Hello Readers,
Just a quick reminder to revisit the previous chapter if you haven't already. I've made some major changes that add depth to the story and reveal intriguing details about the Grangers. It's worth a second read!
As always, I appreciate your feedback and thoughts in the comments. Enjoy the new chapter!
Chapter 9: Entwined Bloodlines
Hadrian found himself standing with Sirius and Remus at the bank, the lingering notes of their meeting hanging in the air. They had concluded with a promise to reconvene the next day for further shopping and other pressing matters. As he stood there, Hadrian was torn between his deep desire to visit his ancestral home and the need to be with his adoptive father, longing to spend some much-needed time with him.
As he pondered his options, he ultimately chose to trust his gut and confidently strode towards Sirius. It was gratifying to observe the smile that spread across Sirius's face, affirming his decision. Without hesitation, he seized Sirius's outstretched arm, and, in an instant, the world around him blurred as they portkeyed out of the bank together.
They materialized in what appeared to be an ancient hall, with Hadrian landing on his back and struggling to regain his balance after spinning too much. As Remus helped him up Hadrian looked around, trying to discern their location. It was evident that they were inside one of the Black family's properties, but which one? It couldn't be No. 12 Grimmauld Place, as that location exuded eerie gothic vibes, while this place had a more regal ambience.
As though somehow reading his thoughts Sirius proclaimed, "Welcome to the Black Manor pup. This is where I spent most of my childhood before Regulas -my younger brother- was born. This is also where my grandfather late Lord Arcturus Black favoured to reside over the Black Townhown typically known as Grimmauld Place where my parents settled. This is also where your grandmother late Lady Dorea Potter née Black stayed with her brother i.e. my grandfather before her marriage with your grandfather late Lord Charlus Potter." He concluded with a flourish.
"I understand you're tired, so I won't take you on a tour of the place just yet. Instead, let's all gather in the sunroom, a cosy space for informal get-togethers. I'm famished myself, so we can grab something to eat there. We can also use the time to catch up and talk about our lives. I'm sure you'd be interested in hearing more about your grandparents and parents," Sirius said perceptively, noticing Hades's unease. "But before all that, I'd like everyone to join me in the Lord's study to renew our bond with the manor and its magic."
When they nodded their agreement, Sirius led them through a labyrinth of dimly lit corridors and narrow staircases. Each step echoed with the weight of their shared purpose and the secrets they were about to uncover. They finally arrived at the 4th room to the left on the 3rd floor: the Lord's study, a room of legend that could only be accessed by the Lord of the House, his consort, and his chosen heir.
Upon entering, they were greeted by a room that exuded an air of solemnity and wisdom. The walls were lined with towering bookshelves, each filled with an extensive collection of ancient tomes, scrolls, and rare manuscripts. The scent of aged parchment and leather filled the air, mingling with a faint hint of sandalwood from the carefully maintained wooden furnishings. Each shelf held relics of the past: a silver goblet, a worn wand, and various magical artifacts that had been passed down through generations.
A large, ornate desk dominated the center of the room. It was made of dark mahogany, its surface gleaming under the soft light of a crystal chandelier that hung from the high ceiling. The chandelier's delicate crystals caught the light, casting shimmering patterns across the room. On the desk lay a few neatly arranged items: an ancient quill, an inkpot, and several scrolls of parchment. A cushioned chair with a high back, upholstered in deep green velvet, stood behind the desk, a symbol of the authority and responsibility of the Lord of the House.
To the left of the desk was a grand fireplace with a mantel made of intricately carved stone. Above it hung a portrait of the late Lord Arcturus Black, his stern gaze following them as they moved about the room. The portrait, painted with remarkable detail, the eyes twinkling with magic. In the center of the mantelpiece sat the Black Crest, carved in wondrous detail, its intricate design glowing softly with an inner light. This crest was also the keystone for the wards, holding the protective enchantments of the manor.
Rich, dark green drapes framed the tall, narrow windows, their heavy fabric adding to the room's stately atmosphere. Through the windows, the sprawling gardens of Black Manor could be glimpsed, their carefully manicured lawns and blooming flowerbeds offering a serene view.
An array of comfortable armchairs, upholstered in deep green and silver, were strategically placed around the room, providing spots for quiet reflection or intense discussion. A thick, intricately patterned Persian rug covered the floor, its deep colors adding warmth to the room's otherwise dark and muted palette.
The room exuded an aura of power and tradition, a place where decisions that shaped the family's destiny had been made. Every corner of the study held a piece of history, a testament to the legacy of the Black family. As they stood in the room, the weight of tradition and family legacy pressed upon them, a reminder of the responsibilities they now shared.
Sirius did not stop to admire the room's grandeur. Instead, he moved with purpose towards the stone mantlepiece. He retrieved a dagger with the Black family crest on its hilt from the hidden desk drawer, slashed his palm unceremoniously and placed it on the crest chanting, "Familius Magicus". "I, Sirius Orion Black, by blood, by right, by the sacred magic of our lineage, reclaim the wards of Black Manor. So have I sworn; so mote it be." As he completed his oath, the wards shifted to his command.
He asked Remus and Hades to slice their palm and keep them on the keystone along with his palm. This way he could add them to the wards directly as well as include them in what he was going to do next. It was not a very commonly known ritual because every family likes to guard their secrets and this was one of the Black family's secrets.
"Fidelius", he said firmly. He felt the wards respond and knew his location was hidden completely with satisfaction bar Remus and Hades. "I Sirius Orion Black, am named secret keeper." He also added Isabella to the wards at Hades' request resolving to share the location later.
With that taken care of he called for Mipsy, a middle-aged elf, Head-elf at Black Manor and requested her to arrange a light late lunch meal for them in the sunroom. Excited at the prospect of working again for the House of Black, and aiding her favourite Master Sirius, she eagerly nodded, courtesied to them and popped away to do as requested.
Sirius then guided the other two to the sunroom. As they approached, the grandeur of Black Manor became even more apparent. When they entered the sunroom, they were greeted by a stunning blend of regality and comfort that suited the noble House of Black perfectly.
The sunroom was a magnificent space, bathed in warm, natural light streaming through large, floor-to-ceiling windows. The windows were adorned with elegant, dark velvet drapes, which, when drawn, contrasted beautifully with the bright, airy atmosphere of the room. Intricately designed ironwork framed the windows, adding a touch of timeless sophistication.
The floor was made of polished marble, cool underfoot, with luxurious Persian rugs scattered about, offering, both comfort and style. A grand chandelier hung from the high ceiling, its crystal prisms casting delicate rainbows across the room when the sunlight hit just right. Potted plants and blooming flowers added a touch of natural beauty, their vibrant colours enhancing the overall ambience.
Comfortable, plush couches and armchairs were arranged in cosy seating areas, upholstered in rich fabrics of deep green and silver—colours that echoed the Black family heritage. The furniture, while undeniably elegant, invited relaxation and conversation, striking a perfect balance between luxury and homeliness.
In the centre of the room was a large, intricately carved wooden table set with a delectable spread. The aroma of freshly prepared food wafted through the air, making their mouths water in anticipation. Without any delay, they settled themselves on the comfortable couches to eat, with an enthusiastic Mipsy serving them. She fondly chided them for not eating healthy food and being so skinny as the mother hen she was occasionally. They savoured each bite, appreciating the comfort of a home-cooked meal and the company of one another. Once she was satisfied that everyone had eaten their share and was no longer hungry, she vanished the dishes with a click of her fingers and refreshments appeared in their place. Everyone thanked her for the delicious meal and she popped away to attend to additional work and guide the other house-elves if needed.
Taking initiative, and summoning his Gryffindor courage Sirius spoke, "Hades, before we tell you the stories of your grandparents, I want to address something that had been weighing on my conscience since we regained our memories. We, I mean your Dad and I majorly, were not as innocent and pure-hearted as we are portrayed. We had made our fair share of mistakes in our school years, some in the name of pranks. Pranks that sometimes went overboard and crossed the line of harmless entertainment and outright bullying."
Sirius paused, his expression sombre as he gathered his thoughts. "One such incident occurred in our fifth year after our OWLs when we went overboard while embarrassing Snape by lifting him upside down in the courtyard. At the time, it seemed like just another prank, but in reality, it was cruel and humiliating. We did realise later that we were being unreasonable and outright bullying him."
He took a deep breath, his eyes reflecting the weight of his regret. "We sincerely apologized to him afterwards and even offered him a hand of friendship. He accepted it, though reluctantly, but the damage was already done. By then, he had already been marked, and in many ways, it was our fault."
The room fell silent, the gravity of Sirius's confession hanging in the air. His voice softened, filled with remorse. "I want you to understand, Hades, that we were far from perfect. We made mistakes, and we hurt people. It's important to acknowledge our past, even the parts we're not proud of. It helps us learn and grow, ensuring we don't repeat the same errors."
His eyes met Hades's, a mixture of apology and hope shining through. "We want to be honest with you, to show you that it's okay to make mistakes as long as you learn from them and strive to be better. That's the true essence of courage and integrity."
Hades nodded, absorbing his words. The sincerity in Sirius's voice and the gravity of his confession created a profound moment of understanding between them. It was a reminder that even those they admired had flaws and that true strength lay in acknowledging and learning from those imperfections.
"Well, on a positive note, at least Moony here had the foresight not to offend your mother, because she has a hell of a temper which you have definitely inherited," Sirius deadpanned, his tone lightening the mood.
"Merlin, she could even easily defeat Bella," Remus added with a grin.
That set them off, and soon they were all howling with laughter. The sound echoed through the regal sunroom, a stark contrast to the sad tone just moments before. Hades watched Sirius and Remus, their faces lit up with genuine mirth, and couldn't help but join in. It was as if a weight had been lifted from the room, the shared laughter weaving a new thread of joy and connection among them.
Sirius wiped a tear from his eye, still chuckling. "You should have seen her, Hades. Your mother was a force to be reckoned with. She could make even the bravest wizards tremble with a single look."
Remus nodded, a fond smile on his face. "She had a way of commanding respect and instilling fear when necessary. But she also had a heart of gold and was fiercely loyal to those she loved. Just like you."
Hades felt a warmth spread through him at their words. The image of his mother, a powerful and loving witch, made him feel proud and connected to a legacy of strength and courage. The laughter slowly subsided, but the room remained filled with a sense of camaraderie and affection.
Sirius began seriously, "Your grandfather and my grandfather were best friends contrary to popular belief and used to spend time at each other's places. That is how your grandmother met him and they fell in love. My father had known your grandfather and respected him. It was only after his marriage to my mother that things changed for the worse."
He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing. "Anyways, like I said, they were best friends and fierce warriors. Did you know they fought side by side against Grindelwald and rendered him almost defenceless? It was then that Dumbledore stepped up, defeating him and taking the credit. It was the efforts of your grandfathers that aided him to achieve this feat."
Sirius's eyes gleamed with pride and a touch of nostalgia. "I grew up with my grandfather in Black Manor, with occasional visits from Uncle Charlus, Aunt Dorea, and James. I have known them for as long as I can remember. James and I were cousins, but it felt like we were real brothers. Your dad was an only child, much like your grandfather, and was loved dearly. Aunt Dorea liked to spoil him but was also very strict with her rules. She was a specialized healer and treated long-term ailments. After your dad was born, she retired and became a doting mother. She still attended very serious cases if her aid was required, but those were occasional. She was also a trained warrior, courtesy of being the daughter of the House of Black and the only sister of Lord Arcturus Black."
He took a deep breath, his tone becoming more reverent. "Your grandfather along with mine earned the titles of Baron Potter and Barron Black respectively for their major contribution to the Defeat of Grindelwald by Lady Magic. On the professional front, Uncle Charlus was an Unspeakable but it was a top secret. I only know because I considered was family. He was also the Lord of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Potter and was an esteemed member of Wizengamot."
"Lord Potter and Lord Black ruled the wizengamot with an iron fist." He chuckled, "Rumor has it that the entire Wizengamot feared the moment they started speaking because when they spoke one listened. Even Dumbledore feared them. Add to the mix Archimedes Longbottom, Neville's grandfather and they were undefeatable."
Sirius took a deep breath, the gravity of his words hanging in the air. "They were remarkable, Hades. Brave, honourable, and deeply committed to their families and the wizarding world. They respected wizarding culture and traditions but also resented the orthodox pureblood ideologies. They never had an issue with Muggle-borns, but they also didn't support the baseless Muggle advancements or the replacement of our traditions with Muggle ones to make them comfortable."
His eyes shone with the weight of the past, the memories of his ancestors' courage and conviction. "They believed in the strength and beauty of our world, in the magic that runs through our veins. They fought for a future where every witch and wizard could live in harmony, without prejudice or fear. But they also stood firm against the dilution of our heritage. They understood the importance of balance, of honouring our roots while embracing progress."
Sirius's voice softened, his gaze fixed on Hades. "They set a high standard for us, and it's up to us to live up to their legacy. We must carry forward their bravery, their commitment to justice, and their respect for our magical traditions. It's a great responsibility, but also a great honour."
Hades felt a deep sense of pride and determination well up inside him. The stories of his grandparents painted a picture of strength and integrity, of people who stood tall in the face of adversity. Their legacy was not just a burden but a guiding light, a beacon of what it meant to be truly noble.
Sirius smiled a hint of wistfulness in his eyes. "Remember, Hades, our ancestors were not perfect. They made mistakes and had their flaws, but they always strived to do what was right. It's not about being flawless; it's about learning, growing, and staying true to your principles. That's the real legacy they've left us."
The room was filled with a profound sense of connection and purpose. Hades knew that the path ahead would be challenging, but he also knew that he was not alone. The strength of his ancestors, their values, and their courage were a part of him, guiding him as he forged his own path in the wizarding world.
After a few moments of contemplative silence, Sirius looked at Hades, his eyes filled with warmth and affection. The love he held for his blood-adopted son was palpable, radiating through the room. "Remember, Hades," he began, his voice steady and sincere, "you don't have to do everything alone. You can trust us. Whatever you do, wherever you go, we will be there for you, with you, and, will always have your back. We love you, Pronglet. Both of us." Sirius's gaze was unwavering, filled with a paternal pride that spoke volumes. He had always seen Hades not just as a responsibility, but as a beloved son, his own son.
Sirius's words hung in the air, a promise and a reassurance that brought a lump to Hades's throat. The depth of emotion in Sirius's eyes was unmistakable, a testament to the bond they shared. It was a look that conveyed years of shared experiences, struggles, and triumphs—a look that spoke of an unbreakable connection forged in the fires of adversity.
Remus, sitting beside Sirius, nodded in agreement, his own eyes reflecting the same unwavering support and affection. "That's right, Hades. We are your family, and family stands by each other through thick and thin. You are not alone in this journey."
Hades felt a surge of gratitude and love for the two men who had become his pillars of strength. Their words were a balm to his soul, easing the weight of the responsibilities and challenges he faced. He knew that with their support, he could face anything that came his way.
Sirius continued, his voice tender. "We've all been through so much, and we've come out stronger because of it. You've shown incredible strength and resilience, Hades. But remember, even the strongest need support. Lean on us when you need to. We're here for you, always."
Hades nodded, his heart swelling with emotion. "Thank you," he said, his voice thick with feeling. "I couldn't ask for a better family."
In that moment, surrounded by the love and support of Sirius and Remus, Hades felt ready to face whatever lay ahead. The legacy of his ancestors, the strength of his family, and the promise of unwavering support filled him with a renewed sense of purpose and determination. Together, they would navigate the challenges and triumphs of the future, bound by love and the unbreakable ties of family.
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