AN: Since the previous chapter had a lot of Grindelwald and Dumbledore. Here is more of Harry and Sheda.

July 1st

Daphne had explained the issue of hiding from him early on in their study sessions. Mainly House politics. House Greengrass was politically different and being seen with him could cause questions to be asked especially as he was the heir to his House and she was secondary. He found the idea frustrating and ever since then had begun to hate house politics and titles more and more with everything he learned. As a result, he was left alone to look for a compartment on the train. Finding one with an interesting witch.

Specifically the witch he had seen the morning of his magical accident. No one bothered them to his relief, but not for a lack of trying as he saw Ron and Draco going up the train seemingly looking for him when they had left Hogsmeade. He hid himself for a bit, but it finally seemed he would be left alone.

Now he stayed seated in silence as the girl read the same magazine as before upside down. "You do know it's upside down Ummmmm?"

Luna hummed her eyes meeting him, they made him nervous. It wasn't the witch herself or her light blue eyes. It was the magic behind them? He felt tied to it, a cold magic that did not care. "Luna. Luna Lovegood. I can read it. It's my preferred way of reading as it keeps everyone on their toes."

Harry looked at her feet and saw she had two mismatched shoes. "Any reasons for the mismatched shoes?"

Luna looked down. Kicking her feet. "Honestly? I believe someone stole them. Last year they all came back. The only things that came back. So I thought it was wrackspurts. This year nothing came back. Daddy won't be pleased. Ink money will have to be used for new supplies."

Luna kept on humming as she looked at him. "So how is the robe Harry? It keeps the magic in but not the pain?"

Harry was bewildered. How did she know? "Ummm. How do you know what my robe does?"

Luna smiled, her eyes becoming a tad foggy to his surprise. Was she blind? "I didn't. Hehe. Nifflers steal a lot of precious things. If you help them, they will give you information back."

Harry looked at the witch as if she grew a 2nd head. Niffler communication and spying?

She continued. "I can see the magic coming from the runes, but I don't know what they mean. I will start with ancient runes next year and then I will decipher them." Harry looked impressed yet it was clear she could sense magic to an extreme degree. More so then he could at least. She didn't let him say a word. "I assumed you made a robe that suppressed magic after your magic was erratic in the great hall. I saw you with the robe that same day slightly glowing. Great way to stop nargles, that robe. You should make more."

Harry nodded a tad interested in what the girl was saying. "Are nargles a type of magical creature?"

Luna hummed as she kept kicking her legs ever so slowly. "They stop people from thinking straight. They attack you and make you go crazy."

Harry nodded. "Emotions then?"

Luna tilted her head. "Nargles." Harry shook his head. Luna continued. "Your wandless magic was interesting. I saw the transfiguration you did. I personally don't have a use for a knife fork hybrid but I hear the muggles use something called a spork. A spoon and fork. I was surprised to see you later in the day. I was sure they would kill you. An obscurial running around the school. That robe hides the need to kill you. You like to hide from death in many ways, I feel." Luna stated as if what she said was simple knowledge.

She continued to look outside. Harry was shocked, confused, and overwhelmed by what she had stated. She had seen everything and had come to the same conclusion as Sheda had. "Why did you not tell anyone?" he asked her.

Luna, humming and looking at him again, both her eyes becoming foggy. "Daddy always said the ministry has one caged up in the department of mystery. Why would they want to kill you if they can study you? I don't think that. I think Professor Babbling and you have kept quiet on what happened and if you have kept a secret I will keep it. I like secrets. She is a good professor and researcher it seems. I can't wait for class with her." Luna finished.

Harry looked at her. "So you trust me? I don't even know you?" Expecting a response and getting none. After a while Harry decided to nap as Luna kept staring out the window. The whole ride in a comfortable silence between the two. Harry got up as they neared kings station.

Break break break

Harry was getting ready to leave when Luna nodded and to his surprise spoke up as she grabbed her items and trunk. "I know your magic Harry and it's finally allowed to grow. More so than my first year here. You have made magic proud. Continue to do so. " Harry, not knowing how to respond, just stared at the young girl as she walked out of the compartment looking back once. "Have a fun summer and enjoy your time with the dark lord." Harry was further bewildered by the last statement. Who was Luna lovegood?

Break break break

As Harry made his way out of the train he realized he had no idea who was picking him up. He looked around with his trunk and Hedwigs cage. He was suddenly bumped into by a woman who smelled like a bakery. "Interesting magical scent he thought or just a baker" but decided to ignore it.

He kept looking, catching a flash of red from all the hustle and bustle people made his heart skip. Was he really not going back to the dursleys at all ever again? "Professor Babbling?"

Sheda beamed at him. "Dumbledore wanted to come pick you after Hogwarts ended but he argued it would raise suspicion to see you with him after school ended. Whatever that means." Sheda frowned internally.

She had found the request confusing and it seemed Dumbledore was wanting to avoid being seen with Harry. Had he caught on to what happened and was feigning ignorance? Maybe he could be trusted regarding Harry's status? No. Everything she had learned from the man pointed to a man that kept his secrets and did not like working with others but using others.

Changing her internal thoughts. "Come. I am going to be taking you to the Mutt where we stay until tomorrow. Just going to have to pick up my stuff from my apartment."

She had two letters with Sirius. One detailing her staying at 13 Grimmauld place. And the other being plans for the summer. They had been cordial at best. She had tried to control her emotions, but knew she either couldn't or it would come back to bite her.

"Harry, I want you to know something. Sirius and I have issues. Disagreements and History. I want you to know that how I act towards him is not something I expect you to understand much less fully grasp. Adults like us don't just patch over things. Just know that whatever happens or is said won't impact how I will be here. Okay. '' Harry nodded but wasn't surprised at her comments.

He had caught her bitterness at him being innocent, but she believed him, showing that she knew it would be true or at least partially true. Furthermore, anytime Sirius came up, her personality slightly changed. "It's fine. I am not sure if it relates, but Remus was the same way after he learned the Truth leading up to his transformation. I did not understand him running away again until my own emotions began to tear at me. Feeling guilt, anger, sadness, and regret. I can see why he ran. It's overwhelming."

Sheda nodded, happy he was taking their talks to heart. "It's somewhat like that. Emotions do get the best of us." She slightly bent over looking to fix Harry's nap hair and fixed Harry's robe.

They both turned as they heard his name yelled on the now empty platform. "Harry! Harry! Ohhh there you are. We did not see your Muggle relatives? Come come. Leave the professor alone, we can take you to our home and sort it out with Dumbledore on getting you to your muggle family." Molly Weasley stated as she began to walk up to him.

The current Hogwarts Weasley students were all there with Ron looking gloomy. "Ohhh my this robe is too dark don't you think. Almost looks like Bills and Charlie's robes. No no. Give me it. It's the summer and you're in that. Going to have a heat stroke." She reached to grab his robes, but Sheda quickly semi stepped in front of him to block her reaching.

Sheda knowing that his defense of the robe usually led to it glowing. His own hatred of people touching him and his personal items still manifested strongly. A common trait in orphans as she is the same way. "Mrs. Weasley. His robe is charmed to be cool and clean. Can you explain what you are doing?"

Molly caught herself. "Professor Babbling. I am just looking to pick up young Harry here. Dumbledore has me keep an eye on him every year. Tell her Harry. I also wanted to surprise him this year with the fact that we would be able to take him to the Quidditch World Cup final with us! Isn't that exciting Harry?" Harry was about to respond, but Sheda raised an eyebrow as she had Harry get fully behind her. Much to his shock at the display of public care.

In Sheda's mind this was adults talking; not children and playing at a kid's emotion with promises for reward was not something she liked. Molly looked shocked at the display of distrust. "Ohhhh. Professor Babbling there is some misunderstanding. Harry stayed with us last summer. I did not see his awful muggle relatives at the muggle station and assumed something had gone amiss."

Sheda's eyes twitched catching on to the comment. "So you knew that he had awful muggle relatives and never questioned it?"

Mrs. Wesley started to skip her words after the hostile question, herself not used to being talked that way. "Professor. I. I. Their awfulness is how they carry themselves and spoke of our kind."

Sheda breathed in. "So if they spoke of our kind in such a way how do you think they would treat one of our kind?"

Molly looked confused and then realized what she meant. "What the twins and Ron saw is an exaggeration. No parent would act like that. Either way. Dumbledore would never allow such things to happen." Sheda's eyes further twitched as she looked to keep her calm.

Another adult that failed him. Another one that could have changed the outcome. "So you knew something could happen and did nothing? No question, nothing? Just dismissed it?"

Molly looked more flabbergasted. "I would never ignore such a thing, but if it did happen Dumbledore must have a good reason."

Sheda smiled and threw her head to the side. "Ohhhh so you think there is a good reason to allow the abuse of children to continue then? As long as there is a good reason."

Harry and to the surprise of everyone were shocked to see Sheda's wand in her hand seemingly coming from nowhere.

Molly looked confused; she didn't understand where all the hostility was coming from but she could tell that the woman in front of her was not going to relent. Who was she anyway to question her?

"Professor Babbling. I will have you know I have raised many outstanding children. One of which is a cursebreaker in Egypt. I will not be talked down on how to raise children. Dumbledore must have a good reason-"

Sheda looked at Harry and mouthed "Apparete?" Harry, figuring if she meant he had experienced it, shook his head and she nodded and mouthed "Just relax."

Molly had kept talking which at this point was a rant of her mistreatment and whether Sheda had any valid reason to do what she was doing. And that Dumbledore would be hearing about this. Sheda cut her off with a condescending tone. "Dumbeldore this and Dumbledore that." Sheda scoffed. "Dumbledore had me come to pick up Harry to take him to his Godfather's residence for the time being. If you have any questions, bring it up to him since you clearly take his point of view for everything. "

Sheda quickly levitated Harry's trunk to his hand and grabbed his shoulder. Appareting from the station. Much to the surprise of Molly who had not expected to be dismissed in such a way.

Break break break.

Harry felt like he was being squeezed through a tight tube and just when it felt that it would be too much it stopped as he was caught by Sheda from falling. "Magical travel doesn't like you, does it?"

Harry nodded. "Bad experience with floo travel before 2nd year started also."

Sheda smirked but turned serious. "You okay?"

Harry sighed as he pulled himself together. "It's hard to admit what you said. I always saw Mrs. Weasley as a caring, just a tad overbearing, person who had good intentions towards me. Maybe she didn't?"

Sheda kept on thinking for a bit before she looked to see him in the eye. "I will say people like her are not bad people. They see the good in the world. I didn't feel any malice or bad intentions, it's just misplaced trust and belief structures. Dumbledore clearly is the second coming of Merlin to her and maybe the whole family. The twins never gave me that impression in their class. They saw the man as an obstacle to their creations. A challenge." Harry was surprised to hear such words from Sheda. She was speaking her mind. It was no longer Professor Babbling, it was Bathsheda Babbling. Maybe she did care outside of being a professor.

Deciding to ignore those feelings for now he ruminated on her comment. It seemed Sheda had no ill will towards those beliefs. "So it's not bad? That they trust so much or that they don't question it?" Sheda shrugged as they began walking, she took Hedwig's cage, as they headed down the block towards what seemed to be a basic apartment building in London.

"It's not bad. There is a sad beauty to it. The ability to not have to worry or make hard decisions. Decisions you may not like or ones you don't hope to repeat. Do you know of Mrs. Wesley's brothers?" Harry shook his head. Sheda continued "The Prewitt brothers. A pair of twins. Not too dissimilar to her own twins, George and Fred, Fabian and Gideon I believe. Where loose cannons, but deadly with their wands. Fiercely independent they were part of the Order of the Phoenix, a secret organization that Dumbledore made to fight back against the Death Eaters. I was kept up to date by your mom as I traveled around Europe after completing my Newts. Waiting for her to tell me when we could start our mastery. I don't even think Dumbledore knew she sent me letters with that information. Anyways the Prewitt Brothers were feared by many."

Harry was fascinated by the History and made sure he kept up with Babbling as they got closer to the apartment building as he pulled his trunk. Sheda continued. "From what I learned when I came back to Magical Britain is that during the week following Voldemort's fall, Death eaters were running rampant. The Lestranges and Barty Crouch Jr. attacked the Longbottoms, Rookwood and 40 or so death eaters attacked the ministry the following day. Reportedly attempting to do a coup but knowing Rookwood he was looking to get back into the department of mystery." Sheda stopped lost in thought wondering what the man had wanted but continued.

"Finally Antoni Dolohov and 10 or so death eaters attacked the Bones family. The Prewitt Brothers had been supposedly anticipating another attack following the Longbottom attack and wanted to be reactive. They had grown to be distrustful of Dumbledore in the 6 months leading up to your parents death. Although many did not know why? Lily said as much anyway in her letters. Either way I learned after her passing that against the orders of Dumbledore they went to defend the Bones Family. Arriving just in time to help Susan's father, a young Lord Edward Bones, in pushing them out of the manor. Lady Elizabeth Bones, Susan's mother, had died in the initial attack. Lord Bones was a proud man and wanted to take Dolohov by himself. He was able to injure him, impressive since Dolohov was a world dueling champion, yet Dolohov was able to hit him with a rotting curse. Lord Bones passed away with his last family around him. His sister and baby daughter. As for the brothers they took to defending the Home from the last remaining death eaters. They were able to get a few of them, but ultimately they lost 2 against 5, but gave enough time for Aurors to arrive. Alastor Moody, Auror member and part of the order, reported they fought like a whirlwind before they were taken out."

Harry was immersed by the History lesson, but understood. "So follows Dumbledore because she doesn't have to make choices like that? Choices that aren't even bad but maybe hard? But her brothers died defending a family. Susan and her Aunt are here because of that."

Sheda smiled sadly and put her hand on his shoulder. She was taller than him by almost 7 inches at his height of 5''5. as they reached the steps of the apartment building. "Yes, and you are a good person to see that, but many wouldn't agree. Losing one's family is hard, you and I both know that and we both would give anything to spend time with our parents, no?" Harry sighed.

Clearly understanding the point. Although he understood familial sacrifice more than most, he could see how his own feelings in recent months were being conflicted. He knew they did it so he could live on and he was proud of that, but maybe it didn't need to happen. Maybe something could have been changed. In 's case it would be an easy answer. They would have followed Dumbledore's orders, they would have trusted him and they would still be alive at the possible cost of Susan bones and her Aunt. Harry kept thinking of possible outcomes and his brain went on its own.

Break break break

Harry kept to himself thinking as they made it into the apartment. He did note it was a simple apartment. Not much but not little. Clearly designed more as a library and workshop rather than a livable space. Sheda commented. "Seems your robe acts as expected. You don't even register as crossing my Wards and I have a detection charm." Harry nodded, still lost in thought as he found a chair to sit on at her workshop desk.

She noticed he was thinking and decided to leave him as she packed some of her things. After a while she came over and crouched down to talk to him. "Lost in thought? Or conflicted on what I told you?" Harry nodded but stayed focused and came to a realization. That there were no easy answers or choices, only what was a necessity. In some ways he began to pity what Dumbledore had done and had to do as a leader, people followed and trusted him because he would make the choices for them. Taking away the worry and pain of choosing wrongly especially at times of war.

Harry spoke up as he stayed seated staring into empty space. "What would you say about choices?" Harry asked, not really knowing the meaning behind it.

Sheda responded expecting such a question. "In war, choices are hard to make. No one wants to make the wrong choices. People die. People get hurt or forever changed. If the choice you make is even worse you could see everyone you know die. It's why it's so hard to be a leader and easier to be a follower. As for why you do it outside of war; many reasons. Political, social, familial and even just faith that they had not led you astray in a previous instance. As for what I think, I am fiercely independent. I have been on my own for a while. I don't like others making choices for me and I don't like information being kept from me. I make choices for myself. It can lead to issues, but you aren't a leader and you aren't a follower."

Harry absorbed what she said. "I guess in many ways I agree with your independent mentality it fits."

Sheda smiled and tapped his shoulder. "Don't put yourself in a box though. I follow another idea also. The only question you should really ask is what do you want to do, how can it affect you and why do you want to do it? If all three are okay with you then it doesn't matter what happens. You could become a leader, a follower, or an independent person. There is nothing wrong with any of the three mentalities. Although they do butt heads with each other like Mrs. Weasley and I. it's more what you are willing and looking to do. Got it?" Harry smiled.

He never got life lessons from anyone. He had life experiences, but to get actual opinions it was invaluable. "Is that what you did when you decided to help me?"

Sheda smiled sadly as she used a charm to fix his hair again. Figuring the apparating ruined it. She began to battle his unruly hair by tufting and styling it. "Yeah. I did. I knew what would happen if I let you go on your own that day when I made your robe. I couldn't do that. So I knew my life would change if I helped you. Here I am. I now know Voldemort or something is very much alive and he has attacked you twice. I know you have had a hard life and earning and keeping your trust will see me at odds with many people. I decided to care and now I am becoming a leader for you until you can be your own leader and then I will follow you as long as you want me to."

Sheda grabbed his hands and cupped them in her. "You understand?" Harry nodded. Feeling emotional. Sheda nodded."Let's go have a good summer and get some of our questions answered."

Break break break.

Harry didn't know what he expected from the ancestral home of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black but a townhouse in the middle of Muggle London was not at the top of his list. Sheda released Hedwig figuring that the owl would go to the owl coop for the House and it seemed she did. Walking in, he did at least suspect to see how dark and dirty it was.

A house elf pop caught his attention. "Lord Potter-Black. I am Kreecher. Thank you for coming. Lord Arcturus Black requested my services be given on your arrival." The elf bowed as it looked to grab his trunk and popped away. Harry walked in and was standing with Sheda who's suitcase was also taken by Kreecher.

"Kreecher! Kreecher! I heard you, you little bugger. Clean this house." Harry heard Sirius yell as he walked into the living room. Harry turned to look at him and he saw a Sirius that looked semi-healthy in all black robes and somewhat sane compared to how he last remembered him 1 month ago. He was conflicted on how he should handle their relationship. The major issue being that a part of him held resentment toward Sirius. Mainly the fact that he had left as a baby for revenge. Especially when he should have cared for him. A part of him was conflicted on his emotions as well; mainly on his own want for revenge. A thought he realized when he finally recounted the full story to Sheda during one of their lunches. He wouldn't bring it up until he got back; he would discuss it with Sirius when he felt it was appropriate.

Sirius exclaimed "Harry! I didn't even feel you two coming in. How are you?"

Sheda raised an eyebrow at his comment. "Didn't feel us coming in? This place has wards, no?"

Sirius looked up at Sheda and very briefly Harry caught something, but it was clear both Adults did not want to get into it already. "Harry is the Heir of House Black. The wards here could survive an attack by hundreds of wizards and witches. I have no control of the wards only he does, I saw a white owl fly into the kitchen so I figured someone was coming." Sheda looked confused.

Sirius sighed and He pointed them to Kitchen. "There are some things I am just beginning to grasp as I try to get healthy. Care to join me in the kitchen for some tea?" Harry and Sheda followed him into the kitchen that was spotless.

A shocked Sirius stood there as he saw his childhood kitchen looked brand new. "That bloody House elf finally did something. Please sit." Harry and Sheda sat down and began to prepare some tea as they waited for Sirius to begin talking. "Harry has been given the Heirship of House Black which he will receive when he is 17. I had no control over it. The last Lord Black, Arcturus Black, bestowed it and gave me a proxy position until then." Sirius finished.

Harry was surprised. "So that's what the house elf Kreecher called me Lord Potter-Black? I never understood why give the titles now? I am not 17?

A friend of mine teased me with my Lord Potter title, but I didn't think it didn't mean anything."

Sirius nodded realizing the confusion. " You are not 17 but you WILL be the lord. There is no taking that away. Nothing can actually. Magic will see it as line theft. It's really a special case to protect you as the last Heir of your house. Having your titles in many ways offers you protections via status, influence, and our system of government. You can execute contracts, move money around and use the full power as if you were 17. Although some families will still see you as a child; more traditional families would expect you to act like a proper adult lord with good House etiquette. 17 is when everyone will see you as a proper lord no matter who they are and proper House etiquette will be expected at all times etc." Sirius stopped realizing that what his mother taught him was actually useful. A dark thought in his head.

"In most normal cases of Houses like ours you just get the title, no power at 13. The idea being your House can signal to the world who the next Lord or Lady of the House will be. The expectation that people know how they should act around you either at 17 or whenever the lordship may be given to you. That is why Kreecher cares now and is cleaning the House properly. Grandfather's Last orders were to probably respect you and serve you. Anyway, how was the end of the year? Cool robe by the way. " Harry now realized what Ron and Daphne fully meant. Little Lord and Lord Potter. Ron was using his formal titles as a form of anger towards him. Titles he figured he would get later but now knew he actually currently had. Worst of all, it now grew by one.

Harry shrugged at Sirius' question hiding his own misgivings of being called a Lord outside of the joking way Daphne used it. "It was okay. Had a bout of accidental magic as I realized and got emotional over what happened. The failure of not catching Peter got to me. The robe was a gift from Sheda."

Sirius smiled sadly, but grabbed onto the last part to not focus on the dreary part. "I heard about accidental magic. It's the reason I decided to stay in magical Britain even though I can't get proper care with so many watchful eyes. Let's not worry about that. It's summer! So since when do you call Professors by their nicknames from when they were in school?" Harry, now realizing his slip up, started to stammer.

Sheda stepped in. "Ohhh Sirius. We both know I allowed people I trust and am close to use that name. Unfortunately some people forget that idea and continue to use the name as if nothing happened."

Sheda bitterly finished. "As for the robe. I gave it to him because when we first talked he liked my robe. I used it to cover his head while he slept in my class. He liked the idea of wearing a robe so I gave him one similar to mine."

Sirius didn't respond to the bitter tone. And decided that there were too many eggshells and he would need to talk to Sheda alone. "Harry, do you want me to give you a tour of where you will be staying tonight and for a few weeks after your vacation?"

Harry sensed that the two needed to talk. Shook his head. "No, it's fine. I will have Kreecher give me a tour. Kreecher." A small pop next to him and the elf was there. "Can you show me where I will be staying?" Kreecher bowed. "Of course Lord Potter-Black." He walked out with the elf leaving the two alone in the kitchen.

Break break break

An uncomfortable silence between the two took hold. Sirius spoke first "Thank you."

Sheda looked at him. Scoffed and yelled. "Thank you! 14 years ago this week and thank you!" She pulled out her wand and quickly threw privacy charms all around the room as she pointed her wand at him.

"Sirius, you have 5min to tell me where you failed, before I go into your mind and tear it apart with legilimency." Sirius was surprised with the threat and fell out of his chair. Feeling being pulled by Sheda via a silent Leviosa and then thrown back onto the ground with some impact.

Catching his bearings and realizing she was serious about her threat of harming him he tried to collect himself. "I am innocent. What happened to Lily and James; I had no hand in it. Harry must have told you for you to be here. It was Peter. I went after him. Harry told you. He had to have told you."

Sheda smiled at the mention of Harry and then looked bitterly at him. "Of course he told me silly mutt. I want to hear it from you. I want to see you cry. I want to know where you failed. You wrote to me. Being so happy about your responsibility. Show me it was worth it. Tell me why even after 14 years you still chased the stupid-fucking rat."

A silent cutting curse from a now anger stricken Sheda flew at Sirius catching his cheek. "You best give me the right answer Sirius. Or I swear. I will do everything in my power to make sure your responsibility is taken from you." Sirius always knew Sheda had a vindictive streak and one he liked but this was something else. It reminded him of a particular death eater who was in the cell next to him in Azkaban.

Her red hair seemed to spark, which drew his attention away from his ideas. "Firecrackers" he whispered internally. He had heard from James that Lily was like this also, but he had never been on the receiving end to such a degree. He always got to see it from afar. It was something else. "Harry. I failed Harry. I shouldn't have done what I did that night. I shouldn't have chased. I. I. I was blinded by revenge. I just wanted. I don't know. I failed him." Sirius had begun to cry right away when he started to talk. Sheda looked down at him and reached out to pick him up.

Sirius took her hand after he cleaned his eyes and she pulled him closer clearly showing how underweight he was. "You best understand that I am doing this for him and not you. He is lucky. That much is certain, but if I hadn't been there that morning his luck may have ended. He has secrets now, major ones. So I am going to make it simple for you. There is no me in this for you. That is long gone. That ship has sailed. There is no Dumbledore in this. Everywhere I have gone and everywhere I have researched it all leads to him. That man has his fingers deep into everything about Harry. I couldn't see anything or ask anyone anything without the man's name being mentioned. You stand up to Dumbledore like the Lord Black you should have been or you fall in line and risk losing Harry to some stupid plan of the man. Lastly, if Harry does tell his secrets you best not tell the secrets to that old man, I promise, I will rip your mind apart. I am not playing games Sirius, what is wrong with Harry is not something Dumbledore should now. At least not yet. At least until I have a possible theory. Deal?"

Sirius had not expected this. He had not expected such a vindictive witch from the girl he had a complicated relationship with in school and out of it. He nodded his head understanding. She let him go and he fell back down. "That's for what you did to me. Get up and show me where I am staying. I best not hear any crass jokes about me or any insinuations of what we did or didn't do in Hogwarts, you hear me?" Sheda quickly dispelled all the charms and opened the door.

Seeing Harry nowhere she called for him. Sirius spoke up after standing up. "He must be in the Lord's room. It was closed off by Arcturus only to be opened by Harry according to what Kreecher told me. It has privacy charms." Sheda nodded as she made her way upstairs.

Break break break

Harry had been making his way upstairs when he heard some yelling, but then silence. He figured one of them had put privacy charms. He never fully understood the issues that Sheda had with Sirius but it was clear it ran deep. He had no ill will towards her nor felt like she had kept information from him. He himself had questions for Sirius. He had wondered if they had dated but it almost always seemed like Sirius had betrayed her. Maybe they had dated and maybe he had betrayed her?

He sighed as he reached a closed door with Kreecher who spoke up. "This will be the Lord's room and study. Your room, now Lord Potter-Black. One hand knob and you shall be allowed in after a check of blood."

Harry looked at the door knob and saw the magic of blood runes. "Hmmmm, a blood verification test. Keyed with someone's blood." He grabbed the door handle and felt the small prick. A quick flash and the door opened.

Walking in he saw a well kept study and books lining the rightmost wall. Directly in front of him was a window and reading area. A bed was on the opposite side of the room with a desk facing a wall. He walked over to the desk. On the desk was a book, a box made of what looked like black glass and 1 letter addressed to him. He picked up the book and quickly felt its magic recognized him. Putting the book down he grabbed the letter and began to read it.

To Lord Harry Potter Black

Dated: December, 1984

I am Lord Arcturus. Your Great Uncle. I attempted to look for you after Voldemort's death but was unsuccessful. I believe twinkle eyes Dumbledore has taken you into hiding in the muggle world based on the information I was able to obtain. I had hoped to live long enough to not only see you but take guardianship over you once you started at Hogwarts. Unfortunately my health has begun to decline and I fear I am set to go and be with the rest of my family before you start at Hogwarts. As such I have approved the transfer of the head of House to you.

I know to you it must seem that the House of Black is not worth saving. Although I believe that Sirius is innocent, I have no way to prove it. His placement in Azkaban should show the house to be in full disarray. As a result, many will not look into it believing it's only heir to be rotting in jail, with the House eventually going to my great Nephew Draco Malfoy. Furthermore, I have bitterly accepted Lord Charlus's plan of reaching out to the continent for support.

Do not hesitate to question my actions. I am an old man that has seen war and led people in it. I am not someone that believes myself to be an all knower. All I do know is that my House is in shambles, the hastily alliance Lord Charlus created in magical Britain is broken and by my understanding; the Dark Lord Voldemort will return.

I was given an item by Kreecher after Sirius's brother, Regulus, died. Although I am proud of the fact that Regulus returned to our great House in the end. He was killed by the very man that he served, Voldemort. The item is of great importance and I have spent the past 3 years attempting to understand it. You will find it locked in a chest made of dragon obsidian next to this letter. It slowly corrupts the mind. And it is an item of the foulest magic. It has a soul rune symbol on it but in a language no one knew, it's magic being the only identifier. I have had theories that the item is a contingency or some version of a clone. Overall, I have been unable to get a definitive answer. I have decided that there is no other solution but to allocate resources around the globe searching for an answer.

As a result, the Black family is currently funding a Wizard, the same one that I reached out to in search of an answer. He believes he is destined by prophecy to do so, but do not trust him. I have secured a vow from him that he will help you and although I am unable to communicate his name due to the Vow. Know that he is a powerful man and one with a great destructive reach in our world. Never trust men of great power, for if you are anything like Lord Charlus then you yourself will become one. Take caution with the world around you Harry. I sense a long and complicated journey for you ahead.

I am sorry for the journey you will have. Lord Charlus and my sister, Lady Dorea, loved you dearly and much like everyone of my age, wanted a world where their children and grandchildren would not have to worry. In this hope, we became complacent and allowed another dark lord to rise, one seemingly more cruel and dangerous than the last. I am not sure what your politics on blood are, but take my words for the time I was born, raised, and saw.

Magical blood is precious. Any and all of it. Grindelwald fought to kill muggles. He wanted a world where we were on the top. I supported that until he came to magical Britain. Although I was forced by your Grandmother to fight. I realized his plans had flaws as the wizarding death toll of the war reached numbers not seen before in our long history. Here lies his value, even with Lord Charlus and I fighting him for over 4 years, I will accept that men had some honor. Grindelwald stopped once he admitted defeat. Many wanted his head on a spike and many ministries had creative ways to kill him. Yet, once his defeat was guaranteed at the hands of Dumbledore he surrendered and there is honor in that.

Voldemort is different. I never met the man. The family that did work for him mentioned a cruel but charismatic intelligent man that could see us rise to greatness. My own ego saved me from falling into his fold. House Black was and is the greatest, nothing is above our House in what we do. That comment of his intelligence was one done during his slow rise and before even your parents' time in Hogwarts. In time the man became more twisted and if reports were accurate, more demented. His own actions baffled the ones around him and his intoxicated love for blood rituals showed a man no longer a man but a magical entity of pure destruction and twisted dark magic. I warn you from what I have been able to learn that the man is a master manipulator. Every individual under his fold is manipulated to the greatest degree. Every weakness, every fear, every dream, every doubt, and most importantly every failure is utilized by the man. Do not believe a word he says. His tongue only speaks the language of the snake.

This is all the knowledge I have sadly. I anger myself at this ineptitude and I worry how much more you will need to learn. My biggest worry is if anything can be done now. I(The ink was blotchy and shaky and Harry could see stains on the paper. Tears he assumed.) I am sorry for the hand your family…our family has given you. I do not ask for your forgiveness. I cannot ask it. I tried so much this past year. Dorea would have begged me to, she had begged me to. I was angry at her instance to side with Lord Potter when the war started. The door was open for her so she could have been safe. In the end she loved her married family like she loved her own family. I didn't understand that. I still don't to some degree. I just hope that(the ink gets blotchy again. It seems new different ink is used.) I did something that she would have done. Hopefully she will be kind once I meet her again.

Do not dwell on failures of life Harry and do not let ego dictate who and what you become. House Black is the greatest, but we must rise above just ego and ideals of self. We are the best because we do our best in what we set our minds to and our core values. We Honor thy Blood. No house is above ours in terms of unity. The door is always open. No matter what you do. Betray the house, kill one of our kin, marry away, or commit acts of atrocities. The House Black never abandons its family to be at the mercy of other Houses. I failed in that and I only hope you can look to fix it.

Review what I have done. Rebuild our great Houses. I neglected so many people in our family and did so many things. Guilt for each and every one of them. I only hope you are able to find some peace in the hard life we have given you.

Honor thy Blood

Lord Arcturus Black

Harry read the letter over twice. Shocked by what he read. Lord Black had looked for him. His uncle via his Grandma. He knew his family included the Blacks, but there was care from that family it seemed. And there was someone out in the world researching for an answer of what was in the box. The box. He looked at the runes on it and found a simple locking rune and blood verification rune like the one at the door.

Pressing his thumb on it the box glowed and clicked. The lid opened and he began to open it. Every part of his mind told him not too. Yet, he felt something calling to him. Something wanting to reach out; like the diary from last year. A part of him wanted to be with the item in the box. As he peered inside he saw a beautiful locket with the soul magic runestone mentioned in the letter from his uncle. On closer inspection the language changed before his eyes. And he understood it. A parselmouth soul run, yet he couldn't place the rune in the Nordic variant. A unique rune to the language possibly? Unknown to him he had begun to reach for it. The only thing stopping him was the glow from his robe and the smell of lilies. He quickly slammed the box down and locked it. His magic then began to fight him as if frustrated by his actions.

"Harry? Harry you in here?" Sheda called as she walked past the room and seeing him grab his head and robe glowing she understood something was wrong. "Harry. Harry, what's wrong?" She quickly walked in and grabbed his shoulder.

Harry fought and for the first time since his magic issues started he was able to wrestle control back feeling her touch. As if whatever the issue was recoiled away from her touch. Panting he looked to sit on the bed. "I won."

Sheda didn't fully understand, but looking at his runes no longer glowing she realized what he meant. She sat on the bed with him. "Your magic was becoming unstable and you won? You got back control."

Harry nodded. "It was just like before but something else has shifted in me. I felt like it was a fair fight. I still feel exhausted but I won once-" Hesitating not wanting to admit it was because of her touch he continued."-Something shifted in me. Is that a good thing?"

Sheda looked deep in thought. "Its a good thing but it complicates things further. I see you got a letter and a special black box. Anything of value?"

Harry gave her the letter. "You can review it and give it to Sirius as well. I think he would like to know. It might have some information of value both for you and sentimental for him. The item the box mentions is in the box. I wouldn't open it. Or rather you can't. Only I can. I opened it and the magic is interesting to say the least. It called to me. Almost pulling something within me. It has a soul rune on it. In parselmouth."

Sheda read the letter and then saw the warning from Lord Black. She looked worried and frustrated as she spoke up a little loudly. "Harry! A dark magical artifact and the first thing you do is test it out? Gosh. You are so reckless. I should. Urgh."

Sheda got up and started pacing. "Your lucky I have no real authority over you, but next time just wait? At least for me. I can help or at least we both do the stupid thing together. We will review it when we get back. Agreed?"

Harry nodded sheepishly. Sheda sighed but a grin came over her. "You know what, I can punish you. I need clothes and I had planned to go to the Alley by myself, but now you're coming with me." Harry nodded, not understanding how that was a punishment.

Break break break

As they made their way back downstairs they caught Sirius lounging on the sofa reading a book on healing potions based on the cover. He grumbled as he kept reading. "Shouldn't have let Peter make all the potions and actually learn how to make them." He sat up seeing both of them come down. "Heading out Sheda?"

Sheda nodded. "Harry decided to open a black box given to him by Lord Arcturus. It reportedly has a dark object of the highest degree. Especially for your Grandfather to take safety precautions."

Sirius' eyes widened in shock and he quickly got up and began to inspect Harry. "Both arms, one head, two legs. All is here. Harry, are you crazy? There are dark items in this house laid out for public display that can kill you. Do you know how bad something has to be for House Black to take precautions? I don't even know how to punish you."

Sheda smirked. "I am going to the alley. I figured he could tag along while I shop for clothes."

Sirius grimaced."Harry that is a punishment well deserved. I am sorry I won't step in here."

Harry was still confused. Why was shopping such a bad thing?

Sirius looked at Sheda. "What was the item anyway?"

Sheda raised an eyebrow and handed him a letter. "A letter. Read it. One of Harry's secrets. You muse on what I said and what you read and we can talk at some point about it. Understood?"

Sirius understanding nodded his head and looked in thought. Harry was interested in the comment and looked at Sheda who mouthed "later." "Alright let's go. Harry, get your bank key if we need to get you money. We will apparate outside."

Break break break.

Agony. Pure agony. Somehow he never understood how a witch could try out so many outfits and ask his opinion but never pick something out. After the 10th outfit he realized she was just burning time and just looking to mess with him. "Caught on have you?" Sheda smiled as she looked at her reflection in an all dark green with light green streaks; form fitting robe. "What do you think of this one?"

Harry actually liked it. "I think it would be great for both events. I think the Irish National Quidditch team has a good chance of getting to the final based on what my dormmate said, it would be great for that. I don't know if there is an Irish dueler."

Sheda beamed. He finally had given an opinion outside of basic yes or no. "I agree. I am taking this one. The all black one. The light red one with a Gold accent that looks like Potter House robes. The dark purple one. Do you want to get anything?"

Harry's smile faltered. "I don't know. I will need to get money from the bank. I kind of only ever wear the robe now."

Sheda smiled. "We can still get you clothes for under. Let's go to the bank. I will tell them to hold my items."

As they left the tailor he marveled at how the alley looked at sunset. The summer months extend the days, but the alley looked great. It was getting to dinner time and he figured he would ask Sheda for dinner after the Bank.

Walking into the bank he saw a few tellers, but it was still very open as they walked up to one pulling out his key.

Sheda looked at him. "I can't go with you so I am going to my vault to check a few things and grab some funds for our trip. We will meet back here after okay?"

Harry nodded and made his way to the teller. "Need to make a withdrawal."

The goblin grabbed his key and asked. "Trust or family vault?" Harry was confused. "Family vault?"

The goblin exposed its teeth as if grinning. "Wizards and witches get access to their family vault at 13 and limited access to the main vault for contracts and investments only. You will get full access to all the vaults at 17. In your case you will get access to 6 vaults at 17. House Potters and House Blacks."

Harry was shocked. That was a lot of vaults and something he never considered. "Can I get a balance of everything in both Houses and I would like to see my family vault."

The goblin nodded annoyed at having to walk. "Your balance will be sent via official owl. Please follow me." as he gestured to follow him down the back and onto the tracks that took him to his vaults. "House Potter. Family Vault 125."

Harry walked up to the large golden vault door with a royal griffon as its crest. His crest. His eyes looked at the many runes on the doors all in a language he could not understand, Goblin runes. He was able to feel the magic of security runes, mending runes, and blood runes. The goblin opened the vault door and Harry was shocked to see furniture and many other items in the center of the family vault. As he walked in he saw a wall of only books. A section with jewelry and paintings. At the far back he found something he didn't expect. The goblin seeing him walking back there came up behind him.

"That would be your family's Goblin Jewelry display cases. Your family is one of the few that respects our wishes that the jewelry be returned to us at the passing of the individual or if they do not simply want it anymore. It ranges in color and we are always willing to make more. An honor bestowed on your House for generations in honor of the service you did regarding a beast capture. We only ask you to recognize our wishes."

Harry nodded, marveling at the craftsmanship. Each of these items would be a small fortune. "I want two pieces. A rune knife and scabbard and a gold necklace with rubies."

The goblin nodded and looked at a piece of parchment. "I believe we can make the necklace for you by September or October at the latest. We will request more details so do look up designs. As for the rune knife there is one already available I believe if it's to your liking. It was made for Ralston Potter who used it as a member of the Wizengamot ministry to promote muggle repellent wards. Something the Goblin nation agreed upon. Let me present it to you." Harry to his surprise had gotten no comments as a wizard nor any usual hostility from the goblin. If anything the goblin seemed honored to be handling his request.

The goblin returned from the display cases. "Ralston Potter's rune knife. Made of a mithril-silver alloy for the blade the handle is made using the talon of a Thunderbird. It does not have any variant of runes from goblin or human kind. The scabbard is a simple silver colored leather one."

Harry marveled at the item and figured it would be a great gift for Sheda remembering that he told her wand had a feather of a thunderbird. "What's your name?"

The goblin looked surprised at him, but responded. "Lurkok young wizard."

Harry nodded. "Well thank you Lurkok. I will take it for Bathsheda Babbling, the necklace shall also be one, and I will tell her of the stipulation of having to return them to the vault."

The goblin, surprised at the thank you, noted the interaction and the name of who the item was going to. His paperwork magically changed the name once it crossed referenced the used name with the given name with their central bank grimoire that handled this. The goblin made no comment on the change.

Harry asked. "What else is in this vault besides the goblin jewelry Lurkok?"

The goblin not used to his name being used in a professional manner had to catch himself. "Furniture of your manor is in the middle or rather what was recovered. The walls include all the books that are magically connected to your family's grimoire. Here the books are protected in case something happens to your home. A copy of your grimoire should be on the pedestal if you want it. I will just create another copy. Family jewelry that is passed down is in the cases lining that section and finally a small case with family ancestral wands."

Harry's interest peaked at that. "Can you give me a copy of the grimoire and I will make my way to the wands?" The goblin nodded leaving him be as he walked to the display case.

There he saw nothing out of the ordinary besides some basic wands. One did call to him and he reached into the case to grab it. Quickly feeling a spark of joy from the wand he understood it had bonded to him, but it did not feel whole; something was missing.

The goblin arrived next to him. "That would be Iolanthe Potter's wand. Blackthorn wood with a Thestral hair. It does not seem to be a full match for you, something is missing." Harry looked at the Lurkok with a quizzical expression.

The goblin smiled back or what he considered a smile. "We goblins do not use wands. We use the magic around us and pull it in to do what we want. A skill wizards and witches learn in different parts of the world. Yet, we do know of the focus you can get using a wand which is why we are banned from using one. Let's say our battle magic is easier to use with wands, much like it's easier for wizards and witches as well."

The goblin smiled and Harry knew it was a smile. "I digress. The point is that the wand senses something in you and matches, but it is nowhere near being a full match. It is missing a few things. I suspect it is a secondary core or a secondary wood. It could also be just the wood; Blackthorn wood is unyielding until it has a history with the wizard." Harry nodded and looked at the wand closer.

The white gray wood looked like a Christmas branch. "So it means I cannot take it."

The goblin shrugged, Harry thought. "It is not for me to say. I would only recommend you find what wizards and witches call a wand crafter to diagnose the issue further." Harry kept on thinking and decided to take it. The goblin spoke up seeing Harry pocket the wand. "Would you like a wand holster? Many of your family had ones made."

Harry liked the idea and asked for two. The goblin once again disappeared and returned at the entrance with two holsters. One dark green and one a bright red. He raised the dark green one. "This is Lady Dorea Potter's wand holster recovered from your manor. And this is your mothers wand holster Lily Potter; recovered from Godric Hallows." Harry was shocked by two of his direct family items. One being his moms. He put on his grandmother's holster, feeling it matched his robe and looked to give the other to Sheda and pocketed it along with the knife and scabbard.

He thanked the goblin profusely leaving the goblin again extremely confused about the hospitality. As they left they made a quick stop to his trust vault where he refilled his bottomless bag with what he thought was overkill. Over 5,000 galleons. And finally made his way back up where he saw Sheda waiting. "Harry, finally you took forever. You have a lot of items?"

Harry shrugged. "A lot of items but I got distracted."

Sheda hummed. "Well, do you want to get dinner quickly before we continue?" Harry agreed, feeling his stomach growl. "Leaky cauldron?"

Break break break

Harry never saw Sheda in an attractive light. Mainly because of their circumstances in meeting but also the continued nature of their relationship. He had heard the older years and Dean called her a bombshell early in the year. Yet, now in the Leaky Cauldron he fully understood what those older years meant seeing how some of male patrons stole glances at Sheda the whole time they sat there. One even going as far as to catcall her, who was then reprimanded by Sheda with a wandless stinging hex. A wandless that clearly had a bite as the man groaned. Harry was surprised at seeing her do it and clearly the rest of the tavern was as well. He made a point to finish his food quickly so they could leave.

Having left there dinner, they quickly went to the tailor and looked to pick out all new clothes for Harry to wear under his robe. Harry tried clothes as best he could but the constant on and off of the robe was causing its own reaction of exhaustion. As a result they looked to get him many new t-shirts, pants, and just general socks and underwear. Not once did Sheda comment on his old style but only looked to ask him what he found comfortable as she styled him. A blessing for the boy who did not know what he wanted in this realm of his life. The next part was harder to swallow.

He did have feeling Sheda was dressing him up like a small lord. Vocalizing his displeasure, she argued it was needed so he could learn to be one with age. She further told him about his place in magical Britain and the importance of his name. He had tried to argue saying he didn't feel like a lord and would hate to use the titles. He was then surprised when she told him that she was a Lady and although she hated it, she still expected others to call her by it outside of Hogwarts as a reminder of who her family was. She told him that he may not like it now but it would be a responsibility. A responsibility he could not run from and as he was to be Lord Potter-Black. He would bring honor to his ancestors by carrying the names with pride.

An argument at any other time he would hate but having begun to understand his family, he realized there was no running from it. He was a Potter and a Black. He had accepted being part of a wide range of great wizards with the Potter family. He would now need to accept the Blacks, not only its troubling legacy, but also its long and distinguished one. The hard part was accepting he was to represent both as a Lord.

She promised to help him learn about his family and teach him proper etiquette and he resigned to his fate. She also made fun of him for being drawn to gold and red clothing pieces. Telling him "that for someone who hates looking like a small lord you either like getting the most royal griffin type robes screaming your pride in your Potter heritage. Or you get the darkest colored robes to look like a small dark lord of the House of Black." Harry had grumbled at the comment but he still bought them. Finally deciding to call it a night. They headed back home to rest for a mid day journey to Austria.

Break break break

July 2nd

"Morning Harry excited to head out?" Sirius stated as Harry walked into the kitchen. Harry was up and tired. He had decided to not sleep with his robe on in hopes of getting a good night's rest. He did sleep for a bit, but he needed to put it on midway through the night when his magic started to become unstable and he saw small Lumos appear. Luckily he had the robe close by. A recurring issue and one he needed to talk to Sheda about. "Tired. But I guess it's the excitement." Harry sat down as he asked Kreecher for food.

Sirius beamed at the comment . A part of him was depressed that he wouldn't be joining them. He imagined a world where he did get the opportunity to be a good Godfather. Maybe Harry would have had a better life. He had taken to drinking too much last night. His mind became fractured at the words Sheda had stated. He had not only failed James and Lily, but now he couldn't stand to face Harry. He would try to collect himself in the two weeks. He needed to. Sheda would stay true to her promise.

"Dumbledore," he wondered. He needed to talk to Dumbledore on what happened that night. Why did he send Hagrid? What had happened for James and Lily to not allow him cast the charm? These all were questions that needed to be asked. He would also review every piece of information he had on Harry's life. Remus needed to be contacted and Dumbledore needed to reach out to the order. All questions and actions he needed to know before he would agree with Sheda's assessment of the man.

Deep down he knew she was right. The man was something else. He wasn't evil, but he wasn't naïve. He was a leader, but a leader that had built a world around him where everyone didn't know everything. He looked as Harry ate his breakfast and he realized that Harry had begun styling his hair and even had gotten new clothes which now fit him properly. He looked like a wealthy teenager. Sirius also noticed Harry's facial features were slightly changing from what he remembered during their escape with buckbeak. He was beginning his growth spurt he figured and having the good old hormones. He still had Lily's eyes but his rugged Potter features were melding with the Black noble features. "Dorea, he thought. The black family magic and blood will probably alter him." Sirius smiled at his thought. They were very much related.

He heard some steps and a loud bang with some grumbling about cursed books and who allowed books to run around with fangs. Sheda entered the kitchen. Sirius smiled. "Reducto curse works like a charm doesn't it?"

Sheda shot him a glare which shut him up. "Kreecher!" Sheda yelled. The house elf appeared near her. "Yes Lady Babbling." Sheda smiled at the elf coming to her and using her used name. She had talked with the elf last night regarding it. "Can you remove all the cursed books from any of the other rooms and lock them in the Lord's study on a specific bookshelf with only the Lord, Heir, and Proxy being allowed to grab them?" Kreecher nodded and disappeared.

"Hey! I am the Poxy Lord. Why doesn't he listen to me?" Sirius huffed.

Sheda smiled in a condescending way towards him. "He clearly understands who the betters are." Sheda stated, as she threw her red hair in a pompous manner away from him.

Sirius stayed looking down at the food he had to make for himself. "There is no one better than a Black." He grumbled. Harry smirked as he continued to eat. The breakfast was a silent affair and one Harry hoped could become a recurring one.

Brea break break

The rest of the morning was just Sirius and Harry talking about mundane things; such as quidditch, favorite classes and his small experiment which Sirius had given him a pat on the back. That he was following in the footsteps of the marauders by creating new wondrous things. In that vein he presented him the mirrors that they had created while in school. A feat of enchantment that even Sheda had to give them credit for. Harry had asked how they had made them sensing the runes, but runes didn't paint the whole picture. They were just batteries and magic absorption runes.

Sheda explained that the enchantment was the true force behind the item. Enchantment was a complex process of layering magic to do what you wanted and it was clear the marauders had done it at random. Sirius himself admitted that none of the marauders knew what had been done to make it work. All of them had worked on the mirrors at separate times over 5th year and no one kept notes. It's why only 2 had been made with the original intent of making 4. At 11 Sheda stated it was time to head out. An apparition to the ministry and then an international portkey to Austria.

Arriving at the ministry was an easy affair and one Harry still marveled at with the casual charms and magic being displayed within it. "Welcome to the Ministry of Magic of Magical Britain. Business?" The teller asked. Sheda nodded. "Two going to the International Portkey terminal." The teller nodded. "Authorizations and wands?"

Sheda nodded, pulling her wand out and the 2 authorizations for her and Harry. She then was surprised at the wand Harry pulled out but did not question it. The teller grabbed Sheda's wand first. And wrote. "Babbling- Alder wood and Thunderbird feather. Interesting, an American?"

Sheda shook her head. "Not exactly. More of an international magical citizen."

The teller grumbled about youth and lack of tradition. He saw the other authorization and quickly looked at Harry with surprise, glancing at his scar. He did the same charms. "Potter-Blackthorn and...Thestral hair." The teller said with surprise but caught it. "Well all is in order, enjoy your trip. Next!" Sheda and Harry walked and went to the portkey station. She held his hand as the portkey whisked them away.

Harry had never felt being stretched and spun in such a manner. The worst feeling came from the fact it didn't stop. It felt agonizing and he was sure he would vomit and right when he doubted he could do it any longer he crashed into Sheda as they landed. She caught them but holding her trunk she almost didn't. "You really are bad at magical travel aren't you?"

Harry picked himself up in a huff as they walked out of the area "I don't know why it all has the same feeling. It's either a tight tube or spinning. Someone needs to come up with a better way to travel. I swear these can't be the only ways."

Sheda smiled as they heard a thick accent. "Welcome to the Magical Ministry of Germany-Austria." Sheda nodded and spoke in fluent German much to the surprise of the teller and non surprise to Harry. The women knew obscure languages. German was easy comparatively. He pulled his wand out expecting it to be asked for. She handed the authorizations forms. She nodded at the information given and they continued on their way to another portkey area. "What did he say?"

Sheda smiled. "He asked for the forms and pointed us along the way. You can put your wand away. Germany doesn't check for wands. It's considered an invasion of privacy in their opinion."

Harry nodded putting it back into his holster and sighed seeing another portkey area and braced himself as they used it. Another bout of spinning and another bout of knocking into Sheda who smiled at him as she caught him.

He fixed himself as he looked around, seeing they were in a basic building where other wizards and witches were coming in via portkey. "I swear my newt project is going to figure out how to use runes to travel or anything. There is no way no one has questioned how dumb these travel methods are."

Sheda chuckled. "Newt. Can't do it for Owl? Here I thought you were good at runes?"

Harry glared at her. "I am coming for your job if you keep it up."

Sheda acted offended. "Ohhhh so the student learns for one month and things he can take on the master. Let's see you make a robe like that."

Harry chuckled at their banter as they walked out of the building. He was surprised at the beautiful valley and the temperate climate. It was summer, but the valley was nestled between mountains, so the snow covered mountains and temperate climate was an interesting feeling and visual.

Sheda smiled at him m. "Welcome to Nurmengard village." They continued to walk into the village as the portkey location was in the dead center of the town. He saw a wand shop, cafes, a magical beast shop, potioneer shop, everything but it was larger and there were multiple shops of everything. There even seemed to be a hospital there. It was hard to call it a simple village. Its size was as big or bigger then Diagon Alley and had 4 story buildings in a gothic style where it was clear wizards and witches lived. The fact the valley was a purely magical one with access only possible via wizards and witches meant it didn't need to hide like Diagon Alley within Muggle London. It was as magical as the ministry of magic of Britain. Enchantment and charms everywhere.

As they walked he caught a glimpse outside of the town where he saw thousands of tents in the fields that went right to the mountain cliff faces. The valley was not much of a valley but a gorge. And to his surprise a dark castle hung from the mountain at one end of the gorge. The end they were walking from. It would be awe inspiring if not for the throne esque presence it gave. As if the castle was looking over its subjects. "What's that castle? Also, are the tents how people are staying here for the event?"

Sheda nodded. "Yup, they are enchanted tents. With built in runes. We will be staying in one for the quidditch world tournament so you can look at it then. Here we are staying in a hotel at the opposite side of the town only a short walk from the dueling colosseum. The mutt really went all out for you, but I guess you paid as well. Unless he has his own vault. We will have two rooms but they are rather large so more than enough space for the two of us. We will talk in the hotel about the castle. Okay?"

Harry nodded looking back at it again. He swore he could hear laughter coming from the tower as a cool wind came from it. He unconsciously passed his invisibility cloak over his fingers in his pocket. The silky cool water feeling gives him some comfort, but then whispers he heard came back harder. He wondered if he should mention them to Sheda and decided against it. One issue at a time.

Break break break.

Coming up to the end of town he saw a small plaza with a 50 foot radius. It was wide enough to have café tables out, but still give room for kids to run around and play and for people to walk around without bumping into each other. They walked towards the 4 story gothic building in the center. Sheda talked to the receptionist who quickly gave them a key each. As they walked up all the steps he detected the final set of stairs had runes and small ward stones that had rudimentary detection ward sequences and detection ward sequences. Some level of detection security it seemed.

Across from Sheda he had gone into his room and noticed it was semi two levels. A main level with the bed on the far side of the room with a window by it. A desk was straight ahead with a window looking down at the central town. Yet, there was a ladder to his right that took him to a second level that had a small walkway and led to what was a reading area with a single chair facing a circular window. He was impressed and excited to spend two weeks here. He put his travel trunk down and made his way to Sheda's room.

A similar styled room he sat at her desk as she unpacked and put the robes in the closet. "Anything you want to do first? There are a lot of festivities and shops. The first group stage doesn't happen until later tonight."

Harry wondered where to even start so much to do, he was hungry though. ." Can we go get lunch at a nice restaurant?"

Sheda nodded. "Sure. We can go after I put everything away. Do you have anything of value you went to store in my trunk?" Harry nodded and walked and went back to his room to get the gifts. The knife, wand holster and his galleon bag. He planned to take only 1000 with him so the rest could stay in Sheda's trunk that he knew had blood runes.

As he walked in he saw her finishing up and hesitated before he spoke up. "Hey Sheda, I wanted to give you something."

Sheda looked up from the trunk and saw what he was holding. The wand holster caught her eye. "What do you have there Harry? My birthday is not until September 30th."

Harry smiled. He knew that and was hoping the necklace came in by then. "I remember. I wanted to thank you for what you have done for me so far and if this summer goes as planned what you will continue to do. I found this at my family vault and I wanted you to have a nice rune knife like mine. It's a goblin made one."

He stated as he handed it to her. "Lurkok the goblin told me it was silver-mithril alloy with a handle made from a claw of a thunderbird. I thought it would be fitting for you."

Sheda marveled at it. A goblin made item. "Harry, I can't take this. This must be worth more than all the gold in the babbling vault. I had heard the Potters could request goblin items but most only ever got glimpses of it."

Harry smiled. "You can keep it. The only stipulation is that it returns to my vault when you either pass away or don't want it. I want you to have it."

Sheda smiled at the boy. "I will make sure my vault knows of this. I don't want my House to go to war with House Potter over a broken truce."

Harry smiled nervously at the next item. "I know wand holsters are expensive and a luxury. I wanted you to have one. I know you saw the one I had, but I wanted to give you this one. My moms."

Sheda looked shocked. She had seen it. She thought he was just going to show it to her but to give it to her. Some tears started to form. "Harry, I can't take this. This is your mothers. I can't wear it. I am….I was just her friend."

Harry smiled. "A friend that helped her son when he needed it and continually reassures me she will keep on trying."

Harry looked nervous. "I am not saying anything regarding the meaning. I didn't think that far. I do see you as someone important to me. I also know it would hurt greatly if something happened to you." Harry trembled with the glow from his robe beginning.

He breathed and it subsided. "I think my mom would want you to have it at least so you can protect me. I have my grandma's one. I like the color and it hides well with my robe."

Harry continued to worry. "If you don't want it, just keep it. Use it when you think you are comfortable. I don't think there is anyone-."

He was caught off guard by Sheda walking up to him and taking the holster. "Harry, I will wear it with pride." She bent down to be at eye level. "You don't need to justify your answer. If you think your mom would want me to have it then I will have it."

Harry breathed in. "Thank you." She nodded as she put it on her right hand. It flashed to her size and she put her wand in. "Any more extraordinary gifts?." He smiled as he put his galleon bag in her trunk. "No."

Sheda patted his shoulders. "Okay let's go get lunch but before I forget two things. 1st. Harry Potter or Lord Potter or boy who lived."

Harry looked confused. And Sheda continued. "Harry Potter is still famous and powerful here. Lord Potter is a powerful name with a large reach. Be careful how you use it okay? I will get you a history book to show you the history. Mainly the degree that your grandfather made a name for himself in Europe, okay? Remember a war hero both in Britain and abroad. The boy who lived is a tad complicated. People if they recognize you will ask for autographs and will swarm you more then likely but who knows with the Lord Potter status. It may make them hesitate so it could be a blessing to have the Lord titles. Unlike Magical Britain that has gotten used to the Boy who lived, you are an oddity here. So I want you to not only be aware of your surroundings but be aware of exits okay? Remember the robe should protect you from charms and any spell besides unforgivables to an extent. If you do get swarmed, escape and make it here. If you can't, I would say your best bet is to find an ICW rep. They will have an arm band with the letters."

Sheda moved them to Harry's room and window and pointed to the castle. " 2nd. The castle. You asked about it. What do you know of Grindelwald?"

Harry had taken the information with stride and he saw merit in her comments. Yet, Grindelwald. He had been appearing more in his life now. "Dark lord of the 1920s to the mid 1940s. The global wizarding war happened because of him. He led and controlled a similar muggle war in a bid to give Magicals control of the world. He valued magical blood over everything promising an equal world to everyone as long as magic ran through your veins. The plan was to control the magical world, have the muggles kill each other and then attack when they were weak. He was defeated by Dumbledore."

Sheda was confused. His terminology was one of not only understanding what he had done, but exposure to the actual propaganda. "Magicals? So you understand the nuance of his issues."

Harry was confused. "What do you mean? He was different from Voldemort. Voldemort killed for power, killed for a twisted sense of pleasure, ego, and clearly a tad mad looking to kill a baby. Grindelwald killed, but he killed in his hope to unite a wizarding world over muggles. He went too far. Killing our very kind in that pursuit. That is why he is hated, no?"

Sheda was confused. How and why did he have such an opinion? Magical Britain didn't teach him like that. Almost no one did. He was taught in schools as a dark lord who used dark magic and wanted to submit everyone. His killings and culling's being important facets of what he did. Through deep historical analysis and research as an adult; would you get a more complicated idea of the man.

"Harry, how do you know this information? It's not wrong but a very nuanced view. Almost one that an adult with age would get. Not a teen." Harry shrugged. "A ghost at Hogwarts mentioned it and Lord Arcturus said as much." Sheda raised an eyebrow. Harry continued. "Moaning Myrtle is the ghost. Lord Arcturus's letter remember? Both made comments about him. They painted him as a more complicated figure. Myrtle told me we share a similarity."

Sheda looked further confused. "I know about the letter, but Moaning Myrtle holds a conversation with you? And she told you that you have a similarity with the man?"

Harry nodded. "She said that he has the rune affinity I have. He could see rune magic and understand the rune property without learning the language. She said it helped him build his castle, Nurmengard.—" Harry realized it. "The castle. That's his castle."

Sheda looked in thought. "Yes it's his castle. It's where he is imprisoned right now."

Harry felt a chill. Remembering the laughter. "Wait, why make a village in the shadow of prison for a dark lord."

Sheda shrugged. "Kind of hard to destroy a village that has been around for decades by the time he was defeated. This valley was his base of operations. His European army worked from here. The valley is heavily warded and probably one of the most secure and hazardous locations to enter both for muggles and the wizarding world. Muggle methods are impossible with the heavy snow mountains wrapping it. Magical beasts roam the mountains. Pretty smart. Anyway, An army needs supplies. People set up shop; supporters, war profiteers, families and refugees."

Harry questioned the last part. "Refugees?"

Sheda had a gloomy expression. "Do you think some people's wards could take the bombings of the muggles? You saw how weak wards could be and how expensive they are. Many families were bombed across Europe. The ICW did what they could but it was not enough. Spread thin around the world on multiple fronts they couldn't support them. Grindelwald used that and this valley flourished. The man was a cold tactical genius and if his original plan in America or Germany had worked he probably would have succeeded."

Harry nodded. Feeling like he should learn more about the man at least to understand the Magical world. It was clear the man was tied to how the world worked today. He needed a history book about him. "So should I worry about him?"

Sheda shrugged and shook her head. "Yes and no. My main concern is don't go near the castle. Avoid the part of town that leads up to it. It's on the opposite side of town. Kind of hard to miss, a lot of ICW agents are there and it's a checkpoint with heavy wards. My secondary smaller concern is acolytes or loyalists of Grindelwald. Many are still at large and in recent years many have come out of hiding. There is a fear that something is up, it has been almost 40 years since any of his close associates have been seen. Many assumed they all would stay in hiding until death as many were and are wanted. Whispers from around the globe of many popping up in different areas. Yet, no one knows why. They aren't recruiting as far as the media says but who knows what the ICW knows. I will say the only recent event is about 2 weeks ago an academic in Latin America was destroyed mentally. It was reported by the Argentine Magical times that he had been contacted by a person high in the inner circle of Grindelwald, he even had tried to give a description. No one believed him nor wanted to listen to him. The Argentine Polic, Auror for them, had only one that believed him. Both were later found with their minds shredded. ICW now has a team there investigating but there are no leads."

Harry was fascinated, but worried. Another dark lord is just his luck. "So are they acting alone or are they communicating with him?"

Sheda shrugged. "I don't keep up with it, there have been many pockets of Grindelwald rhetoric pushed by individuals and rising dark lords in all different parts of the world. Most of the time it's useless and other times it leads to tragedy. Yet, overall the ICW has been confident in its reporting that none of them had any actual connections to Grindelwald and it was all just name usage. The Argentine case is the only time ICW showed their hand. There is something happening and it's either coming to fruition or they are moving their chess pieces. As for now. I would agree with you that something is up. Who knows and that is worrisome. Hence why I want you to be aware and be ready to act. Okay?" Harry nodded "Lunch then?" Sheda got up. Austria vacation finally would start.