My Time

Chapter 70

"Do you think Ignatius is alright? He seemed a little reserved, anxious about the job offer, you think?" Hayden asked, smiling in gratitude when Orion handed him over warm milk. The House-elves knew him well, this helped him sleep, mostly after a nightmare, but he'd taken to asking for it in the evening. Leaning with his head on the cushion on the sofa, the house was quiet now, you couldn't even hear the pitter patter of the House-elves. Then again, they were very quiet, even during the day.

"He's fine, he's never been a big talker," Orion brushed off any concern about Ignatius, Hayden still refused to believe him when he told him that Ignatius was terrified of him. "He does seem excited about the job offer. I wonder if he realizes what he's getting himself in for." Sitting down next to Hayden, a glass of wine in his hand. Sighing softly, this time of the day was his favourite time of the day. Time spent with Hayden was always happy, even if they were just talking on the sofa for hours.

"Do you think I wasn't clear enough?" Hayden mused thoughtfully, leaning against Orion's shoulder, always willing to take suggestions, especially from Orion. He knew better than him the ins and outs of magical contracts and well, people from his own time. He was from decades in the future, a lot of things that are normal there aren't normal here.

"Oh, you were, there's no doubting that," Orion said dryly, a smirk flashing across his features, "However, he hasn't seen the estate and has no idea what's going on in here." Tapping at Hayden's forehead, even he had only been given rare glimpses of what Hayden really wanted to come of the Peverell estate. Even he couldn't fathom the scope of what Hayden intentions, what he discussed spoke of years upon years' worth of work.

Hayden shrugged, "He'll find out soon enough, it's not like I'm trapping him in a contract," Hayden commented, "This sort of opportunity won't come around again."

"You mean any time soon?" Orion questioned, sipping his wine, soaking in the peace.

"I mean never, Black castle never got repaired, it remained desolate, a burnt-out ruin, castles are coming a thing of the past, same with estates," Hayden confessed quietly, a thoughtful frown on his face. "Even muggle estates were being turned into museums, or becoming derelict. Manors in the next five decades are going to cost too much to run, to fix, people are abandoning them for smaller properties that maintenance upkeep are far easier." That way of life had slowly come to an end and it was only going to get worse. Those places had gone on to become stately homes which did provide some income.

Orion swallowed thickly, "Surely, even with magic, we could keep up with any maintenance required on a stately home?" the thought of their way of life just dwindling to nothing was sickening, he truly felt nauseated by it.

Hayden just shook his head, unfortunately, he couldn't answer that, "It's costly, and clearly it became a cost they did not wish to pay."

Orion felt his heart sink, "It's truly not a done thing in your time?" the very idea was repulsive to him. If this was true, it was little wonder Hayden was doing all he could to make as much money as possible. Especially if things were going to get difficult in the next four decades. He was making sure that Peverell estate still remained standing the test of time.

"There's a couple, I think the Macmillan's, Malfoy's and the Smith family retained the family manors, a lot of the estates lands was sold off though." Hayden commented, Zacharias Smith had bragged about his families legacy, standing and it's estate he was worse than Malfoy actually.

Orion smiled, pleased to hear the place that he'd so loved growing up would remain so.

"Even if that Macmillan is a right git," Hayden grumbled in complaint.

Orion laughed, "I take it he doesn't take after anyone in this time?" a rueful smile on his face.

"Definitely not, your uncles are amazing, although I haven't met your Uncle Ernie?" Hayden said slowly, trying to recall what Orion had said about his uncles.

Orion confirmed he had the right name, it really saddened him to know how things would change. Wizards in general didn't do well when things changed. It meant things would need to change if they wished Black Castle to remain in all its beautiful glory, and continue to be prudent (money wise) to continue to put money into any repairs it might need. Not something he'd need to worry about at the moment, but he didn't delude himself into thinking he wouldn't gain the Black Castle in his inheritance.

"Thought so, the company likely makes enough money to see the estate remain afloat, I can only imagine how much they'll make if they begin selling their herbs and spices in the muggle world." Hayden commented.

Orion almost snorted, "Too bad you likely don't know the Quidditch match results to bet, easy to make a fortune."

"Merlin, no, even if I did have that sort of results in the Quidditch encyclopaedia I'd never risk it." Hayden declared, an easy smile on his face despite the conversation. "The moment I arrived, I've been changing things left and right. There's no guarantee that any Quidditch team is going to be the same, never mind make the same moves that ultimately would see them winning." He was all for taking chances but betting? No, he wasn't a betting man. You never really won when it came to betting, you bet, you win a little, it reels you in, and then before long you're losing and then betting again to recuperate those loses and it was a vicious circle that there was no returning.

"Sounds like you have negative experiences with betting," Orion glanced down at Hayden in curiosity.

"Dumbledore gave the Dursley's money, two thousand a month, my…ugh, aunt, never saw a penny of it, she didn't even know about it. It was gambled away; Vernon was in serious debt last I heard." A vindictive thrill in his voice as he revealed that information. "I only found out before I came back." His confession quiet. The goblins were very good at sussing out information, for a price, naturally. He hadn't even thought about it since, little wonder, it was a blip on the radar of the shit-fest that was his life.

Orion clenched his teeth, the urge to kill them in the most painful manner possible was so strong. Regretfully, it was unlikely the odious filthy muggle was even born yet. He had a rough estimate, even then he wasn't so vindictive to hurt a child, a baby which is exactly what he'd be. He wasn't the Muggles; children were to be cherished. However, the odious filthy fat pig would grow up, and then he'd have his revenge on the repulsive filth that harmed Hayden. He opened his mouth, whether it was to comment on the repulsive ogre, or say something about Dumbledore…likely both, wouldn't be known, as the wards shifted, emitting two people into his home.

It was family, they were the only one able to bypass his parents wards.

"What's wrong?" Hayden cottoned on to Orion's reaction immediately, wand already in his hand tense and alert, a far cry from his earlier relaxed sleepy state.

"It's okay, it's family," Orion eased Hayden's hand down, squeezing him in comfort.

Just then Cygnus burst through the door, "Hayden!" the boy chirruped, eyes lighting up in delight as he made a beeline for the wizard.

Hayden immediately lit up, a smile crossing his face, as he opened his arms in a universal known ask for hugs. "My little swan!" he said, delighting in seeing him again. Closing his eyes, he relished the closeness, he seemed so much happier these days. "How are you doing?"

Cygnus tightened his grip on the wizard, adoration splayed across his face, as he delighted in the attention from his favourite person in the entire world. He then proceeded to tell Hayden everything that he'd done, the pictures he'd drawn, the places he'd went to with his 'mum' and 'new dad' differentiating them from the Blacks, from his birth parents. Not that it was difficult to do with Dorea, he had never had a motherly presence in his life. His grey eyes were sparkling in delight, still in awe that he wasn't constantly reprimanded or shoved around or put in his bedroom all the time.

"I'm sorry to just drop in like this," Dorea apologised, watching Hayden and Cygnus with a fond smile, "Have your parents gone to bed already?" surprised not to see them here, she'd hoped to discuss Walburga with them. She could have Floo called but they had ran out yesterday, and Charlus had forgotten to purchase some more before the shop closed yesterday evening.

"No, they're having dinner with my grandparents," Orion explained, "Take a seat." He told her, wishing to sit down himself.

"Thank you," she said, smiling at her nephew who was truly coming into his own, oh, it was so wonderful to see.

"What's going on anyways?" Orion asked, "Is everything okay?" he would have the House-elf retrieve them in seconds if need be. Glancing at his left when he caught movement, he saw Hayden stand with Cygnus held tightly on his hip, listening intently to everything he said, before replying to him. It was never in that Merlin-awful baby talk that people liked using, Hayden treated Cygnus like a miniature adult.

"Everyone's okay, it's nothing urgent," Dorea reassured Orion, and having no qualms about discussing this with him. She had no doubt that Orion would be informed of everything that was happening anyway. Orion was the heir; he'd soon be taking over from his father as Lord.

Orion relaxed hearing that reassurance, "Is it something I can help with?"

"It's about Walburga," Dorea explained tersely, if there was ever a picture that made her desire not to be a parent it would hold an image of Walburga. Merlin, the girl could test the patience of a saint, she tired of constantly denying the girl the extortionate number of items she wanted. There was just zero need for the jewellery sets she wanted. Or the overpriced clothing, or the perfumes, and most definitely the potion ingredients. If the girl didn't realize she figured out she'd asked for all the ingredients for a love potion, then that was on her.

"Why would you need to ask about her? Isn't Fleamont technically her Lord now?" Hayden asked quietly, as he handed over a goblet of wine, with a smile despite the conversation. Although, he was asking out of curiosity because he did feel confused.

"Strictly speaking you're quite correct," Dorea smiled at him to reassure him she wasn't offended, "However Arcturus told me he wished to continue providing for them. They aren't to be blamed more for their fathers actions any more than need be." The Black family was standing strong together, even if they weren't Black's by name and they would defend their family to anyone attempting anything.

"No, but she's responsible for her actions," Hayden said mutinously, sitting Cygnus down, he handed him the floating goblet of juice for him. He was never going to forgive or forget what she'd done. The moment Orion became lord, he actually wanted to convince Orion to cut her off entirely. It would never happen though, he knew. Orion wasn't that sort of person. Unlike Walburga, who gloated over her status and been a despicable human being to everyone she thought beneath her. Perhaps getting a taste of her own medicine would be enough to stop her turning out into that version Hayden saw in the portrait.

"Thank you," the crisp white wine was quite lovely, but nearly all wine from the Black cellar was her favourites.

"What requires fathers attention?" Orion asked, ignoring Hayden's statement, while true wasn't the place to discuss it. Truthfully though, he didn't want to discuss Walburga full stop. She had taken up too much of his time, even if only mentally, he had no desire for her to dig her roots deeper into his mind thank you very much. He was finally, finally free and living his life, who could blame him for not wanting to take two steps back into the life he'd had? One he'd been determined to see through in order to do his duty?

"Walburga is begging me, every letter to go to a different school, be it Beauxbaton or Iivermorny." Dorea sighed, "She sounds desperate, I mean, it's Walburga and she'd begging to be removed from Hogwarts." It's the only reason she was here, she'd never seen the girl so desperate before. Or rather heard as the case may be.

Hayden hummed, "That, actually might be good for her," he spoke up, all the while rubbing Cygnus' back absently. "In both schools they won't care who her family is, especially Iivermorny, she'd actually get treated normally. It could be what she needs to end up…likable." Grimacing, he couldn't think of another word to describe her. She was lovely, really, or would be if she untwisted her face out of her permanent scowl and had an attitude adjustment.

Orion conceded Hayden's words, actually agreeing with him. Hayden's existence had certainly changed him. Actually, changed a whole lot besides. He'd made him realize the small difference he made in people's lives, which in reality, weren't quite so small, not to those he'd helped. It had been mind-blowing; Hayden had been exhilarating and made him feel for the first time in a long time. Hayden had never stopped making him feel. "Has she expressed a preference?"

"Further away the better, was all she said," Dorea explained, haggard and worn. Walburga had sent home letter after letter every day since Hogwarts started back up. At first just demands for the latest fashions, trying to guilt trip them into giving her what she wanted, sometimes multiple of them. Extortionate amount of money for Hogsmeade weekends, then yes, she begun suggesting different schools then outright demanding it be done to pleading with her these past days. Walburga hadn't pleaded for anything, not once, she demanded, she shrieked, she sulked but never pleaded. It broadcasted just how desperate Walburga was for her to listen.

"How is Alphard?" Hayden queried, there was no doubt Cygnus missed his brother. Too much newness happening all at once, even if it was good, wasn't good for children, they needed stability, but at least the boy had that now. He didn't even want to imagine what his life had been like with Pollux.

"He's doing well, we're noticing an improvement in his grades," Dorea said, pleased and impressed. It wasn't just a small margin; it was an immense improvement. If she could get her hands on Pollux, she'd slap him silly for what he'd done to his children. All of them were damaged in different ways, Walburga had authority issues, was deeply troubled and frankly it was difficult to like the girl, but she was just a teenager, she prayed that Walburga wised up. Alphard was coming out of his shell, he had always been quiet, reserved, but she'd been seeing a new side to him lately, or reading of one. Cygnus had separation anxiety, he got panicked when either her or her husband left. The mind healer explained the best possible way to deal with it.

"Think he'd like a visit from us?" Hayden asked, glancing at Orion.

Orion startled at that, but replied, "Sure," he didn't have a problem, a smile appearing on his face for a moment. Hayden desperately wanted a family, and he was going all out to make the Black family that family. "We'll need to get in touch, find out what day it is." He was pleased by that, and Hayden was doing so well at ensuring his family loved him. Not that it was difficult not to love him, Hayden was incredibly easy to love.

"Or ask Hogshead pub," Hayden pointed out with a smirk, well aware that the owners/managers of the establishments get the dates ahead of even the students.

They needed prior warning if they were to serve up to five hundred students (aged 13-17/18) that swarmed Hogsmeade in droves. No pub had five times that number in say butterbeer for months. It went flat just like everything else, even with preservation charms on it. The one time there wasn't warning, was a carnage, that nobody spoke or and ensured did not bear repeating. It had been Dumbledore's first term as Headmaster that it happened. It was politely ignored.

"Father shouldn't be much longer," Orion informed Dorea sincerely, glancing at his pocket watch, in fact, they were usually home around about this time.

"How is Charlus?" Hayden asked, he still hadn't actually met Fleamont yet, which disappointed him. Hell, he'd even met Tom before his own flesh and blood. Well, old flesh and blood, he was no longer Harry Potter after all, something he frequently forgot. Everything everyone said to him didn't make any sort of friendship (never mind relationship) with the wizard off the cards. Merlin, every second of his time was being eaten up and he scarcely knew what to do. He'd persevere though, no matter what.

"He's doing well," Dorea replied, a wide smile on her face, just thinking of her husband.

Hayden smiled back, he could only hope that he had a similar relationship as Dorea and Charlus had. They adored each other, Charlus' eyes followed his wife when they were together. Yes, they were quite reserved (blank faced) but the passion they held for one another could not be understated.

"He's currently helping his brother, at this time of year it's unusual, but there's a sudden influx of people with cold and flu, they need pepper-up potions and various other ailment potions." Dorea explained, "Charlus loves making potions but it isn't his chosen career choice, if St. Mungo's requires a rather large order Mont always asks Charlus for help." The potions didn't require a Mastery, a school child could brew most of them, albeit a watered-down version.

"I take it Potions come easy to Potters?" Hayden said ruefully, hiding pain buried way down deep.

"Oh, most definitely, add in the Fleamont zeal for creation you've got a beautiful combination," Dorea commented, sipping the wine. Her husband's mother was the last to hold the Fleamont last name, the family set to slip into obscurity like many other families before it. Hopefully though, people would pay attention to Hayden's book, so that they too could avoid similar fates.

"Creation?" Hayden commented, cocking his head to the side, "Spell casting?"

"Oh, no that is most definitely a Prince trait, both are actually Prince traits," Dorea laughed softly, "I simply meant they have the penchant for creating potions." Creating potions didn't make you good at brewing, thus the Fleamont's were known for creation, adding both houses, and the right wizard you got a Potions Master and creator.

The Princes finally had some competition in that area, if the Prince's had a girl…well, it would make for a very interesting combination. Dorea shook off her thoughts, idle as they were.

"The Princes?" Hayden enquired, glancing at Orion looking as if he was seeking his understanding, but rather it was to know who was who in this time at this very moment. Not that Hayden actually knew any the names of the Prince family, except for one, or two if you wanted to add Severus Snape. Stomach twisting when he recalled Snape spitting that he was the Half-Blood Prince he'd admired (for his abilities) the entire year.

"Yes, Lord Tiberius Prince and his Lady wife, Emmeline, they have one daughter, Eileen Prince, she's completing her Hogwarts education. She's most certainly picked up her families penchant for potions brewing, she's number one on the Hogwarts list for potions. Nobody at any time has succeeded in beating her grades or outperforming her in class. She helps anyone that asks, including seventh years. Her spell work though…is lacking, despite her best efforts."

Hayden nodded slowly, as if retaining all the information, but he felt nothing but amusement. Tiberius, Severus, Eileen had stuck to her families tradition. A frown marred his features, as he swallowed thickly, recalling how miserable she was through the memories he'd ended up seeing through those awful Occlumency lessons. She was going to marry a muggle, and have a son who was going to grow up utterly miserable…but also meet his mother.

"She's also the captain of the Hogwarts Gobstone team, and president of the Hogwarts Gobstone club." Orion added, recalling seeing the leaflet while he was at Hogwarts himself.

"Poor girl resembles her father a little too much," Dorea said demurely, "And her late grandfather. I hope it doesn't damage her prospects." She had none of her mother's fiery beauty, or her daintiness. She had the Prince tallness; the time she'd met her she'd towered over every single of her classmates.

Hayden bit his tongue harshly, the metallic tang of blood suffused his mouth, such was the strength of his bite. Nobody could help how they looked; she didn't deserve the life she'd been given. Then again, same could be said of a lot of people. There was no denying that those without looks found life a little more difficult. How many times has she heard people say that behind her back? Was it why she was so eager to leave the magical world? Had she ever really came back? Or had her extent of her traverses back into the magical world stopped at helping her son on the train to Hogwarts?

"Hayden…Hayden?" Orion called to his partner, squeezing his hand staring in concern.

Hayden stirred out of his thoughts, blinking rapidly, "I am sorry, lost in thought," sheepishly grinning at Dorea, he wasn't going to hold what she said against her. Although, he would definitely give his opinion if needed. "Did you ask anything?"

"Oh, I was just suggesting if perhaps you should attend a ball, or perhaps even hold one, it's a very good way of getting to know other people in society. The best time would be during the summer months, especially so you can interact with others closer to your age." Dorea suggested, he didn't even know the Prince family, they were quite an old family, not ancient and noble, but old and respected nonetheless. More so than some that were ancient and noble.

Hayden grimaced, "I find the idea rather distasteful; I've never been one for standing on ceremony, I spent too much of my time locked away from society. Believe it or not I'm not really sociable, I don't do well in those sorts of situations and not to mention I do have a bad habit of speaking bluntly."

Dorea's eyes dimming at the comment, she didn't want to think of what the poor dear's life was like. She couldn't have a child she'd love with the whole of her being but people out there could have children and mistreat them? It seemed so horrendously unfair. She was about to open her mouth, to ask for clarification, wondering if he had some sort of stage fright, or if he just didn't like large crowds or some such, but at that very moment Arcturus returned with his wife in tow.

To say they were surprised to see Dorea would be putting it lightly.

"Dorea, is everything alright?" alarmed and rather concerned, it was very unlike her to turn up unannounced, especially at this time of night. "Charlus? Alphard? Walburga?" was shot off in rapid succession, his grey eyes filled with worry, showing that what he'd told Dorea wasn't merely for the sake of their reputation, but he genuinely cared for them despite what their father did.

"Everyone's fine," Dorea reassured them, standing up, returning the hug from Melania, who was just as concerned as her husband but hiding it better. "I'm here about Walburga but I can come back tomorrow," she suggested, she could smell the copious amount of alcohol the couple had imbibed. She didn't want to get a yes to her switching schools for Arcturus to take it back when he sobered up. It would likely upset her more.

"Walburga?" Arcturus queried, as the House-elf popped in with a tray with coffee and tea.

"Ah, thank you, Lynx." Hayden commented, nabbing two biscuits and handing one to Cygnus, his eyes widened in delight. He also gave him a cup of milk with just a hint of tea in it, and gave him a smile and wink. "Be careful and not drop it." Not that it would stain anything, magic was wonderful, but it was sheer habit.

"You spoil him," Orion whispered in Hayden's ear, but delighted in seeing the sight in front of him. Merlin, help them, because he wasn't sure he had it in him to be a disciplinarian out of both of them.

Hayden just turned and smirked at him, his gaze falling to Orion's lips, before a visible struggle caused Hayden to wrench his gaze away. "Walburga wishes to leave Hogwarts and go abroad for the rest of her education, further the better she is said to have written."

"Is Alphard doing alright at Hogwarts, also?" Arcturus asked pensively, a grim look adorned his face. He was the reason they were likely struggling at Hogwarts. They might have been adopted into the Potter family, but they were still considered lesser because their father was disowned and thus making them officially cut off from the Black family.

"Orion and I are going to see him during Hogsmeade weekend, just to really see and speak to him, make sure he's actually alright and not just putting on a front." Hayden added, after Dorea had expressed that Alphard seemed to be doing so much better lately. His grades were shooting up, and he seemed to be really settled in.

"I see, yes, perhaps it's best to discuss this with a clear head, come by tomorrow at eight o'clock for breakfast, and a decision will be made." Arcturus informed Dorea, as he passed his wife a cup of tea, before making one to his preference. Stirring it absently, he couldn't say he was surprised by things being so different for Walburga that she wanted to leave. She wasn't going to be the Lady Black anymore, and that had likely knocked her social standing significantly, never mind the disownment of her father. If she treated her friends the same as she treated the family lately, she likely had nobody on her side. Too much like Pollux, unfortunately, hopefully it wasn't too late for her.

Perhaps America was the best way to go, she would be closer to her betrothed, she'd be able to get to know his family before they marry. It might be the greatest kindness that anyone could give Walburga. A fresh start, he prayed to Hecate and Circe themselves that it was enough to save her.

He had been a fool not paying closer attention to his family, but he would never make that mistake again.

For the next hour the family chatted about all sorts of non-important things just generally catching up. They only put a stop to it when they realized that Cygnus was sleeping soundly curled up against Hayden. Not that Hayden minded, he was quite frankly a breath of fresh air for the Black family, he didn't put on airs and graces and was genuine, it wasn't something the Black family was used to.

Lynx was summoned and took the youngster and Dorea home.

Arcturus watched Orion and Hayden leave for their rooms after bidding them goodnight.

"What a day," Arcturus murmured, claiming a seat for himself, with his half-drunk tea.

"Did your father ever warm up to anyone so quickly?" Melania asked, curling up beside her husband. "I mean my goodness! I don't think I've seen him quiet so fond of anyone that isn't Black blood!"

"Or fond full stop of anyone that isn't family," Arcturus commented, he understood it himself, he really did. There was just something regal, real, and just genuine about Hayden. He'd likely be considered common or just a tad bit above the riff-raff if he didn't have the Peverell last name, his status as a carrier and the money to back him up. However, he did have all that and was just an amazing young man who adapted too well to the world around him. He just wasn't someone people like them interacted with. It was amazing what difference being raised did to a person.

"He loves Orion, you can see that," Melania said, a hushed whisper. She delighted in this knowledge. "Our son is going to be so happy."

Arcturus just sighed, his wife had been saying this since the contract between Wally and Orion was destroyed. Well, every time she had a drink in her at any rate. "Come on, love, lets head to bed." Naturally leaving everything where it is, expecting the house-elves to deal with it.

The two headed to bed, by the time they reached their room the sitting room was clean.

"What do you think of him?" Lucretia asked her husband as she ventured out the bathroom, steam bellowing out in her wake. Wrapping the nightgown tighter around her, it got cold really fast in her new home. Tightening the belt, she moved to her dressing table, picking up a thick paddle brush, and began to run it through her long black tresses. If she didn't get it tamed and put up, it would be completely wild in the morning and utterly out of her control. Like fizzy curls she honestly looked like a wild woman if she forgot.

Catching his look in the mirror, even whilst reading she laughed, "You did say to ask me again later when I asked…months ago." It was nearing the use of 'year' not months to be honest. Ignatius had looked absolutely terrified of him if she was honest. Even now he was very careful around him despite Hayden treating him like family, he was very physical in his affections she wasn't used to it. Nobody outside of her family and her husband had hugged her. Even friends she'd had at Hogwarts were very reserved, as she was. She kind of liked it, he'd be good for Orion, bring her brother out of his shell, more than he already had.

He'd be family soon; he and her brother were getting married on Beltane of all days. It was a good job it was a Black, Hayden was marrying. Whoever had the day booked, likely were told the reservation was cancelled the moment Orion ended that conversation. Nobody would deny Orion or Hayden what they desired, even if it was already booked. To deny a Black or a Peverell would be tantamount to being black listed, and if anyone in the family said no to the place, everyone would follow. They were trend setters, and proud of it.

"I still don't know," Ignatius confessed, he was beyond terrifying, "He's so sure of himself, confident, and his work ethic is just…outstanding. I envy him, he's got his entire life worked out, and I still feel like I'm swimming in the pond without my wand." He was the boss of multiple companies and he still felt like an intern.

"You don't think you do?" Lucretia asked, as she finished up her nightly routine, before joining her husband in bed. Missing the heat of the fire near her dressing table. Shuffling closer to Ignatius, and smiling as he wrapped his arms around her, making her feel safter than anything else could.

"Not really, I mean he's younger than me, Tia, but he's just…amazing," he dropped his voice to a merest whisper as he finished. "Terrifying but amazing." Confessing to his wife what he really felt.

"He's hardly terrifying," Lucretia giggled into her husband's chest, he didn't even know the half of it. Hadn't seen Death in the kitchen of the house she'd grown up in. Or seen just how flippant Hayden had been in regards to having the deity in front of him. Then again, growing up likely seeing the dead all the time, the actual deity was likely just another ordinary day for him.

"He's terrifying," Ignatius bluntly argued, thank merlin he was a good person that's all he would say.

"That's what you said about me," Lucretia pointed out, a wicked grin on her face as she stared up at her husband.

"Your entire family is terrifying, he fits right in," Ignatius commented, watching as his wife burst out laughing, she was beautiful, from the twinkle in her eye and the lone freckle behind her right ear. He loved her so much, tightening his hold, he smiled listening to her laugh. It had been a rare sound; he'd only ever seen her laugh in public three times since they were eleven-years-old. She'd always been so serious, becoming more so after she turned fourteen, there was a mourning about her that made him want to make her smile. He'd sent her flowers, sweets, her favourites obviously, he'd been madly in love with her so long. Part of him had thought she'd never give him a chance, she was powerful, popular, well loved, and he was just a nobody. Just a second son, a spare, an afterthought, don't get him wrong, his parents loved him, but he couldn't help how he felt.

"He's going to be a good boss though," Lucretia mused thoughtfully, rubbing her hand back and forth against his silk pyjama clad chest.

"Good, yes, and likely very demanding," Ignatius postulated, "I mean an apprentice within one year of the start date on the job?" what if nobody wanted the job? What if he couldn't find anyone interested? Was he to lose his job? He hadn't dared mention it within his earshot. When he said he found him terrifying he did, he wasn't being disingenuous.

"It's smart," Lucretia commented, "It will build a workforce, a loyal one, and gives people jobs, there's a serious lack of them for the number of wizard kind." And yes, she surprisingly did include the muggle-borns in those statistics. She'd read Hayden's book, and she was amazed by what he'd uncovered. It made her wonder about the family squibs that had been disinherited and disowned. Had they went on to have family? Were there additional Black's out there? Not that they were in-line to inherit anything, not even a Knut, but still, family meant everything to the Black family, it's how she'd been raised.

"There's no denying that," Ignatius grumbled, which made for a terrifyingly efficient boss. "I actually can't wait to get started," his excitement thrumming through him.

"And give your two-week notice," Lucretia pointed out.

"Oh, that too," Ignatius smirked, "I can imagine the looks on their faces, I wonder how they'll fair to their bosses when there's nobody else to bully and steal from." And that's exactly what they'd been doing to him for so long. He'd wanted to fight back, but his family wasn't exactly the maelstrom of political clout. They were pureblood, prominent family, produced fairly powerful wizards and witches, but that was it. They weren't like the Black's and could just speak and have people trembling in sheer terror.

Pulling the duvet up further, "It's going to be a long two-weeks," he admitted, but the satisfaction of leaving, of being his own boss, of running a company he knew, would keep him going. He'd thought about leaving a lot, but never had the guts. He wasn't sure he'd get another job, at least not one in the sector he desired and trained in for so long. It's why he'd persevered hoping they'd see his worth and actually promote him or actually let him out of his office to do something productive.

Hayden Peverell couldn't let him sign his new contract until he was no longer working for his current boss. The two contracts would not work well together, thus he had to actually give his two-week notice before he'd be signing the contracts to take on his job. He had a copy of the list though, of what was expected of him. Lucretia would be signing her own contracts at the same time. The companies office was going to be in Diagon Alley, number twelve, close to all the other offices.

"Do you think we'll always be able to work together?" Lucretia mused, thinking on Hayden's earlier warning, and he'd meant it, she could tell. It was one of the few rules he likely would strictly adhere to. She wondered what had made him say that, personal experience? From the people who raised him or people he knew? Who did he know that had women on the workforce? Married women working with their husbands at that? He was too firm in his stance for it not to be something he's used to.

Ignatius stared at the ceiling, lips pursed, "We won't be spending all day together, you'll likely be at the office ninety percent more often than I. I'll be mostly on site, at the Peverell estate at first, getting a proper look at what I'm working with and doing rough sketches and such." And honestly? That relieved Ignatius a great deal, both of them were hot headed occasionally, and he could see it overlapping if they spent a lot of time together on the job. He loved his wife so much, that he never wished to risk it, he'd rather lose his job than her. It was likely this thinking that had stopped him panicking in disbelief when Hayden had agreed to let her work! Then again, what would she do all day? She'd never wanted to be the stay-at-home kind of witch, he knew that. Especially with her belief that they'd never have children.

The urge to sketch possible designs almost had Ignatius twitching in suppressed excitement. He hadn't left like this since his apprenticeship days, then it clicked, he saw Hayden's orders in a new light. He could help someone flourish, to feel the same excitement, to create, he'd stop the likes of the company he was at right now from getting their hands on fresh talent. They wouldn't become apprentices unless they actually desired to become architects. It wouldn't be a chore teaching them, they'd be eager to learn, just as he was. Suddenly he didn't find that task distasteful. Hayden had been firm with the understanding that if he didn't want to do it, to tell him. That taking on an apprentice grudgingly just harmed both the potential student and him.

"I'll be back soon, get some sleep," Ignatius murmured quietly, kissing his wife on the forehead then mouth before sliding out of bed. He couldn't hold off the urge to create, the muses were so strong, and knowing he was going to get to do what he pleased, was causing muses to bombard him.

He headed straight for his office, feeling refreshed and renewed leaving an amused wife in bed, laughing into the pillows.

"Still terrifying," Ignatius muttered.

The next morning a sleeping Cygnus handed over an envelope he'd been given by Hayden the night before. A proud look on his face at remembering. A bemused Charlus praised his quick mind as he accepted the missive, glancing at his wife in silent query but she just shook her head, no, she had no idea what it was.

"Ah," Charlus said, "A surprise party at Black castle, for Orion's birthday." Twirling the thick expensive parchment around to let his wife see the invitation. "Best not keep that in the kitchen, hmm." Setting it beside his wife, they were well aware of what date Orion's birthday fell on, so they didn't really need it.

"Then we simply must get him more than one gift, one from us and one from the boys," Dorea said, rather excited at hunting down the perfect gift for Orion. He was always happy with what he got, but rare books were always preferred she'd noticed.

Unfortunately for her, none were going to come close to the books from Orion's uncles who were getting to cheat thanks to Hayden.

A/N – There we go! I think next up perhaps Orion's birthday and then maybe more wedding planning before the actual wedding? Or is there anything you want to see before we take another jump in time? More of the planning of the estate? Perhaps more about Tom? His plans? But I did say there wouldn't be much drama lol just family! I did try and read Orion/Harry stories and my gosh most of them are fem!Harry! not that there's anything wrong with that its just well not my preferred reading there's only a few where it's actually slash lol and I had no idea that there were so few Antonin/Harry stories don't get me started on the Marcus/Harry either *winces* it sucks when I want to read lol cus there's nothing to read in stuff I like reading (I write what I like to read) I might have a wee looksie in any new Snarry it's been a while! Anyways R&R please guys!