My Time

Chapter 20

The House-elf admirably performed his duties, despite the fact the family was having a collective break down. They were being the families rock, in their time of need. Continuing on with their duties as they always did, keeping things running smoothly. They did bicker back and forth on whom was going to interrupt the family to inform them that lunch was served. They were well aware that the contract was laid across the entirety of the table. Obstructing the spell from acting, there were two tables, one hidden in the elf kitchen, and one out in the main kitchen. They put the spread on the one kitchen and it transported easily upstairs.

Or it normally was easy, but they couldn't spell everything up, not if there was something else spread out across the table. It interfered with the spell, that and even if it didn't, they weren't exactly keen on angering their Masters by sending the food up and propping it on what might end up being important paperwork or some such.

It did not help that Lady Melania had been trying to curse the contract to hell and back as well. Mostly using an impressive wide variety of spells that produced fire. From the simple 'Incendium' to 'Ignis' she was spitting mad, but luckily for all concerned, she didn't try Fiendfyre. Now that would have just caused them to lose their home and everything in it, the contract would have been on the floor unmarred when the rest of the area reduced to ashes.

Including the people if one didn't know how to use it properly.

Eventually the contract was snatched away so that the food could be brought up, not that anyone moved to plate anything. The House-elves had been smart enough to use foods that won't get cold. Sandwiches, crisps, tea, coffee, cheese platter, fruit platters and even a selection of nuts. Way too much food for six people to eat, hell, even too much for eight people to eat.

As uncomfortable as Hayden felt, there was no way he was going to leave Orion right now. The wizard was reeling over the information that had just been presented to them, when he removed the magic upon the contract. Clearly Pollux had taken the original contract, worked with the Black family lawyer, imbedded added addendums into the contract, concealed them, handed it back and let Arcturus sign it despite the devastation it was going to leave in its wake. Trusting that his lawyer spoke the truth about it being 'safe' to sign, not even suspecting his brother of anything nefarious no matter how much he liked to complain.

Arcturus had been so close to his remaining siblings; Marius' loss had been difficult to endure. With so many siblings, knowing who had done what piece of magic hadn't been possible. Not really at any rate, and when came the Hogwarts letter time. Nothing had come for Marius and that had been the first true heartache that Arcturus had known.

He would never have thought his brother…could do something so heinously evil. Merlin, how could he do this to his own nephew? Gritting his teeth, he bared them angrily, frustration mounting. The calming draught was evidently beginning to wear off. Given the extent of his anger it was hardly surprising it was having to work double time to calm him. he was heartbroken that Pollux could do that to him, but Merlin, his son, oh, he could kill Pollux for what he'd done to his son alone.

Arcturus pressed his face into his wife's hand, seeking comfort where it could be found. It was humiliating that he was reacting this way in public. It had never happened to him before…then again, something like this had never happened to him before. How dare Pollux do something so unforgivable. "I'll kill him! I'LL BLOODY WELL KILL HIM AND THAT WILL PUT A STOP TO THE BLASTED CONTRACT!" he snarled out, panting outrageously fast as he unleashed his fury at the unsuspecting group.

The door opening had them all stiffening, it was time they were here.

"It's me!" Lucretia called out, sounding chipper and cheerful, "Mother, where are you?" wandering into the kitchen with a hand full of bridal magazines and books. She froze in shock, seeing everyone standing around looking as if their favourite person was just gone. She paled herself, assuming the worst, "Grandfather? Grandmother?" panic beginning to get the better of her as she dropped the magazines and books onto the nearest surface grey eyes wide.

"They're fine," Orion reassured her, his voice subdued.

Lucretia blanched when she got a good look at her younger brothers face, what the ever-loving hell was going on? narrowing her eyes, her protective tendencies rising to the fore, "What's going on? Who do I need to curse?" as she always said when she saw her brother upset, not that it happened often, Orion was just that good.

Orion grimaced, trying to smile but it was an awful imitation, in the end he just shook his head, no, there was no point to souring her mood.

"I'm sorry, honey, can we reschedule?" Melania asked, genuinely regretful, she was getting to help her daughter plan her big day! Of course, she was going to be beyond excited about it. They had only narrowed down the list some! Which wasn't good at all, they had to begin making progress her wedding was in June. Six months away, and it would take at ages for her wedding dress to be created.

"Sure," Lucretia asked, glancing between her family members, lips pursed as she observed them. "What's going on?" she needed to know what on earth was going on right this bloody minute. She wasn't going to be left out. "Look my wedding isn't more important than family, what's going on?" and it was true, as much as she loved her betrothed…she had been raised on the knowledge that family always came first before all else.

"Are you sure?" Melania asked, staring at her daughter, brushing her hand through her daughter's hair which was all done up lovely. She was testing out different hairdos to see which one she liked the best for her wedding, once a month.

"Yes," she declared firmly, staring around still, silently demanding answers, slightly surprised to see Lord Peverell here, her father was in bits for Merlin's sake! She'd never seen him like that before, yet there was someone here getting to see it?

"Here, these have been found magically concealed attached to your brother's marriage contract to Wally." Cedrella Weasley explained, handing over the contract she had snatched a few minutes ago. Melania had done a very good attempt in utterly destroying her kitchen table, but ultimately failed.

"What?" Lucretia asked befuddled, taking the contract, glancing at her father. There was no way he would be caught out like that. Not only did he check himself, but the family lawyer would have spotted any hidden addendums. Humming she glanced down at the contract and her gaze narrowed in on all the addendums that were highlighted in bright red. She blanched at the sight of them, gaping in shock, not very lady like. "Oh, no," her stomach churning, "Is there any on mine?" fearing she had been duped as well.

Arcturus and Melania glanced at each other, "It's very doubtful, Luce," her father was quick to reassure her. "This has only happened because my brother wants to take over the Black estate." He was grateful that Pollux had no interest in his daughter simply put. Otherwise, he dreaded to think what sort of clauses he could have potentially put in. Then again, he had nothing to do with Luce's contracts, if he had expressed any interest, it would have had alarm bells ringing. He was part of Walburga and Orion's contract so it had been a natural progression when he gave his own input.

"Family? The last say when it comes to family?" Lucretia asked, looking rather grim, that doesn't sound good at all. "Well, I must say I'm glad I'm going to be taking on the Prewitt name…I have a feeling I won't be part of the family soon." she was engaged to marry a Prewitt after all, and it wasn't a family Walburga approved off, if her rants and raves were to be believed.

It spoke volumes when her mother and father said nothing, only glanced at each other in quiet shock. They had only been seeing the immediate picture, not what was inevitably going to happen. It made Arcturus want to weep some more. What was going to happen to their family? What had he done? What had condemned his family too?

Melania left her daughters side, and gripped her husband tightly. Merlin, help them all, her husband wasn't going to survive this. The thought of anything happening to him was terrifying. She didn't want to lose him to this, there had to be a way to get out of this contract without it having them all in ruin.

Harry's green eyes glimmered with sympathy; she was a very astute young witch he'd say that for her. She was indeed one of the many Walburga decided didn't deserve to be in the Black family. Same went for Cedrella who was already a Weasley at this point. Hardly anyone would survive the purge Walburga would perform on her family, from what he could recall. A great many of them were witches though, already married so it hadn't affected them as much. They were married with new names, and had husbands bringing in money and raising their children – at least those who chose to have them or could – they were a family with or without children regardless.

"That won't happen," Arcturus declared, shaking his head, "No, it won't happen. I'll make sure if it, understand?" he had never been unable to keep his word to his children, and he refused to let this be the one time he did. He couldn't do it; it was just beyond horrifying to contemplate.

"I think I'd be stricken as well," Cedrella agreed, despite Arcturus' words, she didn't believe it even if Lucretia and Orion held steadfast belief in their father despite the overwhelming odds. Or at least she'd thought so until she saw Orion's bleak gaze. He definitely didn't believe his father could fix this, and a glance at Lucretia indicated that she had her own doubts she couldn't quite successfully hide behind her masks.

Hayden said nothing, although if anyone had been paying attention to him, they would have realized something was up. Especially the looks on his face that suggested that they were quite right. Hayden luckily could have claimed he knew through his gifts, which would come in handy to him over the years. He honestly wasn't sure why he was still here, but he'd feel like shit if he left Orion who looked devastated.

Had they figured all this out the last time? Or just accepted it all? Pollux had been the Lord of the Black estate for all of a few days really. Popped his clogs before Orion and Walburga had returned from their honeymoon. Then it had gone to Orion who was nothing but a puppet when you looked at all the clauses and magic imbued within the contract. Did they know the moment Orion signed the contract they'll accept everything? Never question it despite the fact that's all they would have wanted to do?

Harry knew Arcturus had outlived his wife by decades, outlived both his children and grandchildren before succumbing to deaths warm embrace. It had been a relief at that point, for Arcturus Harry reckoned. Watching the fall of the Black family, unaware that he played a pivotal role in its decline. yet still watched the family ruin. Between his son's death, Sirius' imprisonment, the Lestrange's imprisonment, including Bellatrix's, Andromeda's disownment, the only one that came close to making Arcturus 'proud' was Narcissa and even the Malfoy name had been in ruin. He must have been green with envy that Nymphadora had the Black family gift especially with an incursion of new blood into the family.

Lucretia slumped down on the stool, reading over the contract, with a feral intensity as if looking for an out clause. Her gaze just reading over and over the lines of the contract that had been well constructed, Merlin only knows how long Pollux had been planning this to get everything so perfectly sorted to a T.

Hayden began to put a few things on Orion's plate, nudging him as he did so. "You need to eat, that's twice this week you've barely eaten anything that I know about." he could see the slight weight falling off Orion, it made him look gaunt, and it was not an attractive look. Not that Harry cared about attraction, he cared about the person.

Melania eyed Hayden Peverell out of the corner of her eye, watching his interactions with her son. Her son who could barely tolerate his own parents worries, yet he didn't just tolerate the young man's but seemed to relax into it. Her eyes subtly widened in wonder and shock. The way they were touching, she had been right, there was more to them than met the eye.

"I can't find a way out of this…Uncle Pollux isn't going to get away with this is he?" Lucretia asked, her grey eyes piercing and like all members of the family showing when they were extremely pissed off. Giving them an icy, blue colour instead of their grey.

"Of course, he is," Orion said blankly, "Short of disowning ourselves, there is nothing that can be done."

"Now, Orion, do not do anything hasty!" Arcturus cautioned fearfully, Merlin, his son wasn't considering that was he? Then again, it probably seemed like a good way out of it in all honesty. "Promise me, son, promise me!" knowing if his son gave his word, he would keep it.

"I don't know if I can, father," Orion revealed honestly, "What other option do I have?" marry Walburga and live under those spells for the rest of his life? He'd be nothing, a puppet, a blank slate for them all to use…he couldn't do it. His hand gripped Harry's trousers, he just couldn't do it, not when he actually had something to lose. Merlin, it hurt to think about it…about disowning himself…he'd rather die…or he'd always thought so…now well, things were vastly different from what his thoughts had always been.

"Promise me!" Arcturus demanded; his voice just little lower than a roar.

"Calm down," Melania said tearfully, "Orion, please promise us? Please?" Merlin, if he didn't stop, she feared her husband was going to expire on the spot. He was trembling minutely, she could feel it, Merlin, she prayed something could be done. Otherwise, this truly was going to destroy the family. Oh, Pollux why had he done this? Was it worth destroying the entire family? For what? What did he want? He had more money than he'd spend in a single lifetime!

Hayden squeezed Orion's shoulder, nudging him again, trying to be unobtrusive as possible. Hayden knew it wasn't going to be the father that gets ill over this, it was going to be Melania. Arcturus ended up having quite a long life, never accepting visitors, not even his own son, then a House-elf announced Arcturus' death.

They all thought Pollux was destroying the family, and they were right…they probably couldn't fathom the devastation he'd leave in his wake.

"Alright, I won't do anything, for now," Orion sighed, giving in, knowing what Hayden wanted him to do, "At least I won't do anything without talking to you about it." it was just delaying the inevitable though, wasn't it? how could they get around this? Either way his father was going to lose the Lordship, and if he didn't marry Walburga as planned it's likely Pollux will disown him.

"Thank you," Melania moving to gripped her son's hand in gratitude. Noticing just how close Orion and Hayden were, and in company too. She didn't dare to draw attention to just how improper it was. She had never seen her son quite so content before. Even with the news that had just landed a devastating blow to them all.

"Mother, there really isn't a way out of that contract," Lucretia her gaze filled with a mixture of fury, devastation and sadness. She knew her brother, she knew him well if he had gotten it into his head to disown himself (which was very different from being disowned) he would do it if he felt he had no choice. Wiping the tear that ran down her face, she, uncaring of their guests, removed her shoes and padded around the kitchen and hugged her brother tightly. "We'll figure this out," she vowed, "You'll always be my brother." She didn't care about disownment or anything, Orion would always be precious to her, even if she ended up disowned too.

Hayden had stepped back as the witch approached their side of the table. He swallowed and glanced away from the scene, envious in a way that most people didn't understand. He'd always wanted a family, and the Dursley's hadn't been that for him. He'd grown up with Dudley but he hated him. they may have grown up in different sides of the world for Merlin's sake. But to have that sort of sibling love? It would be amazing. It was so very tender and loving. If he were to have a family it would definitely be more than one and close in age. Like Lucretia and Orion. It made him feel sick to his stomach what Pollux had done to that relationship as well as everything else. Lucretia must have thought Orion agreed…he wouldn't have told her otherwise; the marriage contract would have made him very susceptible to both Pollux for the short time he was alive after the wedding and Walburga.

Merlin, it made what he'd read in Orion's journal even more heart-breaking.

"Would killing Pollux change anything?" Lucretia asked, a sudden tense alertness to her.

Orion froze at that pronouncement, "Don't you dare," he never wanted to see his sister in Azkaban, not even doing something on his behalf. Not even to save the Black family from its own destruction. Azkaban was a cruel, harsh and horrifying place, most of the inmates didn't deserve to be in there.

"But it would free you," Lucretia grumbling, over the looks she was getting from her family.

Harry cocked his head in surprise, he'd never heard her mentioned by anyone. Not the Weasley's, not the Prewitt's not even Sirius. The only one that mentioned her was Orion in his journal on her birthdays. Nobody had spoken of her strength of character, her protective tendencies and her clearly loving nature. It was difficult to contemplate the massive family he just saw over Yule become so distant that they never saw each other. Or were families normally just not as close?

"Never at your expense," Orion told her, his eyes soft as he gazed at his sister, who was four years older than him. She'd always been very protective of him, in fact, when he began his training, it had broken her heart to see her happy little brother become stoic. It didn't stop their closeness though.

"…the second time I've been called like an errant child!" Sirius grouched as the House-elf Apparated them to what sounded like the living room. "Twice! This my son, better be good…now where the blasting hell is he?"

Hayden laughed softly, finding amusement in it, giving them an apologetic look only to find that same strained amusement on their faces. Unfortunately, it wasn't long lasting at all. Merlin, he was so tired, all tis emotional upheaval had him very drained.

"Kitchen most likely," Hesper rasped out, they could practically hear the eyeroll from where they stood.

"No, really?" Sirius grumbled.

"Sarcasm doesn't become you, dear," Hesper replied in thinly veiled amusement.

"Have you not met me?" Sirius asked, teasing his wife.

Harry smiled at the gentle teasing, he wasn't the only one, "Do we have to tell them?" came Cedrella's voice.

"You want to be the one to tell Hesper later?" Lucretia pointed out darkly, "She won't understand why her own husband isn't reacting to things the way he usually would." Which had them paling, they hadn't thought of that at all. It made Melania's stomach shrink in fear, killing Pollux only saved the Wizengamot seats…the rest of it would still happen.

"How do we tell them that their own son…" Melania trailed off, glancing at the sink, trying to gauge whether she was going to be sick. She rather hoped not, not in front of guests. She needed a drink, she needed fortification for this. "I'll be right back." With that she went down into the kitchen. Normally she got a House-elf to do anything she needed, but right now she just needed to move.

"Since my gift proved useless…I am not needed here…" Septimus promptly reminded them that he was still there, that guests were still present. "We left the boys with my mother." Who wasn't quite so able to get around after two very active boys.

"Of course, as you wish, no doubt you want to head home to your sons," Arcturus gave a grim smile, which was just his lips moving in what probably looked more like a grimace. Beautiful lads with grey eyes and red hair, boisterous and cheeky. Bilius and Edison, close in age, its' something Cedrella had wanted, she was very lucky to have had two boys, very lucky indeed.

"I can stay?" Cedrella queried, as her husband said his goodbye's.

"No, you head home to your boys," Arcturus said softly, "Both of you, I apologise for my…earlier conduct." Still intending on getting them an apology gift, thoroughly ashamed of himself. He'd never acted in that manner before in his life. His eyes sharpened, betrayal and anger both vying for the top spot.

"It's entirely understandable," Septimus Weasley's voice was soft with sympathy and understanding. It was true enough; he did understand the extreme reaction. He had a brother and he couldn't imagine what Arcturus was going through, but the betrayal of it…would be devastating right to the bone.

Cedrella and Septimus made their way out of the kitchen, making for the living room. Greeting the elder Black's informing them everyone was in the kitchen from the lobby. It didn't even take a few more seconds before Hesper and Sirius were standing at the entrance of the kitchen, and the swoosh of the Floo Network letting them all know that Cedrella and Septimus had successfully left the house.

"What's going on, lad?" Sirius demanded of his son, eyes narrowed in on his son, noticing everything, he had no doubt his wife was doing the same. Both elder Black's padded further into the room, the two seats moving for them as they sat down.

Lucretia slid into a seat next to Orion, both of them remaining quiet, allowing their parents to do this. Orion still had a grip of Hayden as well preventing him from unobtrusively getting away.

Hayden had been through quite a few difficult – and not to mention awkward – situations in his life. The Longbottoms in St. Mungo's and seeing Neville and Neville seeing them the most prominent one.

Arcturus gathered his scattered wits, grateful for the calming draught, for without it…he did not like to think how he'd be acting. He'd terrified Septimus and Cedrella, the poor things, they couldn't have gotten away from his home quicker if they tried. He was startled out of his musing by a glass being put in front of him. You really shouldn't drink with potions usage, but he didn't care one whit right now. He needed that drink.

"I really should get going…" Hayden tried again. Honestly, the Black's had attached themselves to him like barnacles, and he knew it was just them being polite and thinking he was a lost little duckling. A pureblood denied his own birth right. If he had been anyone other than a Peverell…he doubted they'd have paid even one iota of attention to him.

"Stay," Orion demanded, his tone resolute.

Hayden narrowed his eyes in annoyance, "This is a family matter," unobtrusively trying to get Orion to ease his grip so he could actually step back.

"I think that would be best…" Sirius declared the second 'family matter' was stated.

"He stays," Orion's tone was curt and serious, not even slightly apologetic over the shock that bloomed in his grandfather's gaze. He had never spoken to his elders this way before, but given the fact the family was going to scattered into the winds, what did it matter? He was being disingenuous he knew; he was still reeling and angry in a way he hadn't been leaving Peverell estate. Seeing the rest of those messages bared to the rest of his family in all their horrible glory.

"Orion…" Sirius said in warning, he might not be Lord Black, but by the gods he would not allow himself to be spoken to thusly. Not by his own grandson, heir or not.

Hayden stared, unable to get over just how much this Sirius resembled his namesake, he had truly been named appropriately. Even if Sirius and Regulus would have been in danger of never being born…he couldn't allow this marriage to happen. Nobody deserved this to happen to them, let alone Orion…who he was already very attached to.

"He stays," Orion declared.

"What on earth is going on with this family?" Hesper demanded to know; the disrespect rankled her. She was Lady Black; unlike the Lord's they retained their Lady status. While the wizards passed on their titles at the expense of keeping it.

"The family might not be a family for much longer," Melania told Hesper, causing the witch to straighten up in alarm.

"What does that mean?" it was Sirius who spoke again, bewilderment written across his face.

Sitting forward, Arcturus began to explain everything that had been found out in the past twenty-four hours. Naturally, Sirius had been in denial to begin with, his son would not do such a thing. Hesper more so, since she'd always had a soft spot for her youngest child. Unfortunately, the contract wiped away any other doubt, for they knew it was Arcturus or themselves that done it, it only left two others, who could be responsible for it.

The surge of adrenaline that coursed through Sirius masked the pains he had while stalking around the kitchen like a raging bull. Furious over Pollux's actions. The urge to disown his traitorous son was so strong, how could he do that? To his own family? Hesper had remained quiet, mute, it hurt so dreadfully much to know what her son had done to his own father, to his brother, his nephew. Not to forget everyone else it would impact.

All the hours of speculation, the how, the why, nobody could come up with an idea on how to deal with it. Eventually Orion, Harry and Lucretia were sent out the room. Lucretia tried to listen for a few seconds before realizing they'd put up silencing spells before rolling her eyes, giving Orion and Harry a look that he couldn't begin to decipher before she silently went upstairs, winking at her brother with a devious grin, like her mother, noticing something the rest of the Black family had overlooked.

"Come with me," Orion sighed, a tense weariness around his eyes and shoulders. They followed Lucretia upstairs, until she entered her own bedroom and Orion led the way to his own. He didn't lead Hayden to just his bedroom, but up onto the roof. "It's my favourite place to be." he confessed, climbing up feeling as if he had the weight of the world on his shoulders.

Hayden followed him up, staring up at the crisp clear sky. Less pollution made the world seem vaster and much more unlimited.

"Grimmauld Place is in that direction," Orion told him, gesturing towards north of their current location. "And Black castle is over there, with a pair of omnioculars you can actually see the flag we have up. Normal ones can't see through the magic."

"They're not called omnioculars in the Muggle world," Hayden corrected him wryly, staring out at the beautiful night, he felt quite at peace. "They're called binoculars."

"Odd name," Orion said with a sneer, how he detested muggles. "Then again, they're weird things." Staring around him as if smelling something repugnant. Watching the Muggles kicking a ball in the street, watching the Muggles putting the bins out, then listening to the muggles next door getting into an argument which started because of some washing in the sink.

It caused Hayden and Orion to laugh softly, ruefully shaking their heads. Some of the words they used baffled Hayden, but it was a different time, so it made sense.

"As I said weird," Orion stated, imagine arguing about something so stupid.

"It really isn't actually," Hayden murmured, peering into the kitchen window. "They can't just flick their wand and make everything clean or have a house-elf do it."

"What the…" Orion sitting up straighter, watching his father stalk out of the house, down the garden and stop at the boundaries before Apparating away. "Oh, no…" what was his father up to? Where was he going?

Hayden watched impassively, having a fairly good idea on where Arcturus was going.

The Black reputations precedes them after all, only a fool would dare to go against them.

"Who is the family lawyer?" Hayden asked staring at the space where Arcturus had been moments ago.

"Isaac Burke," Orion told him not without a great deal of bitterness. If he had just done his job nobody would be in this situation right now.

"As in Herbert…" Hayden wincing so family even if only by marriage.

"Yes, he's Herbert's older brother," Orion nodded, Caractacus' grandchildren, Isaac had yet to have a child. When he died – and he would – the estate would go to Herbert and through Herbert, Crux, who was the eldest of the three siblings. They were his third cousins, but really, they were just 'cousins' to him.

"He'll soon be a, was," Hayden said wryly, he didn't need to 'see' anything death related to know that.

"I need you to…" Orion was quick to say.

"Yeah, yeah, I know, keep my mouth shut," Hayden said before Orion could even get the full sentence out. Thinking back on his experience in Borgin and Burkes. Was Isaac Burke the one he was used to dealing with? Mr Burke from the shop? "Isaac…does he have a tattoo on his neck, you know, right here." Touching the side of his face. "A rune?" Harry could barely make out Orion's surprised features in the dark before he got a reply.

"That's right, he does," Orion sounded as surprised as he actually was. "He's a soundly unpleasant wizard. Herbert is completely different from the rest of his family. They have no honour; they buy items from the desperate for a pittance of it's worth and sell it for its real value." Giving Hayden a curious look, did the wizard had no idea what was going down? He had a feeling Hayden did know and just didn't care which was baffling.

Hayden nodded, sounded about right, must be the same guy still running it in his time. He knew Tom Riddle worked there because it had quite frankly the biggest collection of Dark Arts books in the world. And there was nothing more, that Tom wanted, was to expand on his knowledge, looking for more power, more anything, in order to be the best. To help what would become his 'cause' only to fall into the pureblood dogma trap and remain there.

"Couldn't happen to a nicer guy," Hayden said derisively, Merope in sheer desperation had sold the only valuable she had left. The pendant that once belonged to Salazar Slytherin, getting a pittance of it's true worth and he sold it for a fortune. Heavily pregnant at the time.

Yeah, he deserved everything that was coming to him, money it seemed was more important than anything else in the world to the man.

Arcturus reappeared outside the main Burke property in Knightsbridge. That seven-bedroom property along with a shop in Knockturn Alley was all the Burkes had left. They hadn't managed themselves well at all, and had gotten themselves into rather severe debt. From what he knew they'd paid off their debts but had left them with limited funds.

Stepping through the wards, his presence concealed with a few spells. Regardless, he was welcomed into the estate, they were 'family' after all. Isaac should never have allowed him free access to the property.

It would be one of his final regrets, Arcturus thought, eyes narrowing in on the townhouse. Just then the feel of the pitter patter wetness of rain began to plop down atop his head.

Flicking his wand up, a dome shield in a circular shape raised up ahead as he non-verbally cast his spells. It wouldn't do for his magic to be detected here now, would it?

He'd messed with the wrong family.

Murderous grey eyes looked through rain-soaked vision, as he walked towards the door. He didn't need to worry about any partners, since Isaac didn't have anyone. Herbert would be home with his own wife and Elizabeth would be with her own husband.

He didn't want anyone else but Isaac to pay, but he wasn't going to allow anyone to blackmail him or worse, live with the knowledge hanging over his head.

He was not going to Azkaban for Burkes death.

Moving he turned the handle, and it opened, his lips curling into a sneer. Pathetic, he couldn't help but think, imagine leaving himself so vulnerable as the charmed umbrella disappeared. Even he had more than just the meagre wards this idiot had on his property. Even he had, as if he wasn't paranoid about his family's safety. It made it easier for him, but it didn't mean he liked it.

Silently closing the door behind him, his murderous thoughts showing on his face. The place he noticed, was going to the dogs, he realized in disgust. The rugs were dirty and worn, dusty walls, with marks, holes in the doors, scuffs along the flooring.

The animals had been sold, and the House-elves along with them. They're 'free' to keep, but you did need to see to their upkeep, health and such. They were also worth quite a decent amount of coin.

The house was in darkness, from the outside and likely the inside it seemed. Arcturus was almost about to give in, thinking Isaac was either at Pollux's or maybe the Leaky Cauldron? Or in his office working, much as he detested it now, Isaac was an excellent worker, it was probably what staved off bankruptcy and total ruin.

That's when he saw the glow of the oil lamps under the doorway, there, he was in an office at the back of the property. Instead of opening the door, Arcturus flicked his wand and non-verbally had the door disappearing entirely, the less amount of noise he made the better.

As soon as he stepped in, the door reappeared, there he was, Isaac Burke, bent over paperwork hard at work. Merlin, just looking at him made him want to kill him desperately. Another shield to stop any magic from getting out of the room. He cleared his throat, unable to curse him from behind, he wasn't a coward.

"BLOODY HELL! ARCTURUS! You didn't half give me a fright," Isaac jumped and spun around in his chair, hand over his heart, wand up under his chin as he clutched his chest in fright. His relaxed demeanour vexed Arcturus immensely, not seeing him as a threat. Already re-sheathing his wand, straightening up, "What's the matter?" realizing it wasn't a social call.

Number one, Arcturus would have demanded his presence, two, he would have Floo called or sent a House-elf. He would never come on his own, either that or they'd set a meeting as normal within a few days to meet and discuss whatever needed to be discussed.

"Crucio!" Arcturus snarled, his hand movement so swift that Burke didn't even get a chance to twitch his finger before the spell hit him in the chest with speed and flare. Grey eyes gleaming with malice

The wizard arched and bodily shuddered before he and the chair fell sideways. The screaming surely should have woken every Burke ancestor buried in the Burke cemetery. The look off shock on his face brought nothing but satisfaction to Arcturus' face.

Releasing the spell, he watched with fascination as Isaac panted outrageously, his face red, entire body spasming in agony. "W-w-what?" he stuttered out, eyes cloudy with confusion and such surprise. Staring up at Arcturus mind filled with buzzing barely able to coherently think never mind try to figure out what had happened.

"Crucio!" Arcturus recast the spell his wand still safely ensconced in his pocket.

The screaming and writhing began again, it didn't even take the edge off of Arcturus rage. He could do what he liked to Isaac but he wasn't sure what the hell to do about his own brother and niece. Letting it go, again after two minutes, knowing better than to leave it on too long.

"W-w-why?" Isaac asked, curled up in foetal position, the pain rippling through his body.

Arcturus snarled, "You dare ask me that?!" waving his hand and Isaac shot into the air, and a scream left his lips as electric currents zapped through his convulsing body. "After what you've done?!" furious at thew wizards sheer unmitigated gall. How could he have the audacity to actually ask why? His magic was imbued within the contract, he knew, they were both his and Pollux's amendments that much was clear.

His hand fell against his leg, causing Isaac to cease moving for a second before he fell with the full force of gravity helping him along, onto the floor. The wood splintered at the full force of his fall, and the sound of more than one bone breaking was clearly heard in the silent room.

The second the breaking was head, the screaming renewed, "Mercy, Arcturus, mercy," the wizard wheezed out, eyes filled with tears staring up at the wizard in clear terror.

Now this pleased Arcturus immensely, finally, finally a reaction he wanted to see. He wanted him to die knowing pain, sorrow and regret.

"You shouldn't have messed with the Black family," Arcturus declared coldly, walking forwards him, "Fervo!" waving his hand, he didn't need wand movements, that old was required when you had a wand. Kneeling down as Isaac's blood began to boil, turning the wizard's skin a red hue. "All for what? More money? I sincerely hope it was worth it." he wasn't going to get a single Knut more.

Jerking back and standing up swiftly, "Legilimens!"

"You want to what?" Isaac asked Pollux in incredulity.

"Don't look all shocked," Pollux replied, rolling his eyes, eyeing the lawyer knowingly. "I know you're unhappy with the way Arcturus is running things. Disregarding your ideas on bringing even greater fortune to the Black family…I certainly wouldn't lessen your contributions…led by a generous free."

"How generous?" Isaac questioned, gaze intently narrowing in on Pollux speculatively. No protestations, no warnings, just a flat out question on how much was to be gained about this venture.

"A 17% rise," Pollux replied, sipping his whiskey, "With the stipulation you earn at least one million a year for the Black estate. Any losses will come out of your wages."

"Agreed," Isaac said greedily, that would take his pay to a whopping 40% it was nearly a double pay rise. "If he ever gets wind of this…" whistling at the thought, it did make a slither of alarm run up his spine. Arcturus was scary when he was wound up.

He was wrong, Arcturus wasn't just scary, he was beyond terrifying.

"You willingly betrayed me," Arcturus declared, his face a chilling blank look on his face as he ominously stared down at Isaac. "And so, you have chosen death." He wasn't coerced, manipulated or blackmailed into it.

A/N – Okay, guys sorry it took so long for this chapter even with a document keeping track of my stories it appears I can still screw up. I totally, completely screwed up and I've edited it to reflect the new way the story was going. Pollux isn't Arcturus' brother, they're cousins, I think…second cousins in the original? Either way, I've accidentally had two families merged together and within a few chapters to! Talk about embarrassing. I've changed it to reflect them being brothers (less to edit and I kinda want it that way) so win-win.

This chapter was so stubborn, refusing to be written until this afternoon when I finally figured what the problem was…I was making the Black's too nice, if someone betrayed them in such a way they'd end up dead…especially if they aren't family so I realise what I had to do and boom it wrote itself 😉 funny thing muses! Quite a few plot bunnies running amok in my head, Harry breaking the contract with a simple spell? Calling on lady magic and having her remove it...or death himself appearing before the Black family Hayden is a Peverell and has the Necromancy gift even if he's NOT the Master of Death or immortal or anything like that! so A B or C? R&R please!