A/N: Here it is, the Penultimate chapter. Enjoy, only the relatively short final chapter is left. Thanks for reading and reviewing, MNF

Chapter 9:

"One in Progression"

The trip which deposited Harry and Sirius onto the mysterious island of Avalon was surprisingly smooth. Unlike a Portkey, the landing wasn't the responsibility of those being transported. Whatever magic this was, it very gently placed Harry and Sirius upon the soft grasses of a low-lying meadow.

"Wish I could travel that way more often," Sirius muttered. "Even better than Apparating. No troublesome stomach knots this way." Harry nodded, not sure if Sirius was speaking to him, or what he was speaking about, having never Apparated.

Above the meadow, upon a low, flat hill, stood a circle of stone monoliths. Inside this first circle stood another set of stones, these in pairs with capstones creating a series of arches. It all looked quite familiar to Harry.

"That looks like —"

"Stonehenge," Sirius finished his sentence. "It's a true replica of what the ancient stones near Salisbury originally looked like, before time and weather destroyed so much of it. It was our ancient descendants, the priests and priestesses of the very old magical faith, who first erected it. The first Merlin, your tutor Myrddin, he created this one for the Binding Circle. Come, we need to first be entitled before the Circle can meet."

Harry found climbing the hill a bit of a challenge in the flowing robes and the odd sandals they were wearing. As the pair reached the crest of the hill, several familiar faces came into view. One immediately rushed to Harry's side.

"Mr. Potter, you look quite regal," Professor McGonagall greeted him. "Sirius, you have also pulled yourself together well. I am impressed."

"While I generally don't care much about my appearance and the reflection on my family, I do realize this is important, Minerva." The two enjoyed a laugh at the inference, Sirius regained her jesting at his expense.

"There are several people who are anxious to meet you, Harry. Will you allow me to make the introductions?" the professor asked.

"Sure," Harry replied, suddenly feeling self-conscious about the introductions. Professor McGonagall introduced him to Jessica Abbott, Hannah's mother and Muriel Prewett, Ron and Ginny's great auntie. After spending a few minutes with the woman, Harry decided he'd never met anyone quite like her. He was also quite certain that Professor McGonagall had stepped on Sirius's foot at one point. Undoubtedly, Sirius was about to say something he shouldn't. Harry wondered how his godfather didn't get himself into more trouble with his mouth.

Harry had a polite, albeit short, conversation with Neville's grandmother whom he recognized from King's Cross station and his mate being dropped off for the train. She was off to assault someone else with her verbal demands only moments after their formal introduction. Harry wasn't upset by this. Mr. Diggory was here, and Harry chose not to get closer, as he didn't want to upset the man by reminding him of his lost son. Madame Malkin and Mr. Ollivander were here, and Harry thought he recognized Gwenog Jones amidst the sea of white robes.

Something made Sirius straighten up and sort of step in front of Harry, in an almost protective gesture.

"What's the matter, Sirius?"

"Death Eaters," his godfather answered. "Goyle, Crabbe and Nott are all over there." Harry noticed the three men together, their heads pressed into a close circle. It didn't surprise the younger man because this was a gathering of old magical families. There were bound to be some rather unsavoury characters as well. Harry was about to ask a question when Sirius noticed Kingsley Shacklebolt and another man walking rather purposefully towards them. Their progression caused Sirius to straighten up and tighten his hand around his wand.

"You're rather brazen, being out here in public, Black," the man Harry didn't know sort of barked.

"You know as well as I, we are beyond any political affiliations here," Sirius calmly responded.

"You're on British soil. I should be able to arrest you here!"

"Gawain, you know you can't," Kingsley reminded the other man who physically bristled at the comment.

"That's bull crap, King. Perhaps the rules should be bent just this once," this man named Gawain suggested.

"I wouldn't do that if I were you, Auror Robards," a feminine voice said from behind them. Harry and Sirius turned to see a face which seemed somewhat familiar to Harry, but he couldn't place where.

"Madame Bones," Sirius greeted her. "How pleasurable to see you."

"Thank you, Sirius. It's lovely to see you as well," she answered. Harry suspected this was Susan's aunt. He also remembered her from his trial. "Gawain, you know as well as I you can't arrest him here. We are beyond the Ministry on Avalon. Furthermore, paperwork came across my desk late last night. Mr. Black has apparently been given asylum by the Magical Republic of Ireland."

Harry and Sirius looked at each other, trying not to show the surprise the statement caused them. Maggie had obviously been busy after they'd parted ways yesterday.

"They can't grant him asylum," Robards complained. "He isn't Irish. Our treaties state that the individual must be at least part Irish."

"Well, you've not studied my family tree then, Gawain," Sirius said with a bit of his mocking charm coming through. "I am one quarter Irish, through my paternal grandmother, Melania McMillan."

"You can't go without a registered residence," the Auror sounded desperate to find some way to stop Black from moving out of the Ministry's reach.

"He has somewhere to live," Harry piped in. "We have both decided we're going to live in my family home near Killarney. Sirius is my legal guardian, and while I will be considered an adult after the ceremony, I don't think it would be wise to live alone at the age of fifteen. He will do his best to keep me in line."

"Well then," Kingsley's deep bass rumbled over the whispers and murmurings of those who had gathered, "it sounds as if there is nothing we can do. Mr. Black is under the protection of the Republic of Ireland's magical government."

"Harry, will you leave Hogwarts?" Professor McGonagall asked, sounding both hurt and concerned.

"I don't know," Harry answered honestly. "From what I've heard in these last weeks, many more doors will be opening up for me. I want to think about everything. I can say for sure I will not be going back to the Dursleys."

"Oh, well, er, will you at least discuss some things with Albus and me before you make any decisions?"

"Of course," Harry replied. "I understand the headmaster has quite a bit to explain to me about my past." The deputy headmistress nodded her head, her face unable to hide the trepidation.

A man who appeared to be in his fifties stood in the middle of the stone rings. He lifted his hands, palms up to the sky. "Sisters and Brothers, the time has come to entitle our new descendants. Will our four initiates please come forward?"

Harry and Sirius walked together through the stones, joined by Amelia Bones and a younger man neither of them recognized. He looked to only be a few years older than Harry.

The man in the middle began speaking. "Greetings brothers and sisters, I am Patrick Cumberbrandt, Merlin of the twenty-fourth seat. Those of you who are here to witness the entitling, please make a circle; those being entitled, please come stand in front of me." Harry and Sirius continued to stand next to each other, Amelia on the other side of Sirius and the unknown man next to Harry.

"Brothers and sister, to ensure you are from the lines you claim, we call upon your ancestors to bear witness to your lineage," Patrick announced. This was something Harry was looking forward to, seeing his Mum and Dad again. Sirius had prepared him for the encounter, also explaining his grandfather would likely come as well. "Ancestors who bore them, ancestors who last held the title, come before us now to bear witness to your progeny."

Tendrils of mist seemed to grow up from the earth, from the erect stones, float down from the skies. A trio gathered before him, first just wispy pillars which then gained more substance. They reminded Harry of the ghosts his wand had created in the graveyard six months ago. Unlike that unfortunate night, Harry saw smiles on the faces of his mother and father, as well as the older man Harry knew was his granddad; the family resemblance was unmistakable.

"Oh, Harry, we are ever so proud of you," Lily gushed as she hugged him.

"I couldn't have done all you have at your age," James boasted. "Teaching your school mates as you have, and handing that old bit—"

"Toad," Lily said loudly, drowning out the rest of James' word, although Harry knew what it was. He was also sure he caught his grandfather wink at him. He suspected this is where his father's impish behaviour had come from.

"Anyway, you've done well," James commented. "We're glad you've got Padfoot and Moony to help you."

"Hopefully they will be better influences on our son than they were on you," Lily remarked, which caused James and Harry to laugh.

"Families," Patrick addressed the apparitions. "Do you support your new Lord or Lady? The House of Black?"

"Absolutely not," the tall, hunched over, grimacing man replied. "He's an embarrassment to the name. I demand my niece Bellatrix be seated in his stead."

"She's in jail father. Felons cannot serve," Sirius loudly reminded him. "Can't ask for Cissy either, grandfather saw to that. Looks like you're stuck with me, unless you'd rather have Andi?"

"Nearly as much of an embarrassment as you," Mrs. Black replied. Harry recognized her from her portrait. She was just as awful in person.

"I insist the seat be left empty until another heir is born," Mr. Black interjected.

"That cannot happen, sir," Patrick answered him. "Would you forfeit your heritage then?" The Blacks remained silent. "Will you vouch for your son and his character?" The pair continued their silence.

"If neither will speak for him, then I shall stand for his character, too," Andrew Potter said. "He was my son's closest friend, and I taught them both in the ancient ways. Sirius is worthy of being Lord in his line."

"I will accept his parents appearance as proof of his lineage and your statement as note of worthiness," the Merlin concluded.

"Always meddling," Orion Black muttered. "He came out as he did because of you."

"I take that as a compliment," Andrew Potter said loudly, causing Sirius, James and Harry to laugh and the Blacks to huff in indignation. They disappeared hastily.

"Good riddance," Sirius whispered under his breath when they were gone.

"House of Bones?"

"We joyfully support our daughter and sister," the younger male ancestor stated.

"House of Potter?"

"Harry is all the things which have made the Potters strong. We heartily endorse him," Harry's grandfather announced.

"House of Scamander?"

"Rolf will make a fine Lord," the older gentleman said. Harry was sure he recognized him or the name from somewhere.

"Thank you for your support of your loved ones. We will now move on to the entitling," Patrick spoke. Addressing the initiates, he asked, "Who are you who stand in this ancient temple?"

"I am a seeker, I have travelled far, and wish to know of the peace, joy and knowledge the light of heritage can bring," the four replied in unison.

"You have pledged yourself to your family heritage. Do you swear to represent them in all matters with dignity and respect?"

"I do."

"Will you live in fidelity to the Old Religion? Will you learn its ways and celebrate its holy days?"

"I will."

"Will you participate in the ancient ways? Will you respect the power of your magic and do the same with all brothers and sisters in the craft?"

"I will."

"Will you recognize the magic of all living creatures?"

"I will."

"We are all connected through our magic. Will you nurture these connections and those whom you attach to?"

"I will."

Patrick walked over and stood before Sirius. "Kneel please," he asked and Sirius complied. A witch brought over a flat hat, similar to the one which Dumbledore often wore, but in a dark verdant shade. Patrick placed the hat upon Sirius's head and then put his hands upon Sirius's shoulders.

"May it evermore be known that Sirius Alphard Black is now Lord Black of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. From his first of the Awyr chan Nos to the most recent Lord Black, may you serve them well."

The process was repeated for Amelia, Harry and Rolf. Harry's parents and grandfather kept their hands upon him for the entire ceremony. He was sure he could feel their love bolstering him and easing his fear.

When all four had taken their individual vows, they stood, and Patrick spoke again.

"Now you are part of the Yn caethiwo Amgarn. As such, you share in the knowledge of your ancestors, and in the life force given by the god and goddess. Through them, you will further learn of the mystic arts. You shall offer thanks and praise through the Old Religion. I hereby too caution you to always remember the Wiccan Rede: An it harm none, do what thou wilt.

With deep respect, Harry replied when Patrick prompted, "An it harm none, do what thou wilt."

"Hail all gathered here! I present for the first time, Lord Black, Lady Bones, Lord Potter and Lord Scamander. They are brothers and sister in the Craft and loyal to the Old Religion. So mote it be."

Harry was able to hug his family one last time before they disappeared into the sky. The departure didn't hurt as much, as Sirius had told him of the portraits which existed of them all, as well as many other Potters. Harry would be able to converse with family whenever needed.

Harry hugged his godfather and assessed himself. He didn't feel much different than he had this morning, but he knew he was. For the first time, Harry recognized his destiny was his own. While he would take counsel from others, he would make his own decisions, where he lived and was educated were his choices to make. He smiled at this change as he saw Dumbledore climb up the hill to join those gathering for the full Circle.