The disclaimer is in the first chapter.
Author's Notes:
Once again I'm adding the Warning that Harry's name for this story is Jason. If anyone has a problem with this please stop reading now. Also, don't leave a review stating how you hate it when fanfiction author's change the characters name.
For reference, I am using the characters of Wonder Woman, Batman, Jason, etc. from the Prime Earth (2011-present) timeline. Right, now I am just using the characters and not any of the storylines.
Prince of Themyscira
Chapter 2 - Family Reunions
British Museum
London, England
1996
Six-year-old, Jason Potter, followed his primary school class around the various exhibits. The teacher had chosen to take her class on an end of the year school trip to the British Museum. His classmates were understandably excited and being very noisy as the tour guide led the group around the museum. Jason, on the other hand, was bored and restless, so he hung towards the back of the group.
He watched in amusement as his Aunt Petunia wrestled his cousin, Dudley, and his friend, Piers back from behind the protective barrier that cordoned off the mummy on display in the sarcophagus. His aunt was on the trip acting as a chaperone, but really she was only there to keep Dudley out of trouble and to keep an eye on him. He had lived with the Dursleys for as long as he remembered.
Aunt Petunia was supposed to be his mother's sister. She seemed to dislike it when he asked questions about her or any of her family. His aunt was average in appearance with blonde hair and blues, her expression one of disdain for everyone, but her husband and son. She was tall with an impossibly long neck that she used to peak over the fence to spy on the neighbors.
Her husband, Vernon Dursley, was a whale of a man, really you'd think the man had never heard of a healthy lifestyle or even a diet. The only thing worse than the man's health was his lack of personality. Uncle Vernon was a man of little brains and a low tolerance for anything not normal, so the appearance of Superman followed quickly by the discovery of aliens living as refugees on Earth did nothing to help the man's blood pressure.
Their son, Dudley, was well on his way to matching his father and mother in looks with blonde hair and blue eyes. He would soon also match his father in size and personality. Dudley was the class dunce and the school and neighborhood bully. Dudley and his gang of friends had tried several times to bully him, but Jason was always too fast for the group to catch. The two boys had come to a mutual understanding, long ago, that they would leave each other alone.
The truth is that Jason cared little for his so-called family and the feeling was mutual. Sure they lived in the same house and his aunt made sure that Jason had clothes and food to eat, but Jason knew it was only because of obligation and the nice check his aunt received every month from his parent's estate.
Jason's attention was diverted from the tour guide's monologue by some museum workers setting up an exhibit next door. Curious about what was happening, Jason made sure no one was watching before sneaking behind the curtain. He watched the work going on with fascination.
The exhibit seemed to be about the Ancient Greek warrior women known as the Amazons.
Of course, with the appearance of Wonder Woman and Aquaman had renewed interests in tales of the once thought mythical race of warrior women and the lost city of Atlantis. Once again, Uncle Vernon had been quite vocal on his opinion of freaks in costumes acting like they were above the law. It seems the man's bigotry seemed to be limitless.
"Hey! You kid!" a man shouted, "you're not supposed to be here!" The stranger grabbed his shoulder roughly.
"Unhand the child!" a woman commanded, having grabbed the museum workers wrist.
The man whence in pain at the woman's grip. "Sor-Sorry, Dr. Prince…" the man groveled. "I didn't mean the kid any harm, really."
The now identified, Dr. Prince, let the man go, telling him "I shall take care of the child.." The museum worker nodded in understanding before scampering away.
"Are you alright, child?" she asked turning her attention to the boy. She was startled to notice the mark of Zeus on the boy's brow immediately recognizing that Zeus must have chosen to bless this boy for some reason.
Jason smiled at the tall woman, feeling an instant connection and familiarity with the tall, raven-haired beauty. A mischievous smile appeared and his eyes flashed momentarily from green to blue, matching the azure blue of her gaze. There was a feeling of shared curiosity and amusement being shared between the two.
"Hi! I'm Jason," his hand moving forward in greeting.
Diana extended her hand polity when they grasped each other's hand a mild electric shock passed between them. The feeling of warmth was pleasant as a long-missing piece felt as if it fell into place.
"By the goddesses!" the Amazonian warrior exclaimed watching as the boy's smile grew even more as happiness and security filled them.
"Finally!" A boisterous cry startled the twins.
Their attention diverted from each other to find the statue of the goddess Artemis was suddenly alive. "My sister's and I were beginning to wonder if you two would ever meet."
Jason smile grew wider seeing the statue come alive. "Hey! Your one of the women from dreams!"
Diana turned to scold the boy for his lack of decorum in addressing the goddess.
"You dream of me, Jason?" the goddess questioned puzzled because the last time the saw each other Jason was just a babe of just a few months.
"Yes, m 'lady," he says with a bow, his eyes never breaking contact with Artemis. "Almost every time it storms," he answered before launching into a recap of his dream.
Artemis smiles with fondness at the memory of meeting Jason for the first time. "Your dream isn't a dream at all, but a memory, little brother."
Diana is taken by surprise at the goddess claiming the boy as her kin. Artemis's attention is diverted to the Amazon princess. "It would seem that there are still some things that Hippolyta has kept from you, dear sister, perhaps it would be best if I were to explain…starting with the fact that despite the outward age distance the two of you are twins…" Artemis launches into the twins history, including the fact that Zeus is their biological father before filling them in on how and who is responsible for Jason being present in modern-day England.
"So Aunt Petunia's not my real aunt and her sister, Lily, was actually the goddess Hecate?" Jason questions puzzled, "Then how'd I end up with them?"
"A mortal fool believed he knew best for you and superseded your adopted parents will. It didn't help that your godfather, Sirius Black, let his recklessness get him thrown in the Wizarding prison." Artemis clarified, a thoughtful look took over her face, "but now we can fix things. Diana, contact your friend, Bruce, explain things to him. His legal team should be able to find a way to get you custody of Jason," she said about the pause, "you should also contact your mother. She'll want to know that you have found Jason. With the help of the members of the Justice League and the Amazons, you'll be able to train Jason for his role as Hecate's champion." Jason was excited with the prospect of living with his sister.
The Amazon couldn't help, but pick up on the boy's excitement or share in his joy. The strange link between her and the boy only heightened when Jason managed to slip his left hand into her right one without her noticing. She unconsciously intertwines their fingers, glancing his way to see an identical smile gracing
his lips.
(Flashforward - one week)
The encounter with Artemis and meeting his sister, Diana, was surreal, but the reassurance from the mental link he shared with his sister helped. The telepathic link was another thing the goddess explained that Hestia had bestowed that particular gift on the twins. The rest of the week had consisted of Diana keeping him busy via the mental link, as well as, keeping him updated on her progress to gain custody of him.
After Artemis was through telling them everything they need to know for now. The siblings were sad to leave each other, but Jason needed to get back to his school group and Diana wanted to get started on gaining custody of her brother. The only thing keeping them sane was knowing that it wouldn't be much longer until they were reunited.
That reunion was soon going to happen. Jason fidgeted with his tie as the elevator slowly made its way to the penthouse. Aunt Petunia had been distant since she had received a phone call from her cousin in American a few days ago. Uncle Vernon had been excited to find out that her American cousin, Bruce Wayne, was going to be in London for business at the end of the week and he had wanted to have the chance to catch up with her and her family.
The prospect of possibly landing a contract with the billionaire CEO of Wayne Technologies was too good to pass by. Uncle Vernon worked as the sales director for a company called Grunnings Drills. The company specialized in making high-quality drills for specialty firms like Wayne Tech. Being able to land such a contract with his wife's cousins company would hopefully see Vernon get a large bonus and possibly a promotion and raise.
The elevator stopped with a slight jolt. The metal doors opening to reveal a short hallway with a pair of wooden double doors at the opposite end. Vernon led the group to the penthouse entrance, but before he knocked, he grabbed his shoulder roughly turning Jason's towards him.
He glared at him, bending down to be eye level with the six-year-old. Pointing his fat, stubby finger in Jason's face, he sputtered, "Now listen here, BOY! You are to behave yourself. Do you understand me? I don't want any funny business."
"Yes, Uncle Vernon," Jason replied. Seemingly happy with the boy's compliance Vernon straightened up and proceeded to ring the bell letting the inhabitants of the penthouse that their guests had arrived.
The door soon opened to reveal an older gentleman The man was average height with gray eyes and a receding hairline. He was dressed impeccably in a butler's uniform.
"Can I help you?" He asked raising an eyebrow.
"Yes, my good man," Vernon said jovially. "Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Dursley and family. To see Mr. Wayne."
The man said stepping aside to let the group of four into the penthouse. He asked for their coat's, which the four gladly handed to him. Hanging them up in a closet in the lavish entrance hall.
"Right this way, sirs, madam," the butler extended his arm in the direction where voice could be heard. "Master Bruce and his guests have been expecting you. If you'll please follow me."
Jason was excited when he recognized Diana's voice coming from a room just out of view site. The Dursley's and Jason were shown into an opulent sitting room with floor to ceiling window's that showcased the London skyline.
"Master Bruce," the butler called getting everyone's attention. "I would like to introduce Mr. and Mrs. Dursley and family." After the formal announcement, the butler withdrew to the corner to await his next task.
Inside the room, Jason's gaze surveyed the expansive room. He took note of a blonde haired woman with azure blues. The eyes were the same color blue that Diana had inherited. He would share with them if he were to change his eye color from green to their natural blue. The older woman appeared to be dressed in the traditional Greek garments worn by Ancient Greeks. Her blonde hair was pulled into a high ponytail and a simple gold tiara adorned her head. Behind her stood to impose women stood stoically their armor gleamed in the artificial light of the room.
On the opposite sofa, sat a short, stout, dark-skinned creature with long fingers and pointed ears and nose. The being was fashionably dressed in a charcoal gray three-piece suit and black leather dress shoes. He sat engaged in discussion with the regal blonde. Close by were two slightly taller creatures dressed in full body armor.
Jason felt a pull towards the blonde woman, but he wanted desperately to see his sister.
"Mommy!" He heard Dudley whimper, "Goblins!?"
Jason rolled his eyes in exasperation it would be Dudley to know what a Goblin looked like. After all, Dudley is addicted to video games.
"I know, dear," Petunia recalling the first and only time she accompanied her sister and parents shopping to the magical shopping district, known as Diagon Alley. She remembered both her awe at magics existence and fear of the ugly creatures who were the magical world's bankers.
Jason soon found who he was looking for though, so his attention was drawn elsewhere. His eyes falling on the fell on Diana who wore simple black dress slacks and cream-colored blouse and a dark pair Sahara dress pump (shoes) with no heal. Next, to her stood a slightly taller man wearing a navy button-down dress shirt and black slacks. The man had jet black hair and stormy blue eyes. Rounding out there group were two more of the Goblin's wearing tailored three-piece suits, one in Black and the other Navy blue.
"Diana!" Jason exclaimed in his happily running to embrace his sister. Diana was saved from being tackled by her little brother thanks to her enhanced reflexes she caught her brother in her arms, happily swinging the boy in the air before pulling him to her in a fierce hug.
"What is the meaning of this! Petunia?" Vernon sputtered suddenly and quite loudly, getting the entire rooms attention. The addition of the unknown guests and hearing his wife's and son's short conversation and duress woke the man up from his daze.
"I believe I can answer some of your questions, Mr. Dursley," the man said, moving from his spot next to Diana. He made his way to the Dursley's. "Petunia, its been to long," The man said embracing his aunt and kissing her cheek.
"Yes, it has Bruce," she spoke nervously while returning the familial affection with stiffness.
"I'd like to introduce you to my husband, Vernon Dursley and my son, Dudley." She made the formal introductions. "Vernon this is my cousin, Bruce Wayne." Bruce extended his hand top the bewildered man.
"Nice to finally meet you," Vernon said shaking Bruce's hand. "I don't mean to be to forward, but we had assumed that only family was to be here."
"Yes, about that…" Bruce trailed off noting Queen Hippolyta had stood from her seat. He noticed that Hippolyta was ignoring everyone as she made her way to her daughter and son.
They watched as the Queen of the Amazon's knelt before the boy. "My son, my precious baby boy," tears filled both their eyes. The mighty queen gently ran her fingers through his hair.
"Mom?" his voice cracking with emotion. He flung his arms around his mother. Tears fell from both mother and son eyes as they embraced. Hippolyte whispered soothing words of love and apologies in the emotional boy's ear. "Thank the goddesses you're safe."
The touching moment was interrupted by Vernon's angry bellow, "I demand to know what is going on!"
"You shall get your answer, Dursley," an ethereal voice interrupted the group.
A sudden whirlwind blew through the room, which now smelt of roses and myrtle. The harmonious sound of laughter filled their ears as the whirlwind condensed to reveal the goddess Aphrodite and Athena at its center. The Goblins and Amazons bowed in the greeting of the divine pair.
"Next, time sis', I'll do the driving," Athena grumbled with sibling exasperation.
"We'll see, Thea," Aphrodite replied with a laugh using her sisters hated nickname.
"Now, where's my little love," Aphrodite said looking around the room finding the boy wrapped in his mother's arms.
"Dita!" Jason yelled excitedly. His eyes alight at the goddesses appearance. Jason rushed over to hug the goddess much to his sister's and mother's surprise.
The goddess wrapped the boy in her embrace lifting him easily in her arms. "My how you've grown. Soon I'll have to drop the little and just call you, love, uh." She said with great affection.
"How time flies by in the mortal world. Why it seems just like yesterday that you suckled greedily at my breasts." Jason blushed a deep red causing the goddess to laugh loudly.
"Hecate would have been the one to come here tonight, but she didn't want to upset Jason or Lily's sister and cousin with her appearance since she has become comfortable with characteristics of Lily Potter," Athena informed them. "She also doesn't want to impose on Hippolyta's time with Jason. Believing that they should be given the proper chance to bond as mother and son."
The sound of something heavy falling to the floor got everyone's attention. They turned to see that Petunia Dursley had fainted at the site of the goddesses appearance. Vernon had barely had time to catch her before she hit the floor. He gently tried to wake her as Dudley began to whine about being hungry and missing his favorite television shows.
"Mom, I'm hungry…" Dudley whined grabbing hold of his mother's hand and pulling. "You promised we'd get to eat." He said trying to wake his mom up.
Dudley's whining had the desired effect of arousing his mother from unconsciousness. She sat up with a start. "Vernon I had the most ridiculous dream…" She spoke groggily, "…that doesn't seem to have been a dream." She looks around the room at all the eyes on her.
"Alfred, perhaps it would be best if you take the boys to the kitchen and get them something to eat," Bruce said helping his cousin and her husband from the floor. "The adults have some business to attend too."
"Of course, Master Bruce," Alfred said stepping forward to usher the boys from the room.
"What about my shows," Dudley whined as he and Jason were escorted from the room.
"There's a television in the kitchen." Alfred said, "You can watch your shows in there."
Once the kids were safely out of the room Bruce addressed the Dursleys, "Perhaps, we should all get comfortable. There seems to be much that we need to discuss regarding Jason's future living arrangements." He gestured for the Dursleys to take a seat on one of the various furniture pieces.
The Dursleys chose to sit close together on the small love seat closest to the door. Bruce offered the Dursleys some of the appetizers set out by Alfred prior to their arrival. He offered to get them both a drink of their choice. Petunia, who usually sticks to sherry as her drink of choice instead decided to partake of a rather large whiskey. Her husband decided to follow her example.
With the drinks, soon in hand, Petunia and Vernon both downing a large gulp, "Now what about Jason's living arrangement and what is this all about." The drink having helped to fortify the housewife's nerves.
The two goddesses led the discussion soon ensued concerning Jason's origins and his future role in the Wizarding world.
(Scene Changes)
Three hours later, the Dursleys had left the penthouse minus one child. It was agreed that Alfred would be by the next day to pick up Jason's things. The goddesses had retreated to Mt. Olympus soon after the Dursleys left. The legal papers, both magical and non-magical, changing custody and guardianship of Jason from Petunia Dursley to her cousin Bruce Wayne and Diana Prince.
For legal reasons it was decided that Bruce would adopt Jason as his ward. It was easier this way since a familial relationship between Bruce, Lily, and Petunia. No one would question the exchange of guardianship between family members because it happened all the time in a case where a person was orphaned or their parents were unable to care for the child.
Jason would need a passport made and his school paperwork would need to be collected for his transfer to an American school. Bruce's legal team in Britain could handle all the paperwork. The goblins would quietly handle things on the magical side of things.
Jason now sat happily between his mother and sister. The Goblin's sat across from them and Bruce made himself comfortable in an armchair. "Now, that the non-magical are taken care of we can proceed with other business," said the Goblin who had been talking with Hippolyta when he had arrived.
"Prince Jason," the senior goblin gruffly spoke, "I am Ragnuk, leader of the Goblin nation here in Great Britain. I am also the chairman of the British Gringotts Wizarding Bank. To my left is Master Accountant, Grothook, he has been the Potter family accountant for the last seventy years having inherited the position from his father. To my right is Master Accountant, Grimnek, he is the Black family account manager inheriting the position more recently from his father."
"It's nice to meet you, sirs," Jason spoke politely. The Goblins gave their own greeting to the boy.
"Now, your highness, we were are here tonight because the Lady Hecate, alerted us to your meeting with your sister and that plans were being made to change guardians. Grothook was aware, having helped draft your father's will, that you were never supposed to live with the Dursleys. However, due to the meddling of Albus Dumbledore who unfortunately holds one of several prominent offices in the Wizarding world, including being the Headmaster of Hogwarts and Chief Warlock of the Wizengamot, the man was able to use political alliance to have your adopted parents will suppressed until you come of age and himself, as Headmaster of the only Wizarding School in Great Britain and Ireland, elected as your magical guardian.
"The age of majority in the Wizarding community is seventeen or fourteen if you fall under the prevue an ancient law, which you do. As the sole heir to a Noblest and Ancient family, the Potter's, you would have the power to in act the law as the blood adopted child of the last Lord Potter and his designated heir. You could claim the title of Lord Potter and the headship of the family and thus be emancipated, at least in the magical world. For this and other reasons, Lady Hecate has left explicit in her instructions on how your education on the affairs of the Wizarding world was to conduct." Ragnuk produced four sealed envelopes from his briefcase.
"These letters are from the goddess, one for each of you," Diana reached for the letters. The letters were addressed to herself, her mother and brother, as well as, Bruce.
"We are unaware of their contents, but it's possible that they hold further instructions. The Lady, also, left instructions to have an inheritance test performed. She alludes to the fact that it could be possible that you could inherit more than just the Potter and Black families titles, monies, and properties. Both families political and financial positions within our world would be a beneficial start to making the changes in the British Wizarding society, but there are far older, more powerful and more respected or feared, depending on how you look at things, magical families that for the most part are extinct."
"If you inherited the families magics, it would like with the Potter's to regenerate the family tree. Luckily, the Black family isn't so bad off, with three daughters of the House still alive and two of them having produced offspring. Though, one daughter has been unofficially cast out of the family for marrying against the family's wishes. The last two male heirs of the direct line are otherwise not available to carry on the family name. One being unofficially cast out of the family and the other one having mysteriously disappeared." Jason blushed at the thought of what Ragnuk meant by regenerating the family. He may be six, but Jason was more advanced than his peers.
As Ragnuk was talking, Grothook had produced a parchment and knife. "I'm afraid the inheritance test involves a few drops of blood, my prince," Grothook gruffly said as he handed the knife to Diana. "If you would mind pricking his finger. We only need a small amount."
Diana turned to her brother who had extended his hand, trusting his twin. Seeing her brothers trust in her filled her with happiness. She quickly as she could prick his index finger. Jason sucked in a brief breath of air at the slight pain. Allowing the blood to run down his finger, he moved it over the parchment and watched it follow onto the paper. The drops of blood were quickly absorbed into the parchment before reappearing as words.
Jason pulled his finger back to him, cradling it in his hand. Hippolyta took his hand in hers, she cleaned the blood off with a clean cloth before giving it a quick kiss and then wrapping a clean cloth around it. "Most of this information is to be expected. The two parentages and the status as Heir Potter and Heir Black. Oh, this is interesting indeed. The Lady Hecate is very crafty in her planning, my Prince," Ragnuk said with what could be described as hopefulness.
"Yes, these houses will do quite nicely in helping to gain the attention of both the British Wizarding Community and the International Confederation of Wizards." A crooked, tooth-filled grin spreading across all three goblins wrinkled faces.
"The extent of gifts given to you by the gods and goddess will make you a very formidable Wizard. It goes a great way in explaining the dark lord's defeat." Grimnek spoke delighted with the possibility of working with such a powerful being.
"We'll need to contact Aquaman and Dr. Fate." Bruce looked to Diana after reading the list of powers. "Dr. Fate and Mera could help train Jason in his magic."
Jason yawned tiredly. The late hour and flurry of activity finally catching up with the youth. Though he tried to hide his fatigue is efforts didn't go unnoticed by the adults. "I'm afraid gentlemen that it's past Jason's bedtime." Hippolyta chimed in as she watched Jason try to suppress another yawn.
"I'm alright, mother," he said wanting to stay up like any other child.
"I'm afraid not, darling," she stroked his hair affectionally.
"I would be happy to get the young master settled in one of the spare guest rooms, your highness," Alfred stepped forward. The queen nodding her consent.
"Come, young prince," Alfred said stretching his hand out. "It's bedtime for you." Jason took the man's hand after Diana and Hippolyta kissed him goodnight and he said his goodbyes to everyone.
Taking the butler's hand, he started to let the man lead him out of the room. Just before he exited the room, he gasped and turned quickly, pulling the man to a stop. A thought had suddenly occurred to the child making him want to kick himself for not asking earlier, "Wait! I forgot to ask, what happened to Siri?"
"I'm afraid, young prince, that your godfather, Sirius Black is in Azkaban," seeing the boys relief to know his beloved Paddy was alive, but then confusion overtook him.
"Why is he in the wizarding prison?" He remembered his parents talking about the awful place.
"It seems that Sirius his recklessness combined with the deaths of your adopted parents and the betrayal that caused their deaths…"
"Paddy wouldn't betray us!" Jason shouted angrily. The slight against his beloved godfather stung.
"I am aware of that young, prince. The brotherly kinship between James and Sirius was strong enough to withstand anything. They both would have gladly died for each and you. Sirius and the rest of the Blacks, especially, James's mother, Dorea Potter nee Black, were some of the last followers of Hecate." Grimnek said with rare affection shown for a witch.
"Even if he wasn't the cause of your parent's deaths there is the fact that in his reckless grief he forgot his promise to act in your best interest and chased after the one who did betray your parents. That recklessness and the chase that ensued caused the for the betrayal that the deaths of thirteen non-magic users attributed to him saw him thrown into Azkaban without a trial." The goblin leader explained with a growl not agreeing with the Ministry's decision. His father had done everything he could but the bigoted laws and the unhelpfulness of Dumbledore had seen the man convicted for political reasons.
Seeing the boy upset, Bruce stood, making his way to the boy and kneeling before him. "Jason, I promise you that we look into your godfather's case and if we'll see if anything can be done, but even if he didn't betray your parents there's still the thirteen innocent non-magical that lost their lives. If your godfather caused their deaths than he needs to be punished, but first he needs to be given the chance to defend himself and a proper trial amongst his peers." The billionaire reasoned with the child. Jason nodded in understanding.
Alfred took the boys hand once again and led the boy to a bedroom with a king size bed and a view of the London skyline. "I have procured you some pajamas and other clothing items on Master Bruce's suggestion." He busied himself getting a pair flannel pajamas.
"You can wash up in the adjoining bathroom. You'll also find a toothbrush and other essentials." He handed the pajamas to Jason and showing him to the bathroom. "If you need anything else, Master Jason, I'll be in the kitchen. All you need to do is ask."
"Sir," Jason asked getting the man's attention before he left.
"Yes, Master Jason," he raised one arched eyebrow.
"I don't know your name?" the boy was mildly embarrassed to have to ask, not having paid much attention to the butler in his excitement earlier.
"My Name is Alfred, sir," he replied with a kind smile. "Now run along and finish getting ready for bed. I shall check on you in fifteen minutes.
(Scene Changes)
Sometime later, after Jason had done as Alfred suggested and cleaned up before putting his pajamas on and climbing in bed. He didn't want to admit it but the idea of sleep was actually appealing to him. He had been laying in bed watching out the window when he heard a soft knock on his door. Turning over in bed he was happy to see his sister.
"You should be asleep, "she said an amused smile crossing her face.
"I know," He smiled and nodded, "I'm having trouble sleeping. Would you keep me company?"
"I'd be happy too," She made her to the bed and snuggled in next to him. Diana had already changed into her own pajamas. She had brought her own things to the hotel intending to stay close to Jason through the transition in living arrangements.
Jason having lifted the covers and moved to allow her room next to him. He scooted close to her letting her wrap him in her arms. Feeling him get comfortable before yawning sleepily again, she ran her fingers through his hair and kissed his forehead. The actions soon soothing the tired boy to sleep.
(Scene Changes)
DreamScape
A beautiful woman with a striking mix of brunette and platinum blonde hair and dark brown eyes strolled through the green valley. She wore flowing cream colored summer dress and her feet were bare against the earth. The warm summer wind blew through long hair for uncaring if her hair was unkempt.
In the distance, the lush valley was surrounded by mountains. A babbling brook flowed towards a large blue lake. The lake's surface mirrored the overcast sky. The woman stooped and sat on one of the large boulders that dotted the landscape next to the brook.
"Cissy," the once familiar voice of called to her.
She turned in surprise to find her beloved sister, Andromeda, standing close by and similarly dressed. The two sisters, separated by family drama, rushed to embrace. Andromeda was Bellatrix's twin, the twins personality was as different as night and day. Bellatrix was forever the fierce protector while her Andromeda was the caring nurturer. The resemblance in appearance and love for the baby sisters was all the twins shared in common.
The two haven't spoken to each other since Andromeda ran away from home and married a Muggleborn against their parent's wishes. The only communication that existed between them were coded letters.
"Well – well isn't this a warm family reunion," the sisters jumped apart at the sound of their eldest's sisters cackle.
"Bellatrix!" they gasped startled to see the eldest sister.
"What are you doing here?" Andromeda questioned moving to protect her baby sister from the unpredictable nature that was Bellatrix.
A careless shrug and exasperated, "How should I know?"
Bellatrix rolled her eyes before a shy smile graced her lips. "I've missed you both," she admitted shyly.
"I've missed how we used to be back when we were little before everything being complicated and screwed up. I'm so sorry…I messed up…I messed up badly." Seeing Bellatrix open up, be vulnerable to them, to even admit to her mistakes and freely offering an apology was something they never thought they would ever witness.
The sisters were touched by Bellatrix's display. They moved to embrace her in a hug, tears falling down their cheeks. Tears of regret, bitterness for the time lost, and happiness at being reunited were mixed with gentle words of affection and promises that they wouldn't be torn apart again flowed between them.
A lone witness appeared in the valley, happily running through the lush green fields a giant black shaggy dog came to an abrupt stop. The dogs head tilted in momentary confusion the scene he'd come across. A loud bark of happiness escaped him when he recognized the women.
The loud sudden bark startled the women from their reunion. Moving to the front of the group Bellatrix stood frustrated with the intruder. "What are you doing here, Siri?" she hissed in obvious recognition.
The dog let out a loud bark, which turned into a boisterous laugh as the dog transformed into a tall, shaggy-haired human. "I could ask you the same, dear Bella," he happily said, "Last I remember I was doing my best to get some sleep on the cold stone floor of that dreadful place and its soul-sucking guards when suddenly I'm running through this valley, the warm sun and cool earth feeling so good after so long." He had approached them with casual ease.
The happy smile was foreshadowed by a silent pain that shown in his storm-colored eyes.
"Meda, Cissy it's been too long," the casual ease that he greeted them with and his relaxed appearance, white button-down dress shirt and khaki colored pants were offset by the brown leather sandals that adorned his feet irritated and angered two of the sisters.
"You - You traitor!" Narcissa lunged at Sirius, striking him across the face hard.
The sisters were a study in differences, but somehow those differences compliment the sisters. There strengths and weakness while at times causing friction between them, they also balanced each other and made the sisters a formidable and scary force when they worked together. Sirius had been always admired his cousins. The ease and familiarity they shared often caused jealousy because he envied their close sibling relationship.
He grimaced rubbing his reddening cheek. The sting of Cissy slap was something he felt he deserved, but he was surprised that she would be the sister that resorted to violence first and not Bellatrix. For Bellatrix burned hot like fire, always the one know to be strong, energetic and quick-witted, she was the natural leader of the trio. He laughed to himself, she would have made a fine Gryffindor, but she was also the one to always get in trouble, her fierce temper, impatience, and pride always getting her into fights. It was the traits that the two of them shared in spades.
Where Bellatrix is confident and ambitious, loud and brash, her twin, Andromeda, is tolerant and responsible, she's calm and patient like the earth. 'Meda would always be the peacemaker amongst her cousins. She abhorred fighting, but if you managed to anger her enough she could match Bellatrix in speed and skill in a duel.
Narcissa, on the other hand, had always been a complex mystery, at least to him. She is every bit the Slytherin, her intelligence, resourcefulness, and cunning make her a formidable enemy and ally. By the time she finished her first year at Hogwarts, she had developed an impressive network of contacts amongst all of the houses. Like her eldest sister, she could be restless and impatient. She may portray herself as the calm, gentle, dutiful daughter and trophy wife, but underneath she is insidious and shrewd, her political-mindedness, intelligence, and resourcefulness make her a force to be reckoned with.
All three sisters were exceptionally beautiful, which had old Wizard families vying for their hand in marriage. So, Sirius could never understand how or why their father, Cygnus, could ever agree to his mother, Walburga, and aunt, Druella's marriage selections. Cygnus loved and doted on his girls. So, the very thought of him agreeing to allow Rodulphus Lestrange, Nigel Parkinson, and Lucius Malfoy to ever marry his daughters off to the poor excuses for wizards turned his stomach. At least Meda managed to get away from Parkinson, really the man was old enough to be her grandfather, already had a slew of children and all his previous wives met mysterious ends.
"Well? What do you have to say for yourself," the harshness of Narcissa's words snapped Sirius out of his musings?
"I don't…" the sadness could be heard in his voice. Sirius's eyes became filled with pain.
"Not really…Look it's my fault that James and Lily are dead and Jason's an orphan, but not for the reasons that you think," his voice breaking with emotions. "I didn't betray James and Lily to Voldemort, but I know who did, and it's my fault because I came up with the idea to switch secret keepers."
"What do you mean, Sirius," Andromeda stepped forward confusion evident in her face.
"The idiot decided to trust Peter Pettigrew to be the Potter's secret keeper," Bellatrix said rolling her eyes. She had already heard the tale of events from Sirius during one of their earliest conversations as cell block neighbors.
"What!" Narcissa and Andromeda gasped in shock at the same moment.
"That's why Lucius was so smug," Narcissa complained, "He must somehow found out that Pettigrew was the dark lord's spy in the Order."
"Of course, he would know!" Sirius growled angrily. "He would want me in prison or worse…He and Snivellus…If I ever get out…"
"Calm yourself, Sirius," a gentle voice interrupt the cousins.
The four whirled around to find Lily Potter or who three of thought was Lily standing behind them. The woman may have shared Lily's green eyes, red hair and height, and fair skin, but she was not the same woman. Tears sprang to the three sisters eyes at seeing their deceased friend standing before them wearing a flowing lavender dress.
"My goddess," Sirius whispered hoarsely fighting back his own tears.
Sirius knelt before the ethereal beauty. "Please forgive me for failing you and Jason?"
The sisters watched in astonishment at their cousin strange behavior. "All will be forgiven in time, Sirius Black, but not until I deem it so," the woman said, "You need to learn that your rash behavior has consequences. I hope you will use your time in Azkaban to learn what happens when you stray from my plans. For it's not just you who is suffering, but also Narcissa and Bellatrix."
"What's happening?" Narcissa asked, "Lily?"
The women using her friend's image looked to her and smiled warmly. She raised an eyebrow imperiously glancing at Sirius. "I believe some explanations are in order, Sirius."
"Um, right, my goddess," The man stood from where he knelt and turned to his cousins.
"Well, it's like this…" what followed next was a lengthy explanation of events and revelations.
When the group woke the next morning they remembered their meeting with each other and the goddess, Hecate, in the beautiful dreamscape. Narcissa and Andromeda quickly hurried to send a letter to arrange a meeting. In the dreary, cold of the North Sea wizarding prison, Bellatrix awoke with a start. The night's strange dream flooding her with hope for the first time years. She immediately scrambled to her cell door and shouted for Sirius to wake up. The cousins need to talk.
End of Chapter Notes:
I'll admit not my best chapter, but here it is. I hope you like it. The next chapter will be a time jump with Jason going to Hogwarts.
Let state right now that there will be nothing but a sibling relationship between Jason and Diana.
It might seem that I left a lot out of this chapter but I didn't want to rehash events from the first two chapters.
I will revisit the dreamscape in forthcoming chapters (maybe).