Chapter 4: The Crows
Harry ducked down an orange streak of light whizzing past his head, he rolled to his side and flicked his wand upwards. His opponent didn't get a chance to move out of the way of the water wave that rose out of the ground, though his golden shield did stop him from being propelled up in the air. Charlus flicked his shield to send a disarming charm toward Harry who batted it aside like a fly, yet the next spell, a crimson one had to be blocked by a silver shield.
Charlus couldn't deny that the boy was a powerful wizard, even if he wasn't a graceful dueller—and if that matters, he wasn't a dueller at all. Harry wasn't a competitive combatant, he was a survivor, a soldier and lastly a warrior. The rough edges that peeked every so often were a prove to that, not to forget that Harry's arsenal was packed with spells of uneven frontier. Neither solely Dark nor light. It was somewhere in between them. A Gray tinge, if you could refer it as that.
Expectedly, the wand that Harry had been given was the primary culprit behind his shortcomings, those shortcomings were excessive movement of wand and less than powerful spells spewing out of that. Given, the magical stick wasn't familiar with Harry, yet he performed adamantly, it was clear that Harry could challenge the older Potter if his wand favours him. The magical stick belonged to Charlus' grandfather, one that didn't work perfectly with the dark-haired teen.
"You would like to move back...this duel is getting pretty intense and—I don't want any of you getting hurt in misfire " Harry warned, glancing toward the other three occupants of the training room he and Charlus had chose to for a practice spar.
A butterfly of blue flames emerged out of Harry's wand, but exploded in a show of sparks as soon as it drifted forward. Harry frowned after accepting a short breath, the spell had never misfired like this. Nonetheless, He stepped back to avoid the explosion, but not before scowling at the brown wand in his hand—blaming it for the mishap. The wand wasn't doing better to dissipate the suspicion, adversely, it became hot as a result of above average spell use.
"Most of the overconfident opponents, like you, forgets to assess their surrounding." Charlus intoned with a chuckle. "You should never divert your mind off your surroundings, son"
Harry narrowed his eyes at the man and looked around himself to notice a foggy mist around himself.
"That's a very special spell I have discovered myself. Don't even try to use elemental magic inside that mist." He worded sincerely. "It reacts unkindly with those spells" He added.
"That's indigenous and...complex at the same time" Harry smirked, and vanished into a swirl of fire—that exploded when it made contact the misty surrounding.
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. However—before he could stand up two serpine dragons shaped out of silvery mist released by his opponent, they surrounded him on both side. Hissing at him for even bare movements. Charlus looked up to see Harry with his wand pointed at him.
"Yield" Harry demanded grinning at his downed opponent, 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 spell did Charlus used—but a quick flick of his wand, and the time-traveller was on the floor constricted by golden ropes. Charlus stood beside him pointing his wand at him. He tried to apparate out but the ropes didn't let him, at last he sighed and the tip of his wand lit white to convey his choice of surrender.
Charlus cancelled his spell and offered Harry a hand. Soon—Dorea, James and Sirius joined the duo with a smile, except Sirius, who was grinning mischievously.
"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 fights of life and death. A friendly duel with Charlus did encourage his love for the sport.
"That was solely due to lack of an aiding wand for you, the fight would have lasted long if your wand didn't hinder your magic." Charlus worded out with a thoughtful look. "Still—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 the last three weeks together, 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 was really their elder son.
Sirius, of his time, had never encouraged him to call 'Dad', he believed that spot was reserved for James, he was his Padfoot and Remus been Moony. He had to hold his tongue a few times in past few 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, she had a gentle side hidden beneath 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 called Home.
Furthermore, a hidden child was already suspicious enough, refusing or barring him from attending Hogwarts wouldn't go well with the 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 loved around the Dursleys. The only care that he had received was from his group of friends, Molly, his adoptive father and his uncle Moony. 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 demise in the end of his sixth year.
It was due to him being in Grimmauld 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 duration of first week, he had always disliked the fame and the unwanted 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 same. Charlus supported them in their pranks with occasional winks and Dorea usually scolded them on their etiquettes 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 had not felt since the demise of his Godfather, who while being a slave driver when training him was a joyful parenting figure.
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 from the container and released into air, the three teens kicked the ground and sped toward it. The brooms were of same quality so it depended upon their skills at last 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 much like his friend, still James had more practice and was a natural flier.
The Snitch dived down after a few rotation around the pitch, and James followed it with Harry and Sirius in tow. When the distance between the ground and the broom was left under 10 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. 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.
Dorea was on her feet, frightened that her son was going to injure himself. She released the breathe she didn't knew she was holding as Harry pulled up at the last moment.
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 range of the golden ball. It took him only a few minutes to grasp the snitch 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.
"That was bloody brilliant, 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 as he gave her a half hug, 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 with a kind smile.
"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 gleefully.
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 misunderstood." He said with a shook of his head. "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 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—f-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 with dark spells, and using them on the House elf for practice. No matter how spiteful the old Kreatcher was, Sirius didn't wanted to do that. She also reminded him quite persuasively to behave like a true heir of Black family, while 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 the 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 added 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 gracefully, 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. "Don't you go passive on me, you git." The man growled without any heat in his voice.
"Greetings to you too, my old friend" Charlus chuckled, and motioned him to the chair infront.
"What are you playing at, Charlus? I was present at James' 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, you bastard. 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 to tone down the Black's ire. "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 same as her." Arcturus sneered.
"Leave 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?! Haven't I 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 scowled in return 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 around Harry, the invitation he received from Albus, his first meeting with the boy, the boy's claim about his parentage and voyage. He also explained him key parts of the memory Harry had shown him, not the whole memory, not the personal moments ofcourse, 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 bit by bit. 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 sympathizer, he in simple words 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. It 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 by Potter patriarch.
"Can I meet him?" Arcturus inquired lifting his head to meet Charlus' eye.
"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.
"Different" Charlus worded with a pointed look. "The most striking things are the scars littered across his whole boy, and his duelling style." He added after a moment of thought.
"After a mock duel I could conclude that he hasn't been taught to participate in one, rather he uses inane spells to attack, and defends like a soldier in battlefield" He explained his point.
"That is to be expected if what you relate is taken under consideration" Arcturus put out his opinion.
Cutting through their discussion the door opened not quietly, 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 such of a predator. Black untamed hairs of Potters covered much of his forehead, cold emerald orbs scanned the room and landed upon him. Arcturus relate the previous statement of his old mate, yeah—anybody would take a look and confirm that the boy was a Potter.
His facial features matched 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, but his magic felt somewhat familiar, like a Black— unexpected that was.
"You called me, Dad?" He said with a deep but still a voice unmatched of a mature man.
"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.
Arcturus was pleased to see that the boy was well educated into etiquettes, still his movement were full of silki-ly grace. It was unlike the dominating grace of Potters that Charlus exempted with excellency, not it was crafty yet unwavering—like Blacks.
"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 has 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 rage 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—Whom would you believe, boy? Dumbledore? Is he worth your trust" Arcturus growled out, his knuckle whitening.
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 his manipulative nature."
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 present. 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 atbthe 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 on the top. It was quite rare to see such respect directed toward the little creatures.
"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 a mistake. His glare, that he had 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 a 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. Gillette, 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 for the statue of secrecy is under attack...
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 the next two 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 who preached Blood purity—but was not more than a group that ensured Voldemort reign over the entire Britain."
The Black king transformed into a miniature figure of a young Tom riddle, since his version of Voldemort wasn't here.
Arcturus rose an eyebrow at the wordless transfiguration with all but a unattentive flick of his nephew's wand.
"Second side will be led by Dumbledore" He pointed the woodstick toward the white pieces, it morphed into a similiar miniature figure of the Old wizard.
"The group was secretive in nature, and did not revealed itself untill the end of the war" Harry pointed out, Charlus beamed at Harry. The Potters were always known as the master of practical arts, be it may Charms, Defense or Transfiguration—he was happy to see Harry carry on the tradition.
"This group was nothing more than a reactive team, providing protection to anyone that stood against Voldemort and defending important figures was its main motive" He added with a thoughtful frown.
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 upfront 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 disagreeing view on the Wizarding world and how it should be governed, 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 man with two–different coloured eyes 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 the last century.
Marius was a squib, no better than a muggle. Pollux had died a decade ago, Alphard being his only son. His uncle Phineas Nigellus was stripped off his heritage for revolting against muggle impressing laws by his father. Cassie was too busy in her pursuit of the previous Dark lord to find anyone else to settle with. His family wasn't fairing better, and if Walburga keep tormenting his heir then Arcturus would be Heirless.
"These were the only two options infront of you, but because of some unimaginable circumstances, there's a third side now—that is if you want to meddle in this ordeal" Harry gestured toward Arcturus, he knew Charlus wouldn't let him fight Tom alone. He had made that clear when he took the time -traveller under his care.
"The third side will be ours." Harry pronounced it as such since Arcturus was a proud man, he wouldn't bend down to follow a boy younger than him. No matter the consequences.
"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 have to work 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 derived out of the family that they had succeeded, yet, Potters followed their ancestral notion of Ante omnia sanguis.
"I still don't deem you formidable enough to follow your lead, Harry Potter. You're still a boy, even if you're familiar with horrors of war, you couldn't be mature enough to learn through one" 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 desire 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 a few members." Harry stated without any heat, he didn't want to make an enemy of the man infront of him.
"Which members?" Arcturus questioned seriously. "If you cannot trust me and share some of what you know about my family, then I cannot possibly trust you enough to support you either" He decided with a firm resolve.
"It's not happened yet, what did happen is in the past of me and it doesn't help anyone to dwell on past." Harry answered with a sigh. "But I will tell you this, Your family didn't survive this war. Not even a single member was left alive. And if that matters, neither did mine except me." Harry admitted remorsefully. Charlus glanced his son with worried eyes, he wasn't unfamiliar with that information but he could see it was taking its toll on the young boy.
"Eventually, all the Pureblood families of Britain were slain off, either they vanished fighting against him or with him." Harry revealed gazing the chess pieces.
Arcturus eye's widened at the revelation, Charlus had informed him that there will be a massive war. But he never said that the Pureblood families didn't survived the war. A glance toward his friend answered his doubts, wide eyes of Charlus indicated that he was unaware of this.
Harry decided to reveal something he had decided to hold off untill the end, if uncovering of such facts could sway the Black family's patriarch to his side, then it was worth to take such risk.
"Curse me" Harry proposed standing up at his place.
Arcturus looked at him oddly, was the boy's mind addled or something?
"I said Curse me" He reaffirmed stubbornly.
"What?" Arcturus and Charlus asked at the same time, confused at the sudden command from the boy.
"Do it" He pronounced it word by word.
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 Harry.
Charlus chuckled at the ordeal, but quickly hid his smirk as Arcturus glared at him.
"Try again" Harry offered observing the man was unable to comprehend what he wanted to relay.
Arcturus sent an another stinging hex, that drew the same result. He growled at the boy "What trickery is this, How are you doing that?"
"I am not doing anything, you're are one to fire hexes at me" Harry responded amusedly, Charlus guffawed behind his back.
"Precisely—Then how it is that I am on the receiving end, and you're not even rasing your wand to do that." He grounded out inraged.
"Ponder upon it, Uncle. It's a simple equation to do" He replied with a amused look.
"I haven't seen something like this, It is only possible if a member of family attacks the head..." Arcturus eyes went wide in realization, Harry's claim of being family and being protective of his grandson was making some sense now.
"Yeah, You're correct" Harry accepted with a smirk. "A spell only return to its owner without any block or counter from the opponent, if the said opponent is head of his house" Harry clarified.
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 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, which was similar to Arcturus, had a Grim etched on it. It was a silver in colour with dark blue stone.
"Interesting...and unexpected" Arcturus responded calmly re-dressing his face to it's emotionless façade.
"It's a very simple theory if you ought to think about it, the ring doesn't conceive the complex rules of time. The ring of head of house is enchanted to remain at its peak condition forever. 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 of a family will always respond to one's desire 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 heatedly, if that came to pass then this boy could easily get hold of his hard earned wealth.
"Yeah—and not just Black family. There are two heads of House of both Potter and Black family." He gestured to himself.
"That cannot go forward, I can't let you access to my family vault or control over my family" Arcturus thundered as he stood up his fist clenched.
"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.
"Fret not, However, this advantage would be long" Harry responded calmly. "My magic is transforming, I have forsaken my headship to dad and will do same to you"
"When?" Arcturus demanded heatedly.
"Soon, but not today" He responded coolly.
"And, why are you so hell 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 stated more than a question.
Charlus shook his head. "It's not my place to tell. I only informed him about Voldemort"
"And here, I was dillusional that He knew who I am, and was not accepting me" Harry exclaimed with a smirk, oh he was going to enjoy the face of old man after his revelation.
"Apologies, Mr Black. Let me introduce my self" Harry begun. "I was born Harry James Potter, the only son of James Potter and Lily Potter. But—that changed after I was adopted by my Godfather, I accepted the name Harry Sirius Black-Potter, the adopted son of Sirius Black." Harry introduced himself.
Arcturus was gobsmacked, and Harry was enjoying every bit of it. Until now Arcturus thought that the boy was last of the both lines, that's why and how the family magic has deemed him as the new head.
Cutting through further musing Harry extended his hand, and muttered 'Familia Magicius' wandlessly. In a swirl of pure magic a silver 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 powerful magic.
Arcturus sat back on his chair tired and amazed, the boy was far more adaptive with his family magic than himself, even he was not able to order the 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 like the rest. He walked and conversed with an unhidden authority. Even Orion and Cygnus were not fearless enough to talk back to him, and yet this boy was ignoring his authority without even trying, yes—the boy was worthy—and on top of that, attached to his heir.
According to him he didn't need 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 were true, 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 manipulate me?!" Harry voiced in between his laugh.
Charlus threw a disgusted look at his old mate, the man was surely stubborn, and this time underhand.
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 awaiting for a sneak in their shields"
"You should use it. Particularly on Walburga and Cygnus, they both will surprise, that is only if if you don't follow them yourself" 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 heads 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 or will—however you see it" 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, Harry looked back at him questioningly.
"Dad, I have told you before also I am not particularly interested in them." He inclined his head toward Arcturus. "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 inquired emotionlessly, standing up.
Harry eyed him skeptically before shaking his head. "I don't need money or fighting wands from you".
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."
"Wizengamot? Why would you need political support? Ministry, itself, shall stand against the uprising Dark lord" Arcturus questioned with a light frown.
"If the minister of present is as daft as the one I had to deal with, 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 to them.
"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 a conflict of this scale"
Arcturus nodded solemnly in agreement, he had good contacts with the minister but he couldn't deny the truth.
"I still have my doubts. 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. Your family is one of the most ancient and noble, if you don'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 as he glanced down at his hands.
Charlus eye soften at that, Harry was just a 16 year old boy. A boy of that age shouldn't have to do something like that, he was not obliged to take such responsibility on his shoulders. A boy of mere 16 years should play quidditch for time pass or whine about 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 weren'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. He felt proud for the boy, 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 said with a determined expression.
Dumbledore's course of action for the greater good really worsened the situation for the Light side in his previous life. Not considering Sirius worthy enough to give a proper trial, not working against passing of acts stripping rights of Werewolves, not letting Harry live with magical guardian, not training him properly. 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 footsteps, He had be to clear around who trusted him and whom he trusted.
"Very well" Arcturus replied honestly.
The next two hours were spent in an informative explanation by Harry about their future endeavors. Harry persuaded them to not make haste decisions, things should go on slowly. Dumbledore should be 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 advised to avoid sharing any information with his close colleagues in Wizengamot. Abraxus Malfoy, Corvus LeStrange, Cadeau Rosier and Reticus Crabbe were named as of few.
Harry was sure that a number of them had already joined the group 'Knights of Walpurgis' and 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 beutral 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 met 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.