My Time

Chapter 37

The beginning of the meal was a little tense, but they enjoyed their starter before any conversation began to take place. Perhaps it was the silence that made it feel awkward, or perhaps it had been Hayden's words that Lord Black couldn't really smooth over as well as he would have liked.

"You are Lord Peverell," Antonin asked, giving the wizard a once over, judging him. Judging whether it was worth his time to help him. He was in a position that he could pick and choose his cases, he had more money than he would ever been. He received it from his mother's estate, and of course, he had his trust fund vault.

"I am," Hayden replied, wiping his mouth with the cloth napkin, a sly smirk on his face as he watched the wizard judge him. The desire to showcase his powers was strong, Merlin, that wasn't like him at all. He wasn't one for showing off, yet the desire to do so to gain recognition, gaining adoration, to gain approval was strong.

Power truly was everything.

Orion barely refrained from scowling at Antonin for how he was looking at Hayden.

Hayden was his.

"I'm going to assume you know why you're here?" Hayden asked, as the second portion, the main meal, popped up. There seemed to be a delay between the food going and then the food coming, curious usually it was simultaneous. Maybe one of the House-elves were sick.

"Even if I hadn't been given a short summary of a possible job from Lord and Lady Black, I could deduce with your presence here alone why I had been called." Antonin said, his voice soft but firm. Glancing briefly at Orion, he couldn't deny being surprised by the newspaper article. He reckoned a lot of people were too.

"Yes, it wasn't very…pleasant." Hayden decided upon, "I do not want it to become a common occurrence. I want you to take it all the way."

Antonin blinked, in sheer astonishment. "Rather presumptuous, I have not stated whether I have the inclination let alone the time to take on any new case let alone yours."

"Presumptuous? Not only would this case propel your name farther than it's already gone. The case is going to be one to remember. Plus, the case is going to go on for months, while you are on retainer, you're going to earn yourself quite a lot of money. I've told you that I'm going to take them all the way to court, and not be bought off by an out of court settlement, which means again, more recognition." Hayden stated, not even glancing at the others to see their reactions. "Please, do not do the discourtesy of saying you 'don't need the money' or the notoriety of such a case. I have learned that there is no such thing as enough money or fame."

"I do believe you and I will get on well," Antonin declared, approval appearing on his face.

"Honestly, bloody Slytherin's and their tests," Hayden huffed out, amusement splayed across his face.

"I'll have you know I wasn't a Slytherin," Melania replied, lips twitching, she was very proud of her house.

"Hufflepuff," Hayden answered, just like the rest of her family, the Macmillan family were well known for that. At least great nephews end up in Hufflepuff too. Ernie Macmillan.

"That's right," Melania agreed, "Did Orion tell you?" had she spoken about it before? Perhaps at the Yule feast? She couldn't remember but it was fuzzy. She'd had her more than fair share of drink that evening as she'd merrily celebrated with her extended family she didn't get to see often.

"He did not," Hayden agreed, glancing at Orion he added, "Speaking of your uncles, I heard back from them." although they hadn't been talking about any of the uncles.

"Just?" Orion asked in slight surprise, it had been ages since he wrote to them. "I'm surprised they've taken so long." He confessed.

"Your uncles have been attending the international conference on herbology and exceedingly rare plants." Melania informed him, "They only just returned this afternoon." they had Masters in the subject and had plants from all over the world

"And no doubt, will spend the next week planting their new acquisitions." Orion said in amusement. "I think I'll go over and see them. When is the appointment?"

"Next week, an afternoon appointment, I haven't told them where they'll be and what they'll do doing." Hayden smirked, "Or the plants they might be tasked with reviving."

"I assume the Peverell property is in good condition and the spells still hold?" Dolohov questioned, the food was delicious as always, he informed Lord and Lady Black as such.

"It's almost perfect, there's naturally a lot that's outdated, and a lot that needs done to return it to it's former glory." Hayden informed Antonin, "However the Peverell's were well known for their powers, so yes, a lot that's been lost over time has been protected and safe."

"That is putting it lightly," Orion stated, but he didn't brag like he desired to do. Only someone foolish would brag about a property and what it housed. It would be asking for trouble. Although, he was sure that people wouldn't hold a single chance of getting through the wards. That had not only held, but were harnessed to Hayden now. "The place is absolutely amazingly preserved."

"That's fascinating," Arcturus told him, rather envious that his son had visited such a monumental place. "Was there a lot left behind?"

"There was enough," Hayden replied, "I dare not touch the plants and such, hence why I asked Orion for someone to help. He suggested his uncles. Hopefully they will help revive the plants. Can you imagine the potions we may be able to make that haven't been brew in centuries?" his passion and enthusiasm infectious. Even if he was exaggerating a little.

"You'll need to share the memory of my brothers' reactions, Melania asked of Hayden. "I'm sure they're going to be a sight to see when they figure out who where and when." Chuckling in amusement, drinking her wine with relish.

"Done deal," Hayden said grinning at her.

Arcturus chuckled, "Are you choosing to destroy and rebuild?"

"Either can be costly endeavours," Antonin postulated.

"Most projects are," Hayden conceded, "But to answer your question a bit of both, I'm not destroying unless I've got no other choice. If we do choose to destroy, then I'm rebuilding to mimic how it used to look."

"Keeping to the time, that might appeal to the elder generation, but not the younger." Arcturus warned, and normally it was the younger generation you wanted to appeal to.

"I'm not catering to spoiled idiots who haven't had to lift a finger in their lives." Hayden told them honestly, Antonin coughed out a laugh at the unexpectedness. "I want to give those who have had to hide whom they are a place to stay, a safe space, no matter who they are, no matter their orientation or creature species."

"Not a lot would agree with that one," Antonin declared, "I hope you won't need investors. The moment they hear 'creature status' they would be gone."

Hayden nodded, "I know," he said sombrely, "It's a shame their status should not dictate their lives. People who are creatures have hopes, dreams and desires too, and they can be vastly intelligent. Yet they're utterly ostracized because they may be a werewolf, vampire, or a half-giant or the like."

It was clear none of them knew what to do or say regarding his passionate speech. Or they did, they just didn't agree with him but didn't want to start something during what was quite a delightful meal.

"It's all well and good defending them, but will you still defend them after they've broken the law?" Antonin asked, watching Hayden avidly as if he was something to be gawked at in the zoo.

"They wouldn't break the law if they were given the means to prevent it." Hayden said, "At least most of them, to compare everyone to the actions of one werewolf or vampire is like comparing us all to Grindelwald or Dumbledore."

Orion and Arcturus choked on their food highly insulted.

Antonin watched Melania and Hayden pat Arcturus and Orion respectively on the back. Hmm, perhaps there was some truth to what the newspaper was suggesting. At least to an extent, it was clear that the pair were close, very close.

"Here," Hayden said, handing him the cold glass of ice water. "Drink that slowly." As the pair regained control of themselves, all the while trying to stop themselves to hacking.

"You make an interesting point," Antonin conceded.

"Do you believe that you should be deprived of your job and inheritance if you happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time?" Hayden continued, stubborn and bull headed as normal.

Antonin paused, startled that it was being so personally implied upon. "No," he answered honestly. He didn't like being used as an example but he was always honest as could be.

"Exactly," Hayden replied simply, "Shunning them just creates more problems. Such as if someone were to bite as many people as possible to create a werewolf dominated society." Ironically, Fenrir Greyback had just been born if he recalled correctly. Which he did.

"Nobody would get away with that," Antonin had belief in his job. In the Aurors they'd never let such a creature loose in society.

Arcturus paled, unlike Antonin he understood that half the things Hayden said might actually be true. His abilities were as of right now, beyond his comprehension. He knew he was a Necromancer and perhaps a seer or some capacity but that's it he wasn't aware of much else.

"It will take years to get that far, if you do intend to fix the entire estate." Orion changed the subject, pointing out the obvious. He'd rather think on what Hayden had said later, much, much later.

"True," Hayden agreed, "It is going to take a long time, they aren't even a quarter of the way through the estate. Luckily, they can work in multiple spots, so work can continue even if we have to wait for the wards to harness or cement to dry and such."

"Its said Peverell Castle is big and the estate was the grandest around. It all was deemed rumour, more so because nothing was ever found." Antonin said.

"There wouldn't have been, the power harnessing the wards is immense. I will only be adding to it once I've got the time." Hayden declared strongly. And actually, got a full understanding of how they worked so he could power them too. "It was like taking a peek at the past when it was at the height of it's power." He confessed wryly, some of the places had been warded on their own and not by the Peverell family. They had clearly taken care of their parents and their estate before leaving home.

Only one son had returned home, but it was to parents who had long since passed away. He'd left the estate – that had long since been abandoned by everyone – married and raised his son.

"Forgive me, the Peverell estate has probably been stagnant forever," Antonin stated, "Why would you not accept any money given to you by the newspaper? Which would be a significant amount due to the nature of what they revealed. I would ensure they don't waste my time or yours."

"Because I don't need it, it's more to do with teaching them a lesson." Hayden revealed, that and he didn't want to let Melania and Arcturus down, who were really furious over the article.

"If you would rather accept the money, we will not hold it against you." Melania reassured him, as she set her cutlery down. "Either way it will teach them not to mess with us."

Orion just barely withheld a snort; he was well aware that Hayden didn't need any help monetary wise. He had seen his bank statement from Gringotts. More accurately, Hayden had shown him, when he commented on his worry about the project, he had in trying to return Peverell estate to its former glory.

It took four minutes for the remains of the meal to disappear.

"What on earth is wrong with them?" Arcturus whispered to Melania in annoyed exasperation. The House-elves were being very peculiar tonight. It really wasn't like them.

"You say you wish to sue the newspaper; is there a specific element you want pressed more than others?" Antonin questioned.

"I am going to see what…" before Arcturus could continue, he was distracted not only by Hayden's conviction and the food finally, at long last, appearing. Along with another wine, which Arcturus immediately began to pour into the empty glasses.

"Have no mistake, I want you to throw the book at them, for everything you can think up." Hayden replied coolly, "More importantly, I want them to pay through the nose for daring to reveal my status as a bearer." Eyes flashing in fury, his own magic rearing up reacting to his anger.

The dessert was a deliciously decadent chocolate cake. With cream and a scoop of caramel ice cream to round it off. Despite what was happening, the House-elves were as always continuing to outdo themselves.

"Then have no worries, I shall make sure they rue the day they decided to pen your name to paper." Antonin declared, the power in the young man was immense. Coming from him that was saying something. He was not shy in revealing he was quite powerful, why be bashful if it was the truth?

"Good, I'm glad to hear it, while you have free reign, I do wish to hear what's going on. Not every day, but when there is new progress made." Hayden stated firmly.

"Naturally," Antonin declared as if such a thing was a given. "Shall we discuss payment?"

"No, just send me the bill. Weekly." Hayden informed him, "May I have a cup of coffee? I've had enough drink, please and thank you."

"Lynx? Coffee." Arcturus commanded of his House-elf, giving Hayden a nod.

"I do believe they might run the risk of becoming bankrupt," Antonin stated, "Revealing medical information? Against a Lord? This case is really going to hurt them."

"Good." Hayden declared, swapping Orion's empty glass for his full one. There was no point to wasting wine, especially with how much it probably cost them. "Get them declared bankrupt, Heir Dolohov, and I shall gift you with a limited edition, 1834 bottle of whisky Glennfire."

It wasn't just Dolohov that choked by their shock, it was Melania and Arcturus. Orion knew just how many bottles Hayden actually had so it wasn't like it was the only bottle.

Hayden smiled when the coffee pot and cups appeared. Grasping one of the black mugs, he poured himself a cup, and added in a dash of milk. He needed his wits around him when he was dealing with anyone remotely Slytherin.

"You're got yourself a deal, Lord Peverell," Antonin declared, he liked him, he genuinely liked the wizard. Powerful, intelligent, gifted, it was too bad Orion had gotten to him first. He preferred his own gender, and his father, bless him, was searching for a carrier since Antonin refused to marry a witch. He'd made that more than clear, whether he was disowned or not. "And I aim to collect."

"We'll see," Hayden declared, egging the wizard on. Not that he needed to, once their word was given, he hadn't met a single wizard who hadn't kept their word.

Antonin inclined his head respectfully.

"Thank you," Hayden said in genuine gratitude, he wished his friends had thought of this route back when he was younger. Wait, that wouldn't have helped, after all Dumbledore wouldn't have rescinded permission.

"Think nothing of it," Antonin replied, "It's my job to help people and it's one I enjoy immensely." The only downside was he couldn't talk about the majority of them, secrecy clauses of his own making of course, so they would (could) trust him.

"You do wonderful work, Antonin," Melania reassured him, mildly buzzed. "How is your father?" she'd tried to set him up a time or two, but he just wasn't interested.

"He's doing well, he's fighting," Antonin reassured her.

"He's sick?" Hayden asked, heart sinking, that might be why his mother had been so adamant.

"Unfortunately, yes, the healers haven't found anything yet. My father is quite stubborn though, and isn't quite ready to go." Antonin said, proud of his father and worried in equal measures.

"You…uh…might want to question your uncle on that." Hayden stated, causing silence to fall amongst everyone.

"Not many people know my father has a brother," Antonin said suspiciously, "Who are you?" unhappy, not even the Black's had known as a matter of fact, that his father had a brother.

"Antonin, calm down, son," Arcturus warned the young man, he'd already made too many mistakes, and wished to help prevent anyone making as many. "He's a Necromancer. Undeniably." He added seriously so that the wizard would know he was telling him the truth through experience not just taking Hayden's word for it.

"Why would my uncle try to kill my father? He won't be sent to inherit the estate, I will. I am." Antonin declared standing up, not quite able to remain sitting. The urge to return to his father was strong.

"He's been trying to kill him for years," Hayden refused that, "Because your father is getting too close to figuring out what happened to your mother." Wand around out and shielding the entire area from Dolohov's accidental magic.

"Antonin, calm down, or I will have to ask you to leave." Arcturus stated firmly, repairing the mess his blast of magic had caused. Which thankfully was entirely subdued due to Hayden's shields. It was almost as if he'd expected it, known it was coming. Perhaps he was a seer.

"I'm leaving," Antonin hissed out through gritted teeth, paler than he'd ever been before in his life. Stomping out of the kitchen, his stomps were heard through the entire house before the door banged closed.

"Well, that went well," Arcturus said, sitting back down.

"He'll find out the truth tonight," Hayden murmured, especially if he was like him or any other Slytherin.

"Perhaps there was a gentler way you could have revealed this information." Melania said quietly, "His father is all he's ever known."

Hayden stared at her, blankly for a few moments before he stirred, "At least he had a father whom loved him. It's better than having nobody at all. If the brother had, had his way…he'd have been dead as well. It's Lord Dolohov's sheer bloody will to live and the ring that's preventing his death I reckon." There was no other Dolohov …what had happened to his Dolohov? Did he lose his father and kill his uncle? Did he find out the wizard was responsible for both his parents? Or did not knowing cause the bitterness that he was? No, that was definitely Azkaban.

Melania cleared her throat, "Well, yes, that's true, there's always someone far off than you as the saying goes." Clearly uncomfortable with the truth being laid bare.

Orion reached out and gripped Hayden's arm in comfort.

"Do you think I just lost my lawyer before I took him on officially?" Hayden asked wryly, putting his hand over Orion's and leaning to the side of him. Grateful for the comfort and seeking more. Knowing he didn't need to be strong all the time was so, so welcoming to Hayden who had been so strong for everyone every day of his life, even with Hermione and Ron.

"No, he'll do it, he's already agreed and Antonin won't go back on his word." Orion replied, "Although, if he does seek out answers…he will try to get answers out of you."

"A typical Slytherin then," Hayden murmured, sighing softy, "Merlin, I am so tired."

"Finish your coffee and dessert, I'll take up," Orion nudged Hayden into eating.

"Lynx!" his thinly veiled exasperation giving way to genuine anger.

"Master…the mail keeps coming so quickly…what is Master wanting us to do?" the poor House-elf was twisting his ears, clearly unhappy at disturbing his owners while they had company especially. However, they couldn't keep up with it, it was covering their – the house-elves! – entire apartment.

"What?" Arcturus asked perplexed, baffled, what was his House-elf referring to? "Explain." There was no reason they'd get enough mail for have his House-elves in a frightful state.

"It's not for Master Black, its coming for guest Lord Peverell," Lynx said, still obsessively twisting her ears, it didn't seem to be in punishment but at the stress, apparently the House-elf wasn't able to deal well with it.

"What?" both Orion and Hayden cried out, gaping at the House-elf who did not like that and began to twist her ears more vigorously.

Even Arcturus and Melania looked so done with the drama tonight had turned out to be.

They looked like they wanted to be in the middle of the Caribbean Sea on a boat in a tropical heatwave.

A/n – two in a single day I know 😊 you're all very lucky! And I even managed to get all the house work done too…to bad no House-elf actually exists lol can you imagine what I could have done without cleaning and cooking? 😉 hehe now this is what I would call a cliffhanger 😉 not the last chapter lol but I'm sure you can figure out why he's getting so many letters…so that sort of negates the cliffhanger doesn't it? I'd get more written BUT it's night and I definitely need to get some sleep so it's a goodbye from me 😊

So, will Lucretia have a child with Hayden's help? Will Hayden have children as well? What about Walburga? Just whom is she being married off to? Will there be an obscure Black branch that she'd be married off to? not too related to Walburga obviously 😊 Or will she end up a lonely unhappy shrew of a woman? R&R please!