My Time

Chapter 27

"Lord Peverell," Lord Black said, standing up when the younger Lord appeared in the private room at the prestigious Ruby Pegasus' restaurant. It catered all day, breakfast, lunch, dinner and of course, a dessert lounge and bar. Naturally, nobody followed Peverell in, and the door was closed with a snick behind them. "Thank you for taking the time to meet with me." Grateful that the young Lord was at the very least, going to hear him out.

Hayden blinked at the sight of him, he was dressed resplendently in the finest robes money could buy. Hayden wasn't sure if he was showing off or just dressing due to the code the restaurant had. It didn't escape his notice that he'd also dressed up too, but that had been out of sheer nerves. "I don't think there's anyone in our world that would dare to decline." he pointed out, as he took his seat.

Hayden hadn't thought for a minute he'd be standing in the swankiest most expensive – and luxurious – restaurant with a Black and it not be a date the luxurious surroundings were breathtakingly gorgeous. He didn't dare ask just how much this was going to cost – two thousand galleons per head – because it filled him with horror.

Arcturus lips twisted into a fierce smile for a nanosecond, "You are not one for mincing your word's, are you?" it was…usually impetuous and rude to be this way. Yet, for reasons beyond him, he didn't find it irritating in a way he would have if someone else said it. perhaps it was knowing the youngster hadn't been raised their way and didn't know any better…or perhaps the respect he conveyed whilst speaking. He didn't sound rude; it was just a matter of frank statement.

Hayden reached out for the flute of champagne and drank half the glass, "No, and I don't want to surround myself with people who will. The political scene bores me, which is rather disappointing since there is so much, I do wish to change." Another drink and the glass were finished, feeling very pretentious sitting there drinking champagne of all things. How did the rich live so long with their livers being damaged drinking this all the time? Then again, the liver was one thing that repaired itself, and he was sure wizards could make it doubly so.

"You desire to take your seat within the Wizengamot and Wizen?" Arcturus asked, despite how it looked, he wasn't actually drinking anything other than sparkling water. He'd had enough alcohol to last him a lifetime. He was here to make amends, not become embroiled in another bout of idiocy.

"I want to make a difference," Hayden corrected, "And you as well as I, know that the only real changes we can make to the magical world is to work through the Wizengamot and Wizen." The council of magic didn't make the changes, they oversaw cases that had already been pushed through, and decided upon punishment in court.

Arcturus inclined his head in agreement, "Very true," watching Hayden with shrewd eyes, he was quite a contradictory character. "The Muggles you were raised with didn't prepare you for what our world is like." Oh, Hayden did not like Arcturus mentioning those he had been raised by. He wondered how badly the youngster had been treated, but part of him didn't dare ask or wish to find out. Muggles could be the most horrendous beings to walk the earth.

Luckily a suitable – and very desirable – distraction followed the very short but tense silence.

Food, but clearly nothing Hayden had ever seen, judging by his wide-eyed exasperation. He held no shame in his inability to distinguish one food from another. He did admire the time and passion that went into food though, clearly, since he actually remained silent and amazement peeked through.

Plates filled with canapes, with an assortment of delicacy delights that everyone regardless of station. Unfortunately, nobody below Arcturus' station would dream of being able to afford this place, let alone the food they served. Wild Beluga Caviar fresh from the Caspian Sea by hours – the beauty of magic and all she handles – and smoked salmon. Which he found were the best of the best on offer, so to no surprise, he plucked one from its place and ate it in a single bite. "Mmm, delicious, the Ruby Pegasus restaurant doesn't disappoint with their food." Wordlessly gesturing for Hayden to join him, "Please, if you don't I fear I'll eat more than a fair share, a wizard of my age doesn't want to be adding the pounds."

"You forget I've seen and your entire family eat more than just that in one sitting," Hayden pointed out wryly, his lips twitching madly. None of the Black's were big, it was like a physical impossibility. He would have said it was because they didn't live long enough to get that way. That was until he was introduced to Hesper and Sirius Black who looked to be as thin as they were in their youth. He honestly didn't know where to start.

"Try this one, Caviar, now everyone will insist that it's an 'acquired taste'," Arcturus explained, flashing back to he and his son sitting here when Orion was younger. The first father and son bonding, as he begun his duties as soon-to-be Lord Black. Recalling his sombre little boy, even then, and how this admittedly stunning creature had somehow managed to turn his son around. "But I do believe that's exaggerated."

"Uh-huh, and what age did you get trotted around with Caviar?" Hayden grinned cheekily, before testing one himself. He had never been a fussy eater, never would be, this he emphatically vowed. Regardless of the extravagance he surrounded himself with.

Arcturus just blinked innocently, deciding against informing Hayden about the time he'd thrown a tantrum because his father had gone to have a meal with his uncle. He'd just happened to overhear that they'd had Caviar and it had been delicious and he'd refused to eat anything until his father brought some home. His parents had lasted until dinner before his father had snuck off to get some and they'd ate it in secret before dinner. His mother – Hesper – to this day, didn't have a clue about it. He had been five-years-old.

"You're right, it's delicious," Hayden fully agreed, bit salty, but with the drink it didn't matter.

The pair happily – and easily – got through every single canapé on the tray. All conversation was halted while they ate through the food. Hayden had to confess it wasn't the Caviar that he found the most tasteful. No, it was the smoked salmon, on the cracker, just unbeatable. Hayden did ease on the drink though, it was hitting him quite hard, he wasn't used to that much drink and the Caviar was salty which led to much more drinking than he'd normally do.

Egg Florentine and more smoked salmon were served next, with Hayden choosing Coffee while Orion decided upon their lovely hot chocolate. Nobody made it quite like this restaurant, so he always liked to indulge when he could. Contrary to popular belief he didn't actually come here all that often. Hayden however, loved every second of it, he'd been living off of what he could. Just heating up pop-tarts and the like. Now to begin with it had been amazing getting to eat something he'd never got to at the Dursley's but now? He was sick of them; he couldn't wait to move into the manor when it was fully functional and habitable and have a proper larder and kitchen.

Once Arcturus finished, he dabbed his napkin on his mouth, before turning to face Hayden seriously, "My actions to you during those days were…deplorable. I cannot apologise enough for how I treated you. I do not have any excuses, and pray you don't judge my son and the rest of my family for my actions." He had apologised to his family, all individually, they deserved that. Not a general apology in a group form. It had probably been seen as insulting in making Hayden wait, but family first always. As much as he liked the teenager, he wasn't yet family, although given the way things were going with Orion and Hayden it might not happen.

If it was his fault, he would never forgive himself.

"As appealing as it would be to make you sweat for an answer…" Hayden said, finishing off his coffee, he put it down and continued, "Truth is, I've already forgiven you, Arcturus, you all hold yourself to impossible standards, but the truth is we're all only human. We were born and will die with emotions that sometimes get the better of us."

Arcturus was silently amazed by the young Lord's ability to empathise. Most Lord's would hold it over someone for that show of weakness. He'd fallen to pieces, failed in protecting his own family, and very well nearly caused its extinction if Hayden's words were anything to go by. "Then may I ask a question?" genuinely perplexed. He was slightly angry, Orion had worked so hard for Hayden's forgiveness, to prove himself. Yet each attempt to reach out, to give him what Orion perceived he wanted, was met with Stoney silence.

"You may," Hayden agreed, too curious to quip 'you already did' playfully.

"Why are you taking it out on my son?" Arcturus asked, gleaning every single little reaction from Hayden. He saw Hayden draw into himself; it wasn't that Hayden was taking anything out on his son. It was nothing his son had done, if he was reading Hayden correctly, then this was all to do with Hayden himself. Something that happened in his past?

Hayden withdrew almost entirely, green eyes filling with shame, fear and worry and of course, sheer terror. Emotions he likely should be too young for really, to have experienced, but there they were clear as day. All Arcturus had done was ask a question. "I'm not," he said, his voice low but clearly, he knew he was in the wrong.

"Is it something the family has done?" Arcturus asked, pensive, how did he get things back on track? People would argue he was interfering, that it was something Hayden and Orion would need to sort out themselves. That he'd make Orion incapable of doing things himself. perhaps they were right, but he was a father, Orion was his only son and heir and his happiness meant more than anything now. What he'd done signing that contract…he was lucky Orion had forgiven him.

"No," Hayden shook his head, he couldn't explain this to Arcturus, he wouldn't do Orion that disservice. He'd only come to put off his tasks for the day, to get a proper meal and to stop himself pissing off the Black family. "Nothing like that."

Arcturus stared, elbows on the table, and his hands drawn together with his chin perched on top. Hayden was stubborn, he knew that much, perhaps he should lay off. Let them work this out for themselves, the last thing he needed was for Orion to blame him for screwing up his chances. Today had been about apologising and mending fences. To prevent alienating the Peverell line, which could end up far greater than the Black's with a little nudge. Although, to be fair the Peverell line was far greater – not in terms of monetary value (he thinks!) but overall, in power and in respect which was irritating given that the name had all but been extinct for so long. They'd never thought for a second a male heir would come forward to claim the family title, deeds and estate.

"You had a very difficult childhood, didn't you, young one?" Arcturus asked, sadness imbued with muted anger. To treat a child anything less than the treasures they were was diabolical, he could think of a dozen other words fit for it, and vulgar too but he wouldn't.

Hayden stared back in silent contemplation, before he lifted the napkin off his lap, standing, which caused Arcturus to do the same. Surprise was shining through those grey eyes, clearly a little taken aback. Before he could open his mouth so say Merlin only knows, Hayden decided to give him a real truth.

"Your house-elves are given far more respect and dedication than I was ever shown growing up." Hayden revealed, which also was true. "I grew up in a cupboard, it was literally my bedroom." With that Hayden inclined his head and with a murmured 'excuse me' he placed a parcel on the table, and with that Hayden was gone. Leaving a dumbfounded and seething furious – on Hayden's behalf – wizard behind.

It was a very good job that Arcturus had already paid for the meal – or had it charged to his card when he came in – otherwise they would have had to send him an invoice. For Lord Black was beyond furious. He didn't even leave his usual tip for services rendered either.

He was a man of many talents, not only did he have the ability to read and protect his own mind, but also had an uncanny ability to tell whether someone was telling the truth or not. Most of it was simple body language, and he knew that Lord Peverell had been telling the truth. He'd been raised by common muggles who'd treated the wizard lower than a damn House-elf!

He heavily regretted his choice not to drink any alcohol, he'd say that, and with that Arcturus picked up the brown packaged parcel and Apparated home. Technically you weren't supposed to Apparate through the restaurant wards like that, but Arcturus wasn't just anyone. He had long ago learned the weakness in the wards, mostly due to the fact the restaurant wanted the staff to be able to Apparate from area to area to serve faster. Which made big holes in the wards that just stand out a mile. Thankfully the rest of the wards were strong mostly to prevent fire, theft and such. It was to put it simply, an open secret within their society.

His heart heavy, he made his way into his home, which was significantly more protected than the restaurant. "Mel?" he called out, it was time for them to visit Dorea and Charlus. He didn't receive an answer, was she busy with one of her lady friends? Well, it was coming up to the time of year where they like to converge on a property and plan the entire summer months. From parties, to holidays to their gatherings to help support various – and many – causes that were in need of a great deal of support. He'd never realised how much organization went into funding such elaborateness.

He knew his wife was here, the wards were informing him thusly. A little ping at them indicated she was in the kitchen. How strange, she usually has them in her own sitting room/office which was at the back of the house, and had a magnificent view. Far better than his, which was at the front. A tree and fences were all he viewed. It was rather mediocre and dull, especially if you grew up somewhere significantly bigger and better. Black Castle had everything one would ever need.

Opening the kitchen door, he couldn't feel any additional magical signatures except for his wife and son. He realized Melania couldn't possibly be having any sort of meeting with her friends. He froze when he saw that his wife and son were crouched close together. It was clear Orion was in a bad way, something had happened. "What on earth has happened?" had he made things more difficult? No, surely Orion hadn't already heard from Lord Peverell? Then again it only took a Floo call away. Orion wasn't exactly crying and tearful, but you could see he was so very down and confused. Orion had done everything right and it was still going wrong.

He was quite frankly, holding his breath in sheer worry that he had screwed things up for his son.

"He still hasn't heard from Lord Peverell," Melania informed him, giving him a look that asked whether it had gone well or not.

Arcturus gave a nod, at least he assumed as much, it seemed to have gone well.

"We may have to face facts, Peverell might have no interest in a betrothal," Melania fretted, it wasn't something her son wanted to hear but she had to be truthful regardless everything. If Orion couldn't get truth from his mother when whom could he go to in order to hear the truth?

"Is this why a few things were removed from the family vault?" Arcturus asked, naturally, he'd been informed when items of significant monetary value had been removed. Sitting down across from his son, setting the package aside for now. Staring intently at his son, he needed to hear everything. He hadn't actually read what they were despite actual items being removed from the vault being rather rare.

"What am I doing wrong?" Orion asked, his tone filled with despair, he just didn't understand, wasn't it enough? He handed over the most expensive – but useful – items that Hayden definitely could use, adding tradition to it so that Hayden could experience it for the first time.

"What did you give him, Orion?" Arcturus asked, the conversation he'd just had with Hayden playing in the back of his mind. His reaction to the food, the fact he'd made sure to eat it all, it was clear he wasn't taking care of himself. Perhaps he didn't know how to take care of himself.

Melania gave him a look that suggested she wasn't happy with his interference.

"I had a pocket watch made for him, with his initials using family jewels." Orion beseeched his father, had he done the right thing? Had he done it too soon? "And I gifted him with a hair clip, it's tradition and he hasn't had a chance to oversee tradition since he was raised in the Muggle world."

After a few moments of silence, Orion admitted he might have been a little petulant in his letters. He didn't want to stay away from Hayden as much as he was. Yet it mattered little, since he was being ignored regardless, it was at the height of arrogance to ignore gifts especially betrothal gifts. Yet part of Orion knew Hayden hadn't been raised in the magical world. Maybe he didn't know how sacred it was?

Arcturus frowned, just a tad, so that the V in the centre of his forehead moved a little. Recalling every instance, he'd had whereupon he'd had Hayden Peverell in his homes. Recollecting every reaction too, to the money, to the opulence, to the splendour that had surrounded him. He'd been mindful and respectful of the belongings not his own. Yet never once did he see any sign of avarice, and he had seen such a gaze on all of Orion's friends at one point or another. "Orion…has Hayden ever mentioned his childhood?"

Orion pursed his lips, "Hayden's already angry with me for revealing private information, I won't do that again. If I get his permission, I'll talk about it." not that there's much to talk about really.

"Some things are better left private," Melania agreed, it had been way too personal, Orion shouldn't have said it the way he had in the middle of Black family meeting. Luckily for all of them, they couldn't reveal anything to anyone. Family meetings, and things discussed in them, were in the oaths to keep silent – whether you're disowned or not – so even Marius and Pollux wouldn't be able to reveal family secrets.

"That's NOT TRUE!" shouted a tearful Cygnus Black, who barrelled into the kitchen, launching himself at Melania. Sobbing his heart out, he said, between great big heaving sobs, "Wally is saying daddy left because of me!"

Arcturus narrowed his eyes in displeasure, it would seem he'd need to have another talk with his antagonistic niece. Her attitude could do with a severe readjusting, and he wasn't sure how much he could take of her insolence before he actually lost his composure with her. Not even his own daughter took that sort of attitude with him, not even during her teenage years. Giving Melania an exasperated look, the quicker they settled somewhere for the children to live the better.

"When are Dorea and Charlus due?" glancing at the clock on the wall, so he knew exactly how long it would be before it happened.

"They're coming for lunch," Melania replied, watching Cygnus perk up at the knowledge that his 'Auntie Dorea and Uncle Charlus' were coming. They were by far Cygnus' favourites, mostly because they indulged the child, indulged all the children. Poor Dorea, she'd been trying for so many years to have children and not quite able to do so. The family could well be to be blamed for that too. "Don't listen to your sister, she's wrong." Melania conjured a tissue and wiped away the tears Cygnus had shed. "Now how about I get your colouring books and crayons?" they didn't have much in the way of much entertainment – an entertainment room – for the children here. Instead, all the children's belongings had been boxed up and Pollux's belongings had been donated to the second-hand stores. Melania had snuck pictures into the boxes, so that the children had pictures of their parents, they didn't deserve to forget where they came from. Especially Cygnus who was so young, still years from Hogwarts age.

The crayons and books floated on through the air, it was really just formalities before the children headed to the Potter estate. Dorea and Charlus had made it clear they would take the children in. Arcturus just wanted to make sure it wasn't just because they couldn't have children. They had no idea the freedom they had would be stripped away, the holidays they'd used to take wouldn't be possible, not until Cygnus was older, at least three years until he entered Hogwarts.

Sniffing, Cygnus was still upset and shaken by what his sister said, his lower lip wobbling.

Orion crouched down, until he was level with Cygnus, recalling what Pollux had said about their – his Uncle Pollux and his fathers – and the bitterness he held over memories he could remember. He took one of the crayons out, the blue one, and began to colour in with the young boy. "Wally doesn't mean what she said, she knows you didn't do it. She's just very upset right now, she misses your father very much and is taking it out on you." he was going to go and have a word with her, how dare she blame Cygnus? He was just eight-years-old for Merlin's sake!

"When is father coming back?" Cygnus asked, sounding so much older than he appeared.

"He won't be," Orion said patiently, soft and saddened. "How would you like to come with me to meet Hayden later?" a sly gleam in his eyes, there was no way Hayden would deny Cygnus even if he was determined to ignore him.

"YES!" he crowed happily, picking the yellow crayon to colour the sun, which after he had done it, began to move around the page. Giggling happily, be moved onto brown, tongue peaking out between his mouth, determinedly as he coloured the broomsticks.

Arcturus cleared his throat, towering over them, solemnly shaking his head, "Hayden has…had a very troubled life, he may believe he isn't worthy of you, Orion." His voice barely a whisper so not to disturb Cygnus or have him hearing anything he ought not to. He was well aware children had the tendency to parrot everything they heard. "He may just need your reassurance." He didn't believe for a second Hayden didn't want the betrothal, never in a million years. There was something holding him back, and Arcturus could only assume it was to do with what he revealed earlier.

Orion narrowed his eyes, realizing that, yes, his father knew something he didn't. "When did you see him?" envious that his father had managed to set eyes on him. "Does he look well?"

Arcturus watched as his son reclaimed his seat, watching him with an avidness that he didn't normally demonstrate. "He looks like he could stand to put on a few pounds, but other than that he was rather well." He told his son truthfully.

The relief on his son's face spoke volumes. "Good," Orion said, clearing his throat, "That's good…" it was still early, barely seven o'clock, Alphard was still asleep, Walburga's banging around couldn't wake him, well dancing hippogriffs could prance around his room and he'd still remain asleep. He was surprised his mother hadn't said anything to her about it. The urge to leave, to go see Hayden again was so strong.

"It is," Arcturus replied, "Write to him, set up a time and date and go on an actual date with him." he suggested, it couldn't hurt to woo him a little more than a betrothal requested. It was clear his son was smitten; he was also glad he hadn't inadvertently made things worse.

The thought of waiting wasn't at all appealing to Orion at all. Knowing his father had seen him, that he'd lost weight, caused worry to crash down upon him. He kept his calm; he knew better than to react, he had been raised in decorum and composure. Or as it was frequently known, a stiff upper lip.

He was about to make his excuses when he heard another thump from the room Walburga was using while she was here. Irritation flared within him, she was acting like a spoiled petulant little bitch, not that he'd ever dare to use that word out loud. He'd have his mouth washed out with soap; it had happened a few times in his childhood never again.

"Excuse me," Orion stated firmly, mouth in a straight line as he swiftly made his way out of the kitchen.

Melania raised a hand preventing Arcturus from intervening.

They'd spent their whole lives thinking they'd be married, for everything to change abruptly. They needed to talk it through.

Neither were going to come out of that conversation unscathed.

A/N – ooo what do you think that means for Orion and Walburga? Will things get nasty to the point she's disinherited – but not disowned – after all speaking to the heir like that probably isn't tolerated! Maybe even taking a swing at him? which means no money…can things get any worse for Walburga? Or will she accept her fate and becoming Hayden and Orion's biggest fan? Will Orion be able to get through to her? Will she ever understand one day? Will she manage to find someone to love? Or will she end up miserable and alone or miserable and in a marriage not of her choosing...I wonder if she'd need to get married after being disinherited...I'll need to look that up for the next chapter ;) R&R please