Chapter 3

Arcturus shifted a bit after walking through the floo connection to the ministry. He has always hated the required robes for the Wizengamot meetings. They never seemed to fit correctly and always seemed charmed to get in his way. Making his way into the chamber Arcturus either put off or directly ignored. He growled at one young lord who tried to physically block the way. The lord seemed to hold his ground but seemed to reconsider on looking at Arcturus' expression. Arcturus murmured about idiotic lords as he made his way over to Charlus and Dorea. Erecting a small privacy ward around them Arcturus greeted the couple. There was the traditional exchange of pleasantries between them before Arcturus inquired if Dorea had discovered anything in her in the intervening weeks.

"No Arcturus. Nothing different has arisen. Though the magic has seemed to settle." Dorea answered.

Arcturus couldn't suppress the sigh that escaped in disappointment over that revelation. Dorea quickly distracted her cousin by speaking about the antics that James and Sirius had been up to over the summer. Arcturus laughed at his friend's expense as he listened to the stories that he was told. Before they part Arcturus invites them over for dinner that night. It was only as the meeting started to begin that he realized that Sirius had been spending an inordinate amount of time at Potter mansion. He filed that piece of information away to come back to later.

After everyone sat down Dumbledore called the meeting to order and began with the calling of the names. Almost every seat was filled as this meeting was one of the four major meetings throughout the year. The few empty seats were the ones where holders were suffering major health concerns. Before the typical beginning of meetings items the clerk signaled that he had an issue that needed to be considered.

"Clerk Davis, is there an issue that needs to be brought before the Gamot today?" Dumbledore questioned.

"Yes, Chief Warlock. There is one issue that needs to be addressed today; the reclamation of a heritage seat by a Lord." The clerk intimated

Instantly the murmurs started throughout the chamber. Heritage seats were few now, with many laying dormant, waiting for proper heirs to reclaim. The reclamation of one hadn't occurred for several generations, with none being alive that had witnessed it last. Arcturus savored the stunned look on Dumbledore's face as the information seemed to register. It was only via a prodding from the clerk where Dumbledore regained composure.

Dumbledore used the gavel to regain control of the Gamot before speaking, "Let the Lord come forth and be judged by the seat."

The doors to the Gamot were opened by the Aurors, allowing the Lord to enter. Arcturus leaned forward as a young man walked through the doorway, seemingly unfazed by the attention sprung on him. The first thing that struck Arcturus was how young the man was. The second was that the young man seemed wholly unconcerned with the pomp and circumstance. He watched as they young man made his way to one of the open wooden seats. Arcturus did admit that he enjoyed the struggle that seemed to occur with Dumbledore as the young man seemed to ignore the calls of the Chief Warlock.

The young man was busy running his hand over the seat, seeming to admire it. Arcturus noted that several of his fellow Gamot members bore looks of confusion; not knowing whose seat it was. Arcturus stole a look at Charlus who bore a reflective expression, but his friend gave nothing else away. Finally, it seemed that Dumbledore had run out of patience, banging his gavel down he all but demanded attention.

"What seat do you seek to claim young Lord?" Arcturus swore he heard a snort from someone in the gallery

The young Lord smiled before returning to the center of the floor, "I am claiming the Peverell seat via right of Inheritance."

The reaction from the chamber was immediate. The murmurs and talking exploded all throughout the chamber. Arcturus could see many on different Lords and Ladies all huddled and whispering between them. He could almost hear the scheming taking place all around him. The most curious thing was that the young lord had a small smile on it. To Arcturus it seemed like the man was almost wistful, like he was used to what was going on. The noise started to die down throughout the room, with Dumbledore's gavel ending the last of it.

"Will you please present your ring for comparison to the scrolls?"

The lord walked over and instead of taking off the ring as one does, allowed the Clerk to inspect it before double checking. Arcturus could see several Lords bristle throughout the room and suppressed the smile that wanted to break out. It was only a few moments before the Clerk matched the rings to the one in the scrolls. The Lord was directed to his seat and Arcturus watched the reactions of the Lords around him. He saw a mixture of greed, disappointment, and intrigue over several faces as the chair accepted its Lord.

"Very well, Lord Peverell. To which faction will you be assigning your vote?" Dumbledore asked.

There was a moment of hesitance before the young Lord responded, "The Neutral Faction."

The clerk spent a few moments updating the records in the scrolls before recognizing that the Lord Peverell was allowed the right to vote and was registered to the neutral faction. Again, Arcturus watched as the various reactions continued, though Dumbledore's gavel was a surprising interruption.

"If the chamber would indulge me a moment, I would like to take time to get to know the new Lord to this august body."

There was some heckling and calling from the chamber before one voice spoke up above the others, "Why would we allow this? We have families to return to Chief Warlock, we do not wish to extend this meeting any further than necessary."

There was agreement from throughout the chamber to which Dumbledore raised a placating hand. "I understand Lords and Ladies, yet the young Lord Peverell is a man that I do not know and would be appreciative if that is something this body would allow to rectify."

Again, the murmurs started as Dumbledore admitted to not knowing something. Eventually the chamber mood shifted to one of acquiescence and allowed Dumbledore to conduct his information gathering. Arcturus looked at the Lord Peverell and saw the young lord shake saw a small smirk grace his face. Calling over a chamber runner Arcturus penned a note and sent if off to Charlus.

"Would the young Lord please introduce himself to the chamber?" Dumbledore asked.

"Lord Peverell." Harry answered.

There was a pause as Dumbledore expected more from the young man. However, Harry just kept a small smile outward and seemed content to sit in silence. Arcturus enjoyed the silence as people began to shuffle. A power of wills seemed to be occurring and Arcturus knew who would break first.

"Perhaps we may know your first name?"

"Harrold."

At this a few Lords openly chuckled at the display between the two.

"Where are you from? I don't remember you from Hogwarts." Dumbledore prodded.

"I would be more worried if you remembered me, concerning I never went. I am from Greece."

The chuckles from the first part turned into whispers and concerns over his origins. Arcturus could see the various members of the Dark faction begin sending notes and conferring back and forth. He expected to hear a protestation if not an outright objection to come forth. In doing this he missed the next question and answer between Dumbledore and Peverell. It was in the next lull that the expected question came.

Lord Edwards rose, "I must protest. A foreigner has no right to be a part of our august body." Several sounds of agreement rang throughout the entire chamber. "He should be stripped of his title!" Arcturus' eyebrows rose in surprise. The Lord Edwards seemed emboldened by something, as stripping of title was not something that was a typical overview of the Gamot. He could feel the eyes of the Lords in the Black alliance network looking to him. He stayed silent, not reacting yet through the silence gave instructions to his bloc. Arcturus turned his attention to Lord Peverell as Lord Edwards stayed standing, expecting a response.

Lord Peverell remained in his seat, seeming unconcerned that the entirety of the chamber was now staring at him. Edwards was sat behind Peverell seat, a few rings up. On the lack of reaction Arcturus could see Edwards grew antsy and gave way who was truly calling the shots by turning to Lord Nott. It was a few more moments of Silence before Lord Malfoy spoke up.

"Lord Peverell a protestation has been made. Your response?"

"I was unaware that a protestation required a response."

Another voice spoke up, "All the more reason for your removal. You clearly…"

"Let me rephrase for the idiots that seem to exist in this chamber. A protestation does not need to be met. So, if the little Lord wants to make a true mark, then I welcome him to make a full objection which I will gladly meet on the chamber floor."

That discussion rose before a soft voice broke through, "Lord Peverell if I may? Where in Greece did you get your schooling?" A Lady spoke up.

"Well Lady…" Harry started

"Savios, Lord Peverell."

"Well Lady Savios, I did not attend a magical school, I had a mentor."

"And the name of your mentor?"

"Is not something a student reveals."

"But the tribe…"

There was a smile that graced Lord Peverell's face, "You have knowledge of Magical Greco culture." Lady Savios nodded at the praise, "My mentor was with one of the recognized Spartan Tribes."

"Thank you, Lord Peverell." Lady Savios bowed slightly before turning towards the Clerk, "Clerk, note for the record that House Savios is now in a formal neutral relationship with House Peverell. We will not entertain any propositions of war that will put us at odds with one another."

"It is so recorded." The clerk responded.

There was a moment of silence as people processed the information that Lady Savios' neutrality would give. It was a few moments before Lord Edward retook his seat, ending his protestation. Though to Arcturus' chagrin Dumbledore tried to throw one last wrench in it.

"Lord Potter, as the former holder of the Peverell vote, is there anything you wish to say on the matter?" Dumbledore asked.

"Chief Warlock had I wanted to speak on the matter I would've done so earlier as is appropriate. Meddling in my family's affairs is not appreciated nor is it appropriate. You are the Chief Warlock, do not instigate your own politics lest you be subject to a vote of no confidence."

Arcturus chuckled as he saw Dumbledore's hands rise in an instant placation, "There was no meddling meant. I just wanted to make sure all who needed got a chance to speak."

"Then perhaps you should return to Hogwarts where such coddling would be necessary." Charlus growled. "Let us move on from this pedantry. I have a family to get back to."

A cry of "Seconded" was heard throughout the chamber. Dumbledore hung his head as he moved the discussion onto the matters session already recorded on the rolls. Arcturus settled into his seat. The excitement was done, and now the trivial matters of the Gamot began took hold. The session was standard until the end. Lord Nott set forth a series of proposed on tax hikes against the muggle populace. They were small individually, yet Arcturus felt an undercurrent in the room. The discussion on the laws would not happen until the next session.

The end of the session was quick to follow the proposed changes to the law. The customary reaction from the Light faction was noted yet the debate could not take place today. Arcturus made note to speak to his bloc and see if they had any information on the motivations behind the changes to the law. He hadn't heard any whispers for causing him some slight concerns. Rising from his chair he began to mingle throughout the room. Several Lords and Ladies left but the majority of the Gamot would spend time speaking to each other. Several lessor Lords vied for his attention. He granted it to some listening to the issues and ideas they presented. There are a couple that needed further attention, but most were not worth the exchange of air between Lords.

Eventually he was able to meet up with Charlus and Dorea who were in a discussion with Lord Doge. Doge ended the conversation before Arcturus could hear anything and ended up walking away. Charlus shrugged in response, though it was Dorea that grabbed their attention. Arcturus turned just as the young Lord Peverell made his way over.

"Lord Black? Lord and Lady Potter, I presume?" At their nods he continued, "I just wanted to introduce myself, particularly to Lord Black here. Harrold Peverell at your service. When I was doing the blood test it showed a distant relation to the Black family. And I was informed that the Potters have had a connection to the Peverell line for many generations."

Arcturus let his surprise show, "Were they able to tell how?"

Harry shook his head, "Unfortunately not. They informed me the line was too diluted."

"Unfortunate indeed." Arcturus responded before a quick prodding from Dorea, "Forgive my manners. I am Lord Arcturus Black. This is Lord Charlus Potter. His wife and my cousin Dorea Potter."

Harrold gave forth the proper greeting to the two before turning back to Arcturus, "I do hope that we can meet and discuss certain items. Today has been most enlightening."

With that last little bit, Lord Peverell left them behind and started walk away. The trio watched as he effortlessly moved through the crowd, avoiding the Lords that seemed to desperately want to speak to him. The young Lord had impressed Arcturus throughout the day. Giving a last farewell and a reminder about dinner to the Potter's Arcturus left for home.

Walking into his own home after the long Gamot meeting was a precious moment for Arcturus. He savored the ability to get out of the terrible dress robes and settle into something far more comfortable. As typical, Arcturus walked into his study to organize all the information he wanted to go over within the next few days. He was habitual in the way he organized his memories, preparing them for later viewing and review. Afterwards he penned a few letters to some of the families in his alliance bloc. Malfoy and Nott had surprised him with the proposed changes to the law. The lack of knowledge couldn't happen again. One such letter was penned to his cousin Pollux. Arcturus wanted to know if there was any information that Pollux could give without breaking confidentiality.

Some time later, Arcturus asks for one of the elves to bring Andromeda to his office. He waits scant moments before he hears the teen knocking at his door. She enters and sits down, waiting for her grandfather to acknowledge her. Once Arcturus greets her, he walks around and sits next to her, so his desk is not between them. They spend some time just speaking about some of the stuff that Andromeda has been doing over the summer. Arcturus soaks up the joy that he feels radiating from his granddaughter.

Arcturus turns the conversation towards the issues with the family magic. He informs Andromeda about his conversations with Dorea and what Dorea has felt during her meditations. As Arcturus speaks, he sees his granddaughter go thoughtful, her eyes flickering. Once he is done, he waits for her to speak.

"Aunt Dorea says there hasn't been any fluctuation?" Andromeda finally asks.

"No. She said it was more like a stabilization." Arcturus answered.

Arcturus watches as Andromeda starts to think, her eyes are darting to the family tree tapestry that is hanging on the wall. "I think you need to get your pensieve. There is a memory that I think you need to see."

Arcturus nods and summons his pensieve. He sets it up between the two of them and summons the memory out of Andromeda. Placing it in the pensieve, they both dove into the memory. Arcturus found himself walking through a grove of trees. Though there were differences in size they were relatively similar in composition. The branches were thick and the leaves broad. From each main branch there were several smaller branches that stemmed from them. Andromeda walked through the grove, hands running over the bark of the branches. He felt the magic interacting with her touch. He watched as two branches grew and intertwined with one another. A few leaves started to form from the intertwined branch.

Arcturus started to become aware of a presence as they walked through the grove. It started small, something he wasn't sure Andromeda had originally sensed. Yet as they continued to walk it started to grow. Though he saw nothing to indicate what the foul magic was he could see the presence. Some of the trees had started to wither. It was small at first. Only a few branches withered, changed by some foul presence. Yet whatever it was spread quickly. Several trees began to wholly wither, their branches and leaves completely dying out. Leaves dropping to the floor. Additionally, other trees began to change. Instead of the deep browns and vibrant greens they turned black and silver. Their branches spread out and touched other trees. Some turning black, others dying. Arcturus felt Andromeda's fear rise as the grove slowly died. He felt a single tear fall from his granddaughter as she continued her journey.

Inexplicably joy started to bloom from inside Andromeda. He could feel magic well up around her. As she turned around, she saw another tree rise, its colors more vibrant than any before it. Its leaves not as broad, yet shimmered gold in the light. As the tree rose it began to lose its leaves, yet more ever grew. One fell directly into Andromeda's hand, immediately filling her with joyful magic. Arcturus felt the wonder as she looked around as the leaves flew all around the grove. Every tree was touched by a golden leaf. Many rose back, gaining strength and magic once again. Though not every tree regained its color. Many had forever lost branches. Yet the grove on the brink of becoming barren, blossomed with life once again. Malevolence still there but greatly lessened. Andromeda stole one last look at the tree born from her tear. She stared at it for several long moments before Arcturus felt himself being pulled from the memory.

Arcturus' words failed as he came face to face with his granddaughter. Neither now spoke. Arcturus pulled his granddaughter into a large hug. They didn't speak for a long time. Arcturus let his magic roam free, letting Andromeda drink deep in its embrace and comfort. The two stayed that way until Bellatrix knocked on the door, informing them that Uncle Charlus and Aunt Dorea had arrived for dinner.

A/N: This was an interesting chapter to write for me personally and it challenged me. It was fun, but looking back there were definitely things I would want to change. Schedule will be normalized to Sunday updates. Had some family stuff this weekend which was the cause of this one being later than I wished. Anywho. Link is in bio if you want to read Ch 4 early (will be posted tomorrow).

Next Update: Sept 19th