Summary: Harry meets his actual father. This is AU.
Disclaimer: Don't own Harry Potter, and if I did, the story would've been very different! Also, this is inspired by a different story named Regulus' Son, so check it out!
The Change in Fathers
Harry Potter had spent his twenty-first birthday celebrating with his friends the best he could even though he missed the ones he loved whom he'd lost during the war. He resided in Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place as it had been left to him by Sirius, his godfather.
He returned to the house at an ungodly hour. When he was about to crash into bed, a thick envelope dropped onto his bedside table. What in the name of Merlin? Bright emerald green eyes stared at it before they closed, deciding that the missive could wait.
The letter was waiting when he awoke mid morning. He performed his morning rituals, which included making a full breakfast. He was about to have his world turned upside down. He opened it and unfurled the long scroll.
Harry,
My name is Regulus Arcturus Black and I'm writing this letter on the day you were born. Oh my gosh, you were so cute! I made a vow the day I found out that I had a son. I vowed that I would be there the day that you were born.
I suspect that Lily probably had an inkling that I was the one at the hospital with you. She was right. I was the stranger that held you. We had an instant connection, you and I. You actually grabbed my finger and laid your head on my chest where my heart is. It was beautiful! That's one of the few times that I was nearly in tears. I don't cry often to tell you the truth.
Upon the notice of your birth, I literally jumped for joy. It seemed that Christmas had come early for me. It was a way for me to cling to something precious while I was in turmoil. I can throw it in my mother's face that you're Half-Blooded. Haha.
My brother claimed that I was a large, squealing babe with a head full of hair. Although, he did say that he was shocked when I never squealed in his arms. We had a special bond when we were kids. I wish we had that now. I could use a good, strong rock right now.
I'll write on your birthday every year, although you won't receive this letter until you're twenty-one. I love you! I hope that you know that because you're going to re-read those three words over and over again in what will become an ungodly long letter. Supposedly, only Gryffindors read and write melodramatic speeches...right...I mean wrong! Laugh out loud!
Oh my gosh! I can't believe that you're a year old today! It feels like yesterday when I held you in the hospital. I wish that I could hold you once more, however, if I ever see you again, you'll be too old to be held. I hope not, however.
I'm kind of jealous that my brother gets to see and hold you while I pretend like I'm dead. Which technically I'm supposed to be. However, you are the only thing that is giving me life right now. I'm pretty much wasting away at home, doing absolutely nothing productive.
Sirius said that I was a late-bloomer when it came to walking, but everything else was early or on time. He said that I walked at eighteen months. He used to tease me for it. He walked at seven months! Dork!
I hope that you enjoyed the gift I sent you last Christmas! It was a customised set of stuffed animals that represented the Marauders. From what I've seen, you can't go anywhere without them. You're so hilarious and cute!
I'm going to write a little bit about me and my family every entry, so I don't feel like a total stranger when you get this letter and I'm sorry that I'm pouring my issues into you even though they will be old and you wouldn't understand. I'm sorry. I'm such a big baby. I miss you! I love you so much! I will write to you on your second birthday!
Merlin, you are two years old! What an adorable toddler you are! Your eyes are such a vibrant shade of green, emerald to be exact. With those eyes, you'll be like your mother, Lily. Humble, gentle, and kind. And a little charmer!
I am so glad of your kindness because when I was two years of age, I only had my family and Sirius was the only one near my age. He was three. Our cousins were seven, nine, and eleven at the time. Bellatrix was just starting at Hogwarts. We were home-schooled before then. It was a tradition for our family to be home-schooled before the age of eleven because my family believed that no school was worthy enough to teach our family before we went to Hogwarts. We had no friends even though we were supposed to befriend the snotty, rich Pure-Blood jerks that were in Mother and Father's 'friend' circle.
What was Dumbledore thinking when he left you with those horrible Muggles?! What they're doing to you is hardly taking care of you! I'm going to step into your life someway, somehow, I promise. I almost never make promises, but when I do, I do everything and anything to fulfil them. I'll write on your third birthday! I love you! The gift I sent you last year was an unbreakable book.
Wow! Three years old! You are amazing. You are a wonder and joy in my life even if I don't get to interact with you at all. Your strength measures vast beyond measure. You'll be a great wizard one day. I guarantee you that promise.
I can't believe that they make you do every chore that you can do! Dumbledore is insane! I think that he has gone senile or deranged. Maybe both. I don't know, but he needs to go to a seminar on children. Of course, he would object, however, due to his belief that it was for 'the greater good.' Right...
This was when Sirius started to become rebellious. He got his first Cruciatus Curse when I was three. He also began to grow out his hair. I thought it was awesome. I almost copied him. Of course I chickened out at some point. I wish that I had done so. It would've made me stronger. Oh well, I regret it, but maybe I still can. At least I can defy my mother by corresponding with a Half-Blood and take away her ability to do anything about it. How's that for salt in the wounds, eh?
Well, I'm going to quit my ramblings and write on your fourth birthday! I love you my dear son! I found a way to be in your life by the way! I can't wait until we meet! I've been dreaming and waiting for the day we cross paths! This time I sent you your genealogy book; although you wouldn't understand it right away.
Okay! The Dursleys are just flat, out-right cruel! When I get my regal hands on Dumbledore, I'm going to strangle him! They are the worst sort of Muggles imaginable! Don't get me started on Vernon! I'd love to skewer him once he's turned into a pig and cook him over an open fire. Then I'll have him for dinner. I often wonder if he's the long-lost love child of Dolores Umbridge and Voldemort. Oh, I'm sorry! That sounded gross! It's not an image for young eyes!
My mother would take me over her knee if she were to be alive right now, for Kreacher managed to let it slip that I have a 'filthy' Half-Blood for a son. She would say that the lessons of a Black have been erased from my mind. I want the lessons back right now...Not! Maybe there is a way to get her off the wall and take her over my knee instead! It would be a humorous way to get revenge.
Never mind, don't listen to me. Revenge is not the answer to an injustice being done. Be strong my son! Happy fourth birthday! I love you with all my being, for you are the last ray of light I have in life nowadays.
Sirius was my light when I was four. He protected me at every turn even if I so desperately wanted to speak out against our mother. I think I could do it now, but not then. I would have chickened out at the last minute. It wasn't until later when I finally did anything big against her. You both are very similar in experiences and you're two of the few people that I truly still love. This time I sent you protective gear, for when you're doing the more perilous chores! There's a book on wandless charms to help you!
Welcome to kindergarten, Harry! You flew through preschool and don't worry, your dunderheaded relatives won't see your grades, so you won't get into trouble. Because if I'm right, then you would get a beating if they knew that you were smarter than their poor Dudders...Get a grip Mr. and Mrs. Jackwipe!
You're a natural, Harry! Keep up with the hard work! You will do wonderfully well at Hogwarts! I can't wait until you receive your letter in six years! I love you to the ends of the universe and back! Happy fifth birthday my little star! You'll be six before you know it!
When I was five, I gave my first signs of accidental magic. I told you that everything that I did was early or on time with the exception of walking. I exploded a plate that was in my mother's hands. I scarred her beautiful hands! Oh how horrible of me! I regret it...Wrong! The photo album is yours!
And here we are, your sixth birthday. You are growing up to be a wonderful young boy. I am so proud of the person you are becoming: polite, kind, determined, strong, and independent, but still humble and gentle. I have the Dursleys to thank! Goody...!
I am utterly appalled by the way they treat you! They freaking make you cook all their meals for Merlin's sake! Who allows their six-year-old to use the kitchen facilities?! Not me! I wish with my entire being that I could get custody of you, but I have issues that I will explain later!
Sirius actually did his first piece of accidental magic on my birthday. He lit the birthday candles on his own before Mother or Father could. They were speechless. It takes a great deal to shock them both. I think they were impressed, though they never showed it.
I'll write when you turn seven. Four more years and you'll be safe for ten months. I wish it was for twelve months but that's impossible. I love you! Here we go again, I warned you. You'll be sick of reading the same words all over again. The Black Family storybook is available to you now. However, I took out the bad parts.
Seven, the magical number. From here on out, you may do things that are unexplainable. That is accidental magic. Accidental magic is normal, so no worries. I can't wait to see your experiences with it. I always found it amusing and interesting when magic is uncontrolled. Even if it's dangerous.
One of my favourite subjects to study is Obscurial. An obscurus is a witch or wizard that tries to suppress their magic, but over time, their magic consumes them. The host, the witch or wizard's body, would become a shell of the person's former self.
Oops, I'm sorry! I forgot that you're only seven and are raised by Muggles. You wouldn't know what it is and would be frightened by it if the description is anything to go by. I won't talk about any more dark magic until I think that you're ready.
On a lighter note, there was this one time when Sirius lashed out at our mother because he was protecting me from being hit with the Cruciatus Curse. She was hit with a wave of magic that made her feel like she was being consumed by fire for a month.
Another time, Sirius smacked our mother so hard that she face-planted into a large bowl of mashed potatoes. He was hit with the Cruciatus Curse for that. Mother and Father hardly find anything amusing. In retaliation for Sirius' curse, I willed our mother to hang in mid-air, so that I could give her a ten-minute spanking. Then I willed her into the Family Pool, ruining her dress, makeup, and jewellery. She was livid, but it was still hilarious. I was seven and Sirius was eight.
I love you always. Always remember that, for the person that you are. No one can change you, but you. Someday you'll gain the family you deserve. I promise. Fate would be hard-pressed not to get you a family. I am prophetic and there's a book on Divination that will help you when you turn eleven.
Eight, three years to go. Soon you won't have to work from sunup to sundown. Also, you won't sleep in a cupboard any longer because the address will say where the students' quarters are if and when they are abused, which you have been abused severely.
If the Dursleys' are smart enough, they will move you to a bedroom, but even then Hogwarts will know that you still have just the bedroom as your quarters, not the whole house like it should be. I'm shocked that no one has come to check on you. I have a theory why, but I hope that I'm wrong! I think that Dumbledore put you in the Dursleys' house so that you would come to Hogwarts and think of him as a saviour. Then you wouldn't question his actions. You would become one of his pawns and be the one to defeat Voldemort.
Yet will Dumbledore notice the odd address? Of course not! It's for 'the greater good!' I think it's manipulation so that he can have a pawn to defeat Voldemort. If you come in abused, then you would think he was the grandfatherly figure that you never had and follow him blindly. Just like I stated before.
I can't wait until you get to Hogwarts even if you're in for a world of danger. I can't do anything to help you, but I will support you until the very end. When you feel hopeless, or lost, look for the Dog Star. He will show you the way. You will find me in the Leo Constellation. I am 'the heart of the lion.'
For some reason, the family has had an uncanny ability to name their children perfectly based on their personality. The constellation or star would match up to perfection. It always amazes me to no end. Bellatrix is the female warrior and she is loyal to Voldemort to no end. She would be able to kill anyone and everyone. Sirius is loyal to the end, kind to most, and affectionate beyond belief. I want to think of myself as quiet, but can be loud, independent, but can work with others, and shy, but can be brave. I'm probably upgrading myself too much, so let's move on.
Well, Happy eighth birthday, my son. I love you and always will even if you turn my hair grey when you reach Hogwarts. You'll be strong and I'll always be there for you to lean on even if you can't do so physically at the moment. I've given you a book on Animagi! Merry Christmas!
Nine, wow! Two more years of dirt before you get to go to your sanctuary. I'm going to miss you while you're gone. You're an amazing student. I'll tell you this: you were at the top of the class for everything. If you were to graduate from Muggle Schools, you would've had a great opportunity to become valedictorian. I'm not lying. You're smart beyond your years.
When you turned my hair blue, I thought it was hilarious. When I got home, I wore it like that for the rest of the day. I needed some comic relief, so I was honestly happy when you got angry with me. Besides, I can't be nice all the time. It's unrealistic and would be bad for my reputation. It's not like I'm an immortal god or something. I'm imperfect and don't you forget it!
Now, I get to tell you about one of my most cherished memories. I spat at my mother when Sirius was being especially stubborn when he was around your age. He just wouldn't listen to her. Everything was a fight. When I got tired of their arguments, I said, 'Oh yeah! Let's look like the Habsburg Family!' It really shocked our mother when I showed her a photo of the last remaining Habsburg. I told her that it was the result of inbreeding. She went ballistic over how the last family member had a terribly deformed lip. She's obsessed with being perfect for the public.
Hogwarts will be here soon and you'll receive your letter. Hold on, all right? I love you to the ends of the Earth, my child! I give you all of the invisible support I can give. You'll find your best friends there and they'll be loyal to the end. I promise it'll be your tenth birthday next! I hope you enjoy the book on stars!
You're ten years old, Harry! Can you believe it? Just one more year and you'll be free of the Dursleys! I'm getting excited just writing about it! You'll meet your best friends in just one year! I'm so happy for you! I can't wait until I get to meet them someday!
Sirius found his family in the Marauders and sadly I found mine in the Death Eaters. However, I disconnected from them when I found out about the Horcruxes, which you'll find out later, but now I'm left all alone in this world with Kreacher being my only friend and best friend. It's pretty sad actually.
My brother and I were still close when I was ten, but then we drifted apart when I was sorted into Slytherin. Andromeda was the least crazy of them all. They were foul-mouthed and downright cruel. I wish that I could have been sorted into Gryffindor, for I would have been protected by Sirius. Unfortunately, that wasn't meant to be. I was sorted into Slytherin and that was that. The Sorting Hat nearly placed me in Gryffindor, but I was adamant that I believed that I belonged in Slytherin at that moment in time. I'm not sure if that was the best choice, for soon you'll know where that path led me. It wasn't good, that's for sure.
Yet, we can't change the past. At least I gave Slytherin a slightly better reputation hopefully. Salazar Slytherin had never been that mean to Muggle-borns. He just didn't want to associate with them, that's all.
Well, good luck on receiving your Hogwarts letter, and be warned that you're famous and everyone will want to stare at your lightning bolt scar, for that is the place where Voldemort struck you with the Killing Curse. You were only fifteen months old when he came to kill you. James, your adoptive father, tried to fight him, but he didn't have his wand and was killed on the spot. Your mother, Lily, had a little better luck. She was able to get to you and conceal you from his sight. He requested her to move, but she refused. That's how she passed into the next greatest adventure, protecting you.
Let's move on from here. I'll write to you on your eleventh birthday. I will not lose connection with you because there is a screening spell that I've been using when I'm not with you at school. That's why I seem to know more about the Dursleys. I can't wait until you go to Hogwarts! I love you! Oh, and I almost forgot, I have another way to contact you. I'll most likely use this form because no one knows about it, not even my 'friends' or family knows about it. Here are your school textbooks early!
Welcome to Hogwarts, my child! You have a little bit of every house, so don't worry if you feel like it isn't the right one. You are brave and loyal like a Gryffindor, fair and just like a Hufflepuff, resourceful and independent like a Slytherin, and finally, but not least, you are studious and intelligent like a Ravenclaw.
Like I stated last year, I was sorted into Slytherin, but the Hat was really adamant that I be sorted into Gryffindor. I wish I had given into the Hat's demand. I would have had a better life. I've never told anyone about the almost 'missorting.' My mother would have had a cow, my father would have hit me, and Sirius would have said, 'Why did you chicken out and not join me?!' I guess it was a valid question. I am a people-pleaser.
If you don't mind, I have a favour to ask of you. If you could, when you receive this letter, would you change your name to Sagittarius Ophiuchus Hydrus Black? This is your choice, but I would greatly appreciate it if you did. That would be one of the only reminders of the brother I once had. I still love him to this very day even though he put me through so much. I hope that if we ever meet again, he will find a shred of love towards me, if not, I suppose it would mean the end for us both. Mine especially.
Moving on from my brotherly angst, congratulations on getting your Hogwarts letter! I knew that you would get it! Vernon was stupid enough to lie on the floor because I guess he'd rather keep the letter to himself than to keep his precious face. Oh, have I told you how idiotic the Dursleys' are? Oh, probably at least once every entry!
Speaking of the Dursleys', good job on scaring the daylights out of Dudley. I thought it was hysterical when he fell into the Boa Constrictor's cage. You're a Parselmouth, although it is through the connection with Voldemort otherwise known as Tom Marvolo Riddle. The only blood connection you have to that sick psychopathic jerk is through Iolanthe Peverell, who is the granddaughter of Ignotus Peverell. Through Ignotus, Voldemort is a direct descendent of his brother, Antioch. Antioch is the eldest and Ignotus is the youngest. That's how the cloak came to be your family heirloom.
Yet again, I wonder what Dumbledore was thinking when he chose Hagrid to be the one to take you to Diagon Alley. Sure, he helped you get your supplies, but after that he left you on your own. I don't think that he was the best person to bring you into the world of wizards. He is one of Dumbles' followers. He believes that the Hogwarts Headmaster is virtually everything. I'll tell you this from experience, he is not! He wanted to get rid of Muggle-borns once upon a time.
Actually, did you know that he had been in love with Gellert Grindelwald? He had been romantically in love with the man before he went too far, resulting in a three-way duel between him, his lover, and his brother, Aberforth. One of them hit Dumbledore's sister, Arianna, killing her in the process. That was the beginning of 'the greater good.' I've done some digging, so that's why I say experience and please don't mention anything to Dumbledore when you see him. I don't need anyone else finding out the information that I collected by snooping. It's one of my worst habits. Don't make it backfire on me please. I don't feel like dying yet.
From learning about Dumbles' shady past, I'd like to touch on a lighter subject. I hope that you have a great year even if you end up with a ton of strange and traumatic adventures. A sixth sense tells me that you will need as much support from me as you can get. Good luck! I love you! I'll write on your twelfth birthday! Enjoy the book on Magical creatures!
What on earth was Dumbledore thinking?! He left three eleven-year-olds to save the Philosopher's Stone! Was he trying to kill you or something?! Because if that's the case, then I might just as well leave you to it. Like I'm actually going to do that!
First, why would he place a Cerberus, of all creatures, in a school full of children?! They have a bad connotation by being the one that first greets the dead in Greek mythology. They can also eat children! Oh, sorry for the bad mental image!
Second, how did Sprout get so much Devils' Snare? Was this all planned? I don't think that Devils' Snare is that common. Doesn't Dumbledore realise that it's a life-threatening plant with a fatal scream?! Oh, of course, he does! It's all for 'the greater good!' What an idiot that man is!
Third, how does the flipping Headmaster expect someone to fly up to get the keys?! Did he place the challenge after you practised flying for a year? You may be the 'youngest seeker in a century,' but I swear that the old man is idiotic. A year's worth of lessons isn't enough! I don't think that I could do what you did even though I was Slytherin's seeker back in the day.
Fourth, did he know that Ron was a chess master? Does he have spies for every wizard or something? Because if he does, then that's just creepy! I'm appalled that poor Ron had to sacrifice himself for you. At least he was alright in the end. You made a good choice in him.
Fifth, why was there a troll in the school in the first place? Also, how did Quirrell find out? Was that part of Voldemort's cover-up method? If it was, then it turned out to be catastrophic. He got exposed anyway.
Sixth, why does Dumbledore trust snot-nosed Snape for? He could've killed the students if Hermione hadn't figured out the logic puzzle. Snape was in many of the meetings that I attended when I was a Death Eater. Just because his 'former' best friend was in danger it doesn't mean that he still does dark activities.
Seventh, where did the Mirror of Erised come from?! Why was it in a place where anyone could find it and be consumed by it? Dumbledore makes no sense! Why would anyone even make such a thing if they know how powerful it is? Whoever made it, is stupid and I mean S-T-U-P-I-D!
After ranting and raving about the stupidity of some of the teachers, I will say that my paternal instincts have served me well. Even though I did say that Hagrid was a bad choice to take you into the Wizarding World, he did well with choosing Hedwig though. The lion that you got with her was me. I figured that I'd be of no use to you in the Muggle World so I used my animagus form to my advantage. I hope that I've been a good support animal to you. You are my secret keeper. I'm guilty to say that you're my go-to person when I have issues. Just writing them down helps me a lot. I hope that I'm not burdening you because you are listening to my ramblings. You've got more problems than I do, so I'll shut up.
When I was younger, Sirius played a similar role for me before school just drifted us apart. I also played that same role for him as well. We were so close, I hope to gain that back someday. My parents would say that it's dangerous to share your deepest secrets, your deepest dreams, and your deepest thoughts with someone else. They were self-reliant.
When I was twelve, I remember the day Sirius told me that he had dreamed of a family of acceptance. He found it, I suppose. I never really had a dream goal until I defied Voldemort. All I really want now is to perfectly belong in a small circle of close people. Before defying Voldemort, I just followed my family around like a lost puppy. I never thought for myself until I went with Kreacher.
Oh, I might find that perfect circle someday. All I know is that you and Kreacher are in it. I don't know about anyone else. I'm so proud of you! Be strong and you will get far in life. Never lose sight of what you truly believe in! You will be a teenager before you know it! I love you with all my heart! Congrats on getting the Seeker position and catching the snitch in your mouth the first time! Like I said before, I was Slytherin's Seeker back in the day. Here is a custom-made set of Quidditch robes only made with familial silk.
What the heck?! Is Dumbledore losing his marbles? Because if he is, then he's doing a very good job of it. I just don't understand! He's giving you the double whammy by having you live like crap in the summer and risk your life in the school. Hogwarts is supposed to be a learning experience, not a thriller school! The next time I see him, I will say, 'sorry Professor, but I don't speak to Gandalf's.' Maybe that will knock him down a peg or two. I highly doubt that it will affect me greatly, but we can always hope.
I'm proud of you, however. You have gone through more trials than most people I know. You are on par with my brother. You're pretty much his parallel based on upbringing and general life experiences. I wish that people didn't have the same or similar backgrounds. It's quite depressing.
You're so wonderful. The things you did, especially saving Ginny Weasley, were very brave and noble. Your courage is vast beyond measure. You and Sirius are a few of the most courageous people I know. You're both Gryffindors through and through.
When I was thirteen, I dreamt I had as much courage as Sirius does. I always admired his bold moves. I looked up to him, growing up. I always felt useless when it came to defending Sirius. Well, it can't be helped, because I'm not very strong. Just to agree to disagree, many would argue that I am strong, but that is not the case. I can hear you berate me for that line as I'm writing it. Oh well.
Enough said about me, I hope you have a wonderful birthday before the teenage angst settles in. No worries, I'm used to it. I had it once upon a time. You're so sweet considering what you've been through. I hope to meet you, my son! Happy thirteenth birthday! I love you lots! I've given you personal memories during my school years! I hope you enjoy it!
Yay! Something good has finally happened to you! I'm so happy for you, Harry! You found family! I thought James picked the best Godfather for my son! It was even better because it was our mutual family member. Sirius will be good for you. Maybe he'll mention me to you and then we could meet sometime. That would be wonderful, so then I can tell you the truth. I can always hope.
I'm so relieved to know that Sirius didn't betray Lily and James Potter. They were truly wonderful people even if I didn't really get to know them, but I wouldn't want anyone else to adopt my son when I'm not available. I was thoroughly upset by their deaths. Please keep this information classified and that is a must.
I can't believe that Dumbledore allowed a thirteen-year-old to tamper with time no matter how smart she is. Tampering with time is dangerous, yet you and your friends seem to pull the impossible as easily as talking. No wonder you're famous! Oh good job on your Patronus Charm! I have a feeling that Remus will be the only competent teacher for Defense. Yes, I'm on first-name terms with him. He and I have been working together to help you in secret.
Sadly, I had my very last civil conversation with Sirius at this age. We just made small talk and it went wonderfully. I hope we could have it again, maybe get closer through you. I want to work with him and reconcile. I won't get my hopes up, but maybe fate will smile upon me for once.
Well, happy fourteenth birthday and enjoy getting to know the crazy brother I grew up with! Just to let you know, he's very affectionate and then will overload you with hugs! You'll get used to it, I promise! I'll write to you on your fifteenth birthday! I love you! Merry Christmas! I've given you some of the family madness!
Fifteen! You're already almost done with Hogwarts! Man, time flies when you're nearly peeing yourself whenever your son is constantly in danger. Dumbledore needs help because he's somehow managed to hire a Death Eater impostor to work at Hogwarts! I can guarantee it will be someone much, much worse.
This just proves how strong you really are, but also how much people truly care about you! I don't want to know how many grey hairs you've given me thus far because at this rate you'll give me a full head of it when you finish school. That's not a good thing.
When you out flew the dragon, that was a testament to your position of 'the youngest seeker in a century.' It was simply amazing to watch you fly. I was never that good at flying when I was a seeker. I thank Sirius for replacing your ruined Nimbus Two-thousand. He still has his kindness intact, I see.
Ron was a good choice for the second task. Thank you for saving the little French girl, Gabrielle. You've earned an international ally. So you see, you've proven that, yes, you're probably too young for the tournament, but it was you who made sure that all of the hostages were safe.
But it was the last task that affected me most. I knew why Voldemort returned. I knew the inner workings of that particular method. In short, it's despicable. This is why Sirius is good for you. He is a wonderful support.
He still supported me in his dog form even if we didn't get along well in our human forms during school. I sent him a lion in thanks when he went to Azkaban. It's my little secret. He's never figured it out how it got to him. Although, I'll give you permission to tell him when you finish reading this letter.
When Diggory died, I was shaken up for the fact that you had to witness it, but yet know this: it wasn't your fault! You didn't know that it was a portkey. He would have wanted himself to die rather than you. He was a good student. Don't blame yourself, for I know that's what you're doing.
Enough grim crap. Happy birthday, my son! What an amazing person you're growing up to be! I hope that I'm to your liking as a support animal. If not, I'll try my best to be better! All I want is your happiness! Two more years and you'll graduate from Hogwarts! I love you! Merry Christmas I got you a pocket watch! Courteous to Professor McGonnagall even though it's a few years late!
Happy sixteenth birthday! Well, as happy as it can be considering the circumstances. He was one of the only people that I still considered family of any kind after some experiences that occurred.
Yes, even if he said horrible things about me. He is still my family and I'll always be loyal to him. It stung me when he called me a coward in front of you. However, I have to give him credit because he didn't know about my actions. All he knew was that I had 'died.'
But once you get to know him, there's no shutting him out of your life. He'll do anything and anything to make you stick around, but it's not that hard for him since almost everyone loves him. I, on the other hand, am a whole different story. I seem to be stripped of almost everyone that I care about. It's sort of my fault though, so I really can't complain much.
I'm sorry that I wasn't very helpful when he died. I couldn't take it anymore. He was the last of my family before Hogwarts. At least you got to make a watery mess of my fur. It wasn't much, but I hope that it was enough to ease the pain a little bit even if it will never go away completely.
I know that I'm being a hypocrite. I'll be the first to admit it because I'm not taking my own advice. That's one of the many traits Sirius and I share. It's terrifying, but you have to understand how much our family is inbred, so traits are duplicated more than they should.
To change the subject, why would Dumbledore hire that ugly toad?! I know that I'm not supposed to judge or hate someone, but she's tortured you with a blood quill and that's illegal! And why would Fudge, stupid Cornelius Oswald Fudge hire her as his undersecretary of all people?! He's insane considering the family that I came from. What an idiot, that Fudge!
Oh, speaking of people that I currently dislike, can I please, strangle them?! It sounds quite lovely right now. I'm still astounded by the many types of people that are out in the world. I'd like to think that I've met lots of people, but I'm still thrown off balance multiple times a month at the very least.
Moving on to a topic grimmer still, I'd like to tell you about the year that I turned sixteen. It was the worst year of my life at the time. I became marked with the Dark Mark, which was a symbol of Lord Voldemort's followers. I regret it now, but I thought it was the right thing then. Well, not any longer. One of the worst choices I've ever made was becoming a follower of the Dark Lord. I can't believe how blind I had been when I bought my parents' ideals. They're absolutely terrible!
However, I'm extremely thankful that Sirius escaped them when he did. I regret the fact that I didn't follow him right away. He actually threatened to stuff me in an expandable duffel bag when he ran to James'. I wish he had gone through with that threat. My life would've improved at least.
I love you and will write on your seventeenth birthday! I can't believe that you'll be of age in the Wizarding World the next time I write! The time really does fly! You'll become Lord Potter on your birthday, and then you'll need to brush up on your etiquette, genealogy, and customs. I wish you good luck! Look through the book I gave you years ago if you still have it! Here are the books related to forms of magic not taught at Hogwarts!
We're here! Your seventeenth birthday! Wow, you're of age in the Wizarding World now! I remember holding you like it was yesterday! Today is the day you receive the station of Lord Potter and any injuries done to you will be healed. You also will receive an influx of magic. You will become more powerful.
I see that you have found out about my role in making Voldemort mortal once again. I no longer have the need to explain the reasons for not getting custody of you when you were a child. I hope that the reasons were valid enough in your eyes, but if not, then I am ready for whatever you have dished out for me the next time I see you.
Ironically the age that I found out about Voldemort's dirty work was at the age of seventeen. He kept dropping hints about Horcruxes, thinking that no one would figure it out. Well, he was wrong. I'm sure that many others have figured it out, but either have decided to go with it, or they're incredibly stupid. And I mean S-T-U-P-I-D or S-T-O-O-P-I-D!
I truly felt like I was the only one that thought it was incredibly wrong to mess with an individual's life and soul, and I couldn't go to anyone who could or would be of any use to me. I felt that I was solely responsible and all alone in the world. I knew the whereabouts of one of the Horcruxes because Kreacher, bless his soul, had to put it in its safe location. You know what he and I went through. He drank the potion to put in the locket, and I retrieved it out of it.
So you see, now you understand why I am not a normal person that can be out and about like common people. I technically was never a normal person because I am a Black, but now you know what I meant. If Voldemort had found out about my betrayal, my whole family would have been killed. That's never been or even will be part of my plan. Not ever!
I send my deepest condolences to you for the death of Dumbledore. I understand that he was a good mentor even if he was a pain in the butt. I am absolutely appalled, however, at the fact that Draco, your second cousin, was ordered to kill Dumbledore as an act of loyalty to Voldemort. He's only seventeen years old! No one is supposed to commit murder this young! That's losing innocence!
The reason why I sign letters with my initials is that it's meant to be formal. However, the only people I'm informal with are you, Andromeda Tonks, Sirius, and Narcissa Malfoy. Yes, I can just imagine your face right now. Why her? She is a totally different person around her family. You'll see.
I love the living crap out of you! You're amazing and what's more, I don't deserve to have you as a son! I'm so proud of you! Olivander was absolutely right when he said that he expected many great things from you! Keep up the good work! You'd make a grand auror! You will need a wand holster, Merry Christmas!
You may be considered an adult in the Muggle World, but you have, yet, to be of age. You put the pieces together and figure out for yourself my major role. Good job on getting Kreacher to tell the story. You did a wonderful job with him. He is, now, your ally, and you should use it to your advantage! He is one exceptional elf. Please take good care of him, for he has gone through so much!
Next, I want to thank you for defeating Voldemort and allowing The Wizarding World a chance to reform. You have, yet, to realise the impact you're leaving on our society. We can now begin to make an effort to make the world a better place. Thank you!
When Kreacher and the House-Elves came pouring out from the kitchens, I laughed and cried. It was one of my favourite moments of watching you. You are worthy of being a Black! That moment will go down in history with glory. I'm so proud of that moment.
Hopefully, you will be able to live in peace. I had planned on giving you this letter sooner, but whether or not you wish to interact with me when I'm not in disguise is up to you. I could give it to you and move on, or you can have me stay. I don't care. I love you and I hope that you can now enjoy life. I'll write on your nineteenth birthday! I've placed a driver's licence in your name, so have fun driving in the Muggle World!
Thank you for putting up with my baggage and my terrible ramblings. You're so patient and that's one of the reasons why I love you! It's probably been an hour since you started reading. You're almost done, I promise. I'm considering not giving it to you all at once so that you don't have to read a ton. I don't know how I'm going to get it to you, it's going to get there nonetheless.
If you do decide to have me stay, grandchildren would be nice. The innocence of youth is supposed to remind us of what we fought for. Then the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black won't be empty of male heirs. It's selfish of me, but everyone can be a little selfish sometimes. I'm sorry!
This is where I got tipsy with your mother about this time in my own life. I don't even know how we crossed paths! I think I was so tipsy that it took her without realising it and she was in a hangover! Oops! However, that accident transformed into the best thing in my life. The best thing in my life was you and it still is. Here's an autobiography of my life if you want to read it!
Your twentieth birthday. Here it is. Even though I mentioned that you'd make a great auror, I wonder why you decided to become one, due to its resemblance to the war. I don't know, people make surprising choices, I suppose. Maybe you've become so used to it that you just want some semblance of your past. I'm not you, so I don't hold the answer unless you tell me, which you don't have to do if you don't want to of course. I'd never make you tell me anything that you wish to be kept hidden. I respect others' privacy.
Life's broken like this broken-down Bridge as it tumbles over a waterfall. I thought that I'd never had a Half-Blood child, but I did. I never thought that I would defy Voldemort and live to tell the tale, yet I did it three times. I never thought it possible to defy Voldemort period. True story. Again, it's called blindness. He made himself out to be immortal and all-powerful. He may be powerful, but not invincible or immortal.
The Black family has recently been dubbed 'The Most impossible, Most Noble, and Most Ancient House of Black. It's quite fitting and I think that it should become a thing. Mother would hate it, but honestly, I don't give a rat's behind about her anymore. I stopped caring when I found out about the Horcruxes.
I really don't have anyone else to live for, so I might as well become an auror as well. At least I'd go down in a fight just like Sirius. He would be proud of me then, I hope. I've always wanted my brother's approval. Well, it won't happen now and I'm okay with that. At least I did something right for once in my messed-up life.
I love you and will cherish you, for what it's worth. You and Kreacher are all I have left. I might get Andromeda too if I join the Aurors. However, you'll do a wonderful job of getting rid of the remaining Death Eaters. I'll write on your twenty-first birthday and then you'll get this letter. You're almost of age, so here's a mock wine glass for you!
You're almost finished! Thank you for sticking with me in this letter. You have an astonishing amount of patience and I'm absolutely grateful for it. You are now considered of age in the Muggle World. You can start drinking now! Just kidding, that's a rule within House Black: don't drink alcohol! Don't you dare drink out of the mock wine glass!
I'm so proud of you! You make such a wonderful auror! You've caught so many Death Eaters. Moody would be impressed! He filled half of Azkaban by himself. At this rate, so will you, or even more than he caught. I hope that every birthday, especially this one, for you are no longer the young adolescent that you were. You're beyond many of your peers. You always keep us on our toes when you're working!
To end this gosh awfully long letter, I'll say this: I love you and always have and always will no matter what. Even if it includes whether or not my hair turns white before I'm fifty years old. It matters not if it's in life or in death. I'll endure anything for you, no matter the cost. You are my everything! I hope to witness a peaceful and happy life filled with friends and family from you!
Your Crazy Father,
Regulus Arcturus Black II
P.S. Did you know that when I first read my brother's name, I thought that it said Sirius Onion instead of Sirius Orion? True fact! I thought she was obsessed with onions so I had handkerchiefs placed in every room and every piece of clothing. It came in handy! Laugh Out Loud!
Harry was so confused! How could he not be James Potter's Son? So many people had compared him to the man. What happened? He wanted answers and fast!
The confuddled wizard rushed to Gringotts. "I'd like to see a goblin for blood matters, please!" he requested, harsher than he intended.
"Yes, Mr. Black," the goblin responded, slight shock in his voice. Harry blinked.
"How did you know?"
"You look like one of them." The young wizard flushed.
"Oh, I haven't looked. I guess the changes came later because when I cleaned myself, I still looked like my old self." The goblin snorted as he rang a bell for another to appear and take him to the Black Family Account Manager.
"Razortooth," the new goblin acknowledged the first goblin, who was wrinkly and stout with an eye and several teeth missing. The new goblin was taller, just as wrinkly, but had a heavy limp. He led the way to an office halfway down a dim hallway and knocked promptly.
"Come in," a rough voice called out authoritatively. The goblin that had accompanied Harry opened the door and ushered him inside before leaving. "What can I help you with?"
"How did I become a Potter?" Harry got to the point.
"Regulus had been a secret part of Mr. Potter's group of friends and he and Ms. Evans had been together, but their connection had been a secret from the rest of the world except for their closest friends. When they had you, Regulus had suggested that you would still be her child, but that James would blood adopt you to erase any trace of himself from the world."
"Wow." The nameplate on the desk read: Arrowpoint. "So, what do I do now?"
"As you are Heir to the family, you could summon him and the family's other members."
"Alright." Then Harry thought about it. "May I see my birth certificate?" Arrowpoint nodded and summoned a folder. Harry opened it.
Full Name: Sagittarius Ophiuchus Black
Birthday: 31 July, 1980
Blood Type: Half-Blood
Mother: Lily Evans-Black
Father: Regulus Arcturus Black
Adopted Father: James Fleamont Potter
Godfather: Sirius Orion Black
Godmother: Pandora White-Lovegood
Harry paused, emerald green eyes re-reading the last name. Luna's mother had been his godmother? He could've gone to her instead of the Dursleys', for she had been alive until he was ten. He continued to read the documents, strands of dark curls falling in his eyes elegantly. His hair wasn't unruly anymore, but now he was quite pale.
Harry finally looked up and smiled, a watery one that made his eyes shimmer. "Thank you, Arrowpoint." The goblin nodded.
"Any other points of business?" Harry shook his head no. Then Arrowpoint offered him a toothy grin and showed his customer out of his office. Harry made his way out of Gringotts. He had a lot on his mind. The young wizard made his way back to the townhouse he resided in.
It took two weeks for Harry to come to terms with his new heritage enough to be ready to meet his father. He sat in one of the informal drawing rooms when he spoke into the ring. "I a-am ready to see you, F-Father." A flash of silver light glowed briefly before a man with pale skin, striking blue eyes, and slightly greying curls that flowed out a ponytail at the nape of his neck. They sprayed out to reach his elbows comfortably.
"H-H-Harry?" he asked tentatively in a shaking, bass voice.
"Father," Harry greeted awkwardly. He rose from his seat and was awed that though he stood at a healthy six feet, his father still had a good three inches on him. The duo stared at one another for what seemed to be forever. Harry drank in every feature of the older man and cocked an inquisitive eyebrow at his seemingly too thin of a frame.
"Oh, I was just very worried that you wouldn't want to see me and I could barely bring myself to eat."
"Now that I've called you, will you be well again?" Regulus smiled brokenly.
"I won't be well, but I'll be better." Harry's face fell in remembrance and then nodded. His hands fluttered near his middle, wanting to touch, but unsure how his father would take it. Regulus stood there waiting patiently until his son was ready. However, it felt like torture because he was right there and he wanted to hold him, soak in all the love that he had missed out on for so long. It was like a man standing at the edge of an oasis in a desert, but he needed to wait for his wife and children to arrive when he was so thirsty.
Finally, Harry realised that Regulus was waiting and that he wouldn't make the first move, so he did. He tentatively, but warmly wrapped his arms around his father's shoulders. Regulus let out a sigh of relief and melted into the embrace like a piece of paper crumpling into a tight ball. Harry sat back down where he had been before. Regulus followed, still hugging him, but he was sobbing now. Harry, too, was crying heavily.
They cried until they were out of tears and Harry grinned in amusement. The top of his head was all sticky and wet. "Ewww," he said without heat. His father let out a deep, wet laugh.
"Well, my shoulder's all wet," the other countered playfully.
"Well, at least I made a mess on an article of clothing and not on your hair," Harry retorted.
"And if you had, I wouldn't've cared." It was Harry's turn to laugh. They were emotionally drained.
"I love you, Dad," Harry stated with as much tenderness, warmth, and sincerity as he could imbue in his voice. He could finally return all the love he had received in the letter. Regulus relaxed at those words. His son's love would heal and sustain him for the rest of his life. It already started as he leaned back into the sofa, his arm loosely draped around Harry's shoulders with his fingers splayed out openly.
"I love you very much," came a sleepy reply. Harry smiled as he watched his father fall asleep. Life would be different and there was business to attend to, but that could wait. His priority was to be here in the moment with his father, who seemed to intend to take over the sofa and curl around him in sleep. Harry chuckled as he sat and read through the letter again. Life would be great. If only Sirius could be here and Remus too.