AN: Just to tell you all that my main language is not English, but please give me feedback and what I need to improve, thank you!
Disclaimer: This work of Fanfiction based on Harry Potter universe. All recognizable characters, plots and settings are exclusive property of J. K. Rowling. I don't own anything just my OC's
Pairings: Harry X The Black Sisters
AN: Just informing you about the English mistakes and all of that, my objective now is just write with my own knowledge, I'm improving it without the help of some translator. But rest assured if you all like the story I'll eventually repost it in the future. If you understand my poor English, is already fine for me, that's my objective for now.
AN2: Next chapter I will bring Bellatrix and some battles, I don't know how to write a good battle scene, so I'll write to be simple as possible.
Chapter 4 – The truths about the new Potter
Arcturus Black, patriarch and the Lord of the Most Ancient House of Black, was sitting on his office chair looking through some documents while he waited for the time to visit his sister Dorea and her husband Charlus Potter. He almost never visits them for different reasons. The first, was that his sister was very private woman, like all Black women. Secondly, she lives with a Potter, and he was not so found of the family, but he respected Charlus he was a different breed of Potters. And thirdly he was a very busy man. But this time he had two important set of business she wanted or demanded more likely, to discuss with him and it had with yesterday's family meeting.
Flashback: Yesterday
Wearing a scowl on his face the Lord of Black was waiting patiently his family arrive to discuss their position in relation to the Knights of Walburgis and their movement. Arcturus knew little about them, just that their preached the supremacy of pure bloods, and their leader was the Heir of Slytherin and some other minor information. They stayed neutral almost three years since the Black House was invented to join the alliance. Arcturus knew that it was a like cast a spell in the dark, he didn't know where it will would go, but their interests mirrored the House of Black own, but they were more radical about it, so he held it as long as he could and analyze every move they made, like a good politician he was. But the pressure of other families that already joined like the Averys and Lestranges was getting heavier, and the Blacks could afford getting on the crossfire without allies. Then there was a second matter about a certain letter he received from his great-niece Bellatrix, regarding some interesting news about a new Potter, that was sorted in… Slyterhin
Currently Arcturus was sitting on the head of the meeting table, while his son and Heir, Orion Black was on his right. On Arcturus left was his wife Melania Black neé Macmilan. There were other members sitting on the table in their respective seats like his Bother Pollux Black with his wife Irma Black neé Crabbe. His sister Cassiopeia Black was also present, the woman was still single, her reasons were that she never found anyone worth of her. There was Orion's wife as well, Walburga Black, he detested his niece and daughter-in-law, she gets him on his nerves every time they had these meetings. There were some missing members, like his brother Alphard and some other cousins. Currently they were waiting for Arcturus nephew Cygnus Black to arrive with his wife Druella Black neé Rosier, and finally his baby sister Dorea. Doreas always had a weak spot on him, she was fiercely loyal to the Blacks, but this changed when she married Charlus Potter, her loyalty shift to Potter, not the House, only to Charlus.
"You should already accepted their invitation to join, Lord Black" There it was, his son's scornful wife. She can't keep the silence.
"Shut up, Walburga." Arcturus spat
His son sighed looked at his wife and warned her. "Walburga"
She scoffed and said. "Mudbloods and blood-traitors should be exterminated. Don't you see this is a big opportunity for us Blacks, we will reach new highs. If I was Lady Black, I would already have accepted"'Pretentious' Arcturus through.
"But you aren't, I am. So lower your voice and sit quietly waiting like a dog." Melania never like her. They tried to avoid each other as much as they can.
Before Walburga could starting shouting the missing members arrived.
"Good morning and welcome." Arcturus received the with a light greeting. "Please seat." And they did it. "We have two important things to discuss today. The first one concerns the Knights of Walpurgis. We are having a lot of pressure coming from some of our allies, like Averys and Lestranges. So I like to ask your opinions on the matter so I can decide what action the House of Black will take."
Arcturus could be considered a very good leader, while he had his opinions, he was not selfish to considerate all the opinions that were brought to his attention and some decisions were made by voting which he would decide on pass or deny ideas that were rightly voted in a meeting. But sometimes he had to put a firm hand on some matters that needed more time or a definitive decision only the Lord of the House could make. For the past three years he listened a majority of approvals about joining the Knights and their cause. But Arcturus was not a fool he always knew something was wrong about them, not only the crimes, their leader the Heir of Slytherin was too secretive for his liking and this brought doubts to him. The meeting went smoothly, all opinions were considered, despite all doubts about the mysteries surrounding the Heir of Slytherin he could not lose more political ground, so the best option at the moment would be to join the knights. But as soon as he decided to approve their alliance and move to the next subject of the meeting, a voice suddenly echoed that he never heard in meetings where the subject was the knights.
"WAIT" Arcturus turned to the person that shouted. His sister Dorea was the one who shouted. She never shouts.
Looking at her, Arcturus saw her fidget clearly nervous. "Do you have something to add Dorea?" He was very curious, it was hard she voice something
There was a silence as everyone watched her sister struggle with herself. A long silence took over the room but everyone waited her say something. Dorea took a deep breath before she decided to talk.
"Wait" Her voice was really low. "I don't agree with this. Please don't accept the proposal."
"Why not, the 'mudbloods' should be exterminated. Are you turning a blood-traitor too? Are you a 'muggle lover' now, you should just be quiet and go back to your husband. You traitor." Dorea flinched, but narrowed her eyes defiantly at Walburga.
"Shut up, Walburga." Arcturus glared at her making her flinch now. Lord Black turned to his sister seeing her... so dejected. He never seen her like this.
"Please Arcturus, at least wait a little more time." She asked pleadingly.
"We can't Dorea. We need some of the alliances, and we can't seek another House that could help us. They all are joining the knights." He stated firmly.
"Please..." Dorea was shaking now, she was trying not to cry
"Didn't you heard him, you blood-traitor. You should just be going..." again Walburga was cut down. But this time was Dorea
"Watch it , Walburga" Dorea would not take the animosity of this woman so kindly. "You can call me what you want but if you say anything about my husband I will not let it pass." Her gaze was very hard, making Walburga back down, for now.
"Every time we have this meetings, I never say anything. So I'm asking please listen to me." Dorea spoke more confidently now. "Please listen to me, refuse it. Stay neutral.
Arcturus frowned. She indeed never voiced her thoughts on the meetings, but now she was voicing, unfortunately she wasn't giving them a reason to refuse the request. "Why you want me to refuse?"
She said nothing, but she started to shift in place trying to.
"Dorea you have to tell me if not I will move on and accept the proposal." He insisted.
"Can you wait at least until tomorrow to decide on what to do?" There was hope in her voice.
"I can, but why?" He was losing his patience.
"Come to my house tomorrow and I will show you something that will change your mind." Arcturus looked at her eyes searching for something suspicious. "Please."
He inhaled deeply "Alright." Arcturus sighed and Dorea smiled brightly
"You can't you already said you would accept the proposal!" Walburga glared at Dorea
"I did no such thing Walburga, you voiced your opinions, now be quit" He calmly dismissed her.
"You can't she will try to trick you I somehow. She's a blood traitor!" Walburga growled.
"I am no such thing Walburga." Dorea glared at her.
"So why are you trying to deny our path to glory" Dorea flinched. "YOU TRAITOR"
"ENOUGH WALBURGA!" He looked at her threateningly. "If you shout again I will make you leave, understood?" Muttering under her breath she nodded.
"Now, to the second matter." Arcturus scanned the table, he looked at everyone's eyes stopping at his sister, Dorea. She flinched at his gaze. "Five days ago an owl came from Hogwarts addressed to me, the sender was Bellatrix. The contents of the letter were pretty basic, saying that Andromeda was sorted in Slytherin and they are doing well." Everyone smiled at the mention of Andromeda being sorted in Slytherin, as expected of a Black. " But there was a piece of information that interested me, during the sorting ceremony a Potter that she didn't know of, was sorted at the Slytherin house. " Gasps were heard and shocked expression were all Arcturus could see. But not Dorea, all this time Arcturus was talking he kept looking at the witch. She was wearing an exceptional unreadable face until he said Slytherin. For a flick of a second the expression broke, changing to show ... pride. "Do you know this Potter, dear sister. I think he's name was... Hadrian Potter."
"Hadrian? It's a fucking blood traitor name, if you ask me." Dorea's expression changed to fury again, barely containing the urge to curse Walburga.
"Do you know him Dorea" Arcturus ignored Walburga's comment.
Biting her lip Dorea said. "Yes, bother." She could not lie to him know.
"Care to share who he is?" Acrturus raised an eyebrow.
"Tomorrow Acrturus please." Puppy dog eyes, really Dorea
"Fine" He groaned in defeat.
Flashback end:
Sitting in his office was his beloved wife Melania Black. He looked at her with a loving gaze and searched for her opinion. "What do I do Melania? Did you see her face? I never saw like that. She is hiding something." Melania would always give him the best advices.
His wife took a sip of her tea, then turned to him with a smile. "Listen to her Arcturus, she must have a good reason, you always told me that the Knights seemed too radical."
Frowning Arcturus nodded. "Yes they are radical, but we are on a tight spot here."
"I know my husband, but it won't hurt see what Dorea want, maybe she has a solution and an explanation for all the secrecy." She smiled knowingly
Grumbling, he looked at the clock. He got up from his chair walked to his wife and give her a quick, but an affectionate kiss. "I should go. I should be back before dinner."
She accepted the kiss, nodded, then smiled. "Take care."
Walking towards the Floo Network, he quickly passed through landing on the Poter-Black manor. Looking around he could see that nothing changed since the last time he was here. Before he could do anything else he heard a pop.
"Lord Black, mistress is waiting for Lord Black arrival, please follow Tammy." The she-elf motioned to follow her. Arcturus said nothing just did what was instructed. It didn't take long to find himself in front of Charlus office's door. Opening the door, the house elf announced him. "Mistress, Master Charlus. Lord Black has arrived."
"Thank you, Tammy." It was Charlus who spoke. "Welcome Lord Black, please make yourself comfortable. We have a lot to discuss." Grunting in understanding Arcturus took a seat near them.
Dorea smiled awkwardly at him and asked. "Do you want something to drink, brother?"
Arcturus waved his hand and grumbled. "Just tell me why you made me come here.
Charlus and Dorea looked at each other sighing at the same time.
"We have to wait my brother to arrive." Charlus informed him. Arcturus never was a fan of the Potters mainly because of their involvement to the light and Albus Dumbledore.
Arcturus eyes narrowed. "Why Lord Potter, have to come here and listen what my sister has to say?"
"Brother, please." Dorea intervened before it turned into hostility.
"Fine, Dorea. But for your sake this must be good." Now was time to Dorea narrow her eyes.
"What does that mean, Arcturus?" They faced each other, stern eyes locking in a fierce dispute.
They would start a heated argument, if it weren't for a knock and the sound of the door opening.
"Mistress, Master Charlus. Lord and Lady Potter has arrived." It was Tammy again with cheerful tone, happy to do her duties.
"Charlus, sister-in-law and... Lord Black." Fleamont Potter has made himself known. Following right behind was his wife Euphemia. She was a very beautiful woman. If Dorea have the powerful sensuality and the aura of a dark queen, like most of Black woman, Euphemia was like a delicate angel. She entered the room grinning.
"Ah, Dorea dear, it's so good to see you. Charlus Potter, you look good since I last saw you. You should come visit more, little James miss you" Then she looked at Arcturus and her smiled turned gentle. "Arcturus, how are you doing?"
"Euphemia. I am quite good, thank you." He gave her a nod returning the greeting.
"And Melania, how she's faring?." Arcturus gave her a ghost smile. Melania and Euphemia met during the war when the two worked together as healers. Melania always praised Euphemia for her skills saying that she never saw anyone being so skilled at healing. Then the two started a friendship that they kept until today. But after marriage they didn't see each other that often.
"She is in good health. Melania is going to be happy to hear about you." Euphemia smiled and nodded. " As do I."
Arcturus then looked again in Fleamont's direction to see the man carrying something. "Here Charlus" He saw Fleamont hand a Pensieve to Charlus.
"Thank you" Charlus grabbed the pensieve put it down and filled with water then added someone's memories on it.
"I don't know why you need a Pensieve just to tell me about your son, but alright." Arcturus frowned when he heard that.
"We will get there. We will need to explain what's happened first. The pensieve is just to prove that all we're going to say is the truth." It has been some time since Arcturus saw Charlus that serious, the man was always cheerful and playful but when he got this way it has to be serious.
"Alright Charlus, what's going on?" The question came from a curious, Euphemia. Charlus glanced at his wife directing all the attention to her.
Dorea took a deep breath and started her tale. "Last year a boy suddenly appeared in the house. " They frowned " He passed me, the elf and even the wards without being noticed." They were still frowning. "For reasons I will not explain now" Dorea glared at Arcturus. "But I helped him, and waited him to wake up." Arcturus wanted to say she was crazy but the glare made him think otherwise. "When he finally was awake he told me a crazy tale that I didn't believe it. But when I gave him Veritaserum I had to believe him."
"And what was this tale" It was Euphemia who asked first like the others she was frowning curiously.
"He's a time traveler." They would spit out their drinks if they had it.
Arcturus was thinking about some that this crazy thing was like parents killled, trying to steal something or whatever. But time traveler he could not believe this.
"Really Dorea!? You call me here for this..."
"Are you trying to say I'm a liar, that my son is a liar. I made him drink Veritaserum, Arcturus. Charlus even used Legilimecy on him, he could've damaged the boy's mind. If you don't believe me, put this hard head of yours on the Pensieve and see what we saw" She finished breathing hard.
It was really shocking for Arcturus, he never saw her this way. The lingering silence made him think a little the way she was so determined about this story. But he also could hear desperation on it. For what, he didn't know I yet, but soon he was going find out.
"Alright" Arcturus relented. "If what you say it's true, that this boy… is a time traveler, why you need me here and why it had something to do with the meeting?"
"I will explain it all eventually just be a little patient, please." Dorea gentle tone returned
"If indeed the boy came back from wherever place, how, why and from where." Fleamont added
"When Fleamont told me about your conversation about this new son of your for the first time, I was a bit skeptical. To keep such a secrets from others even family has to be a good reason."
Charlus and Doread nodded solemnly. "Harry... he suffered a lot, and because of our society we wanted to protect him, we can't go everywhere telling he's a time traveler.
Taking a deep breath Dorea started recount the events of their first meeting. "Then I asked his name and he answered it was Harry Potter... Harry JAMES Potter." Fleamont and Euphemia eyes widened in realization, knowing what they would ask Dorea, confirmed their suspicions.
"Yes, he was little James son, and your grandson." Lady and Lord Potter still wide eye nodded dumbly.
"You said 'was'? I assume, to accomplish this 'time-travel', he died?" Arcturus who was much more composed asked.
"Yes" She answered Arcturus first before returning to Euphemia. "James died when Harry was only a baby, I'm sorry." Dorea explained.
"What? My James died, how?" Euphemia quickly snapped at them.
"It was not only James though. The Potters were wiped out" Fleamont paled. If what Dorea was telling is true, he needed to do something. Fleamont always new something dark was lingering closer to his family.
"Who did it?" Finally Fleamont's voice came through his mouth, but it was almost a whisper.
"The Leader of the Knights." Silence took over the room. But Arcturus quickly broke it
"Alright, if it's all true it is one more reason to join him. He had to be powerful to wipe a House like Potter." When Arcturus suggested it. Dorea shook her head.
"It was not only Potter but Blacks as well, Harry was the last Lord of Potter and the last Lord of Black." Now Arcturus was palling.
"Impossible, he has not Black blood, the ring would never accept him." Arcturus new the ring would never let someone be in its possession even if he inherited the Lordship of House Black. Toujurs Pur, you would have to have pure Black blood
"I can guarantee you Arcturus, the ring accepted him, a good example is that, he not only knows but mastered all spells of the Black library, even the ones forbidden by our family" Arcturus looked at her in disbelief, only using the ring you have the access to the forbidders ones. And the spells were already very hard to learn, imagine master it. "If you don't believe watch the memory, and if you still don't believe me, we can ask him to perform some spell while you're watching.
"How the ring accepted a pure-blood from another family?" He asked still not believing. The word Toujours Pur and Black House didn't leave his mind.
Dorea gave a low chuckle. "He's half-blood, little James married a muggleborn witch." Again everyone besides Charlus gasped.
"A HALF-BLOOD? AND YOU'RE TRYING TO MAKE ME REFUSE THE ALLIANCE PROPOSAL?" Arcturus was fuming now. "Maybe Walburga was ri…"
Dorea's eyes glowed she rushed towards him grabbed his front robes pushing him upwards making him be half up to his feet, half seated. In that moment Arcturus actually saw his life pass through his eyes.
"ARCTURUS BLACK, I DARE YOU TO FINISH THIS SENTENCE. I DARE YOU TO INSINUATE I'M TRAITOR. I LOVE MY FAMILY. I WOULD DO ANYTHING FOR ANY OF YOU, EVEN THE BITCH WALBURGA." She was seething.
"SO WHY WERE YOU HIDING THIS BULLSHIT ABOUT TIME-TRAVEL AND TELLING US TO OPPOSE THIS LEADER THAT WANT WHAT IS THE BEST FOR US PURE -BLOODS, YOU'RE SAYING THAT A HALF-BLOOD ENDED UP BECOMING LORD BLACK IN THE FUTURE? TOUJOURS PUR DOREA, OUR HOUSE MOTTO, DO YOU REMEMBER?" Although Arcturus did no back down.
"ARE YOU HEARING YOURSELF? YOU ACTUALLY SAID 'THIS LEADER' AND NOT THE LEADER OR EVEN HIS NAME. HE IS A HALF-BLOOD ARCTURUS, YOU HAD YOUR SUPISSIONS, I KNOW YOU HAD." He flinched at her viciousness. "A HALF BLOOD TALKING ABOUT EXTERMINATION OF THE 'MUDBLOODS', HALF-BLOODS AND THE 'BLOOD-TRAITORS'. DO YOU KNOW HOW HYPOCRITE THIS SOUNDS? HE CAN BE POWERFUL, BUT HE HIDES IN THE SHADOWS, AFRAID OF HIS OWN NAME." She took a deep breath before she finished. "AND OF COURSE I HIDE IT, FOR THE SIMPLE REASON YOU WOULD'T BELIEVE ME, PEPOPLE OF MY OWN FAMILY WOULD TELL ME I WAS A LIAR AND WOULD CAST ME OUT, AND PROBABLY WOULD DO WORST WITH HARRY WHO IS A HALF-BLOOD IF YOU ALL DISCOVERED IT." Again she took another deep breath before she finished. "WE WANTED TO GET EVIDENCE ABOUT "THIS LEADER" AS YOU CALL IT, THEN TRY TO CONVINCE YOU. WHEN I ASKED YOU TO COME HERE WAS TO STOP YOU FROM OUR OWN DEMISE. "
"Half-blood? But he is heir to the Slytherin" He was backing down now.
" THAT DOESN'T MEAN ANYTHING ARCTURUS. INSTEAD OF TRYING TO ACCUSE ME, PUT YOUR HEAD UNDER THE WATER AND SEE THAT OUR FAMILY BELIEFS IS OUR OWN DOWNFALL, ARCTURUS. TOUJOURS PUR. TRY TO FIND ANOTHER REASON WHY OUR FAMILY PREACHS ABOUT PURITY. IF YOU BELIEVE SO MUCH IN THESE WORDS, THEN AFTER YOU WATCH OUR HOUSE BURN TO THE GROUND AND DECIDE TO STILL FOLLOW THE BASTARD, CONSIDER YOURSELF AND EVERYONE WHO FOLLOWS YOU DEAD, DO YOU UNDERSTAND ME, LORD BLACK?" She finished breathing heavly.
Dorea's outburst made even the room shake a little some books fell form the shelves, Acturus even took an involuntary step back, looking around he could see Fleamont and Euphemia wide eye at the information and the accidental magic. Charlus was still composed but there were worry in his eyes.
Arcturus glanced at the Pensieve scared of what he would see. Step by step his heart started to beat faster and faster, he took a last glance at Dorea to see her slumped in the chair looking down and tears going down her cheeks. Taking a deep breath, he drowned his head, images of the boy Harry, his relatives, Hogwarts, Sirius in Azkaban, for doing nothing, without a trial just because of the name Black, Andromeda Tonks, he never heard of the name and Narcissa. One married to a Muggleborn and another to a Malfoy, what future the Black family made for themselves. Bellatrix so devoted to a man who ruined their family, she actually killed her own cousin because of him, for him. Tom Marvolo Riddle. Lord Voldemort.
Arcturus knew the name, Marvolo, the Gaunt patriarch. Lord Black didn't like him, he always thought the man was selfish and sadistic because some stories he heard about his daughter Merope Gaunt, she was abused because her lack of magic. The Blacks, dishonored Squibs and all, but still helped them financially and with some minor things. Hurting his own family because the lack of magic, that was beyond evil. The Gaunt half-blood spawn was not so different either, according to Harry Potter's memories. Tom Riddle was not just dark he was pure, disgustingly evil, he even had the guts to make Horcruxes.
And after the boy, no the man Harry, at seventeen killed the bloody bastard, he started to master all magic arts, he became Lord Black by inheritance, he was proclaimed one of the most, if not the most powerful wizard in the world, he was considered also the Gray Lord, the Vanquisher of the Dark and The Bane of the light.
Arcturus actually dismissed all this, he just thought it was well deserved, but what got his attention was when Harry Potter decided to put the ring of the Lord of the House of Black.
He attentively watched as Harry put the ring on his finger power exploded, but nothing happened with the boy instead the ring did more than accept him, it seemed to made a bound with the boy. Even if it was a memory the ring on Arcturus finger was vibrating in a way he never felt. Toujours Pur. Maybe he was wrong of blood purity instead it would be magic purity. He would have to make some research about this, after all his family came from centuries and more centuries of wizard a witches. After the Pensieve showed all the memories, Arcturus wanted one thing, meet this boy and see why the Black magic was so accepting of him.
Meanwhile, with the other occupants in the room, silence reigned between them. Dorea was a mess and while Charlus was comforting her, Fleamont and Euphemia were respectively scared and skeptical thinking about the things they just learned.
Euphemia was afraid because her mother instincts where shouting that it was true. She was afraid for her son and family, but she need to know what happened and how, to prevent it. Fleamont was skeptical about this time travel tale, the Potters being wiped out? It was outrageous, but Charlus never would lie about something like this. And where were Albus while all this happened, he wanted to ask but Charlus said he just had to watch and see why he didn't like the man.
When Lord Black came out of the Pensieve he turned to Dorea clearly emotional and with a lot to think about. Dorea could see anger, resentment, sadness, curiosity, desperation, but above all else he felt sick of what the world turned and the actions of his family to aid this… madman.
"I apologize sister for even thinking calling you such things and for doubting you." She nodded slowly, Dorea couldn't resent her brother for that. "And I apologize, but I'm afraid that I have to excuse myself. I have a lot to think about." He said grimacing.
"I understand brother" she continued nodding.
"But before I go sister, just answer me Dorea, why take the boy under your wing?" He asked turning on his heels.
But he still could see her smile sadly. "I can't get pregnant Arcturus, I wanted a son and Harry needed parents, simple as that." In Dorea's field of view she only saw him nod slowly. But Arcturus closed his eyes momentarily, understanding her pain but also in awe with her dedication to the boy or the man, he actually didn't know, he had to see it for himself. Then he leaved the room.
When the door closed Dorea turned to her husband with watery eyes. "I need some time alone, sorry Lord and Lady Potter for my rudeness and outburst, please excuse me." Dorea gave a little bow to them and left not letting them answer.
After Dorea left, a heavy silence and heavy atmosphere conquered Charlus office for a long time.
"Well, that was really intense. You sure you two want to see the memories?"
Fleamont looked at his wife, the determination and curiosity were stronger than her fears and doubts, but he had to wait for her confirmation. It was her decision after all.
"We're going to watch my grandson memories, is that right?" Charlus nodded. "How bad it is?"
Charlus looked at her with saddened eyes. "The question is not how bad it is. But when the nightmare ends."
Husband and wife looked at each other for a moment before diving into the memories. Like Arcturus they saw everything, Harry being abused, Harry being lied to, Harry being harmed, Harry being hurt and Harry crying. It was madness, a little boy had to face a Basilisk and a Dragon. Being denied his childhood because of a prophecy, Albus had a lot of guts to do something like this. And the worst is that he knew about the madman Tom Riddle and his villainy for a long, a long time.
When they got back Euphemia was crying in anger, the only thing she wanted was to wrap her hands around Albus and Toms throats and strangle them. Although, Harry also had very good memories and she could smile to that and contain this dark urges. Seeing his friends and family warmed her heart. Sirius Black, the man was truly a hero in her eyes, even after his foolishness to run after the traitor.
Fleamont was angry, really angry. Albus the one he always though as a good friend of his family, his ally and the Lord of Light, let a Potter, a member of his family rot in a Muggle… cupboard. When the prophecy was revealed, Fleamont already could guess Albus plans and he was not happy about it. There were times Fleamont was afraid to admit that Charlus was right and this was one of this moments. Albus, was sometimes too kind for his own good.
The occupants on the room kept a funeral silence, it was too much information for them, but Charlus knew they needed and deserved to know about this.
"I'm sorry, about all of this." The thin lines on Charlus lips were evident. "I'm sorry about keeping it a secret and to 'steal' your grandson."
Euphemia shook her head. "He's not our grandson, Charlus" Charlus was going to protest, he really felt offended by that. But Euphemia was faster avoiding Charlus realize that he was going to misunderstood the meaning of her words. "He's our nephew. Our grandson is not born yet, little Hadrian need a new family, a new home, a new life and you are providing him with all this and more, so I could not be happier about this." Charlus only could thank her silently.
"I agree, brother. Despite his mental age, the boy needs all his childhood back and you and Dorea can do this better than anyone." Charlus also nodded thanking him.
"Thank you, both of you." It was getting too emotional for Charlus, but it could not be helped. "Fleamont, I need…"
"Help? Yeah I figured out. But you don't need to ask, I will do everything to help you and our new Potter." Fleamont would never abandon him. Neither of them.
Euphemia finally calming herself said. "I think we should go home Fleamont, I need to think and rest while I hold to my little James." Fleamont chuckled. He couldn't blame her.
"Before we go Charlus, in this Christmas you're going to come to our house, understand?" Charlus gave them a little smile and nodded. "It's promise brother."
"Bye Charlus, and say we are sorry to Dorea, and that we understand her pain" Euphemia exited the room following her husband.
Hadrian Potter was finally coming home for the holidays, it would soon be Christmas and his father told him about going to the Potter manor and spend the festivities there. He was not informed about the Potters and Blacks meeting, and that Fleamont, Euphemia and Arcturus knew about his secrets. Charlus decide Harry would be more comfortable to be in their presence during this Christmas.
As for his first trimester of first year at Hogwarts, it turned out to be an interesting experience, his classes were too easy for him and all the Professor where astonished by his abilities and kept praising endlessly for his knlowedge, skills and being very helpful for his classmates. What, he liked about all this attention, it was because of the letters of his mother sent to him, with praises, saying how proud she was of him and also remembering to improve even further, he discovered it was a really good sensation to receive her letters. When he told Andromeda about how scary she could be and she just dismissed his accusations, a Howler came one day.
Flashback:
Sitting in the empty common room Hadrian was chatting casually with Andromeda, David and Tarou about the first flying lesson and his skills with the broom, when a letter arrived, a 'Howler' everything went quiet. Seeing the letter coming towards him, Harry paled he was fucked, he knew it. The others seeing this were clearly confused, but they shivered when a voice came out of the letter. And Andromeda recognized the voice, it was her Auntie Dorea.
"HADRIAN CHALUS POTTER, YOU ARE IN SO MUCH TROUBLE YOUNG MAN." Andromeda widened her eyes. "TWO DAYS AGO AN OWL ARRIVED AT HOME WITH A LETTER SAYING ABOUT HOW YOUR SKILLS WITH THE BROOM ARE EXCEPITIONAL AND THAT FUCKER, SLUGHORN, WANTED YOU ON SLYTHERIN QUIDDITCH TEAM. THE LETTER, ALSO INFORMED ME HOW YOUR MANEUVERS WITH THE BROOM WAS VERY INCREDIBLE IN YOUR FIRST FLYING LESSON. YOU JUST COULDN'T HAVE A NORMAL CLASS AND A NORMAL FLIGHT, COULD YOU? NO, YOU COULD NOT. NOW TELL ME YOUNG MAN WHAT DID I SAID ABOUT FLYING LIKE A CRAZY PROFESSIONAL QUIDDITCH PLAYER? WHEN YOU ARE FUCKING OLDER… REMEMBER? IF I, COME TO KNOW, THAT YOU WERE IN A BROOM AGAIN, I SWEAR FOR MERLIN HADRIAN I WILL MAKE SURE YOU'LL NEVER BE ABLE TO EVEN SEE A BROOM AGAIN." The letter seemed to be finished, but Harry knew better, the Howler just actually finished when it burst into flames. So Dorea voice continued more gently now "I also wanted to congratulate you on you amazing performance on your Potion lessons, with love. Mother." Then the letter vanished bursting into flames.
Meanwhile the other three were respectively, pale, startled and grinning. "Yeah mate, now I believe you." The grinning David said laughing while the other two just nodded.
Harry shrugged nonchalantly. "I told you."
Flashback end:
After that day, his friends learned to never doubt him. Speaking of friends, he had more time to bond and to know more about them, while he didn't knew Tarou and David, he learned that Andromeda was very different from his past life, not just because she was younger, but in this time she loved her family dearly and always talked about them. But she never regarded things like blood purity or something like that, so they understood each other, he encouraged her about making a lot of friends of all kinds. Actually she turned to be the new Hermione on his life, not as book loving and super smart as the actually Hermione, but the friendship was what mattered.
Tarou's shyness diminished a little, he still was very quiet and only talked when talked to, but Harry discovered somethings about Tarou's family with some conversations, The Ito's were a very famous family, or what they like to call, 'Clan' in japan, for their rituals and strong bond with life and death. Tarou also talked about his mother Masako Ito, he described her as a traditional Japanese woman and witch, that she had to raise him alone, even if there were his grandparents and aunt to help her, so that's why he loved her so much, he would do anything for her. Harry also discovered that the Japanese magical society was more liberal about blood and they concerned themselves with ancestry, for example, if your family was descendant of a shogun or the emperor, even Muggle, it was one of the best families one could be born to.
David in other hand was born into the Davis Noble House, he didn't know much about them, just that they were neutral regarding Voldemort. David was a person he soon discovered to be a good soul. Bu there was something he was hiding that Harry could not point a finger at it.
Soon they became a group and always were seen together, even Andromeda who spent a lot time with her sister, decided to trade her time with Bellatrix to be in their group and spend more time with them.
Another thing in this trimester that seemed to trouble Harry, The hierarchy. The majority of the Slytherins seemed to follow their rules, and while he didn't like he had to live with it, for now. Respect is earned not given, so it would take time so he could go up in this hierarchy and eventually became their leader. Yes, that was one of Harry's objectives, not just because it would cut down some of Voldemort's recruits but he also wanted to make a lot of friends and change how the world is viewed by them. But as they were now, it would take time, after the first day where he threatened the Slytherins, he was now considered an outcast by the older students of the House. But also no one dared to face Harry, they knew about his talents and his 'favoritism' with the Professors specially with their head of the House.
Not too long ago, it happened an episode that seemed to help grew his status as an outcast.
Flashback:
Harry and David where walking towards the kitchens to grab something to eat it, they wouldn't have classes for the next two hours, Andromeda was with Bellatrix this time and Tarou said he had to finish the assignment that McGonagall gave them past weak to finish being today the deadline, and he hasn't done anything until now.
But Harry and David were free and hungry, but rushed voices seemed to deviate their way towards their objective. Walking directly to the rushed voices and giggling, he could guess what was that about. Bullying. Oh, how he hated bullies and he would end this bullshit now. What he saw gave him back memories of his good friend Luna Lovegood, because standing there with another three older Ravencalw boys was Xenophilius Lovegood. They were clearly picking on Luna's Daddy 'as she called him', it is good to have parents. So he come to Xenophilius rescue. Looking at David he quickly said. "Meet me at the kitchens, I will deal with this."
"Are you sure mate" David asked concerned.
"Yeah, no problem" Harry assured him
"Alright, see you there." Then David left.
Walking to the four boys he asked with a slight raised voice.
"Hey, what's going on here?" The three Ravenclaw boys snapped their heads while Xenophilius just stared at the ground, he didn't seem hurt.
"Fuck off, it is none of your damn business." Harry furrowed his brows a bit.
"If you are picking on this boy, it is clearly my business." The three sneered at him
"You first year, should just go back to your common room, and why you Slytherin even care" One of the boys said.
"It's better you stop and leave him alone." Harry warned.
"And if we don't?" The courageous one asked but soon was sending flying through the hall.
"This" The other two never seen he draw his wand. "Go, leave him alone"
The other two quickly nodded
"And don't forget your friend" He shouted cheerfully.
Looking now at Xenophilius who was wide eye at his performance, smiled at him. "They won't bother you anymore."
"Thank you, I am Xeno" Xenophilius introduced himself.
Raising an eyebrow actually could see the similarities about father and daughter, but while Luna have always that dreamy look on her face Xeno dind't. Maybe it was from her mother.
"Nice to meet you Xeno, I'm Hadrian" Harry introduced himself.
"Yeah, the smart one from our classes." Xeno said.
Harry nodded. "Yeah, that's right, but you can call me Harry if you want."
"Sure" Xeno smiled.
There was a little silence between them before Xeno broke it.
"Sorry Harry, I have to go. I need to made some research about Crumple-Horned Snorkack." Harry almost laughed. There were too many familiarities in this.
"Alright Xeno, but if you need some friend to talk, or need help with something don't hesitated to come me." Harry offered his friendship who was answered with a smile
"Sure Harry, thank you Harry, see you later Harry." And then he disappeared in the halls, letting Harry standing there smiling.
Flashback end:
After these events Harry eventually received Xeno visits, and they were quite enjoyable and fun. And the Ravenclw students started to pass on how 'Slytherin' he was.
Harry's classes didn't change much from his other life, so for him it was the simplest of things do the exercises and assignments that your pass to them. The Professors started to keep an eye on him and his 'talents', Slughorn even made the invitation to his famous club, Harry refused the invitation saying that he wanted to 'learn' more before join the club to add his knowledge, on the meetings. Slughorn insisted several times but gave up after the tenth attempt. There were some others who tried to do similar things. But the one he wanted to approach more was McGonagall, she never favored anyone at least when others were watching. But Harry didn't want to favored or anything like that, he wanted to be friends with the witch, she had a special place at his heart, so he also wanted to be close with her in this life.
So one day he decided to ask her about something he didn't really understood, Harry knew she could help him with this. McGonagall seemed clearly surprise, because until now, Harry only shown to be perfect in all assignments and classes that they had.
Flashback:
McGonagall have just ended her class and her students where leaving, when she heard the voice of one her best students of this year. "Harry aren't you coming?" Andromeda Black, she seemed very different from all Blacks in her opinion and Hadrian Potter seemed to help on the matter, being friends with her.
"You can go without me, I need to speak with Professor McGonagall real quick" He informed her. He asking something? It was the first time since he came to Hogwarts that he wanted to ask about anything.
Raising her eyebrows, she curiously asked. "Mr. Potter, how can I help you?"
Mr. Potter seemed to look around to see if anyone was hearing them, her eyebrows raised a little more at that.
"Uhm, sorry Professor, I just wanted to ask if you can help me with a project of mine." McGonagall face turned suspicious hearing the way he was speaking.
"A project, Mr. Potter? And what this project may be?" Harry shifted slightly afraid to ask.
"I want to become an Animagus." He said fidgeting with low voice.
"Animagus? Mr. Potter, the Animagus process is very dangerous and why you want to become one?" Her face softened a little, she should've know, he was very smart after all.
"Yes Professor, I know is quite dangerous, but I have this fascination for the Animagis and I would like to seek and discover my Animagus form." McGonagall was still not convinced about his motivation, but she responded.
"Alright Mr. Potter, as you are my best student, you dedicate yourself and you do exceptionally well with the rest of the class, helping them and eventually helping me." She chuckled to herself at that. It was true he helped everyone who wanted and a lot of people seemed to like Harry, but other seemed jealous or even scared a little because he was in Slytherin. "I will recommend some books to you and give you permission to read some books we have here in Hogwarts. Only if I have the permission of your parents, of course.
Harry smiled, warming her heart. "Yes, thank you Professor."
"You're quite welcome, Mr. Potter. I will send them an owl asking for permission" Harry nodded still smiling. "Go now Mr. Potter, I need to prepare for my next class." She urged him to leave.
"Yes, thank you and bye Professor" And Harry left her alone thinking about their conversation.
Some days later, McGonagall received the letter of approval signed by Charlus and Dorea. And so she recommended some books in Hogwarts library that talked about the Rituals to become an Animagus not so actually deep in knowledge, but it was a start.
Flashback end:
The Animagus transformation never interested Harry in his past life, he found it cool but not enough to make him seek the knowledge to make him an expert or even make him an Animagi, he only knew the basics of the Animagus. It remembered to much of Sirius. But this time he wanted to be more knowledgeable and at least try to become one, he knew it was a very difficult and dangerous process, needless to say, it would be something that he wanted to master eventually.
He found himself spending a lot his time in the library and learning about the processes and the art of becoming Animagus, but the rituals and the transformation would have to wait because in one of his escapades at night to read at the library, it made him gain an information on something that it troubled him but also gave him the opportunity to take the first step ahead of his archenemy, Tom Riddle.
Flashback:
It was late night and he found himself at the library again, it would be dangerous form him to be in the library at this hour if caught by someone. But Harry have something advantageous to make this trips and eventually have his time reading, it was a stealth spell, something not so good like the Invisibility Cloak, but it was a very difficult to cast and powerful to break spell, he created while working as Hitwizard. The spell it needed a very knowledgeable or skilled wizard on all his senses to be able to see Harry when under the spell. But the two greatest characteristic of this spell was that Harry, always was ready to counter-attack or move faster than when he was under the cloak, and of course only him knew the spell.
Harry was trying to understand some of the process and the dangers of becoming an Animagi, he would only go trhough the process, when he completely understands all the steps and the right time to do it, he certanly didn't want to become some kind of half-beast or die, of course. It woulb be very difficult but he wanted it to be perfect and without troubles.
But he also was on the library because he couldn't sleep, he was having some nightmares, showing Charlus dying. The nightmares started, three days ago and it showed Charlus dying while in the work as Auror, and the only way he could get distracted was with a good reading.
In his third night, Harry was so distracted that he didn't hear the librarian standing right at his side waiting for him to turn to face her. Not having any options, she cleared her throat loudly catching his attention with a jump
"When Professor McGonagall said you were interested and enthusiastic in becoming an Animagus, and that you could read some of our collection we have here in the library, I didn't imagine you that enthusiastic, Mr. Potter." She said with a harsh tone but an amused smile. "And as much as I like some students being interested in the vast knowledge we have here, it's past time students being here Mr. Potter."
After his brief fright, he looked apologetic at her and said. "Sorry ma'am, please don't tell the Professors, I just couldn't sleep." Harry asked with a hopeful tone. He didn't want to have trouble with anyone, especially if they tell his mother.
She looked at him for a second gouging at what to do. "How do you get here without being spotted at first place, Mr. Potter?"
Harry just shruggred. "I came walking…?"
Raising an eye brow, the librarian asked. "Are you telling me or asking me, Mr. Potter?"
"Telling" He said with a firm voice.
"Uhum…" After a second, not being convinced at all, she fortunately relented. "Alright Mr. Potter, but you will go directly to your dormitory without any more of your little detours, understand?"
Harry gave her a nod and thanked before exiting the library. He didn't want to stop reading he knew that the nightmares would return, he was very experienced with sleepless nights after all.
Walking towards his dormitory and thinking about those dreams, it gave him dread thinking of losing Charlus and Dorea he was very attached to them and just thinking of no see them anymore, like it happed to Sirius, it would destroy him. He would do everything to keep them safe.
The castle was very quiet at night and walk in the dungeons could be scary if the person didn't know the walls of Hogwarts, Harry knew this castle like the palm of his hand, so he found the silence and the darkness that took over the castle it was really relaxing at this hour. His thoughts were cut short with rushed voices near the common room, Harry found suspicious since they should be sleeping already. Walking towards the voices he could hear displeased greetings.
"Why you called us here Dime? What couldn't wait until morning to tell us?"
"It couldn't, I have to reply them back in an hour."
"Reply? Reply who?"
"The knights"
Now, this caught Harry's attention, he slowly approached them to hear what they were saying a little better.
Approaching, Harry could see three male Slytherin students and a female, also Slytherin, they were frowning looking irritated apperantly because the sudden meeting they were called to. They also seemed to be on seventh year.
"The Knights? Really, that's actually awesome." One of the males said excited, his annoyance and sleepness quickly fading
"But did you have to tell us to come here to just tell us that? Why didn't you replied them, and then tomorrow you could tell us?" The annoyed girl growled.
"They're asking if we all can do a job Voth, and if yes, they are asking us to confirm it our presence." Dime answered scowling.
"Oh… yeah sure, you know what will be the job?" The annoyance in her voice disappeared instantly.
"No, but they said it was important." Dime informed them.
"Depending on the day I can also be present" The last member of the small group also confirmed his with enthusiasm in his voice. "The letter said, five days before Christmas, the meet will be at the pub." Harry frowned, what bar, he needed more information.
"Pub? I don't remember the location." Harry almost fell backwards at the dumb boy who asked that.
The others cursed, but Dime informed the boy about the location to the boy who looked thoughtful about it clearly trying to remember the location. Harry knew the address, it was a bar in a secluded place.
"Don't worry, we will meet at the Three Broomstick, then we will go there together." Dime suggested slightly irritated.
Three Broomstick the famous pub, that in the future would be administered by Madam Rosmert. In 64 it seemed it was her grandfather who ran the place. After all, Rosmerta was still a fourth year Hufflepuff.
"Yeah sure" The girl was the first to answer clearly less enthusiastic than the other two.
"Count with me." The lost dumb boy almost shouted.
"Do you want to wake the whole castle, you dumbass?" Dime told with a lower voice through clenched teeth.
"Sorry" He whispered back.
The was a silence while Dime glared at the dumb boy.
"And you Rowle? Are you coming?" Dime broke the glare and silence after a while.
The quiet boy just nodded, but he was apparently excited with the news.
"Alright I'll send the owl with the answer, we will meet at The Broomstick near five in the afternoon" Dime nodded his head, liking their answers.
Grumbling, the girl, Voth, was what Dime called her wished them good night and left.
After the girl left Dime turned to the other boys and harshly spoke to them.
"Rowle keep an eye on this dumbass here. Logg can't keep his mouth shut."
Rowle looked at dumb Logg and nodded in understanding. "Yeah, leave to me."
"Alright, goodnight you two." Dime gave his farewells and walked in Harry's direction.
But when he was near Harry he suddenly stopped, Dime looked around… then shrugged off. "It must be the tiredness." He said leaving and muttering under his breath about had to write a letter of immediate response. Harry, with a sigh of relief, turned to leave thinking about what he learned and the decisions he would have to make in the future.
Flashback end:
It took some days to Harry decide that he would follow them and try to gain some information about this job and how the Knights operate. It was luck or destiny, that he got to see this little discussion of theirs, he didn't know, but he would use it to his advantage. And if these nightmares are some kind of warning or premonition he would prevent it, after all he had a family now and hew would protect it. Harry would do everything for them.
Arcturus was in his office with his son Orion and his nephew Cygnus, discussing some issues related to the annual Christmas ball that they held every year, trying to avoid some particular problems that were soon questioned by his son.
"Father and what about the alliance with the Knights?"
Arcturus stopped and looked at his son, took a deep breath before sighing heavily. It has been several weeks since that meeting when he saw all the, Potter boy memories. He was avoiding this problem, while he researched and looked for evidences and proofs to confirm if it was all true. And so far it was flawless.
"I decided to postpone this… matter."
"But why Lord Black, we all agreed with the alliance." Cygnus demanded. "This has to do with aunt isn't it?"
"Watch it boy." Arcturus warned him, Arcturus didn't want to have this discussion, but he eventually would have to tell them and since Orion was his heir and he wanted Cygnus to support him in the future, he decided to inform them of his discoveries, leaving aside the time-travel matter.
"Yes, Charlus came with some disturbing discoveries about the Knights, and Dorea wanted to warn me." Orion and Cygnus picked his serious tone and settled in their respective chairs to listen intently.
"Do you two remember the Gaunts?" The two nodded frowning. "Marvolo Gaunt was a very dark man, not in magic or because his family history. But his own person and personality"
Orion curious, not remembering about the Gaunts asked. "Family history?"
Arcturus nodded. "The Gaunts have a certain connection with Salazar Slytherin, so they have some of the Slytherin blood, as well possible inheritance of some of their talents, like Parselmouths" Understanding now, Orion and Cygnus looked at each other realizing what Arcturus was trying to say.
"You're saying that he's a Gaunt? All the Gaunts are all dead." Cygnus asked
"Partially. And no there is still one alive." Was Arcturus answer.
"Partially?" Orion frowned.
There was brief silence while Arcturus, waited them to connect the dots.
"Impossible… He's a Half-Blood, are you sure father?" Orion gowled in disbelief.
"When did Dorea ever lied to us before? Never. I didn't believe her at first, but I can say that we are following a hypocrite. "
"But Marvolo, he had just a son and a… daughter." Realizing now, Cygnus was trying to contain his anger.
"The leader is son of the squib Merope. His name is Tom Marvolo Riddle" Arcturus confirmed. "He's a son of a squib and a man that never loved his mother. She died on his birth and he killed his father." Arcturus throw the bomb at them.
"Bloody bastard lied to us all. And I know a name Riddle, he was the half-blood at Hogwarts." Orion shouted.
"Aye. What do we do Lord Black?" Asked Cygnus in a low voice.
"We will stay neutral for now, wait for what will happen. We can't afford lose more political grounds, but we also won't ally ourselves with a false pure-blood." Arcturus knew that the Blacks were in a hard spot, but he would get them out of this, he wouldn't let his legacy, his family legacy be reduced to ashes because their own actions. The two of them nodded knowing that Lord Black was did not want to talk about the issue any longer.
Without any of them knowing Bellatrix was behind the door, keeping her anger in check, planning to get some answers and to kill all of those that tried to deceive her.HA HHH