Lycans a new start

by SackettWT

Harry had just finished 2nd yr and his plans for the summer changed when he finds himself alone near Whitchuch. A friendly visit with Katie ends with large changes in both their lives. The newly form bond and their changes leads to changes in the lives of friends and allies. Who are their real friends? Only the Pack will know.

17. Chapter 17

A/N: A new chapter for Lycans. Third year has started, and new friends are waiting, while some known one become more distant. A small exposure to adult politics and thinking. Is it possible that some adults do think? Muse is still playing squirrel with writing time, just as the grey squirrels are scampering across the yard with nuts. I think a couple found there way into the draft. Hope you enjoy.

I only play in the sandbox created and owned by JKR.

"Normal speak"

'thought'

[bond speak]

§Parselmouth§

'French speak'

Lycans and a new start

Ch17

18 September

Hogwarts courtyard

Harry and Katie were excited, standing with the rest of the third years waiting to turn in their permission slips to go to Hogsmeade Village. Professor McGonagall took Mr. Potter's slip and marked him off on the list of approved students. She knew that he did not need the permission slip to go to Hogsmeade, but it showed he had respect for the process for the rest of the third years. As a Lord of his House, Mr. Potter could depart at any time to conduct House Business.

Harry and Katie took a carriage with Hermione, Angelina's and Alicia. The group walked around the village showing the two third years, where more important shops were located before loosing Hermione in the book store. Angelina and Alicia agreed to return and fetch the knowledge and book devouring Hermione in two hours, and she was warned. Katie and Harry continued their tour and visited several shops. One stop was a must and that was Honeydukes for chocolate, to help with the Dementors' effects. Katie and Harry also observed what Hermione was looking at to get her a gift for her pending birthday.

Harry and Katie arrived at the Three Broomsticks and went inside. They walked up to the bar and asked Rosmerta, quietly, if Lady Greengrass had arrived. Rosmerta nodded and lead the two up to the private room that Kynthia had reserved for the meeting. Upon entering the room, Harry and Katie saw Kynthia, Daphne and Astoria sitting at the table chatting about the happenings at school.

"Greetings Lady Greengrass, Heiress Greengrass and Miss Greengrass," greeted Harry as he and Katie walked into the room.

"Welcome Lord and Lady Potter," greeted Kynthia. "Please come and site. What would you like to drink?"

"Butterbeer would be fine," answered Katie. Rosmerta nodded and left to get two Butterbeers.

Once the drinks were delivered and the room secured the business of a marriage contact began.

"Lady Greengrass, we are confident that once the marriage contract for Astoria is complete, and she has been brought into the pack, the Line-continuation contract for Daphne will activate," stated Harry. "Were you able to stop your husband from continuing talks with Lucius Malfoy until Yule?"

"Oh those discussions were stopped the night I received Daphne's letter about what happened in class that day and the actions of Draco Malfoy," replied Kynthia. "Matthew was told any discussions will start from scratch after Yule holiday starts. He was not overly pleased. You and your wife are correct in your assumptions that if Daphne had been scarred that Lucius would have changed his demands in the contract, regardless that they were caused by his own son's actions."

"I take it, that since we are meeting to write up the marriage contract that you and Astoria have come to an agreement over accepting the gift we offer?" asked Harry, looking at the three ladies from Greengrass House.

"Yes, we have. If this gift will remove this disease/curse from the family and allow my little Astoria to grow old watching her grandchildren and great-grandchildren then it is well worth the price," answered Kynthia. Harry and Katie watched as the ladies of House Greengrass all nodded to the statement of Lady Greengrass. The prospect of having Astoria free of the curse and the curse potentially of removed from the family, was worth the price of Astoria becoming part of a new species. A species that looked no different from any normal witch or wizard.

From there it was a simple but formal process of writing out the proposed contract and for which title Astoria would take. She would become Lady Peverell and the wedding could occur any time between Astoria completing her O.W.L.s and her 20th birthday. It was determined that she would join the pack at the next meeting after they had officially signed the contract, next month allowing for her transformation during the Samhain full moon. Thus allowing sufficient time for the line-continuation contract to activate for house Greengrass, before Matthew and Lucius could restart negotiating a marriage contract at Yule. Though none in the room believed, the two could wait that long.

Founders suite

"Luna can we talk?" asked Katie, as she and Harry entered from their day in Hogsmeade. Susan was down studying with Hannah in the Hufflepuff common room, and it was just Luna and Midnight in the suite.

"Yes. You will be successful in your quest to save sisters," answered Luna, with a whimsical smile while looking at the couple. Harry and Katie look at Luna, before putting her statement and today's activities together. They just nod.

"We know you want to join the full pack," stated Harry, getting his thoughts back on track. "But we feel that you need to wait until after we have fulfilled the line-continuation contract requirements. Katie and I believe that having the Lovegood line continue as it is, will help lead credibility to any and all assistance it will provide in the future."

"I want to be in the pack and run in the wild, howling at the moon," replied Luna.

"You are part of the pack and the pack will protect its own, regardless if you are Lycan or not," answered Katie. "It will take you, me, Susan, or Daphne or Hermione to keep Harry calm and controlled if anything were to happen to any of us. He would take offence if a friend is threatened, but not to the degree he will if his 'pack' family is threatened."

Luna thought over what Katie and Harry were saying and gave them her quirky smile with a dreamy look in her eyes. "Yes it is best that I wait, for the fun then will be much better than now," answered Luna, with her impish smile and a hint of something else. Was it a carnal eye twinkle?

"Luna please never change. You are precious to us as you are," replied Harry.

"I do not plan to. Even when I am Lycan I will be me," answered Luna. The Alphas hugged their smallest member.

The three chatted while they all worked on their studies until diner time, with midnight claiming any open lap.

=x=x=x=x=x=

19 September

Empty classroom, near the suite

Harry and Katie had collected several of their friends and family to include; Luna, Susan, Hannah, Angelina, Alicia, Fred, George, Fay, Lily, Su, Tracey, Daphne, and Astoria to the classroom for a Birthday party for Hermione. After everyone was ready Harry left the classroom and collected Hermione from the library. Hermione had a multitude of question for Harry as they walked to the waiting fourth floor classroom.

-x-

Albus had been able to place a tracking charm on Hermione the day before and was hoping to find where Harry was staying. He had not been able to locate his weapon since he had left the headmaster office on the 1st. His attempts to place tracking charms on Harry or any of his betrothed all failed. It was several minutes after Hermione and Harry had left the library that the charm stopped moving. Albus closed in on the location of the charm to impose his will on the boy. When He got to the location of the charm he found himself in an abandon classroom on the third floor, that was used back in 1st year and was out of bounds.

Unknown to Albus, a Hogwarts House-elf removed the tracker from Hermione near the library and placed it on an empty ink well, before leaving said object in the empty classroom, after moving around the corridors for several minutes.

-x-

Harry lead his best friend to the appropriated classroom, and opened the door for her. Hermione took two steps into the room before it erupted in to noise and merriment, as everybody yelled 'Happy Birthday'. Hermione was speechless and overwhelmed, she turned and clung to Harry for several moments.

The group had a good time celebrating Hermione's birthday, after her recovery. Hermione was very happy with the gifts and that Harry pulled this all together for her. After a small indefinite amount time the party started to break up, Harry had Dobby take Hermione's gifts to her bed. Harry and Katie pulled Hermione to one of the corners for their discussions, placing several forms of privacy charms.

"Hermione, do you remember on the train ride that we wanted to talk with you about a special gift on your birthday?" inquired Harry.

Hermione nodded, she had tried to get them to tell her since then, but both would not tell her anything and it had been maddening.

"Okay. You remember me telling you about my plans for the summer and then how they changed after meeting up with Katie?" asked Harry. Hermione nodded in reply, with some sadness in her eyes, Harry and Katie both saw the change. "While I was visiting with Katie, and we were walking around the village she lives in we were attacked and both of us severely injured. The creature that attacked us tried to rape Katie, but I was able to drive it off, barely. We were both bitten by the creature."

"What he is not telling you is that he instructed Dobby to take me home to my parents, while he was having trouble breathing," interrupted Katie. "I was not leaving him and while we argued Dobby took us to Harry's tent and started doing elf healing magic on us."

"HARRY YOU ENSLAVED A HOUSE-ELF! I THOUGHT YOU WERE BETTER THAN THAT AFTER WHAT YOUR RELATIVE DID TO YOU!" screamed Hermione. Harry and Katie were glad for the privacy charms they had put up.

"Calm down and listen please. I will have Dobby and Twinkle explain the relationship between house-elves and magic houses to you," stated Harry.

"Who is Twinkle?" asked Hermione.

"She is one of the house-elves that is part of the House of Potter," answered Katie. "Yes I said part of the House and not a slave of the House. The House-elves are treated as family within the House of Potter."

"Hermione, please listen to what we want to tell you and stop focusing on the house-elf problem," chided Harry. Hermione blushed at being caught, as she glared at Harry still mad about Dobby, but nodded and returned her focus on Katie and Harry.

"Dobby had left to get some sleep potions for the two of us when were both felt draw towards the other," started Harry, once he saw he had Hermione's attention. "Dobby later told us that we had a golden light around us when he returned with the potions, but we both were unconscious. We both woke up in an alternate realm and met some very special ladies. They told us what had happened to us and that we both had been bitten by Fenrir Greyback."

"Your both werewolves?" asked Hermione, while backing away from her first friend in fear. Katie seeing the fear and change in Hermione, started to release some pheromones and push some calming aura out. Harry joined her in action.

Both Katie and Harry watched Hermione with concern on their faces and did not make any move to approach her or start talking until they were certain that they had Hermione's attention again.

"Does Professor Dumbledore and McGonagall know?" asked Hermione, once she got over the shock.

"No. We have not told any of the staff," answered Katie. "It is imperative that this remains our secret. We are taking a big chance on telling you, especially if you have not built up your mind shields, and Occlumency skills."

"You are a danger to every student here on a full moon and I do not want to be a werewolf. The pure bloods would hate me even more that they do now," replied Hermione, with some apprehension.

"We are only a danger to another werewolf. We are of no danger to any student or staff member here in the castle." replied Harry. "That is part of what happen to us. The ladies we met informed us that the curse/disease of lycanthropy, Greyback infected us with, was mutated/changed by a multitude of factors and magic. These changes accumulated and created a new species 'Lycan'. Katie and I are the Alpha's of this species."

Seeing the misunderstanding and confusion on Hermione's face Harry transformed into his wolf form and back into Harry. Hermione sat stunned at what she had just observed her best friend do.

"H-h-how did you do that?" stuttered out Hermione. "You changed into a large cat on the train."

"That is part of the gift we were given," answered Katie with some mirth behind her eyes. "The large cat you saw is our Animagus form. The wolf you just observed is one of our Lycan forms."

"Hermione, Katie and I are offering you this gift. I want to keep you safe and being part of the pack will do that. Your friendship means a lot to me and I care for you deeply, and was hoping for it to become more before the events of this summer," added Harry.

Hermione looked at Harry and studied his face and eyes, along with Katie's, and she could not see any lies or attempt to deceive her. In Harry's eyes she could see the genuine caring, concern and love for her in them. What she saw in both, helped to reinforce the sense of safety and comfort that she feels around Harry.

"This is a lot to take in," answered Hermione.

"We know. So that is why we are offering you this gift and will answer any questions we can," replied Harry. "We want you to think and reflect on what you have learned today. We will ask for your decision after we return from Yule. Please do not share or discuss this with anyone else."

Hermione nodded and as they got up, Harry pulled his best friend into a hug surprising her at the initiation of the hug. They returned to the remaining party guest for a last chat before escorting Hermione back to the Gryffindor common room as they wanted to talk with Angelina and Alicia.

=x=

"Fred, George can Katie and I have a moment of your time?" asked Harry, as they approached the twins shortly after the party started.

"What does the master of the party" started Fred.

"Want to speak with us about?" finished George.

"Katie and I have noted that the two of you and Jordan, can be seen hunched over a piece of old parchment in the common room at times," stated Harry. "We know that parchment is enchanted and is larger than it appears." 'Nice having a black cat that can mover quietly in the shadows, and a godfather who help to create it,' thought Harry.

"Possible" said George.

"Maybe" said Fred.

"Why do you want to know?" asked George.

"It is family property," stated Katie. "It was presumed lost by previous family members."

"But Harry's parents are dead, and we do not believe his relatives would know of it," stated Fred.

"True. But not all of Harry's family is dead, and some have started to teach Harry about his heritage, to include that parchment," replied Katie.

"You both may be good with pranks, but do you really want to get into a war with the Marauders?" asked Harry. "All we are asking for is the returning of family property."

Fred and George stopped and thought about what was put in front of them. Harry knew of the map and that it belongs to his family. He knows of the Marauders and maybe who they are. He has asked for the map and not just demanding its return.

[Shall we have some fun with the twins?] asked Harry.

[What's on your mind?] inquired Katie.

[How about we release a little large predator psyche.] answered Harry.

[Now that would be fun. Not enough to focus, but make them feel stalked] agreed Katie. With that they both elevated their aura a bit to allow the presence of a large predator or two float around the room. They felt the arrival of the third from Bella.

Fred and George was still talking about the map, when suddenly both felt like they were something's prey. It was big, but they could not see where it was coming from.

While the twins felt a little uneasy, several of the girls present for the party felt an increase level of protection from the predator presence. A few were feeling a little of both.

"Do you two feel like you are being stalked?" inquired Fred.

"No," answered Harry. "Why?"

"We just felt like a hanging side of beef to some predator here in the room," replied George.

"The only, valid, predators here are Midnight and Hedwig. Yes both are predators in their own right, but not enough to scar two wizards," commented Katie.

"This was bigger than either of them. Besides Hedwig is a push over," answered Fred.

"I would not want to be you if she ever hears you say or learns you said that," said Harry. "It would be very unpleasant for you."

The twins quickly look over at the white owl, working on a rasher of bacon and the pointy talons holding that bacon. Both felt a slight chill run down their spines, as those big yellow eyes turned their way. "We accept the deal," both Twins replied, still shacking off the chill down their spines.

Luna caught Midnight appearing to be laughing at the twins. "Bad kitty. Cats are not supposed to laugh at others discomfort," scolded Luna, with a coy smile. "You should snicker or roar."

=x=x=

Gryffindor Common Room

Hermione and the rest of the party attendees were just returning to the common room when Ron accosted Hermione.

"Where have you been the past couple of hours?" demanded Ron, as he blocked her way. "You were to be here helping be with my Charms and Potions assignments."

"I was at a party," answered Hermione, as she attempted to head up to her dorm room.

"What party, and who would invite a bossy bookworm to a party?" retorted Ron, blocking her progress again.

"That would be a birthday party for me that some of my friends put together," replied Hermione. "Now excuse me, I am heading to my room."

"What friends? You have no friends, Harry and I are the only ones to tolerate you. As your boyfriend why was I not invited?" scoffed Ron, turning red with his rising anger.

"One, you are not my boyfriend and two you would have to ask those that organized the party," responded Hermione.

"Ron, leave the birthday girl alone," stated Fred.

"Why? She cannot do anything to me," replied Ron. "Being a muggle born and all."

"No, but the storm building and standing behind you may say otherwise," answered George.

Ron turned around and found a furious looking Harry standing there. His eyes held an eery glow to them and the look on Harry's face was not a friendly one. Well the look on Katie's face was not friendly either, nor the other chasers. For the look from all was pure pain and retribution. Ron did a wise thing, he turned and rush up to his dorm. Ron's rush to leave was so focused on distance that he left his books, parchment, and assignments on a side table.

Hermione was pulled into a hug by Harry and Katie before she could leave the common room. Once calmed she was freed from the hug.

=x=x=x=x=x=

22 September

Wizengamot Chambers

Fall Equinox session.

Dumbledore bangs his gavel opening the fall session of the 1993 Wizengamot term. Members present in the chambers begin moving towards their seats.

"Welcome members to the Fall Equinox Session," opened Chief-warlock Dumbledore. "Are there any new members or introductions needed?"

Hearing Dumbledore's request Arcturus stepped out of the alcove and onto the chamber floors. Seeing Lord Black standing in the chamber Dumbledore acknowledges the man, "The chair recognizes Lord Black."

"Colleagues and fellow members I have been away from these chambers for to long," stated Arcturus. 'Not that I truly wish to return, but the need requires it,' thought Arcturus. "It is time for House Black to correct actions made on its supposed behalf. Lucius Malfoy why are you sitting in the Black seat?"

"Lord Black, my son Draco is the only Heir to House Black and I sit as his Proxy," answered Lucius, with a slight sneer.

"Were is Mr. Farley, my appointed proxy?" inquired Arcturus, after hearing Lucius.

"Mr. Farley resigned in 1983, and I have represented the seat since," replied Lucius.

"Lucius Malfoy you are here by removed as proxy of House Black, as you never sought my counsel nor had my approval," stated Arcturus. "As Lord Black I here by revoke all votes cast by Mr. Malfoy for House Black, as he did not have the authority to cast those votes. I revoke all support for legislation entered, in these chambers by Mr. Malfoy, sighting House Black support."

"It was in my right to make those votes and entered legislation as my son is the heir for House Black," stated Lucius.

"Once again you assumed above your position Lucius and acted a fool on those assumptions. Minister for Magic and Wizengamot members, as Lord of a Most Ancient and Noble House, I demand Minister Fudge produce in 30 minutes all documents pertaining to the arrest, investigation, and trial of my grandson Sirius Orion Black," stated Arcturus. "I also request a full investigation into the departure of Mr. Farley."

Minister Cornelius Fudge was suddenly sweating and trembling in his seat in the Wizengamot chambers. One of his biggest backers had just been removed from a prominent position, and made to look the fool. Minister Fudge motioned for one of the recorders to go to the records' office to collect all documents on Sirius Orion Black. Madam Bones motion for one of the Aurors to complete the task as well, not trusting the Minister.

The members of the Wizengamot sat chatting and discussing what has occurred while they wait for the requested information. The dark faction was staring holes at Lucius for his faux pas with the House Black seat. Lucius had promised them that he had full legal right to sit the seat. Now several years of laws favouring their families and other pure-blood business have just been put in jeopardy. As the outcome of a re vote on those items revoked by Lord Black, may produce the same results.

35 minutes after the recorder left he returned along with the dispatched Auror. The junior recorder handed everything to the chief recorder, while the Auror handed his file to Madam Bones.

"Chief Recorder, please present the documentation and the conviction of Sirius Orion Black," requested Minister Fudge.

The Chief Recorder broke the ministry seal, opened the folder and stared blankly at the empty folder. He cleared his throat twice, before announcing his findings.

"Minister Fudge and members of the Wizengamot, the sealed file labelled Sirius Orion Black is empty," announced the Chief Recorder.

"That is impossible. It does not matter anyway we all know he was the right-hand man of You-know-who, and guilty of said charges," exclaimed Fudge.

"It does matter. Known and marked death eaters received trials, in front of this body, before being sent to Azkaban. Why was his record sealed and by whose authority?," responded Arcturus. "A member of a Most Ancient and Noble house has spent 12 years in Azkaban without proof of a crime, a trial, or conviction by this body. The Ministry and DMLE has 15 days to produce all documents, conduct an investigation into the original charges into this miss carriage of justice. I demand all documents produced be verified true by the Director of Gringotts and an oath sworn on life and magic that said documents are true, and completed by the investigating parties."

Madam Bones stood and waited to be recognized by the Chief Warlock.

"The chair recognizes Madam Bones, Director of DMLE," stated Chief Warlock Dumbledore, rubbing his temples, with the oncoming headache.

"Lord Black, Members of the Wizengamot; DMLE records contain a copy of the arrest of Sirius Orion Black dated 2 November 1981 at 1030, and a signed transfer and receipt on arrival to Azkaban dated 2 November 1981 at 2300," stated Madam Bones. "There are no other documents in the record."

"Madam Bones, who signed the transfer order?" inquired Lord Black.

"Head of DMLE, Bartemius Crouch Sr., Minister Millicent Bagnold, and Chief Warlock Albus Dumbledore," responded Madam Bones.

The chamber broke into a complete uproar after hearing the statement from Madam Bones and the demands of Lord Black. It was several minutes of shouting and competing demands before Dumbledore and Madam Bones regained control using several cannon blasts.

All during this time Fudge was trying to look to Lucius for guidance, while trying to hide at the same time. His actions did not go unnoticed by Lord Black, Dowager Longbottom and Madam Bones. Once calm was restored and before anyone could speak.

"How dare you demand anything from the Minister," screeched a short, squat, and rotund looking witch, wearing to much pink.

"You are?" replied Arcturus. All eyes turned on the pink wearing, toad looking witch.

"I am Senior Undersecretary to the Minister for Magic Dolores Umbridge," stated the pink toad looking witch.

"As Head of a Most Ancient and Noble house, I have the right to demand full unfettered disclosure of the Ministry and Wizengamot in the actions to member of my house and Heir. As do any other head of a Most Ancient and Noble house," replied Arcturus. "Miss Umbridge, you may want to learn your place with in the Wizengamot, before you find minor house Umbridge dissolved and magic removed." a silent chuckle went through the chamber at Lord Black's statement, and seeing the look on the pink toads face.

Discussion is held on the issue of Sirius Orin Black and the lack of information on his arrest. DMLE will investigate and report all findings to Madam Bones and all information verified and vetted by Gringotts as true. The investigation has the next three weeks and all information will be presented at the October meeting. The status and findings on the missing Mr. Farley will be presented then also. For the overreach and assumption of position Lucius Malfoy was fined and censored. 'Lucius this is only the first of many pains you shale feel,' thought Arcturus.

Minister Fudge attempted to block the penalties on Lucius, but could not prevent them. Umbridge, ended up censored and removed from the chamber for the rest of the meeting, as she could not keep quiet, and understand that her position does not have a voice in the chamber. Lord Black and Madam Bones got the Dementor kiss order rescinded, as the Ministry has no proof that Sirius Black committed any crime. It was two hours later before the Wizengamot could start addressing the agenda for the fall session.

It was a very tired and somewhat irate Albus Dumbledore that left the Wizengamot chambers. He was dumbfounded by the return of Arcturus, and the disruption of his plans that this caused.

=x=x=x=x=x=

2 October

Hogwarts Governors Conference Room

Governors Meeting

"Dowager Longbottom, welcome," stated Lord Black as he watched the other members of the board arrive in the room.

"What no greeting for the rest of us Lord Black," inquired Lord Nott.

"No," replied Arcturus. "Please sit down. This meeting will be short and quick."

The members of the Board of Governors took their seats around the table looking toward Lord Black, waiting.

"I am here to thank you all for your participation and to inform you that a full inquire and audit of your actions or inactions towards Hogwarts the school, its finances, staffing and academic standards has commenced," started Lord Black. "Very recently the Heirs of the Founders have taken up their status and have appointed Proxies until they can return and resume their positions. With that you are all fired with the exceptions of Dowager Longbottom and I, at the request of the heirs."

"Who are the Heirs? I demand that they present themselves!" demanded Lord Nott.

"They are not required to, and they have the right to fire this board at any time," replied Lord Black. "Also a full audit of funds has been started by Gringotts for the Heirs and all missing or misappropriated funds will be recovered."

"You cannot do this," exclaimed Lady Selwyn.

"No I cannot, but the Heirs can and did," responded Lord Black.

"Who are these Heirs?" demanded Lord Nott, again. "The Headmaster must know."

"The Headmaster will be informed that his continued presence will depend on the findings of the audit and investigation," replied Lord Black.

"If you will not tell us who the Heirs are then who are their Proxies?" inquired Lady Burke.

"As you are no longer school governors you are not entitled to that information," answered Lord Black. "All I will say is that the proxies were selected by the Heirs. Dowager Longbottom and I are being retained as advisors to the proxies and eventually to the Heirs when they take up their positions."

"Well I demand to know who are the Heirs and proxies are," demanded Lord McLaggen.

"From the letter I received from the Heirs via Gringotts, states, 'The board of governors has neglected their duties and responsibility to Hogwarts and its students. Thereby as Heirs to the founders they are fired and will return all moneys taken from the school' signed Lord Gryffindor, Lady Ravenclaw, Lady Hufflepuff and Lord Slytherin," responded Lord Black. "That is all, you may now leave, and be aware Gringotts will find and collect all the missing funds. Even Lucius will feel the pain of his actions."

Once the ousted member had left, the access book was updated. None of the past members would be allowed inside this room again unless summed by the Heirs advisory board. The proxies walked in from the hidden seats, and took their seats around the table and introductions were made. Slytherin seat, Master Barchoke; Gryffindor seat, Lady Greengrass; Ravenclaw seat, Drs. Granger; Hufflepuff seat Mrs. Bell. A letter was drawn up to inform Headmaster Dumbledore of the change in the board and that they will be reviewing all the staff, including himself, and the quality of the teaching at the school.

Dowager Augusta Longbottom sat at the Governors table and softly chuckled to herself after greeting the proxies for the Founders Heirs, again. The dark pure-bloods will be dumbstruck and then enraged when they learned the board now includes a goblin and two muggles.

=x=x=x=x=x=

11 October

Blackmoore Manor

Andromeda Tonks and Narcissa Malfoy had both arrived by port-key and were being shown to the Lords Study. Both sisters were called to see Lord Black to discuss family concerns. The old house-elf knocked on the study door and then introduced the sisters when he received permission to enter. Lord Black had a tea service waiting for them on the low table by the office's fireplace.

"Tea?" asked Arcturus as the middle two sisters arrived and entered.

"Yes. Thank you, Lord Black," replied Andromeda.

"Yes, please," responded Narcissa.

Once all had a cup of tea and had taken up a seat near the fire, Arcturus pulled several parchments from a binder, he had brought over from his desk.

"I called you both here to discuss Black Family matters," started Arcturus.

Seeing the pending protest from Andromeda, Arcturus lifted his hand to indicate that she wait. "I know that currently you are not part of the family, but that can be rectified with the next Lord Black," stated Arcturus. "Since I was the one to remove you, I cannot bring you back in. I regret my decision and actions towards you Andromeda. It was not until your sister Bellatrix escaped from Azkaban that I learned of the actions and deeds of your parents and aunt, with regard to all of you."

"What do you mean Lord Black?" asked Andromeda.

"It was brought to my attention that Bellatrix and possible Narcissa had been sold to supporters of the false lord as a way for the more radical members of the family to funnel money to the mad man," replied Arcturus. "This summer after Bellatrix's escape, I went to 12 Grimmauld place and found several notebooks and the marriage contracts for all of you. Andromeda only yours was not signed, as we know you ran off with a first-gen wizard, there by being removed from the family. Within the notebooks of your aunt and mother were the detailed plans on how all three of you were to be sold off to Malfoy, Lestrange and Yaxley. In the notebooks they talked about how disgruntled Bellatrix was and what the plan for making her comply. Her slave marriage contract was covered in compulsion charms to force her compliance, along with potions and charms used by them. Narcissa's contract had only one which made her find Lucius attractive and acceptable. This is why I had the two of you get full medical scans and exams. You both are daughters of Black and for me that is enough to ensure you are safe, happy and cared for. Now any questions before we go over the medical findings and discuss a proposition."

Arcturus noted the slowed mental process and dazed look on both Andromeda and Narcissa, when he mentioned finding information about all the sisters, at 12 Grimmauld.

From here Lord Black answered a few questions on the status of Bellatrix and the marriage contracts. Once Andromeda and Narcissa concerns were addressed Lord Black started to review the findings of the medica exam with them.

After much outrage and threats of physical and bodily harm to select portions of Lucius anatomy by both Narcissa and Andromeda. From what they had learned the small, but healing House of Black prepared plans to return the missing daughters of House Black home. Arcturus prepared to annul Narcissa's marriage contract and to recover the dowry plus fines and penalities. A room was prepared for Narcissa at Blackmoore Manor, for her to stay in after Lord Black annulled the marriage.

Discussion on Draco were held, and it was determined that he would be left with Lucius as he displayed no traits of House Black. Narcissa was disappointed in her child and his actions, but could not fault Lord Black in his decision. It also began to make her question what else Lucius, may have done. 'Is it possible Lucius may walk out of this as a eunuch in more ways than thought possible?' pondered Narcissa.

Lord Black informed them he would head to Gringotts during Yule break to complete the planned actions. This would allow Narcissa time to collect all that was hers including any house-elf and leave Malfoy Manor.