Chapter Three

Summary: Harry meets Castor, Bill uses his Gryffindor courage, Castor's plans are all starting to come together.

Evie's Notes: Happy Tuesday! I hope you all are having a wonderful week ! As always, thank you so much your support of this story, it really and truly means the world to me ! I hope that you all enjoy the this new update.

Today was the day! Harry was so excited to meet his new guardian. Dressing in his best clothes, a pair of school pants and a white button down, Harry hoped to make a good first impression.

As excited as he was, he was also nervous… What if Castor didn't like him? Would he have to go back to the Dursleys? He was sure he was going to be in big trouble with them if he did go back after what he did to Aunt Marge. Maybe he could threaten them with Sirius?

Luckily with Sirius signing the permission slip for Hogsmeade, Harry didn't even have to sneak out of the castle.

Ron and Hermione had asked him if he wanted to hang out with them in the village, but Harry played it off as wanting to explore on his own for the first time. He didn't know why he was keeping Castor a secret from his friends… but he just wanted something for him for a little bit. Plus he knew how the pair would likely respond - Hermione would try to research Castor and demand that Harry tell the Headmaster about him. Ron meanwhile would likely get jealous and start another fight.

Harry was just so tired of the fighting this year, so he chose to keep his new guardian a secret. Making his way to the Three Broomsticks, Harry grabbed a table in the back and prepared himself to meet his new guardian.

Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX

Of all his meetings lately, the meeting that Castor was most looking forward to was the one he was headed to now. Dressed far less formally than when he met the Black Sisters in dark jeans, a light blue button down shirt, a pair of snitch shaped studs in his ears that magically fluttered their wings and a black sleeveless robe he took the floo to Hogsmeade.

Stepping through the public fireplace in the center of town, Castor grinned seeing the various school children scattered around the village wreaking havoc and enjoying their day off.

Making his way over to the Three Broomsticks he looked around for his cousin. Sitting in the back corner he spotted a familiar mess of curls seated in a booth.

"Ahh, you must be Harry" greeted Castor, as he approached the booth.

"Castor?"

"That's me" grinned the man, as he scanned his younger self. The kid wasn't looking great, luckily he had put on some weight being at school and away from the monsters. The big bags under his eyes though spoke to weeks of broken sleep likely caused by the Dementor presence. Making a note to get the boy a healer appointment for the first week of summer, Castor shifted his attention to the conversation. Taking a seat he waved down Rosmerta to order two butterbeers.

"So Harry, tell me a bit about yourself" asked Castor with a grin.

"Uhhh… all of a sudden I can't think of a single interesting fact about myself" blushed the kid.

"Well let's start with the boring stuff then" teased Castor. "You're thirteen right? When's your birthday?"

"Shouldn't you already know that, Mr. Guardian" teased back the boy.

"Humor me" smirked the elder of the pair.

"Ok, my birthday is July 31st, though I think just about everyone knows that. When's yours?"

"My birthday is July 15th, I'll be 23… I know ancient" groaned Castor theatrically.

Harry giggled, "Do you like sports?"

"I do, I love quidditch. My favorite team is the Harpies. What about you?"

"I like quidditch too. I mainly play though instead of following the sport, though my ex-captain got picked up as a reserve player for the national team and my best friend loves the Cannons" explained Harry.

"Really!? What position do you play?"

"I'm seeker!" declared Harry proudly. "I made the team in my first year"

"That's impressive! I primarily play seeker too. We will have to fly together this summer" commended Castor. He made a note to pick up a broom before Harry got home for the summer.

"Really!? We can fly at your house?" asked Harry excitedly.

"Yes, the wards around my home will allow you to fly in the backyard. It's no quidditch pitch, but it keeps me from going stir crazy" shared Castor.

"Wicked" breathed Harry, with stars in his eyes.

"Ok, boring question number two. What kinda classes do you like?"

"Easy Defense Against the Dark Arts and Charms" shared Harry. "Defense is my best class"

"That's great! Defense is a very important class. I also enjoyed charms. It was something needed in my profession. I had some great tutors growing up"

"What do you do for work?" asked Harry curiously

"I work for the Ministry of Magic in the Department of Mysteries as an Unspeakable. I can't tell you what I work on officially, but I have a mastery in spellcrafting" winked Castor.

"Wow! That's so cool!"

"Do you have a favorite professor?" asked Castor

"I like Professor McGongall, she's my Head of House and Transfiguration teacher. My favorite professor just got fired though" sulked Harry. "His name was Professor Lupin and apparently he is a werewolf so he got fired".

"It truly is awful how our current governing body treats creatures. The laws that the Wizengamot has been passing against them in recent years are truly horrific".

"Yeah, it especially sucks since he was the first competent Defense professor I've had. If only Snape hadn't leaked the information "

"I am sorry to hear about your teacher… Do you think he would be interested in tutoring?"

"I don't know, maybe? He seemed to really like teaching. He said he was just going to go meet up with -" said Harry before shutting up suspiciously.

"Meeting up with? His pack maybe?" suggested Castor.

"Uh, yeah! His Pack!" agreed Harry far too quickly.

Castor had pity on Harry and changed the topic again asking about the various adventures Harry had been on while in school. Hearing about them from such a tiny kid was horrifying, Castor felt his hatred for Albus Dumbledore and his manipulations grow. Especially when Harry hinted at his treatment at the hands of his relatives.

"So Harry, in your letter you asked who your old Magical Guardian was," began Castor after Harry told him about the basilisk.

"Oh yeah, who was it? I guess it's someone I don't know since they never did their job" shrugged Harry nonchalantly, though Castor could see he was hurt. Clearly knowing that someone was supposed to be looking out for him had been weighing on him. Castor hated that he was about to upset Harry, but it was important that he knew the truth.

"Actually, after the war someone at the ministry had your parent's will sealed so the list of people who you were supposed to go to was never read. The ministry then placed Albus Dumbledore as your magical guardian. He is the person who placed you with the Dursleys"

"WHAT!" shrieked Harry, making Castor glad he had set up a muffling ward before they started this conversation.

"Yeah"

"MY ANCIENT HEADMASTER IS MY MAGICAL GUARDIAN?!" yelled Harry

"WAS your magical guardian. Luckily you have me now and I swear that I will do everything in my power to make sure you are caught up on everything you need to know about the Wixen world" promised Castor.

"Thanks Castor" said Harry, wilting in his seat, letting his anger go.

"Always Harry, I am always going to be here for you" swore Castor.

"In your letter you said that you were part of the Black family" began Harry hesitantly, apparently deciding he could trust Castor with information about Sirius.

"Yes, I am Lord Black which means I am responsible for caring for the members of the Black family" explained Castor.

"Then there is something important that I think you should know…" Harry took a big breath, "Sirius Black is innocent"

"What!?" asked Castor, pretending to be shocked. He listened to Harry as the boy explained his confrontation with his godfather and how Wormtail got away.

By the time Harry finished the restaurant started to clear out, looking at the time on his pocket watch Castor noted the time.

"You should probably be headed back to the castle now, but I promise you I will look into this" he said sadly. "Before you go I have two recommendations for you"

Harry perked up, "Sure, what are they?"

"The first is that I recommend never looking your headmaster or potions teacher in the eyes, they both are talented Legilimens, mind readers. While the practice is illegal, it doesn't necessarily stop them from doing so".

"Snape can read my mind!? No wonder I'm always in detention with him"

"Yes," laughed Castor, "Avoid his eyes when cursing him out"

"Ok, I won't look them in the eyes. Is there a way to keep someone out of my mind and what's your second recommendation?"

"The practice of protecting your mind is called Occlumency. If you would like, I can teach it to you this summer?" Castor offered

"Yes, please!"

"As for the second request, legally I am your guardian and no one can take you from me. But that doesn't mean that certain people won't kick up a fuss and try"

"You mean Dumbledore," sighed Harry.

"Yes. I would recommend that you hold off telling anyone where you are going this summer until I pick you up from the train on June first" suggested Castor.

"Ok, that makes sense. I'll not even tell Ron and Hermione".

"As soon as we step through the wards you are welcome to tell whoever you want, but I just want to make sure you are safe".

"Thank you Castor," grinned Harry, getting ready to head back to the castle.

Rising to his feet, Castor took a risk and pulled Harry into a hug. The boy stiffened before relaxing and returning the hug.

"It was great to meet you Harry, enjoy the last two weeks of school. I'll pick you up from the train station on June first"

"Thanks Castor! See you then!" waved Harry before exiting the Three Broomsticks.

Settling his tab, Castor headed out of the tavern and back over to the public floo ready to head home and check in on Kreature and the Curse Breaking team.

Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX

After his meeting with Harry, Castor had two important letters to write. The first was to Remus Lupin.

Dear Mr. Lupin,

I hope that this letter finds you well. I have heard from my ward that you were an excellent teacher this past year and was wondering if you were available for summer tutoring. My ward will need help with both his school core subjects as well as learning about the magical world. I am offering room and board as well as days off for your "furry little problem". If you are interested and would like to discuss the position further please reach out.

Thank you for your time,
Lord Castor Potter Black

Sealing that first letter, Castor steeled himself for the second and trickier letter to write.

Mr. Black,

I hope that this letter finds you as well as possible. My name is Castor Potter-Black and I am the new head of the Black Family. My parents were Charles and Dorea Potter-Black. I am writing to let you know of my new status and hope to connect with my family. I have been made aware of your innocence by my ward Harry and would like to discuss ways to prove your innocence. If you are agreeable, I would invite you to meet at the Black Seat where you will be protected by the wards. I swear this on my honor as Lord of the House Black, Potter and Perevell. The floo password is Padfoot.

I hope to see you soon.
Lord Castor Potter Black

Sealing the second letter with the Black Family Crest, Castor made his way up to the attic to find Zephyr and post the letters.

Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX

It took a full two weeks but Number Twelve Grimmauld place was declared curse and dark creature free. Castor was thrilled with the work done and gave the team a huge bonus for the work and care that they had given this job. As the group was leaving through the flames, Castor noticed that Bill was the last to leave like usual. Expecting him to just hang back and flirt a little like normal, Castor smiled welcomingly at him.

"What can I do for you Bill?" he asked

"Well Castor I was hoping, now that this job was finished and I no longer work for you, that you would let me take you out for dinner or a drink sometime"

Castor blushed and internally squealed, was this really happening!? "I think I'd like that," he replied shyly.

"Really!? Awesome" grinned Bill. "How about Friday at six? There's a great restaurant at the cross of Diagon and Traveler's Alleys"

"Oh are you talking about the Gray Dragon? That sounds perfect" grinned Castor.

"Then I will see you at the Gray Dragon at six on Friday, Handsome" replied Bill, taking Castor's hand and kissing his knuckles with a wink.

Blushing, Castor waved goodbye as Bill disappeared through the floo. As soon as he locked the floo he let out a loud scream of joy and may or may not have jumped up and down in excitement.

Composing himself, Castor headed off to reply to his latest correspondence.

Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX

Castor cheered when not even twenty four hours later he got a response from Remus.

Dear Lord Potter-Black,

I assume your new ward is Harry Potter, I had not heard of a change in guardianship. I am pleased that Harry enjoyed my classes this past year. I am intrigued by your offer of tutorship and would gladly meet with you to discuss the terms.

Thank you
Remus J. Lupin

Castor knew he was playing with fire writing to the man before he had Harry behind his wards; but he could only hope that Remus was holding a grudge against Dumbledore and didn't go running to tell him about the new Lord Potter-Black.

Gathering his writing supplies, Castor penned back his response.

Dear Mr. Lupin,

Thank you for your prompt response. Yes, my new ward is Harry Potter. The boy is delightful but horribly behind when it comes to knowledge about our world. His last Magical Guardian, Albus Dumbledore, did him a true disservice. Did you know Harry didn't know about magic until his eleventh birthday? I hope that working with you as a tutor we can help fill in some of the gaps that young Harry has. How about you visit the Black Seat at 2pm on Thursday and we can discuss the details over tea.

Looking forward to your reply,
Lord Castor Potter Black

Glancing sideways at the edge of his writing desk, Castor blushed as he spotted the beautiful bouquet of roses that had arrived for him that morning with the daily post. The flowers had been accompanied by a note which said:

Castor,

These flowers are almost as beautiful and sweet as you are. Looking forward to our date this Friday.

Yours,
Bill

Castor had never gotten flowers in either life so the gift was especially meaningful. He wouldn't lie he had spent an embarrassingly long time staring at the word "Yours" and tracing it with his finger with a goofy smile. How was it that coming back to the past was the best thing that ever happened to him?

Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX

Castor was having his dinner Wednesday night when the floo chimed alerting him that someone had appeared in the reception room, which because of the wards was the only room you could floo or apparate in in this house.

Holding his wand at the ready, Castor made his way down the stairs to the entry hall and into the reception room. Sure he knew only himself and Sirius had the password to his floo, but that didn't mean he shouldn't still be careful. Old habits die hard, especially war time ones.

Opening the doors to the reception room he found a very dirty looking animagus. "Sirius Black. Welcome Home" greeted Castor, the family magics infusing his words and reinstating the man on the family tree upstairs.

The tired man doubled over in shock as he felt the family magics again for the first time in years. "Thank you Lord Black" croaked the man.

"None of that, call me Castor" grinned Castor, brushing off the formality. "Have you eaten? Or perhaps you'd like a shower and change of clothes first before we talk. It's up to you"

"I'll take the shower and change of clothes if you're offering it. It's been a while" said the man ruefully.

"Completely understandable," replied Castor with a kind smile. "I have set up a room for you on the third floor if you would follow me".

Castor led the way to the third floor of the house which he had been calling the family floor. On it were the rooms for himself, Harry, Sirius and a guest room which would be for Remus when he eventually signed the contract.

Opening the door to the room across from his, Castor motioned for Sirius to enter. The room was soft and clean and painted in calming shades of blue which Castor had read was best for promoting peace and healing. "This is your room for however long you would like to stay. I placed some robes in the wardrobe for you to borrow for now. Once I get your measurements we can send out for some new clothes. But for now please shower and change, I will meet you in the dining room when you are ready".

Not wanting to push the man any further at the moment, he hurried out of the room and back to the dining room. There he reinforced to Kreature that he didn't have to like Sirius but he did have to be polite, the same rules would apply for Sirius.

Thirty minutes later, Sirius entered the dining room dressed in one of the Castor's robes. Castor frowned at how the robes hung off the man's emaciated body. Calling softly for Kreature he asked "Kreature, please bring Master Sirius some light soup and bread". The elf popped out without a single nasty comment, Castor was proud of him.

"Wow! Kreature, is still alive?" asked the man in shock.

"Yes, and while I know you two have history from when you last lived here, I demand you treat him with respect. That expectation goes both ways. I will not have anyone being disrespectful in my home. Is that understood?" asked Castor with a glare.

"Crystal Clear" said Sirius, holding his hands up in the universal symbol for surrender. The elf popped the food onto the table in front of Sirius and the pair thanked him quietly.

"I figured it was best to start you off with something light, given that your body must not be used to food at this point" said Castor.

"Yeah, the stuff in Azkaban could barely be called food and when I got out it was obviously harder to find" explained Sirius.

"So Harry, adorable little rascal he is, told me all about his meeting with you and the subsequent rescue attempt".

"Yeah, he seems to be an adventurer at heart, a true marauder" grinned Sirius.

"Yes, the stories he had told me so far about his school years certainly hint towards that being the truth" agreed Castor. "I have to ask, on the subject of the truth, was there anywhere that James and Lily wrote down who their secret keeper was?"

"No, only in their wills, which is why I was surprised to still be locked up or suspected guilty".

"According to the goblins, Albus Dumbledore had their wills sealed when he was appointed Harry's magical guardian. So only the goblins know what was written. Harry can unseal the wills when he comes of age, but not before then" explained Castor.

"I knew something was rotten" muttered Sirius furiously. "The wills should have been read and then Pettigrew would have been exposed as the secret keeper"

"In a perfect world,"agreed Castor. "Still it seems that the best bet is locating Pettigrew and using him to prove your innocence. In the meantime you are welcome to stay here and recover. I will ask if you do stay that you work with a healer that I bring in under a secrecy contract. Can you agree to that?"

"Absolutely! Thank you so much Castor".

"You're welcome. Anything for family" smiled Castor. "Speaking of which the rest of the family will be coming over for tea on Saturday, maybe they will have ideas about how to catch Petigrew. Don't worry, I will place your living here under the Black Family Code of Silence so no one will be able to speak of it to anyone not in the know".

"You say the rest of the family? Who is left?" asked Sirius curiously.

"Unfortunately it will just be us, and Narcissa and Andromeda's family. Lucius will not be joining us this week" explained Castor.

"You got Cissa and Andi in the same room?" asked Sirius.

"This will be the first third they see each other in person, but they have been writing often" shrugged Castor like it wasn't a big deal. He was proud of the sisters for working through their issues.

"Well I will be happy to see them again. It has been far too long" agreed Sirius.

Bidding Sirius good night, Castor made his way to his room to retire for the evening.

Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX

The next afternoon had Castor awaiting the arrival of Remus Lupin in the reception room. Sirius was upstairs working with the healer that Castor had signed on under the strictest secrecy contract, sometimes working in the department of mysteries had its perks. Healer Lucinda Johnson had agreed to oversee Sirius's physical and Mental recovery as well as treat Harry when he returned from school for the summer.

The floo chimed letting Cator know that a guest was trying to pass through, opening it he let Remus step into the room.

"Lord Potter-Black, thank you for seeing me today" greeted the man.

"Please call me Castor," he said, holding out his hand for a shake.

"Call me Remus then" returned the man, surprised at the lack of formality.

"Great! Follow me Remus, Kreature has made a spread which is to die for" grinned Castor leading the man to the second floor to the main sitting room.

He quickly poured tea for the pair and settled in for the inevitable questioning.

"So Castor, how is it that you came to have guardianship of Harry?" asked the man, his protectiveness for his cub rearing its head.

"My parents were Charles and Dorea Potter Black which makes me blood kin to Harry. I was homeschooled due to poor health growing up and then did my mastery in spellcrafting in the states. I had no clue that Harry had been sent to MUGGLES and muggles who hate magic on top of that" explained Castor. "From what little Harry told me during our first meeting it did not seem like he had a happy life with his previous legal guardians. His magical guardian truly failed in his role in Harry's life and I am seeking to right things. Which is why I am wanting to hire you. Hopefully with a good base in his subjects Harry will find classes easier and with an understanding of our world and how Wixen differ from muggles he can better understand his peers".

"That was exactly what I needed to hear," said Remus. "I am glad Harry is going to have you in his corner".

The pair then spent some time negotiating the contract and making things official. Most of it was Castor trying to get Remus to accept a higher payment.

As they finished their discussion the door to the sitting room opened and with a smirk, Castor added, "And there is one last perk".

Sirius entered and froze looking at Remus. "Moony?"

"Padfoot!" grinned the man, rising to his feet and pulling the fugitive into a tight hug.

"What are you doing here?" Sirius asked, shocked.

"Castor and I just finished negotiating a contract for me to live here and tutor Harry this summer," explained Remus, still shocked by the man's generosity.

"This is the best news ever. Moony and my pup under one roof!" cheered Sirius. "Castor we need to come up with a marauder nickname for you too"

"What were the nicknames based on?" asked Castor.

"Our animagus forms"

"Oh, well mine is a fox," said Castor, before transforming into a red fox.

"You're an animagus! That's awesome" declared Sirius, before transforming into his form of a large black dog.

"We'll have to think about your name. But how about Swift for now?" suggested Remus.

"That sounds great" celebrated Castor changing back.

Leaving the two men to catch up, Castor left the sitting room in search of Cleopatra.

Evie's Notes 2: Thank you all so much for reading ! I hope you enjoyed this update, let me know your favorite part of in the comments! I hope to see you all next week !

I love hearing from y'all! Let me know what you think of the chapter and the story as a whole in the comments or my Tumblr Find-y0ur-j0y! Have a great week and stay safe! - Xo Evie