My Time

Chapter 13

Hayden and Orion spent the rest of the day searching through Peverell manor. When Hayden succeeded in dragging Orion away from the scrolls of course. They found all sorts of stuff, trunks full of rune stones waiting to be activated, ancient rune dominos, more scrolls tucked away in trunks, an ancient potions lab with ingredients neither Orion or Hayden had ever heard of. Salves and potions with use that boggled the mind. A trunk full of wand crafting materials, wands, and wood. All just waiting to be created. Not just the items Ollivander used either. Ingredients neither would have thought possible to be used in a wand. A lot of the wood was from the Elder tree.

Hidden rooms with scrying documents, instruments and one that reminded Hayden of the Divination classroom. Tea sets, with tea caddies, two crystal orbs. "The Peverell's were known seers, necromancy and the ability to see the future and past often went hand in hand." Orion had explained. Dying to ask Hayden if he could see the future, but refraining from doing so. The dead might get away with being rude and outright asking, but he couldn't do the same. The instruments were a part of their trade, their craft, thus it was hidden well just to be on the safe side.

"It's not just imbued with their magic, it was created," Hayden murmured in awe, stroking the globe. "A lot of the things are actually; it makes us all seem very lazy." They'd been told that it was impossible to create something from nothing for so long. They'd grown complacent, lazy, and it was horrifying to Hayden that they were so conditioned. Their magic was paying the price.

Eventually they'd exhausted all hidden nooks and crannies, and returned to the main building.

"What do you intend to do with it all?" Orion asked, curiously, as they entered one of the last rooms on this side of the ground floor. The entire place was filled with withered plants, all long dead. The solarium, they realized. It was filled with dead plants the urge to water them was strong.

"I don't know, I'll need to decide on what I want to do." Hayden confessed, "Where I want to live too. I mean this place is amazing but…being on your own in such a place?" way too large to want to live here on his own.

"These might be able to be revived with the right aid," Orion said, seeing Hayden definitely didn't want that subject broached further, "I've never heard of some of them."

Hayden relaxed and peered at the names over Orion's shoulder, "Me neither," he confessed, "But they were used a lot in the potions judging by the potion recipes and the amount of each plant." Noticing that there seemed to be significantly more of certain plants and only one of others.

"Yes, they might even prove to be significantly stronger than the known recipe." These might well be original recipes, he just wanted to brew, to read, and investigate everything they'd found. "I wonder if these were brought over from a different country or if they're just plants that are extinct?" careful cultivation could bring them back.

"Could be both," Hayden said, giving the room a critical look.

"The Macmillan family have a massive nursery, three of them have Masteries in Herbology." Orion declared, "I could ask my Uncle Ernie to come and see if any of it can be salvaged?"

Hayden startled a bit, of course, his mother had been born a Macmillan. Melania Macmillan, he recalled seeing on the Black tapestry. She actually looked a bit like Ernie Macmillan he remembered from Hogwarts. A Hufflepuff and a Slytherin, certainly wouldn't have been done or accepted in his time. The segregation of the houses had to be stopped. "That would be great, I'm nowhere near proficient enough to even think about how to bring these plants back if it's even possible at this point, I mean they're centuries old." He knew more about Muggle plants, which were significantly different to magical ones.

"I'll owl him tonight," Orion replied, glancing at the window, "Or rather quite soon…" since it was night time already. The entire estate was entirely in darkness. Not even a single globe of light that paved the way around the estate. His stomach rumbled hungrily alluding to a significant

Hayden flicked his wand, and the red numbers glowed revealing the time. "Bit late for dinner." Wincing as he realised just how late it actually was. Nine o'clock at night, they had been here since…what? Ten o'clock this morning, they'd missed lunch and dinner.

"We are," Orion agreed, "Luckily for us, I know the perfect restaurant that we can order takeaway from. You'll love it, you like Italian?"

"I went hungry more often than not during my childhood, I'd eat anything." Hayden said dryly, "But pasta sounds really good."

"Is there anything you want to take from here before we leave?" Orion questioned, deeply honoured that he'd gotten to see Peverell estate in all it's ancient glory. The only thing that would be greater than that would be seeing Slytherin's legendary chamber of secrets.

"It can wait," Hayden sighed, tiredness swamping him. "But you can take a few scrolls if you want."

Orion stiffened, staring at Hayden stunned, had he truly just heard what he thought he had? If he hadn't seen and interacted with Hayden, heard him speak about people, about knowing the good and bad he would have considered him naïve. To give out priceless scrolls just like that? To someone you'd only known a few days? It was beyond his scope of understanding…a priceless and wonderful trust that he did not want to see broken. "You're too trusting," he rasped out, still reeling.

"I'm really not," Hayden said, no hint of amusement in his face. More serious than Orion had seen him yet, even during the fire. "I used to forgive and forgive and forgive until I ran out of fucks to give or forgive."

Orion's eyes widened further still, especially at the vulgar language.

"I kept forgiving even when all I wanted to do was rage and scream." Hayden continued; green eyes gleaming darkly in the lumos balls floating around the room. "Truth of the matter was…it didn't matter, he was dead. So, believe me, I'm not too trusting, my trust once lost is lost forever."

"Then I shall do my best to see to it that I don't lose your trust," Orion replied, a little bit awed. Surprisingly not at the trust – which he reckoned was more a test than trust actually – but at the confirmation that Hayden Peverell had the Peverell gifts. Not only could he communicate with animals, speak to snakes, see magic but he could also communicate with the dead. Merlin, it was truly unfair, all the Black gifts had been gone for so long that they only knew of them through past Black journals.

They only had themselves to blame, Orion bleakly realized. In trying to keep their line 'pure' but had done untold damage, not only to themselves but to magic as well.

"You going to go and get a few?" Hayden asked, bringing Orion out of his thoughts.

"Maybe another time," Orion sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He couldn't believe he was actually turning down the offer.

Unfortunately, tonight, was going to be a difficult one, he wasn't going to have the time to read anything let alone give the scrolls the attention they deserved. By the time they finished eating and spoke to his parents and grandparents it was going to be at least ten o'clock that's even if his grandparents were accepting calls. They might have already gone to bed for the evening. The House-elves would never disturb them unless it was an emergency. Which this situation wasn't exactly in emergency purview. It could wait, even if he didn't want to.

Hayden observed Orion, wondering if his words had caused that silence or if it was the upcoming conversation. Perhaps it was a bit of both. "I offered before, I say it again, I could do it you know, might be easier to swallow coming from a stranger."

"I am not a coward, I refuse to act like one now," Orion shook his head, "Come on, they stop taking orders soon, and not even my name will have them making something for us."

"Lie!" Hayden said, as he and Orion moved to leave the Manor. It needed everything, new flooring, plumbing, electricity, the walls needed reinforced, proper beds from this century, oh, there was more wrong than was right, really. The fact Orion would suggest selling even for a moment meant he got it too. Unfortunately, Orion wasn't aware of how much money the Peverell estate was worth, especially with the money he had added a few days ago.

"Well, yes," Orion replied smugly, money did have the tendency to open doors, but none more so than their names. The Black name ensured they got whatever it is that they wanted.

Hayden nudged into Orion, shaking his head in amusement. There walk outside of the manor was a silent one. "So, where exactly is the Italian place? Is it in the Muggle world?"

Orion snorted, "No," he said haughtily, as if he'd ever venture into the Muggle world. "It's a little Italian Bistro in Hogsmeade, it's run by the Zabini family."

"For now," Hayden muttered, wondering if it had been closed down after Mrs. Zabini killed off her first husband, Blaise's father in his time.

Orion glanced at Hayden arching a brow, "My family happen to be investors, should we be looking into selling our shares?" revealing just how he'd get his food even if it was passed opening time.

Hayden shrugged, there definitely wasn't an Italian Bistro in Hogsmeade in his time. They could have just moved to bigger premises he supposed. It just drove home how ill-informed and obvious he was.

Both of them lit up the grounds with more globes of light. Using the path, they had created on coming onto the grounds so that they didn't need to clear the way again. Neatly avoiding any other obstacle in their way. It took them over twenty-five minutes to get out of the estate that was with a brisk pace.

"I'll Apparate us," Orion said, Hayden didn't know the bistro.

"Sure," Hayden grinned, surprised Orion wasn't going to get him back for earlier. He felt marginally bad, only marginally mind. He was used to mad dash Apparating especially from during the war. Maybe it was seen as impolite to Apparate someone without some warning. "Why the warning?"

"It's a very dangerous practice, especially if the side-along recipient isn't prepared. They could end up splinched." Orion informed him, "It's not something discussed during the tests, which is careless of them." So, most people didn't actually know, but his family pressed the importance of it.

Hayden winced, "Uh…oops?" he said sheepishly, thankfully nothing had happened all those times he'd done it. Or had it done to him…getting splinched during a war? Not good at all, the hospital wouldn't have been safe. Hell, they'd have been found and the war over but definitely not in their favour.

Orion just chuckled dryly, wrapping his hand around Hayden's elbow. Immersing both of them in his magic before Apparating.

"Oh, it smells good," Hayden murmured inhaling the heavenly aroma of the food wafting from the shop in front of him.

"There's a sit in area in the back," Orion, "Waiting lists can end up a year in advance." He told him as they entered the intimate restaurant, and it was indeed intimate. It was definitely not for families; it was small close two seating arrangements. It defined romantic, Hayden said watching what he could see of the restaurant.

"Orion! Welcome, do you want a table?" they always reserve one for their financial backers. Plus, people would pay a fortune to get the 'chef's table', that with a silencing spell and a few charms was perfectly intimate if you ignored all the back and forth of the servers, chiefs and sous chiefs.

"Not today," Orion said greeting the wizard with a small smile. "A takeaway."

"Your usual?" came the prompt reply.

"No, I'm in the mood for Strangozzi al Tartufo Nero," Orion declared, "Is it on the menu for tonight?" while it would be lovely to have it special made, he didn't want to wait too long. "And a bottle of your best Cabernet Sauvignon in the cellar. Charge it to my account."

"It is," the wizard said enthusiastically, eyes slightly wide, it was by far the most expensive item on the menu. He couldn't help but wonder if his companion was someone he wanted to impress. If it was the case…then he was definitely someone keeping your eye on. "Take a seat, I'll bring it out to you as soon as possible. Can I get you anything while you wait?" No doubt the chief would put his meal first, they'd all been told to give the very best of service to the investors.

"I'm fine," Orion waved him away immediately.

"Actually, I'd like a drink if you don't mind, a butterbeer please," Hayden asked, rummaging around in his pocket for the loose change he knew he had squirreled away.

"Charge it to my account," Orion told him, guiding Hayden to the seating area where they could sit down properly. A few moments later the butterbeer floated over to Hayden.

"Thanks," Hayden sighed, stretching out, listening the music playing softly from the next room. The soft sound of the violin and harp was particularly soothing. He couldn't help but wonder how the Blacks were truly going to react. They were the epitome of pureblood bigots, their motto was 'always pure' for Merlin's sake. Glancing at Orion, he found a contemplative look on his face too.

Regulus had been in awe of Voldemort and the cause, for years judging by the cut outs of the Daily Prophet articles in his room. Joining the cause, either because of everything Walburga and Orion said or because he genuinely wanted to. It couldn't just be Walburga and Orion's fault, both Regulus and Sirius had grown up in the same place and had veered off into two different paths entirely. Something, something had caused Regulus to want to back out, to leave the fold. What that was…he had no clue, he had found out about the Horcrux though, and assumed it was only one. Done his level best to right the wrongs he felt were being done to the magical world. Leaving behind a devastated brother and father – and Sirius must have felt something when his brother disappeared – and his date of death had appeared on the beautiful piece of tapestry magic.

Sirius and Regulus were smart, more than averagely powerful. Melania was more powerful than Arcturus though, as was Orion actually. Still, they were intelligent, hopefully they wouldn't be stubborn about it all. It was clear Orion was worried as well, he'd suggest him doing it, but he had a feeling Orion would decline it again.

He did have a feeling he wouldn't be welcomed in their home again. Which actually hurt, just thinking about it. They'd probably think he was hoodwinking their son. They probably wouldn't even look into the proof, if they did…Merlin, he had to stop thinking too much into this. His belief in nearly everything was distorted by people who hadn't even met the Blacks and Sirius who hadn't had the best of childhoods and became embittered. So embittered. He'd do what he could to prevent it happening again. He swore to Sirius that he would make sure his life was complete. Even if it meant remaining just a close friend to Orion and making sure Sirius and Regulus knew they were loved.

"Do you know where Tom lives? I'd love to send a letter to him," Hayden commented.

Orion startled at the unexpected question; a pang of unexpected jealousy surged through him. Tom was very distantly related to Hayden that it wouldn't be a problem if they got together. He was attractive, intelligent, and he was also very charming when he wanted to be.

Of course, he had no idea what awaited that particular meeting. It would be…eye opening for certain.

"He's working at Borgin and Burkes I think, he has a place in Knockturn Alley. He spends a lot of time abroad." Orion murmured quietly, "Not sure if he's still working there."

"Ah," Hayden said noncommittally, if he'd already created the Hufflepuff cup and Slytherin Locket then definitely not. "Hey, was there anything in the newspapers about a House-elf killing its mistress with poisoned hot chocolate?"

"Yeah, actually, there was, Lady Smith, elderly, couldn't stand the rest of her family. Cut her son off, good thing too, when she died, he was more concerned about missing family heirlooms." Orion said, sniffing in disgust. "Her grandson was named heir, he's only marginally better, ostentatious idiot. They believe just because they're related to the founders that they're somehow better than the rest of us. Even when speaking to the Noble and Ancient lines."

Hayden grinned; great-grandson wasn't going to be any better either. Or was it great-great grandson? "When was that again?"

Orion hummed thoughtfully, "A good long while ago," trying to think of the exact date, but he couldn't quite recall it. It had been a shocking incident, that led to a House-elf being imprisoned in Azkaban. "The House-elf was imprisoned in Azkaban if I recall correctly."

"Nobody thinks anything weird about that? A bound House-elf actually able to circumvent the bond to it's Mistress to kill her?" Hayden asked, of course not, that would be too much like hard work. Didn't bother to check it for any compulsions or spells, just threw it in Azkaban. It seems the Auror's were just as useless in this time.

"Of course, it was odd," Orion replied, "But one never knows what that House-elf had to put up with behind closed doors. We can only speculate what caused it to snap."

Hayden smothered his amusement, "You shouldn't believe everything you read." He told the wizard, shouldering him.

"I don't," Orion replied with a delectable smirk, "I have connections everywhere." Smug and self-assured.

"Uh-huh, and if I offered an alternative 'truth' for you?" Hayden smirked, drinking his butterbeer, completely ignorant to the attention Orion was paying to his mouth and throat.

"Such as?" Orion indulged Hayden now.

"Someone entered the estate, no, someone was invited in, charming and charismatic to Lady Smith, enough that she showed him her most treasured possessions. He took them, used the Imperius curse on the House-elf forced her to poison her Mistress with her hot chocolate. Nobody knew he was there; the House-elf was the perfect culprit and nobody connected the missing family heirlooms to the witch's death." Hayden patted Orion's shoulder in an almost condescending manner.

"You're kidding right?" Orion asked, standing up as the food and wine bottle was handed over. He didn't linger or say goodbye, if anything he rushed away. "Right?" he added, when Hayden just laughed as he exited the Bistro.

"No, not at all," Hayden answered, eyes gleaming with merriment. "And the culprit is someone you actually know. The answer is in actually what was stolen." The smell of the food was making him drool, he was famished. "Now come on, I'm starving." He didn't know where Orion's home was, it certainly wasn't Grimmauld Place, at least he didn't think so.

"Of course," Orion said immediately, "I'll Apparate us," and with that Orion grasped Hayden's elbow and Apparated them both to his house.

Hayden blinked, staring, taking in his surroundings. It looked as if Arcturus and Melania lived in a gated community. They had neighbours, presumably Muggles. "Does anyone even know this place exists?" or did they entirely bypass it without realizing a family even lived there?

"No, there are about fifty properties in this particular gated community." Orion told him, leading him inside, "The Muggles believe there are only forty-nine." The house was very securely warded, and none of his family wanted to even interact with their neighbours they were Muggles.

Hayden nodded, not particularly surprised, although, he was surprised they didn't have the Fidelius Charm on it. He wouldn't be surprised either, if the ambient magic had kept the gated community safe from being touched during the war. Or rather bombed.

Hayden remained behind Orion, as if he was reluctant to intrude. It was odd to think that such a rich and powerful family had normal homes. This was fairly normal and modest property, so was Grimmauld Place actually. They had a freaking castle, an estate, and they lived in a Muggle gated community.

Then again, wasn't that what he was contemplating? Deciding to begin living in a smaller house? Bit hypocritical of him he knew, plus, all he knew of the Black's was information from people who were in no way close to them. Even Sirius hadn't been close to his family and bitter enough that he couldn't rely on accurate information from him.

He'd enjoyed a lovely night with them, then again, they all assumed he was a pureblood. He was technically a pureblood now, according to all tests available. He'd been given a second chance, and whether people liked it or not, he was going to change the world.

Hopefully Orion would be there with him.

They rounded into the living room, where Orion's parents were sat intimately on the sofa.

"Orion, you had us worried," Melania said, sitting up staring at her son in concern. "You shouldn't stay out all day without at least letting us know when you'll be back." She admonished Orion had been different for the past few days.

If Orion had been a bit more petulant and younger, he'd complain about being an adult now. He didn't need to tell them where he was going or when he'd return. "I'm sorry, I didn't expect to be gone so long." He confessed, which was true enough.

"It's my fault," Hayden replied, "I…asked Orion if he'd like to see Peverell Estate."

"I suspect it was rather illuminating experience," Arcturus mused thoughtfully, he didn't say to his wife that his son was an adult now, they couldn't just keep asking him to check in. Melania was suffering from empty nest syndrome. Which would only get worse when Orion was married and moved out. Lucretia was to be married this summer, but they still had Orion for a few years yet. Although considering what his father said, if she didn't get her act together, he was going to refuse the match. He might no longer be Lord Black, but Arcturus would do as his father asked. Especially since he actually agreed with him.

-0 Flashback 0-

"What is it you wish to discuss?" Arcturus asked, as his mother, Hesper, poured them all cups of tea. Did his parents decide they want to move in with them until the castle was repaired properly? He had no qualms about that. He passed one to Melania who so far had remained silent.

"Walburga," Sirius stated, his forehead wrinkling a little further as he thought on the girl. He was very unimpressed – more like furious – with her conduct. He had not raised Pollux like that, and from what he had seen, Pollux had not treated his three children that way either. Alphard and Cygnus were very well behaved.

"Ah," Arcturus murmured, stirring his tea. "Yes," his features pinched as he thought on how she'd been these past few days. "This meeting really should involve Pollux as well."

"If nothing changes, we'll hold another meeting," Sirius declared, his voice strong despite his age. "I'll meet with her; ensure she understands her conduct isn't proper for the future Lady Black." He would need to ensure she couldn't spend the entire fortune. Put a limit on the accounts, especially when it came to her spending.

"Which will cause her to curb her attitude around us," Melania pointed out, her voice soft. "Until she gets what she wants and then reverts back."

The contract they'd drawn up was very fair to both Orion and Walburga. She had her concerns, about the unsuitability. Unfortunately, she didn't really get a say, this had been drawn up between Arcturus, Pollux, Sirius and Hesper. It was the first real and only fight she and Arcturus had. She'd refused to be near him for nearly half a year. Slept in separate beds and did everything she could to avoid her own husband. Enraged at the fact her husband had made such a decision without even informing her. Imagine finding out your only son was betrothed when the paperwork was complete. To this day it still wasn't signed by her.

Arcturus learned his lesson, and never pulled anything like that again. Always, always included her on every detail of their lives. How could she not forgive him when he'd been so genuine in his apology? Sincere in his desires to make amends. It had been when she fell in love with Arcturus. Oh, they'd been fond of each other, they'd been married over two decades at that point.

"Melania's quite right dear," Hesper agreed with the witch, "Perhaps we shouldn't confront her,"

"She is young, we were all self-centred at that age," Sirius conceded, but without his usual confidence. Every single little thing they'd tried to get her to see her position for what it was, was met with stubborn refusal. Most recently the trip to St. Mungo's which from all records had made Orion rather pensive and thoughtful. Just like it had made them all realize just how fortunate they were. Perhaps he'd put his foot down next year and force Walburga to attend, even if he had to take her himself.

"Speak for yourself," Hesper scoffed, "If I had spoken to my family the way she has these past few days my father would have disowned me." It wasn't self-decrepitating or meant to be taken as a joke, she meant it entirely. Witches that were meant to one day become Lady were held in very high standards. It wasn't a job for the weak or meek, it wasn't just tea parties and impressing people, it was to be their husband's strength and stay.

"Indeed," Melania nodded primly, sipping her cup, saucer held in hand perfectly. "My father would have done the same."

"I'll see if Pollux has spoken to her," Arcturus conceded.

"You do that," Sirius declared, "Now…how's Orion doing with his duties?" changing the subject onto more pleasant matters.

-0 End flashback 0-

"It was certainly a new experience for me," Hayden said with a grin, "So, are you ready for that promised debate?" green eyes gleaming with fiery strength and determination. That strength that not even Voldemort or Ginny could take from Hayden. That core strength that had people looking up to him for strength of their own. Using Hayden's own strength to be brave, to be better. All the while Hayden assumed it was because he was the 'Boy-who-lived' but he couldn't have been more wrong.

"In half an hour, I don't want the food to go cold." Orion inserted, it couldn't really go cold, it was charmed warm but he wasn't sure how this would go. He was really hungry, and he wasn't sure he would be after the discussion.

Arcturus blinked, glancing at Melania who was watching their son with a soft look on her face. "I look forward to it." he might need a coffee, it had been a long, long day. Between him and Melania they'd finally put the final touches to the funeral. Including the guest list, which wasn't very long. Mostly just family, not many had understood their desire to protect Carina instead of putting her in St. Mungo's and those aren't the people he wanted to be there to celebrate Carina's life. She might not have accomplished anything of note academically, or gone to Hogwarts, but she had enriched their lives. Made them realise how lucky they were. The kids had adored her right until the end.

"We need to talk; can you see if Grandmother and Grandfather can come here for a while?" Orion asked of his mother, while Hayden spoke to his father.

Hayden's grin turned into a shark-like smirk. "Me too," he replied, feeling significantly more confident now than he had ten minutes ago.

Arcturus arched a brow at the young Lord's confident demeanour. A slither of alarm and confusion suffused him but he smothered it. There was no way this young wizard knew better than him, he'd been around significantly longer than Hayden.

"The dining room is through here," Orion made his way through, the kitchen and dining room were in different rooms. The access the kitchen from to the living room had expertly been blocked. Presumably because the House-elves worked in the kitchen and they were neither to be seen or heard unless called.

"Where's the plates?" Hayden asked, instead of sitting down, ready to help.

Orion blinked, "The Kitchen," he told Hayden entirely baffled.

"Where in the kitchen?"

"I…don't know?" Orion informed Hayden, giving him a look that suggested he was entirely insane. "Why?"

Hayden shook his head, a fond look on his face, honestly, without house-elves these people would be completely hopeless. He moved towards the kitchen, grabbing the things they'd need himself. He didn't think twice about it, he was just helping, that and the quicker it was done the quicker he could eat.

It took some hunting but he found everything, only to turn back with everything in his hands all piled safely to find Orion staring at him with an odd look on his face.

"You know that's the House-elves job," Orion pointed out, Hayden was unlike anyone else he'd ever met.

"It's not difficult to grab some plates and cutlery," Hayden said wryly, "Come on, I'm starving."

"The house-elves could have done it quicker," Orion called out, as he grabbed two wine glasses that Hayden had set on the work top.

Hayden hummed, setting up the plates, "Maybe," shrugging his shoulders indifferently. "It is late though, there's no need to disturb them." Plus, he didn't want to have to sit and try and eat with a whole slew of different knives and forks again.

'Disturb them?' Orion mouthed, yes, Hayden was officially the weirdest person he'd ever known. Scowling a little, that was what House-elves were made for, to serve, he wasn't meant to be serving his own food. Drink was acceptable, but not food, he wasn't a server, and definitely not one in his own home. He narrowed his eyes on Hayden who was smirking as he plated their food out, seemingly thoroughly amused.

"Do you know where the corkscrew is?" Hayden teased, honestly, the pout on Orion's face should not be having the affect it was on him.

Orion was unable to help rolling his eyes this time, as he flicked his wand out and tapped it against the wine bottle and the cork popped out with ease.

"Smart ass," Hayden muttered with an eyeroll of his own.

Orion just smiled smugly at the comment, he liked this, someone who wasn't afraid to speak their mind. To tease and taunt him, he wasn't used to it. Everyone was always so careful about how they spoke to him, interacted with him. Having no wish to offend the one-day Lord of the Black estate, and the power he'd wield.

There was no more talking after that, as they ate their meal. Although, Orion wasn't entirely comfortable during the meal, given the way that Hayden was making rather obscene noises while eating. Unbeknown to him his ears had gone red, hoping against hope that his parents did not hear this or get the wrong impression. Although, it couldn't be denied that the meal was delicious. It always was as a matter of fact, and this meal was definitely worth every Knut.

"This is amazing, I didn't think anything could compare to the Yule meal the other day…I was wrong." Hayden emphatically stated, wiping his mouth. No offence to Mrs. Weasley but this food…was to die for. He'd always had an appreciation for food, given he'd grown up hardly having anything. How did they put up with Hogwarts food after living with this…was beyond his comprehension.

"They're not the best in the business for no reason," Orion said conceitedly. "My grandfather had one of their tester meals and immediately signed on as an investor."

"I guess the Zabini's don't have much in the way of money?" Hayden queried, drinking his wine, which he wasn't surprised went well with the meal.

"They came over from Italy, Alessandro Zabini was the fourth and youngest son of Josef Zabini, from a family of eight siblings. Bad investments on Josef Zabini led to the family not having much in the way of an inheritance after his passing. Alessandro came over here and shortly after planned on opening a Bistro. He is now married and has a son and daughter, and the Bistro is family run." Orion gave him the bare bones of the family.

"I see," Hayden murmured, slightly surprised that the Black's would have anything to do with what could be considered a working-class family. It made him realize that he was still just prejudice in his own way. He had to remember he didn't really know much about them. "They never considered opening another Bistro?"

"Not that I'm aware," Orion replied, while the Bistro made a significant amount of money, there was no saying whether the business made enough money to open two restaurants. His father was still Lord of the estate, he had details which would answer that particular thought.

"Orion? Is everything okay?" Sirius asked, stepping into the kitchen, familiar grey eyes filled with worry. What on earth was going on? What did Orion have to tell them at such a late hour at night? He and Hesper had not only just literally been about to go to bed, but they'd been in their nightwear. They'd hastily as possible dressed and made their way here. Only to find out their son and daughter-in-law were just as in the dark as them. Surprised to see Hayden there, and Orion looking rather well.

"Everything is fine," Orion reassured his grandfather, seeing the look of worry on his face and felt a little contrite. "I promise, but I have…we have something we need to say."

"We?" Melania asked staring between the two of them, cautious and curious. They weren't blind to the effect Hayden Peverell had on Orion. They hadn't seen Orion exude such happiness in a long time. She held a lot of regrets that she hadn't pressed more, let her son be a child more often. But tradition was a difficult thing to overcome. Being a Lord was a difficult position to fulfil.

Hayden flicked his wand, and the plates and cutlery they'd just used was floating over to the sink and washing themselves. His right hand vanished into his cloak pocket and he withdrew a very small bundle. With a non-verbal flick of his wand, the paperwork and files returned to their normal size.

"Please, sit down." Orion told his parents and grandparents, gesturing to see if they wanted a drink which still pretty full, he and Hayden had only half a glass each of wine.

"Dear Merlin! What is going on?" Sirius said, sitting down, grey eyes shadowed with worry. As heir Orion was well within his rights to call a family meeting. Although, no entirely usual, it was rather rare for family meetings to be called unless there was something really wrong. Watching as Orion's friend passed over about half the documents before he shrank the rest and returned them to his cloak pocket.

Orion and Hayden stood together, resolute in what they were about to reveal.

Orion and Arcturus glanced at each other from where they sat at the dining room table. Not liking the sinking feeling in their guts at all. Just what had those two been up to? Did it have anything to do with Orion's change in attitude as of late?

I know I know I've not updated for a week and it's not like me, I'm afraid I got an abscess and my face ballooned out worse than Marge's did when she was inflated! It was not fun let me tell you, but I'm wondering whether to update another chapter of this before I begin writing something else since I didn't get to write out the conversation between the Black's and Hayden it was definitely something I wanted in this chapter but well, writing had other ideas and I don't want to cut off in the middle of a conversation again since that will be seen as a cliff-hanger ;) and I don't want the pitchforks coming out for me! maybe just the conversation then end the chapter that way it will be a good stopping point until I get around to it again...what do you think? R&R please and take care and stay safe x