''Have you sent a letter to Lord Potter?'' Arcturus Black asked, his voice matching the rest of him; polished, dark and inflexible.

"We did. I helped Hespera write a letter asking for a meeting and we're waiting for his answer," Orion replied.

A single nod was the only answer and his father's inscrutable face unsettled him.

Always prone to suspicions, Arcturus never took things as they were offered; his analytical mind was what made him one of the toughest Lords in the Wizengamot. He seldom lost an argument.

"And how's Hespera doing? Hopefully, she got settled in Grimmauld Place." Arcturus tilted his head, and when he glanced at Orion, his eyes were bright with amusement.

Orion's mouth twisted sardonically as he answered. "I believe she's enjoying her time with Mother and Lucretia. They took her under their wings and it became quite a challenge to have some alone time with her."

"You can't blame Lucretia, she got the sister she had always wanted. As for Melania, it's her nature to care and nurture," his father's voice was rich with unspent laughter and Orion's features softened.

The overflowing love his father had for his mother never failed to warm his heart. He wondered if he would ever have the kind of bond they forged years ago. Whenever Melania was mentioned, a glow of fondness changed his father's face, imparting such warmth and charm that startled him every single time.

Orion cleared his throat and cast a withering glance at his hands as he remembered the importunate man that caused Hespera so much pain.

"Father, how should we proceed with Dumbledore? You're aware that it won't be easy to confront Wizarding Britain's reigning hero."

Arcturus frowned and turned his head, looking at the numerous shelves lined with peculiar objects and rare family Heirlooms.

"I believe that Hespera is doing well for someone ignorant of his roots a few weeks ago. But it won't be easy to defy Dumbledore. I'm thankful she's related to the Potters, we will need their support and you know how much they value family. Moreover, I should take care of Pollux as soon as possible. We can't have internal conflicts in times like these."

Orion ran a finger along the desk's smooth surface and asked. ''Hespera wants to join the Wizengamot for the next session. What do you think?"

Arcturus stared at him intently. "I think that she can take care of herself. I felt that girl's power and it's unmatched. She will become a great asset to all the repressed factions if she does intend to stand up to Dumbledore and the Light bigotry. I reckon that I should send some letters, we'll need more allies."

Orion was relieved when he heard a soft tap at the door. He was anxious and didn't want to put Hespera in danger's way. Yet, he knew that he wouldn't stop her. He understood her need to right her past wrongs.

All he could do was become whatever she needed.

The memories she gifted him were priceless, she saved his entire family from certain doom and gave him another chance. She was the best thing that had ever happened to him.

The door opened a crack and Hespera entered.

"Good evening Arcturus," she curtsied and his father inclined his head smoothly.

It seemed the lessons his mother was teaching her were producing successful results. He could pinpoint the changes in her. She was looking what you would expect the Lady of one of Wizarding Britain's oldest families, if not the oldest, to look like.

She was more graceful and confident, with an ethereal appearance worthy of her family's name. He was momentarily speechless as the strange thoughts assaulted him.

He was aware that she was beautiful and powerful but he couldn't help being attracted to the sight of her every single day they met. It always felt like it was the first time.

"Orion? Are we leaving?" Hespera asked when he remained silent.

"Oh, another date. Have fun both of you," his father interjected, sounding tremendously entertained.

"Thank you, Arcturus. Diagon Alley is fascinating and I want to learn every nook and corner of it." She smiled wistfully and he stood up.

"Let's go, I'll take you to Uncle Regulus' apothecary first and then, we'll have lunch," Orion offered enjoying her eager eyes.

He knew how much she wanted to immerse herself in their world now that she was free from her past shackles.

"It sounds lovely," she attempted a dignified tone and he lifted an eyebrow. Her colour rose as he smiled and he couldn't help noticing how endearing she looked.

Arcturus cleared his throat and Orion took her hand in his and skittered from the office and his father's eagle eyes.

He cringed as he heard his father's laughs in his head.

Diagon Alley was as boisterous as ever, but Orion didn't pay it much attention. His half-lidded eyes were rejoicing in the excitement wafting out from Hespera's face. She reminded him of a child on his first outing.

He found his way through the crowded passageway with no difficulty at all, his grip on Hespera's elbow was gentle but inexorable. More than a witch and a wizard did a double take when they noticed the witch Heir Orion Arcturus Black was escorting but he didn't pay them any heed.

They walked languidly toward his uncle's apothecary for what seemed like an interminable distance.

He preceded her into a well-lit shop with a large Venetian window overlooking the street. A heavy oak drafting table occupied the middle and shelves lined nearly every inch of wall space. There was a pleasant and oddly familiar mixture of scents in the air: candle wax and herbs and ink and book dust. It smelled like his Uncle Regulus.

"Orion, you're finally here," Orion turned toward the man who came into the open space and closed the concealed door.

Regulus' sharp grey eyes turned toward Hespera and he bowed. "Lady Peverell, I heard nothing but good things about you. Melania couldn't stop singing your praises and I'm honoured to meet my nephew's fiancée."

Hespera curtsied and offered her hand. "The pleasure is mine Mr Black, please do call me Hespera."

Regulus kissed her hand and smiled. "Hespera it is. You're my new niece after all."

Hespera gulped and Orion couldn't blame her. His uncle, despite his easy-going tone, had a strong presence. He was a potions prodigy, the first his family birthed in a hundred years, followed by his cousin Alphard.

It surprised no one when he opted to follow his passion after graduation and open an apothecary. Blacks were businessmen at heart and his grandfather knew that Regulus' trade will blossom in no time. Pollux mocked him, calling his interest plebeian and cheap but Regulus didn't waver, his father, brother and sister gave him all the strength he needed. With his top-tier brewing, his shop became one of the most renowned in Europe. Witches, wizards and apprentices from the continent hurried to Master Regulus Black whenever they came across a troublesome formula or couldn't find a rare ingredient.

"How is your brewing, Hespera?" Regulus asked playfully and Hespera flushed as she stared into his intense eyes.

Orion knew of her unsavoury experience with potions. Severus Snape was an awful professor and a ruffian who bullied his students instead of guiding them.

"It's acceptable, I think," Hespera admitted and Regulus lifted a brow.

"That won't do, my dear. My family produced nothing but exemplary brewers and you're no different. If you need any help with your potions, I can make myself available anytime. You should at least perfect some tonics and first aid potions," Regulus said, taking a small vial from the shelves and depositing it on the table.

"This is my first assignment, niece. I want you to sort out the different ingredients used for this potion," Regulus smirked and Orion shook his head.

"Uncle, Why…"

"No, it's alright Orion. I like the challenge," Hespera smiled and took the offered bottle.

"You're corrupting another poor soul Uncle Regulus, trying to charm them with your potions," an amused voice sighed and Orion couldn't smother his grin.

"Alphard," he greeted his favourite cousin.

"Why cousin, it had been a while since we met in Diagon Alley," the git snickered, his eyes never leaving Hespera.

"Lady Peverell, I regret the circumstances of our first meeting but I can assure you that it was a pleasure," he bowed and took her hand in his, kissing her knuckles.

Hespera's eyes flared before they softened and warmed with affection.

"No need for the titles, call me Hespera."

"And I am Alphard to you," clearly he was having a grand time if his twinkling eyes were any indication.

"Uncle, I managed to secure a consignment of Unicorn Horn powder and Peruvian Vipertooth blood. I hurried here to inform you," Alphard addressed Regulus, who seemed excited as well.

"That's a lad. I'm afraid I almost used all my reserves."

Alphard bowed. ''I'm here to help. It's all thanks to my dear friend who secured the ingredients."

"Your friend?" Orion wondered.

"The one friend you seemingly forgot about when you hurtled toward Master Regulus' shop. You're a brute Mr Alphard Black," a new voice drawled as its owner stepped into the shop.

Alphard looked sheepishly at said friend with puppy eyes. "I'm sorry."

"You should be," Heir Corvus Fulcran Lestrange reprimanded in a voice that elicited a wry smile from Alphard.

Orion noticed Hespera's stiffening and couldn't blame her. Corvus looked a great deal like his eldest, Rodolphus, with the deep Lestrange black eyes and the sharp facial angles.

He remembered how much she suffered at the hands of the Death Eater and his deranged wife and couldn't begrudge her the reaction she was showing.

Nevertheless, This Corvus was not the one from her memories,at least not yet.

"Heir Orion pany," Corvus inclined his head respectfully, his deep eyes scrutinizing Hespera.

Orion almost scoffed, which would've been a slight of manners. He knew of Alphard's friend since Hogwarts and had heard numerous times of his craftiness. Corvus was trying to place the witch by his side and Orion reckoned that he had no choice.

"Heir Lestrange, this is my fiancée Lady Hespera Peverell," he offered, taking care to study his reaction.

He wasn't disappointed when his closed-off face showed nothing. Corvus merely greeted her as per their customs and remained nonchalant while nothing escaped his notice.

"I was heading to lunch with Corvus, why don't you join us? I didn't get much time with Hespera last time,'' Alphard asked with startling excitement.

Orion yearned to strangle him, even knowing that his poor cousin was unaware of the storm that must be brewing inside Hespera's mind.

He turned his head toward his uncle seeking help and sighed.

Regulus had settled his shoulder against one of the bookshelves and folded his arms across his chest. He was watching Hespera as if puzzling about what to make of her. Despite his relaxed posture, Orion had the unnerving sense that he was trying to look into her mind.

However, he knew better. Despite his incessant need for knowledge, Regulus was an honourable man.

The news of his engagement must have unsettled him for the man hated surprises and unplanned coincidences.

Regulus lifted an eyebrow and shrugged imperceptibly. Orion was startled as Hespera tugged at his sleeve and said. "It would be great. I'd like to learn more about you too Alphard. Heir Lestrange, we may be strangers but we can remedy that."

Corvus said slowly. "I admit I'm looking forward to this lunch. You see, none of us was prepared for the sudden appearance of a Peverell. It might give us both the chance to get acquainted before our future Wizengamot dealings."

Orion sent an icy glare at Alphard who rolled his eyes.

Never let it be said that a Lestrange would let a chance at an alliance slip through their greedy fingers.

He couldn't deny that the family was powerful and loyal allies to his father but he didn't want to make Hespera face the demons of her past too soon.

Orion dreaded and wanted this meeting at once. It was time for Hespera to broaden her circle and start building alliances.

The intent green eyes that levelled up Corvus told him she was thinking the same.

Rodolphus, who didn't even exist yet, was a notorious Death Eater but who said he had to follow the same path again?

He wondered what had pushed the proud Corvus Lestrange to follow a deranged fool like Riddle, but he would work out the details.

Between him and Hespera, and Alphard who was a certain candidate for a scolding later, they would learn everything.

"Come on, I'm starving," Alphard ushered Corvus out and they followed.

"I'll be waiting for your answer, niece," Regulus threw carelessly as he inspected a tiny star chart itched in one of the paintings.

"I won't keep you waiting for long, Uncle Regulus," Hespera smirked which elicited a grin on the otherwise stern face.

Perhaps some rigidly bred older wizards would have been shocked by her sauciness, but Regulus was accustomed to unconventional people. He had grown up with his Aunt Lycoris whose amazing brain had never ceased to enliven their lives.

Orion looked at his uncle with a sly grin and winked. Their lives had turned way more interesting with Hespera's unprompted appearance.

Hespera was enchanted by her reflection in the mirror. She was barely able to recognize herself. Her eyes seemed brighter, creating a dramatic contrast with her pitch-black locks which were arranged, thanks to Lucretia's hard work, into an elegant chignon.

Her hand ran over her new red robes, a colour she chose with care to honour her blood and the family she was visiting.

Her two rings glowed and the whispers coming from the stone comforted her yet again.

Melania's mouth curved with a fond smile. "They will love you. You don't have to worry, my dear. Dorea will be there too and she was briefed on what transpired a few weeks ago."

"Charlus is fun and I heard how close he is to Lord Potter," Lucretia pointed out helpfully.

Hespera was thankful to them. She spent weeks filled with lessons and strolls in Diagon Alley. She met many Black acquaintances, mainly Corvus who she liked, despite his sons' deeds.

She knew that this man had not fathered the two criminals she despised yet and she wouldn't let Alphard's closest friend fall a victim to Voldemort's thrall.

Alphard…

There was so much to admire about him and she understood her godfather's fondness of the man.

Unlike his horrible sister, he was kind and hardworking. Orion told her about the struggles he was facing thanks to his father.

Unlike Cygnus, Alphard was not interested in power plays. He inherited Regulus' genius in Potions and wanted to follow in his footsteps, which was something Pollux mocked.

Regulus helped him as much as he could to obtain his Mastery so his talent wouldn't go to waste. They were expecting good news soon.

The thought of Alphard and Sirius caused a twinge of something that felt like mourning. Although she was glad that she had started over, she still missed the ones she lost, mainly Sirius.

It didn't seem entirely fair that she, who got a chance that many dreamed of and never received, wanted to have everything at once.

She couldn't fathom how long it would take for the outcome to become different from the previous time, but she was resolved to make it happen.

Kreacher popped in and his face shone with elation the moment their eyes locked. "Mistress Hespera, Master Orion is waiting for you. He says that Master doesn't want to be late for this meeting. It would look bad on Master and Mistress."

Lucretia laughed at his eagerness and Melania pipped in. ''He's a wonderful companion. Hespera is lucky to have him."

Kreacher glowed at the praise and Hespera smiled down at him. ''Tell Orion I'm ready."

He nodded eagerly and popped away.

Melania must have caught on to her nervousness. She held her hand gently and she was inundated in warmth.

"They will love you, I'm sure they will," she whispered.

Feeling foolish and hot and off balance, Hespera kissed her cheek, then hugged Lucretia and left.

Hespera glanced around with chagrin as they apparated in front of Potter Manor.

The house elf that greeted them, whose name she didn't catch, escorted them inside and she couldn't stop her heart from beating wildly.

Orion adroitly kept her hand in his grasp and she was thankful.

By the time they reached their destination, she wanted to squirm and pull at the sleeves of her robes, an action that would warrant Melania's displeasure for a Lady was not permitted to look anything but refined at all times.

Tears clogged her throat as she got her first look at her grandparents, who stood facing them. There was another couple behind, Charlus and Dorea undoubtedly, but she didn't care.

Lord Fleamont Hadrian Potter was a tall man. It was difficult to ascertain his age but he appeared to be on the early side of his thirties. There was an air of self-confidence about him, a sense that he had seen enough of life to cease being surprised by anything. He didn't seem like someone you would want to trifle with.

He had heavy, wild hair, black as midnight, and a fair complexion in which his dark brows stood out in striking contrast. He reminded her of her father, mainly the hazel eyes and the sharp angle of his jaw.

Unlike her father, he anchored the grave features of a man who wouldn't hesitate to take on the world.

Hespera flushed as she stared into his amused eyes. It seemed he noticed her scrutiny.

They both remained still while scores of questions filled the air between them as if they had been written in invisible ink.

"My dear?" the woman to his side nudged him and he cleared his throat. She was a petite blonde with startling dark eyes.

When she spoke, her voice was gentle. ''Welcome to Potter Manor Lady Peverell. I can't tell you how pleased we were when we received your letter."

Euphemia Potter curtsied and Hespera inclined her head. It was customary for a Lady of lower rank to show respect to those with higher status.

As Lady Peverell, Hespera would bow to no witch.

"Thank you Lady Potter and you may address me by my given name."

"Lovely, it would cement the feeling of kinship," Euphemia grinned and looked up at her husband.

Fleamont Potter greeted her and the moment their magics grazed against each other, she shuddered with euphoria.

He felt like a home she had never known.

"Lady Peverell, what a pleasure to know that I have a cousin who was somehow hidden away. There are very few of us and it gladdens me that you are here."

''The feeling is mutual and please, call me Hespera," she assured him cheerfully, despite the tears burning behind her lids.

Pleasure suffused her until she shook with it from head to toe. She forced herself to concentrate on the moment, grateful that Orion was keeping her steady even though her heart was charging and halting like a mad Hippogriff.

"Please come inside," Euphemia offered and they were introduced to the second couple.

"This is my cousin Mr Charlus Henry Potter and his wife Mrs Dorea Black Potter," Fleamont said.

Charlus interrupted before he could say another word. ''She said enough with the formalities. Do you have to be so stiff Fleamont? We have a cousin, can you believe that?"

There was a great deal of energy seeping from the man's magic and Hespera knew that he wasn't one to remain idle.

"Charlus," Dorea chided but she discerned her amusement.

"Welcome to the family Hespera. Orion, it's always good to see you." Charlus kissed her hand and Orion did likewise with Dorea.

"Please, take a seat," Euphemia showed them to the comfortable sofa and Hespera sat next to Orion.

He looked at her for a fleeting moment before he started. "Like we mentioned in the letter, Hespera was informed of her Ladyship recently. When she took the test, it showed that she has you as a kin. "

Fleamont replied immediately. "The Peverells are our ancestors. Iolanthe Peverell, the granddaughter of Ignotus Peverell, married Hardwin Potter. Due to the lack of male heirs, she was entrusted with the burden of guarding the Cloak of Invisibility. However, we were taught from young age that it wasn't ours. We had to give it back when the rightful owner emerged and asked for it."

He gave Hespera a piercing glance, his smile in place. ''Now that you're here Hespera, you will have your Heirloom back."

"And we're the winners here. I was getting sick of this annoying wizard. It feels good to learn that I have an enchanting Lady as yourself for a cousin," Charlus Potter butted in again and flushed at the light rebuke his wife gifted him.

"But…" he protested.

"That's it," Dorea insisted and a brief chuckle escaped Hespera's throat. She leaned against Orion's side and his hand moved over her upper back in a calming circle.

This was what she was denied all her life; the love, the warmth, the banter…

The Potters.

"Are you alright?" Orion whispered for her ears only, no doubt catching on her turmoil, and she murmured her assent and allowed him to distract their hosts while she regained her composure.

Her eyes locked with Dorea's and the woman lifted an eyebrow. Her eyes reminded her of Arcturus'. They were sharp and way too clever.

"Hespera?" Fleamont called for her and she faced her grandfather, starting what was a conversation she never dreamed she could have.

The way he listened to her was so very flattering, so careful and interested as if he were collecting her words like flowers to be pressed in a book. "I see," he said. "I'll do whatever I can to help. Dumbledore has no right to usurp our ancestors' belongings."

Hespera was overwhelmed.

He swiftly took her side with no questions, no arguments and no complaints.

"You seem surprised," Dorea noted and Charlus snorted.

"We are the Potters, my dear. We believe exclusively in two things:Magic and Family. It may seem surprising that we accepted you as soon as we learned of your existence, but this is our way of life." Hespera couldn't hold the single tear that left her eye and ran down her cheek after hearing the conviction in her great uncle's voice.

Euphemia stood up and leaned over her. She put a hand over her heart and kissed her forehead, reminding her of Melania who enjoyed kissing the same spot.

"Welcome to the family."

The sound of her indrawn breath cut through the air like the downward arc of a sword's swing and she heard the gasps emitted from her companions.

Gently, Orion's hand came to cradle the back of her head. ''Your magic is free Hespera. We can feel it," he breathed, sounding puzzled.

Closing her eyes, she felt it too. The Peverell cold magic was filling the room. However, it wasn't looking to hurt and maim, it was greeting those it recognized as kin, people to shield and protect.

"Good Godric…Your magic declared us kin…you're amazing Hespera!" Charlus Potter exclaimed and even the stern Dorea did not admonish him. She looked amazed as well.

"You're my family," Hespera declared the truth that she had always known but never got the chance to express.

They were but stories she heard, a figment of her imagination. Now, she had them with her and they would work together to build a better future.

To save all those who should have been saved before it was too late.

A strange new pleasure spread through her and lit every nerve ending like a succession of tiny birthday candles and a wide grin spread across her face.

Fleamont surprised her as he knelt and presented the fabled Cloak with something akin to reverence.

''This is yours. We guarded the treasure to the best of our ability, now that our mission is fulfilled with honour; we return what does not belong to us," Fleamont declared, his voice seeping with the pride only a Potter can manage.

Hespera took it thankfully and her magic sang at the first contact. Her ancestor's cloak dripped with the warmth of a mother's hug and her heart squeezed with gratitude as she remembered how many times it saved her life.

Fleamont stood slowly and took his seat next to Charlus. "Dumbledore slighted you, so he slighted us. We have to take back what he stole."

Charlus rolled his eyes and scoffed. "I told you I don't trust the man. How can I with the way his eyes twinkle ceaselessly?"

Dorea glanced at her, a resolved expression on her face. "I think it's time to even the odds." Her voice was calm and soothing as she turned toward Fleamont. "It's time the Wizengamot remembered the might of the Potters."

Fleamont took his wife's hand in his and smirked.

It was disturbing how much it reminded her of her father's smirk, the one that screamed trouble.

All Credits Go To: NinaMaya-AO3