Chapter 29

Arriving on the grounds of Potter Manor was a breath of much-needed fresh air. The weight of the lies and secrets was really wearing on Harry over the last few weeks. So many questions that he never imagined coming up had been thrown in his face, and he felt his lie was becoming suffocatingly difficult to keep up with. At least here, in his family's ancestral home, the lies could stop for a while.

Approaching the house Harry took a deep breath as he pushed open the front door. He was welcomed instantly by Mipsy, the house elf, and he offered the loyal elf a small smile, "Hello, Mipsy. It's good to be home."

The elf informed him that his parents were in the family room, and Harry immediately set out to seek the comfort of Charlus and Dorea. The family room doors were open, and the wireless was playing as Harry entered the room.

His mother and father were both sitting in silence, holding hands and listening to a soft melody. Tears stained his mother's cheeks, and Charlus looked like an enormous weight sat on his shoulders. The song that was playing was certainly somber, but Harry felt his heart sink further as he took in the older couple. He could only imagine how many Halloweens the two had sat like this all day mourning the loss of their son.

Dorea seemed to sense Harry first, and when she saw him a smile began to cross her features. Releasing her husband's hand she stood to her feet wiping at her face as she approached her son, "Harry, welcome home."

The woman embraced him tightly, and Harry wrapped both arms around the woman returning the hug. They held each other for a very long moment, and when they separated Dorea patted his cheek affectionately, "I can't remember the last time I did anything but cry on Halloween. I am so happy you are here."

Charlus didn't say anything, but offered his son a smile as he stepped in to replace his wife and hugged Harry for all he was worth. When the two separated Harry sighed, "I've never been so happy to be home. It's different being at Hogwarts and wishing to be somewhere else."

Dorea and Charlus exchanged looks on this as they all stood in close proximity. The lady of the house asked, "Trouble sleeping?"

"A very unpleasant nightmare," Harry answered with a shudder.

"A nightmare or a memory?" Charlus asked quietly.

Harry paused before answering, "A memory."

His answer was quiet, but before he could be questioned on it he spoke, "McGonagall is very suspicious of us, I think. I wish someone had warned me she was Henry's godmother."

The words weren't accusatory, but still, Charlus and Dorea appeared ashamed by his words. Charlus ran a hand through the back of his hair sighing deeply, "Minerva and I have not spoken face to face in over fifteen years, Harry. It is something I thought about mentioning, but I honestly thought she would not wish to speak of it. She wrote me many letters after the passing of our son, but I never wrote her back once…It is something I am deeply ashamed of."

"Was she really one of your bridesmaids, mom?" Harry asked curiously.

"Oh yes." Dorea answered with a slight smile, "To this day our wedding was the happiest moment of my life."

"She was the best friend I ever had." Charlus answered sadly, "Your mother and I lost more than ourselves, and a son all those years ago."

"It's not too late." Harry explained, "In your defense, she also never once mentioned to me in my time that you were friends. She was my head of house in my time. She took great care of me, bought me my first broom, in fact."

Dorea let out a choked sob, "Did she really?"

Charlus looked pained, while Harry nodded, then the man answered, "Dorea about killed her when she bought Henry one for his fourth birthday."

Instead of feeling their pain, Harry offered them a slight grin, "Lily almost killed Sirius when he did the same for me on my first birthday. I think I would like to see that memory. The one for your wedding as well."

Dorea looked up in surprise at Harry as tears were still building in her eyes, "What?"

"Well, I didn't come home so we could cry in a circle all day," Harry said softly, placing an arm around his mom, "Might as well watch some good memories. Enjoy and relive the happiest moments of my brother's life, as well as yours."

Charlus frowned, "Harry, we haven't watched those memories in over a decade."

"Then there is no time like the present." Harry said, throwing his other arm around his father, "I was never given a chance to know my family. Let me have this."

Harry wanted them to think this was a big favor to him, and in many ways it was, but at the same time he was determined to help the people who took him in. No matter what it took. Charlus and Dorea exchanged long looks before Charlus began to smirk, "I think watching you argue with Minerva while Henry zips around the house sounds like a pleasant way to spend the afternoon."

With the emotional support of her husband and son, Dorea offered the slightest of nods, and Harry called for Mipsy to bring the Pensieve. When the elf arrived with the device Harry suggested, "Let's start with the wedding. I have to see if dad was a nervous wreck."

Charlus immediately refused, "No! Arcturus and I were half pissed. It was the only way I could hold my nerves. Your mother will have to provide that memory."

Dorea shook her head, but the ghost of a smile had returned to her face as she held her wand to her head and pulled a white strand that she dropped into the basin. With Harry going first he immediately realized they were in a large dressing room.

Sitting in a spinning high chair Dorea Black was leaning towards a large mirror as she used her wand to control a makeup brush that was putting the final touches to her wedding day look.

"Wow, mom, you look beautiful!" Harry said with a smile as he saw Charlus wrap an arm around her shoulder.

"A woman should only ever get married once, Harry. She should look her best on that day," Dorea said softly.

"No woman ever stood a chance against your mother long before this day," Charlus said proudly.

Harry grinned at the comment as he watched the memory of his mother take deep intentional breaths to steady her nerves. A woman who called out from the door entered the room, "Are you almost ready, ma amie?"

The woman who entered was stunningly beautiful. Unnaturally so. The platinum blonde hair, and near-perfect features told Harry this woman was a veela. Looking questioningly toward his parents Dorea said, "Alexandra Dupont. My best friend at the time. She was my maid of honor, and she was in our unit during the war against Grindelwald. We arrived at the western front on the same day. She was vicious on a battlefield, but an angel outside of it."

Charlus muttered, "She nearly hexed me into oblivion when she found out Arcturus and I had been drinking."

Harry offered the man an amused look and watched as the beautiful French woman came and placed her arms around her mother in a show of what reminded Harry of sibling affection. Alexandra said with confidence, "You will be the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes on. I am certain."

"Coming from you that means a lot, Alex," Memory Dorea said gratefully.

"It still feels like yesterday that you kissed that stupid man of yours that day in Ardennes. I wasn't sure if your brother would cheer or finish the job the enemy started on your beau," Alex said with a chuckle.

"That feels like a lifetime ago," the woman countered with a fond smile.

"If you two are done reminiscing we should really get out there before Charlus loses his mind," a new voice said from the back of the room.

Harry glanced over towards the door again to see who could only be Minerva McGonagall. Despite the years that had passed the features of the elderly woman he came to know and respect stood looking tall, proud, and stunning. The long dark hair was void of any gray hair the woman had in Harry's time, but her accent was as strong as ever. Alex laughed, "Make the man sweat. He should've known better to drink with that degenerate brother of Dorea's."

"That degenerate brother of mine is Lord Black." Dorea answered with a giggle.

"That didn't impress me on the continent and it doesn't impress me now either," the woman said with a laugh.

"It is time," Dorea said as she rose to her feet.

The maid of honor and bridesmaid followed the woman out of the room to where they were greeted by an usher that instructed both of them to walk down the hall while Dorea went to stand beside a man that could've been as old as Dumbledore.

"That's my father, Sirius. He would pass a little less than a year from that day, but I was so thankful to have him there with me on my wedding day." Dorea said with a soft smile.

The man that stood beside Dorea was heavily grayed, but his long curled hair still seemed neatly put together. The man huffed beside the woman, "You are too beautiful for that Potter boy."

"That man led us to victory against Grindelwald, father," Dorea said in exasperation, but a smile was on her face, "Besides you would've said that about any man."

"Our family hasn't married a Potter in-"

"The history of our family. You love to remind me of that fact," Dorea said with an amused laugh.

"You have become cheeky since your brother became Lord Black," The man said chortling, but this turned into a cough, while his daughter patted him on the back in comfort, "Potter will make you happy?"

"The happiest woman in the world, I imagine," Dorea said confidently.

"Very well," the man grunted, "I suppose it's too late to convince you to run?"

"That day passed many years ago," she answered smiling in the direction of the door knowing what was waiting for her on the other side.

"Let's get on with it then," the man said as the two began to walk forward.

When the doors to the hall opened Harry's eyes went straight to Charlus. The man looked strong and tall in his wizarding dress robes. Next to him was a young Arcturus Black. The man was stoutly built with broad shoulders and looked a lot like Sirius with the more traditional long dark hair. Next to him was Harry's grandfather, Fleamont, smiling brightly at his soon-to-be sister.

The ceremony was beautiful. It was quite unlike Fleur and Bill's wedding. This was much more traditional, with an exchanging of wands, and a swearing of vows. Harry had never quite seen a wizarding wedding like this, but it was heartwarming.

Harry watched as his mum and dad sealed their vows with a kiss, and the memory skipped to their first dance. In the end, the two looked hopelessly in love, and Harry felt warm as he felt the pull to exit the Pensieve.

When they came out as a family Harry pulled his parents into a hug, "I wish I could've seen a memory of Lily and James getting married. That was perfect."

A pang hit Harry in the chest, but it was bittersweet. The fact that he had the chance to see the wedding of two people he called family was a great experience. It was a reminder that he would want something that pure in his life one day, and could only hope he found a fraction of what they had.

Charlus patted his son on the back looking much more content than earlier, "That was a memory of a lifetime. A day I would live over and over again if I could. It was perfect in its own way."

Dorea took the man's hand and kissed him gently. Charlus didn't need to be prompted as he drew strength from the woman he loved and the son he had come to adore. Holding his wand to his head he dropped a memory into the Pensieve, and allowed Harry to enter first.

This was a different experience. Where previously Harry had been shown a whole new environment in the Pensieve, this time he dropped into the same room he had just left. He was in the family room in Potter Manor, and it appeared the room had not changed much.

He looked around quickly in search of something unfamiliar, but instead, his parents joined him in silence. Just when Harry was about to ask what was happening a blur of black hair shot into the room, under a table, and back around the perimeter of the room. Harry watched in awe as little Henry Potter had the largest smile on his face as he zipped around the room with Minerva McGonagall hot on his heels.

Harry watched as his father rose to his feet in a flash in an attempt to catch the boy, but Henry now found it to be an amusing game of keep away as he giggled and fled from his father's grip. For a young boy the kid was a marvel on a broom Harry thought in admiration. The gift really did run in their veins.

Dorea was in the room now, wand in hand, and berating McGonagall, "Minnie, if my son hurts himself you will not be able to hide from me in any form you may transfigure yourself into!"

The younger McGonagall merely looked amused as Charlus struggled to capture his son, "It is a fitting gift for a boy his age. Had I thought you would've allowed it I would've given him one ages ago!"

"I do not allow it now!" Dorea chided in exasperation.

"Look at him go, Dory!" Minerva called out with delight as the boy knocked out his father's legs making the man laugh with amusement.

With a flick of her wand, the boy froze in mid-air and the broom went sailing across the room. A mischievous giggle continuously escaped the boy's lips as his mother levitated the boy to where she could snatch him out of the air, "You, little one, need to learn that the broom is for outdoors only."

The boy pouted for a moment making the woman soften, but before she could console her son McGonagal swooped the boy out of her grip, "Don't worry dear godson of mine! Aunt Minnie will teach you everything you need to know about flying. Your mum and dad will never catch you next time."

"I want to fly, Minnie! I want to fly!" Henry cheered.

This caused the woman to chuckle as she summoned the broom to her hand with a simple command, "Then fly you shall, my wee bairn! Let's go."

The woman took off with her godson firmly in her arms, and Dorea set to go after him, but Charlus stopped her with a gentle call of her name, "We can't protect him forever, Dory."

The sounds of exhilaration could still be heard from the whooping child as the pair exited the house, and Charlus added, "You know Minnie won't let anything happen to him."

Dorea bit her lip nervously as she peered toward the front of the house before sighing, "You're right."

Taking the woman's hand he guided his wife to follow the pair out to the grounds of Potter Manor where they watched the boy fly in much larger circles, with McGonagall watching the boy closely, a smile Harry had never seen before on her face.

Harry would never be able to tell how long they sat and watched little Henry Potter fly, but when they exited the memory the young man felt light. His mother was wiping at her eyes, but a smile was on her face. Charlus held a look of pride, but the grief was still behind his eyes. Taking a deep breath Harry offered his hands to the pair, "Let's go to Godric's Hollow. We should see Henry, and how the restorations on the village are coming."

The two hesitated, but this time Dorea came and gently took Harry's hand in her own, placing a kiss on his cheek, "Thank you, Harry."

Charlus hesitated before taking his son's offered hand, and the three were whisked away by Harry's apparition.

It was a beautiful evening in Godric's Hollow. A far cry from the last time that Harry had been there. They arrived at the gate to the graveyard, but when Harry turned to face the quiet village it could hardly even be seen that there had been a battle here a few short weeks ago. It was clear the witches and wizards of the village had been busy, and Charlus followed Harry's eyes before nodding approvingly, "There are a lot of old and wealthy families that call this place home. I am happy to see they spared no expense or ability to get the place right again."

Dorea and Harry both nodded in agreement, but didn't say anything as the young man turned, took a deep breath, and pushed the gates to the cemetery open. The three walked in respectful silence through the graveyard. Harry's eyes glanced toward the graves of the Peverells and the grave of Ariana Dumbledore. Each played a significant role in the final stages of the war in Harry's time, but he didn't realize their significance at the time.

Harry allowed his parents to guide him toward the tombstone of Henry Potter, and when they arrived the young man took a deep breath to allow the situation to settle in. He realized that James, Lily, and the other Potter's had been buried in a small plot of grass near where Henry's final resting place was. The thought was troubling, but he looked at the tombstone with a heavy heart.

Henry Potter

So Sweet

So Small

So Soon

31/10/1956 - 31/10/1960

A child riding a broom was depicted on the tombstone, and the memory of the boy played heavily on Harry's mind. Dropping to one knee slowly Harry swished his wand diagonally creating a small floral arrangement of lilies. It was just like Hermione had done for his parents in Godric's Hollow on Christmas Day, and his heart swam with so much emotion he began speaking, "A woman I once loved created something like this for my family on Christmas. It was following some of the worst days of my life, but we pushed through it every day to try and win."

It felt like his words were piercing the silent night, but Harry was overcome with the need to say what was on his mind, "I lost everything, Henry. I lost my family. I lost my friends. I lost my life. I fought so hard, but in the end, it wasn't enough. I failed them. All of them."

Harry felt a hand go on his shoulder, and he knew it was Charlus, but he didn't turn to face the man as he wiped at his eyes trying to draw some strength, "But, I am here now, still fighting, and I won't give up as long as there's still breath in my body. It's what our family was destined to do. To fight. Just like your parents did. I have to tell you, Henry, I have only known them for a few months, but they are fighters, and I am proud to be called their son. Even though I know I can never replace you, I would've been so happy to call you my brother."

Harry could feel the emotions coming from the two behind him as he felt Charlus squeeze his shoulder a little harder, but still, he went on, "I wish you were here. I wish even for a time our family could've been whole. Maybe one day it will be. Maybe one day we will fly together."

Hot tears stung his eyes as he choked out the next words, "Happy Birthday, Henry, and I swear to you, I will protect the family you left behind."

With that Harry rose to his feet and when he turned around Dorea swarmed him with her arms going around his midsection. The short woman buried her face in his shoulder as Harry felt the familiar lump in his throat as tears continued to spill.

The two held each other for a long moment when Dorea said, "He would've been so proud to have you as a brother, Harry. Just as we are so proud to have you as a son."

The two tightened their grip on one another and neither said another word as Charlus wrapped their arms around them both. The trio embraced and time may have passed, but in that moment Harry felt safe, and didn't feel the need to think about such an innate concept. At some point, the moment did end, however, and the three separated with watery smiles.

"Let's go home," Charlus prompted.

Each apparated separately this time, and when they arrived back at Potter Manor the group went to the kitchen where Charlus pulled a bottle of fire whiskey from the cabinet, and had Mipsy bring them some glasses. When the three sat at a small breakfast table they had gathered at each day that Summer Charlus raised his glass, "To our family. May we rise above our enemies, and make them regret the moment they ever moved against us."

The three clicked their glasses, touched the table, and downed the small shot in one go.

.o.

Lily Evans had always enjoyed brewing potions. While charms had always brought her joy, potions had brought her peace. It had been an odd combination of subjects that she delved into so passionately, but she wouldn't change it for anything.

Under the guidance of Professor Slughorn, she had been brewing her first batch of veritaserum. It had taken her nearly a full month of preparation, and she had intended to put the final touches on it tonight under the power of the full moon as the instructions demanded. Slughorn may have been at the Halloween feast, but she knew exactly what to do from the notes he had left her.

The stirring had been slow and methodical. Lily couldn't wait to see the effects of the potion, and she crafted a clever list of questions for her professor to ask her. Basic embarrassing questions that were going to be overseen by Professor Dumbledore, but nothing traumatic.

Her thoughts drifted to her newest friend Harry Potter. She had told him about the brew she had been working on and he merely grinned at her as if it was something he had expected from the Muggleborn. He was a frustrating young man to attempt to get to know. Any questions that were asked about his past were deflective, but it was obvious he was a brilliant wizard. His knowledge of magic that she could barely comprehend was incredible. Even in charms, a subject that her professor said she was one of the most gifted he had ever taught, she was outmatched. He tried not to display his true ability in charms and transfiguration, but his prowess was becoming infamous.

Lily had been hearing about what he had done to four Slytherin seventh years in the common room after Elaina had protected him from a curse to the back. She had also read the article thoroughly about what they had done together in Godric's Hollow. She was fascinated by the pair's abilities. Harry and his family had decimated scores of terrorists in the village of the Potter's ancestors, and while he seemed different recently, she was starting to think it was something other than what had happened that night.

Thoughts of Elaina Essex distracted her further as she began to bottle the end of her potion. The girl had always been gifted with her wand, but there had been a marked improvement since she had started training with Harry. Something they had only recently learned about, but the sudden improvements were obvious now. The witch was always mastering spells first in class now, and it seemed she knew the entire NEWT curriculum. It was impressive to say the least, and Lily wondered just what made her so powerful.

Shouts drew her attention as she emptied the last of her potion into the final vial. Being Head Girl she immediately capped the vial and took off to the dungeon corridor to investigate the ruckus. As she came out she saw half a dozen members of Slytherin House surrounding another girl in similar green robes. The lead attacker that she recognized as Thomas Avery was standing slightly closer to the girl than the others. All had their wands drawn and she could barely decipher the teenager's words, "Drop your wand Essex. You can't hope to fight all of us. We know Potter isn't in the castle, and he won't be coming to save you. It is payback time for protecting that blood traitor."

Elaina grunted as Lily's eyes widened in realization. She could see edges of panic in the girl's features, but it was clear that Lily was not yet noticed in the corridor. Elaina called back, "I haven't had a need for Harry in my seven years in this castle. If one of you dares to throw a curse at me though I won't hesitate to show you exactly what he taught me."

Half the group seemed to shuffle under the threat, but to Yaxley's credit, he didn't look even slightly bothered, "You will wake up a drooling mess in the Hospital Wing tomorrow. Even if we are suspected by your little friend, there will be no proof. Make this easier on yourself and drop your wand."

"Don't make me kill you, Yaxley," Elaina said quietly. This time even Lily stirred under the girl's threat.

Yaxley this time narrowed his eyes as he brandished his wand dramatically, before he could curse her Lily came forward, "What in Merlin's name is going on here?"

The circle instantly became much larger as the redhead stormed her way into the middle of the would-be attackers. She recognized Rabastan, Mulciber, Avery, and the two Carrows that were in their sixth year immediately. Rabasatan was the first to break the silence, "What do you say, Corban, two for one mudblood special."

Lily glared at the pureblood bigot, "Ten points from Slytherin. I suggest you all return to the Slytherin common room at once, or I will go get the professors."

Now standing protectively between Elaina and Yaxley the group seemed even more determined by her words. Amycus Carrow muttered, "Evans has already seen us. Potter will know what we tried here tonight Yax, we have no choice now."

Avery, who seemed to have lost his patience, shouted, "She's just a mudblood, watch, stupefy!"

A red spell came towards Lily at breakneck speed as she went for her wand, but before she could summon a shield Elaina had slapped the curse away and jinxed Avery so fast she blinked and the boy was covered in painful boils.

Avery roared in rage, and several hexes came flying toward the two Muggleborn girls, but Elaina did not disappoint as she created a massive shield that stopped four of the five spells. The fifth struck her in the shoulder causing her to yelp as a snapping sound echoed through the corridor.

Adrenaline spiked through Lily as she realized just how perilous their situation was. Instantly she attempted to go on the offensive and take one of them out of the fight, but she clearly picked the wrong target in Rabastan Lestrange, because he was ready with a shield and countered quickly with a dark purple hex. Before Lily could block Elaina had stepped in front of her again, but before she could thank the dark-haired witch Elaina was struck by another spell from behind making her cry out in pain. Lily didn't see what had hit the girl or where, but in a panic, she began throwing charms toward her attackers.

With some quick thinking, Lily had managed to animate two suits of armor that engaged both Carrow siblings at once. This kept them distracted for a moment which was all Elaina needed to banish Mulciber into the stone wall making the boy slump into unconsciousness. When the Carrows dismantled Lily's animated armor she was weaving through Avery's curses. The two siblings turned the tides against her in an instant and she was struck by a cutting curse from Alecto to her face that made her cry out in pain.

Elaina barely looked her way as she sent a blast of fire toward the two siblings making them scramble apart. Taking control of the distraction Lily charmed the fire Elaina summoned to become a flaming swordsman. Amycus attempted to put out the animated element, but he wasn't fast enough as Alecto was cut across her uniform making it smolder as she yelled out in pain. Lily didn't hesitate to put the girl down as she quickly moved to duel with Amycus one on one.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Elaina fighting with impressive speed against Avery, Rabastan, and Yaxley. Her fellow Muggleborn was throwing up a hell of a fight, but her defense wasn't flawless as she was bleeding heavily from a cut that had connected with her hip area. On top of the broken shoulder, Lily wasn't sure how much longer they would hold.

Taking down Amycus proved to be more difficult than she anticipated. The teen boy was playing for keeps, and she was doing everything to keep him on defense, because every time a spell came towards her she was forced to dodge in fear of what he may be casting. A feminine scream behind her put her adrenaline on hyperdrive as she threw a powerful water charm that struck Amycus so hard that it tossed him to the ground like a ragdoll.

As she turned she moved to intercept a spell that would've certainly put Elaina down for the night. Her adrenaline was the only thing that kept her going and she knew it as she stood before Elaina who was on the ground holding her chest.

Lily knew she couldn't hold the two Slytherin seventh years forever. A professor, or another student would have to save them. Desperation turned to panic as the fight continued, and just as she was about to get overwhelmed a flash of fire appeared between the three remaining fighters.

In the place of the fire, the headmaster stood looking absolutely furious, "Corban, Thomas, Rabastan, explain yourselves."

Lily didn't even wait to hear their explanations as she ran to Elaina who had collapsed to the floor with blood pooling around her. Lily picked the girl's head up and put it in her lap, "It's okay, Elaina, we are safe. Dumbledore is here."

The multi-colored-eyed girl was looking distantly, and the only words she could get out were, "Harry."

(A/N) It's not all happiness and rainbows in this chapter, but blood will follow! If you want to read what happens to Lily and Elaina's attackers you can join me on discord for free and read through Chapter 38. Just delete the spaces from the link below, and if you want to read through Chapter 57 you can join me on pat(reon) OrionB15 for just 1$. Cheers everyone, see you in two weeks!

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