My Time

Chapter 62

The quartet had chosen a lovely restaurant with private rooms, or rather Orion had suggested where they go. The private rooms were mostly for conferences, parties and interviews. Or even for patrons that desired privacy to have a meal, without the possibility of being photographed and ending up in the newspaper. Or even gossiped about, it was a source of contention at the freedom of the press in both Muggle and the Magical world in the United Kingdom. They were let off with far too much, and it was diabolical. Nowhere ever did what the UK did, which was edging around the rules so that they can safely say they weren't breaking them.

Such as, not using Harry Potter's name in the newspaper while writing articles about him in future. They were skirting around the law without actually breaking it.

"One of your best smoky firewhisky, leave the bottle, a twelve pack of butterbeer anything else gentlemen?" Orion asked, the food had already been ordered. "It's going on my account." He waved off any possible or potential concern they might have. Naturally, Orion was able to automatically get a table. Nobody was going to deny the Black family anything.

They all shook their head, no, they didn't need anything more.

The menus were taken, and the witch bowed in respect, murmuring, "Your meal will be with you shortly." before silently exiting the room to give the patrons the privacy they so desired.

"How is your father doing, Antonin?" Hayden asked the wizard who was twice the size of him, he was very tall and very intimidating. From what Hayden could recall, he was just the same but a little thinner in his Azkaban photo from when they 'broke out' recalling all their pictures, another thing that wouldn't remain the same.

Antonin blinked; he was asking again? He truly was a rather odd one. His acquaintances barely asked him once, even in the beginning. Then he'd be asked very sporadically the rest of the time, perhaps once or twice a year. Yet Hayden had asked him every time they met up and he seemed very genuine. "He's doing well, beginning to allow his friends visitation now that he's not ailing and bedbound. He likes the good weather while he fully recovers. The healers are all abuzz over his miraculous recovery. They want to know what he had done." His father was literally stopping to smell the roses on the trellis outside of his bedroom.

"Naturally your father isn't revealing anything, isn't that correct?" Orion asked, firmly. It was an order masquerading as an order. Orion was rather hoping the Dolohov's hadn't been stupid enough to reveal anything to the healers at St. Mungo's. It wasn't that he didn't want Hayden to be praised for his generosity, he just didn't want it done without his approval. For too long the public had been too interested in his fiancé – even if it was a different timeline – he wasn't going to permit it this time. Hayden didn't want to cater to the public, at least he didn't think so.

Hayden arched his brow, glancing at Orion briefly before turning back to Antonin in silent query.

"We informed them what had heralded his return to health, nothing further." Antonin explained bluntly. "The third scan they did showed exactly what had caused it. I wasn't willing to compromise my father's health by not ensuring he was fully recovered. To do so, naturally, revealed how." The more basic scans did nothing and showed nothing more than surface areas and hurts.

"I did inform Antonin to ensure his fathers health," Hayden interjected into the conversation before anything further could be said. He didn't want it to turn into a tiresome argument with no further conversation. "How is it?" seeking more information.

"My father hasn't been in better health in his life, the aches and pains he's endured in his old age have vanished. The phoenix tears are truly a wonderous invention, and I am in your debt for your aid." The Dolohov family owed Hayden everything, Antonin knew he'd picked the best thing possible for his family and their future in allying him with Lord Peverell.

Hayden barely refrained from rolling his eyes, he got variations of the same answer every time he asked. Although, it was good that he was recovering well. It had likely saved Antonin from going down a dark and evil lonely path. Killing people changed you, well, most people. He thought thinking of Tom. Unfortunately, Tom didn't feel how others did. "Give him my best," was all Hayden said in turn.

Antonin nodded, curious as to why he'd been summoned, was Hayden in need of a lawyer? Perhaps he wanted advice? Or just to know how his father was fairing despite being informed before? "I will. What do you need?" there was no way he was here just to ask about his father, that could have been done in the room.

"Um, nothing?" it came out more of a question than an answer. "Oh, I didn't even think to ask, are you needed for work?" looking rather upset at himself for his oversight.

It was Antonin's turn to give Hayden an odd look, "No, I am not." Even if he was due for that, he'd sworn himself to Lord Peverell, putting him first above all else except family.

"Gryffindors," Tom huffed out in faux annoyance, "He simply truly wished for you to join us, no ulterior motives, for no other reason than he likes you." Which was remarkably odd to Tom, but then seven years in Slytherin at Hogwarts would do that to anyone. Let alone someone like Tom who was already more like any adult Slytherin than child when he was a young boy.

Antonin remained silent, truly astonished that someone actually just wanted to spend time with him. It had been a long time since that had happened, likely back when he was at Hogwarts. He'd been too young for the rest of his co-workers to feel comfortable with inviting out to lunch or to celebrate after a successful case. Not to mention he couldn't drink back then. What free time he had, he usually spent with his father, and that had resulted in people just drifting off.

"There's nothing wrong with Gryffindors, and I wasn't sorted into Gryffindor," Hayden commented icily, eye twitching in annoyance. He didn't want anyone else except Tom and Orion to know about the time-travel. "Here." He whispered so lowly nobody except Orion heard him.

Orion chuckled, Hayden didn't seem to know how things worked in Slytherin, but that was okay. "Just you wait, you'll see." Orion told him amused.

"You forget Alphard and Cygnus are being raised by Potters who are known for being Gryffindors," Hayden pointed out playfully, nudging him. and how that would change everything, James wasn't going to be the only heir of the Potter fortune, so there would be an abundance of Potters in the future – Merlin willing – which eased his heart tremendously. It was good to know the Potter name would continue, despite him not being one, and the name bringing him nothing but horror he didn't want the name to end. Not because he had taken up the Peverell name. He would also never go back on his word, he had been given this opportunity, this fresh start as a Peverell by Ignotus and he would see to it that the Peverell name continued on.

"The horror," Orion murmured, "Truthfully, they're Potters now, unless they elect to go back to using the Black name which is doubtful. That branch of the family is well and truly blackened not even I could put a stop to anything anyone said or did." Oh, they wouldn't say it to his face, but behind his back? Yes, the boys would be treated badly.

Hayden nodded sombrely, "I do think Cygnus could be a Gryffindor, he's so open and affectionate. I've not really had a chance to really know the other little ones but hopefully that will change."

"As long as you don't turn them all into Gryffindors," Orion teased him, causing Hayden to laugh softy, a fond smile appearing on his face. Despite his hectic schedule he had never felt freer in all his life. He reached for Orion's hand under the table, and entwined their hands. Recalling how affectionate Hayden was with Cygnus, perhaps he was right, perhaps his cousin was going to be a Gryffindor. He couldn't mind, he was in love with one.

Naturally, Hayden was unaware that Orion was having similar thoughts. Only they were more than just theoretical when it came to Hayden saving his life. It truly was a known fact, and Orion couldn't wait for the rest of his life, and spending it with Hayden.

"Have you set your exams yet?" Antonin asked, rolling his eyes at the disgustingly affection between the pair. He was happy for them though, never let it be said he wasn't. It was just highly unusual, nobody put on such a display in public, it was seen as a weakness. Honestly, if Orion's parents saw that, there would be hell to pay.

"I'll be setting my OWLs before Yule," Hayden commented, as their meals popped up on their place mats. "I just want to brush up on a few subjects and learn Arithmancy and Ancient runes." Subjects he hadn't taken, and also subjects he hadn't known existed (well they hadn't in his time) and he loved it. He didn't have a whole load of time to read, he was much too busy.

"Which subjects are you going to take your OWLs in?" Tom asked, as he ate the food, still relishing in the taste and the ability to actually eat. It wasn't something easily overcome, growing up in an orphanage lacking the basic essentials that everyone took for granted. He never turned down anyone's offer of food, unless he knew it was pity, then he planned to end them.

"I'm taking my OWLs in Ancient runes, Astronomy, Arithmancy, Charms, Defence against the dark arts, Dark arts, Herbology, History of magic, Potions, care of magical creatures, Muggle studies, Divination, Alchemy and transfiguration." Hayden made a quick calculation before nodding, "Oh, and Apparation, naturally, which I already know so it will be easy." Picking up his spoon, he delighted in the chicken noodle soup, it was delicious.

"Fourteen Owls, that's two more than I accomplished," Tom stated, envy shooting through him. He wasn't used to anyone outperforming him, not at anything. He was intelligent and he wielded that with fierce pride.

"It happens when you've got to choose between what subjects you want to take in school." Hayden said, "Unless you're a favourite of course." Grimacing a little, no doubt Dumbledore would have rather die than let Tom get his hands on a time turner. He could still hardly believe the audacity of the Ministry of magic allowing it for such frivolous reasons of attending more classes. No, not the Ministry, Dumbledore. Too much leeway.

Tom and Antonin couldn't help but frown in confusion over his words. Tom got that it might be a future thing, while Antonin was still largely in the dark about such things. If Hayden had his way, it would remain that way. Not out of distrust, he just didn't want it to get out, even on accident.

"Why have you waited so long to take your OWLs?" Antonin queried, wishing to know, beginning to relax now that he knew this wasn't a work thing or fealty requirement. It was rather humbling really, and he felt gratitude suffuse him. He was by no means a social butterfly, and would never admit he was lonely sometimes, books helped and his job, but he'd miss this sort of interactions.

Hayden thought about how best to answer this one, "I was raised by Muggles aware of the magical world. They weren't best pleased to have been landed with me. They took me in 'out of the goodness of their hearts' and likely the money they'd get for housing me. Despite getting money for me, they didn't spend a single bit of it on me, I got hand me down clothes, nothing I owned was new until I begun to buy my own clothes." Nobody would know just how bad it was, except Orion.

Orion tightened his hold on his fiancé well aware of the abuse he'd gone through. Hayden had gone about saying that in the most respectful possibly way. Oh, he knew why he was sticking to that story, its best to stick close to the truth, deviating when only one must. He was an amazing Slytherin for someone who spent years in the lion's den.

Tom's lips just twitched in amusement, impressed with the fact he was lying through his teeth while actually telling the truth. It took a certain dedication to be able to do that, he should know.

"So, Tom, spill!" Hayden said, almost vibrating in his seat. "What happened at Gringotts?"

Orion shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose, "That information should always be private. You should not be asking people about their monetary affairs." Honestly, he thought Hayden did it on purpose just to see everyone's reactions.

"Oh, no, not that, you forgot something, Orion." Hayden commented dryly, drinking one sip of the whiskey, and it was lovely. "Two squib lines make a magical child. In other words, the Riddles had to be squibs, so not only is he due anything left from the Slytherin line, the Gaunt line, secondary Peverell line, but the now Riddle line."

Orion straightened up, sheepish, "I did forget about that." He confessed. He hadn't thought for a moment about possible other names Tom could have. "I assume the Gaunt name was the best inheritance worth considering?" there was no other reason why Tom would elect to choose the Gaunt name otherwise.

"It would seem the Figg family had an abundance of squibs over the years. The first-born son was sent to the Muggle world along with their manservants who are sworn to be loyal to the Figg family, Bryce, the last one, he's called Frank Bryce a squib also. He changed the family name to Riddle, something to do with the Figg family's penchant for being in Ravenclaw, and having a sphynx as their emblem." Tom said dryly, "That was four generations ago, and since then there had been six squibs, they continued to marry their own family until ultimately Arabella Figg the only heiress of the family was born. She too is a squib, and to add insult to injury infertile."

"Okay, that's actually rather disturbing that you know that," Hayden admitted, he rather felt a little bit sorry for Arabella. Perhaps the cats were there to replace all those children she'd wanted. Either that or Arabella was content and had never wanted children. Animals weren't a replacement for children after all, not really. For some perhaps, but most of the time they were there because the person genuinely had a love of animals.

"Not really," Orion murmured, "As Lord of the family they're always made aware of such things. Arabella shamed the family twice, once being a squib the other is being unable to continue the family. I can only imagine the horror her life would have been before she left. That medical information must have been left there for any eventual Lord that took on the family name." if it had been seven generations ago, she would likely have been killed for the shame of it. They'd rather end the family line than live with the knowledge a squib and an infertile woman couldn't even attempt to do anything good for the family.

Tom shrugged inelegantly; he honestly didn't care. Figg was a minor house, he wasn't going to take that name up before the Gaunt that had a Lordship with it.

"So, you took on the Figg lordship as well?" Hayden enquired, if he knew information about Arabella Figg then it must be the case.

"Technically but I seriously doubt I'll be using it," Tom said dryly, no, he wasn't going to use the Figg name thank you very much.

"And the Riddle fortune? Are you going to buy up the land and actually turn Little Hangleton into a magical area?" Hayden enquired, swallowing the food in his mouth. "I know they sold it off in bits and pieces over the years, but most of it is still belongs to the Riddle coffers, right?" it was the indication he'd gotten from everything he heard but who actually knew? He really should take any information given to him by Dumbledore with a grain of salt.

"Little Hangleton, that is where Marvolo Gaunt was rumoured to have sequestered himself and his son," Orion mused, "I guess there were some truths to those rumours." He'd known they were destitute, but nothing more, he only knew what little his family had mentioned.

"A magical area," Tom said thoughtfully, rubbing his chin, his hair prickling a little as he rubbed, reminding him that he had forgotten to shave again. He was usually well put together, very groomed. His appearance mattered in order to manipulate those around him. Too lost in thought to have noticed what Orion had said, otherwise he would have been tempted to curse him. As much as he loathed his mother, and felt she was a weakling, she still existed.

Hayden hid his smug smirk behind his hand as he ate.

"It would be a good investment; people pay through the roof for the safety of a magical area to live in with their own kind." Orion added, noticing Hayden's reactions, and wondered at the point. Was he attempting to distract Tom or give him purpose or perhaps a little bit of both? "Hayden has already had quite ludicrous offers for a piece of the land within Peverell estate."

"He's not kidding, the amount of money they're throwing about is insane." Hayden commented, before finishing his soup, "That was utterly delicious, I've never tried to make my own before, I think I might though."

The silence that followed that statement was deafening, well, Tom recovered smoothly, since the prospect of cooking and baking his own food wasn't as alien as Orion and Antonin who had grown up with a House-elf at their beck and call. Cooking wasn't even considered a witches' job, or duty. It was something House-elves did.

"I'm surprised you've spoken about your plans where anyone can hear," Tom confessed, "You've been up until the newspaper incident quite unknown, quiet." The books didn't actually factor in, neither did the newspaper article either since it was clearly blown entirely out of proportion and they'd been forced to apologise. It had pleased him immensely to see if he was honest. The tripe that newspaper comes out with was rather tedious.

Their next course came through, roasted chicken with chestnut stuffing, honey glazed parsnips and carrots.

"I haven't, but isn't it common sense when the estate begins to undergo complete renovation and restoration?" Hayden commented idly, "I do like intelligent people who can think for themselves opposed to following the masses." Cutting into the chicken, before taking a bite, he'd yet to try a meal he did not like. They were small portions though, and part of him missed shepherds pie, the Leaky Cauldron made it and it was good, although, Hayden honestly couldn't say there was much in the way of foods he didn't like. Having been starved the majority of his life, well, it was understandable that he just wasn't picky the slightest.

Antonin grunted his agreement, he couldn't stand fools or stupid people, although they frequently went hand in hand really. He did thoughtfully give his own two knuts to the conversation.

"Renovating your manor doesn't mean you're suddenly going to be giving off swathes of your land," Antonin commented, placing his cutlery down on the plate, having finished. Reaching over for a drink of firewhisky.

"True, but it does follow the fact they likely think we're in need of money, the Peverell family has been thought of as defunct for centuries, or so they believed. It's forgotten that females can inherit the Peverell legacy. So, yes, I do wonder if they're going off on the idea I might need the money, thus trying their luck." Shrugging indelicately, just as Tom had hours earlier, something neither had been able to stop. It was one indicator that they were Muggle raised. Purebloods had such 'common despicable manners' ceased in toddlerhood, when they begun to be taught never to show emotion. Never mind the fact it was when they needed to let it out the most.

Truth was Hayden wouldn't need money, he had enough to last him a million lifetimes. Even more so because Hayden wasn't frivolous with his spendings, and naturally the money the books were going to continue to bring in.

"Is Figg a minor house?" Hayden asked, as their dessert popped in, soaking up the alcohol they'd consumed. Pavlova, Hayden had only had that a few times, it was delicious. Added with the dessert…it was decadent, too much was too rich for him through but this small piece was perfect.

"Yes," Orion answered, both Tom and Antonin had their mouths full.

"But strangely enough they have nine votes in the Wizengamot." Tom declared smugly; the name wasn't a total loss. "Which is quite a coop."

Hayden froze, nine seats was quite something, about five more than even major houses had in terms of voting power. No wonder Dumbledore had been 'friends' with the squib. She's brought a use to the Order of the Phoenix nobody knew about, her damn seats. She was a squib and couldn't use them or access the vaults…but the seats…she could have gotten someone to sit in for her. He didn't need a dozen guesses to figure out whom. Then she'd proven more useful indeed, by watching him be abused for years without saying a thing.

Orion gasped, both at the number of seats and the pain of Hayden's nails biting into his flesh. "Nine?" Orion rasped out, causing both Tom and Antonin to give him an odd look. It was a rather dramatic turn for the usually stoic Black heir. Flexing his hand when Hayden finally let his grip lessen, Merlin, that bloody well hurt.

"Don't think your earlier suggestion will deter me from my goals," Tom added, giving him a look, his perfectly coifed hair and smug looks made Hayden want to mess them up.

"Powerful men have likely tried," Antonin replied, recalling Dumbledore's suspicions, and whether he liked it or not, Dumbledore was powerful, so he called him a powerful men opposed to greater men have likely tried as the saying goes. "And failed," Tom was a law onto himself even within Hogwarts.

"Less powerful," Tom sniffed in faux offence.

"May I enquire what goals you wished to see him distracted from?" Antonin asked, pleasantly buzzed, hence why he plucked a butterbeer out of the pack.

"None," Hayden said dryly, which was the truth.

Tom scoffed, "Come off it!" not believing him for a second.

"It's true," Hayden answered pensively, "You're used to ruling Slytherin at Hogwarts because you're Slytherin's heir, and can speak to snakes. Those abilities alone will not see you as revered as you believe."

Tom froze, cocking his head as he observed Hayden, his brilliant mind trying to figure out what he meant.

"The saying you can draw more flies with honey than vinegar is very true in this case," Hayden continued on, drinking another shot of firewhisky. "You can't just take out your wand and curse anyone that displeases you. To make the world you wish to rule, you have to do so within certain parameters of the law."

Antonin arched a brow, silently impressed that Hayden had deduced Tom's usual antics without attending Hogwarts. He kept that part of himself hidden outside of the common room. He was charming, suave and had everyone besotted with him. No, not many got to see the other side of Tom.

"Making changes to the magical world will have you in the newspapers, they will begin associating you with change, a good change. Yes, it can backfire, but it's easy enough to sue them and make them backtrack their bloody articles. So, when you bring up new laws you wish to see passed into the Wizen they will trust that you have good ideology. That the change is a good thing. You'll need to be in this for the long haul, and with Dumbledore guaranteed to be working against us, it will force our hand, to work harder to accomplish our goals. They align more than you can fathom, Tom and we can work together but I will not…how shall I put it…work with you if you still aspire for world domination through pain and slavery."

Antonin choked on the butterbeer, smacking at his chest, inhaling sharply. Shifting slightly, coughing some more until his breathing began to level out. Waving off their concern, astonished in the matter fact way Hayden had just spoken to Tom. Perhaps there was a point to Hayden earlier words, he was in the real world now, not just hidden away at Hogwarts with the rest of them.

Not everyone would stick around, whether out of fear or respect. Correction, not everyone had stuck around, whether they respected or feared Tom. His initial gang had stayed with him, but the others like the Black's, himself and a few notable others like Selwyn had gone about their lives barely keeping in contact with a wizard they had once swore their allegiance to.

"Fascinating," Tom murmured thoughtfully, rubbing at his chin, allies, proper allies working towards a greater future. "What exactly do you believe my 'goals' are? Lord Peverell?"

"I'm not one hundred percent sure at this point in time," Hayden emphasised that statement, "But I do believe that you want to change the laws so that no magical child is ever left in the Muggle world. An orphanage of some kind, perhaps even a local library so that magical knowledge can be shared amongst all with magical blood? To ensure that no magic is banned for stupid idiotic beliefs. I also knew you believed that purebloods were superior and honestly don't get it."

Orion smirked ruefully, "The Blacks and the majority of the magical world are guilty of such belief's as well."

"Even when it's clear half-bloods are far more powerful? That new abilities are being slowly introduced into the wizarding world after decades upon decades of no wizard or witch being found worthy?" Hayden pointed out.

"That has already been proven rather thoroughly," Tom sniffed, disdainfully, he'd read it a dozen times and tried to hypothesise a ground-breaking idea that could refute the claims. "I was admittedly appalled that I couldn't come up with a single counter-argument. Your book and the research that went into it was well thought-out." this was before his Horcruxes were forcefully recalled and absorbed into him.

Hayden smiled, "It had to be, I knew what my audience would be thinking. I knew I had to do this without the ability to refute my work. If I could then I might as well just put all my research in the bin. If there was a single person who could refute it, it would be enough for everyone to consider it nonsense even if everything else was right."

"He barely slept for weeks leading up to it's release, my parents helped him ensure it was fool-proof." Orion sagely commented, even he'd ensured the book was as infallible as it could possibly get. Naturally, he wasn't wanting something published with his name to have errors or refutable ideals.

Tom inclined his head, "That is likely true," agreeing with Hayden, "And you're right, those ideas you mentioned are things I do want to see come to fruition. It would be my pleasure to see them executed."

"Then built a home for wizards and witches without a home, Tom, there are many out there that would die for such a safe heaven." Hayden answered, "You've got the money to accomplish nearly everything you want. All that's left to do is gain political power in the Ministry and the rest will follow."

"And Dumbledore?" Tom enquired, warmth suffusing his soul, the firewhisky was by far the most superior that he'd ever tasted. Abraxas wouldn't be pleased to hear that, but it was the truth.

"What about him?" Hayden asked, turning his attention back to Tom, forgetting entirely what he'd intended to say to Orion.

"What are you going to do about him?" Tom asked bluntly.

Antonin watched the conversation as one would watch a duelling match, back and forth, to see what spell each opponent would cast. Or if they could guess which spell if they did it non-verbally – which nine times out of ten they did – it was a duelling circuit after all.

"Right now? Nothing, he's not a problem." Hayden commented, "I'm going to focus on Headmaster Dippet, so that someone else gets chosen as Deputy Headmaster and that Dumbledore doesn't have a chance of becoming Headmaster. We have a few months before the voting begins for the ICW seat, by then I'll have enough on him that he won't stand a chance."

"Just what exactly will you be able to get on him?" Tom asked, a little bit too imperiously, forgetting he wasn't talking to his 'friends' or Knights.

"Are you forgetting who I am? What I am? I am a Necromancer, last of the Peverell's, and there is no secret I cannot unearth." Hayden said with Tom's usual dramatics, turning the tables on him. "No ghost I cannot summon to answer me, and Dumbledore has his share of ghosts. Understand?" his magic flaring as he made no effort to hide it.

Only when he felt Orion's grip on his wrist did he begin to wind it in again, perhaps he'd been a bit too gallus. Inhaling sharply, he calmed himself, and reeled his magic back in. Upon doing so, the icicles that had formed on the class began to fade. The breath of his companions began dissipate as the coldness left.

"Well, that was dramatic." Tom muttered.

Hayden couldn't help but laugh, the others followed him in their merriment. That was until he noticed the time, "Shit, we're meant to be meeting your uncles in four minutes!" and they were more than just half sloshed. They couldn't safely Apparate, and Floo would be tricky.

"We'll have to be late and get a sobering potion from the apothecary." Orion said, standing up, trying to keep his usual pureblood composure but it was rather comical to see. It was like a drunk man trying to pretend to be sober.

"Lynx?" Hayden called out, almost toppling a bit wondering if the House-elf would answer, given he wasn't technically a Black, merely a guest in their home for the time being. Given the size of his estate he was going to have to find quite a few House-elves to help keep it running when it was time.

A/n – you'll need to forgive my absence for the past two weeks, had a doggo that needed two sets of antibiotics (and painkillers) to get better, and quite frankly I was a bloody wreck at the thought of what would need to happen next. Scans of his kidneys and bladder etc…I guess we've found my Achilles heel, I just couldn't write, felt sick and constantly fretted. However, I am pleased to say that the two sets of antibiotics did the trick! Yay! I swear I might have the only dog that's more vocal when he's well than when he's not 😊 hehe ah, they're worth all the worry I know 😊 thank you all so much for your patience, you're all awesome! Take care everyone Read & Review! (a load of The Contract chapters are up next on the schedule 😉)

So, will Orion and Hayden visit Orion's uncles while completely sloshed amusing them? Or will they visit entirely sober? 😉