Albus Dumbledore brushed through his beard before picking up another lemon drop. The good thing was his rostrum had high sides so no one could see the small piles of sweets he had hidden there because the Wizengamot meetings could be rather lengthy and a little bit jarring. On the other hand who would call him out on it? Over the years he had carefully maintained this image of a friendly old man with quirky habits. It had been good advice from his old friend Nicolas. Make them think you are a little bit awkward and odd and they will not think you are the next dark lord who wants to take over. Well, he never had wanted to take over really, so it was best people didn't think this way. He really wanted the people to have their freedom, to have as many as possible to be safe. While he knew with Riddle out there everyone safe wasn't an option he really wanted as many as possible to be safe. Also, he really liked sweets so that was a bonus.

Still, he sighed, returning his eyes to the letter in his hands.

Dear Albus,

I'm really sorry but I can't pick up your offer. The information from Britain is rather disturbing concerning those who have mixed parentage. My school hosts a few Veela, goblin and also giant blooded and I do not wish to send them into such a hostile environment. The articles about your groundskeeper and the way your government considered this matter are revolting. Therefore Beauxbatons Academy will not partake.

With the highest Regards,

Olympe Maxime

He had read the letter three times again and it saddened him. He understood the sentiment. The way the British Ministry has acted towards half-breeds, led by this poor woman Umbridge was downright criminal. He for long had tried to do something about it but the Wizengamot was stuck with no real change and the change would only turn to the worst when Lucius Malfoys son picked up the title of Lord Black and from what he had gathered, the boy was pretty similar to his father. So he understood but her students weren't her only reason, Dumbledore knew that. Olympe was half-giant herself. While not telling many people after living with Hagrid for so long it would be hard to not notice.

That was another sour grape in his life. Hagrid was such a wonderful man, so full of love and compassion, two attributes way too little appreciated. He might be a little bit careless and should have kept his emotions under control but for this man to taunt Hagrid after putting down his beloved Hippogryph had been in really bad taste and also downright stupid. Still what's done is done and Albus had fought the hardest just to keep him. Attacking a pureblood while being half-giant was dangerous and could have gone way worse.

He put the letter down, while his eyes roamed the hall, slowly filling. He hadn't really gotten up to date with the Wizengamot ever since the last sitting. Both the ICW and the event for next year had him tied up all the time for the last two weeks. Still, he nodded slightly to Sirius when the man walked to the visitor ranks. It was good the boy was out of prison, such a huge lapse of judgement on his part. He should have looked into the case, making sure it was done right. He should really have but on the other hand, he had a hard time ignoring the other half of his thoughts. It was a half he hated to have but it was there. The thought that it turned out quite well, taken his false imprisonment aside. Harry had been raised by the Dursley and while they weren't the nicest people, they had kept him safe and his biggest worry for Harry being a blown-up cocky wannabe star had been void. The boy was sweet and charming and humble to a point it was hurtful. And also he was safe and alive. The wards around the Dursleys home, those put up there by Lily Potter in a rather questionable manner had worked. Questionable because it had been blood wards, bound to lifeforce. He had been utterly surprised when he had seen them, but he understood. Lily wanted to protect her family, her sister, even though they were estranged. So he hadn't said anything when he noticed and after THAT night, he had placed Harry there. He knew Lily and James didn't want their son to go there but he would be safe! For him to place the boy with people the own sister deemed unfit to care for Harry was a burden he would have to carry for the rest of his life, but he would endure it.

Albus' eyes went wide when he saw said boy walk into the chamber right after Sirius. He wore a wide robe, pulled around himself a little like a sheet. Albus was almost halfway up from his chair until he saw a second person. Narcissa Malfoy followed the boy-who-lived, her hand placed on his shoulder. Albus put his fingers under his glasses rubbing his eyes. What was going on here? He watched Harry and Miss Malfoy follow Sirius up to the visitor ranks. He did notice the short glares turned towards Lucius Malfoy. The man was in a whispered discussion with his neighbour, Lord Goyle and didn't notice the new arrivals. Albus mind paced back up and down. What could this mean? Obviously, Sirius had contacted Harry, no wonder here. He must have picked him up from his home for this meeting, but to what end? Also why Narcissa Malfoy? Well, she was Sirius cousin but what cou-

The doors closed with a bang marking the beginning of the Wizengamot meeting, ending his line of thought. The three had been almost the last people to enter and now Albus hadn't much time to think. He would have to meet Sirius right after the meeting, to implore him about Harry staying with the Dursleys. That was of utmost importance. Sirius would understand, Harry being there was the safest. He would understand that the boy's safety was utmost important. Albus smoothed his robes while rising and spreading out his arms.

"Welcome, honoured heads of houses, Minister, heads of departments and people of the public welcome to the seven hundred and twenty-sixth meeting of the Wizengamot. May we all strive for a better future. So mote it be."

"So mote it be." Answered the gathered room in a soft mutter like the Amen in a church. Albus sat down, waiting for the first to rise and speak. It seemed like Lord Rockwood was about to get to his feet when a sneering voice from the sideline called out.

"The goblin nation has announcements to make." The old and hunched over form of Lord Ragnok rose walked in from the sideline. While not being part of the Wizengamot, the goblins had a lot of rights and while most purebloods sneered on them it, they knew goblins knew the contracts well better than them, let them conduct their ways rather than getting fined for breaking protocol. Also that the goblins protected their beloved gold helped.

"The chamber hears Lord Ragnok, speaking in the name of the goblin nation. What announcements would you like to name?"

The goblin slowly walked to the centre of the room. He did it really slow, making Albus smirk a little. Goblins and Lord Ragnok, in particular, used every bit of dominance over Wizards they got reminding they weren't any better and if it was taking more time than needed, too bad. Finally, the goblin finished his walk placing two scrolls on the stand in front of him.

He slowly pulled out his own glasses, adjusting these on his nose. There was a little groan from somewhere in the chamber, probably Lord Crabbe, never a patient man. The goblin unfolded the parchment, showing a crest in the centre.

"The seat of Most Ancient and Noble House Black has been taken up. The goblin nation confirms that the new Lord Black is confirmed by blood, oath and magic. Please, Lord Black, take your seat." A loud murmur when up and down the chamber, turning louder when Sirius rose to his feet in the visitor ranks. He pulled back his own outer coat revealing a robe in the green and onyx of house Black. On his chest, over his heart was the crest of House Black. Albus raised a brow, surprised. The boy had never shown any intention of joining the Wizengamot or taking up his mantle. At least that explained why he was here. Harry would be here to support his godfather and Madam Malfoy, the way she stared daggers into the back of her husbands head, was here for the same reason.

Sirius slowly stepped down the stairs, walking past the turning heads of the other lords. Most looked surprised, some glaring at the man like Nott and Malfoy. Parkinson downright burned with hatred at the man, making Albus raise his eyebrow even higher. Sirius ignored most, only stopping once to nod towards Madam Bones, who returned the nod. When he reached the chair of House Black, he stopped only short to nod at the next to him sitting Lord Greengrass, acknowledging their equal standing as two of the four Most Ancient and Noble Houses. Lord Greengrass looked at his new co-lord before nodding in return. Sirius sat down, folding his hands for a moment, before looking at the empty chair of House Peverell next to Lord Greengrass. He had pulled a few strings to get it there. The order of places changed ever so often but the fixed ones were the four Most Ancient once. Therefore he couldn't bring the armchair of House Peverell right next to him, sitting between Dumbledore and Greengrass himself. Albus nodded at the new Lord Black and found his own footing back.

"The chamber welcomes House Black after a long absence. Does the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black has any announcements it wants to make?"

Sirius nodded, rising to his feet again. He stripped his gloves from his hands, making his way back around the stands. It was a little dumb to first sit down only to stand up again and he could make his announcements from his chair but he had a plan. Slapping his gloves into his hand he slowly walked down the row of Lord armchairs. He stopped in front of one adorned with a crest on top centring a big "M".

With a swift motion, Sirius pulled the glove from his hand and smacked it across the cheek of the platinum blond man on top of the chair. The smack echoed through the room, bringing it to a deathly silence. A light gasp filled the room and slowly Lucius Malfoys hand rose to he cheek. He looked up at the man who just slapped him in front of the entire Wizengamot and a sneer appeared on his face. Harry, on the visitor chairs, felt his hand crunched when Narcissa, who up to this point had been cold and calm gripped onto it like it was a lifeline and she was about to drown. He endured it, knowing the woman needed him now, even petting her hand with his other.

Lucius Malfoys voice was cold and low.

"You lowlif-"

Sirius loud voice cut him off.

"Lord Malfoy of the Noble and Ancient House of Malfoy. I, Lord Sirius Orion Black, Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black hereby demand satisfaction. You attacked a person who is under the protection of House Black, you violated the terms of the marriage contract put up between yourself and Lady Narcissa Malfoy nee Black. For this and other insults against House Black, I challenge you."

Silence followed his words. Formal duels were rare, not really part of the current Wizengamot, but were legal. Also, it had been a really long time such a challenge had been brought up in front of the chamber.

Lucius Malfoy, his hand still on his face, rose to his feet, staring at the man in front of him. He was a formidable duelist, having fought quite a few honour duels over the years, but he knew Black was another league. Being a hit-wizard in the war and a damn good one. Lucius had lost quite a few of his friends to the quick-wand hand of the man. Yeah, MAYBE Black had slowed down over the years, MAYBE Azkaban had broken him, but the way the man stared at him with this smug but deadly eyes, Lucius wasn't sure about it.

He took a deep breath, trying to save as much face as he could.

"State your terms Lord Black, so I can decide whether I will accept or not."

Black nodded, staring at him with anger and arrogance. This was a man who was certain he would win.

"I will bow to House Malfoy giving up half of my vault if Lord Malfoy can beat me." The smug face stayed calm making Lucius worry even more. While the thought of getting half of the Blacks vault was really really tempting it worried him that this was put up there. Lucius Malfoy squinted, something was fishy.

"On the other hand, if you lose, you will annul the marriage with my cousin Narcissa Malfoy nee Black and return the dowery placed with her on her wedding day." So far he couldn't see what Black was about. He had planned to kick out Narcissa anyway. She couldn't get him the Black vaults, she was useless. Also, he was sick of her rebellious way, he didn't like to be challenged under his own roof.

"Also you will let your son Draco Lucius Malfoy go with his mother." Lucius raised his head, staring at the man. That was it. That was what this was really about. He wanted to take away his heir. Lucius shook his head crossing his arms.

"I have to decline, while I can agree on the annulment of mine and Lady Malfoys marriage and return her dowery, I can't accept your other condition. While I am certain I would beat you in a duel of honour, I can't risk losing my beloved heir."

Sirius looked over his shoulder starring into the watery eyes of his cousin. Harry rubbed her shoulder, looking down at his godfather, nodding at him. They had planned for this. Sirius nodded and returned his eyes to his opponent.

"Fine. I will alter the condition. Draco will decide himself with whom he wants to live if I win. It is your choice, but remember, if you decline, I will undo every marriage contract he takes up as it is my right as Lord of his mother."

Again silence filled the room. This was legal, but threatening anyone into an honour duel was rather frowned upon. Lucius glanced around the room. All Lord stared at him, calculating what he did. His eyes found those of Lord Greengrass. He had approached the man in the last two weeks. He had a daughter about the age of Draco. He hoped he could sway the man into a marriage, but they had only met once and it had been nothing else than a getting to know. He had no idea what Greengrass would think about him if he declined. He had to stand up for it. Also, the possibility to get half the Black vaults was too much.

"I accept the challenge, Lord Black. As it is my right as the challenged I state tomorrow at twelve o'clock at Malfoy Manor. First blood will be enough to put you in your place I think." Sirius nodded and both of them shook hands. It was obvious to those around them these two men tried to break each other's hand in the grip. Then Lucius sat down and Sirius resumed his walk. Then he stopped and turned with a grin. He looked over to Lord Greengrass.

"Lord Greengrass, may I ask you to act as my second?" Lucius' head whipped around starring at the man. How could this bastard to such a thing? He turned back to Greengrass, who brushed his finger over his upper lip. He wouldn't do. He can't. He and house Malfoy should be allies in the future he-

"I accept Lord Black." Lucius stared at the man open mouth. What the hell just happened? This alliance he had tried to build up for the last two weeks suddenly crumbled in his hands with just a few words of that blood traitor.

"My thanks Lord Greengrass, to you and your family."

With these words, Sirius walked on leaving a fuming and angry Lucius behind him. He rounded the corner and stepped up to the place where Lord Ragnok still stood. He gave the goblin a short bow before turning to the rest of the chamber.

"Welcome, honoured heads of houses, Minister, heads of departments, honoured Order of Merlin, people of the public. I thank you all for welcoming House Black in your midst once more and I swear to keep up the traditions and the goals this hallowed chamber strives to achieve. I will do my best to achieve what is best for the Wizengamot, the British people and House Black. Firstly I am proud to announce Harry James Potter as the Heir of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black." He pointed to the black-haired boy in the upper rows of the room.

A murmur ran up and down the chamber. Head turned to look at the blushing boy. Slow applause rose through the room, starting by a smiling Dumbledore. This was good, giving the boy something he deserved. Harry didn't know how to act so he kept his eyes on Sirius who clapped himself, smiling at his godson. He nodded at him.

Sirius waited for the applause to calm down before raising his voice again.

"Also I have the utmost pleasure to inform this chamber that I Lord Sirius Orion Black have taken up guardianship of Harry James Potter, Heir of House Black." Albus Dumbledore, who happened to take a sip from his drink spurted it over the letters in front of him. The whole chamber grew louder, people talking to each other. Others started yelling questions and reporters on the visitor ranks started taking pictures again. After a moment or two, Madam Bones stood up and let out a bang with her wand.

Albus Dumbledore stared at the man in front of him, eying up his former student. He tried to calm himself. He had known Sirius would try something like this but so fast? No, he had to stop this, Harry had to return to the Dursleys where he was at least safe, but he couldn't say that. He raised his voice, trying his best grandfatherly approach to the situation. He had swayed the man from his ideas.

"Now now, Sirius my boy. I-"

Another person rose to her feet, staring at Dumbledore. Augusta Longbottom's eyes were like darts, slamming into his own. She wore her formal Wizengamot robes, with the crest of House Longbottom on her upper arm, a bear head over black and yellow.

"Mister Dumbledore. You will speak to the Lord of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black with his title and the respect his birth and status demands."

Albus Dumbledore flinched at the stern tone of the old lady. He knew she put much value on proper decorum and holding up honour and tradition. Still being called out like this wasn't something he was used to and he tried his best to stop this before it turned worse.

"You are of course right Regent Longbottom. I beg your pardon, Lord Black." The man nodded. While he wanted to rip the man's beard off and stuff it down his throat for placing Harry in that horrible environment and neglecting his duty to protect the students of Hogwarts he didn't hate the man. Harry had told him all about his first and second year, about the debacle with the troll, having Voldemort as a teacher, the incident with the stone and worse the Basilisk and Heir of Slytherin business. While Basilisks were rare such a knowledgeable man who was friends with THE Newt Scamander should absolutely have noticed the pattern.

"Now Lord Black, this is such a surprise and I would be happy to grant you guardianship, but this isn't this easy. Mr Potter already has guardians, his Aunt and Uncle."

Sirius glared daggers at the man, trying his best to calm himself. To bring these awful muggles into this conversation and using them like they would care at all about Harry made him furious. His hands gripped the corners of the stand in front of him, turning white on the knuckles while he took a deep breath to not yell at the man. He had a plan and he needed to stick to it. So after a moment to calm himself, he resumed speaking, venom in his voice.

"Grand Wizard I am not asking for the guardianship, which I must remind to you is not yours to grant or decline, but the Department of Childcare. Of course, I brought this up to this institution, who approved on this already."

He turned to Madam Bones, who rose to her feet nodding. She had seen these muggles Dumbledore was speaking about and she would do her best to not let this man push this poor boy back into their house.

"That is correct. The guardianship of Mr Potter was confirmed three days ago and this information has been mailed to you already Grand Wizard." Albus blinked, staring down at his table. He got dozens of letters every day and now it was worse with the whole business for next year. He must have missed it.

Sirius resumed talking after sending an appreciative smile at Amelia, who in return sat down.

"Also I would like to state that I act in accordance with the Will of the late James and Lily Potter. It is stated in it I should take up guardianship for Harry if something happens to both of them. Sadly, I couldn't take that role due to the acts of other people." He sneered the last part at Dumbledore and it was clear to everyone who he held accountable for his wrongful imprisonment. The old man sighed, folding his hands. This was bad, he had to stop Sirius before he said more.

"Lord Black I-"

"Not only that but the Will also stated clearly Harry should NEVER be placed with his aunt and uncle, people I have every intention of filling a case of Child Abuse against I might add. A will that has been read to the Grand Wizard himself twelve years ago."

A deadly silence followed the wors, while every eye in the room turned to Albus Dumbledore. The man stared at Lord Black with a slightly open mouth, trying to make his brain function again. He knew the Dursleys weren't the nicest people but Child Abuse? That was a little harsh he thought. Yeah, they hadn't been the best but...well Mrs Figgs did state a loveless environment but she had always been a little odd ever since her husband and son had died during the war. But maybe she wasn't so odd, Dumbledore thought while squinting his eyes at Sirius. But the protection, he needed to do something. Maybe adjustments could be made, for Harry to live there supervised. Maybe he could...

"Lord Black I-"

Once again Sirius cut him off.

"This is all horrible and wrong and I will not allow my godson and heir to live under the same roof as these people ever again, but that is not all. For an Heir, for the boy-who-lived, for such a wonderful kid to live under this roof would have been unacceptable but for a Lord of the Wizengamot this is downright heretical."

You could have been able to hear a pin drop so silent the room turned in an instant. Everyone stared either at Sirius or Harry with downright confusion. Albus Dumbledore as well.

"What are you talking about Sirius?" He asked, forgetting decorum. Even Augusta Longbottom stared at him, not noticing this lapse.

Sirius turned to the goblin who for the whole time had stood next to him. With a smirk, he bowed slightly, before stepping back.

"Maybe Lord Ragnok, this would be the right time to state your second announcement." The goblin returned the smirk before stepping up. Everyone leaned closer a little bit, while Harry rose to his feet in the back of all people.

"Honoured Wizengamot, the goblin nation hereby declares that the seat of House Peverell is taken up again after three hundred years. The new Lord, Harry James Potter, is accepted by law and oath and gained his title through the right of conquest. He hereby declares Lady Narcissa Malfoy as his poxy when he is absent."

The last few words of the sentence were washed away when the room erupted in utter chaos. People shouted and called for answers. People demanded answers about the right of conquest, about the house, how this has happened and everything. While that happened, Harry had pulled down the outer coat, revealing his formal blue and green House robes. He stepped down the stairs followed by Narcissa. The two made their way along the line of the lords who were shouting and screaming while Madam Bones let out bang after bang from her wand trying to resume order. When they walked by Lord Malfoy who didn't scream, they stopped for a moment. Harry raised just one eyebrow at the man, a move he had trained for hours and hours with Narcissa in front of a mirror. A look of superiority and also and that was more important a move Malfoy used himself when he looked at those he deemed vermin. Narcissa playing the perfect part of a Lady and a Proxy, placed her hand on Harry's shoulder for just a moment, like inclining him to move on, which he did.

For just a moment Narcissa turned her eyes down, connecting grey eyes with blue once. For just a moment Narcissa stared at the man who had been her husband for the last decade. Who had courted her through school, had carried her on hands, had showered her with gifts, had gifted her the greatest gift of her life, her son Draco. All of it, only for his own ambition. All of it to get his greedy hands on House Black. All of it not for her but for what she was.

Lucius saw the eyes of his wife, the woman who had carried his heir, who had been a trophy all this time and so only hate, but not any hate. Lucius Malfoy saw the coldest hate in these eyes he had ever seen.