Ding Dong!

Harry was finishing up his breakfast when someone rang the doorbell. He ran to the window to confirm it was Ivanov. 'Good morning, sir,' Harry greeted as he opened the door.

'Mr. Potter,' Ivanov greeted in his Russian brogue. 'Are you ready?'

'Yes, sir,' Harry said as he moved to allow Ivanov entrance. 'Err...how are we getting there?' Harry asked.

'Portkey,' Ivanov said. 'It's another form of transportation...'

'I know,' Harry said. 'I read about it last night.' After a pause Harry asked another question, 'How will I get to school?'

'By sea. Durmstrang term always begins on the last Sunday in August. There is a feast that night so that you have a full week of school to begin the year. You are to be at the Port of Aarhus in Denmark at 6:00 on the 26th. I will place your ticket in your trunk later on.'

'How will I get to Denmark?' Harry asked with wide eyes.

Ivanov sighed, 'Either a portkey or your guardians.'

'Portkey then,' Harry said with conviction.

'Do you have all your things?' Harry nodded his head as he pulled his money bag and his key from his pockets. 'Good, although you can leave your money bag here as your key will be all you need.' Harry threw the bag on the sofa shrugging his shoulders.

Ivanov took a piece of parchment from his own pocket, 'Place your finger on the parchment.'

Harry placed his right finger on the parchment. After a moment green-eyes widened with interest as the parchment began to glow a bright blue. Suddenly there was a hooking sensation behind his naval and his world began to swirl around him.

The next thing Harry knew he was looking up into a gray ceiling from his position on the ground. He idly wondered how he managed to fall. 'I apologize, Mr. Potter,' his Russian companion said. 'Whenever you portkey or floo you must position your body as if it were walking.'

Harry nodded as Ivanov helped him into a standing position, 'Gotcha.' Harry looked around at his new location. They were in a bare room with only windows for company. 'Where are we?'

Ivanova pulled Harry towards the window. Pointing Ivanov said, 'We are in Stockholm, Sweden and that is Man Gata.'

Harry found stores upon stores as he looked outside to the grounds. Man Gata looked like it was an island by itself as it was surrounded by water and nothing else. He could also see what he believed to be muggle Stockholm from where he stood. 'Cool,' he said softly.

'Yes," Ivanova agreed, 'you should see it at night with the moon in the sky.' After a pause he said, 'Let's go.'

'How will I get here next year?' Harry asked.

Ivanov paused in his walking before laying a hand on Harry's shoulder. With the utmost sincerity he said, 'I have every intention of finding you a new set of guardians Mr. Potter. I am sure they will be able to bring you here.'

'Thank you, sir,' Harry said softly.

With a pat on Harry's back Ivanov said, 'Come.' The pair continued down the stairs and through revolving doors towards Man Gata. 'The ground is magically raised,' Ivanova pointed out apparently noticing Harry's interest.

'Where are we going first?' Harry asked.

'Your trunk first.' Ivanov took Harry down the street only to make a right at the corner. The shop was the second store on the opposite street. It was called Asker's Bagageförvaring. 'Here you will find the best quality trunks in all of Scandinavia.' Harry nodded his head as he looked around the store, which had a few customers inside. Trunks upon trunks lined the walls. Ivanov nodded his head towards a woman behind the counter, but kept moving until the pair reached a section of XXL trunks. 'Choose one of these. They are the right size for you.'

Harry walked about taking in all the trunks. They came in various colors. 'I want that one,' Harry said pointing at a royal blue trunk with nickel bindings and fastenings.

'Very well.' Ivanov grabbed the trunk at took Harry to the counter where a man now stood.

'Good morning,' The golden-haired man greeted. 'Would you like anything added to the trunk?'

Harry looked to Ivanov with questioning eyes. 'A feather-light charm, warding, engraving, fire-retardant charm, a water-repellant charm?'

'Engraving...and the last two charms,' Harry said.

'What would you like engraved on the trunk?' Asked the man behind the counter.

'Err...Haryon J. Potter.' Blue eyes widened before flickering towards Harry's forehead where he saw a bit of the scar.

The man gasped while holding out his hand, 'Carl Flink, Potter. It is nice to meet you.'

Harry looked at Ivanov who nodded his head encouragingly. Harry shook the man's hand, 'You as well sir.'

Ivanov placed the trunk on the counter, 'We will be back in a few hours.' Leading Harry from the store he said, 'You looked uncomfortable, Mr. Potter.'

'Yeah,' Harry said softly. 'It's...weird to have people shake my hand as if I am someone special.'

'To a lot of the magical world you are special. You are our hero; our savior. As I told you before, Voldemort was the darkest lord in our history. His rein touched the entirety of Europe as well as parts of Asia and Africa. I believe he was also attempting to infiltrate the States.' Ivanov looked down at Harry, 'You must accustom yourself to such behavior for that will be the normal reaction. You are truly a celebrity, Mr. Potter.'

Harry sighed before changing the subject, 'Where are we going now?'

'To get your uniform.' Harry followed Ivanov into a clothing shop, which was considerably empty.

'Good morning,' a black-haired brown-eyed woman greeted.

'Mr. Potter needs clothing for school,' Ivanov stated.

Shock spread across her face, but it was gone in a moment. 'Very well, come with me.' She led him to the back, 'Stand over there.' She flicked her wand and removed Harry's clothing causing him to gasp in shock and mortification. Another flick and measuring tape rose and took his measurements.

'Potter,' The woman began in what Harry assumed was a Swedish accent. 'Durmstrang is very cold during wintertime. I recommend you line your outerwear with some type of fur.' She handed him a paper to read. As Harry read the list he recalled a conversation Petunia had a while ago with a very talkative neighbor: Mrs. Philips. The woman mentioned something about rabbit fur and shedding. He vetoed that choice. She also said something about the Russian sable being too expensive. Harry bit his lip, 'Mink?'

'What color?'

When he hesitated she flicked her wand once more causing a bunch of fur to gather in front of Harry. 'What colors are the uniforms?'

'Red coat with dark brown pants.'

'Can I have the black for all my school uniforms.'

'You want cloaks for regular wear?' The woman asked.

'Yes...err can I get those in different colors?'

'Yes, what colors would you like?'

'Dark blue, green, and black.'

The woman looked into Harry's eyes, 'Green like your eye color?'

Harry blushed a bit, 'Yes.' After a moment Harry asked, 'Can you place some charms on my clothes. Like something for heat and some for when I grow?'

'Yes. I can also make you a coat or two? Gloves, hats, and scarves as well?' She then looked at the clothing he as wearing, As well as regular wear?' The pair began discussing what would be needed and what was wanted. Harry bought an entire wardrobe and at least two of everything. He was absolutely positive that he had finally made a dent in his new found fortune.

The pair's next stop was the book store called Gulbrandson and Falk. 'Next year,' Ivanov said, 'you will be able to owl order your books. You will want an owl, will you not?'

Harry nodded his head as he looked around. Harry bought the books he wanted for class as well as a few more including a recommended book on something called Occlumency. 'I know what you bought that book on curses for Mr. Potter,' his companion's accent was filled with amusement. 'But I must warn you that you cannot use magic outside of school until you reach your majority.' Harry just groaned in reply.

Harry was pleased with the gold telescope he purchased at the astronomy store.

The Man Gata Dryck smelled of something dead. As the green-eyed boy had no idea as to what he was buying he just bought what was on his list. As he was paying for his potions equipment and ingredients someone said, 'Ivanov!' The pair looked around to see another person walking forward. This man was tall, pale, and skinny with black shiny hair. Said hair was gelled back from the man's face. The man wore all black clothing that consisted of a black button down shirt, trousers, and black boots. 'How are you?' the man greeted in a distinct accent. His was different from Ivanov's and the Swedish.

'I am fine,' Ivanov greeted. 'You?'

'Good, good.' The man's eyes found Harry's 'Who might this be?'

'Professor Jerzy Jurkowski this is Mr. Haryon Potter. Mr. Potter this is Jerzy Jurkowski. He is a transfiguration professor.'

The man's eyes widened, 'Harry Potter to Durmstrang...how interesting.' He held out his hand for Harry to shake, 'It is nice to meet you, Mr. Potter.'

'You as well, sir.'

The two Professors spoke for a bit before Jurkowski said, 'I will let you two be on your way. I was just walking by when I saw you Ivanov. Have a nice day.' His eyes flickered towards Harry once more before leaving the original two.

Harry gathered his things as the pair walked off towards another store. 'He is great master of transfiguration and an engaging teacher when he wishes,' Ivanov said. 'He has an average score of a high EE, but I have been told he can be terribly...dull. Unless of course you show talent...or can give him the recognition he wants.' Here he gave Harry a pointed look.

Harry tilted his head, but said nothing. Harry lost himself in thought until he heard hoot! He looked around to see birds upon birds in the rafters. Several other pets were in tanks or cages. 'Go on,' Ivanov said with a wave of his hand. 'Go find what you want.'

Harry began walking around without concern. Finding himself in the rabbit section he quickened his pace. There were toads, rodents, cats, dogs, and snakes. Harry walked past the snake section only to get another shock. ~This human isn't a fool. He won't stop for a bite.~ The other snakes seemed to laugh, but all Harry heard was a bunch of hissing. Green eyes widened as the owner's mouth fell open.

Another snake hissed ~Oooh, I can do that too.~ The snake's mouth opened showing his fangs and tongue as well.

~I can hear you.~ Harry pointed out causing all the snakes to stop what they were doing.

~The human speaks.~

~A speaker!~

~Will you take me with you!~

Harry looked around at the snakes, whom were all looking at him in awe. Harry hesitated before saying ~I have to go.~to which all the snakes groaned. Harry turned the corner before continuing to look for a bird. For some reason he wanted something of prey. After searching for a while, Harry found a bird he wanted. He looked the bird in its eye before holding out his arm. The large avian landed on Harry's outstretched arm, 'Hello there.' Harry received a chup in reply. The avian was predominantly white with black spots covering its outer feathers. The upper part of its beak as well as the skin around the eyes and talons were yellow.

'I wonder what you are?' Harry asked the bird, who chupped again. Harry ran a hand down the back of the bird before walking off to find Ivanov. 'Sir?' Harry said as he found his soon-to-be professor.

Ivanov, who had been drifting off into space, jumped a bit. He blinked a few times before smirking at the bird, 'Do you know what type of animal you have, Mr. Potter?'

Harry shook his head, 'Not a clue.'

'That Mr. Potter is a gyrfalcon. This type of bird lives in the cold. Good job.' The man waved his hand for Harry to go pay for the thing before Harry beckoned him closer. Ivanov bent his head down towards Harry, who stood on his toes and whispered, 'I can hear snakes.'

Blink. Blink. 'I beg your pardon?'

'I can speak with snakes. I hear them and can answer them back. Is that weird?'

Ivanov shook his head, 'Where you are from and some of the countries west of us may consider that talent to be an evil thing, at Durmstrang, I believe, your popularity will rise.' With some amusement Ivanov asked, 'Will you buy one?'

Harry shook his head, 'Not right now.'

After Harry paid for his bird and the cage he turned towards Ivanov in question. 'Yes Mr. Potter, we can get your wand now.' A happy smile spread across Harry's face.

The wand shop, called Löfgren's Stavar, was a small place in the in the middle of Man Gata. Harry followed Ivanova into the wand shop only to find that it was much bigger on the inside. 'Some sort of expansion charm?' Harry asked.

Ivanova nodded, 'Indeed.'

A man with dirty blonde hair walked to the front, 'Good afternoon,' he greeted in another distinctive accent.

'Good afternoon,' Ivanov and Harry greeted almost at the same time.

'I am Bo Löfgren the wandmaker.' Looking at Harry he said, 'You need a wand?'

Harry nodded. 'Yes,' he said softly.

'Come.' Harry handed the white gyrfalcon to Ivanov before following the wandmaker to the backroom. The walls were lined with metals, woods, and all sort of animal parts.

Löfgren guided Harry to the center of the room. Softly he said, 'Close your eyes, young sir. Let your magic connect with the wand parts.'

'How?' Harry asked nervously.

'Hold out your hands,' Löfgren instructed. 'Imagine your magic flowing from your body and into the room.'

Harry closed his eyes and did just that. After a few moments he heard a gasp causing his eyes to flutter open. He gasped as well, but managed to maintain his hold. Löfgren flicked his wand causing the woods and jars to fly toward him. The wandmaker examined the parts taking on a grim expression. 'Come,' he instructed.

Harry followed Löfgren past Ivanov, who had gasped first, and to the front of the shop. The blond-haired man's face was still grim as Harry stood in front of him. 'What's the matter?' Harry asked.

'Young wizard,' Löfgren said, 'I sell all types of wand parts. Parts that range from common to extinct. Wand parts and woods become extinct because of the danger they cause when using them. Most young wizards are compatible with common woods. Some have touched the uncommon, but that is rare. You, sir, have two wand woods both are on the rare list.' Pointing at the woods he said, 'Cocobolo and Padauk woods. Padauk should be on the extinct or experienced only list, but it is not. Both woods are meant for the adventurous, the strong-willed, the stubborn, the powerful. The witch or wizard who commands one of these woods is passionate; fiery. To have both in one wand is rare and dangerous.'

'Not only, young wizard, have you chosen two rare wand woods, but you have also chosen two cores that pose a threat. King cobra scale and griffin feather These parts tell me that you are a powerful, fiery, natural-born leader.' After an uncertain pause the wandmaker said, 'I shall make both wands, but you must promise to take care.'

Harry nodded his head a bit stunned, 'When using this wand make sure you have a clear head. I will send this wand to you by owl when I am finished. Is that alright?'

'Yes.' Harry paid for the wand before nodding his head. He gathered his gyrfalcon then asked, 'Are we getting my trunk now?'

'Yes, come.'

If someone were to look inside the living room window of 4 Privet Drive they would see an odd assortment of belongings. The owner of said belongings found himself once again lounging on his relatives' couch. 'Hey,' Harry called. The gyrfalcon once again turned his attention towards its new owner. Harry was sure the bird would have cocked an eyebrow if it possessed one. 'What about Alshain?'

The bird tilted its head to the side in what looked like contemplation. Finally it nodded its head to Harry's amazement. 'Glad we could finally make a decision .' Harry had originally wanted to name the bird Hedwig, but the gyrfalcon had protested...vehemently. After looking through his history book, calling out names from both Greek and Norse mythology, his potions book, and finally his astronomy book they had at long last come to an agreement. 'That's that then.'

An excited smile spread across Harry's face as he took in his new possessions. His excitement was rapidly driving him to distraction. He oh so very badly wanted to read his books, but Harry doubted he would be able to take in a word. He had taken in some of his potions book, however, and looked forward to learning the subject. While he often burned the eggs Harry felt he could actually cook a pretty good meal. He hoped his early developed culinary skills would help him with potions.

The shaggy-haired boy had always had a thirst for knowledge, but he could never prove it in this house. Now he had a chance to leave and possibly never come back. He hoped to make the best of it.

He would never admit to squealing as he opened his charms textbook. Had Harry looked up he would have seen the large amount of amusement on the gyrfalcon's face.

After a half hour of reading charms, Harry pulled out the transfiguration book and examined it. He wanted to know the difference between the two subjects. He recalled asking Ivanova that question, but he had forgotten about it.

Transfiguration is the art of changing the form or appearance of an object byway of the object's molecular structure. There are four sub-categories in Transfiguration: transformation, vanishing, conjuration, and untransfiguration.

Harry turned back to the introductory part of his charms text.

To charm an object is to alter the behavior if an object.

'Ahh,' Harry said softly. 'Charms changes what an object does while transfiguration changes what it is...that's simple.'

From that point into delved into his transfiguration book. As he read through the transformation section, which discussed everything from switching spells to human transfiguration, he became excited about the prospect of becoming an animagi. He sat there dreaming of an animal he could become. He looked at Alshain. 'A falcon would be cool. Maybe a gyrfalcon like you or...or a peregrine falcon. I could become a golden eagle.' Kah! Harry looked towards Alshain with amusement, 'What? You don't like eagles?' Kah! Harry shook his head and continued to dream, 'Maybe a cat...not a house cat.' He bit his lip, 'A cheetah...or a lion.' Harry lost himself in the world of animals and animagi.

Mr. Arcturus Black,

We have never met, but my name is Dimitry Ivanov and I am a professor at Durmstrang Institute. I have recently come into contact with a Mr. Haryon J. Potter. I have no idea as to what goes on in that house, but I believe that his current guardians are unsuitable.

I have been told that you are a relation of Mr. Potter. I will not discuss his current location with you in this letter, but I see nothing wrong with meeting you and discussing it then. It would benefit Mr. Potter greatly if he were to be removed from the care of his current guardians.

Sincerely Yours,

Professor Dimitry Ivanov

'Uncle?' The Malfoy boy's voice rang out, 'Who is that from?'

While reading letter Arcturus had a difficult time keeping the astonishment from his face. Now, however, he had no problem doing so. Looking up with cold, steely grey eyes Arcturus said, 'I do not believe my correspondence is any of your concern, Draco. Do you mind Abraxas' or Lucius' mail?' Two pink spots developed on the boy's cheeks. His eyes swiveled to the child's parents. Lucius looked disgruntled and Narcissa had her lips pursed. He did not know, nor did he care, whether their displeasure was with him or Draco.

He folded the short missive and placed it in his pocket.

'But Uncle that had the Durmstrang seal?' Draco proceeded to announce.

'How astute of you, young man.' Draco obviously missed the sarcasm for he took on a look of pride. 'The Black family has been known to donate a few galleons every once in a while to Durmstrang Institute.'

'See, mother,' Draco whined a bit, 'Uncle approves of Durmstrang. Why can I not attend?'

'No, Draco,' Narcissa said firmly. 'I do not want you attending a school in a country that used to house savages.'

Druella, Narcissa's mother, chimed in with her annoying sweet voice, 'It is just as well grandson. You know how the cold disagrees with you. Your complexion suffers so much already.'

'Yes, Draco,' Lucius said, 'attending Hogwarts will benefit you greatly. I see now how much you will be neglecting if you attend Durmstrang.'

Draco obviously could not see any benefits, 'Like what Father.' If it was not suitable for a man of his station, Arcturus would have rolled his eyes.

'Severus is at Hogwarts,' Lucius told his son. 'You enjoy potions do you not? He can attend you and your needs whenever you want. Your main supporters will be at Hogwarts. No one will think to cross you. And Draco,' Lucius waited for the eyes so like his own to meet his, 'Harry Potter will be at Hogwarts. You can impress him with your many titles...' Here Lucius met Arcturus' eyes. The Black patriarch's face blanked as he met the expectant one of Lucius'.

After an awkward pause Arcturus turned back to his meal happy that someone had finally found Haryon J. Potter. Arcturus knew his ancestors were rolling in their graves with the fact that the current Head of House Black would rather choose the son of a mudblood over a pureblood and a Malfoy to boot.

'Well Arcturus, what did you call us in here for?' Pollux asked.

'Does it have anything to do with that missive?' Cassiopeia asked.

Arcturus removed the parchment from his pocket and read it aloud. After a stunned silence Cassiopeia gave an unladylike snort, 'Which Potter do you think is slowly revolving in his grave?'

'James,' Pollux said resolutely. Shaking his head he said, 'The last Potter at Durmstrang. Will wonders never cease?'

'When will we be gathering our nephew?' Cassiopeia asked.

'Soon.'

'You will make him your heir?' Pollux asked leaning forward. When Arcturus nodded Pollux frowned a bit, 'This could alienate us from our allies. A half-blood with a mudblood mother will most assuredly leave some with a bitter taste.'

Cassiopeia hit her brother with a potent stinging hex, 'That son of a mudblood is also the grandson of our dear, departed sister. That son of a mudblood just so happens to be a Potter. Let us not forget how many of the old families currently have half-blood heirs and heiresses.' Pollux, still a bit indignant over his abuse, could not refute his sister's statement. Turpin, Boot, Ashford, Fitzgerald, Spinett, Pucey, and a slew of others could claim such blood. 'By the by Arcturus, I believe we should send Marius to at least retrieve the boy. There is not doubt in my mind that Albus Dumbledore has implemented some sort of protection around the boy.'

Arcturus sneered, but agreed with cousin, 'Indeed.'

Three days had passed since Harry's shopping trip. He had just finished shopping in muggle London. He bought new trainers, some jeans and button down shirts, as well as a pair of new frames glasses. He had just opened the door when he a Mercedes pulled into the Dursley driveway. Green eyes saw several neighbors peak outside their window to get a better look at the expensive looking automobile.

Three people stepped from the car. One person he knew and the other three he did not. Ivanov walked up to Harry as did the other two. 'Mr. Potter,' The foreigner said, 'I told you I would help you leave this place, did I not?'

Harry nodded his head before asking softly, 'Who are they?'

'Mr. Haryon Potter allow me to introduce you to Mr. Marius and Ms Cassiopeia Black, your aunt and uncle. Mr. and Ms. Black this is Mr. Potter.' Harry's eyes were wide as he looked into faces that were almost identical.

'Err...hi,' Harry said shyly. Squirming a bit Harry asked, 'Would you like to come in?'

Cassiopeia looked to get brother before saying, 'Are your...relations,' she sneered, 'not home?'

Harry looked to Ivanov, who nodded encouragingly, 'Err...n-no ma'am.'

Marius placed a hand on his sister's arm to stop her from scaring Harry. 'When will they be back, Haryon?'

Harry swallowed, 'N-next week.' Cassiopeia's lips thinned as she shared a look with her brother. Harry picked up his things from the doorway and dragged then to the living room.

'This place is a mess,' Cassiopeia said causing Harry to blush and shrug.

'Sorry.'

Cassiopeia and Marius sat on the couch, Harry sat on the floor to Cassiopeia's dismay, and Ivanova chose to remain standing.

'Where've you been?' Harry blurted out as he had been uncomfortable with the silence. Blushing he said, 'I mean why did I have to stay here? Why didn't anyone visit me?'

Marius sighed, 'Because we did not know where you were. For the most part we live either in France or Switzerland. Most of our family had left during the war. The night your parents died you were placed here before anyone could object.'

'The Longbottoms,' Cassiopeia began in a snide tone.

'Were busy with their own problems,' Marius said pointedly. 'By the time we learned of the situation it was already too late.'

'Who put me here?' Harry asked.

Cassiopeia sneered, 'Albus Dumbledore.'

Ivanov mumbled something in the corner, but Harry could not decipher it.

'Our family has a history of practicing the dark arts. The name Black represents that fact as much as Potter represents your family's talent for crafting and your taste for good alcohol.' Harry raised his eyebrow, but said nothing. 'Between Sirius and Bellatrix our family has lost a bunch of respect...although no one would dare cross us still.'

'We have been trying to find you Haryon and thanks to Professor Ivanova we can now take you with us...' Cassiopeia looked to Harry expectantly.

Harry's eyes lit up, 'Yes...where do you live?'

'We will take you to Marius' house and then we will talk.'

Fifteen minutes later Harry was packed and ready to go. Ivanova assured him that his gyrfalcon would find him wherever he was. As Marius Black pulled out of Privet Drive Harry Potter did not look back.

Harry found himself eating a nice lunch in his uncle's home. The dining room had beige for a dominant color with various shades of brown mixed in. There were two wall length windows on the shorter walls of the room. Harry ate his lunch on a nice sized maple dining room table.

'You have not known of magic for too long, correct?' Cassiopeia asked.

'No ma'am. I only just learned of it this week,' Harry explained after he swallowed a bite of his sausage and onion sandwich.

'Have you read any of your books, Haryon?' She continued her questioning.

'Yes, but I haven't read all of them,' Harry answered before taking a bite of his sandwich.

'Have you found a subject you like?'

'Cassi let the boy eat,' Marius admonished.

Harry by this point had swallowed, 'I like them all pretty much, but Charms, Potions, and my Dark Arts and Curses book sound pretty cool.'

'What others have you read?' Cassiopeia asked looking extremely pleased with his previous answer.

'Just Transfiguration and Herbology...oh and a bit of Astronomy,' Harry answered.

'Your mother enjoyed Potions and Charms as well,' Marius interjected. 'I believe she wanted a Mastery in both.' Harry looked pleased with that information...a bit too pleased. Cassiopeia and Marius once again shared a look.

'Did your relatives ever speak of your mother?' Cassiopeia asked nonchalantly.

'No,' Harry answered as he was hardly paying attention to the conversation. Another look passed between the siblings.

'Do you dance, Haryon?' Cassiopeia asked another question.

Harry looked up with a horrified mien, 'No.'

Marius lips twitched and even Cassiopeia had to hide her smile by sipping her tea. 'That is too bad, Haryon. For you shall have to learn.'

'Why?' Harry asked unable to grasp the concept.

'It is expected of you as the Heir of Potter and Black. You are a young gentleman who will no doubt be a much coveted prospect,' Marius explained.

Harry shook his head abandoning the bit of sandwich that was left. 'Coveted for what?'

'Marriage,' Cassiopeia told him simply. It was with great effort that she held back a snort as Harry's face paled.

'I'm only 10!" Harry said while his green eyes swiveled back and forth between Cassiopeia and Marius.

'We did not say you must find a wife and marry now, but you will have to do so eventually,' Marius said still smiling. Harry quickly finished his sandwich and drank his juice.

'Do you speak a language besides English?' Cassiopeia continued.

'German,' Harry said. 'I know a small bit of Greek, but not all that much.' He had tried to learn Greek years ago, but never completely grasped the language.

'I do not know Greek,' Cassiopeia said, 'Do you?'

Marius shook his head, 'I know French, Portuguese, and Latin.'

'I know Italian and Latin,' Cassiopeia said. 'Would you be willing to learn one of those?'

'Sure,' Harry said with a smile. 'Latin is for the spells right?'

'Indeed,' Marius said. 'Which ones would you like to learn.'

Harry shrugged his shoulders. 'I don't care. I could learn all of them...if you want to teach me,' He continued shyly.

Marius nodded, 'It would be a pleasure...you like to learn Haryon?' Harry nodded his head enthusiastically. 'How well did you do in school?'

'Fine,' Harry said, but his blush and uncomfortable mien belied his words.

Cassiopeia narrowed her eyes at him. She opened her mouth to press the subject by Marius' hand stayed her words. Harry suddenly felt very uncomfortable and Marius must have noticed, 'Your Professor explained your appearance when he first met you, Haryon. We do not expect you to suddenly open up to us, but I hope one day you will trust us enough to tell us. Alright?'

Harry nodded his head. 'Come, let me show you around.' Harry followed Marius back through the door into the living room. The living room was cream and dark brown. Marius waved his hand, 'You know what this room is.'

Harry continued to follow his uncle all throughout the house, which had a base color of some form of white. The house was from what Harry saw a two-story mansion. On the second floor Harry was directed to his room. 'This will be your room whenever you stay here,' Marius said. The room was a dark red with reddish-brown furniture. 'Is this alright?'

Harry nodded, 'Yes, sir.'

'Uncle Marius,' he smiled. Harry looked up at him with confused eyes, 'You seemed unsure and afraid to ask.'

Harry blushed and mumbled, 'Wasn't afraid.'

Marius ignored him. 'Sport!' he called. Suddenly a creature with pointed, floppy ears and large round eyes appeared in the middle of the two males. 'Sport this is Master Haryon. Master Haryon this is your personal house-elf.'

'Err...what?' Harry asked. 'What is a house-elf?'

'House-elf,' the thing, Sport, said, 'bes helping Master Haryon with dressing, eating, whatever Master be needing.'

'Like a...'

'Servant,' Marius finished with a nod of his head.

'Does he get paid?' Harry asked in a high-pitched voice.

'No!' Sport said with eyes enlarged with shock. 'Sport not wanting to be paid! Sport enjoys work!'

'Err...alright,' Harry said with hands raised in surrender.

'You may leave now, Sport,' Marius said. When the house-elf was gone Harry opened his mouth, but Marius beat him to it. 'I know what it looks like and some people do treat house-elves as slaves, but I have learned that if you treat yourself correctly they will be loyal to you forever.'

'Do I have to use him all the time?' Harry asked resignedly.

'No, but he might come in handy when you go to Durmstrang. It gets terribly cold up there. Sport will be able to bring you a hot meal, a cup of chocolate, or tea,' Marius said.

'So he's not a slave?' Harry asked for clarification.

'No,' Marius emphasized with a shake of his head. They grey-eyed man moved towards the bed and sat upon it. Harry joined him as he patted the bed. Grey eyes moved to their corners to watch the short boy as he sat on the bed and looked down at his hands. Marius reached out and placed an arm around the smaller shoulder. The older gentleman bit back a sigh as the shaggy-haired boy stiffened at the contact.

'You look a lot like your father,' Marius commented. 'Exactly like him...except for your eyes. You have your mother's eyes.' Marius paused as he watched the smaller male perk up in interest. 'I only met her a handful of times, but every time I saw her I thought she had the biggest, greenest eyes. They sparkled when she laughed. She was a stunning woman...have you seen a picture of her?'

Harry hesitated before shaking his head. 'I believe we have a few pictures of her somewhere lying around. Would you like to have them?'

'Yes,' Harry replied in a hoarse whisper.

'Soon,' Marius said, 'most likely tomorrow, you will meet Arcturus Black as well as his wife Melania. Your Aunt Cassiopeia and I also have another sibling, Pollux...'

'Do all of you have star names?' Harry asked with a tilt of his head.

'Not everyone. Your grandmother did not have a star name. Every male born with the last name Black has a star name. Even your father had a Black family name.' With a wistful smirk Marius said, 'Cassiopeia named him Pavo after the peacock.'

'Why?' Harry asked softly.

'Your father could strut and preen like no one I know,' Marius said. 'If James found someone to show off to he would. He would strut and wink...show off that he was. He used do this thing with his hair. Jamie was a great quidditch player so he would always make his locks look windswept to try and impress some girl or other.'

Harry asked a question that had been bothering him, 'Would they want me to go to Hogwarts?'

'Oh undoubtedly,' Marius said, "but you can hardly live your life for what your parents would have wanted. If you grow up to be a decent and honest man I am sure they would be proud.' After a pause Marius said, 'As I was saying, you will meet the rest of the family very soon. They are a lot more...old fashioned than myself and your aunt downstairs. There are two words that will most likely slip from their lips...'

'What?' Harry asked as Marius failed to continue.

'One of word well be squib. That is what I am...a squib. I am the opposite of your mother. I was born to magical parents, but I myself am not magical.'

Harry blinked at his uncle. 'That must suck,' he blurted then blushed. 'Sorry,' Harry said sheepishly.

'Ahh well, it does, indeed, suck as you do eloquently put it, but I have lived with it. The other word they will say is a lot more offensive...mudblood.'

'What's that?' Harry asked.

'It is a term used for muggleborns,' Marius explained. 'This family is not known for its tolerance of muggles and muggleborns...'

'You said I was the Heir of Black...'

Marius smirked, 'When you finally meet the other option you will fully understand why.' Marius sighed, 'I am sure you already know Durmstrang has similar views?'

'Yes,' Harry answered.

'The word is terrible, but I must warn you that you cannot fight everyone that uses the term. There are far too many of them. What you can try to do is show them that muggles aren't so bad.'

Harry suddenly recalled something Ivanov had said to him. 'Professor Ivanov said muggles would most likely kill us all?'

Marius inclined his head, 'Indeed, but two wrongs make no rights.'