My Time

Chapter 71

"Liam! Callum! Over here!" Hayden called out to Orion's uncles, waving them over, having felt them arriving at the gates. Not that he needed to meet them, they were given access to the estate and part of the castle. The parts that would require access in order to complete their tasks. The solarium and the hallways leading up to it mainly. They might be Orion's uncles, but he didn't trust easily, once the castle was complete, only he and Orion would have access to it. He was taking what Orion's uncles said to heart, and ensuring it's protection.

"Hey, how are you doing?" Liam asked, a wide smile on his face, as he approached Hayden, and the tent that sprawled the entrance of the estate. Callum moved with him, perfectly in sync and also perfectly content to remain silent, they both didn't need to ask questions. They were here for business, not pleasure after all and their time was limited.

"Hey, I'm good, and yourselves?" gesturing them to follow him, as he entered his tent, the flaps from the doorway partially open, allowing them entrance. "Did you get the invitation?" he had to smuggle them out and use the post office owls. It made him miss his own owl something fierce. Who knows, maybe one day he would be reunited with her again, he just needed to get there first.

"We did, Orion isn't fond of surprises," Callum warned him, but it was with amusement, then again, he was noticing a massive change in his nephew.

"Hmm, that hasn't been my experience thus far," Hayden admitted, a noncommittal hum, "I'll know better than to do it again, if he's averse to it." He might be projecting a little though, with this. His birthday had never, ever, EVER, been celebrated. He'd always been stuck at the Dursley's, sure he got gifts from twelve-year-old onwards but it was never truly celebrated.

"We got those books, although we did take the original works, left behind copies, and told the company in charge of his estate where to find them." Liam declared, "Callum and I took a copy of his entire works for ourselves, I'm glad we did. I get why Orion likes them so much, they really are a fascinating read." He enthused, "I can't even remember the last time we read a book before this that didn't involve work in some way."

"I noticed, it was in the newspaper," Hayden commented a rueful grin. "Orion was too busy and hasn't noticed it yet, with a little luck he won't until he has his gift from you."

"Yes, Peverell publishing newspaper…my parents have had their friends over every day since you took over, especially the details about Nagasaki and Hiroshima, everyone is reeling over it." They'd been celebrating when such a horrific act of atrocity had been committed on a mostly magical area. "They're furious I don't think it dawned on them until they saw it in black and white, not the paper, my father had it looked into." Then of course, it was in the newspapers, that their own Ministry had been hiding information from its citizens at the advice of Albus Dumbledore, their shiny new hero, well, not so shiny anymore.

Hayden nodded his approval for the wizard checking out facts for himself.

"There really should be another newspaper at least, give some competition, it would ensure that most news actually reached the people." Hayden commented, "Having only one for so long, made it very easy for the Ministry to keep quiet about it. Especially since we're so insular. We so rarely get information from abroad, and it very rarely becomes widespread information. Although, it might change now." There might be more marriages from abroad with people seeking out betrothals for their families that was guaranteed not to be closely related.

"That's unfortunately rather true," Callum confessed, "So, can we get started?" gesturing with his thumb towards the castle.

"We're here for a reason." Liam deduced, staring curiously, gesturing around the tent, they were here for a reason and not already in the solarium.

"I've got an architect coming to see the solarium, don't worry, he can be trusted, he's family." Hayden commented, well, would be soon enough, when he and Orion married. It was happening so he didn't see the big deal about being forward in his statement. "Ignatius Prewett, he'll be here in a moment, I'd love it if you could work with him in creating something both functional and beautiful. I want the entire space utilised in the best of ways."

"I remember him from school," Callum inclined his head, although Liam was closer in age, neither had been particularly close with him. Worked on a few projects, spoke in the hallways on occasion, but never actually friends. They ran in different social circles and came from different houses. Ignatius may have been a Gryffindor but he had never been brash and loud like most of the other Gryffindors. He would have made a better Ravenclaw, eighty percent of the time you could find him in the library or on the grounds on good weather days with books in his lap. "We've seen him at events but haven't spoken beyond general pleasantries."

"You get on well enough to do this together?" Hayden enquired, its' likely that the house prejudice wasn't as strong in this time. It would start (or maybe just started) going downhill with Dumbledore encouraging it. He certainly already has the prejudice against Slytherins already. Favouring the Gryffindors was just the stepping stone to a much larger plan, and Dumbledore was a chess master, and had patience in spades.

"We have no problem with him," Liam waved off Hayden's concern, even if they'd had problems with him at school, they were adults for Merlin's sake. Like Hayden said, he was now family, he was their nieces' husband.

Hayden nodded, recalling that he'd actually put the kettle on before he was distracted, he flicked his wand at it putting it back on again. It was hot immediately, unlike muggle kettles that take time (even if it was seconds) to heat up. "Want a cup?" the weather was warming up, but his work load made him need the energy boost between potions (he couldn't take them too often) to aid him in staying alert and awake.

Liam respectfully declined while Callum agreed.

"I need all the help I can get to keep myself awake," Hayden said chuckling in dry amusement. "Despite all the interviews I've had for the various jobs, I'm still struggling to find someone actually qualified." He added a dash of vanilla into the coffee, before moving back towards the boys and handed Callum his one.

"Let me guess, an influx of pureblood's that have just left school thinking they'll get the job because of who their families are?" Callum deduced, sipping the coffee, his eyes widening in surprise, the taste was delicious. "Did you put vanilla in this?" able to deduce what it was easily.

Hayden grinned, "I like to add something to make it taste better, vanilla and caramel mostly." It was just delicious, although, he tried to keep it down to one or two with the sauces, the rest were normal coffee. Before he came here, he hadn't drank coffee or liked it much. However, lately they were growing on him, helped him get through the day.

"It's really good," Callum exclaimed, definitely much better than just sugar, which could be cloyingly sweet.

"That's Ignatius now, you can bring the cup," Hayden commented, as he exited the purple tent, leaving the two to follow him at their own leisure. Absently patting at his inner cloak pocket, it was where he'd put Tom's invitation, he wanted to see how he was doing. Having done a little more reading about the effects of reabsorbing the Horcruxes (unwillingly at that) he just wanted to ensure he wasn't in bad shape. He had a mind healer to talk to, so hopefully that meant Tom actually wanted to get better, to go down a better path.

Callum calmly followed Hayden out of the tent, watching Ignatius approach Hayden, and a frown marred his features. Ignatius looked…well, for the lack of better terms, constipated. They'd only seem him like that a few times, in the beginning when he was first introduced to the family at one of their gatherings. Was he worried that Hayden would do something to him? As far as he could recall and make out, Ignatius looked more afraid of Hayden than he had of Lord Black. "You seeing it too?"

"Yup, he's smart enough to be afraid of him," Liam said smirking in amusement.

"You saying we're not smart?" Callum said in mock offence, a wide grin on his face.

"Definitely not," Liam declared, "We're here aren't we? And to think our parents are besotted with him." laughing in amusement, neither seem to realize just how powerful he was and an inclination of his abilities. Anyone that messed with him…was going to pay the ultimate price.

"Oh no, our father isn't daft, he knows." Callum said ruefully as Hayden greeted Ignatius with a hug, both of them had to muffle their laughter at Ignatius' look as he accepted the hug. Oh, Merlin, this was epic, they needed to be at Orion's birthday first, to see everything first-hand. Honestly, if Ignatius got any stiffer, he'd turn into a statue.

Liam continued sniggering until Hayden and Ignatius approached, "Please say he's already connected to the solarium so we don't have to wait around for ages?" sounding petulant to even his ears, but barely refrained from wincing. To add someone to the wards it took ages, the more people the longer it took and it was not something he had time to contemplate today.

Callum smacked his brother on the back of the head, rolling his eyes at him, "You'll have to forgive him, he didn't get much sleep last night."

Hayden just laughed, "I know the feeling, but you're in luck, you're all connected, for now."

Callum and Liam both nodded their approval, it was the best thing for all concerned. They would never speak about Hayden or the priceless treasure trove he had of a solarium. Some were even going to be theirs, which meant they would be tweaking and strengthening the wards around at least one of their greenhouses to make it impenetrable. So only they could get in, they were not risking any thief getting their hands on their almost extinct plants. The only reason they weren't was because of the power the Peverell family harnessed to their will.

They knew Hayden wouldn't speak of it either, and neither would their nephew, Orion. Thus, it would be as safe as possible, but it never hurt to take precautions.

"That's a relief," Liam confessed, stretching out, trying to bring some alertness to himself. He was heading straight for a sleep when they got back to the manor. It would be Callum's turn to deal with all the orders. "Speaking of expanding, we honestly have no idea where to start, the Muggle world is so foreign to us."

"Didn't you head out into the Muggle world even once at school? Or with your friends?" Hayden enquired, as they begun to trek towards the solarium. He knew Sirius had, anything to keep away from Grimmauld Place and his mother. He'd even went and bought muggle posters (with scantily clad women) and had them permanently stuck up on his bedroom wall. Anything to enrage his mother and set himself apart from his family. If Sirius (who had been raised solely in the magical world) could figure out his way around, surely, they could too? Was it that difficult?

Ignatius walked to the left of them, gaze always on Hayden, it didn't even waver to them, not even when they spoke.

"You know, that might actually be a good idea," Callum commented, "A field trip to the muggle world, let us experience it for ourselves. It certainly would have made us feel far more comfortable manoeuvring around the muggle world. Everything is in ruins; everyone is so suspicious it's unreal."

"They've just had a war; suspicion will be rife in the communities with people they don't know." Hayden explained, "They will still be on rationing for a few years. To ensure their food and drinks manage to do every single muggle still living on British soil. We aren't suffering such a way of life because of the war thank merlin for that." He would have loathed to ration his food, having been starved the majority of his life.

"Still, we're not sure how this will go about this," Callum confessed, the muggle world was too alien for them.

"I see, you're best getting help from a mugg- first generation wizard or witch," Hayden finally managed to remember to call them by the name he gave them in his book. It wasn't easy, changing his own words for them, likely wouldn't be easy for the others but lead by example and all that. "Someone with experience in the muggle world. Now depending on what you want, what is it exactly you want?" realizing he was getting way ahead of himself.

Ignatius listened to the conversation flowing around him, wanting to relax but he couldn't, he did not feel at ease here. The second he stepped over the wards, he felt as if he was being stalked, watched and every hair on his body just prickled to attention. Like he was being made aware of something strong, something immensely suffocating. It wasn't evil, it just left him feeling nigh on edge. Didn't anyone else feel that way when it came to Hayden? Or was it just him? His wife didn't seem to feel the same as him.

How did anyone feel comfortable around him?

"Well, you do kind of owe us, for our help." Liam pointed out, utterly impulsively, "Would you help us? It's just to get our feet on the ground running."

"Oh? Shall we negotiate our deal? How about I do this instead of giving you what we originally agreed?" Hayden commented just as quickly, eyes darkening at his words, they were getting the better end of the deal and they damn well knew it.

"No!" Callum barked out in panic, "Definitely not, we'll even throw in an apprentice to sweeten the cauldron." They had no idea if he was actually kidding or not. He wanted to smack his brother one for that very real possibility.

"Hmm," Hayden hummed thoughtfully, "Alright then." Agreeing to the new stipulation, he would never let anyone walk all over him. He couldn't, wouldn't, tolerate it. Closing his eyes for a briefest second, just recalling his past, Orion would be the only one that would ever know, and Hayden was alright with that. Because only Orion mattered, and the family they would hopefully one day have.

Callum threw Liam a look that screamed he was going to hear all about it.

Liam grimaced, tiredness was making him impetuous, or rather more impetuous as the case may be. He and his brother weren't the heirs, they'd never been given the attention his brother had. His image was more important than two spare male heirs were. Their sister had been given lessons as well, all in an effort to give her the best possible life, one that was filled with resplendent with her becoming 'Lady' and finding herself a Lord husband. There was no higher pride in the families than having their daughter marrying into a good family.

Naturally parents all had different opinions on what made a family 'good'. None of them were really on the wizard's actual character and how he treated people. That never really got taken into consideration, whether they seemed to love their children or not.

"We could really use an apprentice for ourselves, maybe two," Liam confessed, "The way we're going about it can't really continue. We need a stable routine, and not sleeping through the day three or four days a week each respectively."

"Do you know any squibs?" Hayden asked, continuing to walk despite the others having stopped in their tracks.

"Of course we don't!" came the immediate horror filled reply.

Hayden arched a brow as he turned around, staring impassively at them. "Is that so?" it saddened him greatly they weren't paying as much attention to his book as he would have liked. Squibs were important, they needed to remain in the magical world, given jobs, prospering.

The three stared between each other, cautious and suspicious.

Hayden gave up any subtly staring at Ignatius, "Your cousin."

Ignatius was agog at the statement, how on earth did he know about that? See! He was beyond terrifying! He knew things other people just shouldn't know. His cousin hadn't appeared on the registry for Hogwarts, he'd been shipped off to the muggle world and nobody spoke about him.

"He's learning to be an accountant, or just become one, isn't he?" Hayden added thoughtfully, "Percival Prewett, he could bring your family riches it could only imagine but apparently the shame of not having magic was the only thing that mattered. You played with him, had sleep overs, confessed in each other of your respective fears…did learning he didn't have magic change the fact you thought very highly of him before then?" he was over so often he considered 'Percy' as he'd been called, a brother. One that understood him since neither were heirs, weren't important, only Percy got betrayed.

Ignatius bleated, that was information even he didn't know. Opening and closing his mouth unable to articulate a response to the gentle admonishment in Hayden's eyes. It was very effective, worked far better than his own parents disappointment. He was quite frankly stunned.

"You know he has a magical child, right?" Hayden commented, turning back around, and continuing to walk. Mafalda was her name, ended up in Slytherin. He idly wondered how Molly would have actually reacted to that. They preached equality but squibs were never part of that? Then again it wasn't really Molly's decision, the boy had been her second cousin, they'd likely never met. "It's not often it only takes on generation for magic to resurface, if I'm not mistaken, I don't think he's actually a squib, just not powerful enough to attend Hogwarts."

Ignatius almost fell, Merlin, he'd feel better if Hayden was just punching him, because he felt like he'd been taking body blows since he Apparated to Peverell estate. Licking his dry lips, did he dare say anything to his aunt and uncle? Who by the way, didn't have any other children. What did it matter now? It's not like Percy would accept anything from the family. He certainly wouldn't have.

Callum took pity and steadied the shaken wizard, and this was the guy that had gotten the seal of approval from Lord Black? "Yeah, it's a good job you're already married to Luce," he told him, patting him on the back in commiseration. "If Lord Black saw just how you were reacting now back then," he dramatically made a cutting motion, Liam's shoulders were shaking so hard Callum was amazed not a sound had emerged.

Ignatius narrowed his eyes, and straightened up, "Shut up," he complained quietly, huffing a little. He was completely baffled how they couldn't feel…something…just something. He couldn't describe it, it was just there, he couldn't describe it. He didn't feel like he was in danger, but every instinct screamed within him to be careful, like something was coming. He didn't dare ask anyone though.

At least not yet.

Callum and Liam chuckled, as they stepped in sync with Hayden again, he didn't seem upset by Liam's earlier words thankfully.

"Do you have everything you need or are you just going to jolt down some ideas and take pictures or what?" Hayden enquired, as he opened the doors, leading to the solarium. The windows on the dome were gleaming having been cleaned by Hayden's magic earlier.

"Actually, taking pictures doesn't give accurate representations of space," Ignatius commented, as he took everything in, it was old, very, very well preserved, it could do with a serious upgrade, which obviously, is why he was there. "Or measurements." And out of Ignatius' wand came a long ass measuring tape, and a notebook with a quill that begun to write.

"Is there anything specific you want in the room? More room? Utilising all the levels? Or is this the sort of layout you wish to retain but upgraded?" Ignatius asked, slipping into professional mode, his unease just slipped away. "Circular stairways going up the levels perhaps?"

"I'd like there to be room for everything to grow, it's under-utilised at the moment, but I'm not sure if it's because nothing is growing as of yet. Then there's the fact what I do know that's going to grow, I have no idea how much it grows." Hayden confessed, as he watched Ignatius, it was like he was someone else when he got into his work. He was exuding excitement, like a kid on Yule. He truly loved his work, and he couldn't help but wonder what had happened to him and Lucretia in the other past. So many wizards and witches had died, long before their time, the occasional accident he could understand but bloody hell, Lucretia had to be what fifty or sixty when she died. That wasn't even middle-age for wizards and witches, that was one hundred years old for middle aged wizards and witches. They could live up to three or four hundred years if their magic was strong enough. It was regretful that each generation that passed caused lesser magic and thus shorter lifespans. The gallery in Black castle had shown him irrefutable proof of that.

Shaking off his thoughts, he startled, realizing that Liam, Callum and Ignatius were talking about their own suggestions. Naturally, they knew that Ignatius would be doing a couple of drawings, until it became the idea that Hayden actually could see his solarium becoming.

"Wait, how many green-houses do you want sprawling out of the solarium?" Ignatius asked, eagle eye taking in the view, "I'd say four would be the most possible for the sprawling grounds here. Any more and it would be too squashed together." Which wasn't something Hayden wanted apparently. Even with magic space can be limiting.

"Two or three at most," Hayden was firm, he didn't want too many, he wasn't making a business out of it, but it would generate some amazing income. "I am thinking only two though, I'm not going to be making a business out of it. It will be for family only at least right now." A rueful grin on his face, Merlin only knows what he'd do in future.

"It does depend on what size of green-house you'd prefer," Ignatius commented, the notepad was no longer being written in for the moment. The book and quill nonetheless followed the wizard, truly taking in the entire thing, but not trying to see any of the plants or seeds other than a disinterested glance.

"What size are yours guys?" Hayden asked the Macmillan siblings.

Callum was the one to reply.

"Those, I rather like the ones you've got." Sturdy, and even if they were expensive, they'd last for sure. "They look sturdy, made to last."

"Had them over a decade," Liam declared proudly, "Haven't had to repair it once." Neither replace anything or repair it with magic, they'd chosen well, and he was pleased that Hayden could see they had the best equipment.

"We'll get you the details, they usually install them for you as well," Callum explained, "Best get it done as soon as possible if you're interested." He understood how wards worked, and he reckoned this place wasn't much different. He knew that the moment the estate was up and running that the wards would be purged of anyone getting access, he'd do the same thing.

"How long?" Hayden enquired absently in curiosity.

"Took maybe twenty-five minutes, per green-house." Liam guessed, magic made a lot of things easier, along with permanent sticking charms and such. For muggles such a size would take roughly a day or two, but with magic not even an hour.

"After you've rested would you send me the details? Any you have, I don't mind." Be it the actual address for the company or the Floo or just a mailing address.

"Sure, I'll send you the details this evening, I think I might still have their business card somewhere." Liam inclined his head respectfully.

"Thank you," Hayden answered, turning back around only to blink at the sight of Ignatius scribbling away with a quill on the parchment. "Remind me to get pencils for you." Amazed at the rudimentary drawing and so quickly. He wondered if Ignatius had ever considered becoming an artist. Then again, he was an artist, just a different kind.

"Pencils?" Ignatius echoed, befuddled.

"Lead encased in wood, smoothed out," Hayden explained what a pencil was, "They have colour sets as well, like crayons but thinner and firmer." He definitely knew what crayons were, the kids use them.

"Huh," was all Ignatius said, as he finished his rough sketch.

"You're really good at what you do, aren't you?" Hayden stated.

Ignatius flushed, preening in pride, it wasn't often noticed, and he was proud of his abilities. "Thank you, and I like to think so."

"If only I got to see the look on your bosses face when you give in your notice," Hayden laughed, smacking him on the back, it would certainly be a sight to behold.

"You can come if you want, it's my day off," Ignatius explained, "Hopefully by tomorrow most of the anger will be worked off, I'd really rather not endure an entire two-week nightmare." If it wasn't for the fact, he was moving up in the eyes of society he wouldn't be doing this. He knew it was going to be an utter nightmare. They were going to be furious; his bosses were bloody spiteful.

"I remember those days, glad we took a chance and begun working for ourselves," Callum said in commiserated with his fellow wizard. They might have gotten their apprenticeships due to their last name, but they'd worked so hard to earn their Masteries, and worked in various nurseries to earn money and continue their education. From there the idea spawned, the family already had contacts within the industry. Not to forget they had green-houses as well, the family was well known for their abilities in herbology. They'd just taken it a step further and branched out, becoming their own bosses. Their eldest brother, the heir, also had a Mastery in Herbology, but hadn't so much as watered a plant since. It was such a waste.

"Yeah, and you're not getting proper sleep," Hayden said dryly, "I'd like to meet your bosses." An innocent air about him, a small smile appearing on his face.

Ignatius stared at Hayden through the side eye, he didn't buy that look for a second! "You can meet them when I'm no longer employed there." He stated hastily, praying that he wouldn't be contrary.

Hayden pouted, "Oh, come on, I want to see their faces," he teased with a fake whine. "And maybe give a little warning."

Ignatius' eyes widened, definitely the last thing he needed.

Callum and Liam laughed, "Ah, his bosses aren't quite so easily intimidated."

Hayden's eyes positively gleamed, "Wanna bet?"

"Not really," Callum chucked, "I'm not foolish enough to bet against you." Recalling what had happened the last time they met. How he'd given them impossible information. Information that could have only come from ghosts, he was a Peverell, necromancers, yes, foolish indeed.

Liam chuckled nodding his agreement, futile betting that would be.

"We're family, we stick together, and frankly? I want to thank them for their idiocy, they've given me someone irreplicable." Hayden declared, glancing at the parchment, if he could do something like that in such a short space of time…just what could he come up with from an office? Admittedly Liam and Callum had given him some great suggestions.

Ignatius straightened, his posture perfect, and he smiled. Pride at his abilities once again welling within him. Nobody really praised his work anymore, not even his bosses. It was expected of him, the expectation wasn't open to praise. Go figure his new boss would be the one to offer him that unconditional support he desperately needed. It might just be the newness, but it was appreciated nonetheless. Family. He'd said, Lucretia constantly went on about the importance of family, and there was nothing she wouldn't do for them. His own family wasn't that close, but the Black's? They remain staunchly together, and for the first time he was really beginning to see what she meant.

Hayden wasn't a Black yet, but he fitted in so well, that it was like he'd been a Black all his life.

"You know what, alright, you can come, but I'm leaving now. Lucretia and I are visiting Rome for a day and I'd love to be able to have brunch over there." Ignatius told them, it had been a gift from Lucretia's aunt, Lycoris Black. Getting Portkey's in and out of the country was not easily done, she must have paid a fortune for it. It was good for six months, so they'd decided to use it. He just wished they could spend more than just the one day there, he wasn't meaning it in an ungrateful way, the honeymoon had been wonderful. No matter, they'd enjoy the time that was being given to them.

"No problem, we're done here, right?" Hayden enquired, glancing at the Macmillan boys, who agreed, Liam more so, he just wanted to roll into bed and sleep forever. Rubbing his hands gleefully, "Then let's go!" it was going to be so. Much. Fun. A delighted grin on his face.

Ignatius smothered his amusement, well, it would be nice to see someone else intimidated by Hayden that wasn't him.

The four of them made quick work of returning to the gates of Peverell estate. Hayden reminded Liam and Callum to send him the details, since neither would be able to begin until the work was done. Maybe he should recommend Arabella Figg and Argus Filch. They were old in his timeline, but here? They shouldn't be that old, he'd need to ask Orion who the caretaker was. Argus might already have a job working at Hogwarts, not that he'd liked it much. Miserable old man, but seeing people graduating constantly and not being able to do so himself was bound to cause further agony to the man who became embittered.

He couldn't save everyone, Hayden knew that. He'd be damned though, if he didn't try.

They said their goodbye's as Hayden flung up the wards keeping the estate secure. "I'm ready when you are." Trusting Ignatius to apparate them both safely.

A/N – okay so we've got a lot to do before we have a little time jump, see how Tom's doing and be a fly on the wall when Ignatius gives his notice ;) perhaps dinner at Cedrella's family there's something else going around my mind but I've forgotten what it was so I'll remember later lol and I'll need to put the date in as well, so you know the time…sorry about the long wait the latest storm had my fence entirely flat out on the ground, it was not fun! Oh yeah remembered what it was a delightful Wizengamot meeting in the works *cackles* I can't wait to write it it's going to be loads of fun! Do you lot want to see Fawkes return to Hayden? Just temporarily or will we see him decide to make Hayden his permanent human? R&R