The next day the Durmstrang students did not accompany the Hogwarts students again, but rather borrowed a large classroom and worked on their own courses. Each student had a list of what they needed to work through for each class. They mostly worked independently and if they had questions they would ask Selwyn, Albu, or Kirillovich. When some students started to work on their potions they would go down to the dungeons and work under the Hogwarts professor, He apparently spoke Russian and French and received notes from Professor Draganov and the Beauxbatons potions professor about what they would be working on. Harry had focused on his transfiguration for the day, and ended up working with Klaus and Marcsa for most of the day.

After supper that evening, the Hogwarts great hall was redecorated. The four great benches were whisked away and seven long thin platforms were summoned. An eighth, taller and wider, was in the centre. Both Professors Flitwick and Selwyn were on the stage, but many other professors were present. Both the Highmaster and Professor Albu were there, the French headmistress Maxine, and Hogwarts had Professors Dumbledore, Moody, Snape, McGonagall, Sprout, and Vector present. From the size of the crowd, it appeared every student had decided to come. Professor Flitwick quickly cast a sonorous charm and addressed the crowd.

"Evening. Well we have quite the turnout. So first let me introduce myself. My name is Filius Flitwick, I teach charms here at Hogwarts. What many of you might not know is that I was a duelling champion for several years. With me is Professor Daniel Selwyn, the Battle Magics professor at Durmstrang. For the Hogwarts and Beauxbatons students, that is similar to our Defence against the Dark Arts. Professor Selwyn served several years as a private consultant for Auror Divisions across Europe, and was a duelling champion for the years between 81 and 84. Now since there is such a large turnout we will be having some students from both Durmstrang and Beauxbatons help us. Please can we have said students join us up here." Harry made his way up with Reinhard and Illyana. From Beauxbatons a very attractive blond girl, a brown haired boy, and a short brunette girl also came up. All three looked to be seventh year students "Ah good. From Beauxbatons we have Fleur Delacour, Jean Artois, and Adeline de Bourgogne. From Durmstrang we have Reinhard von Bearn, Illyana Androvich, and Harold Black. All six speak English, and the language of their schools. Now these students will be helping run this, and they will each be in charge of a year. I will be taking the seventh years and Professor Selwyn will be moving around the different tables."

Suddenly one of the Hogwarts seventh years yelled out, a Gryffindor by his robes, "But that one is only a fourth year!" The student was pointing right at Harry.

"Now Mr. Ogbourne I assure you these six stude-" Flitwick was cut off when Selwyn spoke.

"Filius, perhaps it would be best for him and the others to see what Black here can do." Taking a look around the room Filius could see many students agreed with Sean Ogbourne. "How about a duel Mr. Ogbourne? Against Black here. How skilled are you in Defense?" At the last question Selwyn looked towards Moody, who yelled out that Ogbourne was doing well, probably about eighth or ninth in the class. The boy in question had made his way up to the stage and was now glaring at Harry. Professor Flitwick stood in the centre as the others moved off.

"Alright, the rules are no curses that could cause permanent damage or disfigurement. Any questions?" With both Harry and Ogbourne shaking their heads he moved out of the way. When Flitwick called the start, both Harry and Ogbourne bowed and as soon as they were upright Harry began. Much like his duel with the Moody, Harry started off on the offensive, several disarms, a blinding curse, a body bind, and a knockout spell were out within a matter of seconds. All were either whispered or silent. Ogbourne had started off with a blasting curse, but he had foolishly yelled it as loud as possible, as if the volume of one's voice affected the strength of the spell. Harry dodged, not bothering with a shield. Continuing his onslaught on Ogbourne, Harry had driven the boy to be totally on the defensive. Deciding to finish it, Harry quickly cast an earth wave which caused Ogbourne to fall and drop his shield. As soon as that happened Harry got him with a disarm, body bind, and a jinx that caused the person in question to lose all feeling in the extremities. Flitwick called the match in Harry's favour. Turning, Harry saw most of the Hogwarts students and staff watching him in surprise.

"I believe that answers any questions to Black's credentials, no? Good. Lets see. Delacour, you got the sixth years, von Bearn fifth, Black fourth, Artois third, de Bourgogne second, and Androvich first. Alright, those who wish to participate, make your way to where your year instructor is." With that everyone began moving off. Harry led his group over to one of the stages and had them get into pairs of equal strength. He had them start practising first in disarming and shielding. He quickly asked Havel to help and walk around. Even without the language, Havel would be able to correct people's stances and tell if the pair was not matched well. Adriaan was key in talking with the fourth year Beauxbatons students, as Harry had no understanding of French. There were some pairs that were very mismatched, and Harry had to shuffle some students around to make it more even. Once everyone had a good stance he then would have a pair battle on stage. He would referee and then discuss what was done right, and what should have happened. It seemed to be going well, until during a match between the bushy haired Gryffindor and Daphne. Daphne won and Harry then began to talk about what the Gryffindor did wrong. This seemed to upset Henry and his redhead friend.

"You are just picking on Hermione because she is a muggleborn!" The redhead had eventually yelled out.

"I assure you, Hermione, that is your name?" The girl nodded, "That Hermione's blood status has nothing to do with her skills in duelling. She was far too analytical in the fight, and it slowed down her reaction time. Also, by just standing in place she hurt her chances. A moving target is harder to hit."

"As if! Everyone knows that Durmstrang doesn't accept muggleborns and that everyone who goes there is a blood purist, or worse a mini death eater. And, you're a Black! Of course you are a blood purist!" Just as Harry was starting to get annoyed, and was about to respond angrily when the potions professor wandered by and interceded.

"Weasley 20 points from Gryffindor. If you can not show our guests respect and proper manners you will be having detentions for the rest of the year and banned from extracurriculars as a whole." It looked like Potter was going to say something to the professor, but then Dumbledore appeared, twinkling eyes and all.

"And how is it going here? Proceeding well Mr. Black?"

"Certainly Professor Dumbledore. We were just discussing what enabled Daphne here to beat Hermione."

"Oh? Do explain."
"Well overall, it was due to Hermione thinking too much. A good duelist is intelligent, but you have to have a feeling for the rhythm. If you think about it too much, your reaction time slows down. Also, she stood in place rather than moving about."

"Ah, yes, yes. Much like dancing I find. Why, I remember one time with my brother we were duelling and I had a similar reaction. My brother didn't think as hard on what to do, and soundly beat me. Duelling is not as much a chess match as it is a dance. You must respond to your partner." That agreement from Dumbledore seemed to curb any Gryffindor attitude for the rest of the evening. As the event started to die down, Professor Flitwick announced that they would be having a tournament at the end of November, and sessions every week. Just as Harry was leaving he was again approached by Dumbledore once again.

"Ah Mr. Black I was wondering if you would like to have a cup of tea?" Looking around the room Harry caught the eye of the Highmaster who had been watching nearby. He nodded his head signalling that it was alright with him.

"Ah, certainly Professor Dumbledore, sir."

"Splendid, this way." Dumbledore led Harry through the halls to the central tower. Once they arrived outside a Gargoyle statue Dumbledore said, "Mars Bars," and the gargoyle moved aside revealing a staircase. Entering the office, Harry couldn't help but look around. He noticed a phoenix nearby and a host of books all around. Several portraits around the room looked over at Harry and Dumbledore. "Care for a Sherbert Lemon? It is a muggle candy that I find myself quite obsessed with at the moment."

"Certainly," taking one, Harry found it slightly bitter, but pleasantly so. "So, what did you want to discuss, sir?"

"I must say, that I find myself quite curious about you and your history. I think you may be one of the few Blacks that has not come to Hogwarts in a very long time." At the name Black, one of the portraits sputtered and began looking at Harry quite intensely.

"Ah, well my aunt thought that Durmstrang offered more courses that would interest me."

"Your aunt? I have heard that your father was Regulus, and I knew he had passed, but I thought you perhaps lived with your mother. May I ask who your mother is? And, who is this aunt you live with?"

"Um… My mum was Emily Rosier. She passed away. I now live with my Aunt Dorea. I think you know her. She married Charlus Potter." At that the portrait that had been staring at Harry interrupted.

"Dumbledore, you goat, who is this boy? And, what are you talking about Regulus for!"

"Ah, Phineas, my apologies. This is Harold Black, your great great grandson, and he is Regulus' son. Harold, this would be Phineas Nigellus Black, your great great great grandfather, and former Headmaster, before Armando Dippet, my predecessor, succeeded him."

"Oh, hello sir. You must be Aunt Dorea's grandfather! She is my guardian. She occasionally talks about you."

"Regulus' son you say. And, raised by Dorea. Perhaps there is still hope for my family. I had thought that flea infested worthless mutt was the last. Good to know. You tell your aunt to visit my portrait. I have words for my granddaughter."

"I must admit my curiosity. I had been under the impression that Dorea had died with her husband Charlus. How was it that you came to live with her?" Dumbledore once again spoke.

"Oh, when my mother was getting ill, she contacted my aunt. She ultimately passed due to a bad case of dragon pox. Aunt Dorea is still doing well. She was hit hard with Uncle Charlus death, and decided to largely withdraw from England following his passing."

"Quite understandable, his passing was a sad time for many here in England. I assume, since you are part of your delegation, you are one of the top four of your year. And, quite the duelist!"

"Ah, yes sir. I was the top student last year, and my best subject is Battle Magics. I do well in all, though I do struggle in potions."

"Good! The Blacks are the greatest English family, it is good to see someone is carrying on our traditions. Not wasting their time running around trying to get some criminal to kill them."

"Come now Phineas. Sirius' work with the auror department is important, and helps to keep the country safe. Harold, are you acquainted with your uncle? Or his friends the Potters? I have seen you speaking with young Mr. Malfoy, but you have other family members left in England as well."

"Ah, no sir. I have not spoken with them before. Monday was the first day that I had met Draco. He had mentioned that his mother was my father's cousin. But, I hadn't really thought about him as family. My Aunt and I mostly stick to the continent. Most of my friends are from Durmstrang. We live at Uncle Charlus' estate, which he left to her, but we travel quite a bit."

"Hmm...well thank you Mr. have answered many of the questions. And I look forward to future conversations." Harry agreed and wished the Headmaster a good night and left. Once back at the ship the Highmaster inquired about the nature of Harry's conversation with Dumbledore. Harry told him the majority of it. To which Kirillovich simply nodded. After writing a letter to his aunt explaining his time so far at Hogwarts, and especially his conversation with Draco and Dumbledore, Harry went to bed.

The following morning Harry made his way up to the castle along with his fellow students. Draco and his friends were there this morning, So Harry decided to join them. Havel and Marcsa joined him, and they attempted to learn some English and converse with those around. The students all entered earlier this morning than the previous, and seemed to still be excited from the duelling the night before. At about half eight several Owls descended on Harry. Harry's own snowy owl Hedwig had returned with Dorea's response. Also, there was a regal looking eagle owl, and a flamboyant looking bird that Harry had never seen before.

Draco, seeing the owl had quickly spoken, "That's Victoria, my mother's owl. She must have written to you."

"Umm...Do you know whose bird this one is? Or even what kind of bird it is?" Harry pointed to the random colored one. Draco shook his head looking equally perplexed. Harry gave each bird a piece of sausage and a knut in thanks and sent them off. The first letter was from his Aunt starting off with general inquiries and praises. She acknowledged the information about Harry's conversations with Draco and Dumbledore and stated he was free to talk with whoever, and if someone was wanting to set up meetings, to have them owl her. She was surprised that Harry had met her grandfather's portrait, as the man had been known as the least liked Headmaster in history, and had assumed his portrait had been removed. She said she would try to get a hold of a copy of the portrait to converse with him. Next Harry read Draco's mother's letter.

Dear Harold Black,

Greetings and salutations. I am writing to introduce myself, as I was your father's first cousin, thus making us first cousins once removed. Draco has told me about his meeting you and subsequent interactions. I can not say how pleased I am to learn of another family member of the House Black. Our once numerous family has been brought quite low over the years. I have instructed Draco to help you in any regard while you are at Hogwarts, and if you have any concerns or needs do not hesitate to write to myself or my husband Lucius. Family is a rare and important bond.

Your Cousin,

Narcissa Malfoy nee Black

It was nice of her to write, and offer her support. He would need to write a thank you letter. Flipping to the last, and the unknown letter Harry read.

Dear Harold

Umm… Hello. I am not really sure what to write. And, honestly, was quite surprised to learn about you. I am your Uncle Sirius, and was your father's older brother. I won't lie and say we were the greatest of brothers, but I would like to get to know you and if you are interested let me know. I have heard that you live with Aunt Dorea, which was another surprise. If you need anything let me know or go see Henry Potter. He is my godson, so basically your cousin (doubly since Dorea is his great aunt).

Cheers

Sirius Black

Senior Auror

Department of Magical Law Enforcement

"So who owns that gaudy bird?" Draco quickly asked, seeing Harry was done reading.

"Umm… I guess my Uncle. I mean Sirius Black. He must have heard about me. Overall it was similar to your mom's. I mean the same message: would like to get to know me, if I need anything to write or see you, or in this case Potter."

"That Blood Traitor? Just forget about him. We don't need their sort." At those words Harry turned to look at Draco. He hadn't thought about it, but it made sense that Draco was a blood purist. He would need to watch what was said. So far Draco had been nice, and not said anything terrible, but Harry would not put up with bigotry. His aunt had raised him better than that.