Chapter Four
Summary: Castor goes on his first date, Harry comes home for the summer and sees a healer.
Evie's Notes: Happy Thursday! 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 .
Friday evening found Castor nervously pacing in the reception room. He ran his hand through his loose shoulder length curls. Castor was dressed in a pair of black dress pants and dragon hide boots, a light blue shirt which made his blue-gray eyes pop. In his ears were silver lightning bolt studs.
Sirius popped his head round the corner looking worried.
"You Ok, Cassie?" Sirius asked, who had not stopped trying to saddle Castor with a nickname since he arrived.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I'm just a little nervous" shared Castor. "I have a date"
"OOH A DATE! Who's the lucky lady" wondered the dog animagus.
"HIS name is Bill" shared Castor nervously, not sure how his old godfather/family member/new friend would take his sexuality.
"Bill huh? Cool. What does he do?" asked Sirius, not even skipping a beat.
"He's a curse breaker. You don't mind?" Asked Castor.
"Why would I mind?" asked Sirius, confused.
"It's just that the people around me growing up weren't the most accepting of my sexuality so I'm surprised" shrugged Castor.
"You grew up in a mainly muggle area and then overseas right?" confirmed Sirius, remembering the story Castor had told him. "Don't worry, we certainly aren't muggles and the Wixen Community here in England is very accepting. Plus in my case it would be a hypocritical to judge you when Moony and I are together"
"Wait what!?" gasped Castor, unsure how he had been so blind as a kid to have missed that.
"Yeah, we've been together on and off since fourth year. We've been talking since he was here the other day and decided to give things a go again" explained Sirius.
"Oh well, good on you guys then" grinned Castor, happy for the men. A bell sound filled the room alerting Castor that it was time to go.
"Well go on then. I expect to hear all about this Bill when you get back. Have fun!" warned Sirius as he laughingly motioned towards the floo.
Waving goodbye, Castor stepped into the flames and called "Diagon Alley".
Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX
Stepping into the Gray Dragon, Castor looked around and spotted Bill standing by the far door. The man looked even hotter than usual. He took Castor's breath away wearing a tight pair of dress pants, what looked like dragon hide boots, an emerald green dress shirt that had the top three buttons left open, a series of golden necklaces, and his customary dragon tooth earrings were replaced with diamond studs.
"Well hello handsome" greeted Bill, his voice low.
"Hello to you too" blushed Castor.
"You look great," said the man raking his eyes appreciatively over Castor.
"Right back at ya" replied Castor, winking cheekily.
Offering his arm to Castor, Bill led them to the host stand.
"Table for two please," said Bill.
"Right this way sirs" said the hostess leading them to a table along the far wall.
Bill pulled out the chair and helped Castor sit before taking his seat.
The Gray Dragon was a charming and welcoming restaurant with candle lit tables providing an air of intimacy.
The pair quickly looked over the menu and placed their orders with the waitstaff.
"So Bill, tell me a bit about yourself" asked Castor.
"I'm a curse breaker for Gringotts as you know" began the man. "Until recently I was stationed in Egypt, but I came home to be closer to family".
"Oh?"
"Yeah, I'm the oldest of eight, six brothers and one sister," shared Bill.
"Wow! You must have loved growing up with so many siblings. You would never be lonely" replied Castor.
"I was definitely never short of a playmate. My closest sibling is my brother Charlie who is a dragon trainer at a reserve in Romania"
"That's so cool!" grinned Castor. "I wish I had siblings. Being an only child was lonely".
"Surely you had friends" pressed Bill.
"I was kept secluded by my parents due to my poor health as a child and due to the war. After my parents passed I moved to America with my governess which is where I eventually got my mastery" Castor shared his cover story which courtesy of Mother Magic he had memories to back up. With the memories it felt like he had lived two different lives.
"What is your mastery in?" asked Bill.
"It's in Spellcrafting," shared Castor proudly. "I'm currently working for the ministry in the Department of Mysteries"
"Ahh, so no fun stories of your work. Got it" winked Bill agreeably.
The pair then spent their meal chatting about their favorite sports teams, music, and foods. Castor was thrilled that Bill was a Harpies fan too!
Halfway through the meal, Bill pulled a box out of his pocket and passed it over to Castor. "I saw this and thought of you," said the man.
"OH you didn't have to-" began Castor as he opened the box to find a beautiful gold charm bracelet with runes dangling from it.
"They're a variety of good luck, safety and good health charms" explained Bill.
"It's perfect! Thank you!" gushed Castor. Holding out his right wrist he asked "Will you put it on me?"
"Gladly" Bill fastened the bracelet on Castor's wrist and took the chance to press a kiss to his knuckles.
Their dinner went on and the pair traded stories from their childhood and what they had been up to since both arrived back in England. They talked a bit about Harry and how he would come to live with Castor as soon as the school year ended.
When their meal came to a close the pair had a bit of a battle over who would pay.
"I asked you out, I pay" declared Bill finally.
"Fine, but I'll pay next time," replied Castor.
"Next time huh?" asked Bill as he helped Castor to his feet and the pair walked out into the alley.
"Yup, I had fun tonight," grinned Castor.
"I'm glad that you had fun, I did too" shared Bill. "There definitely has to be a next time".
"How about next Saturday? Harry comes home on Tuesday so hopefully he should be settled in at that point? His tutor will also have moved in by then so I won't have to worry about just leaving him with my elf" planned Castor.
"Saturday sounds perfect" agreed Bill as they reached an apparition point.
"I'll send you an owl with the details?" asked Castor.
"I'll eagerly await your owl" grinned Bill, before he leaned in and pressed a kiss to Castor's cheek. "Have a good night beautiful"
"You too, see you next week" said Harry, before apparating home.
Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX
Apparating into the receiving room Castor was surprised to see Sirius and Remus waiting for him with a tea set.
"Sooo, how did it go?" asked Sirius excitedly, bouncing in place. If he had been in his other form Castor was sure he would be wagging his tail in his excitement.
"It was brilliant," beamed Castor, taking the spare tea cup and helping himself to one of the pastries Kreature had included.
"I can tell from your smile, it looks like it could power a hundred patroni" remarked Remus kindly.
"I had a great time. Bill is super sweet and was a perfect gentleman" shared Castor as he fingered the bracelet he had been gifted.
"Ooh! You didn't have that when you left" remarked Sirius, making grabby hands.
Castor leaned forward to show off his new jewelry. "They are runes for good luck, health and protection. He said he saw it and thought of me"
"He has good taste and those are some powerful runes etched there" remarked Sirius, who had taken Ancient Runes in school.
"I'm glad that you had a good evening Castor" smiled Remus.
"Thanks, we're going out again next Saturday. Hopefully Harry will feel settled in enough" worried Castor.
"Don't worry, we'll both be here, you just focus on having fun and getting to know Bill".
"Thanks guys" grinned Castor before yawning. "I'm exhausted so I'm going to bed. See you in the morning".
Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX
Tea with the collective Black family was quite the adventure. Once everyone got over the shock of Sirius' innocence they settled in for an enjoyable tea and brainstorming session.
Dora volunteered to try to raise awareness of Sirius' lack of trial around the office. Narcissa promised that Lucius would do the same in the political arena.
Andi agreed to tutor Harry in potions as she was a potions mistress. While things were still a bit awkward between Andromeda and Narcissa it was a lot better than it had been even three weeks ago, the sisters were trying hard to reconnect.
Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX
Harry was antsy the entire train ride back to London. Ron and Hermione chalked it up to nerves about going back to the Dursleys. He felt a little bad about keeping where he was going a secret, but Castor was right.
For the first time ever Harry was excited to arrive back at platform nine and three quarters. Gathering his trunk he quickly said goodbye to Ron and Hermione and disappeared from the train in the initial press of people. He quickly spotted Castor and rushed to join the man.
"Castor!" called Harry happily. "You're here!". Sure the man had promised in his letters that Harry was really going to live with him from now on, but it hadn't truly felt real until this moment.
"Of course I'm here. I wouldn't miss picking you up from the train for the first time" grinned the man, shrinking Harry's trunk and putting it in his pocket. "You ready to get going? I have a surprise for you at home!"
"Yeah, I'm ready to go" cheered Harry
"Perfect. Hold onto my arm, I am going to slide along apparate you. It will feel like your being squished through a small tube but only for a moment then we'll be home"
The two disappeared with a pop, unnoticed in the crush of students and parents. One Point Black Family, Zero Points Dumbledore.
Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX
Popping into the reception room, the pair were immediately attacked by a large black dog.
"Sirius!" cheered Harry, hugging the man when he changed back. "I thought you were going to go hide out somewhere tropical?"
"That had been the plan except Castor here offered me sanctuary until my name is cleared"
"Really?!" Asked Harry, his eyes big in disbelief.
"Of course. Sirius is a Black and we Blacks have to stick together. You'll meet the rest of the family this summer, Harry" promised Castor.
"Are they back yet? Cleo won't leave me alone" called Remus as he entered the room.
"Professor Lupin!?" gasped Harry.
"Hi Harry, it's good to see you again. Please call me Remus or Moony. No more professor"
"I asked Remus if he would stay with us this summer and help you get caught up on all things Wixen" shared Castor, unsure how Harry would take the news of a tutor.
"This is going to be the best summer ever!" cheered Harry hugging Castor.
"I'm glad to hear it".
"Is that your snake Moony?" asked Harry.
"Nope that beauty is my familiar Cleopatra" said Castor taking Cleo from
"Welcome home master" hissed the snake.
"Thank you, beautiful. I have brought home a new hatchling for you" hissed back Harry.
"You can speak to her!?" asked Harry both excited and wary.
"Of course, Parseltongue is a gift that runs in the Potter family. Though it tends to skip some generations" explained Castor.
Harry frowned upset, "Dumbledore lied to me. He said that the only reason I could talk to snakes was because of Voldemort".
"I'm sorry he did, I can't imagine how you must have felt about your gift because of that" said Castor, giving the boy a one armed hug. "If it makes you feel better you are always welcome to talk to Cleo here".
"Thanks!" grinned Harry. "Hi Cleo" he hissed.
"Hi Hatchling" the snake hissed back. "Welcome home"
"Moony! We're now outnumbered by the hissing crew" joked Sirius. "How are we supposed to know what they're saying about us?".
Let's get you set up upstairs" suggested Castor taking out Harry's trunk and resizing it.
"You'll easily be able to find your room, it's the one with all the green," joked Sirius.
"Yay!" grinned Harry following his new guardian up to the third floor.
Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX
Settling at his desk in his study, Castor took a moment to sit with his accomplishments. Harry was legally his and safe within the Black Wards that would hold up against anything including possibly the apocalypse.
The Dursleys had been easily dealt with. Castor had simply sent them a letter letting them know that Harry would not be returning to Privet Drive that summer. They had obviously been over the moon. And sent back a nasty letter saying they were glad he wouldn't be returning and bringing his freakishness with him. Castor had duplicated and stored the letter in the file that he had began in order to eventually charge the Dursley family with child abuse.
Turning from the dark thoughts that the Dursleys inspired, Castor focused on something much better: his upcoming date with Bill. Pulling out a bit of parchment, Castor used his favorite green ink to write his message.
Bill,
I hope that you have had a great week. Did you discover anything cool at work? How is the team? I miss having you all around everyday.
As to the matter of our second date, how do you feel about dinner and dancing? Have you been to Saltare in the music district? How about we meet at seven on Saturday?
I can't tell you enough how much I love my new bracelet. The runes are perfect and it is beautiful. I hope that you enjoy the attached present.
Missing you,
Castor
Signing the letter, he sealed it with the Black family crest. The package with Bill's present was wrapped in a pretty green wrapping paper, it held a new belt that he could wear with his work uniform that had safety runes etched into it which Castor had infused with his own power. It also included a tin of homemade gingersnap cookies, that Bill had said were his favorite. Taking the letter and package to the attic, Castor looked for Zephyr to mail his gift.
Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX
The next day at breakfast, Castor received another bouquet, this time of colorful carnations and a reply to his letter.
"Oooh! Who's that from?" asked Harry as he admired the flowers.
"I bet I know" smirked Sirius
"Let the man read in peace you two" rebuked Remus
Castor,
It is so good to hear from you, darling. The team and I have been assigned another long term case so it seems like every day I am discovering something weird and new.
The team misses you, as well as all the weird and strange cursed objects we found in your house. Maybe if Saturday goes well, you could come out for drinks with us one night.
I would love to go dancing with you gorgeous. Saltare is a great club and I am sure we will have an amazing night. I will see you there at seven.
You didn't have to get me anything, but I adore the new belt. I can feel the protective magic you infused in it, your magical signature has a distinct feel to it. Thank you so much for the tin of gingersnaps. I have had to hide it in my office since Roger keeps trying to steal them, they're that good. You are one hell of a baker, my dear.
Longing for Saturday,
Bill
"It's from Bill" he confirmed, causing Sirius to whistle about the flowers.
"Who's Bill?" asked Harry, confused.
"Umm," said Castor, suddenly unsure how to have this conversation with his little self. "Bill is the man I have been seeing recently. He sent me a letter to confirm our next date".
"Oh, you can do that here?" asked Harry.
"Yes, it is perfectly legal to date or marry someone of the same sex as you in the wixen world. That's one of the many differences between us and the muggles you knew" explained Remus. "Sirius and I are actually together".
"That's awesome," grinned Harry, before calmly going back to eating his breakfast.
Later, Castor stored the letter with the other messages he received from Bill in the drawer beside his bed and set the flowers in a vase on his bedside table.
Xx Spilling the Hourglass x Spilling the Hourglass xX
Castor decided to give Harry a few days to settle in before broaching the topic of a healer. It was made slightly easier since Healer Johnson was already coming over to see Sirius.
Castor was worried how Harry would take the idea. As a child, who had been abused for most of his life, Harry had been trained to hide his injuries. Castor knew from experience the pain that Harry was in now. He wanted his new charge to be pain-free and happy while living here.
"Harry, you know how Sirius is meeting with his healer now," said Castor. "How would you feel about having her look you over when she's done".
"Why would she do that?" Asked Harry
"I am worried that because you didn't grow up in the magical world, you probably don't have the correct immunizations and medicine that you might need. Healer Johnson is already here and would be happy to look you over and do a scan if that's OK with you".
"Yeah, I guess that's fine," agreed Harry. "I don't wanna get some weird, magical disease".
"Yes, we'll make sure that you don't get Dragonpox. agreed Castor.
"Wait! Dragonpox is a real thing!" exclaimed Harry.
"Yes, and it can be deadly. So it's important that you get your immunizations and potions that you need".
After that Harry readily agreed to meeting with Healer Johnson.
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Castor, Harry and Healer Johnson met in Harry's bedroom for the test.
"Ok Harry, this is going to be really simple" explained Healer Johnson. "I am going to wave my wand over you and you will glow a certain color. Then my wand will give me a list of all the things we need to work on. The spell I am going to use is going to go back to when you were a baby and show me any time you might have needed a healer. Ok?"
"Ok" agreed Harry quietly.
Healer Johnson muttered the spell as she moved her wand in a figure eight over Harry's body. The pair watched as various parts of Harry's body began to glow different colors from green to dark red.
Healer Johnson's wand was hard at work diagnosing and documenting Harry's various injuries. When the spell was finished it was several feet long.
"Ok Harry," said the healer shakily as she read through the document. "It seems that Lord Black was right that you didn't get all your immunizations. I can give you those today though so do not worry".
"Thank you" said Harry as the woman passed over the necessary potions.
Harry made a face after he drank them. Laughing Healer Johnson passed him a sugar quill to try and get the taste out of his mouth.
"Harry, there is quite a bit of damage that was done by your previous guardians. I will be able to fix it but it won't be a speedy process. There are several bones of yours that have healed incorrectly so I recommend vanishing them and using skellgrow"
"UGH! Not again" whined Harry, only to blush and suck on the sugary treat.
"I see you're familiar with that one" laughed Healer Johnson. "Yes unfortunately that is the best route for those bones. We can do that before I leave today, by tomorrow you'll be feeling good as new and without pain!"
"Ok," sulked Harry.
"What other potions will he need?" asked Castor, as Harry made his way over to the bed to have his bones vanished.
"I will leave you a list, but he will need several nutrition potions a day for the first couple months for his malnutrition".
Castor readily took the list of potions and suggested times and mentally made notes on how to make sure that Harry was the strongest he could be before going back to Hogwarts in the fall.
"The good news Harry is that when I come to check on you tomorrow I will bring an eye correcting potion with me"
"You mean I won't have to rely on my glasses anymore" grinned Harry excitedly.
"Exactly"
"Wicked! That almost makes up for having my bones vanished"
"I would hope so" laughed the Healer, before getting serious and vanishing the necessary bones. She gave Harry a dose of skellegrow and wished him a good night before following Castor out into the hallway.
"Please tell me you're going after those monsters" growled Healer Johnson.
"With everything I've got, the muggles he was living with and his magical guardian too"
"Good" snapped the woman. "Here is a copy of my paperwork. Please know that I will gladly speak at trial on Harry's behalf".
"Thank you, Healer Johnson"
"Think nothing of it, the poor dear deserves all the love and help he can get. I'm glad he has you".
Saying her goodbyes, the healer flooed home for the evening promising to return the next day with Harry's eye correcting potion and to check on her patients.
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