Ezekiel woke up that morning feeling completely and utterly relaxed. Sure, Andi's couch was fine and the hospital bed were acceptable, yet they couldn't hold a candle to his fifty thousand Galleons special mattress and an acromantula silk pajama set.

Merlin's magic, being rich was great.

He put on his slippers and walked to wake up Harry, not trusting his elves for such a delicate matter. They had the habit of doing such things in group and they all seemed to move, breath and blink in unison. If it was disturbing for him, Harry would ask to leave the house in a heartbeat.

He approached the room and noticed that the door was open. The bed was already made, of course. The elves managed the house with an almost militar precision and their service was top notch. Seeing that Harry wasn't there nor in the bathroom, Ezekiel went down to the lower floor as perhaps he was having breakfast. He found Harry in the dining room, standing next to the large table and Kreacher seemed to be speaking to him. As ordered, he looked as a House-elf but it seemed as if his conversation was intimidating Harry.

"Harry, there you are." Ezekiel called as he approached them. Harry jumped on his spot and Kreacher vowed to him. "Is everything alright?"

"Hi, Ezekiel." Harry answered a bit unsure. "I was just going to make breakfast, but he doesn't like it."

"Master, Master Harry mustn't cook, that is a job for the servants of The Ancient and Most Noble House Of Black" Kreacher explained. "It's not proper for a Master, Master."

"Harry, you don't have to cook anymore. Cleaning, cooking and all that staff is taken care by the elves."

"Master Harry mustn't, Master! He mustn't! It's we, the servants of The Ancient and Most No"

"Kreacher, please stop using the full title of my house, it gives me a headache."

"Yes, Master." The elf vowed.

"Don't worry about the food, Harry." Ezekiel assured him but a smell caught his attention. Looking at the table he saw a full breakfast already setup, which surprised him since he had only recently awaken. "Why don't we eat? Once Dora gets here we can get you a new wardrobe."

"No, Master! You can't!" Kreacher interrupted.

"Why not?" Ezekiel asked, surprised that the elf denied him anything.

"It's...it's cold, master. The others made it for Master Harry, but he wouldn't eat it!"

"Is there something you don't like, Harry? Anything you can't eat?" Ezekiel asked curious. "We can get you anything you like."

"No." The boy denied and pointed at the table."It's not for me"

"Yes, it is." Ezekiel said slowly. "Why would you think that?" Ezekiel asked as he silenced the elf with a gesture.

"I...I don't eat at the table."

"Why not?"

"It's not-I'm not" Harry babbled.

"Harry, I'll say this once. I will not repeat myself, it's not up for discussion. You're family, you eat at the table. You're not now or ever be any less than me or any other. Period. Understood?" He saw Harry nod. "Good. This is officially the last time we'll have this conversation."

A sudden violent noise startled them but Ezekiel calmed down once he heard Dora's cursing.

"For heaven's sake, Nymphadora, could you stop wrecking my house!" Ezekiel shouted.

"Zeke? Where are you?" She shouted back.

"Dining room, and stop shouting!"

As they heard Dora's steps approaching, Ezekiel turned to Harry.

"I swear, she will demolish this house one of these days."

"Mistress Tonks tripped again, Master." Kreacher informed to an annoyed Ezekiel, who shook his head.

Seeing the cold meal, Ezekiel pointed at it.

"Kreacher, please heat that up. I'll have the usual." The elf vowed and took the food back to the kitchen as Dora entered the room.

"Wotcha, fam. How's it going?"

"Hello, Dora. Just cleaning something up with Harry here. Will you be joining us for breakfast?"

"If you insist."

"Very well, let's sit down at the table. Shall we, Harry?"

The started boy looked at him unsure of what to do, but Ezekiel gave him an assuring look and the boy and he sat at the table, although he still looked a bit unsure.

"Everything alright? Dora asked curiously.

"Couldn't be better. Shall we?" Ezekiel said as he pulled a chair for her.

The food appeared before them and they started eating.

"So Harry, how was your first night in the haunted house?"

"The bed was nice."

"Just that? No creepy noises, no cursed umbrella stands that trips you over and breaks your nose?"

"No." Whispered an impressed Harry.

"For the last time, Dora. That umbrella stand isn't cursed and you can't break anything, Miss Metamorphmagus"

"Oh, really?" Asked an enraged Dora. "Then why do I hit that fucking thing every time I'm here?"

"Dora, cousin mine, I love you. I really, really do, but every time you're off the clock or goofing around you're the human equivalent of a wrecking ball." Ezekiel said as kindly and lovingly as possible, before turning serious. "And don't curse in front of Harry."

"Sorry, dad." She blew him a raspberry. "If that thing isn't cursed then why do I keep tripping over it? Did you tell the elves to put it there on purpose?"

"You trip over the umbrella stand, the rug and everything else that isn't nailed to the floor, but only that seems to matter to you. Is it possible that you actually like it and want me to give it to you?"

"Fuck, no. It's the most disgusting thing I've ever seen and I'd set it on fire if it was mine. Why don't you just throw it away or sell it?"

"You'll watch your language around Harry or I'll kick you out of this house, am I clear?" Ezekiel said sternly. So much for a quiet morning. Dora raised her hands in response. "It's an antique, for your information, made of a russian gigant. You can't find those anymore."

"And they're illegal." Dora guessed.

"Yes, that too."

"You have many bad things?" Asked Harry.

"I wouldn't say many, but that reminds me. " Ezekiel spoke to the air. "Kreacher, I need you to round up all the Dark objects in the house, including the books. Don't touch the ones in my studio. We need to make sure Harry can't get them."

"I-I won't touch any bad thing." Harry said nervously.

"I know you won't, Harry" Ezekiel smiled. "But many of those objects have a charm that draws attention to them. I didn't remove it because they don't affect me or the elves, but for a child it might be a bit too strong."

"Look, why don't we hurry up here. Do you need me for anything?" Dora asked.

"Actually I do, Harry here is lacking a wardrobe and I was hoping you could help me to get him a new one."

"Me, buy him new clothes?" Dora asked disbelievingly.

Ezekiel did had to give her that. Dora's entire wardrobe was second had, bought at salvation army stores. It did gave her the punk rock look that she liked, with army boots, jeans and a black shirt that had a logo at some point, with another plaid shirt on it, along with a leather jacket which was currently on the back of the chair.

"I can take care of the formal part. I hoped that you'd help him get a style of his own."

"From a department store?" She asked, still not believing what she was hearing.

"He already had his cousin's hands me down, I think he needs to know what new clothes feel like, don't you?"

"Alright, I'll help him out. You okay with that, Harry?" She asked the boy.

"I don't really need much. I can do with three shirts and two pants." Harry explained but Dora cut him off.

"We'll get you much more than that, Harry." She assured him.

They finished their meal and Ezekiel got to change back to his room. He had kept the coat he had received from Gringotts, but now wore a hoodie under his Crombie coat, a T-shirt and a pair of baggy plaid trousers along with his goblin made leather shoes. As he finished he heard a knocking on the door. He opened it to see a regretfully looking Dora.

"Is everything alright?"

"Peachy, just one little thing."

"Which is...?"

"I called Mum and Dad trough the floo. They wanted to know how Harry spent the night."

"Oh, that's nice."

"Yeah, but then Mum wanted to know what we where going to do today and..."

"No!" Ezekiel groaned.

"Sorry!" She apologized. "It just slipped!"

"When is she coming?"

"...she's already here."

"For fuck sake, Dora. She's is going to have us check every store in the city!"

"Dad sends his condolences."

"Alright." Ezekiel sighted. "Let's go, I'm sure Andi will love to look for a new style for the us both while she's at it"

Dora shivered at the thought of it and walked behind him downstairs, where her mother was already planning a full shopping spree for Harry.

"Heyyy Andi, how are you doing?" Ezekiel asked.

"Hi, Ezekiel. Dora told me what you were planning. Do you mind if I tag along? Kids need all sorts of clothes these days." Andromeda smiled.

"Of course, the more the merrier." Ezekiel lied trough his teeth. His tone was as cordial as possible, his eyes screamed I'm going to murder my cousin. "But please remember that we're just going to get clothes for Harry that he likes. There's no need to raid everything store in London for the perfect outfit for every occasion on every season, okay?"

"Oh, nonsense. You of all people should know that first impressions are very important. Besides, look at him! Ever since he came from Mungo he has become quite a looker, don't you think so?" She said as she ruffled Harry's hair.

Again, he had to give credit where it was due. Harry's looks had taken a turn for the better, although he needed to get a haircut. New shirts were a no brainer, perhaps in blue or green. New pants as well, jeans or...wait. His train of thought hit the breaks as Andi's face lighted up, no doubt already knowing what went trough his mind.

"And we can pick up a few things for you both as well, do you think that Dora needs a new sweater?"

"No, I don't!" Dora shouted behind him.

"Hello, love. Why are you doing behind Zeke? C'mon, I'm your mother not a dragon." Andromeda said in the sweet tone that only a mother is able to feign.

That's only because she didn't tell you of her tattoos, Ezekiel thought. His cousin came from behind and smiled innocently to her mother.

"Wotcha, Mom. Ready to go shopping?"

"Absolutely, perhaps we can finally get you some clothes that don't look like were taken from a bin?." Andromeda smiled.

"You brought her, you suffer. Remember the rule." Ezekiel whispered to her.

"And you too, Ezekiel. How about some new trousers, eh?"

Ezekiel thought he had gotten unnoticed, but now there would be hell to pay.

"How about you get the car going? That way the elves can take the bags from the trunk and nobody will notice."

"You have a car?" Harry asked surprised.

"Really, of all the things you've seen and heard that is the part that surprises you?" Ezekiel snorted. "Got it from a trip to America, you'll like it."

They gathered their coats and left the house. As soon as Harry step down the stairs at the entrance, he turned around to see the house disappear between the numbers 13 and 11, his mouth open in shock.

"In case you need to get back in." Ezekiel whispered into his ear. "Keep your eyes on that spot over there and remember that your house is at 12 Grimmauld Place. Give it a try." He encouraged him.

Sure enough, the house reappeared shortly and Harry smiled at him, his eyes glowing.

"Remember it's a secret, okay?"

"Okay!" Harry nodded happily.

Harry's surprise wouldn't end there, as they entered a garage and Harry saw Ezekiel's car. Uncle Vernon used to gloat about his Austin Metro, but this one was on a league of his own.

It was as red as a forest fire with a white ivory stripe on the sides. It was beautiful.

"1958 Plymouth Fury." Ezekiel explained. "Runs like Hell, never runs out of gas and repairs itself."

"How did you get it?" Harry asked amazed.

"I was visiting the States, the Crown asked me to take a look at some...incidents. Found it running around, quite a nasty soul inside. One small burst of this." He showed his family ring. "And all I had to do was remake some runes and Bam!, free car."

"A soul?" Harry asked dumbfounded.

"Long story, cool car. Let's go."

They entered the car and felt it's engine roar as Dora fastened Harry's seatbelt. The car an trough the streets at an unnatural speed, yet not a single head turned to see them, all the way to the department store.

Harry and his new family got out of the car. He and Ezekiel were grinning, Dora was annoyed and Andi shook so much she could barely stand.

Andromeda's revenge wouldn't wait, as she had them look at each and every store in the building. Given that his car moved much faster than a normal one she had them visit the clothing district as well. They finally returned to the house twelve hours later, the elves having apparated enough clothes to Harry's closet to dress up a small village.

On the other hand, Harry finally got a haircut. It took some time to convince him but after much insistence from Andromeda and a reminder by Dora the he could make his hair grow again, he relented. They managed to cut down most of his hair, the boy had a mane of tangled hair and managed to left him with enough to cover his scar. All in all, he seemed quite happy with it.

They entered the house exhausted. Andi accompanied Harry to his room to show him where his new clothes would be.

"I hate you so much." Ezekiel said as soon as he saw them disappear up the stairs.

"Yeah, me too." Dora agreed as they walked towards Ezekiel's studio.

It wasn't as lavish as the rest of the house. It was entirely made of wood, the biggest piece of furniture was his mahogany desk which was next to bookcases that covered three of the room's walls. Each and every book was Dark, but Ezekiel had removed any courses that might be on them a long time ago.

As soon as Ezekiel sat on his chair, the desk started making bumping sounds as something was trying to get out.

"Can't believe that you still use that thing." Dora said.

"You know very well how much I need it." He countered before being surprised by Harry's voice.

"What do you need?"

"Hey Harry, has Mum drive you mental yet?" Dora asked.

"She showed me where everything was but didn't liked how they ordered the shirts, so she sent me here."

"Well, as much as I like to have you here, please knock before you enter this room. I usually check this little library for reference and what appears in those books isn't for children." Ezekiel lectured him.

"Sorry, won't happen again." Harry said meekly. Hearing the banging noise coming from the desk, he pointed at it. "What's in there?"

"Well, if you must know. One way Dark Wizards are spotted has to do with animals, with very few exceptions like snakes, the rest of the animal kingdom pretty much hate us. Dogs are the worst. "Ezekiel sighted." It makes it harder to keep an owl for day to day mail, they tend to abandon us." Ezekiel explained.

"Why do you use owls for your letters?"

"Magic and electricity don't mix, Harry." Dora chimed in. "Usually magic messes up electronic devices but if many wizards gather around in an unprotected place, electric appliances just blow up. That's why places like the Alley had to be warded off to prevent magic from coming out."

The desk actually shook this time, startling the boy but Ezekiel slammed his hand on it and the banging calmed down.

"My ancestors came up with a solution, of sorts. Of course, it had to do with black magic but it does work better than expected." Ezekiel continued.

"And what is it?" Harry asked curious.

"Nothing for you to see, I'm afraid. Now, don't give me that look." Ezekiel said seeing Harry pouting. "Young children shouldn't be so accustomed to see black magic, so go outside and wait for a moment while I send these letters. No peeking, am I clear?"

"Okay."

"Do you want to leave too?" Ezekiel asked Dora. "I know you don't like it."

For all response Dora got up and joined Harry in the hall, while Ezekiel wrote down a letter to Gringotts. Harry would need his Mind-Healer and a tutor if he was to join a school next year.

As the door closed, Ezekiel opened a drawer on the desk.

"Get out." He ordered. As commanded, a small black ball floated out of the furniture gently as if it was riding a non existent draft of wind.

The creature itself had no name. It didn't need one. This small perversion of nature, which was of course the only thing that The Ancient and Most Noble House Of Black was able to produce.

But not the worst, not by a long shot.

"I have a letter that I want you to deliver." Ezekiel said, the Black Magic dyeing his voice. This guaranteed that it only respond to him. "Gringotts, account manager. Do no be seen" He ordered as he extended the letter to it.

The small ball emitted a ripping sound, as rubber stretched almost to the point of ripping in half. Suddenly, the ball began to increase in size, two slim protuberances from it's sides expanded upwards. Black feathers began to appear from it, on at the time piercing from inside its body. At the same time the bottom part began to expand, when talons ripped out of it. It's new legs began lifting it's featherly body from the desk, while feathers in it's back formed a tail. Finally, a new small protuberance appeared right in the top of the sphere. This one was quickly pierced from within to form an avian head, although unlike birds this one had many beaks that formed a jaw. The sphere fully transformed into a small black peregrine falcon but if one where to look at its eyes -ignoring it's beaked jaw - there was another detail that would give the animal away, for it's eyes possessed three white pupils each.

The newborn creature made a small bow before taking the letter with its beak and promptly flew away. Ezekiel wasn't concern with Dora or Harry seeing it, the creature wasn't an actual living being. It wouldn't eat, sleep or get tired and it would always fly at maximum speed. There was no way neither of them could see it. At least of that he was certain.

"Ezekiel! Ezekiel!" An excited Harry ran back into his studio. "What was that bird?"

"You...saw it?" Ezekiel asked dumbfounded.

"Yes, it was so fast! It was almost like a black line going through the house! And why were his eyes white? Is it a boy or a girl?"

Ezekiel stared at the young boy in front of him as if suddenly he had grown another head. He saw Dora walking behind Harry, wearing the same astonished expression that he had.

"Did you saw it?" Ezekiel asked but she simply shook her head. "Harry, what did you saw, could you tell me?"

"It was a small bird, but it was too black so I couldn't see much! "Harry explained excitedly "And it was so fast, I've never seen a bird like that! Is it magic?"

"Yes, but not the kind that you can use."

"But will you ever teach me how to do something like that?"

"Harry, you don't need that creature." Ezekiel explained patiently. "That is something that was created for the Lord of this House, there's nothing like it. Besides you aren't a Dark wizard, I'm sure your owl won't leave you."

"I have an owl?" Harry jumped again. "I love birds, they can fly all the time!"

"Do you like flying, Harry?" Dora asked amused.

"When I was with my uncles, I used to dream all the time about it." Harry confessed with a sad smile. "To leave and never look back."

"Well, you don't have an owl right now. "Ezekiel clarified. "But when you're older, if you promise to take care of it, sure. I'll buy you your first owl."

"Really? Thanks!" Harry ran around the desk and hugged Ezekiel, who chuckled at the sudden burst of affection. "Alright, alright but I won't buy it for some time now. Let's get dinner, shall we? I reckon that Andi must have finished with the elves by now."

"Yes, I'll tell her about the bird!" Harry ran to meet Andi, while both cousins watched him entertained.

"So he likes flying..." Ezekiel thought out loud while he smiled.

"If you think he's excited now, wait until I tell him about the flying brooms and Quidditch" Dora pointed at the running kid with her thumb.

Ezekiel's head suddenly flashed images of Harry being hit by a bludger while flying at high speeds and his smile vanished instantly.

"Don't you dare."

I don't own Harry Potter, all characters except OC belong to J. K. Rowling.