Harry and Adrian were both exhausted as they were led from the manor. Moody and the aurors were seeing to the enemies. A few had been taken alive but their memories erased. Grindelwald would be placed in prison. His vegetative state was similar to those who survived the kiss, an elf would see to his care till he died. The manor and everything in it would be destroyed. It should have been long ago. The manor had no living family left to claim it. Harry, Adrian, their families and Argus were finally safe. Adrian had been confused when his father mentioned a grandfather waiting to meet him. Both his grandfathers were dead, his maternal one before he was born. And his great grandparents even longer. His father promised answers when home.

The others we're anxious for news. Argus had come from school with help from Poppy as he insisted on it. They knew Poppy may be needed. They tried to keep up good spirits but they knew what the others were facing.

Aurelia was anxiously pacing. "He has to be okay."

Aberforth tried to calm her. "Your husband and the others will bring him home."

Andromeda, who unlike her sister and daughter stayed. "They will all come home."

A voice came in. "Mum."

Aurelia turned and broke in tears, "Adrian."

He went into her arms. "I'm safe."

Andromeda was relieved to see her daughter. "You all are."

Narcissa nodded. "They are gone. Our families are safe."

Thomas motioned. "Adrian, I told you there was someone to meet."

Adrian turned to the man. "You're the bar tender from town. You're his brother."

Aberforth nodded. "I was."

Thomas explained. "He is your great grandfather."

Adrian was shocked to learn he was a heir. He turned to tell Harry. "I guess we really were…"

Lucius explained. "The Black family headed home."

Aurelia kissed her son. "We should as well. You will see him."

Thomas looked at Aberforth after thanking the others. "Come with us."

Aberforth nodded and came along with them. He was anxious to know his grandson and his child. He wished there was more then a painting of his son to see though. He wished his son shared the longevity of their family and was alive still. He thought of his wife and knew she would be happy. He smiled at the thought his great grandson and Harry may be together.

Harry had wanted to see Adrian but his family had taken him. They knew he would be needed in London so they didn't go back to school. Moody was taking care of the legalities but there would be a trial. They went to their home.

Harry was a bit shaken, shock setting in. "Feels odd here without my cats,"

Sirius sighed. "There are others."

Remus shook his head when Harry thought chickens. "Not who he meant."

Regulus opened a door. "They are waiting."

Harry turned to look at his uncles. "Grandfathers helped me."

Sirius pointed. "It won't save you."

Regulus looked at his brother when Harry went in. "You are taking too much pleasure."

Sirius managed a small laugh. "For once it's not me getting yelled at."

Regulus looked at the others. "We should go into the sitting room."

Tonks noticed. "Nicholas isn't here."

"He went to retrieve Arabella."

Sirius called for some tea. "We should all be here."

Remus sunk into a chair. "Something stronger may be needed."

Arabella was just as much a Black as them. The old lady was relieved to be able to return to her own home. Even after Albus had been arrested she had remained. She had known there was still a risk out there. But she missed the home she shared with her husband before he died. Nicholas had gone with them to rescue Adrian but he had been made to remain outside. They had not trusted him in with Grindelwald but he helped take down the guards. He and Arabella arrived. The old woman had a few cats in tow with her. The main ones had already been sent home but she wouldn't leave Snowball or the new mum.

Sirius spotted Harry in the door. "How was your reunion?"

Harry didn't know why he was so nervous going into the room. He had spent years talking to them. He had reminded his uncles that his grandfathers had even helped him get around the centaur wards. But he was reminded that there was a reason he asked the two of them and not his grandmother or Arcturus for help in this. He knew the two would not approve. Orion and Pollux hadn't but they had been willing to help him out. But they had also sent the twins after him as well.

Harry was surprised when he entered the room. He was expecting three paintings but he was shocked to find all five. It seems Pollux and Phineas had both been brought to the house. He could see none of them were happy.

Wallburga to no surprise barely let the door close behind him. "What do you think you were doing?"

Harry was pale. "I couldn't…"

Phineas reminded him. "There were others to rescue him."

"And you are a heir. You put yourself in their hands." Pollux growled.

Harry reminded him. "You and grandfather helped me."

Orion wasn't letting him off easy. "We thought your uncles would stop you."

Wallburga looked no more pleased with her husband. "I have taught you better than this."

Harry looked to Arcturus for aid. "Grandsire."

The man was no help. "Do not Grandsire me. I am no happier with you."

Harry paled. "I just did what you taught me."

Wallburga smirked. "We have never taught you to risk yourself needlessly. Never."

Harry didn't back down. "You told me to protect our family."

"That boy is not family. Even if an acceptable date." Wallburga growled.

"He was taken because of me. Our entire family were targets."

"Your uncles can defend themselves. You need to give us grandchildren one day."

Harry blushed but didn't back down. "My children would never be safe. And I wasn't going to risk the others."

Arcturus sighed. "They may never have defeated them all without him."

Orion reluctantly agreed. "Others may have been lost."

Wallburga was still grumbling. "I knew we were wrong to let your uncle raise you."

Harry was confused. "You have approved before."

"Far too stubborn like those sons of mine."

"Uncle Siri says the Black women are more stubborn. That I get it from my mother."

Arcturus managed a small laugh. "True enough. Both of those married in and those born."

Harry looked at his grandmother. "I know I risked a lot but I was just trying to do what you taught me."

The old woman sighed. "You have learned well. But you must focus on passing it on."

Harry laughed a little. "I am in school. If you are anxious for more grandkids maybe my uncles…."

"The last thing this family needs is some half blood or….."

Arcturus cut off her rambling. "Children can wait. Your training will keep us busy."

Harry was relieved that they would continue to teach him. He headed into the den to see the rest of his family. He had known the family would be angry at him for not listening. He had no doubt that he would face a talk with the centaurs as well. They would not be pleased he had left their wards when they told him he couldn't. He could avoid them but like the paintings he wished to continue his training with them. He hoped they would still be willing but he would not regret it.

When he joined the others he wasn't surprised to see Arabella had been brought. He could see his uncle Sirius was eying him. He thought his uncle was taking too much pleasure in his discomfort.

Sirius didn't take too long to pounce. "How was talking to dear mum?"

Harry tried to hide it. "I always enjoy it."

Regulus didn't buy it. "You are lucky paintings can't spank you."

Sirius agreed. "Or worse."

Remus came to his rescue. "I am sure he has had his fair share. "

Nicholas motioned to the food brought in. "At the very least he needs food."

Until then Harry had not realized how hungry he was. "I could eat a hippogriff."

"You will have to settle for pig." Sirius laughed.

"Buckbeak and his friends may have to watch out if Kreacher heard you." Remus tried to lighten the mood a bit.

Regulus watched him dig in. "Thankfully mother is not around to see your manners."

Harry stopped. "Sorry."

"You used up a lot of magic, it's natural." Nicholas assured him.

They were all hungry and not simply because they missed a meal. Arabella was the only one who hadn't been involved and just sipped some tea. They had not just gone into battle but they had used their core magic as well. Both Harry and surely Adrian would be the worst as they supplied the most magic but they all had. They proved they all had some elemental.

Harry was surprised later to notice a small cat making its way into his lap. "Well hello."

Arabella smiled. "He is one of my newest litter."

Harry pet the little ball of black fur. "He looks a bit like Mr Paws."

Arabella laughed. "He does.."

Sirius surprised even himself. "Maybe it is a sign."

"A sign?"

"You are down to two cats."

Regulus smirked at him. "You sound disappointed."

Sirius shrugged. "They live with Remus now."

Remus reminded Harry. "Argus will surely want his cat back."

"She wants him back just as much." Harry admitted. "What do you think little one, ready to join my bunch?"

"What will you name him?" Sirius asked. It was obvious Harry already decided.

Harry hadn't named one since he was four and his choices reflected that. Snowy had been named for being found in winter and Rummy as he was in the garbage. Mr Paws because of his dirty paw prints and Buttertail had always got into food on the counter.

Harry looked at his new member and settled on the name Dubh. It meant Black in Gaelic. Not for the color, but to honor his family and what they had all faced that day. His cats would always be a part of his family.

Regulus sent his nephew blushing when he said. "Hopefully Adrian is fond of cats. His future home is likely to be a menagerie."

Harry and his Uncle remained there until after the trial. The inner circle had all been given the kiss for the deaths of the veela. Those who had simply been guards were given life in a black cell. Their memories of the order were erased for safety anyways. Harry and Adrian both returned to school and we're happy to get back into things. Argus was happily reunited with Mrs Norris. The cat was happy to be home but she often visited Harry. Argus had retired but he was allowed to remain at the school. He had the McKinnon estate but the school was home. A new care taker would be found but for now elves did the work.

Harry had not been invited to the woods for two months after he returned. He had worried the centaurs had not been willing to teach him again. But his training had continued again after a long lecture from Magorian.

That July saw Harry becoming an adult. His uncles all took him for his apparition. He was beaming. "I did it."

Sirius put him in a headlock. "There was no doubt."

"One more stop before we hit the bank and your party."

Harry grinned. "My animagus license."

Sirius reminded him. "Quicker than us."

"Grandsire says it's because of my powers."

Regulus watched as Harry went in, "He is truly their heir."

"Good thing we don't live in a Black house any more." Remus laughed,

"And why us that?" Regulus wondered.

"He is lord Black officially. Could kick you out."

Sirius pouted. "Kick me out? I am his favourite uncle."

"Wouldn't be the first time." Regulus laughed.

"Hey little brother I ran away."

Harry appeared beaming, "I did it."

They knew he would as he could transform for a week now. But he had to be seventeen to register. They took him to the bank where he got the Potter and Black rings. He has been lord since he was little but it was official now. He had private access to his trust fund and control over the homes. He wouldn't get the main estate until he was twenty one. Before the party he was given his traditional gift. He was given the watch that belonged to Arcturus. Sirius had his father's watch. It seemed Orion had insisted it be sent to Sirius when he died. Sirius had a newer watch when he turned seventeen but it was his dad's he wore. Regulus had the one that belonged to Pollux. Like Sirius, he originally had a newer watch, Pollux alive when Regulus was seventeen. Unfortunately James watch had been destroyed in the house. Besides Harry was a Black as well.

Everyone was waiting for them at the coast where his party was being held. His friends were taking him out for drinks later on. Harry couldn't believe he and his friends were seniors that year. More freedom to leave campus but more pressure.

Adrian came over and kissed him. "Can I take it from that smile it went well?"

"Both." Harry returned the kiss.

Adrian looked at the rings and watch. "Four pieces of new jewelry."

Harry was confused. "Four?"

Adrian handed him a badge. "Head boy."

Harry wasn't too surprised but beamed. "Thought maybe Draco."

Draco reminded him. "You are top student and prefect."

Hermione cut in. "Top boy. I believe I beat him."

Harry kissed her on the cheek. "By half a point. Sharing a tower."

Sirius grumbled. "Maybe will insist you live with Moony."

Remus laughed at Harry's confusion. "Worried about your private rooms."

"Oh don't worry that is what alcoves are for. Besides Adrian has his own."

Regulus motioned. "Better go join your party before Sirius loses his cool."

Sirius was always the worst about seeing Harry as an adult. He still couldn't see him dating. He remembered when they thought Harry and Viktor had a crush. Viktor was dating Fleur and likely to be engaged soon. Both were there at the party. Harry and his friends were enjoying the party but minds were on the year and future. Hermione and Draco planned on law school next year. Madam Sprout asked Neville to intern already. Harry had not told anyone but he was going to be at school. He had considered a human healer but he decided on vet. He did plan to become a human medic like Severus. Charlie of all people were going to train him. He would study with both Charlie and the centaurs. He wanted to specialize in magic animals which the centaurs were better with. He wasn't sure what he would do when done training. He would study with Poppy to be a human medic. He did also plan to try out for the national quidditch team. Unlike Adrian who played for the United and taught, he didn't see it full time.

Remus reminded his friend. "He is an adult."

Sirius grunted. "He is in school."

"Keep it up big brother and he may keep his threat to reinstate arranged marriages."

Sirius smirked. "Oh he has plans for you."

Severus didn't find it funny. "Fortunately I have no meddling guardian to arrange it."

Remus nudged him. "I am sure Lucius could be convinced to act."

"My so called brother meddles enough as it is."

Remus shared a smile with Regulus. "Your mothers nightmare of a potions master son in law may come true."

Regulus gave him a wink. "Maybe the wolf one too."

Remus went to join Harry. "No guardian here either."

"I don't see that as an issue."

Watching Remus go off Sirius looked. "Blushing little brother."

"Mind your own business before I turn the tables."

The attention went back to the party and the birthday boy. Harry's uncles were all so proud of him. Remus and Regulus had gone out a few times. But they weren't about to tell Harry or Sirius until became more. Harry enjoyed the big beach party with his boyfriend and friends. And later all the of age kids headed out on a pub crawl. Even the older Weasleys, not just the twins.

Adrian raised a toast to his boyfriend. "To the birthday boy. A crazy year to come as you plan the future."