Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or any of the characters. That honor belongs solely to J.K. Rowling. I don't make any kind of money or profit out of this story; it is purely for my reader's enjoyment.

A/N Important:

As some of you might have already noticed, I have started posting on my profile on which chapters I am currently working on and how far I am along. Thank you for your support! Enjoy!

Previous chapter:

''I should probably leave…'' Orion said voice a little deeper; Hadrian nodded, still feeling the strain from keeping his magic back. ''…before I completely lose control of myself, and do something highly inappropriate without a declaration of intent first.'' The Black Lord added, and Hadrian narrowed his eyes at the smirking wizard; but the words lodged themselves in his throat when Orion boldly reached forward tugging a strand of ebony hair in his direction; his lips curving into a small sensuous smile that ignited a fire inside the smaller wizard.

''Look out for my owl, Hadrian. I will hopefully see you again soon.'' Orion murmured, with a small regal bow and only moments later he was gone through the floo place, and as Hadrian stared at the flickering fire, he couldn't stop the excited shudder and trembling of his body, as those words registered in his mind.

Torn between frustration and excitement, Hadrian turned around, trying and failing to get those grey eyes out of his mind.

Chapter 4 – Declarations

''-ke up!'' The shrill sound of his best friend's voice made Sirius Black blearily open his grey eyes; confusion evident on his disheveled face as he peered up at James Potter. Groaning, the Black heir turned around, shuffling a little to get more comfortable in his still warm and cozy bed. If he could just go right back to sleep-

…only to jump up with a startled shout when he was doused with a spray of ice cold water. Ignoring his soaked clothing, body and bed; Sirius stared in disbelief at his snickering friend and fellow Marauder.

''James, why?'' he whined almost petulantly, rubbing his wet face wearily. It was just too god damn early!

''Padfoot, it's almost eight, hurry up or we won't get any breakfast.'' James Potter remarked carelessly, smirking cheerfully at the figure of Sirius Black, which was by now visibly panicking.

''Damn, Prongs. Why didn't you wake me up earlier?'' Sirius Black threw over his shoulder as he ran towards the bathroom, quickly grabbing some clothes, intent on taking a quick shower and doing his morning absolutions.

Ignoring comfort for speed, Sirius sped through his morning rituals, listening to the muffled conversation James had with Remus – another of his closest friends and fellow Marauder. Apparently Peter had once again managed to lose one of his text books Merlin knows where. Sirius was far too stressed to contemplate the utterly moronic nature of the last of the Marauders. He liked Peter – sweet, loyal Peter – he really did, but sometimes he wished to strangle the younger wizard. Who manages to lose his potion textbook trice in a single month anyway?

Even he – resident rule breaker - took better care of his school things, no matter how careless he could be. Because no matter what, Sirius Black took care of what he valued.

''Let's get going.'' Sirius grumbled faintly, even as he took in the shy smile of quiet, studious, prefect Remus and the utterly unrepentant grin of what was probably his brother in all but blood.

''Alright, Paddy. Minnie is gonna miss us if we don't arrive soon. Probably get a few premature grey hairs.'' James smirked, and all three of them laughed.

''By the way. Sirius, why are you always so tired in the morning? Anything we should know?'' James waggled his eyebrows comically, and Sirius was hard-pressed not to burst out laughing at the hilarious picture the Potter heir made.

''I've been researching something that's got to do with my family. I have some questions, I suppose. I asked Professor Peverell and he gave me some books.'' Sirius answered vaguely. It wasn't like he didn't trust his friends, but he was still undecided, still torn about what he should think, nevertheless decide. He had started reading the first of the three books Professor Peverell gave him only a fortnight after receiving them, and he was almost finished with the last one, but still-

It was like being thrown into a hurricane unprepared, all fierce storms and unforgiving winds. It was like being uprooted without warning, because suddenly what seemed so certain only weeks ago was not so anymore.

His father had sent him a letter only a day after their little impromptu meeting, and for the first time in years Sirius had sat down and read and listened. He was still hurt; the wound was still raw and painful, but not festering anymore. It felt good, to know that your family might not be as unreachable as it seemed.

He couldn't forgive his mother, and he didn't think he ever would, but his father was a different story. During the last few weeks of their tentative correspondence – which was still too formal and stilled, but there – Sirius had been in denial. He had raged in his mind, had lashed out in anger and buried his fears behind pranks and smiles. He could deal with scorn, with harsh words; but affection from anyone in his family except Regulus was an unknown.

It was only two days ago when he had seen a Gryffindor fourth year glow when receiving a letter from his father in Egypt, felt that bitter feeling of longing pulse through his body that Sirius finally admitted how much he wanted that relationship, his Black pride be damned.

So he had once again mulled over the books Professor Peverell had handed him and came to a conclusion. Sirius Black didn't think that he could be a dark wizard yet, no matter how much his blood urged him to. But he could be grey, could call himself a darker shade of grey without guilt or lingering doubts.

Professor Peverell didn't seem so bad after all, so when Sirius saw that serious glint in James hazel and Remus flashing amber eyes, he only laughed and said what he now knew to be the truth.

''Everything's alright. I've finally got it sorted out.''

The Great hall was still quiet full when the trio entered through the wide entrance. Friday's were considered somewhat tolerable only by the fact that most students didn't have any early classes. Grinning and waving at some of the students in his house, Sirius Black let none of his previous thoughts show, too tired to bother with another of the dubious looks thrown at him by both James and Remus.

Instead his eyes wandered to the other side of the hall where his little brother Regulus sat, clad in green and silver, talking to some of his friends. They had a fall-out nearly two years ago when Sirius refused to see any good in their family, not understanding Regulus vehement defense of their father.

Now that he knew how utterly he had messed up, he would have to apologize to Reggie and see if there was still any of that formerly close bond left. He just hoped it wasn't too late.

''Sure.'' He absent-mindedly responded to one of James's questions, grey eyes narrowed in determination, unknowingly looking more like his father than ever.

''What's that?'' Remus startled voice broke Sirius out of his thoughts, and he focused on the werewolf, only to realized that he was staring at the high windows that were usually reserved for owls. Sirius Black was glad that the halls attention seemed to be caught by the great and fierce black eagle owl that was gracefully sailing through the window, a distinctive white bow looped around the right claw; otherwise he was sure someone would have seem him gaping almost incomprehensively at the magnificent bird.

He knew that owl, had been pecked by that bloody bird more times than he could count. That was his father's personal owl. Seeing the proud creature land on Hadrian Peverell's outstretched arm with only the faintest of sounds, Sirius had to swallow the startled laughter that wanted to pass his lips.

Because that white ribbon meant that his father had just sent a very traditional and ancient courting request towards his Defense against the Dark Arts teacher; a white ribbon, which meant that this request was not based on politics but actual feelings.

As Sirius Black watched his Professor carefully liberate the black eagle owl from the white ribbon and tie it around his left pale wrist where it seemed to fasten snugly, face unreadable but decidedly ignoring the attention of the whole hall; he faintly thought that his father's unusual openness with the Peverell Lord was not as unbelievable anymore.

The Black Heir almost fainted when he saw the proud and fierce eagle owl that liked no one but his father rub it's head affectionately against the wizard's curled fingers. Catching his brothers similarly startled and utterly confused gaze from across the hall, Sirius allowed his own incredulity to show.

This really wasn't what he thought would happen when he woke up this morning.

Not at all.

Hadrian Peverell tried to keep himself from laughing at the decidedly curious faces staring at him from across the hall, both students and teachers trying in vain to coax the answer to their question out of him with looks alone.

Letting his gaze sweep across the hall, his eyes lingered for a fraction longer on the two Black brothers, and he absently wondered how they would deal with the knowledge that their father, Lord Black, had sent an offer of intent to him.

In the wizarding world there were two kinds of courting; the first one was for arranged marriages and was the most common one among the purebloods who mostly married for power and influence. The courting would start with a primary gift and a letter of intent to express the desire for a formal courtship, and would progress with added gift until the Betrothal was formally announced.

The second kind was a remnant from the older times, where wizards still fought and bled for the territory now belonging to their Families. Upon wanting to initiate a courtship, the dominant partner had to first send out their intent for a pure and honest courting request. A pure white ribbon saturated with magic would be sent to the recipient of the request on the right claw of a bird, signifying that the sender would promise safety and protection, if necessary with their own body and sword.

Upon acceptance, the submissive partner would tie the ribbon around their left wrist, accepting the protection and intent. Following the sending of the primary declaration of intent, the suitor would then proceed to send a representation of their bond. Most commonly it was jewelry embedded with protective magic, which would show that an intent has already been expressed.

The most important part of the ancient courting process were the marriage vows sworn before Mother Magic herself. Therefore only an honest and truthful couple could be bound to one another by their own Magic. That was why this white ribbon was so important; it preceded an ancient courting process.

Placing some bacon on a small plate, Hadrian watched as the proud bird nibbled at the offered treat, regally devouring the stripes of bacon in only a few moments. Knowing that he would be under close scrutiny for the rest of the day, Hadrian finished his breakfast in peace, not minding the company of the proud black owl that had taken to sitting on the back of his tall wooden chair, seemingly staring at the students below with its sharp grey eyes.

He inwardly chuckled as he saw Minerva McGonagall, the Transfiguration professor, glance at his left wrist ever so often.

''Is something the matter, Minerva?'' Hadrian asked innocently, watching with no small amount of amusement as the proud Scottish woman blushed faintly as she realized that he knew she had been staring.

''No, no, Hadrian. Not at all. I just didn't know that you had been seeing anyone.'' She eventually ventured, faintly embarrassed but obviously curious.

Hadrian hummed, ''We haven't known each other for very long yet.'' As he saw her nod, he internally wondered if she noticed that he had neither confirmed nor denied her assumption. Not wanting to linger and be subjected to any more curious inquiries, he bid the teaching staff good bye and left the Great Hall out of the back door, taking a few short cuts through the castle towards his own living quarters.

Today, would be a long day.

Regulus Arcturus Black, second son of Orion Black, Lord of the House of Black, was even after several hours still trying to wrap his head around the fact that his father had sent a courting intent to one of his Professors.

Granted, Hadrian Peverell was certainly a prudent choice. The Defense against the Dark Arts teacher had the graceful looks of a pure-blood from an old family, and from what he experienced the past few months was a fantastical teacher and most importantly a strong wizard.

His father would never show interest in someone unworthy, Orion Black was too proud for that. But it still stupefied the scion of the House of Black that his father had sent an ancient courting intent. Regulus had never thought that his father would be interested in another union, since he knew how much the Black patriarch had loathed his wife, and Regulus mother, Walburga Black.

Entering the Defense classroom, Regulus threw a careful look at the sitting form of Hadrian Peverell and the visible white ribbon tied around his left wrist. It was what truly confused him the most; a white ribbon signified an honest request. There could be no political machinations involved; otherwise the ribbon would never stay purely white. It would have changed colors by now, which would be a shameful occurrence. That it didn't, could only mean that his father actually wanted to court Hadrian Peverell based on feelings. Truthfully Regulus had not been so out of his depth in a very long time, the last time being when he had first tried and failed to understand Sirius resentment towards his family.

''What's wrong, Regulus?'' the worried voice of his best friend, Alexander Avery through the Black scion out of his quiet contemplation.

''Nothing, just wondering about something.'' Regulus smiled, knowing better than to shame his father by voicing any of his thoughts. No one but a Black was entitled to know anything about their private family business. Deciding that he would probably have to talk to Sirius at some point, only to see that his elder brother did not say anything, he firmly concentrated his mind on Professor Peverell.

Maybe he would make some subtle inquiries about the Peverell name; after all it was never good to not be informed, especially if Hadrian Peverell would someday join the Black family, as Consort Black.

Meeting the amused emerald gaze of said wizard, Regulus allowed the challenge and his quiet resolution to show.

After all Regulus was a Black, and a Black always got what they wanted.

Hadrian didn't think he had this much fun in a very long time. He had forgotten how much entertainment a prank could provide for his often frazzled nerves. No matter how much had changed, how much he had changed, he could and would never trade his roots.

Harry James Potter, son of James and Lily Potter, Godson to one Sirius Black, and honorary Godson to Remus Lupin was still a child connected to the famous Marauders, and very close friends with the Weasley twins; Fred and George. Enjoying mayhem and mischief was in his very blood, a trait which had sometimes could out to play together with his Slytherin side.

Draco Malfoy had never found out just who had slipped him those hair greasing potions for several weeks after all.

Now that most of the whole school seemed to have made it their mission to find out just who exactly his suitor was, Hadrian felt the same sparks that usually preceded one of his nastier pranks.

If at the end of the day, half of the school's population thought that some Russian prince had fallen in love with him when he saved him from a Vampire, while the other half was equally divided between an African prince and a Bulgarian noble it was certainly not his fault.

Orion Black, Lord of the Noble House of Black, was nervous. Not like he would ever admit such a thing, he was Lord Black after all, but in the privacy of his mind he conceded that he certainly was.

The last two decades of his life were spent being married to his cousin, Walburga Black after all, and opening himself up to such a binding possibility yet again, was frightening. Marrying that women had made him miserable, he could barely touch her and threw himself into his work as Lord Black, so that he would not have to listen to that screeching any longer. Sometimes Orion wondered if Walburga had a banshee as an ancestor somewhere, but when he had actually checked, it had come out negative. Truthfully Orion wasn't sure what was worse.

Marriage, especially a binding one, was not something he had ever imagined doing again, not freely at least, and yet…

He barely knew Hadrian Peverell, not well enough to send a declaration normally, but Orion had always followed his instinct, the demands of Mother Magic, and his own had practically demanded that he do everything to claim that nymph of a man as quickly and thoroughly as possible.

So he had sent that primary declaration of intent, had planned on it since he had been so close to pressing his lips against those delicate ones, to pull that lithe body close to his own and mark him as his.

Blacks were possessive and prideful, and right now there was nothing that Orion wanted more than Hadrian Peverell, with his sparkling eyes and mischievous smile, and magic that was more tantalizing than anything he had ever felt before.

Sitting in his study at one of the Black manors, Orion allowed himself to look towards the window, trying and failing to avoid looking for his personal owl that would carry Hadrian's reply. It was customary to send at least a short acceptance letter.

Sighing, he abandoned the pretense of actually working, instead summoning one of the House elfs to get him some calming tea. It was only twenty minutes later, when he was close to finishing his second cup, that there was a little jolt from the wards signaling the return of his personal owl, together with two other ones.

Knowing that it was merely a matter of seconds now, Orion opened the window, allowing all three owls to land on several perches that were placed along the wall for exactly such occasions.

He felt a small smile cross his lips as he recognized both Sirius and Regulus owls. Exchange with his oldest was still riddled with difficulties and Orion had become more and more aware over the last weeks just how much he had truly hurt his oldest, to think that Sirius, bold and brave Sirius, was so insecure about his affections was painful.

Relieving the owls from their letters, Orion hesitated before first opening Hadrian's.

Dear Orion,

I formally accept the declaration of intent from one Orion Arcturus Black, Lord of the Most Noble and Most Ancient of Black, this I swear and state under the watchful and ever present eye of Mother Magic as Hadrian Altair Peverell, Lord of the Most Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.

So now that the formalities are done with, I would like to express that the declaration was well received. I look forward to hearing from you again soon, and seeing how you will go about winning my heart, dear Orion.

On another note, I have left you the option of choosing whether you would like your identity be known. The students and staff are rather curious, so do not wonder if right now half believe that you are a Russian Prince. Although both Sirius and Regulus recognized your owl, so you should probably expect some questions.

I find myself already missing your presence and it has barely been a fortnight.

Yours,

Hadrian Peverell

Orion smiled amusedly as he finished the letter, leave it to Hadrian to solve a political nightmare with a prank and outrageous rumors. It was something he had contemplated himself whether the courtship should be public knowledge or not; on the one hand it would grant Hadrian the protection of the House of Black, on the other hand media scrutiny would undoubtedly fall upon Hadrian.

A Hogwarts teacher receiving a declaration was one matter, but if it got out that it was from the Lord Black, Hadrian would be hounded without him formally acknowledging his seat as Lord Peverell on the Wizengamot.

Deciding to speak with Hadrian about that, but too elated about the last part of the letter to let such a vague concern ruin his mood, Orion opened his eldest son's letter.

Dear Father,

How are you? I hope you find yourself well.

I just wished to congratulate you and ask whether you wish for your identity to be known or not. Personally I believe that Professor Peverell will be good for the Family. I think that Regulus will probably speak with me later as well.

Respectfully,

Sirius Black, Heir Black

It was roughly what Orion had expected, but he was still pleasantly surprised that Sirius had written, congratulated him and expressed his favor of Hadrian. His son was probably still rather taken with Hadrian for giving him advice, listening to him, and even lending him those books.

When Orion had first heard from Sirius which titles Hadrian had given him, he had nearly choked and the proceeded to write his son to tell him exactly how priceless those books were. That Hadrian had given them to Sirius was a rather large sign of faith, one that his son certainly appreciated.

Opening the last letter, Orion quickly skimmed through his youngest handwriting.

Dear Father,

I hope that you are still as well as when I last saw you.

I have to admit that I was surprised when I saw your owl and the subsequent declaration of intention, still I do congratulate you. Not that I doubt your judgment, since I know that Professor Peverell is a strong and worthy wizard, but I would still like to ask how the two of you met, since I did not know that you were acquainted at all.

I will speak with Sirius about the matter, he has been behaving rather oddly for the last few weeks, and he seems rather contemplative sometimes.

Respectfully,

Regulus Black, scion of the House of Black

Orion smiled wryly as he contemplated Regulus letter, it was clear that his youngest would observe Hadrian closely for the foreseeable future. His actions had certainly confused his youngest son, since Orion had never expressed even a smidgen of interest in anyone during or even after his marriage.

Looking at the sunset brightening the dark sky, Orion silently mused over the fact that everything seemed to have changed since that days weeks ago when he had been called into Dumbledore's office and first laid his eyes on one Hadrian Altair Peverell.

He just hoped that nothing bad would happen. He had heard some rumors about a new Dark Lord rising in Britain and Orion was more than a little apprehensive about such a threat.

Dark Lords always brought forth chaos and death after all.

A/N Another chapter! Hope you liked it, like one reviewer suggested I added Sirius and Regulus POV's, so that you can see the whole courtship from several perspectives ;) Tommy-boy is also mentioned for the first time…

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Thank you!

C'ya soon,

AriesOrion