The Contract

Chapter 132

Harry and Rabastan were having lunch, it wouldn't be long before they were separated again. Unfortunately, Harry's Hogwarts education was important. They were intending on enjoying their time together while they could. The food was delicious, and the atmosphere was wonderful. A harp played quietly in the corner, the quiet din none disruptive. Unlike Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, now that had been awful, never again. Between the sobbing inconsolable teenagers, crying and screaming toddlers – although they couldn't be blamed – and loud and abrasive adults. It wasn't atmospheres he was used to anymore. Especially when he just wanted to have a conversation with his nearest and dearest. Harry should have known there was a reason it was never picked by his family.

"…I'm going to Draco's then Vincent's tonight, if you want to join me," Harry said as he ate a small portion of his salmon. Seafood meals weren't always to his liking, but sometimes he was in the mood for one. Today was such a day.

"Have you finally succeeded in getting them all to let you do the wards without payment?" Rabastan asked amused, Harry was half indignant half overawed by the entire thing. He knew most of them had already agreed, just doing enough to save face in his opinion. Then again, Harry's abilities were…priceless really.

"No," Harry grumbled, before brightening up and saying, "Instead I asked for copies of the rare books I knew they had." he'd had the help of his friends of course, and the copy might be worth only a third of the genuine article but still worth a lot. Not that Harry wanted it to sell, he loved reading, and they were favoured subjects. He'd have taken them if he didn't care about them either way. This had been his way of them all winning, they got to save face, while Harry got to protect those closest to him.

"Nicely done," Rabastan replied, a sly smirk gracing his features, "But I had no doubts about it." When Harry wanted something, he found a way to do it. He should know, he was the biggest example possible. Harry had figured out a way to get him and his brother out of Azkaban just to make his father happy. Such a simple reason, that long ago, he would have sneered derisively at. Luckily Azkaban had forced him to grow up in a way that life outside of Hogwarts hadn't.

"It took the Parkinson's the longest," Harry confessed, adding some salad to his salmon before eating it. "I think they figured out what I was doing before I got the second sentence out of my mouth." Having a whole new respect for the Parkinson's family.

"Definitely not," Rabastan shook his head, drinking from his glass of white wine, "Lord Greengrass knew what was going on before you spoke to him." he was by far the most intelligent of the lot, even when pitted against Lucius and Narcissa.

"Do you think so?" Harry queried, drinking his lemonade. A thoughtful look on his face, "I mean Daphne is very close to her father."

"Nothing to do with her informing him, he's just smart enough to know how we Slytherin's work." Rabastan nixed the idea that Daphne had informed her father. "You could have requested the originals or at least one of them in exchange for the work."

"I know," Harry said in agreement, no smugness, but he did have a deep sense of pride over his abilities and capabilities. He'd created the runes that had ultimately safeguarded his family, protected them when they would have passed otherwise. It was no wonder they wanted the runes added to their homes, who wouldn't? especially when newer magic was coming out that circumvented their wards. Just like it had circumvented the wards at the Lestrange's place of residence.

"Of course, you do," Rabastan said wryly, "And still you decided against getting your money's worth?" shaking his head in mock ruefulness. This here was the reason that Harry had ultimately not been put in Slytherin. Although, Rabastan would deduce that at least 40 or 45 percent of his personality was deeply ingrained Slytherin tendencies for sure.

"I don't need it, and they're my friends," Harry said, pointing his finger at Rabastan seriously, "I don't want them targeted just because they're my friends." He added, with a tinge of worry in his voice.

Rabastan sobered up at that, "I understand why you did it, and I would have done the same."

"No, you wouldn't have, you'd have taken the books," Harry refuted wryly.

"No, you're right, I would have taken everything I could before doing the rune warding." Rabastan smirked, as he reached for his glass and took a drink from it. It paired well with the meal, but for the prices they were paying, it was hardly surprising that they knew what they were doing. "Did Rodolphus and Sirius say whether the Weasley's were going with them?" by Weasleys' he was referring to Arthur, Fred and George who all worked at Sirius' company.

"Excuse me, forgive my intrusion but were you referring to Sirius Black?" a witch straightening up, staring inquisitively at the two.

Rabastan and Harry stared at each other, silently communicating their surprise and confusion. Rabastan was also rather vexed as well. How dare she eavesdrop on their conversation then rudely interrupt them? She had to be a Muggle-born, nobody else would have the sheer gall to interrupt them and for what?

Harry cocked his head to the side just a little, "And if it was?" his tone cool, not quite ready to warm to the witch until he knew the reason for her interruption. He noticed that those at her table were rather put out as well, he wondered at the reason they were all there to begin with.

"Oh, do forgive me, my name is heiress Heather Brown," she explained, "I work at the Child protection services at the Ministry of magic." she continued on, smiling at them apologetically.

An heiress, she should have known better then, Rabastan thought with distaste. It was the ultimate faux pas, to interrupt someone's meal, apologise then continue to annoy them with their presence. "What on earth could this have to do with either myself or my fiancé?" incredulous as to why she was still there.

Those at the table began to mutter their own dissent over her actions, especially given whom they were.

"We've been trying to contact Lord Black for some time now," Heather confessed, her brow furrowed, "It's of the utmost important."

"Lord Black-Lestrange," Harry corrected her enormous error, even Lord Lestrange would have been more correct than Lord Black. Sirius didn't care for the Black name at all, and so very rarely used it, only on official documents where it was important to put Lord Black-Lestrange. "If it's so important you shouldn't be talking to us about it." He pointed out, surely it was unethical? Not to mention confusing, Sirius didn't have children…did he?

Rabastan straightened, it's possible that Sirius had a child with someone, they were all young and impetuous at one point. It could make any potential child what? Well over Hogwarts age, the Dark Lord would have informed them surely, if there had been a child of Sirius Black there? Or it might be Regulus, he supposed, it was possible, he had died young, but not that young.

"Sirius has a child?" Harry asked, perplexed, frowning, reeling a little in disbelief.

Heiress Heather opened her mouth before pausing, "I really can't and shouldn't say anything, but there is a limited time before alternative arrangements have to be made." Entirely frustrated to have the system working against her when all she wanted to do was ensure everyone's wellbeing.

"When did you get in touch with him?" Rabastan asked suspiciously.

"We wrote two letters and Floo called," Heather explained, adding the date after remembering the dates of their aforementioned attempts to get in touch. "We reached out again yesterday, but our attempts were futile, your House-elf informed us that he was not available and wouldn't be for some undetermined amount of time."

"They're right, my godfather is currently in France on business." Harry agreed, glancing at Rabastan, wondering if they should get in touch with him for her? "He does have the mirror." He murmured to Rabastan a thoughtful frown adorned his face.

"You can ask," Rabastan agreed, truly curious to know what on earth was going on. "Although you might wish to be quick. Our desserts should be brought out soon." They had mostly finished their meals, although he had noticed Harry setting a piece of salmon aside. He didn't need to be a genius to deduce that Harry was taking it home to give to the pup. He didn't half spoil the dog.

"Alright, I'll summon our House-elf," Harry murmured his agreement, "Excuse me." It was very impolite to summon your house-elves in the company of strangers. Only those you truly trusted (family and very close friends) were allowed to see the House-elf called.

Rabastan nodded, watching his fiancé make his way to the wizard bathroom, his gaze never wavered from him. This place had good wards, but given what had happened…he wasn't trusting anywhere fully. He also knew better than to attempt to follow Harry. He'd end up suffering a few curses for days before Harry would take pity on him. Which in any other situation he'd find humorous truly.

Heiress Heather Brown didn't seem perturbed by the going On's. Instead, she sat back down at her table, talking quietly to those with her gaining a certain understanding after a few moments. He idly wondered what she'd revealed, as he watched, relaxing when his fiancé made a reappearance with his mirror, with its leopard skin case which Harry favoured. He changed them often, although less so these days as he got used to it and the excitement wore off. A good portion of the year it mostly went unused, since his friends were all with him, thus it wasn't used as often.

It was clear Harry hadn't asked Sirius in the bathroom about what was going on. It would be vulgar to do so. As he approached with the device closed, and hadn't been gone anywhere near long enough to have had a conversation quick or otherwise. Sliding into his chair, he opened the mirror case, only to shift and stare unimpressed with Heiress' decorum. "Excuse me," gesturing for her to get out of the seat, and let them have a measure of privacy.

"Of course," Heiress Heather murmured demurely, something she was clearly not, as she sat back down at her own table. Accepting Gringotts checks, perhaps it was a working lunch? Or an attempt to get money from people for something.

Harry flicked his wand out, adding a 'Muffliato' to dampen any further attempts at eavesdropping. They really should have done so earlier, if they had they'd be enjoying their dessert at the moment. "Sirius Lestrange," an amused grin on his face, it still hadn't lost its amusement. It never would.

It took a few seconds, but Sirius' face soon showed up, a furrowed brow a show of concern, "Harry, is everything alright?" it was rather unexpected, it was usually at night when he was winding down that he mirror called, if he did at all.

"I'm not sure," Harry admitted, "There is someone called Heiress Heather Brown trying to get in touch with you."

"Who the hell is that? Wait, is she related to Lavender brown? The twins have mentioned her, a ditzy blond that could have done so much better if she focused on her work instead of how she was perceived by the male population?"

"Language," Rodolphus retorted with a grunt, silently enduring Sirius' elbow to the stomach.

"I think so, I'm not sure," Harry shrugged utterly indifferent.

"What does she want?" Rodolphus asked, "Where are you?" peering over Sirius' shoulder and not recognizing the background.

"Yes, what does she want?" Sirius asked, interrupting Rodolphus' statement.

Harry glanced at Rabastan before confessing, "She works at the child protective services at the Ministry."

The silence that followed was heavy and filled with a sense of disbelief and unrealism.

"What did you say?" Rodolphus asked, he knew Harry wasn't kidding around, it was his husband that was the joker. "Are you for real right now?" he knew better than to use the 'sirius' pun especially right now. He wasn't in the mood for his husbands' jokes.

"No, apparently, they sent out a few letters but they were likely destroyed in the explosion, and they attempted to Floo afterward. Naturally, the Floo was locked down that even prevented the most basic of Floo calls. They've sent out a few letters, but you know they're piling up at home, waiting for you to return." Harry explained, "Could you…could you have a child?"

Sirius cringed, "I want to say no, but truthfully I've no idea…we're always careful but sometimes accidents happen." Rabastan and Rodolphus grudgingly nodded their understanding and agreement, it was true enough.

"Isn't the family tree supposed to show everything?" Harry asked utterly befuddled, "Wouldn't it show them?"

"It's a unique family tree, made with magic that's entirely…unknown to me." Sirius confessed, "I never even thought to investigate it. Not that I actually looked in…for all I know it might have something."

"Or might not be able to be added to due to the magic Walburga blasted at those she 'disowned' from the family." Rodolphus pointed out, envy and jealousy getting the better of him. The very thought of someone having a family with Sirius was enough to make him want to go out and commit murder.

"You can guess all night, but that won't change anything…do you want us to let you speak to her or will you just return home and speak in person?" Harry asked, cutting off the speculation, "Sirius?" he prompted after a few seconds of silence from Sirius.

"Part of me just wants to get home and read those letters, but that will take time," Sirius grumbled, and it would. They'd need to go to Frances' Ministry of magic and get a portkey arranged for home. They had one already but it wasn't set to bring them home for days. They were searching for premises, expanding his company abroad, it was doing well enough to consider it. He was glad Arthur and the twins weren't here to have heard this. "Alright, sorry about this kiddo, hand me over to her."

"It's alright," Harry said, giving him a smile, "Don't worry too much, it might be nothing."

Sirius managed a convincing smile and nod for his godson. Whereas it was true, he didn't think any of them were 'not worrying' so to say. "Heiress Brown?" Harry said, after Rabastan flicked his wand and removed the silencing charms.

The witches smile became far more fixed, she could see she had severely annoyed Lord Potter. Annoying the Lestrange's or Potter wasn't something she had wanted to do. "Thank you," she said, with far less enthusiasm and just on the side of real modesty. Attempting to right her error the safest way she knew, keep a low profile without apologising.

"Just put it on the table when you're done," Harry said, readjusting his seat, tapping the plate twice and they disappeared. Their desserts appeared a few moments afterwards. "Looks good." He murmured, and despite their best efforts to continue their date, both of them were dying with curiosity over what was going on.

Sirius sat there with the mirror held aloft across from his face, his left hand squeezing Rodolphus hand with all his might. His heart was pounding dangerously loud and erratically. He was terrified of what he might hear from this witch. He'd wanted a family, and made his own with the Potters, his blood…wasn't good. He didn't want to condemn any child he had to the fate that had awaited many of the Blacks. Between squibs and the Black madness who would want to risk it? Although, he was weak, so very weak, he'd love nothing more than to have a family with Rodolphus.

"Lord Lestrange, thank you so much for taking the time to talk to me," Heiress Brown said, a soft indulgent smile on her face. "I do abhor the means I had to go to get a hold of you, but as I mentioned to your godson, Lord Potter, it's of a time sensitive nature."

"Meaning?" Sirius questioned, staring at her perplexed, "And please, speak promptly and straight to the point. I really would rather you don't beat around the bush. I have a meeting in less than half an hour, that I need to get ready for, and talk to my godson afterwards." Lying slightly there, it wasn't for two hours, but he said this just to make sure she would speak swiftly.

Rodolphus nodded silently, Browns were predominantly Gryffindors, dramatic the lot of them. He would rather hear what was going on than be given a run around. Which is likely what would happen, especially lowly Ministry workers, honestly, they were an annoying bunch.

"I would really rather do this in person, Lord Lestrange," Heiress Brown insisted, finding it rather strange to refer to a wizard she knew should be Lord Black – the last of his name as a matter of fact – but had dropped the name like a hot Ashwinder egg.

"I will be returning in three days, I'll make an appointment the day after," Sirius replied, through indulging her, not that he'd done much indulging.

"Wait, please, it has to be before that," Brown urgently backtracked and pleaded with them.

"Then inform us of what this urgent matter is," Sirius replied, "We Blacks aren't known for our patience, my dear, so out with it." He might not be a Black in name anymore but he was still a Black and still a very short tempered and impatient if you put the right situation in front of him. Which was right now, Sirius honestly didn't know what was going on and he didn't like it one bit.

Rodolphus arched a brow at the 'my dear' that came out of his husband's mouth. He'd never used those words before in the past in any capacity. Was this his husbands attempt at a subtle warning to the witch? If so, it was awful, he would need to teach his husband how to threaten someone so subtly that nobody knew it was happening. My dear, honestly, such a Gryffindor, for the most part, Rodolphus amended, his husband had surprised him more than once.

"I'm from CPS, and my job is to find the families of children who are brought into the magical world. By either my co-workers or squib family members. Bear in mind these are just examples, when they're brought in, we do a lineage blood test. Now as you no doubt know, we don't give magical children to muggles, and if they are given to squibs they're watched carefully for months and the children are questioned to ensure they're healthy and happy. With reoccurring meetings at least twice a year."

"I understand," Sirius agreed fully, he completely agreed with all the laws and regulations that were in place. He spent a significant amount of time around Harry, Corvus and Aurelius, all of whom were big on the Wizengamot and writing out new pieces of laws and legislations. He didn't have the patience for all that, but he did what he could. "I still fail to see what this has to do with me."

"You're the Black Lord from the direct male bloodline, you're first in line to be asked," Heiress Brown explained, getting to the point.

Sirius glanced at Rodolphus, frowning, "Meaning?"

"Meaning there is two three-year-old children, fraternal twins, boy and girl, they have an uncle but he's a Muggle, and he's not qualified to take them even if we cannot find a wizarding family to take them in." She explained, the uncle would never gain custody of them. Children were cherished in the magical world, mostly because their community was so small. "And you've actually been specifically requested by the children's great-grandfather."

"Great-grandfather?" muttered Sirius frowning in confusion, he'd been all but disowned by the family. Only his Uncle Alphard had crossed his mother, and ended up disowned himself. Not that he'd cared much, he didn't have a family, he'd remained a bachelor all his life. "Who?" don't ever ask him to try and figure out his own family, it was bloody awful trying to. It's not like he knew a lot of his family, his mother had kept them secluded until they showed magic, even then she was careful about who she let near them. Too bad it hadn't made them into the 'perfect heirs' she had envisioned.

"Marius Blake, formerly Marius Black who was disowned at eleven years of age, he died two weeks ago," Heiress Brown informed him. Not bothering with condolences and such, Sirius hadn't ever met the wizard as far as she knew. At a really impressive age for a squib if she didn't say so herself.

Sirius froze, Marius Black, he knew that name…he recalled seeing it on the family tree. Marius was Dorea's big brother, she'd adored him. Cassiopeia and Pollux's brother as well, his mother was his niece if he recalled correctly. Just trying to work out his family tree gave him a great sodding headache. He'd been abandoned by his own parents in the Muggle world. This was all during a damn war, or after one and before another. "He had a family?" he asked, breathing hitching.

"Yes, he did," she replied, "A son and daughter-in-law who both passed away during the war, he was the sole guardian of his grandchild. A granddaughter who unfortunately, passed away giving birth to twins a few years ago. He diligently took care of those children, until his health began to deteriorate very rapidly and he wrote to us, there's a letter he's asked to be given to you upon his death."

Sirius gaped at the witch, stunned and dazed. For the longest time he'd thought he was the only Black left except for Narcissa and his godson. Andromeda and Nymphadora were well rid of, as if he'd keep them in the family after what they did to his godson. Merlin, it was difficult to believe. He couldn't help but laugh, the squib, the 'disgrace' to the Black family outlived every single one of his immediate family. Including Arcturus by a decade. He stifled his laughter; it was like the biggest cosmic joke ever.

"Why isn't the uncle qualified from taking the children?" Rodolphus questioned, "Forgive me but it sounded like there was more than just the fact he's a Muggle, I know it's presumptuous." He added, but not apologising.

"You're quite right, Marius made it more than clear the twins weren't to go there." Brown said firmly, "In fact, he made me swear an Unbreakable Vow that I would take them before giving them to that side of the family."

"That side but not the Black side?" Sirius' brow furrowed. Glancing at his husband, befuddled by what was going on.

"What aren't you saying?" Rodolphus, naturally (as weird as it sounded) the more distrusting of them both.

"What he says," Sirius stated, "Talk to him as if I were the one asking the questions." This was something he and his husband would need to discuss when all was said and done.

"Marius has stated he's explained it in his letter," Brown said, shifting uncomfortably, "It was horrid hearing it, I'd really rather not repeat it. Especially not where people are enjoying their meals."

Rodolphus glanced at Sirius, alarmed by the tremor in the heiress' voice, whatever that had happened must be horrific. They were taught to keep emotions out of it, so yes, it was indeed something horrendous. "Are the children healthy? And magical?" although, he understood if that particular thing was unknown, they were still practically toddlers.

"Oh, yes, very healthy, and confirmed magical," the heiress said proudly.

"Confirmed? At such a young age?" Rodolphus asked, impressed, but given they were Black's was it any real surprise?

"Marius confirmed he'd seen them do accidental magic," Brown nodded, she knew this would guarantee any magical family would be ecstatic to take him. Especially the Black-Lestrange family. They were old fashioned, wouldn't readily accept children into the family if they could be squibs.

"Where are they now? Are they safe?" Sirius asked, he had no idea how the department actually worked.

"Yes, they're safe with a wizarding family on a temporary basis." She explained, "They've been checked out and they're good people." With oaths at play, there was no way they could circumvent the magic and harm a child. It was one of the things Lord Slytherin had been most passionate about. It hurt her heart to think why he was so vehement with that being the number one law.

"So, what's the whole urgent thing then?" Sirius asked, brushing Marius aside, he'd think about him later. Merlin, it was a damn miracle he actually knew who Marius was. Squibs weren't spoken about, after they were disowned that was it. He'd actually come across a picture that his grandfather had of him, and to this day he'd kept it a secret like his grandfather had wished.

For a brief moment heiress Brown displayed nothing but confusion, before realisation dawned. "Oh, of course, naturally we cannot just ask one person forever. If we don't get a reply, we move on to the next available family member, which I believe to be Lady Malfoy nee Black. Andromeda would never be considered, naturally, after what happened." No they'd never give a child to a disowned and disgraced witch with a disgraced daughter. Bellatrix was dead, so she was also out of the picture.

"Cissa would raise them well," Sirius agreed, Draco was spoiled but a very pleasant and courteous young wizard.

"Is that you asking me to refer the case to Lady Malfoy?" Brown queried, nothing showing on her face what she thought about it.

"No, I assume you had the letter sent to my home?" Sirius asked, this was something he and Rodolphus would need to discuss.

"I did," she confirmed after a few seconds thought, the letter from Marius Black was indeed sent to Lestrange manor.

"Then it's been destroyed," Sirius sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, "An explosion at home is the reason for my non-response. I didn't know what was happening." Slightly disappointed that he wouldn't get to read what Marius Black wrote.

"Oh, no, the original is in my office," Brown was swift to correct Sirius' misunderstanding of the situation. "I sent you a copy, it's still sealed, nobody has tampered with it. I am so glad I did send a copy, I've gotten so used to dealing with people face to face that I'm in a habit of making copies of everything." It was still sealed in the file she'd created for the twins, including their family tree so she knew whom to get in touch. That and she hadn't wanted to risk it being lost or stolen. She'd given her word that she would directly hand it to Sirius Black.

"I'll go to the Ministry and get us an Emergency Portkey back for tomorrow morning?" Rodolphus suggested, "That will give us tonight to get all the potential places checked out. Once this is all sorted out we can return if we don't find anything suitable." His hand soothing up and down Sirius' back.

"What do we tell everyone?" Sirius asked, a thoughtful frown on his face, the mirror faced down, and sound muffled so they could converse in private.

"That there's a situation we need to deal with at home, the hotels paid for, they may as well stay and enjoy it while we head home." Rodolphus stated, "Shall I inform them we're leaving early?" it was entirely up to Sirius, but he could see where the wind was going.

"Go ahead," Sirius agreed, giving a firm nod, satisfied with their plan, wondering what Corvus was going to think of all this…or Harry. Something stirred within him, as he thought of it.

You probably think this came out of the left field, but the truth is if you look back it's been in the works for a while. Just subtle mentions here and there and if you paid attention then you'll have known something was coming 😉 even if not what 😊 I do like to build things up for revelations although if I don't update often enough haha I sometimes forget about the plot idea and it just stays there, I don't do it too often though thank goodness 😊 and it's never happened with this one! 😊 so will Sirius take them or will Narcissa find herself with more children to raise and the daughter she's always wanted? Would you like to see Marius' letter? R&R please