AN: Another chapter done! I had a lot of fun writing this one and I hope you all enjoy reading it. I'm starting to slowly but surely figure out the path I want to this story to take. I'm still deciding certain things along the way.
"Hey, Sirius," Harry smiled slightly when he arrived at Grimmauld place, but it quickly turned into a frown when he noticed the tense atmosphere. Reaching out with his magic, he could feel a small disturbance in the wards around them, almost as if someone had tried to penetrate them. "Something happened while I was gone." He stated, watching the grey eyes darken in frustration.
"Damn Order members!" Sirius practically snarled. "Once they realized we updated the wards, they've been relentless in trying to break them down!" Harry twitched in displeasure at that, going to sit beside his irate godfather. "This came in from Bill and the Twins," Sirius spoke darkly, looking more thunderous by the minute. He didn't even have to touch the envelope to know it was drenched in numerous protection and secrecy charms.
Growing more concerned, Harry took the letter and unfolded it, watching as words slowly spelled on the parchment.
Harry,
Dumbledore is growing more desperate to get to you. He had the audacity to request my help in tearing down the wards at Grimmauld Place, thinking I would help him. He's a fool if he thinks I would ever do that to my brother in all but blood.
He's also tried this tactic with the twins; he knows you're close to them. He wanted them to use their friendship against you. For them to try and convince you to go back to Dumbledore. They told him off quite loudly. I believe their words were 'You can either leave right now, or we will make what we did to Umbridge look harmless.' Despite the tense letter, Harry let out a soft snort, a quick smile forming on his lips at the twins' antics. That smile softened more, knowing the two would have made good on their threat. As soon as the warmth formed in his chest, it was replaced by guilt and anguish.
He wasn't worth it. They didn't need to put themselves on the line for him. Not after-
Taking a breath to stop his racing thoughts, Harry continued reading, not wanting to let his mind drift into the despair that wanted to consume him.
None of us would ever do that to you, Harry. You have given up far too much already in your life. My little brother would still be around if it weren't for him and the Order members. I have no idea why he thinks I would willingly help someone who destroyed part of my family.
Bill.
As that part of the letter ended, a new one began to appear.
Harrykins, it began, drawing a quiet laugh from the green-eyed wizard.
We're a little worried that you will be having a lot of fun destroying Dumbledore without us, so we're going to remedy that. The Prewett family hasn't been a part of Wizengamot in centuries, but we're going to change that.
Quite true, Freddie. You see Harrykins, the Prewett Lordships are only passed to twins, and being that we're the last ones, we decided to claim the Lordship. We know you're already receiving guidance from Lucius Malfoy, but we want you to know you have another set of allies behind you. Harry felt his eyes water in gratitude and thanks, smiling softly as the warmth returned to his chest.
You know what, Georgie? I think we could do even better. The Weasley family needs someone to claim the Lordship, and since Dad doesn't want it, that leaves Bill for the job.
I think you're right, Freddie! Oh Harrykins, we'll get Bill in on this too, don't you worry.
Stuck between amusement and mortification, Harry laughed loudly at the next words,
Damn it, you two! You're always getting me into something. There was a break in the line as Bill started to write a new line.
Hi again, Harry. Even though my brothers so graciously volunteered my service without my consent, I don't mind this time. My brothers are on to something, and for once, I will gladly participate in it. After everything, I don't want to miss Dumbledore being kicked off his pedestal either. We all look forward to helping you.
Gred, Forge, and Bill.
"I can't say that I was expecting this," Harry admitted with another laugh, looking at Sirius, who had a strange expression on his face. "What?" Harry asked self-consciously, blushing at the goofy grin on his godfather's face.
"Nothing, pup. Just haven't heard you laugh like that in too long. I'm glad I was able to hear it again." Sirius smiled wider, reaching forward to affectionately ruffle his hair. Harry playfully rolled his eyes, but the smile never fell from his face. "Seeing you happy again almost made me forget why I was angry in the first place." Harry paused, thinking back to what Sirius mentioned earlier.
"How much damage did they do to the wards?" Harry questioned, getting up to head to the center of the room so he could assess it himself.
"They hardly put a dent in them," Sirius admitted. "But it was just Emmeline Vance and Hestia Jones today. Once they return with Dumbledore or even Mad-eye, I'm not sure how long they will hold. Not with these relentless attacks." Harry huffed at that, rubbing his temples at the sheer idiocy Dumbledore and his devout followers had.
"What worries me the most is Tonks," Harry said with a grimace. "Even if her mom was blasted off the family tree, these wards still react to her because of her blood." Sirius sighed, running a hand through his long curls as he nodded.
"Remus and Severus share the same fear you do," Sirius spoke with a groan, rubbing his face. "Tonks is even more persistent than the other members. Once she decides to do something, there's no stopping her. If she set her mind to it, she could take these wards down," Harry closed his eyes with a resigned sigh, nodding.
"There is something we can try, but I'm going to need your help with it," Harry admitted, fidgeting with the ring on his finger. "Since I am the Lord of the Black Family now, I do have more control of these wards than the others. The only downside is that I'm still learning how to build and dismantle wards." He chewed on his bottom lip, deep in thought. "I have a good understanding of them, and I'm definitely in the advanced stage, but I'm nowhere near a master level."
"I'm no master either," Sirius reminded, but he moved to the center with Harry regardless. "But I do have more experience than you, especially with the Black Wards." He sat on the floor and motioned for Harry to join him. Harry did without comment, watching as his Godfather took his wand and conjured a piece of glowing chalk after speaking a long spell.
"Usually wards only allow one person to adjust them at once." Sirius drew a series of runes around his body, the magic starting to pour off of them and linger in the room. "Multiple people can take down a ward, but creating and adjusting them usually limits it to one person. The Black Family never liked that idea, so this," He motioned to the glowing chalk. "Is a product that strictly belongs to us. Other families may have their own version, but this one is specifically ours."
"I remember reading about that in the Black Library," Harry commented, eyes lingering on the golden runes around Sirius' body. "I haven't had the chance to read all the books in there yet, but that did catch my eye. I think it's useful."
"I will find the Black Family Grimoire for you. I know it's in the library somewhere, but knowing my family, they would have hidden it well." Harry considered that, frowning.
"And it wouldn't be in the Vaults at Gringotts?" Sirius shook his head immediately.
"No. The book was tethered to this place in specific. This was the family home, and it was considered a disservice to have the family book in any other place." Harry tilted his head at that, thinking of a few different ideas.
"Are all family grimoires like that? Or were some allowed to be placed in the family vaults?" Sirius smirked at him, almost like he knew what Harry was thinking.
"James kept the Potter Grimoire in the Potter Vaults. When he and Lily were on the run, there were many heirlooms that they couldn't take. One of them was the Grimoire." Harry flushed at how easily Sirius figured him out. His Godfather paused before speaking up. "Do you still want to move into the Potter Manor?" Harry sighed, giving a small nod.
"I love living here, Sirius. I really do. I just…" His godfather gently grasped his shoulder, giving him a soothing smile.
"You want a place to call your own." Swallowing hard, the younger wizard looked away as he nodded again, a lump in his throat. "With the way you were raised, no one could blame you, pup." Sirius' voice was gentle, his eyes full of kindness. "It'll also offer you added protection and security. Dumbledore and the rest of the order will be unable to get there."
"You lived at Potter Manor at one point in time, didn't you?" Harry asked, watching as a wistful look appeared in Sirius' eyes. Leaning back, the older wizard chuckled softly.
"I ran away when I was sixteen. I lived at Potter Manor for about two years. Your grandparents were wonderful people, Harry. I wish you could have met Dorea, she was wonderful. One of the best of the Black Family, in my opinion." Harry couldn't stop his grin, having heard very little about her.
"What was she like?" Harry asked softly.
"Intelligent and witty. " Sirius chuckled. "You remind me of her, pup. She could be sassy like you, but she also had a kind heart and helped anyone in need. She was fiercely protective of her family and had a natural affinity for all sorts of charms. Her spells always packed a punch." Harry listened with a soft smile, wishing he could have met his grandmother. "She also had a mischievous streak in her too,"
"And what about my grandfather?" Sirius snorted, sending him a playful wink.
"Even though Dorea could be a prankster at times, that title truly belonged to your grandad. James got most of his inspiration from him. Charlus was smitten by your grandma, even in their old age. He was romantic and playful, but he was very sharp. Nothing got passed him," Sirius paused, smirking. "except for her. She played innocent and would pout at him, and he always fell for it."
Harry felt his smile widen as he thought of his grandparents, imagining the love that must have been felt by everyone. They sounded like the perfect family.
But as the warm feeling settled around him, there was a nagging feeling that made his heart twist. He closed his eyes and licked his lips, fingers tightening around his robes as he fidgeted with the soft fabric.
"Sirius?" Harry asked after a moment, averting his gaze as he pointedly looked at a spot on the wall. "How did you move on from my parents' deaths? It's so hard.." Throat clogging, his words became choked near the end, cracking on the last words. He wasn't used to talking about this with Sirius. In the past two months, everything had passed in a blur and there had been no time.
Between attending funerals, giving speeches, and having people parade him around as their savior, there hadn't been much time to talk about his painful loss. Sirius, Remus, and Severus had all been there for him after everything went down, but as soon as it happened, he was almost immediately rushing to fight Voldemort, fueled by rage and betrayal.
Lost in his thoughts, he almost didn't notice his godfather touch his neck, ensuring they made eye contact.
"Their absence never leaves us, not really," Sirius whispered the words carefully, his voice raw. "There are days where I wish James was here and that I could see him, tell him how much I miss him. I want to ask him how he's doing and ask how Lily is doing. I want to plan pranks with him and hear him laugh again," Sirius took a shuddering breath. "It's been almost twenty years, and I still miss them every day, Harry. It still hurts knowing I can't see them anymore." Sirius gently rubbed away a tear that had slipped down Harry's face, his hand warm against the cold cheek. "I get through it knowing they would want me to. They wouldn't want me to be stuck in the past and unable to live my life. They would want me to carry on for them, for you, for Remus and Severus." Harry sniffed, more tears falling as Sirius pulled him in for a hug.
"It hurts," Harry croaked out, the sound breaking Sirius' heart. "I miss them so much that it scares me sometimes. They gave up so much for me over the years, and all I ever gave them was this hardship by being their friend."
"Don't say that," The older wizard soothed, deep voice a low murmur as he gently reprimands the seventeen-year-old. "They loved you, Harry. They could have decided to turn back at any time, but real friends don't do that." Sirius held on tighter to the trembling frame, hugging him close to his chest. "They would be so proud of you right now if they saw you. Taking the initiative to change the laws in Wizengamot? Ready to form connections to improve magical creature quality of life? Ensuring everyone is treated with respect and equally, no matter where they're from?" Sirius took a breath, his silver eyes meeting the bloodshot eyes.
"Harry," Sirius implored. "That is the kind of future they wanted. That is what they were fighting for." Rubbing away the drying tear streaks, the curly-haired wizard smiled sadly. "You are not to blame for this. The real culprits behind this tragedy were Voldemort, Dumbledore and his order, and the corrupt laws that lead to all of this."
"They could have still fought for that, if not for the ritual we used," Harry's voice broke, guilt pouring off him in waves. Sirius shook his head, wanting to get through to his godson.
"You three did the right thing with that ritual, Harry. If you hadn't." Sirius shut his eyes as they began to tear up, lips quivering. "I would have lost you too, pup." He croaked out, hugging the younger even closer. "You found a way that went against everything Dumbledore planned out for you, and even if it was illegal in the eyes of the Ministry, it saved your life and countless others." Sirius took a breath, loosening his hold as he leaned back, their eyes meeting again. "Can you tell me you wouldn't have done the same thing if it were Ron or Hermione that needed the ritual?" At the intense look, Harry shut his eyes with a wounded sound.
"You know I would have in a heartbeat," Harry choked out, slumping in defeat as Sirius tucked him into his chest. "I would have stuck by them until the very end." Swallowing hard at the broken voice, Sirius closed his eyes as he felt Harry's pain so strongly that it could have been mistaken for his own. He knew exactly what Harry was going through; he was miserable when James and Lily died, but the other thing that kept him going was revenge. He made a vow to himself that he would eventually escape, track down Peter, and kill him for the betrayal.
It was a similar vow Harry made to humiliate Dumbledore and the order, whether the younger realized it or not. His revenge might not be violent in nature, but it was powerful, nonetheless.
After a few minutes of holding the seventeen-year-old, they started to pull away. There was still sadness behind the green eyes, but there was another look behind them now. There was a small spark to them, almost like they had regained some of their fighting spirit.
Harry took a breath to settle himself and his plethora of ragging emotions, looking ready to take on anything that was going to be thrown his way. "Okay," He nodded, looking better than he had in months. "Ready to make sure those fuckers can't step a foot in here?" Laughing at the crude language, Sirius ruffled the messy hair, his eyes holding a devilish gleam,
"More than ever,"
With that, the two got busy, dismantling wards and raising them back up, the power of the protection increasing tenfold.
When Severus and Remus returned, the two raised their eyebrows at the sight that awaited them.
"A ward lesson without us?" Remus mock pouted, Severus snorting softly beside him. Harry merely grinned as he turned to them, humming in mock contemplation.
"Why don't you join us then? Four different people working on these wards will make them even stronger. Dumbledore and the order will be furious when they discover the added protection." He knew out of all of them in the room, Severus was the best at wards.
It didn't take much convincing, because the two wizards were soon joining them in the middle of the room, taking the golden chalk and writing their own set of runes. With the four of their magics, it was easy to set stronger wards that would be essentially impenetrable.
Being surrounded by the three wizards who were practically his parents, Harry felt himself relax as his magic flowed out of him, feeling content in their presence.
He took Sirius' words to heart. If anyone understood what he was going through, it would be the people in the room with him. They had all lost people they cared about. Sirius and Remus lost James and Lily, and Severus lost Lily. Even though Severus and James started as bitter school rivals, they put that aside for Lily, and a small, tentative friendship was formed between the two. It helped that his father and Sirius had matured going into their seventh years and had apologized for their misgivings.
It took time, but as Harry found out, Severus had eventually forgiven his tormentors and apologized for his own actions against the group. He put on a façade in front of the Death Eaters and Order Members, trusting neither group. When Harry uncovered the truth a few years ago, he had been skeptical at the time.
"If you were friends with them, why did you join the Death Eaters?" Harry questioned bluntly when the truth came to light. Severus sighed, turning to regard him with a pensive look.
"I was marked in my sixth year. It was before I became friends with them." Severus sat adjacent to him, looking into his eyes. "I was close with the upper-year Slytherins. It was expected of me to join. I was fearful of the repercussions if I refused them." Harry's glare softened; an understanding look in his eyes.
"You feared for your life?" Severus nodded, looking away for a moment.
"The Dark Lord didn't react well to rejection, but I was not afraid of him as much as I feared my own classmates. At Hogwarts, I was untouchable by the Dark Lord. It was not the same for the seventh-year Slytherins." Harry swallowed hard at the look in the potion master's eyes, feeling a chill settle around him. "Marcellinus Macnair rejected the offer. Two weeks later, his body was discovered at Hogsmeade."
"That's horrible," Harry whispered under his breath, shaking his head.
"Fearing for my safety, I took the mark when asked to join. It was your father that convinced me to turn to the order for protection when I confessed to them. Your parents did not trust the group either, but they needed their protection."
Harry had been relieved more than he cared to admit when he found out that his parents hadn't trusted Dumbledore. When that revelation came, it felt like a weight had been lifted off his shoulders.
And from there, Remus, Sirius, and Severus had become a staple in his life; the three of them quickly became his mentors and guardians. They taught him in secret, making sure he was prepared for the war ahead. Harry then taught that magic to Ron and Hermione, wanting to give his best friends the same chance to protect themselves.
As his thoughts drifted to a dark place again, a hand touched his shoulder, bringing him back to the warmth surrounding him. He touched the hand in gratitude, letting their warmth spread through him as he focused back on the wards, forgetting everything else for the time.
Harry stepped out of the floo ten minutes before six, wanting to arrive earlier to ensure his attire was suited for the evening. His questions about his attire vanished immediately upon looking at the room, green eyes wide as he looked at the elaborate paintings and trimmings adorning the walls. The bookshelves were expertly carved into the wall, intricate designs chiseled into the marble. As he went to get a better look at the figures, he missed silver eyes watching him in amusement.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Harry jumped in surprise at the sudden voice, turning to look at Lucius with a pale blush on his cheeks, and an embarrassed look on his face.
"It's gorgeous. I was admiring the sculpting," Harry admitted, nodding to the small figures that decorated each shelf. "It reminds me of the Roman Emperors' temples." Silver eyes seemed to gleam at that as the blonde came closer.
"It's a common misconception, but the Malfoy family originated in Italy, not France." Harry blinked in surprise at that, listening to the older wizard. "When Constantine became the Emperor and Paganism outlawed, my ancestors migrated to France, where Magicals were not forced into hiding until much later." Harry nodded.
"I wondered if your family had Italian descent. I noticed a lot of Latin names in your family tree." Lucius hummed, watching as the younger fully turned to him. "I wanted to arrive early to ask if my attire was acceptable. I've been to a few Galas, but not one like this. I am out of my depth here." Feeling eyes land on his robes, Harry tried not to shift nervously.
"I believe you picked a suitable robe," Harry relaxed minutely after Lucius spoke up after a minute of silence. "The only thing I would suggest is a pelerine cloak to go with it. Draco has a few he's never worn," Harry nearly choked at the offer, ready to politely decline the offer, but Lucius was summoning a house elf before he could get a word out.
"What can Siddy be doing for Master Malfoy?" Harry held his breath, expecting a blatant display of abuse or disdain to come, but none did. Instead, Lucius smiled politely at the elf.
"Can you fetch us one of Draco's unused pelerine cloaks for Lord Potter-Black?" The house elf let out a happy squeak when they turned to look at Harry and nodded eagerly, snapping their fingers and disappearing. It wasn't long before the happy creature returned, the dark green pelerine cloak floating in front of Harry.
"Is Lords Potter-Black being happy with the cloak? Sids can get a new ones if nots!" Harry admired the cloak in front of him, gently reaching forth to take it and feel the silky material. He turned to give a kind smile to the elf, whose eyes were wide.
"It's wonderful. Thank you, Siddy." The House elf gave another happy squeak, bowing to the wizard.
"Siddy happy to help the wizards whose ended the bad wizard. Bad wizard was mean to Siddy's masters and his friends." The house elf disappeared with a pop, leaving a bemused Harry, who turned to look at Lucius with a raised eyebrow.
"You'll have to forgive me for this, but my previous interactions with you led me to believe you treated House elves unfairly." The older wizard grimaced at that, a look of turmoil quickly flickering on his face.
"I sadly had a part to play. Even in the safety of my own home, I was never completely away from my duties. Supporters of the Dark Lord often came by to visit me, and to see when I would carry out his plans." Harry felt his stomach drop.
"How long were you a spy?" Harry asked softly, wondering if it was a similar story to that of Severus.
"I became a spy for Dumbledore not long after marrying Narcissa. I saw the plans the Dark Lord had, and I knew he needed to be stopped. I joined Dumbledore in hopes that we could find a way to defeat him, but I was suggested to climb my way to become his right hand." Harry felt a wave of remorse for the older wizard as he let out a small sigh.
"Thank you for telling me. I'm sorry you had to be a spy for so long." Harry slowly placed the pelerine on his shoulders, starting to flush a bit in embarrassment. "Are you sure Draco won't mind? I could have gone back home and got one?" Lucius merely waved him off.
"Draco won't notice. That was a Yule gift from one of his uncles, and he's never worn it. It's been sitting in the closet for over a year now," Harry nodded in assent as he took the silver lapels, clasping them together. "I must admit, you look like quite the Slytherin." Harry snorted.
"I was almost sorted into that house, so I do consider myself half Slytherin," He said with a small smirk, watching in amusement as Lucius' lips parted in surprise for a moment, before they shut. "I've always been rather cunning. Especially when it involves authority figures I don't like." A soft snort left Lucius who shook his head.
"You are full of surprises." Smirk widening, Harry shrugged.
"I try," He paused, a question starting to burn in the back of his mind. "If you don't mind me asking, how is Draco?" The atmosphere changed as Lucius' face went blank, before settling on something else entirely.
"He is…coping." The blonde seemed to hesitate, but another flicker of emotion made Harry see the vulnerability. "Draco puts on a brave front, but he is extremely sensitive to death. It comes from my mother. She was a partial empath." Harry felt his eyes widen at the fact Lucius was willingly giving him such private information. "Draco inherited that to an extent. He can…feel the emotions of the people he's close to when they die."
Emotion clogged his throat for a moment, heart sinking to his stomach. Losing Hermione and Ron had been hard enough, but to feel their emotions too? Harry could have never imagined it.
"Merlin, that's awful. I'm so sorry." Lucius gave him a small smile.
"He's getting better, but he needed time away from here. He's reminded of their emotions and pain if he's in the same vicinity." Harry could tell there was something more going on, but he didn't dare pry, not after Lucius gave him such private information.
He felt the need to say something in return to make it even.
"Ron and Hermione were engaged." He said after a moment of deliberation, watching as the silver eyes widened. "Neither knew if they would make it past the war, so they decided to stop fighting their feelings and love each other despite the hardships we were going through." Harry took a breath. "No one besides myself knows this, not even their family. I can never bring myself to tell them." Lucius licked his lips, unsure of what to say.
"Thank you for telling me. I won't say anything to another soul." Lucius bowed. Harry followed his head, repeating it to the older wizard as well.
Neither knew it, but that was the start of their friendship.
