The Contract

Chapter 135

It was to no surprise that Aurelius cancelled his meeting, and met up with them at the end of the street. The street sign was old and grime filled, but the street itself was rather clean for a muggle area. They didn't have magic to clean up entire streets at the flick of a wand. No, muggles required people cleaning everything and it took time and money. This was a good street compared to some of the areas (and councils) let get dreadfully dirty.

"I never thought I'd see the day where a Black would purchase a townhouse in a prominent muggle area." Aurelius confessed, "Perhaps that's what made it a perfect place to raise your heirs without fear of them being taken."

"It's a nine-bedroom four-bathroom townhouse," Harry said, staring up at it, the area was a little bleak looking then again it had just been raining. Even Hogsmeade and Diagon alley's cobblestones looked bleak after it rained. "It does stand out compared to the rest of the Black properties."

"Let's go see inside," Rabastan stated, the first to start moving, but once they got to the stairs, Rabastan stopped. He could feel the magic emanating from that property, and not a lot of it was friendly. "My magic is practically screaming at me to leave." And he didn't normally not listen to his magic.

"Orion told me about all the spells that were up," Harry said, shifting the piece of paper over to Aurelius', "Can you do it or will we need Bill?" luckily Bill was back, although, from what he could remember from his conversation a few days ago, Bill would be leaving on September, when Hogwarts started back up.

"I am more than capable of dispersing these spells," Aurelius' declared, deeply offended by the thought of needing his partner to help them. He was the most powerful wizard alive.

Which fortunately, was actually true, it took only a few moments for Aurelius' immense power to begin dismantling the wards Orion had around the property. Only able to do so, so seamlessly due to the fact he knew the order to dispel them in. Anyone else would have been blasted to smithereens by the traps laid within the layers of wards.

"I now have a new and healthy respect for Orion Black," Aurelius murmured, stepping back, inhaling sharply, "I shall be taking some of his ideas on as my own, rather ingenious really." And it took a lot to impress him, especially given his capabilities. He would have been a terrifying opponent to go against, he had truly underestimated the Black family.

He shouldn't have, because Bellatrix was just one of the many that showcased just how badass Black's were. It was just truly unfortunate that she wasn't quite all there, the Black madness was too much for the witch to bear.

"He's awesome," Harry nodded enthusiastically, he probably spent more time talking to Orion and Dorea than Sirius had his entire life. No exaggeration, when he had free time, as limited as it often was, he would talk to them.

"Sirius would tell you otherwise," Rabastan murmured, and it wasn't out of spite, or petulance that Harry spent time with the portraits, just the truth. Although, to be fair, their relationship was better now than it had ever been when they were alive. It was just too bad it had to be that way, really, Rabastan didn't want to think of what he'd be like if not for his father.

Harry shrugged, "His loss," because Orion was awesome, although the wizard had said it wasn't just Sirius' fault to be fair. It had been a culmination of a lot of different things, but he was just glad they had managed to clear the air.

With that Harry stalked up the stairs, and unlocked the door with a simple alohomora. Which naturally, wouldn't have worked if the spells hadn't been removed first. Orion had truly thought of everything, his first impression…left a lot to be desired.

"Yuk!" Harry said, looking around, "This place is disgusting, was it in a fire?"

"Not that we are aware of," Aurelius' in complete agreement with Harry, it was rather disgusting.

"This shouldn't be possible, House-elves! Show yourself!" Rabastan commanded, as he closed the door, but nothing stirred. "Perhaps they've died off?" it was rather silly, most families had breeding pairs, so that they wouldn't need to keep procuring them. Accidents do happen though, perhaps its mate wasn't capable of birthing Elfin's.

"It will not come for anyone except Lord Black," Aurelius stated sharply, getting impatient now to see the library. The books that the Black family had at their disposal was said to be one of a kind, then again, all the families said the same thing. Likely they all had their share of rare manuscripts. "If you will hurry along?" urging Harry to be quick.

Harry sniggered, knowing exactly why Aurelius was impatient. "As Lord Black, Lord of the Black family, I command all Black House-elves, come to me now!"

Harry would deny it, but he jumped a foot in the air when the House-elf appeared. Muttering under it's breathe as its nose touched the grim floor. He was pretty sure it had once been marble flooring, perhaps under the ninety layers of dirt it might be salvageable. "What the bloody hell…I didn't think anything would be alive." Hand over his heart as he steadied his heartbeat.

"I can't say I blame you," Rabastan answered after he finished laughing, his voice wheezy in his merriment. The townhouse was a disgrace, it looked like it hadn't been cleaned even long before Walburga passed away.

"It truly lives up to its name, grim old place." Harry murmured, narrowing in on the House-elf that was still muttering under it's breathe about 'Mistresses disgraced son having a son' how the house of Black was now in dishonour.

"Shame on you, you dishonour the Black family!" Rabastan snapped, "How dare you let the family home become tarnished and disgusting?! While making assumptions about your new master." Giving it a look of utter disgust, but the apathetic creature merely stared at Rabastan blankly. Which Rabastan found rather disconcerting if he was honest.

"It should be dead." Aurelius stated, staring shrewdly at the House-elf, one he recognized. He had borrowed that House-elf from Regulus Black before his downfall. Years before his downfall at that. He could remember him well, despite the fact he hadn't paid much, if any, attention to the House-elf. It's voice too, was rather memorable. He'd left it dying in the cave.

Aurelius wasn't surprised the thing didn't recognize him, for he had changed drastically from the form the House-elf likely knew.

It would seem those words had ceased its irritating back chatter. The only reason he wasn't cursing the impudent thing was because he knew Harry would not approve. Like it or not, the thing belonged to Harry to do as he pleased. Sort hearted thing he was, he'd likely take pity on it.

"I would caution you against giving that House-elf any leeway," Aurelius told Harry sincerely, "It seems to have a few…knuts short of a sickle."

Rabastan pressed his hand against Harry's back, "Listen to him, it is not normal behavior." Part of him wishing they hadn't come here, because Harry would likely just leave it be while it could give out family secrets and the like. It seemed like the thing was loyal to the Black family though, so perhaps it would be just fine.

"Confined to Gallifrey Hall?" Harry suggested, glancing up at his fiancé. He would always take anything his family say into consideration. He loved all of them fiercely and would do anything for them. Which had House-elves looking after it now that it was refurbished entirely.

"It's up to you," Rabastan murmured, "But it is a good idea, you will have to magically compel him as Lord to ensure he obeys."

"Nasty Black heir leave my mistress on her own, breaking her heart again, nasty boy, broke her heart, he did," Kreacher muttered under his breathe, seemingly forgetting where he was and who's presence, he was in.

Harry stared at him, and realized he did know, he just didn't care. He'd spent years abandoned and alone here without anyone to serve. It made Harry uncomfortable, since he knew he'd have gone this way without any help. Would being with his own kind with simple tasks help this being? "What is your name?" revealing the Black Lordship ring on his finger so that there was no mistaking whom he was.

Aurelius stepped away, blinking at the sight of a witch he knew all too well preserved in a portrait. She was attempting to see what was going on. However, the view clearly wasn't ideal as she hoped. "Well, well, Walburga Black, age didn't become you."

Walburga looked down at her nose at the wizard, "Who are you and what are you doing here? Don't you know where you are? This is the house of the most ancient and noble house of Black!" her harpy screeching voice echoing through the house, "Kreacher! See to it that they're gone, immediately!"

"What the hell was that?" came Harry's voice, "Is there magical creatures here?"

Aurelius pressed his lips together as Walburga blanched before going very, very red at the insult afforded her.

"KREACHER! HERE AT ONCE!" the screeching continued, making no effort to calm herself.

"Who is that?" Harry gaped, peering at the portrait as if he didn't already know or suspect.

"This is the dubious former Lady Walburga Black, Orion Black's wife." Aurelius stated.

"And his murderer," Harry stated, "Maybe I should just burn this house to the ground with her in it."

Aurelius made a soft pained sound at the thought.

"The books would be taken out," Harry said exasperatedly.

Walburga blanched for once in her life keeping quiet, whether it was due to the fact someone accused her – rightfully – of murder or the threat. Well, even she didn't know for sure which one was bothering her the most.

"Most teenagers do go through a pyromania phrase," Rabastan sagely agreed.

Harry couldn't help but snort, "So, his name is Kreacher then."

"Llrune?" Harry called out; the Lestrange House-elf immediately came to his call.

"You called?" Llrune asked, staring adoringly up at Harry.

"Take…Kreacher to Gallifrey Hall, he will work under the House-elves there. He is to be confined to the property; he will not leave until there's an improvement in his temperament. Unfortunately, he has been left with nothing but a pitiful murderess masquerading as a Lady." Harry ordered, magic enveloping them both, all the House-elves would know he was confined. "He needs a healing touch that cannot be found here. Ensure he's given a uniform and an appropriate room." He added quietly to Llrune, which hopefully she'd know it was comfort he would need, not condemnation. Hopefully being with his own kind instead of a disgusting portrait would begin the healing process.

"Llrune will take care of this," the female House-elf said, bowing low, before taking Kreacher's hand in his own, the surprise on his face spoke volumes before they disappeared.

"Troll stands," Harry muttered shuddering, they did not have very much in the way of taste, he'd say that at the very least. "Let's just get to the library, the House-elves can begin clearing out this place while I decide what to do with it."

"So, no fire?" Rabastan teased, grinning wickedly at the look on the portraits face. He hadn't been able to make her look like that alive, so it felt good to be able to do it now. She'd had too much support, too big a name behind her for anyone to really say anything nasty about her especially to her face.

"No, I think I might have it entirely renovated and either rent it out or keep it as a safe house," Harry said, he was sure it could be salvaged. Just then banging caused all three to pull out their wands, and race towards where the sound was coming from.

The wardrobe, inhaling sharply, "Its not an intruder," the realization should have come sooner. "Something rather than someone."

"A boggart." Aurelius declared just as it came out.

It rapidly shifted into Corvus lying dead on the floor, affecting both Harry and Rabastan. Then Rabastan was staring at his own dead body that had morphed from his father. Then morphed into Rodolphus, then of course, Sirius and then Aurelius.

"Riddikulus!" snapped Harry, pale and clammy but so, so resolute.

Aurelius flicked his wand, propelling the Boggart back into the wardrobe, sealing it so it could not get back out. "The ambient magic in the air will have likely attracted a lot of magical creatures, perhaps using the goblins might be the best idea." Disinterested, you'd think it hadn't affected him at all, but seeing himself, in that particular form – the only one Harry knew – had been rather alarming. He was glad he still had Horcruxes, Nagini naturally, and the one that had been inside Harry, Harry had hidden away in his vault. The rest of the Horcruxes he had re-absorbed into himself.

Rabastan had a tight grip on Harry, not sure whether it was comforting himself or his fiancé. It had affected him seeing his brother, father, brother-in-law and his Lord in such a way. It had been very vivid, but Boggarts had the tendency to be. Perhaps that's what they got for acting like Gryffindors and rushing in where even angels would fear to tread.

"Next there will be Vashta Nerada in the library!" Harry huffed out, shaking his head, backing out the room. He had absolutely zero desire to remain in that room.

"Are you alright?" Rabastan asked quietly, rubbing Harry's arms, feeling the goosebumps that adored his fiancé's arms. He was quite cold; he hadn't thought to bring his cloak with him. Without bothering to remove his wand, he pressed a non-verbal warming charm upon Harry, pleased to feel the goosebumps beginning to fade.

"I just want to see everyone even though I know logically everything is fine," Harry admitted, it didn't help that they had been threatened not that long ago. The Boggart had hit on his worst nightmare, he would never bear surviving when his family did not. Not again. "I think I'll need a few Dreamless sleep draughts." He added, he just knew he'd end up having nightmares tonight.

"Do you want to leave now?" Rabastan asked, both of them standing outside the library door. It was open, and they could hear Aurelius within murmuring quietly to himself. Giving them privacy to talk amongst themselves.

"They probably won't be back yet," Harry pointed out, perhaps Corvus, but not Rodolphus and Sirius. They'd likely be there for another few hours while they worked everything out. They weren't about to just dump the twins on them and go bye. Well, he hoped not.

"This is true," Rabastan agreed, "Are you ever going to tell me what your project is about?" trying to distract not only himself but his distraught partner.

"How about, no?" Harry teased him, before entering the library himself, the heat of his future husband remained resolutely at his back. Protecting him and keeping him safe from anything that might prove to be problematic within the Black property.

Rabastan huffed good naturally, before rolling his eyes and entering the library. "Okay, they were in no way exaggerating when they said it was one of the most impressive libraries." Twirling around, taking in the rows upon rows, upon rows of books, every nook and cranny was filled with books.

Padding through the library, he found boxes, manuscripts? He wondered, kneeling down, he opened one after ensuring his own safety. "Scrolls," he murmured before taking one of them delicately, and unrolling them, gasping softly, "Alchemy," but most of it was undecipherable to him, his area of expertise wasn't Alchemy but Ancient Runes. He knew only the basics, he hadn't learnt in school, it had already been removed from the curriculum by his schooling years.

Delicately letting it furl back into it's rolled up state, he set it back, and put the lid back onto it. Trying out a few other boxes and found them all boxed according to subject. The ancient runes ones…Merlin, he just wanted to snatch them all. Utter fascination had swept through him. He did remain crouched, reading through them, realizing that these had been written by Orion Black himself. They weren't just works collected, but actual works written by the Black family over the generations. It explained by the Dart Arts had seventeen boxes alone.

"Why did they not start a family grimoire? Instead of continuing this tradition of putting them into boxes as scrolls?" Rabastan hummed, truly perplexed. Sure, they were well preserved and protected, but not as well as a family grimoire would be.

Astonishingly he did not receive a single reply. Nary even a sound of acknowledgement.

Straightening up, he heard heated whispering half sentences from his Lord and his fiancé.

"Found what you were looking for?" he asked as he approached.

Aurelius snapped the book closed, "We have," well aware that Harry hadn't told them, didn't want them to have a clue as to what he was attempting. Mostly so they didn't end up let down if it didn't work, and if neither of them – he and Harry – could figure it out then nobody would. "Augustus might prove to be the one we need to break this wide open."

Harry shook his head, "Who's that?" Harry asked, he knew an Augusta Longbottom but not anyone called Augustus.

Aurelius startled, before realizing that yes, Harry hadn't met all his followers. Even the newspapers only referred to them by their family name. "Ah, my apologies, Augustus is heir Rookwood, he's very intelligent and was accepted as an Unspeakable." And only the most proficient magically and intelligent got accepted into the unspeakable ranks.

"Is it his father that's on the Wizengamot?" Harry asked, he wouldn't say that he was particularly intelligent, but parents didn't mean anything where it comes to a child's intelligence.

"It is," Aurelius commented, glancing around the room completely envious really, he understood it being Orion's pride and glory. Well outside of his heirs of course, which had been made clear. "Naturally he has information on…branches of magic that the citizens of this country would blanch at the revelation." Why he hadn't thought of going to him earlier he didn't know.

"Has? Did he return to his work?" Harry asked, as he pulled out another book, all these books pertained to necromancy, soul magicks and darkest of dark arts.

Rabastan listened to them talk, trying to figure it out but for the life of him he couldn't figure it out. He pouted as he listened. He wouldn't say he was jealous of their closeness – he really was – not just due to his closeness to his Lord but well, he would have loved to do a project with Harry. He enjoyed the smaller project they'd worked on.

"He did, being an Unspeakable was all he wanted to do, even at the age of eleven," Aurelius commented, "His intelligence could have seen him graduating Hogwarts by the time he was thirteen. However, he would never have made an unspeakable regardless of how intelligent he was at that age. He knew this, thus continued his education, became more sociable, he actually took a Mastery while gaining his OWLs and NEWTS."

Harry blinked, "It seems rotten to add him and not Rabastan," he admitted, glancing at his partner, who he wanted to share everything with. However, he did not want to disappoint him, or Rodolphus or Corvus.

"Don't worry about me," Rabastan stated, squeezing his fiancé's shoulder sincerely, "Besides the quicker you work on this project means more time with me." Teasing him, he'd find out what he was doing sooner or later anyway and the Dark Lord was there so hopefully Harry wouldn't get into anything…beyond his ken.

"Come with us, just bring any books you want to read," Harry suggested, that way they'd be able to spend some time together even if they were immersed in different projects. "I'll put a silencing spell up." Almost hopping on the spot in excitement.

"You really shouldn't offer to let me bring any, darling," Rabastan said, eyes glimmering with devious delight. "All of them are likely unknown to anyone other than those of Black blood that showed interest." Which meant it would be a massive advantage.

"The books are mine, you know," Harry said wryly, green eyes twinkling brightly. "Even the twins technically aren't eligible for the Black lordship at this present time. Although, once they're given the adoption potion, they will be eligible for a certain portion of the estate. They will receive it, but right now? Legally everything is mine, and what is mine is yours." Reaching forward he kissed Rabastan, before parting with a soft sweet smile. Oh, he'd likely give one of them the Black lordship – well he'd have to change the rules for the girl to get it – but only if they wanted it and would make a good Lord. Not everyone was suitable for such a position and thus he would wait. Perhaps it might end up being one of his children that end up with it. He would do what was best for all the lines he holds.

"Please tell me I do not sound like that," Aurelius murmured quietly, as he pulled off yet another book from the shelf.

Harry laughed, "You sound worse," he taunted and teased the wizard. "Do you think you'll ever get married?"

Rabastan just shook his head, honestly, he would never get used to anyone speaking so frankly to his Lord. Not even Harry, but at least he didn't expect the worst anymore, which had been Harry being cursed for his flippant ways where it concerned the Dark Lord. Only his father and a few of the inner circle – who had long since passed now – got away with it. Now Harry of course.

"I very much doubt it, it's not something either Bill or I want," Aurelius confessed, wrinkling his forehead in vexation. "Neither of us are interested in continuing our names, and we are quite content to keep our assets separate." He was far wealthier than Bill, but with his own company he was thriving in a way the Weasley's hadn't been able to accomplish for generations. Added bonus of not having to give money to his father or brothers. Percy had his own job now and was saving up to buy a property. Fred and George had been working for years under Sirius' company, and were creating their own products there, and getting more than generous interests for their intellectual property.

Fred and George were actually beginning to create more content on the side, joke products and had just purchased a shop with a flat above for themselves. They were intending on continuing their joke products on the side, while Sirius' company was their main focus. They owed the wizard everything, but Sirius brushed it off with a comment on them being 'practically family' and wasn't that a kick in the teeth for Arthur who had no clue his children didn't know his mother was Cedrella Black before she married his father.

Amelia and Arthur had the house to themselves the majority of the year. With only one child staying with them, Susan Bones, Amelia's niece whom Amelia adopted when she was a baby. It hurt Arthur at first, since Susan was Ron's age, his boy, it still hurt to this day. Still, he was glad only one of them passed away in that accident. Even if he hated Molly, and couldn't bear to look at what he thought was his youngest.

"He doesn't want children? Even though the Weasley…well, Weasley family has halved," Harry said thoughtfully, conjuring up a box, and begun to put all books pertaining to soul magic into the box.

"It's hardly surprising, they say children born under a love potion…are different." Aurelius murmured thoughtfully, as he begun helping Harry put them into the box. "They like to say we're incapable of love, which is nonsense. We are capable of it, perhaps not like everyone else, but we still do. Charlie apparently feels pretty much the same. Percy however, seems rather besotted with his girlfriend and I wouldn't be surprised if there's a child of that union soon." Although, they were very ambitious so perhaps not, maybe a career would come first for the two of them.

Aurelius had to admit it was fascinating, how alike Bill, himself and Charlie all felt. They had grown up vastly different, them in a loving façade of a home, he in an orphanage yet they felt the same way.

"I'm not sure I actually believe that," Harry said sharply, "It turns my stomach but a lot of children are born from love potions. It crops up constantly, insidiously, and sold so easily like it's an amusing open secret." And it was so easily procured too and even easier to brew – admittedly three of the ingredients were expensive – but that was it.

Harry put the next set of books into the box, and added, "If I had my way, they'd be banned, and knowledge wiped from society, some knowledge and magic shouldn't be known." Even the Imperius curse could be fought, if one tried hard enough.

"Not so easily done, luckily," Aurelius murmured, "Otherwise we would have likely lost swaths of knowledge society believes should not be known." Because of foolish idiots and their fears. The thought of all the knowledge he knew being faded into obscurity was rather terrifying.

Harry just shrugged, it didn't matter, its not like such a thing existed. All he could do realistically is ensure that the potions were restricted as tightly as possible. To up the sentence one would receive for using it on someone. Perhaps a life sentence? Its what they would put their victims through. It was what he was really passionate for anyway, so that was an added bonus.

"Do you think that's them all?" Harry mused thoughtfully, it did seem immaculately in order, not a single bit of dust in the room. Vastly different from the rest of the house, he must admit. However, considering the sheer number of books and their worth, he wasn't surprised they'd been so carefully preserved.

Aurelius flicked his hand, non-verbally and wandlessly summoning any other books containing information about soul magic. Only two books flew into his hand, one oddly enough, the same book he'd used to learn about Horcruxes and how to create them. He set them inside of the box, despite not believing the book would be any way helpful. "Now it is." He confirmed, placing the lid on the box glancing at Rabastan arching a brow, silently asking if he intended to follow them.

Rabastan inclined his head, before returning for the box filled with scrolls on ancient runes. Far more comfortable with just taking them now. He'd grown up knowing that Sirius Black was the heir of the Black family. Part of him still thought of him that way despite his fiancé being the actual Lord of the Black family now. It wasn't like he was going to keep it, no, he just wanted to borrow them. Although, it sounded like Harry wished to remove everything from Grimmauld Place including the library. Only an idiot would let people into the family home without removing everything of value.

"Just remember if you're going to have people coming in and out of this property to deal with any magical creature manifestations to get anything of value put safely aside." Rabastan told him, returning with the box. "The least valuable thing I've seen here is over three hundred galleons." And it was a disgusting trolls stand of all things. Situated at the side of the front door as they'd entered Grimmauld Place.

Harry hummed, "I'll get the House-elves to help us then," he wasn't going to put the books in the vault, he loved reading too much for that. No, if anything he'd begin the process of shipping them to Gallifrey Hall, the library there was small, quite old, but combining them would be perfect.

Rabastan smiled, pleased that his fiancé had taken his word to heart. "That's everything for now, shall we?"

And the trio left the library, closing the door and barring it from entry. They didn't want anything getting inside. The thought of anything happening to the books was horrific, despite being Slytherin's they were avid readers.

"Good afternoon, My Lord," Augustus murmured deferentially, preparing to drop into a bow of respect, when he was barked at.

"Remain standing, I do not ask anyone to subjugate themselves to me," Aurelius all but barked at the wizard, rather irritated that he was still attempting to do this.

"My apologies, My Lord, please, make yourself at home, how may I be of service?" straightening up, and straight to offering his property for anything and everything Aurelius may desire. It was rather fortuitous really, since it was his day off work. He tended to work far more than he ought to. He'd had enough time languishing away in Azkaban. He liked to keep himself busy. It kept his mind and spirit healthy, and he needed that, the clinic had made it clear if he didn't keep himself motivated, he'd revert back to nasty habits.

"We are in need of your expertise," Aurelius informed him, "Do you have a library or study that will accommodate us?"

Harry watched Augustus curiously, tall, imposing, and vastly different from his picture that had been in the Daily Prophet. The article that had pronounced their innocence to the world. Merlin, nobody had been able to believe it, now it was entirely normal. Nobody thought of them as 'Death Eaters' anymore, and Voldemort was a nightmare that had ended fifteen years ago. The pock-marks were gone, likely while he was at the clinic, and the extremely long and greasy hair that had likely been infested with all manner of critters was gone. Now he had short black hair, down just passed his ears. Likely regrowing it after it having to be shaved after Azkaban and doing so naturally instead of with a spell or potions. It was peppered color now, and leery of the Dark Lord, not afraid, not anymore but certainly wary. He had to be in his sixties maybe? Yet no sign of an heir or wife? It was rather odd, he pondered on why his father hadn't tried to force his son into a marriage? It seemed like that's what they used to do, but maybe the father loved his son too much to force the issue?

"Of course, follow me," with that Rookwood begun to guide them in the direction in what Harry soon realized was a massive library. With plenty of tables, with one large one directly in the middle, presumably for large projects? Harry gasped when he noticed the bookcases, he couldn't help but move it. They were rotating with the books magically held in place with the same page open despite it moving. "That's wicked!" showing his age.

"My great-grandfather purchased ten of them for the library, you don't see them anywhere anymore, at least not very often." Rookwood explained, with genuine fondness. "They are extremely handy for when you're immersed in any project of your choosing. My current one is in Alchemy. Also, easy to shrink down and take with you if the project takes you out of your home." Which happened frequently with him, he often took everything to work. If one cared to look, you'd find one in his great-grandfathers painting.

"Awesome," Harry murmured, before sitting down, ready to get to work.

Rookwood watched Rabastan sit himself at the side table in bafflement. Glancing at the Dark Lord with a look of utter confusion. If anyone he expected to be out of the loop it would be Harry Potter.

"My Lord?" Rookwood questioned the wizard.

Aurelius gestured for Harry to take the lead, as he removed the books, he thought were most promising to this particular project.

Harry explained everything about the project, including what he wanted the inevitable outcome to be. Showing off all his calculations so far, in one of the books that Rabastan had gotten him, at least he thought it was Rabastan. It may have been Corvus, they knew he was big on projects so they got him a lot of books/journals

Rookwood's eyes gleamed, "You're a necromancer?"

"Not fully," Harry replied.

"He's got enough of the Peverell blood in him to do soul magicks like I was able to." Aurelius explained, he had to sacrifice something to return even with the best of magicks at his disposal. He wasn't about to give up his Slytherin heritage (the abilities) and thus he had chosen his Peverell abilities to be sacrificed to regain a perfect body and mind.

"Fascinating, if this actually works…it's unprecedented." Rookwood was already stalking through his library, still muttering under his breathe, despite having left the privacy bubble. "I know exactly what you need…let me see if I can find it."

Rabastan paused glancing briefly at Rookwood before shaking his head, deciding he didn't want to know. He still didn't know how the guy got into Slytherin if he was honest. His father told him that he was in the library more than anywhere else for the short time he was there.

Rookwood returned with five books in his arms and three floating beside him, pages flipping ceasing as he set it down. "Page five of this one, page ninety of this one, and one hundred and fifty of this one." He murmured placing them in front of the Dark Lord and Harry.

"Of course, why didn't I think of that?" Aurelius murmured exasperated.

"It's so simple, I'm truly annoyed at myself," Harry grumbled, in agreement with Aurelius.

"If we combine this ritual, with these three…it would almost work…there's just one thing missing…" Harry said, excitement spiking, this was as close as he had gotten.

Rookwood smirked, "You need this," tapping the book, "I want your permission so I can give this to the Unspeakables, we've been attempting to make something like this for decades. There are numerous abandoned projects from those that have passed on without creating it." He had helped even if only a little at the end of the day. He was a Slytherin and he'd take every advantage. This would enable him to take over as head of the Unspeakables, the best position possible.

Harry cocked his head to the side, narrowing his gaze shrewdly, "I'll draw up a contract, giving you permission to use our combined intellectual property and share it with the Unspeakables only, but no money can be made from it, not without us getting a percentage of the profit."

Aurelius' lips twitched in approval, Harry had done most of the work, so he would ensure that was reflected in the profit percentage. The margin would be appropriate for Rookwood as well. None of them were hurting for money, and likely never would.

"We have a deal," Rookwood confirmed his agreement to the contract. "I'll sign it."

"I'll have my lawyer look it over," Harry replied, excited.

"Do you have everything fixed today to test it this evening?" Rookwood asked, almost eager to test this, to see if it would work.

Harry reached out and opened his pocket watch, gauging the time, "Do you have anything on after seven?"

"I don't, now," Aurelius replied instantly, he wasn't going to miss this. To be amongst the magical world's most intellectual minds trying new magic twined with old? Definitely not missing it, no matter what.

Harry beamed at him, he was slightly grateful, he didn't want to be alone with Rookwood. Not that the wizard had done or said anything inappropriate or made him feel afraid. He just didn't know him, so he liked that Aurelius was going to be there. Naturally he couldn't have Rabastan there, otherwise that would blow the surprise to hell. Or maybe it wouldn't since he didn't know if it would work.

Theoretical work didn't always work out in real life, as sure as they all were.

Harry wasn't going to tell Rabastan anything without proof that it would work. "What would you say the percentage of success is?"

"I'd give it a solid ninety-five percent." Rookwood stated firmly, confident in his analysis.

"Okay, we'll be back at seven at the latest, with the contract," Harry said, packing away his project, although, he suspected that Rookwood was capable of remembering everything. Harry reckoned he had an eidetic memory of some sort. He knew what pages to turn to far too well for him to be anything but.

"Both of you go ahead," Aurelius commented, but it was definitely a thinly veiled order.

"Sure," Harry said, "See you tonight," with that he trotted over to Rabastan, getting his attention before both of them made their way over to the Floo. Rabastan asking Rookwood for permission before they left, everything of value in their pockets shrunk down safe.

Then he walked into a scene of pure chaos.

Harry's jaw dropped, horrified, his bag, his paints, his books, his papers, his project books, were strewn everywhere. Ripped and torn, or smeared with more paint than should be possible given the size of the tubes. Never mind the smears of paint everywhere else, sofa, carpet, his little nook, the table. The smell was atrocious, had his pup peed all over the house? Why hadn't they let him out? How long had the twins and his pup been on their own? Where was his pup? Where was everyone?

A/N – There we go! I hope you're still enjoying the story, thank you for all your lovely reviews, little titbits of Harry's project is showing through 😊 although they are not off to a good start, but sometimes things don't get off smooth sailing but that's life for you! Have any of you figured out what Harry is actually up to yet? I noticed at least one of you guys focused on the bag 😉 ugh I'm too predictable sometimes lol or you guys are just used to me writing everything for a reason 😊 R&R please

Update on Loki – infection is still there, less than a week of antibiotics left, it's not looking good it seems he might need to go to the vets to get scans and find out what's going on there. I really hope it doesn't come to that, he really doesn't like other people or dogs (he's very anxious) so this will be just awful for all of us poor wee mite! I'll keep you updated x

Another Doctor Who reference if you can find it lol that's two in this one, at least Lord Of Time only has the one ;) hehe