A/N I've taken the a off Ivanova and made him a man.

That evening Harry received his first lesson in magic.

The three gathered in the dining room once more to eat a meal of sausages with gravy, peas, and beans. As Harry lifted a piece of sausage to his mouth he noticed his aunt close her eyes, whisper something over her plate, and ended with a show of magic.

'It is called a blessing,' Marius said as he noticed Harry watching his sister.

'You mean like a prayer?'

'Sort of.' Marius ate a spoon full of peas before continuing, 'I know you have not been in this world long, but has Professor Ivanov mentioned the Old Ways to you at all?'

'He said something about them,' Harry said, 'but he didn't explain what it was in detail. He said it was basically your religion.'

Marius and Cassiopeia nodded. 'We believe we have been blessed by the divine,' Cassiopeia explained. 'As you partake in your meal just offer up a word of thanks to whatever god and/or goddess you believe in.'

Harry look a little nervous at the prospect. 'Take your time, Haryon,' Marius said kindly. 'We...I do not expect you to just embrace everything after a mere week.'

Harry nodded his head, 'Thank you.'

Cassiopeia shot Marius a look, but said nothing to him. Instead she turned her attention towards her nephew, 'Whenever you feel comfortable to bless your food just hold your hands over your plate and say some variation of this "God and Goddess, bless this bounty of earth, I thank you, so mote it be.'

Harry nodded his head, 'Are there any other blessings I should be aware of?'

Cassiopeia nodded her head, 'I shall give you a book on the subject later. We bless the day, we bless our meals, we burn incense to ward off the evil or to help us heal or find love. We partake in rituals and have balls and festivals. You know of Yule, Beltane, Litha, Ostara, and the rest of the holidays correct?'

Harry nodded his head, 'You celebrate those?'

'Indeed. Those festivals, balls, and rituals allow us all to become more in tune with our magic,' Cassiopeia said. After a pause she continued, 'Speaking of magic we must go to Gringotts for your ring...'

Harry hastily swallowed some beans before choking out, 'You mean my Head of House ring or something?'

'Yes,' she drawled.

'I have it already,' Harry explained.

'Why is it not on your finger, Haryon?' Marius asked.

Harry shrugged, 'I did not know what the ring would do to me. Something called family magic attacked me in while in Gringotts I didn't want it to happen while I was in my relatives' house.'

'Wise choice then,' Cassiopeia said causing her brother to snort. 'It is unbecoming to snort Marius.'

His lips twitched before asking, 'Do you have everything you need for school?'

'I should get the rest of my things soon,' Harry said. At their raised eyebrows he said, 'My clothes and my wand.'

'Why would your wand need to be mailed?' Cassiopeia asked.

'Because it had to be made,' Harry answered although he was confused at there lack of understanding.

'What do you mean? Did not the wand-maker pull out already made wands?' His aunt sounded as confused as himself.

'No, I was taken to a backroom with a bunch of woods, metals, and other stuff on shelves. The man had me send out my magic and connect it with the parts that would be my wand.'

'Huh,' Cassiopeia said in thought. 'Did you buy your things with the money from your trust?'

'Yes, ma'am,' Harry answered.

'Next year that will be paid for by us,' Cassiopeia said. 'You need not worry about your spending money. I believe your vault shall refill on 31st July. Speaking of which would you like to celebrate...'

Harry shook his head vehemently, 'No thank you.'

The siblings shared another look, 'You have cousins in this world...some good and some bad. Would you like to meet at least one of them?'

Harry contemplated the question before nodding his head. Marius looked at his sister who said, 'Ernest would be the easiest and less troublesome. Although Callidora might be of some assistance. I dare not even suggest Cedrella to Arcturus.'

Harry, who had been swiveling his head back and forth, asked, 'Who are those people?'

'Ernest McMillan is the nephew of the Black matriarch, Melania Black nee McMillan,' Cassiopeia began with a bit of distaste. 'Callidora is another cousin, who married a man named Harfang Longbottom. They have a great-grandson named Neville. Cedrella, Callidora's sister, ran away with,' here Cassiopeia's face twisted into a sneer, 'a Weasley. The Weasley family is poor and filled with blood-traitors.'

'What is a blood-traitor?' Harry asked.

'A blood-traitor is someone who has renounced our ways to champion that of muggles and muggleborns,' Cassiopeia said bitterly.

'You have another cousin,' Marius said. 'Well two, but we hardly speak with her. The cousin I speak of,' Marius rolled his eyes, 'is named Draco Malfoy.'

'We shall endeavor to limit your time in his presence lest you attempt to kill him for slighting your mother,' Cassiopeia said idly. 'Although, if you are anything like your father I suspect young Draco will learn to leave you be after a few meetings.'

'Will I be meeting him anytime soon,' Harry asked a bit worriedly.

'No,' Marius said, 'not until everything we need done is done. Lucius Malfoy wants the Black fortune a little too much to alert him of your presence. No, they shan't know until it is too late.'

'Won't Ernest be friends with Draco?' Harry asked innocently.

Cassiopeia sighed, 'You will come to learn that in this family just because we share blood does not mean we like or even tolerate each other. For example, our late cousin Charis Black married a man named Caspar Crouch. If I were to walk past their son Bartemius anywhere we would not acknowledge each other. Another instance is your Aunt Lucretia. She married a man named Ignatius Prewett. While they speak with us they hardly acknowledge their Weasley relatives.'

'Oh,' Harry asked and he understood very well. Never again would he acknowledge the Dursleys. 'Do I have anymore cousins?'

'Yes,' Marius said, 'but their parents are suspect...former Death Eaters...those were...'

'Voldemort's followers,' Harry said causing Marius to pale and Cassiopeia to shriek. He had been in the process of bring a piece of sausage to his mouth, but ceased when his aunt shrieked. 'What's the matter?' Harry asked.

'You said his name,' Cassiopeia said breathlessly. 'Do not say the name!'

'It's just a name,' Harry said in confusion.

'Just a name?' Cassiopeia spluttered.

Marius took a swig of the brown liquid in his glass in order to get his color back. 'Haryon that name was used to instill fear in many a witch and wizard. People are still afraid to say it today...'

'So he's like the boogyman?' Harry asked amused.

Marius snorted, which incensed Cassiopeia further. She opened her mouth most likely to berate Harry, but Marius stopped her. 'No, he is not like the boogyman. I doubt the boogyman tried to kill or enslave everyone in the United Kingdom as well as a large part of the continent and various parts of Asia and Africa,' he stated with a raised eyebrow.

Harry sighed getting his point, but he had to ask, 'Well, by not saying his name aren't you giving him what he wants?'

Marius furrowed his brow while Cassiopeia said, 'Huh.'

The threesome were lost in thought when they heard a fluttering of wings. With wide eyes the siblings watched as a white gyrfalcon landed on their nephew's shoulders. Harry placed another sausage on his plate before cutting it in half and giving a piece to his bird.

'Who might this be?' Cassiopeia asked while clutching her chest.

'This is Alshain,' Harry said distractedly.

'As in the star? Beta Aquilae?' Marius asked. Harry nodded his head. 'Well Haryon, welcome to the Black family.'

The next morning various packages arrived for Harry while he was eating his breakfast and enjoying something called crystallized pineapple. Harry opened the smallest package which contained a hat, scarf, and glove set which were made of leather and blue iris mink. 'Those are lovely, Haryon,' Cassiopeia complimented. 'They were made in Sweden?' At Harry's nod she said, 'I would not mind taking a trip up there for some new clothing.' Cassiopeia must have remembered something for she said, 'We will have to have some dress robes made for you sometime soon.'

'What?'

'Have you ever seen a warlock's robes?' Marius asked.

Harry's eyes widened, 'You mean the thing that looks like a dress?' Marius nodded to which Harry groaned.

'Hobbes,' Marius called. A different house elf appeared. 'Please take Haryon's things to his room.'

The house elf snapped his fingers before taking Harry's things with him in a loud crack.

The rest of the morning was spent more on the listless side. Marius worked in his office for a bit while Cassiopeia gave Harry a small lesson in Latin.

'Knowing Latin may come a long way,' she explained. 'Knowing the meaning of some obscure incantation could be beneficial to your health.'

Cassiopeia was in her rooms and Marius was in his study leaving Harry to read by himself in the living room.

He was startled as the fire-place lit in a shocking green before an old woman stepped out from it gracefully. Harry, too shocked to do anything else, just continued to stare at her. The woman had blond hair and warm brown eyes. She wore a dark green witches outfit with black threading. She held out her hand, 'You must be Haryon.' Harry nodded his head, but said nothing. The lady raised her eyebrow, 'I understand you were muggle-raised, but I must assume even they teach basic etiquette. A salutation of any kind would be welcomed.' Still Harry did not move.

Before she could chastise him further, someone else spun out of the floo. This time it was a man. In fact he looked like an older version of Uncle Marius. 'Arcturus shall be here in a moment.' Still Harry did not move. 'You are obviously Haryon,' the man said. 'I am your Uncle Pollux. My you look just like James.' Harry took the offered hand and shook it feebly.

Thankfully, Marius came from his study. He paused in the doorway before saying, 'It would have been courteous to send word of your imminent arrival.' As he finished the statement another man stepped from the fireplace. He was tall with jet-black hair that went past his shoulders. His eyes were steely gray. Must be a family trait. He wore the same style of dress as the woman, but his were black with a high collar.

Marius tilted his head upwards for Harry to stand. He pointed to the woman, 'Haryon this is the Black matriarch and your Aunt, Mrs. Melania Black,' his finger then swiveled to Pollux, 'this is my brother and your Uncle, Mr. Pollux Black, and this man is our Head of House and your Uncle, Mr. Arcturus Black.'

Harry waved his hand shyly, 'Err...hi.' Marius smirked while patting him on his back.

Melania have him a once over, 'You could stand to eat a few extra helpings at dinner, but you will do.'

Arcturus brought forth his hand as he stared his heir in the eye. Harry, who had grown up with Vernon, knew intimidation methods. He briefly met the man's eyes before averting his own. Harry's smaller hand was given a firm shake, which caused him to wince. Arcturus nodded, 'Strengthen your grip.'

'Hobbes!' Marius called.

'Master?' The elf wheezed.

'Please,' Arcturus could be heard scoffing, 'tell Cassiopeia that her relations have arrived.' Silence followed this command. Arcturus sneered at Marius while Marius glared in response. Pollux simply watched in amusement.

Melania sighed in exasperation before grabbing Harry by the arm. She guided him towards the couch and sat down with him. She pulled him closer to her person and wrapped an arm around his shoulder, 'You do look extraordinarily like your father. I wonder if you fly as well as he did. We will have to see about that. Of course you will stay with us on occasion. We can introduce you to Ernest and a few other children...'

'Cassiopeia,' Pollux greeted.

'Pollux,' his sister greeted. 'Arcturus.' Cassiopeia turned towards the couch, and with a strained smile, she stiffly said, 'Melania.' The other woman nodded her head in reply. Harry looked around with the strangest feeling that this was exactly how he and Dursleys behaved with each other.

Cassiopeia called for tea as everyone settled down. She sat next to Harry with Pollux on her left. The four sat comfortably on Marius' rather lengthy, brown leather couch. Arcturus and Marius sat in brown wing-backed chairs on opposite sides of the coffee table. They continued to glare and sneer at each other even from their current distance. Cassiopeia huffed, 'Can we get on with this, please? Tell us what you want Arcturus?'

Arcturus slowly moved his eyes away from Marius' face to Cassiopeia's. He narrowed them before turning to Harry. 'When do the muggles return?'

'Saturday,' Harry answered.

Arcturus nodded his head, 'Very well, I will have the papers signed by tomorrow evening. He,' Arcturus pointed to Marius, 'will have to be one of your guardians. Melania...'

'Of course, Arcturus,' she said smiling down at Harry and rubbing his arms. Harry was a bit uncomfortable, but not all that much.

Arcturus continued, 'I shall announce the child as heir when we are safely out of the country.'

'Do it in September,' Cassiopeia said. 'Narcissa will hardly wish to leave England with Draco at Hogwarts.' Cassiopeia smirked, 'They shall not bother us in person until Yule.'

'Yes and Dumbledore will be busy trying to locate Haryon,' Pollux said. 'He will get a nasty shock when he opens the Daily Prophet that September morning.'

'Our newspaper,' Melania said softly at Harry's look of confusion.

'Why would Dumbledore care?' Harry asked. 'Isn't he just the Headmaster of Hogwarts?'

'No,' Cassiopeia said, 'that man is not just anything. He has the large majority of Wizarding Britain wrapped around his finger.'

Melania squeezed Harry's arms, 'You will no doubt meet eventually. Hopefully that would be later rather than sooner.' Out of the corner of his eye Harry saw Cassiopeia flex her fingers.

'Yes,' Marius said. 'Anything you receive from Albus Dumbledore should be handled with care. Ivanov seems like a trustworthy person.' Arcturus' face twitched.

'When does term start for you, Haryon?' Arcturus asked.

'26 August,' Harry answered. 'I have to be at the Port of Aarhus at 6:00.'

'You will take him,' the group of adults said collectively. They all smirked at each other.

'Hey!' Harry said indignantly from his place on the couch. He then blushed as all eyes turned to him.

'Forgive us,' Pollux said dryly, 'but no one wants to get up at dawn to take you to Denmark of all places...Merlin someone will have to pick you up for the Yule break.'

Arcturus shook his head, 'House elves and portkeys, Pollux. House elves and portkeys.' He paused as he bit into a biscuit. 'Where is your ring, Haryon?' Attitude asked after he swallowed.

'Err...upstairs,' Harry answered tentatively.

'Have you put it on yet?'

'No, sir,' Harry answered. Feeling the need to explain himself he said, 'I was afraid to put it on in the my...the muggles house.'

'Put the heir's ring on tonight. It will be the smaller one.' Leaning forward Arcturus said sternly, 'Do not put that Head of House ring on until you fully understand what you are doing. The ring well emancipate you. That is all well and good until you have to do all the work yourself.'

'Yes, sir. The goblin said I need the ring to enter my family vault...'

'Both rings will give you access,' he said with a dismissive wave of his hand. 'That goblin wanted an ignorant child in control of his funds so he could bleed him dry. You paid for everything this year correct?'

Harry nodded in reply, although he was a bit insulted at the "ignorant child" comment. His statements updated themselves allowing him to see a payment made to Durmstrang.

Arcturus cleared his throat, 'When I die,' he shot a look at the grumbling Marius, 'the majority of what is under my name will go to you. From that point on you will be responsible for everyone under the Black name. You will have the power to disown members and re-admit members. I shall go into detail later, but for now you must be content with an overview of things.' He paused to gather his thoughts. 'Right now your name is Haryon J. Potter. You can do two things: one make your name some variation Black-Potter or have at least two sons with one having the surname Black.

Harry looked at their expectant faces and said, 'Black-Potter.'

Arcturus nodded his head in approval, 'By tomorrow morning you shall be Haryon J. Black-Potter. By the by try to carry on the tradition of naming a son after a star.' Harry nodded his head, contemplating what were some of the better star and constellation names.

Tilting his head he asked, 'Are the names only constellations and stars or are moon and planet names acceptable?'

'Constellations and stars only,' Cassiopeia said firmly.

'Oh.'

'Both Potter and Black have seats on the Wizengamot. Right now Dumbledore has assigned a proxy for Potter. After I announce you as my heir you will be able to reassign your proxy. If I die before you reach your majority than you can assign Pollux here as a proxy...I am sure he will willingly sit for Potter right now, however.' Harry smiled as Pollux shot Arcturus a nasty look.

'If not,' Arcturus said lightly, 'we can find someone else. Both Potter and Black have ancient manors, but Ravenwood, and I am sure Asheron as well, is in need of repairs.'

Arcturus waved his hand, 'I am sure I am forgetting a bunch of other things, but I do not believe I shall die anytime soon.'

'What about marriages?' Cassiopeia asked. She had been chatting with Pollux, but had been keeping track of the main conversation. Harry shot her a look of betrayal.

Arcturus sighed and rubbed his forehead, 'I would prefer you not marry a mud...muggleborn.'

Harry gaped while Marius paled. 'Arcturus!' He said through clenched teeth, 'Great Merlin, man, the things you say.'

'What squib?' Arcturus asked. 'We are the Ancient and Most Noble House...'

'Haryon, go to your room please,' Marius commanded while keeping his eyes firmly on Arcturus. Harry happily made a hasty exit.

'Go on squib. Say. Your. Peace.'

Marius leaned forward in fury 'How dare you tell that child not to marry a muggleborn nay a mudblood? Especially when his own mother was a muggleborn? Mayhap it would be beneficial to take a look at your Ancient and Most Noble House of Black?' he hissed. 'Mayhap you should take a look at your other two candidates: Longbottom and Malfoy? Malfoy is a despicable child with no extraordinary talents and Longbottom just might be a squib like myself.' Taking on a thoughtful look, Marius continued, 'If I am not mistaken both those children are purebloods dating back generations. Have you looked at this generation of pureblood children?

'Have you taken a good look at Crabbe, Goyle, Bulstrode, and Yaxley? Does not the Flint boy look like a half-breed? A descendent of a troll? Let us not forget how the House of Black is in shambles. Your blood purity did not stop you from encouraging my nieces to marry despicable men. Your blood purity did not stop you from encouraging Regulus to kneel before another man. Your blood purity did not stop Bellatrix' descent into madness. I wonder if Regulus thought about his pure blood as he was slain by You-Know-Who? I wonder if Sirius thought about his blood purity as he murdered those thirteen muggles? Did he too come to despise James for marrying a mudblood?! Put your chin down Arcturus! Your arrogance and delusional state of mind are unbecoming! Now bastard, what say you?'

As Marius looked around he saw Pollux trying to still his shaking hands. Cassiopeia had gone dreadfully pale and Melania had her head down with her hands folded in her lap. Her blonde hair hid her face effectively. His eyes met his eldest cousin's, who had blanched as well.

Arcturus cleared his throat, 'Melania,' Marius was pleased to hear the slight shake in his voice, 'I believe we should be off.'

Melanie stood hastily before grabbing her husband's hand and walking towards the fire place. Her face was still covered as she said, 'Tell Haryon we will see him soon.' The next moment the Black patriarch and matriarch were gone.

'Was that necessary, Marius?' Pollux questioned.

'Yes,' Marius said with conviction. 'I should have said it long ago.'

'No one could have known what would happen?' Pollux stated resolutely. 'Your should not have blamed him.'

Marius turned to his elder brother with a sneer in his lips, 'Are you making an argument or are you seeking self-absolution?'

'I beg your pardon?' Pollux said heartedly. 'I did nothing wrong and if I did why did you not stop me?'

'I am a squib, remember?' The bitterness in his tone caused his sister to flinch. 'I am the family disgrace. Surely you more powerful, more competent mighty men and women remember ignoring me for years after Mother and Father died? Did I not tell you to check on your grandchildren? Do you not remember telling me that it is not my business?'

'I think I should leave,' Pollux said.

'You do that, Brother.' When Pollux was gone Marius said, 'I'm going to my room.' He stopped by his nephew's room promising to talk later and assured him it would be alright if he had dinner in his room. Marius was glad for house elves and their ability to perform silencing charms.

Harry lay in his bed wishing he had an electronic to occupy himself with. Harry huffed as he thought about that...his Uncle Arcturus. The man was as rude as Vernon. He made a face at v what his new name would be. Maybe I should have left it at Potter. Oh well, I'm Black-Potter now.

Harry ran a hand through his hair in agitation before pulling out his Jinxes, Hexes, and Curses book. He hoped his wand would arrive soon. Maybe he could practice a few spells.

Harry was suddenly hit with an idea. The wandmaker...Löfgren...told him to send out his magic. Would it be possible to perform magic without a wand? He had done so before even if it was accidentally. Harry bit his lip as he contemplated the question. Green eyes looked sounds at the several books filled with theory and incantations, but was an incantation really needed? How much of magic was will...and emotion?

Green eyes narrowed in remembrance of the school roof incident. He had just wanted to get away from Dudley and his gang. His magic had obviously taken him to the school roof.

Harry looked up to search for his charms book. He found the pale blue book and searched for the wand-lighting spell. 'Lumos,' Harry read softly. It was meant to light the wand, but could he will his hand to light up. Harry furrowed his brow. Did he want his hand lit or did he want a ball of light in his hand?

Harry took a deep breath as he closed his eyes. He imagined a ball of light in his right hand. It was a bright yellow light. After about a minute Harry felt his hand great up a bit. Green eyes opened to the sight of a small ball of yellow light. It flickered constantly as he lost concentration. It eventually died out, but he was satisfied that his question was answered.

Over the next two hours he attempted to make the light bigger, brighter, and last longer. The more he did it the easier it became. A smile formed on his lips as he threw the ball from one hand to the other. He was tired and hungry, but satisfied with the results.

'S-sport?' He called tentatively.

'Master?' The elf said as he popped into the room with a crack.

'Err...can you bring me something to eat please?'

'Master be wanting anything special?'

'Uhh, ham and cheese sandwich? And some of those pineapples. The crystallized ones.'

'Does Master enjoy the crystallized pineapple? Sport will keep them around for Master,' The elf said dutifully.

'If it's not too much trouble,' Harry said softly.

'No trouble at all. Master Marius says anything Master Haryon wants Master Haryon gets,' Sport said before popping away.

Harry sat stunned by the statement. The small boy hugged his knees as he considered finally having someone around who might actually care.

Five minutes later Sport brought Harry his food. Another idea came to Harry. He was tired but he wanted to give it a try. As the ham and cheese sandwich sat innocently on a plate in front of him, Harry placed his hands, palms up, just above the sandwich. He imagined the sandwich lifting up into the air and stopping right at his mouth.

It took a lot of effort to get the sandwich to rise a few centimeters from the plate. He was breathless and spent as he let go. Harry gave it up as a bad job as he decided to eat the normal way.

When he finished eating he read his charms book a bit more before crawling under the scarlet covers of his bed and drifting off into the Land of Morpheus.

Harry woke early the next morning. In fact the sun was just rising. He rose from his bed to watch the sun rise from the east. He had never seen the sun rise. Most of the time Vernon locked the cupboard to ensure Harry did not steal their food. He took his time using his toiletries that morning before going to the dining room to break his fast.

He didn't think anyone was up just yet as he made his way through the large house. 'Err...Hobbes?' Harry called with a bit of hesitancy.

'Sir bes wanting breakfast?' the elf wheezed. Harry nodded his head to which the elf said, 'Hobbes be right back.' Not two minutes later did several plates appear in front of Harry. He loaded his late with bacon, eggs, sausages, and scones before digging in.

As he was alone he hardly gave any thought to proper dining etiquette. Thus when Cassiopeia walked into the room she was highly amused and bit disgusted with her nephew. 'Good morning,' she drawled causing Harry to stop what he was doing. When he looked up from his plate Cassiopeia gave into the snort she had been holding back.

His lips were shiny from the grease of the sausages and bacon. His entire left cheek was puffed out because of the large amount of egg in it. There were crumbs around his mouth from the scones and a bit of marmalade on his chin.

She picked up a napkin and threw it at him. 'Clean your face child. Sit up straight and slow down before you choke. Whatever are you eating so quickly...and so much for?'

Harry gave a great swallow before saying, 'Hungry.' He stuck his fork in the last bit if egg and stuffed it in his mouth.

She filled her plate and ate at a more sedate and dignified pace. The was silence until Cassiopeia said, 'Have you practiced any occlumency yet?'

Harry shook his head, 'No. How do I organize my mind?'

'Meditation,' Cassiopeia said. 'You must have a calm mind in order to even begin to organize it. Marius has a few empty rooms here. If you would like we can practice today?'

Harry nodded his head, 'Sure.'

An hour later Cassiopeia and Harry were in a dimly lit room with a small fire blazing in front of them. She had charmed the room in order to keep the pair safe and the house from burning down.

'Alright Haryon,' she said as she brought forth a purple bag. Cassiopeia stretched the bag open before pulling out a small, yellow rock of some sort. 'This is Frankincense. You shall learn in herbology the magical properties if herbs, woods, plants and the like. I forget the details of frankincense, but I do remember it is excellent for meditation and driving out bad karma.'

Harry nodded his head to show he was listening. 'As you meditate you will eventually come across this ball of some color. That will be your magical core. From the magical core you will see two strands: one going up and one going down. The one going down is to your soul while the other leads to your mind. You take the one going up.

'From there you will entire your mind which will no doubt be a mess of emotions and memories.'

Harry tilted his head, 'Will I be influenced by the emotions.'

'Yes, which makes occlumency all the more difficult. You must attempt to stay in your mind while fending off various emotions. The more organized your mind becomes the easier it shall be to stay in your mind and build up defences,' Cassiopeia said. After a pause the gray-eyed woman asked, 'Are you ready to begin?' At Harry's nod she threw some of the incense in the fire. 'Close your eyes and relax. Breathe in and breathe out.'

Harry closed his eyes and did what his aunt told him to.

Smells like pine and wood. Bit of lemon in there too. Harry sniffed again. It's alright just not my taste. Maybe I can find something I like. Alright I'm s'posed to be relaxing. Hee, hoo, hee, hoo.

Harry eventually lost all sense of time and awareness. As his mind and body relaxed a mass of orange slowly crept into his vision. It wasn't exactly orange, however. It was a golden orange... amber. Harry also noticed a few spots of red and yellow. He focused on the core. It was pretty cool looking...to him at least. He wondered if there were books on magical cores. He wanted to know what those colors meant.

He finally noticed the two strands and latched onto the one leading upward. It was a slow process, but he eventually noticed the mass of amber disappearing. He also began to feel a whirlwind of emotions. Suddenly he was assaulted with an array of memories.

'Boy get in here!'

Harry watched himself being chased by Marge's dog, Ripper.

'No food for a week! Get in your cupboard!' Vernon boomed as he stood over his small nephew with a rapidly purpling face.

Harry ducking as Petunia raised the frying pan in an attempt to knock him out.

It was almost too much for Harry. For a moment he felt he might be driven made with anger when suddenly another memory assaulted him.

A small boy flew around a living room on a tiny broomstick. He was giggling madly.

Crash!

'Uh oh,' he said as he flew away.

'Jamie!' A beautiful woman with long, dark red hair and shocking green eyes hollered. 'Get your son. He almost killed the cat!'

'Leo!' A man called as he came from somewhere in the background. He was tall with black messy hair and hazel eyes, which was covered by glasses. After chasing the giggling child playfully the man finally grabbed his son. 'Didn't I tell you to be careful Leo?'

'Dada!'

'Lily,' Jamie called, 'he broke Petunia's vase.'

'That ugly thing?' Lily said. 'I won't miss it and it still save me the trouble of lying to Petunia if she ever comes over.'

Harry had finally had enough. He took a great breath as he fell back into consciousness. He put his face in his knees as he balled himself up.

'Haryon?' Cassiopeia called a few times in concern. Cassiopeia was a typical Black meaning she was terrible with emotions and providing comfort. She left the room quickly in search of her brother.

Harry did not here Marius enter the room five minutes later. He did not feel the calming draught going down his throat. Nor did he feel the sleeping potion.

'What possessed you?' Marius asked with great exasperation. Cassiopeia had no answer to that question. 'He cannot learn occlumency until he speaks of his time with the muggles. Maybe I can recruit Melania...'

'Melanie?!' Cassiopeia asked highly upset.

'Yes,' Marius drawled, 'he looked most comfortable in her presence yesterday.'

'Speaking of yesterday,' Cassiopeia said, 'what possessed you.'

'I am weary of your cousin and your brother,' Marius snarled. 'It amazes me how Pollux can dare speak so dreadfully of the the children of others when his offspring...' Marius didn't finish the sentence, but Cassiopeia got the point.

'Indeed. The best of Pollux ran away and married a muggleborn,' Cassiopeia said.

'Let us not begin on dear Arcturus. When did his delusions begin I wonder?' Marius asked as he sipped a bit of scotch. 'I should at least try and be cordial with them.'

'That is big of you,' Cassiopeia said through narrowed eyes.

'No not really.' Marius grinned, 'I wish to be around when the shite hits the fan. Can you imagine Irma, Druella, and Cygnus' reactions to Haryon being heir?'

Cassiopeia smiled, but it soon slid from her face. She wrung her hands. 'Is it awful that I want Harry to marry a pureblood or at least a rich, respectable half-blood?'

'Yes and no, but that is how you were raised.' Marius shook his head, 'But to make that statement to that child's face will certainly not get you or Arcturus to where you want.' Marius snorted, 'Slytherins indeed.'

Cassiopeia straightened her robes, 'Maybe Pollux and I can throw the boy into the company of a few girls. He said he did not want anything for his birthday, but maybe we can have a small very together...'

'No, wait until next year,' Marius said.

'Very well,' Cassiopeia said unhappily.

'But, you can always conspire with Melania and place Haryon in the company of Bones, Turpin, Moon, Greengrass, and the many other respectable rich young heiresses.'

Cassiopeia spared her brother a look of disdain before turning back to her tea.

Harry woke up that evening terribly confused. He looked around wildly in an attempt to decipher his location. He saw the black drapery and the scarlet walls and realized he was in his room at his new location.

There was a knock on the door broke it opened. 'Haryon,' Marius' voice reached Harry's ears.

'Uncle Marius...what happened?' Harry asked in confusion.

'You began practicing occlumency,' Marius said kindly. He rubbed Harry's shoulders when the boy blushed.

'Sorry,' Harry said softly.

'Why are you apologizing?' Marius asked.

Harry shrugged his shoulders. He did not know why he was apologizing he was just used to saying sorry.

'We have only been in each other's company for three days therefore I shall not press you, but there will come a time when I might force you to disk with me,' Marius said. 'I am not a wizard, but I do know that the subject is a danger as much as it is a safety. I have read about the subject before and it is my understanding that you block emotions and thoughts, correct?'

Harry nodded his head, 'You have to clear your mind.'

'Yes, you can go as far as to lock away memories without acknowledging them. Do you think that is healthy?' Marius asked.

'No,' Harry answered.

'Indeed. Therefore it would be best if you do not practice occlumency for a while...that is until you open up a bit,' Marius said with a raised eyebrow. When Harry remained quiet Marius said, 'I wish to speak with you about yesterday...I noticed that you did not wish to be known as Black-Potter. Why did you agree?'

Harry brought his knees up to his chest to hug them. 'B-because y-you...e-everyone wanted me t-to.'

Marius nodded his head, 'I thought so. Your grandmother would be happy you choose to add her maiden name.' He sighed as a pleasure shone from his nephew's eyes. 'It's good that you wish to please others. It shows a lack of self-centrism as well as a lack of selfishness. However, always doing what people want will allow them to walk all over you.' Marius asked, 'Why do you feel the need to do that?'

With his chin on his knees Harry said, 'B-because...because...I don't know.'

'We discovered I was a squib very early in my childhood. My entire family felt I was a disgrace...well your grandmother not so much. I went out of my way to please everyone because I did not wish to upset them or garner anymore of their scorn. They eventually threw me out of the house and refused to speak to me for years despite my allowing them to walk all over me,' Marius finished bitterly. 'Do you understand what I am saying?'

Harry looked up tentatively, 'Yes.'

'What am I saying?'

'No matter how much I try to please people that will still treat me how they want,' Harry said softly.

'Indeed,' Marius said with a sad smile. 'If you say nothing you are silently encouraging their treatment. You must respect yourself if you do not then why should anyone else?' Marius squeezed Harry's shoulder, 'Speaking of respect...I believe you can marry whomever you choose. Hopefully the current Head of House Black will be dead by then.' Harry's eyes widened, 'Forgive me, but he was the worst of my tormentors as a child.'

Harry tilted his head, 'He's your cousin?'

'Yes.'

'His parents let him get away with it?' Harry asked.

'Yes,' Marius narrowed his eyes.

'Sounds like Dudley,' Harry said softly.

Marius sucked in a breath, 'Who is Dudley?'

'My cousin,' Harry answered shyly. 'Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon let him do whatever he wanted to me.'

'Hmm...they encouraged him?'

'Yeah,' Harry answered. 'He would push me down and bully me in school. I ended up on the school roof one day.'

'You either flew or apparated.' Marius closed his eyes before asking, 'Did his parents ever hit you.'

Slim shoulders stiffened under Marius' arm, which was enough of an answer. 'Not often,' Harry said.

'Give me an example...'

Harry sighed, 'P-Petunia tried to hit me with a f-frying pan...' Harry paused as Marius swore. 'Vernon liked to grab me by my collar a-and t-throw m-me...' the green-eyed boy exhaled roughly, 'in m-my c-cupboard.' By the time Harry finished his confession his face was bright red.

Marius stiffened as well, 'Your cupboard?'

Harry put his face in his hands and nodded, 'They made me sleep in the cupboard.'

'How long?' Marius asked with a slight shake in his voice.

'Always,' he answered from behind his head.

Marius rubbed his hands over his face. He turned to see his nephew shaking slightly. He wrapped his arms around the small boy. His head rested on messy locks, 'Your Aunt and Uncle are horrible people. They are the type of people that make wizards hate muggles. What they did is not your fault.'

'Yes it is,' came Harry's muffled retort.

'How...explain that to me, please.'

'I could have stopped them...I'm a wizard...' Harry answered from behind his has. 'I was just too weak...'

'How big is your aunt and uncle? From the pictures on the wall that man is enormous. How could a boy your size possibly stop him?' Marius asked. He felt Harry's shoulders shrug in reply. 'It is not your fault,' Marius told him firmly. 'No normal sized child could have stopped that big human or his father.' Marius blew out a breath, 'This is an awful way to look at this situation, but can you find a silver lining?'

Harry raised his head and have his uncle an "are you serious?" look. His reply was a raised eyebrow. When Harry didn't answer Marius asked, 'Did they call you lazy? Stupid? Abnormal? A degradation? Did they tell you how you would never amount to anything?' Marius was saddened that the boy nodded his head to all of them. 'Okay, here's what you do.' When green eyes met gray he continued, 'Prove them wrong. Be the best damn wizard, nay man you can be.'

How did this go? I'm not an angsty person and I don't think I've ever had a conversation with an abused person before. This is just what I have watched on t.v. I had to address it though. I feel like it is often overlooked and Harry could not move forward as a person without it. Read and review.