The Contract


Chapter 36


"How did it go?" was the first thing out of Rabastan's mouth the second the door closed behind the guards. Staring at his father and Harry in silent enquiry, wishing to know how the entire thing had gone down.

"As well as could be expected," Corvus revealed as Harry set about putting out the boys breakfasts and drinks. He took his seat and expanded on his statement, "Sirius Black was released into St. Mungo's care, where he will receive treatment for his decade long wrongful imprisonment."

"He won't be in there long, he is surprisingly coherent for someone who had been here this long." Rodolphus warned, he had a cell close to Black, so he knew that for a damn fact.

"His mind might be whole, but his body certainly isn't up for the task," Corvus revealed, his sons weren't all that much better either. He would be employing a full time healer for his sons the moment they were out of Azkaban. There were plenty he could choose from even if they were 'escapees' from Azkaban, there were plenty neutral and dark cored wizards and witches with healing Masteries who would heal his sons.

Rodolphus grimaced, "Point," he tried, he really did try to exercise, build up his body again…but he exhausted so easily that it was almost too relieving to give in. Plus, with the guards and dementors, he couldn't use the pendant like he had in the past, so it meant when they were there, he felt them full force again which left him weakened for hours afterwards. The last thing he wanted to do after regaining himself was try to exercise. He did it though, as much as he could, and he hated how weak and pathetic he'd become.

"Speak for yourself," Rabastan muttered, he was doing rather well for being out of shape for an entire decade. Nowhere near as strong as he used to be, which was embarrassing, but what could he do? He knew it would be years before he was back to normal if they ever got out of here. He certainly held a lot more hope than he had ever before. He'd assumed he and his brother would die in here.

"You don't look very happy," Rodolphus stated bluntly, staring at Harry shrewdly.

"He might still try for custody," Harry admitted, his eyes shadowed with worry.

"And that's a bad thing?" Rodolphus asked wryly, "Someone that cares?"

"I'd just end up back in square one again," Harry frowned, it was almost like Rodolphus was suggesting that he should go with Black. He didn't know how to feel about that at all, he thought they got on well enough nowadays. "With Dumbledore running my life." which was why he'd gone through all this in the first place. He didn't regret it in the slightest, he'd never been happier.

"Black might be highly suggestable but he's not an idiot," Rodolphus stated grudgingly, "He was just behind Rabastan and Remus Lupin when it came to grades out of his entire year. He could have made something of himself, instead he was a foolish idiot and joined the Order." A sneer cutting deep into his face. The last of the Black's, after the idiot was gone there would be no more Black's another family name just stricken from the record. Too many had gone the same way, and there wasn't a damn thing they could do about it.

"You're attempts at trying to make me feel better suck," Harry informed him, causing Rodolphus' mouth to twist as he tried to stop the smirk of amusement passing his features. He failed at that too not surprising, Rodolphus didn't know how to make people feel better.

Rabastan chuckled around a mouthful of food, "He's always been that way." He confided in Harry wryly, "Seems to me you've got more a problem with Black than you're letting on." could it really all be down to Dumbledore? Hell, the wizard probably would never get back to running Hogwarts, which made things easier for Harry in the long run. Black had been freed from Azkaban, surely he wouldn't allow Dumbledore to begin micromanaging his life? Hell, he'd be annoyed if the Dark Lord tried that with him and Rodolphus.

"Like how?" Harry asked, brow wrinkled up as he tried to figure out what Rabastan meant by that comment.

"Your lack of empathy," Rabastan pointed out, "You've not even sympathised with him once…you know what we've done and have continued to try and get us out." Which frankly baffled the hell out of him if he was honest but he'd never look a gift horse in the mouth. It had allowed him the most comfort he'd had in a decade.

"I…sympathise with him," Harry muttered, his tone almost petulant. "Why do you all want me to like him?" hurt creeping into his tone, did they want him to go with Black? To allow himself to be adopted? A lifetime of worries and fears creeping into his mind, making him feel inadequate. Wasn't he proving he was good? Was he perhaps not doing well enough in his lessons?

"We don't care about that, it's your resistance that has us curious, it can't be all about Dumbledore…" Rabastan stated calmly, watching the boy curiously. "What are you really scared of?" what was really going on in that young mind of his?

Corvus remained silent, watching his family, and more importantly Harry's reactions. He'd been thinking about this on and off himself. He hadn't actually asked Harry, because he wasn't sure whether the boy actually knew himself. Could his fear of Dumbledore be that prevalent?

Harry tightened his grip on the table, "I don't want this to change," he admitted, was that so wrong? Why were they making it feel so wrong?

Rodolphus arched a brow, "Then rig the game kid," he told Harry, "Go and see Black, stack the decks in your favour and make sure Black will not see Dumbledore. Destroy their relationship and make sure Black listens to you."

Corvus understood fully then, Lestrange manor and his sons as well as him was the first true stability Harry had known. As independent as he was…he'd become dependant on the Lestranges for stability and to provide a home. He was pleased Harry trusted him enough for that. Harry was absolutely terrified that Sirius Black would screw that up. Quite frankly he wasn't the only one, perhaps revealing that to Harry will ease him…or might make him more anxious.

Harry scowled mutinously at Rodolphus, that seems to be everyone's suggestion.

"Sometimes you have to do something you dislike, it's part of life," Rabastan said quietly, "But to get your best possible outcome…then do it. Plus, from what I saw…nearly everyone liked Black, you might find yourself liking him as well." oh, he'd hit the nail on the head there, Harry was worried about liking Black.

"I've already told him that he can care about more than just a few people, one doesn't have to dislike someone on principle." Corvus said, giving Harry a warm look, that suggested he was being extremely silly about this.

"You do the same though, I bet there wasn't anyone you liked on the light side?" Harry grumbled, grinning when Rabastan brought out the Rubik's cube. "You've got to get all the squares the same colour on each side." It would certainly give him something to do.

"Well, he has us there," Rodolphus chortled, the look on his fathers face was hilarious. "What the hell is that supposed to be?" eyeing the Rubik's cube as if it were an alien about to burst.

"It's a Rubik's cube, you're supposed to get all the colours coordinated on each section, it's really difficult," Harry said, "I used to play with one…my cousin didn't want it, when they found it though they put in the bin…I only had a few tiles left to complete it." a little bit wistful that he hadn't gotten a chance to finish it. "They made a Rune one off of his idea," which Rabastan already had. So he thought to get him this one. It would keep his mind active and that was an important thing while he was in Azkaban.

Rodolphus cocked his head to the side, taking it from Rabastan and begun to fiddle with it, expecting it to be easy to accomplish. Only to find his brow steadily getting lower and lower each failed attempt, if anything he felt as if he was making it worse. So into his task that he didn't hear the stifled laughter from Corvus, Harry and Rabastan at the faces he was unconsciously making at his failures.

"I give up," he hissed through gritted teeth as he put the blasted thing back on the table. The temptation to smack it against the wall was strong, but he refrained.

"I taught you better than that," Corvus said, in feigned disappointment, but his smile returned after only a few moments. Taught them never to give in, to always push forth until they succeeded. It was the same lessons that Harry was now privy to. Despite the rough start…it seemed things were calming down a little and Harry and his sons were beginning to enjoy their time.

"A miniature chess set," Rabastan said, bringing it out, opening the box to find all the pieces zooming out and into position. "They don't normally do that," you had to set it up yourself. Well, the miniature one had to be set manually.

"You can play it yourself," Harry said, the pieces smash and fix themselves. "Or you can play me, or Corvus!" pride almost overwhelming Harry.

Rabastan glanced at Harry quirking a brow.

"I made it so you can do both," Harry nodded eagerly, showing him the bottom, "See if this rune is blue, it means you're playing me or Corvus…on the other board at home…and if this one is red it means you're playing a game on your own. The third rune is lit up which means we can play a game face to face here and now."

"Can you play?" Rabastan asked, teasing him lightly, even if it came out croaky and rusty from disuse.

"He's doing well," Corvus told his sons, "Getting better at predicting his opponent, he almost had Draco beat the other day." Harry had been extremely happy that Draco had visited, sure it was only for a few hours, but after dinner they'd played a game of chess, apparently Draco had been teaching him while they were at Hogwarts. It certainly explained how he'd gotten better so quickly when he returned home after the incident at Hogwarts.

Rodolphus nodded absently, Draco he remembered the baby. He and Bellatrix had visited, they'd been watched closely though, very closely. They'd barely been allowed to hold the child, as much as Narcissa loved her sister…she'd never trusted her with her son. Thus, he hadn't been trusted either, to hold his own nephew. Not by blood, but marriage, heck he'd never heard the boy call him 'Uncle' before he was carted off. "Does it take after Lucius or Abraxas more?" he'd had a head of blonde hair a cute button nose. He'd always wanted children, but Bellatrix definitely hadn't wanted one, barely even paid a single speck of attention to her own nephew. To think if things had been different…Narcissa could have ended up his bride, and Draco could have been his…Lucius was lucky.

Even if he did get free of Bellatrix…who the hell would want to marry an old man like him? He was old before his time, old in body and in mind. He wasn't the young confident man he had been a decade prior. A divorcee without an heir, the thought of another marriage made his skin crawl, but no self-respecting witch or male carrier would have a child out of wedlock. If he wanted a child he would need to marry, and he had to have a child, the Lestrange name counted on him and his brother. Shaking off his thoughts, there was no place for them. He couldn't divorce Bellatrix, Orion had created an ironclad contract for his unstable niece.

"There's bits of both of them in him," Corvus revealed, a thoughtful look on his face, "He has the Black eyes." It seems to be a bit of a reoccurring theme as of late, in children, looking exactly like their fathers with their mother eyes.

"I'll bring in a picture next time!" Harry promised, glancing at Rodolphus before getting back to the game of chess he was playing with Rabastan…or rather getting his ass handed to him at but still, it was fun, he wasn't a sore loser, although he hoped to one day actually win at a game.

"Huh, I'm going to guess with Narcissa and Lucius as parents he's pig-headed and opinionated?" Rodolphus mused, he'd heard Draco mentioned before, of course, but he hadn't ever asked about him.

"He can be," Corvus replied, "But at least the Black madness has escaped him." which was true enough, Draco might be spoiled but he had not inherited Narcissa's families madness. They called it madness, but it wasn't quite accurate, with all the interbreeding between the Black family…they had been slightly unstable, some more than others…Bellatrix had definitely the received the worst of it, and he wished he'd known. He and Orion had never had the same friendship they had before once it became known. Orion had died friendless after Corvus was done…with nobody but his wife at his side, sons gone, one dead and the other in Azkaban. His nieces had wanted nothing to do with him, not even Narcissa. Despite family being important it wasn't that important apparently.

"That's good I suppose," Rodolphus admitted, the Malfoy's had no Black blood in them, they'd come over from France…generations ago, if rumours were to be believed, they married half-blood's into the family as well, keeping the blood from becoming too familial. "I wish the same could have been said for Bellatrix." A grimace adorning his feature.

"Why didn't you get a divorce from her?" Harry asked, waiting for Rabastan to make his move, keeping an eye on the board as he spoke to the others. It was slightly rude, but he was trying to figure out what move he'd make next. Surely Corvus wouldn't have allowed himself to be cornered into an unsuitable contract for his son?

"Lord Orion Black made that impossible," Rodolphus retorted, anger deep in his voice.

"You'd divorce her if you could?" Harry cocked his head to the side, murmuring his orders to the chess set.

"In a hot second," Rodolphus stated, which wouldn't happen.

"Is there a copy of the contract still around? Both of them?" Harry asked, his mind mulling over potential clauses that were unfulfilled. The betrothal and the marriage contract, although, if Orion had used Dorea…his sister, it might be impossible for it to be altered, like the one he had. Which sucked, because he'd rather not attend Hogwarts and it was enforcing it. Who would have thought that would be the one reason he had to be annoyed with such a wonderfully made contract?

"Of course, one never gets rid of something so important," Corvus was the one to answer, "And it is quite ironclad."

"I'd still like to see it," Harry told him, brow furrowed, he had a feeling the solution would be an easy one. The belief that contracts were 'ironclad' stopped them all seeing the obvious staring them in the face Harry reckoned. "Was it Dorea who made it too?" like his.

"Perhaps advised him, but no, it wasn't her work," Corvus replied, "I do believe she was heavily pregnant at the time, unfortunately, the baby didn't survive its birth." Genuinely remorseful and saddened for the witch he had cared so deeply for. The baby would have been very fortunate to have Dorea Black-Potter for a mother. Fierce and loving at the same time. Unfortunately, she'd had James old, having another child so late in life…could have proven to be fatal for not just the baby but her as well.

"Oh," Harry murmured, now wasn't that mind-blowing? He could have had an aunt or uncle…near enough two decades younger than his dad. Not that it would have helped his home situation, it would have just left two Black-Potter's orphans. His grandparents had died sometime in the five years between this incident and his parents deaths he knew that much. He or she would have just turned seventeen this year if it had been the right year he's calculated.

"She was also extremely annoyed at Orion, Merlin only knows what Sirius Black told her, when he showed up at her door after running away from home." Corvus added thoughtfully, "So, it is very unlikely she offered much in the way of help." The Black lawyer had been good nonetheless, and he'd been too thrilled at the contract, to join both their families to look too closely at Bellatrix, assuming like her sisters, she would be the perfect fit, a graceful pureblood witch who would do the Lestrange family proud.

They had tried to keep it quiet, insisted that Sirius had just gone off to visit James Potter for the holidays. That was until Walburga lost her temper, then the truth became known, they'd disinherited him, not long after that Alphard Black had died then he too had been disinherited post-death. It was an embarrassment to the family, that one of their own left. Thankfully they'd gotten nearly everyone contracted to be married, except for Sirius, even Regulus had been courting someone when he went missing, leaving his betrothed without a husband. If Sirius had acted earlier, it would have stained the family, no family would have touched the Black's with a barge pole afterwards any embarrassment was near fatal for pureblood's. The shame took decades to leave behind.

"The original copies will be in the Lestrange and Black vaults, but I do have a copy of the original at home, should you desire to look over it." Corvus informed Harry, as smart as the young one was, he did not believe the contract could be overturned. Orion had been just as shrewd as Dorea, and wanted to make sure Bellatrix would be taken care of, especially in the light of her mental state. While it was true, Harry's way of thinking was…quite refreshing and new, it was unlikely he could find something to cut the ties that bind his son and Bellatrix.

"Checkmate," Rabastan stated smugly, leaning back in his seat, he was still able to play, then again, Harry was nearly a complete novice at the game.

"Damn," Harry muttered, staring at the moves Rabastan had just made, making a mental note of them, to use in the future games he played. Well, Azkaban hadn't messed with his chess playing skills, how many moves had it been?

"He's always been the better out of us both," Rodolphus told him, for that, chess, and when it came to Runes too.

"Thanks," Rabastan said, the little pieces repairing themselves as he put the pieces all together into the box and folded it back in half. Putting it back in the box, that he would take with him to his cell, it would replace one of the dirtier ones on the floor, the old one just thrown out the window into the sea. He had one he put through the bars when it was particularly windy, so that the draught couldn't reach him quite so well.

Inside the box, he found more letters addressed for him in what was becoming very familiar handwriting. Which reminded him, he reached into his pocket.

"Here, can you send them back to Aramis?" Rabastan asked, sliding the pieces of parchment that had been folded until it fit into his pocket. Unfolding the bulge a little, it was filled with all his work on Ancient Runes. It was a little dirty, but overall, the writing was clearly neat and tidy, and his work done properly. It was a blessing having something to work on, except for just exercising, he actually felt the sparking of happiness when working on his Ancient Runes.

"I will," Corvus agreed, he would clean them up first as well, but he didn't say that. He simply folded them up, and slid them into his pocket. He had his own updates from Aramis, so far they were adhering to the law, if they could continue as they were…he would gain his Mastery in a year or so, perhaps longer depending on whether he could actually come up with new runes to create. There was no law saying his son couldn't gain a Mastery while in prison, which was great. The added bonus was that Rabastan would have an independent means of income, which was something he was big on and had encouraged while his sons were at Hogwarts.

Which meant, regardless of their positions in the Death Eaters, he wanted them to have more to life…which regretfully hadn't happened. Rabastan hadn't had the chance while Rodolphus hadn't had the opportunity, while trying to deal with his unstable wife.

"Is it getting harder?" Harry asked, watching the paperwork disappear into Corvus' cloak, the urge to see what kind of questions there were in a Mastery Rune work was strong. He didn't touch it though, he knew it would be way beyond his understanding.

"It is," Rabastan nodded, he'd actually had to work through dozens of books before he figured out what it was the question was asking. Thankfully though, between his father and Harry, he had every book he'd need for the duration of his Ancient Runes Mastery, and if any new came onto the scene…he'd get those ones too. "The challenges are perfect, I'm really enjoying it," it was almost as if Aramis knew him well enough to know what would get him working best. Or maybe it was just how he worked, others would probably panic, but not him. he enjoyed, no relished the challenge…it's not like he had anything else to do. Or anywhere else to be.

"Then that's the main thing," Corvus nodded, it was worth every single Knut he was paying Aramis for his sons education. "He's suggested it might only take a year and a half more for you to be in the completion stages, then all that would be required is you creating two new runes at least…to pass."

Surprise filtered over Rabastan's face, Aramis had commented he was doing rather well, and advancing at a good pace. He hadn't revealed he was that far ahead though, but he had nothing more to do, so he got his 'quizzes' and work done quite quickly. "That's interesting," was all Rabastan had to say on that, as he handed over a chocolate bar to his brother, there was nobody else he'd share with in this hell hole.

"Has there been any news on Barty?" Rodolphus asked, wondering if the Dark Lord was looking into it. Was it conceivable that Barty was alive on this island somewhere? Yes, but why? Was it his father's attempts to sweep his son further under the rug and pretend as though he didn't exist in hopes with him dead he'd get enough sympathy to have him become Minister after all?

"Nothing has been discussed with me, I believe he's looking into trying to locate him through the mark," Corvus explained, "He's returned to his own place, so I won't be privy to new information as quickly as I had been." And if he wasn't wrong…Harry actually missed having Tom to talk to.

"What about those that remained free? Has he called them yet?" Rodolphus asked, a sneer that could cut glass adorned his features. Were they getting to do their Lord's work when they who remained the most loyal were stuck in here? Even when they got out…how much use were they going to be having to recover from a decade behind bars? He was being childish, he knew, if he'd had for a second, an opportunity to remain free…he would have taken it. Unfortunately, Bellatrix and Barty to an extent had stopped an opportunity.

"He hasn't called a meeting, he has met with a few individually," Corvus told him, mostly those he could use in the political sphere he was creating. Everyone marked knew Tom had returned, they had felt it, and no doubt there was a great deal of confusion as to why they hadn't been called. He'd been subtly asked a few times, despite the fact he wasn't marked, they all knew if anyone was aware of Tom's return it would be him. Or Lucius of course, who was quite high up.

"Are you getting more showers yet?" Harry asked, changing the subject, a determined look on his face. He was disgusted how little they were looked after in here, regardless of the crimes committed. Not everyone in Azkaban were murderers anyway, some were only in for using magic or stealing and things like that. The Muggles would be horrified if they could see Azkaban. They'd be all over it trying to change everything and get people out.

"Once a week still," Rodolphus said, eyes darkening, a cold five minute shower that left them colder for days afterwards. He hated it, plus, without items being allowed in they couldn't clean themselves properly. Well, except the few that were doing what his brother was, and able to bring in items so they could take care of their needs.

"Don't you worry, things are changing swiftly, they should begin installing new showers within the next few weeks." Corvus revealed, "The laws have changed further, agreements have been met, I've never been more glad for Muggle laws in my life." he admitted, which was true enough, if the Muggles hadn't changed their laws…well, the wizarding laws would not be changing.

"I've written one up," Harry revealed, "It's to make sure prisoners can get necessary items in, regardless of their crimes. Soap, deodorant and things like that, and clean clothes…but I'm not sure if I've done it right. Including the ability to owl order items especially if they have no family." This was a piece of law he was proposing, so of course, he wasn't sure whether he had done it right or not. He wasn't sure if he was pushing it with the owl order business, but all letters and parcels would be checked before being handed over, so it shouldn't be a problem. They had enough people on the island now, well, guards really, so there were enough people to oversee the operation. It wasn't as if there were hundreds upon hundreds of people in Azkaban.

"I'm sure you've done your best," Corvus stated, as always trying to bring up Harry's confidence, he was often unsure of himself. This was despite the fact he was quite frankly the most unique young wizard he'd ever met. He was very glad he had been called that day, and that he had attended, he dreaded to think what his mind would be like under the conditioning of Hogwarts and Dumbledore. "If you wish, we can look it over and fix anything you might be worried about?" he was surprised Harry hadn't come to him already…but if he was correct, he'd probably done it last night.

Harry naturally, agreed quite quickly, Corvus would probably be taking it in anyway. The question was though…did he leave his name on it and begin his immersion into the political world? He might not be allowed to sit at the wizengamot yet, but that didn't stop his rights to changing laws and regulations…or rather suggesting change.

At least that's the gist he was getting from the books he was reading, it didn't explicitly say nobody could put forth a piece of legislation. He was the lord of two houses, or would be one day, and technically he should be eligible to do so. It was just he wasn't allowed at meetings until he was older, the holes in the laws…lets just say they suited his favour. If they didn't want people putting forth legislations then they should have made that clear in writing.

"You do realize you can't submit it?" Rabastan stated, already beginning to unwrap his next sweet, having given Rodolphus another bar.

"Technically I can," Harry said wryly, "There's nothing stating that a piece of legislation cannot be passed forth, I'm just not eligible to attend meetings until I'm older."

"He's right," Rodolphus commented chuckling in amusement. He knew the laws like the back of his hand, it had been drummed into him. He was after all, one day, going to be Lord Lestrange, or was supposed to be at any rate.

Corvus' lips just twitched into a smug smirk.

"Do you intend to let it be known then?" Rabastan questioned curiously, coming out in the political world was no easy feat. Thankfully his father would ensure that Harry didn't embarrass himself or the Lestrange name – whether anyone knew or not – it would still bring shame down on them if he screwed up. Half the magical population knew exactly where Harry was and who he lived with…even if they didn't know why or that he was betrothed to him.

"I intended to take up my place on the wizengamot the second I can," Harry declared strongly, "But I'm not sure if I should reveal myself so soon…I keep going back and forth on pros and cons. Mostly I just worry that my age will be used against any idea I have."

Corvus wasn't surprised by that declaration, it was obvious Harry had political aspirations. Not many eleven-year-olds had that passion, he'd even found it difficult to get his own sons to focus. It was a nice change actually teaching someone who wasn't begrudging or just down right uninterested.

"Good point, but the fact you're Harry Potter will have people siding with you automatically, only a few will probably have anything to say about your age." Rodolphus scoffed at the thought, he still couldn't believe the fame the boy had over something that had emotionally distraught them. They'd been unaware of course, until their father told them just how immense his fame was…Corvus suspected even Harry was largely unaware of the influence he had in the beginning.

As more of Harry's character was revealed to them…they begun to realize what a shrewd mind he had…and that he was most definitely aware of his influence. If he was any sort of Slytherin masquerading as a Ravenclaw…then he most definitely would be thinking of dozens of other ways to use his fame for his own benefit and the benefit of his own causes.

"Maybe," Harry said, brow furrowed, "I guess we'll find out," and he definitely would at some point. Whether it was this time…well, that would remain to be seen. "Is the globe still working?" he had thankfully remembered to ask this time.

"It is," Rodolphus answered, even if he wasn't getting to use it as much anymore, at least the dementors presence had been vastly reduced. People weren't screaming and shouting as much, there was a sense of coherency amongst those in neighbouring cells.

It was insane to think these changes had all happened in just a few months.


Corvus and Harry landed steadily on their feet, as the Portkey deposited them at Lestrange Manor.

"Ah, Loki, always know when you're needed, don't you?" clever boy, then again hawks were extremely clever creatures if treated correctly. "My office!" he told the bird, watching him fly off, indeed directly towards his office, the window open for him. He'd need to seal them correctly before sending them off, it would be quite a flight for Loki, since he would be flying to France. Aramis lived there, almost full time, he rarely came to Britain.

Harry grinned, "Are we feeding the animals today?" as always eager to help. Easily able to keep up with Corvus' stride as they made for home.

"Indeed we are, a little late today," Corvus confirmed, "I still need to get their potions together…" he informed him.

"Can I help?" Harry asked, he'd never done that part before, Corvus already had it done before hand.

"You may," Corvus agreed, the door opened as they approached, granting them both entrance into the manor. The moment they were far enough away, the doors closed, and the warmth began to permeate them again. Corvus always had it warmer when he returned from Azkaban, with him being older and Harry's immune system compromised, they both got cold easier.

"Mail for Harry Potter, Sir," a House-elf commented, mail laying in the centre of the platter he was holding in his arms.

"Thank you," Harry said gracefully, giving a smile of appreciation, as he plucked the letter from it's place. Frowning, there was something niggling at the back of his mind…the writing it was pretty familiar. Opening it up, he glanced at the bottom only to stiffen, Sirius Black. Huh, that's why he had found the writing familiar, the shaky scrawl was practically identical to the betrothal contract he and Rabastan had signed.

"Harry?" Corvus asked, from across the hall, he'd continued walking while Harry remained still. Giving the boy a once over, arching a brow, "Are you feeling well?" he asked, wondering whether to return to Harry or give him privacy. Dumbledore couldn't get in touch with Harry, so it wasn't as though he need be concerned about that.

"Black…he got in touch," Harry admitted, not sure how to feel about it, but everyone seemed to be constantly surprised he wouldn't give the wizard a chance. Maybe they were right, maybe he should give Sirius an opportunity. It wasn't as though he'd buggered off and left him off his own free will, and if he didn't have Corvus…he knew, he knew he would have been jumping at this chance.

"I see you've made a decision," Corvus added, watching a steely resolve forming across Harry's face.

Harry slid the letter into his pocket, giving a firm nod, "Yes," he agreed, before quickly jogging towards Corvus, "I'll go visit him." he decided. It was much better than doing nothing at any rate, and then losing this stability. If he could fight tooth and nail to keep the Lestrange's in his life…then that's exactly what he was going to do. He knew…he knew that push come to shove, they'd give custody of him to Sirius just because they didn't want him with the Lestrange's. Wanted to save him from himself or something like that. they'd think Sirius would be able to control him and his houses, but they'd be in for a rude awakening if they truly thought that. Even if Sirius got custody he couldn't touch a damn thing, he was the Black-Potter Lord and they would regret it if they tried to part him from Corvus.

Corvus nodded slowly, pride gleaming in his eyes, he was pleased Harry was taking a mature approach to this. It was understandable that he would be reluctant to do it, angry about it even, but it wasn't entirely Black's fault, he didn't have all the information.

Together Harry and Corvus filled up beakers, measuring out how much was needed and putting it into vials. Or leaving it in beakers if there was that much potion it didn't fit into the biggest vials they had. Which was actually three different potions, and spells were cast to prevent any spills. They weren't all potions either, some where just ground herbs or potion ingredients, that would be smeared across their food or meat depending on the animal.

"Is the Alicorn getting better?" Harry asked, as he filled the beaker with what he knew was one of the Alicorn's herbs, it was always on its food. He felt it, saw it, every time he was the one to feed the Alicorn. Which he tried to do every day, it was so beautiful and soft, he just couldn't help but want to adore it. Also made him want to strangle the old abusive owner.

"Slowly," Corvus replied, "Not as well as I would have liked, but it's better than no progress at all." Now if there was no progress…the poor animal would have had to be put to sleep.

Harry stared at the table, "Is there a chance…?" the thought was terrible.

"There may be, but each day it's getting better, and that is a good sign," Corvus revealed, refusing to lie to Harry, not even to spare his feelings on this matter. otherwise it would just come as a severe shock and a knock to the confidence he had gained that adults weren't about to lie to him. "It's a sin to leave a creature broken and in pain, it's a mercy to let them rest." They deserved a better quality of life, and Corvus was always the one to have to make that decision. Humans were left to rot in their own excrement once their body was broken beyond repair. Animals were allowed a dignified end, regretfully this was the world they lived in.

Harry swallowed thickly, but nodded bravely, if they could fix him…hopefully they could fix the Alicorn fully. To see it glide around, its wings fully functional again, oh, it would be beautiful. Corvus couldn't just fix everything that was wrong with the Alicorn, he was having to choose which were more vital, and deal with the aftermath. Which meant the delicate bones in his wings…might never fully recover.

Corvus flicked his wand, and absolutely everything they'd prepared disappeared.

"I'll miss them when it's time for them to move on," Harry admitted, as he followed Corvus out of the lab and made their way towards the kitchen, where Corvus had taken his stuff. And they would eventually all move on, including the dragon and the Alicorn if it survives to be fully healed. Then other animals would take its place receiving the love and care it desperately needed while it healed.

"I do too," Corvus confessed quietly, "Fortunately, I have grown accustomed to letting them go." otherwise it would have been intolerable. It's all he had other than his sons for the past decade. He wasn't sure what he would have done without it, something to keep his mind and body busy. Now though? Now he was finding it therapeutic and genuinely just enjoying the repetitiveness of it. It had helped Harry in it's own way as well, and allowed them to bond over the creatures he was helping out of his own pocket.

Harry nodded, and begun helping Corvus slather the potion all over the food, in the food, a few remained as was, with droppers just awaiting to be given to the animals that took them as it was. There was a list that helped Harry with what potion was to go on which food, some of them were not meat eaters after all.

The animals as they did their rounds, were extra happy to see them, and to get their food. Harry and Corvus ended up staying near the Alicorn for an extra ten minutes, the poor thing couldn't yet venture outside, so for the time being he was stuck in his stable indoors. Even jostling it around too much was too risky. The Alicorn certainly perked up a bit after it ate it's food, the potions doing their jobs.

After that was done, Corvus went to up to change into a more comfortable attire now that he wasn't required to be outside of the manor for the remainder of the evening. When he returned to the sitting room, Harry had an odd question for him. "Who's Remus Lupin and why would Sirius think he was in my life?"

Corvus inhaled sharply, "Ah," moving over he sat across from Harry, hadn't they discussed Remus Lupin with Harry? He was sure they had…perhaps even just in passing…had he been in too much pain to listen properly? Or had they utterly failed to mention him? "Remus Lupin was part of your fathers group of friends from the first day at Hogwarts. The group of four consisted of Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, your father and of course Sirius Black. They were a tight knit group, did everything together, and rarely you didn't find one without the others, except for James Potter in his final year at Hogwarts…where he was often spotted with Lily Evans, it was considered big news at the time, the Daily Prophet actually did a report on it."

Harry listened intently, making no move to ask questions. Yet.

"Remus Lupin isn't just a wizard though, for most of his life he's been a creature, and shouldn't have been in attendance at Hogwarts. He posed a very dangerous and severe risk to other students who were unaware of his affliction." Corvus continued, "He's a werewolf, in fact, he'd Fenrir Greyback's cub, but Remus had continued to denounce his creature side, and it's made him sick inside and outside."

Harry nodded he understood, he must have been very young when he was bitten. It was unfortunate, but werewolves didn't retain their own mind, so any bites were accidental, and not intentional. Still, why would Sirius think he would be having anything to do with him?

"In fact, Lupin nearly bit Severus Snape when they were sixteen-years-old. Your father saved Severus, fought Lupin back and succeeded in averting crisis for his best friends. For if Lupin had bitten or killed Severus…there was no way Dumbledore could have covered it up and would have resulted in Lupin's death via execution."

Harry was surprised he knew so much about it if it was supposed to be hush-hush. Then again, Severus was good friends with Corvus, at least he sounded like it anyway. So, of course, he'd know most of what went down.

"Instead Dumbledore threatened Severus and Lupin got away with it. Nobody has seen or heard from Lupin since the night Black was imprisoned. Which was twenty-four hours at the most, after your parents died. He isn't on the list of those who died during the war, and was never considered a threat." And was never placed on the neutralisation list. In other words, he wasn't considered a threat enough to be assassinated by the Tom himself. Anyone he considered a threat he actually dealt with on his own.

"Sirius is under the impression that this guy actually raised me, alongside my 'guardians' its weird as fu…is all," he corrected himself.

"It's no surprise, you must understand he's no knowledge passed what happened that night he was incarcerated. He was illegally put in Azkaban and nobody has visited him except for the Minister in the decade he was there." Corvus explained, "And the healers won't have the information he's seeking, perhaps except that Dumbledore and McGonagall were arrested and imprisoned. Hence why we suggested you go and tell Black the truth."

"Just like Rodolphus and Rabastan," Harry murmured, they had been desperate for any news, he remembered, to know everything that had happened.

"And the healers won't reveal too much, for fear that it might damage his progress." Corvus added, "It's an unfortunate situation, but one we can use to our advantage."

"You wont be able to come with me, will you?" Harry deduced, he would have preferred that.

"It's perhaps best I not, especially to begin with." Corvus revealed softly, "However, we could ask Antonio to go with you?"

Harry relaxed a little, and gave a single nod of consent, he'd rather not go alone.

"Then I shall ask him," Corvus declared, he didn't care how much it cost, Harry's comfort was paramount.

"He's asked me to visit him, when I'm comfortable…" Harry added, which made him reluctantly more accepting, "He'd just be happy if I got in touch at all." it made Harry feel sorry for him, not in a pity way, just sympathetic. He was in the same boat as Rabastan and Rodolphus.

"It's entirely up to you," Corvus agreed, he was grateful at least that Black wasn't trying to force his will on Harry. It meant good things, that perhaps Black would be accepting of Harry's feelings, especially when and if he figured out they didn't align with his own. If he allowed Harry to get close to Black only for Black to give up on Harry because he wasn't 'light' he would personally see to it that Black paid for that slight with his life. Regardless of how Harry took it.


This is for Lily (Ko-fi) I hope you enjoy the chapter ;) just know I'll be buying not a coffee but a bottle of prosecco LMAOOO! I definitely need it :D my goodness I never thought I'd see the day where having to stay indoors bothered me :P but it was sooo difficult to write a chapter like the inspiration is just being utterly drained from me along with everything else! :D and here I thought it would be awesome to have plenty time to write ;) not sure what comes next...I guess we'll find out tomorrow! You guys are awesome! STAY SAFE EVERYONE! TAKE CARE xx R&R and as for the Rodolphus/Sirius...totally happening ;) buy years down the line just like Rabastan/Harry ;) haha