Chapter 6: House Black Thrives
Arcturus Black ran a finger over the list of guests coming to Black Manor for dinner and the Black family meeting. He expected the night may become… tense. He definitely had some things to say to his dear cousin Cygnus. Truthfully, Arcturus' most pressing thought was how the family had dwindled. He had branched out for the meeting, inviting everyone in the primary and secondary lines who was still alive. Despite this, it was a relatively short list. All that remained of the main line other than himself was his daughter Lucretia and his grandson Sirius. Lucretia had married Ignatius Prewett, but was never able to carry a child to term. After many miscarriages, they had given up and secluded themselves from both families. And his grandson, Sirius, his heir, could no longer have children either. But his bright hope was Sirius' godson and magical heir, Harry Potter. Arcturus had found that he liked the boy very much.
The secondary line was a little bit more robust, but in many ways more doomed. Ideals of blood purity had corrupted many of them. He hoped he could change some of their minds, but he was not sure how well his endeavors would go. Pollux, his cousin, and the first-born son in the secondary line, still lived, along with his wife, Irma and his sister Cassiopeia, who had never married. Of Pollux and Irma's three children, only one lived, Cygnus (Walburga and Alphard had both passed relatively recently). Cygnus and his wife Druella had three daughters, who were all married, though Bellatrix Lestrange and her husband were both imprisoned and had no children. The middle daughter, Andromeda –secretly, Arcturus' favorite of Cygnus' daughters –had a daughter, Nymphadora. She had inherited the metamorphmagus gene from the Black family line, and if that didn't prove to the blood purists that they needed new blood to thrive, he wasn't sure what would. And the third daughter, Narcissa, well maybe there was still hope for her, though he was sure her husband Lucius Malfoy had corrupted their son beyond help by now.
And so, even though Arcturus knew it was a lot of pressure to put on young Harry, who would one day be the head of two families, Lord Arcturus Sirius Black would be damned if he let a blood purist, idiotic Death Eater's son inherit the Black Lordship. It just wouldn't do, he wouldn't allow it. He would sooner blood adopt his grandson's werewolf, at least he was intelligent and had a pure heart. He chuckled and shook his head at the thought —it seemed the werewolf was a permanent part of the family now and was certainly growing on him. Arcturus looked up as a pop of house elf magic sounded through the room.
"Master Black," Kreacher muttered in his growl of a voice, inclining his head. "Master's guests be coming through the Floo now."
"Thank you, Kreacher. Show them to the living room, there should be enough space there for everyone."
Kreacher bowed and popped away.
Arcturus headed out of his study and down the main hallway that stretched across the length of the manor house. He passed the family rooms, the den, the parlor, the smaller dining room, and entered into the public space. The first room was a large, formal living room, where he would meet his guests before they moved to the formal dining room across the hall. He entered and found that the first to arrive were his daughter Lucretia and her husband.
Lucretia stepped forward and into a curtsy. "My Lord Father," she murmured.
"Good evening Lucretia, dear. How have you been?"
"I am well, father. And yourself?"
"I am better than I have been in years, my dear. Come, take a seat." Arcturus sat in an armchair near the entrance to the room, resting his walking cane on his knee. "And Ignatius, you are well I trust?"
"Very well, Lord Black." Ignatius smiled warmly, his eyes seeming to glimmer with life. "We've heard very good news from my aunt, Muriel, about the future of the family, so the Prewetts are in high spirits these days."
"Is that so? What has happened?"
"Molly Weasley finally reached out to Muriel about training one of her sons as heir."
"That is wonderful news, it's a terrible tragedy to let any of the old family lines die out. How many children do they have? Last I knew there were two."
Ignatius openly laughed and Lucretia shook her head in amusement. "They have seven children, six sons and a daughter. The Weasley heir just turned seventeen and the girl is six," Lucretia told him.
"Merlin," Arcturus muttered.
Ignatius recovered his voice. "Yes, the second son has abdicated, but the third son, young Percy, is very eager to learn if Muriel is to be believed."
Arcturus had just started to respond, when a small blur bounded into the room, followed by two adult men.
"Grandfather!" Harry called excitedly, running straight up to the man and leaning in to hug him.
Arcturus returned the gesture and surveyed the boy, taking note of the small kneazle-cat weaving around the boy's feet and the snowy owl that flew a circle above his head. "Good evening Harry, who are your friends?" he asked.
"Oh!" Harry exclaimed, straightening up and backing up a few steps to allow the owl to land on his shoulder. "This is Hedwig and Gemma," he said, gesturing to each in turn. "They are my familiars!"
"They are beautiful, Harry." Arcturus looked to Sirius, his surprise evident. "Both bonded?" he inquired.
Sirius nodded. "Yes, Grandfather. We just found them a few days ago and they refuse to be parted from him, I hope you don't mind too much."
"No, no. Of course not," he returned.
"He even found the owl despite her not being on the sales floor." Remus added, smiling fondly at Harry. "He's a natural at sensing magic."
Arcturus smiled at the man. "I see you are well, Remus. I am glad to see you here, I trust you have accepted Sirius' proposition?"
Remus turned his gaze from his pup to Arcturus, but froze before answering upon seeing the figures standing in the doorway behind them. Arcturus noticed immediately and turned to face the newcomers. Standing there, his long blond hair swept back and tied at his neck, was Lucius Malfoy. His aristocratic features were twisted into a disdainful scowl, his gaze locked on Remus Lupin. Behind him, Narcissa Malfoy's perfectly blank mask was carefully maintained, her own blond hair twisted into an elaborate updo, secured with clips made of solid silver, which contrasted starkly with her dark eyes, the eyes of the Black family. She stepped around her husband, ushering her son forward. Draco's eyes flicked to his father's expression warily, but he heeded his mother and bowed to Lord Black as she curtsied.
"My Lord Black," she murmured, her head inclined deferentially. She remained with head bowed, though her son rose quickly, catching sight of the disapproving expression on his father's face.
Arcturus kissed her hand gently. "Good evening, Narcissa. Introduce me to your family, please dear."
"My Lord," she began, bracing a hand on Draco's shoulder to stop him from moving away. "This is my son, Heir Draco Lucius Malfoy and my Lord Husband," she continued, gesturing to Lucius, who had stepped forward. "Lord Lucius Abraxas Malfoy."
Arcturus nodded regally to Lord Malfoy. "Good evening to you both and welcome to Black Manor. Allow me to introduce my guests," he said, his voice hardening on the last word in warning. "My Heir, Sirius Orion Black and Heir Presumptive Harry James Potter-Black," he began, watching Lucius' mouth tighten upon hearing Harry's name. "Harry, come here a moment please," he requested gently. Harry came forward shyly, Gemma following on his heels, while Hedwig watched sharply from her perch on the couch behind Lucretia. "Harry, this is Draco, you and he will be attending Hogwarts together in a few years."
"Hi, Draco," Harry said softly, leaning back into his grandfather, who kept a hand on his shoulder in comfort.
"Hello," Draco returned, his voice haughty. "I am going to rule over Hogwarts, my father says so. You can be my follower." The boy said, his voice full of childish disdain.
"Draco," Narcissa admonished, her eyes hard.
Arcturus released Harry quickly, who retreated back to where Remus was still standing behind him. "I think you may be surprised, young Draco, to find that House Malfoy is not all you've been told." Arcturus said sternly.
"And I see House Black has lowered its standards," Lucius sneered, eyes locked on Remus. (Undoubtedly, Lucius recognized Remus from the war, despite his official status as 'imperioused.')
"Oh, forgive me." Arcturus feigned a regretful tone. "This is Remus Lupin, steward of House Potter and sworn vassal to my Heir."
Lucius scowled, recognizing the challenge for what it was –there was nothing to be gained by insulting Black's vassal, certainly. "I see," he said firmly. "Come, Draco." He ushered his son past Lord Black and to a couch to sit. Narcissa inclined her head to Lord Black, her eyes apologetic. She nodded to Remus as she passed and greeted her cousin softly, ignoring Lucius' glare. Despite what Lucius believed, Narcissa knew House Black would remain powerful and she would not alienate her own family.
A murmur of voices could be heard out in the hallway. Sirius smirked when he recognized the voice of his favorite cousin reprimanding someone, probably her daughter. As the Tonkses entered the room, Gemma left Harry's side for the first time, causing him to look up from his spot next to Lucretia, who was showing him the wand movements for the levitation charm. A smile lit his face as he recognized one of the newcomers. He hurried after Gemma to the front of the room. "Hi, Andromeda!" he said happily.
She smiled widely down at him. "Hello, Harry," she returned, reaching down to hug the small boy quickly. "I see you were successful in finding a familiar."
"Oh, yes," he said eagerly. Gemma had wrapped herself around Dora's legs and Hedwig had joined her, landing on one of Dora's arms after some prodding. Andromeda watched fondly, understanding the approval of the boy's familiars for what it was –magical compatibility.
"Harry, this is my daughter, Dora." Andy told the boy.
Harry smiled. "You're the girl with pink hair!" he cried excitedly.
She grinned back at him and her hair immediately went from neat, deep black, much like her mother's, to bright pink and spiky, just touching her shoulders. A gasp sounded behind them from Narcissa. Ignoring everyone else, Dora reached out for one of Harry's hands, pulling him back towards the couch Lucretia sat on. "Come on, Harry. I have lots to show you."
Arcturus sighed to himself, standing so close to the entrance, he could hear his cousins in the hallway and could only imagine the reaction they would have to seeing their disowned daughter here. Andromeda and Ted were speaking with Sirius and Remus in hushed voices, glancing at Dora and Harry every so often, when Cygnus entered the room.
"You!" Cygnus growled, eyes hard and focused on his daughter. He was followed inside by his wife Druella, whose expression could be likened to someone who had smelled something particularly nasty. Cygnus' parents, Pollux and Irma, and his aunt, Cassiopeia, followed close behind, Pollux leaning heavily on a walking cane, much like his cousin's. "I told you when you ran off to sully yourself with that –that mudblood, to never show yourself before this family again!" Cygnus cried out, his eyes blazing with obsessive rage.
Arcturus stepped heavily into Cygnus' line of sight. "You may have decided to cast her from your family, cousin, but she remains a part of mine. Delusions of grandeur won't make you Lord of this House!" Arcturus stood tall and proud, his gaze darker than Sirius had seen it since the day his mother had announced that Regulus had sworn himself to Lord Voldemort –'A Black bows to no one,' he remembered Arcturus raging.
Cygnus, stubborn and stupid, carried on. "You allow her to sully the Black name! You have lost your way Arcturus!"
"That will be Lord Black to you, cousin. And tell me, how is it that, after generations of pure blood, the lost Black metamorphmagus trait cropped back up in your half-blood granddaughter."
Cygnus glowered at his cousin, but was silent. "My Lord," he said stiffly, stalking off to the corner to stew alone. Druella inclined her head to Lord Black briefly and followed her husband.
Cassiopeia stepped forward, smiling softly at Arcturus. "My Lord Black, is it true? Andromeda's daughter is a Metamorphmagus?" she asked eagerly.
Arcturus stepped to the side, gesturing to Dora and Harry, who were now sitting on the floor, engrossed in a set of Gobstones. "See for yourself," he said. Dora's hair flicked to a new color every few moments, distracting Harry from what she did with her hands as they played.
"Amazing," she said breathlessly. Her eyes went unfocused for a moment as she watched. Arcturus waited patiently as she assessed the duo. "The boy, he has great power, my lord," she murmured to him quietly.
"I know, dear Cassie," he returned, voice low as well. "He true-bonded to an elf and took two familiars in the short time I've known him. His grasp on his magic is instinctive and strong."
She admired Harry's aura for a moment longer. "I would like to know him, my lord."
"I am glad to hear you say that, Cassie. Why don't you go reintroduce yourself to Harry's guardian, my Heir."
She nodded and hurried off to join Sirius and Andromeda.
Pollux met his cousin's gaze, holding his wife's arm tightly. "We will consider what we've seen here, Lord Black," he said, leading his wife to a seat.
Arcturus sighed, and the night had only just begun.
The Black family had made it all the way through dessert without any more altercations. Cygnus and Lucius were on their best behavior, though Arcturus could tell they were not open to changing their ways. Pollux was resigned to not being involved at all, it seemed, and tolerated Andromeda and Sirius' families with good grace, not letting on either way whether he approved or disapproved. Narcissa was cautious of her husband's sharp gaze, but did not show any negativity towards the rest of the guests, even speaking with Sirius openly about his plans for Harry's future. Cassie and Lucretia were both eager and spent most of the meal speaking to Dora and Harry, who were becoming fast friends despite the age difference. They mostly ignored the occasional scathing interjections from Draco, who wasn't handling Harry's rejection well.
Arcturus turned to Sirius. "I think she will be willing," he murmured, his eyes flicking to Cassie, who was asking Dora about her school electives.
"As long as she understands where the line is," Sirius said firmly, his eyes lingering on his friend, who sat across the table from him, next to Harry.
"If she does not, we have other options, though she would be best –her ability to sense magic will be most helpful to Harry."
Sirius nodded. "Ask her," he said in agreement.
By this point, the meal had ended. Arcturus rose, inviting his guests to retire to the living room once more for tea. After some shuffling, Pollux and Irma took their leave and departed for the Floo, quickly followed by Cygnus and Druella, and Lucius with Draco in tow, who gave his wife a derisive glare as he passed by Lord Black. Narcissa came forward, offering Arcturus her hand. He pulled her towards him, speaking softly in her ear, unheard by the rest of the room. "Narcissa," he murmured. "If you need House Protection, know I can help you and I will. And so will Sirius."
She smiled sadly. "I know, my lord. I'm not ready to admit there is no hope for Draco. I will at least keep trying these few years before he is out of my reach."
Arcturus clasped her hand tightly. "Stay strong, Narcissa Black," he told her softly, kissing her hand and letting her go.
She inclined her head and left the room. He watched her go for a moment longer, his expression pensive, before returning to his place, where he could survey what remained of his family. Cassie and Lucretia had produced a deck of Exploding Snap cards from somewhere and were showing Harry how to play, while Hedwig watched over him closely. Across the room, Dora was sitting with her parents, speaking with Sirius and Remus intently, Gemma was curled up in her lap and purring contentedly. Ignatius sat nearby, watching his wife fondly, but turned to Arcturus as he sat down.
"It has been a long time since seeing children hasn't made her incredibly sad," Ignatius admitted quietly.
"Harry is a special child." Arcturus said, watching his family fondly.
"He is." Ignatius agreed. "I hope –" he began, turning to look at Arcturus strongly. "I hope we'll be allowed to be part of his life."
Arcturus smiled. "That's partly why I invited everyone here, Sirius and I, we want Harry to have all the family we can give him. You are both very welcome in this family."
"Thank you, Lord Black."
"Please, Ignatius, call me Arcturus."
Ignatius smiled in return. The two men sat in companionable silence, sipping tea brought to them by the perpetually grumpy Kreacher.
"Cassie," Arcturus called sometime later, noticing a break in her games with Lucretia and Harry. "Come sit with me for a moment, there is something I wish to speak to you about."
Sirius, hearing this, joined them quickly. "Grandfather," he greeted.
"Please sit, Sirius." Arcturus said. He turned to his cousin, his favorite cousin. "Cassie, I'd like to ask you if you'd be willing to be part of Harry's education. We only have a few years with him before Hogwarts and there is much he needs to learn."
"Of course, my lord. I'd be happy to teach Harry."
"But," Sirius interjected quickly. "Cassie, you must understand, Remus will be responsible for all decisions regarding Harry's education." He looked her directly in the eyes, his determination clear.
She searched his expression, her eyes moving back to Arcturus for a moment, then meeting Sirius's gaze again. "I understand, Heir Black. I will speak with Mr. Lupin directly about any plans for Harry."
Sirius studied her for a moment longer, weighing her tone. Satisfied, his voice had softened when he answered. "Thank you, Cassie. Remus and I want to hold off on any formal schedule for Harry until September, his life has changed so quickly, we want to give him time to get used to us and the magical world first."
Cassie nodded in agreement. "I hope you'll allow me to be involved beyond formal education as well," she said.
Sirius smiled and looked around the room at the mix of people present. "I'd be glad to have everyone here involved in Harry's life," he returned.