Chapter Eight
His friends were not due to leave until later in the day, so Callian tried his best to ignore the troubling thoughts niggling at the back of his mind. As the day wore on, he and his companions returned to the meadow where they spent several hours browsing the stalls and performers that were busy entertaining the crowds. As they sat eating honey cakes while watching several acrobats performing incredible feats, Callian found Adria nudging him with her shoulder.
"Are you going to have that frown on your face all day?" She asked him, offering him a grin as she pulled funny faces to try and improve his dour mood.
Despite himself, Callian found his lips twitching at her actions. "Just something that came up recently, but it's nothing to worry about. Have you thought of getting anything for your muggle relatives" He offered trying to get her to change the subject.
Adria was having none of it however as she reached over and flicked him gently on the forehead, he yelped more in surprise at the action than any real pain and shot her a dirty look as he rubbed his brow.
"What was that for?" He said with a glare as his friends laughed at his reaction. Adria just smiled innocently as she pulled him to his feet, "For being an idiot, you are sulking and we're not going to have you being gloomy when we have to leave this evening. If this is the last time we see each other until we're back at school I will have you smiling if it's the last thing I do."
Hermione grabbed his other arm as they began to pull him towards some of the stalls that had games of chance and skill. "You've been a sour puss since we saw you this morning, are you going to tell us what's wrong or are we going to have to make you?" Came the response from the bushy-haired Gryffindor.
Harry prodded him in the back as they hurried him along. "You know they won't stop until you give them an answer." He said with a grin.
Callian just sighed as they continued to drag him along, but he eventually did as they asked and was met by several looks of disbelief and confusion.
Adria just stared at him blankly as she asked, "Wait. You're saying that Gods are real and they are talking to you?"
Callian could only shrug his shoulders at her. "The Dwarves seem to think so, as do many of the other races. The only experience I have had with them is this." He said pulling the amulet of Delvaryn from under his tunic. As his friends leaned closer to look Callian could have sworn he saw the damn thing vibrate on the end of its chain, quickly tucking it back under his clothes he could only shake his head as he explained everything that Tyrna had said to him that morning.
No one spoke once he was finished; they just gaped at him with open mouths. A grim smile tugged at his lips as he brushed past them, "Now, take what you're feeling and let it stew for a few hours and you will be about where I am right now."
He could only shake his head as he continued to walk back towards the stalls they had just left, despite his friends' apparent disbelief he found himself feeling lighter now that he had told them just what had been bothering him and he made a determined effort to put the thoughts that had plagued him from his mind as he called back over his shoulder. "If you three stand there like that all day you're going to swallow a fly."
Almost immediately they gave chase, barely managing to catch up with him as he reached the outer stalls. He could see that they were struggling to believe him but that was OK, even he was still unsure of what exactly had happened this morning. Despite his less than cheerful mood, he found he was now able to enjoy the time he had left with his friends. Before long they were returning to the Castle, red-faced and chilly but full of laughter and joy as their entire group shared a late lunch in one of the more intimate dining rooms instead of the Great Hall.
Once they had eaten Callian watched as his grandfather stood, drawing everyone's attention as his towering frame loomed over them.
"As this is our last meal together, I would like to thank you. You have told me much of the world that lay beyond the borders of Magical Britain; it has been far too long since I have spent any time in the non-magical world. However, what I want to discuss with you all is something of great importance." Denevan paused as he looked into the confused faces of all those present. "I know my daughter has been in discussion with all of you in regards to Vassalage and the Oaths of Fealty that are required, but in light of recent information I feel that it is imperative that in order for you to make an informed decision you should know the facts."
Callian felt his brow furrow in confusion as he stared up at his grandfather.
Just what are you planning? He thought as Denevan slowly looked into the face of everyone there.
"During the troubles of our recent past, there were those among my kind that started a purge amongst the people to rid the world, both ours and yours of those that they deemed to be lesser than themselves." The harsh edge in his voice was apparent for all to hear as he spoke of the prejudiced elite among the Magi of Britain. "They believed that only the pure of blood and birthright could succeed, my people went to War to stop these few and we very nearly lost. My own daughter was badly injured towards the close of the War and I was unsure if she would survive the damage wrought to her body."
Callian's gaze flicked to his mother, she sat ramrod straight and her face was unreadable and it looked as if she was carved from stone as she stared straight ahead.
"The reason I say these things now is to warn you of the trials that will face your children in the times ahead. For while the Dark Lord Voldemort was vanquished by Lord Potter and the actions of his mother, Lily, many of his followers were able to evade justice." This time it was Harry that tensed beside him before anyone could question him, however, Denevan continued. This time his gaze was focused solely upon the young Magi in the room.
"I say this to you now, as a promise that should you offer your Oaths of Fealty, I will do all within my power to ensure you are protected from the machinations of these foul men and their Pureblood Dogma."
Whispers spread about the table as Denevan retook his seat; it was not long before Beverly Clearwater spoke up.
"Just how bad could it get for our children?" she asked in concern as she had a hand gripping tightly to Adria's own.
Callian leaned back in his chair as his mother answered. "The elitists among our kind regard any not of the Noble families as little more than serfs including the so-called purebloods, they firmly believe that Muggles', Muggle-borns' and all the other races are beneath them and should serve them in turn. The vast majority of Magicals are firmly against this idea, but despite being only a small minority the old families still retain the vast amount of power. Some like the current Minister and his subordinates are firmly in their pockets, so it is very odd that you will find any new blood in higher positions within the Ministry. Most tend to find work as clerks or aides if they are lucky, but they never truly progress far in their careers."
Douglas Granger growled at that, "How can a society exist like this?! We live in the same world yet you make it sound like this is still tenth-century England. How have your people not advanced along with ours? "He all but demanded of them, he was out of his seat now leaning across the table as he glared towards Denevan and Amerytha.
"There is no simple answer that I can give you. But I believe that it has something to do with the fact that as Magi, we age a lot slower than normal humans and remain fertile until well into our twilight years. Our society has not changed because, for us, the tenth century was only a few generations ago." The table fell silent as Amerytha spoke, but Callian did not fail to note the confused looks that passed between the muggles present.
"I take it that whoever introduced you to the Magical world failed to mention that little fact," Callian added his voice to the conversation and had to fight back the smirk that threatened to twist his features.
"I guess it is not something that you can easily bring up in conversation is it?" His rhetoric seemed to break the heavy atmosphere that had fallen over the table as a few nervous chuckles sounded about him.
Looking at his mother who waved for him to continue, Callian gladly did so. "What my mother said was true, despite how strange it may seem. An average Magi living a healthy lifestyle will generally live to be over a century, the greater ones power the longer lived the Mage. My own grandfather is nearly five hundred years old, and if the fates are kind he will live for many centuries more. I do not want to be the Lord Blackwood any time soon." He finished with a grin earning a good-natured chuckle from Denevan as his grandfather smiled warmly down at him.
Douglas fell back into his chair as he stared in mute shock at Callian's words.
"Five hundred..." The man whispered after several long silent heartbeats had passed, Amerytha leapt upon the man's shock as she continued where Callian had left off.
"Judging by the potential your children displayed last night, every one of them should live long and fruitful lives. Should your Houses fall under our banner I promise you that we will see them grow for as long as they live, together our families only strengthen each other."
The table fell silent once more and Callian found his gaze travelling over his friends' faces, they too seemed shocked by what had been revealed. However, not to the same extent as their parents, he knew that having been exposed to the long lives of their teachers and historical figures from their books at their school had clued them in to the fact that they would live for much longer than normal.
"I'm certainly not going to complain about living for a long, long time."
Harry spoke up and Callian sent a silent thank you towards his friend as he saw the rest of their companions nodding along with him, causing a few of the muggles present to chuckle.
"I'm still not sure about this vassalage thing. How do we know that it will make any difference for our daughter?" Douglas spoke up once more.
The conversation spiralled from there and Callian felt his frustration grow steadily as he studied the room. The Grangers, Douglas in particular seemed unwilling to accept the thought of their daughter serving another, even though it would benefit her greatly.
Eventually, Callian grew tired of the circling conversation and taking a deep breath brought his hand down upon the table with a sharp retort that made everyone jump in their seats.
Once every eye was upon him Callian slowly stood from his chair. His own eyes travelled from face to face as he spoke and to his amazement, few could hold his gaze. "House Blackwood had offered their hands in friendship, the Oaths of fealty are more than just servitude as you so delicately put it." He could not keep the sneer from his face as he looked at Douglas Granger, he had tried to keep a civil tongue but his frustration was getting the better of him. "I will do everything within my power to keep my friends safe, to ensure that they succeed where so many others fail-"
Douglas Granger was once more on his feet as he cut Callian off mid-sentence, "Now listen boy!" Hermione called out to her father, horrified and embarrassed by his actions. "I will not let my daughter become some mere serva-"
"It is not for you to decide!" Callian's voice held a clear note of power as his anger threatened his normally tight control of his Magic. "We have put the offer before you out of courtesy. As Muggles, you have no rights within our world to accept or deny anything," Looking towards his friends, his eyes bored into them. He saw them lean back slightly at the intensity of his presence seemed to bear down on them. "We have offered you a place at our side, it is up to you and you alone to decide if you will stand with House Blackwood or fall to the side like so many others."
Douglas was left speechless as Callian turned back to stare at them with a look of such frightening intensity, for an instant he forgot he was looking at a boy the same age as his daughter.
"This is not the world that you are familiar with. Remember that." Callian's voice still retained that edge, but he had gained control of himself now. The lunch ended soon after that everyone went their separate ways leaving only Callian, Harry and Amerytha sat at the table.
The silence dragged out between them for a while longer, but it was not the uncomfortable quiet that had fallen over them during the meal. Eventually, Harry spoke up as he looked at his friend with an amused grin.
"That did not go how I was expecting."
Callian just gave a rueful snort as he tilted back in his chair to stare at the ceiling high above. "Nor I, my friend...I just have to hope that I have not ruined everything by letting my emotions get the better of me."
He felt a hand upon his shoulder and he turned his head to look into the concerned features of Harry as his friend gently patted him on the back.
"Would you like me to get you some tissues?" he asked with mock sincerity, causing Callian to snort with surprised laughter as the raven-haired boy tugged on his chair causing Callian to flail his arms wildly.
A soft chuckle reached them as the two continued to rough-house and holding each other at arm's length they turned to see Amerytha staring at them a smile upon her lips.
"It is good to see you two acting your age for once," She said with a hint of sadness behind her words, almost as if a shadow had fallen over her eyes. It was gone almost as soon as it had appeared before she gracefully rose from her seat. "And I believe we have nothing to be concerned about regarding your friends, they know what is best for them and will make the right decision I am sure. However, our time together is running short and I think it wise for you to spend a little time with your friend before they depart."
The two were quick to follow after her as she left the dining hall and the two soon found themselves alone as they headed towards the guest quarters in search of their friends.
The time they had together disappeared far faster than anyone could have imagined and soon it was time for their guests to leave. The elder Grangers' seemed somewhat distant at their departure and Callian could not blame them, however, Hermione seemed to pay them little thought as she wrapped both Callian and Harry in a tight hug before she moved on to Amerytha and the Lord Blackwood. He watched fondly as she dipped into a curtsey much to his mother's delight before Amerytha waved her hand, summoning several large wrapped boxes that she handed to the shocked girl with a smile.
"Merry Christmas Hermione, my father has one last gift for you and your family."
With that Denevan stepped forward with a small wooden box detailed with fine golden ivy inlays in the rosewood, "This is our last gift to you, our time here has been short but you have all been delightful guests and I especially am looking forward to seeing just what you are capable of in the future Ms Granger."
Hermione blushed at the praise as she ducked her head in embarrassment, "Thank you, my Lord." Came her quiet response.
Denevan smiled as he gently took her hand and placed the box into it, "Something that will make communication a little easier in the future." He said as he lifted the lid to reveal two orbs of polished black stone the size of his fist engraved with delicate pulsing glyphs.
"A creation of my own making, leave one stone at your house when you return to school and keep the other with you and you will be able to speak to your parents without the wait of using an owl."
The Grangers' all thanked the man profusely as they stepped forward to look at the stones in awe, Evelyn looked up at Denevan, her eyes wet with unshed tears now that she would be able to talk to her daughter whenever she wanted. "Thank you Mr- I mean Lord Blackwood, I can't tell you how much this means to me."
Denevan smiled gently down on her as he looked back at Callian with a knowing look, "I believe I do, dear Lady."
Moving onto the Clearwater families, they were all amazed and grateful to receive their own wrapped parcels and even more so when they were gifted their own communication stones.
Callian could not help the grin that quickly spread across his face as he watched them examine the enchanted orbs, he heard Douglas Granger compare them to a telephone, and he assumed that must have been some muggle device that offered a similar function.
"Just so you are aware, the orbs are all connected. Should you wish it, you will be to talk to any other all you must direct your thought towards that person." Callian informed them and had to laugh at their gobsmacked expressions.
After that, their guests took the portal back to kings cross and from there they could return home.
Soon Harry and Callian found themselves ensconced in his family solar as his mother and grandfather joined them for dinner, it was a quiet affair after the last few hectic days but a welcome change to the chaos of having so many people around him at all times.
The meal passed with idle chatter and they had just scraped the last crumbs of the desert from their plates before Denevan turned to stare at Callian and Harry, his face was unreadable as he looked at them over steepled fingers.
"I would like both of you to join me in my workshop tomorrow, now that your friends have returned home I can finally have a look at that scar of yours." Harry looked momentarily startled as he reached up to run a finger over the lightning bolt that marred his brow. "But Sir, it hasn't bothered me since you sent me this." Harry waved his hand indicating the iron band with its red gem.
Amerytha smiled kindly at him as she explained. "The ring is just enchanted with to protect your mind against any foreign influence; while it does stop the pain you had been feeling it does not actually remove the cause of it." She reached across the table to take Harry's hand in her own and Callian frowned as he saw his friend instinctively pull back before stopping himself. If his mother saw then she kept it from her face as she continued. "Poppy should have been able to detect the same darkness that Callian did, why the school did nothing about it is the cause of some concern but I will take the matter up with the Headmaster personally before you return for your new term."
Callian tried to fight a smirk as he thought of his mother tearing strips out of the Headmaster for not looking after someone she had come to care for, although he gave it up as a lost cause as he caught a flash of his grandfather's grinning face.
Harry also looked amused as he saw their twitching lips but just nodded his head in acknowledgement.
"Will it hurt, Sir?" he asked Denevan in concern, but the older wizard shook his head trying to put the boy at ease.
"No, I will be casting powerful diagnostic weaves but that is about it for the time being. I want to get a good idea of just what is going on with your scar before I start poking at it." Denevan finished with a chuckle, but Callian could see that his friend was only slightly mollified by the man's answer.
Reaching out with a boot he nudged his friend's chair when Harry did not say anything for several moments, "Relax Harry, you know you do not have to do anything that you are not comfortable with."
When it was clear that Harry had grown uncomfortable with the current topic his friends made his excuses as he left for his chambers as Callian watched him go with a frown.
"Tomorrow, I wish to take Harry to Diagon Alley. I think it will be good for him to experience more of our world."
Amerytha smiled slyly at him. "Are you sure that is the reason you want to go and not because you have been unable to get any Christmas presents for everybody?"
Callian merely smiled at him mother, "Actually Harry and I have already made several presents for you both and our friends, but I know Harry's wants to see more than just the few shops he visited with Hagrid."
Denevan frowned at the mention of the Half-Giant. "Why did the boy go with the groundskeeper to Diagon Alley?"
Callian could only shrug his shoulders in response. "From what Harry has told me, his relatives had driven halfway across the country to try and escape the letters. Apparently, the Dursleys' had been besieged by hundreds of the things, it was several days before Hagrid found them on a small island far out to sea where his Uncle had decided to hide them."
Denevan could only shake his head at the antics of the muggle man he had paid a visit to only a few short weeks ago. "The fat man certainly seemed the type to overreact to a difficult situation." He mused, before turning back to Callian.
"If I recall correctly Belor needed to visit the Dwarven quarter in the Alley, I shall ask him to escort you all if your mother has no qualms with it?"
Amerytha shook her head as she smiled genially, "None at all, I may even ask Tyrna to join us. Although it depends upon if that old Dwarf is up to walking after his escapades with Khurlmor."
Callian could only chuckle at that, his father had barely been able to talk this morning let alone walk so he doubted if the suffering Dwarf would be up for the journey without the aid of Tyrna's concoctions.
Excusing himself Callian went in search of his friend to inform him of his plans for the next day leaving Amerytha and Denevan alone in the room.
They sat in silence for several minutes after Callian had left before Denevan flicked his fingers sending forth a silver orb that lingered for a heartbeat before sinking into the floor.
A quiet knock sounded not long after and Isson Gravius entered escorting a cloaked figure dressed in black, the tap-tap-tap of the figures cane proceeded them into the room.
With a nod to Isson, the Italian Wizard left the room and Denevan turned back to face the stranger in his home, hiding in the shadow of the person's legs he could just see the fey like features of a young House-Elf.
Wasting no time on pleasantries Denevan stared hard at the figure before him. "Why have you come here? You put at risk all that we have kept safe. If you had been followed then-"
"Rest assured Lord Blackwood, I was not followed." The man's voice was a rasping wheeze as he leant heavily upon his cane; the rattle in the man's chest was audible with every breath that he took.
"My time draws near and I wanted to see my heir before the end comes. Would you deny me the right to see my Grandson?" He asked as he sagged even further over his cane.
Denevan said nothing but Amerytha inhaled sharply at the man's words.
"My son is not some oddity you can pick up and discard on a whim. You have barely deigned to visit him in the past, why do you choose to do so now?!" Amerytha barely raised her voice above a whisper but the demand was clear for all to hear.
A racking cough erupted from within the cowl of the cloak and Denevan quickly summoned a chair for the man to sit in, the House-Elf let out a panicked cry and with a snap of its fingers produced several large vials of thick purple liquid that the man downed with only the slightest hint of hesitation.
Soon the coughing fit had subsided and the man sagged in his chair in relief, it was several long tense minutes before he was strong enough to speak again.
"As you can see, my affliction grows worse." His breath came in a series of long wheezing gasps but slowly the man's strength returned.
Denevan reached out with his Arcane Senses, slowly sending forth fine tendrils of power that swept over the man.
Where a normal Magi pulsed with power as the Reservoir slowly drew in and expelled Magic like a second heart, the sight before him nearly made him weep.
The dim light of the man's Magic was little more than a spark, pulsing so rapidly it appeared to stutter and nearly fade as it desperately sought to fuel the man's life.
"You can see it can't you?" Rheumy grey eyes bored into Denevan as the man shifted in his seat, trying to find a more comfortable position for his weary body.
Denevan merely nodded but remained silent, Amerytha looked between the two men before she demanded an explanation.
"Just what are you two talking about!?" She hissed, her cold blue gaze piercing them both.
A wheezing cackle escaped the man, as he returned her glare. "My Magic is dying."
The simple statement stole the wind from Amerytha as her hands gripped the arms of her chair in shock.
"How long have they given you?" She asked in a whisper.
"The Healers have said a few months, but I think they have overestimated by a large margin."
Denevan could not help but agree with the man; even now the spark of Magic he could sense was desperately low. He would have said his guest had weeks if not days remaining to him, Amerytha slowly rose to her feet as she moved to his side.
"I will fetch Callian, knowing both he and Harry; they are still practising their Magic."
A gnarled hand reached up to grasp her wrist, surprising her with its strength.
"Bring the boy as well; he is the last of my cousin's line."
Amerytha hesitated for only a moment before she gave a slight nod of her head and with quick steps, she hurried from the room.
Denevan slowly rose to his feet as he stared at the man before him, it had been several years since they had last met and then he remembered a very different man. Stooped and withered with age but still strong in both mind and Magic, the longer he stared the more a sinking feeling wound its way into his heart.
"Do you know the cause of your...affliction?" Denevan asked softly.
The man snorted, "Oh yes, I know the cause." A harsh racking cough broke from the man's chest, but he managed to recover quickly. "I know the method and the motive. I have yet to find out whom, however."
Denevan remained silent as his guest paused to pull a small vial from the folds of their cloak and held it out in one shaking hand.
With a thought, Denevan summoned the vial, yet he did not touch it as it hovered in the air before him. The fact that he was having to constantly reinforce the weave about it told him exactly what the vial contained.
"The Tears of Isis." He breathed as he examined the few drops of dark blue liquid that sat within the vial.
It had been centuries since he had last encountered the foul concoction and that had been one time too many for his liking.
The origins of the Tears of Isis go back to the sands of ancient Egypt and the death of the God Osiris.
Legend tells that when the Goddess Isis discovered that her brother-husband had been slain by his brother Set, she cried tears of such hatred that mingled with the blood of her slain love. The combined fluids created pools of such potent malice that it was said to steal the very essence of life from a being. To a Magi, if they became exposed to the liquid it was a torturously slow death sentence as they slowly felt their Magic growing weaker and weaker until it was unable to keep the spark of life alive. The Tears of Isis would slowly poison their Reservoir to such an extent that they would be unable to draw in more Magic to replenish what had been lost.
These few drops had the potential to destroy hundreds of lives; such was the potency of the Tears of Isis.
Carefully Denevan lowered the vial until it lay upon the table; he marvelled how something so small had such potential to destroy. He turned cold grey eyes upon the man, who reflexively leaned away from him as if sensing his dark thoughts.
"You must have some ideas as to who has enough hatred of you and the resources to use this?!" He demanded.
A dry rasping cackle was the only response before his guest slowly gained control of themselves. "I am old Lord Blackwood and have made many enemies in my time. But there is only a handful I could name that want me out of the way to assume control of my House and the power and prestige it will bring them."
A gentle knock upon the door sounded before Amerytha entered with Harry and Callian trailing behind her. Amerytha shot both men questioning looks as she seemed to sense the tension in the room, but ignored it as she stepped behind the two young Magi and gently guided them forward.
The boy gave a jolt when he saw just who was sitting at the table they had not long ago departed and Denevan watched as his beloved grandson shot him an inquiring look.
When no one spoke for several moments Callian stepped forward as he dropped into a deep bow before the man.
"Grandfather. It is a pleasure to see you." His face was a stony mask as he stared at the man who just gave a derisive snort at his words.
"Nonsense boy, it is never a pleasure to stare at decrepit old men. Now introduce me to your friend, before we get down to business."
Callian straightened before turning to wave Harry forward, his friend did so with hesitant steps.
"Harry. May I introduce you to my great Grandfather, Lord Arcturus Black, of the Noble and Ancient House of Black."
Harry said nothing as he stared in confusion, but Callian ignored him as he turned back to his grandfather.
Callian's mind was racing, he had not been expecting to see his great grandfather here of all places. The most pertinent question running through his head was; just what did the man want.
He had been content to ignore them for years, secure in the knowledge that his line was secure in Callian and his once prosperous house would no longer become extinct with his death.
Arcturus stared between the two of them for what seemed an eternity before he finally nodded his head as if finding whatever it was that he was searching for.
"I take it from your vacant look you have no clue as to whom or what I am to you?"
Harry looked between Callian and the adults in the room before he gave a start when he realised Lord Black was in fact talking to him.
"No sir. I was raised by muggles, I only found out about the Magical world a few months ago."
Arcturus reared back as if slapped. "Muggles! Dorea's heir was raised by damn muggles?!"
Despite his weakened state, the sudden swell of anger that coursed through Arcturus gave him a terrible strength at that moment and he seemed suddenly so much more than the dying man before them.
Turning to look at Denevan he all but snarled. "Just how is this possible?! The boy should have been given to foster among one of the Houses. Hells, nearly all of them would have fought over him, how in the name of all that is good did the heir of the Potter family end up being raised by fucking muggles!"
"Lord Black! Please mind your words." Amerytha was glaring at the man but he paid her little heed as he merely flicked a hand in her direction.
Denevan waved the man to calm as he moved to stand behind the two boys. "The machinations of Albus Dumbledore. As he tells it, he placed Harry there so that he could enact powerful Blood Magics to keep the boy safe from harm."
Callian watched his friend as he listened to Denevans' explanation, slowly the boy's frown turned into a glare as he continued to stare straight ahead.
"Safe from harm..." Harry uttered in a whisper, yet the undercurrent of power that lay upon the words silenced the room.
About them, chairs, plates and other odds and ends started to rattle and shake as the flames of the candelabras and lanterns flared with every breath Harry took as his anger threatened to get the better of him.
Before Callian could react, however, a heavy -THWACK- sounded as Arcturus struck Harry's leg with his cane.
While not a strong blow, the surprise of it jolted Harry from his anger as he stared at the old man in shock.
"You are the heir of a Noble line, act like it." The wizened old man stared hard at Harry until his friend took a deep breath and gave a minute nod of his head.
"Let this be a lesson to the both of you. If you are this quick to anger then your enemies will have won before your battles even begin, you must remain in control of your emotions, lest they be used against you."
Eventually, everyone found a chair to sit in and Arcturus explained the purpose of his visit. Callian was shocked to learn that his great Grandfather was dying, he had noted the careful looks between the adults in the room while Arcturus had been talking and knew there was more to the story that he was being told. He saw Harry reel back as he learned that he was distantly related to the man, but that was all brushed aside as the man ushered his House-Elf forward. The small creature shyly stepped forward until she was stood before them, it was clear to all that the House-Elf was nervous as she trembled in her lightly stained rags.
"This is Keeky, my faithful servant and the sole reason I am still alive." Arcturus placed a hand fondly upon the small creature's head, the Elf leaning into the touch like a well-behaved pet.
"It was she that identified my weakening Magic and has been doing her best to move me about so that I do not stress myself."
Arcturus took a deep breath to brace himself before he continued. "Be...before my end comes, I want you to accept her into your service. She is young and will need a good master to ensure that she survives." He held one shaking hand out towards Callian while the other remained atop Keeky's head, he could feel the eyes of everyone in the room and he caught the subtle nod from Denevan but he resolutely ignored them all as he carefully reached out to clasp his grandfather's hand.
The man's skin held a waxy quality and Callian could not stop the shiver of revulsion that passed through him, it was almost as if he could feel the taint that had destroyed his grandfather's Magic through his skin.
The man's voice had wilted to a hoarse croak now that his anger had abated, but Callian could still hear him well enough as he recited the words to pass over ownership of the House-Elf into Callian's service. When the man slumped in his chair, exhausted beyond words Callian felt the bonds of Magic snap into place between himself and Keeky. The little creature let out a cry of horror as she watched her now beloved former master nearly fall from his seat, yet she did not move as she now awaited commands from her new owner and Callian still holding the man's hand wasted no time in ordering her to help him.
The Elf jumped into action and Denevan was quick to join them as he told them to take Lord Black to one of the guest chambers.
What followed was a blur to Callian as he watched his new House-Elf and Grandfather desperately work over the prone and unmoving form of Lord Black, eventually, their efforts left the old wizard resting fitfully under several thick quilts but thankfully still breathing.
Harry had stood by his side as they watched the efforts going on before them.
"How come you never told me about him?" his friend asked softly as they watched Denevan step back to allow the House-Elf to check her patient.
Callian was silent for a long time as he stared at the man before them, he knew in his heart that his great-grandfather had very little time left and he felt a twinge of sadness at the thought.
"Because..." Words failed him for a moment and he felt his heart begin to beat faster in his chest, but he eventually managed to gather himself as he turned to look at Harry.
"There are many reasons, but the most important is because of who my father is."
When he did not say any more Harry moved until he blocked Callian's view of the room.
"And who is that? You have never mentioned them before now and I have never pressed, but you are not telling me something and I can see it is important."
Callian found that he was unable to look at Harry and focused his gaze over his friend's shoulder. The words seemed to stick in his throat and he had to work his tongue to try and get them out, eventual he managed to utter in a whisper.
"My father is Sirius Black."
With those few simple words, Callian watched as his friends face fell, his brows pulling together in a severe frown and his eyes had taken on a wariness that Callian had never seen before.
In a low, quiet voice Harry spoke. "Your father is the man that betrayed my parents to the Dark Lord?"
There was a hint of some emotion in Harry's voice, anger, pain or what he could not tell. However, before Callian could react or say anything in his defence Harry turned on his heel and simply walked away, he made to give chase but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. Looking up Callian saw the grim face of his grandfather staring down at him.
"Give the boy his space, I will ensure he is all right later. For now, I think it best to spend what little time remains with Arcturus."
Callian could only give a reluctant nod of his head as he ventured into the room and took a seat beside the bed. After a while he found himself studying the man that lay there, listening to the faint wheezing breaths that seemed as if they would fall silent at any minute and could not help but think of the time that been lost knowing that they could have gotten to know each other.
He could count on both hands the number of times he had seen his great grandfather in his short life and even then the visits has been short and brusque. To him it was a stranger laying upon the bed not any member of his true family; while he could offer the man the comfort of being present during his last days he found that he had no great regrets. He felt no true sadness for the dimming light before him, only the general melancholy of knowing a life would soon be gone.
His musings were soon interrupted by the quiet shuffling of his new House-Elf; the small creature had slowly approached him with a look of confusion upon her face.
"Young Master?" Her voice was little more than a whisper and Callian got his first good look at Keeky as the small Elf came to a halt before him.
She was a tiny thing barely reaching to his knee, he realised with a start just how young she was. The House-Elf must have only just been old enough to be bonded and he felt a twinge of unease at the thought of owning the creature.
"Young Master. Master Black's last command to me was to ensure that you are safe beyond everything else. Master Black was desperate to keep the family line alive but please don't take me away from him, please let me stay until the end."
Callian was unsure of what to say but he could only nod his head at Keeky's plea.
A racking cough from the old man had her scurrying back to his side with a cry of alarm, he could feel her using her unique Magic to try and ease Arcturus' suffering but they seemed to be having little if any effect.
Despite the seriousness of the situation he marvelled at the feel of Keeky's Magic, it was so familiar to spellweaving yet there was a strange quality to it as if it were a poor imitation of the Art. It felt almost artificial to his mind and the longer he studied her, the surer of that he became, gently he sent out thin tendrils of power that slowly swept through the House-Elf.
He reached within her, delving the very depths of her being, for the part of her that represented her Reservoir. He watched as she stiffened in surprise beforeshe returned to her care of the older wizard. He lost track of how long he sat there studying Keeky but he had found his thoughts of her Magic being artificial growing with every passing second.
Her Reservoir was unlike anything he had ever seen before and he now understood why a House-Elf had to be bonded to a Magi, she drew a spark of power from him that somehow began to pull in the ambient Magic of her surroundings.
Without that initial spark to begin the process, a House-elf would eventually drain their Reservoir dry as they used Magic without being able to refill what had been used. This in turn would result in a similar outcome to what his grandfather was currently experiencing as they would literally work themselves to death.
Pulling his power back he watched her shoot him a nervous glance as she continued to care for Arcturus.
He quietly bemoaned the fact he had left his journal in his rooms, he desperately wished to take notes and try to make sense of the questions that whirled through his mind. He jumped in shock as Keeky gave a snap of her fingers causing said book to appear with a pop, he could only stutter a thank you as the House-elf bowed her head low before returning to her task.
He settled in for a long, uncomfortable night as he summoned a quill and inkpot from the desk in the room, his attention soon focused on putting words to paper.
Harry's mind was in chaos as he stormed through the corridors of Castle Blackwood. He felt a sense of betrayal that Callian had never told him who his birth father was, yet part of him that could not blame his friend for keeping such knowledge to himself.
Since he had arrived in the Magical world he had sought out every scrap of information that he could find regarding his parents, when he had learned of their betrayal by one of their dearest friends and the man who they had named as his own Godfather on top of that he had been filled with such anger that his Magic had nearly gotten away from him once again.
It had been Callian that had calmed him down enough that he had not ended up damaging their corner of the library. It had been Callian that had told him the truth of what had happened to his family, it was due to the actions of his best friend that he no longer had to sit through the ordeal of dealing with Snape regularly. His friend who had been teaching him to wield his power without his wand, the list went on and on and he slowed to a stop when he found himself stepping out of a portal circle onto the tallest tower of the Castle.
Before him, he could see the great star-strewn vista of the heavens, the stars like twinkling diamonds in the void. He found his gaze focused upon the brilliance of the moon as it bathed the forests far below in a cold, pale light, he had always found peace in moon gazing. The quiet stillness that he had never been able to find anywhere else fell over him, he could feel his mind relaxing and his body seemed to sag as the tension that had grown within him drained away into nothingness.
The more his thoughts dwelt upon his friend he knew that he had done nothing wrong, he could not judge Callian for hiding who the monster his father was.
Hells he would have done the same, of that he was sure.
He had only reluctantly told Callian of his life with the Dursleys', and he felt that was a lot less painful than explaining that his father was currently residing in one of the worst places on Earth for being a mass-murdering traitor.
He made the choice then; he would seek out his friend in the morning and put aside any dark thoughts. If there was one thing he knew it was that he could trust Callian above all. Letting himself relax further as he continued his watch of the heavens he began to feel something the longer he stood there.
Slowly, like the slow creep of dawns light across the land he became aware of the ebb and flow of power about him and could only gape in awe as the world seemed to suddenly become so much more to his mind's eye. He spent what seemed an eternity just watching the gentle thrum of power in the stone beneath his hands, even more captivating was watching the play of Magic that ebbed and flowed from his skin.
Relaxed as he was he felt a stirring in the magic of the world, on instinct he turned to study the weaves of power.
He watched the Portal circle seemed to glow to his mind's eye before he saw the very air being to buck and heave as a rent appeared and Denevan appeared in a flash of purple light, he found himself staring in awe as he could see for the first time what Callian had been trying to teach him for the past few weeks.
Denevan appeared like a sun in the shape of a man as he slowly walked towards him; Harry could only stare in open-mouthed awe as he watched fine filaments of power spread out from Denevan to deftly weave a spell of warming to fight back the chill of the winter evening.
Harry gave a grateful sigh as the biting cold retreated yet he desperately clung to his second sight as he studied the weave about them, with an effort he extended an inquisitive probe of his own that began to pluck at the spell without pulling it apart as Callian had taught him and was rewarded with a chuckle for his efforts.
"It seems that you have learned a lot from my grandson in a very short amount of time, I must say that I am impressed, Lord Potter."
Denevan's voices broke through Harry's questing mind and like wisps of smoke in a strong wind his Arcane sight faded to nothing. He felt a sense of profound loss as he tried to recall that second sight, the world was suddenly a much darker place now that he could only see it with his mundane eyes.
Denevan smiled at him gently. "Do not fear Harry, now that you have opened your mind to what is just beyond our perception it will return." The old wizard smiled gaily as if remembering something from his past.
"You should count yourself lucky, dear boy. The first time my sight kicked in, I was in Hogwarts. I think I passed out from sensory overload."
Harry could only laugh at that, he had been awed by the flow of Magic about him here at the highest point of Castle Blackwood, the thought of being in the heart of a thousand-year-old castle that had hundreds of other students constantly using their power would have been overwhelming to him.
Denevan joined him by the parapet, as the older wizard leaned out to look at the grounds of his home.
Silence reigned between them and Harry found himself uncertain of what to say.
"Sir, how is Lord Black?" He asked hesitantly after the silence had lasted for several minutes, Callian had tried to teach him the correct forms of address for the Noble families but he still found himself stumbling every now and then.
A grim frown tugged at Denevans brows before he turned to regard Harry properly. "There is no easy way of saying this so I will be candid with you. Arcturus Black will be lucky to see out the year, his Magic is desperately low and it was nearly run dry when he passed the bond of the House-Elf over to Callian."
Harry could only give a mute nod of his head at the words, even his limited understanding of the world told him that Arcturus Black did not have long left in the realms of the living.
He found himself unable to look away as Denevan stared down into his eyes, his blue-grey gaze piercing Harry with such intensity that he found himself backing away a step.
"Callian will need you before the end, Harry. My grandson has never said as much to me but I can see that your friendship means a lot to him, I should not be so surprised considering who your parents are."
Harry frowned at that. "What do you mean, Sir?"
Denevan smiled fondly down at him. "My father once told me long," he smiled ruefully as he spoke his next words. "Long, long ago that friends come and go in life like the changing of the seasons, but occasionally some bonds run deeper. Fellowships that are so strong that even future generations are bound by the same ties, can you deny that you have not found such in the one you share with Callian. My daughter loved your mother like a sister, and I truly believe the feeling that was reciprocated." Denevan's smile faded away as he returned to staring out into the night. "The friendship that your father shared with Black was said to be of a similar strength before he betrayed them all those years ago."
He fell silent then as he continued his vigil, in a whisper that was nearly too quiet for Harry to hear he said. "And maybe this is the fates allowing the son to erase the sins of the father."
Harry pretended that he had not heard him as he joined the older wizard looking over the parapet, eventually, he spoke into the silence that had settled over them.
"I'm not angry with Callian, Sir."
Denevan just gave a slight nod of his head at his words but did not speak, merely allowing Harry to say what he needed to say.
"I can understand why he didn't want to tell me, but I hate it when people keep things from me. My whole life I have been lied to or only told half-truths to keep me quiet and I am sick of it."
Harry felt the older wizard place a hand upon his shoulder and resisted the urge to throw off the man's hand, he hated it when people touched him without permission.
"You have suffered much, and far more than anyone your age should have ever had to endure," Harry said nothing but continued to stare out into the nothingness below.
"Come let us return to the residences, the hour is late and I think that we could all do with some sleep before I have a look at that scar of yours."
Harry allowed himself to be guided back through the portal circle and bid the man goodnight once they had reached the doors to his rooms, his thoughts swirled chaotically through his mind and he found sleep a long time in coming that night.
