Old Beginnings and New Endings

Mad Magician

19 December 1992

Harry's theory on werewolves didn't make waves until the next month. He'd received a copy of Transfiguration Today courtesy of the journal itself a day before term ended. So when it was time to go home, Harry was determined. He needed to see his father's face.

He walked into the dining room the day term ended and dropped the journal into James' lap. "I hope you're proud of me now." He waved a hand at everyone else. "Morning."

"Good morning," Euphemia said softly.

James sat up. "You were published in transfiguration," he said as he turned to the bookmarked page. "And on werewolves and the animagus transformation. Yes, I'm so very proud."

With that he started to read. Harry took his seat then watched him with a delighted grin.

Henry entered the room and walked over to sit beside Harry. "You've been published in transfiguration?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, sir."

"So why do you look so devilish?"

Harry shook his head and held up a finger with his eyes on his father. He knew when James had reached the part for his face fell and he closed his eyes with a sigh.

"You spend your life ignoring transfiguration in favor of charms and potions…"

Harry nodded. "Yup."

"Then when you finally indulge your poor father, it's to tell the world I'm wrong?"

Harry nodded. "Not just you, but Dumbledore and Waffling, too."

He gasped and clutched his knees. "You didn't even have to name us. You made a conscious choice." After a few moments and a number of shuddering breaths, he picked up the journal to continue reading. When he finished, he said, "This is brilliant."

"I know."

James rolled his eyes. "Whatever happened to 'thank you.'"

Harry grinned. "Thank you, Father, but I know it's brilliant."

James passed the piece to Henry. "This is also dangerous. Or rather it's…"

"A brilliant piece that can have horrible effects in the long run? My professor said the same thing," Harry said. "But that goes for most magic. I mean most people wouldn't be able to think of what Damocles Belby did let alone a way to combine two spirits together."

"And those who can?"

Harry sighed. "Will do what they want to prove they can. It took hundreds of years to get where Belby did."

James nodded. "And just eleven years later Potter suggests we can make man and wolf one permanently based on what Belby did." He sighed and slapped the journal in his hand. "This is brilliant and you're a mad…" He waved his hand around. "Magician."

"I know," he said as he picked up a large envelope. His name was written across the front in an unfamiliar hand. He frowned and opened it to find a booklet. The Wolf Inside the Man, it was called. Belby had published all his notes and findings in a limited number. This one was signed.

To Harry J. Potter.

I dare you to take it further.

A big fan,

Damocles Belby

He handed it to James. "Keep this safe for me."

James took it and his eyes widened. "Where did you get this? It costs a fortune. I hope like hell you didn't buy it."

"No, he sent it to me."

"He?" James opened the booklet and found my the inscription. "I don't like you. Never have and, at this point, I never will."

Harry blew him a kiss.

••

The House Harry Potter Rebuilt

25 December 1992

The days before Christmas, Harry, per usual, did some traveling.

He went to Mrs. Bagshot's house the next day for lunch.

Sitting on her couch eating a BLT, he asked, "Do you think Durmstrang has something like the Chamber of Secrets?"

"We don't even know if Hogwarts has something like the Chamber of Secrets," she said.

"Yes, we do."

She paused in her knitting to stare at him.

"Dumbledore and I found it in November," he said. "The monster was a basilisk and it was in the girls' bathroom on the second floor corridor." With that, he reached into his bag to pull out a piece of the basilisk skin and a bunch of pictures. "Happy Christmas."

After hearing the whole of it, she asked, "Who opened the Chamber?"

Harry shrugged. "I don't know. He won't tell. So?"

She sipped her tea. "As you know, the school was once a fortress; a haven for witches and wizards. While we got along in most areas, pockets of muggles and magical folk fought each other. The more Christianity spread, the more these pockets grew to become widespread. The old gods lived in those mountains for a long time protecting the school and the area around it."

Harry tilted his head. "Their secrets are in the mountains?"

"Yes," she said, "but there are hidden chambers and undiscovered things in the castle. But I ask that you exercise caution. The houses and caves beyond the castle may be meant for descendants and the rooms may be meant for a student of a particular realm."

Harry perked up. "A flaming sword." Merlin, if he could find Surtr's sword…what a dream.

Mrs. Bagshot paused. "You're incorrigible."

That Sunday, he took an uneventful trip to Schloss Grindelwald.

Grindelwald did clear his throat and say, "Munter?"

Harry raised his eyebrows. "Sir?"

"Is Munter attempting to slice every inch of your legs?" he asked.

Harry shook his head. "No, why do you ask?"

The two stared at each other.

"That is your final answer?" Grindelwald said.

"Yes, sir."

Grindelwald exhaled. "He is loyal and cruel. You are Harry Potter. I can make him stop if you say the word. Otherwise he will keep going upwards." He looked directly into Harry's eye.

Harry hesitated, but said, "I don't know what you mean."

He spent the next four days attending lunches and dinners. He even attended a few parties with Bartemius. So when he threw himself onto the sofa at his grandparents' house Christmas day, he was exhausted.

He'd been at the Ogden house again this time by his own invitation. He didn't get completely pissed and had even returned to Bartemius' to sleep, eat, and wash.

He waved his hand. "Good morning and happy Christmas."

"Where are the gifts?" Naomi demanded.

Harry sat up and looked around. All eyes were on him. Most were demanding, but Sirius' were amused and Charlus' excited. Charlus had set up the house for Christmas and he couldn't wait to see what had been done.

Harry reached into his backpack to remove a long, thin package wrapped in royal blue paper with a gold and white bow. He handed it to Henry. "Happy Christmas."

James sat up. "Where's mine."

Harry watched as Henry unwrapped his gift and only answered when Henry had tossed the lid off. "Dawn Park."

Charlus got to his feet as James said, "Bullshit."

Harry shrugged and got to his own feet. "Dinner will be at three o'clock."

He lit the fire and Charlus tossed the floo powder in.

"The Herd," Charlus said

With that, they spun away in a swirl of emerald green flames, smoke, and ash as everyone got to their feet.

Some seconds later, they stepped into a drawing room with blue walls with gold, box trimming. Flower and stag motifs were inside these. Gold scrolls framed the high ceiling which had a huge chandelier hanging from it. The sofas were cream-colored and the armchairs were blue, blue and gold, or gold.

In the corner was a tall Christmas tree decorated with blues, gold, white, and silver ornaments and lights. The topper was a glowing, golden stag.

"I can't believe this," James said as he stepped out of the fireplace with Simeon. He looked at Charlus. "You rebuilt this whole house?"

As Sirius and Naomi stepped out, Charlus pointed at Harry. "I only set it up for Christmas. Harry James Potter rebuilt this house."

"How the fuck does a twelve year old do that?" Sirius asked.

"A little Polyjuice Potion and all the money in my vault. At least I'll have a place to live."

Naomi's face hardened.

"Where are we?" Simeon asked.

Harry smirked at his stepmother, who closed her eyes. "Dawn Park," Harry answered. "The house Richard and William and Augustus and Regina took in sixteen-ninety."

Charlus looked at him with all the pride in the world

James looked at Charlus. "You let him spend all his money?"

"I found out in October when I asked what the hell he'd been spending on. I finished furnishing the place." He waved his hand as Harry summoned his gifts. "Henry will pay him back. In more ways than one."

Sirius coughed as Naomi snapped her face to Charlus.

James ignored them. "I've only ever seen pictures of this place." He looked at the ceiling. It was a grouping of unicorns and deer in the bluebell field. "This is the forest outside?"

Harry nodded. "I took a picture in August when the landscaping was done."

"It's beautiful in the summer," Euphemia said coming in through the front doors. "This is lovely and fashionable."

Charlus and Fleamont, who was behind her, rolled their eyes.

"Please don't start," Charlus said. "Vesta is dead. Remember?"

"Start? I have no reason to. This house is no longer lost in the seventeen hundreds. The battle is over."

Harry got to his feet and crooked a finger. He led her down the hall to another room. It had crisp white walls with minimal gold motifs and trimming. The ceiling was a mural of white flowers and many of those same flowers – camellias, dendrobium orchids, daffodils, yuccas among others – were in white and gold vases around the room. The rest of the décor, save the gold sconces, was white. The carpet did have a little gold in it, too, though.

She released a short scream before covering her mouth.

Amused, Harry held out his hands. "Happy Christmas," he said before leaving her to it.

Harry went back to the blue drawing room and Fleamont asked, "You got rid of the ballroom?"

"It's over there," Harry said pointing to the left. "And the dining room is one over."

"Looks like we're partying for the New Year's Eve next year," Charlus said. "We can set up the game room here."

Harry shrugged. "There's a chamber next to the ball room, but so long as you don't scuff my floors or ruin my furniture, you can do what you want."

"'Your?'" Fleamont said.

Harry nodded as he threw himself into a chair. "Mine. Do you know how much this cost? The dining room table alone – it makes me nauseous to think about."

Charlus bowed his head as he laughed. "Please don't get him started. The boy can rant for hours about the gross cost of wood."

Harry banged his fist on the arm of the chair. "I almost lost my arm and leg!"

Charlus threw back his head and laughed.

"You have two for a reason," Sirius said. "Stop whining."

Harry looked at him. "Are you aware Grandfather said it would be a cold day in hell before the Blacks darkened his doorstep again?"

Charlus pumped his fist. "Yes! At last." He pointed at Sirius then the door. "Get out."

Sirius just spluttered for a few moments. Then he rolled his shoulders. "No, you built this house with Black gold." He leaned forward. "That was mean."

Harry grinned and nodded. "I know."

Sirius just gave him the finger.

An hour later, Harry was resting in his sitting room, which was pale blue with gold veins that made it look like marble. The floor was glossy wood in a basket weave design. Full bookcases went around the room. A black and gold telescope with his name engraved on the side stood in front of the window, which like the of the house, had gold panes.

Henry walked in from Harry's and laughed. "You have a problem, son."

Harry sat up. "Sir?"

"All this blasted gold, boy!" Henry shook his head. "And all the damned blue. It is as if you vomited blue and gold and it landed everywhere!"

Harry grinned. "Perfect, isn't it?"

Henry laughed as he sat on the sofa, which, of course, was navy blue. He grabbed Harry's hand. "What did you bargain?"

"My education."

"He's going to demand more from you."

Harry nodded. "He was always going to demand more, so I decided to ask for something in return. I earned it anyway."

Henry looked at him, but Harry didn't elaborate. They fell into silence until Henry said, "I was never supposed to see this house again. I was never supposed to see this family brought back to glory. Fifty years and a slip of boy with my name and likeness is rebuilding what I tore down; what I failed to protect."

Harry raised a finger. "I do appreciate that you kept the money and your head."

"I'm pleased you understand my choices."

Harry shrugged. "I didn't until Malfoy told me he still had his house. I know Grindelwald took some gold and I saw him take Abraxas' – err…" He cleared his throat.

"You were five."

"So?"

Henry brought him closer and placed his face in Harry's hair. Harry didn't say a word, but he did place his arm around his grandfather when he felt the old man shaking.

"Charlus help you do this?"

"He bought furniture upstairs when he found out. He also set up Christmas and brought the portraits over."

He felt Henry nod. After a moment, he exhaled. "Thank you, Harry."

"You're welcome."

Henry kissed his head then said, "I love you more than you know." He sighed. "You'll be repaid…with more than just gold."

That afternoon, they gathered in the dining room for Christmas dinner. The room, of course, was large with baby blue walls with gold motifs. The ceiling was a mural of the first dinner in the original manor with the original seven children.

James and Naomi stepped into the room and he shook his head. "For Merlin's sake, Harry. Everything can't be accentuated with solid gold."

"Who says?" Harry asked.

"Thank you," Charlus said. "It's like he was sick with blue and gold." To Harry he said, "I can't wait to get a peek of your rooms."

Harry laughed. "It's not that bad."

Charlus shook his head as they sat down. "You are forbidden from decorating anymore houses."

"No wonder you've gone broke," James said.

"Oh, no," Charlus said. "Why?"

Harry tapped the table. "It's all the bloody wood that made me go broke. I should've gotten a solid gold table. It might've been cheaper!"

Charlus bowed his head and laughed. "You're going to have to get over this, son."

"How? How will I be able to move on when I'll have to look at this furniture everyday knowing I came close to losing my right hand and my left foot?"

Sirius entered with Simeon. "What's for dinner?"

"Ugh," Charlus said. "Why must every good day have a spot of rain?"

"Feed me and I'll leave."

Charlus wagged his finger. "I won't fall for that again. You're like a stray cat."

"A Black cat," Harry said.

"I am a dog!"

Henry entered next and tugged on Harry's shoulder, so that Harry could sit at his right. Charlus looked delighted as Naomi's nostrils flared. James looked at the ceiling and Sirius looked between Harry and Naomi.

Fleamont and Euphemia joined them. The former stopped at the sight of where Harry stood. Euphemia stuttered in her steps, but kept going. Not without a glance at Naomi, however.

They sat down to eat and bowls appears.

"What is this?" James asked Harry. He tutted and James rolled his eyes. "Answer the question, you annoying traditionalist."

"Celeriac soup with truffle oil," he and Fleamont said together.

"Roast goose with sauce madam, roasted potatoes and carrots, Brussel sprouts, and Yorkshire pudding then spiced, Victoria sponge cake will follow. And, of course, the drink is mulled wine," Fleamont said. "It's tradition," he said sounding almost bitter.

Harry raised his glass. "To tradition."

••

The Queen

27 December 1992

As he whispered 'Expecto Patronum' Cassiopeia joined him in the living room. She watched the light erupt from his wand and disappear after finding nothing to attack.

"Impressive."

"Is it?" Harry asked. "I can't get it."

She nodded. "Yes, most people will spend a lifetime trying to get the light."

"Thank you then."

"Why are you in here practicing magic beyond your skill level?"

He huffed. "It's only beyond my skill level because I can't do it."

"What are you thinking of?"

"Riding my broom."

She pursed her lips. "I figured. While I'm certain you associate broom riding with happiness, it won't get you to where you want to be."

Harry made a face.

In an uncharacteristic move, she held out a hand. "Come."

After a pause, Harry took her hand then led her to the dining room.

"Are you well?" he asked.

She exhaled, but didn't answer.

They sat down for dinner. Cassiopeia did so gingerly and Harry experienced a thrill of fear. He searched his mind for something to discuss as roast pork loin with apple sauce, roast potatoes, and boiled peas and carrots appeared on the table.

"So how can I get the patronus?" he settled on.

"You are well acquainted with pure misery. Since you smile, you, therefore, know the meaning of true happiness," she said as she filled her plate. "What has gotten you through your darkest hours? Who or what got you through your time at Malfoy Manor? Delphinium House? Think of the happiest memory associated with those that helped you find the light in the dark."

He nodded. There were a number of people and things that got him through his darkest hour, but he doubted spite would help him, so he supposed he had to focus on the people. Should he think of all of them? Or just one?

"I have moved my library from Paris to here so that you may use it whenever you choose," Cassiopeia said interrupting his thoughts. "It is largely Dark Arts material, but it will help you complete your understanding of the basic arts. I know that without it those self-righteous, moralistic people will allow you to go ignorant."

Harry looked at her in amusement. "Thank you."

"I hope you succeed."

Harry tilted his head. "Even if that means wizard kind goes back into hiding?"

"Is that your goal?" She looked straight ahead as she asked, "I had no notion you favored muggles."

Harry rubbed his cheek. "I…don't care about them. They don't mean anything to me, but I'm not about to rule and I don't think Shafiq or Botan want to either. So…"

"So without a firm hand the muggles, and their magical children, will rebel," she said. "As such it would be best to wipe this period from their memories, but how will the muggleborns take that?"

Harry exhaled. "That's not going to be my job to figure out."

"You will do the fighting, but not the politicking?"

"I'm not Henry," Harry said.

She looked at him. "I don't think it's Henry's likeness you're running from."

"I'm not running from it anymore."

"You're not? You have accepted the monster within? Will you embrace him?"

Harry hesitated. "I'm not a monster."

"I thought not," she said. "Don't misunderstand: there's nothing wrong with running from it; keeping it at bay, but to truly stop running you must accept that it takes a monster to lock another child in a room and set it on fire."

"He deserved it."

Cassiopeia inclined her head. "No, Lucius and Abraxas deserved to experience that fear. Draco deserved to be punished, yes, but an equal to a beating is a beating, which you gave him. You almost killed him. When you pay Evan and his friends back, will you be able to look yourself in the mirror? Will you accept that some people will see you as just as monstrous? The whispers of your behavior in Australia reached this continent in no time. Some already view you as a violent brute."

Harry exhaled. "They have to suffer and death isn't suffering."

She nodded. "Come what may you will show your face regardless. Just do me the favor of doing something good in the world. I don't want my greatest gifts to this earth to be the monsters Bellatrix Lestrange and Harry Potter. I want to know I did something worthwhile."

Harry's heart rate quickened.

Oh, no.

Harry balled his fist under the table as he asked, "Can you do the Patronus Charm?"

She nodded and removed her wand. "It's a dove."

Harry looked at her in disbelief.

"It's Dorea," she spat. "Expecto Patronum."

What escaped her wand was a great stag. Her eyes widened and so did Harry's.

After a moment, he said, "I always knew you were in love with Charlus."

"Please get the hell out of my house."

Two hours later, they were still at the dining room table. Harry was playing with treacle tart as he said, "Grandpa said I can stay the night."

Cassiopeia hesitated then reached over to touch his hand. "You should go home."

They stared at each other.

"I don't want to go home."

"Must you be so difficult?"

For the first time in years, Harry felt a burning in his eyes and had to clamp down on his bottom lip. After a few moments he, in the smallest of voices, managed, "Please don't make me leave."

Cassiopeia sighed. "Have you not seen enough death?"

Harry scrunched up his face.

"Not that it is any of your business, but I'm in pain. I watched my brother suffer for a year before succumbing to whatever is killing us off like a mass murderer," she said softly. "But just because I'm suffering does not mean I wish to cause more of it on my way out."

Harry closed his eyes. "I won't suffer when you die?"

"As opposed to when you return home in June to find me dead or incapable of movement? You have seen Walburga and Arcturus. Why do you want to see me, too? Go home."

His chest began to burn as he got to his feet. However, she held out her hand for him and he gave her a hug. It wasn't something they did. She was a caustic, old woman, and he was whatever he was, but at that moment she was far sweeter than Harry would have thought her capable of being.

After a kiss to his cheek and a whispered 'I love you' he strolled to the fireplace and disappeared to Dawn Park.

Sirius, James, and Simeon were in the drawing room.

"Where's Charlus?"

James made to answer, but Sirius said, "Good evening."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Where's Charlus?"

"What's your problem? Cassiopeia – "

"SHUT UP!" At any other time, Harry would have been amused by the fact Sirius mouth shut and refused to open. Now, he just turned to James. "Where's Charlus?"

James looked at Sirius. "Did you do that on purpose?"

"Oh my – can one of you answer the damn question? Where the hell is Charlus?!"

James snapped his head towards Harry. "What the fuck is your problem?"

Harry swelled, but fortunately for James and Sirius someone placed their hand on his shoulder.

Charlus raised his eyebrows. "You have a developing base in your voice. It's taking you from shrill to booming." He looked Harry up and down then stooped down to look into Harry's face.

Harry deflated, but he couldn't stop the shaking. Softly, as all his energy had fled him, he said, "She said she didn't want to be in pain anymore and she made me leave."

Charlus blinked twice before his eyes widened. "Oh, no." He placed a hand on Harry's cheek then looked over Harry's shoulder. "Don't speak. Listen. I need you to go to Cassiopeia's house – "

"Even if the little shit didn't just piss me off, I still wouldn't go check on the old, miserable bat. "

Charlus exhaled. "You are still so fucking annoying, it's unbelievable. Go get Andromeda or Callidora, tell them Cassiopeia is dead, and that something must be done with her since you're so fucking incapable of being the head of a family and nothing more than a childish, piece of shit. Now," he barked.

As Charlus picked Harry up, he heard the scraping of boots and the opening and closing of a door. Charlus took Harry to Henry.

"I have to go find Dorea," he told Henry after explaining his excellently guessed assumptions. "I'll probably be out for the rest of the night, so – "

"Go." Henry got to his feet and made his way over Harry. As he did so, he told Charlus, "You'll be alright, son."

Charlus scoffed as he turned to the door. "If you say so."

••

The Swan

28 December 1982

"How did Mrs. Prewett die?"

Charlus, who looked haggard, asked, "Really?"

It was the next morning and he was once again in Cassiopeia's dining room. Harry had spent the night under Henry and under sleep inducing potions. He still lacked strength in his voice, though, and it made him sick.

Harry nodded. "Yes, I think I have a theory, but I need more proof."

Charlus exhaled. "Her knee fractured unexpectedly. Then she fell and hit her head. Her skull shattered and well…"

"Do you know what happened to Pollux?"

Charlus shook his head. "What?"

"I don't know. I'm asking you." Harry exhaled. "What happened to your grandfather?"

"His mind was gone," Charlus said. "Completely different circumstances."

Harry shook his head. "I don't think so. I think it's the same thing, but in different ways." He ignored Charlus look. He'd contemplated it off and on all night. "Grandfather said he got into the mind because his grandfather lost his mind? Memory? Whatever. And Uncle Frederick's father died of the same thing." He then said, "Arcturus kept breaking bones until…until his femur broke and cut him. Walburga broke her hip and died on the floor. Mrs. Prewett's bones kept breaking until…and Aunt Cass…"

There was nothing at present wrong with the younger Blacks and both Dorea and Mrs. Longbottom seemed okay. But what about Mrs. Weasley and Cygnus?

"Barty's grandmother," Charlus started. "You'll have to speak with him, but I think she died in almost the same manner as Walburga."

Later that day, while everyone else was occupied, Harry snuck out to a townhouse in Kensington.

"What do you want, boy?" Druella asked. She had given Narcissa her entire being. However, unlike Narcissa, Druella looked worse for wear. Her hair was mussed, there were bags under her eyes, and she was too pale and too thin.

"To speak with your husband," Harry said. She made to slam the door in his face, but he stuck his foot in it. "Cassiopeia died yesterday," he said. "She's dead and I'm going to throw out a guess that's it's probably killing your husband, too."

Druella eyed him. She looked exhausted. "Cassi is dead? Truly?"

"Yes."

She raised her chin and she looked very much like her daughter. "What do want from him?"

"To figure out what's killing him," he said.

She scoffed. "Why would you care?"

"About him? I don't," he said. "But I care about your daughters and their children."

At last she opened the door and he stepped inside.

"How is Cissy?"

"Fine. Happy," he said.

She led to the sitting room, which was royal blue with pale gray upholstery.

Cygnus Black was laying on a bed. Harry had only met Cygnus once, but the difference between now and six years ago was stark. He had been a beefy man years ago with a full face and pink skin. Now he was thin and pasty and looked to be in an insurmountable amount of pain.

His dark met Harry's. "If it isn't my family's favorite half-blood."

"Actually," Harry said, "I think that's Tom or Grindelwald. No one bows at my feet. Good morning, Mr. Black."

Cygnus, despite ailing, swelled. "Get out."

Harry walked over to the sofa. "Throw me out." With that he sat down to eye Cygnus, who stared at his wife.

"Cassiopeia is gone," she informed, "and the half-blood is here to ask you questions." After a moment, she said, "Please answer them." She turned to Harry. "Would you like refreshments."

"No, thank you, pureblood." He summoned a note pad and quill from his bag. "When did your bones start to break?"

Cygnus breathed. It was labored and each one appeared to be painful. Harry assumed it was his sternum and came to the conclusion the man didn't have much longer.

Oh, boy.

"Last February," Druella said. "That's when he first mentioned it to me at least."

Cygnus exhaled. "Why do you care, boy?"

"Do you miss your daughters, sir?"

Cygnus just stared at him.

"You can refuse to answer me and I can go back to Aunt Cass' and keep my mouth shut." He wouldn't, but a point needed to be made. "You'll die while never having seen them again and I'll have to wait for one of them or your sister's sons to get sick so that maybe I can help your grandchildren. You're sixty-four and Cissy is thirty-seven. Arcturus made it to ninety and Pollux to seventy-eight. You're dying' younger and younger – "

"Enough," Druella said.

Harry watched Cygnus take a few gasping breaths.

"September of ninety-one," Cygnus said. "I picked up Delphine's trunk and my finger cracked."

Harry nodded. Over a year. Impressive. "Have you taken anything?"

He and Druella listed all the potions he took regularly and what he did. Cygnus had been confined to the bed since the summer. He was dying slowly and painfully.

"Can you tell me anything about your father?" before taking his leave. Pollux, apparently, had ailed for years, too.

At last he understood Cassiopeia.

Before parting, he did dip into his bag to hand Cygnus a number of potions.

"For the pain and to help you sleep at night," he told him. The sleeping potions were his, but he could brew more. To Druella, he said, "Her funeral will be Saturday if you, your mother-in-law, or grandchildren, would like to come."

Harry returned to Cassiopeia's to find Charlus in the living room with Dorea and Darius.

"I thought you were upstairs," Charlus said. "You've been out this whole time? Where the hell are you coming from?"

"No. Yes. Visiting Mr. and Mrs. Cygnus Black in Kensington."

Charlus sat up. "For what?"

"Research. Where's Cissy?"

Charlus lost a little color in his face then glanced at Dorea. "He's sixty-four."

Harry held up his hands. "Where's Cissy?"

Charlus just gaped at him. "How can you be right about this?"

"I'm right about most things, but if I'm ever wrong I imagine it'll be bad." When no one decided to answer his question, Harry, who was in a better frame of mind, rolled his eyes and headed upstairs. "Nar-cissa. Cissy? Oh, Cissy, dear."

A door opened and Draco stepped out of it. "What do you want?"

"To speak to your mother. Duh."

"She's busy."

Harry sighed. "This is a matter of life and death."

Draco rolled his eyes and said something under his breath. "Who's dying?"

Harry stepped closer and softly said, "Cygnus. I just left his house."

Draco stepped back to look see his whole face. "Are you lying?"

"No, Dragon, I'm not."

Draco grabbed his shirt sleeve. Harry looked at the offensive hand but realized grief had made him weary enough to allow it. Draco led him into the bedroom, which was large and cream colored with dusky pink and silver décor. "Mother…Aunt, Cousin."

"Cousin?" Harry inhaled as he took his wand in hand. "Unicorn?" A book almost smacked him in the face, but he was ready for it. "Nymphadora Monoceros – "

Draco snorted as Harry batted another book away.

Nymphadora Black was a young woman with hot pink hair that fell down her back in thick curls. She had a heart-shaped face and soft, brown eyes. Not unlike Andromeda's eyes.

Harry waved at Andromeda. "Hello, Unicorn's Mother." He turned up Nymphadora with a devilish grin. "Hello, Unicorn."

Nymphadora was upon him in a flash, but he only grinned up at her. When she raised her wand, he licked his teeth.

"Children," Narcissa called.

Still, Nymphadora placed her wand against his forehead. "What do you want, you midget?"

His grin became fixed until it slid off. "I'll deal with you later."

"Can't wait for you to try."

Harry turned to the sisters, who both looked amused. He then summoned two glasses and Charlus' snifter.

'Boy!'

He placed a shield over himself for a moment.

Narcissa raised her eyebrows when he finished.

"Take the drink."

"What did you come here for?" she asked.

Harry touched his forehead. "I just left your parents' house in Kensington."

Narcissa snatch a glass out of the air. Andromeda took hers at a more sedate pace.

"You should go visit your father. The afternoon is only middle-aged," he said. "But tomorrow should be fine. Thursday is pushing it."

Narcissa threw back the drink then got to her feet, but Harry held up his hand.

"As someone whose seen the sick and…the dead, I feel like I should tell you what he looks like first."

••

Susan Bones

29 December 1992

The very next day, Harry received a note from Dumbledore asking for his presence. Upon arriving to the office, he found Dumbledore entertaining Amelia and Edgar Bones, a broad-shouldered man with auburn hair and cornflower blue eyes.

Edgar stiffened. "What are you doing here, boy?"

Harry just threw himself in a chair and thumbed his nose. He wasn't in the mood.

Edgar paled in anger.

Dumbledore cleared his throat. "Forgive me, Edgar, Amelia, but I did invite Harry here for a pressing conversation. If you'll excuse is."

"Him? Did he have something to do with Susan?" Before Harry could ask who 'Susan' was Edgar had him by his collar. With his face far too close to Harry's, he said, "If you did anything to my niece, I will – "

Harry placed his hands on Edgar's neck and the man's mouth opened in a silent scream. "You will what?"

Almost immediately, they were ripped apart with Harry being thrown back into the chair. Edgar was on the floor holding his neck. He sat up to find an angry Albus Dumbledore towering over him

"Do not put your hands on any child, let alone in my office, ever again. Now get to your feet, Auror, and face the boy as the equal you presumed him to be."

Edgar got to his feet and Harry saw that he had fingerprint marks on his neck that were red and blistering.

"You have exhausted your welcome and my patience," Dumbledore said as he went back to his desk. "And I have grown tired of your presence."

Amelia led Edgar over to the fireplace.

"And Edgar? Amelia?" Dumbledore called.

They paused.

"If there is so much as a hint of a rumor that Harry Potter did anything to your niece, Potter, Black, Crouch, and Rosier will be the least of your concerns."

They backed into the fireplace and in a moment they were gone.

"Forgive me, Harry. I had delayed in telling you because you were partying and it was Christmas, but, upon hearing of your loss, I regretted my choices."

"I take it this Susan had the book?"

Dumbledore inclined his head. "Susan Bones, their niece, left this school the day term ended. How? I cannot say. She didn't sign her name on the list of students who would stay, so no one thought anything of her absence until her father came to speak to her that evening. We have spent the past week searching for her, but you and I know she will not be found."

"And you are playing the long game? Using me as a distraction so that they don't look too closely?"

Dumbledore inclined his head. "Yes, they believe me to be too benevolent and will push their luck. I ask that you grant me a little grace while you endure them this summer. I grant you permission to defend yourself, but do not go overboard."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Fine."

"How are the Malfoys?"

Harry shrugged. "Fine, I guess."

"I was surprised by your note. Even more surprised by Mrs. Malfoy's appearance. More than yours," Dumbledore told Harry. "The past four months have been nothing if not entertaining."

"She's scared."

Dumbledore inclined his head. "With good reason." He sat back in his chair. "What do you think?"

Harry blinked at him. "Huh?"

Dumbledore just watched him.

Harry snorted. "She's not in the school anymore or on the grounds."

"I think we've established that," Phineas said.

Harry ignored Phineas. "I'd check with the children of the friends Tom had in school, especially the ones who live with their fathers, grandfathers, or can find their fathers and grandfathers. But at the same time." He rubbed his forehead. "Is my part here done?"

Dumbledore inclined his head. "Yes, I simply wished to keep you abreast of the ongoing situation."

"And use me." Harry shook his head. "Can I go home then? Not to be rude, but I'd like to be there right now."

Dumbledore held out a hand towards the floo. "By all means. Bartemius will be here in a few. And I am sorry for your loss."

Harry got to his feet and walked to the fireplace. "Thanks. Bye."

"Harry?"

Harry looked at him. "Sir?"

"The Bonses are, while locally known for talent and skill, the bourgeoise. Historically, le petit bourgeoise, but they have risen to the political class in the last century and a half." Dumbledore got up and walked to a window. With his hands behind his back, he said, "They have their roots in Gloucestershire and have spent their history marrying their neighbors, mostly middle class like themselves. They have longed to be the crème de la crème of Gloucestershire and the might of the South West. With Malfoy Manor vacated and Dawn Park destroyed, they are so very close."

Harry took a moment to answer. Had Grindelwald not told Dumbledore? Ha! "They haven't mentioned the Bonses to me."

"Why would they? They are of no significance to Potter. Good or bad," Dumbledore said. "They have played only a small part in the history Great Britain. When the time came – any time that is – they were in the house. Only in recent times have they truly been dependable to anyone, but never to Potter."

Harry exhaled. "Thanks for the warning and the history lesson. Have a good evening, sir."

Dumbledore raised a hand and Harry turned to the fireplace.

Moments later, he stepped out of it to find James and Narcissa on the sofa in Cassiopeia's living room.

Alone.

They both started at the sound of the fireplace igniting and froze at the sight of Harry.

"Well," he said, "what are you doing?"

"Having a conversation," James answered without missing a beat.

Harry nodded. "So why does it look like you were caught in the act?"

"In the act of what?" James demanded.

"I don't know, sir. You tell me," Harry said. He sat down on the sofa opposite them. "Hello, Aunt Cissy."

"Hello, Harry," she said as she shifted away from James.

Harry smirked at the action and she raised her chin. "Catching up with old friends?" he asked James. "Are James Potter and Narcissa Black old friends? I didn't realize you were close enough to call yourselves that."

"I came to visit you," James said.

Harry placed his chin his hands. "Yet visit me you aren't."

"You weren't here."

"So why not leave and come back? Or leave a message?" Harry asked.

James leaned forward. "I don't know what you're implying – "

Harry raised his eyebrows. "Implying? I'm just asking questions. Making conversation."

"I am an adult," James declared. "I ask the questions."

Harry held out his hands. "What questions do you have, sir?"

"You're so damn annoying, Harry."

"That, sir, is not a question."

James closed his eyes and exhaled. "Why are you so damn annoying?"

"I'm my father's son."

Narcissa laughed and James turned to glare at her.

"Even James wouldn't be so foolish as to sneak over to Cygnus Black's house," Charlus said as he entered the living room. He was followed by Dorea and Darius.

"Oh, I think he would have for the right reason," Harry said.

Andromeda, Draco, and Nymphadora entered the room and Harry realized it was near dinner time.

Charlus narrowed his eyes. "What the hell does that mean?"

Harry shrugged. "I don't know yet. We'll see."

"You went to her father's house?" James asked. "For what?"

"I had an idea."

James raised his eyebrows. "Well don't leave me in suspense."

"I think we suffer from a hereditary disease that is worsened by inbreeding," Harry said.

"Harry, you understand you're not a Black, right?" James asked. "Mad you may be, but that's not because you're one of them."

Narcissa looked at him in disbelief.

Harry rolled his eyes. "Your great-great grandfather lost his memory and his magic dwindled. Same happened to his grandfather," he said pointing at Charlus. "And Uncle Frederick's father."

"They were all hundreds of years old," James said.

"Because we're not marrying our cousins," Harry said. "Lucky for the Black sisters and their children – well not Delphine, thank Merlin." He looked at the ceiling. "The Rosiers of France have married purebloods from distant countries, Unicorn is a half-blood, and…" He grinned at Draco. "The Malfoys married true half-bloods. Allegedly."

Charlus coughed while Draco curled his lip.

"Oh, no," James said. "Sirius."

Narcissa exhaled. "At one fell swoop you've discovered something that's more than likely plaguing many of the oldest families and created an argument against blood supremacy."

Harry held up his hands. "I'm no Gaunt or Black and I'm not opposed to giving credit when it's due. Nothing I can say beats 'look at the Blacks' when there's an argument to be made against inbreeding and supremacy."

He waved his hand between Dorea, Narcissa, and Andromeda, who glared at him.

Charlus laughed. "You're an asshole."