Chapter 9 is here! I do hope you enjoy it; I think it turned out pretty well, but I will add the disclaimer that I am oh so very tired atm. I would also like to mention that there is a slight mention of past abuse regarding Regulus. Nothing specifically mentioned but just wanted to let you know. In my head it relates to Walburga being verbally abusive and emotionally manipulative to Sirius and Regulus while they were growing up.

Anyway, thank you for all the wonderful comments and reviews, they've been amazing to read!

Chapter 9

Regulus helped Harry out of the room and up the stairs. He wrapped an arm around his thin waist as they climbed. Harry leaned into his side and though he didn't say anything, Regulus could tell that his leg was paining him.

"Sorry" Harry said quietly as large, green eyes blinked up at him, but Regulus just shook his head.

"You have nothing to be sorry for."

They entered Harry's room and Regulus realised that they would need to take Harry shopping at some point, get him some new clothes and personal effects. Some things to brighten up the room, if he was to stay, his mind forcibly rejecting the idea of Harry going to spend the rest of the summer at Potter Manor.

Regulus settled Harry onto the bed, thankful that this at least was up to standard, large and soft with thick warm blankets draped all over it. Harry was grateful that he wasn't wearing any shoes as he lifted the covers and climbed under, he was feeling particularly drained after everything he'd just talked about. It wasn't easy telling people just how their lives were going to fall apart. Luckily no one had seemed to blame him, yet anyway.

Regulus moved over to the dresser, which contained all of Harry's various potions.

"Would you like a pain potion for your leg? And perhaps a calming draft to help you sleep?" Regulus asked as he pulled two phials from the many.

Harry nodded gratefully, never being one to ask for help.

Regulus stayed, even after Harry had taken the potions. Not touching him, but sitting nearby, letting Harry know that he wasn't alone, that someone was there for him. The Slytherin didn't leave until Harry's eyes had fallen shut and his breathing had turned heavy. He took a moment to take in the sight before he crept out of the room and back downstairs to find everyone else still in the sitting room. It seemed that another pot of tea had been brought, as well as a plate of sandwiches.

Regulus simply sat and watched for a moment. Taking in Sirius talking lowly with James and Remus, while his father talked seriously with Lord and Lady Potter. His father's eyes were furrowed and he could tell that the brilliant mind was busy analysing everything Harry had said and how he could best counter it.

Remus was the first one to notice that he'd returned.

"Harry OK?"

Regulus nodded. "He is sleeping, I gave him a pain potion and a calming draft."

Lord Potter cleared his throat, clearly still struggling with everything he had been told. "We should discuss what Harry has told us while he is resting."

"Where would we even begin?" Lady Potter said, she still had tears in her eyes from when she had learned of James's death.

"With the most pressing matters first" Orion said simply. "The removal of Walburga from the Black family."

Regulus sat stunned for a moment, he would've thought it more likely that his father would have had her killed rather than removing her from the Black family.

"You are going to remove her from the Black family?" Lord Potter said surprise and understanding flitting over his face. "And as she is a Black by birth as well as marriage, she will become nameless. One without family. There is no greater shame to a pureblood."

"Exactly" Orion said grimly. "Killing her would be too easy, I want her to suffer" his dark eyes flashing dangerously as he spoke. "She will be stripped of her Black name and the Black family magic, greatly diminishing her power. She will become an outcast."

Regulus felt like he had to point out the obvious. "She doesn't need magic to kill you."

"No. But now I am aware of her intentions, stripped of her name and removed from our home, she will find it much harder to do so. If she still poses a threat after all that, then I will need to look to a more permanent solution."

Regulus just nodded, seemingly unfazed about the casual mention of the murder of his mother. His heart twanged briefly, but she had never taken much to the role anyway, he thought sourly, remembering years of abuse and neglect at her hands, thankfully his father knew little of what had occurred.

"We will make sure to discourage any possible assistance given to her from our circles, not that most would be forthcoming" Lord Potter put in helpfully and Orion nodded gratefully.

"Something will also need to be done about Bellatrix and Peter" Remus said with a serious look at his best friends. His insides still writhing at their deaths, even more then the thought of his own.

"Bellatrix is clearly unstable" Lord Potter put in thoughtfully. "There have been rumours swirling around about her for years. Why don't you look at contacting a mind healer, and try to get her some help? You are the head of the Black family; you have the power to have someone committed if it is proven necessary."

Orion let out a tired sigh, nearly feeling jealous of Harry upstairs having a nap at the moment.

"That would be preferable" he said finally.

"We should start distancing ourselves from Peter" James put in finally, still looking distraught at what their future would hold.

Sirius opened his mouth, but Regulus butted in before he could speak.

"I wouldn't. Carry on as normal, keep him close but trust him with nothing. It wouldn't do to alert Peter that you are aware of his disloyalty."

James swallowed thickly. "I'm not sure I can do that."

Lady Potter spoke up, looking at her son in concern. "Who knows what measures he may take if he thinks that you are on to him. Regulus is right. It may be difficult but pretend like all is normal but be on your guard around him."

James shared a look with Sirius and Remus before all three nodded wearily.

"There is little we can do to prevent ourselves catching dragon pox, as Harry is unsure when we caught it or where. But we will try to be more vigilant as well as keeping a supply of bypoxy in the Manor. It isn't a cure but has been shown to reduce symptoms. We will also keep a healer on staff who specialises with dealing with dragon pox" Lord Potter explained.

Regulus blinked slowly at the extent that the Potters had obviously thought about their manner of death. He realised that they must have been working on possible solutions since Harry had told them when they were upstairs, and Harry was still under the influence of the potions.

James moved closer to where his parents were sitting, gripping both their hands fiercely.

"It will be OK. Now that Harry has given us this warning, we will be able to prepare for what is coming."

"We are very fortunate indeed that Harry was sent to us. I shudder at what would have become of us otherwise" Lady Potter said, gaining nods of agreement from all.

"I will leave for Gringotts now" Orion said, already standing from his seat. "I want the matter of Walburga dealt with immediately and the goblins are the only ones who can perform the ritual."

"We will accompany you" Lord Potter said, "we have business at Gringotts, as well as in the Alley."

Orion nodded before turning to the four males still sitting in the room.

"Behave."

Orion wasn't sure what he was expecting to come home to, but it sure wasn't Harry Potter cooking up a storm in the kitchen while Remus, James, Sirius and Regulus assisted.

Harry was seated at the large table rolling out dough, while he gave directions to the other teens.

"Now, Remy, pour all the stock into the pot. Siri, those potatoes will need to be cut smaller. Dad, make sure you keep stirring the cream, we don't want it to burn."

James nearly knocked over the whole pot in his shock at being called dad, spluttering incoherently as he dropped the spoon into the cream he was supposed to be stirring. Orion could sympathise with the lad; it must be difficult being 17 and having your son from the future suddenly arrive in your life.

"Sorry" Harry squeaked in embarrassment as his whole face lit up red. "I've been calling you that in my head and it just slipped out."

"I don't mind" James said sincerely after he'd recovered from the shock, and Orion felt his respect for the Gryffindor grow.

Orion continued looking around the kitchen, spotting Regulus beside Harry grating a lemon. He even seemed to be enjoying himself. A small smile gracing his face as Harry scolded Sirius again over the size of the potatoes.

Lord and Lady Potter came and stood beside him at the door.

"What on earth" Lady Potter said under her breath.

James heard the noise and turned to find the three adults staring at them with dumbfounded expressions on their faces.

"Harry wanted to cook us dinner, as a thank you for everything, but his leg pained him too much to stand for long so we said we would help out" James explained cheerfully.

"Right" Orion said slowly, still struggling with the idea that his sons were willingly helping out in the kitchen. "Is there a reason you aren't just using magic?"

"Harry reckons it tastes better if it's mostly made by hand" Sirius explained with a shrug that clearly said he wasn't sure if he believed it but was willing to go along for Harry's sake.

"How did you go at Gringotts?" Regulus asked.

"Good" Orion said with a exhausted sigh. "She should be starting to feel the effects of it now. A letter was sent, so there is no confusion about what has occurred. The goblins also ran a health check on me while I was there… there was already traces of poison in my system." Orion looked grim at the announcement, the very idea that Walburga had already started poisoning him, planning his death, had shaken him to his very core. How had everything gone so wrong?

Harry hesitated for a moment before he stood up from his spot. He wiped his hands on his apron, before grabbing his stick and making his way to Orion. He rested his hand on the Black Lord's arm in comfort.

"That must've been very difficult for you" Harry said earnestly having obviously been filled in on what was happening, from the others. He looked into Orion's dark eyes, and ridiculously Orion felt his throat start to burn, he drew comfort from the warmth of the hand on his arm.

"We fell out of love long ago, sweet words turned to bitter entreaties but still she is the mother of my children. I have known her all my life. She deserves what is coming to her, but no, no it wasn't easy."

Harry nodded in understanding, as much as he disliked the Dursleys it would still be difficult for him to do anything that would cause them harm. He hesitated for a moment before reaching out and drawing Orion into a soft hug. Thin arms wrapping around a strong waist as he did his best to offer some comfort to the intimidating man.

The room stood frozen, Orion's heart stuttering in his chest before he slowly wrapped his arms around Harry in return, holding each other for a few moments before they gently pulled away.

"Thank you, Harry."

Harry just smiled at him, "why don't you go change while we finish preparing dinner, by the time you come back down it will almost be ready."

Orion nodded dumbly, mind still whirling, before he turned and exited the room.

"Lord and Lady Potter, there is more than enough for you both as well if you are staying another night?" Harry asked.

"That sounds wonderful Harry, but please calls us Fleamont and Euphemia or grandmother and grandfather. Whatever you're most comfortable with." Fleamont said, smiling at Harry's flustered look before they both turned and left the room as well.

Harry nodded decidedly, grandmother and grandfather it is he thought warmly, before turning back toward the room, rolling his eyes at the surprised looks that greeted him. He hobbled over to Sirius.

"Are you OK?"

"Course" Sirius said softly, "I barely saw her as it was, won't be much different."

Harry looked at Sirius intently before seeming to accept what he had said. He made his way back to his seat next to Regulus.

"How about you?" Harry asked quietly

"I'm fine" Regulus said shortly. Talking about how he was feeling was something he wasn't adept at. Harry watched him for a moment, Regulus expected him to move on like he did with Sirius. Instead, he wrapped his arms around Regulus's neck and pulled him in for a tight hug. Regulus practically melted into the hold. He burrowed his face into Harry's sweet-smelling neck, wrapping his own arms around Harrys slim waist and virtually pulling the other teen into his lap. Holding the smaller teen firmly and soaking up all that he offered. When was the last time he was held like this? He couldn't even remember.

A loud throat clearing had them breaking away and Regulus turned to find both James and Sirius glaring at him, while Remus's lip curled.

Harry gave him one more pat on the shoulder in comfort, before returning to the dough he had been rolling out.

As they all settled around the table a little while later, preparing to enjoy the delicious meal, a thought struck Harry and he turned quickly to Orion.

"Did you also take care of Kreacher?"

Orion paused with a forkful of food halfway to his mouth.

"Excuse me?"

"Kreacher." Harry said slowly. "Did you give him new orders? Ensure that his loyalty was only to you?" Seeing Orion's blank face, Harry continued. "I mean I could be wrong but how do you think Walburga was able to poison you? He is definitely loyal to Walburga; in the future anyway" Harry finished with a shudder as he remembered the screaming portrait and the house elf who had helped send Sirius to his death.

"KREACHER!" Orion roared.

Harry sat up sharply, heart pounding in his chest and sweat beading on his brow as he heard the yelling start up from downstairs. The voices were clearly raised in anger though Harry couldn't make out anything that was being said. He grabbed his wand and threw himself out of bed, forgetting his walking stick in his hurry. His leg twinged painfully but he pushed it aside as adrenaline drove him forward.

In the hall he ran into Sirius, James and Remus who had obviously heard the commotion and were making their way downstairs to investigate as well.

Harry moved in front of the trio, "stay behind me" he said sternly, gripping the banister tightly as they edged their way downstairs.

They found Regulus on the ground floor, standing outside the door to the sitting room they had been in earlier. Harry prepared to push his way into the room, wondering what Regulus was doing standing outside when there was clearly some kind of fight going on in there.

"We are not needed in there" Regulus said softly, gripping Harry's shoulder to prevent him from going any further. "It is Grandfather Pollux and Grandmother Irma, no doubt here to see about mot-"

Before Regulus could finish, the door flew open and an angry witch and wizard stormed through, positively howling with rage. Orion thundering behind them, the look on his face murderous.

Harry stumbled back as a shoulder collided harshly with his chest, his back hit the wall with a thud and his injured leg gave out causing him to collapse to the floor in a heap. Acting on instinct he threw a shield around Remus, Sirius, James and Regulus, wanting above all, to ensure they were safe. Two stunning spells flew from his wand in quick succession, hitting his unsuspecting targets in the back as they stomped past.

They collapsed mid stride, landing in a heap and nearly causing Orion to trip over them in his surprise.

"What?" Orion gasped as he gracefully dodged the human pile on the floor.

Angry voices gradually reached Harry's ears and he glanced up to find Sirius, James, Regulus and Remus all trying to break through the shield he'd erected. He waved his wand, causing the spell to dissipate as the four teens burst forward.

"Harry!" James cried dropping to his knees beside him. "What were you thinking?"

Harry just blinked at him in confusion.

"You could've been hurt!" Sirius growled from beside James as he helped Harry to sit up properly, straightening his dishevelled pyjamas.

Harry just shrugged, he hadn't really thought about it, just acted on instinct, like always. It used to drive Ron and Hermione mad.

Orion peered down at the green-eyed teen, a vicious smirk on his face.

"I thank you, Harry, for doing what would have been… inappropriate for me to do."

Harry laughed outright at that, "you're welcome."

"I will deal with these two, why don't you boys help Harry back to bed." Orion said, his eyes dark as he looked down at the stunned pair.

Sirius leaned down and hoisted Harry into his arms, earning a startled squeak from the green-eyed teen.

"You're shaking" Sirius said in concern as he held Harry closer.

"Just the adrenaline wearing off. When I heard the voices, I – I th-thought we were under attack again."

"Everything is OK now" Sirius said soothingly as he shared a dark look with his father. "Let's get you back to bed."

Harry nearly rolled his eyes, it seemed that ensuring he got enough rest was very important to everyone, but couldn't deny he was tired, so he let himself be carried upstairs without a fuss.