My Time
Chapter 7
Hayden mulled over Orion's short but passionate speech. If he didn't know any better, he would suggest Orion had just declared they were to do it together. Instead of burying his head in the sand, he actually wanted to do something for the betterment of Wizardkind. He hadn't expected that if he was entirely honest, but he'd had to try, for the sake of the whole family. He was so proud of the Black legacy, its why he'd endured his marriage to Walburga, and been so utterly devasted yet understanding at his son's actions. Merlin, when news reached him that his son was dead…that had destroyed whatever was left of the vestiges of Orion's will to live, then Sirius was arrested. He felt like he had known Orion reading his journals, as much as one could know another person.
"Are you sure you want to do that? Not everyone will be happy with this information," Hayden said quietly, "You may end up alienating quite a few Lords…I wouldn't be surprised if some knew this information but didn't believe it, don't want to believe it."
"If there's even an indication of a speck of truth they would have sought answers." Orion declared strongly, "They wouldn't have risked the lives of the children, or ultimately their bloodline. It's so important to us, you know, that we know this information."
"How sure are you that you know them?" Hayden asked, staring pensively at the information spread out in front of them both, Orion more so.
"They'll want to know," Orion told him grimly, he knew these people, he'd grown up with their children, seen the adults worries and fears for the family's futures.
Hayden nodded slowly, "Well, I'm afraid I don't know many wizards and witches to truthfully gauge their reaction. It's more of an assumption I have based off…well, history I suppose. So, I'll take your word on it." watching Orion relax that his word was taken for granted.
"We need to get to the bottom of this," Orion said sincerely.
Hayden blinked, "We?" was he actually serious? He could do everything on his own…he didn't need him. Orion had all the connections, money and family he could possibly need for help. Why would he want to do this with him in particular? "Forgive me, but you're the one with the friends in high places, the ear of the Lords, the money and connections…I'm new here, I don't know anyone except for you…and the Landlord of the Leaky Cauldron and a goblin…" he trailed off.
Orion's lips twitched, "You'll be surprised by the reception you receive here, the main Peverell line was thought to be extinct. You'll find that many will clamour for your attention, and desire the contacts with such an old distinguished line." Finding himself rather jealous of the prospect. Not to mention the fact that he was a carrier, which would make every Lord try to marry of their second sons to him, you couldn't get a better match than the sons or daughters married of to Lord Peverell.
Hayden shook his head, "I'd rather keep few genuine friends than a lot of friends who would stab you in the back if something better comes along." Like Ron and Hermione, admittedly towards the end he hadn't seen them very often – obviously they weren't living together at Hogwarts anymore – they'd been making plans for the future.
"That's exactly what happens," Orion told him, warming to the wizard significantly, it was exactly how he felt. Although, most of the 'people' he could trust just actually happened to be family. "You have your acquaintances and a few close friends. Of course, there are others who will try to claim to be good friends, just one must become a good judge of character…specially to survive the political world." and they were getting rather off topic.
"You're in politics?" he asked politely, as if he didn't know.
"I am, you are aware that you also have a seat in the Wizen and presumably the wizengamot?" Orion asked, knowing it was way off topic but for some reason he really liked talking to Hayden. He liked him, and the fact he let Orion see the world through renewed eyes just made it more prevalent.
Hayden recalled the information he'd found out about the magical world after Hogwarts. It had stunned him somewhat; he'd stupidly assumed the Wizengamot was it for the magical world. pretty bloody stupid of him, but that was life he supposed. Always something new to learn.
The Wizen was over 200 members strong, responsible for all official government decisions. They introduced legislation, and also came to the decision on whether it gets approved or not. The Wizen comprised of ten different political parties, and the one with the most power picks a leader that becomes 'Chief Warlock' of both the Wizen and Wizengamot.
The Wizegamot itself was 50 members strong, and politics were set aside in the judicial system. They were essentially the 'jury' along with the council of magic, which was a lower ranking system that dealt with minor legal enquiries. What they had done to him before his fifth year had actually been illegal. Bringing him before the Wizengamot for a case of underage magic? Which should have been dealt with by the Council of Magic…was quite disgusting. He'd like to make sure that such a thing didn't happen again. The Wizengamot were used for cases involving murder, treason, arson and grievous bodily harm.
The Council of Magic actually comprised of the same number, 50 strong. They dealt with cases of under age magic, thievery, and other minor cases in law.
They were from all over the UK not just Scotland or England but Wales and Ireland too.
Hayden had found himself entirely fascinated, especially with the tales in Orion's journals. He'd thought politics was all just plotting and schemes, but the way they tried to either make the world better – or sabotage it – depending on who you asked and their own personal beliefs. He'd actually considered joining the political scene to make the world better himself. The passion Orion felt for what he was doing…had leapt from the pages.
It made him wonder what would be written now and how much that would change.
"Definitely need to do some research before I even consider stepping foot into the political arena." Hayden said dryly, "It's not something done on whim."
Orion agreed fully, "Very true, I have books that will be more than adequate should you wish to borrow some. They will give you a round understanding of politics, the politic parties and naturally our laws and regulations. Some of those old dusty books are abhorrent, my grandfather gave me them when I was ten-years-old. The most boring drivel I've ever been expected to read. My father luckily took pity and gave me something much more palatable." His nose screwing up just a little, not enough to be noticed by someone less observant than Hayden.
"I'd appreciate that," Hayden said smiling in thanks, truth be told he wouldn't know where to start…and it sounded like there was a lot of reading to be done.
"Of course, with a full-time career it isn't often doable," Orion stated, cocking his head to the side just so, his mesmerising grey almost silver eyes observing the Hayden, "Do you have Masteries or plans to go into an apprenticeship here?" it may well be why he'd returned to Britain. He wanted to know everything he could about the wizard, more than just his medical records.
"Still deciding," Hayden said honestly, "There are so many different career options that I genuinely can see myself in…including politics, but I'd rather have a family or both."
Orion's forehead scrunched just slightly, staring appraisingly at Hayden. He was much too forthcoming. Was he like that with everyone? If that was the case then politics was definitely not for him. Honestly definitely wasn't the best policy for politics. He wasn't used to people being so upfront like that. Everyone he knew kept their wishes close to the vest, with the only exception being family.
His age though, factored in, he was young, why would he wish a family so soon? Most carriers would lord over a chosen career and then decide to settle down. Smug in the knowledge he could have both things a career and a family. Then again, he had said his family had died when he was young…perhaps that played a major factor in his desire for a family. Orion couldn't deny the desire either.
"You are rather…frank," Orion informed Hayden, his admiration deepening.
Hayden smirked, green eyes gleaming, "Don't let it fool you though, the day I let anyone walk all over me is the day the world ends."
"How about I help you learn everything you need about politics, and you help me with ideas regarding all this?" Orion proposed, it would allow them to spend a significant amount of time together which pleased him. By the time they were done with all this…perhaps they'd be closer to one another.
"Alright, you've got a deal," Hayden agreed, belatedly realizing he hadn't responded to Orion's suggestions earlier. In the end, Orion had felt the need to bargain something in order to gain the help he clearly thought he needed. Considering how smart the wizard was, how well educated, it definitely wasn't but Muggle aspects probably would overwhelm him. "Although it was entirely unnecessary you know, I had intended on helping where I can."
Orion believed that for some reason, "This is everything regarding inbreeding that's in this library."
"What are the scrolls?" Hayden questioned wrenching his gaze away from Orion, praying that his attraction wasn't noticeable.
"Entire family trees of each line of every wizarding Royal Ancient Egyptians." Orion said pensively, "If you do handle them, wear the gloves, they do so tend to frown upon anyone touching them with their fingers." Exasperation obviously, clearly, he'd done it himself a time or two before he learned his lesson.
"Speaking from personal experience?" Hayden grinned, as he put the white gloves on and picked up the scroll. It might be a 'scroll' but it was had not been rolled up in a long time, it was kept perfectly flat presumably with the aid of a few spells. His grin becoming broader at the subtle flush that adorned Orion's ears! Sirius had done that when he was embarrassed too.
"I was ten-years-old," Orion said adopting an indignant tone of voice. "There were no gloves left and I really wanted to read that tome. I was going to be away from home for nine months of the year, with no time at all to return to read from it."
"You couldn't sign it out?" Hayden enquired, "I thought it was a library?" did they work differently in the magical world?
Orion shook his head, "The rare books are not allowed out of the building."
"I guess you're going to be doing your research here then?" Hayden enquired, his focus primarily on the scroll. Grimacing at how often the Royal lines married of their own children, and how young they were when they had children of their own. "Twelve-years-old and expected to be a mother…such diabolical practices."
"Only to us now because we know they're not physically ready to have a child." Orion commented, "Back then they believed that when a woman bled, they were ready to marry and have a family of their own."
"In some cases, they had girls first, which probably saved their lives," it meant they had a few more years before they were 'married' to their sibling, or first male cousins if they didn't have any male children by the time they were done. "It's fascinating, isn't it? In a way that no doubt makes you want to cry." Just how much damage had the Black's done to themselves all in the name of keeping their line pure, and putting their line at risk.
Orion just gave the wizard a droll look, the entire morning had made him want to cry. Luckily his rage had outweighed his need to cry otherwise he would have done just that. He wanted to blame Hayden actually, but he couldn't, it wasn't as if he'd done it to him on purpose. It was just an offhanded comment that he hadn't expected his reaction from. He had seen the look on his face before he stormed off.
"The lines are probably not entirely gone, they will have had illegitimate children, men are renowned throughout history for not being able to keep it in their pants." Hayden commented, "Royalty will be no different."
"Women are no better," Orion declared, and he knew from personal experience, "And royalty wouldn't risk bastard children." He denied, they would have shown their heirs how to prevent any unwanted children.
"Women are more subtle," Hayden corrected, picking up the second one, this seems to be the Muggle Ancient Egyptian family tree. "Which makes them more dangerous…especially if they have the looks or money to back them up."
"Interesting, it seems as if Muggles go through the process of the entire inbreeding cycle twice as fast as witches. I wonder if it's magic having a hand at correcting and repairing the damage done…" he murmured to himself, it was half the size of the magical royal Ancient Egyptian family tree.
Orion craned to look himself, and found Hayden was quite right, he hadn't really noticed it before.
"I assume they can't be copied?" Hayden asked Orion, peering up at him, there was a look on Orion's face Hayden couldn't place. It certainly hadn't been a look directed his way before.
"Of course, but there are alerts on the library that will ensure they know if it has been copied and without permission you can be fined quite heftily. Only those that work here are allowed to do so and the copy is sold to you." Orion explained, most carriers he'd heard of and seen in pictures were definitely feminine, he wasn't sure if they had been encouraged to be that way, or if it had been simply a coincidence. Hayden was the opposite of that, if he hadn't read his chart then he would have emphatically said it was impossible. He was thin yes, but most wizards were, and he had scruff presumably from not being able to shave due to being in hospital.
"The rarer the book the more expensive?" Hayden nodded, eyeing the scrolls, "Can't cost too much, since the copying charm won't hold forever and everyone will know it's a copy." There was a simple spell that revealed it if it was.
"You'd be surprised," Orion muttered dryly, "But it's worth it, especially if this place is kept open. It offers so much, I failed to appreciate it myself until I left Hogwarts. The Hogwarts library is…rather lacking. More than a dozen books I know other students have read have been removed from the shelves on orders of the Deputy Headmaster."
Hayden stiffened, just at the mere mention of Dumbledore. He had conflicted feelings on the old fool. He hadn't thought really, when forgiving Dumbledore when the were on that platform. He'd done so automatically…the information hadn't really had a chance to sink in. That a man he'd trusted, loved like a grandfather…had led him to the slaughter. Not even bothering to train him, because he had to die in the end. As brilliant as Dumbledore was…there was no way he could have known he'd survive because he was the Master of Death. It explained why he let him away with things no other student got away with. It explained why he allowed things to happen, like his first year, second year, fourth year…what was he hoping? That Voldemort would kill him and the horcrux would be dealt with and then Dumbledore go collect the rest of them and destroy Voldemort? When the unexpected happened he had to readjust his plans get Severus to help him?
"Hayden?" Orion called out.
Of course, Dumbledore was just now beginning to really get his mitts into society. Awards, chocolate frog cards, mentions in books, having more say at Hogwarts and society in general and of course…requests to become the new Minister for Magic. Because he had duelled the Dark Lord Grindelwald and had him incarcerated in his own prison. Already removing books from Hogwarts library, if Orion thought it was bad now…he didn't want to see how it was in his time.
"Hayden?" he called again, frowning, what on earth was he thinking about.
It seems he was always being betrayed by those closest to him, which made him both furious and gutted. Why was his wish for a family so difficult to attain? He would do anything for those he loves, absolutely anything. He'd already proven that; he had gone to his own bloody death to give them a chance…just a chance to overthrow Voldemort.
"HAYDEN!" Orion called out loudly, not quite shouting but not far off. It was rather uncouth to shout after all.
"Sorry," Hayden said, startled out of his thoughts, a sheepish grin on his face.
"I'm going to get these all copied, then we can go somewhere else to do some more digging." Orion informed him, giving him a once over, wondering if the attack had left some effects on the wizard. He had been lost in his thoughts for a significant amount of time. Then again, maybe he had been informed that it might happen. He had hit his head a few times, well more than a few times while having that prolonged seizure.
"I'll meet up with you in a few hours, I have some shopping to do before it gets too late." Hayden told him. "I'm staying at the Leaky Cauldron while my houses are evaluated. How about we meet up at one o'clock?"
Orion grimaced, making it clear what he thought of the Leaky Cauldron's accommodations. He reluctantly conceded would do for a night or two, but it was far from the best hotel around. "You said you wanted to get to know Charlus?" an idea striking him.
Hayden hummed in agreement, he did indeed.
"Then how about you come to Black Castle for luncheon? Uncle Charlus will be there with my Aunt Dorea?" Orion asked Hayden politely.
Hayden startled, oh, so the castle hadn't been destroyed yet, by the crazy auntie who got a hold of someone's wand. The damage had been to much for them to contemplate sorting, even with their fortune. The only surviving pieces of the property was a few walls, and the foundation. The only property left in his time had been Grimmauld Place that Orion had bought (or had done up) and where he and Walburga had died.
Uncle Charlus of course, how hadn't he put the pieces together? Excitement thrummed through him, "What's he like?"
"Vastly different from his brother," Orion said wryly, "They couldn't be more different and it constantly amazes me that they were raised in the same household."
"How so?" Hayden asked, giving his full attention to Orion.
"Lord Fleamont Potter is very serious, doesn't tolerate much at all," Orion commented, "I don't think he likes the fact his younger brother married a Black. He declines almost all invitations, including our Yule invite."
Hayden bit his tongue, wondering then how Fleamont Potter felt about his son becoming friends with Sirius Black and his grandson become his godson. He wondered if there was more to it. "It might be his wife that isn't comfortable," he commented, "We really shouldn't judge." Fleamont had let Sirius stay with his family after all, when Orion and Walburga had thrown him out.
"Perhaps, but in our circles, decline invitations is very rude, and is basically snubbing them." Orion informed him.
Hayden just shook his head, "Well I see a lot of snubbing in my future," he muttered with a grimace.
Orion frowned, giving Hayden a searching look, "Why is that?"
"I don't really do social interactions, I'm an atrocious dancer, my inability to hold my tongue has been known to offend people. I say what I mean, and mean what I say…I am not a traditional pureblood…I wasn't raised that way." Hayden confessed, brow furrowed, "And to be truthfully honest? I don't want to be. I'd rather be a wolf amongst sheep." Showing his teeth.
Orion laughed, surprising himself, "Most of us are, we just conform to the standards that have been set for us by our parents." how long had it been since someone made him laugh? He thought in wonder, it had been years, during his earlier Hogwarts education.
Hayden had to concede that he was more than likely correct on that front. The way people act in public was just that an act. They only show their true selves to those closest to them. If they had been raised in a pureblood manner, the only pureblood family he really knew had been the Weasley's and hey surely hadn't. "I guess," he mused thoughtfully, "I'm still dreadful in public settings and I'd more like to have people wanting to strangle me than any upset I could cause by declining."
"I doubt that very much," Orion stated, while it was true, he was rather straightforward and truthful. Perhaps a bit more truthful than he was used to, but he had a funny feeling that Hayden wouldn't care if anyone mocked him over his desires. Nobody that spoke of them so freely would care. He was very polite but had committed faux pas a few times he conceded, especially with someone he essentially didn't know. Touching him as he had done – which Orion truly didn't mind he just wasn't used to it – and using his name and not title too. It was actually a breath of fresh air to not have someone sucking up to him because of his name and the desire to join the family or for the connections it would offer them.
"You'll see," he informed Orion with a cheeky grin.
"So, you'll come to lunch?" Orion questioned, none of the family would be surprised there were always extra people sat at the table. Admittedly…not someone he was actually attracted to. If Walburga caught wind of it she'd be utterly intolerable, her screeching was bad on a good day without adding to it.
"Sure," Hayden said with a smile, "I'd like that very much," which was true enough, he'd never actually been invited to lunch or dinner before. Sure, he'd ended up at the burrow and fed the most amazing food – which he wouldn't forget – but he hadn't officially been invited anywhere except for the Quidditch world cup. He'd just been shuffled from pillar to post whenever Dumbledore decided to take pity on him. More like to make sure he'd want to die for his friends, he supposed.
"We still have an hour before it's served, I have a few things to do myself in Diagon Alley, shall we go together?" Orion suggested, reluctant to let the wizard out of his sight, perhaps something to do with the attack? There had been no magical residue he could detect; they had been careful to conceal their presence. Which was concerning enough, but so close to his home. Was Hayden the intended recipient? Had it been intended for someone in his family? Or sheer coincidence that Hayden landed there?
"Alright," Hayden agreed. Luckily it wasn't much, just clothes, he had nothing but what he had on. "I just need some clothing, both formal and casual,"
"Price is no objection I assume?" Orion asked as he bundled everything up, intending on retrieving Otto, knowing that his silence would be assured.
"Nope," Hayden replied, it wouldn't be the first time he'd actually be wearing wizarding attires and brand-new clothes that weren't his. His entire life he'd worn Dudley's hand me downs. He had gotten a few outfits once leaving Hogwarts…but he hadn't gotten a full wardrobe.
"I'll be right back, let me go find Otto to copy these books then we can finish up here." Orion said, standing up, now unless Otto was helping someone find a book, he was always on the main floor.
Hayden continued to look at the other scrolls, the paper was very yellow and a bit brittle. Presumably it had gone much too long before the preservation spells were cast.
"…and I'll pay forty galleons to ensure you keep the book titles off the sales list," Orion was telling Otto. "I would very much this remain private."
Hayden shook his head, paranoia, he wondered if it was normal paranoia or if he was suffering a little of the Black madness? He had completely drenched his home in wards to make it as secure as possible. Given what had happened to him, with Ginny, he couldn't actually say he disagreed with that sort of Paranoia. Especially if it kept him alive.
Hayden pressed his lips together, eyeing the books and scrolls, could there be a reason to worry he wondered? There was no way to really keep information hidden…who was he kidding…if not for that copy Dumbledore bequeathed to Hermione…they wouldn't have had a clue about Horcruxes. So, of course someone could stop this information getting out if they wanted.
Hayden remained silent while Otto got to work, it took barely five minutes to have the books and scrolls copied. His wand movement was practiced and he had the muscle memory to have performed this spell more than near enough any other. It made sense though, for it to be that.
"How much?" Orion asked Otto, removing his money pouch, waiting expectantly.
The price made Hayden make a bleating sheep sound, for a bloody copy of a few books? Bloody hell, you could get at least 100 books in his time for that kind of money. You'd probably be able to get 300/400 books for that extortionate price. "That is an outlandish fee for copies of books." He told Otto; he hadn't even spent that kind of money in his life.
In the background Orion laughed at the sound that left Hayden's mouth, fondness suffusing him.
"I don't make the fees," Otto said with a kind and patient smile on his face. He was used to those remarks. Especially by purebloods who could actually afford the price without a single problem. Or newcomers who were just unused to what they do and what they were trying to preserve. "Would you like them sent on to you?" as he absently packed the books and scrolls before in a neat pile and wrapped them with brown paper and tied string around it.
"No, I'll take these with me, thank you, Otto." Orion said, his amusement dimming but not fading entirely. Shoving his pouch back in his cloak pocket, and scooping up the books, knowing Otto would keep his word. He wasn't the first person to request privacy on certain purchases.
"You know Otto quite well," Hayden said, having observed them.
"I practically grew up here," Orion said, "Every time I could convince my family to bring me, they even started asking Otto to keep an eye out while they got things done. Otherwise, they would have been stuck here for hours, my parents encouraged my love of reading to an extent." So, yes, he knew Otto well, despite having not seen him for years.
Hayden nodded his understanding, recalling the excitement at the desire to read his new school books. Unfortunately, he hadn't been able to, that summer his trunk was locked away and he couldn't prepare for any of his lessons. He had never really applied himself, but this time…this time he vowed to do so. He would pass nearly all his exams he just had a few he needed/wanted to get a grip on, especially Ancient Runes and Arithmancy.
Considering he hadn't taken any lessons on it; he would have to work extremely hard.
"Do you know where you want to go?" Orion questioned, as they stepped outside.
"Madam Malkins?" it came out as a question rather than a statement.
Orion stared aghast, "Definitely not!" that shop was for regular people who couldn't afford anything better. "I shall Apparate both of us," only after he had Hayden's nod did, he grasp his wrist and Apparate them to England.
"Twilfitt and Tattings?" Hayden questioned; he had probably passed this a dozen times but really hadn't paid much attention.
"They're tailors, the best in business, you should purchase dress robes, then I'll take you to Gladrags wizarding wear, for less formal attires. It won't take any more than five minutes; measurements are taken and you make your requests with them and they send them out to you or you can pick them up at an allotted time." Orion declared, as he opened the door, he wasn't surprised to see two people already being seen to. It was quite popular; the only time Madam Malkins was full was during the summer holidays.
"Heir Orion, was there a problem with your delivery?" he was quickly being seen to.
"No, not at all," Orion said with a reassuring nod, he'd had a few new formal dress robes for Yule. "Lord Peverell here needs fitted for a few formal attires." Turning to Hayden he added, "They don't bite."
"I do," Hayden said with a sweet smile, green eyes gleaming in a way that promised he was going to get Orion back for this. Showing his teeth for a few seconds before turning back to the witch.
Orion barely managed to muffle his amusement, "I'm sure you do," meaning it entirely.
"If you step up here, we'll get your measurements taken, do you have any idea what you'd like? A specific style and colour? Do you prefer your clothes on the tight side? Expanding spells imbued? Colours you want to avoid?"
Hayden just blinked at her, waiting until she was finished, she reminded him of Hermione. "Let me see…if I can remember all those questions," he teased, causing her to flush in utter mortification, before she could apologise, Hayden began speaking, "No I have no idea what I'd like, comfortable fit, I dislike colourful displays, yellow, orange, pink and other ridiculous colours. I prefer darker colours, greens, dark red, blue, the occasional purple, and I do not like entire outfits in the same colour." Shuddering as he recalled Lockhart's and Fudge's robes, they were just over the top.
Orion took a seat, both amused and annoyed by Hayden's teasing, then again, he knew next to nothing about Hayden. He had no idea which gender he preferred, or if he was Bi. He didn't know if he teased everyone, he saw…or if he did it to break the ice without meaning it. there were so many nuances that would be learned over time.
Once the measuring take stopped, Hayden stepped down.
"This is the catalogue of dress robes they make; these are the new ones if you wish to take a look?" Orion suggested, picking up the book, "They are very fine craftsmanship." It was why he'd brought Hayden here, the material he had on was generic. He deserved the best; he may have been raised in a village that didn't offer better as a teenager. He had no hang-ups about educating him about the finer things in life.
"Yes," Hayden agreed looking around at the work being put into current robes on dummies being created for a specific wizard or witch. "They do look amazing, I must admit." Not even Draco had such wonderful robes, but who would buy expensive stuff for their children to go to Hogwarts? Stepping over to Orion, they both looked through the catalogues and Hayden picked out three dress robes he liked the look off but ended up buying six with Orion's suggestions being added.
"No bowties though, I very much prefer ties," Hayden informed them, as she scribbled more information onto her paperwork attached to a clipboard for easier writing.
"Clip-on's or normal?" was asked immediately, they took their jobs seriously and made sure their clients were one hundred percent satisfied with their work.
"Normal," Hayden nodded, he knew how to knot a tie, Arthur had shown him. He would miss him, but he'd get to see Arthur again…he'd get to see all of them again one day. Without the threat/happening of two wars to age them beyond their actual ages.
"Would you like Peverell cufflinks? Tie clasps?" she then asked.
Hayden withheld a sigh, "A set of each, emeralds please," knowing the next question, he could see the clipboard. He had no idea they were jewellers as well, "And that is it I don't require anything else." he was firm but kind. They had probably thought 'MONEY' the second he'd been introduced as Lord Peverell.
"Of course," she replied, giving a nod, "I'll round up the total for you," walking away.
"Five minutes my ass, I ought to shove my foot up your ass," Hayden muttered, in annoyance.
Orion blinked biting his tongue, lips twitching maddeningly, not even having to decide between being insulted or amused anymore. It wasn't proper but he honestly didn't care, he wondered what Tom will make of Hayden if they ever met. As far as he knew, Tom had taken off to Egypt or Romania he couldn't keep track.
"You aren't one for shopping?" Orion asked innocently enough.
"Not really," Hayden admitted shrugging his shoulders, "Wasn't really much of an opportunity. I didn't grow up knowing I had money, and what I did have went on schooling." Feeling a little guilty at all the lies, but what could he do? Go around telling everyone he was from a different time? It wasn't really lying anyway, was it? since he had grown up not knowing about it, and he had been careful with his vault thinking it was all he had, so he usually only bought his school stuff, with leaving a little to get some sweets on Hogsmeade Weekends.
Orion nodded, he supposed that made sense, "Gladrags is easier, you can just collect what you want, there's no measurements involved. They do have a footwear department including a few pairs of Dragonhide boots that will go perfectly with the two robes I recommended." Eyeing the trainers with a look close to immolation.
Hayden laughed catching the look, a wide grin on his face, not many wore trainers, even Hermione preferred wizarding shoes. In fact, when Hermione came to the magical world, she adopted their ways entirely, she'd even used quills and that, despite the fact pens were way better…so had he, he supposed…then again, he knew the Creevy brothers had used pens, wore trainers and their Muggle clothes at the weekend.
Hayden stood up and moved towards the counter where a bill was presented to him. Hayden took out his cheque book and wrote out the amount, who for and signed it. Tearing it from the book he handed it over, tapping his foot impatiently.
"Delivery or pick up? We will have it done by seven o'clock tonight," she informed him, in fact, they'd already gotten to work on his order. Despite it not being a rush order, they wanted to make a good impression so that he would use them again until it became a habit.
"I'll pick it up tomorrow," Hayden told her, putting away the cheque book and giving them a nod.
"We'll see you then!" she said cheerfully as they walked away.
"Gladrags is this way, they have changing rooms so you can try on a few outfits, and perhaps wear one." Orion suggested.
"Subtle," Hayden said with a soft snigger.
Orion said nothing in turn, he hadn't meant to be, he wanted his family to like Hayden and everyone was a snob. Including him really, although he wasn't anywhere near as bad as some of the witches in his family. Nearly everyone else would have gotten offended by this suggestion. If he showed up wearing what he was…they would have something to say, regardless of the fact he'd been hospitalised or not.
He quickly regretted that order masquerading as a suggestion.
The robes he came out wearing…made him look even more breathtakingly gorgeous. The entire outfit went well together, and the way he stood tall, you'd never know he grew up anything but confident in his place in the world…and who knew he maybe did despite the lack of access to his funds.
"Is this suitable my Lord and Master?" he teased him with the same words he'd used while in the hospital.
"Suitable," Orion replied, hiding his reaction. "You clean up very well." Which became more difficult when Hayden actually became bashful as if nobody had ever complimented him before. Which definitely couldn't be true.
"Thanks," Hayden replied, nobody had said that to him, not even when he was all dressed up for the Yule ball. Although, they'd all been teenagers, if he could go back, he definitely would have complimented his date for the Yule ball more. Made her feel a little more special than just a last-minute date. They had been pretty; he wasn't sure how they hadn't had dates themselves. pretty, yes, but Hayden hadn't been particularly attracted to them.
They made one stop and Orion attempted to buy out Fortescue's ice cream shop. He was pretty sure it was a regular thing, since Mr. Fortescue wasn't the slightest bit surprised and asked if it was his 'usual order' Orion had taken a few new flavours for the family to try as well. He supposed it must cost a lot to feed the entire Black family.
After that, Hayden got to see Black castle in all its glory, the neoclassical architecture was mesmerising. There were two sets of vines crawling up the building, each side of the door, and in that section were two large greyhounds with the ivy green background, Greyhounds were part of the Black crest. Although, crows were used a lot in their murals.
"It's beautiful here," Hayden said with breathless wonder, glancing at Orion, the snow just added to it. "Do you even know how lucky you are?" he commented, before looking back at the castle. Was this what Peverell castle would look like? Oh, it would be ever so tempting to live somewhere like that…but such a big place would make anyone feel lonely if they lived alone. Or would it? he had rather enjoyed the Hogwarts castle during the holidays…with less people around.
Orion glanced at the castle; all his fondest memories were here. He spent every Christmas and celebration here. Celebrating births, wedding, significant birthdays, first accidental magical display, the Black's loved a good celebration. "Come on, let's go meet everyone," genuinely excited.
He wanted his family to like Hayden.
Of course, the first thing out of Hayden's mouth when he saw them all around the dinning room table cast that into some doubt.
"Bloody hell, how does anyone tell you all apart?" Hayden gaped at the sight of every single Black staring at him.
They in turn gaped at Hayden and Orion, mostly due to hearing Orion laugh so freely, Charlus joined in, chuffing in sheer delight.
"I like him," Charlus boomed, a big grin on his face, ironically enough, it was exactly what he thought when he first met the family for the first Christmas that he and Dorea began seeing each other.
A/N – If you've not already guessed this is going to be a really slow build story, but luckily the main pairing isn't going to be one of those stories were they're still not to together 100 chapters in LOL it is going to be a world building political story if you're looking for something quick then this story is definitely not for you 😊 I mean seven chapters in its basically still day one for Hayden :D Will Orion ever find out about Hayden's true identity or will that always remain hidden? If he does tell him will they be married before he reveals all or ask for a Vow when they begin dating so that he knows everything and Hayden doesn't need to keep secrets? Or will Hayden just consider this an entire new life and not focus on his past other than missing the others? R&R please!