Disclaimer: Still don't own Harry Potter. Working on it. Jo just doesn't want to give up the rights. Oh who am I kidding?

Italics = words with magical power in them


June 19, 1997 in Gringotts Meeting Room, 10:14 PM

Harry's POV

Four resounding "What!"s echo through the room. The goblins really did give us a room far to big. It's probably half the size of the great hall. Well, anyways, by far, the most interesting reaction to my proclamation is Snape's. If I hadn't had his class for five years and hadn't seen some of his memories during occulumency training, I wouldn't have been able to tell. He's slightly more tense than normal and his earlier disinterested eyes which were meandering around the room in boredom moments before are intently focused on me. I'd even dare to say Severus Snape is scared of me.

He wants to make eye contact and use legimency on me. As long as he thinks of me as Hydrus Black, any memory where I reveal myself as Harry Potter or that I experienced while playing the Harry Potter role will be hidden. In other words, all of them. Even what I'm thinking right now. I'll let him see just how clear my mind is now. I look him straight in the eyes and immediately feel a legimency probe. His eyes widen at what he finds, or rather what he doesn't find.

"I'd thank you to stay out of my mind Mr. Snape." I smirk and then focus my attention back on the Malfoys.

"So, dear Narcissa, how long do you think you can delay Draco having to take the Dark Mark?" I ask. It seems I'm going to have to speed up my plans. All the better, I'll strike fast, fight hard, and leave chaos in enemy ranks.

"A date has already been set. He is to be marked in twenty-two days." she tells me, her voice cracking up. She does not want her son to suffer the fate of a murderer and, to be honest, I'm not sure he has it in him anyways. Best to keep him to politics when the battles start.

"In that case, I will be in contact with you again in the next week. I'm sure you both have sufficient occulumency shields, but I have a more foolproof method to keep this secret. Anyways, I need to speak to you in groups. First I need to speak to Draco and Narcissa. Andromeda, Nymphie, would you mind watching Sevvie here for me? He seems to want to leave. Wouldn't be shocked if he tried to run. Not that the goblins will let him. They take life debts seriously you see." I proclaim, not worrying about whether any of them hear me. It's such fun having a blank slate with people who don't realize who I am.

Snape and the Tonks leave, one of them reminiscent of a bat with grease in it's head.

"Milord, if I should say so myself, you've been acting the part of a perfect Slytherin." Narcissa tells me.

"Yes, yes, quite ironic seeing as I was sorting to Gryffindor if I should say so myself!"

"Milord, I've never seen you in Hogwarts, what year are you in?" Draco asks.

"Well, of course you've seen me. We've had many conversations, you just never knew it was me!" I say, jovially.

"Who exactly are you milord?" He asks. It is as if I can see curiosity rolling off him.

"I'll get to that. But first for the matters of protecting your minds from legimency attacks. Have either of you ever heard of the Fidelius Mens Mentis Charm?"

"Yes, I have milord," Narcissa states, "Then again, who hasn't. Dorea Potter truly was a genius. It's the most coveted charm in Britain. You don't mean to tell me that Potter actually shared it with you?"

"But of course he did!" Draco yells, "Gryffindors! Honestly."

"Yes, well I used it to hide my secret identity. Because your focus hasn't shifted from me since we began talking, if I tell you the secret this entire memory will be hidden from... unwanted eyes. But first, I'd like both of you to reconfirm your loyalty oaths to the Black family."

My statement was met with two, "Of course, milord"s.

"I, Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, reaffirm my faith to the Black family as a daughter of the family. I swear never to act directly or indirectly against the well being of the family as I perceive it or the well being of the current Lord Black."

"I, Draco Malfoy, reaffirm my faith to the Black family as a son of the family. I swear never to act directly or indirectly against the well being of the family as I perceive it or the well being of the current Lord Black."

"I must ask, milord," Narcissa began, "why did you ask for our oaths now instead of as soon as we entered?"

"To keep Severus off balance. As to why I asked for the oaths at all, I fear for my safety from certain members of the Black family in the next few minutes."


June 19, 1997 in Gringotts Meeting Room, 10:22 PM

Narcissa's POV

His safety? Why would he fear for his safety? He's been nothing but kind to us since we met him, something I doubt his father would have done. How big could this secret be that he believes we may betray him after hearing it? Then, I hear the most unexpected thing, an idea that didn't even cross my mind. Though knowing Sirius Black, it should have.

After putting up a Muffliato he says "Yes, if I were to tell you that Harry Potter is Hydrus Black," here, I feel a blast of magic and my eyes widen at the implications of what he just said, "I'm not sure how Draco would react. Though, I'm sure Severus' reaction will be worse."

Draco just stays, his head still on my shoulder from crying. He seems petrified. Of course he is, he's just been told that his greatest rival holds our lives in his hands. Oh, poor Severus. The child he's been bullying for years, acting the part of a perfect Slytherin. That life debt will be paid in full if today is any indication.

"But... you're the Gryffindor Golden Boy! How can you act so Slytherin! You're also a Potter! Not a Black!" Did Lily Potter have an affair? No, she was far to naive for that. Then again, I thought the same of Potter, or is it Black?

He smirks knowingly. "Yes, I'm a Potter. But my Grandmother was a Black. Until earlier today I was the second eligible person to fill the spot of Lord Black. Behind you, Draco. That is, of course, until after I underwent a blood adoption ritual."

Of course. Sirius would have wanted to keep the Black money out of 'Death Eater hands'. It just happens that Potter is more cunning than we thought and is using the position he's been given to its fullest extent.

"But don't worry. I'm not a spiteful, childish person who holds schoolyard grudges. I forgive you for everything Draco. In fact, if everything goes according to my plans, you will end up with not only the Malfoy, but also the Lestrange fortune. All in a week."

I can't help the exclamation of surprise that comes out of my mouth at that. Would he really give up that much money?

"As long as the money is out of Voldy's hands, I'm happy. Of course, seeing as it's the Malfoy money being used to bribe most of Voldy's people in the Ministry, you might get to play a bit in politics."

Again, I am shocked. He's essentially giving my son the biggest political machine at the moment.

"That is, as long as you use it to help bring down the Dark Turd."

"Of...of course." Draco replies. It seems he's torn between his hatred of Potter and the kindness that we've been shown. It looks like Potter saving his life wins over some petty grudges though. Thank Merlin for it. We've been given a once in a lifetime chance to redeem ourselves.

"You, Narcissa, will be in charge of the social concerns of the third faction of this war."

Third faction? What third faction? He's insane. He must be insane. He couldn't possibly think he can fight both the Dark Lord and Dumbledore, can he? He's suicidal and he's dragging us with him. Well, we'll only go kicking and screaming then.

"I take it from the shock etched on your faces that you thought I was on Dumbledore's orders? Maybe you even think that when I say third side, I mean to fight Dubledore and Voldy. No, I'm not insane. You've heard of the Order of the Phoenix, have you not?"

I nod, much more relaxed now that I know he isn't completely barmy. Then again, what leader isn't at least a little barmy?

"Well, I guess you could call what I plan to create the Order of the Shadows. We are the Shadow no one notices getting stronger every time a phoenix flashes. I don't plan on the members doing too much fighting. No, we'll do what the phoenixes left undone. They're too caught up in fighting the war in the lightest way possible. I plan on being underhanded, manipulative, and hitting where it hurts. We'll fight at Gringotts, attacking their finances. We'll fight in the Wizengamot, passing laws to get Death Eaters killed. We'll rat out their agents in the Ministry. We'll create openings for aurors and phoenixes to attack. In fact, the Dark won't even know we exist. Nor will the light until the time is right."

"How do you propose to do this, milord." I ask.

"Oh, drop that, I'm just Hydrus. It's a fitting name I think. The snake in a lion's fur."

"Fine, then call me Cissy."

"I already have. Anyways, who finances the Voldy's army?"

"The Notts, Malfoys, Lestranges, Crabbes, and Goyles."

"Of those families, which are the richest?"

"The Notts, Malfoys, and Lestranges."

"The Malfoys and Lestranges both will be losing their entire fortunes to me in the next month. For killing Heir Black on the Malfoy's account and Lord Black on the Lestrange's account."

"I see how that would hinder the Dark Lord's plans."

"Oh, please, just call him Tom."

"Tom?" Draco interjected, not so helpfully.

"Well, it is his name. Tom Marvolo Riddle. It's an anagram for I am Lord Voldemort. He's not even a pure blood. It's funny really."

"Why isn't that more well known, it could damage the Dark's recruitment options."

"Well, until recently, the Boy-Who-Lied hasn't been to popular a person," he states sarcastically. I feel Draco wince beside me.

"I take it you had something to do with that?" Hydrus asks Draco.

"A nickname I made for you in my first year. Of course, my father took the credit."

"Don't worry, I've forgiven everything. Alas, our time has run short, meet me in the Gringotts lobby at 6 PM on the day that Draco awakens with a Galleon on his chest. Hand the Galleon the Daphne Greengrass, who will be waiting in the lobby, and she'll lead you to me."

"How do you plan to get a Galleon on my chest?"

"Does Malfoy Manor have anti-house elf wards?" he asks, amused. I've never considered that. House elves come and go from wherever they need to with no problems. I guess that SPEW I've heard of is worth looking into. If nothing else, they're valuable as spies. This just confirms that infernal boys Slytherin side.

"Tell Snape to come in behind you."


June 19, 1997 in Gringotts Meeting Room, 10:47 PM

Severus' POV

I tried to get away but those damn goblins wouldn't let me leave. At least he can't cash in on that life debt today, I can be out of the country in an hour after I leave. I enter the room.

"How would you react," he drawls, "if I were to tell you that Harry Potter is Hydrus Black." With the shimmer of magic around me, I know my fate is sealed.

"Impudent brat." I state. I must keep up the act. No matter how much I wish to be on his side, for Lily. He is Potter's son. Or is he Black's? No, then the life debt couldn't be invoked.

"Oh, drop the act, I saw that memory. I know you were my mother's friend. You may not have acted the part, but I saw love in your eyes. It was all to obvious. I was simply too Slytherin to let on that I knew."

My facade tricked the Dark Lord, all the Death Eaters, and every Slytherin in Hogwarts for the last 10 years, but it can't fool this brat?

"Ok." I reply tersely. No matter what, he must not discover my secret.

"Well then," he states in a less conversational way, "Let's not dilly dally. Do you, Severus Snape, acknowledge the life debt you owe to one Harry James Potter?"

"I do." Inside I am seething. I no longer have any choice as to what side of the war I will be on. It's not the Dark Lord's or Dumbledore. It is this little boy's imaginary side.

"As payment for this debt, you shall make an unbreakable vow of fealty to Harry Potter which can only be ended when he allows it to be." Of course is what he would ask of me. What choice do I have? This or be killed by my own magic.

"I, Severus Tobias Snape, swear my fealty to Harry James Potter on my life and magic until such a time that he sees fit to release me from my oath. So mote it be." It would seem my life is forfeit. This brat has no idea as to the workings of being a spy.

"So mote it be. I, Harry James Potter, swear on my life and magic that I shall release Severus Tobias Snape from his fealty vow to me before a week has passed after the death of Tom Marvolo Riddle, AKA Lord Voldemort. So mote be." He states firmly, a slight twinkle in his eye. What is he, the next Dumbledore?

"So... mote... it... be." I finish shakily. I didn't expect to ever be released.

"Now, down to business. Do exactly as you have been doing in terms of telling the Death Eaters about the Order and vice versa. No need to seem suspicious."

Is he... being cunning? Dare I say it, he's acting... Slytherin.

"Are there any attacks on notable pure blood families happening soon?"

"Only pure blood families?"

"Those who hold the vote, hold the power."

This can not be Potter.

"Well, Potter, next month the Dark Lord plans on eliminating several Light and Neutral families. The Bones, Weasleys, Greengrasses, and Davises. "

"Inform the order of plans to attack the Weasleys. I plan on taking out a lot of Death Eaters in two to three weeks which would usually slow down the enemy, but another of my plans will probably give them cause to celebrate and speed up their plans. As for the Bones, Greengrasses, and Davises, let me handle them."

Give the Death Eaters cause to celebrate? What is going on in that convoluted brain of his?

"Everything we've discussed is protected by the Fidelius Mens Mentis Charm, so don't worry about occulumency or anything of the like. Hell, you couldn't tell anyonw if you wanted to. I'm a bit more cautious than Dumbledore and Voldy. I have less followers, more money, and no one knows I have my own side. They're in for a treat."

This new Potter was going to take some getting used to.

"Also, call me Hydrus, it'll be less taxing on your brain."

"Ok...Hydrus." The name feels like soap in my mouth. Potter, a water snake? Ah well, I simply must find out that glamour charm he's using.

"As for what you'll tell the order about today, you were here serving in your capacity as Draco's Godfather, because his father is a wanted criminal. Lord Black decided he's going to give the Draco and Narcissa a second chance and he plans on activating wards to boot the Death Eaters out of Malfoy Manor. Tell them I'm Sirius' son, who has been hiding from Lucius Malfoy in France, and want to begin negotiations with Alastor Moody and Albus Dumbledore about the Black Ancestral Home. the should meet me in the Gringotts Lobby in a week at 3 PM. On this paper is a blood oath written by me to assure that I mean them no harm and will always be firmly against Voldemort. That should appease Mad Eye. As a last thing, could you brew Polyjuice Potion and Draught of Living Death and be here at 6 PM that same day? Before I forget, mention nothing about the Tonks' involvement."

Yes, this Hydrus character, no way could he be a true Potter, would take getting used to.

"How'd you get away from your minders?" I ask, curious. Not that I can tell anyone anyways.

"Tonks is on guard duty on Thursdays. Sirius left me a letter that told me so. Send both Tonks in, you're dismissed."

Oh great. So the mutt was a Slytherin on the inside too.


June 19, 1997 in Gringott's Meeting Room at 11:13 PM

Andromeda's POV

Lord Black. Did he really have to make us wait so long? Well, I'm back in the family at least. That's nice.

"Hello Adromeda, Nymphadora." I wince at the second name. It really is a lovely name, but it earns him a stinging hex.

"Call me Tonks."

"Ah, ah, ah. That's no way to treat Lord Black, young lady. As the second in line to take up the title of Head of House Black, I'd expect you to have better manners. Tut, tut."

"Young lady? I'm older than you."

"Only physically cousin."

I swear, he's just like Sirius.

"Don't call me that name."

"It's a perfectly normal name."

I've tried telling her that before!

"Then let's trade."

"A Hufflepuff who want's the name water snake? Interesting."

"Umm...I'll pass."

Someone making Dora want to keep her name? Unheard of!

"Well, on to more officious matters. Put on your best pure blood ponce act!" he states with a chuckle. "We are gathered here today to discuss the late dowry of one Andromeda Tonks."

To say I'm shocked is an understatement. I never expected something like this. A fealty oath yes. Correcting mistakes made before he was born? Not at all.

"Yes, you heard me. Anyways, drop the acts. I'm sorry I can't offer more, but I need the money for the part I plan on taking in the war against Voldemort. Would 70,000,000 galleons suffice? With no contract because of how late it came."

"Of course, I truly didn't expect anything at all." I tell him.

"Don't be silly, you're family and I take care of my family. On that note... well, that's all I have for you today Andromeda. Nymphadora, could you stay behind?"

I leave the room giddy. I'm back in the family, am going to be receiving a small fortune, and have a lot to report to Albus.


June 19, 1997 in front of The Leaky Cauldron, 11:25 PM

Harry's POV

"Prat." Tonks calls me.

"Why, thank you. So, did I make you happy enough for you to show me your real form?"

"Well, you tricked me into bringing you here, had the Weasley Twins stun me, told me everything you were about to do seconds before you did it, sometimes even afterwords, and manipulated my mother into giving a report to Dumbledore. You've got a lot of work to do."

"She can't make a report."

"What?"

"The oath she took when she was eleven is in effect, she can't act as a spy on me unless I permit it. If I didn't think she'd mention you being here, I'd let her. With you being here, it's just to big a risk. Her oath will compel her to hide everything." I inform her, a bit put off that she thinks I'd take that risk. I'm acting manipulative, but only to a certain extent.

"Oh."

"Dobby!"

Dobby pops right next to me.

"Now that I'm Lord Black, I'd like to take you as my personal House Elf, would that be ok?"

"Yes Harry Potter sirs. Harry Potter is the greatest wizard of all times. Dobby would loves to serves Harry Potter sirs."

"Is there any ritual I have to do?"

"Just says yous claims Dobby as your House Elf."

"I, Hydrus Black, aka Harry Potter, claim Dobby as my House Elf"

"So mote it be" Dobby replies.

"Could you apparate us to my bedroom please Dobby?"

"Of course Master Harry Potter sir!"

"Just call me Harry."

"Yes sir, Ma...Harry."


June 19, 1997 in Harry's Bedroom, 11:30 PM

Tonk's POV

Why did he bring me to his room? Shouldn't I be stationed outside watching him?

"Well, get ready for bed dear Dora."

I send a stinging hex at him.

"Sometimes I wonder if you're a masochist."

"If you're so interested, why not venture to find out?" he asks me with a cheeky grin on his face.

Who is this cheeky little bugger and what did he do to Harry Potter?

"First you invite me into your bed, then you invite me to ask about your preferences? You're incorrigible."

"Well, actually, I was just going to transfigure a bed for myself..." he mumbles something at the end that I'm sure he's to embarrassed to let me hear and then starts casting spells around the room. Notice-me-not spells and Muffliato. Guess he doesn't like his relatives.

"What was that at the end?"

"Don't worry about it. When does your guard shift end?" There's the closed off, insecure teenager I know!

"10:00 AM. Now, tell me what you said. If you don't I'll sabotage all the plans you laid out today." I know where to hit him where it hurts.

"Fine. I said, 'Not that I'm great company at night'."

"What do you mean?" He would've been more cheeky about it if it were meant as innuendo.

"Nightmares."

"Is that what the muffliato you cast was for?:

"Yeah."

"That settles it, we're sleeping together."

"We're cousins." he tells me, obviously trying to get out of it.

"Which means nothing will happen."

"Have you ever looked at the Black Family Tree?" He asks.

I stifle a snicker and say, "Well you're not one for tradition are you Mr. Potter?"

"That's Potter-Black to you Tonks."

"Then it's Tonk-Black to you."

"People might think we're married if we do it that way."

"Well, we ARE sleeping together."


June 20, 1997 in Harry's Bedroom, 3:00 AM

Tonks POV

I wake up to a strange noise.

"Sirius... veil... prophecy... my fault..." I hear and turn to my side where I see Harry tumbling and tossing around the bed, obviously in a nightmare.

I bring him into a hug and start soothing him. "It's not your fault Harry." I whisper to him.

Slowly, he falls asleep, his arms around me.

I begin to reflect on the last 12 hours of my life. They've been filled with fun, pranks, and not one, but two other metamorphmagi. I'm not a freak, I'm just the only one who shows off the ability to many people. All of leads to one person, the one right next to me. In nothing but boxers and a T-shirt. Not that I'm one to talk. I'm wearing shorts and his quidditch jersey. I smile a little, turn so that he envelops me, and morph back to my original form, just like he is in his. I try to fall asleep, not thinking of his hand cupping my breast. He's just a kid. He's asleep. He's not trying to do it. He's a minor. He's my cousin!


Author's note: Yay, progress towards some sort of relationship! Anyways, I didn't really clarify, Harry keeps the powers he got from Tom's soul because it's been part of him so long. He's still a parselmouth.