Chapter 9
"Are we doing the right thing?" asks Harry, stirring his porridge around his bowl rather than eating it.
Hermione looks pointedly at his food and waits until he spoons some into his mouth before answering him. "I think we're doing the right thing for this world."
It's an interesting qualification but he accepts it. He spoons up more porridge.
"I have to admit I'm a little nervous," Hermione says.
Harry looks over at her questioningly.
"Hogwarts is familiar," Hermione says, "and no matter how nice your family seems, it does seem like a leap of faith going with them."
Harry nods because she's just put into words how Harry feels about it all.
"Not to mention it's going to be weird for you to be around Sirius and James," Hermione says quietly, "given the circumstances."
"They seem nice and it doesn't sound like they're going to be around much with their work and everything," Harry replies, beginning to stir his food again rather than eating it, "but…yeah. Weird. It's not so bad with Arcturus and Regina, even my grandparents."
"Your grandparents are lovely," Hermione says, setting her spoon in her empty bowl and pushing it aside. "You can tell they really love each other."
She sounds so wistful that Harry peers at her quizzically again.
Hermione's cheek blush pink but she smiles, if a little sadly. "Most of my grandparents are gone now. I remember going on caravan holidays with Nana and Grandad Cotter when I was young. They were both teachers and they would always let me ask anything I wanted. My Dad's side was a little more formal? Grandad Granger was a retired Colonel and Grams was a stay-at-home wife. They had this cottage down in Cornwall and we'd go for a couple of weeks every Summer, and they'd visit for Christmas Day."
"They sound great," comments Harry, abandoning the last of his porridge. He wonders which of them is still alive, but he doesn't want to ask anything which might be too personal – which is a touch bizarre, Harry allows to himself, given Hermione knows all of his family history pretty much.
Hermione seems to sense his unspoken question though because she continues. "Grams is the only one alive now. Nana and Grandad died just before I began Hogwarts – Nana hadn't been well and Grandad went within a couple of months of her dying. The Colonel died of a heartattack when I was six; I barely remember him really."
"I guess you don't get to see much of your Grams?" asks Harry carefully.
"She and Dad had a falling out just after I started at Hogwarts," Hermione frowns, "I never knew why."
"Maybe when we're back home we can look her up," Harry suggests.
Hermione smiles at him but her eyes remain sad. "I guess." She sighs heavily and pushes a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "Grams isn't young anymore and we're going to be here a while."
Harry grimaces but he nods because she's right. "We need a plan for tackling that spell."
Hermione nods. "I started noting down some preliminary thoughts while you were asleep yesterday. We can go over them later."
Harry's not surprised she's already started to work on it.
There's a knock on the door and Harry calls for the person to enter.
His eyes widen as Sirius enters. The heir of Black is dressed down; a simple grey day robe over a grey jumper and jeans; his hair is tied back with a simple strip of grey leather. Everything looks high quality though and Harry feels very underdressed in his own department store bargain bin jeans and thick cable-knit jumper.
"Sirius," Hermione says, getting up, "we weren't expecting to see you this morning."
Harry scrambles from his own chair to stand beside Hermione.
"We had a change of plans last night and I thought you might appreciate the heads-up," Sirius says, waving them back into their seats and accepting Hermione's offer of tea. He conjures his own seat and sits with them at the table.
Harry mentally notes the ease at which this Sirius can conjure, and that the chair he's conjured is the same as the ones Harry and Hermione occupy right down to the detailed upholstery. "There's a change in plan?"
"The families conferred last night and thought it might be best if we all took some time off work to spend with you both, so we can get to know each other," Sirius explains. "I'll be joining you and Hermione at Potter House."
Harry can't help but feel torn about the news that he's going to be expected to spend even more time with Sirius and James. On one hand, he's pleased to spend time with them, but on the other…every time he looks at them it reminds him of losing his own Sirius, of the father he has only ever spoken to as a ghost. He has to get over it, Harry thinks to himself briskly. Hermione's estimating it will take them years to get home and he can't keep avoiding Sirius and James that whole time.
"I appreciate that being surrounded by so much family might be overwhelming if you're not used to it," Sirius says gently.
"Sorry," Harry says, fighting to keep his embarrassment off his face at Sirius's understanding, "I just…"
"You don't have to explain," Sirius cuts in, "it must be weird for you."
"Yeah," Harry murmurs, "kind of. We were just saying as much."
Hermione looks at him encouragingly.
Harry shrugs. "But I guess it's a good thing?"
"We hope it will be," says Sirius. "But we all want you to know if you need a break from the family just to say. Nobody will be offended if you want some time alone."
Harry's not sure how to respond to the compassionate offer. His throat tightens up when he tried to respond.
"Thank you," Hermione says. She reaches across the table and Harry takes hold of her hand gratefully. "We're thrilled at the welcome we've received but as you and Harry have said; it's a strange situation for us."
"I can imagine," Sirius says before he pauses. "Well, actually," he continues, "I'm not sure I can imagine. I'm not sure I'd be as calm finding myself in another dimension." There's a wry self-deprecation which surprises Harry but it makes Sirius more human and relatable than the calm mask of the Baron of Blackthorn.
"We've had our moments," Harry says dryly.
Hermione gives a warm chuckle and they smile at each other over the table.
Sirius clears his throat and they both startle at the sound.
"Sorry," says Harry again, very aware that he's blushing bright red.
"No, no," Sirius says teasingly, "it's very sweet the way you two are with each other. It kind of makes me regret that I'm still a bachelor."
"Are you seeing anyone?" asks Hermione delicately.
Sirius shakes his head. "Not right now. I thought I'd focus on gaining some work experience outside the family business before I have to settle down to it, and truthfully, I haven't met someone who I'd like to spend the rest of my life with." He points a finger at them. "But the two of you being so together is probably going to get Gramps back on my case."
"We apologise," Hermione says with mock sympathy, her eyes bright with mirth.
Sirius smiles at her and turns to Harry. "Do you have anything that needs packing or…"
"We're good," Harry says, "we're all packed and ready." His necklace is back around his neck and Hermione has her purse ready on her bedside cabinet.
"Good," Sirius's expression sobers. "I should also probably explain some of the history between the Blacks and the Potters?"
"That would be welcomed," Hermione replies with a quick glance at Harry, "I mean, we know the history on our world but we don't want to presume it's the same."
Sirius tilts his head, his expression one of understanding. "We're both one of the older noble families. Our politics aren't all that dissimilar in truth, but the Potters generally have been a little more progressive and the Blacks are a little more traditional. For a long time, we were…not friends, but not enemies if that makes sense."
Harry nods.
"My grandfather went to school with Charlus," Sirius continues, "they became friends for all that they were in different Houses. It was my grandfather who introduced Dorea to Charlus."
Hermione's eyes are bright with curiosity.
"My great-grandfather apparently had planned for her to marry a minor European noble, so he wasn't best pleased when Dorea disobeyed him and married Charlus," Sirius says. "It essentially created the rift between our two families, because he essentially banned anyone else in the family from interacting with Dorea except on a purely superficial level and, although we don't have proof, we believe he cursed her with infertility."
"Dorea had James quite late, didn't she?" says Hermione, putting together the puzzle pieces.
"Yes," Sirius confirms, "and she fell pregnant soon after the death of my great-grandfather by all accounts." He sighs. "He dishonoured the family magic."
"That has serious implications from what we've read," Hermione says.
Sirius nods. "My grandfather was set to make immediate amends when my grandmother had a vision and prevented him from doing so. She claimed any rapprochement had to wait until after her death."
Harry frowns. "She had a vision?"
"She had the Sight," Sirius says, "it's a gift she passed onto Regina, part of the legacy of her maternal line."
"But…" Hermione begins before she catches herself and holds up a hand, "sorry, I just find Divination to be…" she struggles to find an acceptable word.
"Woolly," suggests Harry.
Hermione squeezes his hand. "That."
Harry shrugs. "Trelawney was loopy, but she did manage to make two prophecies."
"Are you talking about Sybil Trelawney?" asks Sirius sounding scandalised.
"Uh, yes?" Harry confirms tentatively.
Sirius shakes his head in disbelief. "She interviewed for a position here at Hogwarts last year. The Headmaster thought she was a fraud."
Harry and Hermione exchange a lightening quick look of concern.
Sirius looks at Harry pointedly.
"Just…she gave a prophecy when she interviewed for Dumbledore in our world so…" Harry trails away uncertainly and looks at Hermione.
"But it may not have been the first interview he held with her," Hermione says matter-of-factly, "we don't really know. Actually, if he had already interviewed her before and thought she was a fake, it might explain why he was interviewing her the time we know about in a pub instead of at Hogwarts."
Harry sighs because it's not like they can ask either Trelawney or their Dumbledore. He turns back to Sirius and shrugs.
"It's probably nothing," he says awkwardly.
Sirius nods slowly. "Our timelines are completely out of synch, aren't they?"
"We think our universes are off by a factor of about twenty years," Hermione agrees. "Events are happening here which happened years ago in our world."
"Which means your present is potentially our future," concludes Sirius.
"Maybe," Hermione allows in a careful tone, "but there are substantial differences between our worlds already. Perhaps some of the events which are transpiring or will transpire will be the same, but we can't know for certain."
Sirius accepts that with another nod.
"You said that your grandmother had a vision?" prompts Harry, changing the subject back to their original topic.
"Yes," Sirius agrees, "so my grandfather waited as Grams requested and when my grandmother died, he approached Charlus for what is formally known as a rapprochement."
"But it was refused?" Harry thinks out loud, remembering his overheard conversation between James and Remus.
Sirius nods slowly. "Unfortunately, there was an incident here at Hogwarts when James and I were students. He thought I'd attacked a member of his group of friends."
He presses his lips together and Harry figures Sirius is working out how much of the Remus tale to tell them.
"James and I didn't really get along at school. He was in Gryffindor and I was in Ravenclaw. We didn't really interact but I was a Black and that was enough to gain James' initial animosity," he grimaces briefly. "I dare say I wasn't that friendly either. I was very studious and probably took everything a little too seriously – no pun intended."
Harry smiles, but he's caught on a revelation which hadn't come up the night before. "You're a Ravenclaw?"
"First Black not to sort into Slytherin," Sirius confirms. He makes a small gesture. "Anyway, James and I were definitely not friends at school. When my grandfather approached Charlus to ask for the rapprochement, James advised against it. It wasn't until last night that James apologised after his friend had finally told him the truth about what happened. Charlus has accepted the rapprochement so our two families can rebuild our relationship."
"Thank you for telling us," Hermione says softly, "we appreciate knowing the background."
Sirius gives a small nod. "You should also know that both families are united in making sure your time here is spent among people who care about you and that you're given every opportunity to live a good life, to have choices."
Harry can't help but notice how sincere Sirius is and he's comforted by his words. If there's one thing that's been distinctly lacking in Harry's life to date, it's choice. "Thank you, that means a lot to us."
"And, on that note, I feel I should warn you that Dorea has a plan," Sirius' smile is warm and rueful, "she reminds me of my grandmother."
Harry smiles at that because Dorea also sounds just like Hermione.
"Nothing's set in stone – well, except for the Wizengamot which none of us are getting out of, but the rest…we wanted to get your input too," concludes Sirius.
There's a knock at the door and Ariana bustles in at Hermione's call to enter. She blinks at the sight of Sirius sitting at the table.
"Professor Black," she says, "I didn't realise you were visiting."
Sirius looks visibly abashed as he stands, but Harry figures it's an act given the Sirius he observed at dinner was the epitome of calm and refined dignity. Harry and Hermione follow his lead though and get to their feet.
"My apologies, Healer Dumbledore," Sirius says formally, "I just wanted a brief word with my cousins before the rest of the family descended."
Ariana hums but she nods. "Quite right too," she says, "and it's good to know they're going home to family and not just stuck here at the school. Albus sometimes forgets there's life outside of these walls." She gestures at the door. "But if you'll excuse us I'd like to examine my patients before they leave."
Sirius gives a small bow to her and turns back to Harry. "I'll meet you at the Headmaster's entrance when you're done. Kitsy will show you the way."
Harry nods. "We'll be down soon."
He nips into the bathroom while Hermione is examined and she takes the opportunity to do the same while Ariana examines him.
"The first treatment has settled well," Ariana says, pleased, "I'm sure Dorea will want the Potter Healer to have a look at you but you've made a good start." She taps the air and a parchment appears. She taps it twice and it rolls up. She hands it to Harry. "Your full treatment history here at Hogwarts is included. You'll need to give this to Healer Albright."
Harry accepts the parchment, minimising wordlessly to put it into his pocket.
"I have one more thing for you." She taps the air again and something falls from the air and into her hand. She hands it to Harry. "This will help you keep control of your magic."
Harry turns the copper circlet over in his hand. It's a thin band of cooper open-ended with a thin space between the ends. It kind of reminds him of the adverts for arthritic copper bangles he'd seen in his Aunt's magazines. Ariana shows him how to put it on and take it off with a quick wordless spell. He wears it on his wrist and as it settles against his skin he can feel the faint ripples of his magic he still feels despite the treatment the day before, calm even further.
"It will only be visible to you, but you should inform your healer you are wearing one," Ariana says briskly, "and you'll need to remove it during treatment. But you'll be able to stop wearing it once you've completed your full course of treatment."
"Thank you," he says, "not just for this but for everything."
"Just my job but the thanks are appreciated," Ariana says kindly. "Now, let me show you and your Hermione to the right entrance."
Hermione's just waiting outside the door for him and Harry slides his hand into hers as they follow Ariana back through the maze of corridors and down a set of moving stairs to a rather undistinguished door. They step through and into a small courtyard.
There's a Rolls Royce Phantom parked in front of the door. It's beautiful and the silver colour catches Harry's eye for a second before his attention is arrested by the crowd of people stood beside it; Dumbledore and his family – Charlus, Dorea and Sirius. He wonders where James is absently before he focuses on saying goodbye to Ariana.
"It's been a pleasure, Harry, Hermione," Ariana says warmly. "I hope to see you back here as colleagues, but I know you'll have every option available to you."
They shake hands and Hermione says her own thanks before Ariana steps back into the castle.
Harry turns towards Dumbledore and shakes his offered hand firmly. "Thank you, Headmaster."
"Albus," Dumbledore stresses, "and I hope to see you back here at Hogwarts for the new term."
Harry smiles tightly.
Hermione accepts Dumbledore kissing her knuckles lightly and agrees to keep him in the loop of her studies on the crystal ball and spell.
Finally, Harry is left alone with his family. They greet Hermione and himself with what feels like genuine affection. They introduce the driver – a house elf named Parker. They explain and apologise for the lack of James, who apparently is clearing paperwork to enable him to take the rest of the holidays as special leave.
Charlus ushers them into the back of the car and they settle into the plush upholstery a touch self-consciously. Hermione and he settle on the bench behind the driver. Sirius slides in next to Harry with an apologetic smile but there is plenty of room.
Dorea and Charlus face them and the car sets off at a sedate pace. Harry can hardly believe the smoothness of the ride, remembering far too well the horrors of the Knight Bus. And the Floo. And the portkeys. Not to mention apparation. Frankly, Harry hasn't ever really enjoyed magical travel.
Harry feels Hermione squeeze his hand gently and he turns to her with a small smile of reassurance. He's not surprised when she turns back to Dorea and Charlus with questions about the car.
"I admit it's an indulgence," Charlus beams at Hermione, "but I wasn't able to resist."
"He's absolutely crazy about cars," Dorea says in a tone which feels like she's imparting a confidence but she's smiling and amused, "we have several."
"I've only ever seen one magical automobile before," Hermione says with a touch of wistfulness, "apart from the Knight bus."
Harry knows she's thinking of the Weasley's flying car.
"They've been popular here for a while," Charlus confides. "We saw the advantages immediately when the muggles created them." He turns to Sirius. "I understand from Archie that you have quite the collection yourself, Sirius."
"Motorbikes rather than cars," Sirius agrees, "but we have a few."
Harry thinks of the flying motorbike his Sirius owned and he's not surprised when Hermione squeezes his hand again.
"Do you drive?" asks Charlus eagerly.
"I have my driving licence, but I was saving up for a car," Hermione says, "it wasn't really a priority."
Harry shakes his head. He'd never seen the point of learning. "I cycle."
"Healthy," Dorea says approvingly. "Cycling is a good form of exercise."
"Harry prefers flying really," Hermione smiles at him indulgently, "but cycling's about as close as he can get when we're in the muggle world."
"You say you were brought up there, Harry?" Dorea asks, her tone bright with curiosity.
"Yes, with my mother's family," Harry keeps his tone light.
Charlus hums thoughtfully. "We should probably talk about your mother. Dorea reminded me this morning that it's possible that she has also noticed your arrival but simply lacks the means to track you."
Harry freezes at the thought. He hasn't asked about his mother – has tried hard not to think about her since it's clear she and James are not together. His mouth is dry and he swallows hard. He finds his fingers tightening on Hermione's. "I'm not sure…if I say who she is I think I might compromise the timeline?"
Charlus nods. "We may have to take that chance but there's no hurry. Let's get you settled first and then we can think on it."
Harry notes how Charlus uses 'we' rather than 'you.' It's strange to think that his family is invested in seeing to his welfare.
"So," Dorea says tactfully changing the subject, "we have a rough plan but we wanted to get your input, of course." She produces a piece of parchment and hands it over to Hermione.
Harry wonders if he should feel insulted by how she's quite clearly worked out who is in charge of their plans out of the two of them.
Hermione hums under her breath. "We're to see Healer Albright today?"
"Ariana is wonderful as is Poppy, but I think we'd be happier if our own family healer examined you," Dorea says. "We want to make sure you're both recovered and getting the best treatment possible."
Harry bites his lip. He'd rather they didn't see the healer but he guesses it isn't optional. He also knows that it's probably best they get a second opinion. The healer who'd seen him after the war had been ready to report Poppy for missing his obvious childhood issues.
"But today is really about getting you settled at Potter House," Dorea's gaze darts to Sirius, "all of you."
"I'm looking forward to seeing your home," says Sirius politely. "Potter House has quite a reputation."
"Not as much of a reputation as some of the Black properties," Charlus chimes in, "but it's home."
Dorea must be able to sense Hermione's curiosity because she turns to her with a smile. "Potter House is located in Caerfyrddin in Wales."
"Isn't that meant to be one of the possible locations for Merlin's birth?" asks Hermione excitedly.
Dorea beams at her in approval. "Yes, indeed. There is a set of caves just beyond the town which are said to be his birthplace."
"The first Earl of Gryffindor was Sir Cai of Caerfyrddin," Sirius informs Harry, "and it's said Arthur was raised with Cai and his father Hector in Caerfyrddin."
"You know your history," Charlus says brightly. "We're indeed descended from Cai and it is true that Arthur was fostered by Hector for a time at Merlin's request."
"How far is it to Godric's Hollow?" asks Hermione, clearly wondering as Harry is about the relationship between the two places.
"Not far," Dorea answers, "Godric's Hollow is actually one of the small villages close to Potter Hall."
"We're on the outskirts of Caerfyrddin, and a small contributory stream to the Towy runs through the Estate," Charlus says. "Godric's Hollow is on the other side of the stream, adjacent to our land. The Dowager cottage is there."
"Charlus's mother used to live there, but she passed away many years ago now," Dorea tells them.
Harry wonders what happened to the Potter Hall in his world, if there even was one. He shrugs the thought away and tunes into Hermione asking another question about the plan. The discussion about the busy week ahead takes up the rest of the journey, but before no time at all, Parker pulls off the main roads and into a country lane.
Harry shivers as they travel through wards heavy with the Gryffindor magic. He can feel the family magic in a way he hasn't yet understood; there's warmth in the magic, a sense of welcome but more than that, legacy. He feels its weight and its duty. Hermione's fingers tighten on his.
Charlus's eyes narrow on him but he doesn't say anything. The driveway isn't as long as Harry fears and they pull up in front of what seems to be a modest country estate for all that the property and grounds are large. The house captures the attention though as Harry steps out of the car.
The grey stone walls are rough and imposing reaching into the pale grey sky of the winter morning. There are clear sections; the central hub in front of them with the tall wooden front door, two squarish sections either side with end sections beyond them. The right end is more of an octangular shape whereas the left is a round tower which ascends a floor above the rest of the two-storey property. The windows are wide rectangles but divided into grids of smaller panes of glass.
Harry swallows and dimly realises he can hear Sirius praising the house to Charlus, the crunch of steps on the gravel of the driveway. Hermione gently nudges him. He turns to her and she smiles reassuringly at him as he slides his hand back into hers.
Sirius comes to stand beside Harry on his other side, an understanding look simmering in his grey eyes. "It's something, isn't it?"
Harry nods.
Charlus clears his throat and Harry's gaze moves to the Earl, standing on the shallow steps leading to the front door with Dorea beside him, her arm tucked in his.
Charlus smiles and his eyes hold Harry's intently. "Welcome home."
