Chapter 1: Familia Prima, Familia Semper
AN: Yo. So, I read a shit ton of fanfiction, and there are some AU alterations that have fascinated me for so long, I decided to mash them all up and see what happens. Honestly, I just want to write a good story, and it will be my story, no one else's. So, let's go. (By the way, I'm moving the timeline 10 years forward. Honestly, it's just easier to write in the 2000s. Literally doesn't change anything to me.)
Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter, or anything related to it, but my characters are my own.
(Godric's Hollow, 31st of October 1991)
The majority of the Hollow was partaking in the Halloween festivities on the clear, bright night of Halloween 1991, wholly ignorant of the tall, hooded figure walking down the road. The figure came to a house at the end of the street, the house seemingly being ignored by the muggles around it, and pushed open the small gate, coming to a stop in front of one of the kitchen windows, spilling light into the garden. Through the window the figure could just barely see an old couple, a man with black, slightly greying hair, round spectacles with blue eyes and a soft face, his wife sitting next to him, with blonde hair and green eyes, her sharp, aristocratic features a sharp contrast of her husbands. With a flick of her wand, the hooded figure felt two smaller presences upstairs and smiled. With another flick, the back door was blasted off of its hinges, careening down the hall. A voice yelled down the hall. "She's here! Hailey, get to the children, now!" The man, Perseus Potter, stepped into the hall, wand in hand. Steeling himself he let spells fly at the intruder. The woman laughed, a cold yet melodic sound, before flicking the incoming hexes and curses to the side, replying with her own flurry of spells. No words were exchanged as the two fought, walls transfiguring into animals, those transfigurations being burned to ash, spells whizzing past, splashing against the others shield, until the intruder hit Perseus with a blasting curse, sending the older man flying down the hall, hitting the wall with a crunch. The woman lifted her hood, bending down as she reached the unconscious figure. "You fought well Lord Potter. I am glad to not have killed you, we will need pure-blooded lords like yourself once my plans have reached their apex."
The woman turned and walked up the stairs, heading to the only closed door. Reaching it, the woman tapped it with her wand, and the door turned to ash immediately, greeting the woman with a nursery. Hailey Longbottom-Potter stood in front of her, her wand pointed directly at her head. Before a moment had passed, the intruder disarmed Hailey in a flash of red, and stepped into the threshold. "Lady Potter. Please step aside, you need not die. I spared your husband after all. I am just here for the children, no one else." Hailey stood her ground, her chin high, and spat at the feet of the woman, a steely look levelled at the other woman, protecting her grandchildren bodily. With a pained look turned icy cold, the woman raised her wand and in a green flash, Hailey Potter dropped lifelessly to the ground. The woman's icy expression faded into a solemn look at the dead body on the ground, and she looked over the two cribs in the room. Twins, two boys, were clutching at the railings, one of the boys studying her intently with his emerald-green eyes, a spark of curiosity found only in children in his eyes. The other, a blue-eyed, red-haired boy was calling for his grandmother and becoming quite frantic. The woman simply silenced the children and started going about her preparations, her wand drawing complex patterns in the air and gouging symbols into the wood.
After making sure the preparations were perfect, she waved her wand and soft green flames sprang into existence, not burning but flickering in the space, waiting hungrily as they traced the symbols and runic patterns until the room was awash in an eerie green light. "I must apologize, young ones. I wish it hadn't come to this, that it had not been necessary to snuff such beautiful and worthy blood from this world. I never would have considered ending a child's life, if not for the thrice-damned prophecy. I will make it known, and your sacrifice will be great and revered in the world I will build. If only the old fool had listened, just once listened, we would not be in this position." The woman grimaced for a moment before raising her wand, speaking the whispered words of death. The green spell flashed, the same colour as the boy whose eyes she was staring into, and all she knew was pain before the room exploded and her soul was ripped from her body, her physical form withering and burning as a shade flew screaming into the night. Waves of magic rippled across Britain as the Dark Lady fell, and some days later, the Wizarding community of the United Kingdoms would rejoice in their saviour, one year old Julian Caelum Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived. However, while the country rejoiced, their saviour's family wept for their departed, and worried for their eldest, even only by a few minutes, little Hadrian Antinous Potter.
(Res la Gravone, Ajaccio, Corsica, France. 15th of July 2004)
A tall, dark-haired individual stared up at the apartment block rising in front of him, his coat pulled tight to protect from the sudden and unforeseen thunderstorm that had come about that night. He looked up from the letter again hoping he had read something wrong. To Mr Hadrian Antinous Potter, 13 Res la Gravone, Apartment 713, Ajaccio, Corsica, France. From Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. That was where he was now, the place that the quill had spelt out when Sirius had gone to McGonagall two weeks ago, intent on finding his godson. After the whole ordeal he had been through, not only escaping from Azkaban after twelve years, but proving that Peter, who up until then had been living comfortably around the Potters up until then and had memory-charmed James and Lily to believe he was innocent, was guilty, with the help of Remus and an old friend in the Ministry. As well as that, he had spent months recuperating in the Bahamas at an illustrious mind-healing clinic and had immediately gone on the search for his abandoned godson once he learned the truth of what James and Lily had done. Somehow, they had deluded themselves into thinking he was a squib, which Sirius thought was bullshit, he had seen and been on the receiving end of accidental magic that Harry had exhibited, once having been levitated from the floor as Harry laughed at him making faces, and they had sent him away to live in the Muggle world.
First, he had gone to Lily's muggle sister, and had left in a hurry before he could curse the disgusting excuses for life. He had searched through their minds at a burning pace, his beginner Legilimency, that he had taught himself through a book while he was healing being more than enough to penetrate their deepest memories. Apparently, they had practically enslaved Harry at four, having him perform all their household chores, from cleaning to cooking to gardening, handing out beatings as rewards for any failure or accidental magic, no matter how small. Up until his ninth birthday, after the whale named Vernon had beaten his poor godson within an inch of his life, and Harry, in the midst of screaming and sobbing, had disappeared in a wave of magic that Sirius could almost feel through the memory.
McGonagall had been more than happy, if somewhat confused, to have their registry quill write out the letter, after Sirius had filled her in somewhat, omitting the roles James and Lily had played in their eldest sons circumstances to spare the old woman her opinion of two of her favourite students. She hadn't known about James and Lily having twins and was extremely worried, but Sirius had assured her everything would be fine. He was, after all, another of the favourites. Steeling his resolve and raising his wand, a muttered PointMe pointing directly in front of him, right through the big double doors, wood and dirty glass between him and his godson. He walked up the stairs, his wand flicking the lock in the doors open. The doors themselves swung open to reveal a hallway splitting off to both sides and an open archway directly in front of Sirius that led to a stone courtyard, surrounded by the apartment floors rising stories above. A decently sized fire pit had been dug out on one side, an awning covering it from the rain and a group of teenagers of varying ages sat around it, laughing, listening to loud music, cigarettes and bottles being passed around. He could feel the spell tugging him in their direction, so he shook out his long, shaggy hair and stowing his wand, made his way over.
He saw Harry just before he arrived at the fire. The fire danced in those beautiful green eyes he got from Lily, not covered by the glasses that for centuries had been a Potter hallmark and a mop of long, smooth black hair pulled into a tight ponytail, as well as a scar that looked like a starburst, exploding atop his right eyebrow and spreading down his cheek in long tendrils. Unlike most scar tissue Sirius had seen in life, the mark on his face wasn't swelled and ugly, but almost pale against his slightly tanned skin, like some curse scars Sirius himself had. His smile was warm and infectious among these teens, but when he took notice of Sirius, his mouth thinned a bit and the warm green orbs changed to hard green emeralds, his athletic frame tensing up, scanning Sirius up and down for threats, his one hand coming to rest on his hip, the other lifting a half-smoked cigarette to his lips and motioning towards Sirius in a fluid motion. One of the older boys stood up, lifting a hand to stop Sirius in his tracks. "Que fais-tu ici? Quelle est votre entreprise?" Sirius looked at him a bit confused, then remembered that Corsica was a French island… and he'd neglected to keep up with his French lessons after running away from home all those years ago. "Ehhh, I'm looking for Hadrian or Harry? My name's Sirius, Sirius Black, I'm his godfather." He motioned at Harry, who immediately sat at attention when his name was mentioned. "Jean-Paul, éloigne-toi. Laissez-moi lui parler. Seul s'il vous plaît." Harry uttered, motioning for the teens all around them to reluctantly stand, and at another wave of Harry's hand they went to the other side of the square, horsing around but keeping an eye as well.
In perfect English, as if he hadn't just spoken perfect French, without a trace of an accent, Harry spoke again, his face a cold mask of indifference, betrayed only by a slight hint of something in his voice. "Why are you here and what do you want from me? And why should I trust you, except for the fact that you know my name?" Sirius looked at him for a moment, wondering how to answer and analysing his godson before coming to a decision. "Harry, I… It's hard to explain without you knowing certain things first. Okay, what I'm going to tell you might come as a shock. Have you ever done amazing, impossible things?" The deadpan stare he received from his godson was reminiscent of Lily staring at him after he had said something stupid.
"I have yes, and I'm presuming you want to tell me about magic, Mr Black? I've known about magic for… Four years now." Harry smirked and pulled out a slim wand of ebony, traced with beech? 'Wait, a wand? A wand with two woods? Where… how?' Sirius stared for a second before opening his mouth. "Okay, how do you know? Who taught you, where did you get that? How… Okay, that's probably a bit too much, we can get back to that later. As you asked me first, I'll answer first. I'll tell you why I'm here. I… Something happened, a year after you were born. A Dark Lady, named Voldemort, was after you and your brother. She found you, incapacitated your grandfather and killed your grandmother, and then tried killing Julian, your brother, who vanquished her, miraculously. I went after the traitor who had let slip your location and duelled the little rat, which ended up in thirteen Muggle deaths that he had caused and my subsequent arrest. Apparently, right after that night, the traitor had memory charmed your parents and made them believe I was the traitor. In the turmoil, your parents, my best friends, believed what the Ministry and the traitor had said, and left me to rot. I was acquitted last December, which is another long story and I just finished recuperating last month. Your parents… They had placed you with the muggles, Lily's sister, and that oaf of a husband, to keep you safe and out of the magical world, apparently out of worry that you were a squib for some stupid reason. They were worried you would've resented them for paying more attention to Julian and apparently, your magical core was almost non-existent after the attack, as if Julian had siphoned from it, at least that's what the old arse Dumbledore told them. Julian was or is apparently prophesized to defeat the Dark Lady again, and Lily thought to protect you, though she did a horrible job. I… I'll be honest, I'm fuming, I saw the memories of those muggles, and I'd love to smack James around, my idiot of a best friend. I want you to come back with me, to come live with me. I may not be a very good role model, but my family is very rich, and I can provide for whatever you want. I know you don't trust me, but I can prove it to you, if you come with me." Harry thought for a moment, his cigarette burning down to the butt.
"Why Mr. Black? Why would you want me?" Harry said, all of a sudden, a small, 13-year-old boy instead of the young man who'd sat in front of him this whole time. "Because you're my godson, and I made a vow to always care for you, protect you and love you, and I've loved you since you were born like my own. If I hadn't been locked up, and your parents tried pulling the same stunt they did, I would've raised you as my own. Now, I have to make up for lost time and raise you as you should've been all these years." Sirius smiled softly at the small smile that grew on Harry's face. "Okay. Let me grab my things and say goodbye. Wait here."
Harry stood up and left his godfather smiling at his retreating back. He strode over to his boys, his famille. "Je pars. J'ai besoin de retourner dans ma famille, mon sang. Vous me manquerez tous. Occupez-vous de la famille pendant mon absence. Prends soin d'Adrienne pour moi. Fais attention." Harry reached behind his back and handed the Beretta M9 he withdrew to Jean-Pierre, and with a few tearful hugs and handshakes, walked away. Heading up to the seventh floor, Harry made sure to not attract any attention from the other residents, not wanting to say more goodbyes. Unlocking his front door, he stepped through, heading directly for his room. Once in he waved his hand and lifted his duffel bag onto the bed, grey leather-bound books lifting themselves from his bedside table, his cupboards opening and their contents also disappearing down into the endless space of the duffel bag. It was enchanted to be damage resistant and had a space-expansion charm. It was the first item he'd enchanted himself, after Marcel had passed. His potion kit, ingredients pouch, more books and ritual knife followed his clothes. Another handgun, a Browning Hi-Power fell next to the duffel and Harry picked it up, running his hand over the polished metal, the well-worn grip. With practiced ease the magazine slipped out, fully loaded with .40 Smith and Wesson rounds, thirteen in the clip and one in the chamber. A torn look crossed his face before he tossed the pistol into his bag, along with two boxes of ammo, his cleaning kit, and extra magazines. He couldn't just leave this part of his life behind, wouldn't leave it behind. Not yet. With the duffel bag slung over his shoulder, Harry stepped out of the apartment, and met an excited Sirius at the front door. "You ready Harry?" With a nod, Sirius grabbed his arm and the two span on the spot, disappearing from the rainy Corsican night.
The two appeared in front of a large, almost castle like manor, the dark stone of the building visible only because of the lights leading up from the path towards the large front doors. "Welcome to Duskmoor, my ancestral home. Now our home." Harry smiled again as the wards washed over him and accepted him, and the two walked up the cobbled path to their home.
(Three days after Harry's return; Duskmoor, Northeast of Tintagel)
An early morning sea breeze and sunlight filtered through the open doors to the balcony, slowly waking the room's new occupant. Harry shot up in the four-poster bed, grabbing for his wand on the bedside table going stiff before he relaxed. 'I'm home now. I'm safe. I'm not there anymore, there isn't anything here that can harm me.' Harry followed the train of thought until a small voice in the back of his mind whispered, 'Not yet.' which he shoved away. It wouldn't do to start listening to that voice now, the voice that had lent him all the paranoia he needed to survive in his old life. He would stay vigilant and be careful, and anything that crossed him would be dealt with as necessary, but right now was for getting to know his godfather and by extent, his family through the man, as well as to continue training, learning, preparing for whatever came next. He would never be caught flat footed and unprepared, he refused to. Harry looked around the room, at the shelves holding his books, the bedtable that his wand rested upon, his gun within, the empty duffel in the corner, the days clothes already set out by Mars, his personal elf while staying here. 'This is the life I've chosen, and I will live it to its full extent.' The almost fourteen-year-old stood up out of bed, his bare feet padding on the carpet out onto the stone of the balcony. The breeze ghosted along his bare arms and chest and blew his long hair around a bit, making the athletic, scarred teen shiver before a wave of his hand and a warming charm later made the area much more comfortable. Summoning his cigarettes, a vice Harry thought he would never give up on, not until it stopped calming him and bringing clarity to his mind, he leaned up against the railing of the balcony and flipped his black, steel zippo open, before taking his first pull. As he stood, watching waves crash against rock, breaking and reforming over and over in an almost masochistic cycle, he absentmindedly played with the lighter. It had been one of the last gifts Marcel had given him, charmed to be nigh unbreakable and never ending, never needing a refill. The old man's mark was etched into the surface, a balancing scale, perfectly weighted on each side. 'The epitome of being a grey mage is balance in all things, magic, soul, body, mind and life. Even when you've forgotten all else mon apprenti, mon fils, never forget that.' Harry smiled ruefully at his mentor, his only father figure's last words to him.
Shaking himself out of his reverie, Harry vanished the remnants of the cigarette and pulled on his clothes, before heading down to breakfast. He found Sirius in the more informal dining room, one that held a small table for six at the most, his godfather examining a letter, sipping from a cup of coffee. "Morning Harry, how was your sleep? I'm sorry if the bed is a bit stiff, I don't think anyone has lived here in quite some time after Grandfather Arcturus passed. I would've taken you to Grimmauld Place, our London townhouse, but there are too many bad memories for me there… And it needs to be thoroughly cleaned as well, it's filthy as all hell. I'm thinking of hiring some Curse-Breakers and cleaners sometime while you're at Hogwarts. But, if you end up liking this place, we could do some renovations, get a quidditch pitch if you'd like?" Harry smiled at his godfather.
"Sirius, I know you mean well, but you really don't have to change anything for me. I have a family now, even if it's just me and you, that's all I need really. I do like it here though, so if you would prefer not going back to your old house, I wouldn't mind staying here. I like the fact that we're so close to the ocean, and the training room is a nice touch. Whoever put the wards and enchantments up in there definitely knew what they were doing, you'd be hard pressed to actually do serious damage to the manor. The runic array is so complex too, it's just fascinating." Seeing the odd look on Sirius's face Harry grinned. "Sorry, I'm not used to be being around so much magic. It's honestly intoxicating. I can feel it everywhere in here."
Sirius was surprised at the amount of pride and anger he felt. On one hand, hearing his godson speak so passionately about magic made him so proud of Harry's intellect and the knowledge he already possessed. On the other hand, he was royally pissed at Lily and James for abandoning their first born, even if it was just by two minutes, to the muggle world. He should have been raised by his family, alongside his twin and little Rosalie. "Never apologize for anything Harry, unless an apology is truly necessary, and you've actually done something wrong. I've very rarely heard of anyone feeling magic like you do… Who taught you, what did they teach you…? I know it's a lot, so whatever you're comfortable with telling me about your childhood and what happened when you left the muggles, I'll listen, and I won't judge, and I won't pry further."
After a moment of hesitation, Harry spoke. "Can we go somewhere more comfortable. The study maybe, or the library? I'll talk while we walk." Sirius nodded and finished his coffee, standing up and leaving the letter on the table. "Phobos, please bring the food to the study. We'll be taking breakfast there." As he and Harry fell into pace, he started speaking. "So… I'm sure you know what happened with the muggles. That day I disappeared, I reappeared in Res la Gravone, right where the fire pit is. I don't know why there, I had never been there before, but it's where I ended up. I was nine, half naked, bleeding… My back, my arms, and legs, all were bleeding and bruised. I was found by an older lady, Antoinette and her granddaughter, Lea, she was 16. They took me in, cared for me… After some time had passed, and I'd learned enough French to hold a conversation, I got involved with a gang… I wanted to pay Antoinette and Lea back for what they had done for me, and I fell in with the wrong crowd. About a year or so into it, one of the older gang members got interested in Lea, and she… She died. I was angry, extremely angry at her death and how they treated the younger ones, those my age and a bit older. So, I… we took revenge. Me and a few others went after him and his cronies, and ended them, replaced them, and we were better. It sounds horrible, but that was what had to happen." Harry looked up at Sirius and saw the pained expression in his eyes, but without any disgust or hate, so he continued as they sat down in the study and dug into their food.
"A few days later, a man named Marcel Duponte arrived, asking for me. He had heard of a child appearing out of nowhere a year earlier and had been watching me for accidental magic and potential, he said. He was my mentor first, then he became a father figure as well. He got me the wand, the ebony wand… When he passed, I went to the same wandmaker we had went to for mine, a man named Arsenault, and had parts of his wand moulded and fitted into mine, a constant keepsake. It worked even better afterwards. He taught me a lot. From how to fight, to how to socialize, potions, runes, basic arithmancy. Transfiguration and Charms too, everything you would be taught at school. He taught me about the Light, the Grey, and the Dark aspects of magic, the Old Powers and how to use each. First, it was wandless magic." At that Sirius stared incredulously, eliciting a wide grin from Harry as he raised his hand and a few books rose from the bookcase behind Sirius, then transformed into birds, then knives and finally back to books. In his other hand he conjured a flame and rolled it along his fingers. "He was a very powerful mage, he travelled a lot during his life and most of the world outside Europe and the America's, with some exceptions like China, who use wands inlaid with gems, Japan who use weapons and wands, the rest don't use wands, they focus primarily on wandless magic, as well as local forms of foci and he had mastered it. So, he thought it prudent I master it as much as possible before learning how to use a wand, and it made it easier using my wand later. I should clarify, it helped me with intent, my will and creativity. Being able to use nothing but my mind and willpower to do magic makes it much easier to forgo incantations, the only drawback being that wandless magic comes at the cost of using more magic for a spell than a wand would, with the exception of things like the Levitation charm, as well as summoning and banishing. Because of that, my magic flows easier through my wand. I… the feeling the magic is something he couldn't explain, or maybe he didn't deem it necessary to tell me. I don't know how I would measure up to any students my age, but I know I'm definitely learned enough to not have any problems at school. I'm also apparently a natural Legilimens, although I haven't really worked on that particular talent at all. I work hard to maintain very strong Occlumency barriers as well, which helps with... well a lot of things not necessary to mention right now. That's about it, I don't want to go into the minutiae of every spell I know." Harry finished with a small smile. 'I'll leave the ritual magic, all my grey mage knowledge and the apparition for now. One day maybe, but not now.' Sirius stood up and without a word pulled Harry into a tight embrace and kissed the top of his head. "I'm glad you could tell me all that. I know it wasn't easy, and even if you didn't tell me everything, I trust you. Just know that I don't hold anything against you, and I couldn't be prouder to see how you've grown up so far and will always be proud of you no matter what. Now, I have a few things to do today, House business, as well as your Hogwarts registration, so I'll be gone most of the day, but when I get back, we'll do something, yeah?" Harry nodded and left the study to go get in some more practice before walking down to the beach later.
(Duskmoor, Entrance Hall, 11:00; A few days later; 28th of July)
The fireplace roared to life in green fire, admitting a family of five into the minimalistic entrance hall of Duskmoor. The floor was black marble, covered only by one rug in the centre of the room, where a low coffee table sat, surrounded by a few uncomfortable looking chairs, reserved for disliked guests to wait in. The walls were a mix of varnished wood panelling, mostly a dark oak and some redwood, and grey marble, with black stone columns set in a very orderly fashion, carved with an immaculate detail. If one looked close enough, they would see veins of silver running through the floor and gold twining more obviously around the columns. The Black family crest hung on one of the far walls, directly opposite the massive oak front doors, their motto Toujours Pur, emblazoned proudly under it in silver thread.
The family of five watched the doors leading to the rest of the house open and the wife and mother of the family gasped softly at the teenage boy who entered and walked towards them, his eyes taking them in warily. 'He, oh he looks like both Lily and James for sure, yet Lily more. His eyes, the shape of his face, his expression right now, that nervous smile. But he looks very alike to what Regulus used to, somehow, with that obvious confidence and bearing and his long hair.' The woman herself had long, flowing black hair, dark, storm grey eyes and very regal features, high cheekbones, a sharp jawline, and a small button nose. The long, flowing black dress she wore accentuated most of her curves, yet retained a very aristocratic air around her.
'She looks a lot like Sirius, I can see the Black family resemblance' Harry thought as he approached. The man to her left was both a sharp contrast and mirror to his wife. A head of long, golden blonde hair ran down his neck, stopping just as it brushed his broad shoulders, and grey-blue eyes, the colour of gunmetal and a sea amid a great storm combining to form deep orbs filled with intrigue and light. His tan skin set off his wife's pale tone, but his features were just as regal, and his dark grey suit, splashed with a deep red tie, gave off an air of danger and importance matching his wife. The children were a mix of the two. The eldest, a teen boy almost of the same height as his father, had inherited his father's golden hair, but his mother's paler complexion, and his father's deep blue-grey eyes. He, as well as his siblings, displayed the same regal features. What looked to be the middle child, around Harry's age if he guessed, was a carbon copy of her mother, just shorter and less pale, with her father's eyes. She immediately drew Harry's attention, before he caught himself staring for too long. The youngest, a shy, shorter boy, stood at the back, silver spectacles resting on his nose, his mother's eyes taking in everything from behind them, until a strand of his father's hair fell into his face, which was impatiently brushed away again. 'Honestly, I feel a bit underdressed for today.' Harry looked down at his short sleeved black button up shirt and his ripped jeans, his All-Stars scuffing against the ground. 'Damn you Sirius for not telling me what to wear. Maybe I should button up the shirt more?' Pushing thoughts of his appearance to the side, Harry walked forward.
"Good morning. I, Hadrian Antinous Potter, welcome you to Duskmoor. I hope you enjoy your stay." Harry bowed low when he reached them and stood to see a shared smile between the two parents. They too bowed and the man spoke first, in a rich, warm tone, almost like melted chocolate, if it had a sound. "Thank you, Heir Potter, or would you prefer Heir Black instead?" Seeing Harry's immediate confusion and distrust, the woman moved to soothe him before he made the wrong assumption. "Do not be worried Heir Potter-Black, we've known of you since birth, and Sirius's invitation mentioned you." Her voice was sophisticated and soft but there was an undercurrent there that could be intimidating if she were to direct her ire towards you. Harry let go the breath he had been holding and smiled. "Honestly sir, I'd prefer Hadrian, I don't know any of you, with all due respect. The formalities are already complicated enough, not counting the fact that I'm severely underdressed." A chuckle escaped Harry's mouth at that, and to his surprise the girl he had been admiring giggled at him. "Hadrian it is then, for now. I hope we can get close enough that calling you Harry wouldn't be a problem later down the line." The woman smiled at him, and he returned it. The man watched the exchange between his wife and the teen in front of him with growing interest.
"So, we know your name yet haven't introduced ourselves, how rude of me. I am Lord Alexander Orson Whittaker, and this is my lovely wife Lady Lyra Isabella Whittaker. My eldest son and heir, Edward Arcturus Whittaker, my darling daughter Serena Cassiopeia Whittaker and my youngest, though" the man leaned down and in a stage whisper, said "probably my favourite, Marcus Rigel Whittaker." That earned him a smack on the arm from his wife and a huff from his daughter. Edward smiled a bit and ruffled Marcus's hair, the blushing boy wearing the biggest possible smile. Harry smiled at the family dynamic, but Lyra saw the well-hidden pain in his eyes and her heart ached for the young man in front of her. "Let me lead you to the sitting room. Sirius said he didn't want to be too formal, so we'll be having an early lunch there if none of you mind?" When no one protested it, Harry turned and led the family of five through the doors he had come from, down a long passageway, sleeping portraits to their immediate right down the massive hall, until they reached an already open door that led into a beautiful sitting room bedecked in greens and silvers, with the occasional deep red and purple throw cushions.
Sirius, dressed in dark grey shirt and slacks, stood to greet his guests with his arms wide. "Alex, Cousin Ly, it's been too long." He embraced Alexander in a very manly hug, and his cousin he wrapped tight in his arms, not seeming to want to let go. When he withdrew, tears sparkled at the corners of his eyes. Lyra rested a hand on his cheek and wiped a single tear that escaped its confines away. "Don't worry Siri, we never doubted you. We tried our best, but you know how the DMLE feels about the Neutrals weighing into those kinds of politics. I'm glad to see you healthy and back to your old self again, I missed you little Siri." The cousins rested their foreheads against each other and then broke apart, Sirius falling into a seat next to Harry, the Whittaker family spreading around the room, Serena, and Edward each getting comfortable in armchairs, while Marcus nestled in between his parents on the couch across from Harry and Sirius. They made small talk for a while, and had a very nice lunch, until the topic of Harry came up. Surprisingly, Serena was the one that posed the question.
"So, Hadrian, could you tell us where you've been? You're not only the Heir to the Most Ancient Founding House of Black through Sirius's connection and decree and your great-grandmother Dorea Potter neé Black, but the Most Ancient and Noble House of Potter as well. That and your brother is the Boy-Who-Lived, your father is Chief Auror, and your mother is the best Muggle Studies teacher to ever grace Hogwarts, along with the fact that she's a Charms Master. Why are you only showing up now?" Harry looked up from fiddling with his lighter at the girl, emeralds meeting grey flecked sapphires.
"Well, I'd honestly prefer not discussing that right now. As I said, and I mean it with all due respect, I don't know you, and though you seem pleasant and are very far family, I can't just trust you immediately. I will say that my parents abandoned me to the muggle world, to family my mother had. I ended up in Corsica, because of some accidental magic and stress, and that was almost five years ago. Sirius found me, and that's it really, for now. I'm sure you'll learn more over time, but that's it. Oh, and I have known about magic since I was 10 and will be joining you at Hogwarts." Harry finished, his knee bouncing as he stared out of one of the windows. "I… I'm sorry, for being so blunt and kinda rude, I can be a bit of a connard sometimes, I didn't have a great childhood. I'm trying though, so just, bear with me yeah? And… call me Harry." Harry said, hesitantly smiling at the family in front of him.
"Of course, Harry. We are family after all, even though very distantly.," Lyra said, smiling at him. "Now, has Sirius taken you to Diagon Alley yet?" At the shake of Harry's head, Lyra gave Sirius a small scowl. "Well, Harry, Hogwarts is right around the corner and seeing as it will be your introduction to Wizarding Britain, specifically the children of the elite and the politicians of our country, you'll want to make quite an impression, not to mention we need to pick up some school supplies for all of you." Lyra explained, winking at Sirius subtly.
"Well… If you want, maybe we can all go tomorrow, I want to see what Diagon Alley has to offer. Right now, though, I'd love if Edward, Serena, and Marcus could tell me about how Hogwarts is." Harry said, a laugh escaping his mouth as Marcus jumped up to tell him everything he could.
Sirius beckoned for the adults to join him on the balcony just outside of the sitting room, to give the kids space. "It is nice seeing him with kids nearer his age. He hasn't been saying much. I mean, we talk, but not of much with substance you know? He wakes up horrendously early most of the time and goes for a run and then I'll find him cooking, or skipping breakfast to spend time in the training room. When he's not physically busy he's reading or writing, theorizing he called it a few days ago. He's very smart and very dedicated to whatever he seems to think he needs to do, but still. He needs to be a child; he can't already be as grown up as he is."
Alexander nodded, tilting his head at the four teens in the room. "Give him time, he'll surprise you. I remember a lot of young lads coming out of the war that had a similar look in their eyes as he does, it just takes time to be… normal. I won't pry, but I have a feeling he's been through much more that he would like to keep secret, for now at least." Sirius grimaced at that, before looking into the room again. "You have no idea."
The Whittaker household stayed for another few hours before heading home, promising to meet the two in Diagon Alley the next day. Harry watched them step into the Floo, letting out a sigh. "I… Like them, they're good people. I hope they didn't think I was weird or awkward or anything." Sirius looked down at his godson's sheepish smile. "Of course they didn't Harry. Alexander and Lyra really enjoyed you, and I'm sure the kids did too. I did notice you sneaking glances at Serena though. Someone catch your fancy?" Sirius asked, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. Harry looked up at the idiotic look on Sirius's face with a soft glare before turning around and leaving the room, muttering about idiotic godfathers and girls being too pretty for their own good.
(The next day; Diagon Alley)
Serena sat next to her mother at Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, an empty bowl in front of her. Her foot was tapping impatiently against the cobblestone pavement, until Lyra shot her a look. "Sorry mum… They're just taking so long; I wonder what's got them caught up." Serena looked back at the entrance, waiting for it to fold open. "Well, Sirius always was one to be late, and I doubt he's changed much since back in the day. Don't you worry, I'm sure they'll be here shortly."
As if on que, the brick wall opened, revealing Sirius and Harry. The two were dressed casually, Sirius's hair done up in a ponytail and Harry's cascading down onto his shoulders, messy and a little bit curled. They looked like they could be a father and son, if only it wasn't for Harry's emerald eyes casting such a large contrast with the grey eyes of the Black family. Seemingly seeing the two girls sat at the table, they sauntered over. "Lyra, Serena, good to see you again." Sirius said, giving his cousin a hug before sitting down. "Where are the boys? Please don't tell me they abandoned us to your mercy."
Lyra gave a soft huff. "No, they did not. Alex is up at Gringotts, securing Harry a meeting with his account manager and yours, where I think you two will be off to, and Serena and I will go and find Edward and Marc. They said they were going to go looking for presents for Harry's birthday."
"Oh, that's really not necessary. I… I don't expect anyone to get me anything, really, you don't have to." Harry said, blushing furiously.
"Oh no, we definitely will be getting you something Harry, one from each of us and then a present from House Whittaker as well. Why do you think I made up the excuse of school supplies yesterday, when we all know that the letters only arrive on the first of August. If it makes you feel better, there is a custom of not refusing birthday gifts in wizarding culture, especially among Purebloods. It would be very unkind of you to reject it." Lyra said, a smirk playing across her features, Sirius snickering next to her. Harry huffed at the two before smiling. "So, Gringotts Sirius? We might as well get that over with sooner rather than later, otherwise we'll miss all the shopping." Sirius nodded and stood up, the two heading off in the direction of the largest building on the street.
At the end of the street, a large white marble building stood, the word "Gringotts" emblazoned above the entrance in gold lettering. The stone steps leading up to the door were spotless, no sign of any dirt or debris anywhere, the white marble pillars shining in the sunlight. Two goblin guards, armed with battle-axes and adorned in gold plated armour flanked the large double doors, watching with narrowed eyes as Harry and Sirius entered. Harry was stunned, looking around the marble hall inlaid with gold, silver, and bronze everywhere. Sirius left him staring, walking up to one of the tellers. The goblin behind it looked up and sneered at him, extending a greeting in a rasping voice. "Welcome to Gringotts. How can we be of service?"
"Greetings. I was told there was a meeting being organised by Lord Whittaker, with the Potter and Black Account Managers. I am Lord Sirius Black and would appreciate it if you could lead me and my charge there, please." The goblin gave Sirius an inquisitive look, before hopping off of his stool, disappearing behind the counter. Grabbing Harry, the two waited for the goblin to return, and when he did, he led them down a corridor at the back of the bank, past numerous heavy-set doors before stopping in front of one, the plaque on the door reading: "Account Manager Gorek: Ancient Founding House of Black"
The goblin opened the door for them and stepped away, already heading back down the corridor. Sirius stepped in, Harry following him and willing the door to close behind him. The room that greeted them was large, ironically large considering the size of goblins. The walls were panelled oak, weapons hanging from the shields that hung from the walls. Battle-axes, war hammers, great swords, and daggers. To the back of the room, behind the desk where two goblins in suits sat across from Alexander, were four bookshelves, packed to the brim with folders, books and scrolls. There was a large map directly behind and above the two managers, seemingly marking important Gringotts locations across the globe. "C'est magnifique, tellement beau." Harry breathed out before joining the adults. The goblins looked over at him. "I presume that you are this presumed heir of our accounts that has resulted in the fuss over the last few days in our halls?"
"I am him yes, although I didn't know I've been kicking up a fuss, I'm sorry. Hadrian Antinous Potter, nice to meet you." The goblins looked at him a bit confused, politeness not being something most Heirs were known for in the halls of Gringotts. "Well, I am Gorek, the Black Family's account manager, and this is Bloodfang, the Potter Family's account manager. Lord Whittaker here came to us, worried that your inheritance, albeit your Potter inheritance, might be taken from you before you could register yourself here with us, as well as with the Ministry. As you probably know, there is only a discrepancy of minutes between you and your brothers birth, and your fool of a Minister would bend over backwards to appease the Boy-Who-Lived. We at Gringotts however, place a large importance on blood relations and inheritance, and anyone who would attempt to steal from kin is trash, and we want to make sure it is not possible. We, of course, can register you at Gringotts, and for a small fee, we can send the registration to the Ministry as well. All we need is a blood sample." As Gorek said this, Bloodfang placed a large bowl on the table, setting a ceremonial dagger next to it. Harry stood without hesitation, gripping the knife and cutting his hand open, letting blood flow into the bowl. Gorek waved his hand over the bowl, muttering gibberish, and a quill floated up, dipping into the blood, and writing out a full genealogy report on the paper. At the bottom the crests for Potter and Black appeared, along with some faded crests.
"What do those other crests at the end mean?" Harry asked, trying his best to examine them.
"Oh, well, those are family's that have either been absorbed into others or have multiple claimants. Some even still exist, yet the Ministry has declared them lost or Dark." At the mention of Dark, Harry stiffened and frowned, speaking before he could stop himself. "There is no Light or Dark, Account Manager. Only shades of Grey, and our power and positions within them." The goblin nodded in agreement, removing the bowl, while Sirius and Alexander gave Harry an inquisitive look. "Now, do you have any questions about the state of the Potter finances? Lord Black, I'm sure, can fill you in on his household, but as Heir, you are entitled to information about your future accounts."
"Well, I don't really care to listen to much right now, if you would forgive me. Are there any accounts that I can access? And anything that could be done to bar me access from those?" Bloodfang looked through a thick ledger for a moment before answering.
"There is a trust fund, set up for Potter children to use for school supplies and the like, that refills to a thousand galleons every year on your birthday as the eldest Potter child. Right now, the only two withdrawing funds from it are Julian Caelum Potter and Rosalie Lillium Potter. Would you require a key, Heir Potter?" At a shake of Harry's head, he continued. "Otherwise there aren't really any other vaults you could access unless accompanied by your Head of House. Now, as for measures that could be levelled against you. There are a few. One would require you breaking a number of laws that I doubt you would, the rest are along the lines of you renouncing your name, bringing significant shame on the family, and a few old esoteric ones that are highly unlikely to come to pass. All of them need to be proven in the Wizengamot, the court of the Ministry, mind you. He can't just take it away, and if he tries, I'm sure Lord Black knows some damn good lawyers. I would say you are safe from losing your inheritance, bar extreme circumstance." Harry nodded and stood, reaching his hand out to the goblins. They looked at each other before both shook his hand. Harry bowed slowly, speaking as he stood. "Thank you for your service, it is well met and appreciated. May your vaults grow full, and your blades drink the blood of your enemies. Sirius?" Sirius nodded, smiling proudly, and the three wizards left, leaving two slightly stunned goblins in their wake. Bloodfang looked over at Gorek. "Before we discuss the respect the child showed us, which in itself is one of the stranger things to have happened this past week, why did you not explain the rest of his heritage to him?"
Gorek smiled at that. "We in our halls know he is destined for something great or terrible one day. Have you not realized; the last Great Prophecy made alludes to him. He will find out, I will tell him myself if I must, eventually. If he was to know now, he would endanger and disadvantage himself by worrying and making a fuss about his destiny. Let a child be a child till they cannot be. He's already lost some of that, I saw it when he spoke about the Gray. A truer, yet heavier sentence, has rarely been spoken." The two goblins sat for hours discussing the young Heir that had walked into their lives that day.
(Meanwhile, outside Gringotts)
The three wizards stepped out of the large oak doors and onto the marble steps outside before Alexander and Sirius turned to Harry. "Where did you learn to do and say what you just did? It's rare for wizards to show that kind of respect to the goblins these days. And that line about Light and Dark and Gray. Did your previous mentor teach you that?" Harry looked perplexed at the two adults before continuing to walk, making sure they were with him. "What do you think I've been doing all this time when I'm reading Sirius? I study history, law, culture, among other things. Things I need to know now that I'm fully in the Wizarding World, and you happen to have a lot of old books in that library. If I am to act the pure-blooded prince in society, I will do it with the utmost respect, kindness, and when necessary, ruthlessness. You know me well enough by now to know the kind of person I am, at least most of the time, you haven't seen me angry, and I hope you never do, because I have been told it isn't a pretty picture. I am generally respectful, if a bit shy in front of new people." Harry nodded toward Alexander. "As for the Gray… yes, my mentor taught me that, amongst other things, and it is one of the main tenets I live my life by. I won't elaborate further on that, not now, so please don't push it. Even I have secrets, most of which you already know." Sirius looked conflicted for a moment before smiling. "Of course Harry. Just… be safe, will you?" Harry nodded and smiled back before turning to the road. The three met with the rest of the Whittaker family outside of Twillfitt and Tattings, where everyone then got fitted for new robes, as well as suits and dresses. Lyra then took Serena to go shopping further, not wanting Harry to see any of his gifts and leaving him with the boys.
Before they went shopping further, Harry excused himself for a moment, and headed towards Ollivanders, promising to be back in a moment. Entering the dark, empty store, dust kicking up as he did, Harry called out. "Mister Ollivander, are you here?" From the back, past a wall lined with small, thin boxes, a voice called back. "Just a moment, just a moment. I'll be right there." Emerging from the back was an old, slightly dishevelled man, his white hair long and scraggly. "Ah, Mister Potter, I had wondered whether I would ever see you. Although, you do not come seeking a wand do you, no… no you already have one. What brings you here then Mister Potter?" Ollivander said, looking Harry up and down. Harry pushed aside the fact that this stranger already knew his name and stepped forward, withdrawing his wand. "I was hoping you could look over my wand, make sure it isn't damaged in some way that I can't see, and maybe sell me a wand-holster?" Ollivander nodded and took the proffered wand, running his hands delicately over the stick of wood. "Ebony and… Beech. Why my young boy, is this your second wand already?" Harry shook his head and smiled. "No, my mentor passed away some months ago and when he did, I could not bring myself to discard his wand, so I took it and mine to the wandmaker who made mine, a Monsieur Arsenault, maybe you've heard of him?" Ollivander nodded and motioned for him to continue. "Well, I asked him if anything could be done, and he said to give him a few hours. When he was done, the beech wood had been fused with my own ebony and it felt… right, it worked better. And now he will forever be remembered, even if only by me and my magic." Ollivander smiled at the boy.
"Henri Arsenault has been a sentimental man for as long as I have known him, and he did an extremely splendid job. Phoenix Feather core, which is curious. The only phoenix I know of in Europe has only given two feathers in the past century. Did Henri have one, or did you acquire one?" Harry smiled again. "No, my mentor had acquired it in Japan, visiting an old friend who was teaching at Mahoutokoro, whose own phoenix was kind enough to gift my mentor a feather." Ollivander nodded again. "Eleven and a half inches, sturdy. This is an amazing wand; Mister Potter and I can see why you care for it much. It will not betray you and aid you immensely in whatever you pursue."
Harry left a few minutes later, a wand holster strapped to his right forearm, his wand safe and secure. Upon reaching the rest of the group, the five of them headed to Flourish and Blotts, mainly to appease both Harry and Marcus's thirst for knowledge. The moment they stepped foot in the store, Marcus grabbed Harry and dragged him off, to the delight of Edward and Alexander. The two were busy perusing Ancient Runes books, supplementary texts for anyone who wanted to do a more in-depth study on specifics that weren't covered in class when suddenly, two figures rushed past, knocking Harry into the bookshelf and Marcus down to the floor. Without even so much as a glance the two kept going, ignoring Harry's call. "Hey, get back here assholes. Marcus, you okay?" Harry knelt down to help the boy up, straightening his glasses as well. "Yeah, I'm fine Harry, don't worry. This kinda thing happens at Hogwarts a lot, being a Ravenclaw means that you as a person don't get a lot of respect, seeing as we're basically portrayed as bookworms."
"I am so sorry about them, my son and his friend, they don't have as much respect for bookstores as I would hope." Harry stopped and turned to the voice and immediately froze. He was staring into the same eyes he saw every time he looked into the mirror, though this woman's eyes were much softer than his usually were. Lily Potter gasped as she stared into her son's eyes, frozen for a moment, not at all knowing why he was here. Harry stared back for a moment before turning around to Marcus, Lily gasping when she heard his voice, James's voice at fourteen, although much more proper. "I think it's time we leave Marc, before something happens. Let's go." Marcus nodded, looking between the two, shooting Lily a sour look and the two started walking away, getting so far as the end of the aisle before she moved, rushing after them. When she finally caught up Harry was outside, standing in front of Sirius… and the whole Whittaker family. "Harry, wait! What are you-" Harry turned immediately to face her, fixing a glare on her. "You have no right to address me so familiarly Lady Potter, so I would appreciate it if you did not call me Harry again. My name is Hadrian, or Heir Potter. Noth-"
Two red-haired boys appeared, one's hair the exact shade of Lily's, the others a bit more orange than red. "Hey, where do you get off talking to my mum like that, and calling yourself Heir Potter, I'm the Potter Heir. You better apologize before I make you!" The bespectacled boy growled, his wand in his hand. Harry gave him an appraising look before turning to his mother. "So, you haven't told him? At all? It was just easier to toss me to those filthy Muggles you call family and forget, wasn't it? Well, enjoy explaining to your second born just exactly why he's wrong." Harry said, turning to leave. His brother, however, had other ideas. "Illisus!"
Harry turned back on a dime, his wand coming up and a shield manifesting in front of him before a silent disarming spell hit the boy and threw him to the floor. Without another word, Harry dropped the boys wand and left the store. Lily looked to Sirius, who gave her a long, hard stare and turned to follow his godson, the rest of their party following him. Lily turned to her son, relieved to see him unharmed, but still fuming at what he had done. "Julian, pick up your wand, we're going home and having a long talk. Ron, if you would, your mother is down at Jiggers picking up some ingredients, meet her there." The ginger nodded and hurried out of the store while Julian Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived, grabbed his wand and followed his mother to the Leaky Cauldron to floo home.
(Dewich Manor; Dover)
Julian walked up to his room, slamming his door behind him and dropping into his red and gold four poster bed. Why was his mother being like this, and mad at him instead of the random asshole that had been hanging out with Uncle Sirius and those snaky Whittakers? He had just been defending his mum, and sure, he shouldn't have tried to hex someone in the middle of Diagon Alley, but this guy was not only being rude but also trying to claim his inheritance and that wasn't right. Now his mum was calling his dad to come back from work and have a talk with him. A few moments passed before he heard his mum calling him and his sister from downstairs. "Julian, Rose honey, come down to the sitting room, right now please!"
Julian met up with Rose at the top of the stairs, who shot him a weird look when she saw his furious expression, but he ignored her and stomped down. The two of them found both their parents in the sitting room, Lily pacing across the room while James sat, watching worriedly. The two sat down in armchairs, Rose sharing her fathers worried look.
"Okay Lily-flower, why don't you tell us what's wrong?" James asked softly. Lily stopped and turned to everyone, her eyes misty. "Harry, James. I ran into Harry at Flourish and Blotts and… and I watched him do magic. He was with Sirius, and the Whittakers were there as well. He… Called me Lady Potter and told me to not call him Harry, and that I had no right to call him that. It was horrible James." James looked like he had seen a ghost, the colour draining from his face. Julian spoke up angrily before anyone could say anything. "Yeah dad, this arsehole was so rude to mum and called himself Heir Potter, and he called Muggles filthy, and Uncle Sirius didn't even say anything when he was being rude to mum."
His words fell on deaf ears however as James stared at Lily for what seemed like forever before he started shaking his head, muttering under his breath. "There's no way, there is no way, he's a squib Lily, are you sure it was him that used magic and not just Sirius?" Lily turned and fixed a scorching glare on her husband. "Of course I know what I saw James. Julian tried to hit him with a Striking Hex while his back was turned and he spun immediately, threw up a shield and WITH A WAND IN HIS HAND he disarmed Julian silently." James looked between Julian and Lily incredulously before sinking his face into his hands. Julian was still going on about how rude and evil this guy had been when Rose spoke up. "Who is Harry mum? And why is this so bad?" Lily looked at her daughter and her features softened a bit, and she sat down.
"Harry is… he's your older brother, and Julian's older twin." At that, Julian stopped spluttering, his anger dissipating slightly. "When Voldemort attacked, and Julian stopped her, your brother got hurt, and we thought that would be it, but when Dumbledore and Madame Pomfrey checked him, they came to the conclusion that whatever had happened with Julian had siphoned his magic somehow, and he was little more than a squib. You know how squibs are treated here in the Wizarding World and we thought, Dumbledore thought, that he would grow up resenting Julian and being jealous and upset at the fact that he didn't have magic. So, it was suggested that we place Harry in the Muggle world, like many squibs are, and we left him with my sister, your Aunt Petunia, and her family. When your Uncle Sirius came back, he insisted that Harry had magic and refused to believe what we told him… and now it seems he found Harry and he was right. I left specific instructions with Petunia though, to let me know if Harry showed any signs of magic, and it seems that she didn't, and it's been years since he should've received his Hogwarts letter. I don't know what happened, but we will find out and we will apologize, and he'll come home." Rosalie nodded and stood up, glaring at her brother.
"Well, I hope for your sake he forgives you Julian, and so help me, if what our family did to him makes him mad at me too, you'll have two kids who don't want to be here." Rose's glare softened a little as she turned it on her parents, and she stormed out, her door slamming moments later and ringing through the Manor, leaving the older Potters to ponder on all they had learned today.
AN: So, this is me actually trying my best to take this story seriously, I've spent a long time making sure this chapter was perfect and felt right, my previous attempts with this story disappointed me and I'm hoping it doesn't now. Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed and feel free to leave a review with praise or constructive criticism. If you feel the need to send hate though, maybe think about your life first.