"This Wizengamot session has been called to order on the first of June, nineteen-eighty-two!" Bagnold called out from her pedestal. The accompanying thuds of the gavel echoed throughout the chamber and silenced any on-going conversations.

"All rise for the Chief Warlock!" the Speaker called out – the shuffle of feet as everyone stood until Dumbledore gestured for them all to sit was louder than he'd expected.

All around him, he saw in detail for the first time the various reactions of those around him at the aged wizard's presence. Some had carefully constructed neutral expressions, others were pleased and finally, there were those small few who dared to outright scowl at the man.

As everyone adjusted themselves once again in their seats, the Wizengamot scribe fiddled with a quill for a moment before nodding over towards Bagnold.

"We have a number of items on the agenda today, so let us begin. First, petitions to the court. The Noble House of Abbott, you have the floor."

He watched from the corner of his eye as Thomas Abbott stood. He was a middle-aged man, recently widowed in the war. If his memory served him correctly, Abbott had worked for the Ministry for a few years as a glorified clerk in some department or another before assuming the head of his house. His robes were of a traditional cut and appeared far more ceremonial than functional. The cloak that hung from his shoulders seemed to be lined with Hippogriff feathers, while the actual fabric was a pale blue. Sewn onto the back of his cloak was the large family sigil displayed for all to see – a pale tower wrapped in vines.

"Thank you, Minister. I come before the Wizengamot today to raise the issue of the recently proposed legislation that pertains to the House Elf Tax."

Groans filled the room, and someone had the audacity to call out for Abbott to sit down. Despite it all, Abbott held fast and didn't rise to any of it.

"Now, I know this discussion isn't ready for debate quite yet, but I felt it my duty to point out some issues for everyone to think about in the meantime."

"House Elves are listed under the Ministry as sentient creatures. While they do indeed have their quirks and such, it isn't for us to tax the existence of these creatures in a family. As it is, they serve our every need and want without complaint. How would this tax effect houses such as Malfoy, Black, or even your own, Chief Warlock? How would this effect institutions that have stood for hundreds of years, like Hogwarts? My daughter will be attending in a number of years, and frankly, I don't think it worth almost bankrupting the school just to refill our coffers in the short-term."

With that, the man sat slowly in his chair as the room erupted in response.

"Order, order!" Bagnold called, waiting until the room was silent once again.

"While it was an odd petition, I'll allow the motion. As it was unorthodox, are there any currently in attendance that would offer a rebuttal or counter-argument at this time?"

The room was silent. There were many months until the legislation was opened for debate and changes in the court, so it came as no surprise to him when the Minister continued through the houses.

"The Ancient and Noble House of Black has the floor," Bagnold called, almost spitting the name. It was of no surprise, of course – her career had been drastically shortened by the trial months prior. Perhaps he should bring his combat robes in the future, on the off chance she attempted to curse him.

"Thank you, Minister," he replied as he stood. There were muted whispers throughout the public viewing gallery. Many had expected Arcturus, but they seemed surprised to see Sirius here in his stead. It was a good prank.

"The House of Black, after a number of months in discussions with various houses, would like to formally declare a number of new alliances before the Wizengamot."

Those whispers turned into full blown conversations now, and he struggled to keep the grin from his face.

"Very well. Lord Arcturus announced in the last session the end of a number of alliances, so I think we're all interested to hear of your new political position."

He ignored the lack of respect from Bagnold – he could go back to ruining her career later.

"House Black declares alliance with the Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom. This is an alliance of politics, trade, and defence."

Augusta, who sat as the regent for her grandson, stood from her position further down the row to his right.

"I, Augusta Longbottom, regent of the Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom, do hereby acknowledge and confirm this alliance."

There was a smattering of noise. He'd purposely chosen to begin with Longbottom for the shock value. If House Black was seen to be close to that house in particular after the escapades of Bellatrix, then there was no telling where they would ally themselves with next. It was brilliant thinking on his grandfather's part.

"The Wizengamot acknowledges this alliance," Dumbledore called before Bagnold could say anything. Her face appeared to be turning a few shades of red he hadn't realised existed before.

"House Black also declares an alliance with the Noble House of McGonagall. This is also an alliance of politics, trade, and defence."

Minerva stood just below him, not far from Augusta herself and confirmed the alliance. Now for the finale.

"Finally, The Ancient and Noble House of Black swears allegiance to the Ancient and Noble House of Potter."

The room went wild. Voices called out. Men and women stomped their feet. One man threw a handful of parchment in the air, and journalists flashed their cameras in his direction. He winked up at those – he had an image to uphold, after all. Somewhere throughout all the racket, a gavel was beaten and promptly ignored.

As he waited for the racket to fade away, he remained standing there, his hands clasped firmly behind his back as his eyes swept the room. It was unheard of for an Ancient and Noble House to swear allegiance to anyone. The houses worked on the same structure that they had for hundreds of years – each family held swaths of land, and those that lived on that land were sworn to defend that house in perpetuity. The average family was sworn to a Vassal House, and Vassal Houses were sworn to Noble Houses. The Ancient and Noble Houses were the most powerful of them all, though Noble Houses weren't sworn to them.

To qualify a family to the status of an Ancient and Noble family, the lineage had to be traced back all the way back to at least the 17th century, not to mention the specific number of Vassals a family had to have. The financial and political power of the family was also a requirement. Unfortunately, over the years, the number of these families were trickling away. As it stood, there were only thirteen left in the entire country. There were others, but they were beyond the reach of this Wizengamot and didn't direct their attentions to this small colony.

"Order, order!" Bagnold finally managed to call over the din. "Heir Black, you intend to swear fealty to House Potter?" she demanded, ashen faced.

"Aye, Minister – this is the shared desire of myself and Lord Arcturus Black. We swear fealty in perpetuity to the Lord of House Potter, from this day, until the end of our days. We shall keep their counsel, guard their backs and offer our magic in whichever way they require," Sirius intoned formally, placing his fist over his heart as was required.

"Objection!" A deep voice called from the far side of the room. Ah, someone from Malfoy's lot. Excellent.

"The House of Black can't possibly be allowed to do this, Chief Warlock! Think of the precedent it would set for future generations – we could see the Wizengamot split into familial factions in a way that's unthinkable!" Augustus Passel cried, his usually sallow and pockmarked complexion flushed a furious colour. If memory served, Passel was a family sworn to the Malfoy family in Wiltshire.

"Heir Black, do you offer any response?" Dumbledore asked, his voice curious.

"I do, Chief Warlock."

He cleared his throat.

"As many of you know, the House of Black is currently raising the heir to the Potter bloodline. At the end of next month, he will be two years old, and in just shy of a decade, he'll be attending Hogwarts itself. I am his godfather; his father was my best friend and I think of him as my own son. There is nothing Lord Black and I wouldn't do for the boy – we just happen to be making it official."

Sirius grinned back at Passel, who had paled noticeably.

"While it is… rare, for such an agreement between houses, I can think of no reason to object to this motion," Dumbledore spoke up before anyone could say anything in response. He nodded up at Sirius.

"Motion allowed. The Ancient and Noble House of Black is now sworn to House Potter from this day, until the end of days."


The Wizengamot session continued for a number of hours after that, though none of it was nearly as fun. He tried to make for the exit in a somewhat dignified manner once the doors were unsealed, but he was on the fence as to just how dignified it actually looked. His boots clicked against the marble tiles, and his fur-lined cloak billowed in his wake as he made his way through the underbelly of the Ministry. If he could leave now, he could make it in time for Harry's evening meal and hear about his day.

Luck, as it would turn out, wasn't on his side.

"Sirius! Sirius Black!" A voice behind him called his name. He came to a halt and stepped against the wall as wizards and witches of every disposition filtered past him. As he turned his head to see who had stopped him, he drew up short.

"Lady Newt, I'm sorry, I didn't recognise you for a moment there."

He truly hadn't, it had been years since he'd last seen the witch, and even then, he'd been a boy. The woman before him was in her fifties, though you wouldn't tell from the way she held herself. Her robes were a deep maroon colour, her family sigil proudly displaying the animal her family was named for. Like Arcturus and himself, her robes were function over style – and it wasn't for the first time that he was reminded of the more modern appearance of what were essentially medieval-styled clothes. Less tights, more leather, as he often said.

"It's no issue, my Lord," she huffed; her cheeks rosy. "I was hoping to trouble you for but a moment of your time?" she asked, gesturing to an empty conference room they were stood by. He nodded after a moment before leading her inside.

With a quick flick of his wand, their privacy was ensured, and they could speak freely.

"Lord Black," she began, though halted when Sirius raised his hand.

"Sirius, please. You've known me since I was running about Blackwall Manor naked, I think we can forgo the titles."

"Ah yes, a habit that you didn't grow out of until you were halfway through Hogwarts, if I remember rightly," she chuckled, winking at him. "I'm sure you've nothing to be ashamed of, lad."

Sirius had felt his cheeks heat immediately. He coughed into his fist awkwardly and gestured for her to get to the point, lest he die of embarrassment.

"I had some questions about the little Lord, Sirius. What you did in there was the first time anyone of your position has done so. I and some of the other vassals are wondering just where that leaves us."

"As far as everything goes, there's no change. When we call upon you, you answer the call to arms. You continue paying your rents through my family and you follow in our political footsteps."

"Aye, lad, but what about conflict of interest?"

"There'll be no conflict of interest, Bethany. House Black is no longer the same house it once was. All of our attentions will be focused in supporting House Potter. In that line, it may be worth passing on to the other vassals to safely destroy any dark artifacts you've all hoarded over the years- if you have any, of course," he sighed, folding his arms over his chest and leaning against the wall as the woman before him paced.

She scoffed, waving a hand through the air. "Please, yours was the darkest of all of us. We've none of the artifacts. I shall assume then, that you're doing a similar purge?"

At Sirius' nod, she continued pacing back and forth.

"Why now, though? Why not let the lad know when he's older? Why not hand him over to one of his own vassals?"

"His own sworn families would use him to advance their own standing, and this way, I keep my godson and put any of those ideas firmly in the ground. I have no political aspirations beyond making sure Harry is as happy as he can be. Arcturus is of a like mind."

"Merlin, the boy already has the two of you wrapped around his finger, doesn't he?" she laughed after a moment.

"Quite securely, I'm afraid."

She nodded after a time, the words having settled something within her. Were many of the other vassals of their house of a like mind? Were they questioning the motivations? He'd have to speak to Arcturus when he returned – as the current lord, he'd be in a unique position to get them to fall in line.

"Now," he clapped, pushing off from the wall. "If that's all, I have a godson to get home to. I hope you don't mind?"

"Of course not. You have a good evening, my Lord," Bethany replied, bowing at the waist as he nodded and stepped from the room.

The previously bustling corridor was noticeably calmer now. Without the press of bodies, he could walk at a much more relaxed pace and calm himself before returning to the manor.

It was a few minutes later when he stepped out onto the main lobby of the Ministry and saw that awful statue that he noticed him. It had been just shy of a year since he'd last seen him, but the other man appeared to have aged at least twice that.

"Sirius! You old dog!" Remus Lupin called, striding up to him, a wolfish grin split across his face. He'd been looking for Remus bloody Lupin since November! Where the hell had he been?

"Remus? What are you doing here? Where have you been? I've had Elves out looking for you for months!" Sirius replied, swallowing the man in his strongest embrace. With the death of Prongs and the betrayal of Wormtail, they were the last two Marauders – for now, if Sirius had anything to do with it, at least.

Remus chuckled, patting him on the back before pulling away.

"It took time to break away from the packs on the continent. I came as soon as I could after I heard about the attack."

Remus' face lost its smile as the grief threatened to swallow him whole.

"Hey, none of that. We have nobody to blame but Peter. We'll find the rat, and when we do, he's nobody's but ours, understand?"

Remus nodded silently as he stuffed his hands in his trouser pockets. He always did enjoy muggle clothes more.

"So, I heard that you made quite the splash in the Wizengamot today," Remus snickered, raising an eyebrow as he took in Sirius' robes.

"Teasing me about sitting in a Wizengamot session will earn you an arse kicking the likes of which you haven't experienced since sixth year, Moony," Sirius warned, giving him the finger. He slung his other arm around Remus' shoulders.

"Now, before you say otherwise, you're staying at the Manor tonight and seeing Prongslet."

"Oh, I couldn't imp-"

"It's not imposing if I'm telling you to get your arse to Blackwall. Now, get some powder and go. I'll be right behind you."

He watched as Remus rolled his eyes, before throwing a nearby Ministry House Elf a handful of knuts in exchange for a vial of powder. He repeated the process and watched Remus call out for Blackwall as he was engulfed in the green flames. A few seconds later, Sirius was stepping out of the fireplace in his home as Remus was looking around the room.

"You know, I don't think any of us came here."

"James did, on house business once or twice. Charlus and Arcturus were close."

Sirius shrugged off his cloak and handed it to one of the Elves that appeared. With a pop, it was off again – he could barely tell them apart, besides Lispy and Kreacher. He was half convinced they dressed in each other's clothes just to confuse him at this point.

"Come, they should be just finishing up," he said, clapping his friend on the arm as he stepped past him.

Following the sounds of childish laughter through the house was easier than expected, and within a few short moments, they were walking through the door into the family dining room. The room was well lit and held portraits of notable family members throughout their history. What drew his attention, however, was the eighty-year old man attempting to feed a giggling Harry. It seemed he was having more luck in getting the chocolate mousse around Harry's mouth, rather than in it.

"You're getting too slow for him in your old age, grandfather," Sirius chuckled as Remus entered behind him.

Arcturus, to his credit, looked up at Sirius as he said that and got the spoon in Harry's mouth without even so much as a glance.

"Still quick enough for you, boy." He quirked an eyebrow. "I see we have a guest."

"Remus Lupin, Lord Black. A pleasure to make your acquaintance," Remus bowed, his voice drawing Harry's attention immediately.

"Uncle Moony!" Harry cried, practically launching himself out of his chair and charging full-tilt at his honorary uncle.

"Hello, pup! Haven't you gotten big, eh?" Remus chuckled, kneeling down just as Harry collided with him. They were quiet for a few moments, and Sirius thought he spotted a small tear running down Lupin's cheek, but decided to keep quiet. He'd been in pieces for days after seeing Harry.

"A pleasure to meet the infamous Moony of the Marauders. I hear you were the brains behind the operation," Arcturus smirked.

"Well, I wouldn't claim as much, but I'm Moony, aye."

"Ah, and humble as well, I see. I like this one, Sirius. Please, sit and eat – you must be starved."

Sirius made to sit down, leaving a seat between himself and Harry for Remus. Even Harry sat in his chair again without complaint. Within moments, food was placed before the two of them – a medium rare steak with roasted vegetables and peppercorn sauce for Remus, and roast chicken with vegetables and gravy for himself. The two of them began eating almost immediately, with Harry giggling at the gusto with which they ate.

"Now, Remus, may I call you Remus?" Arcturus began, continuing only once he received the nod from his friend. "What can I do to help you?"

Remus audibly swallowed his food in surprise. Sirius slowed his eating and sat back; his brow furrowed in thought. What did Arcturus want from Remus? His Grandfather, until recently had never really been known for his generosity and offering of favours. Arcturus was known as the fearsome and intimidating Lord Black. You wanted someone's day, month, year, or even life ruined, you just made sure they crossed Arcturus.

"My Lord?" he asked, his voice impressively even.

"You're Sirius' friend, though I understand you had your differences during the war-"

"That's the same for anyone, grandfather. We suspected everyone," Sirius interrupted quickly, his voice soft as he stared at his plate morosely. He felt Remus' hand on his shoulder and the affectionate squeeze that came with it. He turned his head to see the sad smile he was wearing – he hoped his attempt was half as convincing.

"I don't blame Sirius for suspecting me. Dumbledore had me on the continent reaching out to… specific groups."

Arcturus raised an eyebrow at that.

"You mean the werewolf packs, I assume?"

He saw Remus pale frightfully fast. While they had managed to keep it secret for the most part at Hogwarts, it wasn't so easy to keep it hidden elsewhere. Werewolves were judged and shunned all throughout the magical world for their lycanthropy affliction. Nobody was born with the condition, and nobody really knew where it originated. As such, those afflicted with the curse gained it by having been bitten. Sirius, and by extension, The Marauders, all knew Lupin's story- bitten at the age of four by Fenrir Greyback and forced once a month for the rest of his life to become a dangerous animal. It was the whole reason they had all agreed to become Animagi, to keep their friend company during his worst days.

As a result of the social shunning, werewolves were rarely tolerated around other witches and wizards. They were often passed over for jobs and fired immediately once they were discovered. It broke his heart to see his friend suffer through it.

"I-I mean, uh… That is to say," Remus tried nervously.

"Relax, dear boy – I won't be throwing you out of my home."

Arcturus smiled slightly, holding a hand up to relax Remus.

"I merely ask what I can do for you, because you're family to this young man here," he added, reaching out a hand to ruffle Harry's hair. The boy grinned at the mention of his name.

"My Lord,"

"Arcturus, please," Arcturus interrupted softly.

"Arcturus, you've already done more than enough for me by putting food in my belly and allowing me to spend some time with the pup. Anything else would simply be more than I deserve."

There was silence after that, the clinking of cutlery on plates the only sound in the room besides Harry's giggles as he leaned into Moony. Throughout it all, Arcturus absently ran the side of his finger back and forth against his chin, seemingly deep in thought. Knowing Arcturus, he was creating plans for his plans – and then some plans just in case.

Once the food was eaten and the plates popped away by the House Elves, Remus picked Harry up carefully and plonked him on his knee, his scarred face lighting up in joy as he looked at the boy.

"You went to Hogwarts, yes?" Arcturus finally asked, his eyes still shrewdly peering at his friend.

"Aye, one of the best in the year – isn't that right Moony?" Sirius grinned, remembering just which of them it was that was the brains behind all the many, many pranks.

Remus, on the other hand simply blushed and attempted to shrug off the praise.

"Well, I'm sure there were many other smarter students."

"Nonsense! You set a record for D.A.D.A, and you were the first of us to manage a corporeal Patronus!" he shot back. Remus merely shrugged.

"I find myself in need of a steward and a tutor. I would offer you these positions. We can arrange a generous salary, monthly doses of Wolfsbane, and we'll construct a bunker for you to spend one night a month in. Not to mention, outside of your usual duties for the House of Black, you would be close to Harry every day," Arcturus offered suddenly.

Sirius watched as Remus' jaw dropped open in shock – this was likely the best job offer he'd ever receive, simply because of what he was.

"I… I don't quite know what to say," Remus began, his voice shocked.

"Say yes, you fool!" Sirius grinned, reaching over to take Harry from Moony's now limp arms. He bounced Harry a little.

"What do you say, pup? Would you like Uncle Moony to stay with us?"

"Stay with us Uncle Moony!" Harry cried, clapping his hands together happily.

Remus looked at the two of them for a moment, his eyes growing shiny before he rapidly blinked the oncoming tears away with a light sniff.

"I," he began, his voice cracking a little. "I would be honoured, Lord Black."

"Excellent!" Arcturus clapped, a grin on his face as his eyes twinkled happily. "You start tomorrow, and I'll spend the day explaining your duties to you."

Harry yawned in his arms and rubbed his eyes tiredly.

"Welcome to the family, Remus. Let me just put this one to bed, and we'll celebrate!" Sirius grinned, standing as Harry tucked himself into his shoulder and wrapped his little arms around his neck.

All in all, it had been a bloody brilliant day, he thought.