Two months later. Diagon Alley.
Despite the nature of the Wizarding World, and in particular that of Magical Britain, they did possess what could called a heart of their overall community, a place that was the center of their cultural, economic and even political life. That center was located straight in London, hidden behind powerful charms and spells that blocked normal men and women from finding the place even if you were to fly over, allowing the wizarding community to not hide from daylight. Possessing multiple entrances, the most popular being one in the bar of Leaky Cauldron, this cobblestone alley was the artery through which most of the life in Wizarding Britain flowed through.
Diagon Alley was the place where one could find almost anything that could be found by the upstanding wizards and witches of Britain, from books and robes to ingredients and cauldrons. In the weeks and even months before a new school year in Hogwarts, the Alley would be filled to the brim with wizards and witches, along with many children who came here for their school materials. Thankfully, due to the fact that it was already very late October, the Alley was not as crowded as it would be at its busiest times, though Dorea and Hadrian, who entered it through a portal created by Morgana, saw that many shops and restaurants were actually preparing for some sort of celebration.
Hadrian was dressed in a more traditional Black Family fashion, consisted of a black coat with light silver patterns on the sleeves with three separated coattails, midnight blue vest and black turtleneck underneath it all, with black pants and boots of same color ending it all. Overall, he looked quite like the picture of a traditional member of House Black, though with a bit of a modern touch, and coupled with his aristocratic looks, most people would never assume that he was actually once a Potter, or that he is not a Wizard.
Most Wizards and Witches who saw members of House Black preferred not to get involved in their affairs or to draw their attention, since they were known for not appreciating people barging into their affairs. Although in this case the reason why none desired to bother these two was because of Hadrian's telepathy, through which he subtly transmitted people around him a special psychic signal, which rendered him and Dorea as not interesting in minds of others. In the eyes of others, they were just another couple out and about their business, and this was exactly what the two wanted, as neither had any desire to get noticed by anyone. Despite the lack of interactions with Wizarding World, Dorea knew that just her appearance in here would be enough to draw the attention of Dumbledore, James and the Ministry, hence why she decided to speak up to Hadrian.
"Are you certain that it is safe for us to walk so openly among them?" Dorea asked of Hadrian. "We could've simply arrived in Gringotts through alternative routes, instead of walking to them, you know."
"Positive, grandma. I have used this trick for years while in Weapon Plus and on missions, very useful when it comes down to infiltrations. As far as they are concerned, they see just another run of the mill wizarding couple, going about their business, and as I've come to know, both normal people and wizarding folk aren't all that attentive to business of others, when they are going about their own." Harry responded, before turning to her. "We can talk and walk as freely as if they were never here to begin with."
"Don't you get overwhelmed with their minds?" Dorea asked, curious about his power, with Harry shaking his head.
"I would be, if I had been tapping into their minds all at ones. Instead, I simply transmit a special psychic signal, which is far less tiring and a lot more effective. The only person I'm focusing is actually you, in order to not let that signal affect you." Harry explained to her. "Think of me as a radio wave emitter and their brains as receivers, while you are wearing ear plugs that protect you."
"That does actually help my understanding, thanks." Dorea admitted. "But that doesn't really answer my earlier question, Harry: why did you want to come here?" She asked of him.
"Because… Because I wanted to see what is it that was "denied", so to speak." Harry admitted to her, as he looked around the busy alley. "To get a glimpse of what this Wizarding World really is, and understand what I would never have, while my siblings get to live in it all… Truth be told, I'm not all that impressed. I expected splendor and magic in the air, but instead… Instead I see a place where time froze in time, and I smell stagnation in the air."
"That's because you look at things from a different angle and perspective, while for almost all newcomers, they see the splendor and magic in the air. For the first generation wizards and witches it is then that they are entranced, intoxicated by it all and they never get to see what you just spoke of." Dorea admitted. "As for those born in the Wizarding World, it is the world that they lived all their lives and learned that it was the only one for them. People like Charlus and me are anomalies and what you would call, mutants, since we stray away from the normal way of life. For us, this did become what you stated it was: stagnant frozen place, where nothing, even the air, ever changes."
"Yeah, I can see it." Harry nodded, as he looked at the restaurants preparing for something. "Looks like there is going to be some kind of a celebration. Does the Wizarding World celebrate Hallowe'en?"
"They do, but nowadays, most of the Wizarding Britain doesn't celebrate in the same way as they used to, nor even honor it. They are preparing to celebrate the death of Voldemort and his defeat "at the hand" of Jamie." Dorea reminded Harry of that night, and he almost recoiled from the memory. "These cafes and restaurants will be opened for the night and accept any customer, while in Hogwarts there will be a large feast where Dumbledore will be toasting Jamie, James and everyone else who had a hand in defeating that monster. Ministry will also have banquet, only held in the mansion of Potters, where Fudge will be giving toast after toast about Jamie and James…" Dorea let out a sigh, suppressing the disgust with this entire affair.
"And none of them will even mention grandfather?" Harry asked of her, with Dorea shaking her head. "Bloody hypocrites…" Harry cursed aloud with clear anger.
"Harry…" Dorea tried to speak up, but she did not get a chance to do so.
"Those fucking bastards praise Jamie and James, but they never even were in that living room, never faced off against that monster, and yet they get all the respect and praises? What about the man who stood his ground and did not flinch to curse his name and wound him? What gives them the right to just forget him?!" Harry asked with fury, before calming down a little. "This… This is not right, for grandpa… He doesn't deserve to be sidelined and forgotten like this, not after all he has done for these ungrateful wretches…"
"He is not forgotten, Harry, not by you or me, and those who do care about the truth. And as for everyone else- let them celebrate their hollowness and worthlessness, their wouldn't mean anything to Charlus." Dorea told him softly. "Charlus never did anything just because it would make him famous or not, he did it because it needed to be done, no matter what or the reward that came afterwards. He always did have such a Hufflepuff attitude, despite being a Gryffindor."
"Wonder why then he never went to that House." Harry said, after calming himself, while Dorea simply shrugged it off.
"Same reason why I went to Slytherin- family pressure, continuation of traditions and expectations from our parents. At least in my case I did possess a mind of a Slytherin, instead of just being born from two of its graduates, like most are." Dorea noted off-hand. "Although Charlus did have a good amount of pride and foolhardiness to fit in with the lion, at least until he started get all "weird and Muggle-loving" as people liked to say. And he was also the only Gryffindor who would openly state that he like Slytherin green and silver more than red and white, especially on a girl, before the entire Great Hall." Dorea smiled at that memory, with Harry noticing it.
"He must've been quite a troublemaker in his younger days." Harry said, with Dorea chuckling a little.
"Oh he was impossible… There was none as stubborn and brazen as Charlus, even from his earliest days in Hogwarts. He cared naught for the points, House rivalry or almost everything that others did care about. He would sit at a different table every meal, including Slytherins, play riddles with Ravenclaws, party hearty with Hufflepuffs and even respected by Slytherins, which considering his House, is something of that was considered impossible." Dorea laughed at the memories. "Oh, the only ones who couldn't stand him were his Housemates, but Charlus didn't let that to bother him in the slightest, at least for a time. When they did turn from simple antagonism to hostilities, Charlus bit back, especially after a few of his housemates tried to… Let's just say, your grandfather never liked when someone tried to get a little too personal with me."
"Considering who you are, I would've thought that you would be able to handle a couple of idiotic Gryffindors on your own, even back then." Harry noted with a small smile.
"Of course I would, but why bother when I had a pet Gryffindor to do all the dirty work, as my friends liked to say?" Dorea chuckled at that one. "I would, naturally, chastise Charlus for making me look weak before my classmates, but in reality… Seeing him so openly defend me, beating those fools to a pulp, getting his nose broken and nearly having his hand snapped from place, because his supposed "true friends" cornered his rival/friend, was a moment when I realized that he was the man I would want to spend my life with." Dorea said with a small sad smile.
"Were you in the same year?" He asked of her.
"We were, we were familiar with each other before Hogwarts, but it was there that we did grow into real friends, and then into a couple, though one that broke up after Hogwarts." Dorea admitted. "It wasn't anything serious, just differences in lives, plus the whole non-sense of blood purity and nobility… It would take us four years to come together again, only it was during the war with Grindelwald, and I was by then engaged. It was turbulent time, one where each day could be your last, and in the middle of it all, Charlus became Head of Potter family and after we reunited… It was as if we never broke up, and just were in different parts of the world, reunited after a long time. He proposed and I said yes, and in that day, I officially became Lady Potter, something that my father and mother, along with my siblings never could forgive. In their eyes, I betrayed my House, but in my heart, I was finally where I belonged."
"They didn't support your marriage to a Lord and Head of House Potter? One would think that such a marriage and union would be an absolute win for House Black." Harry spoke with a mild surprise, while Dorea simply chuckled.
"Trust me, Harry: just because I am a Black, doesn't mean that others are as clever and logical as me. I was supposed to marry my second cousin, or was it the third one… Not that it matters, the point is that I dared to rebel and chose my own path, instead of following one my father laid out for me." Dorea stated. "That he could never forgive or forget, his daughter making a choice and defying him, despite how successful and great she would become."
"Sounds like he was quite a prideful man." Harry noted.
"He still is, for he is quite alive and well, though with far fewer Blacks around to berate and insult for being morons and idiots." Dorea chuckled a little, before she and Harry heard some boisterous woman loudly arguing with some salesman. "Speaking of morons and idiots…"
"What?! This does not even look like it costs half the price you are demanding! I demand that you sell it…" A large, redheaded woman went on to demand that the product be sold at lower price, while her husband, equally as red-haired, tried to calm her down, while Harry and Dorea observed it from a distance.
"Hm, somehow I get the feeling that I've seen those two, somewhere before…" Harry noted aloud, before it clicked in his head. "Yeah, back when I was still with James and Lily, those two would bring along their children to play with Jason and Iris. Weasleys, was their name?"
"Indeed, Molly and Arthur Weasley, two of the most loyal and staunch supporters of Dumbledore and a couple of the most prolific leeches that I know of." Dorea stated without even hiding her contempt. "Both of them come from families who had lost both prestige and money they had during war with Grindelwald, and are now only noble in name. Hard to think that both of them are actually our relatives…"
"They are? From where I see it, I don't see any resemblance." Harry noted.
"And thank the God there isn't any. Ginger was never my color." Dorea chuckled. "But in seriousness, they are our relatives, Harry. Molly is my niece, being daughter of my sister Lucretia, while Arthur is my cousin from my aunt Cedrella. Former was married to Prewett family, while the latter to Weasley family, hence those two are related to each other through more than just marriage, and also to us, though nowadays, neither of those two will want to admit that they have Black blood in them."
"Because of all the reputation that it has?" Harry asked, with Dorea nodding lightly, before they continued on their path. "Speaking of reputation and House Black how would your family look at me being included in without their permission? I mean, I don't think House Black is big on adopting members, especially ones who are not Wizards, even if they are True Sources."
"Of that, you don't have to worry, since you are a Black through me and have a right to bear that name and use it. True, it would not be wise for you to reveal that you are a True Source, but there are plenty of Blacks who were born as Squibs or as bastards and not recorded in the official records." Dorea stated to Harry. "If someone decides to start and ask questions, we'll just say that you are an illegitimate child who was born without ability to wield magic, and one I decided to adopt as my heir to my and Charlus' fortune and wealth, amassed outside of Wizarding World. Given my personal status as a pariah and the fact that Potter-Black Enterprises and all incomes made through it come from normal world, there shouldn't be a problem."
"Except for the fact that you've decided to give all you have to someone unknown, instead of your immediate family." Harry pointed out. "I don't know how things are done in Wizarding World, but in normal one, this would raise quite a few red flags from the concerned parties."
"Only if I were to announce it aloud, but I am not going to, hence part of the reason why we are going to Gringotts today. Goblins maybe greedy and conniving, but they are efficient and they do not betray their clients, and they can get the documents about my last will and adoption ready for both Wizarding and real world faster than any lawyer." Dorea stated to Harry. "And then… There is also the fact that Charlus had left you your inheritance, Harry. Charlus had feared that if something were to happen to us, James would have simply left you in an orphanage, or worse, so for that case, he had set up a separate account on your name, tied only to you and none else. Goblins' task was to preserve that vault and in case of something happening to, find and give you access to it when you were of proper age. We are going there to make sure that all is fine, and to introduce you to your accountant."
"There might be a slight problem with that plan of yours, grandma. I am chronologically, only 10, so if I am not missing something, I won't have an access to that vault, no matter how I look like." Harry reminded her.
"I know that, and we'll just have to prove to the Goblins that you are physically and mentally already have the maturity to make use of your account. Unlike the rest of the Wizarding World, Goblins can be quite progressive and flexible, so all should go just fine." Dorea assured him. "If we are lucky, we'll be there less than half an hour, and after that, we can explore the Diagon Alley to your heart's content. Though you might want to turn off your telepathy when we get inside the bank. Goblins are sensitive for such things, and might take that as an insult."
"Eh, I think I've seen enough of the Alley and it's people to last me a very long time, and I'll make sure to do so." Harry said, as they have reached the entrance of the bank and stepped inside of it, with Harry stopping right after they crossed the entrance.
"Harry, what is wrong?" Dorea asked with concern, as she saw her grandson looking at the doorframe.
"Nothing, just… You didn't feel it, did you?" He asked of her, with Dorea shaking her head in response. "I've just felt like I've passed through half a dozen of invisible walls, thin as air, but present and clear to feeling it…"
"Magical barriers and charms meant to find those who wish harm upon the bank. It is Goblins' secret in case some wizard gets a funny idea of trying to rob them. They are usually undetectable by even the best of Aurors and charm's masters, but you just felt them like they are there." Dorea said, before coming to a conclusion. "Those barriers aren't designed to be undetected by True Sources, because for them, sensing such magic is second nature. That's why you've felt it."
"Yeah, makes sense. Morgana did mention that spells and charms work differently around me, and that I can perceive and sense things that should be hidden even under strongest of charms without any problem." Harry admitted, before turning to her. "Will Goblins have a problem if they realize that I'm a mutant and a True Source?"
"No, they won't. If anything, Goblins would actually gain more respect for you, if they learned of it." Dorea stated, before she turned towards the reception. "Come, Harry. Let us just get this over with." The pair moved towards the receptionist, with Harry immediately noticing that every Goblin that they passed stopped what they were doing and glanced at him for a second, before returning back to their clients and work.
"I get the feeling that we've already attracted their attention." Harry quietly told Dorea, who also noticed the attention that Goblins paid to Harry. "Is this glancing normal for them?"
"No, Goblins are workaholics, entire race is like that. They don't stop even for a second unless it is something very serious for them, or in general." Dorea stated to him in the same quiet tone. "I can't say if they know about you or not, but I have a feeling we'll soon learn." The two have reached the receptionist, who also immediately stopped what he was doing and looked straight in the eyes of Hadrian, before speaking up.
"Welcome to Gringotts. What is your business here?" The receptionist spoke first with a tone that could considered as polite among Goblins, something that surprised Dorea, since Goblin bankers never speak up first and in such way.
"I would like to see my personal accountant." Dorea spoke up, drawing the attention of Goblin. "Dorea Potter-Black." She stated her name.
"Of course, Lady Black… and Mr. Potter." The goblin smiled a toothy grin, immediately putting both Hadrian and Dorea on high alert. "A pleasure to finally make your aquintance, Mr. Potter. We were hoping you would pay us a visit in the future, but I can see that you special circumstances that expedited your arrival here." The tone goblin used was a polite and friendly one, with Harry not sensing any hostility from him or any other goblin.
"I take it that you've have placed certain sensors on the door, to know all about who comes and goes?" Harry asked of Goblin in a low, almost threatening tone, something that goblin treated as a show of etiquette, bowing his head. "Then you must be aware, that I am not you would want to make an enemy of. And I am Hadrian Black, not Potter, so do keep that in mind."
"Of course, Mr. Black. My apologies." Goblin bowed a little again. "It is a special occurrence for us, to see one of your kind walk through those doors. We've not had the pleasure of servicing a man of your importance for quite a long time. Now, what do you require?"
"To see an accountant of my grandmother, and my own, since I've been made aware that I have. I would like an overview of all the contents in the vault that was allocated to me by this establishment, and if possible, I would like the entire transaction to take place in a more private locale." Harry responded with a less threatening tone, but still with force, to which goblin receptionist only smiled and nodded.
"As you wish, Mr. Black. It will take a few minutes for your accountants to arrive and for your request to be completed, and in the meantime, would you be so kind as to wait for them?" Goblin asked, with both of them nodding to him, and he immediately went to summon the needed personal, while Hadrian and Dorea took a few steps back and turn to each other.
"That… That was definitely not what I had expected." Dorea admitted, letting out a sigh of relief. "I doubt I've ever seen a goblin this polite towards anyone. You must have really impressed them, with your power."
"Yeah, looks to be that way. That goblin and others really do know who I am and what I am, I could sense it from their minds." Harry admitted to her. "Strange that I didn't sense any hostility, only… respect."
"Goblins are a warrior race, and a prideful one at that. They respect strength and power more than anything, and compared to the rest of the Wizards and Witches, you are the most powerful thing they've seen in centuries." Dorea reminded to Harry. "In their mind, we are just their clients, those whom they can exploit for their own profits in one way or the other, but you… You are a person who can take what you want because you the power to do it. That's the mindset of goblins when it comes down to the True Sources."
"I was under the impression that you didn't know about their relations towards people like me." Harry reminded her.
"I told you that I didn't know if they could sense people like you, not that I don't know about relations between them and goblins." Dorea corrected him, with Hadrian dropping the matter entirely. "At least this has expedited the matters. Hopefully we'll be out of here before anyone notices…"
"Lady Dorea Potter?" A voice called out her, immediately making her shut up. "It is you, is it not?" Both Dorea and Harry turned and looked at the man who addressed her, who stood there with his wife and son.
"Lucius Malfoy." Dorea addressed the man in a cold tone, indicating that she was not in the mood for talks with him, before turning to his wife. "Narcissa, I see you are well, as is your son."
"Lady Dorea." Both Narcissa and her son bowed their heads in respect, while Narcissa spoke up. "It is good to see you after so long. I don't believe you've been introduced to our son, Draco…"
"No, nor was I interested in knowing him." Dorea replied with a cold tone, with Draco seemingly taking it as an offence, while Narcissa simply winced.
"It is quite a joy to see you once again after such a long absence, milady. We have heard most wild and ridiculous stories about you, from both your friends and your son, about your apparent abandonment of our society." Lucius spoke in a friendly tone. "It is a relief to see that those rumors do not hold any merit."
"I do not care for rumors that you have heard, but as far as I am concerned, I have little to nothing to do with "your" world. I here only to settle an unfinished business, nothing more." Dorea replied, making it clear that she meant what she said. "So you may breathe easy, for I won't be bothering you or your friends once I am finished here."
"Lady Dorea, you are anything but a bother for me and my family. After all, daughter of great Arcturus Black III and a true pureblooded witch like you is always welcome at our mansion and table, in fact…" Lucius was seemingly seeking a way to ingratiate himself to her.
"Spare me your serpentine silver tongue, Lucius. If your father was not able to charm me with it, then you do not even stand a chance. The last thing I need is paying a visit to bootlicking bigot like you." Dorea stated with frankness, taking Lucius aback. "Like I said, once I'm finished with my business, I'll be out of here. For good."
"What a shame, and here I had hoped that we would have a chance to get closer, given that we are connected in blood through my wife and Draco." Dorea didn't even bother speaking to him, so Lucius decided to turn his attention to Dorea's companion. "Ah, my apologies, I was a bit too preoccupied. Lucius Malfoy, Head of House of Malfoy." Lucius offered Hadrian a hand, but he only crossed his arms on his chest.
"I've heard about you, and I'd rather not wash my hands more than I need to." Hadrian replied, taking pleasure in the way that Lucius reacted to that.
"That is quite a way to reject a gentlemen's greeting." Lucius stated with venom. "Clearly, you are not from… our circles. Tell me, who exactly are you?" Lucius practically demanded.
"Hadrian Black, and you are right, I am not from "your" circles, and thank the God for that blessing." Harry responded.
"Hadrian Black? Forgive me, but I'm quite certain that there is no Black wizard who shares that name, and I happen to know all wizards from House Black." Lucius noted with disdain in his tone. "If you really are of House of Black, then you would have better manners, unless you take after that traitor Sirius."
"And who said anything about me being a wizard, Mr. Malfoy?" Harry asked of him, taking him aback again, before he almost recoiled from realizing who he was, or at least who he believed Harry was.
"You… A Squib like you has neither the right nor privilege to even be here, much less talk to a member of our esteemed society." Lucius hissed with venom, to which Harry only smirked.
"Well, finally something we agree upon, Mr. Malfoy, since your air does smell of vile and bigotry, and it was you who first spoke to us. My companion and I were perfectly fine before you showed up and we've had no interest in any sort of conversation to begin with." Harry noted, with Lucius almost grabbing his wand and pointing it at Hadrian.
"I see that not all rumors are false about you, Lady Dorea. Associating yourself with the dregs of your family and magic, even bringing him here… It is clear that even after his death, your husband's perverse influence persists over your mind." Lucius stated with disgust, with Dorea being inches away from literally turning Lucius' tongue to ashes, but Hadrian stepped closer, placing himself between Dorea and Lucius.
"Careful how you speak to the lady. The last thing your pretty wife and son here would want is to have to drag you out of here, because your legs will no longer work." Hadrian stated with clear cold intent, infuriating Lucius.
"You dare threaten me?! Just who the hell do you think you…" Lucius was ready to scream, when he heard an elderly voice laughing at what he heard, drawing the attention to it of everyone.
The man looked like he was over a hundred years old, though still in a relatively good shape, dressed in fine black robes and having a cane made out of black wood. His hair had long turned grey, but his eyes clearly shown fire and it didn't take Hadrian a second to realize that this man was a member of House of Black, for he had the same eyes as his grandmother. He laughed at what he heard and at the reactions others had, before he walked to them, using cane to move more easily.
"Ha ha, oh it has been quite a while since I've heard such a clear fine threat." The man chuckled with a smile, before he turned to Lucius. "You should take notes, Malfoy. That is how you make a threat: straight up in your face and without a hint of hesitation. Not like you are trying to spew out shit from your mouth while looking like an embarrassed fifth year who was caught in a broom closet, playing with himself. You can see it in his eyes, he's ready to tear you to pieces, and you won't even be able to get that fancy wand of yours out."
"L-Lord Arcturus, I didn't realize that…" Lucius stammered as he recognized the man before him.
"That I was here or that I was still alive?" Arcturus Black III asked of him, before speaking up without letting him answer. "Don't look so surprised, I know all about the things people say about me. I may be as old as that blabbering codger Dumbledore, but I am still alive and well, so don't get your hopes up, greedy little snake biter. Now, scurry off with your family and let true men and women speak."
"But, Lord Arcturus, this wretch…" Lucius wanted to protest, but was interrupted by Arcturus.
"Will make for a far more pleasant company than you, your wife and your son combined and multiplied by hundred, now get out of here before I decide to teach you what respect means." Arcturus threatened the man, and he decided to lead himself and his family away from them, with Arcturus clicking his tongue, while shaking his head. "What a bullheaded moron, both he, his father and that bastard Brutus were all so uppity like that. Can't believe that nobody hadn't yet ended their damn family just out spite."
"And yet it didn't stop you from trying to marry me off to Abraxas, father." Dorea spoke up, getting his attention with a cold sarcastic tone. "I see you haven't lost your particular touch, even after all these years."
"Ah, Dorea, it is… It is good to see, my daughter." Arcturus replied without snide or sarcasm, but with genuine happiness. "I am glad that you are well, my child."
"Well? I lost my husband to a murderous lunatic, while my son had sold off my grandson to some unknown doctor, but before all that, you disowned me for choosing to marry a man I loved and who was an even better choice than that bastard Abraxas was. All because you couldn't stand any of your children being able to make their own choice." Dorea reminded her father about it all with disdain in her voice. "And after all those years, you have the gall to patronize me like I'm your daughter?" Arcturus let out a sigh, closing eyes for a second, before opening them again and speaking up.
"I know what I have done, Dorea, and I live with reminders of my mistakes every day. I am not asking for your forgiveness. I am just glad to see you again, after all these years, and in the company of such good man as he is." Arcturus stated, before offering his hand to Harry. "Arcturus Black, at your service." He spoke without any disdain or bigotry, with Hadrian deciding to relax and shake his hand.
"Hadrian. Hadrian Black, sir." Hadrian answered in a reserved tone, with both shaking hands.
"Hm, you have a strong grip, young man." Arcturus noted, before retracting his hand. "Hadrian… Forgive me, but I can't recall anyone in my House having that name, be they wizards or not. Would you care to share with me where you come from, and who your parents might be, if you do not mind?"
"My parents are from magical world, but I've long been estranged from them, practically after they've learned of my… nature. As for from where I come from, I'm from Britain." Hadrian stated, with Arcturus nodding to him. "Sorry for not naming my parents. They are quite a sore topic for me to discuss."
"Something that you and my daughter share, I am certain." Arcturus stated, seemingly satisfied with the answer. "I will not lie, for I once too thought that people like you were beneath me, before I realized that true dregs were those I've surrounded myself with for all these years. Men and women of petty nature, possessing neither fire nor resolve to achieve greatness and willing to bend and bow before those who would have them as slaves… It has been quite some time since I saw a Black who would bar his teeth akin to a wolf, just like you did." Arcturus said with approval in his voice.
"You sound as if you condone what I just did." Hadrian admitted. "I may not be well familiar with your customs, but I would've thought that a man of your status and power would rather stand with Malfoy, instead of some simple Squib."
"A younger, and more foolish me would do just that, but now… Now I like to think that I'm at least a little wiser than I used to be. And I think we all know that you are no simple Squib, or a Black for that matter, Hadrian." Arcturus smiled to him with a knowing smile, with Hadrian and Dorea cocking their eyebrow in the same manner.
Before either of them could answer, the three suddenly heard gunshots of all things going off outside, with all of them turning towards the exit.
"What… What is that sound?" Arcturus asked.
"Gunshots? Here in Diagon Alley…" Dorea spoke with shock, before she noticed that Hadrian grabbed her and Arcturus by the arms and led them to the closest cabinet, opening it. "Hadrian, what are you…" Dorea and Arcturus were shoved right inside, with Harry turning to them and giving them his command.
"Stay here, close the door and do not come out, unless I say it is safe." And without a second of hesitation, he closed the door, with Arcturus locking it with magic.
"Looks like your companion has quite the experience in such things." Arcturus noted to his daughter, before they have heard the doors inside burst open and shouts heard, along with growls, commands and gunfire. "Sounds like things are heating up out there."
Arcturus was quite correct, for a group of 10 stormed the bank, armed to the teeth men with bestial features, holding weapons of military calibers. They immediately moved in and took everyone hostage, demanding that they surrender their wands and having killed three already, after they've refused, with others complying, including Malfoys. Goblins remained calm and collected, but even they were not as foolish as to not be afraid of their attackers, sporting shotguns, submachine guns and assault rifles.
Hadrian, like everyone else, had his hands up in the air and lowered his head, while their captors walked around them and seized everything valuable, while what appeared their leader walked and looked at them all. Without even a hint of panic or fear in his mind, Hadrian's tactical and strategic mind immediately sprang into action and began to compile information and formulate a plan of action. The attackers are armed with military grade weapons, used by the military of UK and their special forces, as Nephalem instantly recognized the models used. Aggressive behavior, clear bestial deformations of their cranial and facial features, along with particular smell, was an indication that these were not simple men. No, these were Werewolves, and what was even worse was the fact that Nephalem knew these particular ones.
When he had heard gunshots, he immediately scanned what was outside, and he realized that they were here to not just rob this bank, but also to kill all wizards and witches, send a message to the Ministry, before going on a robbing and killing spree throughout Diagon Alley. And Nephalem knew that they could do it, since they had the training and equipment for it, and a very good incentive against the Wizarding community, because it was the reason why STRIKE had recruited them years ago as part of a Program Wolfhound. Hadrian didn't know the specifics of it, but he knew that STRIKE had decided to recruit and train Werewolves, due to their naturally better physical attributes, that could make them ideal soldiers if properly honed.
Though the soldiers showed great promise and had performed as expected and even exceeded parameters, it was not long until the project backfired on STRIKE, when most of their trainees defected from them to become mercenaries for hire. It was up to Nephalem to stop them, and it was actually his third mission he was sent on, after the Wolfhounds, as they were known, were spotted in Northern Ireland, working with a radical cell of IRA. Nephalem arrived there and proceeded to lay waste to the entire cell and Wolfhounds, as he was given the express orders to not leave anyone alive, and he did just that. On that day, he had killed 33 Werewolves and twice the number of the Irish terrorists, and he had expected that after that, the Project would be cancelled for good.
Apparently, it was not, and now the remnants of Wolfhounds were here, and given their affiliations and past, this now became SHIELD's business, since the investigation of STRIKE's activities was still going on. This meant that Nephalem couldn't just go about it all without any mercy, so quickly scanned their minds, while also placing a hidden telepathic command that prevented them from firing their guns. After picking his targets, assessing the situation and position, Nephalem now needed to find a way to execute it all, and it just so happened to now be walking to him. A Wolfhound with an assault rifle moved to Nephalem, pointing the muzzle straight at him and snarling to him.
"Take out your wand and valuables, now, or I'll drop ya!" He demanded, with Nephalem moving his hands slowly to his pockets, pretending to be complying, until he saw the opening he needed.
Faster than any human or inhuman eye could see, Nephalem's arms seized the barrel of the Colt Canada C7 and then smashed into the head of the Werewolf, releasing the gun and turning it 180 degrees. Getting it in his hands, Nephalem didn't waste time, using an elbow in the jaw to knock out the Werewolf for later interrogation, before he actually began firing. Changing the rate of fire to semiauto, Nephalem picked up his targets and fired at them, aiming either for their heads or for limbs, with the latter if he decided to spare them.
His speed, reaction and reflexes, as well as accuracy and brain processing power allowed him to act and move far better than all of them combined, and in less than 7 seconds, 4 fell with headshots, while 4 more were disabled. The last one moved for the hostage, choosing the boy Draco, intending to use him against Nephalem, and kill the boy. Hadrian stopped him in his tracks, and before the Werewolf was able to get to the kid, a perfectly placed bullet in his head ended him for good. Taking a second to assess the situation, Hadrian concluded that the situation was stable and it was safe again.
"Everyone, it is over! Now, could someone get your authorities here?" Hadrian asked, as he put the rifle down, with Dorea and Arcturus exiting the cabinet and walking out. "Are you two alright?"
"Oh, I don't know about that. I've got so much adrenaline running through my veins that I'm sure my doctor would say it is unhealthy, but other than that, I am positively ecstatic." Arcturus stated with an enthusiasm and vigor that Hadrian not expected to see from a man of his age and station, while old Black Lord observed the scene. "By Morrigan's hairy cunt, this looks like one of the scenes from muggle movies! Care to share how did you do it?" He asked of Hadrian.
"Aimed the gun, pull the trigger, repeat." Hadrian simply stated, with Arcturus chuckling to it.
"And you call yourself "a simple Squib", ha!" Arcturus said with humor, as he observed the wizards and witches finally calming down, while Goblins were trying to get the place back in order. "A whole bunch of Wizards and Witches couldn't do shit about a bunch of snot-nosed Werewolves and you just grab a gun and start shooting, without any whining or sniveling. Let me guess: you've served in one of those military special units?"
"Something like that." Harry admitted, and at that moment the doors into the bank swung open and a whole bunch of Aurors charged in, pointing their wands at everyone.
"Surrender, Werewolves! You are under arrest by the authority of…" James Potter himself led the group, announcing it in a loud manner, at least until it became clear that there were no Werewolves. "What in Merlin's name had happened here?" He asked aloud, as he observed the dead and wounded Werewolves, while Harry and Dorea looked at him with surprise, still unnoticed.
"James…" Hadrian breathed out, looking at his father for the first time in many years.
"Ah, and there is the cavalry, right after all fun is over." Arcturus commented, secretly observing the surprise on the face of his daughter and her companion. "This is something of a theme with current Aurors and the Ministry: always show up after all the slaughter and start covering it up. Though in Potter's case, start claiming all the glory and fame, despite not even being here in the first place." Arcturus stated, as he observed the Aurors spread out, while James with his friend Remus Lupin, after exchanging words with Lucius Malfoy, moved towards them, with James looking with surprise at Dorea, who didn't show any emotions immediately.
"Mother, what a surprise, I… I didn't think that you would be here." James said with a bit of an awkwardness. "Are you alright? Were you harmed?"
"No, I was not harmed. Your concern is touching, James, considering your attitude towards "defective" members of the family." Dorea stated with disdain, reminding him what he called Hadrian, at which James flinched.
"I see you've not yet changed your mind, mom." James noted with a sigh. "One would think that a witch of House of Black would understand the necessity of what I had done, and that I did not out of malice, but out of necessity."
"And one would think, that a son would know his mother better than you do, but we both are disappointments in the eyes of each other." Dorea answered back, with James flinching at it.
"Lady Dorea, I understand that you still cannot forgive James, but believe me, it wasn't an easy…" Remus tried to speak up, but Dorea shut him up with but a glance.
"Do stay out of this Remus. If you have nothing better to do, go and crawl in some dark corner and wallow in misery at how the world is so unfair towards you." Dorea bit back with irritated tone, before turning to James. "As much as I may want to continue this, I'd much rather get this entire affair over."
"Hm, as you wish." James said with a huff, before turning to Hadrian, who eyed him carefully. "Witnesses say that you are the one who had taken out all of the Werewolves. Well, normally I would thank you, but what you did was reckless and absolutely irresponsible, and you could've gotten the people here killed! What were you thinking, that you could be a hero like Dumbledore or my son?" James asked with a glare of Hadrian, who simply blinked at him, before answering.
"No, I was simply doing what you are supposed to do, Auror Potter: protecting civilians." Hadrian stated in cold tone, before he reached out to his pocket and pulled out identification card, showing it to the two. "Hadrian Black, Special Agent of Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division, or SHIELD. Now then, Auror Potter, Auror Lupin, I am certain you are familiar with the organization I represent?" Hadrian asked in an official tone, with both looking shocked and surprised at what he just stated.
"Y-yes, we are." James stated. "However, this is a crime scene that took place in Wizarding World, so you've got no authority here and therefore…"
"Therefore, as official operative of the SHIELD, and under resolution №2908 of ICW, I take this case from your hands and from now on, this is a SHIELD's crime scene and investigation, due to the fact that these criminals were all part of STRIKE organization, which is currently being investigated by us. You are free to cooperate with us, Auror Potter, as per the agreed accords of cooperation between the Wizarding community and SHIELD." Hadrian stated to him, returning his card and pulling out his phone and quickly texting a message to the SHIELD, sending it. "The investigative and capture teams will arrive here in a few minutes. In the meantime, if you wish to cooperate and actually be useful, then start by establishing a perimeter and make sure that no witnesses leave the crime scene, and be mindful of the evidences."
"You've got no right to just grab it like it belongs to you! Dumbledore and Minister will hear about this, this is an outrage! This entire affair has nothing to do with SHIELD!" James was furious at how Hadrian just took control of the situation. "I will be filing a report to my superiors. They will see you fired within an hour for this abuse of power! And what the hell is a SHIELD agent doing in here in the first place with my mother, and being of House of Black at that one?!"
"Oh, for crying out loud, Potter, stop whining and acting like an overgrown man-child who just lost his favorite candy! They were here to discuss business, that's all you need to know." Arcturus decided to intervene. "Now, if you are done being a headless troll, then start doing your work, Potter, or in case you were not informed, this man here has the right to simply have you detained on the basis of being an obstacle to the investigation, which you are being quite so successfully. Now, get to work! Chop-chop!" Arcturus commanded the man with claps, with James glaring at the old man, before turning to Hadrian.
"This is not over, Black. I'll have your hide for this!" After that, James turned around and simply left the bank, while Remus remained.
"Agent Black, perhaps you should've handled this in a bit more diplomatic way. James is a national hero and…" Remus tried to speak to Hadrian, but he had already moved away from him and began taking charge of the place, showing his SHIELD card and effectively now ordering around the Aurors, leaving Remus shocked. "D-did he just ignore me, like…"
"Like you weren't even here and didn't matter despite being a godfather to the Boy-Who-Lived? Yes." Dorea's tone showed that she was absolutely enjoying it, with Remus turning to her with disdain in his eyes. "Now run along, Lupin, before James remembers that he forgot his dog here." Deciding not to test either his or her patience, Lupin removed himself from the bank, while Dorea and Arcturus observed Hadrian already getting the investigation going.
"Shame you don't see more people like him." Arcturus said suddenly, getting the attention of Dorea, before he turned to her and smiled. "He definitely is not a simple Squib, Dorea, and we both know that there are no Blacks that go by the name of Hadrian, be they Squibs or illegitimate members."
"What is your point, father?" Dorea narrowed her eyes, hardening her gaze on him, with Arcturus simply sighing.
"That you should've come to me and told me about him, and I would've made sure that everything was official… But as we both know, you've had your reasons to not trust me, and I know them too well." Arcturus sighed, as he turned to Hadrian. "I will take care of the ceremonial and official business, make Hadrian a member of House of Black in an official manner, and have him installed as my grandson. He will have the right to use our name despite his status without any complication. On my magic, I do solemnly swear." Arcturus stated, with magic accepting his pledge, with Dorea looking at him with surprise.
"Why would you do this? What game are you playing, father?" She asked of him. "If you mean to use Hadrian in some scheme of yours, then know that I'll shut you down faster than you can imagine."
"There is no grand scheme for me in this, Dorea. This… This is just an old fool's attempt at fixing the mistakes he had made, to right the wrongs he had inflicted upon his daughter, because he was far too arrogant to admit that she was right, and upon my magic I do so solemnly swear." And magic confirmed his intentions, surprising Dorea, as he father looked at her with sadness. "I know how much pain I've brought you, Dorea, and that you have every right to hate me and every member of our family. I am not asking for forgiveness, only for a chance to at least do some good, before Death finally comes for me. I know who Hadrian is, Dorea, and I knew from the moment I looked in his eyes… He has your eyes, Dorea, but with Charlus' fire in them, unlike with James." Arcturus chuckled, while Dorea looked at him with surprise.
"Even if so, why do this? He is not going to be a wizard, father. Harry doesn't want anything to do with the Wizarding world, and this is just tying up a few loose ends, not to mention that he is a…" Dorea wanted to say that he was a Squib, but Arcturus interrupted her.
"Dorea… You were always the smartest and brightest of my children, but even you cannot deceive me, even after all these years." Arcturus gave her a knowing smile, before returning his gaze upon Hadrian. "Do not forget, that I was the one who taught you about the True Sources, and after all the research and studies I did on them… I get to see one of them in the flash, right here and now." Arcturus looked at Hadrian with awe.
"If the Ministry, or worse, Dumbledore, find out about him, they will do everything in their power to kill him, or worse." Dorea said, with Arcturus agreeing with her. "I will burn the Wizarding World to the ground before I let that happen, expose it all to see and I'll watch the people tear it apart, if that means protecting him."
"Maybe that is what this world needs, Dorea." Arcturus suggested. "I know what those morons would do if they had learned, so I'll take precautions. Hadrian will be free to pursue whatever life he wants for himself, without any interference from me. There is enough blood on our family as it is, too much to simply wash it off…" Arcturus said with quiet disdain.
"Then… You won't manipulate or use Harry?" Dorea still was uncertain of what he meant, with Arcturus turning to her and answering.
"No, I will not. I have had my fill of it to last me another two lifetimes." He said with admonishment. "Tell him, that if he ever needs some help with the Wizarding World or its affairs, I will be happy to assist him in whatever way I can." And after that, Arcturus began to walk away from his daughter.
"Father." Dorea called out to him, making him look back to her. "Thank you." She said after a small pause, to which Arcturus simply nodded with a small smile, before walking towards the arriving agents of SHIELD.
Four hours later. SHIELD's London HQ.
"A black ops unit, comprised entirely of Werewolves, trained to near same standard as British SAS, with expertise in combat tactics and advance warfare?" Nick Fury asked of Hadrian and Phil Coulson via holographic conference, as the two delivered their report. "And I thought STRIKE couldn't get even less original. This sounds a lot like something that Hydra would do, if they did not do already. Have you established where these Wolfhounds got their arms and where they operate from?"
"Our interrogators are still working on the latter part, but according to Hadrian, the arms they have taken from one of STRIKE's hidden caches, located in the Werewolf reservation." Coulson stated, nodding to Hadrian to continue.
"Due to their biological predicament, the Ministry takes care to hide and segregate the Werewolves in specially allocated areas, in order to limit the possible damage that Werewolves can do, when they transform. Such areas are very well hidden from normal eyes and are populated completely by Werewolves, with conditions in there being less than humane." Hadrian spoke up. "These reservations are perfect spots to hide the weapons caches, and they also served as the recruitment pool for STRIKE for Wolfhound Company."
"And the Ministry just so happens to turn a blind eye to all this." Nick Fury stated. "Coulson, I want every Werewolf segregation searched by our agents. If the Ministry does not even know what is going on in their own lands, they cannot be trusted to carry it out properly. They may send an observer with each search group, if they want, but make sure that they understand that this is SHIELD investigation."
"Understood, Director. I must also report to you that the Ministry has sent an official complaint and protest to us, criticizing the actions of Special Agent Black at the site of crime and demanding that he be reprimanded for his disrespectful actions and attitude towards proper authorities." Phil spoke up, getting the attention of Fury. "According to the Ministry, Agent Black had shown criminal level of incompetence when dealing with this situation, endangered the lives of the hostages, refused to cooperate with the Department for Magical Law Enforcement, illegally took command of the Aurors at the crime scene and conducted an illegal investigation, among other things."
"Those are some serious accusations, Agent Black. Do you have something to add to your earlier report?" Fury asked of him.
"Only that I analyzed and assessed the situation and acted in accordance with the results of my assessment. The rest I have provided in my verbal report to Agent Coulson and to you, Director." Hadrian responded, awaiting their decision.
"Director, based on what we've heard from eye witnesses, captured terrorists and analysis of the crime scene, I am inclined to believe that Special Agent Black acted well within his rights as a Special Agent of SHIELD during the hostage situation, and that his decisions to involve SHIELD in this situation was a right thing. Overall, sir, Special Agent Black made the right calls when it was needed." Coulson stated. "From what we've gathered, the ones who really screwed the pooch was the DMLE and the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, and now they are looking for someone to place the blame on. The former is supposed to provide safety to the Diagon Alley and prevent such things from happening, with the latter is responsible for maintaining of Werewolf reservations and informing the DMLE and us about any suspicious activity. Considering what had happened today, it is clear that the Ministry will come under some serious criticism, and from what we've gathered about Minister Fudge, he cares far more about maintaining his seat, rather than doing anything."
"Well, I'll leave this situation to you to handle, Coulson, since you are in charge of SHIELD in there. Overall, good job in the Bank, Special Agent Black. As you were, gentlemen." And after that, Director Fury disconnected, leaving the two agents in Coulson's office.
"Will you respond to this protest and critique, sir?" Hadrian inquired, once the conference was over.
"If you are asking if you will be reprimanded or not, then I am quite certain you already know the answer, Agent Black." Coulson smiled to him a little, as they sat down. "You made the right call in a tumultuous situation, no civilians were killed or hurt, and safe for the ones who were caught before the Wolfhounds entered the bank. You have acted well within the established parameters and rights, and therefore I see no point on reprimanding you. Overall, you did well, Agent Black, so you can relax. If the Ministry decides to pursue this case, they'll find that we don't bend to their will like they might want to think."
"I wouldn't worry about the Ministry, sir, but I am concerned that either Dumbledore or James Potter, if not both at the same time, might decide to interfere with this investigation, because of my way of handling things." Hadrian shared his thoughts with Coulson. "James Potter is one of Dumbledore's primary supporters and most influential allies in the Ministry and Wizengamot, and one of the primary candidates for the post of Head of DMLE, and I've basically made him look like an incompetent amateur."
"Hm, from what I've heard of the man, he rather fits that description aptly." Coulson joked, to which Hadrian simply chuckled. "Do you have reason to believe that they might do this? Interfere with the official SHIELD investigation because of how you made them look? Forgive me, but this seems a little too extreme and petty."
"I have good reason to believe that they would not only pursue this course of actions. There is a constant power struggle within the Ministry and Wizengamot, and for almost six years, Dumbledore has firmly held the reigns in his hands, in large part thanks to the victory over Voldemort, and support of those who fought on his side. However, now there is a serious chance that they might lose their total dominance in Wizengamot." Hadrian explained. "Today, I've just shamed his most important supporter and a man who is supposed to be an infallible hero. Dumbledore, or Potter, will not let this slide, not when their control over Wizengamot can slip out of their fingers."
"And to make sure that they maintain it, they'll make a spectacle out of showing that they have influence and power even over us, but making us persecute you for shaming them." Coulson surmised, with Hadrian nodding to it. "Alright, then what would you suggest, Hadrian?"
"Take me off the investigation entirely, give them what they want, or at least make it look like it." Hadrian suggested, with Coulson looking at him with consideration. "Our duty takes precedence over our pride, sir, and I honestly couldn't care less what they think of me. However, if my presence would disrupt the flow of the investigation, then it is best I stay away from it all."
"Is this your professional opinion, Agent Black, or one based on your personal feelings?" Coulson asked of Hadrian. "I can't say that I fully comprehend your situation with your family, but I do understand that after what you have been through, you would have very strong feelings about your father, Hadrian."
"Sir, my personal feelings are not a deciding factor in it all, but I will not deny that they are not present. As you know, sir, I have a strong negative opinion of the Wizarding World and Ministry as a whole, and it is very likely that the Ministry will put James Potter in charge of this cooperation with SHIELD, should it happen." Hadrian stated with a sigh. "I will refer to your decision, sir. I simply do not want there to be any obstacles to quick and definitive resolution of this investigation."
"Your request is noted, Special Agent, and granted." Coulson approved, surprising Hadrian a little. "I have no doubt in your professionalism and ability to operate and think objectively, Hadrian. The reason I grant this request, however, is that your reasons are sound from a professional point of view, and that if we were to come under scrutiny, you could be accused of being emotionally compromised. I know that you can keep a cool head, but there are certain parameters we also have to maintain, especially when cooperation with government officials like Ministry of Magic."
"I understand, sir." Hadrian nodded to him.
"I know you do. You are free to go, Special Agent." Coulson dismissed him, with Harry leaving the cabinet. "Hadrian, you did the right thing in the bank. Consider this as a reward, instead of a simple discharge."
"I will sir, and thank you." Hadrian assured him, leaving the cabinet and heading back home.
Well, as you can see, Hadrian has seen the Wizarding World and it has seen him, and both are unimpressed, for the most part, though those who care about Hadrian are now trying to get into his good graces. Overall, I don't really have much to say about it all, safe for the fact that I decided to expand on the past of Dorea, and that I did take a few creative liberties with Weasleys and their parents, but surprisingly, I did do my research and I did find out that both Molly and Arthur are half Blacks. And yes, Dorea isn't daughter of Arcturus in canon, but that is canon, and this is fanon so things like this are not outside of realm of possibilities.
Also, about Arcturus, unlike in many other stories, he isn't a schemer here, not anymore. He is just a broken old man, who wants to fix the mistakes he has made in the past and lived to see how it all turned out in the end. He saw his family descend into a putrid state of senseless bigotry and madness and saw it fall from what it once was, realizing that that he is to blame for it, and understanding that his daughter was right all those years ago about everything. Expect him to become a supportive character, instead of an antagonist.
Oh, and about why the whole hostage situation was over so soon… I did actually plan to make it a full on melee scene with lots of action and martial arts, but I did rethink it. Nephalem is many things, but one thing he is most known for is being efficient. He would find the most effective and best way to deal with the situation, and that was it for him, just shoot them, while leaving some alive for later interrogation. That is also part of the reason why he decided to not get involved with the investigation, because it would go more efficient without him, since Ministry now has a bit of grudge on him.
As always, thank you all for your support for this story. Please, comment, review, give me your suggestions about future events, romantic interests for Hadrian, ask questions, I welcome all constructive feedback.
Next time: Winter weekend in Wundagore Mountains with Scarlet Witch; An unexpected ally and enemies of Chaotic nature.