My Time

Chapter 6

"As stated here, you have the ability to become Lord Peverell," the goblin declared, clicking his fingers, paperwork showed up on the desk, Copperclaw began to write out everything that was required of the paperwork, the cursive words making it take longer, but it was a contract and he would not embarrass Gringotts by producing out substandard work.

"Are the Potter and Peverell accounts interconnected?" Hayden queried, he rather hoped not. He didn't want to make enemies of the Potters. He would rather like to get to know his family, even if it was as a somewhat distant acquaintance or maybe even friend if he was lucky.

The look he got he might as well have asked the most stupid question in existence. Hayden couldn't help but curl his mouth in distaste, he was sick of being judged. They were there to help people, not make them feel insignificant. Then of course, the goblin blanched at the immense feeling of icy magic surrounding it, reminding him who exactly he was dealing with…and what he had the capacity to become. "My apologies, no, the accounts are in no way joined. The estates are entirely separate."

"Why haven't the Potter's tried to claim them?" Hayden asked rather surprised.

"Family pride," Copperclaw deduced, before informing him, "They would have had to give up the Potter name and fly under the Peverell banner. Which they wouldn't have been able to do for another thirty years, only with no Peverell coming forward."

"And the Gaunts?" Hayden mused thoughtfully.

"For the same reason I deduce," Copperclaw explained, "That's if they even knew they were descendant from Peverell."

"Oh, they knew," Hayden muttered to himself, then again…they perhaps assumed that the ring was from Salazar Slytherin and not the Peverell's. "How come to Peverell estate didn't revert to the Gaunt family? They are from the eldest son are they not? Who had the bulk of the Peverell estate?" which was how it always happened; the other two sons would have been considered 'spares' even in those times.

"You are direct descendant from the eldest son," Copperclaw corrected him, tapping his wand on the lineage test that the soon-to-be Lord Peverell had just done, showcasing the entire family tree. The scroll expanding to epic proportions as the family's lines went on and on and on. "The green is your line, from Antioch Peverell, the red is the Potter family descendant from Ignotus Peverell, and the yellow is the Gaunt/Riddle line direct descendant from Cadmus Peverell." Not surprised by Hayden's confusion, the family must have either been under the mistaken impression that they descent from Ignotus either that…or the father liked that particular name considering it's been used twice."

"Oh," Hayden murmured sheepishly, he'd just assumed he'd be descendant from Ignotus, "I thought it was Ignotus…it's the brother I take most after." It made sense really, it wasn't like Death would completely write out an entire family to make him Ignotus' direct heir. He hadn't really focused on the Peverell side of the family, just the immediate one…and more importantly the Black family books he'd read, and Orion's Journals.

Made sense Death would give him a line that had actually ended in the original time.

"Here we are, sign this, it will give you all rights afforded as Lord of the Peverell Estate," Copperclaw informed the powerful wizard before him. Turning the paperwork towards the young man he gave him a black quill that he withdrew from his drawer. To his immense approval and satisfaction, he did not immediately sign it, no he began to carefully read it over. He might be ignorant to whom he was descendant from but they'd at least raised him not to sign anything without knowing exactly what it was.

Copperclaw stood, and made his way over to the cabinets and began to rifle through them. The Peverell estate hadn't been touched in a long time, the young Lord would be able to live off the interest alone. Eventually he got to the portfolio and files before taking them out and making his way back to his seat.

Sitting down, he looked through the portfolio, just as he was finished the investments, he heard the scratching of the quill, there was no wincing, no exclamation of pain that followed the use of a blood quill. Which was most definitely required for such contracts.

"Here is the Peverell portfolio, there are still four active shares still ongoing, the rest have become defunct overtime. One is a broomstick manufacturing company, Nimbus. Crouch and Burke potions apothecary and inventions. Ollivander's wand shop and of course, a share of Gringotts."

Hayden's brows rose sky high, as he accepted the portfolio. He had shares in Gringotts? Holy fucking shit, Nimbus will always do well, never heard of Crouch and Burke potions apothecary, he'd keep an eye on that one to be safe. Ollivander that would provide a nice steady income, well they all would really. Flipping it through until he found the total, wow, okay, wow, he didn't even need to put the Black and Potter money he'd brought with him to live comfortably. The interest had for sure mounted up for the four shares he had with various companies.

He intended to add more, but it wasn't something he cared to do today. He was getting tired, so he flipped through the portfolio until he found the properties, which he found were all empty, he'd be able to move into any of them he wished.

Peverell Manor

Braid Hills Hall

Holyrood cottage

Number 3 Godric's Hollow

Hogsmeade Cottage

Bath House

Southampton estate

Marseille Villa

Cours Mirabeau neoclassical mansion

Sofitel Roma Villa

Villa La Cassinella at Lake Como, Italy

Hayden stopped reading there, he didn't want to live in Italy, or France for that matter. He didn't want to be in a massive place like a Manor on his own. Were these even available when he Peverell line ended? Or did he have a goblin continue to oversee the estate until he or she passed?

"Is Godric's hollow or the cottage at Hogsmeade habitable?" there was nothing in the portfolio about those particular properties. Its just a list of buildings he owned.

Including a list of House-elves that had passed on, marked off like property.

"Would you like each of your properties inspected and a report filed for your use?" Copperclaw enquired.

"For a price, of course?" Harry said wryly, giving him a smirk.

"Naturally," the goblin declared showing his teeth in a parody of a grin genuinely amused by the wizard's statement.

"How much?" Hayden asked thoughtfully.

"Twenty galleons per property," he declared.

"I don't think so, ten galleons," he bargained, which made the goblin even more amused.

"Nineteen,"

"Eleven,"

"Eighteen,"

"Twelve,"

"Seventeen,"

"Thirteen,"

"Sixteen,"

"Fourteen,"

"Fifteen galleons per property," the goblin conceded, genuinely delighted, it's not often humans actually haggled with them.

"Done," Hayden said, shaking the goblin's hand, pleased with the outcome. "I would like to be informed immediately after they're done inspecting the properties." Which given the large amount might be later afternoon or evening depending on their process.

"Of course," Copperclaw declared.

"I shall get a room at the Leaky Cauldron for this evening just to be on the safe side," Hayden declared, it was by far the cheapest of places to stay but it would do him just fine. Most purebloods wouldn't be found dead in such a place, not including the Weasleys of course. "I'll be in touch regarding my estate frequently, I trust you've got the time to deal with the demands of being the Manager of said estate?"

Copperclaw stared blankly at Lord Peverell stunned, "You are not going to employ a wizard to manage your estate?" wizards didn't trust goblins, despite the fact they were honorable, yes, they took more money than wizards to run estates, but the income they generate was far superseded what Wizards were capable of. The number of wizards who actually trusted a goblin with their money…could be counted with their hands.

Hayden arched a brow, watching the goblin in fascination, was he actually floundering?

"You must sign me up as your account manager," Copperclaw quickly snapped out of his incredulity, happiness and sheer unmitigated delight flowing through him. The kind of money he'd be getting…was astronomical.

"Add a clause that ensures that any changes to my account have to be approved by myself. Including the transferring, moving or withdrawing of money, for shares or anything of that nature." Hayden explained, seating himself again, "And don't be offended, if I had asked a wizard to do the same job…it most certainly would have come with the same stipulation. I do not trust easily. My trust once lost is lost forever."

Copperclaw nodded his approval, good, it meant that this wizard was no fool. He would detest working for a fool. He'd endure a rich one for the sake of the bank and his own personal coffers, but this…this he wasn't going to have to endure.

Luckily for him, the contracts were already templated out, all he had to do was add information including his name, age, creature status before adding the clauses Lord Peverell had commanded. The rest Lord Peverell would need to fill out, again with a blood quill.

Hayden accepted the paperwork, and looked through it, nodding absently in approval as he did so. No money could be removed from his vaults at all without his prior permission. All shares and interests had to be vetted by him before acceptance, but for the most part, the goblin would be taking care of everything else. With this contract he could trust them not to screw him over.

A vision of Ginny firing the killing curse at him, and he couldn't help but wince. Yeah, he wasn't going to risk something like that again. He would make sure anyone he let into his life could be trusted. That he would be safe as could be.

"I would also like a list of the best ward crafters you have, how much they charge and how soon they could work on my properties if need be. I don't just mean wizards either." Hayden explained, as he finished signing the contract that glowed once done, the magic holding them to their word. He was not going to live somewhere insecure. He was going to make sure the wards extended beyond his front door. He would never allow himself to be vulnerable again.

It wasn't just curse breakers they had on staff, they had anything they'd need. Lawyers, curse breakers, ward crafters, healers even. Both goblin and Wizardkind.

He was still going to get the Dragon out of there through, and to the safety and security of a preserve. Where it will feel the wind in its scales, the sun and heat and see the world for the first time since it hatched. If he heard whispers of another being put in its place…well, it would be easy to get the wizards riled up about slavery and imprisonment of creatures.

"Consider it done," writing the information on a pad of paper at his side. "Is there anything else you need?"

"Not yet, but I'll be in touch," Hayden informed the goblin, "May your coffers never empty." He added, grinning as he walked out, Merlin, that had been fun. It was the most emotion he'd ever seen a goblin's take on. Then again, he hadn't seen the looks on their faces as he busted out of their bank, on the back of a Dragon. He could imagine the looks on their faces. It was also depressing just how easy it was to get into a highly secured vault. Too bad there wasn't a way to actually tell them about their faults. Including how susceptible they actually were to the Imperius curse.

Harry sheepishly backtracked before he was even out of the room, "I'd like to put some money into my vaults." He added, he'd utterly forgotten about his trunks during the conversation. Some money was a massive understatement.

Copperclaw blinked, "How much?" he enquired, standing, preparing to show Lord Peverell to his vault. It was his job to deal with everything pertaining to Lord Peverell and his vaults after all.

Hayden bent over the desk and scribbled the amount on a piece of paper. 30,400,000 in wizarding currency. Needless to say, it was actually more than what was already in his account. No surprise really, it was the fortune of two combined houses, the houses of Black and Potter. Which had been largely untouched for near enough two decades.

He braced himself before handing it over to the goblin, watching him read the amount out in stunned disbelief. Mouthing 'thirty million and four hundred thousand,'.

"Are you sure you didn't add an unnecessary zero at the front?" the goblin rasped out, mentally calculating the two amounts together, it would make Lord Peverell one of the richest wizards in the United Kingdom.

"No," Hayden said in amusement, "Nor is it counterfeited." Aware that money could be counterfeit thanks to his fourth year. "I do have a rather long list of things to do this morning…if you could?" it was true enough, he had so much he wanted to do.

"Of course," Copperclaw replied immediately, swiftly leading Peverell towards the carts, "Which vault do you wish to deposit it to?"

"The main one will do," Hayden informed him. He wasn't yet familiar with the vault numbers he was afraid. Gripping the portfolio tightly, sliding into the cart with a fond smile, before the goblin got in at the front of him and they were off.

He was grateful that the vault was nowhere near the dragon, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to bite his tongue on their behaviour. Wizards believed they were nothing but feral creatures…that didn't deserve wands yet they'd treat other sentient creatures with horrific cruelty.

Perhaps they didn't deserve wands, then again given the nature of wizards and witches the same could be said for them.

It took quite a while to get the money out of his trunk and into the vaults without using magic. Tipping it over until all the coins fell out and piled up, in the entrance to the vault, each coin that spilled out was added to the total, the same would be happening with his portfolio. Emptying out each compartment methodically.

The goblin had to use his own magic to pile the coins away from the vault door.

He kept the pouch of coins he'd had already before his trip, having intended to go to Ireland for the day. It would do him for meals and such, which reminded his stomach he hadn't eaten in…who knows how long.

"Done," Hayden declared, nodding to himself, he'd need all this money and then some, if he was going to change the magical world for the better. He would not allow it to remain stagnant the way it had in the future. Hopefully he'd have Tom helping him along the way, once he reunited all his soul pieces, except the one that was created last…that way most of his soul would be together and he'd still have that immortality he so desired. The problem was, the Horcrux ritual continued to cut the soul in half, depending on how many had been created as of yet, he could be operating already on a tiny shard of his soul.

He would give him one chance, and one chance to change. To become what Hayden knew he could be. He couldn't have gained all those followers by being an utter thug, he could be charming and disarming when he wanted to be. He could do so much, change the world in a way that benefits everyone.

The ride back after his vault had been closed up, was to Hayden, disappointingly short. Fortunately, when he stepped out of Gringotts after saying goodbye to Copperclaw, he was met with an owl. It hooted and held out its leg where the letter was attached. "Are you here for me sweet thing?" Hayden asked, petting at it without thinking of the consequences. "Thank you, I don't have any treats with me though, sorry." He spoke to the owl like he thought it would understand him. Which he did believe, Hedwig certainly had acted like she understood him. Removing the letter, as he shuffled aside so he didn't get in the way of people coming to the bank.

He noticed the Black coat of arms immediately, interesting, he thought, cutting through the red wax he opened the missive and read it.

Lord Peverell,

I apologise profusely for my actions yesterday; it was unbecoming of an Heir to act in such a manner. If my parents or grandparents had observed it, they would have been very disappointed. I was raised better than that. If you have free time this morning, I would very much appreciate the courtesy of your presence.

If you are not against it, please meet me at the Public Library situated in Draiocht District as soon as you can.

Sincerely

Heir Orion Black

Hayden blinked when the letter caught flames, well, most purebloods wouldn't leave letters lying around with apologies in them. Whether they were sincere or not. He wondered what the wizard wanted, and why the library of all places. He'd passed it a time or two when visiting Ireland, but had never ventured in. "I guess he wants a reply, huh?" he murmured, well, he did not have a quill or ink or paper at the moment. "Come with me," he said, holding his hand out for the owl to hop on and then into his shoulder.

Hayden headed straight for the Leaky Cauldron, requesting a piece of paper and ink, he didn't bother making it fancy. He scribbled, "I'll be there soon – HP." Rolling it up, he attached it to the owl, before heading back outside and letting it take off. Given how fast owls can fly, he reckoned the bird would get there before he was finished with his business.

After watching the owl that was pure black, which by the way was one in a million chance. It was no surprise that the Black's themselves would have one. His Hedwig wasn't as rare, just rare around these parts. They were normally found in the Artic Tundra, Europe and Asia.

He hadn't just lost his owl when Hedwig was killed though; he'd lost his familiar. His first and dearest friend. Sighing softly, he shook off his depressing thoughts, turning on his heel he re-entered the Leaky Cauldron.

Where a young Tom was still in charge of the Leaky Cauldron, he had been Landlord of this place for decades. He would have recognized him anywhere. Some of his happiest memories were here in the Leaky Cauldron, getting away from the Dursley's…it had been one of the greatest fortnights of his life just doing what he liked amongst his own people.

"Good morning," Hayden said, giving the wizard a smile, "Do you have any rooms free?"

"We do! Single or double?" Tom asked cheerfully.

"I'll take your best and biggest room," Hayden informed him, "I may be staying for a few days, depending on the state of my properties and how long it may take to see that they're habitable."

"Shall I reserve it for two days?" Tom asked, "Name please?"

"Make it three, if it needs changed, I'll let you know," Hayden informed the wizard with a kind smile. "It's Hayden Peverell, how much will it cost for the three days?"

"Well, I'll say!" Tom said cheerfully, "Room eleven! Its our biggest and brightest!"

Hayden's lips twitched, recalling his previous time in that room. He also knew it was the one that shook outrageously when trains went by. It was very clean, bight and lovely, despite the outwardly appearance of shabbiness.

"Would you like your meals as well as your room?" Tom asked, passing over the key to room eleven.

"Yes," Hayden nodded his confirmation.

"That will be nine galleons in total, you pay when you leave, you can pay with a Gringotts card." Tom said, knowing purebloods rarely bothered to carry actual money with them. He accepted cash, card or cheque.

Hayden opened his portfolio he had seen a chequebook while there, and of course, Gringotts card as well. He handed it over and allowed Tom to do whatever he needed before signing it, the total was for nine galleons as he'd said.

"Would you like shown to your room?" Tom questioned, as he handed back the card.

"No, but I would like some breakfast, if its still being served." Hayden replied, "I haven't had a chance to eat yet." His stomach grumbled a little in agreement.

"Still serving for another hour! What would you like?" Tom asked.

"A sausage, egg, scrambled egg and a piece of toast, a glass of orange juice and a coffee to go after that." Hayden informed the wizard.

"Coming right up, my name is Tom, do forgive my rudeness for not introducing myself earlier…just holler if you need anything." Tom said, heartily shaking Hayden's hand, he must have gotten that from the number of Muggles and Muggle-borns that came through here, purebloods did not shake hands.

With a bemused look, he nodded, before taking his seat, putting his key and card in his pocket. He waited patiently for breakfast, pondering on why Orion wanted to meet up with him. Quite honestly…he hadn't expected it.

"Thank you," Hayden thanked Tom loudly for the food as it was levitated before him, he still loved magic and the speed in which it did everything. His words had shocked Orion, he recalled how quickly he'd left. Still, he had apologised and wanted to meet up with him again…was it just for a more formal apology? It sounded like the thing a pureblood would do.

He couldn't wait to see him again though, which surprised him. Was it because of what Death said? Or would he have always felt a little drawn to Orion? Or could it be the simple reason that he was the first person he'd interacted with in this new time he was in? Or was it because of reading the journals? Orion had been miserable with Walburga, had lost the will to live, and had loved his sons fiercely. He had secretly not blamed Sirius for leaving the slightest, he understood the strain and demands of being Lord Black.

Hayden continued his ruminations as he ate his breakfast, which didn't take long. He was very hungry, who knew dying took it out of you he thought sardonically. Just as he finished is orange juice, a cup of to go coffee was floated in front of him.

Time to go then, he thought, giving Tom a nod, Hayden glanced down, still dressed badly. At least he wasn't in hospital gear, but until he got to the shops this would need to do. He did however, flicking his wand and his clothes were transfigured into a more appealing attire for the moment.

Hayden paused, was he actually grooming himself because he was going to see Orion? Bloody hell, he was, what was wrong with him? He'd never been like that before. Never nervous, he'd grown up wearing nothing but hand-me-downs from his cousin, it had never been something he'd been ashamed of. Well, okay, yes, a little bit, its why he'd worn his school uniform during the weekends until he learned the shrinking charm and could wear clothes that looked half way his size.

"I'm bloody mental," Hayden thought, flushed, "Totally mental," shaking his head as he apparated to Ireland's magical district. It didn't go without notice that he was making his way to somewhere he'd planned on going before Ginny killed him.

Butterflies were erupting in his stomach, but that was stupid wasn't it? He hadn't even been this nervous asking Cho to the dance…or being with Ginny. Plus, Orion was betrothed to Walburga for Merlin's sake. He'd never make a move on someone that was to be married…it would only lead to further heartache.

Jutting his chin in determination, no matter how hot he was…he was only there to see him because he'd asked. Merlin, it's not like he was here on a bloody date. Severus Snape's words echoed in his head about him wearing his emotions on his sleeve, which had him drinking his coffee and closing his eyes, erecting his mental shields. Go figure that without being harangued – and without the desire to see what was going on – he was actually quite good at it.

The library was up ahead, and Hayden finished off his coffee at the entrance before heading inside.

He looked around the vast library for over fifteen minutes and couldn't see hide nor hair of him. It wasn't like he'd be easily missed; he was very tall like the rest of the Black's he'd met. He pursed his lips, either he was being messed about…or he was at the entrance of the building and they'd missed each other. Brushing away the annoyance, he headed straight for the entrance again, but it was empty, there was nobody waiting around.

"Excuse me…do you work here?" Hayden asked an elderly gentleman, he had a name tag on, so he assumed he was but he had no clue.

"I do, how can I help you, young man?" Otto asked smiling as if nothing pleased him more.

"I was asked to meet Orion Black here, um…Heir Orion Black," Hayden corrected himself, aware that familiarity unless one was given permission…was seen as blatant disrespectful. "Have you seen him around?"

"You just missed him! He's in one of the side rooms, follow me, I'll take you to him," Otto said, "My name is Otto, if you ever need anything please don't hesitate to ask."

"Thank you, Otto, I'm Hayden Peverell, it's a pleasure to meet your acquaintance," Hayden replied in kind. "This is…a beautiful place."

"It is," Otto said in eager agreement, "It's all thanks to the public donations, whether in forms of books, scrolls or money. Civilisation needs books, despite many believing otherwise!"

Hayden hummed his agreement, keeping up with the elder wizards' long strides, he might be old but there was nothing wrong with his mobility.

"Just down here!" Otto said, opening another door before stalking down the corridor and opening the door. "Orion, are you expecting someone?" using familiarity with the wizard, who he had seen so often as a youngster until he left for Hogwarts.

"I am," Orion declared.

The first thing Hayden realised was that his voice sounded rough. Otto moved out of the way once he had confirmation, giving his goodbye's to both preoccupied wizards. The second thing he noticed was the books he had surrounding him. Books primarily made up of Muggle science and magical hypothesis.

"Who told you about…all of this?" Orion asked, staring at Hayden intently, as if he was trying to figure him out.

Hayden couldn't exactly say 'Do you know that the magical population in America was at it's all time lowest in 1965…' until the Rappaports Law was repelled. So, he said simply, "Tell me, without prejudice who are the most powerful wizards in our world?"

Orion frowned, "Merlin Emrys, Gellert Grindelwald, Albus Dumbledore, Tom Riddle."

"Do you know what they have in common?" Hayden asked, sitting down staring Orion down.

"I have a feeling you're not referring to magical powers or the gifts of their lines." Orion said wryly leaning back, mulling over what else they had in common but for the life of him he couldn't figure it out. It wasn't that they were all raised in the Muggle world, it wasn't that they were all the last of their lines, so he honestly wasn't sure.

"Merlin Emrys had a Muggle mother, Gellert Grindelwald and Albus Dumbledore had Muggle-born mothers. Tom Riddle's father was a Muggle…" Hayden explained, having to be cautious here, "You do understand that Muggle Born's are simply old blood finally regenerating enough magic for it to make a reappearance?"

Disbelief tore through Orion's features, "That's impossible!" surely, they would know if such a thing was happening?

"Where else do you think Muggle borns come from then?" Hayden asked sounding amused, "Do you think little bity babies Muggle babies are able to steal magic from hundreds of miles away from the closest wizard or witch?"

Orion blanched, well, when it was put that way it did sound incredulous.

"Tom Riddle's paternal grandparents were Muggles, they're dead now."

Orion stiffened, "How on earth do you know so much about V…him?"

"I wanted to know if I had any family left, as you know the Peverell had three branches, I'm from Antioch Peverell, the main branch. Tom Riddle is from Cadmus' branch, and the Potters are from the youngest brother. I have four distant family members alive, I had…hoped to get to know them." He confessed, which was true enough, he'd always wanted family. Giving him a rueful grin, well aware that Tom had began using the term Voldemort by those closest, he hadn't been aware that Orion had been close, agreeing with his ideals, yes, but never joining. "I do hope to meet Charlus and Fleamont Potter…and from all I've unearthed I don't think I will or want to meet Morfin Gaunt who is in Azkaban prison for apparently killing the Riddles. Then there is of course, Tom Riddle." He said innocently enough.

"That doesn't explain how you got into this," Orion shook off whatever he was thinking about, "What made you specifically look at information like this?" gesturing once again to the books, vexed and frustrated at not getting an answer.

Stomach churning just recalling what he'd been reading in that book on the worst effects of inbreeding.

Dating, mating - and worse, procreating - with family members is something that is usually frowned upon in Western culture, but in many societies around the world, it's actually quite normal. In fact, royalty and many Wizardkind families tend to marry within the family in order to keep the bloodlines pure, although this can lead to a host of medical problems across generations. This is a reality that has become more and more evident as medical science has advanced, physicians and researchers deciphering the connections between genetic mutations and inbreeding.

And it's not just in royal families, Wizardkind or rural backwoods where people have ended up marrying their siblings or cousins as the media have portrayed. There are also plenty of celebrated scholars who have married their family members. Charles Darwin, for example, married his first cousin. They even went on to have ten children together, and it was only after three died at young ages that Charles worried about whether or not inbreeding was the reason behind their deaths. We'll never truly know for sure if his suspicions were right, but what we can be certain about is that there are a number of abnormal physical traits that can arise from mating within the family. Some of these are outward and overt, but there are also others involving internal struggles that can debilitate the systems of inbred offspring.

People from all ethnic backgrounds can give birth to children who have albinism. Those who live with the condition have an absence of melanin in their skin, hair, and eyes. As a result, their hair can be pale blond to white, their eyes are usually a fair blue, and they often have vision problems. Why does it happen? Well, one possibility is inbreeding. Because albinism is an autosomal recessive condition, people who are related and intermarry or mate are more inclined to give birth to children with the disease. Evidence shows that unions involving siblings, parent-child, or cousins have a greater chance of producing offspring with albinism than other couples. In fact, in Puerto Rico, where there are small villages where it's difficult to meet new people and interbreeding has become a norm, there are, by density, more people with albinism than anywhere else in the world.

During the days of traveling Muggle/Magical circuses, people with microcephaly were often put on display as freaks, just like the famous "Schlitzie the Pinhead" was. So no, the condition is not at all new to the medical world, although it has been making headlines lately as a new strain of Dragon-pox virus has been giving pregnant women quite a scare in the last few years. When women are infected by the virus while with child, their babies become susceptible to being affected by the disease. The head of the child would then become under-grown, the brain not forming fully either. However, the abnormality is not an exclusive bi-product of Dragon-pox; microcephaly is also a trait that children of inbreeding can suffer from. It's something that Pakistani Muslims see in their children - not really all that surprising, considering that more than 60 percent of Pakistani Muslim families encourage marriage among relatives.

Movies and television shows like to depict children of incest as mongrels with eleven fingers and disfigured faces, but in reality, those are more uncommon traits. Surprisingly, however, children born with fused limbs are common. In such cases, fingers or toes are fully grown, but the skin and flesh around one or two of them are linked together. The condition is called polydactylism and can make parts of the body webbed or like one strange, alien-like unit. For example, there is a Wizarding tribe in Zimbabwe with a small gene pool, and many of the family members have fused limbs on their toes, making their feet look like those of birds. For this reason, they've been dubbed "the Hippogriff people."

Inbred children will face a number of issues, one of which is a depleted immune system. A regular immune system has various alleles that work together to fight viruses and diseases; however, people born of incestuous relationships lack a variety of alleles and can't fight off sicknesses as effectively. As a result, they're often regularly ill and suffer from problems with their internal organs, muscles, or bone structure. Born as a squib, or magically weak. In fact, when inbred children are in their developmental stages, it is medically suggested that they be closely monitored because if a such children become repeatedly sick, this may do even more damage to their immune system and magical cores. Thus, mixing up the DNA pool is needed in order to keep the immune system of future generations strong and cores aplenty. Ironically, however, people who breed within families often believe they are keeping their clans pure, when in reality, they are doing physical damage to their future generations.

Orion had felt as if someone had sucker punched him when he read that part. His family had all regaled him with the need to keep 'it in the family' to keep them pure. That they were only strong because of it. Ignoring all else that was wrong with the family, wilfully. It was their bloody motto for Merlin's sake. Always pure. It felt like that he was being mocked now having read all he had.

Having a long jaw doesn't necessarily mean that you come from a family of inbreds, but it does seem to be a trait that the House of Habsburg couldn't avoid. The noble family rose to power during the 1400s and reigned for 300 years, and like many royal families, they didn't want to intermingle their bloodline with peasants. For that purpose, they married and had children with relatives in order to keep the wealth within the family. Unfortunately, as generations went on, physical attributes started to change, including a long, protruding lower jaw with a highly noticeable under bite. It's said that Charles II of Spain's jaw was so bad that he was a drooler, couldn't chew correctly, and had trouble speaking...and that was just the tip of the iceberg when it came to the problems he had to deal with because of his ancestors' inbreeding. The family is now entirely wiped out, the last two children a male and female were infertile.

Infertile, he wasn't a stupid wizard, he knew that was something wizard and witches suffered from a great deal. So many miscarriages, stillborn children before they were lucky enough to have one living beyond infancy. You were truly lucky to have more than one child. His aunt Dorea had suffered so many miscarriages, his uncles struggled with fertility issues. It wasn't just his aunt but the rest of his family.

Testicles. Something male children of incestuous relationships occasionally have to deal with is cryptorchidism, a condition where the testes don't drop down into the scrotum. Researchers claim that three percent of inbred infant males will be born with this condition. It may be caused by the duplicate chromosomes occurring because of a lack of DNA diversity in the inbred gene pool. If a baby boy has cryptorchidism, he will most likely also be born with a cleft palate or Young-Maders syndrome that can cause mental retardation or heart defects. Cryptorchidism can also make young men infertile or give them a host of reproductive problems. Could this be nature's way of shutting down the gene-damaged lineage?

Now this…he knew about, his great uncle had suffered from it, he hadn't had any children of his own. Magic had been used to force the testes to drop down from the scrotum, but it had mattered very little. His wife, had been his cousin, and he'd heard horror stories and seen them himself when he was much younger. She was grounded to the manor, never able to leave, she'd actually tried to burn the entire house down with her in it but the House-elves had stopped her. They did not have children. The family said she was insane, and he had believed it…but there could very well have been a reason for it…their family could be at fault all along for this.

A cleft palate is said to occur when the roof of the mouth improperly forms, thus causing the sinus passage to remain open. It's easy to spot people with this condition because it looks as if they have an ill-formed upper lip that lifts into their noses. And while it may look as if it's strictly a cosmetic issue, people with cleft palates have difficulty breathing, eating, swallowing, and sometimes speaking. This condition is said to form in the womb, and in places such as India or Kenya, where inbreeding runs rampant in small tribes, many babies are born with cleft palates. Those who are able to afford reconstructive surgeries for their children have the procedures done, but for families in poorer areas, that option is an impossibility. Fortunately, there are charitable organizations that specifically raise money for impoverished areas where incest is a normality and children are more frequently born with cleft palates.

The moving pictures had made Orion feel sick to his stomach. Those poor children, was magic the only reason they hadn't had someone born like that? Or did it come later? He shuddered at the prospect of his own children born that way, it was quite possible more terrifying than the prospect of them being born without magic.

Once thought to have come from the artistic imaginations of ancient Egyptians, elongated heads weren't actually exaggerations. In fact, researchers now claim that the statues and busts showing elongated heads are accurate representations of the way the Egyptian royalty actually looked - their skulls developing that way as a result of years upon years of inbreeding. Ancient Egyptian royal magical bloodlines were riddled with incest as marriages between siblings and cousins were common. Eventually, the long heads became a characteristic of many in their clan, and shockingly, those that were (un)lucky enough to be born with regular-shaped heads, had to have their heads wrapped so that their skulls would be misshapen like those of the rest of their family. In fact, according to reports, King Tut was said to have suffered from not only an elongated head, but also a cleft palate, scoliosis, lack of magic, and a number of other issues affiliated with being the offspring of an incestuous family and died at a young age. None of the magical Ancient Egyptian Royal lines, or Ancient Egyptian Royal lines survived.

Orion had looked through the scrolls and found that the articles and books were quite correct. Entire lines just…gone…ended, because they were marrying their siblings or cousins. Reduced to squibs at first…before the lines were entirely gone. Was that too, to be the fate of the Black family? Not if he had anything to say about it.

As we mentioned above, King Tut was from a long line of incest, and he suffered from a number of health issues associated with being inbred. One of those health issues was having a club foot, which refers to a variety of foot abnormalities that include feet that are missing bones, that are curled inward, or have malformations. Children who suffer from the condition are actually born with it, although the abnormality may not seem very evident at first. Then, as these children grow older, the affliction is likely to worsen. And like asymmetrical faces, club foot becomes more common as incest deepens within generations of a family. Many physicians treat clubfoot by placing patients in braces or splints, but in extreme cases, surgery (potions) is needed as small children will be unable to learn how to walk without the procedure.

Families who like to stick close together when it comes to breeding will find that as many of their children and grandchildren grow older, they struggle with infertility. In fact, some people who come from incestuous families will be told that they can never have children, while others will learn that it will take them much more effort to bear offspring. This is because inbreeding negatively affects the reproductive system in both males and females. Men, as mentioned earlier, can suffer from the testicle-affecting cryptorchidism. They can also have low sperm counts or have sperm that is abnormal altogether. Women, meanwhile, can have a deformed uterus or vaginal canal, malformed ovaries, or eggs that can't produce healthy children. Thus, while it was terribly important to royal families to birth heirs to the throne, as they married their relatives, they ironically made having children that much more difficult.

"It's just something I've always been aware of, I was raised for a time in the Muggle world," Hayden told him, not necessarily lying. He had been raised for a time in the Muggle world, just in a different time entirely. "Science is a big thing in the Muggle world, Wizardkind often copies and does its own research."

"Someone must have gone to great lengths to ensure this doesn't become common knowledge…" Orion declared strongly, eyes glimmering coldly. "And I'm going to find out who and why…just after I make sure this knowledge gets out." They were killing themselves slowly, in a few generations time they might only have squibs left.

It was absolutely terrifying knowing that the magical world itself could be all but gone.

A/n would it be too predictable to be Dumbledore responsible? Or shall we mix it up a bit and make it a new different kind of bad guy with Dumbledore still just as annoying? Will that be how Orion and Hayden get closer? Will he ask Harry to stay with him until his properties are fixed? Let him meet at least one of the family members he wanted to meet? Charlus is after all at the Black family gathering 😉 R&R please