Ezekiel wouldn't have to worry about Harry discovering flying brooms for quite a while, as thankfully Dora decided that she owed him one for the shopping spree. After a nice dinner, he and Andi were able to speak with him regarding the potions issue. While they explained the reason for his family fortune, Ezekiel even tried to sweeten the deal, telling him that in the event he choose to remain in the Muggle world it would provide him with a stable income. Harry wouldn't hear any of it. The moment they said that with his family's recipes he could help other people he ignored everything else they told him and gave his full approval.

It was disconcerting to Ezekiel, dealing with someone that acted so selfless. He was still a child, he reasoned, so maybe more down the line he'd see a more profit oriented mindset. Andi laughed at him when he mentioned this after she and Dora said their goodbyes, while Harry went to sleep.

"I can't believe you haven't noticed yet. "Andromeda chuckled. "He trusts you."

"Can't think why, I haven't done much to earn it."

"You're joking, right?" Dora laughed. "You took him out of that house."

"I only did that because I'm the only wizard that could destroy the wards in that house." He replied. "If magic wasn't present those people would've been behind bars ages ago."

"But they didn't" Dora pointed out. "And magic was involved. He was about to be beaten up when, lo and behold, an angry hero comes along. His own personal Black knight."

"Are you drunk?" Was all that Ezekiel could ask.

"No, but the night is young. Seriously, so far you have done more for that kid that anyone has ever done in his entire life. You should be proud." She said as she punched his shoulder.

"You've kept your promises to him, you haven't lied to him" Andi continued. "But let me warn you, as a father, there will come a time when you'll have to be though. It isn't all fun and games, you know?

"Good thing I'm not his father, then. "Ezekiel pointed out. "I'll deal with those problems when I have to, he's not going to have it easy when he grows up. And I don't lie."

"Yeah, yeah, I know. " Dora rolled her eyes at him. "Look, right now you, my sarcastic snob of a cousin, are the best thing that has ever happened to Harry. Don't fuck it up."

"You can talk to me or Ted anytime you have doubts, Ezekiel" Andromeda kissed him on the cheek, before getting the floo dust from the chimney.

"If you need someone to look after him, give me a call." Dora hugged quickly him before following her mother through the green fire, leaving Ezekiel standing on his spot, none the wiser.

The rest of Ezekiel's vacation from the magical community went without much to say. Just as he requested, Harry started seeing a Mind-Healer and took private lessons at the Tonk's house.

Gringotts would make sure that their employees were faithful with their contracts, but it didn't stop him from reminding them - in no uncertain terms - that whatever the Goblin Kingdom would do, he'd be worst. Once he made sure they knew of the possible consequences, he waited a full week to check with Harry if anyone had said or done anything out of line.

The message had been received loud and clear.

The Mind-Healer's results would obviously take longer to appear but as far as the teacher said, Harry was a fairly good student. He had the same study issues that many of the kids of his age had, of course, but the man explained that those would disappear over time. As with the therapy, it was just a matter of patience and time.

As Ezekiel prepared for his first day back at the Ministry, he laid all the items that he'd carry that day. Sunglasses, wallet, wand-holster, car keys and his gun and it's holster. It hadn't been a easy choice, the model of the gun that is.

Ezekiel had his run ins with the magical american law enforcement forces in the past in different circumstances and noticed that they had started carrying fireguns like their muggle counterparts. The why was quite obvious once they explained it to him: unlike magic, using a firearm wasn't as physically straining and in some cases, depending on the proficiency of the agent, even faster than using a wand. Given that wizards and witches were tougher than Muggles thanks to the protection afforded by their own magic, shooting one was rarely lethal.

It took no time for him to copy that habit from his american counterparts, this being a serious matter he had gotten himself certificated in the proper use and maintenance of such tools. Dora had followed suit and as far as they knew, they were the only two Aurors that carried them. While she had opted for a reliable option as a M1911 pistol, he had chosen a simpler and, at least in his opinion, better tool in the form of a Colt Python revolver, the simplicity of which allowed to have it engraved with runes and symbols to make sure that the gun wouldn't be heard if he fired it . The how's and why's each thought that their choice was better had been a source of argument that showed no sight of ending, until they decided to never bring the subject up having grown tired of the argument. Ezekiel hadn't taken his gun with him the day he was summoned by Harry, as he had to go to the courtroom that day he had assumed it wouldn't be necessary. A mistake that he'd never make again. Of course, Andromeda Tonks had been unaware of this particular subject. That was until the situation behind Mungo's but given the fact that she hadn't screamed their ears off, he assumed that she had forgotten it or just let it go.

He finished suiting up, had breakfast with Harry and dropped him of at his aunt's. Harry had become quite accustomed to Ezekiel's driving, apparently he too liked the thrill of speed. It wouldn't be until he had arrived to the Ministry's entrance that he'd start feeling the glances of the people around him. He was walking into a place that was handled by two different sides. None of them liked him, he didn't like them either.

This was going to be fun.

In order to access the office section, he had to go through a line where a wizard inspected each and every wand of the newcomers. That employee usually abused his limited authority, to make him wait for over twenty to thirty minutes longer than other wizards. He didn't understood why he did this, but apparently the man enjoyed it. He endured it since he didn't want to make waves and to be considered just another employee. Now he had other priorities, so he just walked pass through the line. This didn't sit well with the man.

"Oi! Where do you think you're going?" Ezekiel heard the shout behind him. The entire room had fallen silent as he continued walking, with everyone staring at him. "Oi, Black!"

That had done it. Ezekiel stopped walking and turned around slowly, taking off his sunglasses as he did.

"Yes?"

"Y-y-you need to get your wand checked" The man said, his bravado vanished after looking at his eyes for a moment before looking downward.

"Why?" Ezekiel asked as he walked towards the man, who had by now started shivering. "Is there any doubt of who I am?"

"N-no, you can go, Black."

"Black?" He questioned playfully.

"My Lord."

"And don't you forget it." Ezekiel whispered to him while allowing the Black Magic to come out a bit. Satisfied with the man's high-pitched meep, Ezekiel turned back towards his office.

The walk towards the elevator that would take him to the Auror Department was a quiet one. Usually it was filled to the brim but this time people actually made room for him. It would be a lie to say that he didn't like it. The Archive was on the farthest part of the Auror Level in the underground Ministry of Magic. The room had been enlarged using magic, but it was still packed with file cabinets piled one next to the other and even on top of each other, all the way up to the roof. It had no windows nor ventilation, for it was designed to be operated entirely by magic.

It took almost three months for Ezekiel to come up with a pattern that would allow for wind to run trough the room without disturbing the rest of the magic. He was quite proud of himself, truth be told, an Egyptian glyph pattern on the roof that he had learned from his days in school, which was used for pharaohs. It even self regulated the room temperature. As comfortable as the room was, he wasn't able to reach it. As he walked pass the office, a familiar voice called him.

"Auror Black, to my office!" He heard from the briefing room. Calling was a nice term.

Turning around, this time without a single complain, Ezekiel entered Madam Bones office, who was currently designating task for the day, and sat on one of the chairs to wait for her to finish. She would join him twenty minutes later, a mixture of annoyance and tiredness and sat behind her desk.

"Madam Bones, I've returned as instructed."

"I can see that, Auror new cousin is in good health, I presume ?" Ezekiel couldn't help to chuckle at that. Presume, how cute.

"He's in remarkably good health, Madam Bones, I assure you."

"That's good to hear. "She nodded. "I've also heard that you've met with Her Majesty."

"Have you, now? I must say Madam bones, you have superb hearing."

"This isn't a joke, Auror Black."

"Nor is any of your business, Madam Bones." Ezekiel countered harshly. "And I assure you, despite what you might think, there isn't a single smile on my face."

"I won't allow your disrespect, Black" Madam Bones chastised him coldly.

"Then let me be absolutely clear, Amanda." Ezekiel interrupted her, taking her by surprise. "If you wish to speak to matters related to work, Auror Black will be happy to assist in any possible way he can. Any and all related matters to Harry Potter shall be dealt by Ezekiel Black. A Lord. And I shall respond to those who seek to pry into my family matters as I see fit."

"Is that a threat?" Madam Bones tone lowered dangerously.

"Only if you force my hand, Amanda."

They stared at each other for a few seconds before she spoke again. The number of people that could look at Ezekiel's eyes seemed to be increasing, and he found that he didn't quite like that.

"I'm not your enemy, Black."

"But you aren't my friend either, Bones. Let me be clear, Harry's safety is my only priority."

"That didn't stop you from using his name for a new business." Bones accused him.

"That decision was made with Harry's blessing." Ezekiel countered. "He was fully informed of each and every step. I didn't proceed until I was sure he understood everything."

"So, does that mean that Lord Potter will be joining Magical Britain, then? The rumor is that you were willing to defy the Crown itself. To live as a Muggle, if he chose to."

"I'd very much like to know just who is the one spreading those rumors, but yes. " That shocked Bones, who didn't try to hide it. "I presented the choice to him, Her Majesty didn't like it but didn't oppose it."

"You expect me to believe that he could help all those people, and yet not be a part of them?"

"I don't expect you to do anything, Bones. Whatever he chooses, he knows that he has the full support of my House. The rest of it, is none of anybody's business." Ezekiel responded.

"I see...it will be interest - to say the least - to see how you plan to enforce that decision." She shrugged. "My niece will be quite sad, hearing he won't appear in public."

"Not in front of the magic public, at least for now. Is your niece one of his fans?"

"No, not at that level. We lost our family during the War, it's just she and me."

"I'm sorry to hear that, Bones. How old was she?"

"Just a baby, she's a few months younger than Harry actually. If he chooses to go to Hogwarts they'll be in the same year."

"If that's the case, I'm sure Harry will be very lucky to meet...I'm sorry, what's her name?"

"Susan." Bones replied absentmindedly. "After my mother. He'd probably recognize the name, she send him a letter on the anniversary of the Dark Lord's demise."

"I'm sorry, Madam Bones." Ezekiel's tone became more respectful. "I'm afraid Harry has never received a letter from her."

"Oh, I assure you, she did. The last two years, in fact. Perhaps he didn't remember it, I imagine that he receives quite a few letters, wouldn't hold it against him if he doesn't remember."

"Perhaps I've misspoke, Madam Bones. Harry has never received a letter from anybody. Ever."

"Oh, I keep forgetting. Those Muggles must've destroyed them." She shook her head.

"No, Madam Bones. Harry Potter has never received a letter, in any form, directed to him."

"How is that possible? If not on the anniversary, then at least on his birthday." Madam Bones became upset. "How could he not receive..." The question remained lingering in the air. Ezekiel looked at her, seeing the pieces fit in place before her. "Someone tampered with his mail, isn't it?"

"That is a very strong possibility, Madam Bones." Ezekiel coincided.

"You knew about this?" She asked, changing to a more accusing tone.

"I suspected it after he told me about his life, there were too many signals for people not to notice. Something or someone had to be playing interference, otherwise we wouldn't be here today."

"And you feigned interest just to reach that point?"

"No, not at all." He shook his head. "But your niece is proof that foul play has been done."

"I'm happy she was able to prove your theory, Auror Black." Madam Bones tone became glacial.

"I assure you Madam Bones, there was no ill intent from my part. I'll ask Harry to respond to her."

"That won't be necessary, Auror Black." Well, Ezekiel thought, there goes the friendship. Still, having her angry would be better than concerned. "I'll look into the matter myself, if someone - we shan't accuse Dumbledore until I get the evidence - did tampered with Harry Potter's mail, charges will be presented."

"Very well, Madam Bones. If possible, I'd also like to have someone check the wards that were placed on the house Harry used to live. Given that our only source of information was Dumbledore, I find myself doubting the veracity of his statements."

"That's not possible, Black." She raised her finger when she saw Ezekiel started talking. "Whatever it is that you did, it erased Magic - as a whole - for a kilometer around that property for over six hours. I had your cousin check once the natural magic flowed back into that place. Any evidence that might've been, you destroyed it completely. All we have is the statements from their neighbors."

"...and you aren't going to ask me what did I that caused that?" Ezekiel asked cautiously.

"I already saw what it did, Black and I'll make sure that it's the last time that happens. As far as I'm concerned, I don't want to hear, speak or feel that thing again. If I ever caught you using whatever the hell that was, I'll throw you into the Veil myself, am I clear?" She asked enraged.

"Crystal."

"Another thing." Bones took a file from her desk and passed on to him. "The Coppers are calling in their favor for the whole Macnair affair. You requested it, you deal with it. It seems one of our own caught their attention"

"Oh" Ezekiel exclaimed intrigued. "Theft?"

"That's for you to find out. All you need to know is in that dossier. Dismissed." And with that, Madam Bones turned to the documents on her desk and started working on them. Ezekiel took the file and walked towards the door, stopped himself before opening it and turned towards her. "I'm not your enemy either, Amanda." with that out of the way he left the room. He didn't bother with any of the looks or comments directed his way until he reached the Archive.

He didn't knew how long had passed since he sat down at his little desk and started looking at the file when the door opened violently; an angry Dora walked towards him. She was in fact so enraged, her hair had turned dark red.

"You're unbelievable, you know that!"

"Hello, Dora." Ezekiel responded dryly. "Please, come on in."

"What the hell were you thinking!"

"I could ask you the same thing, Nymphadora. When did you started telling my secrets to the head of the DLME?" Ezekiel asked calmly looking at the file, without turning to see her.

"What? What are you..." She asked confused.

"Let me refresh your memory, then." Ezekiel said while he closed the door with a wave of his wand. "There were only five people who knew what I offered Harry, those same five people knew what I discussed with the Queen. Her Majesty, me, Ted, Andi and you. She won't tell a soul the things that we discussed, it would require her to give me her official approval, and Satan will ice skate in Hell before that happens. I told you three people and not another soul. Ted is bound by his Law-Wizard vow, not that it matters since he knows how dangerous this information could be. Andi was raised a Black, she knows how to keep a secret. That leaves you. Spit it out" Ezekiel ordered.

"She's not your enemy Ezekiel, if she knows..."

"She's not my ally either Nymphadora! There's a small difference in case you hadn't noticed! Unless she's willing to make an alliance trough an Unbreakable Vow, she's as much of a threat to Harry and me as any other." Ezekiel chastised her. "Now, if it's not too much to ask, would you kindly keep your mouth shut? I have yet to figure who's my enemy and I'd like to do so without having to worry for any leaks from my side."

"Alright, alright, I'm sorry. Just wanted to help." She raised her hands, her hair changing to a light brown.

"I know, but please from now on, vow first and information later. Please?"

"Alright." Dora relented. "Madam Bones said you had a case." She quickly changed the subject. "Told me to keep an eye on you."

"Is she afraid I might hurt the suspect?" Ezekiel finally looked at, raising an eyebrow.

"According to her, and I quote 'There's less of a chance that he'd start an inquisition if you're there to put him in his place.' Her words, not mine"

"The faith that woman places in me is astonishing." Ezekiel rolled his eyes.

"So, what is it?"

"Fraud, apparently." Ezekiel passed the file to her. "Or some kind of financial crime, I'd have to look up the right term."

"Ian Mills, lawyer. Worked for... the Magic Circle?" Dora read confused.

"It's a term, the Magic Circle are the five greatest multinational law firms in London. It doesn't say which one, though" Ezekiel explained.

"Riiiight." Dora continued. "He works there for twelve years, during which he meets one Jane Hansen. Two years later, they get married. Is she one of us?" Ezekiel nodded. "One promotion after the other, he's described as having a 'magic touch' for turning the worst cases around. Has one kid but the wife died during childbirth. His perfect record goes down the drain and they sack him. I wonder what could have happened?" She asked sarcastically.

"That's not all" Ezekiel continued, showing her the other part of the file. "This part is from our side. The kid goes away for a while, I assume he was enrolled into Hogwarts. Years later, the prodigal son returns, having following his father's footsteps and becomes a Law-Wizard. The father starts several business on both sides. but the ones in Diagon crashed and burned but he starts a very profitable art dealership in Muggle London."

"I don't get it, he obviously used his wife's magic when he was a lawyer." Dora said. "But there's no way to prove it now, what do they want us to do?"

"Apparently the art business is doing too well. Take a look, third page." Ezekiel nodded at the file. Dora's eyes widened at the numbers, whistling slowly as she finished reading. "Yep, not a single loss or bad quarter. Apparently they're also turning a profit in our side as well. They kept the same property for all their attempts. It allows them to invest in different parts of the magical world" Ezekiel scratched the side of his head. "I swear I know this address but for the life of me, I can't remember why."

"Well, what do we do?" Dora asked.

"I'd say we pay a visit to these fine gentlemen and see what happens" he shrugged as he raised from his chair and took his coat. "Shall we?"

"Sure, how about lunch while we're there?" Dora asked.

"Let me guess, my treat?" Ezekiel asked.

"Well, if you insist." Dora smiled.

"Sure, why break the tradition." Ezekiel rolled his eyes as they left the room.

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