The news of defeat of the Dark Lord spread rather quickly. Within a week, whole wizarding world was celebrating with pure joy. First people refused to acknowledge the fact, that such a powerful wizard was defeated by a mere infant but accepted when ministry made it official.
Whole world least to say was in debt to said infant who was regarded as their savior. Wizards and other creatures alike wanted to know their savior and meet him, but ministry didn't disclose any information of whereabouts of the child.
A privet funeral was held for the potter and only close friends and relatives were invited. After a week another customary public funeral was held where a lot of people showed up and paid their respect for the couple. What people didn't fail to notice was, only Lady Walburga Black was present to represent the house of Black. People were shocked to say that Potter's best friend was missing from the whole ordeal.
Their doubts and suspicion were cleared after two month when in an interview Albus Dumbledore said that their savior was adopted by his godfather Sirius black in the House of Black. At this piece of news whole wizarding Britain was in uproar. They were not pleased that their savior was adopted by such a 'dark' family.
In many following news articles and headlines, the House of Black was criticized as Dark Lord Followers and how the boy would turn out dark and become the next Dark Lord. Most disturbing was that Sirius black was accused of tragedy of Godric's Hollow. Many people claimed him to be a spy for Dark Lord.
Sirius' stunts of not showing up on the public funeral and declaring the House of Black as a neutral party only fueled the anger. When people came to know that Sirius resigned from the Order of Phoenix, they became restless and even demanded to hand over "the boy who lived" to the ministry so that he could be adopted to a respected family. Dumbledore was more than happy as he would get what he always wanted - A perfect weapon.
Sirius simply ignored all the news and comments made on him and kept his full attention on his job and his son. Sirius was a changed man after the Godric's Hollow incident. He was cold to everyone except Corvus. He just couldn't help but smile looking at his son. Sirius with his parents had shifted to Black Castle in Northern Ireland. He even made 2 house-elfs only look after Corvus.
Things changed when on his 1st birthday when Corvus was playing with his father and grandparents. While playing with all the toys that were gifted he looked up to Sirius and said in a slow and cute voice "dada". Everyone in the room just squeaked with delight. Sirius' heart melted. With a swift motion he reached his son and hugged him tightly and cried to his hearts delight. From that day Sirius started opening to his parents and relatives, but was cold to everyone else.
Four months later Sirius sat in his study room writing a letter. He was frustrated with media and people who kept on demanding that he should let someone else adopt his son. He turned to see his son by a book shelf and gaped at the sight. His son was now standing with the help of one of the latches of the shelf and trying to balance himself. Sirius lowered himself and gestured to his son "come on Cory, come to dada". The boy gurgled an gave a cute smile and left the latch and started walking towards Sirius. After 4 steps lost his balance and fell in his father's protective hands. This was another day when Sirius heartily cried from happiness, and let the pain and angst flow from his eyes.
Slowly and gradually Sirius was turning to the man everyone remembered. He was less cold and even made some jokes. Everyone sighed in relief and thanked Merlin. They feared that this man would not be able to take care of their savior.
Things turned out well, on Corvus' 2nd birthday, when Sirius finally found his fourth marauder and one of his best friends. Remus was apparently sent to Brazil by Dumbledore for some negotiations with werewolf community there. Sirius was infuriated. He had asked the old man for Remus but every time he just ignored the request. After some crying and consoling, the two friends were back as they were. Sirius had laughed whole heartedly after god knows how much time.
Corvus also had taken a liking towards his uncle moony. He was never a shy kid and always wanted to meet new people. The werewolf's heart melted when young Corvus cooed "ucle Mooey". Tears formed at the end of his eye and he hugged the toddler with all his might. Remus was not one to show his emotions in public but this time couldn't control himself.
Sirius asked Remus to live with him, and after an hour long protest, finally accepted. He also left the order when Sirius told him the whole story. He also grew cold towards the headmaster and refused to talk to him. He devoted most of his time playing with his godson.
It always amazed the remaining two marauders, how much a two and a half year boy could talk. They would just sit beside him listening to his world of imagination or how he played with his toys. Ever stoic Walburga and Orion also used to act like children around Corvus. Orion had introduced him to the world of quidditch and to his amazement, he loved it. Walburga however also drilled nobility in his mind. She would often tell him how better he is than others, or how to eat properly and to her shock, unlike his father it came natural to him. She also explained Black family history and how they were highly regarded in the society since the time of Merlin. She also explained how he was superior in terms of Family history. She also explained the purity of blood. Although the poor boy didn't understand a thing, but it was a good start, so he would not involve himself with the mudbloods later.
He was also fed with stories about all the great wizards and their work. He just used to lose himself in the stories and often imagined himself as the protagonist. He loved the chocolates and the pies but was restricted by Walburga saying his teeth will rot. So one day on the dining table he said "Grandpa, sweets will lot my teeth light?" to which Orion agreed and then he said "so fom today onwals I will not eat sweets… you only bling me the chips". Everyone on the table first stared each other and then laughed hard. "Not even a three year old and a Pure Slytherin. He surely takes after our family" exclaimed Sirius.
On Corvus' 4th birthday, Sirius decided that it was time for outside world to meet Corvus, however only close relatives were called for his birthday party. Out of all the new comers, he loved his Great grandparents Pollux Black and Irma Black nee' Crabbe. He sure was an old fellow but played with Corvus with full of his heart. After all seeing his heir from his favorite grandson, his chest swelled up with pride. The moment word Quidditch left Corvus' mouth the old chap just bounced off his chair in excitement. Together with Orion, they both talked about quidditch the whole afternoon. He would tell his matches and how good chaser he was.
In the guest list were also his Great Ganduncle and aunt Arcturus Black and Melania Black nee McMillan. He liked them too but they were too formal for his liking. He also met his Great Grandaunt Cassiopeia. He found her a little lunatic because of her love for Magical Creatures; afterall she was the head in that department in the ministry. He also met malfoys and found their hair real funny. He liked her aunt Narcissa very much. She told her that he has a brother named Draco but couldn't come because he went to his grandmother's house. When Corvus saw Lucius entering the house from the floo, he looked up and asked his Great grandfather "grandpa, is that man's surname is white?" with a curious look several heads turned in his direction and Pollux asked "why do you think so cory?", he innocently replied "I thought so, because we all have black hair and our surname is Black and that man has White hair." Everyone around him looked between him and Lucius and broke down in laughing. Everyone was laughing so hard that few even had tears in their eyes. Poor Lucius could only give a scowl like smile at the innocent answer. The party was eventful. Everyone was very delighted to see the Black heir. He was very polite and met every guest with a cute innocent smile.
After eating, it was time for opening gifts. Everyone's gifts appeared with a swish of fingers and were dumped on a pile of gifts in the living area. Everyone gathered up so Corvus could open the gifts. In the pile of gifts Corvus picked the biggest of all. It was long and wrapped in a dark green paper. He read on the slip "Pollux" when he read out the name he beamed up and ran towards his great grandpa. He then opened up to see a brand new shining, broom. The broom was made of Dark brown wood and looked very elegant. He beamed up at seeing the Gift and hugged his Grandpa muttering thank you. Sirius came from behind and his eyes widened. The Broom was the fastest broom ever made, NIMBUS 1500. He wanted to go and play but had to open other gifts so, he placed the broom on the side and went for other books.
He opened another gift which was from Cassiopeia. He opened the wrapping to find a cage in which there was a fairly white Snowy eagle owl. He looked it with astonishment and turned to hug his Great-aunt. 'Wow he so beautiful' to which the bird hooted in response. "Cory it is a she, not he. By the way, what will you name her?" the young boy blushed at his mistake and placed his hand at his chin thinking about a name, then it struck him. He exclaimed loudly "I will name her Hedwig" to which said bird hooted in agreement.
Other gifts consisted of toys, broom polishing kits, Quidditch equipment and some books. Once every present was opened, he couldn't control himself and dragged his Father, Grandfather and great Grandfather in the private Quiditch field behind the castle. They properly taught him how to fly and for safety measures Sirius rode with him.
Within a month, he was able to ride the broom all by himself. Most afternoon, Pollux would come to the Black Manor and play Quidditch with his favourite Great Grandson. He loved Draco, but that kid was a Carbon Copy of his father and had arrogance flowing through his system. He was also happy that he wouldn't have to name that arrogant child his heir. He had taken on himself to teach quidditch and its moves. What nobody knew, pollux secretly wanted to play as a professional, but couldn't due to Family responsibilities, but he promised himself that he would make Corvus a great Professional Player. Corvus was through and through a Chaser. Pollux prided himself by declaring that Corvus took after him. Within six months, Corvus had gained quite a set of skill. The 5 hour long practices had paid. He would give a competition to his Great Granfather. Ofcourse the man was not in his prime, in fact he was long away from his Prime but for a four and a half year old, it was a great achievement.
The criticism about Black family and demand for re-adoption had increased. People even started glaring at the Blacks and tried to avoid them at all cost. So Sirius decided to put a stop on all of this kind of news on Corvus' fifth birthday. He owled The Daily Prophet and asked for an interview. To which they readily agreed.
A reporter named Rob Schneider came for the interview with THE BOY WHO LIVED. Sirius, Corvus and Rob sat in the castles' garden for the interview. Rob pulled out a quill and parchment from his bag and released it in the air. Cory was amazed to see how the quill wrote every tiny detail from their conversation.
Next day, on his birthday, the interview was released on the front page with two pictures, One of Corvus flying on the broomstick, and another, in which he was picked up by Sirius. Sirius saw the picture and read the interview. He was satisfied with the answers and sighed in relied
FIRST INTERVIEW WITH THE-BOY-WHO-LIVED
By Rob Schneider
R- Why did you decide to give the interview after five years, why not early?
S- Well I was waiting for the right time. You see, after the defeat of the Dark Lord, my son was in a grave danger. That's why we shifted to the castle as many people don't know about its location. Since Death Eaters have finally been caught and I feel my son is protected so I decided to let the world meet him.
R- How come you adopted Harry Potter, I mean there must be many people who would have adopted him.
S- Well I guess I don't need any permission to adopt my Godson. Lily and James made me his godfather and so I took him, and by the way his name his Corvus Sirius Black, Not Harry James Potter.
R- Don't you think his birth parents would want him to keep that name?
S- Surely they would have wanted him to keep the name, but he is the Heir of House of Black and we have a tradition, that we name our family after constellations or stars or galaxies.
R- How could Harry, I mean Corvus could be you heir, he is a Potter.
S- (Sighs) In the Death Eater attack on ministry of 79', James was hit by a curse, which rendered him infertile. So we used an ancient Pureblood Ritual in which my seed infused in blood of James was planted in Lily's womb. So technically, Corvus is half Black and my son.
R- What? No one would have guessed it. Poor James! But do you think raising our savior in renowned Dark Family would be okay?
S- I assure you none of the Black Family member is Dark.
R- what about Bellatrix Lestrange?
S- Mr. Schneider, you should get you facts clear. Bellatrix became dark, after she was married to Rodolophus. And she is disowned from House of Black when she joined the Dark Lord.
R- So no one in your family preaches Dark Arts?
S- There is a big difference in performing Dark Arts and following Dark Lord. Did you know many of the spells or Rituals are labeled Dark by the ministry because of the amount of Magic it requires? If performed by the Muggleborns, could make them lose their magic or even worst kill them. Some charms and spells even require Pureblood to perform it.
R- Well I certainly didn't know it. I bet many of our readers would be enlightened with the knowledge. By the way, the way you described Muggleborns, Are you against them?
S- No, absolutely not. I support muggleborns. Infact Lily was like a sister to me. I have many muggle friends both in work and otherwise.
R- Well it's certainly good to hear that Corvus is in right hands. By the way, Many of our readers wanted to know when Lord Black will marry. Surely Corvus would want a mother.
S- Sorry to disappoint, but I have no plans of marrying, I have a loving son and a family. Why would I marry? Everyone in the family loves him. He is their apple of the eye. He has his grandparents, great grandparents, a father and a god father. People want to raise The BOY WHO LIVED, and not Corvus. Moreover, He doesn't feel the need of a mother, when he has 2 fathers.
R- Two fathers you say. If you don't mind me asking, is there something between you two?
S-(laughs) oh its nothing like that. I assure you I am straighter than a line. He is my best friend, more like a brother.
For full interview look on pg 3
Next couple of questions was for Corvus, like what his favourite color is or what his favourite game is. Sirius read and reread his answers before sighing in relief. Interview went very well, and he knew it will change their reputation. True to his words, people started seeing them in new light and a new found respect.
Later on the day, there was a huge birthday bash where many people were invited, including many people from ministry. However only Pureblood wizards were invited and it was more like a public declaration saying 'THE BLACKS ARE BACK'. The whole castle was decorated. Sirius finally decided that it was time to make a public appearance.
Everyone was delighted celebrating birthday of their savior. Corvus received a lot of gifts from books, clothes, accessories to different toys. The best gift was again from pollox. This time he bought the latest broom – the Comet fifty five. His eyes glistened at the sight of his new broom.
He also met his cousin Draco. He didn't like him at first, but spending time together for about 2 hours, he started liking him. The cold and arrogant demeanor was changed when harry asked to play quidditch. Apparently Draco was also a Quidditch fanatic. They excused themselves and went to play outside, soon joined by Lucius and Sirius. Sirius had not played since his time in hogwarts, so he challenged the Malfoy head in two on two quidditch.
Since everyone was present, Lucius had to accept. So the match between Malfoys and Black began. Everyone present in the party came out to see the match, much to displeasure of Malfoy. After half an hour, Blacks were up by 310-90 and they ended the match. Everyone ignored the match and only concentrated on THE BOY WHO LIVED. They cheered heavily, every time he got the quaffle. After the match, Malfoy's defeat was was ignored and all of them just went to congratulate Corvus.
After lunch the party was over and people started leaving after bidding their farewell. Everyone was happy with the Black heir, and loved him. Walburga was very happy as her Grandson was very well mannered and presented himself in a very elegant manor. Looking at His son, the only thought which entered Sirius' mind was 'Prongs, you would have been proud'.