The Other Potter
Chapter eight
Marvolo knew he wasn't a saint, he was in fact what most would consider a monster, still he couldn't help but feel disgust as he overheard the two young wizards talking about the little witch dancing before him. Harriet Lyra Potter, or rather Black, was a mystery Marvolo swore he would uncover. Her mind and more importantly her magic were fascinating, her future holding more promise beyond any other person here. Yet these two infantile wizards thought to reduce her to a simple housewife and broodmare... It was unacceptable and insulting, not just to Harriet, but to all witches. Marvolo fought to conceal his anger; it wouldn't do to make a scene. Still he couldn't just let this injustice go, so he turned and approached the boys but not before taking note of the livid witch beside them. Smirking as he knew that they would soon come to regret their immature fantasies, he spared Bellatrix a look of acknowledgment; her and her husband Rodolphus had recently sworn themselves to him, although they had yet to receive his mark.
Bellatrix allowed her ire to fade slightly when she saw just who was approaching her blood traitorous cousins. Oh, she would have her revenge for their slander against her little star, but for now she would watch and wait while her lord dealt with them.
"You would do well to keep such plans to yourselves young ones," he said, his voice clearly conveying his displeasure.
James froze when the man approached, something primal in him telling him to run and hide. Sirius however seemingly missed this evolutionary survival instinct and instead scoffed.
"I'm the Black heir, I can have whoever I want," he boasted confidently, caught up in his own arrogance and fantasies of the future.
James however shivered, unlike his sister, he could neither see nor even sense magic, yet the air around them seemingly got colder as Sirius uttered those words. Trying to rectify the situation he hesitantly spoke up, "What Sirius means is that a match between himself and my sister would surely be favourable to both of our families."
Marvolo scoffed internally, such arrogance was disgusting, it was no wonder Arcturus had looked elsewhere for an alternative heir, if this was what he had to begin with. Still the Potter boy had surprised him; he at least looked weary, seemingly picking up on dire nature of their current situation and trying to rectify it.
"And has your sister any say in this matter?" he asked, what little he knew about the witch indicated she would not be pleased.
Sirius pulled a face, "why would she possibly complain? She'll be grateful that I'm interested if she has any sense."
Bellatrix had to physically bite her tongue at that remark, oh how she would make him suffer.
Marvolo saw Bellatrix bristle and felt her magic lash out and spark in irritation, mimicking his own. He hated how this boy spoke about the little Black witch who held his interest, hated how he believed himself above her when he was nothing compared to her, a mere candle to her supernova. Carefully occluding his ire, he allowed a small fraction of his immense rage to show on his face and was pleased when even the arrogant Black heir stiffened in fear.
"You would do well to take heed of my next words boy. You will never be good enough for that young witch. Compared to her you are nothing, less than nothing. If you continue to talk about her, or any other witch of that matter, thusly you will soon find yourself unable to do anything but scream, isn't that right Bella dear?" he said, his voice carefully controlled to hide his fury.
James gulped in alarm, the aura around this man screamed danger. Sirius similarly felt himself freeze; finally registering the danger they were currently in. Bellatrix meanwhile took that moment to swoop in, leaning into to two frozen wizards as she gripped their shoulders hard enough to leave bruises, she hissed directly into their ears.
"Better off at home pregnant than out gallivanting with slimy snakes?" she repeated, pleased when both boys stilled before they tried to escape, an impossible feat with her grip on them.
James felt himself flush in irritation and shame; he didn't think that really, he just got caught up in the fantasy and the idea of such a perfect future; One where Harry would be with them, happy and safe from the Dark Lord and his evil followers.
"We were just joking around," he gritted out, trying to hide his discomfort.
Sirius meanwhile didn't care, he truly believe in his fantasy and would do anything for it to come true.
"Just because only a desperate psychopath like Lestrange would want you, doesn't mean that other girls want to marry dirty Death Eaters. Harriet deserves the best, not some Dark Lord worshiping snake," he spat.
Marvolo felt himself still at that, irritation and amusement warring within him. His Death Eaters were still unknown to the mass public so it was surprising to hear the words spat out by the Black heir, although, considering who his family was and where he spent all of his time he wasn't that shocked. Still that the boy would speak of him so easily was surprising, he wondered what he would do if he knew just who was in front of him.
Bellatrix however bristled at the insult to her husband and herself. Rodolphus loved her completely, their marriage was one of mutual adoration and respect, to insinuate anything else was insulting not just to them but to the magic that blessed their union. Sirius knew that, he had been at their bonding, had seen how magic had blessed them, that he wilfully chose to ignore such a thing baffled her. Even worse though was the fact that the boy dared to even think that he was good enough for her Little Star; that was just pathetic. Lyra truly deserved the best in Bellatrix's opinion, somebody to love and worship her, that her cousin thought he was even in the running to be such a person was pitiful.
"You would do well to hold you tongue cousin or you might find yourself without it," Bellatrix hissed, releasing the Potter brat in order to reach for her wand.
Sirius opened his mouth to no doubt threaten her with his title of heir, but before he could, a voice cut in.
"I believe he understands now Bellatrix," Arcturus said, his voice cold enough that even Marvolo momentarily felt a quiver of apprehension.
Bellatrix reluctantly released her hold on him but not before silently casting a nightmare curse, feeling satisfaction when the boy didn't notice it and instead winced at the pain he was feeling from her hold.
"Grandfather," Sirius began only to be silenced with a flick of Arcturus's wand.
"You will be silent you insolent child," he hissed, voice conveying his irritation, "you claim to be the heir to this family but you spit on our magic and traditions, you insult us and our history. You boy are no heir to this family."
Sirius stilled, he had suspected it was coming, even anticipated it, but to hear those word uttered so coolly still shocked him. His grandfather wasn't just saying the words, he was casting them, his magic willing them into fact.
James meanwhile couldn't believe what was happening, Sirius had joked about it but still to be passed over as heir was a big deal, it nearly never happened unless dire circumstances demanded it.
Bellatrix stilled as she felt her magic react to her grandfather's proclamation, it was official, Sirius was no longer the Black Family Heir. Feeling her family bonds with her magic, she could feel their shock and in some cases approval at the new development, she herself was satisfied with this turn of events.
/
Harriet meanwhile enjoyed catching up with Reggie and Barty, the latter of whom was currently telling her about how his father was of the opinion he needed to expand his group of friends to include more 'influential like and light minded individuals' in order to for his ministerial campaign to be truly successful.
The blond haired Ravenclaw's impersonation of his father left Harriet wishing they were alone so she could laugh properly, instead she settled for a light giggle.
"I don't understand, he's allowed you to come tonight," she said, once she finally got control over herself.
Barty rolled his eyes, "he wouldn't dare to reject an invite from the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black," Barty explained quietly, before lowering his voice further, "he's going mental, been spending too much time with Dumbledore I think, he's started to believe the headmasters prejudice, all Slytherins are all immoral and dark magic means evil."
At that both Regulus and Harriet shared a look; the cousins knew the power and influence of Dumbledore well.
"Still... your father was a Slytherin wasn't he?" Regulus pointed out, remembering that fact from when they first met.
Barty looked positively done as he nodded, "he was, a fact he now chooses to ignore."
Harriet wanted to scoff at the man's double standards, and idiocy of some people, it was easy to paint Slytherins as evil because they tended to be traditionalists and accepting of all magic, but she knew many Slytherins whose magic was predominantly light. Still the masses chose to ignore these facts, and the fact that one's magic didn't make them good or bad, and instead they were all painted as evil and judged for it. It was ridiculous and that a former Slytherin was buying into this stereotype infuriated her; she couldn't understand why it was happening.
Regulus scowled, hating the stereotypes and reputation Slytherin had, but mainly hating that Barty looked so stressed telling them about the pressure his father was putting on him. He wanted to hex the ignorant man, he didn't understand how he could not see the damage and emotional turmoil he was causing his only child. Barty was an amazing son, he studied to achieve the best grades, went out of his way to be polite and well mannered, and did nothing to cause damage to his father's political goals, yet the man barely acknowledged him and when he did it was to berate him and complain.
"You're a better son than he deserves," the black haired Slytherin said, causing the male Ravenclaw to blush slightly.
Harriet smirked, cooing internally at their interaction, she did love to see her boys getting along.
"Such a-"
Harriet cut of when she felt her magic flare; something was pulling on the family bonds, something had changed. Turning she shot Regulus a look to check if he knew what was happening but saw he was also shocked. Looking around the room she noticed now Narcissa was still in Lucius's arms, it was only when she caught sight of her uncle and those around him that she had an inkling of what was happening... Uncle Arcturus looked furious, his eyes blazing, Bellatrix looked gleeful, James looked stricken and Sirius, Sirius looked lost... it was then that she realised, looking at Sirius with her sight engaged, that Sirius no longer shone with the family magic. However it wasn't the wrecked bonds that now surrounded Sirius that drew her eyes the most, no, it was the look of deep satisfaction and buried wrath in the eyes of the Dark Lord. She didn't know what Sirius had done, but she had no doubt he would go on to deeply regret it.
Barty noticed his friends freeze and how Harriet cut off mid sentence and knew something was wrong, gently reaching out, he took her arm, drawing her attention.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
Harriet blinked, the pull on her magic was gone but looking closer she could see Sirius's magic was twisting and looked sickly, she had never witnessed somebody be disinherited before and the sight was awful.
Regulus, noting where Lyra's gaze was, quickly deduced what had happened and what Lyra was looking at. He didn't doubt his brother had done something to deserve their grandfather's wrath but he was surprised that Arcturus had disinherited him here and now, usually such matters were done in a more private setting.
"Sirius is no longer the Black heir," Regulus said quietly, drawing Barty's gaze.
Barty quickly looked over and summed up the situation aptly, "shit."
/
Arcturus walked to his office with calm, equal steps, trying to regain a measure of control; the two young wizards following him did so in silence, not risking regaining his attention and with it his ire.
Sirius walked in a daze, he still had his family magic but it felt different, he hadn't realised before just what being the family heir meant for his own magic.
"Sit."
The words were said curtly, and neither young wizard thought to disobey.
Arcturus sat and looked at both boys; James looked pale, his eyes darting around while Sirius looked confused, pale and clammy. Their prior arrogance was gone and in its place was panic, and the realisation that their actions and words had consequences.
"James, you're the heir to the Potter family yes," the man asked, knowing the answer but still expecting a response.
James gulped, he tried to maintain eye contact with the lord before him, but looking into those arctic silver eyes he couldn't maintain it. "Yes, sir," he mumbled, the words coming out small as he looked down.
Arcturus withheld his sneer at the weak words, "then tell me, what does it mean to be the heir to an Ancient and Nobel Family."
James gulped again, mouth dry as he tried to think, "What does it mean?" he repeated, confused at the question.
Arcturus arched a brow, "yes, what does it mean? Tell me, what it means to you being the heir of the Ancient and Nobel House of Potter."
"It means that one day I'll be Lord..."
"And what does a Lord do?"
"They run the family, and help make laws and stuff..." James trailed off when he saw the unimpressed look on Lord Blacks face.
Arcturus didn't know if he was appalled or not, that Charlus would raise his heir to be such a fool was shocking, and he pitied the man if this was the future leader of the Potters; a boy who didn't even understand the importance of his role. How it was possible for him to raise two such startlingly different children.
"To be the Lord, or Lady, of an Ancient and Nobel Family is to be their leader, to be the person who has final say, the voice and face of all members past and present. It is the greatest responsibility you will ever have. It is more than just having votes on the Wizengamot, it is about using your power to fight for you ideals, to try and bring about the best future for our kind. It is to stand up and defend each member of our family, from the oldest to the youngest. Which bring us to this, tell me Sirius...? As Heir Black why did you think it was acceptable to speak as you did about a member of our family?"
James gulped as he listened, he knew all of this from his father's lessons, and sure he didn't really think it was all that important, but he did know all of this. Sirius meanwhile was slowly getting over his shock and in its place his anger was growing.
"Why?" he repeated, voice hard
Arcturus felt his eyebrow rise as he heard the anger in his grandson's voice though he wasn't surprised; Sirius was always quick to anger and fast to forget reason.
"You've been looking for a reason to kick me out for years ever since I did the unthinkable and was sorted into Gryffindor. So don't pretend to be upset because I spoke about Harry being hot now and deserving better than you and your Dark Lord."
James winced as the crude words but couldn't help agreeing, from what Sirius said, the Blacks had been slowly pushing Sirius out ever since they started at Hogwarts. Arcturus however felt a wave of anger. He had never been upset over Sirius' sorting, no, the values of Gryffindors, although different from the normal ones Blacks tended to favour, were just as valued. No, what he had been disappointed in his grandson's attitude after his sorting, his behaviour and his opinions. He didn't understand where Sirius got his ideas from, he had grown up learning about pureblood traditions and culture, had been surrounded by magic of all types, yet the boy honestly believed that all Slytherins were evil and dark magic was immoral. It was so wrong that it was ridiculous. Sirius had always been headstrong, yet after going to school he had gone from being wilful to plain prejudice, and now refused to acknowledge their heritage and way of life; he had turned his back on the Blacks. Arcturus had just taken it one step further now and finalised it.
"I never judged you for your sorting, Gryffindors have qualities and values I respect and appreciate just as much as any other house. No, what disappointed me and still does is you attitude. I do not understand why you hold the beliefs that you do, nor why you act as you do," Arcturus responded truthfully.
Sirius scoffed, "you mean when I realised that the Dark Arts were evil?!"
Arcturus thought the urge to sigh, "The Dark Arts can be used to cause great harm and should never be taken lightly, but to brand an entire branch of magic evil is ignorant. Magic is neither good nor evil it just is, you've been taught and shown that."
Sirius stood then, "Whatever, you would say that," he said with a sneer in his voice. Sirius walked towards the floo, turning to James he spoke, "Come on, let's get out of here. I'm done with this, done with them."
Fighting the urge to hex the boy for his rude behaviour Arcturus spoke, "If you walk out of this room now I won't just disinherit you, you will be disowned."
James stilled in disbelief, to be disowned was one of the worst things to happen to a wizard. He couldn't believe this was happening.
Sirius however turned, sneer firmly in place, "I'm done with you anyway, there's no way I would want to be in this family when you're all going to be worshiping that evil dark lord soon anyway. You're all going to get whets coming to you and if she's smart Harry will realise this and come running back to us and to me," with that he threw a handful of powder In the floo and disappeared into the green flames.
James stood still, waiting with bated breath for something, anything, to happen to make this situation better.
"You should go after him, I have no doubt wherever he's gone will soon be requiring a few reparo's," Arcturus said, his voice deceptively calm.
James stood shakily, still in disbelief, "ermmm, sir..." he started, "my sister..."
Arcturus locked his face and fought his sneer, "Harriet is, as always, welcome here, she is family. You go on ahead. She'll return, safe and whole whenever she is ready."
James nodded, eager to leave, "right, then goodbye," he rushed, turning to the floo and missing the look of disgust shot at him by the old lord.
Arcturus sighed then, finally allowing his emotions to show. For all that he didn't agree with Sirius's views, the boy was still family, still blood, and disowning his wasn't something he wanted to do, nor was he doing it lightly. Clicking his fingers he summoned an elf to bring him a bottle of fire whiskey and a glass, knowing that tonight he would need it. It wasn't the words so much that tipped him over the edge tonight, no it was the attitudes that those words represented. He knew when he heard how Sirius spoke of his cousin, for Harriet was his cousin no matter how he tried to deny it, that Sirius would never come around and be neutral. The boy was firmly indoctrinated into the light and held firm to their beliefs. That he also spoke of Harriet like a piece of meat, without thought or feeling, just helped cement the fact that Sirius wasn't fit to be a member of the house of Black. Black's didn't care about gender, they knew witches to be just as strong as wizards, look at Cassiopeia she arguably held the most power in their family, oh he might be the head of the family and Orion might sit on the Wizengamot for him but she held their secrets, their blackmail and their grimoire. Yes, Wallburga might not be the best example of female power for Sirius but he had grown up with enough witches to know their strength. That he would dare to utter such muggle prejudice against his own family was ghastly.
It was after his first glass was nearing empty and he was finally starting to relax, when he heard the knocking at his door.
"Enter."
Harriet walked in, immediately taking note of the stiffness in her uncle's shoulders and the bottle of whiskey open on his desk.
"I would ask how you are but I fear it would be redundant," she said softly, she had felt the bonds shift again, and knew then that Sirius had been not just been disinherited but disowned.
"I had hoped that it wouldn't come to this, at least not yet."
Harriet felt pity well up in her, she knew her uncle loved Sirius, even if he didn't show it overtly she could see it, she couldn't imagine what he was going through now.
"What did he say that got you all so riled?" she asked, Bella had refused to say and she hadn't dared ask the dark lord, who had disappeared anyway.
Arcturus sighed, allowing himself a moment of weakness, "he expressed his views on dark magic as usual however he also went on to state his desire to marry you," he said, amused when Lyra blanched, "it wasn't so much his words but his attitude and what that implied for the future."
Harriet however was still hung up on the fact that Sirius Black, the boy who had tormented her from childhood had somehow developed a crush on her, it was mindboggling and to be honest rather repulsive.
"Will you allow him to keep his name?" she asked, after spending a few moments reorganising her mind after the rather unsettling piece of information she had been told.
Arcturus hummed, he had been going over that very question before she had entered, "it isn't the done thing... To be disowned is to take away all that the family is..."
Harriet hummed, "still Sirius for all that he likes to pretend, is still a child. I doubt that Orion and Wallburga will let him remain in their house, therefore if you take his name he will have nothing."
Arcturus sighed and drank deeply from his recently refilled glass, "he turned his back on us," he argued.
"He did," Harriet agreed, "Yet I still don't want to see him nameless, he is family. Blood. I know you agree with me uncle. At least until he is seventeen…"
Arcturus took another large gulp, his heir wasn't wrong, "I will allow him his name only until his seventeenth birthday, unless he does something to redeem himself he will lose that along with everything else."
Nodding her head, Harriet stood, "I will leave you and return to our guests."
Harriet would never be a fan of Sirius, but she didn't want to see him suffer needlessly. Ensuring he could keep his name, for a name can take you far in the world, was the best and most she would do for him. She wouldn't fight for more as she knew he would neither want nor deserve it.
"He will go to your father," Arcturus said just as she was about to reach the door.
"I know... Father will no doubt take him in; he'll become a ward of the Potters."
The words didn't surprise Arcturus but he found himself glad, at least Sirius wouldn't want for anything with Charlus, as the man would no doubt dote on the boy.
"This will cause tensions for you, for that I apologise,"
Harriet sighed, "things have been tense ever since mother died," Harriet sighed, "still, I don't spend that much time at home anyway so it won't be that bad and it's not like you have to announce your new heir straight away. Sure there will be speculation but that's all."
"Be that may, I apologise, I allowed my anger to get the better of me. I should have waited for a better time."
"There would never have been a right time; you did what you thought best for the family and we all stand by you and your actions," Harriet said, for that is what family did. They stood together and supported each other.
Arcturus sighed and finished his glass, the effects of the alcohol not strong but defiantly there, standing he stepped forward and offered Lyra his arm, "come I will rejoin you, it's not proper for the host to be absent for so long."
Harriet took the offered arm and allowed her uncle to lead her back toward the party. Along the way she couldn't help but wonder just want the repercussions for tonight's actions would be.
/
Charlus startled awake from his doze when he felt a pull on his core indicating somebody had entered the manors wards. He hadn't been expecting anybody tonight; the kids were staying at Castle Black, much to his concern, and Dumbledore who was the only other person with access to the wards always sent word ahead, even if it was just a few moments notice. Standing, he was instantly on guard, with everything going on and the growing tensions, he couldn't allow himself to act reckless. Walking with silent footsteps he approached the floo room, preparing himself for the worst, therefore when he saw James and Sirius he felt instant relief. That is until he took in their expression and countenances, both boys looked pale; Sirius however looked the worst... something about the young man was off, his eyes dull and face clammy. Looking at them Charlus felt his stomach tighten in dread, something had obviously happened and he wanted to know what before his imagination got the better of him and he thought up the worst.
"What's happened?"
James opened his mouth to respond, a part of him happy as his father would know what to do, he was a Lord and more importantly he was the Head of The Aurors, if anybody could help out Sirius it would be his dad. His eyes darted to Sirius, he was worried about his best friend, the other boy looked awful. Still he wasn't sure if he should tell his father everything, he would no doubt be furious if he knew how they had spoken about Harriet, maybe just enough so he would understand what was happening.
"Lord Black... he disowned Sirius."
Charlus was both relieved and worried, the two opposite emotions warring inside of him. On one hand it wasn't as bad as he had feared, but on the other it was worse. Charlus knew Sirius had suspected this was coming, he had heard the boy bring it up and mention it numerous times, yet he was still surprised it had come down to this. To disown somebody was to cut them from the family, not just in name but in magic. Sirius was now not just nameless, but he would be unable to call on the Black family magics for assistance and aid, he was essentially a muggleborn. He still had magic, his own core, but it would be unfocused and weaker. It was for this reason why so few people where ever truly disowned, to do so was an irreversible punishment, one that was only used in the direst of circumstances.
Hearing what had happened; Charlus asked the most important question in his mind, "why?"
James bit his lip, eyes shifting guiltily "well you see..."
However before he could stumble around and excuse Sirius seemed to momentarily come alive and refocused on reality, "-Do you think that old Death Eater want-to-be needed a real reason? No! they've been waiting to do this for years, ever since I disgraced the 'Oh so Ancient and Noble House of Black' by being in Gryffindor!" he spat out.
Charlus didn't doubt Sirius was spot on in his theory, but something wasn't sitting right with him, he knew his son and he recognised the signs of dishonesty on him from a mile away.
"James?"
"Ah, well..."
However once again Sirius cut in, "Arcturus used tonight as an excuse, it doesn't matter what I did or said, this was always going to happen, and I'm glad it did. I'm better off without them!"
Charlus sighed as he settled in and listened to the boy rant for well over half an hour. Finally having enough and seeing as he wouldn't be getting anywhere tonight as the tension alongside the exhaustion and worry in both boys was running high, although both tried hide that, he silenced them. Once Sirius noticed he motioned for the boys to sit. Sighing with exhaustion, he clicked his fingers, summoning an elf. He ordered a pot of camomile tea, knowing the soothing effect would be needed. Making sure both boys remained seated, he watched as they both slowly unwound as they sipped on the mugs.
"I think it would be for the best if you both went to bed while I go and collect Harriet," he said, he didn't feel comfortable with his daughter being at Castle Black tonight after all this had happened.
James bit his lip again, he was surprised he hadn't drawn blood yet with how he had been chewing on it all night; he knew his father was bound by oath to let Harry see the Blacks and knew this would cause problems, yet he didn't want to stop him. Sirius looked truly horrible and from what he knew about being disowned he couldn't even begin to imagine what he felt like; some book described it like losing a part of you.
/
Re-entering the ballroom, Harriet was pleased to note that the atmosphere was light and happy; nobody had seemingly noted their absence or the prior family drama. Once again donning a public smile, Harriet rejoined her uncle as he made his rounds, working the crowd to ensure that nobody would realise anything had been amiss.
It was as she was excusing herself to once again go and spend time with Regulus and Barty, who had been joined by Miranda and Jasmine, that Harriet felt a light tap to her shoulder. Turing she met a pair of pale blue-green eyes.
"May I have this dance Miss Potter?" the vaguely familiar young man asked.
Harriet paused for a moment and studied him, she couldn't immediately place him, but something was nagging on her. Accepting the offered hand, she allowed him to place it in the crook of his arm and lead her though the crowd, it was as they walked to join the dancing she realised who he was.
"I am surprised heir Greengrass, I didn't think you would be interested in dancing with me," she commented, remembering how when Greengrass was still at Hogwarts, he had a notorious reputation as a playboy.
The grin he shot her was full of charisma and promise, "Miss Potter, I have never had the opportunity before graduating, something I dearly regret now looking at you."
Allowing him to lead her, Harriet fought to keep her expression calm as she felt eyes on them, "I see people didn't lie about your charm Greengrass."
"Please, you must call me Andréas," he insisted, spinning her effortlessly.
Surprised by the flawless move, Harriet allowed herself to laugh quietly and decided to indulge herself in his harmless flirtations, if only for a short while.
As their dance ended, Harriet surprised herself by being disappointed, she had truly enjoyed herself.
"Perhaps you would allow me to write to you once you return to Hogwarts, Miss Potter?" Andréas asked, surprised Harriet.
"Perhaps," she agreed, watching as his pale head disappeared through the crowd.
"And you thought nobody would be interested in you," a teasing voice drawled.
Turning Harriet allowed a smile to curl on her lips, "it was just one dance Bella."
"Only because Greengrass warned away the rest of his competition..."
Harriet was surprised by the words, but more surprised by the admiration she heard in Bellatrix's voice as she said them
"Is that so?" an amused voice asked, "Perhaps I should be keeping an eye on young Greengrass."
Harriet felt herself flush slightly hearing that voice. Turning, glittering emerald eyes met amused silver, as Arcturus joined them.
"Uncle," she greeted, voice holding a warning that her eyes betrayed; the growing smirk on his face showing proving it.
"Would you do me the honour of closing the ball?" he asked, offering his arm up.
Taking the offered arm, Harriet allowed herself to once again be lead. Together they danced, until it was just them on the floor. Finishing in time with the music, Harriet quickly went through the goodbyes and eventually only those who were of Black blood or married into the family remained.
/
Moving into the parlour the family spread out, Wallburga notable looking like she was about to combust.
"As you have all undoubtedly realised tonight Sirius Black was removed as our families heir," Arcturus announced to the room
Orion let out a soft sound, his face contorted with pain before it passed, Harriet couldn't imagine what he felt. For all that she knew the man was a distant parent she knew he loved his sons, she had seen it and heard it from Regulus when he spoke of his father. Wallburga however didn't look upset, instead the woman looked manic and gleeful. Harriet knew shew as a terrible mother, even Regulus had admitted as much, and he was her favoured child.
"At Lyras request I will be letting him keep his name, at least until his is seventeen. Other than that, he is cut off; he is no longer a Black, he no longer has our protection or our favour."
"He shouldn't carry our name; he is a stain on it!" Wallburga hissed in clear fury.
Harriet could not help but notice Bellatrix looked like she agreed, as her favourite cousin nodded in response to the hissed words. The rest of the family meanwhile still looked to be processing what had been said.
"He is, but he is still a child of our blood. He may be a blood traitor, but I will not be. He is a foolish child but a child non the less. This is the last kindness he will have from us unless he seeks redemption, and even that I think will be beyond him," Harriet said, the strength and solemnity of her words cutting thought the daze and drawing the eyes of the room to her.
"It is as Lyra said, this is the last act of kindness Sirius will have from us. I will not force you to turn him out," he addressed the words to Orion and Wallburga, "but I will enforce our family's protection, Sirius is no longer family, our secrets and magic are no longer for him."
Orion had recovered himself, but Harriet could see the sadness in his silver eyes, "as much as I wish it wasn't so I can't say that this shocks me. Sirius will no longer find a home within ours I fear."
Wallburga looked pleased at the words, "I'll have kreacher burn his things."
"I think the better option would be to have them sent to Potter manor, for I have no doubt that is where he will end up."
"What does this mean for you?" Regulus said quietly.
The room stilled again, Bellatrix nearly vibrating in Rodolphus's arms as she seemed to relish in the pandemonium.
"Although I have yet to make it official and have no desire to do so in a hurry, Lyra will become the next heir to our family, the future lady Black."
Bellatrix let out a squeal at the words and darted forward, pulling Harriet into a hug, "I knew it!"
The rest of the family looked pleased by this, or at least non looked put off by the idea.
"You will keep this information to yourself. I won't have our family business discussed," Arcturus said, again pulling on the family magics and casting the words making it so they all were compelled to obey. Just as he was about to dismiss them he felt the wards ping, he hadn't banned Charlus Potter from the wards, he had however put a block on him, only allowing his entry when either he or Lyra where present in the castle.
"I will take my leave and suggest you all do the same," he said, "Lyra it would seem your father is here, so I think it would be best if you followed me instead of going with your cousins."
Lyra paused, she had been part way our of the room, being dragged by an exuberant Bellatrix who had ran as soon as Arcturus had started speaking. Hearing this though, Lyra detached herself from Bella and smiled, "of course uncle."
/
Charlus had been partially shocked when the wards to Castle Black allowed him entry. He knew of Arcturus's paranoia had had half been expecting to be sent back from them cursed, that he was allowed entry into an empty receiving room was a surprise especially as the room was empty. It showed a level of trust he hadn't been expecting and didn't know how to respond to.
A pop drew his attention, "Lord Potter, Lord Black and the littlest star be on their way, if yous be wanting to take a seat and waiting," a finely dressed house elf said, the creatures spoken English shockingly clear and comprehensive compared to many of its race.
Nodding to show he understood, the elf popped away, but Charlus did not take the creature up on its offer. Instead, he stood and took note of the room, he had no doubt been in it before over the course of his long marriage to Dorea, but he couldn't recall, it had been a long time since he had been to Castle Black, long before Dorea had died even.
Hearing the door open he smiled when he saw his daughter walk in wearing the new robes he had gotten her.
"father," she greeted, stepping forward into his embrace.
"Lord Potter," Arcturus greeted, nodding his head, a greeting Charlus replicated.
"Lord Black."
"I know you were expecting to spend the night and day here tomorrow my love but taking into consideration recent events I think it best if you come with me for now," Charlus said.
Harriet sighed; she had suspected something like this when Uncle Arcturus had first mentioned her father being here.
"I take it James and Sirius returned home?"
Charlus frowned at the slightly annoyed tone, "they did, both of them were rather worked up, understandably."
Arcturus rolled his eyes as the Potter lord spoke, considering the man wasn't looking at him he could get away with such petulance, "I think it might be best to give you a full picture of this evenings events before you completely vilify me."
Charlus turned to the other lord then, "you're right, still I think it best if Lyra were to go to home and rest now, she's had a long day."
"I want to stay father; I hardly get to see Bella now she's married, and she's made plans for lunch tomorrow to be special."
"Harriet," he said, his tone a warning in its own right.
Arcturus intervened at that point, "perhaps its best we have our conversation now before you make any decisions lord Potter."
"just call me Charlus," the man said, "for all that she is gone, you are my wife family."
"Charlus then," Arcturus said with a nod, "you may of course call me Arcturus."
"am I staying for this conversation uncle?" Harriet asked.
Arcturus sent her a glance, he had planned on showing her the memory of the overheard conversation anyway so he didn't see the harm, that is if her father would allow her. The fact he had to bend to the other man was grating, still he would do so for now.
"It pertains you, so I have no problem with it," he said, before turning his gaze back to the other lord, "if you don't?"
Charlus wanted to roll his eyes at the other man's ploy, now it was up to him to let Harriet stay and therefore if he said no it was his fault and he would take the blame, "fine, lets get this over with," he agreed.
/
Charlus rubbed at his eyes as he pulled out from the pensive, he couldn't believe James had stood there and even agreed while Sirius said such things. He knew he wasn't the most hands-on father, having fallen short because of how busy he had been but he had though he and Dorea had raised James better than that.
Harriet however wasn't shocked, she knew Sirius was a cretin, she was however livid and couldn't wait to return to school. She was going to make his regret the day he was born.
"I would apologise for his words but as you can guess from my actions, they didn't come form me. His attitudes are not one's shared by my family," Arcturus said, please the other lord looked annoyed and didn't seem to just be brushing the words off.
"I don't know what's gotten into them recently," Charlus replied, he wasn't blind to his children's faults, but he hadn't thought the situation this bad.
"I will not tell you how to raise your heir as you have made it clear time and time again any input towards James isn't necessary, and now that Sirius has been disowned in all but name, I have no say, but I will caution you Charlus… Those boys need a firmer hand."
Charlus bristled at that but was shocked when he heard that Arcturus had allowed Sirius to remain a Black in name, "Sirius still has his name?"
"It was pointed out to me he is a child. He has his name until he is seventeen or proves himself worthy of it."
Charlus couldn't help the pride he felt when he saw the subtle shift on Harriet's face, he didn't doubt she was the person who pointed out Sirius's age and allowed him to keep his name. Still he didn't like his parenting being questioned. Still before he could continue a yawn broke free from Harriet who looked dead on her feet.
"I think its best if you retire little star," Arcturus said, with a shocking amount of emotion to Charlus.
Harriet looked between them and blinked her large emerald eyes, "here or am I going home father" she asked.
Charlus sighed, after having seen and heard what had happened he couldn't force her home, it wasn't fair.
"You're welcome to stay here and return home tomorrow evening darling," he said, drawing her into his arm and kissing her head. He could help to notice she had grown agai,.
Arcturus watched the display with a fissure of pity, he knew Charlus loved his family and knew he struggled seeing them grow apart. For all that he wished he could, He didn't hate the man, for all of his faults, he just hated his politics and ignorant world view.
Harriet hugged her father black lightly before doing the same to her uncle, shocking both men, "goodnight," she said as she made her way to her bedroom.
Arcturus smiled lightly as his chosen heir walked out of the room, "sleep well little one," he said.
Once the door was closed behind her the mood seemed to drop slightly.
"You're close to my daughter," Charlus said, pointing out the obvious, had he not seen it he wouldn't have believed it. The bond between the two of them was a strong as his own with his daughter, something which broke his heart as he had hoped Harriet would see Arcturus as his lot for what they truly were.
"Lyra is family, something she and I both hold dear."
Charlus bristled at the insinuation, still reeling for the revelation he had just had, "I love my family."
"Of that I have no doubt, but is that enough? Look at them Charlus. Your son is a disgrace to what It means to be an heir to an ancient and noble house, and only getting worse. You saw what he said. He needs reining in before he does something that hurts Lyra more than his words tonight have."
"My daughter's name is Harriet," Charlus point out, "and I know how to raise my son. Tonight may not have shown it, but I am proud of James, and of Sirius, of the people they're growing to be."
"Her name may be Harriet, but she likes the nickname we use for her. And as to the people they are growing to be, well then, I am glad I disowned Sirius. As I wish to have nothing to do with such people, and if you were smart neither would you."
"My son, or rather sons as it may as well be, made a mistake. Something I will see them punished for, by at least they are good people. Can you say the same?" Charlus challenged.
"I think our definitions might differ on it but I can. I am proud of my family and what they've accomplished and will accomplish."
"I won't let you drag my daughter into your war," Charlus said finally.
"What war? Arcturus responded, making Charlus's mouth twitch, "I know of no war, but if I did, well, I'm not the one dragging her."
Charlus fought the urge to lash out at the man, "I'm done here, I can't forbid Harriet staying here or seeing you, but I can open her eyes to you," he promised, once again regretting the oath he took.
"You can certainly try."
Charlus turned then, showing his back in an act of trust, he might hate the man before him, but he knew he would not curse him when his back as turned, and left. He felt like he needed a bottle of whiskey, a good night's sleep and a hearty meal in no particular order. He had two teenage boys to punish and a daughter to try and convince.