermione where anxious to start. Susan's voice emerged from the mirror, "How should we do it?."

Neville frowned, "We have to be careful though. If they think someone is targeting him specifically won't they look at us first?"

Orion turned his back to the others, "Actually, Draco's own father served him up like a sacrificial lamb." The others all stared at his back, Susan and Hannah from the mirror. "My uncle is not a man to do something without reason. Does anyone know what he was doing before suggesting the sanctioned duels?"

Hermione spoke up, "He was talking to Lavender and Parvati." She started to examine her hands, "They were telling him about what happened the other day."

Orion grunted, but remained silent. Harry and Ron both jumped to their feet, Harry turned on Orion, "You already knew?"

Orion looked over his shoulder at Harry, "Hermione told me after dinner the day it happened."

George raised his hand, "Uhh, yah, I'm not sure about everyone else but I'm lost."

Fred nodded, "Someone going to fill us in?"

Hermione spoke from where she sat next to Harry, "Malfoy cornered Lavender, Pavarti, and me outside the girl's restroom. He said some things…."

Most of Orion's older friends looked confused, "Why haven't you told someone?." Ron interrupted.

"I told Orion..." Hermione said, "I figured he'd stop after that Orion threatened him. I thought that's why Draco asked Orion for the truce. It wasn't until Daphne came up to me before dinner that I started to get worried. She's been spending most her time either in her dorm room, or with Susan and Hannah."

Lee turned to Orion, "Did you know about that to?"

Only Fred and George noted that Orion's knuckles were currently pale white, as his fists were clenched. He turned to Susan in the mirror, "How long?"

"The day after your confrontation outside Charms, the other Slytherins noticed how she and Blaise seemed to slip away before the seventh years arrived." Susan said, "I didn't know she was a friend of yours, I was confused when she said not to let you know."

Orion fumed as he turned to the twins, "Fred and George. Let the older students know. It's open season on Malfoy."

Orion excused himself and retreated to his dorm. The others sat and stared after him for a minute then Fred turned to Hermione, "Um, Orion storming off like that is usually a bad thing."

Hermione answered, "For Draco you mean."

Fred nodded, "Exactly."

Draco's misfortunes started the very next morning. Someone put a tripping jinx on his shoes during breakfast, and he ended up falling face first into the ground several time. Later his bag was hit by a cutting hex on his way to the Library, and then someone used a levitation charm to spill his ink on his potions essay.

Draco had been subject to older students messing with him before, but he knew that if things got out of hand, Orion would be there to help. Even when they were fighting at their worst Orion always prevented constant pranking like this. That was why at lunch Draco approached the Gryffindor table, "Orion, I need to speak to you."

Orion didn't turn around, but lifted his face from the essay he was reviewing, "Hermione did someone just call my name?"

Hermione exasperatedly looked up at Draco, "What do you want Malfoy?"

Draco glared at her, "I'm not talking to you mud…"

Draco was cut off as Orion swung his elbow full force into his stomach. Draco fell, and when he recovered enough to look up found his cousin looming over him. Draco had never seen the amount of anger present in his cousin's eyes, or his voice as he began to speak. "I don't care if you are a proper pureblood. I will not listen to you call my friends by that name. I don't care if we are cousins, I don't want to even see your face outside of class from now on. So get lost Malfoy."

Some students, who wondered why a Professor hadn't intervened, looked up to the staff table to see all the Professors observing calmly. When they saw that Orion was finished with Draco, Professor McGonagall walked down the aisle. "Mr. Black I take it Mr. Malfoy said something that greatly disturbed you. May I ask what it was?"

Orion lowered his head, "I'm sorry for the outburst Professor. He then had used a derogatory term directed at one of my friends."

McGonagall nodded understanding, "I see, Mr. Black please go to Professor Dumbledore's office, while I agree with you feeling on this matter you mustn't resort to violence. Mr. Malfoy, I'd hope after yesterday you'd have more common sense. Your father left explicit instructions, that if you were to cause anymore problems, that we should consider corporal punishment. I on the other believe aiding the elves in the kitchen might straighten your attitude."

"But Professor…" Draco started to complain.

"No buts Mr. Malfoy, I believe you can ask Mr. Filch to escort you to the kitchens." She then addressed both boys, "As for your conducts. Ten points from Gryffindor and Slytherin." She turned and went back to the staff table. Orion gathered his belongings and left for the Headmasters office. Draco sulked off to the kitchens.

End Chapter 2

A/N: Just so everyone is on the same page this chapter covered from Diagon Alley to the end of the second week of classes at Hogwarts, so about chapters six through nine of Philosopher's Stone/Sorcerer's Stone. Hope you enjoyed, and I'll update again soon…the more reviews the better chance of getting a quicker update.