The Future of House Black
By: Ryu Katanna
Beta:
Disclaimer: All publicly recognizable characters, settings, etc. are the property of their respective owners. The original characters and plot are the property of the author. The author is in no way associated with the owners, creators, or producers of any media franchise. No copyright infringement is intended.
Chapter Three
Minutes passed in silence after Hardwin finished. He was just about to speak when they were disturbed by the baby's crying. Hardwin held up his hand and motioned for Andromeda to stay seated as he stood up himself and walked over to the bassinette. He picked up Teddy to cradle him to his chest as he swayed gently before making his way back over to his chair.
"There's not a good place to change him in here." Andromeda stated as she pulled out one of the cloth diapers.
"It's alright, Andromeda. I'll have an elf do it this time. Winky!" Hardwin called out knowing that this was not a job Kreacher would care for.
"Master Black calls for Winky?" The little elf asked curiously as she popped into the room.
"Yes, Winky. Would you be a dear and take care of Teddy's nappy for me? I will talk to Andromeda and Narcissa about what we discussed earlier while you do." Hardwin said as he took the clean nappy from Andromeda.
"Ofs course, Master. Winky happy to serve House of Black!" Winky almost bounced on her feet as she took the clean nappy before Hardwin placed the baby gently in her arms and she left the room.
"I thought the only elf you had here was Kreacher?" Andromeda asked wonderingly as the pulled out a bottle that was already made and warm due to the stasis spell.
"I did. It's one of the things I wanted to ask you both. Winky belonged to the House of Crouch. She took care of Heir Crouch for years while his father kept him under imperius. When he escaped during the chaos at the Quidditch World Cup before my fourth year Lord Crouch gave her clothes for something that she couldn't have helped. It wasn't her fault, but he freed her anyway. She hasn't been doing well without a family to serve. She's been working at Hogwarts but…" Hardwin sighed only to have Narcissa nod in understanding.
"Hogwarts is good, but it's not the same as having a wizarding House's family magic to support them." She responded knowingly.
"Exactly. Dobby got us out of the manor that day, but Bellatrix… She threw a dagger and she got him. Dobby died to get us out. There's nothing I can do for him now, but he cared about Winky." Hardwin said softly knowing that this would be delicate ground to walk on with the mention of Bellatrix.
"I apologize, Hardwin. I loved my sister, but she wasn't always the most… stable. Even before Azkaban. I have a feeling you may be right about us marrying too closely. If ensuring that marriages are more spread out means fewer children affected as Bella was then I'm supportive of it." Narcissa said quietly as she and Andromeda shared a weighted glance.
Hardwin could see the olive branch for what it was and decided he would take it. If he wanted this to work, if he wanted to pull what remained of this family together, he would have to offer something more of himself. He was surprised to realize how far he was willing to go to do that. The Blacks had been torn apart by this war as many families had. There were so few of them who remained now. They would have to heal the rifts left in their family themselves and to do so meant they would have to learn to be honest with each other. To forgive each other for the past. To find a way to move on together.
He was dealing with Slytherins. He would have to think like one if he wanted to achieve his goal. He would be honest with them and share something of himself. Something that had left its mark like a raw nerve that he tried to ignore. At the same time, it wouldn't be something that could be used against him other than hurtful words. He would know how far to trust them by their reactions, and how they used that knowledge.
"I will never forgive Bellatrix for what she did. She is the one who killed Sirius. At the same time, she was still a Black. She was still your sister. We all made our own choices during the war. Sirius wasn't as stable as he could have been either… I'll never forget the last thing he said to me. We were all fighting, and the last thing he said to me was 'Nice one, James.' I… hadn't realized until then that he might not always have been seeing me when he looked at me." Hardwin quietly admitted the one thing he had never wanted to admit about his godfather aloud.
"I don't blame you, Narcissa. For anything. I can understand why you went along with everything. You were trying to protect what was most important. You were protecting your family. Draco will never know how lucky he is to have a mother like you in his life. You lied to Tom's face even though it would have been bad for you if he discovered your deceit, but you did what you had to do and you got your son out of the war zone." Hardwin reached out and squeezed her hand gently as he continued.
"Not every mother loves their child that way. Draco and I are both lucky. My mum had the choice to step aside. Snape had pleaded for her life, and Tom gave her the chance to step aside three times. She refused each time, and her sacrifice left a mark that protected me from some of the darkest magic. Your husband made some shitty choices, but you did the best you could to keep your son alive. Someone like that, who can make the hard decisions to protect what's important, is someone I am grateful I can call family. I know I probably sound like a big sap right now, but that is how I feel." He said with a small chuckle and for a moment Narcissa didn't seem to breathe.
Finally, her shoulders relaxed and she smiled at him for the first time and squeezed his hand back.
"Thank you, Hardwin. I will admit I didn't know your mother well. I do know she must be very proud of the man you've become. You have a good heart. It will take you far, but you will need to learn how to guard it as well. You are the Lord of House Black now. There will be those who will try to use you. For many reasons. House Black has fallen low these last years. You will need to be strong to restore the name to what it was meant to be. We can only do so much to help you." Narcissa replied gently, and like that it was as if an undercurrent of tension that had been there through their last few meetings after the war ended started to fade.
A quiet feeling of understanding replaced the tension, and Hardwin knew they were off to a good start.
"What was it you needed to ask us about your new elf, Hardwin?" Andromeda asked after a moment as Winky came back into the room holding Teddy, and she moved to take him from the elf.
"I have offered Winky a place with the House of Black. She has accepted, but I do not know how to bond her to the family magic." Hardwin replied and both women nodded in understanding before Narcissa took over while Andromeda shifted to feed Teddy.
"As Lord, you can bond a new elf to the House with the family magic infused in your signet ring during its making. If it is an elf you are getting from another House then you would first have the Lord or Lady state they are releasing the bonded elf onto the House of Black. You will be skipping that step as she is a free elf choosing the bond. So, hold up your hand with the crest of your ring facing her." Narcissa directed him firmly as Winky waited with wide eyes and a happy smile.
"Now, let your magic flow through your ring. Using her name, state your title, full name, and your acceptance of her and her service into the House of Black. The family magic will do the rest. Fairly easy." She said as she stepped back and watched as Hardwin let his magic flow into the signet ring, and it recognizing him as the Lord when the family magic flared from within the black diamond.
"Winky, I, Lord Hardwin James Felis Potter-Black take you and your service into the House of Black." Hardwin stated as he let the magic gather around the Black ring before he felt a rush as his ring sparked with magic before reaching out to envelope the small elf.
The family magic flared before receding. Hardwin looked up from his ring as the magic faded to see Winky crying as she smiled and held herself. He grew concerned for a moment before realizing she wasn't hurt. In fact, the shadows under her eyes were already fading. He knew that house-elf magic fed from the magic of the House and family they served, but to see the difference was almost startling.
"Oh, thank yous, Master Black. Thanks yous!" Winky cried in what looked like relief.
"As long as you're happy Winky. Welcome to House Black. Speak to Kreacher now. Tell him you are both to work together to expand the boiler room so that you are both comfortable and have enough space for both of your nests and a place for any treasures you have that are your own. Then I would like for you to continue the project I gave you earlier today. When you are finished, I want both you and Kreacher to clean yourselves up and change into your uniforms. You are both a symbol of the status of House Black. I'll not have anyone say that the elves of House Black are dirty, not well dressed, or cared for." Hardwin explained firmly, clearly, and kindly knowing if he left any leeway, they could take interpret the orders for something he hadn't meant.
"Yes, Master Black!" Winky replied before popping away.
"Uniforms?" Andromeda asked with a raised brow as she burped Teddy.
"I have never understood why those who have house-elves wouldn't ensure they dressed well. Anyone who sees them would think their masters were too poor to care for them properly. I do not care much about the opinions of others, but I know many do judge based on appearances. The House of Black has almost fallen to ruin. I intend to build it back up. What better way than starting with those who serve us?" Hardwin asked with a raised brow of his own before continuing.
"There is also the fact that if you treat them well the loyalty they reward you with may save your life. Dobby risked everything to save our lives. He was proud to be a free elf, and he was both brave and loyal." He said with a sad smile as he sat back down to pick up the dossier that had been forgotten some time ago.
"I do believe you are right. Though the more traditional families may not understand until they see the results the changes make for themselves. If this is what you have decided, then I would have House Malfoy follow the same example. In a show of solidarity to the House of my birth." Narcissa had a thoughtful look as she spoke the words.
She had been there that day to see the heroics of the brave little elf. Not one of them could ever have foreseen something like that happening. It had been something that contradicted everything they had been raised to believe. Narcissa knew that Hardwin was right in this matter though. She had been raised in the most traditional manner, but she had seen the truth of Harwin's words in action. Perhaps it would be best to make a few changes. The way the house-elves had been treated had been because that was just the way things had always been. Perhaps it was best to look at things with a more open mind and a fresh perspective.
"If that is your wish as Lady Malfoy then House Black would appreciate it. I can send Winky over to Malfoy Manor tomorrow to show you what I have had her do. I've given her a bag of coins to purchase the materials herself in our House's colors. Be sure to warn your husband as to your plans. The elves of House Black will have standing orders on what to do when someone mistreats them. If Winky misbehaves while at Malfoy Manor, which I doubt as she is a good elf, then let me know what she has done. I do not believe in punishing them physically or magically. Nor do I believe in having them harm themselves. House-elves take pride in their work. Every elf I know would hate to take a day or two off more than anything, or to be ordered onto light duty for an extended period." Hardwin gave the warning with a small smile and an almost mischievous look.
Andromeda let out a laugh as she saw the expression of surprise from Narcissa before her sister nodded. Hardwin knew better than she did how to inspire loyalty in the elves. She had already seen how both of the Black elves behaved. Kreacher, whilst as dour as ever, served Hardwin without any ill comments. He seemed happy to serve the new Lord, actually. Winky looked to be an excitable and happy elf. She'd received her orders with a smile of pleasure before popping out of the room.
"I will speak to Lucius. He will concede to the changes." Narcissa stated with a wry smirk that had a silent 'or else' in her tone.
"Is Teddy back asleep?" Hardwin asked as he looked over at Andromeda who had been quiet.
"Almost. I will lay him back down in a moment. We should get back on track. Marriage contracts and your responsibilities as Lord." She replied as she rubbed soothingly at the baby's back.
"Right. I have a few here that were drawn up and negotiated by Arcturus, but they are old. I don't know much about the families themselves either. I'm lost as to where to start with them." Hardwin admitted as he pulled a stack of parchment out of the dossier and put it on the table for the women to look through as they wished.
"There is no one you would choose for yourself?" Narcissa asked as she picked up the stack of parchment to look through.
"No. I didn't have much time to date while in school. I was in a relationship with Ginny Weasley in my sixth year. We broke up as the war became more heated, but I've been putting off getting back together as she wants. She isn't an option for me any longer. Cedrella Black was her grandmother, and my great grandmother is Cassia Prewett who is her great aunt. The relation between us is just too close for my liking." Hardwin replied with a shake of his head as Andromeda stood and moved to lay a sleeping Teddy back down in the bassinette.
"So you would prefer to marry a witch?" Narcissa asked for confirmation only to receive a startled look from Hardwin.
"I intend to have children so I would need a wife, wouldn't I?" He asked not understanding why she would phrase it that way.
"There is a potion that allows wizards to bare children, Hardwin. The first step to deciding on a contract is gender preference. That is why contracts are usually filled or made only after or during puberty. The goal of a marriage contract is to ensure the next generation as well as family alliances. If a wizard prefers another wizard, but is married to a witch, then it does little good for the union." Andromeda told him as she moved back to take her seat and refill their teacups.
"Flint, Nott, Montague, Scamander, Parkinson, Greengrass, Avery, Rosier, and Rowle. Well, we can narrow this down a bit as is. The Rowle, Avery, and Rosier lines have been lost to the war. Either the line has ended or the Lord is in Azkaban and left no heir so those are useless. As is Greengrass. There are two daughters, but Daphne is the heiress. She is already contracted to a second-born wizard from another family to continue the line, and Astoria was contracted to marry Draco two years ago." Narcissa said as she pulled each one out; setting Greengrass aside while tossing the other three into the fire which crackled with a dull roar from the magic within the parchment.
"Nott, Flint, Scamander, and Montague all have sons but no daughters. Lord Parkinson is in Azkaban, but his heir managed to avoid the war when he left Britain a few years ago. I don't believe his sister, Scion Pansy, has a contract yet. If it is a wife you want she would be the only option out of these unless you negotiate with another family. They must be pureblooded according to the heritage testing to be in accordance with the Family Charter. It may be… difficult to find someone with time beig so limited if you decide to court another of the families for a contract." Narcissa said as she pulled out the Parkinson contract so he could look it over, but Hardwin shook his head and motioned toward the Greengrass file for that file to join it.
"I know Scion Pansy. We don't have a good history. When Tom demanded I be given to him just before the fighting broke out it was Pansy who spoke out for me to be given to him. I know she was scared, but I can't see a future with someone who gives into fear so easily. I need someone who can keep a cool head under pressure." Hardwin said and Andromeda nodded in agreement.
"I agree. It will take a lot of work to pull the Black name out of the dirt. You being who you are will certainly help, but it will not be enough. You will need someone strong enough to stand beside you. I heard about what happened from a few of the Order. The Parkinson girl does not have the qualities needed to support the Lord of this House." She said and Hardwin felt himself relax when she spoke aloud his own thoughts.
"Well, that leaves us with four families whom all have sons. Is that acceptable to you, Hardwin, or will we have to start searching?" Narcissa asked as she set aside the Parkinson contract without argument.
"I've never really thought about it. I've always known I wanted a family so I thought I would have to marry a woman. I was raised muggle so I didn't know men could have children. I've dated only two girls. They were both disasters in their own ways. I'd never given being with a man any thought. I was more occupied with surviving the war." Hardwin admitted with a crease to his brows and a thoughtful look on his face.
"Why don't you give it a few days? Think it over. If it's something that appeals to you then we can revisit the contracts we have here. If not, then we can start looking. There's not much time, I'm afraid. If you're not married by your twentieth birthday then you will forfeit the Lordship according to the family laws." Andromeda sighed before taking a drink of her tea.
"Owl me when you've decided. We can meet to discuss your options. If you do decide to take one of the contracts then Draco may be of help as he was in the same house at Hogwarts with a few of them. The Flints have three sons. Their heir, Marcellus, is contracted, but the second son attended Hogwarts with you. The youngest has yet to attend Hogwarts though he's due to start within the next few years. I do believe Draco knows the second son as well as the sons of Nott and Montague. Lord Nott is in Azkaban, but he has one heir. He managed to shield him from the Dark Lord's attentions. Lord and Lady Montague are both in Azkaban. They have two sons as well though only Graham, the heir, would be suitable at this time. Their youngest son is only six years old, I believe. The Scamanders have one grandson though I do not know his name. The Scamanders have mostly been magizoologists or aurors for the last four generations. Something to think about as a magizoologist travels frequently for their work. A marriage might not be suitable when you will have so many responsibilities in Britain. If you marry another heir then you would also need to provide heirs for both lines so that is something else to consider." Narcissa said as she set the contract down and picked up her teacup.
"Alright. I still have to see about an owl, but I will do that while I'm thinking and then write to you when I've decided. Thank you both. What are the other responsibilities I will have to see to?" He asked as he filed away the Greengrass and Parkinson contracts and left the other four out to ponder over later.
"Well, grooming for one. You are Lord of House Black. How you are seen is how others will see our House. I can make you an appointment at Twilfitt and Tattings sometime this week for a new wardrobe. It will do until you have the time to travel. The best shops for apparel are in Paris and Italy." Narcissa replied contemplatively as her eyes scanned him, and Hardwin shifted uncomfortably under her perusal.
"I agree. I know you haven't had time, dear, but you do need to take care of this sooner rather than later. If Narcissa could get the appointment for this week then I will go with you. I have no doubt you have several things to pick up. You haven't been to Diagon Alley since the war ended, have you?" Andromeda asked knowingly and Hardwin grimaced.
"No. I've been trying to avoid the press and the public as much as possible." Hardwin replied with a look of distaste.
"You will need to employ a solicitor. You will need one with your public profile, I'm afraid. The press cannot be allowed to continue writing whatever they please. Any damage to your name is further damage to your House." Narcissa commented with a downward turn to her lips.
"I know. Dumbledore only made things worse during and after my fourth year. They are printing nothing but good things right now, but I know it's only a matter of time. I suppose I will have to speak to your husband as well. I don't doubt he would know the best to speak to." Hardwin admitted grudgingly.
He would never like Lucius. He hadn't testified at the man's trial as he had done for Narcissa and Draco though if he had known about his Lordship then he would have been obligated to at least speak of him positively due to the alliance between their families from Narcissa's marriage. The Lord Malfoy had still managed to slither his way out of Azkaban though he was to be on house arrest for three years, and then would have to submit to regular testing of his wand with Priori Incantatum for the next ten years. If he used any illegal spells then he was to be taken to Azkaban for a life sentance. Hardwin knew they wouldn't find anything. Lucius was a Slytherin and far too crafty. He wouldn't risk his freedom.
Still, he was Narcissa's husband and Draco's father. Hardwin could tolerate him if he needed to. He would tolerate Draco as well if it came to that. He honestly hoped it didn't. They would have to clear the air between them at some point or the future between Houses Malfoy and Black could be rather tense. That wasn't something Hardwin wanted.
"You will need to work on masking your feelings, dear. Your distaste is leaking through." Andromeda told him with some amusement, and Hardwin grimaced.
"I apologize, Narcissa. It's not a reflection on you or your son. Your husband and I just have… history from even before fourth year. It may take some time to get past it, but I am willing to try. I'll have to speak with Draco too. It's easier with you because there isn't much history. We'd only met a few times, even though they weren't the best, but I've had more interaction with them over the years." Hardwin said with a sigh of frustration as he ran a hand through his hair.
"Hand down, cousin. Grooming and poise. That is a habit you will have to watch. As for what you said about Lucius and Draco, I can understand. You are not the only one who will need time to adjust to the changes that will need to be made. It pleases me that you are willing to try as I am. I do not wish for a bad relationship between the House of my birth and the one I married into." Narcissa said as she took a drink of her tea.
"What you must understand about the House of Malfoy is that Malfoys are known for having only a single son. It is thought to be a curse placed on the bloodline for the last sixteen generations. Due to this, the heir is doted on and sheltered. Draco idolized his father as Lucius idolized Abraxas. It was through Abraxas's urging that Lucius took the mark. He came to regret it during the first war, and it was something we never wanted for Draco. I will not deny that Lucius still holds to his beliefs, but… Well, there is a reason the creed of House Malfoy is Family First." She told him as her gaze flickered and Hardwin sat back in his chair and took a deep breath before he nodded once.
"I can work with that. I really do need to make a list of things that I must do. Is there anything else I need to know about my responsibilities?" He asked as he directed the conversation away from a topic that he would need more time to think about.
"A few. You must protect the family honor. You must have a sense of comportment. Something you are doing well but will need more practice with. You must do your best to build and maintain alliances. These are families connected to House Black through marriage. Something you are already doing by attempting to mend bridges with House Malfoy. You must maintain the family's finances and comfort of living, and try to improve both where possible. This typically only applies to sons and unmarried daughters of House Black. Once a daughter marries into another House then it is they who become responsible for them. As Andromeda is widowed with no House to provide for her and her grandson orphaned, the responsibility falls to you to care for her and her grandson as the Lord of her House of birth. The last is to respect your spouse. They will be your equal. Your responsibilities will be theirs as well." Narcissa said and Hardwin took a moment to process everything before standing to get parchment and a quill from the desk in the corner of the room as he muttered.
"List. Yes, need a list." To the soft laughter of the women in the room.
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Well, that's it for this chapter. Sorry it's taken a few days when I already had it typed up. Had to go through and do some editing before I was comfortable posting it. It hasn't helped that I've been on a Law & Order: SVU kick and have gotten through five seasons in five days so I hadn't been able to concentrate on my writing enough to even do the editing. ^_^'
Thank you to everyone who reviewed to tell me how much you've liked the story so far. There are a few who have left reviews with nothing but demands. Let me just say that I will be ignoring those. I have my own tastes and opinions when it comes to what I read and write. If you want a SubMarcus/TopHarry then you write one. As it is I will be writing what I want. I don't take demands. I will take thoughts and opinions on my stories. I will take suggestions even, but demands are a very different issue and will be ignored.
Demands not even three chapters into the story almost made me say screw it and stop writing altogether. My ideas for this story were flowing easily and I was working on chapter four before I'd even posted chapter two. That flow stopped when I received more demands than honest thoughts and opinions.
I would rather just write for myself if that is the case. I only post my writing because I like to share my stories with others. Sometimes it helps the creative process for someone else, and I know I enjoy reading other people's stories.
Sorry for the rant, but this is something that really messed up the flow I was having getting chapters written.
Ryu
Edited: 11/15/2022
