Lionheart
Lost in thought, with a letter hanging from his right hand — almost on the verge of falling down —, the only sound in the room was the crackles from the fireplace and the eventual flip of a page, coming from Regulus.
Harry opened his mouth to speak, but the words didn't come out. Brows furrowed, he tightened his grip on the letter and looked at it again.
Lord Potter,
In no way this is a disregard for what you have done for our family. We are and will always be grateful for your help in keeping us safe, especially with pregnant Lily. However, I come to you to ask for your help once more.
I'm unaware if you know of my brother Charlus and his wife Dorea. They are the reason I am sending this letter to you, Mr Peverell. My brother and his wife are not under the safest wards, and with the war as it is, I fear their life might be at risk.
Therefore, I would like to know if, perhaps, allowing both Charlus and Dorea to live with the rest of us in the safe house would be possible. If it is possible, then I'd prefer if you could accompany me in escorting them here.
Best regards,
Lord Fleamont Henry Potter
Harry could feel a bit of sadness after reading the letter. He hadn't even thought of his great-uncle. After so long as the last Potter it was hard to imagine that he could've grown up with a family. Maybe in another life, Charlus would have taught Harry how to be a great potioneer like him; Or Fleamont would've taught him how to handle the Potter estate, and James would have taught him how to be better at Transfiguration like him.
The feeling of melancholia inside his chest came back after years of ignoring it. The sadness of never having anyone to rely on for so many years. So many years of crying inside the cupboard under the stairs and wishing for some unknown family member to come and rescue him. He had to stop a sob from escaping, but a tear still rolled down his cheek.
He jumped slightly when a hand fell on his shoulder. Looking up he saw his boyfriend with a concerned look in his eyes.
"What is it, Harry?", Regulus asked and tightened his grip on Harry's shoulders.
Shaking his head and opening his mouth, he tried to speak, but no words came. He put his hand to his chest and gripped his shirt. More tears came and he hiccuped.
Regulus bridged the gap between them and hugged his boyfriend, feeling Harry's head now on his shoulder. Even with a robe on, he could feel his shoulder getting wet.
"Shh... Shh", whispered Regulus in his partner's ear, rocking him side to side. "I'm here, darling."
Harry raised his head slightly and another hiccup came from with mouth. His face was red and his eyes were red. "I can't, Reggie," he said in a sorrowful tone. "I want them to know so bad, but I don't know if I can."
Regulus caressed his boyfriend's head and gave him a small kiss on his cheek. "Know what, baby? Who do you want to tell something to?"
"The-The Potters. I wanna tell them, Regulus. I wanna have a family. I can't stop thinking about how it could've been if they were alive when I was growing up. I hate my childhood so much. I want to have a family so bad". More tears came down his face as he spoke.
"Then let's go to them, Harry. We can go together and you'll tell them everything. They'll love you, Harry. Even if you are from the future you're still a member of their family."
Harry buried his head in Regulus' shoulder and inhaled his boyfriend's scent a few times before looking up again.
"Do you think so?", he asked in a whisper. "Do you think they'll want me?"
"Of course, Harry," He said while touching his face. "You're a great person. Anyone would be lucky to have you in their family."
Hedwyn then looked at him and gave him a small smile. Getting closer he touched their foreheads and sighed softly.
"I'd love that."
Regulus put an arm around Harry's waist and slowly helped him get up from the chair. The two then walked towards a desk in the corner.
"Let's write a letter to your grandfather then."
"He actually wants me to go with him to get Charlus and Dorea and bring them to the safe house. Maybe I can speak to all of them."
"Oh," Regulus said while watching Hedwyn sit on the chair by the table. "That can work. But I think it would be better to talk to the older Potters first. Your mother can get emotional when she learns about you and she should be as relaxed as possible now."
Nodding and getting parchment for the letter he answered "It's a good idea. Perhaps my grandparents and great-uncle Charlus can help me bring this issue with my parents after the other Harry is born."
Hedwyn didn't wait for the answer and started to write his letter. He then felt Regulus' hand on his shoulder; looking behind his shoulder he saw his boyfriend giving him an encouraging smile.
His chest felt warm now, and Regulus' support brought Harry new encouragement.
’I'll have my family back‘, he thought to himself. ’Me, Regulus, and everyone who should've never left.‘
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The sound of apparition echoed in the open country. The only building on site was a cottage made of old stone. The house is both old-looking and homely. Harry's heart felt more at peace at this place, and it was easy to understand why the Potters decided to build a home there
"Oh," Euphemia said with a smile. "We haven't been here in such a long time, Fleamont. Since your father still lived at Potter Manor."
Lord Potter's smile gave a feeling of when a child comes back home after a long time away. It was more clear than ever that the Potter family greatly cared for Pottery Cottage.
"It's a beautiful home," Harry couldn't help but say, even if in a whisper. Fleamont was still able to hear him and smiled at the young man beside him.
In silence, both Fleamont and Hedwyn walked towards the cottage, the air of the British countryside making the men feel more at home than ever.
Regulus and Euphemia talked to each other behind the men. Both were very aware of the way the lords in front of them were visibly more relaxed. Regulus knew the reason why, of course, but Euphemia simply assumed a Peverell would feel the familiar family magic in the air.
A man opened the door to the cottage and waited for the group to arrive at his doorstep. The man's hair and round glasses screamed Potter and Regulus had to laugh.
"I see the family has a favourite style."
Fleamont and Euphemia let out a joyous laugh and Harry smiled.
"I'm afraid we have, Mr Black," Fleamont answered.
"Regulus is fine Lord Potter," the Black Heir said with a smile.
"We must let go of the formalities here," Euphemia shook her head while saying. "Charlus won't abide by them anyway."
Fleamont had a smirk on his face when he spoke "My brother refuses to have good manners. It drove my parents crazy," he laughed while speaking.
"We have that in common, I'm afraid," Regulus said with a devious look in his eyes.
The four then smiled, knowing exactly how Sirius Black was.
"Walk faster, you old people," Charlus Potter shouted from afar.
Fleamont rolled his eyes at his brother's antics while Euphemia pretended to cough to hide a smile. Regulus snickered and Harry laughed openly.
When they got to the Pottery, Charlus greeted the guests and they all entered the home. Dorea was inside — sitting in a chair —, and very much pregnant, which shocked Harry. She got up and greeted them, hugging her great-nephew Regulus.
Once they were all sat, Harry looked at Regulus and the boy nodded to him.
"Well," Harry turned to the Potters to speak. "I must first apologise for forgetting to contact you two," He told Charlus and Dorea. "With so much happening recently, I completely forgot that you could be in danger as well. I feel really sorry about this, and I hope we can mend things."
"There is no need to apologise, Hedwyn," Charlus said and his wife nodded. "We understand you have other things to care for. No hard feelings. You being here now is what matters."
Harry smiled at his great-uncle with gratitude. "Thank you, Charlus. I actually want to talk to you all about some things, other than the protection of Dorea and Charlus."
"Go on Hedwyn," Fleamont said and the other nodded to him.
"First I would like to propose that Charlus and Dorea stay here, and I can cast the Fidelius Charm on the Pottery Cottage. The safe house is big but I don't you to feel claustrophobic with all those people in one house. And I'd like to connect the Pottery's floo with the one in the safe house."
"Oh, thanks a great idea!," Dorea said. "With me so close to giving birth, it would be better to not travel."
"I thought so," Harry said while glancing a Dorea's very obvious pregnant belly. "I think Fleamont and Euphemia being able to visit you will be beneficial as well. I'll have cast the Fidelius today, then; But because I think Dorea can be the secret keeper this time. Just don't give the secret to anyone and you'll be fine."
"That'll be easy," Dorea said with a smirk. "Merlin forbid I have to deal with Narcissa bothering me all day again. At least now I'll have an excuse."
Charles laughed at his wife's jab and put an arm around her shoulder.
"It seems that the question of safety has been dealt with," Euphemia pointed out. "What else would you like to speak about, Hedwyn?"
"It's less talking and more showing," he said and looked at Regulus. The boy then took out a box from his robes and enlarged it. "I'd like to show you some memories, but first I should advise you to remain calm, especially you Dorea — since you're pregnant?"
"What could be so serious for you to be so cautious?," Fleamont asked a bit wary. "I hope it's nothing bad."
Rubbing the back of his neck, Harry tried to release some tension by smiling. He was not sure he convinced anyone.
"It's no bad, per se. It's more something you'd be very surprised about," he gulped at the anxious looks the Potters were giving him. "I'm not, er, technically, from this time."
The room was silent for a moment and then Charlus barked a laugh. He continued laughing until he realised everyone else was still silent.
Fleamont was the first to break the silence. "Uhm. I assume this isn't a comedy bit you're doing, right?"
"Right," Harry muttered while rubbing his forehead. "I was given the opportunity to come back to the past and make a new life here; And as you can see I accepted the offer. I came from 1999, actually."
None of the Potters said a word. Harry felt more and more uncomfortable in the room. His determination was slowly running away from him.
’Perhaps it's time to show them the memories, Harry,‘ Death said in Hedwyn's mind.
He gave a nod and signalled to Regulus with a whispered "Now".
The Black Heir then got up and placed the pensieve in front of the Potters, enlarged it, and then got back to his seat.
"Hedwyn did show me his memories before so I advise you to keep your nerves down, especially you Aunt Dorea. His life was not... conventional, so do keep that in mind."
The Potters said nothing but all got up and stood in front of the pensieve. One by one they entered the pensieve, leaving an anxious Harry behind.
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Fleamont was the first to come out of the pensieve. His face was white as a ghost, eyes dull and sad. The others came just seconds after. All are clearly distraught by what they've seen.
Each went back to their seats. Euphemia and Dorea's eyes were red and Charlus had tears in the corners of his eyes.
"Unbelievable...," Fleamont said in a whisper. Shaking his head and looking at the floor with a thoughtful expression.
"I-I understand that it's a lot to take in, so you don't need to say something now."
Regulus took his boyfriend's hand and intertwined their fingers.
Harry opened his mouth to speak but stopped when his grandmother got up from her seat and walked towards him. Before he could even think he was enveloped in a hug.
"Oh, my dear," his grandmother said with a sad tone. "I'm so sorry you had to go through all of that."
The woman was clearly crying now while rocking her grandson side to side.
"I'm sorry we left you all alone, Harry," Euphemia caressed her grandson's hair while speaking.
Harry started to blink to stop the tears that were threatening to come. He let go of his boyfriend's hand and hugged his grandmother.
In a whispered tone he said "You don't need to apologise. It's not your fault."
Grandmother and grandson stayed in an embrace for a few more seconds before breaking apart. Euphemia said "You're here now. That's what matters," then gave Harry a smile and kissed his cheek.
Fleamont was the second to walk to Harry. The man didn't waste any time before hugging his grandson, so strongly that Harry lost his breath for a second.
Both men chuckled at the gasp Harry gave and hugged each other again. Fleamont then drew back and kissed Hedwyn's hair.
"I'm so happy you're here no, Harry," Fleamont's eyes were filled with tears when he spoke. He gave Harry a smile before hugging him tightly again. "You don't have to be alone anymore, lad."
Harry gave his grandfather a look of adoration and said "Thank you," while wiping the tears from his face. "You don't know how much this means to me."
Suddenly he was taken from Fleamont's embrace and the air was squished from his lungs again. "I knew you looked familiar!," Charlus said while hugging him tight. "The red hair is definitely not a Potter trait but the face can hide the truth! You really are a Potter," he ruffled his great-nephew's hair as he said.
Letting out a cheerful laugh, Harry said "Thank you, uncle. I'm happy to be part of the family."
"Come here and talk to your aunt, Harry. I'm too tired to stand up again," Dorea said while making a hug gesture with both arms. Hedwyn didn't even think twice before going towards her and giving her a gentle hug.
The Potters — including the family's newest addition — continued to hug each other and talk. Harry asked Dorea what was the baby's name, to which she brightly replied "Cygnus Charlus". They asked Harry about how his life was going in this new timeline. Euphemia even joked about marriage, which made Regulus and Harry blush, and Fleamont and Charlus laugh.
Regulus watched from his seat as his boyfriend joyously talked to his family. The sight brought a smile to the young Black's face. Seeing his partner so cheerful and relaxed — surrounded by people who accepted him — almost made him cry with joy. This sweet moment is one he will never forget.