Persephone POV

It's the beginning of August when Sirius starts the Family History lessons. We've been too busy to really focus on it.

"I know more about the Potter than the Gaunts, so we'll start with Harry, while Remus finds some documents for Sef," Sirius tells us.


It takes a little over a week to finish the Potter genealogy, going all the way back to the Peveralls. His family line is full of successful and fascinating witches and wizards.

Remus finally found a copy of the Gaunt family records, earlier this week, so my lessons start tomorrow.

Laying on my bed, Regulus and I talk about tomorrow. "Reggie, I know I'm not like my family, but I can't help wondering... Did you ever feel like it was just inevitable? That darkness is truly bound in blood?"

"I once did, but no, not anymore. Sirius is living proof that you don't have to follow, nor be like your ancestry. Whatever happens, I'll still be here. I can't fault you for their actions." I thank him, slowly drifting to sleep.


Instead of starting with my parents and learning the history backwards, like Harry did, Padfoot and Moony start with Salazar Slytherin working towards present day. It turns out, I am descended from the Peveralls as well, making Harry and I VERY distant cousins.

We spend about a week going through the texts Remus found, eventually stopping at Marvolo and Ominis* Gaunt.

Hearing the names, Harry freezes. "So, um, don't freak out, but I think we should postpone this conversation until after a trip to Gringotts."

Sirius and I share a look, then nod trusting Harry's judgement. "We can go tomorrow. I need to file some paperwork anyway."

After dinner, I walk to the Library. The books Kreacher found on magical portraits have been helpful. Harry even knows an up and coming artist and photographer, making my job slightly easier. Writing down the ingredients I'll need for the setting potion, I head upstairs.

Regulus is waiting for me, when I walk in. "So, anything interesting today?"

Thinking it over, I answer, "Some. It turns out my great grandfather was blind. He bonded to a Setinent wand, how cool is that? Harry freaked out learning my twice great uncle's name. We're going to Gringotts tomorrow."

"Korre, I want to give you something. There is a loose panel in the floor under my portrait." Sitting down on the floor in front of him, I move the board over. Inside is a small black bag containing male jewelry. "Wear the ring tomorrow? It's charmed to protect the wearer, and frankly, I don't trust the Goblins not to try something."

Looking at the ring, I recognize the design. "Won't Sirius ask about the ring? This has your family crest."

"I plan to see him after your trip, and of course he will recognize the Black Heir ring."


Sirius leads our group through Diagon Alley, intent on reaching the bank. I nervously fiddle with Reggie's ring, thankful that Sirius hasn't noticed it.

I'm wearing an ankle length Emerald dress robes with a snake hanging from my choker. Regulus told me to embrace my heritage, so Slytherin's princess shall shine. "I still don't understand why we're wearing our school house colors. It seems tacky."

"Harry, my dear little brother, you are a descendent of Godric Gryffindor, therefore his house is your house. Same with myself and Salazar Slytherin. We are more than just a random Slytherin and Gryffindor. We are The Gryffindor Prince and Slytherin Princess, so we show the world we are proud of where we come from."

"Well said, Petal. I was going to suggest it myself, but someone beat me to it," Sirius jokes. My heart thunders in my chest. I know he means me, but in reality I never would have thought about it without Regulus. Padfoot is unknowingly complimenting his brother.

Remus holds the door as we enter the bank lobby. Sirius struts up to the teller asking to see his account manager, to which the goblin complies with. Another goblin walks up, introduces himself as Ranhook, and leads us to a conference room.

"Lord Black, welcome. What can Gringotts do for you today?" Ranhook asks.

Sirius plops into a chair, grinning at the banker. "I've come for a few reasons. First, I wish to open a vault for the House of Sanctuary, my new child refuge home. Take 10% of the Black Vault as a deposit and start up. I hope to gather donations soon, to better the children's lives. We already have three, well technically four, residents. This vault will be strictly for the House, with myself, my lifemate and Ms. Gaunt here having authorized access."

Asking why Sirius would allow me access, I don't know whether or not I'm surprised by his answer. "I own the property and rescue the endangered, but you are the one to welcome, heal and comfort them. Their mothers entrusted them to you, not me." I never thought of it in that way. I thought Narcissa brought them to me, because Sirius was reckless. It never occured me me that she just trusted me more. I silently nod, conceding his point.

"Second order of business, heritage tests for the youngsters." I flip him off, getting a laugh from everyone. "We've been studying their family lines, but want to make sure we cover every house of their lineage." Ranhook agrees. Drawing a small vial of blood from each of us, he takes it to the first goblin, saying something in Gobbledegook. The goblin hands over a stack of parchment to Ranhook. Walking back over, the banker tells Sirius the requested paperwork is ready for signature.

Both Sirius and Remus sign, passing the contract to me. Skimming it, I see the words 'Orphan', 'Vault' and 'House of Black'. Signing my name, I return the document. "If that is all, the test results will be ready in an hour's time."

"Padfoot, let's go to the Quidditch shop," Harry says, excitedly. They're both gone so fast, I suspect apparation.

"Well, Moony, want to hit Flourish and Botts? I need a few school books anyway." He offers me his arm, leading the way. Inside the store, we split up. Remus is on a book hunt for Dumbledore, while I have book requests he wouldn't approve of. I quickly grab several Dark Arts books on healing, as well as a few suggestions Regulus gave. The money is from his vault anyhow. Luckily, the shopkeeper finishes wrapping my purchases before Remus walks up. "Ready when you are."

Meeting back up in the Gringotts lobby, Ranhook is waiting for us. Looking at the clock, it's only been fourty-eight minutes, so we aren't late, he's early. Without a word, he escorts us through the bank, to an office.

"I'm sorry for the change of location. The information is highly confidential, even among the Goblins. Here are the test results you requested," Ranhook tells us.

Sirius hands me a scroll before turning to Harry. Unrolling the parchment, I find the same information Remus found. That is, until the last few generations. Reaching Great Grandfather Ominis, I feel Harry's hand on my shoulder. Looking up at him, he tells me to continue reading on.

Marvolo, being the older Gaunt brother, inherited the Lordship, going on to have two children; Morfin and Merope. In early 1926, Merope Gaunt was formally disowned by her father for marrying a muggle, and having his son. Merope's death date is the day of Tom Marvolo Riddle's birth. Morfin died in Azkaban in the early 1930s, with no heir, leaving the Lordship to his next of kin, Solomon Gaunt. Grandpa Sol, then had my father, who had me. "I'm the next Head of Slytherin," I yell, jumping up in surprise. "I thought I had other relatives, or that the line was gone."

Harry grabs the parchment, looking over what I read. "His mom was disowned? I can't wait until he finds out about this!"

"When who finds out? What do you know, Potter?" I stare him down.

He actually looks ashamed. Shying away, he looks me in the eye, saying, "I probably should have warned yesterday. Tom Riddle is Voldemort's birth name. He was the one possessing Ginny the year before last. But if his mother was disowned, Tom isn't an heir like he claims."

Voldemort is my cousin. "Oh Gods, I'm gonna be sick!" How do I face Regulus now? It was alright when it was others, but Voldemort caused his death. Reggie won't forgive me for this.

"Hey, Cub, stop panicking, it'll be okay. Come back to us. Good girl, deep breaths," Remus says. Looking into amber eyes, I know this isn't Remus. I reassure Moony I'm okay.

"If you're ready, Ms. Gaunt, I shall give you both the appropriate family rings," Ranhook says, hesitantly. I give him a nod and small smile. "Mr. Potter, the heir rings to Houses Potter and Lupin." It takes a moment for Harry to register the words.

Jumping from his seat, he turns to our guardians. "Remus, what if you have children one day? I can't take this from them."

"Prongslet, Padfoot and I are married by magic. As Moony's mate, Sirius is it for me." I grin at Harry, holding back laughter.

"Ms. Gaunt, there was an issue with your rings. When we summoned the Gaunt ring, it was tainted with a magic so foul, we Goblins don't speak it's name. Return after entering majority, by which time we will have removed the darkness, and it shall be yours. As for the Black heir ring, it couldn't be summoned at all, meaning one of two things. Either the previous wearer was buried with it, or it accepted an heir already."

I shyly raise my robe sleeve, holding out my hand. Sitting on the third finger is the missing ring.


AUTHOR NOTE: Ominis Gaunt is a character in the game Hogwarts Legacy. He's 15 in 1890 so I would assume is the younger brother of Voldemort's grandpa.