Author's Note: Here's our next chapter. Big thanks to those who are reading and reviewing the story. I really appreciate it. There's a lot of planning happening in this story an more description than actual dialog, but I hope you enjoy the chapter. Let me know your thoughts.
There was a mistake in the names last chapter. It was pointed out to me by nanettez, and has since been corrected. Thank you nanettez for that. I truly do appreciate these types of things.
For clarification, the brothers names are:
Thomas Antioch
Severus Cadmus
Harrison Ignotus
Chapter 3: A New Beginning
They had looked over the list of properties that Guardian Ragnok had given them. There were several properties owned by the Peverell family. They had crossed out everything that was in a crowded location or any large buildings, such as the Manor, which Ignotus hadn't been expecting. They ultimately narrowed it down to Hallow Cottage with their preferences.
When they arrived, they hadn't been expecting the cottage from Death's realm that they had their dream, or meeting, in. The cottage was two stories with a potion's lab and pantry in the basement. The ground floor had consisted of the open floor plan with the kitchen and living room with a downstairs bathroom and library. Then there was the second story which held a study and three bedrooms.
Then there were the grounds. As it turned out, according to the seven house elves belonging the property, the entirety of the large forest the cottage was in belonged to the Peverell name. And it was a nature preserve for magical and non-magical creatures to co-inhabit. That had been surprising.
In a nearby clearing to the cottage were three facilities- two green houses and a much smaller but still nice cabin. One of the green houses was for magical plants and potion ingredients. The other was a normal green house for vegetables and flowers, which meant they could be mostly self-sufficient, especially with the help of the elves. The little cabin was actually the living quarters of the house elves as they didn't have quarters in the cottage.
The rest of the forest had multiple locations of interest: Creature dens and clearings. A large lake that held several underwater creatures. And even a ritual clearing with an earthen shed for ritual necessities. It was an amazing area with much to offer in the way of knowledge, solitude, and exploration. It helped that the entirety of the forest was unplottable with several wards that the trio worked together to ensure the strength of.
If that wasn't enough to indicate the large area, the nearest settlement to their new home was a small hamlet owned by them as well. Though it was lived in by muggles which really worked in their favor as they didn't want to be too close to wizards here. They informed Guardian Ragnok of their new home which he was quick to note down. The brothers were ready to start anew.
-The Peverell Brothers-
Ignotus woke up early, as he tended to do most mornings. He glanced around and took in the room he was in sleepily. It had been a couple weeks, and he was still getting used to the fact that he wasn't stuck with the Durlseys or the Potters. He got dressed and headed downstairs. He wasn't surprised to see both of his brothers- which was something he was still getting used to- at the table.
They had been learning more and more about each other as the past weeks flew by and they were all much more comfortable with each other as a result. It also turned out that all three were insanely early risers. As were the house elves if the delicious food at the table was anything to go by.
It was mostly light things he could handle as he was still getting used to eating more than a meal every few days. The potions Cadmus made for him were a big help with that too. "Good morning." he said with a soft smile, still a little bit shy around the two older men.
"Morning Iggy." Antioch greeted, glancing over his Daily Prophet.
"Did you sleep well?" Cadmus asked, putting his Potions magazine down, finishing it.
"I sure did. How about you two?" he asked, working on his eggs.
"I slept well enough." Antioch said, Cadmus nodding in agreement.
"Anything interesting in the papers?" He asked the oldest.
"Not really. They're going to try and push through a law to ban more of the werewolf's rights, so we'll need to enter the next Wizengamot meeting to put a stop to it. Other than that, just news about what the Potters did yesterday when they went out to Diagon Alley." Antioch shrugged. Cadmus scowled at the thought of the Potters. He hadn't been a fan even before he learned about what they had done to Ignotus, and was even less of a fan now.
"It's disgusting how the light faction is preaching about acceptance and helping creatures yet aren't making things any easier for the creatures to actually get accepted and help." Ignotus grumbled. "Considering their friend's a werewolf, you would think that the Potters would be against it more." he shook his head, sliding his partially eaten plate away and drinking some juice instead.
"Yes, well. I can't say I'm surprised. Last I checked, Remus Lupin and Sirius Black have started distancing themselves from the Potters. And the Potters are spending more time with the Weasleys." Cadmus replied. They had learned that Ignotus wasn't hurt much when the Potters were brought up. There was bitterness still there, but it was nothing debilitating.
"Right, Ignotus I have to talk with you." Antioch said, putting the paper down and deciding to change the subject. Ignotus gave the man his full attention. "I was thinking about getting your education started. You didn't receive more than what you could learn on your own at the Potters and the Dursleys certainly weren't going to teach you anything school wise. I was thinking we could start proper tutoring to prepare you for Hogwarts next year, if you want to go. We could easily get you into Beauxbatons or Durmstrang if you would rather."
"I want to go to Hogwarts. I want to outdo Richard Potter in every class at school and I want to shove it in their faces what they lost and make them regret it, knowing they can never get it back." Ignotus said firmly.
"Alright, we'll start up your lessons. Speaking of lessons, what are you planning to do Cadmus? You're a professor there, right?" Antioch asked.
"I sent a notice through the board informing them and the school that I'll be on sabbatical this year after finding out that I have family. Minerva seemed rather happy for me, and the board approved since I haven't had a break in almost a decade. Though Lucius and Narcissa are demanding that I introduce everyone." Cadmus sighed in some annoyance. He swears if they weren't his friends.
"I'd love to meet them." Ignotus assured his older brother who nodded in acceptance. "Does that mean I'm going to get personally tutored by the youngest ever potions master?" Ignotus was excited.
"Yes. We'll make a plan for what you need to learn and who will teach you what. Though if you have any subjects in particular that you want to learn that aren't in the curriculum, let us know and we'll either do our best, or hire a tutor if necessary." Cadmus told him. Ignotus nodded in excitement.
He had always loved to read and learn but hadn't received the chance even though Richard had lessons that Ignotus hadn't been allowed to participate in since he was too young. Which was stupid since he was only an hour younger than the other boy. "Healing." he said without hesitation.
The men nodded. "Alright. We'll need to fetch some supplies for your learning. We'll start with the basics and move on from there." Antioch decided. The other two nodded and after breakfast, flooed to the Leaky Cauldron and out to Diagon Alley.
-The Peverell Brothers-
Diagon Alley was, per usual, a bustling place. Ignotus kept close to his new new brothers as they moved through the stores. Having the advantage of knowing the general school lists from being a teacher for nearly nine years, Cadmus collected the normal year one supplies including the Slytherin Potions kit.
As Slytherin's founder was best known for his potions skills, they had a specialized subject kit. The other houses would also have some sort of specialized class equipment based on their founders' specialty.
They also had Ignotus fitted for a proper wizard's wardrobe in addition to his muggle one that all three half-bloods agreed was necessary. They had entered the emporium realizing that they did need an owl for their correspondences.
In the end, Ignotus picked out a beautiful snowy owl he named Hedwig. While there, Cadmus had been pounced on by a ginger kneazle called Crookshanks by the scratched up employee. Finding it amusing and interesting, Antioch purchased the flat nosed creature who would both favor Cadmus above the other two, and be annoyed with the most. However, the cat would never enter the potions lab proving his intelligence and making him much more favored by the man.
They spent more than two hours in Flourish and Blotts collecting beginner books on the school's core classes and any electives that Ignotus found interesting which was all the classes, including a few not available on the roster, except muggle studies which had been too far behind to be considered a useful class. Unsurprisingly, this also included divination.
While Ignotus wasn't a seer, he still had an interest in Divination since many of it's tips and definitions could prove helpful in breaking down the context clues of his dreams. It was also decided that he would continue his muggle education for as long as possible.
Thankfully, Ignotus was an extremely talented and intelligent learner and he was able to finish the basic classes over the year before Hogwarts would begin.
The three decided to wait until Ignotus was 11 to get his wand, though Antioch did have to get a new main wand. Willow with dark stain. It was 13 inches, slightly springy with a thestral hair as its core.
They did make a visit to the Peverell vaults uncovered a wand he could use until then. They also found a spare wand for Cadmus and Antioch who stated having two wands would never hurt. Antioch admitted that he didn't have his original Phoenix core and Yew. He wasn't even sure who did have it, honestly.
And even then, the eldest wasn't sure it would work for him considering his and Voldemort's separation status. These family wands were the original wands of their named carnations and complimented the wands the two men already possessed.
While at Gringotts, they were updated on the Potters movements and spending, which was going to need more than 500 galleons every season to keep unnoticed. Though Ragnok had assured them they wouldn't be emptying the Potter Vaults for another few years. Ignotus wasn't willing to waste more money on the Potters and decided that they just needed to learn sooner rather than later.
However, he insisted that if the Potters attempted to take money from another vault that all vaults be locked down until the brothers allowed them to be unlocked. Which would mean a meeting. And possibly discovery. However, he trusted those around him to help keep him out of their hands. In addition, they would take their places in the wizarding world with the upcoming Wizengamot session which was public and would allow Ignotus to be present to witness the session.
The game plan for the next few months was to make sure that they were seen as the happy little family they had come to be so that the Potters couldn't attempt to use public opinion to force Ignotus back to them. Not that it would work, but some might take drastic measures which they hoped to avoid.
They were also going to be visiting the Department of Magical Law Enforcement and have a private meeting with Madam Bones to have the records involving Cadmus's past cleared up. It would help that he had never killed except in self defense even during his time as a Death Eater. This would ensure Albus and the ministry couldn't- legally- use it against him. Magic records would also show his innocence to the situation though there was a chance his being a spy coming to light.
Cadmus insisted it wouldn't matter as those he cared for already knew the truth some time ago.
After that, the two men put in through the Ministry and School Board their teaching requests. This would be so Albus couldn't force Cadmus to leave once he realized that the potions master wasn't going to be his little pawn and spy anymore. Then Cadmus would be introducing his brothers to the Malfoys. It had been debated for a long while whether or not to inform the Malfoys about the truth of Antioch.
Their plans would put Antioch in the History of Magic teaching position by having the board enforce Binns's banishment. After a very stringent teaching process he would hopefully get it with a commendation which would mean Albus couldn't remove him. This would ensure the students could finally learn about their world's history and the laws and rules of the Ministry and how they came to be.
There was also the added bonus of both brothers being in the school with the youngest and hopefully keeping him safe from Albus and the Potters.
That was the plan, and they really hoped they'd be able to use their heir statuses- as even Heir Apparent and Lord Apparent had a great deal of power- to cripple some of the old man's power in the school. And hopefully bring back some of the old classes. But that would be another year still.
-The Peverell Brothers-
The meeting with Madam Bones had gone... Smoother and better than the brothers had dared hope. She said their family law was a huge help but that she could also understand Cadmus's situation. He figured that might be the Hufflepuff in the woman.
It didn't take long before all records were cleared, and Cadmus would never have that part of his life hanging over him like a guillotine. There would be no trial, one could not legally be requested, and he was safe from persecution. His time as a spy thanks to memories and the vow that fell away after his rebirth as a Peverell had added to the validity of their claims. The brothers had thanked her profusely before leaving and securing a new ally along the way.
It was the first morning of October when the letters to the board were officially sent, asking for their desired position- Potions Professor and History Professor. They had added copies of their credentials and been sure to state that they were adamant about being tested to ensure their abilities.
Years ago, when Cadmus and Lucius had been talking one day, the Malfoy Lord had ranted about how those who try to get hired at Hogwarts through the board were unwilling to have their abilities tested. It apparently insulted the ones who had put forth the request, and usually resulted in a fall out. The Malfoy Lord and his fellow Lords and Ladies of the Board- including the Longbottom Matriarch, the Greengrass Lord, the Abbot Lady- couldn't understand or accept those who had issues with proving themselves.
So, by being adamant that they were willing to be tested, it would hopefully put Cadmus and Antioch in a more favorable view of the board, gaining their liking. When Ignotus asked how they'd be tested, Cadmus explained normally it would be questions involving the subject and demonstration or proof of ability. Though he did say it might be different for the History Professor's position due to the absolute failing of Binns who mostly discussed the Goblin Wars and the drastic decrease in history scores of the last century. There was a chance that Antioch might just have to give the board an example of what his lessons would involve.
Antioch had smiled at that and explained that he would touch up on some of the lesser-known facts about the Founders of Hogwarts as an example. Or maybe the history around the Ministiry's creation. Apparently, the young man had been fascinated in the history of the wizarding world and had delved deep even into long forgotten tomes for answers. Ignotus felt that the man would make a fascinating teacher and found himself looking forward to their lessons for tutoring and even his lessons in school.
-The Peverell Brothers-
"Ignotus, are you sure that you want to be a part of this?" Antioch asked once more, as they set up the ritual circle in the Ritual Clearing in their woods. They were about to summon Lord Death to give him their answer to his request to dispose of Voldemort once and for all. It would be a long journey, and there would be a lot of danger involved, they were certain. And while neither he nor Cadmus wanted the boy involved, he was a major factor of what would play out.
"I am Antioch." Ignotus said firmly. He wasn't dumb, not that they believed he was or anything and he knew that. But he also knew there was going to be danger, and he knew it was going to be a mission that would take years to accomplish. Just as he knew that he would have a large part to play as the 'child of the prophecy'. As much as none of them were fans of that role.
His brothers were going to risk themselves to take down a mad man who would kill Magic and them with the first chance he got. They were going to protect him all that time. And he wanted them to be able to trust him to have their backs. And he didn't want to lose his new family. "I don't want you two doing this alone. We are brothers, and I know I'm younger than you. But I still want to help. I want to be able to protect you just like you two are willing to protect me." he told the two men earnestly, his Avada eyes glowing with conviction and some stubbornness.
Antioch and Cadmus shared a look before sighing. "Alright. But there will be rules in place with you. I don't want you getting actively involved until you're at least 15 or 16. Preferably 100 when he's gone but 15 is the earliest we'll accept." Cadmus told him, causing the other two to smile at his words.
"Can we say 11 as a precaution?" Ignotus asked sheepishly. "It's just... trouble tends to find me in every reality, and something always happens when the 'Me's of those worlds are 11." he explained.
The two men let out sighs. They had forgotten about that. "Purposefully, actively involved when you are 15 at the earliest." Antioch amended. Ignotus smiled and nodded. "Very well. Let's get this ritual started, shall we?" he asked his brothers.
The three males took their places as Cadmus started the ritual, his Stone of Resurrection in the center of the small flame in the center of the stone pedestal between the three of them. It was just as the man finished his Latin phrase- and the three dripped several beads of blood onto the ground which soaked it up thirstily- that the wind picked up and the small flame grew to a mild inferno that engulfed the entirety of the four-foot-tall pedestal.
The flames which had started as a warm yellow changed drastically to a bright purple before falling into cold blue embers with Lord Death standing behind the pedestal and facing the three brothers as magic caressed the clearing and those in it.
"Lord Death." the three said, bowing to the Deity.
"Hello my little ones. How have you been?" Death asked, watching them with his own glowing Avada eyes that mirrored the youngest's so exactly.
"We've been doing well. But first..."
"Thank you for this chance." the three told him. They were thanking him for allowing them this new start and the family they had found in each other. For saving Ignotus before things got even worse. Giving them new purposes in each other. Freeing them from the shackles of insanity, force, and despair.
The deity laughed warmly before motioning them to stop bowing. "While I do not require your thanks, I shall accept it. I wish to know how things have progressed these last few months." he told them, genuinely interested in how the three have handled things. They were his and he was deeply interested and invested in their happiness and lives.
The trio willingly and joyfully told him of the past few months. The meeting with Lady Bones. The progress they made in their bonds with each other, which while it still had a way to go, they could now feel the others' emotions and sometimes their thoughts. Their control of their abilities was also progressing steadily. Antioch could shut off and turn on his mage sight better now. Cadmus had started to hear the faint whispers of the magical plants in their greenhouse. And Ignotus wasn't having his dreams as frequently, only having two in the past three months since their re-births.
They also told him of the letters sent to Hogwarts' Board of Governors and their plans from there as they would be having a meeting at the beginning of November. "I see. You three have done wonderfully." Death praised and the three couldn't help the warmth that spread through them at the words.
"We have also decided that we would accept the request you made of us. Not just as thanks for this new chance you have given us." Cadmus said.
"But because we can't allow Magic to be driven to extinction by a mad man who craves only violence and bloodshed." Antioch added.
"And if revenge can be gained against certain individuals who abandoned and meddled where they shouldn't have, then so be it." Ignotus finished with a smile. Lord Death laughed heartily at that.
"You have my gratitude little ones. And I will help however I can." Death promised them.
"Thank you." the three murmured with great relief and honesty.
"The only way to dispose of Voldemort completely will be to destroy his Horcruxes and then him. He has five left." Death said once the three had fallen into a thoughtful state of mind to think and plan.
Antioch nodded. "He wanted seven but had only planned six up until that night, where Ignotus became his unplanned seventh. There was his Diary. The Guant- well, Peverell- Ring. The Slytherin Locket. The Hufflepuff Cup. Ravenclaw's Lost Diadem. And Nagini, his familiar." Antioch said. "When the ring was made a vessel, I know that the Diary had been made but I am not sure where it is. And while I know he succeeded with the others, I'm not sure where exactly he would have hidden them." Antioch sighed with annoyance at his lack of answers.
"Hogwarts would be a safe bet, considering the irony and arrogance of hiding such an item right under Albus Dumbledore's nose." Ignotus muttered.
"Probably. The others we will have to research and figure out where they've landed or who was tasked with guarding them." Cadmus agreed.
"Then we shall do so. I will also keep my senses out for anything necromantic or forbidden. They may have left an aura that I've just not picked up on due to their dormancy." Death added. "Hm. Ignotus, how has retrieving your cloak progressed?" Death asked, moving onto a new topic with the Horcrux discussion out of the way. Ignotus smiled widely.
"They've sent a notice to Albus Dumbledore today. Instead of a note saying he has to return the cloak under orders of the Heir and Lords of Peverell, it instead implies there is a time limit for the cloak being out of the Peverell Vaults and that the time limit is ending. This proceeds with a reminder to have the cloak returned to the Vaults for inventory purposes." he was pleased with the note as it had been his idea to get the cloak back and keep Albus and the Potters from getting suspicious of new heads.
"Quite impressive." Cadmus praised his baby brother.
"You'll no doubt be in Slytherin at this rate." Antioch added with a pleased grin.
"That was already the plan due to James Potter's prejudice to Slytherins that he's passed off to Richard. In addition, while Lily Potter isn't as prejudice against Slytherin, the attack has made her less favorable of Slytherin in general due to that being the House Voldemort is Lord of." Ignotus explained with a grimace.
It wasn't a logical reaction in his opinion, but it almost seemed like the attack had cause normally logical Lily Potter to lose that logic in face of the Slytherins. Then again, she might just not have liked them in general during school with Cadmus being the only exception to the rule. Which would also make sense.
"And to really hit the vengeance home, having it be a Slytherin that will go against the no doubt Gryffindor Richard and out doing him, it'll make it even more effective against them." Death concluded. Ignotus nodded.
"Well thought out. Will you also be trying out for the quidditch team?" Cadmus asked, knowing how proud James Potter was about his chaser position.
"I'm not sure. I never got the chance to fly like Richard had. Depending on how well the flying lessons go, possibly."
"And if he weasels his way onto the team on first year, and you happen to be a prodigy on the broom, you'll be there too." Camus added with a smirk. Ignotus didn't tell them that it was likely to happen, but it wasn't guaranteed.
It was several minutes later that a pale blue smoke wafted up from the embers. "Ah, the ritual is coming to an end." Death observed before smiling at the three males. "Remember that I am more easily reached through the stone now that it's been a focus point in this ritual." he reminded them. "Until next we meet, stay safe and happy." Death told them.
It was almost like an order that made the three Peverells fight smiles as they bowed to him and agreed to do their best. The three remained in the clearing for several more minutes as they cleared the ritual and made their way home around an hour after midnight. They were much relieved after getting an idea for what was ahead of them. And the ritual and discussion with Lord Death had left them feeling content and rejuvenated. This would definitely become a part of their lives. They were sure of it.
Author's Note: There we have it. It's a little bit scattered, but the next few chapters should be more straight forward and precise with the intentions. I expect another chapter or three before this story's over, then we'll be able to dive into year one. Until the next chapter! Thanks for reading!