My Time

A/N – The Contract has been removed from this site, but can still be read (and continue to be updated) on archive of our own (A03) I have an account over there under the very same name. I'm still getting messages about it so I'll be posting this on all my stories in hopes of reaching them to let them know x

Chapter 69

Orion reluctantly shook Hayden's shoulder. He really didn't like to do it, Harry needed more sleep, he'd barely had any these past days. Not since the whole thing with Cuffe. It wasn't solely to do with trying to take off his latest business either. The fact someone had taken his blood so easily had scared Hayden immensely. He hated the fact he could do nothing to reassure his fiancé, the only relief they felt was the fact there wasn't enough blood taken to do anything else. In fact, they both felt that relief, as a Black he knew what kind of rituals one could use with blood. Then Hayden, well, he knew what could be done as well as he'd been the victim of one, blood of the enemy. Every single person that Voldemort had killed, Harry felt responsible for. He'd said he knew something was happening, but he'd still let Cedric take the cup, still participated, if he hadn't then maybe Cedric would have still survived and Voldemort may not have returned.

Orion had asked Hayden if he wanted him to kill Tom, there was still time after all, which much to Orion's happiness had somehow eased Hayden and made him laugh. Then pout naturally, when Hayden had shaken his head, no, he wasn't that same man anymore. He deserved a chance, but if he did screw up, then yes, he'd let Orion unleash hell on the wizard.

Grumbled complaints met Orion, who smothered his amusement, and repeated his actions, "I won't try to wake you again." He warned Hayden, lying through his teeth, of course, he would continue to try and wake him, it's what he asked. He had a lot of questions he wanted to know the answer to. His business was finished, he could focus entirely on here and now.

More grumbling complaints, but bleary green eyes were open, and glaring at him in annoyance, "Whyyyy." He bleated, as he reluctantly sat up, shivering a little, so he decided to wrap the Slytherin cover that had been put over him. "Merlin, I feel more tired now than when I came in…how long have I been asleep?" stretching out, groaning in relief.

"It's seven o'clock, I told them that the meeting was set back an hour," Orion told him, "It will just be the four of us."

"Have they already eaten?" Hayden asked, as he shuffled to the edge of the bed, rolling his eyes dramatically when Orion proceeded to spell his clothes straight and ironed, and attempted, attempted to make his hair sit perfectly. He might not have the Potter messy locks but that didn't mean the Peverell's were known for their straight hair! The Potters got it from somewhere after all.

"They're having dinner with my grandparents," Orion explained, critically eyeing Hayden when he stood up, perfect. "The Crouch family was supposed to dine with them but they had to cancel at the last moment."

"Is everything okay?" Hayden asked, concerned for the family, he was well aware that one of the Black's (Charis) had married a Crouch, so it made sense that the family would visit and share meals with Sirius and Hesper.

"They have the flu, all of them, and they didn't want to risk giving it to my grandparents," Orion explained, "Horrible illness, it's dreadful even with potions, I swear, I never want to experience it again." He'd gotten it once; it had gone round Slytherin dorms like cursed fire.

"I don't get sick, well, with the cold or flu I mean," Hayden grinned smugly, as he folded up the blanket he'd used, and set it back at the bottom of the bed. The colder weather wasn't going to fade yet for at least another few months, so it was always handy to have a few extra covers or blankets to help keep warm.

"Never once while you were at Hogwarts?" Orion asked in surprise, that was rather odd, everyone got sick at least once or twice.

"I always thought it was my magic, you know, being the reason I wasn't sick, stupid, isn't it?" Hayden laughed in amusement at his own silliness. Magic didn't work that way, it would sure as hell heal broken bones but can't get rid of sickness before it shows, otherwise there would be no need for potions.

"Children do tend to think everything is possible," Orion commented, straightening his clothes, a small smile appearing on his own face. Recalling the things he'd said during his own childhood, which strained credulity. "It's an extraordinary feeling." That sense of invincibility one has when they're young and fearless, until that burden of being responsible for your entire family was planted firmly on your shoulders. He understood why it had to happen now, but young him had been devastated at being left out.

Hayden smiled, "You were adorable as a child," and naturally he had no photos available to him. Wouldn't have even if this was his correct time. Petunia and Vernon had never taken his picture, and never paid for the ones at school, although, they made sure he was never there those days, wouldn't want anyone to think badly if they didn't pay for them after all. "Nobody ever took my picture, it's a shame, I would have loved a few to show our kids if we're lucky enough to have any." It did make him sad, but he'd ensure any child he had would never EVER question their worth, even if it meant alienating the Black family if for one second, they attempted to do so.

"We'll find a way, even if we have to hunt and find a memory of yours that won't reveal anything," Orion murmured quietly, a memory would be far more fascinating to any child of theirs anyway, without a doubt. "I'll speak to a few people I know, see if they can make any photos from copies of memories or something similar."

"Sounds good," Hayden commented, as a ping reverberated around the house, a sound that let everyone know someone had just used the Floo network to enter the house. "Shit," he cursed, as both he and Orion made for the stairs, taking them two at a time in order to get down as quickly as possible.

"Oh Circe, not another hug," Ignatius murmured before grunting as Hayden hugged him in welcome, "Well, well, thank you." Still too terrified of upsetting him to really stop him. Patting him on the back, glaring at Orion in annoyance at his sniggering.

The twinkle in Hayden's eye as he stepped back and greeted his wife similarly denoted that he bloody well knew this and was just waiting. Well, he'd have a bloody long wait! He wasn't getting on the bad side of a bleeding necromancer.

"How have you guys been? Did you get the photos of your honeymoon developed?" Hayden asked them, guiding them towards the dining table, the smell permeating the air indicated that food had indeed been made for them despite changing of plans. "Hope you're hungry, the House-elves went overboard when they thought six of us would be dining here."

"Starving, and by the smell of it, mum's apple and cinnamon apple pie for afters," Lucretia said, perking up at the delicious smell. Naturally her mother had gotten in touch through the Floo earlier and gave her the disappointing news that they wouldn't be having dinner tonight. She would have suggested that they come to Black castle as well, and likely would have if not for Ignatius' interview as informal as it would be.

Orion watched his fiancé play host, although, it wasn't playing, not to Hayden. He genuinely wanted to know about his sisters – and her husbands – life, with no hidden agenda. He was breath-taking, he couldn't help but imagine what a child of theirs would look like. He couldn't help it, Hayden had raised the subject, it was like a punch in the face every time it was mentioned. It was overwhelming to think he got to be this happy.

Hayden glanced up, his brow furrowing over Orion just standing at the doorway, "Everything okay?" he asked, wondering if he had just forgotten to do something that needed immediate attention?

"Everything's just fine," Orion informed him, moving towards the most important people in his life. Squeezing his sisters shoulder, he missed seeing her every day. Felt like it had been forever not just a week, then again, this week in particular felt never ending.

"Thank you, Lynx, is apple pie the only dessert available?" Hayden asked, as Orion queried over his sisters health and how they were settling into married life.

"Apple pie was the only dessert made; did we do wrong?" Lynx asked, glancing at Orion worriedly, should they have made something else?

"You didn't, but could you bring out the ice cream, strawberries, raspberries, pavlova if you have it and cream, please," Hayden said, "I'll make just put the ingredients where I'll find them. Thank you, Lynx, what's wrong?" noticing that the House-elf looked distressed, not a lot of people would have noticed but Hayden did.

"Let them do their job Hayden," Orion stated, the room had gone silent at how delicately Hayden was handling the House-elf, they were told what to do end of story. They did not need pleases and thank you's for doing their job.

Hayden gave Orion a look, before rolling his eyes, "Have you made an Eton Mess before?" blunt as always.

Lynx blinked; the poor thing looked ready to have a panic attack.

Hayden gestured towards the House-elf as if to say 'See' that's why he'd asked the House-elf to prepare the ingredients only. The dish was popular in the UK, amongst muggles, and the wizarding world being as insular as it was, they likely didn't have a damn clue what it was. "That's why," he said dryly, "You can watch me make it so you can do it in future, alright?" well versed in being able to deal with House-elves and placating them.

Lynx relaxed and quickly and eagerly agreed before disappearing, which was a good thing, he didn't want their meal to go cold.

"You're really good with them," Ignatius commented, more than a little confused, he disliked feeling thusly when it came to this wizard, he truly did.

Hayden just smiled at him without giving a verbal answer, he didn't think it needed one.

"Not in the mood for pie?" Orion asked, content to ignore the whole House-elf thing, he'd never understand or share Hayden's opinion and he wasn't going to spurn it either.

"Ignatius doesn't like apple pie," Hayden answered, "Didn't you notice?" it was Lucretia's favourite hands' down, but Ignatius had never accepted it when it was on offer in the three times he'd been in his presence. He'd even handed over his portion to Lucretia at the wedding.

"He doesn't," Lucretia confirmed, "So, were you actually serious about the offer you made Iggy?"

Ignatius's face flushed red in mortification; he couldn't believe she'd uttered that horrendous nickname for him in company. He honestly half expected Orion to begin laughing at his horror.

It made Hayden's heart hurt, because that look, that look was almost identical to Ron's when he got his 'dress robes' for the Triwizard tournament. Ron had been beyond horrified; he'd found it funny at the time but now? His parents should never have given him them like that. They could have altered them to be more modern, used colouring charms anything but send their youngest son robes like that. It had humiliated him to a really bad degree, it hadn't helped that Ron's temper was really bad back then. Ron must look more like the Prewett side of his family not the Weasley side.

Not that he knew a whole lot about Ron's family tree, it felt sometimes, that he knew more about the Ron's family than his own. Which likely had his dad, James Potter, rolling in his grave to know what his lineage had been reduced to. Had been. Never would be. Cygnus and Alphard would continue the Potter name as well as James, who knows, James could end up with siblings or heck, even having more than one kid himself without his life being in danger. Which did cause a little head spin, Merlin, a brother or sister, that wouldn't really be his brother or sister, he was a Peverell by blood, he had nothing but a very distant relation to the Potters.

"Have you ever met Fleamont Potter?" Hayden asked, turning to face the three, interrupting the conversation they were having – truly he hadn't paid any attention – and hadn't realized he'd interrupted them. "I mean more than just in passing."

"He's good friends with my parents," Ignatius answered, undeterred by the abruptness of the question, "They frequently visit for dinner."

"And what about Charlus? Does Fleamont get on with his brother?" Hayden queried, as they ate the delicious food that the House-elf had made for them.

Oxtail soup, it was delicious, nothing like the tinned stuff that Petunia had bought once. There was something to be said about eating fresh food. Which was something the wizarding world did (the spells and charms kept everything fresh as if you just bought it after all) the muggles were inventive but not to the magical extent.

Ignatius glanced at Orion and then his wife before answering, "They get on well enough, Charlus has always been more outgoing of the pair of them. Fleamont…well, I doubt he'd come out of his potions lab if it wasn't for his wife." Chuckling ruefully, only parroting what he heard his parents mention.

"He's a potions Master?" swallowing thickly, yeah, he didn't even know what his damn grandparents – on either side – had done for a living. Given the time it's unlikely his grandmothers had jobs, they'll have been homemakers. He knew Fleamont created a potion Sleekeazy's but other than that nothing.

"He is, if you get a chance, you should see the potions lab in Potter manor, it's just wow, like nothing you've ever seen." Ignatius said enthused, "It's really been built by a really good architecture. The archways and the ceiling it's such a lovely design, and to have it hidden away…" a pained grimace on his face.

Hayden sniggered, go figure he'd be more upset about the design being hidden than the lab itself. "Has he created anything?" ripping a roll apart, he dipped it in the remains of his soup.

"A few things, his most popular thing is Sleekeazy's potion, it's the only thing that keeps the bird nest hair Potters are prominent for in control." Lucretia confirmed, "His other potions are special made, and there's a few medical ones as well if I recall correctly."

"Yes, a few medical potions, to help support the body immune system as they undergo extensive spells to remove curses, it's not easy nor is it simple process." Orion commented, as the bowls and spoons disappeared, leaving the rest of the plates and utensils for them to use with the next courses.

"He's a medical potion Master," Lucretia confirmed, as the main meal popped up, "Which means he deals primarily with St. Mungo's or people with specific requests."

Hayden nodded his head, genuinely interested in the wizards work, "That's an honourable profession," he was proud of him, he was likely why the Potter fortune was more than replenished. "And his wife?" they had a child very late in life, it might have actually been on purpose, she might have had a career for all he knew.

All of them startled at that, but Lucretia smirked, delighted in the fact people thought women, witches, wives could do something with their lives except stay at home. Honestly, why didn't more people realize witches could do both? She was so sick of the stereotype.

"She stays at home," Lucretia said sardonically, "Don't get me wrong, she does a lot for charity, hosts get togethers, thinks up ideas on how to raise money and how much for various wizarding charities. She tries to bring more connections to the Potter family but her husband has a strong opinion on who's worthwhile." Rolling her eyes in a dramatic fashion, honestly, he was a fool.

"Speaking of which, don't expect him to like you very much," Ignatius cautioned, Merlin, he loved his wife's family, the House-elves made the absolute best food. "He's of the opinion that one must either be like or dark, there's no in-between, you're a necromancer which is by its very definition dark magic."

"Actually, it's theoretically incorrect," Orion mused, "Hayden doesn't need to use spells or rituals or anything of the sort, he has an innate gift that makes what he does automatic, so he could be a light wizard with dark abilities."

"Wait, you don't need to use spells or perform rituals?" Ignatius asked, "Wait, no, you don't, I mean is coldness a sign of your ability at work?"

"Not that I'm…" Hayden begun before both Orion and Lucretia called out yes. "Aware of…" he trailed off amused. It didn't get that cold, did it? Enough that Ignatius would notice? He huffed in amusement, "Is he really that bad?" unable to stop his disappointment, he would have liked to have known him. No wonder he hadn't met him yet if how they portrayed him was accurate.

"He's not bad, he's unfailingly polite, but you can tell whose company he prefers." Orion admitted.

"True," came Lucretia's agreement. "I don't see why you care so much, he's just one wizard."

Hayden just smiled, a little tense, tired, but smiled nonetheless, "I'd just love to get to know my family, or what family I have left." He could never tell them that in another life – literally – that Fleamont Potter had been his grandfather. She'd never understand, she had such a huge family that cared about her and they were so close. He'd never wish it on her to understand him in no uncertain terms.

"At least you've got Charlus and Dorea?" was all she counted with, while she could feel sorry for him, she couldn't fully sympathise. The closest person she'd lost in her life was her aunt Carina, who despite not actually being her aunt, she called it all her life.

"True," Hayden said with a smile, letting her believe she'd cheered him up, noticing her relaxing in her seat. Clearly, she'd realized she'd said the wrong thing, which was good, he doubted many would have.

Orion squeezed Hayden's thigh under the table, it was brazen and so utterly out of order that Orion felt outrageously rebellious for doing it. It wasn't even meant in any sexual manner; it was just a silent thank you for being kind to his sister. Hayden was so blunt, so, very, very blunt that he honestly worried for a moment there. Not to mention his sister was utterly stubborn. He didn't want to see either of them not on speaking terms, at least not yet until a few years down the line. When Hayden felt more comfortable in the family.

Hayden turned to stare at him in blatant surprise, he couldn't (or wasn't) able to go into the bathroom without him getting outraged. Yet here he was, doing something that was likely seen as the height of impropriety. Leaning forward, "Looks like I'm starting to rub off on you." He whispered quietly, grinning. He was liking this new side to Orion, or perhaps it had always been there, just not proper, they were engaged now, soon to be married.

"Pretty sure it was I who was doing the rubbing," Orion commented quietly without forethought.

Hayden laughed loudly and merrily at that statement, green eyes positively glowing in delight.

"How much have you had to drink?" Lucretia asked, peering into Hayden's goblet, which just made Hayden laugh some more.

"I'm not big on drinking," Hayden admitted as he sobered up a bit, his cheeks hurt from the grinning, it didn't take much, they muscles were rarely used. "But enough about that, I was supposed to do an informal interview, I'm sorry we didn't get to do it." Watching judgementally as Orion poured a glass of wine, for himself, his sister and brother-in-law the bottle hovering over his empty one, waiting "Oh, alright," might help him get to sleep tonight, "Only one though, I need to go in early tomorrow again." Wrinkling his brow in displeasure.

"You didn't find an Editor-In-Chief?" Orion enquired, as he put the bottle back, disappointed but not surprised, it took time to find the right people to trust, experienced enough to run the business, especially the way you wanted to.

Neither Lucretia and Ignatius were lost, for they did receive the first edition of the new newspaper. It had been free and delivered to every single wizard and witch that had at one point subscribed to the Daily Prophet. Bundles of them were put in public places cafes and pubs so everyone could get the latest news.

"That was an explosive first edition," Lucretia said, laughing lightly, "Can you imagine how many howlers from around the UK both Spencer-Moon and Dumbledore received?"

Hayden snorted his drink through his nose, "Oh gosh, I do hope everyone at Hogwarts got to see the 'Deputy Headmaster' got his ass handed to him." a sneer curling on his face, just remembering Dumbledore, oh, he couldn't wait to destroy him, and he was going to do it slowly and in the most painful manner he could think of. It would not be a huge fall from grace, no, it was going to be a slow decline. He wanted nobody to take pity on the old fool. "I wonder if Dippet will fire him?"

"It would constitute as an unfair dismissal, what he did was political and had nothing to do with the school or students." Orion nixed the idea.

Hayden made a small dismissive moue at that, disappointed but not surprised in the least, "Excuse me, a minute," with that Hayden stood up and moved towards the kitchen counters were everything was set out for him. He then proceeded to make one version of an Eton Mess, listening to the background murmur of conversation going on behind him.

"Hey, are you okay?" Orion asked, sidling up towards Hayden, but not too close to be improper. "If you're too tired you can retire for the night." Hayden had never had a normal sleeping pattern, although until the thing with Cuffe he had been sitting into a routine, at least he assumed so. They didn't sleep together every night, unfortunately, his parents would never go for that. It made him want to live in that bloody tent Hayden had bought and would have lived in for years while the estate got up and running.

"No, the rest I got will tide me over." Hayden murmured giving him a nudge, "Take those two bowls over though."

Hayden picked up the other two after wiping down his red stained hands and re-joined the Prewetts. Orion followed behind, ignoring his sisters mocking laugh at how whipped her brother was. Seriously, carrying bowls of food? She'd never have seen him consider doing something like that for Walburga. Although, the mere thought of her caused her to grimace a bit and deflate.

"What part of architecture do you enjoy the most?" Hayden asked as he took his seat. "Project design? Project management?" smothering his amusement at the looks he got from all three of them for the mess that was their dessert. Naturally, Ignatius was the first to try, he hadn't grown up with perfect meals from House-elves, he'd had his food cooked by his mother.

"To be honest, I'm more interested in Concept development and project management," Ignatius explained, he loved working with clients to see their design come to life, to be the one that does it. Then being there onsite, overseeing what was happening and watch his drawings come to life.

"And you're not getting to do that where you are at the moment?" Hayden deducing what he wasn't saying.

"I'm mostly still doing construction administration with minimal concept development; I do a few designs and the higher up changes a few lines claiming the work as their own." Ignatius answered bluntly.

"Nothing's changed since you got married?" Hayden enquired, watching their faces light up in delight at the taste on their tastebuds.

"You're doing dessert more often, this is delightful," Orion declared, it was messy, it didn't look appetising but it was delicious.

The others were quick to agree, before digging right back into their food.

"I'll make it as often as you like," Hayden said fondly.

"Why would it matter if I was married?" Ignatius queried, finishing dessert first, as the pie popped up for them with fresh cream.

"Your wife is a Black, I just sort of expected it to open doors for you that weren't there before." Hayden confessed sheepishly.

"It isn't seen that way," Orion refuted, "They see it as her marrying beneath her station. In fact, her marrying Ignatius has likely infuriated quite a few of the more influential families that feel cheated of a Black bride." They wouldn't have wanted her if they'd known she wouldn't likely give them a child (it had been the belief back then) so yes, envious the lot of them.

Ignatius far from being offended nodded, but there was a smug glimmer in his eye, she was the most beautiful women in the world and he was the one to call her his wife. He didn't care about her ability to give him kids, he loved her, and wanted her. He couldn't have cared less what anyone – including his parents – thought.

"Do you have any questions for me? About the job?" Ignatius asked, a hopeful lilt to his voice. The thought of being part of a company that would appreciate what he had to offer was amazing. He felt like he was still an intern and getting paid like one.

"Could you do both jobs you'd like to do?" Hayden asked. "I do mean comfortably without exhausting yourself?"

"Yes, I'm essentially doing it right now," Ignatius confirmed.

"Minus the proper wages," Lucretia icily declared, still pissed off about that actually. Treating her husband like a gofer all the time.

"You'd be primarily designing for me," Hayden warned him, "You'll be designing a lot of buildings on the Peverell estate. Now, if you'd like to take on other projects, then you'll need a construction administrator. I'll be paying your wages, but the company will need adequate income for it to flourish. I'm not going to continue putting money into a company that doesn't meet my standards which is very high."

"What about me?" Lucretia asked challengingly.

"You want to be the companies construction administrator?" Hayden asked without batting an eyelash.

Orion and Ignatius cringed just waiting for the inevitable fury of a Black witch feeling wronged.

"Yes," she said slowly, feeling a little wrongfooted that he hadn't reacted the way she expected him to. Anyone else, even her husband would have declined insisting it wasn't a witches work.

"And you'd be able to work and live with your husband?" Hayden bluntly enquired.

"Yes," a little more unsure, they were just newlywed, it's not something she could say for certainty. Completely blown out the water with the fact that he seemed to be completely fine with her going to work. It made her like him all the more, he was utterly fascinating.

"And your organizational skills?" Hayden asked, he'd come here meaning to interview Ignatius, go figure he'd end up questioning his wife instead.

"I planned my wedding, if that doesn't prove exceptional skills, I don't know what can," she stated, it was no easy task getting everything together, but she'd done it herself with no help of a wedding planner.

"Alright, for six months you're under probation, which just means if you can't live up to your promise I'll fire you without due cause." Hayden declared, "Bring your home life to work once you won't get a chance to do it again, understand?"

"Yes," Lucretia nodded enthusiastically, so enthused she'd forgotten another aspect of what she wanted to discuss, the possibility of a child in the future.

"You also understand that you'll both be working in the muggle world as well when I inevitably branch out there too?" Hayden pointed out seriously. "Perhaps not you, should this venture take off, someone else might, your wants will be taken into consideration." It was likely she didn't know a damn thing about muggles, wizarding raised as she was, so he might need a muggle-born (he couldn't stop calling them that even if it wasn't strictly accurate. Too used to calling them that he guessed) to step into those particular shoes. "If we need someone else to do the muggle side, I might have you apprentice with someone so they can learn the ropes."

Neither Ignatius or Lucretia said anything to that, the staggering number of muggles in the world had boggled their mind. They weren't surprised that he seemed to want to head in that direction, especially since Lucretia had been regaled about Hayden's visit to her grandparents and uncles. Although, there was more that they weren't sharing, they'd been positively bursting to say it though for some odd reason. Her uncles would tell her when she was ready though.

"You've really thought this through, haven't you?" Ignatius mused, surprised.

"It might seem hasty, but I don't do things unless I'm moderately sure of success. I made a promise to see the Peverell name lifted by its bootstraps and I'm determined to do it. Ignotus Peverell will see his name continued, nothing and nobody will stop that happening."

Ignatius shivered, coldness suffusing him briefly, Circe, he was terrifying, thank goodness he was on the right side of the wizard. For he knew and realized that his enemies would receive no mercy. May Circe have mercy on their souls, since nobody else would.

A/n – I'm sorry about the other day with the duplicate chapter that got posted, A03 glitch I'm afraid, when I noticed it, I deleted it as soon as possible. However, here you go hope it makes up for any disappointment! R&R please