Chapter 13 is here! Ah such a lovely chapter to write, I hope you enjoy reading it. Just after people's opinions, Harry will head off to Hogwarts in the next chapter and I still haven't decided what house to place him in. Thoughts? Opinions, please share them with me 😊 thank you!

Harry loved having Crookshanks around. It brought him more comfort than he would've thought possible. It almost felt like having a small piece of Ron and Hermione here with him. Memories of third year running through his head as he held Crookshanks close. He had been exhausted when they had got back from their shopping trip and Harry had retired nearly immediately to his room with Crookshanks. He'd sat Crookshanks on his bed and pulled on one of his new pairs of pyjamas, smiling in amusement as his new cat had curled up contentedly.

His whole body ached as he crawled under the blankets but having Crookshanks' warmth at his feet had him drifting off to sleep easier than he had since his arrival.

Crookshanks barely left his side over the next few days, following him around and watching everyone with intelligent eyes. Crookshanks didn't even seem to be bothered by Remus, showing as much indifference to the werewolf as every other inhabitant, besides Harry, in the house.

"Your cat is creepy" James laughed as Crookshanks made his way into the room they were all sitting in and laid in front of the fire, his beady eyes taking in everything.

"Shh" Harry whispered, "you'll hurt his feelings."

James sighed melodramatically, "I'd say you're being ridiculous, but I think you're probably right."

Harry nodded, returning back to the book he had been reading. He was trying to read some of his textbooks before Hogwarts went back next week. He was feeling a little worried about not being able to keep up and embarrassing himself and his new family. He'd never had anyone who would care how well he did before, and he wanted to make them proud.

Crookshanks wound around his ankles, and he absentmindedly reached out a hand to stroke him as he read. He had decided to focus on charms today, as it was an area that had a lot of use in every day life and one that he hadn't paid that much attention to before. His brow furrowed as he read.

"You know, if you need any help studying during the year, I'd be happy to help" Remus said softly from his place further down the table.

Harry looked up and smiled gratefully, "really?"

"Of course," Remus said affably, and James and Sirius nodded in agreement.

"Even if you don't get into Gryffindor" Sirius said with a laugh. "We can just meet in the library or something."

"Well, there's a good chance I won't get into Gryffindor, so that's good to know."

"Slytherin holds regular study groups with our year mates, if you get into Slytherin you would be welcome to join us" Regulus said from beside him.

"That's a good idea" Harry said, eyes flicking to the younger Black.

"Even if you aren't in Slytherin, I would be happy to study with you as well."

Harry smiled widely at the other, "thank you."

"We actually won't be around for the rest of the week, unfortunately" James said, looking uncharacteristically nervous as he changed topics. "We are spending the last week of holidays with Peter."

Harry scowled fiercely at the mention of the rat.

"You're really going to have to work on your poker face if you want to stay under his radar" laughed Sirius and Harry took a moment to try to smooth out his features.

"Now you just look constipated!"

"I don't like him anywhere near you" Harry hissed, and James leaned over to rub his hand soothingly.

"Believe me, neither do I. But if we don't want him to get suspicious, we have to play along. We normally spend time with Peter in the last week so we can't change that now."

Harry deflated at the logic.

"I know, I just worry."

"Understandable" Regulus breathed before speaking louder. "I will keep Harry company while the three of you are entertaining the rat." Regulus' eyes flickered in amusement as a series of complicated emotions flashed across James' face.

"Severus is visiting this week, so it's probably best that you three of you aren't around for that anyway."

Sirius sneered at the mention of Snape and Harry frowned.

"You leave Severus alone" he said firmly, surprising even himself.

Sirius' eyes widened.

Harry let out a sigh, leaning over the table to grip Sirius' hands and look at him imploringly.

"You know I love you Sirius" Harry began, and the Black heir blushed hotly, not used to such open affection. "But what you did to Snape… what you all did" Harry continued, looking around at James and Remus as well, "was not OK. I know you don't like each other but please just be nice or if you can't be nice stay away."

Harry looked so sad, so earnest, green eyes large and shining that Sirius found himself nodding in agreement before he realised what was happening.

A snort pulled them both from the moment.

Sirius scrubbed his hand through his hair. "Snivellus gives as good as he gets."

"Well, now is your chance to be the bigger person" Harry said with a smile. He looked over at Remus and James to find them both watching them fondly.

"I think, that's a good idea, Harry" Remus said quietly.

"Yeah" James said with a sigh. "Anyway, we better get going."

The older Potter stood and began packing away his things, Sirius and Remus reluctantly following his lead.

James pulled Harry into a hug, rubbing his chin through Harry's soft curls.

"We'll be careful" James whispered, trying to alleviate Harry's fears, Harry just squeezed him tighter.

"Come find us on the train" Sirius said as he pulled Harry into his own hug.

"I will."

Regulus nodded goodbye to the three as the floo flared to life infront of them.

I hand on his shoulder pulled him from his contemplation.

"Are you OK, Harry?"

Harry smiled at Regulus' concern, "of course, now we get to spend some time together."

Harry thought he saw Regulus' cheeks pink slightly at that.

"So, what do you enjoy doing?" Harry asked interestedly the next morning over breakfast.

Regulus paused; a piece of toast raised to his mouth.

"Pardon?"

"What are your interests? What do you enjoy doing in your spare time? Just so I know how we're going to spend the next few days."

"Oh… We can do whatever you want" Regulus said dismissively.

Harry frowned, "I'd rather do things that you enjoy." Harry got the distinct impression that no one really cared about Regulus' interests much before.

"Well, I like brewing potions, chess, reading and flying."

Harry brightened considerably, "perfect! What would you like to start with?"

Again, Regulus looked rather flummoxed.

Orion wandered in at that moment, distracting them from the question.

"I won't be home for dinner, tonight" Orion said as he smiled in greeting. "I'm meeting with a few of the other school governors. Much of what you said, Harry, concerns me and I want to make sure that nothing like what happened to you at school is happening now or allowed to happen to any student in the future."

Harry's mouth dropped open in surprise. Orion who was concentrating on his tea didn't notice.

"I'd also like to organise the removal of the basilisk, but I am going to leave it for now. I'm afraid it would draw to much attention from Voldemort and his followers. Banishing Walburga is understandable after what she did, but suddenly knowing about and removing a basilisk from Hogwarts would start people asking questions that we want to avoid."

"That's a good point" Harry said thoughtfully, amazed at Orion's willingness to say the name. "Voldemort knows of and has used the basilisk in the past, it would definitely get his attention if it was removed. The most important thing right now is to stay away from his notice."

Orion nodded his head in acknowledgement.

"I have been in discussions with Fleamont and Euphemia regarding Voldemort and what we are going to have to do about him."

Harry perked up at that, even as dread filled his stomach.

Seeing the look on Harry's face Orion kept talking, "for now we just want you to concentrate on school we will let you know when we actually managed to come up with something. There are several areas that we are looking in to at the moment."

"What?" Harry said, looking completely flummoxed.

"Concentrate on school for the moment. From what you've told us your schooling to date has been very disrupted that should be your main focus at the moment."

"Schooling won't matter if Voldemort takes over again!" Panic starting to claw at him now that they were finally on the topic.

Orion reached out but seemed to think better of it.

"When we know something, we will do something. For now, you can do nothing" Orion said quietly, giving Harry a sad look.

Harry deflated at that; he could do…nothing?

"You promise to let me know what's happening?"

"Of course," Orion confirmed. "Your knowledge will be invaluable."

He let out a deep sigh, not sure how he felt about this.

Regulus spoke up, pulling him from his musings.

"That's fine father, we were thinking of having a quiet day at home anyway. Maybe some chess and reading in the garden."

Orion looked momentarily surprised, while Harry smiled brightly at Regulus.

"That sounds like a good way to spend the day."

That is how Harry found himself hours later laying in the sunshine on a soft grey blanket a book held loosely in his hand, Regulus sprawled out beside him. Kreacher popped up laying down a tray of fresh fruit and warm cookies that they happily munched on.

"Lemon cookies are my favourite" Harry said as he took another bite. Regulus pushed the last cookie towards him, and Harry felt his cheeks warming up.

"I'm more of a choc chip fan myself."

"Will a strawberry do?" Harry laughed handing over the red berry.

"For now," Regulus smirked as he went back to his book.

Harry watched in amusement as Crookshanks stalked through some bushes nearby, clearly on the trail of something. He let his focus shift as the sun warmed his back eyes drifting to the teen beside him.

If he had been asked, this isn't what he would have expected of Regulus Black. The teen was sharp and clever, with a lingering pain and loneliness that called out to Harry's own. There was also a kindness that he wouldn't expected from how Sirius described his family. He realised now though that Sirius had seen his family through a very pointed lens. Seeing things as black and white instead of all the shades of grey. Regulus had obviously bore the brunt of the families expectations, it made him shudder to think what would've become of the other after Orion's death. With no one to shield him from Walburga.

Harry blinked several times, realising that a dark eyebrow was currently raised at him. He blushed, having been caught staring.

"I was just thinking about how you're different to what I expected" Harry said honestly, and Regulus shot him the patented Black smirk. He shoved his shoulder playfully.

"You're nice" Harry laughed.

"I assure you; I am not."

Now it was Harry's turn to raise an eyebrow in amusement, laughing as he rolled over.

Harry woke up early the next morning, sneaking downstairs to the kitchen before anyone else was awake. Regulus felt his heart skip a beat when he came downstairs hours later and found a warm plate of choc chip cookies sitting on the table waiting for him.

"You can't move the knight there" Regulus chuckled as Harry moved the piece back where it was, a look of deep concentration on his face. His pieces screamed advice at him, but he tried to tune it all out, thinking about everything Ron and Regulus had tried to teach him.

He cautiously moved his castle, only to groan as it was immediately torn to pieces.

"Harry, do you have everything you need?" Regulus asked as he handed the younger teen his cane. Harry patted his pockets, checking for his money pouch and wand.

"Yep."

"I think it'd be best if we went through the floo together" Regulus said calmly as he opened the container of floo powder. "I wouldn't want to risk you hurting your leg."

Harry chose to ignore the fact that he had been through the floo before with his injured leg. It had infact hurt, a lot.

"Sounds good."

Regulus stepped closer, waiting for Harry to make the final move into his arms. He hesitated for a moment longer before moving forward feeling the warmth radiating off Regulus as a strong arm wrapped around his waist pulling him even closer. Regulus threw in the floo powder, and they stepped in together.

"DIAGON ALLEY!" Regulus said loudly and clearly, and Harry tucked his head into the others neck, trying to avoid as much soot as possible. They landed and Regulus' firm grip kept Harry from stumbling or falling on the way out and Harry found he didn't mind travelling by floo if it was with someone else.

They made their way to Flourish and Blotts, Regulus keeping close to him the whole way. The Slytherin mask was well and truly in place, face cold and eyes darting around suspiciously. Harry found he didn't mind; he knew Regulus was just trying to keep them safe.

"Transfiguration of the senses" Harry said, turning the book in his hands to show Regulus. "It seems to be about temporary transfiguration to enhance reflexes, eyesight, speed etc. Sounds interesting."

"It does" said Regulus, "add it to the pile." Harry followed his instructions placing the book in the basket at their feet that already held several large tomes.

"What about…"

Harry smiled warmly as Regulus showed him a book on healing charms.

"Always useful" Harry agreed placing them in the basket.

They had over half a dozen books by the time they left the store, heading to Florean Fortescue's and arguing about the best flavour of ice cream. It was a topic that was hotly debated.

"Its clearly mint" Harry said seriously, trying to keep all traces of humour off his face.

"I'm not sure I can trust anyone who thinks that mint is the best flavour of icecream" Regulus said, a twinkle in his eye.

Harry pretended to look deeply offended as they walked inside the shop.

Harry sat in the sitting room, an unusual level of anxiety running through him. They were waiting for Severus to arrive, and Harry could admit that he was nervous about seeing his former professor as a teenager.

"So, Severus became the potions professor at Hogwarts?" Regulus asked, from his place beside Harry on the lounge.

"He did" Harry nodded. "He wasn't very nice though, and particularly didn't like me because of who my father was."

"I could see that being the case" Regulus agreed.

"Not that it is an excuse and I'm sure you're already aware, but he has not had an easy life."

Harry nodded in understanding. "Unfortunately, it doesn't get any easier for him from here on out" he said quietly.

Regulus looked at him shrewdly but didn't question further.

They both looked over as the floo flared and a tall dark-haired teen walked out.

Regulus stood, nodding to the other teen in greeting.

"Regulus."

"Severus" Regulus returned. "This is Harry" Regulus returned waving Harry to come and stand beside him.

Severus' eyes narrowed, "Potter?"

Regulus stayed calm, "yes, he is James' cousin, though I can assure you he is nothing like his older cousin."

Harry frowned a little at that.

"Why is he here?" Severus sneered and Harry felt annoyance starting to stir.

"He has been staying with us. Harry has been living abroad with relatives and has returned to attend Hogwarts this year."

Severus scoffed, "let me guess, he needs potions tutoring?"

Regulus frowned a little, his voice cool, "if he does need potion tutoring, I assure you no one but myself would be doing it."

Harry decided it may be best to bow out of the brewing session, he had an idea or two forming around Severus but knew it would take time to build his trust.

"I'm feeling a little tired, I think I might go have a lay down."

Regulus swung to him, back to Severus, concern dancing through his eyes. With a slow nod he reached for Harry's cane, handing it to him. Severus' eyes tracked the movement.

"Enjoy your brewing" he said quietly, mind still reeling from the image of a teenage Severus Snape glaring daggers at him as he hobbled out of the room. He didn't want to dampen Regulus' time with his friend. Besides he was feeling rather tired. He settled on his bed, he opened the new healing book that they had bought earlier in the week and ignored the part of his brain that was wishing he was downstairs brewing with Regulus.

A knock at his door brought him out of the doze he had fallen into.

"Come in" Harry croaked, unsurprised when it was Regulus that poked his head in the door.

"Severus just left."

"Did you have fun?"

"It was nice, though too much time with Severus can be trying."

Harry chuckled as he sat up, "I can see that."

"Kreacher just said dinner will be ready soon, are you hungry?"

"Starving" Harry realised, stretching as he climbed off his bed. "I was reading about a potion that can help your memory for when you're studying for a test" Harry said as they started walking towards the kitchen.

Regulus eyes watched the smaller teen, making sure his leg would make it down all the stairs okay.

"We could brew it sometime if you like?" Regulus offered, enjoying the way Harry's eyes brightened at the simple invitation.