A/N: All rights belong to JK Rowling and Warner Bros. Also, I make no money off of this, if it wasn't apparent already. This fic is rated mature, because I have no idea what I'm going to end up adding in at a later point, and I don't care to constantly try and update the rating.

Chapter 9: Roll 5 to Cast Firebolt

"Now that business is over," Mars yawned as he stood from the dining table. "I figure now would be an appropriate time for presents."

"Presents?" Cygnus sneered, getting looks from the other Blacks. "You are a Lord, you don't have time for presents."

"Well, if you must know, Uncle," Mars replied evenly. "I am still 14, and presents are an appropriate thing for 14 year olds. Besides, if you remembered your holidays, gift giving is an important part of the Yule festival."

The other Blacks laughed loudly at the indignant look on Cygnus' face. Heading off the eminent explosion from Cygnus, Cassiopeia pulled Mars to the side, "Here, dear nephew." She passed him a box, "I hope you don't screw it up."

Mars smiled brightly, "When have I ever screwed anything up?"

"Oh, I don't know," Cassiopeia replied, drawing out the words. "What about that time when you hit Draco with a stinging hex in the face?"

"I still don't think I screwed up," He grumbled, looking away and scuffing his foot against the rug.

Cassiopeia smirked slightly, leaning down and pulling him into a hug, whispering in his ear. "I know, Mars, I know. I was rather happy you put the blonde ponce in his place. And to tell you the truth, so was Arcturus."

Mars shook his head, hugging her back as he felt a tear begin to form, "I miss him."

"I know," she murmured as she squeezed tighter. Pulling back, she gave a watery smile before wiping the tears that had formed at the corner of his eyes. Turning him around, she muttered in his ear before giving him a push forward, "Be brave, little snake."

Entering the large family room, Mars smiled softly to Daphne as she patted toward a seat beside her. Sitting down, she curled into his side, placed securely between Harry and him. "Are you okay?" She murmured, drawing a look from Harry.

"Yeah, love," Mars smiled softly, giving her a kiss on the forehead. "I'm fine."

Mars was quickly distracted as his packages were passed out to the various family members, Aunt Cassiopeia getting a new book on transfiguration, whereas Cedrella got a book on Ancient Chinese curses for when she went tomb diving next. Marius got a new trench coat which prompted laughs from the Blacks who knew the detective stereotypes, and Alphard got rare potions supplies from India. Pollux got a new set of glasses that were charmed to zoom and enhance like omnioculars, and he got Harry a book on Grey magics.

Harry smiled at the gift, before a frown of embarrassment crossed his face. "Thank you very much Mars." Harry looked away, "I'm sorry that I didn't get you anything."

Mars laughed, "Don't worry about it, friend. I did kidnap you last minute after all."

As gifts continued to be passed around, Mars himself getting a rather large collection of books from his relatives, he got a nod from Cassiopeia. Nudging Daphne to the side, he got off the couch and turned to face her. "Daphne, you know the other day when I disappeared on you, and you said I had to make it up to you?"

Daphne nodded slowly, a bit of hesitance in her voice, "Yes, Mars." Looking around, she saw knowing smiles from Cassiopeia and Pollux, "Mars, what is this about?"

Mars fidgeted a bit under her stare, pulling a box from his pocket. "Well, Daphne, the thing is, well…" he trailed off, cursing how insecure he felt. Fidgeting slightly, he turned to Cassiopeia and Pollux, "You know, this is a lot harder than cursing out Lords in the Wizengamot."

"Mars," Daphne said calmly, grabbing his attention. Turning around he saw a warm glow in her eyes, "What is that in your hands?"

Mars coughed quietly, before dropping down to be on eye level with her. "Daphne," he said slowly. "I know we don't know each other very well, but since we are betrothed, I wanted to do things properly." Holding out the box, he flipped the top off, revealing the requested ring inside, "I had this commissioned for you. No family rings, no tradition, a brand new start, just like we are building, together."

Daphne cooed at the sight of the ring, hands going to her mouth in awe. "It's beautiful, Mars. I will cherish it forever, until I have to put on another one."

Mars removed the ring from the box, and slid it onto her finger, the snake seeming almost alive as it slid into place. "That, my dear, is the only ring you will ever need to wear," he murmured quietly.

"Well," Pollux laughed. "When's the wedding?"

Mars shook his head, "Not for a while yet, Uncle Pollux. We are only in third year."

As festivities died down, Cedrella spoke up near the fireplace where the Yule Log was burning. "Harry, dear boy, there is another present for you."

Harry's eyes widened upon spotting the shape of the package. Walking over, he picked up the broom shaped package, flipping it over in his hands. Turning to Mars, he cocked an eyebrow. Mars held up his hands defensively, shaking his head.

Cassiopeia looked around the room, seeing the looks on everyone's faces. "Harry," she murmured. "No one here sent it."

"Which leads me to ask," Marius started. "How did it get past the wards?

The others all turned to it, expressions of shock on their face. The words slipped out of Harry's mouth, the whisper legible to everyone in the room, "Sirius!"

~tH~

Harry and Mars peered over the Firebolt as Cedrella waved her wand over it. "It seems clear," she murmured to herself, although Mars and Harry both heard her perfectly. Looking up to the two, she shook her head, "I am going to have to take a look at it for a while. It is possible that Sirius hid curses and jinxed on it. Not only was he a Black, but an accomplished auror as well."

Harry nodded in understanding. "Of course, Aunt Cedrella," the title rolling off his tongue easily despite only having met her a few hours prior. "Thank you for taking a look at it for me."

Cedrella beamed, "Of course, my dear boy. Now, you said you knew the Weasleys, right? And stayed with them too? I'm going to have to have a talk with Arthur about not mentioning you before."

"Oh, no," Harry shook his head. "I don't want him to get in trouble."

As Cedrella continued to tease him, Mars slipped over to Marius and Andromeda, Daphne hanging off his arm. "Marius, Andromeda," he murmured. "I need a favor. In private, please?"

The two looked at each other, nodding, before turning and leaving the room, Mars on their heels. As they walked through the entry hall to the dining room, and then subsequently into the kitchen. Mars did a quick look outside, before shutting the door and locking it. Throwing up a silencing wards, he turned to the two exiled Blacks.

Looking briefly to Daphne on his arm, Marius glanced back at Mars, "What favor? If it is looking out for Sirius I'm the muggle world, I'm already on it."

Harry shook his head, "Harry alluded to me at least twice that he is neglected at home. I was hoping you might be able to look into it." Marius nodded, receiving a nod in thanks from Mars.

"And me?" Andromeda's prompted, drawing the Black Lord's attention to her. "I don't have a license in the muggle world, I can't help there."

"No, but you can find out who put him there," Mars replied evenly. "Particularly, if it was his magical guardian, and if said guardian has been keeping an eye on him."

"But his magical guardian probably is…" she trailed off.

"Albus Dumbledore, yes," Daphne agreed. Seeing the looks from the two, she shrugged in a rather unladylike manner, "Mars tells me everything."

"Almost, love," Mars replied.

Daphne looked to him before nodding, "Almost, yes."

"Back to the matter at hand," Andromeda cut in. "You want me to poke around the most powerful wizard in the world?"

"Discretion here is key, Andromeda," Mars confirmed. "I don't suspect foul play, but if Dumbledore thinks we are trying to compromise Harry's safety…"

"He would come down on us like a raging bull," Marius concluded, nodding. Looking to Mars, he crossed his arms, "While I would do this one for free, I don't have access to items that would expedite the process."

Mars smirked, "Yes, which is why I would like to welcome you back to the House Black, Marius. With full access to the family resources." Getting a thankful smile from Marius, he turned and looked between the two adults, "And it would move smoother, and more quietly, if the two of you worked together."

"Understandable," Marius nodded, looking to Andromeda for agreement. Seeing her nod, Marius turned back to Mars, nodding his head, "Now that business has been concluded, Lord Black, we will let ourselves out. I think you and your betrothed need some quality time together."

As the adults left the room, Marius winking to Mars on the way out, the aforementioned Lord rolled his eyes, "Adults."

Daphne turned to him, pressing her chest up against his, "Now that your uncle and aunt are covering for us, what should we do now?"

~tH~

As the adults left, Harry found himself wandering the manor, looking at all of the amazing artwork, busts, and weapons that lined the walls. Entering the family wing, he began looking into the different rooms, finding small living room styled ones, and large furnished bedrooms. As he got about half way back to his room, he opened one door and lost his breath. The room wasn't decked out in the other's normal green and silver, but lined in Gryffindor red and gold. Entering the room, he peered around, the room almost an exact replica of his own dorm room, with the exception of one large bed as opposed to the five smaller ones. Looking at some of the paintings and pictures on the walls, he saw a young boy, with unruly Black hair slowly grow up. From the child's first birthday, to his first wand.

One of the common things he noticed was how the child's face went bright and happy, to quiet and somber. Spotting two photographs on the dresser, he walked over, picking the closest one up. Staring back at him were two young boys and three girls, all smiling and having shoving each other around playfully. Setting it back, he picked up the last picture without looking and went to peer into it. Seeing a different black haired boy, this one with glasses, picking on a red haired girl seemed to call to him. Staring at the photo for a few moments, the realization hit him like a moving train, causing him to drop the photo, the sound of shattering glass echoing in the silent room.

Backing up, he looked at all of the pictures again, each image coming back with a new light. "Sirius," he murmured to himself, confusion and anger warring inside of him.

"My grandfather kept his room in the exact condition he left it as," Mars sighed from the door, startling Harry.

"Mars, I'm sor-" Harry began, before Mars raised his hand, cutting him off.

"Don't apologize Harry, you have nothing to be sorry about." Looking at the broken mirror on the ground, Mars waved his wand over it. "Repairo!" The picture lifted up, the shards of glass lifting alongside of it, reassembling until not a crack was left in the glass, before resting back on the dresser.

"So, this was his room?" Harry asked hesitantly.

Mars looked around, running his hands over the dark wood bedpost. "Yeah, Harry, it was," He sat down on the bed, putting his head in his hands. "Grandfather told me that Aunt Walburga stopped letting Sirius and Regulus come over after he didn't beat the Gryffindor out of Sirius. He spent one last summer here, before being kept confined to Grimmauld Place. Grandfather said that the joy seemed to drain out of him completely after that, the only time a smile would appear is when he saw Aunt Dorea. Grandfather always regretted not getting the last generation of Black's away from their parents, but now…"

Harry remained silent as Mars trailed off, unsure of what to say. After a few moments, he looked to him, a hint of apprehension in his eyes, "Do you really think Voldemort will come back?"

Mars hesitated, before nodding, "Yes I do, and I don't know if I can do what I need to do when the time comes."

"What is it?" Harry asked, concern on his face.

Mars sighed, standing up and grabbing the picture of the five Black children, "When Voldemort returns, he will break his followers out of Azkaban. That is inevitable. And with him, comes Bellatrix. She is my responsibility, but..."

Harry nodded, patting him on the shoulder, "And you don't think you can stop her."

"No, I can't stop her, at least not in the way you are thinking." Mars shook his head in defeat, "Bellatrix is the most dangerous piece on Voldemort's side, but I don't know if I would put her down, if I could. I am afraid that I will have a chance to end her, and I won't take it, and she will go on to kill even more people."

"You have to kill her?" Harry cried out, alarmed.

Mars froze, his words a whisper, "If I put her in prison, he will break her out. If I keep her here, he will come and break her out. If she is held in the Ministry, he will break her out. The only way to make sure she doesn't kill more people, is to put her down permanently. Anyone she kills, is my responsibility."

"It's not your responsibility though," Harry protested. "You don't control what she does, and sinking down to her level will only make things worse."

"Tell me, Harry," Mars prompted, his voice growing darker. "If you didn't know that there was doubt about Sirius, would you kill him? To avenge for your parents?" Harry hesitated, unsure of how to answer. Mars nodded, "Exactly. My problem is different from yours though. As her lord, anything she does is my responsibility. Any person she kills, I have to answer for. And if I don't take the shot, if I hesitate and she escapes, then people are only dead, because I refused to act. I might as well have cast the spell myself."

As he turned to leave, Harry called out to him, "When you were fighting Sirius, you tried to kill him, didn't you?"

Mars hesitated at the door, his hand on the doorknob. Looking over his shoulder, green eyes met dark grey, "Yes, Harry, I tried to kill him. I tried to kill him while refusing to sink to his levels. Not dish out killing curses. And when he escaped, and I was walking back to my room, it settled on me that if he killed a dozen more people, because I showed restraint and mercy, then I was just as guilty as he is." Before Harry could say more, Mars opened the door and walked out, leaving the Potter heir to ponder in silence.

~tH~

Mars strolled into the Ministry building for the first time since the school year had started. Moving through security, he flashed his house ring, letting him walk right through unimpeded. Slipping through the crowd gracefully, he approached the many gilded lifts, swiftly jumping into one as it took off. As he waited on it patiently as the other occupants got off, the lift pulled into a decent sized hallway near the bottom of the Ministry.

"Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, Beast Subdivision," The lift chimed happily.

"Stuff it," Mars muttered as he climbed off, glancing around the dark and gritty hall. Edging through it to avoid the grime, he quickly found himself in a large, dim office space. Approaching the decrypt looking receptionist, Mars cleared his throat, gaining her attention.

"Yes?" she growled, refusing to look up from her copy of the Prophet.

Mars frowned at the attitude, though keeping the glare from his eyes. "I have an appointment with Lord Walden Macnair," he replied, his tone calm.

The woman grunted, turning the page in her paper. "I'm sure whatever your issue with him is, its not important enough to bother him."

Mars' temper flared at the casual dismissal the woman was giving him, grinding his teeth as he practically snarled at her, "Ma'am, inform Lord Macnair that Lord Black is here for his scheduled appointment."

Finally looking up, the woman's eyes darted to the ring on his hand before widening in fear. "Yes, Lord Black. I apologize."

As she scurried off toward the many offices, Mars sighed in irritation. Tapping his foot on the ground impatiently, he breathed out heavily, focusing on keeping his anger in check. Looking around, he tried to find any of the surrounding stone work entertaining, but the grime gave off a less than appealing appearance. As he was about to give up and find Macnair himself, the woman came bustling back. "Right this way, my lord," she gestured behind her, the tone much different than what it had been only moments prior.

Not answering the woman, he motioned for her to lead on. Following behind the woman, Mars could feel his nose start to wrinkle up at the odious smell that was emanating from the mold covered desks that lined the sub department in haphazard rows. Approaching a door in the back, the woman opened it, stepping aside so he could enter.

As he stepped into the dark room, Walden Macnair rose, extending his hand in greeting, "Lord Black."

Mars took the hand, already making a note to clean it after he arrived back home, "Lord Macnair." Taking a seat as the woman closed the door, Mars leaned back, resting his hands on his legs, waiting for Macnair to make the first move.

"Lord Black," Macnair grumbled, shifting in his seat. "Is there a reason you asked to meet, or did you come just to chat?"

Mars quirked an eye, a dark smile spreading across his face, "I wonder, Lord Macnair, how much your job is worth."

Macnair shot up in his seat, "Are you threatening me, Lord Black?"

"Oh, no," Mars shook his head. "I am merely curious how much I could get paid when you get fired for your miscarriage of justice."

"What miscarriage?" he growled out, although, Mars noted, a slight edge of worry had set in.

Mars cocked his eyebrow, "Well, the hippogriff Buckbeak of course."

"The beast that injured Lord Malfoy's son?" Macnair asked rhetorically. "That is the miscarriage? Now I am sure you are joking."

Mars' smile suddenly dropped, the room growing icy. "I did not come here to joke, Lord Macnair. Simply put, the hippogriff did nothing wrong, neither did the teacher. I summoned Heir Malfoy out of the way, and then hexed him in a duel later when he lashed out at an ally of mine in return for my help."

"But the hippogriff-" Macnair began heatedly.

"Did nothing wrong," Mars hissed, the temperature in the room plummeting further. "I got the Malfoy heir in the arm with a stinging hex." Reigning his magic in slightly, he relaxed, "Which is why you are going to dismiss all charges at the hearing for the beast. I will even make your job easier by providing a memory of the incident, if you so require."

"And why should I listen to you, boy?" Macnair growled.

Mars' locked eyes with him, grey eyes flashing dangerously. "Because you want to keep your job, Macnair. How easy do you think it would be for me to convince the Minister of your incompetence? I am Lord Black of the Ancient and Noble House of Black, while you are just Lord Macnair of the Noble House of Macnair. I dwarf you in power and wealth, and this is not a fight you want to get into."

Standing and heading for the door, he threw an icy look over his shoulder, the room once again seeming to freeze over, "I expect to hear that you are dropping charges, Lord Macnair. Otherwise, this will be the last creature you execute."

Exiting the door, he quickly made his way back toward the lifts, he ignored the receptionist at the front of the room, entering the gritty hall. Stepping into the golden contraption, the thing took off, sending him to the upper levels of the Ministry. As it slipped to a much brighter corridor, the lift chimed again, "Wizengamot Offices.

Exiting into the hall, he quickly moved down the door lined corridor, looking discreetly at the different plaques. Finding his crest engraved on one of the doors, he strolled over and cracked it open, slipping inside the room. Walking around the large mahogany desk in the middle of the room, he peered out the windows into the large atrium below before quickly sitting in the large chair and popping open one of the drawers. Pulling out one of the many documents that Pollux had said he left for him, he began shifting through the papers, reviewing upcoming law proposals , tax increases, policy updates, alliances, and future events. Rubbing his chin, he looked over the latest meeting minutes. "The triwizard tournament," Mars murmured, confused, pulling out a file on the history of the event Pollux had placed beside it. "Why is this coming back?" He groaned. "Discontinued due to too many deaths? Who's fucking idea was this?"

Flipping the page of the first document, he looked over the officials running the event, as well as the total number of votes it had made in the Wizengamot. "Stupid, stupid people. Has, what? Seventy percent of the Wizengamot lost all their senses?"

"What is it?" Daphne asked from the door, the blonde heiress poking her head in the small room. Mars didn't answer, just gesturing for her to come closer. As she walked over to him, he couldn't help his eyes that drifted to her swaying hips. Circling him, she leaned up against his back, reading over his shoulder. As she read, Mars could feel her tense slightly. "Those idiots!" She growled quietly. "Our society is run by idiots."

Mars nodded slowly, turning the paper again and looking over the next sheet. "I am going to burn down the whole building next meeting," he snarled, eyes flashing. "I'd be doing Magical Britain a favor."

Daphne slipped between him and the desk, hopping up and sitting on the hard wood. "My love, you need to relax."

Mars shook his head, eyes locked on the papers. "I can't do that, Daph, when I have to worry about a dangerous, century dead tournament coming back."

"Hey," Daphne replied, her tone sharp enough to break Mars from his work and look her in the eyes. "You can't solve everything. Not yet. Relax, spend time with me, and we can talk plots to kill the Wizengamot later," She finished with a smirk.

Mars smiled slightly, the tension draining from his face. "Fine, Daph. No plots of murder for the rest of the holidays, happy?" Daphne giggled in response, leaning down and kissing him on the cheeks.

"Almost."

~tH~

"Are you excited to be back?" Harry asked as they walked through the Entrance Hall, the Potter heir raising his voice over the hub of students that surrounded them.

Mars shrugged, his face a mask of indifference, "Couldn't tell you to be honest. I just hope that the rest of the year will be slow and uneventful, dueling Sirius was enough excitement for one year."

Harry smirked, "Perfect climate for you to build allies, you mean."

Mars laughed, pulling Daphne closer, "Why will I need allies when I have Daph here with me?"

Daphne blushed, before turning to Harry across from her betrothed. "So, Harry, are you excited to get your firebolt back?"

Harry felt slight levels of discomfort as eyes turned to him, their eyes wide. "Yes, Aunt Cedrella says as soon as she finishes checking the broom she will send it to me."

As the trio continued to walk through the large hallowed halls, Mars spotted a head of long strawberry blonde hair in the distance. Debating slightly, Mars moved in the direction of the short witch he spotted, Daphne still on his arm. "Heiress Bones," He called as he got closer, a smile on his face, grabbing the girls attention.

Spinning on her heels, Susan Bones smiled nervously, "Lord Black, can I help you?"

Mars shook his head, a disarming smile on his face, "No, no, my lady. I was just merely wondering how your Yule celebration was? And please, call me Mars."

Susan nervously fidgeted, glancing between Mars and Daphne, "It was good, uh… Mars. Please, uh… call me Susan."

"Very good, Miss Susan," Mars bowed. "Well, it was a pleasure to see you. Please pass my well wishes on to your aunt. Good day, Susan."

Turning, he moved back in the crowd, catching up with Harry rather quickly, who had slowed down to observe the Black Lord. "What was that about?" He asked, a slight smile on his face.

Mars smirked slightly, "Building alliances, as you said, cousin."

"HARRY!" A sudden voice shrieked, giving Harry just enough time for his eyes to widen before a brown haired missile slammed into the black haired boy.

Harry physically staggered from the impact, Mars quick hand giving a helpful boost of support. "Hey Hermione," Harry grunted, recovering from the attack.

"How was your Christmas? Did you eat well? Were you lonely? Was-" Granger asked, her questions forming rapidly than the trio could comprehend them.

"Hermione, please?" Harry practically whined. "Slow down." Granger froze, her mouth open mid question, giving Harry a moment to try answering her. "I had a great Yule. Yes, I ate well, Kreacher makes wonderful pancakes for breakfast. Mars kept me rather entertained, and when he and Daphne weren't around, I spent time with his aunts and uncles. There, all nice and in order."

"Harry," Granger gasped, shock written on her face. "You don't need to be rude."

Mars snorted, "He's not being rude, Ms Granger. He is answering the questions that you asked him, while merely asking you to slow down so he can understand."

"Black," Granger scowled, her greeting barely more than a growl.

"Yes?" Mars asked, getting a snort of amusement for Harry. Before she could respond, Mars turned to address Harry. "Well, cousin, I don't want to capitalize on your time with your friends. It's been nice visiting with you. Hopefully you and I can catch up later."

Harry nodded, a smile on his face, "Of course, Mars. I'll see you later."

Picking up the pace, Mars and Daphne quickly descended into the dungeons, the air getting remarkably cooler despite being further into the castle. "So," Daphne prompted. "Susan Bones?"

Mars shrugged, "Well, Daphne, her aunt is the Head of Magical Law Enforcement. I figure it's a good connection to have?"

Daphne smirked, rubbing her chest against his arm, "Are you sure it wasn't because of something else?"

"Daphne, I have you," Mars murmured in her ear. "You don't have to worry about anything."

"Oh, I know I don't," Daphne agreed. "However, I wouldn't be adverse to…" she trailed off suggestively.

Mars ignored her, causing the blonde girl to giggle to herself. Approaching the entrance to their Common Room, Mars spoke the password and slipped in, almost immediately being accosted by another black haired boy. "Mars," Theo gasped out. "Thank you so much."

Mars glanced around, spotting only a handful of Slytherins, "We best talk in private, friend. Daph, do you want to come with."

Daphne nodded, turning to Theo expectantly, "Lead the way, Theo."

Theo nodded hurriedly, leading the couple down into the third year boys dorm. Once there, Mars quickly spun on the quickly closing door, casting a locking charm, followed by a muffling ward. Rounding on the Nott heir, Mars' face turned furious, "Theo, I would appreciate it if you didn't announce I murdered your father in the common room."

Theo winced, looking down, "Sorry Mars. I've just been waiting for you to come back so I can thank you."

Mars sighed, patting his friend on the shoulder. "It's fine Theo. Just remember, there is a time and a place."

"Yes Mars," Theo mumbled. Suddenly, the Nott heir perked up, "Did he suffer?"

Mars laughed, "Let me tell you all about it."

~tH~

A/N: Comment and review.