Chapter 11
The soft morning light spilled into the drawing room of Peverell Manor as Orion sat by the fire, his hands resting on the arms of an elegantly carved chair. His gray eyes held a determined glint as he addressed the house-elf standing dutifully before him.
“I’ll see him today,” Orion said, his voice steady but resolute. “I want to talk to him face-to-face.”
Binks bowed deeply, his large eyes glimmering with understanding. “Yes, Lord Orion. Master Harrison will be most pleased.”
Orion exhaled, leaning back in his chair. He had accepted the courting ring and the contract that came with it, but there was still much to discuss with Harrison. Their future, their family, and the legacy they intended to build together—all of it needed to be addressed.
Time Skip: Three Years Later
The years following Orion and Harrison’s union had been transformative, both for their marriage and the families they represented. The Peverell and Black names, once distinct and formidable on their own, had become inseparably intertwined. Harrison’s vision of unity had come to fruition, and the two families now operated as one, their combined influence spreading across the wizarding world like roots of an ancient tree.
Harrison had brought an infusion of energy and innovation into the Black family. With his keen intellect and calculated strategies, he had strengthened their position in the Wizengamot, expanded their business holdings, and secured alliances that once seemed unattainable.
At the heart of this union, however, was the family itself. The once-fraught dynamics within the Black household had softened under Harrison’s guidance. Sirius and Regulus, who had initially viewed him with suspicion, now respected him deeply. Harrison had given both brothers the freedom to pursue their ambitions—Sirius with his flourishing broomstick shop in Hogsmeade and Regulus with his potions apothecary in Knockturn Alley.
Sirius and Regulus had even reached an understanding about their shared role in the Black family’s future. When the time came, they would jointly take on the responsibilities of leading the Black name, their strengths complementing each other in ways neither had anticipated.
A New Generation
The most significant change, however, had come in the form of a new addition to the family. Orion and Harrison’s first child, a boy named Alaric Peverell-Black, had been born just over a year ago. The child was a perfect blend of his parents, with Orion’s sharp features and Harrison’s striking green eyes.
Alaric was the pride of both families, the heir to the Peverell legacy and a symbol of the unity that Harrison had worked so hard to create. The boy was already showing signs of magical potential, his accidental outbursts of magic delighting his parents and earning him a special place in the hearts of his uncles, Sirius and Regulus.
A Quiet Morning at Peverell Manor
The grand dining hall of Peverell Manor was a picture of warmth and comfort as the family gathered for breakfast. Orion sat at the head of the table, Alaric perched on his lap, giggling as he tugged at the edge of Orion’s robes.
Harrison entered the room, his presence commanding yet approachable. He walked over to Orion and placed a gentle hand on his shoulder, leaning down to kiss Alaric on the forehead.
“Good morning, my little heir,” Harrison said, his tone affectionate.
Alaric squealed in delight, reaching for Harrison with tiny hands. Harrison chuckled, lifting the boy from Orion’s lap and settling him against his chest.
“Someone’s in a good mood today,” Harrison said, bouncing Alaric gently.
“He gets that from you,” Orion said with a faint smile, his gaze softening as he watched his husband and son.
Sirius and Regulus entered moments later, Sirius’s confident stride contrasting with Regulus’s more measured approach. Both brothers had flourished in their respective ventures, their successes reflecting the stability and support that Harrison and Orion had fostered.
Sirius flopped into a chair, ruffling Alaric’s hair as he passed. “Morning, kiddo. You’re already stealing the show, as usual.”
Regulus took his seat with a small nod toward Harrison and Orion. “Any plans for today?”
Harrison glanced at Orion, his expression thoughtful. “I was thinking we could review the plans for the expansion of Sirius’s shop later. He’s got some interesting ideas about custom broom designs.”
Sirius grinned, leaning back in his chair. “You bet I do. I’ve been working on a prototype that could revolutionize Quidditch performance.”
Regulus arched an eyebrow. “And what about the apothecary? I’ve been experimenting with new potion formulas, and I could use some insight into distribution channels.”
Harrison nodded, his mind already calculating. “We’ll discuss that too. Your shop has the potential to become the leading supplier of advanced potions in the wizarding world.”
Orion listened quietly, his heart swelling with pride. This was the family he had always dreamed of—connected, supportive, and united in their efforts to build something greater than themselves.
A Conversation Between Husbands
Later that day, Orion and Harrison stood in the garden behind Peverell Manor, the lush greenery and softly glowing enchanted lanterns creating an atmosphere of serenity. Alaric toddled nearby under the watchful eye of Binks, who hovered protectively behind him.
Orion turned to Harrison, his expression contemplative. “I never imagined we would come this far in just a few years,” he said quietly. “You’ve brought so much into our lives—not just for me, but for Sirius and Regulus as well.”
Harrison smiled, taking Orion’s hand in his own. “I told you when we started this journey that my goal was to build a future, not just for us, but for everyone we care about. Seeing Sirius and Regulus thrive, watching Alaric grow—it’s everything I hoped for and more.”
Orion’s gaze softened, his gray eyes shining with quiet emotion. “You’ve given me more than I ever thought possible, Harrison. This family wouldn’t be what it is today without you.”
“And I couldn’t have done it without you,” Harrison replied, his tone sincere. “You’ve been my partner in every sense of the word. Together, we’ve created something extraordinary.”
As the two men stood together, watching their son explore the garden, the bond between them felt unbreakable. The Peverell and Black families had become one, their shared legacy stronger than ever.
And for the first time in decades, Orion felt at peace, knowing that the future was secure in the hands of the family they had built together.