Chapter Summary: In which I project my aching joints onto Harry, and Andromeda takes Teddy home; Harry craves curry, and Tom makes progress; and Harry learns he's related to a lot of Wizarding families because of one previously unknown relation.
Beginning Notes: One million apologies for the late chapter. I've been in a creative slump these last six months, and then when I had this chapter nearly complete? My parents and I came down with covid in the beginning of this month of July after personally avoiding it for the duration of the pandemic. Thankfully, because we were vaccinated our symptoms weren't severe. We're mostly recovered now, with two or three mild lingering symptoms, and altogether thankful none of us had to be hospitalized.
This chapter is the longest so far and I've written and rewritten parts of it so many times that I've decided this is it. I'll post it and get it out of my sight lmao. I hope you like it, but be gentle with me. This whole project is for funsies. If characters are out of character, at this point I do not give one iota of a shit. I'll do my best to keep them relatively in check, but I need creative leeway to do my thing. I know y'all will understand!
I have no beta, and I'm not looking for one. So I am only human and any mistakes are my own.
Chapter Seven
January 2nd, 1999 — Saturday Night
Later that day, Harry sat in the library skimming through a chapter of his Charms textbook when Kreacher popped into the room.
Teddy startled from where he sat in his playpen, jerking his head away from his toy towards the house-elf and blinked his wide brown eyes up at him.
The toy was a magical version of the muggle one where you place the correctly shaped block in its corresponding hole. This version, however, blew colourful bubbles whenever you placed a block in the right opening with a different colour for the different shapes. If they got it wrong the toy would spit a harmless but colourful liquid at the user.
Harry gifted it to his godson this past Christmas and Teddy adored it. Whenever he got one right his hair would change to match the colour of the bubbles. He got one right earlier and his hair turned from his typical light brown to a bright shade of purple as a result.
Unfortunately, Harry also had to clean Teddy up a few times as he'd put blocks in the wrong holes and he quickly became a mess. The liquid the toy spat at him didn't stain and it wasn't harmful and Teddy got a kick out of it either way, so Harry didn't quite regret getting him the toy yet.
"Madam Tonks is waiting in the drawing room, Master." Kreacher croaked as he gave a bow.
Harry ignored the title for it was a losing battle. Kreacher would continue to call him Master, no matter how often Harry asked him not to call him that. Perhaps if Harry were more patient he'd continue correcting the house-elf, but there were other battles to die on a hill for and Kreacher's preferred title for him was not one of them.
"Thank you, Kreacher," Harry sighed as he rubbed his eyes with the heels of his palms in an attempt to rid himself of his exhaustion. "Let her know I'll be down in a minute."
Kreacher nodded before he popped out of the library.
Harry let his hands drop before he released his wand from his holster and cast a quick Tempus. Green numbers blinked a steady pulse which told him it was an hour and a half before dinner time.
Normally, Harry would workout then shower before dinner but fatigue and his aching joints were making themselves known to him and he knew he wouldn't have the energy to do a whole lot tonight. Perhaps he'd do yoga later, before bed, instead of his typical workout.
He put a blank piece of parchment in his textbook to mark his spot before he stood from the table and stretched his arms above his head. Harry groaned as one of his shoulders popped, then dropped his arms to place his hands above his arse and stretched his back backwards against his hands until he felt a pop in his lower back.
Sighing in relief, Harry tidied up the notes that spread out across his table, stacking them on top of his textbook to look at later. He made a mental note to check the potions cabinet. Harry knew he'd need a minor pain relief potion before bed, and he might as well take inventory of his supplies while he was at it.
The last time he restocked was a few months ago when he'd gone to an apothecary in Diagon Alley, so he knew he must be running low. 'Maybe I'll ask Andy to get me the contact info of the Potions Master that brews Teddy's potions and salves. Last thing I want is to go back to Diagon if I don't have to.'
"Alright Teddy, let's get you to your Gran!" Harry said, grinning as he walked over and picked up the toddler from his playpen, placing him on his hip. He used his wand to summon and levitate all the items Andy left with Harry for the day. The playpen would remain where it was as Harry bought it for when Teddy was there, he usually just folded it up and put it away in the hall closet until the next time Andy brought him over.
After making sure Teddy had his stuffed wolf in his hands they made their way downstairs.
Andy sat in the same chair she sat in earlier in the day. Her hair must've come loose from her bun at some point, as it now fell past her shoulders in curls tamer than her late sister's. She smiled up at Harry and Teddy before she stood from her seat. The dark circles under her eyes were obvious and she had a slump to her posture.
"Rough day?" Harry asked with a sympathetic grimace as he handed Teddy off to her. Once she got the boy settled on her hip, Harry grabbed the toys floating behind him and put them in Teddy's magically expanded diaper bag.
She gave a wry chuckle and kissed Teddy's forehead while he babbled up at her, happy to see his Gran. "Nothing too drastic. I simply had to deal with errands at Gringotts and the Ministry."
"Oh?" Harry asked, curious despite himself. "Is everything okay? Can I help?"
"Don't you worry yourself, Harry. There were documents to file and financial matters I needed to take care of," Andy said, patting his arm before taking Teddy's diaper bag and hanging it over her shoulder. "I have everything settled. Thank you, though, I appreciate the offer."
Harry had no reason for being suspicious, but alarms rang in the back of his head. Why would she need to go to both Gringotts and the Ministry on the same day? He frowned. Andy was like a vault when she wanted to be though, so he didn't push her for more information. She would come to him if she required help.
"Alright, but you know where I am if you need me," Harry said before he placed a kiss on top of Teddy's head.
Teddy turned his head towards Harry and gave him a smile. His first tooth came in months ago, and now he had three beginning to peek through his gums. When Teddy began teething, Andy contacted a Potions Master she trusted and hired him to regularly brew a baby-safe Anti-Teething Cooling Paste. It reduced the inflammation and pain Teddy experienced while leaving a gentle cooling sensation on the gums.
"Yes, alright Harry. I'll be sure to let you know," she said as she sent him a small smile while she secured Teddy and the diaper bag to her person. "Same time tomorrow?"
Harry nodded as he stepped away. "Yeah, that should be fine." This was what they did on the weekends. Andy would stop by after breakfast to drop Teddy off with Harry. Then, she would go take care of errands or have a little break before coming to pick the boy up before dinner.
He hoped once he received his N.E.W.T.s that he'd be able to spend more time with his godson. Harry already loved Teddy like his own son and wanted to be the godfather he wished Sirius could've been to him when he was a child if only Sirius had the chance.
It was unlikely Harry would ever have kids of his own. He couldn't see himself going through the potions or transfiguration necessary for someone without a womb to carry a child— honestly, he was a bit squeamish about the idea of giving birth, though he's thrilled there are options for others who'd like to have children of their own who wouldn't be able to otherwise— and he didn't see himself getting into a relationship any time soon, so it was possible that Teddy would be it for him.
"Great, we'll see you then!" Andy said as she tossed a handful of powder into the fireplace, turning the red flames a striking green. Announcing her address, Andy flooed the two of them home.
"Kreacher!" Harry called out once he was by himself.
The house-elf popped into the room and bowed. "Yes, Master?"
"Let Tom know our guests have gone. He has free reign of the house again." Harry said as he locked his security wards up again. "I'll be in the library if either of you need me."
With that handled, Harry went back to the library to continue his studies.
In the evening, after another study session, Harry found himself craving Indian food.
Harry didn't have the energy to cook, and he didn't want to make Kreacher cook, so he pulled on a pair of white trainers and a plain black baseball cap, grabbed his wallet from his nightstand, and made sure his wand was in his forearm holster under the sleeve of the green jumper Molly knitted for him this Christmas.
Within walking distance of Grimmauld Place was a little family-owned Indian place which an elderly muggle couple, Mr. and Mrs. Chawla, and their son managed. Harry would go there for takeout when he didn't feel like cooking or have Kreacher cook for him. He'd order enough to have leftovers for the next couple of days, which gave both him and Kreacher a break from cooking.
When Harry opened the door to his study, the first thing he saw was a floating copy of The Tales of Beedle the Bard but his growing smile fell when the book dropped to the ground. Tom had jerked at the sound of the door opening, startling him from his concentration.
Harry winced sympathetically as he closed the door. "Sorry about that," he said as he walked over to his desk and sat on a non-cluttered section. "But you've made progress, that's fantastic!" Harry grinned at Tom as he leaned back on his hands.
Tom shot him an annoyed look before he huffed and turned away from Harry towards the fallen book. "I was able to maintain it for," he paused as his eyes darted to the clock on the wall, "at least ten minutes this time."
"Have you been able to touch or hold anything yet?" Harry asked, wondering if Tom should have practised on lighter objects first, like a pillow or a quill.
At Tom's sullen silence, Harry knew that Tom hadn't succeeded in this venture. Harry hummed in understanding before hopping off his desk and grabbing a clean quill from its holder. "Here, maybe you should try on less heavy objects and work your way up."
Tom's lips pinched at the suggestion, and Harry was sure Tom would reject it, but then he sighed heavily and held out his hand.
Harry grinned at Tom. "At least now you know how to go about it. I'm sure you'll fly through the process and master it in no time."
Tom's posture straightened at the praise, earning him an amused look from Harry before he rolled his eyes. "How was your day?" Tom asked politely.
"Oh, it was fine. I love spending time with Teddy, and it's always nice to see Andy." Harry said with a fond smile, "I'll tell you more about it when I get back."
Tom raised an eyebrow at him, "And where are you going?"
"I'm starving, and I'm craving curry but I don't feel like cooking or bothering Kreacher, so I'm going to pop down to the Indian place down the road and get takeout. Won't be but a mo, and when I get back I can eat in here and catch you up on what Andy and I talked about."
Waving goodbye, Harry headed downstairs and out the front door. The coast looked clear as he turned his head left then right. No one suspicious was lingering about — few annoying reporters or fans had showed up since he redid the Fidelius Charm, but one could never be too careful — so he quickly started walking in the direction of the restaurant.
Fifteen minutes later, Harry was back at home. He toed his trainers off and left them in the entrance hall, hung his baseball cap on the coat rack, and carried his bags of food to the kitchen. Harry placed the takeout bags on the counter and began portioning out his dinner, when Kreacher walked into the room.
"Hey Kreacher, I picked up chicken tikka masala and naan bread and I have extra, would you like a bowl?" Harry asked kindly. On occasion, Harry convinced Kreacher to eat a meal with him but it wasn't as often as he would like it to happen. Kreacher preferred to accept the food Harry made or bought and then he would eat alone. Harry didn't begrudge him for it, though he thought it must be lonely.
Kreacher gave a little nod and set out to make himself a bowl. "Master's owl returned to the owlery without a letter."
"Alright, thanks for letting me know," Harry said. Once Kreacher finished making himself a bowl, Harry put the leftovers under cooling and preservation charms and stored them in the pantry for later.
Grabbing his own bowl, Harry thought about what he needed to get done in the coming weeks as he made his way to his study.
Harry's main concern was claiming his Lordships and assigning a proxy to sit on his Wizengamot seats until he educated himself about his position, as well as the politics and legislation of his world. Andy would hopefully contact him soon with her Proxy recommendations, and then Harry would go from there.
The first Wizengamot session of the year would land on the eleventh of this month. Harry had nine days to get everything he needed in place before then. He should have claimed his Lordships when he turned seventeen, but Harry didn't even find out he was an Heir twice over until the morning of his eighteenth birthday when he received letters from both the Ministry and Gringotts "reminding" him of his titles and duties.
Usually, one's parents or guardians would raise the heir of the family with the knowledge one needed when they would take over the responsibilities that came with being a Lord and having an estate.
Obviously, he never received that education.
He closed his eyes and let out a long breath. There was no use in dwelling on what could have been, but it still angered him to think about how much he missed out on and how much people kept from him. He had so many questions and few people in his life left to ask.
His goal once he assigned a proxy would be to split his time between studying for his N.E.W.T.s, figuring out whatever the hell happened to bring Tom back plus figuring out what effect their bond will have on them, and educating himself about his responsibilities on the Wizengamot and in handling his estates.
Harry sighed. One thing at a time, he told himself, one thing at a time.
One hand holding his bowl, Harry carefully opened the door to his study where he found Tom levitating the quill from earlier. Tom turned his head towards Harry, a smug smirk on his face that made Harry laugh.
"Congratulations, Tom, I knew you could do it."
Harry placed his bowl of chicken tikka masala, with a piece of naan bread he ordered sitting on top for now, on his desk after making room for it. After pulling off his jumper so he wouldn't get it dirty, he looked over at Tom. The quill still levitated and he grinned as he grabbed the decanter of Ogden's Firewhiskey and a glass, pouring himself two fingers worth.
"Thank you, Harry." Tom said as he drifted closer to Harry's desk, the quill bobbing in the air as it followed him. "What did you order?"
"This is chicken tikka masala with naan bread," Harry said as he sat down behind his desk, placing his glass of firewhiskey next to his bowl. "It's become my go-to whenever I go for takeout."
"It looks appetising." Tom said as he sat down, hovering, in one of the chairs across from Harry's desk. "I don't believe I've ever consumed Indian food," he sighed while staring at the dish wistfully.
Harry winced in sympathy. "Sorry. I know eating around a ghost-spirit-incorporeal being is rude, I can go eat in the kitchen if it bothers you. I'm sorry I never asked you before."
"No, no, it doesn't bother me, not at all. Please, enjoy." Tom demurred.
Harry smiled at him as he pulled the naan bread into smaller pieces. "Thanks," he said as he used a piece of the naan bread to scoop up some of the curry then popped it into his mouth. He closed his eyes and let out a little groan. It'd been too long since he'd last had this.
"Anyway, back to our earlier conversation. I asked Andy to be my proxy, but I knew she'd say no. She's a Healer, not a politician nor a socialite no matter how the Black family educated her," he said once he chewed his food before taking a sip from the glass, wincing as the firewhiskey went down his throat. Harry didn't drink often nor a lot, he feared becoming dependent on it, but every once in a while he enjoyed winding down a long day with a glass. He already felt the firewhiskey warming his body.
"Her Healer's practice is important to her and often takes up a lot of her time when she's not taking care of Teddy. She wouldn't have the time to go to Wizengamot sessions or trials."
"Do you have someone else in mind to proxy for you?" Tom asked, leaning closer to Harry with a keen look in his eyes. Harry held back a snort, of course political talk interested him. He looked away from Tom and considered it.
Harry knew that Tom was an educated, well-travelled man. He may not have wanted to be, say, Minister for Magic — if he had, Tom could've done so during the war after taking the Ministry or when he was younger before he had the stigma of being a Dark Lord on his shoulders — but he would enjoy pulling the strings from the shadows and install his puppets into places of power. Harry knew enough about the British magical world to have an idea about the politics and the laws and the shady dealings that go on in the background.
Simply put, Tom was an asset to Harry. Or, he would be once Harry was ready to sit on the Wizengamot himself.
He glanced back at Tom, who looked more curious than ever, and smiled.
"I don't have any ideas for a proxy, no." Harry said before taking another sip of the firewhiskey which didn't burn quite as much as the first sip. "But, when I told her my requirements, Andy said she would put some feelers out and let me know in a few days who she'd best recommend."
Tom seemed to be weighing a decision for a moment before he came right out and asked, "If I were to give you a few suggestions, would you consider them?"
"Merlin help me, but yes, I would." Harry said before taking another piece of naan bread to use as a scoop for the curry. "Of course, I'd think critically about both your and Andy's suggestions. It's important to me that whoever I choose will act how I would act, would inform me of major decisions or upcoming legislation or trials so I can inform them of my decision. I need someone trustworthy, who shares similar morals to my own, and with a backbone to be able to fight against injustices in my name."
Tom contemplated for a few minutes before he said, "I won't insult you by suggesting someone who allied with me during either war. However, there are a few neutral parties who might be a good choice, and I'm aware of a few who leaned more toward your side though I'm unsure if they all survived."
Harry stared at Tom with a sombre expression on his face. "Names?"
"From the Neutral party, I'd recommend Pravin Patil or Elspeth MacDougal," Tom said after taking a moment to think on it. "Patil is a politically savvy barrister known for being impartial and he believes all suspected criminals deserve a fair trial. He is the uncle to your year mates.
Elspeth MacDougal retired some time after your fifth year, but she once was a highly sought after tutor for magical children, even squibs whose parents decided against abandoning to the muggle world. She's fought for years to get schooling options available not only for the squib children who remain in our world, but also early options for muggle-raised pre-Hogwarts aged children. She advocates for bringing muggle-raised children into the magical fold as soon as they show signs of magic so that they can get integrated into the magical world and get brought up to speed to where magical-raised children are before they get to Hogwarts.
Both refused to ally with me, yet they also refused to help Albus Dumbledore or the Ministry in their efforts against me and mine. So I let them live."
"Wait," Harry said, overwhelmed with all the information, pointing a piece of naan bread at Tom as he stared at him with scepticism. "You accepted that? They chose to be neutral and you let them live?"
"They weren't going to fight me, and they would never support Albus. That was good enough for me. I, of course, required an oath to that."
"Of course you did." Harry said with knowing exasperation. Merlin forbid Tom ever trust someone's word without precautions. "And your recommendations for those who did ally themselves with Dumbledore?"
"Malcolm McGonagall, younger brother to Minerva McGonagall." Tom said without hesitance.
"Wait. Professor McGonagall has a younger brother?" Harry interrupted.
"Yes, she had two younger brothers, Robert and Malcolm. Robert died in the first war." Tom said. "Malcolm fought in the war as well, but after his brother's death he went into hiding with his husband and children until the war ended. According to my spies, he actually petitioned to claim the Ross seat from his Aunt after the first war ended, but they denied him because his maternal grandparents, the previous Lord and Lady Ross, disowned and disinherited his and Minerva's mother for marrying a muggle."
"Huh. Well, you learn something new everyday. Anyone else?" Harry asked before he continued to eat his curry.
"None that come to mind currently, I'm sure Andromeda will have her own suggestions. Though, it wouldn't surprise me if at least one of her suggestions matches one of mine."
"If you had to choose one of those three to be my proxy, who would you choose?" Harry asked.
"Pravin Patil. He's politically savvy without being a bore, he's unwilling to compromise on his morals, and he's firm on his belief that all suspected criminals deserve a fair trial and a humane imprisonment. Patil has spent years trying to pass a justice reform bill regarding Azkaban, believing Dementors to be cruel and their treatment of the prisoners to be an affront to wizardkind. I'm sure you and he would get along well."
He sounded like someone Harry wouldn't mind meeting. In fact, Harry wouldn't mind meeting all three of Tom's suggestions.
"I'll think about your suggestions, Tom, thank you." Harry said as he took another sip of his drink. "All the same, I'll wait for Andy's advice as well before making a final decision."
Tom inclined his head. "When do you think you'll take up the mantle?"
"I'm not sure to be honest. I have a lot on my plate right now. So, at the earliest, I would say after graduation. But it will likely take me longer to learn all that I need to be on a level playing field. So, maybe in a year or a year and a half."
"What are you hoping to accomplish?"
"I want to be a force of change. The British Wizarding world is hideously outdated and backwards in some ways." Harry shrugged as he emptied his glass with one last sip. "I want to set up orphanages for magical orphans, especially orphaned children of the last two wars. Magical orphans shouldn't be sent to live with muggle relatives or languish in the muggle system. I want to help Hermione fight for Creature rights. I want a school for younger children and identify muggleborn and muggle-raised children sooner, so I may seek Elspeth out for her assistance with this if I don't choose her for my proxy."
"Ambitious of you," Tom paused, frowning as his body tensed as if he was readying himself for a fight. "You realise some of your goals align with my own in my early days?"
Harry caught Tom's gaze and narrowed his eyes as he placed his empty glass on the coffee table. "I do. If you hadn't succumbed to the Dark Arts and your fear of death, you could've gone on to do those things you advocated for in your youth."
Tom scoffed as he crossed his arms across his chest. "I'll ignore your cheek for now, Harry, but do remember that my patience isn't unlimited," he sneered. "You offered your home to me. You invited me here. You offered your help. If you're displeased with me, I can leave at any time and track down one of my sympathisers who've escaped arrest and have them assist me instead."
A jolt of panic filled Harry at his words. Would Tom really leave? Even if it meant losing access to the Black family library? Even if it meant losing the camaraderie they've established? Even if it meant their souls ached in the absence? Harry wanted to lash out as his stomach tightened with worry. He closed his eyes and focused on his breathing.
He was tired of anger, tired of lashing out, tired of fighting. He wanted to be selfish, and in his mind that meant acting like a dog with a bone when it came to pursuing his happiness and ensuring his good health.
'It's not selfish to take care of yourself, Harry.' He reminded himself. 'It's not selfish to want to be happy, to be healthy, to have companionship.'
"I'm sorry, Tom. You say you don't have unlimited patience, but I'm afraid I'll test it over and over again." Harry let out a heavy, purifying sigh as he opened his eyes. "Our history isn't going to wash away overnight, no matter how well we get along nor how our souls interact. Your actions were reprehensible. Sane or not. Whether you regret them or not. I lost people I loved and cared about. I know I won't be able to completely forgive and forget right now. I know you're whole, and you feel regret, and knowing that helps, but I still might lash out at times. All I can say is that I'll try not to."
Tom's gaze sharpened as he considered the sincerity of his words. He inclined his head. "I understand. I would be shocked if you could forget so easily," he leaned forward, his arms falling to rest on his knees. "Only time will help smooth over the rough edges of our shared history. You must know that I'm inclined to work together with you. I would prefer not to leave so soon. Given that, I will endeavour to extend my patience towards you."
"I appreciate it," Harry held Tom's gaze for a second before he sighed and leaned back into the sofa, turning his face towards the fireplace.
"Shall we continue our previous topic?" Tom suggested.
Harry nodded. "I'm tired of bloodshed, tired of war, tired of prejudice. I realise that change isn't easy. There'll be push back. But I have this fame whether I wanted it or not, more so now that, well, now that the world believes I killed you for good. I know I could do some good, and be the change I want to see in the world. And if I happen to have someone," Harry glanced over at Tom with a smirk, "who exceeds at manipulation by my side… Well."
Tom's intense eyes locked on Harry's as if looking for something, the truth maybe, before he smirked and inclined his head. "Of course, Harry. It would delight me to stand by your side, if you would have me."
Harry grinned at Tom, "In that case, I could use some advice on the business holdings I inherited from my father and his father before him, Fleamont Potter."
"Fleamont. Yes, I recall him." Tom said as he leaned his head on the back of the sofa. "I didn't know him as he was a few decades older than me. I know he created the Sleakeazy hair potion. It was all the rage for a long time, and it's still in use these days. Last I remember, however, he actually sold his business."
"Did he? Hm…" Harry frowned before standing from the sofa and walking towards his desk. He lifted folders and parchments from his desk, looking through them as he sorted them until he found what he was looking for. "Here, look at this. My account manager at Gringotts gave it to me. It contains all the business dealings the Potter family dealt with in the last century. I've only skimmed it as I've been too busy to do much with it."
Tom rose from the sofa and made his way over to Harry to look at the parchment Harry pulled from the folder.
"Oh. It looks like Fleamont sold the company to a Mr. Robert Brown, but it changed hands in the years after until Charlus Potter bought it back for a fraction of the cost. It came back into the main Potter holdings after his death."
"Charlus, now that's a name I remember. He was still older than me, but he married Dorea Black after her graduation and she was only six years older than me. She graduated at the end of my second year. I was… associated with several members of the Black family throughout my Hogwarts attendance, so I actually met the couple a handful of times."
"A Potter married a Black? I wonder how I'm related to Charlus."
"You do realise your own grandmother was a Black, yes?"
"Wait, what?" Harry asked as he stared in shock at Tom. He and Sirius were blood related?
"Yes, your grandmother Euphemia was the daughter of the disowned and disinherited Phineas Black Junior, the son and namesake of Phineas Nigellus Black. Rumours said he supported Muggle rights, which his father couldn't abide by. Phineas Junior was, from my understanding, close friends with your great grandfather, Henry Potter. The two shared similar views, and that's how your grandparent's marriage came to be."
"Bloody hell," Harry said as he dragged a hand through his hair.
This meant he was blood related to several British Wizarding families. Harry paled. He and Ginny were related. His mind sketched out a family tree with the new information and he grimaced. Third cousins. Not as closely related as Sirius' parents, but still too close for comfort for him. It was a good thing he and Ginny ended things when they did.
"I never knew! No one's ever told me anything about my grandparents other than passing mentions. I only found out anything about Fleamont because of Gringotts."
"Now you know," Tom said, looking pleased with himself for being the one to provide Harry with this new information. Harry struggled not to roll his eyes. "Have you had the chance to check out Potter Manor?"
Harry stared at Tom blankly. "Potter Manor? There's a manor?"
Tom laughed, his eyes crinkled with mirth, as he crossed one leg over the other. "Yes, Harry. The Potter family is an old one and they've always had a certain level of wealth. During the first war, however, Potter Manor's wards closed the building down after the deaths of your grandparents from Dragon Pox."
Harry exhaled heavily as he put his head in his hands. A manor. He came into the Wizarding world thinking he was penniless. Then, he saw his trust vault, thinking it was his only one, and knew he would be able to live comfortably into adulthood. Then, after the war, he discovered his Lordships and estates and that he's even wealthier than he thought. It baffled him if he thought about it for too long.
A manor.
He raised his head from his hands, shaking it as he thought. What would he even use the manor for? He's one person. That's an awful lot of space, if the manor is as large as he's imagining. What condition would it be in after all this time? He glanced at Tom and wondered if he might turn it into the orphanage. At least that way it would be used for something good.
"If the wards have held steady through the years, there might be portraits of your grandparents and possibly one of your father as a child or teenager as well. If there's one of your grandfather, he might be able to help with educating you on the Potter Lordship and estate."
"How do you know all this stuff anyway?" Harry asked, exasperated that the other man knew more about his family than he did. He was eager though to see if Potter Manor remained untouched. It would be a tremendous help if he had portraits of relatives to help guide him. He had a few portraits of the Blacks who were occasionally helpful, if they felt like it, but none of them were close relations to Harry.
Tom smirked as he shrugged. "I aimed to know as much as possible about not only my soldiers, but also the people I wished to join me as well as the people fighting against me. There was a time when I invited your parents to join me. They refused, of course, but I looked into them and their families before I ever extended the offer."
"You invited my parents to join you?" Harry yelped, as he stared wide-eyed. "Blimey, Tom, you had to know they wouldn't join you. My mum was a muggleborn!"
"Both of your parents had talent and earned high marks. Your father was from a prominent, wealthy Pureblood family. Your mother was gifted despite her background. Severus was fond of her, and I was further inclined to invite her as a favour to him. She would've risen the ranks, I'm sure, if she had joined me. Your mother was rather fierce on the battlefield. Alas, she and your father refused to join and then further refused to go neutral."
Harry shook his head in bewilderment. "Talking about my parents with you is too weird. But thanks, I s'pose, for the compliment towards my mum."
"Back to business, then? Have you had an inventory done to see how many vaults you have and their contents?" Tom asked, changing to topic, sensing Harry's unease.
"No, not yet," Harry sighed as he summoned his journal. "I'll add it to the list."
"I recommend you get that started soon. If you have several vaults it may take awhile to get a complete inventory, so sooner rather than later would be best."
Harry nodded as he made a note to contact his account manager in the next couple of days. He looked back at Tom and smiled. "Thank you, Tom, for your help and your advice."
Tom smiled back, a small and sharp thing but a smile nonetheless. "Of course, Harry. It's a travesty that they left you uneducated on these matters. Your families have a long history. It's important to know where one comes from and the history behind it."
He knew it to be true to an extent. Growing up, the Dursleys told him that his parents were good-for-nothings who got themselves killed in a car crash. Aunt Petunia never spoke of her parents either, so he never had that sort of knowledge of his family growing up. He still doesn't know what the names of his mum's parents were.
But when he entered the Wizarding world, everyone had these little stories of his parents. Not nearly as in depth as he would've liked. They always left him hungry for more, more, more. He wanted to know everything about them. Now, he's learning about his dad's family and it helped. Helped him feel a little bit closer to his dad despite never knowing him.
Harry hoped that one day, he'd know enough about his family to be able to pass it on if he ever had children. So he would hoard the stories, the nuggets of information, and guard it ferociously. It didn't matter that he probably wouldn't have children. He still wanted, needed, what information he could get his hands on.
"Would you mind helping me go through these business files tonight?" Harry asked before taking the last bite of his curry with the last of the naan.
Tom answered by gliding over and sitting in the seat across from the desk, leaning toward the desk to look at the first page. Harry sent him a smile before getting to work.
There was a long road to go and plenty of things to get sorted, but Harry was hopeful about the future for perhaps the first time in a long time.
End Notes: Alright I have a question for y'all. I'm highly tempted to turn this fic into a poly triad fic. With Harry/Tom/and an as-of-yet introduced or mentioned by name older-than-Harry male canon character. Whether I turn this into a triad fic or not, the character will still be brought into the picture. It's just a matter of how he'll be implemented. I'm a sucker for poly fics that include Harry. I only wanted to ask my readers their opinion, as I know this fic is tagged as purely a Harry/Tom fic and I know it might not be what some readers will like if they discover it's turned into something more than what they bargained for. I'm ultimately writing for myself, but I'll listen to feedback when asked for. If I were to turn it into a poly triad fic, it wouldn't be for awhile. It'll be several chapters before this third character even shows up. Definitely a slow burn altogether.
Thank you all so much for reading and leaving faves, reviews, and/or alerts. I appreciate all the support!