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 Five
The sound of a baby crying woke him only a few short hours later. Hardwin sat up groggily as he rubbed at his eyes when the rays of the sun hit him in the face from his new position, and he winced as he moved away from the light. He could hear Andromeda in the other room with Teddy as she tried to calm him, but from the sound of it, the baby wasn't having it. Putting on his glasses that had been sitting on the coffee table, Hardwin stood and made his way down the hall to find Andromeda swaying with the baby in his nursery.
"Morning. Can I help?" He asked before holding out his arms to take Teddy from her.
"Thank you, Hardwin. He gets like this sometimes. It takes me a while to settle him." Andromeda admitted as she handed Teddy to his godfather with a sad expression.
"Hey now, Teddy. Are you giving your grandma trouble? That's not very nice." Hardwin murmured into the baby's ear as he pulled him close and swayed gently.
Andromeda smiled softly as she watched the two. She had only met the teenager once during the war when Hardwin had shown up on her doorstep three months ago to see Teddy for the first time after the Battle of Hogwarts. She hadn't known what to think of the teen then. She had just lost her both daughter and her son-in-law after losing her husband earlier in the year, and she had feared losing her grandson as well. As Teddy's godfather, Hardwin was within his rights to raise Teddy himself as it was what Remus and Nymphadora had wanted as stated in their wills, but he had corrected her. She was Teddy's grandmother, and he knew it was best for his godson to stay with her if she wished for it.
He was only seventeen, nearly eighteen at the time, and had just been one of the main players in the war. He wasn't in the right head-space to be taking care of a baby and he was mature enough to admit that. He was more than willing t take Teddy as Remus and Tonks had wanted, but honestly knew it would be better for Teddy to be raised by Andromeda with how messed up he was. It was then she knew he had a good head on his shoulders. All he wanted was to be involved in his godson's life as Sirius hadn't been able to be in his, and maybe share custody with Andromeda remaining the primary caregiver. She could understand his reasoning and his desire, and his assurance that he wouldn't take her grandson, who was all she'd had left, from her had eased the knot of worry and grief she'd held in her heart. Due to this, they had settled the legal paperwork at shared custody, with Andromeda being the primary caregiver.
Now Andromeda watched as he soothed Teddy who clung to the teen's ratty nightshirt as his eyes shifted to green to match his godfather's and his hair morphed from an upset red to a calmer blue tinged with black. She had noticed it before, but Hardwin did have a way with Teddy. She could remember the first time he had held her grandson. Hardwin had been nervous at first but had adjusted quickly once the baby had been placed in his arms and he had been shown how to hold him properly. Now he held him like a natural as Teddy quieted in his arms.
'Yes, he will do just fine when he has children of his own.' Andromeda thought with a small smile as she watched them.
"Has he eaten yet?" Hardwin asked as he looked up at her.
"Not yet. I'd just gotten him changed. I think we could all do with a spot of breakfast." Andromeda replied before leading him out of the room and into the kitchen where they were both surprised to see Winky had already taking over and was cooking.
"Food bes almost ready for Master Black and Mistress Andyromedas. Winky bes having little Master Teddy's bottle ready." The little elf said as she handed the bottle to Hardwin while her eyes looked him over in concern.
"Thank you, Winky. I'm sorry to have worried you last night. I'm alright now." Hardwin replied; knowing that he had worried the little elf with the abrubpt and paniced nature of his departure from Grimmauld Place.
"Winky happy Master Black bes okay." Winky replied after looking him over one more time and nodding before turning back to preparing breakfast.
They moved into the dining room to wait for the elf to serve the meal where Hardwin took a seat. He shifted Teddy in his arms before testing the bottle on his wrist and offering it to the baby when he found it to be the perfect temperature; not that he had doubted Winky's skills. Andromeda sat down across from him, and plates of food appeared shortly after. They ate quietly as Hardwin juggled feeding both Teddy and himself. He did rather well as he crossed one leg over the other to help his arm support Teddy so he could eat with his other hand. They were interrupted towards the end of their meal when Hardwin was burping Teddy by a regal eagle owl that he recognized as belonging to the Malfoy family from when Draco would get packages and letters at school.
"Narcissa has made you an appointment at Twilfitt and Tattings for tomorrow at ten to get your wardrobe sorted. At least until she manages to drag you to France. She's also gotten you an appointment at St. Mungos to see a healer for a full health evaluation at two." Andromeda informed him when she saw him motion for her to read it after she showed him the letter was addressed to him.
"A healer? I'm fine though." Hardwin said with a crease to his brow as he didn't understand why Narcissa would have done that.
"It's standard to have a full health report available during contract negotiations. It's to show proof that you are both healthy and fertile. It's even more important if you marry a man and decide to be the one to carry a child." Andromeda informed him as she laid the letter down and reached out for Teddy so they could go into the living room as the dishes disappeared to the kitchen.
"I see. Are you still willing to come with me? I know nothing about fashion." Hardwin admitted wryly as he handed the baby to her before following to the living room.
"Of course. We can make a day of it. You said you needed an owl as well, didn't you?" Andromeda asked as she sat down in a chair while Hardwin took the sofa and started folding the blanket he had slept with to tidy up.
"I thought about that, actually. There are crows on the family crest. Owls can carry heavier packages, but crows could do the same job as long as the package is spelled weightless." Hardwin said as he laid the folded blanket aside with the pillow to be stored away later.
He still didn't feel ready for another owl after the loss of Hedwig. He may never feel ready fo another, but crows were a different bird that he thought he'd be alright with. He knew he needed something soon. Once he was able to get his affairs in order at the bank after the investigation was concluded then he would need to start making investments and building contacts.
Hardwin would need to have a bird to deliver letters. He knew he may need more than one as well since he might not be able to wait days for the bird to return depending on the distance. It's why most households had multiple birds meant for family use rather than for an individual. He had noticed this while watching other students at Hogwarts. Mail from home didn't always come with the same bird, but those from Noble Houses were marked by a small crest of the family by a small clasp on their leg.
"Then we can visit the Magical Menagerie to see what they have available. You could also speak with the owner to see about a special order if they don't have what you are looking for. Maybe stop for lunch at the Cauldron, and Madam Primpernelle's to see if she has anything that can help make your hair more manageable." Andromeda suggested with a sharp eye at his messy hair, and Hardwin smiled as he nodded.
"That sounds good. Hopefully we'll be able to find something that will work. I should probably look through the Black properties today then. See if there's one that I would like to live in. I never want to step foot into Grimmauld Place again, and no matter how much I would enjoy staying with you and Teddy, it's not a permanent solution. Especially when I will have to marry within less than two years." He said as he started making a mental list of things he would have to get done.
"I'm more than happy to have you here Hardwin, but you are right. You will need somewhere to make a home for your family when the time comes. What will you do with Grimmauld Place?" She asked as she laid Teddy down in the bassinet next to her chair.
"I'm going to leave it to rot as Sirius had wanted it to before he gave it to the Order. The things that happened there… I think that whatever Dark Arts Walburga and maybe Orion used have left a curse on that house. You told me Walburga was crazy by the time she died, and then Sirius was forced to stay there, and I know there was something wrong that night when I saw him before he died. Then I stayed there. I don't think that place is safe for anyone to live in." Hardwin sighed as he sat back against the sofa and his eyes trailed over to the table where the envelope he had found still was.
"Yes, I agree with you. I can help go over the properties if you like. I've visited a few of them while growing up. Do you have an idea of what you would like in a house?" Andromeda asked and Hardwin got a thoughtful look as he called for Kreacher.
"Kreacher. Bring me the files from Gringotts, please. Then I would like for you and Winky to pack up the heirlooms left at Grimmauld and take them to the heirloom vault at Gringotts including the family tapestry and any books that remain on the property. Andromeda and I will be looking at other properties today. You and Winky will be joining me in the move so make sure you both havemy things as well as your trinkets and nests ready to relocate. I want Grimmauld Place sealed from all entry afterward." Hardwin instructed as he sat forward and cleared space on the table between himself and Andromeda to have room for the files.
"Yes, Master Black." Kreacher answered before popping out of the house and then back again to hand him the folder.
"Thank you, Kreacher." He said as the old elf popped back out to follow his orders before sorting through the dossier.
"I'm not sure what I'm looking for exactly. Something with enough space to raise a family without us tripping over each other. After living in Grimmauld Place I would like something with plenty of light. A yard for kids to run around and explore. I've not given it too much thought before in all honesty." Hardwin said dryly as he spread out the different documents listing the details of each property.
"Your young yet, Hardwin. You've spent so long just trying to live, to survive, that it's natural you haven't had the time to think about such things. That you know as much about what you want as you do will still help us to narrow down our choices. Though we should look for one that will have areas for you to entertain. You've said your goal is to drag the Black name out of the mud; for that kind of networking you will need it." Andromeda informed him as she leaned forward to help sort through the pile; placing the smaller cottages and townhouses in a pile to the side.
"Parties. Dancing. I hate it already." He grumbled as he sorted the pile further by setting aside all properties that were ouside of the United Kingdom while Andromeda laughed lightly at him.
"You are the Lord of an Ancient and Noble House, dear. It is expected in upper society. If you do not entertain nor attend other parties you will leave yourself with far fewer opportunities to network, and the House of Black reputation and buisness opportunities as well as your nd the family reputation will stagnate." She replied and Hardwin nodded in understanding.
"I know. It doesn't mean I have to like it. I will always be in the public eye. I know that. It's not going to change even now that the war is over. I just don't…" Hardwin scowled as he trailed off from what he was going to say.
"You don't what, Hardwin?" Andromeda prompted patiently.
"My life has been all a part of Dumbledore's chessboard. I was raised by my Aunt and her husband. They hated me, and there was never a day they let me forget it. When I found out I had more blood relatives I wasn't sure what I should do. I feel like I'm clinging to the idea that I have family still alive." Hardwin admitted quietly as he plucked at the parchment.
"I've been lied to all my life. Even my name, as I thought I knew it, was a lie. Dumbledore didn't intend for me to survive the war. I didn't say anything when we met a few days ago, but he forged a will in my name. It was in my file at Gringotts. The names on it who would benefit from my death… I'm not sure which of my friends I can truly trust right now. I hate that. I feel frustrated and angry, and I don't know what to do with those feelings. There is only one thing I want, but I'm so messed up after everything." He admitted; his hands clenched so tightly that his nails bit sharply into the skin of his palms.
"I think it's natural for you to feel that way, Hardwin. Anyone would after living through a war just to find out they had been betrayed by those they trusted as you have. You have your whole life ahead of you now. You will have time to figure things out. Just make sure the choices you make are ones you can live with. I know you have less than two years to marry if you want to keep the Lordship, but is an arranged marriage and the Lordship really what you want? I cannot speak for Narcissa, but you will still have Teddy and I regaurdless of what you choose to do." Andromeda asked softly knowing that this was one thing he would have to decide for himself.
Just as he had decided he would trust Narcissa and herself. He was a public figure who had defeated the most powerful Dark Lord seen in recent history, and so would likely never be able to escape the public eye. He was also a Black. He was of their blood. She was sure her estranged sister would do what was best for her family, and that meant being on good terms with Hardwin wheather Hardwin remain the Lord of the Black family or not. As for herself, Andromeda had already come to care for him after spending at least three afternoons a week with him when he had come to visit Teddy over these last few months. That the teen loved her grandson as he did just endeared him to her more. She'd thought Teddy was all she had left in the world, but now she knew Hardwin was family, and she was on tentative speaking terms with her sister whom she'd thought lost to her so long ago. He had, perhaps unknowingly, become a bridge that could reconnect the two sisters.
"That's the one thing I want. A family has always been the one thing I've always wanted. I trusted my friends. I trusted the Weasleys. I trusted Dumbledore. I need help after learning of the lies I've been told all my life, and so I decided to trust you and Narcissa to help me sort out this mess. You are both my family even if I don't know either of you that well. I would like to change that, but I can only do so if I let myself trust you both not to betray me like Dumbledora has, and my friends may have done. You are both my family even if we all have our differences." Hardwin replied before looking down at his hands as he shuffled around the parchment with details of one of the properties.
"As for my needing to marry within the next two years, I think a marriage contract is for the best. I honestly don't know if I could trust anyone enough to marry them without one in place. At least with a marriage contract then both families will benefit and there is no hidden motive. Sure, I'd like to marry someone for love, but I think it's fine even if we can only come to care for each other." He bit his lip before looking up at Andromeda when she reached across the coffee table to squeeze his hand gently.
"Teddy and I are here for you, and Narcissa has said she will help you too. I married my Ted because I fell in love with him. If you've decided to take a marriage contract then it's your decision. I've known some arranged marriages where the couples fell in love after they were married, others where they tolerated each other, and I've known a few where they hated each other. Just as I've known those who married for love only to grow apat through the years. A marriage is about more than love, and will only work if you're both willing to work together to get through the hard times as well as enjoying the good. It's a partnership. Have you given any thought to whether you will be marrying a man or a woman as we discussed a few days ago?" Andromeda asked as she pulled her hand away to shuffle through the parchments and look over the details for each house before handing them to him to look at or putting them aside.
"I think I would be fine with either. I've thought about it and realized I've been attracted to both. I think I'll write Draco tomorrow when we get back to set up a meeting. That way I can talk to him about my prospects. I've met all three of them while in school, but I can't say I know much about any of them since we were in different Houses at school. Flint and Montague were both on the quidditch team so I've played against them, but haven't really spoken to them off the pitch. I've had a few run-ins with Nott since he is in my year, but he was one of the quieter Slytherins. I don't even know if any of the three of them would be agreeable to a match." Hardwin replied as he shuffled through the parchments and set a few more aside to leave only two in front of them that were of interest.
"You know something about them at least. Even if only in passing. If none of them are agreeable to a match then I'm sure Narcissa will help look for other candadites. There is also the Scamander contract unless you've decided against it." Andromeda said as she glanced over the properties remaining before nodding and pushing them toward him or discarding them to the side.
"I've decided against it. Narcissa was right. I will need a spouse who can support me socially and politically. Heir Scamander travels to help creatures, and while I will travel as well, I do not plan to do so often outside of Europe unless on a holiday. My presence will be needed in the UK if I'm to do what I want to do. The Black name has been tarnished since before I was born. It will take time and work to fix things. I am a Potter as well and have not once heard from the so-called Lord of my father's House. Money is transferred from the main Potter vaults into my parent's old account twice a year, but he does not seem to have the desire to fulfill any further obligations towards me as Lord Potter." Hardwin said a bit bitterly knowing that he would take the position of Lord Black more seriously than his cousin seemed to for his father's family, and be more of a presence in the lives of those he was responsible for than Lord Potter had been for him.
"Perhaps you could try writing to him. That is the only sure way you will get the answers you seek. Well, we are down to two houses. Black Manor is in Oxfordshire. It's where Arcturus and his wife Melania lived until she died, and Arcturus moved to the cottage near the ocean in the south of France after that. The manor and grounds are bonded to the family magics through blood. The manor will stand as long as there is still a Black who draws breath so its condition hasn't suffered from the years of abandonment as the other properties have. Black Manor is also where most of the portraits of the family are so you could speak to them to learn more about our family history. The manor and grounds are beautiful. The grounds also include a large expanse of the Wychwood Forest that has been concealed from the muggles. Plenty of room to raise a family without anyone 'tripping over each other' as you put it, and the manor also contains the main Black family library which is the most extensive in Britain. Luckily, the one in Grimmauld that the Order ransacked was only Orian and Walburga's personal collection as well as so duplicates of books from Black Manor, and not the main library." Andromeda told him as she tapped the parchment that contained the details about the property before doing the same with the other as she spoke.
"They are about the same size, but the grounds of Caisleán Black, or Castle Black are less extensive while the castle itself is a bit larger. It is just southwest of Castlewellan Lake in Northern Ireland. Close to a muggle area, but the muggle-repelling wards are in place on all of the properties anyway. It looks to have everything Black Manor does except the library and that it has fifty-six bedrooms while the manor has only twenty-four bedrooms, the Master bedroom suite, and a nursery. The plumbing needs some updating, and you would have to ask Gringotts to evaluate the wards and ensure the structure of the castle is safe. If it's not, then repairs will be needed as well as some renovations. There hasn't been any work done on it in almost a hundred years, and it's remained unoccupied since your great-great grandfather Sirius II died in 1952." Andromeda said as Hardwin looked over the details for each one.
"Black Manor is in the best condition out of the two. I wouldn't have to make repairs before moving in, and I can wait on any major renovations or redecorating until I marry. My spouse should have their say in our home if anything is to be changed with the decor. I don't see the sense in renovating twice within the next few years." Hardwin said as he picked up the parchments with the other properties and filed them away.
"That is sensible. We can go see it this afternoon then." Andromeda replied as Teddy started to fuss and she turned her attention to him.
"I suppose I should get changed. I can look into Castle Black later. It might make a nice winter home once the work is done." Hardwin said thoughtfully as he stored the parchment away and glanced down at the sleep pants and Dudley's old t-shirt that he used to sleep in.
"I'll leave you to get changed then. You know where the bathroom is if you'd like to get cleaned up as well. I have to pack the nappy bag for Teddy." Andromeda told him as she stood to pick up Teddy before disappearing down the hall to his room.
Hardwin sighed as he watched her go. There was a lot to be done in the next few weeks. Especially now that he would have to move and get adjusted to a new house. He felt bad for just showing up at Andromeda's home in the middle of the night as he had, but he was grateful she was willing to help him like this.
His eyes were drawn once more to the envelope resting on the table. Hardwin was curious to know what Sirius had written to him, but he was also scared. He was afraid of whatever secrets that envelope may hold. His heart ached as he read his name in Sirius's shaky though elegant scrawl. It had been over two years, but the pain of loss still hadn't faded. The unknown contents of that envelope threatened to rip that raw wound wide open again.
'Later. I'll open it later.' Hardwin thought as he tore his gaze away to get ready for the day.
He put the envelope out of his mind for now. He would open it later though he didn't know when he would have the heart to do so.
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That's it for this chapter. A little shorter than the others, but this was a good stopping point. A little stuck on the next chapter, I only have half a paragraph written, but I'm working on it.
Q: When will the Potters show up?
A: At some point. There will be a lot Hardwin will have to get through. His issue with them is just one of them. When that will be I'm still a bit unsure of. I'm thinking before he gets married, but am still not decided.
That's about it as I didn't see any other questions in the reviews from the last chapter. Hope you all enjoyed this one. I hope to have the next chapter out to you in the next week or so at the latest, but it depends on how well my ideas are flowing.
~Ryu
Edited: 11/16/2022
