Thank you all so much for the beautiful comments on the last chapter! I loved them so much I decided to work really hard to get the next chapter out. I hope you enjoy
Chapter 14
Harry checked and re-checked his luggage one more time. He had spent most of the day before packing all his belongings ready to leave for Hogwarts. His last task was getting Crookshanks into his crate for travelling.
Unsurprisingly, the cat wasn't keen and had disappeared for most of the morning.
Kreacher appeared, somehow knowing that he was finished, taking his trunk with a bow before disappearing.
"Crookshanks!" Harry called as he roamed slowly through the house, peering into rooms and down hallways. When he came to Regulus' room the door was open and the other teen was inside still packing his things.
"Alright, Harry?" Regulus asked, as he folded another robe and placed it in his trunk. The youngest Black had chosen to wear a dark green robe today, while Harry himself was wearing one of his new robes, a soft brown colour that reminded him of Hermione's eyes.
Harry didn't answer right away, diverted by the other boy's room. He hadn't been inside before, or even caught a glimpse of it. The room was beautiful. Dark greens and greys lined the room, everything from the walls, to the bedding and furniture. Splashes of deeper orange highlighted the dark shades, giving the room a country forest feel that made Harry feel warm. He wandered in, hand grazing the bookshelf as he breathed in deeply, enjoying an amazing scent that he couldn't quite place.
There curled up in a large comfortable looking armchair was Crookshanks.
"There you are" Harry said softly leaning down to scoop the large cat up into his arms. "I know you don't want to get into the crate, but I promise I'll let you out as soon as we get on the train."
A snort had him swinging around to face a very amused looking Regulus. He blushed hotly, having forgotten the other was there for a moment.
He clutched Crookshanks closer, who turned his beady stare to Regulus, obviously sensing that the other was the cause of Harry's discomfort.
Regulus put a hand up in surrender.
"Sorry" Harry said sheepishly. "Your room is beautiful."
Regulus glanced around his room, studying it with fresh eyes. "Thank you. I hadn't realised you hadn't been inside before. You are welcome any time when we're home for winter break."
"That'd be nice. I was looking for Crookshanks" Harry said awkwardly as he lifted the grumpy cat up as if to prove his point.
Regulus smirked, "he wandered in an hour ago and made himself quite comfortable."
Harry rolled his eyes, of course he had.
"You nearly ready to go?"
"Yep, just needed Crookshanks."
Regulus nodded in understanding.
"You nervous?" Regulus asked, as he closed his trunk and Kreacher magically appeared to take it.
"Very" Harry said honestly.
Regulus gave him a surprised look and Harry was sure the other wasn't used to others just telling him the truth.
"About what exactly?"
"The unknown I guess" Harry said thoughtfully. "Being sorted, what the lessons will be like, the other students… it's a lot."
"It is. Lucky you have me… and James, Sirius and Remus, I suppose."
Harry laughed, eyes shining in amusement. "I am lucky."
"Come on, we better get downstairs, father will be waiting."
Regulus took Crookshanks, ducking to Harry's room and collecting the cage before they made their way downstairs to find Orion waiting in the kitchen. Harry slid Crookshanks into the cage, who was not showing any signs of annoyance and he let himself breathe a sigh of relief.
"Ready?" Orion asked, smiling between the pair when they nodded.
"Kreacher has already delivered your trunks to the Hogwarts Express, I will apparate you to the station" Orion explained, and Harry realised the explanation was for him as Regulus was clearly already used to this every year. Orion turned and focused just on Harry now.
"Good luck, Harry. Please write and let me know how you are settling in or if you need anything at all. I know it might be hard but don't worry about Voldemort for now."
Harry felt warm at the kind words. "Thank you for everything, Orion. I – I've never felt so safe as I have these past few weeks."
Orion looked pleased at the words, "no, thank you, Harry. Without you my family as well as myself would be ended. We are forever in your debt." The Black lord bowed, and Harry grinned shyly at the sincere thanks, not really sure what to say.
Orion, however, didn't seem to need a response, stepping forward and gripping both Harry and Regulus' arms firmly. Harry held on to Crookshanks cage and in a flash the horrible feeling of apparition engulfed him.
When the feeling lifted, he blinked his eyes several times, realising that they had appeared in a small alley running beside Kings Cross Station. There were several other families apparating in and Harry realised it must be an area specifically set up for that purpose. His brows furrowed in confusion, he didn't remember anything of the kind being around when he was at Hogwarts, though perhaps he just hadn't been aware of it. It was a great idea, either way.
They strolled in, Harry gripping both his cane and Crookshanks' carrier tightly.
"After you" Regulus said, nudging Harry gently toward the barrier between platforms 9 and 10. Harry took a moment, remembering taking this leap all those years ago, his heart pounded in his chest but a warm hand on his back had him calming slightly. He turned to smile softly at Regulus, letting some of his excitement stamp down on his nerves. He stepped forward, eyes closing as he walked through, Regulus and Orion following closely behind. They stepped out of the way and Orion stepped forward to hug Regulus, before pulling Harry into a brief but warm hug.
"Write to let me know you're both safe, have a great term."
"Thank you, father."
"Thank you, Orion."
Orion smiled warmly for a moment, before he straightened, mask falling back into place as he strode away, eyes sweeping the platform as he went.
Regulus stepped closer to Harry as they made their way through the crowds of students and families all milling around and saying goodbye to one another.
"Did you want to sit with me? We can go and find James once the train has gotten underway."
"Yeah, that sounds good" Harry said, feeling a little overwhelmed by all the people and noise.
"We usually sit towards the b-"
Regulus grunted as someone walked into him, knocking his shoulder quite forcefully. They both spun to find an unfamiliar woman standing before them. She had copper coloured hair and freckles over the bridge of her nose and was looking at Regulus with unnerving glee.
"Regulus!" The woman grinned and Regulus took an involuntary step back at the look in the woman's eyes. Harry however took a step closer.
"I'm sorry, do I know you?" Regulus asked coldly, face set in stone as he stared the woman down.
"What? Don't you recognise your dearest mother?"
Harry leaned closer, sure he had misheard, while all of the colour drained from Regulus' face.
"Mother?" he gasped. "What are you doing here?"
"Just wanted to see my only son off for his first day of school" she grinned maniacally and even though she clearly wore another's face Harry thought she reminded him of Bellatrix in that moment.
"Just because your father" she hissed the words menacingly, "has seen fit to banish me from the family, doesn't mean that we can't have anything to do with each other."
Harry thought he felt Regulus shudder beside him, and he stepped closer to the other.
"It's good to see you" Regulus said, voice never raising above freezing and Harry didn't believe him for a second.
Walburga cooed at him, making even that sound dangerous.
"I knew you wouldn't forget your dear mother. I need you to do something for me Regulus" she continued as she pulled out a small yellow vial from her robes.
"The next time you write your father I want you to spray this over the paper just before posting it."
Regulus took the vial. "Why?"
"You let me worry about the why, just do as I tell you."
Regulus stared at the vial in his hand, offering no confirmation or denial.
Harry leaned a little closer, glancing at the vial then back up at Walburga, jolting when he realised that he was being watched.
"Who's your friend Regulus?" she asked lowly, and Harry felt a familiar swoop of fear and danger in his stomach.
Regulus elbowed him harshly making Harry stumble back a few steps.
"A nosy, nobody" Regulus sneered, looking down his nose at Harry who looked back in surprise. "A little hanger on, trying to get in with the Black family. You're nothing more then the dirt beneath our shoes."
"Filth" Walburga mocked.
Harry unthinkingly took a step back towards Regulus, not wanting to leave him alone with his mother no matter the shit that was spilling from his mouth at the moment. But Regulus cast him an angry look as he moved toward him again, eyes narrowing Regulus stepped forward and shoved Harry away, hard. Surprised at the sudden attack he stumbled back letting out a grunt of pain that he quickly bit back as he fell to the floor, Crookshanks and his cane both rolling away and his leg twisting painfully beneath him.
The movement caused people to turn and stare as much as Walburga's manic laugh did. Fear and uncertainty showing up on the faces of those around them, as well as concern on the few who moved forward and attempted to help Harry to his feet. Unfortunately, the fall had done some damage and he was unable to stand at that moment in time.
Walburga didn't spare him another glance, "remember Regulus, on the next letter you send your father."
With that the witch disappeared into the crowd.
Regulus watched, making sure she was gone before he spun to Harry.
Several people were scowling at him, but he ignored them as he hurried to Harry's side.
"I am so sorry, Harry" Regulus said quietly. Passing Harry his cane and grabbing Crookshanks crate before wrapping an arm around Harry's waist and helping him to his feet. Harry bit his lip harshly to hold back the groan of pain that was trying to escape.
"I understand" Harry gasped, because he really did. Regulus had just been trying to protect Harry, the last thing they needed was to draw Walburga's attention. It was the reason he'd held back from firing any spells when the witch had turned her attention to him. For some reason understanding the action didn't make it hurt any less. His heart pounding a little quicker at the look on Regulus' face when he'd looked down at Harry.
They hobbled toward the train and Harry felt his cheeks heating at the stares from the people around them. What a great first impression he was making. Even with the short delay that was Walburga's unannounced visit they still managed to be one of the first people on the train. They made their way to a cabin towards the back, one Regulus explained that he usually frequented. Their trunks were already waiting, and Harry was amazed at Kreacher's cleverness.
Regulus set Harry down gently on a seat where Harry busied himself opening Crookshanks cage. Regulus placed Crookshanks cage in the luggage storage above their heads, turning back around to find Crookshanks staring balefully at him. The stare turning to a vicious hiss when Regulus sat down opposite Harry.
Regulus rummaged in his pockets and pulled out a peace offering, a small pain potion which he opened and handed to Harry.
"Thank you" Harry said softly as he turned to look out the window, downing the potion in one go. He relaxed a little as most of his pain eased.
"I'll write to father as soon as we arrive at Hogwarts and let him know what happened" Regulus said, trying to break the awkward silence that had fallen between the pair.
Harry nodded, "Walburga is clearly still up to no good and obviously has plans to hurt your father."
"Whatever is in this" Regulus said, holding up the vial, "it can't be good."
Silence settled over them once again and Regulus cleared his throat.
"I am sorry, for hurting you" Regulus said softly. "I just didn't want to put you on her radar, have her think that you are something that could be used to hurt me."
"I understand, really. I'm not mad" Harry said his green eyes shining with sincerity and Regulus felt his heart break a little that Harry wasn't upset with how he'd been treated.
"I-I would never wish any harm on you."
"I know" Harry said softly when Regulus looked sceptical.
"I'm sure my leg will be feeling better by tomorrow. I'm just a little tired from the excitement of the day and the drowsiness of the potion."
Regulus hesitantly stood and settled beside Harry instead of across from him.
"If you like you could have a nap, lean against me. He put his arm around Harry's shoulder and pulled him in before the green-eyed boy could think to protest, settling Harry's head on his chest and relaxing a little as Harry let out a contented sigh. Regulus brought his other hand up to gently remove Harry's glasses, tucking them safely into his pocket.
It didn't take long for Harry's breathing to even out, his body warm against Regulus' side. He summoned a book from his bag and began reading silently, enjoying the peace of the moment and trying to will away the guilt that was eating at him.
The peace of course did not last long. The door to their compartment slid open and his fellow sixth year Slytherin's entered. Severus Snape, Rabastan Lestrange, George Avery, Samuel Mulciber and Nicolas Greengrass.
Regulus nodded at each as they entered, watching as their eyes opened in surprise at the student, for want of a better word, cuddled into his side.
"And who pray tell, is this?" Avery asked, eyes running over Harry's small figure.
"A distant cousin, he is starting at Hogwarts this year."
Curious gazes took in the new information. Rabastan and Severus being the only ones who had met Harry before.
"What year is he in?"
"He will be joining sixth year with us; he is being sorted when we arrive" Regulus kept his answers short.
"Why is he only starting now?" Mulciber asked, not suspiciously but with a touch of something to his voice.
Regulus knew there would be questions, they had expected and prepared for them, but it still galled him that they thought they had the right to question anything in his life. He suppressed these feelings though, keeping his voice level.
"His parents passed when he was quite young, and he has been living in Europe with relatives all these years. Though he did visit regularly. It was decided that he would join us at Hogwarts this year."
Greengrass looked at him shrewdly, "is he Dorea and Charlus' son?"
Regulus nodded, not elaborating further. Regulus knew the story would spread throughout Hogwarts and home to their parents by the end of the day.
"His name is Harry Potter" Rabastan spoke up with a smirk, causing Regulus to frown.
"Well, he looks very comfortable with you" Greengrass grinned.
Regulus pulled Harry even closer to him, making sure that there were no misunderstandings between them.
The conversation shifted after that to talk of summer holidays. The usual holidays abroad, lavish balls and parties. Most of it a complete fabrication. Crookshanks watched the newcomers carefully from his place beside Harry, clearly not sure what to make of them yet.
It wasn't until the witch with the food trolley passed that Regulus decided it was time to wake Harry. He knew how important it was that Harry have regular meals. So, with a gentle squeeze and a slight shake he woke up the boy beside him.
Harry slowly blinked awake, yawning and rubbing his eyes as awareness returned to him. It took him a moment to remember where he was. Snuggling into Regulus even more before sitting up as he realised there was multiple sets of eyes on him.
He felt something press into his hand and looked down to find Regulus handing his glasses back. Slipping them back on he was finally able to get a clear picture of what was going on around them.
It looked like they had been joined in their cabin by a group of teenage boys and if Harry had to guess he would say they were Regulus' year mates.
"Hello" he croaked, blushing as he cleared his throat.
"Well, hello there" Avery grinned.
Harry glanced at Regulus, taking in the cool look he was aiming at the other teen, before he started introducing everyone.
"It's nice to meet you" Harry said, still feeling a little disorientated from his abrupt wake up.
"Here, I got you something to eat" Regulus said, handing over a sandwich and a couple chocolate frogs.
"Oh, thank you Regulus, I am starting to feel hungry."
Conversation lulled as everyone tore into their food.
"So, are you all in Slytherin with Regulus?" Harry asked as he finished the last of his sandwich.
A chorus of yes's, yep's and we sure are's echoed through the cabin, causing Harry to smile.
Before he could ask another question, the door was slid open, and four boys crammed themselves into the doorway.
None were dressed in their school uniforms yet, but if Harry had to bet, he would say that they were Gryffindors.
"Well, look what we have here, a cage full of snakes" a blonde boy sneered, and Harry had to hold back a snort at the insult.
"Excuse me" Harry spoke up, startling the boys from whatever they were going to say next. "We're just trying to enjoy our lunch, could you please, go away" his voice firmed on the last few words as he eyed them disdainfully.
They all looked at him in surprise.
A boy with mousey brown hair leered at him, "you're not a Slytherin are you, beautiful? Why are you in here with these snakes?"
"I'm not really sure what I am yet, as I haven't been sorted."
"Ah" there was quiet for a moment.
In the lull Harry raised his wand, "expecto patronum!" he cast loudly, watching in amusement as everyone jumped and tried to move out of the way as a stage erupted from the end of his wand. Harry patted its nose softly, smiling a little at the wide eye looks being cast his way.
"Can you please go and get James. Let him know some Gryffindors are bothering us."
The stage charged off through the door, causing all four boys to duck and cover and to be honest Harry wasn't sure if it would knock them over or go straight through them.
"What the hell was that for?" The blonde hissed, pulling himself up from the ground and scowling at Harry. Head swinging to the side as a door slammed open further down the corridor and James and Sirius' angry voices could be heard coming closer.
They spotted Harry, surrounded by Slytherins with the four Gryffindors in the hall and glared.
"What's going on here?" James asked as Sirius gently grabbed Harry by the wrist and pulled him out of the compartment and into the hall behind him.
"You weren't thinking about bothering my – cousin, were you?" James asked with a frown.
"He's sitting with a bunch of Slytherins!"
"Your sixth years now, grow up!" James argued back and Harry felt a small wave of pride run through him.
"Detention, tomorrow night" James said, tapping the head boy badge on his robes.
All four boys groaned.
"Now get out of here" Sirius growled, his arm firmly wrapped around Harry, holding him snug against his back.
James and Sirius watched as they walked away before turning to check on Harry, running their hands over his arms and face as though checking for injuries.
"I'm OK" Harry laughed. "Was just trying to get rid of them without resorting to violence."
"Where's your cane?" James asked worriedly.
"I forgot to grab it when I got up, I'm OK I didn't walk far."
"We wanted to come and look for you, but we weren't sure if you would want to see," he cleared his throat awkwardly… "just yet."
Harry squeezed his hand at the thoughtfulness.
"I'll get used to it," he said softly. "But maybe not today, it's been a big day already."
They both nodded in understanding, pulling Harry in for a hug.
"If you need us just send another message."
James startled as though just remembering the patronus.
"You can cast a fully corporeal patronus! One that can carry messages! I didn't even know that was possible."
Harry smiled shyly, "I can show you some time if you like?"
James nodded warmly, watching as Harry turned to go back into his own compartment only to find Regulus standing in the doorway waiting for him.
"Alright there, Harry?" Regulus asked, eyeing James and Sirus cooly.
"Yeah, of course" Harry grinned, making his way back to his previous seat and sitting down. He pulled Crookshanks into his lap as the rest of the journey flew by.
Harry felt a calm settle over him as he looked up at Hogwarts again. No matter what was going on the castle had a way of making everything seem alright. It was as beautiful as ever, candlelight flickering around the great hall as he walked in with Regulus.
He hadn't been sure where to go when he arrived, was he supposed to be sorted beforehand or with the first years?
He had asked Hagrid when they'd arrived at Hogsmeade, heart beating out of his chest as he looked up at the half giant. But unfortunately, Hagrid hadn't had a clue what was happening, so Regulus had insisted he stay with him.
Thankfully a middle-aged witch approached him as he hovered near the doors to the great hall, trying to ignore the stares of the other students.
"Harry Potter?" She asked.
"Yes?"
"Oh, thank goodness I found you, you're to be sorted after the first years. Can you please come with me."
Harry nodded dumbly, stumbling and nearly missing the way Regulus squeezed his hand in support before leaving for the Slytherin table.
Harry followed the woman, who looked to be in her late 40's with a multitude of wild brown hair.
"I was supposed to tell Hagrid to bring you with the first years, but I forgot all about it" she prattled on, oblivious to Harry's unease.
"Here you go" she said, opening a door and nudging him though. "It shan't be long now."
"Th-thank you" Harry managed to get out before the door shut behind her and he was faced with a group of wide eyed first years all staring at him.
No one was talking, one particularly small first year looked like they were about to vomit. Harry tried to smile encouragingly but he didn't feel much better himself.
Eventually Professor McGonagall entered to collect the first years and Harry felt his heart seize in his chest at the sight of her. Looking much younger and less careworn though no less intimidating than the Professor McGonagall of his time.
He followed the first years out at her instruction, feeling particularly awkward as he stood not much taller than them.
The names were read, Harry's ears pricking up every time he heard a familiar name. His eyes sought out and found Regulus as well as James, Sirius and Remus, who all smiled encouragingly at him.
Finally, when all the first years had been sorted Harry knew his time had come. He had changed into his plain black school robes on the train and couldn't help but wonder what colour would be added after his sorting.
"Lastly, we have a new student joining us this year."
Whispers broke out all around the hall and he did his best not to fidget.
"Harry Potter, please step forward."
"Potter?"
"Did she say Potter?"
He heard voices saying as he walked forward, he had a last view of heads swivelling to look at James before the hat was dropped down over his eyes.
"Oh, this is an easy one" the hat whispered.
"Good luck, Harry Potter."
"SLYTHERIN!"