Chapter 10: Dressed in Black

Haydrien had kindly asked that he not be included in any official reports. McGonagall had given him a hard look at that, but Mrs. Longbottom had smile and said that was fine. Thus while Neville, Ron and Hermione were given a slight reprieve on exams, Haydrien was sitting for each starting the day after the ordeal.

Students who snuck up to the hospital wing to try and find out why three Gryffindors were skipping exams and hiding out there, were docked 25 house points each. With the year winding down, no one was willing to risk the house cup for a tidbit of gossip. The original group of six slytherin first years had taken them out of the running, at least unless someone else made some grand mistakes.

The leaving feast was a cause for celebration in more ways than one. The Ravenclaws were happy to have won the house cup and the Slytherins the Quittage cup. Hermione, Neville, and Ron were relieved to have finished their exams, having had them all packed into the last two days before they left. And tomorrow they would all go home.

~XxXxX~

"Mum and Dad said I could have you guys over again during the summer break," Hermione said as the the train rushed on to London. "It would be terrible to go all summer with nothing but letters."

"Definately," Neville agreed happily as Ron nodded. Haydrien didn't look back from the window he was staring out. He had been rather subdued since a letter he had received that morning.

"Haydrien?" Hermione said. He looked back at them.

"I'll need to check with my grandfather before making any plans," he said, before turning back to the window. If he saw the questioning looks passed around his friends, he showed no sign of it.

~XxXxX~

"I'll write," was all Haydrien said once the train had stopped in the station. And then he disappeared into the crowd.

"What's up with him?" Hermione asked the remain boys. Ron shook his head.

~XxXxX~

Haydrien weaved through the crowd deftly and faster than was proper. In the corner he found Millie, his personal house elf, wringing her hands. Her big eyes turned up to him with obvious worry and an extra sheen.

"Take me home," Haydrien commanded and the elf popped them both away.

~XxXxX~

Haydrien pushed open the door of the study. His grandfather sat in a high backed chair, a medi-witch standing behind him. The trademark black hair looked especially thin covering the older man's head. His face was gaunt and even his gray eyes, usually so sharp, were dulled.

Haydrien swept into a bow before sitting on the chair next to his guardian.

"How was your first year?" Arcturus Black asked.

"An adventure," Haydrien laughed.

"Pray tell." Haydrien eyed the nurse and Arcturus smiled. "She is bound from sharing what she hears here." Haydrien nodded.

"Well I told you of my friends at Christmas," he started, "but things got more interesting afterward. The Malfoy boy started a confrontation with Ron, the youngest Weasley boy. It was orchestrated and sloppy, but Ron fell for it anyways. Hermione was standing there so the brunt was going to fall on her. I had to backhand the ponse to bring things to a quick close."

Arcturus laughed.

"I'm sure you will hear from Luscious in regards to that." Haydrien laughed as well.

"I told him it was improper to declare such loyalties in mixed company when he had called Hermione a mudblood," Haydrien said. Arcturus scowled.

"The boy said that in the open? Hasn't Luscious taught him anything? And if not, why has Narcissa allowed him to go off to Hogwarts so crass?"

"With how he walks around, I think they only thing they taught him was that the world should bow at his feet."

"You might have to do something about that when you are head of house," Arcturus said. "His name maybe Malfoy, but the Blacks take care of their own and we can't allow one of ours to make such obvious fauxpas."

"I'll take him under my wing and teach him the rules," Haydrien nodded. "Not until I have Hermion under the family protection, though."

"Of course. Was that the end of the adventures then?"

"No," Haydrien flashed another glance as the nurse. "The short of it was that Voldemort possessed our Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and imperiused Hermione to force us to fight our way through obstacles."

"To what end?" Arcturus asked, leaning forward.

"I don't know. He was after something, but the Head staff as well as Mrs. Longbottom and Mad-eye Moody came before we got to the end of it."

"Good."

"Do you know what he was after?" Haydrien asked with narrowed eyes.

"Most likely the Philosopher's Stone. I've been friends with Flamel for a long time and he had had some trouble keeping it safe. Multiple attempts on his life, if I remember correctly. Each had been getting more desperate, though it calmed down over the last year. He mentioned a week ago that he was getting his estate in order and saying his goodbyes. I assume they will be destroying it after this most recent attempt."

"Could it help you?" Haydrien whispered. His grandfather gave him a hard look, though the boy started only at his feet.

"Yes, but I would not use it," Arcturus answered. "I have prolonged my life long enough. I have given you all the tools I can, more than one should have at your age. It is time for an old man to rest."

"But…"

"I have taken care of all the arrangements already. I just wished to see you before I left. I am so proud of you, Haydrien."

"Grandfather…"

"You have brought faith back to me that the Black name might once more shine, thank you for that. Haydrien...I love you." The man had only uttered those words to him a handful of times in his life.

"I love you too," Haydrien answered to the man who had raised him.

~XxXxX~

Hermione quickly opened the window for Odin to fly in. The bear owl gave her a disapproving look as she excitedly took the letter he offered. After setting up a bowl of water for the owl, she tore the letter open without a glance at the wax seal.

Her hazel eyes traced the words across the page, devouring the information.

"No," she whispered, her hands starting to shake.

"What is it, honey?" her mum asked.

"Haydrien...his...his grandfather died," she choked out.

"That's terrible," Emma said.

"He wants me to come down in a week."

"Of course," Emma agreed. "Wasn't that his only guardian? What will happen to the boy now?"

"I don't know," Hermione confessed. "I'm not sure how that works in the magical world."

"I understand that he will need his friends right now, so of course you can go, but please let him know if he needs anything that we're here." Hermione smiled at her mom, worry still bringing down her eyes.

"I will."

~XxXxX~

Haydrien sat on the front row dressed from head to toe in black, tailored dress robes over a three piece suit. His back was straight and his face a solemn mask as the funeral proceeded. He silently wished his friends could be at his side. Hermione would have insisted on hugging him. Ron and Neville would have patted him on the shoulder and said something stupid and comforting. Such sentimentalities would have to wait.

When the speaking had stopped, he rose with a few others to carry the casket. Arcturus Black was buried in a family cemetery. The wake took place in a building on the cemetery land, generations of paranoia unwilling to allow such large groups of sometimes-allies to gather in their home. Haydrien stood stoically as people he didn't know offered condolences. Exhaustion was already weighing on his shoulders when the Malfoys approached.

"Mr. Black, I am sorry for your loss," Luscious started. Haydrien shook his offered hand.

"Thank you," he answered automatically.

"I believe Lord Black was you guardian, was he not?"

"He was," Haydrien replied, holding very still in an effort not to narrow his eyes. While he had not heard the conversation at the Malfoy home upon hearing the news of Arcturus' death, it was easy to understand where this conversation was going.

"That would make my wife your closest relative," Luscious continued, "and we would of course be happy to take over that role. Family comes first after all."

"I can see where Draco gets his approach from," Haydrien answered highly. "While I appreciate you offer, your services will not be needed. Thank you." He went to walk away when the top Lucius' cane tugged at his biceps.

"You are still young so you may not understand that it was not a request," Lucius hissed. "The ministry will be placing you with me where you can polish up those manners." Haydrien smiled ferally at the man and leaned forward.

"We shall see," he whispered before side stepping the cane and walking away. Lucius was seething, but would soon have the boy in his clutches and then he would teach him respect.

Haydrien spotted Mrs. Longbottom standing primly in the corner and made his way over there. He bowed before her.

"Thank you for coming," he said. Mrs. Longbottom smiled tightly.

"Your great-grandfather was very good friends with my older brother. We didn't stay in touch much after my brother passed in the first war, but you have my condolences for you loss," she replied.

"Thank you," he replied, more sincerely than he had to the others.

"How are you holding up, mate?" Neville asked as he stood with his Gran.

"Well enough," Haydrien answered.

"What did Malfoy Senior want?" The boy signed.

"He wanted to be my new guardian and get his hands into the Black vaults," he huffed.

"Arcturus was getting on in age," Mrs. Longbottom said, "surely he made provisions for you." She didn't like the sound of the boy being under those bigots. The war had orphaned the boy and then age took his only parental figure. To then be left in the Malfoy house would be too much to heave upon one who was still in the beginning of his teenage years.

"He has," Haydrien smiled. "Though there is a different matter I would like to discuss with you," he added, a bit more nervous. He cast his eyes around the room. "Would you and your grandson join me for lunch at Black Manor tomorrow?"

"Delighted to," Mrs. Longbottom replied with curious eyes.

"I must be getting back," he said and, with a nod, disappeared back into the throng of people who barely knew his grandfather and were only here out of social propriety between families.

~XxXxX~

"Thank you, Nabby," Haydrien said to the house elf when he showed his guests in. They sat down at the table and made pleasant conversation until the food was served.

"Mr. Black, what is it that you wish to discuss?" Mrs. Longbottom said.

"Haydrien, please," he said automatically. "And to answer your question, Hermione Granger, specifically her protection." That got the woman attention.

"Do you believe she's in danger?"

"Perhaps not yet," Haydrien answered. "But in the future, yes. If I may be frank?" She nodded. "Hermione is brilliant and powerful and she stands out. The Malfoy boy had already pegged her for an easy target. Precautions were taken, but I feel a more permanent solution needs to be put in place." Neville silently watched as the conversation was batted back and forth.

"And what solution would that be?" she asked.

"I would like to bring her under the protection of the House of Black."

"You would have to be the head of the house for that," Mrs. Longbottom probed.

"I am."

"How?" Neville asked. Haydrien smiled at his friend.

"My grandfather took precautions for my care," he said. "The paperwork is all filed with the ministry and the days to object long passed. I'm emancipated and Head of House." Mrs. Longbottom eyed the wizard.

"Why did you ask for this meeting, Haydrien?"

"Because...because I wanted you to know first. I wanted you to know why I'm doing this. A lot of people are going to say it was for power and it was manipulating a young girl who knows so little of our world. And that is the best of what they will say about me. I will not contradict it after this, but I need you to know the truth. I am doing this to protect her, not to use her. And," he took a deep breath, "if you asked that I not, I would abide by that given that you put Hermione under your house protection."

"Why do you think this one muggle-born witch is in so much danger at the age of 14?" she pressed.

"I will not be able to explain it to your satisfaction," Haydrien answered her but looked to Neville. "I simply know it. It may be a month from now or a year or ten, but at some point she will need that protection and I am unwilling to withhold it until I am proven right. At that point it may be too late."

Mrs. Longbottom stared as Haydrien for a long time, their mostly empty plates forgotten. Neville meanwhile thought of the danger that had already come knocking at Hermione's door and couldn't not fault the suspicion that only more would come.

"I have no objection to Hermione Granger being brought under the protection of the House of Black," Mrs. Longbottom answered at last. "But I request to be present at the ceremony."

"Of course."

~XxXxX~

"Millie," Hermione smiled at the elf when she popped into her kitchen. "How has Haydrien been doing?" The elf in question twisted her hands together.

"Master is...he's been busy and…" Sobs slipped out of the small creature. "Iz is so worried." Hermione knelt down and put an arm around her.

"I'll be alright," she soothed.

"Is Miss ready?"

"Almost." Hermione hugged her parents and promised to let them know how everything was, then grabbed a large bag. With a pop, they disappeared.

"I know she spent time at Neville's, but we had at least met his guardian. Are you sure that letting her go by herself was a good idea?" worried Dan. Emma placed a gentle hand on his.

"The boy just lost the man who raised him. He's only 14. Hermione wasn't sure who would take care of the boy now, but it is not as if he is alone in that house," she reasoned. "Also, I'm not sure we could have stopped her. Her friend needs her and we both know there is nothing that would keep her from his aid. Throw in an elf that can literally pop her over there. Good luck."

"But…"

"Dan, it's Hermione. From what I've discussed with her, she is actually massively more powerful than most. You could not ask for a more responsible girl. She will be fine."

Dan nodded and signed, children grew up too fast and the magic in the blood only seemed to quicken that. If their daughter had dared confide in them the trouble she'd encountered in her first year, neither parent would have been so easily pacified.

~XxXxX~

Blank faced was the first thing Hermione noticed about her friend. His posture was stiffer than before, yet there seemed something inherently wrong with his shuttered expression. She ached to bring back his smile and amusement.

"Miss Granger," Haydrien said as he swept into a deep bow.

"Haydrien?"

"Forgive me the formality," he said, his lips lifting in a pale imitation of his normal smirk, "but I have some business to discuss before we can relax."

"Okay," she replied, drawing out the word.

"Please sit." Haydrien motioned to a tufted chair on the left side of a small side table laden with tea and another chair. He sat on the right and poured tea.

"There is quite a lot could be discussed, Miss Granger," he started, back straight in his chair and hand steady around his cup. "But there is one I would like to get done with and will affect the rest. There is a old, pure blood custom of placing Half-bloods and Muggle-borns under House Protection. What that in essence means, is that that family offers political and financial protection. This has been historically done in exchange for rights to spells, potions, etc. that the individual invents." Haydrien could see the questions building up behind her eyes.

"You could read basics about the position in some books," he headed her off, "but the specifics are held as secrets to each family. I would spend the rest of my life answering every question you have before asking for a decision if I could.

"Unfortunately, we do not have that kind of time. Due to the extremely sensitive nature of this kind of offer, once I begun talking to you-as not one of the Sacred 28-the magic reacts as if I have offered you said protection. If you were to leave this room before providing an answer, then it would interpret your actions as a negative reply. Yet, we have 56 minutes to discuss before a decision has to be made. Ask what you need to."

Hermione sat very still for seven minutes, controlling the magic swirling around in her and organizing her thoughts. Haydrien sipped his tea and did not press the witch.

"What happens if I declined?" she asked at last.

"In the most practical sense, nothing. You will continue as you did before today. However, as far as long term, I will be bound from offering protection to you again, until said time as you have encountered a near-death experience at another's hand," he answered.

"So until someone tries to kill me," she clarifies.

"After and if you lived, yes."

"Why the time limit?"

"It involves the sacred rights to this type of protection," Haydrien said. "The Head of House is bound to take the witch or wizard into protection, should they agree. There were a few occasions in which someone didn't give an answer. Once they found themselves in danger of any kind, they would accept, often years later and a different Head of House. They would still be bound to protect them, though the animosity was great that one would cheat them from possible profit and yet accept protection when it only benefits them. Most families has instigated the time limit into the spell work." His eye went bright as he discussed the historical references for the current position.

"What exactly does the protection do for me? And what does it cost me?" Hermione continued. She only had so much time to make a decision. She would find out all relevant information before that time. After, she would dig deeper into the more obscure references and questions.

"For example," Haydrien started once more, "it would protect you from any attack Malfoy may have wished to employee due to your blood status. Malfoy would specifically not be able to do anything due to his mother being born of the House of Black. However, if another launched an attack-politically, financial, magically, or physically-I would be notified and come to your aid. Also I would be honour bound to enact justice against those who attempted to harm you.

"There are varying degrees of protection, some only in lethal situations and, while all cover political protection, some will be limited to merely providing a lawyer while others will stretch to include all that one might do on the behalf of another. They do only apply to attacks instigated by a person or creature, thus accidents are not covered.

"And what it cost you," Haydrien signed. "That is specifically tied to the amount of protection provided. At the very least, employment is to be either through the family or approved by Head of House. 75% of rights to all spell, potion or other profitable creations belong to the family and Head of House. At the highest end of protection, housing is at the discretion of the Head of House, as is employment. 100% of the rights belong to the family. And who you associate with on a regular basis can be decided by the discretion of the Head of House. Regular basis is classified 45% or more of your time on the average of a month."

The fingers of his left hand twitched. He wanted to begged her, plead with her to take this offered protection. Honour dictated he would be honest with her and magic dicated that had to offer it in this stiff manner.

"That sounds...rather restrictive," Hermione answered slowly, watching the tension in his shoulders instead of his eyes. "Is there a way to break said protection if I wanted to?"

28 minutes

"If both parties agreed, yes, it would be broken. They can also both agree to change the level of protection. Marriage to a magical also breaks that protection in most cases unless precautions are taken by both parties. Because of that, all marriages have to be approved by Head of House and the individual."

"Would you release me? If I asked you," she whispered. Her gaze shifted to his hands so she couldn't see his face in her peripheral vision.

"Yes," he answered quickly. "I would release you if that be what you wish. The only cases I can envision in which I wouldn't was if you were being manipulated or extorted to ask for it. Or if releasing you at that moment would cause you harm. In both cases I would delay such until the threat was taken care of and then grant a release if that still be what you wish."

"Why? Why offer this to me? Why now?" It was the question that was really burning in her mind, the one that really mattered.

"I was just made Head of House when my Grandfather died," Haydrien explained. "This was the first moment I could. As for why offer it, your first year has already been dangerous. This would allow me to do more to prevent such situations. If you were under my protection as Head of the Black House, I could rain down charms and artifacts on you to keep you safe. If I was to do so without the House Protection, it would make you a target and would weaken the Black family influence. It would actually be grounds to reverse my emancipation."

14 minutes

"What would it mean for me? For us? Would I have to ask permission for everything in my life?" Her eyes met his finally, the green eyes silently pleading.

"I would give you protection in every way. While yes, I would have the ability to forbid you do things, I wouldn't. People will tell you this was to control you. And yes, I could, but I won't. That is not what I want. If you create something, the Black Family will own the rights, but I will make sure you are paid 95% of the royalties. The other 5% will go to a solicitor firm that would manage any legal issues with the product and protecting both of us from suits."

"I won't be controlled," she declared.

"I know," he whispered.

10 minutes

"Yes," she answered.

The magic in the air that had been building for the last 50 minutes sparkled viably before fading. Haydrien slumped in his chair.

"Thank you," he whispered shakily. "Thank you."

AN: Thank you for all the lovely reviews, they mean a lot to me. You will be finding out more about the House Protection in the next couple chapters. This is an original idea that I added and it will add another dimension to the troubles and such. Feel free to let me know what you think. Thank you for reading and enjoy!