Destiny is a choice

July 18th 1991

Regulus is sitting in the study when an owl taps at the closed window. He stands from his chair and his back pops in a few different places when he stretches. He unlatches the window and it springs open, allowing the owl inside. Giving Regulus the chance to release it of its two letters.

Miss. A. Black
Black Ancestral Home
Islington
London

Mr. H. Potter
Black Ancestral Home
Islington
London

“Kreacher.”

“Master Regulus calls?”

“Can you please tell Lupin to meet me in the music room? The letters are finally here.”

“The little lord and lady will be pleased. I shall tell the wolf.” Kreacher disappeared with a soft crack.

Remus was at the summer manor but he shouldn’t be too long. Grimmauld was still a haunting place for Regulus but it had also become home for him. The twins always came back here instead of spending nights at the manor. Regulus had hung some photos in the hallways. Pictures from over the years of them all together. He even put in the work to duplicate and frame some from Harry's year with his parents. It brightened the home to have so many happy moments out for them to enjoy. The door to the music room creaked softly as it opened but it was overwhelmed by the sounds of a violin and drums. Aurora has her eyes closed while her bow and fingers fly gracefully over the instrument. She sways slightly while she plays, lost in the music being created. He turns and looks at Harry who is headbanging and giving his all on his drum set. His eyes are closed and he too is lost in the movement of the music. They often dueted and enjoyed playing together. Regulus couldn't help the grin that came over his face.

The twins' relationship reminded him very much of his and Sirius' relationship before things went bad. They often bickered and got into a lot of fights but they often would knock others down for speaking bad of them. They protect each other as siblings should. A boy had been giving Harry a hard time about ballet lessons and Arie just walked up and broke his nose. According to her it gave a satisfying crunch. Regulus swore for a moment it was Lily Evans in front of him. Or the time when a bigger boy had shoved Aurora to the ground and called her a cunt, a muggle slur (Lupin had gripped the table so hard it splintered when he heard the story). Harry in all his glory had swung his backpack full of books at the other boy without hesitation. That was a Remus Lupin thing to do and it earned a Remus Lupin approved slice of chocolate cake. Those two spent too much time together. In a way that seemed true for most siblings he knew, Arie and Haz could be the world's biggest prats to each other but nobody else was allowed the same privilege. It was a strong united front. He often worried about them being sorted in the same house. Actually, he was scared for Hogwarts if they would be in separate houses.

They had been in here all morning and part of the afternoon practising. Only coming out for lunch and to make inquiries about the post. Enjoying a day off from summer lessons. Though Regulus had assured both of them many times he would come find them the moment the letters came. Over the years Regulus had the twins attend many various summer lessons over the years. They both choose an instrument to learn, ballroom and ballet classes. Harry joined the football team at the private school while Aurora learned to fence. They both became fluent in English, French, and Hindi. They had been taught proper behaviour expected of an heir and heiress. They had travelled over the years. Going to various magical and muggle places over time. Avoiding magic and muggle London or anywhere that was too close to home. He watched silently as their music came to a close. Aurora kept her eyes closed as she waited for her brother to start again but Harry had opened his eyes and was starting right at Regulus. A smile broke open on his face as he held up both letters. He jumped from his drums and ran straight towards him.

"They came! Our letters came." Harry's voice was full of glee and wonder.

Aurora immediately snapped her eyes open and looked at him. She turned and returned her own instrument to its stand before following after Harry to grab her own letter. Her pace was much slower.

"Papa, can we go to Diagon Alley tomorrow?"

"You said once our letters finally came we could."

Both of them are staring up at him. Harry had excitement written across his face while Aurora had sparks of joy fluttering in her eyes.

“You both would have to be up early if we went. Less people when the shops first start opening.” Remus spoke from where he was standing just outside the door. “I’m sure Regulus would like to be there for when you get your wands.”

“Oh yes, I’m sure Ollivander would like to know me and my wand are getting along just fine.”

…

The next morning the four of them made their way into diagon alley. Heading towards Ollivanders for their wands. Regulus would be leaving after the kids had found theirs but he didn't want to miss this moment. It was a magical moment when a wizard or witch found their wand. When the wand picks them, it chooses them. The bell chimed as the door swung open. Harry was immediately busy looking around at everything as they proceeded further into the shop. Aurora before entering the building had leaned herself against his shoulder and closed her eyes. His eyes trailed down to her wrist. The white gold charm bracelet was hidden under her jumper. It helped but the magic here would be more chaotic.

"You good, Ro?"

Her eyes opened at the question and she looked at Harry. "Yea, just you know." Her hand gestured around them to all the shelves.

Harry's eyes narrowed at the words and he beckoned her closer. Regulus couldn't hear what they said, but he watched as Lupin's mouth twitched upwards slightly while they spoke. He learned towards Regulus and softly spoke.

"She is complaining about all the magic in the room. It makes a lot of noise. I may need to talk to Barty about finding a way to strengthen the ruin work on that bracelet. We just keep hittig road blocks on how to strength them."

He gave a small nod at that comment, He understood that. Each and every wand sparked with its own bit of magic and the feel of it could be overwhelming. Regulus did not fully understand what Aurora was talking about. Him and Harry had a natural capability to be more sensitive to the feel of magic but they couldn’t hear it the same way she did. The twins had just turned back towards them; which is the moment Ollivander popped up to greet them. Aurora looked at Harry one more time and they both stepped forward at the same time. Irritation flashed over both of their faces but they said nothing about the moment.

"Ahhh, I have been waiting for you both. Which of you would like to go first."

Aurora stepped forward and stood patiently as Ollivander measured for her wand.

"Young Black, why do I feel like you'll be a difficult find like Lord Black was when he came here for his wands."

A soft smile crossed her face at those words. "We tend to be the dramatic kind of people, sir. We like to stand out."

Ollivander gave a small chuckle as he moved to grab various wands. After ten attempts and some blown up shelves. The older wizard took a small breath and thought for a moment. Regulus couldn't stop the smile on his face. For himself it was the twelfth wand, both times.

12 inch Willow wood, with a Phoenix core. Swishy flexible.

Regulus had worked hard to master healing spells, and learning counter courses. Finding your wand was a magical experience and he couldn't wait to find out what his kids ended up with. Both of his wands had been willow but this first core had been dragon heartstring.

"Okay, These are a few that I have had for a while. Give them a try and let us see if one works."

Aurora reached up and let her hand hover above the wands. She closed her eyes and gently moved her hand above the wands till she suddenly reached down and plucked one up. Her eyes opened and she gave a small swish. Purple sparks explode from the wand's tip. Ollivander gave a small hum.

"Interesting. That would be an 11 inch silver maple wood with a thestral core."

“Silver maple?” Aurora swished her wand again and more sparks shot out. A soft smile appeared as she took in the magic her wand made.

“Yes, Your grandmother's wand used wood from the same tree. This kind of tree comes from across the sea like your grandmother did. Both were taken from their home.”

“Grand-mere Walburga did not have a wand made from silver maple. She was born here and died here.”

“No, miss Black, I mean one of your other grandmothers. Euphemia Potter.” Regulus stared at Ollivander as he spoke. His heart ached at the implication of his words. It was another reminder on how things should have been different. She was supposed to go back to them.

“We use the same type of wood?”

“Same wood from the same tree. Not much is known about wands made from this wood as this is the second one I’ve sold since acquiring this type. Her wand's core was a unicorn hair. She was an exceptional witch much like your mother was.”

His eyes wandered back to Aurora. She stood holding her wand, her eyes going over it. The wand itself had small designs on its handle. He moved closer and saw that an ivy plant had been etched into the wood. It was no surprise Ollivander had figured out her true parentage. Wand makers had a scary sixth sense for all sorts of things. At least all the best ones did. It was almost like a seer who never developed into their powers fully.

"Mister Potter, are you ready for your turn?"

Harry nodded his head and stepped forward. Regulus would like to say Harry's turn went better, but his turn took even longer and caused ever more damage. They had just hit number twelve when Ollivander closed his eyes again. He opened them and looked at Harry, studying him for a moment.

"I wonder..."

Without finishing his sentence, he turned and quickly ducked into the back. He placed one single wand in front of Harry. With a small hesitant reach Harry picked up the wand and gave it a small swish. Gold sparks shot out of the wand.

"11 inches, Holly wood and another phoenix core. You would have a wand that is an unusual combination and the phoenix core."

Harry stared at the sparks before he spoke. "What about the phoenix core? Regulus has one too."

"Mister Potter, that core was shed from a phoenix that only had one other feather shed with it. That twin core was put in the very wand that gave you that scar." Everyone was quiet at those words. Before anyone could find the words to respond with, Remus stepped up at that moment finally speaking.

"Okay, we should get going now. We still have to make several more stops before the crowds start to show up."

Harry and Aurora both reached into their pockets and deposited their galleons on the counter before following Remus towards the door. He could hear them whispering about it and knew a conversation was coming when they got back from shopping. He felt sorry for Lupin. No doubt they would ambush him when given the chance.

"I expect great things from your children, Lord Black. I am sure Lily and James are proud of the parenting job you have done so far on their behalf."

Regulus stared at Ollivander for a moment before he spoke.

"Thank you. Everyday, I hope what I have to give is enough for them."

…

Remus led the children towards Madam Malkin’s. They had said a quick bye to Regulus before the three of them moved on. Regulus had muttered a quick good luck before he disappeared under the cloak.

“Remus?” He stopped walking and turned to face Aurora.

“Yes, Aurora?”

“May we also go to Twilfitt and Tattings after this? I like the robes sold here but I find their shirts and pants make my skin itch.” Aurora was looking downwards, scoffing her foot lightly against the pavement as she spoke.

“Of course we can.” She looked up at him quickly and he gave her a small comforting smile.

She gave a small smile back and they continued inside the store.The kids both picked out a wide range of wizarding robes for the school year. He watched as they picked out the best fabrics. They shopped with the ease of richer society in the way Sirius and James did. Yet, it was also different in the way they discussed which fabrics and charms would allow for school year growth and would be sturdy against the various spells and potions they would practise throughout the year. For Harry and Aurora it was not about being in with the trends. It was simply to find the best fabric to last through the school year without needing replacements. For James and Sirius it had always been about trends, not about what would last them. The twins shopped with a practical ease. They might come from money but Remus has still made sure to remind them not everyone has that option and not everyone likes handouts. He didn’t believe in spoiling and was the stricter parenting figure while Regulus was softer. Though Remus would die before ever admitting how soft the other man was when he was with his kids. After visiting both clothing stores Harry wanted to sneak a look into Eeylops Owl Emporium.

“Come on, uncle Moony! The list said we could have one pet! We aren’t allowed to take our snakes so we could at least have an owl or something.”

Aurora stepped ahead of them, opening the door so Harry could drag him through it. She beamed up at him as he was pulled through the door. After a moment Harry let go and disappeared to look at more of the owls further inside.

“I think having an owl for a pet would be nice. I don’t have to worry about whether the family owl is home or not. I can just send letters to my friends during the summer.”

“Plus, you can just let the owl meet you at Hogwarts instead of needing a carrier.”

Aurora hummed softly in agreement as they moved further into the store looking for Harry. They found him standing in front of two little cages. One had a snow owl while the other had a small tawny owl. Harry was cooing softly at the snow white owl who was staring back at him with wide eyes. Aurora stepped up to the tawny owl and gave a small hesitant smile at the small thing. Without a word and a flick of his wand both of the cages moved towards the front.

“Those two shall do nicely. Come along now and let’s see if they have anything else those pretty birds might need delivered to the manor.” Remus reached into pocket and pulled out his wallet.

“Uncle Moony, you don’t have to pay for the pets. We have money for the supplies.”

“I know and I want to. You both are going to be attending Hogwarts and deserve something for such a significant moment.”

“You mean since we made it this far without a second war starting?”

“Harry. Aurora. We can discuss what happened at Ollivanders when we get home. This is not the time or space.”

“We could stop for some ice cream and you can cast some of those handy privacy spells.”

“Aurora, your papa would also probably like to be present for this conversation.”

“He could have stayed.”

“Harry-”

“I want to talk about it now.”

Remus felt his head starting to hurt. He sometimes preferred when the two were fighting each other verse having a go at him. The second war had not once been a secret in that household. Regulus had said to him it was more a curse on the family. That no one who was to witness what Aurora did when she made eye contact with people would stay sane for long. Remus could not imagine what it would be like to witness everything in someone else's life just by making simple eye contact. Her only saving grace was the Potter magic. The natural occlumency shields seemed to be holding but they still had their fears over it failing one day.

“Moony.”

“We can go for ice cream. Just please hold your questions and thoughts till we have the charms set up.”

They had only been to four stores so far and the sun was already stretching to reach its high point in the sky. They sat inside at a booth where Remus could cast the privacy spells. They still needed to pick up things and they would be lucky to not have people notice them before they finished up all their shopping.The most ancient and most noble house of Black had sent many letters over the years to have books correct the story of what happened on halloween night. That a baby did not win the last war but it was in fact the work of a muggleborn woman, named Lily Evans. It was a very public statement. Considering some of the bigger supporters of the dark lord had been related to the Blacks in some way.

“Remus, why does my wand have the same twin core of his wand?” The word comes out venomous.

Harry was a happy kid. A wonderful, smart, kind kid. He reminded him so much of Lily. Except for when they talked about this. Talk of the war always seemed to bring anger out of the child in front of him. Remus would find himself staring at a young unforgiving, angry James Potter. The side of James that always scared him a little, the side of his best mate that made him a ruthless bully sometimes. His eyes wandered up to the scar. One of the biggest differences, besides the green eyes.

“If I had to wager a guess it would be because of that cursed scar on your forehead.”

Harry's hand reached upwards and his fingers lightly traced it. The original pattern of the scar was the most obvious, the swish the avada made when cast at him. However, it was like it exploded. Making it look more like a lightning strike instead of a bolt. Harry refused to cover it. I survived the killing curse, Moony.

“You and the others are going to be running tests on it again?”

“Yes, that is a very real possibility.”

“If they come back with nothing?”

Remus flashed a smile at Harry.

“It’s a good thing we are going to north america after the next full. We can raid the different magical book stores across the sea and see if we can find any new information on curse scars.”

“We’re going on vacation this summer?” Aurora's head snapped up from where she had been focused on her ice cream.

“Have we ever missed going somewhere for summer vacation?”

“You and Regulus didn’t say anything!” Harry shouted from where he sat.

“I know. We worked very hard to keep this from both of you.”

Both of them turned to look at each other. Remus continued to eat his ice cream while the two had their silent argument. He won for now but the battle would resume once they got back. Hopefully Regulus will have called for backup.