My Time

Chapter 83

Euphemia shivered, her entire being felt decades older than she actually was. She didn't dare to breathe too much, as she watched them, catching every twitch, every move, every breath they took. She was terrified she'd wake up any moment and not remember everything that had gone down. The idea of going back to being only disgruntled with her husband instead of disgusted, horrified, and downright terrified of him, of what he would do. She didn't doubt what Death himself proclaimed, what Hayden implied, okay, it was more than implied, it was practically outright stated. She'd thought for one brief shining moment she had become a mother, how foolish of her to think otherwise. Oh, she'd been so desperate to be a mother for years, yet it never happened, it wasn't to be. She finally, finally accepted defeat.

"I'll swear an Unbreakable Vow never to discuss what happened here tonight, with anyone or anything," she blurted out in a last bid effort to prevent them from making her forget everything. She had never learned more than just a simple mind shield, her parents had been old fashioned, she hadn't been allowed to learn such arts, her father believed them to be too strenuous for a simple girl like her. Naturally, one didn't just argue with her father, she knew better by then. Although, her mother had given her a few books that pertained to the subject, but not solely about Occlumency. Her mother had been very clever like that, always making sure to do what she could without strictly breaking her husbands rules.

She wouldn't stand a single chance against Orion or Hayden if they elected to wipe her mind of tonight's events.

Dorea and Charlus made no effort to defend her, still reeling over the fact they actually knew how they died, or would have died. Reeling over the fact that this boy in front of them was in actual fact, their grandson. That he was so magically powerful that he destroyed wards and homes like they were nothing. To be fair, it wasn't their right to intervene, Orion and Hayden had to make this choice themselves, and they knew they wouldn't be able to change whatever decision they'd come to. They were quite frankly the most stubborn boys they'd had to deal with, no wonder really! A Potter and a Black, or would it be more accurate to say a Potter-Black? There likely wasn't a person who could out stubborn the duo. Added to the fact, Hayden didn't seem any more impressed that they knew never mind Mia knowing.

"Orion already has contracts drawn up for one such occasion, you'll sign them in your blood." Hayden declared, giving them a severe look, showing that he wasn't playing games. "I am not happy about how this turned out, even though it's my own fault…but you must understand I am not your grandson…not anymore."

Charlus straightened up taking offense at the words, taking them the wrong way.

"I was given a blood adoption potion, Charlus, then given another when I came to this time," Hayden stated, "You'll have your son, but I won't ever be related to you except by marriage." A look of utter pain crossing his features, it hurt so much to be saying this, but it was the truth nonetheless. Oh, he wanted them to be family, but he could not have them deluding themselves, and couldn't allow himself to be deluded. One day there would be a grandchild for Charlus and Dorea, but it wouldn't be him, it would be someone else entirely. Someone he should have been, if he hadn't been given a blood adoption potion.

Charlus licked his lips, suddenly understanding where the boy was coming from. They couldn't become too enthralled by him and miss real life, a real son that would come along. One that he would make sure did not end up in the hands of his brother. His brother! His mind continued to reel over the fact. He just didn't understand, how could Flea ever come to believe what he was doing was for the greater good? To kill his own kin? To become a kin-slayer? One of the absolute worst things they could do to one another. Their parents would be rolling in their graves at what had happened to their children. To know their firstborn had killed their youngest, how the hell do you get over something like this? He just wanted to cry, to crawl into a corner and cry, but he couldn't do that (wouldn't do that) until he was on his own.

The statement that came from Hayden tore Dorea's heart asunder. She like Charlus understood, from a logical standpoint, but to hear those words? It really hurt. Worse still, she could see the utter agony in Hayden's voice and gaze as he said it, it was likely hurting him more than it was hurting them. They didn't know everything, but given what they could see…it was clearly he hadn't had a good life, perhaps not even had any parental influence. Was it wrong of her to feel a sense of feral satisfaction that Fleamont hadn't infected her grandson the same way – she presumed – he'd done to her son? No matter what was in their blood, this boy was their child's son, or would have done, Merlin, it was rather odd knowing he was in the past, just how long had he been there? Who would give up their heritage so easily? Did he even have any allegiance to the Potter family?

Euphemia choked back a whimper, as relief suffused her, causing her to deflate such was her relief. The mere idea of her losing her memory and going back to her husband (not knowing what happened) was terrifying. She honestly would prefer a swift death than that, she couldn't return to him, didn't want to return to him. He was so much worse off than she'd realised, she'd tried to stand beside him despite his…nauseating loyalty to Dumbledore. She had stuck beside him for so long, and would have done so, if she hadn't become aware of just how rotten her husband was at the very core of him.

To kill his brother? To become a Kin-slayer? To kill Dorea, sure, she had never been close to them, but she'd never ever suggest or allow them to be killed. Magic always paid back kinslayers, there was irrefutable proof of such a thing, more often than not, it's usually the inability to continue your family line, made impotent by magic itself, watching as a slow decline, after killing your family to be the Lord (such instance) only to end your line. Yes, there were dangers to kinslaying.

No, she didn't want anything to do with him, she needed to get away, to live her own life. Convert money into muggle money and try to fit in there, it would be better than Fleamont finding her, and she couldn't stay with Dorea and Charlus. The idea of staying wasn't pleasant, how could she when it was her greatest shame that her husband had killed them once upon a time? They knew it would come now though, so perhaps they could avoid the kinslaying. It wasn't her fault, instinctively she knew that, but her heart said a whole different thing.

Hayden sighed, silently moving until he was in front of Euphemia, and gently but firmly easing her onto her feet. "Come on, lets' get you some tea." Attempting to sound at least marginally not exasperated. He failed. Spectacularly.

"I'll do it," Dorea stated automatically, she was the Lady of the house, it was her place to do so when guests were in the house. And yes, even when those guests were family, it was only proper. Only with close family would they not put on fronts or airs and graces.

Hayden patted Euphemia on the back, before sitting back down, leaning across to Orion before whispering quietly, "Would…Sirius allow them to stay until this place gets fixed?" having to pause before saying Sirius, because his mind conjured up his godfather before the Sirius of this time, he'd been quite correctly named in his opinion. Sirius had this mischievous gleam in his eyes, like his godfather had, when he wasn't drowning in Dementor fuelled memories.

"Of course," Orion stated, "The trouble is convincing them to go." his lips twitching in amusement, then again, Hayden had a way of getting to people, so he surely wouldn't be surprised if they did do as he asked.

Hayden arched a brow, "Why wouldn't they?" it would only be for a few weeks while the repairs were done to the property, which he would definitely be paying for regardless of anyone's attempts to dissuade him. He was responsible for it, part of him couldn't believe he'd let his anger get the better of him to the extent of nearly killing them all. How could he have been so bloody stupid? He'd almost harmed Orion! He'd almost hurt Cygnus! The idea of hurting that little boy…it filled him with such despair, he felt ashamed.

Orion just smirked, "You'll see." It was difficult to know which one was the most stubborn out of both of them, his Aunt Dorea or Uncle Charlus.

"I'm so tired," Hayden murmured, his brow furrowed, why couldn't he just have a normal life? Why did everything have to be a drama? He just wanted a simple quiet life. He was so done with the bullshit his life had been and still was. Was there no end to Dumbledore's treasonous actions? Fucking hell, his own grandparents hadn't been who he thought they were. It would likely have caused him more grief if he had known anything about them before he was a grown adult. He didn't even know anything about his mothers' parents, the Evans'. Petunia had nothing nice to say about them either, due to their being 'proud' of having a witch in the family. It's likely why he had no qualms about changing his name and literally becoming someone else when he was granted a second chance. "Why can't my life be drama free?"

Orion barely refrained from chuffing, as he pressed a kiss to Hayden's forehead, and wrapped his arm around Harry's shoulders and drawing him in. Hayden would be bored to tears without at least some drama, he likely liked to think he'd want a drama free life, but the truth was, Hayden thrived in chaos and drama. He was at his best when things were chaotic, absently recalling the fire, and Hayden's attempts to put it out. Save a stranger, even at the extent of his own life, something he'd need to…break, he needed to break Hayden's habit of helping others before himself. He didn't care about others, he wanted Hayden to be alive and whole, he'd rather this hypothetical person dead than Hayden. He was a selfish person and he didn't care to pretend otherwise.

"Do you have a pepper-up draught?" Orion asked his aunt, emotionally and magically, Hayden was drained, while it wouldn't help him emotionally, the potion would help until they could get home.

"You stay, I'll go," Charlus drew his hand out and kept his wife seated, nobody missed the shaking of his hand as he did so. The shock was so great, nobody was surprised he was reeling. They all were in different ways, even Orion, but he was likely the calmest of the five of them.

"Polaris!" Orion called, summoning his aunts portable writing desk, which she kept in the kitchen.

The wooden portable writing desk flew through and into Orion's awaiting hands, he rightened it, and was quick to write a letter to his grandfather. Hayden was right, they needed somewhere else to stay, and it was clear they couldn't just have Euphemia go lest she ends up in the hands of Fleamont Potter. Not that he'd be alive long if he had anything to say about it. He'd dare to touch his aunt? Oh, no, never in a million years, he was dead already, he just didn't know it.

The portable writing desk, Hayden observed, was a colonial design, well-worn and used, but painstakingly maintained. It reminded him of the school desks in the TV programmes actually. There were fifteen of them in Peverell castle, some were definitely in need of repair, others were in fabulous condition especially for how long they'd been there. It would just be a matter of deciding if it was worth repairing them or just getting rid of them.

"Give this to Antonin, wait for the documents, then return," Orion declared using the wax and imprinting his ring into it, so that Antonin would know it was from him, an added layer of protection when it came to his identity. He had also requested a blood quill from Antonin, and as a lawyer who dealt with legal documents, he had one in his possession.

Polaris gave a nod, accepted the missive before disappearing with a pop.

Charlus silently made his way back inside, the house he had noticed, was an awful mess, it was going to be a costly endeavour to fix it. He was only a second son, he didn't have an infinite reserve of gold to pay for things like this, and he would never allow Dorea to ask her family, the feeling of being a failure wouldn't be something he could bear. He'd sworn to take care of her, love her, cherish her, and he would keep that promise. "Here," he said, handing over the Pepper-up draught before handing the calming draught to Euphemia with a kind smile, she too had been betrayed by her husband. She was losing everything, and likely to lose her actual husband within the week. He knew how the Black family worked, there was no way Fleamont would survive attention of Orion and Hayden. Orion was much like Arcturus, and if Arcturus would deal with it, then there was little doubt Orion would too. Hayden he wasn't sure about, but given what he'd heard, he suspected Hayden just started the ball rolling either that or he was just as a vindictive little shit as Orion was. It pleased him as much as the idea pained him, this was his brother for Merlin's sake, his older brother. Clenching his hands into fists, sickened to the core, what could he have done that his brother would see him killed? A child? Was that it? Jealousy over them succeeding where he'd failed? Was it worth killing over? He just didn't understand, when had his brother become something he just didn't know? kinslaying? Merlin, their parents would definitely have something to say to Fleamont when (if) he got to the other side and reunited with the family that had been lost to them.

Hayden scooted closer to Euphemia who was struggling to open the vial she'd been presented with. He took it from her shaking fingers, and uncorked the vial with ease, and presented her with the calming draught. Then moved the cup of tea – camomile – closer to the woman who was clearly struggling with her new reality. She was strong though, she was still coherent, still wishing to remember what had been said and done this day. That took a whole level of strength, it's easier to forget, to go back to how things were.

Charlus moved away from Hayden and round by Orion as he made his way to his wife, he paused for just a moment, and said, "You make him suffer," Charlus demanded in a heated whisper, he was no kinslayer, and he would need to keep his hands clean, there was no doubt the Aurors would be questioning him after whatever happens, had happened.

Orion turned to stare at Charlus, not even remotely surprised by his order, Charlus had been married to Dorea and knew how the Black family operated by now. The Blacks never let a slight go, even if they had to wait ten years before enacting it, and considering nobody knew that they had beef with Fleamont, they were safe to enact their revenge immediately. He inclined his head, before returning to his missive, this one was just asking his grandfather would house Dorea, Charlus, Cygnus and Euphemia on a temporary basis that a bit of accidental magic had brought down the wards. He was being truthful, and it's likely his grandparents would find out the truth, he rather hoped he was there to see their reaction.

"Have you ever known any of your family?" Dorea asked Hayden, praying against all the odds that those that had kidnapped him hadn't turned around and abused him. Well, kidnapped his father and abused them both, what was truth and what was fiction? Did she really know anything about Hayden? Anything that was real or did he just create a background for himself? Dorea's gaze lingered on Orion for a few moments, clearly Orion knew everything, which pleased her. At least someone knew the full truth, and according to Hayden's own words, they hadn't wanted anyone else to know. "Was there any truth to what you've told us about your life?" she didn't mean to sound hurt, but she'd spent so much time fretting and feeling sorry for him.

"Fleamont doesn't know any muggles, and I doubt that would ever change." Charlus stated firmly, stating it as irrefutable belief.

Hayden snorted, utterly derisive, "I think we can all safely say you don't know your own brother; wouldn't you say?" he did not like his word being doubted, he was not a liar, at least not a full one. Sure, he obfuscated, but rarely did he outright lie unless he absolutely had to, to keep himself and his secrets safe.

Charlus flinched, well, when he put it that way…vicious little shit.

"Hayden," Orion said wryly, certainly not chiding him, he knew that Hayden detested anyone believing him a liar due to personal experience, the blood quill and Umbridge sprang to mind. It was a very sore spot for him, and Charlus could defend himself so he didn't need to. He did want to get this over with though, and getting into an argument most certainly wouldn't accomplish that.

Hayden sighed, rubbing his temples, he just wanted to sleep, he was bone achingly tired. "James Potter lost his 'parents' when he was fifteen-years-old." unable to hide the sarcasm at the mere word 'parents' that was a bloody laugh. "Not sure how they died, I only found out their names a few months before I came back in time. James married a muggle born girl called Lily Evans, I was sent to my mother's sisters home. I was raised by muggles unaware of my birthright, detested and hated for having magic. I didn't lie, I merely obfuscated certain facts." He couldn't confess to muggle relatives, now, could he? Not when he was technically a pureblood in this time. So, he said the came up with something closest to it.

Dorea stuttered incoherently for a few seconds before quieting down, he's really grown up with muggles. Her own grandchild – she didn't care what Hayden had said – had been actually raised by muggles. It was one thing for another family to have screwed up and feel sympathy for the child but it was another thing entirely to know the Potters had not only taken her son but had made no effort to protect the last of the Potter family. How had they raised him?

"Worry not, Aunt Dorea, Hayden truly never stood a chance, Dumbledore did a number on them. Not to mention…that the Blacks were completely out of commission." Orion stated with a grimace, as he stuck his ring into the wax for a few seconds. Which was true enough, he wasn't sure there had been a hope in hell for Sirius, Regulus, Andromeda, Bellatrix and Narcissa. Five children, that generation had been unsurprisingly small given what Pollux had attempted. Marred by absent parents unaware they were mere puppets and there was naught to be done for them. Killing them would have been a mercy, and Orion couldn't help but think it truly would have been. For Pollux's ambitions, for Walburga's ambitions it had destroyed an entire generation of Blacks.

"Well, you're not wrong there," Hayden said with a rueful grin.

"The Blacks?" Dorea asked, in a slightly strangled voice, why on earth was he referring to them thusly?

"The moment Hayden succeeded in negating the marriage contract was a new day for us," Orion explained sombrely, his family had no true idea of the horror that had been awaiting them. They could imagine, given what Hayden had said to his father once, but never truly know it, not in the detail he knew, and Hayden had never met him or Walburga but even then, it painted a grim picture indeed. "I refer to the alternative future family as 'The Blacks' since they are not my family."

Dorea blanched, "Oh," she murmured, feeling rather dizzy, once upon a time it hadn't been hypothetical, Hayden was from a time where that contract had come into full affect. She glanced at him, and her mouth went dry, she wasn't going to ask any questions. What she knew already was enough for her, but this must be used as a cautionary tale. To think Pollux had so much hatred in him that he'd do such damage to the entire family to get his revenge, to what? Be the head of the house. It wasn't worth it, unfortunately, such was the struggles of a second born son. Even Charlus wasn't free of the jealousy when it came to Fleamont having the entirety of the Potter estate at his disposal. Fortunately, it wasn't too bad due to the fact they were good with money, so they never truly struggled. One glance at Orion she knew he knew more than he'd like.

Polaris popped in once more, with a file, which he immediately passed over to his young Master.

"Take this to grandfather Sirius, wait for a reply, it might just be a verbal one," Orion handed over the second missive, absently tidying up after himself, and ensuring the inkbottles had been screwed on properly so none of it spilled out.

"Why are you getting in touch with your grandfather?" Dorea asked, eyeing him suspiciously, already having a good idea what he was up to.

"I'd really rather prefer that Cygnus is somewhere secure over somewhere familiar." Hayden stated, "It would only be a few days, I'd request the team to work here over all other projects they're doing. It only pushes my projects back a day or two, and it won't really matter." It was true enough, it wouldn't matter in the grand scheme of things, it's not like anyone was living there at the moment. The entire estate was empty but filled with such promise.

Orion felt a pang of amusement slither through him, trust Hayden to go right for the soft spot. Then again, one could argue that Cygnus was Hayden's soft spot too. He adored that little boy so much, if Dorea and Charlus hadn't taken him in, he had no doubt Hayden would have somehow convinced them all that he would have him. He knew he wouldn't have been able to deny Hayden anything he wished, especially not Cygnus, he would have done everything to keep him in the family, they weren't responsible for their fathers actions. The boys anyway, Walburga was a whole different issue. She might not have outright known anything but she had her suspicions and kept quiet. She'd been infected with her fathers greed.

Shaking off his thoughts, Orion continued to read the documents that had been drawn up months prior for incidences like this. It had been a good idea, seemingly.

"Has Cygnus even seen…his grandparents since it happened?" Hayden asked, his eyes narrowing suspiciously as if he knew he was about to learn something vexing.

Dorea paused a few moments, gathering her thoughts, trying to recall the last time they'd seen Sirius and Hesper. "I don't believe so," at least he'd never asked for them either, it was quite something to go from having no children and able to do as she and Charlus pleased, to having to take care of three children. Two now, since Walburga was now at school abroad and betrothed, Alphard was at Hogwarts but Cygnus required round the clock care. She didn't regret taking him, no, she loved it, it just took some getting used to. Just like it would take a while getting used to any child of hers and Charlus' that might one day exist. "He hasn't asked after them."

Hayden's lips slowly disappeared, displeased by what he'd heard, of course, his little swan wasn't going to ask them if he could visit his grandparents. He'd likely be too worried about asking for much after how his life was with Pollux. He'd ever refer to Pollux as Cygnus' father, he wasn't a father to anyone. Of course, the Black family haven't dealt with any sort of abuse, let alone the abuse of their own – right under their nose – so they won't really understand Cygnus. He likely should sit down and talk to them about how abuse truly affects children, he was by no means an expert but he knew enough from personal experience.

"You'll stay at my grandparents for a few days?" Orion asked, before they could get side-tracked once more. The sooner they were done, the quicker he could get Hayden home. That much accidental magic, it's a miracle he wasn't out for the count if he was honest. Then again, he had seen some spectacular feats of magic from Harry in the pensive. It would evidently take a lot for him to actually be drained.

Dorea clasped her husband's hand before he could open his mouth, "We will." The terror of knowing how she'd die was enough to make her feel paranoid. She didn't care about pride, of needing to prove themselves capable, their lives were worth more than misplaced pride or denials. She wasn't sure how her husband was feeling right now, but she just wanted them safe. "The wards, they were be only accessible to us."

Hayden slowly smirked at her, pride gleaming in his gaze, "Without question." Pleased to see that precautions were being taken to safeguard them. She was a Black though, it didn't surprise him, even Orion was still as peculiar about his safety, just as much as he had been in the future Hayden had been from. None of the people working for him would be surprised that the Blacks were overly cautious, even if technically she was a Potter now.

"It looks perfect for our needs," Orion agreed, sliding over the contract to Hayden, letting him see for himself what was written on it. It had been pretty much the first thing he'd told Hayden, to be careful when it comes to contracts, yet look at what his family had done, he was glad the lawyer was dead, otherwise he would have seen to Burke himself. although, if he was honest with himself, he was surprised his father had allowed his uncle to live given the extent of his treason. It wasn't just one or two people he'd targeted; he'd aimed at everyone.

Orion noticed his aunt giving him a look that was completely indecipherable to him, he arched his brow in silent curiosity, what was it? However, she just shook her head, she was tired, not Hayden kind of tired, but mentally exhausted all the same. She had so many questions, one was if Orion had signed one of these himself, was it why he didn't discuss it with family? Then again, Orion had revealed one of Hayden's secrets to be fair, so perhaps not. He'd revealed that Hayden was a carrier, outed him to the entire family. It was unlikely that he had signed a non-disclosure agreement. Her head was pounding, she felt sick to her stomach, she felt a distinctive lack of trust in nearly everyone. To think Fleamont Potter would have killed her in the future…she'd never have considered that a possibility when she thought of all possible ends. Which sounded morbid but it was something people did, especially as they aged. She continued to clutch at her husband's hand, not even wanting him out of her sight, once to retrieve the potions was enough.

"It fits what we need," Hayden said, yawning tiredly, agreeing with the use of the NDA. "Antonin did good work with it, it's not easy to make sure you have all possible loopholes covered."

"That's why he's such a desirable lawyer," Orion said dryly, you'd think being the youngest would draw others to him, but being young in such a cutthroat world wasn't seen as a good thing. They learned though that Antonin was just simply the best at what he did. There were only a few others just as good (some might say better) than him, but they had over fifty years' experience as a lawyer. Not that Potter would need a lawyer by the time he was finished with him, no, he'd be buried without any fanfare if he had his say.

"Don't you dare think about doing anything without me," Hayden warned him, leaning against him, his eyes already half-mast.

Orion choked out his amusement, honestly, it was like he could read his mind. But no, Hayden just knew him well enough, and it had him sighing in contentment. Humming quietly, he murmured, "There is time for some rest, he will be in the Leaky Cauldron later this evening." Like all good criminals, he didn't know his real name, where he stayed or anything about him. However, he always came through regardless of what he asked for.

Hayden glanced up at Orion, but he gave a single shake of his head, 'no' he wasn't going to go into details, at least not here. Not with Euphemia Potter present. She likely didn't realize her husband had signed his own death warrant. Or would have, in the future, Merlin, he truly hated tenses. Hayden straightened up, inwardly cursing, shit, he really hoped there was nothing about the party lying around. He didn't want Orion to find out about the party, he'd gone to such lengths to ensure his fiancé didn't find out. Better yet he hoped Sirius and Hesper didn't blab about it either.

"Once you're finished reading it, sign then, with this," Orion declared, using his finger to slide the blood quill along, this would make their words bound by blood and magic. The consequences would be severe, but Orion would have it no other way, even if it was family, in order to protect Hayden. The idea of him being carted off to the Ministry of magic was nightmare educing.

"Blood quills," Charlus grouched, grimacing, he detested those things, rubbing the top of his hand where he recalled signing his will a decade ago.

"Just be glad you're not using it every night in detention for months," Hayden said, causing Euphemia, Charlus and Dorea to feel sick to the extent that they could taste it in their mouths. His scars were no longer present of course, not the lightning bolt, not the 'I must not tell lies' scars and the various wounds he got in his battles at Hogwarts or the abuse from the Dursley's.

They didn't doubt for a second that Hayden was being honest.

They all hissed as they signed their name on the agreed contract, the NDA would ensure he didn't talk to anyone that didn't already know (very small list, Dorea, Charlus, Euphemia, Harry and Orion). Any attempts to do so would be severe, they wouldn't be able to complete the sentence before their windpipes closed and let's just say they lose their breathe before ultimately their lives. The contracts furled up on themselves, and disappeared with a pop, leaving behind a copy of the contract, but nobody would be able to observe the written words, only the one who had signed it would be able to perceive the words.

"Remember this, don't forget," Orion cautioned them, eyeing Euphemia mostly, "You understand everything you read?" he asked for affirmation from Lady Potter.

A pop sounded to his side, a murmured thank you from Hayden and Polaris was gone again having seen to the duties Orion taxed him.

"I do," she replied, a little sharply, offended to be treated like some old senile patient from St. Mungo's. She absently folded up the copied rules of the contract into a neat four folded square.

Orion gave her a nod, satisfied she understood it all and was coming back to herself, the calming draughts seemed in full affect. The shock could have made her a little muddled up, never mind everything that had happened. She seemed stronger than his Aunt Dorea had implied, but given nobody really interacted with her for long – kept ensconced within Potter Manor as she was – it wasn't a surprise they were potentially wrong.

None of them had any idea that they would all become increasingly familiar with Euphemia and that she would truly become family. Not like she had been for the past few decades with Dorea and Charlus. But a real family member.

Euphemia would learn what true love was, and it would be with someone she least expected.

Hayden handed over Orion's letter without even peeking at the words, it wasn't his missive after all.

Orion smiled, and accepted the letter opening it, it was short and to the point, just like his grandfather.

"He's agreed to house you as long as is required, you're more than welcome," Orion declared, "We'll see you tomorrow afternoon."

Hayden sighed in silent relief that Orion wasn't going with them, standing up he moved over to Dorea and whispered, "Make sure they don't mention the party." Orion's uncles couldn't wait, the secret room that had been found with the books Orion wanted, they couldn't wait to see his reaction.

"Of course," Dorea murmured, staring at Hayden with a look of adoration, "I would like to have a talk with you before you leave with Cygnus though, regretfully everything got…derailed today."

Hayden nodded, giving her a quick hug, "I will," he already suspected what she'd ask, he moved over to Euphemia and gave her a hug too. "You're stronger than you think, never settle, I will help you." Only saying this because it sure as hell wouldn't be Fleamont Potters child she would have.

Euphemia's breathing hitched, as she hugged him back with a desperation that conveyed the hope he'd given her.

Naturally she still didn't understand what fate awaited her husband and when it came to pass. She would experience true freedom for the first time since she was a young teenager.

A/N – Sorry for not being on for so long guys I'm afraid my mum has been severely ill again, we weren't sure she would survive but she pulled through thank goodness. RL really is not holding back it's punches as of late, but oh, it was good to be able to write these past two days, I did want to get the scene with Orion/Hayden dealing with Fleamont done but it's 9 o'clock and I am going to head for a bath and get some sleep I've been up since six o'clock and I'm exhausted – sort of incorporated that into the story lol mentioned it a dozen times :D and as for those not on my Facebook group Walking Dead Wizard will be updated next and again and again until it's finished, which is good another story finished!

I hope the chapter is not too chunky and that it's a smooth read, and that my tiredness hasn't shown through TOO MUCH! Thanks for reading guys, Read and Review please take care everyone xx