Chapter 4: The Crows
Harry ducked down an orange streak of light whizzing past his head, he rolled to side and flicked his wand upwards. Charlus didn't get a chance to move out of the way of stream that rose out of the ground, though his golden shield did stop him from propelling up in air. Charlus flicked his shield to sent a disarming charm toward Harry who batted it aside like a fly, Charlus was pleased to Harry use of silver shield for the stunning charm he sent again.
The boy was definitely a powerful wizard, even if he was rough at edges. Though, he shouldn't have those rough edges after the hunts that he had carried through. If he was able to hunt down hundred of experienced dark wizards, his style shouldn't have those flaws. Un-conspicuously, the wand that Harry was using could be the reason for his shortcomings. Given it wasn't his own but a work through wand provided by Charlus out of his family vault, it was his grandfather's wand, one that didn't work perfectly with the dark haired teen.
"You would like to move further away, this duel is getting pretty intense and I don't want any of you getting hurt as a result of misfire" Harry voiced out worriedly, glancing toward the other three occupants of training room he and Charlus were dueling in.
A butterfly of blue flames emerged out of Harry's wand but exploded in sparks as soon as it drift forward. Harry stepped back to avoid the explosion, he frowned at the brown wand in his hand, that became hot from the fire magic.
"Most of the overconfident opponents, like you, forgets to assess their surrounding. You should never divert your mind off your surroundings, son" Charlus chuckled a little. Harry narrowed his eyes at him and looked around himself to notice a black mist spread around himself.
"That's a very special spell I have invented myself, Don't even try to use elemental magic inside that mist. Your fire will explode, your water will freeze, your wind will trap you and your rocks with turn into dust"
"That's... indigenous and complex... at the same time" Harry let out a breath before vanishing into a swirl of fire that exploded when contact was made with the mist around.
Not predicting the outburst, Charlus was thrown aback by the small burst of explosion, a throbbing head was the only extent of his injuries though. Before he could stand up two serpin dragons out of silvery mist constricted him by both sides, hissing at him for even bare movements. Charlus looked up to see Harry pointing his wand directly at him.
"Yield" Harry demanded smiling at his win, unknown to him however, it was too soon to celebrate.
"Not so soon, son" Charlus returned with one of his own mischievous grins.
Harry didn't see what magic did Charlus used but the next moment he was constricted by golden ropes on the ground with Charlus standing beside him pointing a wand at him. He tried to apparate out but the ropes didn't let him, at last he sighed and tip of his wand lit white to convey his surrender.
Charlus cancelled his spell and gave Harry a hand. Soon Dorea, James and Sirius joined the duo.
"You know, it's first time I have seen dad struggling in a duel. He takes us on.." James gestured toward himself and Sirius "and finishes us in mere minutes"
"Well, I have to say you're truly powerful Harry. I, myself have not seen him use that much of magic in recent years" Dorea praised him with a kind smile.
"He still won the duel" Harry replied looking toward Charlus with a pout, the duel was a nice experience, for a long time he had been in mortal natured fights. A friendly duel with Charlus did encourage his love for the sport.
"That was solely due to lack of a favouring wand for you, the fight would have lasted long if your wand didn't hinder your magic. However, Even then, I am more experienced and knows more spells than you, son" Charlus deducted with an another chuckle.
"I don't doubt that, Dad" Harry agreed wholeheartedly, it was a new habit he has adopted. Calling Charlus 'Dad' and Dorea 'Mom' was not a easy task, but for the sake of his secrecy he had taken it up, it also helped that they had been behaving like parents for him for last three weeks, and it was not an act. It was as real as it can be and that was evident in their eyes. They treated him like a family, as if he, in reality, was their elder son. Sirius, of his time, had never encouraged him to call 'Dad', he always said James had that spot, he was his Padfoot and Remus been Moony. He had to hold his tongue a few times in past weeks from calling Sirius 'Padfoot'. That could prove apprehensive as neither James or Sirius had told him about their Animagus abilities. Although, they had discussed about Remus and Peter, entailing that the four of them were one tight group of friends.
In the hindsight, much has changed in the three weeks that followed Harry's arrival to the past, Dumbledore and Augusta Longbottom had signed the paper required for his birth documents. Though, Augusta did had a brief chat with him after a furious argument with Dorea for keeping her in dark about her other nephew. The woman was strict and strong willed, Same as Harry remembered of the few interactions he had with the women, but just as Dorea of present, she did has a gentle side hidden behind that mask.
Nonetheless, His birth and travel documents had passed through ministry with the help of an inside contact, and for prying intruders they were misplaced. Charlus has also suggested him to take an exam for assessing his educational needs, that he didn't had. Nonetheless, he had to go Hogwarts for now, though he couldn't say he was unhappy with that decision. The castle was a escape for him from his abusive relative of past life and the first place he claimed as his home.
Furthermore, a hidden child was already suspicious enough, refusing or barring him from attending Hogwarts wouldn't go well with higher official of ministry and prominent members of Wizengamot, even though Harry didn't need to go to the school. It wasn't every day that a hidden child of a prominent Lord appears out of nowhere.
On the other side, He has experienced some changes in last three weeks, the nervousness he had felt around James was much prominent than he had anticipated at first, and Sirius didn't made it any better. For the first week he had spent much of his time alone, solitude was all he knew after the death of his last friend. Being cared for was something he had forgotten long, he was never cared for with Dursleys. The only care that he had received was from his group of friends and his adoptive father, and the later one didn't last longer than two years. He had moved in with Sirius at the end of his fourth year and left the 12th Grimauld place after his death in his sixth year.
It was due to him being in Grimauld place that the Dementors, sent to hunt him, never found him. There was never a trial, but the fat toad still got her glee out of tormenting him, with her role of Defence against the dark arts' professor.
The sudden care he was given was not enjoyable for him for the first week, he always disliked the fame and attention he was given. What did other people thought of while reminding him constantly of the sacrifice that his parents had made for him? Harrowing experience, all of it was for him.
Him being chosen as a Champion of Triwizard Tournament did gave him some escape, for Rita skeeter had printed quite the article about him. He was left alone after that, no-one believed his side of the story, it was a little heartbreaking but it still gave him escape as other left him by himself.
However, he quickly understood that the four people who roamed around him day and night weren't there to remind him of what he has lost. But of what he had gained, James behaved like a brother to him and Sirius, the later did the same. Charlus supported them in their pranks with occasional winks and Dorea usually scolded them on their etiquette and behaviour. It was a refreshing change, it surely was a little unnerving and edgy at first but that settled down into a comforting and likeable feeling.
He felt comfortable around James, Sirius, Charlus and Dorea. A feeling he has not felt for quite some time now.
After the lunch, following the duel, Sirius, James and Harry went out in the backyard for a quick quidditch practice. Charlus and Dorea followed them and took a seat near the Sun roof to watch over them. James pulled out three new Nimbus 1500, from the quidditch shed. The Snitch was relieved of the container and released into the air, the three teens kicked the ground and sped toward it. The brooms, they were using, were of same quality so it depended upon their skills to catch the golden ball. Harry was leading the chase untill James outmaneuvered him with a rotation and took the lead, as Sirius wasn't primarily a seeker, he was a beater, thus the snitch was out of his range.
The Snitch dived down after a few rotation around the pitch and James followed it with Harry and Sirius in tow, in respective order. When the distance between the ground and the broom was left 8 ft James adjusted his weight and lost the lead in an attempt to avoid the Collison. Whereas Harry didn't had such reservation, he was the youngest seeker of the century in his time. He had played much more matches than James and Sirius combined at the point of time. He sped past James and he redoubled his weight on the rear end of the broom, and then pulled it up with his both hand at the last moment, his experience playing its role.
The broom hovered up to a level while Harry resumed his chase for the Snitch, up in the air James and Sirius were amazed at the show of Harry's skill. They looked at each other in amazement, much to the amusement of Charlus who had watched Harry's quidditch play in the pensieve and knew his level. The two boys smirked at each other before continuing behind the black haired boy, but Harry was already in the process of catching the tiny ball. It took him only a few minutes to grasp the golden ball out of the air, he lowered his broom and landed on the ground and was soon joined by a smirking James and a grumbling Sirius.
"You flew like a hawk, Harry. I didn't believed when you said you were the seeker of your team abroad. But, now I can vouch for you" James patted his back while praising him, while Sirius grumbled about 'Potters being better at the broom than they should be allowed to'. A warm sensation ran through his body at the applause he received from James, he had always wanted to show his seeker skills to his father but didn't get a chance to do so. The circumstances were not normal, yet the praise did lightened his heart.
"No need to get upset Sirius, You're not a seeker. It was unlike of you to catch the golden ball anyway" Charlus voiced in ruffling Sirius long straight black hairs.
Dorea joined the group with a half-hearted slap on Harry's back. "Can't you do something safely? I nearly had a heart attack watching you dive down, you stupid boy"
Harry smiled apologetically at the woman, their conversation was cut short by the sound of hooves incoming toward them. Harry noted that only Charlus and Dorea turned their heads toward the noise, Sirius and James didn't respond to the sound rather indulging in their own conversation.
Harry followed the sound and found the source of it, a herd of Thestrals were grooving toward them from the vast forest in the backyard. The forest was only a quarter part of the wide spread tree lines that Harry had seen at the end of hill at his arrival. Charlus had informed him that there were various magical as well as non magical creatures in the forest, though non were predators obviously.
Harry took a step toward the herd that had stopped at a distance from the group, as a response Dorea placed her hand on his shoulder trying to stop him.
"Be cautious, they are quite aggressive toward strangers" Dorea warned him.
"I have rode one before, I know how to handle them, Mom" he replied back.
"Be as it may, I don't approve of you trying to befriend them like this." Dorea disregarded his claim. "Rollie" She called.
A House elf appeared with a loud pop, he was dressed in white full body outfit with a green apron upon. Harry's mind drifted toward the memories of his own elf, Dobby. The idiot of the elf had died protecting him from the knife thrown by Bellatrix, he was too colorful and unique to be forgotten.
"Bring master Harry a bucket of meat for the Thestrals" she ordered, the elf nodded and popped away.
"Thestrals?" Sirius intervened.
"What are those, Mom?" James was the one to ask the question.
"They are magical creatures, similar to flying horses but with black leathery body and black bat-like wings protruding from back. They are carnivorous in nature unlike a normal stallion, and likes to eat meat." Harry answered eyeing the beast in front, in his memories Thestrals were never the dark creatures they were distinguished as.
Luna had introduced him to them, the girl was a little eccentric sometimes but loyal as an Owl. She had educated him about the unusual animals, how only one to see death and understand it can see them, how the odd looking creature was rather a gentle giant, how one calm and timid girl like Luna could become fearsome and fearless if her friend's were threatened same as a Thestral. Her life was one of the most valuable to lose, Saká had done the deed, that too quite happily.
He traced his fingers over the scar adorning his face over his eye. "They are considered Dark creatures because they can only be seen by a person that has seen and understood death, but they are not as they are said. Although, you do not want to be ever on the bad side of one if the choice is given, they are rather fierce and loyal to their herd while still maintaining solitude for oneself." Harry continued in a emotionless voice.
Charlus draped his arm over Harry's shoulder as a sign of support with a smile, Harry smiled back gently in response and turned back toward the benevolent creatures. He took the bucket from Rollie and tossed a single piece of meat toward the black horse, James and Sirius watched in amazement as the slice of meat vanished bite by bite.
Sirius had noticed the pain in Harry's voice when he introduced the Thestrals, same pain was evident in him when He had been handed the broom before the quidditch match. The boy had lost someone, someone very important and Sirius felt empathy for his loss. He also felt a unknown pull from the boy as if the boy wanted to tell him something but didn't dared to, it didn't helped that he had found Harry's eye looming over him and James with deep contemplation and fondness while he thought they didn't notice, more on him than James. For James it could be comprehended as a brotherly bond and lost year catching up to him, but for him? Something was different about Harry Charlus Potter.
James wasn't as unobservant as people thought him as, he had also noticed the sudden gloomy look that Harry adopted during some rare instances. At first he had accumulated it as a habit of his brother but after spending time with him, he could say that the boy was very different from them. He was mature, understood responsibilities and cherished his family. One would be jealous of such thing present in their siblings but James didn't felt like that, rather a proud sensation ran through his veins whenever he saw his brother doing something he couldn't himself.
Harry continued to feed the Thestrals untill Dorea stiffened suddenly and Charlus held her back from waling forward. Recalling Harry's last sentence, James and Sirius moved near Charlus and Dorea as silently as they can.
"What happened Dad?" James whispered to the man.
Charlus face suddenly turned into a fond smile before he pointed toward Harry, Dorea also relaxed a bit but still looked unnerved.
James and Sirius followed Charlus gaze and watched as Harry jumped up and took a seat in air as if he was seated on a horse. Soon, the boy leaned it with a pat in the air and hauled into the sky with a quick movement.
"H-How? He is flying, B-But How?" Sirius questioned stuttering as he talked.
"Thestral, He is riding a Thestral" Charlus replied with a proud smirk plastered on his face.
James eye widened and looked up to see Harry circling around the quidditch pitch, stationed on an invisible horse.
(_-_-_X_-_-_)
It was the next day that Sirius reluctantly returned to his house, he had been living with Potters for three weeks without the knowledge of his grandfather or parents. For them he had again sneaked out of the house because of Walburga's forceful and torturous nature. The sole reason for Sirius's outing was his mother's obsession dark spells and using them on the House elf for practice, no matter how spiteful the Old house elf was Sirius didn't wanted to do that. She also reminded him quite persuasively to behave like a true heir of Black family, he never held his family motto dear. It was bigotry and idiotic, he would never adopt that motto in his life, even if he had to relinquish his title as the heir.
His grandfather, Arcturus Black, had named him his heir immediately after his birth. Sirius's father Orion was relieved out of the duty of a heir and Sirius's small shoulders were used as a landing pad for those responsibilities. As per his mother, being heir to Black family was same as being a god, but for him it didn't mattered much. He didn't agreed with the blood purity agenda of his family nor was he a maniacal torturous monster like them, par a few.
Harry sympathized with Sirius's situation, he knew things can't go forward as they were. He needed allies for the upcoming war, and he accepted, grudgingly that Black family was a Clan with right hold on politics for his need. If Arcturus was a noble person, that was unlike the Blacks but still according to his now father, then he could fit some sense into the man's mind.
In correspondence with his thoughts the Potter manor was host to the head of Black family, one Arcturus Regulus Black. Charlus was seated in his study and was searching for the spell Harry had used to conjure up the silvery dragons. Harry, as expected, used non verbal magic with least of wand movement that made that task likely impossible. The sudden flare of usual green in his floo was the only indication of arrival of a guest, as only a few people were read into the wards stone guarding the manor and lesser than that were allowed to travel through the floo of his study, it didn't take him much time to predict his guest.
The man stepped out of the floo, he was a man of rather tall height. Black shoulder length hairs with hints of white and grey in them, a short mustache with even length grey goatee adorning his face. He was dressed in a robe same as his name, black with golden outlines. The family crest on the chest shining with the writing of Toujours Pur and a skull with a wand hand adjoined by three Crows. The handsome features of Blacks still somewhat existent on aged and the weary face of the patriarch of the said house.
"It's surprising for you to come unannounced, Arcturus" Charlus said without looking toward him.
The other man glared at him with a scowl. "What are you playing at Charlus? I was present when James's birth and he was a single child, imagine my surprise when I walked in to Orion discussing about an another son of yours, Harry Charlus Potter."
"Ah... A disclosure so soon, I could not picture Sirius doing it. No, He won't.." Charlus mused to himself.
"Stop ignoring me. And, Why was Sirius present at your manor?" Arcturus thundered tapping his stick with a small thump.
"I thought, I could fool you my friend, it seems my previous assumption was right about you." Charlus looked up toward him with an amused expression that did little less to tone down the ire of other man. "As for Sirius, He was bolted out by Walburga's forceful nature, again."
"That filthy pig, I don't understand what did Orion saw in that Crabbe girl to marry her, her mother was ame as her." Arcturus sneered. "Leaving that matter aside for now, it is not only Orion, even Abraxus and Corvus had informed me about the appearance of the new son of yours" Arcturus frowned.
"Those fools are still meddling in other people businesses?! I have advised you before against associating with those two" Charlus frowned as he placed back the book on the table at the point.
"It's non of your business what I do or do not, you should not forget that I don't follow your mindset and nor do you mine. I respect you for your prowess and the help that you provided me during the last war, but the favours doesn't precede that." Arcturus returned quickly.
Charlus nodded seriously. "Very well. Take a seat, jokes apart, we need to discuss some development taking place in Wizarding Britain right now"
Arcturus held his gaze for moment before taking a seat infront Charlus.
"Anything that I shall discuss here is not to be disclosed infront of anyone without my permission, and for that I am obliged to take a vow from you" Charlus stated sincerely.
"A vow?" the frown returned to Arcturus face. "Is the matter that significant?" He asked.
Charlus shook his head in response.
"Very well then" Arcturus extended his hand that was grasped by Charlus. "I, Arcturus Regulus Black, head of the house of Black, swear on my blood, magic and oath, whatever may be discussed in this room shall never be disclosed infront any other without the permission of, Charlus Henry Potter, the head of the House of potter. So I sworn; So mote it be." Arcturus took the oath willingly.
Charlus started the whole story of how he came to meet Harry, the invitation he received from Albus, his first meet with the boy, the boy's claim about his parentage and travel in time. He also explained him key parts of the memory Harry had shown him, not the whole memory, not the personal moments, but only the memories related with Voldemort.
Arcturus sunk into his seat as Charlus recited the story, with every tale of the Dark wizard Arcturus point of view changed on him. At first he sympathized with the wizard's cause of purifying the Europe of mudbloods, but soon he was unnerved by the deeds he committed. It was clear by the middle of the story that the wizard was no blood purist, he simply wanted to rule the world.
As the end came near Arcturus was both amazed at Harry's endurance and stubbornness. The tale ended after half an hour with Charlus offering a glass of Firewhisky to Arcturus.
"That's quite the tale you told me Charlus, that still doesn't concise some of the key points, like why Harry called the madman as Tom" Arcturus frowned a little at the little bit information provided by the boy.
"The memories didn't had that particular information explained, by that we can assume that Harry must have seen Albus's memory. Albus did recognise the Dark lord's name and was wary of him" Charlus replied thoughtfully.
Arcturus nodded and directed his eyes down in concentration, if anybody else would have claimed the same thing he wouldn't have thought upon it, rather voice it as mere hallucinations or faux story. But, creating false memory of 20 years with such delicate details cannot be achieved. Even Albus Dumbledore wasn't that capable and Charlus himself was adapt at mind arts, any falsification ought to be caught as soon as Charlus eyes fell upon it.
"Can I meet him?" Arcturus asked cautiously.
"No need to get uncomfortable my friend, I was about to inform you all this beforehand but the boy doesn't have fond memories with your family" Charlus answered.
Arcturus frowned at the answer and nodded firmly.
"Maise" called Charlus.
The elf appeared with a loud pop. "Yes, Master Charlus".
"Inform Harry that I have a guest waiting for him in study, and tell Dorea that her brother has arrived for a meet with Harry." Charlus ordered.
The elf nodded and disappeared off.
"So, How's the boy?" Arcturus tried to cut through the silence permeating in the office.
"Apart from everything different" Charlus drawled pointedly. "The most striking things are the scars littering his whole boy and his duelling style. By duelling him I concluded that he hasn't been taught to participate in one, rather he uses spells to attack, defends like a soldier in battlefield"
"That is to be expected if what you tell is taken under consideration" Arcturus put out his opinion.
Cutting through their discussion the door opened a few moments later, and Arcturus got the first look on the young boy. He was a boy of no more than 16 years of age, with an unexpected ominous presence around himself, His movement was swift and with a grace same as predator. Black untamed hairs covered much of his forehead, cold emerald orbs scanned the room and landed upon him for a fraction of second. His facial features matched with that of James but the scars on his face and lack of glasses did differentiate them. He was dressed in muggle clothing like James and Sirius, that irked Arcturus ire, but his magic felt somewhat similar, like a Black, unexpected that was.
"You called me, Dad?" He said with a firm but still somewhat boyish voice.
"Yes, Harry. This is your uncle Arcturus Black, he's here to meet you" Charlus gestured toward the ebony haired man.
Harry's eye found that of Arcturus and didn't wavered even a little bit under them, unlike Sirius or James who flinched at his gaze. He gave a respectful but short bow to the man before settling in the only empty chair inside the office.
"I have been informed about your travel and Identity, Harry" Arcturus broke the silence with his firm voice.
Harry arched his brow at the man before looking toward Charlus questioningly.
"I have told you he is a close friend of mine, but for your comfort he had given a vow of secrecy" Charlus revealed.
Harry nodded in understanding. "Be as it may be, I still stand by my opinion I have given in Dumbledore's office. Except Sirius, I don't trust the family in particular, not even if Mum is related to them."
It would be wrong to say Arcturus didn't felt anger surging through his body by those words, no, he didn't liked where the discussion was heading. What could have his family done to extract such response from the boy, sure some of family member like Cygnus and Walburga were a little off, and a few members like his aunt Elladora can be termed as insane. Elladora was really a insane woman, beheading house elves after they were unable to continue their service due to old age and then stuffing them to use as trophy can't possibly be termed as sanity. Apart from that they supported pureblood agenda, but that was the right thing to do, at least in his eyes, there family motto was also Toujours Pur, that complied with their blood purity believes.
"And, Who would you believe boy? Dumbledore? Is he worth your trust" Arcturus growled out.
Harry didn't responded, he just chuckled in response to the older man accusations. "You don't own a right to question my allegiance, Arcturus Black." Arcturus sneered at the pronunciation of his name. "Still, I would humor you. No, I don't support Dumbledore. He is one of the most powerful wizard to live, and strongest in the world right now, but I have had enough of him." Harry sighed heavily. "Only if he had shared some of his knowledge to right people, things wouldn't have turned out like they did. So, this time things aren't going as they ought to."
"For that, I would like to show you something" Harry added. "Masie" He called out loud.
The house elf popped in, her eyes peering toward Harry with curiosity and expectations of an order. Harry chuckled at the eagerness of the elf, she reminded him of Dobby too much.
"Can you bring me today's Daily prophet? Please" He added at last.
Arcturus eyebrows went into his hairlines at show of respect to a small elf, Conspicuously, A number of Pureblood families didn't even considered their house elves better than a pest, and Black family was one the top. It was quite rare to see such respect directed toward house elf.
"Whatever yous wanting Master Harry" Elf answered flapping her ears happily before popping out.
"I still don't understand how you make her do that, she is never that eager to do something for us" Charlus pointed out chuckling a bit.
While Arcturus snorted in disdain, It displayed why some Pureblood families weren't respected enough.
Harry fixed Arcturus with a cold glare, and that glare did unnerve Arcturus a little. "They are meek and benevolent creatures, small shows of appreciation and respect and they will kill even a giant for you" Harry responded fondly.
Arcturus was now able to see the boy's true nature, he was not arrogant like James. He was much like his sister, calm as her, confident as her and most of all as kind as her. Still, Assuming his kindness as his weakness would be problematic, His glare, that he directed toward Arcturus, was cold enough to unnerve the experienced and aged wizard. This arouse a thought out of the old man, that something did went severely wrong with his family, the boy was in support of Sirius but not them, Why?
Masie appeared again with the newspaper, Harry took it with smile. "That'll do it, Masie. Thank you" He said. The elf popped out with a nod and flush on her face.
"Now, as I was saying, I don't support or trust Dumbledore, yet. Although he is strong and capable, most of his plan still runs around the 'Greater good'." Harry started laying the paper on the table for the other two to see.
An Unknown Organisation strikes again- 12 Muggles targeted- by Rephina Stoics
:
A group of 16 Wizards attacked a neighbourhood in Coates Avenue, Leicester. Mr. Gillet, an auror on the crime scene talked to us, according to him a group of 16 men were seen apparating in the neighborhood, dressed in black robes accustomed with white skull like masks.
12 Muggles were brutalized and eventually killed on account of one of the witnesses. A specific mark left in the sky identified the groups as the same that targeted 20 muggles in Central Avenue, Winston, a week ago. These attacks are very concerning regarding the statue of secrecy and...
Arcturus read the article before looking toward Charlus and then Harry, He again scrutinized at the black and white mark in the paper.
"You mean to say..." Arcturus pointed toward the Paper.
"Yes, this the same group that Charlus told you about. It's still in its rudimentary stage but the movement will take up pace in upcoming years" Harry responded coolly.
He waved his wand and a chess board flew out from a drawer of the table and laid down on the table beside the newspaper, the pieces took their respective places and Harry continued his speech.
"Now for the fact check, there were two sides to this civil war, from where I came" Harry begun standing up.
He jerked his wand toward the side of black pieces "One was Tom's, the side of Death eaters that preached Blood purity but was not more than a group that ensured that Voldemort rules the entire Britain."
"Second side will be led by Dumbledore" He pointed the woodstick toward the white pieces "the group was secretive and did not revealed itself untill the end of the war" Harry pointed out. "This group was nothing more than a reactive team, providing protection to anyone that stands against Voldemort and defending important figures was its main motive"
Arcturus frowned upon the choices infront of him. If Charlus had not informed him about the main motive behind the Dark lord's movement, he would had supported the wizard, not up front obviously but from behind the curtains. However, after the revelation, and if it was true, He was is no mood to help the man's rise to power. At the other side, however, was Albus Dumbledore. A man that was never the idle leader in Arcturus eyes, the man was sure powerful but just that, he was no less human than anyone.
His motive of Greater good didn't sit well with Arcturus, not to forget their animosity toward each other, for their opinions were complete opposite. For Arcturus -at this old age- his family was his main concern, the survival of Black family was necessary. He had already lost his father and brothers in service of Grindlewald, that was the reason of him not supporting the Two eyed man further. He had lost his father and brother with a lot of his family gold while supporting the dark lord, things were different now, their numbers has decreased in last century.
"These were the only sides that were provided to you but, cause of some unimaginable circumstances, there is a third side now" Harry informed him. "The third side will be mine. My plan is not of response after an attack from Tom's side, but hunting down whoever I deem his supporter. And, if you decide to choose this side you'll be with me" Harry looked up toward Arcturus, who turned his head slightly with an arched eyebrow.
"Be not dillusional, I don't need an army, neither do I need you. It's just, somehow you're family and we" He gestured toward himself and Charlus. "As a potter, do not abandon our family. Ante omnia sanguis, that's what we believe in, Blood above everything"
Charlus chest puffed up, the family motto 'The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death' was probably derived out of the family that they succeeded, but yet, Potters preached Ante omnia sanguis.
"Why should we support you? You're just a boy, you don't even know what a war is" Arcturus replied back, trying to understand Harry's mindset. passive legilimency wasn't an option with boy able to block his memory-as suggested by Charlus in his explanation-His legilimency would be identified.
"We can always have a duel to derive what you want to know, but not now. And no, I don't say you should follow me. I don't want followers, I need allies, because the years following the current will be dark ones." Harry responded calmly, he did had an urge to curse the man where he sat, but that will not suffice what he wanted. "It's not about power, but family. You must trust me, my disapproval of your family was due to certain actions of certain members on your side"
"Which members?" Arcturus questioned seriously. 'If you cannot trust me and share some of what you know about family, then I cannot possibly trust you enough to support you either" He stated firmly.
"It has not happened yet, what did happen is in the past of me and it doesn't help anyone to dwell on past." Harry answered. "But, I will tell you this, Your family didn't survived this war. Not even a single member was left alive from when I returned. Not, even my family survived. All the Pureblood families of Britain were slain off, either they died off fighting against him or with him." Harry revealed stoically.
Arcturus eye's widened at the revelation, Charlus had informed him that there was a massive war being fought. But he never said that the Pureblood families didn't survived the war. A glance toward him answered his doubt, wide eyes of Charlus revealed that he was also unaware of this.
Harry decided to reveal something he was trying to hold off untill the end, if uncovering of such facts could sway the Black family patriarch to his side, then it was necessary to take such risk.
"Curse me" Harry instructed him suddenly.
"What?" Arcturus and Charlus asked confused at the sudden command from the boy, the latter one was speaking for the first time after introduction.
"I said, "Curse me", do it" He pronounced the sentence clearly.
Arcturus didn't hesitated and fired a stinging hex toward Harry, which returned back to him without even a single movement from the boy. It hit him where he had aimed on Harry.
Charlus chuckled at the ordeal but quickly hid his as Arcturus glared at him.
"Try again" Harry ordered seeing the man, still, was not able to understand his point.
Arcturus sent an another stinging hex, that drew the same result. He peered up toward Harry. "How are you doing that? And, what's the meaning of all this?"
"I am not doing anything, you're are one to fire hexes at me" Harry responded amusedly while leading the man toward the obvious.
"Yes, yet, my hex shouldn't return to me without a movement from your side. A spell only return to the caster without a single movement from the victim only if..." Arcturus eyes went wide in realization, Harry's claim of being family and protective of his grandson was making sense now.
"Yes, A spell only retaliates to its owner without any block or counter from the opponent, if the said opponent is head of his house" Harry clarified his doubts.
Charlus started laughing openly at the shocked state of the third person in the room.
Arcturus looked at the head of house ring on his finger and waved it infront of Harry. "Yet, the ring of the head of House remains with me"
Harry didn't responded by words but simply flicked his hand over the other, this resulted in appearance of two different rings on the fingers of his right hand. One was gold with a red stone on it, a Stag etched on it. While, the other one, that was similar to Arcturus, had a Grim etched on it, it was a silver coloured ring with dark blue stone upon.
"Interesting" Arcturus responded calmly re-dressing his face to its emotionless façade.
"It's a very simple theory if you ought to understand it, the ring is not something that understand the complex concept of time. The ring of head of house is enchanted to remain at its peak condition ever. Thus, Time doesn't relates to it as it relate to us" Harry clarified. "Even if the ring is destroyed somehow, the family magic doesn't stop responding to you, because Magic and Time take same dimensional space. Magic family will always respond to one's wish whom it is connected with, no matter the time and position."
"You mean to say that there are two heads of house of Black" Arcturus asked supposedly.
"Yeah, and not just Black family. There are two heads of House of both Potter and Black family." He gestured toward himself.
"That cannot go forward, I can't let you access to our family vault and or control over my family" Arcturus thundered as he stood up.
"Don't be mistaken old man, I don't particularly like you family nor I sympathize with any of them except Sirius and Andromeda, besides I am not that interested in your Family vaults, any one of the three. I have enough gold for a lifetime, even a lavish lifestyle will not be problem for me" Harry replied in ever so calm tone.
"Why are you so bent on protecting Sirius? and now Andromeda. Why is it that those two are of such importance to you?" Arcturus questioned hotly as the topic revolved around the same matter.
Harry looked toward Charlus with a questioning gaze. "You didn't told him about me, did you?" He asked.
Charlus shook his head. "It's not my place to tell. I, only, told him about Voldemort"
"Here, I was dillusional that He knew who I am and was not accepting me" Harry muttered to himself.
"Apologies Mr Black, let me introduce my self" Harry begun. "I was born as Harry James potter, the only son of James potter and Lily potter. But, now my name is Harry Sirius Potter, I am the adopted son of Sirius Black." Harry introduced himself.
Arcturus was shocked at the revelation, until now he thought the boy was last of the both lines that's why the family magic has chosen him as the new head.
Cutting through further musing Harry extended his hand and muttered 'Familia Magicius', in a swirl of silver energy a serpent found its place on one of his arm hissing loudly. While, a golden Griffin found its place on his shoulder, both miniature version of the original animals yet emitting out powerful magic.
Arcturus sat back on his chair, the boy was far more adaptive with his family magic than himself, even he was not able to order silver snake of his family to climb his arm. He couldn't deny that the boy was worthy of his family name, even if he didn't believed in blood purity as per Black family, he walked and talked with an unhidden authority. Even, Orion and Cygnus were not fearless enough to talk back him and this boy was ignoring his authority without even trying, yes the boy was worthy and, furthermore, attached to heir. And, according to him he didn't wanted his wealth and he was proving himself right, as per Charlus the boy had arrived three weeks ago and still he hadn't tried to access the Black family vaults.
The boy, if whatever he had heard about him from Charlus and seen by his own eyes is correct, was strong. An ally that would prove his worth in upcoming conflict, now the only thing he had to do was to turn the boy to his side.
Harry started laughing openly, He sat back on the chair to hold his ground while he laughed whimsically. "You really think you could manipulative me?!" Harry voiced in between his laugh.
Arcturus was aghast, He didn't felt any probing while the boy looked inside his mind. "How? I didn't even felt any probing around my occlumency shields"
Harry bit down his laughter, and lifted his hand with the ring on it. "You were not guarding your thoughts properly, beside the family ring let me slip into the mind of any member of the family if they are not focused enough for sneak in their occlumency shields"
"You should use it. Particularly on Walburga and Cygnus, they both will surprise you if you don't follow them yourself, only then" He added.
Arcturus just glared at him in response.
Harry sighed at the man's antic, he didn't had to be concerned for the Black family. He didn't had any interest in them, Sirius and Andromeda aside. He was just giving an head up to the patriarch of the said house, if he wasn't upto take him seriously then all loss was to him.
"See, I don't need you or any other person for this war. I have hunted them down before, this time he doesn't have even half of what he had." Harry said at last. "If you don't need my advice then all good is to you, I don't care for you or your family, as for Sirius and Andromeda they will be safe, I will make that sure" He stood up and walked on toward the gate.
Charlus held him back from leaving the room all together, Harry looked back at him questioningly.
"Dad, I have told you beforehand I am not particularly interested in them. He doesn't even want to take things seriously, I am not here to play games what I am here to do I will" He clarified.
"And, What if I trust you? What do you want from him? What help am I to you?" Arcturus asked standing up.
Harry eyed him skeptically before shaking his head. "I don't need money or fighting wands from you" Harry answered.
Arcturus posture relaxed at this, his suspicion that the boy would want them to fight was proved void. "What I does need is political support, You and Dad are two of the most prominent and respected members of Wizengamot." Harry said forward.
"Wizengamot? Why would you need political support? Ministry, itself, will stand against the uprising Dark lord" Arcturus questioned frowning a little.
"If the minister is as daft as the one I had to deal with in my time, then, they will try their best to repress Voldemort as a nutter or wannabe Dark wizard before it's too late. You'll just have to support me and shield me from the Ministry" Harry explained him.
"Yeah, that's a point. Jenkins is surely a coward and idiot witch behind that Minister hat of hers." Charlus agreed. "She is a passable choice for peacetime minister but would not be best for wartime"
Arcturus nodded in agreement. "Still, I don't comply. There should be something else you need, I don't see you helping us for Goodwill, considering you have voiced your opinion toward us quite openly"
Harry smirked at being caught in his hidden endeavour. "I can phrase it as Damage control. As, if your family doesn't support him then a lot of pureblood families will also hesitate from doing so. That will save unnecessary bloodshed, and I have enough blood on my hands to answer for" the last part was said remorsefully after he glanced down at his hands.
Charlus eye soften at that, Harry was just a 16 year old boy. A boy of that age that shouldn't have to do something like that, he shouldn't have to take such responsibility up his shoulders. A boy of mere 16 years should play quidditch for time pass or whine about his homework, not concern about fighting an emerging Dark Wizard.
While Arcturus reaction was complete opposite, he had been only informed vaguely about Voldemort and his fight with Harry. Harry's personal life and struggles throughout the war wasn't discussed for the time being, He was alarmed that a boy this young knew and understood the horror of blood on one's hand. Suddenly he felt a little respectful toward the boy, only a little bit however, the house of Black was surely honoured to tie such individuals to its magic.
"I see your point but still aren't you putting all your cards in open for me to see. That'll not do for you in future, you need to be discrete in your approach" Arcturus pointed out.
"I will be where it's needed, However, I do find you untrustworthy now. And, I have learnt to not employ chess like strategy of King and pawns in real-life, it's does more bad than good" Harry stated.
Dumbledore's course of action for the greater good really worsened the situation for Light side in his previous life. Not considering Sirius as trustworthy enough to give a proper trial, Not working against passing of acts stripping rights of Werewolves, Not let Harry live with magical guardian, Not training him properly or focussing on his studies, Holding information about Horcruxes from Harry and trusted Order members untill it was too late-this all costed heavily in the end. No, Harry would not follow his grandfather figure's steps, He had be to clear around who trusted him and whom he trusted.
"Very well" Arcturus replied honestly.
Further Two hours were used as an informative explanation by Harry about their future endeavors in near future. Harry persuaded them to not make haste decisions, things should go on slowly. Dumbledore should allowed to form the group he ought to be, Harry also explained them that making a pact with the Old man would surely benefit them. They will share only tit-bit of information they possessed and demand for information in return. Arcturus was said to avoid share any information with his close colleague in Wizengamot; Abraxus Malfoy, Corvus LeStrange, Cadeau Rosier and Reticus Crabbe were names of a few.
Harry was sure that many of those who had joined the group 'Knights of Walpurgis' will soon come to be known as Death eaters. He also advised him to stop his sons, Orion and Cygnus from mingling with them. Instead he should focus on tightening his alliance with Neutral pureblood families, whom all still held respect in eyes of previous mentioned families. Some to named as Nott, Crouch, Macmillan, Greengrass and a few more. He further instructed him to show neutrality if any of Voldemort's sponsors meet him for matter, also order his house member to do the same.
The meeting ended and Arcturus returned to his manor, but not before reminding Harry several times to call him Uncle.
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter; All rights are reserved to JK Rowling.