The morning light filtered in through the towering windows of the Great Hall, casting a soft glow over the long, glittering tables. The air buzzed with the usual hum of students, some catching up with friends, others lost in their thoughts as they tucked into their breakfast. Charlie Potter and Neville Longbottom sat side by side at the Hufflepuff table, their plates heaping with crispy bacon and eggs. For a moment, the world seemed at peace—a brief respite before the whirlwind of the school year fully set in.

Neville chewed slowly, glancing at Charlie as the silence stretched between them. The younger boy seemed preoccupied, his gaze drifting absently over the hall. Neville noticed the frown etched on Charlie's face. He knew that look well—it was the same one his friend wore when he was lost in thought, puzzling over something that didn't quite make sense.

"Hey, Charlie," Neville broke the silence, his voice carrying a friendly curiosity. "Did you have a good night?"

Charlie didn't immediately respond, his fork hovering over his plate as his thoughts seemed to wander in an entirely different direction. After a long pause, he sighed, pushing his food around absentmindedly.

"No," Charlie muttered quietly, his voice low enough that only Neville could hear. He finally looked up, meeting Neville's gaze, his expression troubled. "I need some answers from a senior girl. I have to talk to the Bones heir."

Neville blinked in surprise, his fork pausing halfway to his mouth. He knew the Bones family—Susan Bones was in Hufflepuff.

"Susan?" Neville asked, trying to wrap his mind around the idea. "What for?"

Charlie's frown deepened, and he leaned in closer, as if the very subject weighed heavy on him. "It's something related to my brother," he said quietly, almost as if he were testing the words on his tongue, not yet fully comfortable with them.

Neville's eyes widened, and he set down his fork. "Your brother?" he repeated, his brow furrowing. "I don't remember you ever mentioning a brother."

Charlie shifted uncomfortably in his seat, his fingers tapping lightly on the edge of his plate as if he were waiting for the truth to reveal itself. "Neither do I," he replied, the words sounding almost foreign to him.

There was a pause. Neville's mind was racing now, trying to make sense of the new information. His best friend had never once mentioned a brother. He had always talked about his family, but it was always his parents, or his little sister, Rosaline. The idea of a brother—someone who had been kept in the shadows, seemingly forgotten—was a revelation.

"Wait," Neville said slowly, as his thoughts finally clicked into place. "If you have a brother, then he must be my god-brother, right?"

Charlie's expression was unreadable as he met Neville's eyes. There was something in his gaze, a strange mix of uncertainty and the first flicker of understanding. "Yeah, I guess so," he said with a slight shrug, his voice quieter than usual. "My mother was yours, so maybe your mother was his too. We'll find out soon enough."

Neville nodded, his mind reeling from the new information. "Then… maybe we can get some answers from her," he said, his tone thoughtful.

"yeah" he replied dryly.

Neville, sensing the unease in his friend's voice, didn't press further. He simply leaned back in his seat, casting a glance toward the rest of the bustling hall.

"mate seems like we can get some answers now"

Charlie glanced at Neville for a response, but Neville shrugged his head towards a redheaded busty beauty, and her blonde-haired friend, who were approaching their table.

Neville waved to them and gestured for them to sit beside them. They joined them, nonetheless.

Neville: "Susan, Hannah, how are you?"

Susan gave him a small smile. "Fine. What about you, Neville? Did you like our badger house?"

Neville: "Yeah, it's nice. But I'd rather have been in Gryffindor, like my parents."

Charlie gave him a sad smile. He knew that for his friend, his parents were a sore spot.

Susan: "Don't worry, they'll be proud."

Neville: "Speaking of houses, didn't your parents mind you not being in Gryffindor, Charlie?"

Charlie: "Nah, Mum would be proud of me anywhere. But Dad said he would've been fine as long as I wasn't in Slytherin. I think it's because of the teacher who was head of that house."

Susan frowned and glared at Charlie. This was strange for him, as he knew he had never met her before, and he knew the Bones family wasn't dark.

Hannah: "Oh, why are you in Hufflepuff?"

Charlie shrugged. "I don't know, but I want to earn my place and make a name for myself—not because of some silly scar."

Hannah nodded. "But you said your father had a problem with the Slytherin head. Why's that? I thought your mother was his apprentice."

Charlie frowned. "What? They were all in the same year at Hogwarts. he was friends with Mum. But him, Dad, my godfather Remus and Uncle Sirius were enemies. I don't get how my mum could have been his apprentice, as they both are in same year at hogwarts."

Susan: "Wait, who do you think the Slytherin head of house is?"

Charlie: "Well, Severus Snape, isn't it?"

Susan shook her head. "No, he was dismissed in our first year. It was taken over by the senior Potions master, Professor Slughorn. And your mother was one of his apprentices."

Charlie: "Oh, how did Snape get fired from his position?"

Hannah and Susan exchanged looks. Susan's eyes were misted, but Hannah quickly took control of the situation.

Hannah: "Well, because of your brother, 'Henry'. It's a long story"

Charlie felt a jolt in his chest. "What? Henry?" he repeated, the name sitting strangely on his tongue. "Why does it feel so weird to hear that name?"

Hannah hesitated before continuing, her eyes narrowing slightly. "It's a long story, Charlie. A very long one."

Neville, eager to understand, looked from one person to the next. "Why haven't we met him then? I'd love to meet your brother."

Charlie blinked in confusion. "What do you mean? I didn't even know I had a brother."

Susan's eyes widened, incredulity flashing across her face. "Wait, what do you mean 'you didn't know?', You didn't even know he existed?"

Charlie's heart raced as a mixture of shock and disbelief swept through him. "No, I didn't know. Maybe I'll ask him myself why he didn't come home when I see him."

Hannah's gaze sharpened, and she pointed toward the far end of the Great Hall, where a figure was walking toward the Ravenclaw table. "You won't have to wait long," she said quietly, drawing everyone's attention.

Charlie turned to look, and his breath caught in his throat as his eyes locked onto the figure. A tall, lean, and muscular young man walked with an air of confidence, his striking emerald eyes scanning the room, a subtle glow of intensity in them. His long, dark, curly hair cascaded down his back, and the way the students around him nodded in respectful recognition made Charlie's chest tighten.

Girls from all corners of the room stole glances, some even blatantly admiring him, their gazes lingering as he passed by. Charlie couldn't tear his eyes away as the realization hit him like a tidal wave. This was Henry—his brother, the one he had never known existed.

'Man, he's just like a member of House Black, but more aristocratic. His eyes—they're our mother's, but brighter. There's a fire in them.' Suddenly, a flash of memory hit him, where a raven-haired boy was playing with him. He couldn't remember the face, but the eyes were so familiar to him. 'Merlin, this was my brother. Why didn't I remember him until now?'
He blinked, trying to shake off the haze in his thoughts, when something caught his eye. He noticed something moving on his brother's shoulders.
Suddenly, a small three-headed snake slithered from his skin, curling around his shoulders like a living piece of jewelry.

Neville: "Is that snake...?"
Hannah shuddered but replied, "Yes, a Runespoor—his familiar. Things around him are... different."
Charlie nodded, but he was still uncertain about the snake. There was something eerie yet fascinating about it. He could feel the presence of the creature, as if it were alive in a way he hadn't experienced before.

Susan: "He loves her."
Charlie: "How do you know?"
Susan: "I can feel it." (She said simply, almost as if it were obvious. Charlie took her word for it.)
Hannah: "You know, you can talk to him now, Sue."
Susan shook her head, gathering courage, her eyes fixed on Henry. She was about to get up and speak to him, but the moment was interrupted when two girls flanked Henry.

Hannah understood immediately what was happening when she saw them approach. Her gaze flicked over to Henry, then back to the group, a silent understanding passing between them.
Both Neville and Charlie exchanged confused glances. They hadn't seen this coming.

Hannah: "Susan and your brother were friends, and we've been friends with them since the first year," (here, she pointed at the group of people surrounding Henry, and they realized they were the same third-year age group students). "The first train ride. We were a group, but last year, something happened between your brother and Sue."
Charlie: "Yeah, Tonks mentioned the same thing, but she didn't say anything further."
Susan: "She has no right to meddle in this." (She hissed venomously, her voice low, with a dangerous edge. Charlie realized that this Bones girl didn't like anyone interfering between her brother and her business.)
Neville: "So, who was the group of people?"
Charlie's voice was filled with eager curiosity, wanting to know more about the brother he'd never met.

Hannah: "Well, his friends were Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini. The three of them were practically inseparable."
Susan: "Your brother's relationship with Nott and Zabini was different. Henry and Theo were like brothers. Blaise was reserved, but they were all best friends."
Hannah: "Yeah, and there were Tracy Davis, Daphne Greengrass, and Violetta Lestrange." (She pointed towards the group of students on Henry's side, then hesitated when she saw Neville's sudden shock.)

Neville: "WHAT? A LESTRANGE at Hogwarts?"
His voice was nearly a shout, a mix of surprise and disbelief. His eyes widened as he processed the mention of the name. The tension in the air seemed to shift, and Charlie could feel the weight of Neville's shock.

Charlie's eyes widened as he heard his usually calm and shy friend burst out. Neville's reaction was completely unexpected, and Charlie couldn't help but feel the tension grow around them.
Neville, not caring about the stares he was receiving, marched toward the Ravenclaw table, his steps purposeful and quick, ignoring the two senior Hufflepuff girls who were trying to stop him. His face was set, his posture rigid as he moved with determination.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the hall, Henry entered the Great Hall for breakfast. His tall, lean frame drew eyes as he walked confidently towards the Ravenclaw table. The soft murmur of conversation stilled momentarily, as students nodded in acknowledgment of his presence. He was flanked by two girls, Bella (violetta) and Quenee (Daphne), whom he always kept close. There was an unspoken understanding between them, a quiet camaraderie that only they shared.

Daphne's voice cut through the air, sharp and direct.
Daphne: "Potter! Where the hell were you? We checked every compartment on the train."
Henry's lips curled into a slight, indifferent smile as he faced her.
Henry: "Why? I didn't know you cared, Greengrass."
Daphne: "Unlike someone, we actually care about our friends."
Henry grunted, the coldness in his tone leaving no room for further conversation.

Daphne took a step closer, her voice softening, but her words still edged with concern.
Daphne: "We understand your anger, Hades. But we care about you. I do."
Henry met her gaze, his emerald eyes locking with her cold blue ones. There was a certain vulnerability hidden beneath the icy exterior. Her use of the name "Hades" made him realize just how deeply she cared about him, despite the walls he'd built around himself. He nodded once, acknowledging the unspoken sentiment.

The silence between them stretched as Violetta, to everyone's surprise, remained quiet. Then, almost reluctantly, she spoke, her voice low but clear.
Violetta: "Is it because of your family and your brother, Henry?"
Henry's expression hardened as he turned toward her.
Henry: "I stopped thinking about them a long time ago. Don't waste your time on theories, Bella."
Violetta: "Please tell us, Henry. We're your friends. You didn't write to us all summer. And don't even mention about Nott and Zabini. those fools didn't say anything. I know they know something."
Daphne nodded in agreement, her concern evident.
Daphne: "Yeah, you didn't. You only came to my manor because my mum asked you. I know you came for her."
Henry paused, his gaze softening slightly.
Henry: "I never wrote letters to anyone from school. Theo and Blaise don't know where I am, and they know better than to bother me. And yes, Quenee, I came to dinner only for your mother. I can't bear to see the hurt look in her eyes." His tone was laced with a quiet sadness. "Now, I'm tired. Can I have my breakfast without an interrogation?"

Both Daphne and Violetta exchanged a look, a mixture of relief and admiration. They were pleased that he had addressed them by their nicknames and had opened up about his feelings, especially regarding Daphne's mother. The walls Henry had so carefully constructed around himself were showing cracks, and they couldn't help but appreciate it. They nodded, their expressions softening.

Just as the conversation began to shift into more familiar, comfortable territory, an angry voice rang out from across the room.

An angry blonde first-year stood at the edge of the Ravenclaw table, his face twisted in disdain.
"Lestrange! Scum like you shouldn't be allowed in a place where children reside."
A sharp intake of breath echoed through the hall, followed by utter silence. The entire room fell still, eyes turning toward the source of the venomous words, the air thick with tension.

Violetta's face was emotionless, her expression betraying nothing, but her eyes glinted with barely-contained rage. Daphne, on the other hand, turned toward Neville, her glare like a weapon. If looks could kill, Neville would've been a pile of ash in that moment.

Henry's voice cut through the silence like a blade—cold, sharp, and full of venom.
Henry: "What did you say?"
Every word dripped with an intensity that made even the staff uneasy. The students in the hall flinched, some instinctively shrinking back as if to avoid the lethal venom that coated his voice.

Violetta remained stoic, her gaze unwavering. Daphne's eyes narrowed, her body tense as though she were ready to spring into action. But it was Henry who commanded the moment. His presence, the aura of power and control that surrounded him, seemed to freeze time itself.

Henry: "I asked you, what the hell did you say?"
His voice, though low, resonated with an authority that made even the bravest of students take a step back. The weight of his words lingered in the air, heavy and unforgiving.

Charlie, standing near the end of the hall, watched the entire scene unfold with his mouth agape. His eyes darted between Neville, who was still holding his ground, and Henry, whose anger was palpable. The tension between them was thick enough to cut with a knife, and Charlie felt a strange knot of both fear and fascination in his stomach. What had just happened? Why was he so enraged?

Neville stood firm, his voice tinged with accusation as he glared at Henry.
Neville: "You... shouldn't associate with her. She's evil, just like her parents. She can't be trusted."
Henry's lips curled into a smile, one that sent a chill through the room.
Henry (with a smile): "Oh, now the mighty Hufflepuffs are giving lessons on loyalty, trust, and backstabbing. Listen, Hogwarts, we must learn from the masters." His tone dripped with sarcasm, each word like a sharp needle aimed at Neville's chest.

The room fell into a stunned silence. Every Hufflepuff flinched at the cutting remark, even their head of house, Pomona Sprout, lowered her head in silent resignation. Susan Bones, who had been standing nearby, turned away, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. Her sorrowful gaze remained fixed on the floor as she curled into herself in the corner, unable to hide her anguish. Charlie could only watch in confusion, struggling to understand the undercurrent of emotions swirling around him.

Neville's voice wavered, a mixture of anger and disbelief.
Neville: "But... but they're evil."
Henry's expression hardened, a flicker of irritation passing across his features.
Henry: "Listen, Longbottom, I can form my own opinions. Why the bloody hell do you care about my acquaintances, huh?" His voice cut through the air with a biting edge, sending a ripple of tension through the gathered students.

Neville, his frustration mounting, took a step closer.
Neville: "But... do you know you're my god-brother? Do you know my mother was your godmother? Do you know what their parents did to mine?" His words were laced with a deep, personal hurt.
Henry's eyes narrowed, a flicker of cold recognition crossing his face.
Henry: "Their parents did that to your parents, not her, you bloody filthy fool." The words came out like a whip crack, sharp and unyielding. "And I know your mother better than you do. She would never project her anger onto her children."

Neville's eyes widened in shock, disbelief creeping into his voice.
Neville: "WHAT?"
Henry's tone remained unwavering, like steel.
Henry: "Apologize. NOW."

The entire hall seemed to hold its breath. Neville, trembling under the weight of the words, shook his head vehemently.
Neville: "No, I won't apologize to her!" He pointed at Violetta, his anger still simmering just below the surface.

It was at that precise moment that Albus Dumbledore chose to intervene. The headmaster's voice rang out, calm and measured.
Dumbledore: "Now, now, no need for harsh words, my boy—"
Henry's eyes turned cold, and his voice was as crisp as a winter's morning.
Henry: "Albus Dumbledore of the minor lower house, this is my house's business, the Potter house. Your interference is noted, but not needed. Kindly stay within your limits." His words were deliberate, each syllable carefully chosen to assert his dominance.

The new first-years gasped, their wide eyes flickering between Henry and Dumbledore. The young Weasley boy, barely able to contain his shock, muttered under his breath, calling Henry a dark lord. Meanwhile, a certain bushy-haired Muggleborn student began babbling incessantly, her voice rising in confusion, questioning how a student could speak to an authority figure like that—especially one like Dumbledore.

Dumbledore, ever the picture of calm, gave Henry a warm smile, though his eyes betrayed a hint of something deeper.
Dumbledore: "Of course, Heir Potter. If it's house Potter business, I'll allow you to resolve it peacefully."
Henry, his gaze unwavering, flicked a glance at the elderly wizard.
Henry: "Good. Let's keep it that way."

With that, Henry's attention returned to Neville, and his voice rang out once more—this time, colder than before.
Henry: "Heir Longbottom, as the last heir to House Potter, the most ancient and most noble house of Potter..." (He flashed the gleaming heir ring on his finger, a symbol of his family's legacy.) "Miss Violetta Lestrange, heiress to the most ancient and noble house of Lestrange, under the protection of my house. I demand an official apology. Otherwise, there will be repercussions in blood." 'the last word came out as parseltounge'

The words hung in the air, thick with the weight of their meaning. Neville was visibly shaken, his face pale, his hands trembling. He knew that if he made even the slightest misstep, the consequences would be dire. His grandmother's warnings echoed in his mind, and he knew that his family's reputation was on the line.

Neville bowed his head, his voice barely a whisper.
Neville: "I, Heir Longbottom, officially and formally apologize to Miss Violetta Lestrange for speaking ill of her and for those foul words. Please accept my apology, and don't hold the misfortune of my birth house against me. And forgive me, Heir Potter."

Violetta, her face a mask of indifference, sneered in return, the faintest trace of satisfaction curling her lips. Daphne shot Neville a look that could freeze water, but her gaze softened when it landed on Henry, her heart swelling with admiration for his unyielding strength.

Henry nodded once, the acknowledgment enough to settle the matter. He turned away with a smooth, deliberate motion.
Henry: "Longbottom, if I find that you do anything foolish concerning my Bella, remember this—the alliance between the Houses of Potter and Longbottom will be null and void. No more chances. No more warnings. Remember that." His words were a final, chilling reminder of the consequences at stake.

As he turned and left the hall, the stunned silence that followed was deafening. The students remained frozen, unable to process the sheer force of the moment they had just witnessed. Charlie, his mouth hanging open, could hardly believe what he had just seen. His brother—Heir Potter—had just defended a Lestrange over a Longbottom, invoking the power of the Potter name and threatening to dissolve an ancient alliance between noble houses.

The room slowly began to return to normal, but the atmosphere remained heavy with tension. Charlie exchanged a look with Neville, who was still reeling from the encounter. Together, they walked toward an abandoned classroom, accompanied by Hannah and a tearful Susan, who was struggling to come to terms with the events that had just unfolded.