A Lynx to the Past – Chapter 18 (Plan Set in Motion)
It had been a surreal feeling to be a current resident at the Flint Manor. He wasn't sure what to make of Marcus' parents. But he couldn't help the relief that flowed through him that they approved of him. Or maybe it was rather they approved of whatever Marcus decides on. As it could be more of that they trusted in his decisions.
But it finally led to a day where Harry wanted to know how Marcus found Potter Manor with his grandma-ma's portrait in it. It had been several weeks since that day. And he had been back occasionally to visit the Manor. Though they had to be very discrete on where he was going.
He actually had to search the Manor a bit in order to find her. As luck went, she had been in the Study.
She immediately noticed that there was a visitor.
"Hello, Harry. How are you?" she greeted with a cup of tea in her hand.
"Its been an interesting morning, ma'am," Harry mumbled.
She laughed, "indeed it has. I'm afraid Marcus did have to run an errand for me today. He should be back soon. But Harry, you should know you are free to call me by my given name, Caragh."
Harry fiddled with the sleeves of his robes before nodding, "he told me before he left."
Though technically 'told' wasn't really the most appropriate description. It was more of him kissing him senseless before saying he would be back in a few hours.
She nodded, "you have something to ask of me?"
Harry nodded, "how did Marcus know where the Potter Manor was?"
Lady Flint gestured for him to take a seat.
Harry hesitantly walked to the armchair before slowing sitting.
"So, this does require a bit of history on my account. Though he is quite acknowledged about our family and who are descendants are," she began.
Harry looked confused on where this was going but nodded.
"So, first thing you should know, your grandmother, Dorea Potter. She was a Black before she married Charlus. Now it was ages ago on how my family comes into this. Guess I should mention that one of the Blacks that was headmaster married into our family. He was the first Phineas Nigellus, but his portrait is still in the current Headmaster's office, as is the rest of the headmasters that followed after him. He had married a witch by the name of Ursula Flint, that obviously was before she took upon the name of Black," she took a sip of her tea.
Harry's eyes went wide at that.
"And because that Dorea is a Black, despite marrying Charlus, we know of the property. Anyone who is not of family has no knowledge of it. They still believe the property to be destroyed from Voldemort's first war. Now… I had been under the belief that it was in ruins. Until Marcus had requested me to look into our properties. Especially those that are under Black and Potter. Now a request like that would require me to seek the Goblins help. We have several that run our financial accounts when we cannot ourselves. I trust their work and have served my family well over the generations. They have pride in their confidentiality when working with clients as old as my family is. Which is also your family, Harry. This knowledge should have been yours from the beginning. But I hope within time we can rectify that."
Harry just nodded; he wasn't sure what to say. It took him a few minutes before he could find his voice again.
"Wouldn't that be wrong since I'm technically related to Marcus…"
"Of course not, dear. One thing you must learn about wizarding lines. We are all connected to another family one way or another. Some more distant than others. Though my line to the Blacks is a bit stronger than most. The Malfoys and Prewetts do have a stronger tie, though the Prewetts died off in the last war. Yet none of them know of this property because of the fact that they do not know. Though it is helpful that I was very close friends with Charlus before he passed. So, I perhaps know more about the line than most. You are perfectly fine as long as you are not related as siblings or first cousins," she reassured him.
Harry gave a quick sigh of relief, "definitely not that…"
"I imagine not," her lips twitched.
"Can you give me any details on this plan of his? All he has said about it was that I wouldn't have to worry about being the 'famous Harry Potter' anymore," Harry begged.
Caragh laughed at the put-out expression on the Gryffindor's face.
"My dear, you will learn about it soon. But I will say that it is quite thorough and well thought out. And from what my son has told me, you have finally mastered your form?"
Harry nodded, "I wasn't exactly sure what grandma-ma meant that I needed to center myself. To believe that we're both different and yet one of the same."
The witch nodded, "she is correct. Though each magical inheritance varies from the other. A lot of them, you have to be centered with yourself. Dorea was always very intelligent for her age, though I didn't expect any less from a Black."
"Did they fall in love?" Harry wanted to know.
"Obviously my husband, Dimitris, has informed you that most pureblooded families arrange marriage contracts."
Harry nodded, "Marcus told me about them. He said he was very glad you disregarded that particular tradition."
"Unlike the Malfoys and the other families. We are not set upon making our son live a life of misery. He does not deserve to be locked into a loveless life and marriage. But back to your question. The Blacks were actually very traditional. And a Marriage Contract had been set up for Dorea. But she had refused to sign it," Caragh explained.
"You have to sign it?" Harry asked.
Lady Flint nodded, "a parent cannot sign a marriage contract for their child. Though their signature is required. Both parties must agree to the contract in order for it official. That does not mean that the child has not been coerced into doing so."
Harry looked horrified at that. He couldn't imagine a parent doing that to their own child. But obviously they did, and he knew that Lady Flint or rather Caragh was not lying to him.
"Why would they do such a thing?"
"It all bows down to do with politics and alliances. So, they will marry off their son or daughter to another family to form them. Before Heir Malfoy was sentenced to Azkaban, he was betrothed to the Heiress Greengrass. I imagine that Lord and Lady Greengrass will look for another betrothal before her 17th birthday when she officially hits maturity," Caragh explained.
"They asked you and Lord Flint, didn't they?" Harry didn't lose his horrified look as his question was proposed.
Caragh nodded, "Dimitris, my dear. But yes. They owled myself and Dimitris a marriage contract. We did not open it. I sent the owl back. No doubt Lord and Lady Greengrass will take that as offense to their name. But we do not care. If we take shame to the House of Flint, so be it. But at least our conscious will be clear."
Harry sighed in relief," I am glad."
"I know you are, Harry, dear. It is because of you; that I am glad that I stuck with my decision. You have brought such happiness that I have not seen in years," she smiled.
Harry could feel the blush spreading across his cheeks.
"No need to be so embarrassed, dear," the older woman teased.
"You are almost as bad as Marcus sometimes," Harry grumbled, yet secretly pleased.
Caragh laughed, "It is part of being a Flint. Something you will get used to. Though you will notice that the men in our family are fiercely dedicated to their family. Which does include you."
Harry snorted at that, that was something he had started to notice. Especially when it concerned him. There was a rush of warmth that Marcus did consider him family. To be able to want that with him, not just to date him. He didn't think his face could go any redder when the thought of marriage crossed his mind. As he didn't doubt that Marcus probably had that on his mind. Would this actually last and grow into a bonding?
"Now… I am sure my son will be back soon. And I know he will want to see you when he returns. So, let us gather in the Dining Room. It is closest to the nearest apparition point. I cannot see him wishing to Floo back home," Caragh gestured for Harry to follow her out of the room.
Harry wordlessly got up and closed the door behind him. And followed Lady Flint down the hall, towards where Marcus was no doubt looking for him. Had it really been three or four hours?
Marcus hadn't yet fully told Harry what his plan was. He knew he would approve… eventually… But he needed the materials in order to make a casting. His plan would be doomed for failure if he didn't have the ingredients. He had never been so thankful that he was adapt at Potions. Though he supposed he could have asked for his mother or father for help. They were both amazing at the subject.
He didn't hesitate to inform his parents on what he was doing. He was a bit surprised that they approved of it. Especially since it had only been almost a month since he introduced his beloved to them. And his mother apparently adored Harry since the moment she met him. He couldn't blame her; he was falling head over heels for him as well. And that had started before this past year. And he just fell deeper and deeper into that bottomless abyss. Though this past year had made it all the more real and apparent.
But that brought him to what he was doing now. On his way to Diagon Alley and Knockturn. He had been trying to avoid the latter alley since it was pretty well known. Though not in a good way sometimes. Although he did prefer their Apothecary because he could find more quality ingredients. Not to count that some of the ingredients tended to be found more on the Magical Black Market. They tended to be more of an illegal nature because of certain rituals that required them.
With that in mind, Marcus decided to get the ingredients he needed at Diagon Alley first. He needed everything but two items there. That would be when he would go to Knockturn. No point in revealing that he was going to the darker of the two alleys if he could avoid it. Some witches and wizards tended to look down on that sort of thing. Too stuck in their ways that light and dark were two vastly different kinds of magic. Not even considering that there were neutral and grey spells as well. Some light witches and wizards could be fairly ignorant about such matters and concerning the world they lived in.
He wrapped his cloak further around him and started to brush through the crowd. And then he saw the last person he had wanted to see in England. Well… maybe not the 'last'…
School was over, so he wasn't wearing his Hogwarts robes. But he was wearing robes that was outlined with his family crest.
Had things not happened the way they did from the past few months, Marcus knew he would have approached him and exchanged pleasantries. But things were vastly different now. He wasn't sure he could consider him a friend anymore.
Then he apparently 'saw' him, and Marcus wished he had thought to cast a Notice Me Not charm.
"Marcus," he called out.
The Slytherin in question ignored him and tried to push through the street. He was not here for idle chatter. And then he froze, because of the name that Terence had yelled out next. Not Harry… but Potter.
The crowd around him turned and looked. They were curious and nosey. After all, most of them followed the Prophet and had heard countless rumors of the boy being dead. And the wizarding world still knew Potter as the Boy-Who-Lived. So, it was no wonder that they wanted to know more. Well… Marcus wasn't going to give it to them.
He marched up to Terence and grabbed him by the scruff of the collar on his robes. Dragging him into the Apothecary he needed to visit.
"Heir Flint and Heir Higgs, what services can I provide you today?" the wizard at the counter greeted.
"Just a side room, Lysander, for now," Marcus responded.
The older man nodded, "I have one of my potion rooms available. Sound is warded, of course."
Marcus nodded in approval, "My sincere thanks."
Terence didn't need to be dragged. He quickly followed Marcus. He was curious on why Marcus had chosen an Apothecary to talk to him in.
Marcus didn't hold back once the door was closed. Feeling the wards flare up once the door was shut. There was no chance of being overheard now. His eyes were radiating with fury.
"You got a lot of fucking nerve to mention Harry's name as openly as you did."
"How else was I going to get your attention?!" Terence demanded.
"Did it not occur to you on why I didn't want you around me?!" Marcus hissed.
Terence winced at that. That had been nagging his mind ever since that happened that day. He wished he could take it back. He had truly acted like a brash Gryffindor that he despised. Not using any of the Slytherin cunning his house was known for. He felt a wave of hurt rush over him, affecting him more than he thought possible.
"And I'm not about to forget where you broadcasted Harry's name all over Diagon Alley. Now this will be the talk for weeks. Where is the Slytherin tact we're known for?! So, because of you, this plan may be doomed for failure," Marcus snarled.
"I know that I acted like a Gryffindor. And that probably wasn't the best of decisions…" Terence commented as a wave a curiosity piqued at the mention of a plan.
Marcus snorted.
"I messed up; I know I did. Even then I acted like a Gryffindor. I hurt you and Harry and that was never my intention. I am not saying for things to go back to the way they were. But least let me win back the trust I lost."
Marcus suddenly looked unsure. He hadn't really expected Terence to apologize. And essentially ask for forgiveness without directly stating it. He knew that Terence had spoken out at the heat of the moment several months ago. And this latest stunt of his had certainly not helped matters much. Considering it could plummet his plan to get Harry out of the war permanently. That way he could actually live a peaceful life. And he had missed Terence's friendship. He wasn't as stuck up or far up his ass as these other Purebloods tended to be. For that he had been thankful for at the time. And still was to this day. He knew that his parents had been glad about that fact. They probably still were.
"I'll take the apology. But the person you really need to talk to is Harry. You had been his friend too," Marcus said before sighing.
He knew that he would have to forgive his friend eventually. But the true hurt had been from Harry. He had become Terence's friend through his Ezio form. That didn't mean the friendship felt any less real. That only made the betrayal hurt that much more. And Marcus was still getting used to his Gryffindor tendencies. And learning about his forgiving nature. That didn't mean he knew if Harry actually would forgive him. But it was very likely that he would.
Terence nodded, not expecting any less. Though that didn't make the guilt he felt any less.
"Send me a letter and I'll make sure it gets to him. Or send it to my parents so it looks more official and less likely to be intercepted. But I have business to attend to, Marcus finally decided on.
Terence frowned but didn't comment on it further. He was lucky that Marcus was even giving him this opportunity.
"Tell him I'm sorry."
Marcus shook his head, "do that yourself."
Terence watched as the sound ward was broken on the door. Seeing that this old friend opened the door back to the main part of the shop.
"I apologize for that, Lysander. Urgent matters," Marcus said.
The elder wizard waved him off. "Nonsense, you are a valued client here. Anything else I can provide you with?"
"I believe so. There is a list of ingredients that I require. An ounce of Mint, eye of Newt, diced Lizard's Tail, a few ounces of Red Clay Dust, a few ounces of firmly grounded Fairy Dust and Adder Fangs, Fresh Dragon Scales, a handful of Poppy seeds, and Nettle."
Lysander nodded, "I have all them in stock here if you will give me a few minutes and you'll be on your way. It'll be 19 Galleons and 5 Sickles."
Marcus nodded and exchanged the money for ingredients. Once he had paid, he thanked Lysander.
"No need to thank me, Marcus. You are still one of my most valuable clients here. If you need access to one of my potion rooms, let me know," the wizard replied.
"Thank you for the offer, I will keep it in mind. Though if you will pardon me, I have to rush off as I have another appointment to uphold."
"Do not let me hold you up then. I bid you a farewell."
There was no need for further words as Marcus left the Apothecary.
Now he needed to make the final trip to Knockturn Alley. He had already stuffed the potion ingredients in his robes. Though he didn't actually need all the ingredients he had requested for. But he wasn't dumb enough not to disguise what potion he was planning to brew. So, it someone decided to snoop around, they would have no idea what potion he was after.
This would conclude his trip to Diagon Alley. He needed to head towards the less ideal of the two alleys. Hopefully it wouldn't take as long. Considering he didn't require as many ingredients. That in mind, he stepped inside the low shop. Dissolving the Notice Me Not charm he had cast.
"What can I do for the Heir of the Most Noble House of Flint on this fine day?" a voice croaked.
"Vernados, I need two specialty ingredients that you are most known for. A pint of fresh water, blessed. And a few pounds of clay blessed. All the usual rites placed on them," Marcus said.
"Owled at the usual location?"
The Slytherin nodded and exchanged the amount of galleons for such an order. It would be a few days before he would see the items that he needed. But Vernados had never failed him before and he doubted he would start now.
But for now, he could head home.
AN: I decided on the name for Lady Flint: Carah Eireann Flint (Pronounced as: Kara Erin Flint). I wanted something Irish/Gaelic.
Lord Flint: Dimitris Nikolaus Flint (Another version of the name, Nicholas) (Wanted something that was a bit Greek for his)
~NicoDiAngeloLover7