The next morning Harry felt a bit happier. Maybe talking does help. He and Marius talked a bit more into the night, but as he had a good nap the previous day he wasn't tired. At the moment he wasn't ready to go downstairs for breakfast, so he sat in his room looking at the walls. Finally, his eyes hit the emerald box that contained his rings.

Harry walked over and opened the box. The ring was made of emeralds and diamonds. He could not tell what the metal was, but it was giving off some sort if energy. Inside he saw an engraving, Malo mori quam fœdari. Taking a fortifying breath, Harry placed the ring on the little finger of his left hand.

Green eyes watched as its person was enveloped in a swirl of magic made of reds, oranges, and yellows. A gasp left his body as the magic seeped into his body bin an effort to connect with his own magic. Harry felt the ring on his finger vibrate and heat up before something hummed in contentment. Once again he felt a sense of home.

Harry was shocked to see the ring had changed colors. In place of emeralds were rubies and the diamonds were replaced by a black gemstone Harry could not identify.

He then jumped as he room door flew open with a bang. 'What the deuce are you doing in here?' Cassiopeia asked uncharacteristically with her wand in her hand.

'Err...putting my ring on,' Harry answered. 'Could you feel that?'

'Oh yes,' Cassiopeia said breathlessly. 'It is just as well you waited to put that thing on.'

'Everything all right?' Marius asked as he stood in the door frame.

'Yeah,' Harry answered. He held out his hand to show his aunt and uncle. 'Just putting on my ring.'

'Huh,' Cassiopeia said, 'James' had emeralds...'

'The Potters were crafters,' Marius reminded his sister. 'Those are your colors Haryon,' he explained.

'What do you mean?' Harry asked in confusion.

'Those colors represent you and your magic,' Cassiopeia said. 'Rubies and black onyx and is that mithril...'

'Speaking of magic do not take that off and do not allow anyone to touch it. Your family magic will most certainly attack them. As you are going to Durmstrang there will be no foolish mud...muggleborns to touch it.'

'What's family magic?'

'Come let us adjourn in the dining room so we can nourish ourselves,' Marius said.

'Family magic,' Cassiopeia began as everyone filled their plates. 'Is the magic of a particular family.' Harry snorted. She glared before continuing, 'Not every family has this therefore every witch and wizard does not have it. Your family helped build magical Britain therefore its magic is in this very land. Your family's contribution is written down somewhere I know not. I know not the extent of their help, but they did contribute. You may feel a bit if it if you ever go to Hogsmeade and Hogwarts. You may feel it in Diagon Alley or Knockturn Alley in London. You might feel it in Titanic Alley or Roy Alley in Edinburgh. You might feel it in the Ministry of Magic.

'The greatest place you will feel it is Asheron, your family's estate. The magic there will give you the greatest sense of peace; a sense of home. Your family's magic is your greatest protection. Until you learn how to wield your wand that is. In that ring lies a variety if complex wards. Again I do not know what they are. I do know that if anyone touches that ring without your express permission they can be critically injured.'

'There is also talent in family magic. What do you think the Black family talent is?' Cassiopeia asked.

'Dark arts,' Harry answered immediately.

'Precisely,' Cassiopeia said while Marius smirked.

'The Potters are crafters. They have a talent for creating great things. Your great-grandfather Robert Potter had a hand in creating the Wizarding Wireless Network.'

'There is also the taste for good alcohol,' Marius said. 'I believe your family motto at one point read "Aqua vitae."'

'What does that mean?'

'Water of life,' Marius said. 'Alcohol.'

Harry gaped before asking, 'What is it now?'

'What did it say?' Cassiopeia asked.

'Err...' He took his ring off and began to spell, 'It's m-a-l-o m-o-r-i...'

'Malo mori quam fœdari...death before dishonor.'

'Cool,' Harry said. 'What other families have family magic?'

'Boot, McMillan, Longbottom, Turpin, Parkinson, Nott, Bones, Asford, Carmichael, Warrington, Smith, Prewett, Weasley, Crabbe, Bulstrode, Jones, and a slew of others. There are more than thirty, but not all that much more.'

'Speaking of family mottos the Black Family motto is Toujours Pur...always pure.'

'What does that mean?' Harry asked with a tilt of his head.

Cassiopeia furrowed her brow while Marius placed his fork on his plate and sat back in his chair with his arms folded. 'For today's Blacks,' Marius began slowly, 'to speak of purity is to speak of blood...'

'It could mean anything,' Cassiopeia said softly. 'However, when it first became our motto I believe those Blacks spoke of souls and magic.'

'Souls?' Harry asked 'But the dark arts...'

'At the time there as no such thing as the "dark arts." Magic was magic. You were defined by how you used it.'

'So how many Blacks are magically tainted?' Harry asked.

'The easier answer is who is not,' Marius said sadly.

'If I feel a Black is morally or magically tainted I can disown them?' Harry asked inquisitively.

Marius snorted, 'Yes, when Arcturus dies you can purge the entire blasted house and start from scratch.'

'Is there a family tree somewhere?'

'At Grimmauld Place. It is the family townhouse in London,' Cassiopeia answered.

'Oh,' Harry said.

After a pause that consisted of eating Cassiopeia said, 'Several families also have special abilities.'

'The Black family is known for metamorphamagi, the ability to change ones appearance at will,' Marius explained.

'What do you mean?' Harry asked.

'If you a metamorphamagus wanted to change their hair color they would will it. Their appearance cannot change unless they want it too,' the older male clarified.

'You mean like my hair?' Harry asked. At their raised eyebrow Harry said, 'My aunt gave me a stupid haircut two years ago and it grew back that night.'

'Have you had a haircut since?' Cassiopeia asked.

Harry shook his head. 'Hmm,' Marius took on a thoughtful look, 'depending on who you have children with they might have that talent. An estranged niece of ours has a daughter who I believe is a metamorphamagus.'

'Cool. What other talents are out there?'

'I believe the Potters have a talent for elemental magic. Though that has not been seen for generations.' Cassiopeia said. 'The Princes are dab hands at Potions, the Turpins have a thing for Runes. As for special abilities it has been said that the Lovegoods are seers.' Cassiopeia had a look of disbelief, 'Something or other to do with Rowena Ravenclaw. She was a...'

'Founder of Hogwarts,' Harry finished.

'Good,' Cassiopeia said, 'you have been reading. The Longbottoms are known plant whisperers which they say comes from Helga Hufflepuff, and Slytherin was a parselmouth.'

'What's that?' Harry asked.

'Where did you learn about the Four Founders not to know about parseltongue?'

'Muggleborn pamphlet. It didn't speak about their talents in it, though,' Harry explained.

'Alright then,' Cassiopeia said. 'Parseltongue is the language of the snakes. Salazar Slytherin could talk to snakes.'

'Really?' Harry asked excitedly. 'Are the Potters related to the Slytherins?'

Marius raised an eyebrow, 'Why do you ask?'

'I can talk to snakes...'

'How do you know?' Cassiopeia whispered.

'There were snakes in the pet shop where I bought Alshain. When I walked past I could hear them talking,' Harry explained.

Marius leaned back in his chair and guffawed, 'This keeps getting better and better.'

Haryon,

I am writing to inform you that you are now a ward of your Uncle Marius and your Aunt Melania Black and that you are now Black-Potter. It is Melania's wish for you to stay with us for a period of time. I see no objections. Speak with Cassiopeia to determine an appropriate time.

Arcturus Sirius

Head of the House Black

Harry shrugged his shoulders as he read the terse missive.

Harry handed the missive to Cassiopeia, who then read it and rolled her eyes. She passed the parchment to Marius who pursed his lips. 'I am hesitant to send you over there, Haryon,' Marius said. 'Would you like to go over there?'

Harry bit his lip. He didn't necessarily like Arcturus, but Melania had been particularly friendly. At first he had been startled when she wrapped an arm around him, but it didn't bother him all that much afterwards. It was actually...pleasant. Plus, she smelled nice. 'Uhh...yeah. I would like to go over there.'

'A weekend will not satisfy Melania,' Marius said to the displeasure of Cassiopeia. 'How about five days?'

Harry took a deep breath, 'Alright.'

'Melania and I shall decide when that will be.'

The rest of the week passed by quickly. Cassiopeia continued to give Harry lessons in Latin whenever she was in the house. During the half of the week she had left to "take care of business.'

The gray-eyed woman also required Harry to practice his letters for a portion of the day. She had deemed his handwriting 'abysmal' and 'unfit for an heir.'

Harry also studied more of potions. He couldn't wait to begin brewing. Upon asking Marius about a potions lab he was told, 'I do not have one here, but if someone ever cleaned up the one in the London townhouse then he could use the one in the basement.'

A company Jaguar pulled into 4 Privet Drive's driveway. A large, pink, blond boy flew out from the back seat and hastily waddled into the house, which was unlocked. 'Dad?' the large boy called.

His even larger father said, 'What is it Dudders?'

'The door's unlocked,' he tattled.

Vernon turned a rather interesting shade of puce as he hastily grabbed their bags from the trunk. 'Potter!' He snarled.

Petunia quickly walked to the door to open it for her husband. Upon touching the doorknob she felt it, but could not describe it. Something was missing or something odd...unnatural was there. Before she could contemplate it further Dudley called, 'Dad?' This time he sounded a bit more fearful.

'Hold on Duddykins. Your father is busy.'

'But mum...' Dudley whined.

Petunia was nor longer listening as her attention had been drawn towards the floor. Something was different about it. Then it struck her, 'Where is the rug?' She asked herself. She moved further into the house as Vernon entered. She started towards the kitchen only to let loose a dreadful scream.

'I tried to tell you,' Dudley said.

'Pet! Is everything...all...right?' Vernon stopped to look around, but unfortunately there was nothing to see. 'Boy!' He called. No one answered, however. 'Our stuff...where's the coffee table, the sofa. THE BOY TOOK THE TELLY!'

'Dudders go check your room,' Petunia said with a hand clutching her abnormally long neck. 'Vernon please go check our rooms.' She watched as he husband and son moved quicker than she believed possible. Petunia Evans Dursley steeled herself before making her way to her beloved kitchen.

'No.' She could not help the desperation in the strangled whisper. For there was nothing in the kitchen besides what was nailed down.

However, there was a letter on the bare counter.

Mr. and Mrs. Dursley

4 Privet Drive, Little Whinging, Surrey

Mr. H. J. Potter will never grace you with his presence again. He has been removed from Privet Dive henceforth as has all of your belongings. You may do as you please and call the authorities. However, I bid you to remember that your nephew could speak to those same authorities about your abysmal treatment.

Goodbye and Good Riddance,

The Queen of Ethiopia

It was Monday of the next week and Harry was now in his new room. Melania had retrieved him from Marius' house just that morning.

The room he was now in was green with silver accents. What he found truly fascinating was the snake handles on everything. Clearly someone was proud of being a Slytherin.

Someone knocked on the door, 'Haryon?' It was Melania.

'Err...come in.'

The blonde woman made her way into the green room. 'Do you like it? The room I mean?' She seemed a bit nervous for some reason.

Harry nodded his head, 'Yeah...the doorknob is cool.'

She flashed him pearly white teeth, 'I am sure your father, and possibly your grandfather, would suffer from apoplexy at such a statement. Stout Gryffindors they were.' She sat down on the bed beside him and the two began to talk. It was stilted and a bit awkward at first, but they gradually found themselves on solid ground. The discussed potions and herbology. He learned she enjoyed herbology greatly. Thus when she went on wax poetically about her garden it did not surprise Harry in the least.

She even apologized for her husband's comments, 'I know he said a few things that did not sit well with you, but I hope you will forgive him in time. He really can be a great man,' She finished softly. After a companionable silence she asked, 'Has anyone explained magical marriages to you?'

'No,' Harry said. 'Are they very different from muggle marriages?'

'Quite,' she said. 'I have a simple explanation for you. Muggle marriages allow divorce. A magical marriage does not. Not every magical couple subjects themselves to a magical marriage, however. A regular marriage is more acceptable today.'

'Why can't there be a divorce?' Harry asked curiously.

'You know how muggles make vows to each other?' Melania asked. At Harry's nod she said, 'Well we witches and wizards take that a step further. During a magical ceremony wands touch and, depending on the wording, souls and magic can be vowed upon and bonded. That is what a magical ceremony is called: a bonding.'

'Oh,' Harry said as he had nothing else to say. Then a thought struck him, 'If souls are bonded does the couple die at the same time?'

'No, but whatever magical enhancement they received from their bonded will depart with their late spouse.' There was another pause in which she played with with the edge of his hair. 'My nephew Ernest will come over tomorrow so the pair of you can meet.' She smiled at him, 'I would love it if the pair of you became friends, but if you do not then you still need a pair of eyes and ears inside Hogwarts.

Harry spent the remainder of the day in Melania's company only seeing Arcturus during meal times. Harry could not help but think the man was avoiding him.

The next day saw Haryon meeting Ernest MacMillan. Harry was waiting in the living room with Melania when Ernest came over with another older woman. The woman a sandy brown hair and blue eyes. The boy was a darker shade of brown and his eyes were brown as well.

'Caroline,' Melania greeted before air kissing the woman. 'Ernest,' she said smiling down at the boy.

Said boy bowed a bit, 'Aunt.'

Melania turned and beckoned Harry forward. The messy-haired boy made his way over to the trio. 'Haryon this is my sister-in-law Caroline MacMillan and my nephew Ernest MacMillan. Ernest, Caroline this is my nephew Haryon Potter.'

The eyes of the newcomers widened. Ernest stepped forward and pompously said, 'It is nice to meet you Harry Potter.' Ernest held out his hand, 'Call me Ernie.'

Harry took the hand before saying, 'Okay Ernie...but could you call me Haryon.' Ernie looked taken aback, but nodded his head nevertheless.

There was a bit of awkwardness as Melania said, 'Haryon you may take Ernest to your room. I shall send up biscuits for the pair of you.'

Harry beckoned Ernie to come with him. 'Looking forward to Hogwarts Harr...Haryon?' Harry opened his mouth to correct him, but Ernie continued without pause. 'You'll probably be a Gryffindor. Like the rest of your family...of course you know that.' Puffing out his chest Ernie said, 'I'll be a Hufflepuff of course. My entire family has been in Hufflepuff. Nine generations of MacMillans in Hufflepuff.' By the time Ernie finished the pair had reached the door to Harry's room.

They entered the room to find biscuits on the table in his room. 'Looks like you might be leaning towards Slytherin,' Ernie said with a wrinkled nose as he took a seat.

Harry bit into a chocolate biscuit as he thought about what he should say. No one had told him how much he should give away. How much of everything was to remain a secret? 'You don't talk much?' Ernie said with a frown.

Harry shrugged, 'Err...sorry?'

Ernie slouched in his chair, 'It's alright. So...where have you been?'

Harry tilted his head, 'What do you mean?'

'Your the Boy-Who-Lived. People have been looking for you for years. Sending you letters, gifts, the like. Where have you been? Most people say Dumbledore put you in a secret location and had been training you ever since. Is it true?' Ernie looked most eager to find out.

'No,' Harry said frowning. 'I have never met Dumbledore...I don't even know what he looks like.' After a bit of hesitation Harry said, 'I only just learned about the magical world two weeks ago.'

Ernie gaped, 'Surely you jest?'

Harry shook his head, 'Nope.'

'So all those books were lies?' Ernie seemed unable to wrap his mind around the information.

'What books?' Harry asked.

'Someone has written a bunch of stories about you. I guess they were just that...stories; fairytales.'

Harry furrowed his brow, 'What are they about?'

'Books about you defeating basilisks, trolls, acromantulas, and dragons,' Ernie said.

'I'm ten!' Harry said aghast.

Ernie blushed, 'Sorry.' He bit into a biscuit to hide his embarrassment, 'It's kind of stupid now that I think about it, but...I mean everyone has read a book about you. Your name is mentioned in almost all of our history books. They have a bronzed statue at your family's cottage.'

'What?'

'The cottage where...where it happened. There is a statue of you and your parents. It's nice,' Ernie said.

'Oh.'

'So you know nothing?' Ernie asked still in a bit of shock.

'I'm learning,' Harry said.

Ernie seemed to have regained his equilibrium for he said pompously, 'Well, if you have any questions I am willing to help if I can.'

Harry bit the inside of his cheek to keep from laughing. When he was sure he could keep a straight face he asked, 'So...who are your friends here?'

Ernie shrugged, 'I used to hang around a kid named Zacharias Smith, but we don't get on that much anymore. Aunt Melania has tried to get me to befriend another nephew of hers...Longbottom, but he talks even less than you. I can't stand Draco...ugh.'

'Is he so bad?' Harry asked. 'I mean people don't seem too speak highly of him.'

'Oh a few people will,' Ernie said. 'His grandparents and parents think he is the best child around. I also hear Snape is a good friend of Lucius Malfoy.'

'Whose Snape?' Harry asked.

'Slytherin Head of House and Potions Professor at Hogwarts. According to Megan Jones, an acquaintance of mine, he favors Slytherin and is horrible to the rest. He treats Gryffindors the worst,' Ernie said before biting into another biscuit.

'Why is he still a Professor then?' Harry asked.

Ernie shrugged, 'I heard my father say Lucius Malfoy was on the Board of Education and between him and Dumbledore no one will put up much of a fight.'

Harry didn't understand it, but he was suddenly thankful he was going to Durmstrang. It also struck Harry how the name Dumbledore kept creeping up into his conversations. A small part of him wanted to meet the man. It was difficult not to. From everything he had learned so far this Albus Dumbledore already had a huge impact on his life.

'Have you gone shopping for your school things?' Ernie asked.

'Yeah, last week,' Harry answered unsure if he should elaborate.

'Oh that's too bad. Father plans to take me later this month. Say do you have your wand?' Ernie asked eagerly.

Harry shook his head, 'Not yet.' Harry didn't want to talk about it and it must have shown in his face for Ernie let it go. The pair talked for another hour about non consequential things until Caroline called for her grandson. Ernie left promising, and extracting a promise from Harry, to write.

Arcturus had gone out for the day leaving Harry and Melania to themselves. The pair ate luncheon in Harry's room.

'How did you like Ernest?'

Harry shrugged, 'He's alright.'

Melania sighed in disappointment. When they finished eating Melania took Harry to her garden in the backyard. If Harry were older he would have truly appreciated the beauty of the garden, but he did appreciate the colors. As he looked around he noticed the trees, which were blooming beautifully. Harry would swear they were the biggest trees he had ever seen. 'How did you get all those trees to look like that?' Harry asked.

'We are wizards,' Melania said simply. 'We can get trees to bloom at any time of the year and without a conservatory. The conservatory just makes everything easier.' Melania flicked her wand causing several gardening tools to fly towards them. Another flick and they halted before hitting her. 'Do you know how to weed, Haryon?' Harry nodded his head. 'Come.'

The pair began pulling the weeds surrounding the lavender plants. Harry, who had been weeding for a number of years, performed like an expert. He turned to ask Melania a question but stopped at her look. 'What?' Harry asked a bit defensively.

'Where did you learn to weed like that?' Melania asked with a frown.

Harry blushed and mumbled something unintelligible.

'Speak up,' she commanded.

With a deep breath Harry said, 'My aunt made me weed her garden.'

Melania pursed her lips, 'What else did they make you do?'

'Who says they made me do anything else?' Harry asked sharply. Melania said nothing. She did not need to as her face said it all. 'Sorry,' Harry said at the silent reprimand. After a moment Harry said, 'I had to weed the garden, wash Uncle Vernon's car, cook breakfast, sweep, mop, clean their rooms, clean the bathroom, clean the garage and the attic...'

'This was a weekly thing?' Melania asked hopefully. At Harry's blush she paled. 'House elves at least have magic,' she muttered, but Harry heard her anyway.

In an effort to change the subject Harry asked, 'Do you do anything with these plants or are they just for show?'

'These plants I use more for perfumes, bath water, oils, the like,' she answered. 'I have more in my conservatory in France, which has a lot more herbs and plants. While our family is quite wealthy I do like to spend more of it on clothes and jewels.'

'Oh,' Harry said as he went back to weeding.

They tended to the garden in silence until Melania said, 'I believe you need an examination.'

'For what?' Harry asked before the statement registered in his mind.

'I can do it if you like,' Melania said. 'As we are keeping you a bit of a secret I believe it would be preferable for all involved.' At Harry's look of confusion Melania said, 'I was a healer long ago. While I could take you to a hospital outside of England it would be much easier to do so here and now.'

Later that afternoon Harry found himself standing in his room with nothing on but his y-fronts. Only with remarkable effort did Melania keep her face straight in the face her beet red nephew. However, after flicking her wand she no longer found anything amusing. The quill on Harry's bedroom table began to make a list on the parchment underneath it.

When it came to a stop Melania read the paper thoroughly before walking up to Harry and examining his right arm. 'This is crooked and it can easily be reset. She then moved to his right knee, 'This also needs to be reset'. She waved her wand over Harry's eyes. 'There is a potion that can correct your vision. It is a bit on the illegal side.' Harry snorted at the last sentence while his companion grinned. 'You are underweight and shorter than the average eleven year old. However, this can most likely be corrected in the coming years if you eat and exercise appropriately. However, you might need potions to help with your vitamin and mineral needs.'

Harry after blinking for a bit asked, 'How will you reset my bones?'

'Vanishing them and then re-growing them with skele-gro.'

'Huh?'

'Its a potion,' Melania explained. 'Hurts a bit, but I believe you will be asleep.' She turned to examine his scar, 'I do not know why this has energy. I wonder if Dumbledore had you examined before placing you with the muggles. Hmm,' she said tapping her lips, 'I will ask for the Essence of Purity.' She turned to another piece of parchment began writing, 'I shall have Moss pick up the potions you need from our potions master. You may put your clothing back on.'

'Enter,' Arcturus called.

Harry slowly opened the door, 'You wanted to see me, sir?' It was after dinner and Arcturus' personal house elf had just told Harry his master wanted to see him. The office was just like Harry's room except the green was darker and the silver was lighter.

Arcturus nodded, 'Sit.' Harry frowned, but complied by placing himself in a leather chair. Arcturus brought forth two glasses before pouring a dark brown liquid into both. 'Have a drink, son.'

Harry, never one to turn down a new opportunity, picked up the glass and took a sip. The brown liquid burned his throat before setting his chest on fire. 'What is this,' he choked out.

'Ogden's firewhiskey,' Arcturus said. 'Now, young Haryon, let us discuss a few things. How did you enter your vault?'

'Huh?'

'It is not "huh" it is excuse me or I beg your pardon,' Arcturus corrected. 'Sit up,' he then commanded. Harry sat up straight waiting for Arcturus to continue. 'I have also observed they way you walk. That shall have to be corrected as well. You should walk with your head up, your back straight, and your feet should not drag.'

'Why?' Harry asked rudely.

'Because,' Arcturus drawled, 'if you proceed to walk with like a spineless individual than your peers will see you as an easy mark. Now how did you get into your vault?'

'With the key from the box,' Harry answered neutrally.

'Did you ask the goblins about other keys?'

'Yes.'

'Did you the keys that are not in your possession destroyed?'

'No,' Harry answered.

'Why?'

Harry tilted his head, 'I don't know.'

'Stop using contractions in your speech they are inappropriate. Now it was a good thing not to have those other keys destroyed because you have kept Albus Dumbledore a bay for a bit longer. Having all the knowledge before showing your hand is a good thing.' He paused to take a sip of his beverage, 'How did you find the MacMillan boy?'

'He was okay,' Harry said. 'We will be writing each other soon.'

'Good.' Arcturus said, 'As you shall not be attending Hogwarts you need a bit of friends inside the place. I shall attempt to get you together with Nott, Warrington, Pucey, or someone of that ilk.' Arcturus ran a hand through his graying hair, 'How much did you tell MacMillan?'

Harry shook his head, 'Just that I was muggle-raised and that I have no idea who Dumbledore is.'

'He does not know you shall be attending Durmstrang?' Arcturus wanted clarified.

'No, I didn't...did not know how much to tell him,' Harry explained with a sigh.

'Good, good.' Harry picked up his glass to take another small sip. It was strong, but Harry believed he would get used to it. 'I am known to reward good behavior even if I am a complete and utter bastard. Doing well in school and making money is the best way to garner my favor. In fact I expect you to have a good amount Os. Do you understand?'

'Yes, sir.'

Arcturus nodded his head, 'You may leave now...take the cup, but make sure you avoid your aunt.'

It was Friday evening and the last night Harry would spend with the Heads of House Black. Moss, the house elf, had obtained the necessary potions for Harry. Well everything except the eye correcting potion. It was, apparently, out of stock.

'Are you ready?' Melania asked gently.

Harry shook his head, 'No, but go ahead.' Melania flicked her wand twice before removing the bones from Harry's right arm and knee cap. It did not hurt, but it felt weird. When he tried to move his arm he found he could not. The skin flapped around disgustingly. 'Gross,' Harry said.

'Indeed.' Harry then downed the two potions.

'Eughh,' Harry said making face.

'Indeed. You should be asleep soon. Tomorrow your limbs will have been corrected and whatever dark magic lies within your body eradicated. Sweet dreams, Haryon.'

'Good night,' Harry yawned as he drifted off to sleep. Melania ran a hand through his messy locks before leaving him to sleep promising to check in him later.

Harry was trapped. He did not know where he was, but he did know he could not leave. He almost whimpered when he heard breathing. Breathing that wasn't his own.

'Harry Potter,' a cold voice said softly.

Harry looked up to see the ugliest and scariest thing he had ever seen. It was a face, but it was terribly disfigured. It...it was snake-like. 'Who are you?' Harry asked with a tremor in his voice.

'You do not know who I am?' The thing asked. Then it laughed a cruel, high-pitched, humorless laugh. 'You destroy me. I am nothing but wisps and vapors and you have the audacity not to know me?'

Harry swallowed as an uneasy feeling settled in the pit of his stomach.

The face twisted into an ugly sneer, 'Who would have thought my nemesis would be this? A pathetic child with no extraordinary talents.'

Though the fear was still present, Harry began to feel righteous anger, 'I am hardly pathetic and who the bloody hell are you?'

'You have fight like your father did,' the face mocked. 'He died like every other Gryffindor...a fool. Your mother, well, she went down begging and pleading like the pathetic mudblood she was. It is a wonder Severus asked to spare her.'

'Voldemort?' Harry asked in disbelief. 'So you are still alive.'

'Yes,' the thing hissed. 'I shall be even more alive once I am in control.'

'Control of what?' Harry asked warily.

Voldemort smirked, 'You.'

Pain. It was pain like he had never felt before. It was as if his body were twisting with whatever Voldemort had become. He stopped knowing where Voldemort ended and where he began. He used the only thing he still had control of and screamed.

Melania and Arcturus had just dosed off when they heard the dreadful scream.

'The bloody hell was that?' Arcturus asked as he grabbed his wand from the bedside table. He did not receive an answer as Melania was already out the door.

Melania gasped as she entered the room. Harry looked just like himself except for one thing...his eyes were scarlet. ''Melania MacMillan,' Harry said, but it wasn't his voice. Without thinking she sent bindings at Harry's arms, but they were batted down despite Harry missing an arm.

Arcturus entered the room, 'Well, well, well, Arcturus Black. Long time no see,' the person said softly.

Arcturus blinked, but could not recall whose voice that was. 'Haryon,' he called.

'The child cannot answer you,' the other person said while laughing a terrible laugh.

'Possession,' Arcturus said softly. 'But who could...' he blanched in realization. 'Merlin,' Arcturus gasped.

'What is it Archie,' Melania asked as she sent another binding spell at Harry's arms.

'The Dark Lord,' he said softly.

'Oh good. You at least know who I am and have enough respect not to say the name of your betters. This child...oh Arcturus it is too bad you could not teach this child the same.'

'Haryon,' Melania called once again.

Arcturus flicked his wand in rapid succession with no results.

'Do not send anything dangerous Arcturus,' Melania reprimanded. 'You will kill Haryon.' She turned back to calling Harry. 'Incendio,' she said as a number of ice sickles flew her way.

'Hurts,' Harry's voice was finally heard causing Melania to gasp.

'Do you not wish to stop his hurt Arcturus,' Voldemort taunted as he threw a crucio from Harry's left hand.

Arcturus side-stepped the curse like a seasoned veteran. Another binding flew towards Harry's body.

'Kill the boy,' Voldemort hissed. 'Stop his hurt.'

'Haryon,' Melania called as she sent a stupefy at Harry. It was batted backwards. The Blacks had to duck and dodge as a stream of killing curses were thrown their way.

'How in the blazes is he doing that?'

'Haryon, hold on,' Melania said. 'We love you.'

Harry wanted to cry. He had finally found a home and now he was going to die. "Look for the silver lining," Marius would say. I'll get to see my parents. At that thought the thing flinched...violently. The memory of his father chasing him on his broom as a baby came forth. Voldemort uncoiled greatly.

Harry thought of his Uncle Marius and how the older man had hugged Harry before leaving. Of Melania running her hand through his hair.

As Voldemort further released him Harry heard Melania tell him she loved him.

Harry heard someone scream as he found himself looking wildly around his bedroom.

'Haryon?' Arcturus called cautiously.

Before Harry could answer he threw his head back and screamed. Gray and brown eyes widened at the horrific yet fantastic sight. Harry was releasing something from his mouth.

'Is,' Melania swallowed heavily, 'is that decay?'

Arcturus nodded his head. 'You look as sick as I feel.'

The pair walked towards their nephew and heir cautiously with their wands at the ready. The boy was breathing heavily as if he had run a mile.

'Haryon.' Harry whimpered.

'Are you in pain?' Melania asked.

'Yes,' he gasped.

Melania grabbed the sleeping potion from beside Harry's bed. His arm had a bit of bone, but nothing else. She poured it down his throat, 'Rest Haryon.'

Husband and wife stayed in the room until Arcturus said, 'Come. Let us retire.' Arcturus held out a shaking hand for his wife. Arcturus had always believed emotion was a weakness. That night as he held his wife he would admit to being scared out of his mind and he would not be ashamed of it.

Harry slept until late the next day.

A note was sent to Marius and Cassiopeia to alert them to the incident. 'What happened?' Marius asked fretfully.

'Possession,' Arcturus said simply. He was too exhausted and confused to be angered by Marius' presence in his home.

'Possession by who?' Cassiopeia asked with a hand on her chest.

'The Dark...oh hell Voldemort.' Cassiopeia jumped, but Arcturus paid her no mind.

'I beg your pardon?' Marius said.

'Melania gave the child the Essence of Purity last night as she had discovered his scar giving off energy. Whatever had been in Haryon's scar led to his possession...'

'We need to take a trip to the library...'

Arcturus sighed, 'I know. We can have the elves clean the place up and stay there for Yule.'

'All of us?' Cassiopeia asked. 'Including...' she waved at her brother.

'I do not care,' Arcturus snarled.

'Yes,' Melania said softly while rubbing Arcturus' shoulders. 'The five of us and maybe Lucretia and Ignatius. I doubt the others will be speaking to us by that point.'

'Good riddance...although I shall miss Pollux,' Cassiopeia said.

'Indeed,' Melania said, 'I have grown weary of your sister-in-law.'

'And not my nieces and nephews?' Cassiopeia asked with a smirk and for a moment she and Melania had reached an understanding.

'You know what this means?' Marius asked.

'Yes,' Arcturus said wearily.

'We shall have to figure out how he still lives,' Cassiopeia said.

'We might also have to swallow our pride...' Marius said looking at Arcturus.

'I will put off Albus and Abraxas for as long as possible,' Arcturus snarled. 'I hate Abraxas and getting information from Albus Dumbledore is like pulling teeth and you know I would rather chew on nails.'

'Pouting is unbecoming, Arcturus,' Cassiopeia said. She smirked in the face of his glare.

Sport popped into the room startling its occupants. 'Master Haryon is awake,' he stated.

With a lack of dignity they would never admit to, all four adults rushed from the pale green living room and upstairs to Haryon's room.

Other than being tired and a bit in pain Harry felt better than he had in...well forever. He remembered having headaches at the Dursleys, but had chalked it up to Vernon's voice and Petunia's frying pan. He was sipping on a bit of water as his aunts and uncles entered his bedroom.

Melania hesitated for a moment before giving Harry a great hug. He was startled and spilt some of his water. Arcturus gave a lazy wave of his wand to dry the bedding as Cassiopeia flicked hers to conjure two more chairs.

'How do you feel, nephew?' Marius asked as he settled himself in a chair.

'Great.' At the four raised eyebrows Harry said, 'I do. I'm a bit tired and some parts of me hurt, though.'

'You feel...great?' Arcturus asked slowly.

'Yeah,' Harry answered, 'I feel like a...a weight has been lifted. That headache is gone.'

'What headache?' Cassiopeia asked.

'I have always had this pounding in my head. Sometimes it would be...I could ignore it most times.'

'Huh.'

'Do you remember anything that happened?' Marius asked.

Harry nodded and proceeded to explain.

'He said Severus asked to spare your mother?' Cassiopeia asked with a bit of fire in her eyes.

'Yes,' Harry answered. 'Err...whose that?'

'Potions Professor and Head of...'

'Slytherin,' Harry finished. 'Ernie told me.'

Marius rubbed his face, 'If what you...V-Voldemort says is true then why did Lily go down begging.'

'Snape asked to spare her,' Arcturus said. 'Why? And what did Snape do to make such a request?'

'Yes,' Cassiopeia said, 'a Slytherin must always get something in return...so what was it?'

Marius frowned, 'There are a few ways to find this out. One: Lucius; two: Snape; three: Dumbledore...'

'Four: Karkaroff,' Arcturus said.