Chapter 1362 - Ch: 1-3

Summary:

Harry Potter and The Black's Family Legacy by Westarcher

» Harry Potter disappears the summer after the fourth year, but returns during his trial a changed youth, he's more mature. Making new friends and new enemies, Harry must face betrothal contracts, and Ancient Houses all while navigating politics and still dealing with the threat of Voldemort. Updated for January 2023.Harry Potter, T, English, Drama & Romance, chapters: 31, words: 162k+, favs: 2k+, follows: 2k+, updated: Dec 1, 2021 published: Feb 10, 2021, [Harry P., Hermione G.] Sirius B., Draco M.

Chapter 1: One: Winds of Change

Update 23/01/2023.

I have been working to try correcting any grammar, spelling, or inconsistencies. All Chapters have now been uploaded again, many have had parts added or in some cases the chapters have been completely rewritten. 

I would suggest rereading again if you have already read the story. 

Darkhuntsman.

Murmurs moved around the room as groups of people chattered as to why they had been called to a full Wizengamot meeting on a Saturday. Cyrus Greengrass, Duke of Cumberland, turned around to look at those behind him; the members of the Ancient houses, and beyond them were the members or their Proxies of the Noble houses. Though not all the seats from Houses were filled, he noted some who should be there who were not, such as the Weasley lord. Twenty seats beyond them were occupied by the Order of Merlin members, although more than a few remained vacant. Finally, on the highest row were the Heads of the Ministry Departments.

"Why did I get out of bed this early on a Saturday?" Lady Augusta, Regent Longbottom grumbled, interrupting Greengrass's thoughts. He looked across the House of Black chair at the elderly woman.

"It must be important to have the whole Wizengamot out," he drawled. Beyond Lady Longbottom, Marquess Theodore Selwyn gave him a wry grin. The older man rolled his eyes at Augusta's complaining. Of the three remaining nobles of the Ancient and Noble Houses, Greengrass was the youngest yet held the highest title. A noise drew him to the other set of stands where the public gallery and reporters' seats were. Several reporters had filtered in, though the public gallery was sparsely populated.

The murmuring got louder as the Minister of Magic entered, followed by Tiberius Ogden as the temporary Chief Warlock. Next, Dolores Umbridge, Senior Undersecretary to the Minister, entered, followed by Madam Bones, the head of the DMLE. The court scribe came next as the large wooden door closed behind them. Cornelius Fudge, the Minister for Magic, took the central seat almost directly in front of Greengrass. While Ogden and Umbridge sat on either side of him. Madam Bones stood in the centre of the chamber, looking at the empty chair of the Accused. Fudge banged his gavel down, silencing the room.

"Good morning, ladies and Gentlemen, Lords and Ladies, we are here today, the Twelfth day of August Nineteen Hundred and Ninety-Five, to determine the guilt of Harry James Potter for using underage magic and breaking the Statute of Secrecy." Fudge announced, causing many to gasp. Greengrass looked on in interest; his morning had just gotten considerably more exciting.

"Hem hem." Greengrass looked at the fat toad-like woman in annoyance.

"Yes, Delores." Fudge said patiently.

"It seems the criminal has absconded without even coming to his hearing," a few murmurs ran through the crowd at the use of 'the criminal.'

"Ah, then we shall continue and lay the charges in the boy's absence." Fudge sounded almost gleeful. The noble remembered the Daily Prophet slandering the youth and wondered why they were deliberately going after a mere child, "You may lay down the charges, Madam Bones."

"Harry James Potter is accused of using magic in front of one Dudley Dursley, a Muggle, on 10th July nineteen-ninety-five. As Mr Potter was only fourteen then, he is underage and has also broken the Statute of Secrecy." Bones concluded.

"As the…eh hem…accused is not here, we shall vote in his absence for the use of magic in front of a Mug-"

"Surely, Minister, I have a right to defend myself before you ask for a judgement," a voice spoke up. Greengrass observed a teen entering beside a fair-haired, big-bellied man in a suit. The teen emanated power: he stood tall and wore a cloak of authority. His black hair was stylishly mussed, and his green eyes sparkled with life, but his face was impassive, giving away nothing.

"Mr Potter?" a clearly confused Fudge asked. Greengrass sat up; now, the party was starting.

"My client was directed elsewhere for his hearing. It is luck that we were here two hours early," the blond man spoke, "Surely the Minister knows that it is illegal to not inform the accused of a change of venue without twenty-four hours' notice."

"I believe a notice was sent out," Fudge blustered.

"Then it must have been the incompetence of your staff," the man looked pointedly at Dolores Umbridge.

"Perhaps," the Minister mumbled.

"Can you give us your name? Please, for the scribe." Amelia Bones tried to get the trial back on track.

"Edward Tonks, Attorney of Law for Tonks & Black." Ted replied cheerfully, "I shall be representing my client in his defence of these false charges."

"Hem, hem." Umbridge tried to interrupt proceedings again.

"Please save any comments until later, Senior Undersecretary." Bones snapped, then turned back to the teen and his attorney. Just as the door behind them opened, Albus Dumbledore entered in robes of a deep purple with stars and moons on them.

"Witness for the defence Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry." Greengrass noticed the glare the teen gave toward the elderly Headmaster. He also saw the Headmaster was exaggerating being out of breath, like he had timed his entrance precisely.

"Ah, Professor Dumbledore, my client and I do not require your assistance, but thank you for coming," the man looked shocked before he managed to compose himself, looking between the teen and the lawyer.

"In that case, Professor Dumbledore, you may take a seat in the public gallery so we may begin with proceedings." Madam Bones interrupted the Headmaster before he could comment. Dumbledore was forced to enter the public gallery, something he did not like.

"Now, we can begin again. Are you Harry James Potter?"

"No," the teen replied. Confusion reigned through the court chambers as they stared at the teen.

"If you are not Harry Potter, then who are you?" Fudge cried angrily.

"My name is Lord Harry Antares Black, 12th Marquess of Rendlesham, son of Sirius Black, 15th Duke of Anglia and the Heir Apparent of the Ancient and Noble House of Black." Silence filled the chamber as the gravity of that sentence filled the room. Only three of the six Ancient and Noble houses sat at the Wizengamot; Black, until recently, had been one of the oldest Houses and most influential.

"This is the first rebuttal of many that this trial is a farce. First, you are falsely accusing him of breaking the Statute of secrecy, then you cannot get my client's name correct," Ted Tonks added to Madam Bones. Greengrass tried not to let his grin become wider as he looked at the sickly look on the face of Dumbledore, Fudge and Umbridge. His plan was coming to fruition in ways he had not expected.

"I, erm, your current residence is 4 Privet Drive?" Bones was now out of sorts after the boy's revelation.

"No, I currently live in Hárasteorra Hall, Suffolk. The Seat of the House of Black." Harry returned with a slight smirk. His eyes darted up to look at Lucius Malfoy. The aristocrat was staring at his wife, who sat in the public gallery, wondering if she knew about the boy. Draco was expected to become the next Duke.

"I object!" Sir Lucius Malfoy now stood up. Fudge looked almost relieved.

"What is your objection?" Madam Bones knew she could not ignore one of the noble houses, even a lower one.

"This child is lying; firstly, the last Duke of Anglia, His Grace Arcturus III, died and did not leave an heir and secondly, Sirius Black, a criminal, has never fathered a child," the man answered smoothly.

"Afraid you won't get your grubby little hands on the Black gold, Lucy." Harry taunted the man. Ted leaned over and whispered something in his ear, causing the boy to nod and look down.

"Why, you little brat." Lucius snarled.

"Can you prove who you say you are?" Madam Bones asked.

"I can give you an authenticated copy of Lord Rendlesham's birth certificate." Ted handed over a sheet of parchment, "And part of the Last Will and Testament of His Grace Arcturus Black III that names Sirius Black X as the next Duke of Anglia."

"Sirius Black is a criminal that has killed twelve people and a respected member of this community." Fudge's face went bright red. Harry noticed he glanced sideward and knew he was looking for Malfoy. Dumbledore watched the Minister shrewdly; he thought he might be watching the downfall of Cornelius Fudge. Unfortunately, the man had underestimated Harry, who appeared to be a very different boy from the one that had left Hogwarts four weeks ago. Perhaps he would have to change some of his plans.

"I told you the truth last year, Minister Fudge, but you would let a dangerous criminal go free rather than admit the Ministry made a mistake before your time," Harry told the Minister, even giving him a lifeline. But Fudge's head was too far up Malfoys…, Harry thought as the man growled.

"You are a lying, attention-seeking child," he snarled. The Wizengamot was silent, entranced by the back and forth between the Boy Who Lived and the Minister of Magic. Harry simply ignored the Minister turning to Madam Bones.

"My father was not given a trial when he was arrested. However, I have evidence that Peter Pettigrew is, in fact, alive and well. He was also the Secret Keeper for my parent's Fidelius Charm," Harry explained, but added with a slight glance at Dumbledore, "Though why they left the safety of James Potter's home is anyone's guess."

"This will stop now. I shall not have you bringing up old cases." Fudge demanded.

"Madam Bones, we are trying to establish a pattern that my client is not a liar but has been slandered and tried unfairly in a case that should not have come this far," Ted explained to the Head of the DMLE. The stern woman looked him over and nodded.

"Chief Warlock, to refute any of these claims, I shall need some time to look into Mr Black's trial."

"In that case, I shall call a two-hour recess," Tiberius Ogden stated, "In the meantime, we shall contact Gringotts to verify the birth certificate and the Will of Arcturus Black III."

He banged the gavel, allowing the noise to return to the court. Madam Bones began to speak to a couple of Aurors as Ted Tonks approached her.

"Madam Bones, I believe it'll be a feeding frenzy out there. Have you got anywhere young Lord Rendlesham and I could stay?"

"Of course, you can use my court office," she led them through a door below the central stands into a corridor. She soon opened a door, ushering them inside, "I shall have two of my Aurors outside for your safety,"

"Thank you." Ted gave the woman a warm smile as she left, closing the door behind her. Ted waved his wand around, uttering an incantation, putting up a privacy ward, "Well done, Harry, you were a lot more restrained than I thought you would,"

"Fudge is an idiot. I can't believe I blindly followed Dumbledore to not openly disagree with the man."

"You did have a lot of compulsion charm's on you," Ted pointed out.

"Do you think we'll free Sirius….erm, Dad?" Ted chuckled at the boy.

"It's only been a few weeks since you discovered the truth, Sirius still hasn't got his memories back yet, so I think he'll forgive you for not calling him Dad straight away,"

"When's the potion finished?" implored Harry.

"Andromeda told me about eight more days until the potion matures, then hopefully, we'll be able to restore your father's memories. You have to remember it may not work; he was stuck in Azkaban for a long time,"

"Were you watching Duke Cumberland?" Harry changed the subject abruptly.

"He certainly found the proceedings fascinating," Ted answered.

"I wonder what prompted him to contact Sirius," Harry mused, "Do you think he knew about the Contract?"

"I'm not sure. Sirius only discovered it when he took the Head of House ring and opened the Black vaults. You have to remember the contract is hundreds of years old,"

Nearly an hour had passed when a knock sounded on the door. Ted looked at Harry before dropping the privacy Ward. The older man opened the door to find Minister Fudge, Tiberius Ogden and Madam Bones waiting.

"May we speak to you?" the Minister sounded almost reluctant as Ted allowed them to enter the office.

"What can we do for you, fine folks?" Ted asked.

"We have found no evidence of a trial for Sirius Black in 1981, only the transfer document to Azkaban signed by Minister Bagnold, Bartimus Crouch and Albus Dumbledore." Madam Bones explained. Harry tried not to smirk as the woman continued, "However, this does not prove Black is innocent."

"I am willing to rescind the Kiss on Sight order," Fudge offered them.

"What about this trial?" Ted looked between the three of them.

"He performed underage magic in front of a Muggle," the Minister argued.

"To defend his cousin against Dementors," Ted replied, "We can offer you memories, and Lord Rendlesham is willing to be tried under Veritaserum,"

"No!" Fudge cried, causing the others to look at him, surprised, "That will not be necessary. If you provide the memories to Madam Bones, you shall be declared innocent of all charges."

"What about my father?" Harry asked petulantly.

"We still need to discover his guilt or innocence. You said you were sure of his innocence?" Madam Bones asked. Harry looked to Ted, who nodded, so the boy launched into the tale of the night in the Third Year he discovered Sirius Black was innocent.

"So, Ronald Weasley, Hermione Granger and Remus Lupin also witnessed Peter Pettigrew alive and well confessing to betraying my mother and James Potter," Harry finished as Fudge shared a look with Madam Bones, "What?"

"Unfortunately, we cannot rely on Remus Lupin's testimony. As a Werewolf, he has no legal standing," Bones explained, causing Harry to utter several expletives.

"Severus Snape claimed the children were all confounded," Fudge added.

"But you could check them for charms such as those," Ted replied.

"It would have worn off after a year," Madam Bones said sadly.

"If we could have my father come here, offering up his memories and going under Veritaserum, would you be able to promise his safety?" Harry asked.

"I would have to make sure my Aurors were here, but I promise on my honour, Sirius Black would be safe," Madam Bones told him firmly, looking at the Chief Warlock and the Minister, who nodded. Fudge knew his career rested on this boy, Lucius Malfoy and his money be damned.

"What is the Floo name of the office?" Harry asked.

"DMLE Court office," the trio looked at the boy expectantly as he pulled out his wand. He thought of when Sirius told him he could live with him permanently.

"EXPECTO PATRONUM," He shouted, and with a smirk, a giant raven erupted, glowing bright blue, from the end of his wand, "Go to Sirius Black and tell him 'If you can get to a Floo, come to the DMLE Court Office, you will be safe, I have the word of Madam Bones'"

"I had reports your Patronus was a Stag," Ogden settled on the edge of the desk, his old bones weary.

"It has recently changed, I had some restrictions on my magic for my safety as a child, but they were released, and I took up my legacy, so my Patronus changed," Harry answered, strengthening his somewhat weak Occlumency shields. He did not know if any of the three were skilled Legilimens, but he didn't want to find out. Madam Bones stuck her head out the door ordering a Pensieve, then the presence of two Aurors. Minutes later, a tall, dark-skinned man entered carrying a wide stone bowl with strange symbols and runes. Behind him was another Auror with a heart-shaped face and bright purple hair. She winked at Harry before composing her face to appear impassive.

"Can I have your memories of that night?" Madam Bones asked so Ted took his wand as Harry concentrated on the memory drawing out a blob of silvery liquid. He placed it in the Pensieve for the three to observe. The Aurors watched over the senior Wizengamot members as they entered the memory.

Ogden, Bones and Minister Fudge emerged from the memory as flames lit up the fireplace, going from red to a deep green. Then a tall man stepped out of the fireplace. This was not the Sirius Black they had seen in the Pensieve; here was a man with neat black hair tidied into a ponytail. His face was fuller, but his eyes still looked haunted. He wore robes of the most expensive Acromantula silk in black with the House of Black crest on his left breast.

"Madam Bones, Minister Fudge, Tiberius," he nodded to each of the three senior figures.

"Harry Pott…erm, Black has offered evidence that you are innocent of killing twelve Muggles, one wizard and betraying James and Lily Potter." Black winced at Lily's name, "However, even this is not enough evidence to find you completely innocent. We would like your memories of the night James and Lily Potter were killed and the night of your apprehension."

"I would also like to hear why you changed Secret Keepers," Tiberius added.

"James and I were best friends." Black began leaning against the fireplace, the Aurors watching him wearily, "I was his best man at his wedding, but for some reason, they decided to leave Potter House after being heavily influenced by Albus Dumbledore. So they first approached me to be their Secret Keeper. However, after many talks, I convinced them I was not the best choice as I was too well known.

"You see, our other friend, Remus Lupin, was off in Europe talking to Werewolves. We thought he might have been a spy, so we turned to Peter Pettigrew, who was so unassuming, frightened of his own shadow that no one would think he was the Secret Keeper." Then, Black continued, "Albus Dumbledore performed the Fidelius Charm that allowed Peter to be the Secret Keeper."

"Albus knew Peter was the Secret Keeper?" Bones looked astonished.

"He performed the charm. The night of their death, I knew something was not right," Black shuddered with the pain of the events that followed. Ted performed the same duty and extracted the memories for the Pensieve. Harry became bored as the three entered the Pensieve to see the memories. Sirius gave the boy a smile, not seeing the looks he was getting from his cousin Nymphadora Tonks.

"Well, that certainly puts the kneazle amongst the bowtruckles." Madam Bones uttered as they emerged from the Pensieve.

"This will ruin the ministry," Fudge muttered, "allowing an innocent, an Ancient and Noble House member to go to Azkaban. I'll be run out of office,"

"Minister, I would be willing to do a press conference with you, explaining that the previous administration was to blame and that you are righting a terrible wrong," Sirius said carefully. Amelia Bones, an old friend of Sirius's, looked at him shrewdly, wondering what kind of prank he was playing.

"I see," Fudge's eyes lit up; the two Blacks could see the calculating look in them.

"I would even allow any compensation from the government to stay in your coffers, perhaps as a donation toward the DMLE," Black spoke again.

"We do need some more Aurors," Fudge suggested, getting a shocked look from Madam Bones.

"However, there is a caveat," Black looked at the Minister as the room seemed to darken, "The Ministry will have to stop going after my son,"

"I was not a party to these slanderous comments," Fudge replied, licking his lips nervously, "I will put a stop to them."

"See that you do. Now I must return home and get ready for the press conference. Shall we say 1pm?" Black told him, then disappeared into the Floo network.

"Right, perhaps we could announce this all then," Ogden spoke up.

"Go to the courtroom before us. We shall come out of a different way." Bones recommended. Harry nodded at the three and followed Ted back into the corridor before emerging into the courtroom. The two stands opposite the Wizengamot stand were full; reporters took up half, but some wizards and witches had heard about the trial. Harry held his head high as he took the seat of the Accused once again with Ted by his side. He noticed Dolores Umbridge observing him, a calculating look on her face. He did not dare turn his head to look at Dumbledore. The court's noise stopped when Madam Bones, Chief Warlock Ogden and Minister Fudge entered, the latter two taking their seats in the stands.

"In light of some new evidence, the Chief Warlock, the Minister and I have made some decisions." Madam Bones announced, to the surprise of many of the Wizengamot.

"This trial should not have gone this far. Lord Harry Antares Black used the Patronus charm to defend his cousin, who was well aware of magic, thus countering the Statute of Secrecy," Chief Ogden declared, "His defence is allowed under the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery, so Lord Rendlesham has been found innocent of all crimes,"

"Recently, the escaped convict Sirius Black has been hunted down to atone for his crimes, it has been discovered the previous administration made many mistakes, and Duke Black was innocent of the charges laid against him." Minister Fudge continued from the Chief Warlock, causing uproar in the courtroom. Madam Bones had to use her wand to cause a loud bang to get order again, "His Grace, The Duke of Anglia, submitted himself to the DMLE an hour ago and was pardoned of all crimes. In addition, he has graciously donated any compensation to the DMLE."

"Thank you for your attendance. Court dismissed," Chief Warlock Ogden finished the court session, leaving quickly, ignoring all the questions thrown at the three. Cyrus Greengrass settled back in his chair, observing Harry. Somehow, he had managed to get the trial thrown out and declare his father innocent. The Blacks were genuinely formidable. Ted began leading the boy out of the courtroom, only for Albus Dumbledore to scramble after them almost undignifiedly.

"Harry, Harry, my boy," Harry stopped before turning to look at the elderly Headmaster, who either missed or ignored the stern look on the Fifteen-year-old's face.

"I am not your boy!" Harry snapped back, "You call everyone else by their surnames, yet you are overly familiar with me; from now on, you may address me as Lord Rendlesham."

Dumbledore stared at the retreating back of the young teen, wondering what had happened to him in just four weeks. As he left himself, he began to wonder if any of his spells had been discovered but shook his head. They were too well hidden. But how did Harry discover his true parentage when Albus Dumbledore had gone to great lengths to hide it from him.

"That damn boy is going to be the ruin of me," Fudge raged, staring into the fireplace, "How could your Dementor plan not work?"

"It should have worked," Umbridge simpered, "But it seems Black somehow got to the boy. His Grandfather was a bastard too, neither light nor dark but ruled with an iron fist,"

"I will lose my career and all the donations I earned. So why did the Prophet articles not work?" the Minister asked, almost to himself.

"What happened?" Umbridge asked, sure sending Dementors to Little Whinging would have got Potter ridiculed and expelled, if not outright killed.

"I was pinned into a corner. Tiberius Ogden and Amelia Bones were there as well as two Aurors; after viewing the memories, I could not continue the court case or risk more lies spewing from his mouth." Minister Fudge replied, "Malfoy assured me He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named is not back. Dumbledore must be making a play for this office,"

"Dumbledore is an old fool. His muggle-loving ways would not secure him the Ministry." But Umbridge sneered, "What you need is someone close to Dumbledore to find out what he plans next."

"Dolores, you are a genius!" Fudge lit up, and the toad-like woman smiled, unsure of the sudden praise, "Dumbledore cannot find another Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher."

"You need someone to be the Defence teacher," Umbridge caught on quickly.

"Exactly. If we can tear out his power base, Dumbledore will be nothing," Fudge replied with glee, "You are my most trusted ally. I will send you in to ruffle some feathers,"

"Me?" Umbridge squeaked. She did not want to teach disgusting Mudbloods or half-bloods. Children, in general, disgusted her.

"Yes, I want Harry Potter and Albus Dumbledore destroyed by any means possible." Fudge looked almost maniacal, but Umbridge, if she had a heart, might just have been in love with the man then.

Chapter 2: Two: Harry Demented

Four weeks Earlier

England had seen some of its hottest weather on record at the end of June and the beginning of July. In Little Whinging, where the gardens were usually pristine, now they looked yellowed and dry. Cars were dusty from the hosepipe ban, and houses had all the windows flung open to catch any chance of a breeze. Shops had sold out of fans, and everyone was desperate for cold air. Harry Potter had found a bit of coolness on the dry earth beneath the living room window. He had been home a week from Hogwarts Witchcraft and Wizardry. After Lord Voldemort's resurrection and Cedric Diggory's death, Harry had been waiting to hear the news every night.

He had not been getting the Daily Prophet, nor had he heard from his friends since he left Platform Nine and Three-quarters.

"Last but certainly not least, the wildlife has been going crazy this week. Owls have been seen all during the day. Usually, owls are active at night and sleep through the day, but people have reported seeing them during the day, including one sighting of an Eagle Owl," the reporter finished with a chuckle.

"I bet that's to do with his lot," Vernon Dursley murmured.

"Vernon, the windows," Petunia hissed.

"Sorry, love." With the news finished, Harry carefully rolled out from the bush, dusting himself off. Knowing he did not want to return to the house, he walked away from Four Privet Drive toward a local park. He walked through a small car park, swinging the metal gate open. Above him, a bypass over the river took cars and lorries away from the Surrey town of Little Whinging. On the other side lie fields of gold blowing gently in a slight breeze that had kicked up. Harry sat on one of the swings, swinging back and forth to get a little more air. His mind seemed an absolute mess, jumping from seeing Peter Pettigrew to Lord Voldemort's resurrection until it all jumbled into one. However, his head shot up as a twig snapped nearby.

"Now I'm getting paranoid," Harry mumbled as he relaxed his grip on his wand in the waistband of his jeans. He was about to return to his thoughts when a scream pierced the air. Harry stood suddenly, running toward the disturbance. It sounded like a young child. Hermione would say his 'saving lives' thing had swung into action as he ran across to the other side of the park. Harry immediately spotted Dudley Dursley, his rotund cousin, Piers Polkiss, Gordon, and Malcolm, cornering a small child. He vaulted a second fence, and as he got closer, he could see it was Mark Evans, a local ten-year-old lad.

"Leave him alone," anger crept into his voice. He hated bullies. Dudley's three friends turned and sneered at the skinny, bespectacled boy. However, Dudley had a look of concern on his face, "Hey, dudders, wotcher doing?"

"Get lost, freak," Dudley got his nerve back.

"Are you beating on a small kid again?" Harry asked, almost politely.

"He deserves it." Dudley sneered.

"Leave it alone, Potter," Piers Polkiss told him, but he reminded Harry of the cowardly Peter Pettigrew, causing his anger to grow.

"I told you to let Mark go," Harry repeated menacingly, pulling his wand from his waistband. Dudley suddenly stood stock still, knowing precisely what Harry was holding.

"What are you going to do? Poke our eyes out," Piers laughed, getting laughs from the other two gorillas, but Dudley watched him carefully. The wind began to pick up, branches tearing at their trunks as coldness crept across Harry.

"What are you doing, Freak? You can not do anything in front of my friends," Dudley shouted as his friends ran off, terrified. Harry hauled Mark up.

"Run, go toward the houses," he pushed him in the opposite direction as he began running for the bridge under the bypass. Dudley, despite his dimness, knew to stay close to Harry. It grew colder and colder as Harry started to hear screams echoing in his mind. Why were there Dementors in Little Whinging? Just as they reached the bridge, two Dementors appeared, hovering over them like winged forms of death.

"EXPECTO PATRONUM," he cried out, but all happy thoughts had left Harry's mind. Only a whisp emanated from the wand as it drew closer to him, slimy hands emerging from the cloak, wrapping themselves around Harry's neck, pulling him closer to the empty void. The unbearable smell was one of Harry's last thoughts before he slipped into semi-consciousness. However, as the Dementor began to draw the soul from his body, a small explosion seemed to occur. Magical energy burst from Harry driving the Dementor back.

The Dementor did not stay away for long, returning to his feast when an ethereal dog ran at it, barking silently. The creature flew away from Harry to join its partner before they disappeared altogether.

"Pup, Pup, can you hear me?" Harry was falling in and out of consciousness, thinking he was dreaming, "How's the other one?"

"He will be fine. Not sure he had a soul, to begin with," a second masculine voice sounded.

"Let's get him home."

"You cannot take him there. Dumbledore will discover his presence," the second voice sounded panicked.

"You get the other boy home. I will take Harry to the Hall," At those words, Harry fell into total unconsciousness.

"Do you think it's right, keeping him from Dumbledore?" a familiar voice asked as Harry began to return to the living.

"I do not trust Dumbledore. You know the charms that the Goblins found on me. We do not know if the latest ones were from Molly or Albus," a second voice replied. Why were they talking about Mrs Weasley and Professor Dumbledore? Harry lazily thought.

"You saw the letters."

"I did-I think he might be coming around," a masculine voice started, concern tinging the tone. Harry blinked a few times, the bright light receding until he looked up at a blue roof. He began to feel the soft pillows and sheets of the bed. The bed was a world away from his one at Four Privet Drive or even Hogwarts.

"Glasses?" Harry uttered, his throat parched and slightly sore.

"Oh yeah," Sirius's voice, he now recognised it, spoke, handing him his round always-broken glasses.

"Water." He gasped. Sirius handed him a glass with a straw in it as his brain began to function. He glanced around the room. Harry lay in a four-poster bed similar to those in Hogwarts without all the draping. The room was blue as he had first thought, with constellations mapped out on the ceiling. The young teen noticed a desk, a bookcase, and two doors opposite his bed. Leaning against the bed was Remus Lupin, former Professor of Hogwarts. Sirius was kneeling by the side of the bed, looking at him worriedly.

"How ya doing, pup?"

"Like I've been hit by a ten-ton truck," Harry replied, feeling sore all over, "Where am I?"

"You are in Hárasteorra Hall, the Black family mansion," Sirius replied, sharing a look with Remus.

"What am I doing here?"

"Do you remember anything?" Remus asked.

"The last thing I remember is being attacked by a Dementor. Is Dudley all right?" Harry asked, almost frantically.

"First thing he asks is about his cousin," Sirius snorted, then turned back to Harry, "As you were being attacked, there was a small magical explosion, which almost made the Dementor flee. Remus and I rescued you when the Dementor returned,"

"We have an inkling as to why that happened," Remus suggested before Harry could question either of them. "However, you have been asleep for nearly two days."

"When I woke up, I heard you say something about charm." Remus looked to Sirius, not sure how to proceed.

"A day after I met you at Hogwarts, I visited Gringotts on the advice of a friend. Naturally, a lot happened, which I shall tell you about later. However, the main point is the Goblins found several charms layered on me."

"Can they be removed? Have I got Charms on me?" Harry asked, slightly hysterically.

"Firstly, Sirius had his removed. Secondly, I can try a spell that will detect any charms or potions on or about your person," Remus tried to calm the teen down.

"You're a Defence teacher. How do you know these charms? Can you remove them?" Remus chuckled at the boy.

"I have travelled a fair bit. I am sure the spell I use, not even Dumbledore would know." That comment earned Remus a frown from Sirius. "But yes, I know of spells and potions that allow charms to be removed from you,"

"Before we do that, we had better give him the letters," Sirius suggested handing over the letters. Harry opened the first, which appeared to be official:

Dear Mr Potter, 

We have received intelligence that you performed the Patronus Charm at twenty-three minutes past six this evening in a Muggle-inhabited area and in the presence of a Muggle. The severity of this breach of the Decree for the Reasonable Restriction of Underage Sorcery has resulted in your expulsion from Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Ministry representatives will be calling at your place of residence shortly to destroy your wand. 

As you have already received an official warning for a previous offence under section 13 of the International Confederation of Wizards' Statute of Secrecy, we regret to inform you that your presence is required at a disciplinary hearing at the Ministry of Magic at 9 a.m. on 12th August. 

Hoping you are well, 

Yours sincerely, 

Mafalda Hopkirk

Improper use of magic office 

Ministry of Magic

Harry read and re-read the letter, then looked at his quasi-uncles.

"So that's it then, I'm expelled from Hogwarts. Did officials come around to snap my wand?"

"Read the next two before you get upset," Sirius suggested. Harry ripped open the following letter, instantly recognising the handwriting of Arthur Weasley.

Harry — Dumbledore's just arrived at the Ministry, trying to sort it out. DO NOT LEAVE YOUR AUNT AND UNCLE'S HOUSE. DO NOT DO ANY MORE MAGIC. DO NOT SURRENDER YOUR WAND.

Arthur Weasley

Harry wasn't sure what to make of the letter. He had already been gone from the house at that point. He wondered what Dumbledore was up to as he took up the next letter.

Dear Mr Potter,

Further to our letter of approximately twenty-two minutes ago, the Ministry of Magic has revised its decision to destroy your wand forthwith. You may retain your wand until your disciplinary hearing on 12th August, at which time an official decision will be taken.

Following discussions with the Headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, the Ministry has agreed that the question of your expulsion will also be decided at that time. You should therefore consider yourself suspended from school pending further inquiries. With best wishes,

Yours sincerely,

Mafalda Hopkirk

Improper use of magic office

Ministry of Magic

"I've not been expelled. I only have to attend a disciplinary hearing?" Harry asked.

"Firstly, there should not have been any type of hearing at all. Secondly, we will fight this. You were protecting your cousin, who is well aware of magic. I will hire the best lawyer money can buy," Sirius suggested.

"How can you hire a lawyer? You're still a criminal," Harry asked, confused.

"Erm, I'll tell you about that later, when you've got a bit more strength," his godfather returned, "But we thought you should see the letters, maybe send a message to Dumbledore at least to say you are safe, the Order is going mental at the moment we didn't expect you to be asleep as long."

"The Order? Why are they going mental? Where am I exactly?" Harry suddenly appeared nervous, "What did you give me for the Christmas of the third year?"

"A Firebolt, but why-" Harry interrupted as he looked at Remus.

"What was in your office the first time I came there?" Harry stared at his one-time professor.

"A Grindylow!" Remus returned, Harry slumping down in the bed, "I can see what you were doing. After Fake-moody, you were checking to see if we were the real people,"

"Well, I'm in a strange place, I have no idea where I am, and now I've been given letters saying I'm expelled from Hogwarts."

"I can understand," Remus sympathised with the teen.

"Look, we've taken you to Hárasteorra Hall, which is in Suffolk. It's the seat of power for the House of Black. I own several other properties, including a house in London the Order of Phoenix is using," Sirius explained.

"The Order of Phoenix?" Harry interrupted.

"Back in the first war, and now in this war, the Ministry has refused to do much to quell the rising darkness. Because many pure-bloods sat on the Wizengamot and believed Voldemort's rhetoric," Remus went into lecture mode, "Professor Dumbledore created the Order of Phoenix, a guerrilla group to fight the Death Eaters. Your Mother and father were both a part of the group, as were many others,

"Mary McKinnon, Frank and Alice Longbottom, Holly Du Vere," Sirius's face looked conflicted at the last name. Harry looked at Remus and mouthed 'Holly Du Vere?,' but Remus returned with a 'later,' "But Dumbledore is all about stunning and forgiveness,"

"That doesn't help when a Death Eater is raping a child!" Harry snarled.

"I agree, and many current members feel the same way, but one of their main tasks was guarding you."

"Excuse me! What do you mean? Guarding me." Harry's anger looked fit to burst.

"Dumbledore felt you needed to be guarded, so many of the Order's members rotated guarding you."

"Well, they certainly did not do a very good job, did they?" Harry asked rhetorically before ranting, "Why haven't I got letters from my friends? Where was the 'guard' when dementors attacked me?"

"Neither of us can answer those questions, but I suspect the answer lies with Dumbledore," Sirius returned bitterly. Something had happened between his godfather and the Headmaster.

"You've had a lot of information thrown at you. Why don't we check you for any charms?" Remus asked gently and received a nod. He waved his wand around, muttering in old Latin as a light emanated from around the teen, going from white to purple, to red, then brown. Harry watched as Remus's face got angrier and angrier, and then he finally swore, "Goddammit,"

"What?"

"Firstly, he has a mild loyalty charm keyed to Ronald Weasley and seems to have ingested a love potion, which I think is keyed to Ginny Weasley. Those are just the newer charms," Remus explained tightly, "He's got charms that make him dislike Slytherins, especially Draco Malfoy and Severus Snape,"

"Similar to what I had," Sirius muttered.

"There's something to dim his intelligence, make him rasher. Harry will never be Stephen Hawking, but he should be doing better in all his subjects," Remus gave the boy a grin, "But, there are two signatures I can make out, I think,"

"Let me guess, Albus Dumbledore and Molly Weasley," Black deadpanned.

"I've also found the remnants of a block on your magic, it seemed to be keyed to part of your magic, but I'm not entirely sure what part," Remus added with a dangerous growl.

"Do you think it's the Potter Family magic?" Sirius asked.

"It could be, but it would have to be someone supremely skilled to find and separate that part of Harry's magic."

"Can we remove the charms?" Harry was suddenly outraged. Not only had Dumbledore put a block on him now, but he had also used several charms to keep him docile. So why the hell had he been placed with the Dursleys? Was that because of Dumbledore too?

"I can remove the charms, but it may exhaust you. Also, we can purge you of the potions, but it won't be pretty."

"Do it!" Harry commanded. Remus nodded, then retrieved a potion's vial. Standing once again before Harry, he began to chant in a language Harry was unfamiliar with. But he felt like his skin was being ripped off, and his head was about to explode. Sirius had to hold him down as the werewolf continued. Finally, after ten long minutes, it was over, and Harry was left panting, feeling even worse than before.

"Are you sure you want to continue?" Remus double-checked. The teen just nodded as Remus administered the potion. As he predicted, the results were not pretty. Sirius had to use several rehydration charms and some nutrient charms to ease his stomach, but it ended over an hour later, leaving Harry exhausted.

When Harry next awoke, the mid-afternoon sun flooded the room, but he felt much better. Just as the teen sat up, Sirius strode through the door. Harry looked him over, noting that his godfather looked so much better than when they had been in Dumbledore's office. His face wasn't as gaunt, nor did he look skeletal.

"Harry?" the man looked at him questioningly.

"Hi, Sirius, I feel much better," the teen replied with a smile, testing his feet as he stood up.

"Erm, you look a bit different," Sirius looked startled, "You look like my Grandfather, Arcturus, except with green eyes,"

"Really?" Harry appeared surprised as he opened one of the doors to find a bathroom. He entered the white-tiled room until he stood in front of the mirror. His hair lay slightly flatter on his head (he had grown it longer like his godfather), but his face appeared narrower, almost aristocratic, "Why would I have a glamour over me? I assume it's a glamour."

"A very strong one, one that grew with you," Sirius leaned against the door, "Well, that's a problem for another day. Shall we take a tour of the house? There are some clothes in the cupboard for you."

"What do you mean clothes in the cupboard?" Harry looked perplexed.

"Well, I thought this would be your room," Sirius replied, rubbing his neck, "If you would like it,"

"Really?"

"I do not promise anything, but I have taken the Head of the Black Family. I will contact lawyers to see about getting a trial or something," Sirius suggested, "I was hoping you would want to live with me."

"Of course, I do," Harry hugged the older man, who appeared more mature than the last time he had seen him. Then, after getting changed into a pair of fitted jeans and a sweater, he found Sirius standing outside.

"So Hárasteorra Hall is close to the village of Hárasteorra. I suppose they all think we are a little bit eccentric here, though I haven't been here in years," the man explained, standing in the courtyard. The whole 'manor' was one big square, but he couldn't help but look up at the two tall towers. Sirius realised what he was looking at. "Those are the sleeping quarters."

"Manor?" Harry whispered as they started outside. Hárasteorra Hall could only be described as a Fortified Manor. Sirius led them across a bridge. The manor was surrounded by a moat, then out onto the extensive grounds. Sirius showed him around the stables, which housed Buckbeak and several horses, which Sirius promised Harry that he would teach him to ride.

"Can Muggles not see Buckbeak and the like?" Harry asked as they walked away from the stables.

"No, there are Anti-Muggles charms around. It makes them forget what they see," Sirius explained. There were gardens, including a beautiful Rose garden with a statue of a lovely woman.

"That's my grandmother, Melania," Sirius explained, then told Harry about the Black Family. "The Blacks had always served the Wuffingas dynasty in the Kingdom of the Angles, serving as his Wizard council. When East Anglia became part of England under Edward, it became an earldom under Sirius the First. He based himself here and built the first Hall. Sirius III became the first Duke of Anglia in the early 17th century. When the statute of Secrecy came into force ninety years later, Muggles thought the title had become extant, and the Duke of Norfolk become the oldest dukedom."

"Is that what happened to most titled wizards?" Harry asked.

"Most wizards who hold titles, hold the titles thought gone for good. We are still Peerages in the Royal books, but we don't sit in normal Muggle society." Sirius replied, "However, in the last hundred years, our great history has been corrupted by those who would side with our society's darker side. The Black Family motto 'Always Pure' was once Domus est, Pura Semper, Always pure to the house."

"You have a Quidditch Pitch?" Harry asked excitedly, walking straight past the Greenhouses.

"It's not a Quidditch Pitch as such, but a place to play," Sirius pointed to the hoops at either end of the freshly mowed grass lawn. Sirius led them back onto the bridge and into the manor, where down one arm was a Great Hall for entertaining visitors with the parlour used as the Floo room. The pair went to the basement first, which held a storeroom, a Potions chamber, and a training room. The final room was the Wardstone room, with a massive chunk of glistening black stone.

"This is the Ward stone. It holds all the power of the family and anchors the Wards to protect the Manor against invasion." Harry could feel the magic coming off the stone, humming at their proximity. Back on the main floor was a Kitchen where five elves, all wearing suits (Though they looked uncomfortable), stood.

"You have elves?" Harry looked at the older man, knowing how Hermione would feel about that.

"I have several elves accountable to me as Head Black. I would like to introduce Elkley, Steward Elf of the Blacks, meaning he is in charge of all the other Elves,"

"I is pleased to meet you, Master Harry," This elf was slightly taller than the others and appeared a bit more dignified.

"Why do they look so uncomfortable?"

"When I took over, I did not like seeing them in tea towels, so I made them create their suits or dresses," Sirius shrugged, then turned to look at another much younger elf on the end of the line. "This is Nyal. He will be your personal house-elf."

"My house-elf?" Harry asked, looking at the creature. The young house-elf reminded him a little of Dobby. His big, rounded eyes looked at Harry with gratitude, quickly becoming confused. Finally, the elf turned to look at the steward elf.

"Master, Nyal feels Master Harry has a bond with an elf," Elkley spoke up.

"Harry, have you bonded with an elf before?" Sirius asked curiously.

"No, not that I am aware of," Harry was confused, and then he thought of Dobby. "There is a house-elf I helped free from Malfoy Snr."

"Can you call him?" Harry nodded.

"Dobby!" with a loud crack Dobby appeared before him. He was wearing a child's Christmas jumper and what appeared to be rugby shorts. He had a pair of colourful socks on his feet under some child-sized wellies.

"You is a bad elf!" Nyal burst out, then promptly covered his mouth. Dobby looked between the other elves and the two humans.

"He has bonded with you, Master Harry," Elkley told them.

"I is sorry, Master Harry, but you has strong magic," Harry looked at Sirius.

"If a house-elf is freed, their magic begins to dwindle because they are symbiotic with wizards or witches," Sirius explained.

"Then why is Dobby alive?"

"Well, he had the bond with you, but working at Hogwarts probably helped." Sirius looked down at the elf, "you will join the Black Household, serving as Harry's Personal Elf. Nyal will assist you."

"Thank you, Sir," His big eyes filled with tears of happiness. Sirius shook his head as Dobby learned his duties from the steward-elf. The man started leading Harry from the kitchen, past the study, drawing room and library, to one of the two towers. Besides Harry's room, Sirius' Master Suite and Remus's room, there was a Children's suite that included a nursery, playroom, and children's bedroom. In the other tower were six other rooms divided between the three floors.

Finally, he led them back to the 'Duke's Study' as he named it; it held a large desk with a comfortable leather chair opposite a large fireplace. Above the fireplace was a stern-looking man in a large painting.

"Who is this?" the painting snapped.

"This is my godson, Harry," Sirius introduced the teen to the painting.

"You look like you have Black blood. Is the boy related to you?"

"No, Arcturus, but his grandmother was a Black," Padfoot answered, "Harry, this is my grandfather, Arcturus III,"

"Pleased to meet you," Harry spoke politely as Sirius ignored the portrait. He placed his hand on the fireplace. A hidden door popped open, allowing the man to reach in to withdraw a large book.

"This is the Wardbook. The most recent pages allow those on it entry through the Wards, be it Floo, apparition or through the front gates," He laid the book on the table, allowing Harry to see it. Each page had finely ruled columns with titles such as family, friend, and one-time entry (with a date and time). On the most recent pages, he saw the latest Blacks were scratched out of the family except for Andromeda Tonks, Edward Tonks, Nymphadora Tonks, and Remus Lupin. He noticed Dumbledore had been scratched off viciously.

"Have you fallen out with Dumbledore?" Harry asked, looking at his godfather.

"Let's just say I'm learning a few truths about the Old Goat that makes him look less favourable," Sirius eventually spoke before closing the Wardbook and hiding it away again. Harry said goodbye to the portrait and followed Sirius toward a vast library, where Remus was sitting in front of a floor-to-ceiling window overlooking the grounds. Harry and Sirius took a seat next to the old werewolf.

"So, what do you think?" Remus asked.

"It's fantastic!"

"So, I bet you have many questions, don't you?"

"Yeah, so many, but I'll start with; How did you get here? The last time I spoke to you, you hated your family."

"I dislike my family, but I am still very loyal to the Black name," Sirius pointed out, "After I spoke to you at Hogwarts, I returned to Grimmauld Place, where I had been staying with Buckbeak. However, when I returned, there was a letter for me."

Sirius now handed over a piece of parchment, allowing Harry to look at it in surprise. Cyrus Greengrass wrote it. I wonder if he's related to Daphne Greengrass, Harry wondered.

Your Grace, (He filed that away for later)

Since you escaped prison, I have been expecting you to appear at the Wizengamot either under trial or taking up the Black Seat. However, it has been a year since then, so I feel it's time to take up your legacy. Don't ask how I know, but your Grandfather Arcturus had a Will where you were named heir and next Head of Black.

As you are innocent, I'm assuming you should be able to take up the Head of House's mantle. This will help protect your godson.

I hope to be speaking to you soon.

Cyrus Greengrass.

Duke of Cumberland

Head of the Greengrass family.

"What do you think he wants? There's a girl called Daphne Greengrass in my year at school."

"That's his eldest daughter. The Greengrass's have been typically neutral, but it is one of the six Ancient and Noble houses that greatly influence the Wizengamot."

"About that, what the hell are the Ancient and Noble Houses, and why are you a Duke?" Harry asked.

"That's a long one, but the short version is before the Magical community split with the muggles, the Wizengamot was made up of the Wizard Council, which at the time was made up of most Nobles; they were tiered. The eldest was the Ancient and Noble Houses, then the Ancient Houses, then the Noble Houses, and finally the lowest Houses were the Greater houses, but they weren't on the Wizengamot," Remus explained, taking over from Sirius, "The Head of the houses were Titled from Duke at the highest to Baronet at the lowest,"

"The Blacks are one of the oldest families. We have run or helped Britain for thousands of years, though it has degenerated over the last hundred years. I plan to bring the House of Black to its former glory," Sirius promised.

"So why do I need protecting?" Harry asked, seeing Remus and Sirius sharing a look between them.

"Go on," Sirius nudged his friend. Remus got up, walking over to a table with several newspapers. He bought them back over, throwing them on the table in front of the teen. Harry picked up the first, his eyes widening at the headlines

POTTER: A LIAR OR ATTENTION SEEKING

DUMBLEDORE'S LOST THE PLOT: SAYS YOU-KNOW-WHO HAS RETURNED

POTTER IS MENTAL

The headlines on all the papers continued as he read article after article condemning himself or Dumbledore as a Liar and deranged. Sometimes they were portrayed as mental and needing to be locked up in St Mungo's or attention-seeking. One suggests Harry's fame was waning from his battle with Voldemort when he was a baby, so he needed something to make him famous again. He just stared unbelievingly at the Daily Prophet papers.

"They are trying to paint you as a liar or mentally deranged," Remus pointed out helpfully.

"So, this Greengrass man thinks if you were to become my guardian, that might get the pure-bloods to back off despite my parentage," Harry suggested.

"That was our reasoning as well," Sirius concluded. Harry just looked at the man, almost analysing him.

"You're different, more mature, especially after the last time I spoke to you," Harry suggested.

"I've been seeing a Mind Healer for the last three weeks, I'm not ever going to be the same man I was before I went into Azkaban, but I am well on my way to recovery thanks to the Healer, taking up the Black Mantle and Remus' help."

"Look, Harry, many changes are going on in the wizarding world, especially in the last week. Since Voldemort's return three weeks ago, there have been some pushes in the Wizengamot and Ministry for reforms in regard to Muggle-borns," Remus pointed to an article from the previous Tuesday about a Wizengamot session, where Lady Zabini petitioned the governing body to begin a Muggle-born registry.

"We think this is part of Voldemort's play, to make sure pure-bloods are at the top of the pile, then once he's gained their favour, he'll start moving in on the Muggles," Sirius continued.

"I am not sure what's going to happen, but we think there will be a lot of anti-Muggle-born sentiment out there. Hogwarts is going to be the hardest hit," Remus added, "A lot of the children are going to be harsher than adults, especially if they follow in their parent's footsteps,"

"Hermione!" Harry looked at the pair, startled, "We need to protect her and her family,"

"We do. I was considering bringing Hermione here," Sirius said with a slight grin. Now pacing up and down, Harry never saw the knowing smile between the two old friends.

"What about Dumbledore? Will he interfere?" Harry asked the pair.

"What do you mean?" Remus asked curiously, wondering about the sudden change of subject.

"Some things are beginning to make a bit more sense now. This last week before you picked me up, I was thinking a lot about everything, then to discover someone blocked my magic and charmed me," Harry responded carefully, "I am starting to wonder if everything in my life has been orchestrated. Was I supposed to meet Hermione? Is Ron Weasley my friend, especially after the charms and potions you discovered,"

"Dumbledore is a master manipulator!" Sirius snorted.

"Sirius, we have talked about this. There must be a reason those charms were on you," Remus replied patiently. It seems this was an ongoing argument between the pair.

"Where does your loyalty lie? To me and the Pup or Dumbledore, because I have a feeling things will get worse before they get better," Sirius laid the ultimatum on the table. Harry stared at him in shock

"My loyalty will always be to the Pup here. Once a pack, always a pack," Remus looked at his best friend as though he had stunned him.

"Back up. What the hell is going on?" Harry asked.

"Back when I escaped from Hogwarts, I first went to Grimmauld Place and considered hiring a lawyer. I was going to approach Gringotts as I had a summons about my Grandfather's Will waiting for me," Sirius explained, looking into the distance, "But just as I was about to leave, Dumbledore showed up. Suddenly I had forgotten that I was going to Gringotts and had the bright idea to travel abroad."

"It was to keep you safe," Remus argued.

"He used a Confundus charm on you?" Harry asked.

"That's what I suspect."

"At the moment, Dumbledore thinks Sirius is at Grimmauld Place sulking in his room. The Weasley are there with Hermione and som-" Harry cut him off.

"Hermione's at Grimmauld Place?" He questioned, "Why?"

"Dumbledore told the Order it was to keep Hermione safe," Remus told the boy. Sirius was still brooding.

"Sirius, what happened at Gringotts?"

Chapter 3: Three: Families are like Branches

Chapter three: Families are like branches on a tree, we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one.

25th June 1995

Sirius Black stared at the letter in his hand. He had returned from seeing his godson late last night. The boy had been shell-shocked at what he had witnessed, and he was right to be; Voldemort's return was devastating.

"Would blood-traitor Master like more eggs?" Kreacher the elderly elf, asked.

"No, thank you," Sirius replied dismissively, his mind now on the letter Cyrus Greengrass had sent him. He had not spoken to his family in years and had undoubtedly been disinherited by his mother.

"Are you well?" Remus entered the large kitchen.

"I received this letter from Duke Cumberland. What do you think?" Sirius returned, handing him the letter. Remus read the missive, frowning before he looked up at his friend.

"It is a bit mysterious. Perhaps he wants to draw you out in the open?"

"You could be right, but I have a nagging feeling I should speak to the Goblins," the man suggested. Before either man could do anything, they both heard a loud knocking at the front door. Walburga, Sirius' portrait mother, began to spout obscenities. As Remus rushed to cover the portrait up, the Animagus went to the door. He opened it up to Albus Dumbledore.

"Professor, come in," He directed the headmaster through the house into the kitchen, where the barely willing elf made the man a cup of tea, "How's Harry?"

"As well as can be expected, he went through an awful trauma," Dumbledore sighed, but something about this 'routine' seemed off. Almost like he was acting.

"If it's not Harry, what can we do for you?"

"I have contacted many of the old crowd and begun recruiting again. First, however, the Order of the Phoenix needs a headquarters," Dumbledore looked at the pair, "I would like to use Grimmauld place as the Order headquarters."

"Pardon?" Sirius asked politely. Sure, his hearing had gone. The house was decrepit, old, and filthy.

"I would like to put it under a Fidelius Charm, with myself as the Secret Keeper," Dumbledore continued, "This would be a great honour for you and the House of black."

"I agree. We need somewhere for the Order to meet," Remus spoke.

"OK fine," Sirius answered reluctantly after the pair had ganged up on him to 'persuade' him. Within ten minutes, after being talked through the process, Remus had performed the charm making Dumbledore the Secret Keeper.

"My next point of business is allowing the Weasleys to stay here. Bill is currently updating their Wards, but it might take some time, so I would like it if you would allow them to stay," Dumbledore requested/ordered.

"Sure, but Molly must understand that this is my home; she cannot just come bustling in and take over," Sirius shuddered, remembering the big redhead.

"I'm sure she's not too bad," Dumbledore answered with a chuckle in his condescending way. Then he turned to Remus, "Would you be able to go abroad and contact the Werewolves to see who is on our side? I already have Hagrid going to the Giants,"

"No!" Sirius shouted before Remus could speak, startling the other pair.

"What do you mean?"

"We almost lost Remus last time. I want to keep him here to help tutor Harry over the summer."

"Harry's not going to be here over the summer," Dumbledore responded, "He is being kept safe."

"Excuse me?" Sirius asked angrily, "What do you mean Harry is not coming here this summer? I am his guardian."

"You are still a criminal in the eyes of the law. Therefore, you cannot go out anywhere," Sirius looked at him mutely, his anger reaching boiling point. Remus put his hand on Sirius's arm, trying to calm the man down.

"I'm sure Harry might be able to come to see us for the last two weeks," the man tried to soothe his friend and suggest an alternative.

"If you make Remus go to Europe, I'll find a way to break the Fidelius Charm, then kick your little Chicken group to the kerb," Sirius told the old man angrily, "Harry is MY godson. He will spend time here. Now, if you will excuse me, I have things to be cleaning. You can show yourself out."

The two men watched Sirius as he left the kitchen in anger, not sure when the last time Sirius had spoken to the headmaster like that.

"I will calm him down, but he is right. I am going to stay here for the summer," Remus answered, getting a sad shake of the headmaster's head.

"I will take my leave. I will let the Weasleys know they can come in a few days," The Headmaster wondered if he should have used one of his charms on Black. The man could make a dangerous enemy if he discovered the truth. Remus, meanwhile, followed his best friend up to the Master suite.

"Has he gone?" This Sirius was utterly different from the man downstairs, "Sorry I could not say anything, but there is something off with Dumbledore. I am not sure if it is me, but I am starting to see him in a different light."

"Wow, that was some acting. But I appreciate you trying to save me from going to Europe."

"I remember the few times you came back before," the Animagus answered, "Look, while the Weasleys and the Order are here, I want you to paint me as moody and unsociable."

"Like normal then," Remus joked.

"Play up the Azkaban card. I need to move around freely, and I feel the Weasleys are here to keep an eye on me." He looked over at the fireplace, which had never been taken off the Floo network, "Can you take me to Gringotts?"

"You what?" Remus cried.

"Greengrass's letter is right. I need to go to Gringotts. I have a strong feeling about going there,"

"But you don't want Dumbledore to know," Remus ended his sentence.

"No," Sirius deadpanned.

"I am going to regret this. Come on then, Padfoot," Sirius grinned at him, then morphed into the Grim-like dog. Remus took some Floo powder and shouted, 'Leaky Cauldron,' stepping into the green fire, followed quickly by Padfoot. The pair passed through the pub, which was quiet for a Thursday morning. The shops of Diagon Alley were beginning to open, but the shopkeepers all looked bleary-eyed. Remus led Padfoot quickly through the alley to the snow-white building of Gringotts. The Goblin guards eyed them but did not move to intercept, and they could soon see a teller.

"Yes, what do you want?" the goblin barked, not happy to see another wand-waver so early in the morning.

"I request an audience with the Black Account Manager," Remus spoke barely over a whisper. Now the goblin looked at him, then over the Grim. Then, finally, he nodded his head sharply.

"Please wait one moment," The Goblin wrote something on a piece of parchment and then handed it to another Goblin behind him. Some minutes later, the runner Goblin returned.

"Maglugg will see you now," he squeaked. The small goblin led them through a series of corridors until they reached a door. It had a plaque with the Black coat of arms on it with the manager's name:

Maglugg

Black Account Manager

Senior Advisor

The little goblin knocked first until a voice called for them to enter. The goblin pushed the door open, then leapt aside, allowing the pair to enter. As soon as Sirius entered, he felt something shift before he found himself standing as an average human.

"Animagus Wards prevents anybody who should not be in here from entering," the Goblin, Maglugg, spoke, not looking up from his vast desk.

"That's amazing," Remus breathed, but Sirius looked perturbed.

"What can I do for you, gentlemen? I have not had a visitor in years."

"I am Sirius Black. I had a summons a year ago but was somehow distracted from coming. Has His Grace Duke Arcturus Will been read?" Sirius asked.

"Only his Heir could get it un-sealed. Now can you prove who you are?" Maglugg, the goblin, looked sprightly despite being over a hundred.

"I know you have several scans you can perform on me," Sirius answered diplomatically.

"You are right," the goblin replied briefly, then looked at the man. Moments later, Sirius felt a tingle go through him, down to his core. A quill began to write something on a piece of parchment. If Remus did not know better, he would have thought the goblin was frowning.

"This is most unusual," the goblin muttered, then looked up, "Well, I would like to say welcome Lord Rendlesham. It is good to see you back,"

"Lord Rendlesham?" the man in question appeared shocked.

"You were named Heir; thus, you are Lord Rendlesham until you take your title. You are to be Duke of Anglia and Head of House Black when you take up your ring,"

"But what about his stay in Azkaban?" Remus asked.

"As his name was not entered into the Book of Criminals, according to the Ministry, and Family magic supersedes such things, he is eligible to take the Headship," Maglugg explained.

"If I can be proven innocent, I can take care of Harry," Sirius's mind moved into high gear, "With the Headship, I can hire lawyers to help me."

"I'm with you, whatever you decide."

"Would you like to hear the Will of your Grandfather?" Maglugg asked.

"Yes," Sirius replied firmly. The goblin grinned an evil smile, then wrote something on a parchment. He placed it down a small chute and then looked up at Sirius.

"Before we continue, I would like to inform you that my initial scan has detected several charms and loyalty potions, though some appear very weak."

"What?" the man stared at the goblin, flabbergasted.

"Firstly, you have traces of a Memory Charm, most likely over twenty-odd years old. More recently, I can see a Confundus charm on you, loyalty potions keyed to Albus Dumbledore and the Order of the Phoenix," Maglugg recited as though he was repeating a shopping list, "You also seemed to have Revulsion Jinx's directed toward Slytherin and Severus Snape in particular, not to mention powerful Cheering charms, which could be detrimental to you."

"That's-" Remus was cut off from saying anything as there was a knock on the door, then a Goblin entered with a silver platter upon which a rolled-up scroll was sealed and a mahogany box. The goblin placed the box and scroll on the table and then exited.

"There are two parts to the Will. The first is directed to his Heir, then the second is directed to any living members of the Black family," Maglugg told the stunned man slicing through the seal with a silver knife. A fizzle of magic escaped as he began to unroll the parchment. While Maglugg was doing that, Sirius looked at the box with the Black Crest inlaid. Centrally located was a Raven with a wand on either side. Finally, three stars were laid across the top of the 'field.' Maglugg cleared his throat.

"I, Arcturus Phineas Black III, being of sound body and mind, do hereby leave most of my estate and Headship to my heir Sirius Black X. Sirius, my boy, though your Mother might have 'disowned' you, you will always be my Heir and the next in line to take the mantle of Head of the House of Black. I want you to take over Hárasteorra Hall and restore the Blacks to their former glory. I know you are innocent of the crimes they say you committed, or the family magic would not have allowed you to become my heir.

Do not trust Dumbledore, everyone thinks he is the Lord of the Light, but he has manipulated many people including in this family. My last bit of advice is to find a good woman that will stand by your side as Lily flower used to."

"The old man got confused in his old age. He probably meant Holly," the man saddened at the loss of his girlfriend.

"Now, when you put on the Head ring, the Black Family magic should clear most potions and Charms. However, you'll need something stronger to help get your memories back," the goblin sounded helpful instead of his usual cantankerous self. The dog-Animagus looked at the box, then pulled it toward him, smoothly opening it. There were two rings inside, the Duke's signet ring and the Heir's ring. The Signet ring was solid gold, the central part a bloodstone, and the Black Coat of arms reverse engraved. On either side of the inset, bloodstones were engraved ravens.

The Heir's ring was smaller and silver. This one had wands on either side of a raven engraved onto the surface. Sirius picked up the Ducal ring, sliding it on the right pinkie finger. Magic resized it, so the ring fit perfectly, but at that moment, a wave of magic rushed through his body. His Grace, Sirius Black X, Duke of Anglia, Earl of Rendlesham, now knew all about the properties and House-elves he was connected to. He became intimate with the Black Seat, Hárasteorra Hall. The Family Magic washed away the charms and most potions in his system, neutralising them. Though he still loved pranking, he suddenly felt concerned with stuff rather than acting like a child.

"I would recommend a good mind-healer, but the ring should now protect you from any potions or mild Charms though it won't protect you from everything," Maglugg commented, "Now, when would you like to schedule the second part of the Will?"

"Is midday too early?" Sirius asked.

"No, we can do that. It will give us time to go over your finances and the state of the Black Family books," Maglugg bought out a heavy book opening it to show Sirius and Remus the vaults and everything listed.

"What's this?" Remus pointed to a separate vault.

"Ah, the Black Foundation," Maglugg spoke as though that answered everything. Still, all he saw were two blank faces, "The Black Foundation is a charity set up by your Grandfather, it has been helping three orphanages in the United Kingdom and once a year has paid for a Muggle-born to attend Hogwarts, though in the last few years this has not happened. Lily Evans was the first CEO before she died. Currently, the Board composed of Augusta Longbottom, Callidora Longbottom, Narcissa Malfoy, and Minerva McGonagall run it."

"Cissy?"

"Her husband knows nothing of Lady Malfoy being on the board," Maglugg explained, "You also have a seat on the Board, but we can arrange a meeting in good time."

Over the next few hours, Maglugg took them over the state of House of Black Finances plus all the contracts. He was pretty surprised at the Greengrass-Black Contract and some others that appeared. While still one of the country's wealthiest families, some investments were not doing as well as expected. With Remus' help, Sirius could look at some new assets and buy more stock in investments that were going well. Just as Sirius's stomach began to rumble, a piece of parchment popped up in front of Maglugg.

"Ah, everyone is assembled for the hearing of the Will. Mr Lupin, you may remain here, but please do not touch anything except the Black Books," the Senior goblin told the werewolf.

Narcissa Malfoy looked around Gringotts, which was moderately busy. Before breakfast this morning, she had received a Summons to hear the reading of her great-Uncle's Will. Her husband urged her to go. Perhaps Draco had been named as the next Duke of Anglia. She remembered his piggy eyes lighting up over the vast Black wealth falling into his hands. It had been an uncomfortable breakfast with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named sitting at the table, his snake slithering around the table legs.

"Teller, I have a meeting at midday for the reading of the Black Will," She demanded harshly, playing her part in case any of her husband's associates were watching. The goblin looked up with widening eyes at the dark-haired witch.

"Lady Malfoy shall follow me," an elegantly dressed Goblin spoke from her side. She barely acknowledged him, following the stately creature through the upper parts of Gringotts to a set of double doors guarded by two goblin sentries. They pushed the door open to a conference room with a large oaken table and comfortable-looking chairs. The room was all in polished black and white tiles. Her breath hitched as she saw the first person in the room, who at first appeared to be her oldest sister Bellatrix. Then she noticed the soft brown hair and the wider, kinder eyes.

"Dromeda, how nice to see you," she commented softly.

"Cissy, it's been a long time," the Healer replied, then Narcissa noticed Andromeda's Muggle-born husband, Edward Tonks, with their daughter Nymphadora Tonks. She briefly wondered why Andromeda's family had come, but her's had not been invited. Narcissa was interrupted in her musings by a snort. She looked at an old lady, but with the distinctive Black locks having gone entirely grey now. Though old, she held herself with dignity and pride. It had been many years since she had seen her Great-Aunt Callidora Longbottom neé Black.

"I see we have all been summoned," she said plainly as the woman moved around the opposite side of the table to her sister's family. As she took a seat next to her aunt, a goblin entered with several bits of parchment.

"These are contracts, so you are oath-bound to keep what is said and done in this room a secret. However, our client feels it is necessary once the Will has been heard," the goblin handed them each a piece of parchment and a quill.

"Is this a blood quill?" Narcissa asked primly. The goblin gave her an evil smile and nodded. The woman knew she did not have a choice, so with a louder sigh than usual, Narcissa signed the contract after a brief flick-through. It was a standard contract that held the pureblood woman oath-bound, enabling her to discuss the events with those in the room unless the executor said otherwise. Once signed, the contract flew into the hands of the goblin, and he left the room. Minutes later, it opened again, making her gasp. Sirius Black, her cousin, and escaped criminal, stood in the doorway with Maglugg, the Senior Accountant to the Black Estate.

"Sirius," Andromeda gasped before hugging their cousin. He looked undernourished and was wearing shabby grey robes. His hair was messy, and his face was narrow, "You look unwell."

"I've been on the run." He deadpanned. Narcissa snorted, calling his gaze on her, "Hello, Cissy, Aunt."

"Hello, Sirius," she replied, taking note of the signet ring on his finger. So, he had become the Head of Black. Suddenly, her heart began to blossom with hope. He took a seat at the head of the table.

"Sirius, where the hell have you been?" Callidora cried, pointing her stick at him. He just shrugged at the old woman.

"We are all here to hear the last Will and Testament of Lord Arcturus Black, last Duke of Anglia," Maglugg looked around, "Is there any reason we should not read the Will out?"

"No," Andromeda spoke first.

"No," Narcissa agreed. The goblin nodded and unrolled the parchment sheet he had with him.

"If the second part of the Will is read out, Sirius Black or his heir will have taken on the Head of House. Firstly, to my cousin Cassiopeia, you were always my favourite. I will give you G25,000. If the Goddess has taken her, please provide the money to the Black Foundation. Callidora, I'm sorry about what happened to your grandson, so I hope this goes a long way; G25,000 for your personal vault, G50,000 for St Mungo's Permanent Spell Damage Ward and G25,000 for your great-grandson. Hopefully, this will go some way to make up for Bellatrix Black's attack," Maglugg read the Will aloud. Callidora looked astonished, "Now, to the family's youngest members, Bellatrix is to receive nothing; Sirius, try to get the dowry back we paid to the Lestranges. Andromeda, I would like to give you G50,000, and your daughter will receive a bursary of G5,000 a year until she turns thirty, then a one-off gift of G25,000. Finally, we come to Narcissa. I give you G50,000 if not one sickle is given to Lucius Malfoy or the monster he serves. Young Master Malfoy shall also receive a bursary of G5,000 a year until he turns thirty, then a one-off gift of G25,000.

"So, end's the Will of Arcturus Black III, 14th Duke of Anglia, 10th Marquess of Rendlesham," Maglugg finished, "I have to collect the contracts for said monies. I shall leave you for a moment and be back soon."

Maglugg left with his assistant closing the door behind him. Everyone seemed too shocked to speak.

"You are the Head of House Black?" Narcissa asked quietly

"So, it would seem, my dear departed Mother did not or could not disinherit me. That happy power lay with Grandfather," Sirius replied, "That reminds me, Andi, you have not been disinherited either, Mother may have blasted you off the wall, but you are still a Black through and through."

"What?" the woman looked almost tearful.

"I'd like to bring you back into the Black Family, you and your family," he told the woman, hearing a small sob from the strong Healer. Maglugg shuffled back in with his assistant carrying several parchments.

"Once you've signed these, the gifted monies will be moved to your personal vaults," the goblin told them. Over the next half hour, the room was filled with the scratching of quills as all read the contracts and signed them. Edward 'Ted' Tonks scrutinised the contracts before allowing his wife and daughter to sign. He caught Sirius looking at him carefully.

"Are you still a law-Wizard?" the Animagus asked.

"Yes, though still a junior Lawyer for Avery & Rowle," Ted sounded slightly bitter.

"Well, I may have an offer for you, and I hope you can give me some recommendations," Sirius spoke a little mysteriously as he became distracted.

"Thank you, Lady Malfoy, for your time," Maglugg said. She spoke her goodbyes and started to leave the room with her usual grace, but Sirius caught Narcissa at the door.

"I know you and I were close once, but you've changed since marrying Lucius," Sirius started.

"You went to prison," Narcissa sniffed, trying to maintain her disdain.

"I know, but if you need sanctuary, you and Draco are welcome to come to Hárasteorra Hall. I will protect you and annul your marriage, if need be," Sirius told her, well, seriously.

"Thank you, Cousin," she replied, nodding her head. She left with a lot on her mind. A new, strong Head of House Black could go extremely far and cause many changes. Sirius, meanwhile, turned back to the others, talking to them all briefly before they left, promising to keep in touch with the new Duke. Maglugg led the man back to his office, where Remus was poring over the Ledgers.

"How did it go?" the werewolf asked.

"Surprisingly well, there were a few shocks, especially with how generous Grandfather was," the one-time convict returned, taking a seat next to his best friend, "Any bombshells I should be aware of?"

"I've found two trust funds besides what we went through this morning. One replenishes itself with G20,000 every year and is currently sitting at G300,000, while the other replenishes itself at G15,000 to a current value of G165,000."

"What or who are they for?" Sirius looked perplexed, "Trust funds are for children of the Duke of Anglia until age seventeen. I am fairly sure I would know if I had children,"

"I can't imagine you with children," Remus laughed at the man, so the pair both turned to look at Maglugg.

"Before we finished today, I was going to speak to you about Harry Potter. Gringotts has been wishing to see him for a while. Unfortunately, there have been some issues with his trust fund," Maglugg said with a sparkle in his eye, changing the subject.

14th July 1995

Two days had passed since Harry had woken from his coma, two days since Remus and Sirius had told him about the visit to Gringotts. He was glad to see his godfather happy and become the Head of House Black. But he wondered at Sirius's last comment that the goblins wanted to speak to him. Dumbledore had held his key since he was born. Surely, they would have talked to the headmaster if they needed anything. Though with the latest events, Harry began to suspect why they did not speak to his erstwhile 'guardian'. Rain drizzled down the window, typical weather for the UK in summer than the heatwave they had endured.

"I've got something for you," Sirius's voice drew Harry out of his musings. The man had some clothes hanging over his arm, "These were my brother's, but they should fit you. We do not want you visiting Gringotts looking like a street urchin."

"I'm surprised Remus got you into anything decent," Harry quipped back. Indeed, the former criminal looked better than ever. He had been seeing a discreet Healer recommended by Andromeda and eating well. His black beard was trimmed, and his dark hair was pulled into a ponytail. Sirius was dressed in the finest robes with the Black House Coat of arms on the left breast.

"Be ready in fifteen minutes," the man warned, glaring at the boy. Harry quickly found smart trousers, a white shirt, and a black jumper. He tried to smother his hair down but failed with a sigh. Harry followed the noise downstairs until the teen found Remus and Sirius in the Floo room, as he called it. Remus also looked a lot better, his last change had been seven days ago, but he had a lot more colour and was beginning to fill out a bit. His robes also fit him better than the shabby ones he once wore.

"Ready to go," Remus asked him with a smile, "We'll be going straight to Maglugg's office, then speak to the Potter family Manager."

"I have a family manager?" Harry asked nervously. He did not receive an answer, though.

"Maglugg's office, Gringotts," Sirius called out before being whooshed away in the green flames. Remus followed soon after. Harry stood there for a moment, then called out the address. Harry immediately felt dizzy as the flames twirled him ever faster until they spat him out at his destination. He rolled out on the floor to look up at his quasi-uncles, who were chuckling at him. Sirius offered his hand, so the boy took it, brushing off all the soot. When Harry stood up, he looked around the office; it was big for such a small person, but Harry thought it might be designed like that to intimidate pure-bloods. The goblin behind the desk was dressed in a fine suit and looked old. He also noticed another goblin with him, younger than the first.

"Harry, the esteemed gentleman behind the desk, is Maglugg, House of Black's Account Manager," Sirius introduced.

"This is Duggat, the Potter Account Manager," Maglugg waved in the other goblin's direction.

"I have not got my vault key. My, er, guardian Dumbledore has it." The goblin swore in the creature's native tongue, Ghukliak, rudely called Gobbledygook by wizards.

"Forgive my colleague. Albus Dumbledore has never been your guardian. By ministry standards, he has appointed himself your guardian. But Sirius Black has been your guardian since birth, and that has not changed," Maglugg looked at the man interestingly.

"I am sorry," Duggat appeared shamed, "You are the recipient of a trust fund set up by your mother."

"I have recently taken over supervising the trust Account. Duggat's assistant was working with someone to remove monies from your account systematically," Maglugg told them.

"What about the Potter Vaults?" Sirius asked.

"Harry does not have access to those at this time."

"What? Why?" the man blinked, suddenly confused about what was happening. The old goblin turned to look at the boy.

"You have access to a lockbox kept here by Lily Evans. Would you like to see it?" Maglugg asked, surprising them all by changing the subject. Harry looked at his godfather, unsure if he wanted to see something of his mothers. The older man nodded at him giving a reassuring smile.

"OK, yes, please," Maglugg turned to Duggat, speaking to him in their native tongue. Then, the other goblin disappeared, "I only thought you had vaults here."

"Sometimes a client wishes to lock up smaller things or have less money to use a vault," Maglugg explained, "It is much easier to get to one's lockbox than to get to a vault."

"Sounds good." At that moment, Duggat entered carrying a substantial metal box with a lock. He placed it on Maglugg's desk, who immediately withdrew a key and unlocked the box. All three humans leaned in closer to look at the contents. There appeared to be a narrow wooden box and a letter, nothing else. Sirius withdrew the slim, tall box slipping off the lid to find it held several vials of memories. Harry, with a degree of anticipation, withdrew the letter. It was addressed to him, written on Muggle paper with a biro. Unfolding it reverently, he looked down at the neat words written by his mother.

Dearest Harry,

I am writing this just one month since you were conceived. Your father and I only just discovered about you and are absolutely ecstatic. The Memories and the letter are our insurance policy. Unfortunately, if you are reading this, I am dead and unable to tell you the truth. Albus Dumbledore has been sniffing around tried to recruit your father and his best friend into the Order of the Phoenix for some time.

Harry, no matter what people say, Sirius Black is a good man, and I have no doubt he will be a great father to you.

Harry dropped the letter on the desk swaying a little bit; surely, she got it wrong. James Potter was his father.

"Harry's, what's the matter?" Sirius looked at his godson, concerned. Harry just tapped the piece of paper as tears began to form. The man quickly read it, stopping when he came to the same bit as Harry.

"No, it cannot be. I think I would remember something like that. Your mother was only my friend," Sirius stuttered, taking a seat. Remus looked between the pair.

"What's happened?" Remus asked, confused. Silence followed for several moments before Harry answered.

"Sirius is my dad!"