The Half Blood Prince Revealed

Summary :

Harry's summer before sixth year is no different from the others. Around every corner surprises, good and bad, and adventure of all kind await. And it looks like the gods have finally granted Harry a possibility for a nicer life. What will this mean for his 6th year at Hogwarts ?

General Disclaimer :

I am just playing in the sand of JKRowling's literary produced beach and am attempting to build my own sandcastle for others to enjoy.

- - - - - - - - - -

28 The Usual Business

"Father !"

Andy cried and laughed at the same time as she saw the man in the painting. Uncle Black clearly showed his surprise at the way she addressed him.

"How did you … ? Harry, did you … ?" he queried as he looked from Harry to his daughter.

"No, father, I've known since uncle Sirius died. I just never got the chance to tell you in person. I was so happy with the news."

Harry interrupted the reunion of sorts to introduce Mr Black to the couple and then left them alone for what amounted to a very personal talk.

Ted emerged from the study some twenty minutes later and asked for his daughter to join them. It was almost an hour later before the family emerged again, this time with Ted carrying Uncle Black's painting.

While he was busy placing Uncle Black's painting at the strategically best place in the sitting room Dobby and Winky were inviting every one to assemble there. It wasn't very long before they were all seated and Andy took the floor.

"Our daughter tells me that Harry considers you all as his family, and as he is head of the family I once belonged to, was kicked out of and have now been welcomed back to along with my husband and daughter, that makes you all our family also. And as such we believe you should all hear this too."

There were a few murmurs of "Not necessary at all." and "There's really no need." but Andy continued nevertheless.

"As I'm only the result of the story, I'd like you to hear it from one of the main parties involved, Alphard Black, my father."

Predictably the only reactions came from the few older magical people who realised the implications of Andy's last statement.

"Please allow me to give you a bit of the background story first." started Uncle Black.

"The usual succession of an estate is from eldest son to his eldest son, only taking sidesteps in case the eldest son has no male children and that is how in reality it also goes in the Black family. However, for the past 250 years or so it looked like the Black family used the different policy of having the first male grandchild become the next heir, irregardless of which of the siblings produced that heir. And so that's why my two eldest brothers Sirius and Regulus started the race to produce that firstborn male child of the next generation.

Sirius and Regulus married within months from each other, Regulus not even 20 yet. Sirius' wife Lysandra became pregnant almost immediately, but when the baby came it was stillborn. Six months later Bellatrix was born and Lysandra, who was pregnant again, miscarried just weeks later.

My two eldest brothers were going crazy by then, as Orion at 18 had fallen for our cousin Wally and was about to get married. Lysandra had two further miscarriages but Druella, Regulus' wife, after having a miscarriage shortly after Bellatrix' birth, came up with a solution of her own. I have no idea if Regulus was aware of it, but Druella tried to seduce both Orion – who was too besotted with Wally to notice what was going on - and myself. I didn't know what to do or where to turn. I was sixteen and I think it was the only summer I couldn't wait for Hogwarts to start up again. And then at the end of August, Druella got me drunk, had her way with me and - as it turned out later - became pregnant.

It wasn't until a few days after my return to Hogwarts that I started to get an idea of what had actually happened that night when all these images kept popping up in my head. At the time I had no inkling of why Druella had done such a thing and I didn't connect Andy's birth with that night either. It wasn't until a few years later, as the girls grew up that I started having my suspicion and by then there was nothing really I could do.

Poor Lysandra had two more miscarriages and another baby stillborn while Druella produced another daughter. The two men kept pushing their wives, but it wasn't until Orion had openly said that after Wally's own miscarriage they would wait for at least a year before trying for a baby again that my two sisters-in-law finally protested. And then quite a while later along came Sirius, followed by his brother Regulus some 15 months later and the race was won by the brother who wasn't in the race in the first place."

"That's why Draco Malfoy is so haughty, isn't it ? His family have always believed him to be the heir apparent." pondered Hermione.

"That's right, and with what little I know of this generation of Malfoys, if he's anything like his father Abraxas, they won't have waited with spending the money in advance." remarked Uncle Black.

"Andy, my dear," asked Mrs Longbottom, "how is it that you are so calm about the news ? Surely it came as a shock to find out your father wasn't your father, but your uncle ?"

"Oh I can assure you that it was a big shock and at the same time quite a relief when I found out. But that was 25 years ago when uncle Sirius passed away."

They continued talking but soon, with the serious stuff now out of the way little groups started to form. Messrs Granger, Tonks, Weasley and surprisingly Percy sat talking about muggle things. Charlie, Fred, George, Neville, Ron and Ginny were obviously talking about quidditch. Bill, Remus, Tonks and Professor Dumbledore were occupied in a serious conversation, by the looks on their faces. And the Mmes Tonks, Granger, Weasley and Longbottom, along with Hermione, were talking about the four Black brothers and Harry decided to go and get the photo albums they'd made with the pictures from the vault and Orion's personal belongings.

The evening continued on with several conversations in ever mixing groups of people and they all went to bed with a content feeling.

Sunday morning nine o'clock found the Hall crowded with people and their luggage. With the parents of both Hermione and Tonks, the full Weasley clan, and Neville and his grandmother present for a holiday in the sun the party now counted nineteen members. Everybody stood chattering in anticipation of their move and they had not noticed the move had taken place already. It wasn't until Harry stood on the fourth step of the stairs and 'hem-hem-ed' a few times that all eyes were on him.

"Welcome to Black Island Manor. Remus and I hope you'll enjoy your stay here. Now since there are so many of us you have the option to stay in one of the beach bungalows scattered around the island instead of the main house. These bungalows have bedrooms, a sitting room and a kitchen-dining room. The kitchen cupboards and cold boxes have an automatic link to the ones in the main house kitchen that will be kept well stocked with both fresh food and ready-to-heat meals.

You will also find a message board in the kitchen area of the bungalows and the main house. You'll find detailed instructions on how to use them, but in short you can address a message to one person or the whole group. In case your bungalow refuses to let you out you can best either check the message board before leaving or you'll need to put on more sun cream.

For the rest I would say, go and explore, install yourselves as you please and above all … enjoy."

Besides Harry and Remus only Tonks and her parents stayed in the main house, all the others opted to stay in one of the bungalows. They agreed to eat that first lunch on the island together and the only one not in the know of the real reason was mighty surprised to find it didn't take place in the kitchen area but rather the real dining room. The place was decorated with party streamers and balloons and as soon as she entered the others started a slightly off key version of Happy Birthday. Harry, this time as an onlooker, saw in Ginny's face almost the exact same emotions and thoughts as those he had felt a week and a half ago and he vaguely wondered if they too had at that time felt the slight apprehension that came from wondering if the birthday girl would actually like his present.

After a delicious meal that had all of Ginny's favourite dishes it was time for the presents and she attacked the pile without restraint. The first she picked up was a small but heavy box from Tonks' parents. The paperweight in the form of a unicorn looked a little dull at first but as if orchestrated the twins swayed a little and so allowed a beam of sunlight to hit the figurine. It turned the image almost life-like and Ginny beamed up at the couple in thanks. Hermione, always practical, bought her a deluxe version of a study planner but her parents had added a frivolous note to it by buying scented and coloured muggle ink, along with a certificate to get refills of her favourites. Neville and his gran provided additional vouchers to some of the more popular shops in Hogsmeade and from Tonks she received a simple gold bracelet that had two little charms attached in the form of a cat and a broom. Her six brothers had combined their resources and got her a brand new trunk, the Teen Witch Special. Charlie joked not to expect the same grandeur from it as Harry's trunk but Ginny was speechless at the unexpected gift. At first glance it looked a lot like Harry's, made from similar pale wood, but it had none of the extensive security measures and it came with only three compartments. There was the usual trunk compartment and a more modest sized walk in clothes cum storage cupboard. When Ginny went to inspect the third compartment the reactions it got from the females made it clear to Harry that this was the something that made it a Teen Witch Special. It provided a dressing table with a large mirror and offered a wide range in all kinds of beauty products in a multitude of colours. Charlie went on to explain the supply of products would not only last at least five years and could then be upgraded to more mature versions, the mirror could also recognise up to three different people and provide each with a personalised palette of products. The present was an obvious hit with Ginny as she hugged and kissed her brothers into a serious attack of blushes.

The next present came from Professor Dumbledore and Ginny looked the Gryffindor-red leather bound diary over with some trepidation. The letter that accompanied the present must have put her a bit more at ease as she looked at the book in more detail. As she opened the front cover a very colourful quill became visible and she took it from its specially designed space on the inside of the book. Writing her name on the first page resulted however in the text to disappear just as had happened in Riddle's diary and Harry was not surprised to see her shut the book with some force. Surprisingly the front leather covered side now sported her name in gold script very much like her own handwriting, and, as a very cute addition also visible was a small image of a lion. When Ginny went to touch the figure a decidedly purring sound could be heard and Ginny smiled at the discovery. Tonks, who was seated next to Ginny bent over to touch the animal also but was quick to snap away her hand as the lion had taken a more protecting stance and let out a mighty roar. The demonstration was just what Ginny had needed to take away the last of her fears it might be a repeat of Riddle's diary and she turned to the last present, a box equally as large as the one from her brothers that contained the combined present from Remus and himself. It held a very nice but simple cat basket in cream with small touches of the Gryffindor colours along with the paperwork for a Pet Care Account that would cover any bills associated with her new pet, from special food to toys, treats and veterinary bills. The cat basket also contained a very nice stuffed muggle toy cat with a wizarding picture attached to its collar. The picture was of the latest litter of kneazles that his Mrs Figg had. The kittens at only two weeks old however were too young to be taken away from their mum and Ginny would have to wait several more weeks before she'd get her very own kitten. As understanding had fully taken over Harry had no need to doubt their present was more than well received and after the Weasley boys it was now his turn to receive thanks from the birthday girl that made him blush as hard as her brothers had.

The party continued on until teatime when the house elves served up a scrumptious birthday cake. After tea however the lure of the sunny island was simply too great and they made their way outside.

It was the start of a great, sunny and especially relaxed and lazy week. Early every morning, as had become his habit, Harry met up with Ginny for a swim. They then returned to their respective kitchens where Harry had breakfast with Remus, and sometimes any one or all members of the Tonks family. Harry spent most of the morning outside in a semi shady spot, often accompanied by Lily, Hedwig and the two lovebirds. After a lunch, taken again in company of any one of those occupying Black Manor, Harry stayed safely inside until after teatime, reading any book the library presented him with.

On Tuesday Professor McGonagall appeared in the Main Hall. Harry who had just come to the kitchen to get some juice heard the soft 'pop' as she apparated in and called for her to join them outside. It looked like Professor Dumbledore hadn't told her of the Island judging by the surprise visible on her face as she took in the view through the kitchen windows.

"Sweet Merlin, Harry, where are we ? Surely this isn't England ?"

"Indeed Professor, welcome to Black Island Manor. I know we're in the tropics somewhere but as to its exact location ? I've no clue."

"It makes a nice change from the dreary summer we've experienced that's for sure. Anyway, other than hoping to spend a few hours in your library I was also asked to take back the instructions for the dandelion juice to Hogwarts this afternoon. With a slight improvement in the weather forecast for the next few days, the elves hope to start picking them the day after tomorrow."

"That is indeed good news. And collecting the instructions won't take but a moment, as I had them ready on my desk. But professor, are you free the next few days ? Would you like to spend a few days in the tropics too before the onslaught of students start again ? We are staying here until at least Friday evening and there is a little and secluded bungalow free. It has all mod cons and all the books you'd like to read. You'd be more than welcome."

"Hmm, that does sound tempting and the things I planned doing can wait for a few more days. Very well, Mr Potter. I accept your kind invitation. If you could give me the instructions, I'll head back to Hogwarts to pack and return as soon as I can."

On Thursday they all had dinner together as Mr Granger wanted to show Mr Weasley all about muggle barbecues and they had great fun. Afterwards however Harry and Remus had a hard time explaining the puzzled house elves about the concept of eating charred or underdone meat and still enjoying it.

When Saturday morning came around even Harry was loath to say goodbye to the Island but the prospect of another Potions lesson made up for the slight disappointment.

They had another great session with Elijah and Harry told him about the dandelion juice that was being prepared as they spoke. At the end of the session however they got a first glimpse of what all lessons at Hogwarts would now be like when Elijah asked them to research the potion they would make the next week.

After another DADA session with Tonks and Remus they spent the time between tea and dinner outside as the British summer weather had finally turned warm and sunny again. Shortly after dinner Harry received a confirmation from Luna and her dad they'd be over the next day for lunch and that Luna would stay for the remainder of summer.

Mr Lovegood was nothing like Harry had imagined. Other than having the same protuberant silvery grey eyes Mr Lovegood was Luna's opposite in every other way. His black hair was cropped short and the tall broad-shouldered man had an aura of wit and knowledge. Harry also noted that Luna didn't seem quite so detached and dreamy as usual. A conversation with her dad confirmed his earlier observations and explained a lot about Luna. She was very sensitive to other people's emotions so an environment like Hogwarts with lots of people about was very hard on her. But now, after nearly seven weeks of near solitude, she'd had a chance to just be herself.

On Sunday evening, a lot of the extra guests made to leave for their own homes again and a lot of arrangements were made. With plans to stay in Grimmauld Place for the last few days of the holidays Harry invited everyone to re-join them there. With the Tonks family he made an appointment to visit the Black vault together. Alphard had asked Harry to pass on some jewellery to Andy, that he had inherited from a maternal grandmother and would have been passed on to Sirius. Harry had been quick to agree as he wanted the two women to pick anything that caught their fancy in there anyway.

With the arrival of Monday morning they returned to their original schedules of morning classes and free afternoons. On Tuesday Harry had a visitor in Paul Enseel, the painter Professor Dumbledore had recommended. After being contacted by Paul Watkins the man had agreed to the conditions and only afterwards had heard his client was to be Harry.

Not knowing what to expect Harry had an image of a very bohemian person in his mind but Mr Enseel was quite a surprise. Probably only a few years younger than Remus he looked more like a businessman than an artist. His light brown hair was cut in a fashionable way and he wore a simple dark blue suit with white shirt. The only thing that distracted from the image was the very ragged holdall he had in his hand and bulging portfolio tucked under his arm.

"Welcome to my home, Mr Enseel."

"Thank you, Mr Potter. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Little Paul ?" came hesitantly from Remus.

With a wide smile on his face the artist turned his attention to Remus. "You didn't know it was me coming ?"

"No, I never really connected Little Paul with the famous painter. What a pleasant surprise !"

"I presume you know each other ?" smiled Harry.

"Oh, yes, Mr Potter. You see, in the holiday before I started at Hogwarts I was allowed to join my father when he painted the portrait of your grandparents, your father and Mr Black. By the time school started I worshipped the ground they walked on." explained the man with a slightly embarrassed look.

"Merlin, yes I do remember those early days," added Remus, "but you and your friends were the best thing to ever happen to them, especially for James." And as he turned to Harry he continued his explanation. "Paul and his fellow first year gryffindors acted a bit like Colin Creevey did - and does," amusement clear in his voice when he saw Harry's face when he mentioned the boy's name. "At first both James and Sirius were very flattered by all the worshipping, but shortly after the incident with Severus happened, James especially realised the influence they had on these youngsters and changed his ways."

"Oh Merlin, yes, I still shudder when I think of what could have happened if James hadn't intervened ?"

The look on Remus' face indicated he had no idea what Paul was talking about so Harry asked for an explanation. Paul Enseel answered, surprise clear in his voice.

"He didn't tell you ?"

A shake of Remus' head was enough for the other man to continue.

"We were preparing for a grand prank when James caught us in the act. I'd never seen him quite so angry or shocked before, but I quickly understood when he explained exactly what the consequences could be if something went wrong. It would have been nasty, both for the recipients of the prank and us. I guess you could say being expelled would have been the least of our possible punishment."

"That was the day before Halloween, wasn't it ?" asked Remus.

"Why yes, it was. We'd planned the prank for the next day."

"He never said anything about it, but I knew something big had happened. After that he was a lot more cautious with his pranking."

The two men sat in contemplative silence for a minute when Harry decided to bring the conversation back.

"You said your father is a painter too, sir ?"

"My father passed away seven years ago, but yes, he was. In fact, our family records go back quite a long time and in the last twenty-five generations at least one ancestor per generation went into professional painting. I understood from the recent newspaper article that you've never had access to the Potter estate, so you might not know this, but our records also show that quite a few of your ancestors liked the work of my ancestors, and if you're interested, I have taken the photographs of those paintings from our archives to show them to you."

"Yes please, that would be wonderful."

The artist took his hold-all, searched through it and removed a small photo album. After enlarging the album Harry saw several more family portraits of his family as well as land- and seascapes. The final three paintings in the album Harry knew well. They were the two that he'd taken from the vault and that hopefully would feature in the new one, and the third was hanging in the bedroom of his Deluxe Apartment in his trunk.

After Paul Enseel showed him some of his work and Harry explained the different paintings he wanted to commission, he took Mr Enseel up the stairs to the third floor so the man could make pictures of the view Harry wanted painted. Together with Remus they then agreed on the pose for the "Potter-heir-at-16" painting and more pictures were taken.

After spending some time outside to take even more pictures Remus, Harry and Paul Enseel agreed they would visit his studio just before Harry started his 6th year at Hogwarts to look at the progress made and to make a first payment.

Author's Note :

Having an unusual early start to my weekend and with the next chapter finished I figured I'd treat you all to an equally early posting. Hope you enjoy it !

Thanks for your continued reading. Would love some feedback from you though. If you have any questions about the story, please don't hesitate.

Have you enjoyed this (and previous) chapter(s) ? You might be interested to know the story is a few chapters further along and offers a little extra info and pictures on my yahoo group (for link see profile page).

cheers

kadedeetje