Vita Nova
Sirius Black despised the Grimmauld Place #12. Everyone who knew him had at least an idea about just how much he hated it. Still, he chose to apparate there with Harry.
Walburga and Orion Black had, of course, heard of the events that occurred this evening. The Potters were killed. There was. A rumour that their son, Sirius had been the one to betray them. However, the two Black didn’t even consider that Sirius would do something like that, the boy was too loyal to the Potters for his own good. Kreacher had come to the living room to inform them of something.“Master Orion, Mistress Walburga. The blood traitor is back!” Sirius is back? Both of the Black’s fled to where Sirius had been waiting for them.
“Sirius!” Both said at the same time. “Father… Mother…”Sirius lowered his head. It was unbecoming of a Black. But it was not the time to comment on that. The baby that was sleeping in Sirius's arms was more important right now. “Is that … Harry Potter, Sirius?” Orion questioned. “Yes father, I couldn’t just leave him there. I’m his godfather for Merlin's sake!” This just proved to the two Blacks that Sirius had been innocent. No guilty man would come to the house they hate willingly. Unless, for something they’re too desperate. “Sirius, give the boy to Kreacher. We shall talk about this situation.” Walburga said while motioning to the living room Orion and herself had just come from. Sirius looked hesitant about giving Harry to Kreacher, but after an explanation about Harry being safe and taken care of he gave in and followed his parents into the living room.
"So. You currently have Harry Potter in your possession. But what purpose do you serve here? What is your demand? What plans do you harbour for the boy?” Orion questioned Sirius. “Father, as you know I am Harry’s godfather. It is my responsibility to take care of him. Hagrid had tried to take him from me. But I managed to get him back.” Sirius sighed. “Well… I need to hide him. Grimmauld Place is the safest place I could’ve thought of, because of the wards.” Regaining his posture Sirius came to the point. “I need a blood adoption potion.”
Were they hearing this correctly? “You dare contemplate him as the heir!? Certainly not. No half-blood will taint the legacy of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black with their presence.” Sirius knew Walburga would never make a halfblood her heir. But Sirius’s stubbornness wouldn’t let Harry be in danger as well. “Mother, we’ll change both the mother and the father. Harry will be a pureblood. I’m sure we can find someone from a minor pure blood line that would be willing… Or we can use some force?” That sentence brought some silence. Orion looked like he was deep in thoughts. “I would entertain the idea. The absence of a suitable heir for the Blacks is a concern. The Malfoy lad is hardly fitting for the Blacks; Lucius would undoubtedly influence him towards the Malfoy family interests.… However, brewing this potion is illegal. Naturally, we have everything we need; we are Blacks, after all.” Walburga looked like she was going to argue but something stopped her. “Fine, proceed, Kreacher!” “Yes Great Mistress Walburga!” “Is the Black potion supply still equipped with the blood adoption potion or are we compelled to prepare it ourselves?” Walburga asked with a stern voice.
Sirius thought about why they would even have the blood adoption potion in the stock. What's the point if the Blacks refuse to use it, all wrapped up in their pride and purity?
Kreacher popped away. However, came back not even a minute later, with the blackish red potion. After taking the potion, Walburga demanded some drops of Sirius’s blood. “Prick your hand, Sirius.” Sirius dropped 3 drops of blood into the potion and asked “What about the mothers’ blood?” “Kreacher! Fetch me some bloods of pure bloods - where were you hiding Sirius?” “France.” “Who had died in the last 1 year and resided in France! They must be from a minor pure blood!” Sirius couldn’t believe what his mother was doing. Stealing blood from a dead witch's family? But it is the most efficient and the safest way to complete the adoption.
When Kreacher popped away, Sirius went to the room Harry was in to retrieve him. Even though he came back to the living room there was no chatting or interaction between himself and his parents.
After an hour or two, Kreacher came with a small vile of blood. “Mistress Walburga ma’am! Kreacher found a good one!”. Sirius sat a bit straighter hugging Harry. “Continue Kreacher.” Walburga spat, intending to hear more knowledge about the witch. “Mistress. Kreacher has learned this girl be from an unknown house. They be small pure blood family. The girl be died when she was in England when a duel broke between Death Eaters and aurors. She be residing in Britain for 1 year, Mistress Walburga, when she died.” “Well what is her first name and family name?” This is the first time Orion had spoken since the greeting, if you could call that a greeting. “Her name be Adélaïde Yvonne Lemieux Master Orion.” It was a name that fit a pure blood witch. Walburga seemed to like it, she always liked fancy names herself. Muggle names do not fit at all. It also makes it worse that some light families started to use muggle names since muggleborns became more and more accepted, and began to bring their own culture into the wizarding world. Her background was also perfect for the little story they were going to make up.
“Let’s commence! The less I have to endure a halfblood the more bearable things will become.” Sirius wanted to yell at her but couldn’t, he was the one to come in and ask for help, they could decide not to help him anytime. So, for his godson's sake he didn’t say anything. After dropping three drops of Adélaïde’s blood, the blackish red potion which had gotten a bit redder after Sirius put his blood, turned bright blood red. “Give me the boy Sirius.” Sirius hesitated for which feels like the millionth time today. Though it is expected, no one knows what can happen with the majority of Blacks, his parents are definitely included. Walburga takes Harry onto her lap and pushes the vile to Harry’s mouth. Even if Harry had struggled against her grip for a minute or so, he finally gave in and drank the potion. It became messy, not what you expect from a 1 year and 3 month old.
The potion started to show its effects quickly though. First, his eyes became a beautiful and striking grey, then the other changes happened smoothly. What shocked the three Black was Harry’s hair, it was blonde. A pale and very light blond. What? “He definitely looks like a Black but does not obtain any features the pureblood girl from France has.” Everyone was confused. “Kreacher! Did you get me the wrong blood!” Walburga was fuming with anger. ‘What is this mess! What if he’s a halfblood again’ Walburga shivered at that thought. “Mistress Walburga, Kreacher be getting the blood that be matching with the french girl. Kreacher be performed identification spell.” One minute. Identification charm is a good idea. Walburga took out her wand “ Parens Idem! ”, above Harry’s head there was written Regulus Black and Callidora Malfoy, both of whom had died in the last 4 months. Everyone was in shock. How could this even be possible? The spell Walburga performed either. It can never be wrong.
“Retrieve the book I read a while ago, elucidating various magical adoptions. Authored, I believe, by my great great grandmother. I have a faint memory of a passage that applies in regarding our case.” Orion demands from Kreacher. “Of course Master Orion.” Sirius still cannot say anything as he couldn’t get out of the initial shock. He just watches every time with wide eyes, especially looking at Harry.
Side Effects of Blood Adoption
The Second Time Adoption
In instances of a secondary blood adoption, the adopted child is required to expel the previous blood essence from their prior adoption, concluding with reverting to their original familial lineage and form. The enigmatic response of the potion to this process has perplexed wizards and witches for centuries, with no conclusive understanding emerging. Should the family persist in their desire to adopt the child, they are obligated to prepare and administer the blood adoption potion once more, facilitating the reestablishment of the familial bond.
“The boy is not the spawn of the blood traitor and the mudblood! He is a Black! They kidnapped a Black, an affront to our pureblood lineage! My dearest son’s pureblood child!” Walburga was screaming about things like this. But Sirius was just standing, he was speechless. ‘Bloody hell.’ That’s the first thing he muttered. But how could this be possible? Regulus was dead. Callidora Malfoy was dead. And both have been seen a year ago, Malfoy didn’t look pregnant. Had she done a spell. But, no, that’s not possible. James had seen Callidora, Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy drinking fire whiskey together, and after he told Sirius about it, the two gryffindor had gossiped about it for an hour or two.
It was Orion who shouted “Silence!” That finally got the attention of the mother and son. Orion had an envelope in his hand. How did that get here? Sirius didn’t remember seeing it a moment ago. Looks like Sirius isn’t the only one that found the envelope strange because Walburga asked about the envelope. “Orion? Why is there an envelope in your possession?” “It is a letter, written by… Regulus. It was written 4 months ago, a few days before he died.” Everyone could sense the atmosphere in the room, it was not pleasant. No matter the situation they were in, they were going to be reading this, right now.
“Kreacher! Look after the baby while we’re reading this.” Walburga continued after a minute of silence. “Orion, read the letter! What are we waiting for!” After that Orion slowly opened the letter.
To whom gets a hold on this letter,
My name is Regulus Arcturus Black, the second son of Walburga and Orion Black. If this letter has found you, it signifies my demise. I don’t know when you’re reading this or who you are. However, I'd like you to understand the purpose behind this letter. The boy people have come to know as “Harry Potter” is my son whose birth name is Cassius Regulus Black. Allow me tell you how he became known as "Harry Potter.”
In December of 1980, my partner, Callidora Malfoy, and I discovered her pregnancy with Cassius. Owing to my allegiance to the dark side, we opted to keep this information confidential, as we harboured concerns about the potential repercussions from the light side. There have been rumours circulating that the light side will kidnap the children of dark families and raise them "right.", without the influence of dark arts.
Complications arose following Cassius's birth on July 26th, 1981, we found out Cassy had fallen ill. The illness is a well-known sickness to witches and wizards who have weak immune systems and magic. Any witch or wizard who caught the illness lived if they had a strong immune system and magic without the need of assistance of a mediwitch. Unfortunately, Cassy’s immune system had weakened significantly following the birth of our son. At the moment, healers are not readily available to those suspected of dark affiliations, leaving Cally without proper care. Even as I write this letter, as much as it pains me, I know deep down that she won't survive the illness. At least not without proper care.
I have to go on a mission tomorrow, 1st of July. I can’t guarantee my survival. Hence, Cassy and I deemed it prudent to entrust Cassius into the care of House Potter. It is a decision made with the intention of shielding Cassius from potential harm. I talked with them the day after Cassius was born. They have agreed to raise Cassius as their own, given the fact that James Potter was found to be infertile. Naturally, he came to terms with accepting Cassius into their family earlier than Lily Potter. We performed a blood adoption. After that, the Potters told me they haven’t seen anyone in a year or two. Except, Sirius had visited them once 2 months before Cassius was born. Lily wasn’t pregnant when Sirius came, thus we concluded that it was logical to make Cassius older with an ancient charm.
The decision to part with Cassius, my progeny, was a heavy one. However, it was a measure taken to prevent him from growing up amidst Muggles or Mudbloods. James Potter's lineage, through Dorea Potter, née Black, provided the best opportunity for Cassius to be nurtured with Pureblood values and knowledge.
If by chance Cassy and I live, we would not be able to announce Cassius as our own but we would have roles akin to an uncle and aunt.
Lastly, please let Cassius know how much Cassy and I love him. If he’s not old enough, say it when he is able to understand it. There are letters written to Cassius intended for him to open every year annually starting from the age of 7 and until he’s 17. Until Cassius becomes 11 the letters will reach you, whoever you are. If Cassius is older than 14 when he finds out about his heritage, all of the letters will be sent to him directly including this one. Should the reader not be Cassius, whoever you are, kindly ensure that these letters have been delivered to him.
P.S The name Cassius was decided on because it is an amalgamation of Cassidora and Lucius. The Malfoy siblings have a very close relationship, I remember Lucius speaking fondly of her as well as Cassidora. Thus, Cassy had wanted to reflect the bond between his brother and herself. Furthermore, Cassius has an extremely significant place in Astrology as well. Therefore aligns with my family’s cherished traditions. It is a very important tradition to carry on for us, Blacks, whatever one might say. I ask you not to change his name.
Heir R.A.B,
The Most Ancient and Noble House of Black Heir
No one was saying or doing anything. The first one to break the silence was Kreacher, surprisingly. “Master Regulus! He be having a son!” It might be the happiest Kreacher has ever been. Next it was Sirius, “How?” He whispered. “How could this be possible?..” “Sirius, you have found our family’s heir.” Walburga started, “It’s the only commendable act you’ve done!”. To Orion, who had been staring at the letter which was in his hands, “Regulus, my great son, ensured we had an heir! We have to tell everyone about this!” “Walburga, this is a miracle, indeed. However, we need to revert him to his original age before informing the extended family. Don’t you agree?” Walburga seemed to agree with this, but Sirius was not really pleased. “Harry should remain as it is, father!” “Shout your mouth, Sirius! You will not be the one responsible for the baby anymore! He’s not the Potter’s halfblooded brat, he’s a pureblooded Black, the heir.” Walburga yelled.
“Son, I can see why you would be angry and frustrated but you ought to let us do this.” Orion told him sternly. “This is a matter of family affairs. The ‘Harry Potter’ facade was a mere ruse to ensure Cassius’s safety. Now with the Potters out of the picture, there’s no need to continue the charade that Cassius is James and Lily Potter’s son.” Orion Black took a deep breath and continued after giving Sirius a bit of time to digest the words he had just said. “Sirius, you shall know that Cassius will be raised as the Black Family heir. However, you can play a part in his life, as his uncle, occasionally… This does not mean that you can interfere with his upbringing, keep your opinions to yourself. I do not want you drilling any of your traitorous beliefs. If we even suspect that you are disobeying these conditions you will be disowned for good this time. Not only being blasted off the tapestry like we had previously done, you will have a formal disownment with the ritual, like the traitor Andromeda.”
Sirius looked troubled. He was most likely debating whether he should obligate or not. After a few minutes of thinking he had come to a decision. “I…Father, I have no choice but to accept your offer, if you promise Harry and I safety. I have Dumbledore and most likely most of the magical Britain after me for betraying the Potter’s.” “Cassius! Not the filthy muggle name Harry!” Walburga screeched at Sirius. “Walburga, dear, please. Sirius, you shan’t call Cassius with the made up name. Nevertheless, I have told you that you could have a part in Cassius’s life, I have no intention of going against my word. You will be safe, unless you go against our rules. Naturally, being disowned means you will lose all of your protection provided from us. Cassius will obviously be safe, you should have no doubt there.”
“Now, let us get to age reversion!”
—————
“We must determine how his age was altered. If it was done using a spell, we'll need the book 'Ancient Spells For Magically Adopting A Child'. If it's a potion, we'll require the same author's Potions version of the book.” Orion seemed to be debating whether to use a potion or a counter spell. ‘Spells do not change mental development. If a spell had been used Cassius would be starting Hogwarts in 1992, like all the kids born in 1981.’ “Sirius, do you know when Cassius will start Hogwarts?”. ‘What kind of a question is that?’ Sirius rolled his eyes. “Obviously 1991, father. When else would he go?” “Have you and Potters seen the letter that includes his starting year and year mates excluding mudbloods.?” “I’ve seen it, father. It said 1991. James included it in one of his letters when he talked about Harry-“ “Cassius!” “Really, mother? Anyways, Har- Cassius being in the same year as most of the Slytherin’s children, Draco Malfoy is one of them,.”
“Very well. Kreacher! We require the book ‘Ancient Potions For Magically Adopting A Child’.”
“Kreacher be serving great master Orion” … “The book he be requesting.”
“There should be the counter potion in this book.”
Counter Age Alteration Potion
The formulation of the counter potion for the Age Alteration elixir necessitates meticulous attention during its brewing process. A mistake will not show via its colour or a blow up. The sole way to be aware of it is when the drinker of the potion starts to show the consequences.
These consequences have disastrous effects. Some consequences are magical core deprivation, leading to a potential loss of some magical abilities and, in severe instances, losing all magical abilities and becoming a squib. Furthermore, the possible outcomes may extend to loss of intelligence or death.
Please note that some of the materials needed to brew this potion are extremely expensive or border illegal/illegal.
“I presume we do possess this potion in the Black Family Stocks. However, Uncle Arcturus would be notified as the ingredients are undeniably expensive, with a considerable portion being illegal.” After all the talking she had come to the conclusion that they should inform the extended family after everything has been handled. Contrary to her son, Sirius’, thought, Walburga had the ability to think logically.
“We can’t let anyone know though!”
“Of course we are not going to inform anyone, foolish boy!” This boy was getting on her nerves now. “As I said, we’re not going to inform anyone of this until everything is settled, not even uncle! However, you don’t have the right to critique or say anything regarding our decisions.” Obviously, Sirius didn’t look like he was content with it. But he didn’t say anything back, so it didn’t matter.
Walburga and Orion ignored Sirius after that incident and decided to try and find a way to do this without informing anyone. So, Sirius decided to find Cassius for the time being. Not minding that he was probably asleep as it was well past midnight.
—————
Sirius slowly got into the room, seeing Cassius sleeping peacefully in a crib. “Harry..” Regulus’ son… Why didn’t Prongs tell me?… “Was it a good decision to take you here, Harry? You will be raised by the ideals of the Black family now. This is not right…” Cassius started crying.
“Filthy blood traitor Sirius! Go! Why you be here! You be speaking ill words to Young Master Cassius!” Kreacher apperated Sirius out of the room and turned his attention to Cassius.
—————
“It’s settled then I will write to father. We cannot brew it ourselves, neither of us are potions masters.”
“Yes. We’ll start tomorrow. I need my sleep-“
“Sirius? What are you doing?” Walburga questioned Sirius sternly. “Well… So, I may have been kicked out of H-Cassius’s room by Kreacher… I didn’t do anything though! Really!” “Sirius. What in the Merlins name did you do! I find it really hard to believe that!” “I swear mother, I didn’t do anything!”
Walburga decided to ignore Sirius for a few minutes and turned her attention towards her husband. “Orion, we should revise our conditions for Sirius. I don’t trust him enough to leave him alone with Cassius. We shall be with him when he interacts with Cassius.”
“Mother, I am fully capable of being alone with him!”
“Sirius. Currently I am extremely reluctant to leave you alone with my grandson.” “But” “No ‘buts’, son. I had thought you could at least show some respect to my wishes and not try to make Cassius against his family. It is extremely disrespectful. Do you understand where I am coming from? Cassius doesn’t even understand you, he’s not one, he is four months old. Are you that desperate, son?” By now Sirius at least had some decency to look kind of ashamed. Orions’ calm state has also decreased Walburgas anger. She had looked like she planned on murdering Sirius. Not exaggerating at all.
“I will be getting some fresh air. Do not disturb me.” Only Sirius and Orion left, in the room. There was an uncomfortable silence “We will be informing my father, Sirius, he is the Head of House. And, it is the only way to ensure that a minimum number of people and no one other than Blacks find out.” Sirius looked apprehensive about it but he, too, agreed. “I can’t believe I’m saying this. But, I agree. I only want the best for my godson.” “I know. I will write a letter to my father now.”
—————
Arcturus Black had been sitting at his designated seat in the Black Manor when the letter came. “Master Lord Black sir, you be having a letter from Master Orion.” Volpey, the house elf in charge of letters in the manor, said. “…It has been a while since he wrote to me, aside from special occasions… Volpey, tell Melania to not disturb me for a while.” Orion said, taking the letter out of Volpey’s hand.
What had happened that Orion only wanted me to know? Arcturus slowly opened the letter.
Dear Father,
I hope this missive finds you and Mother in good health. I have read from the daily prophet that mother’s new business is becoming successful. Let her know that I am glad that her business is going alright. Let me get to the point and not dwell on other things, though. Walburga, Sirius and I have recently uncovered some truth regarding our family. Yes, Sirius, my ‘disowned’ son. The supposed betrayer of the Potters.
On the present day, October 31st, Sirius arrived unannounced at Grimmauld Place while Walburga and I were in the living quarters. He apparated into the floo room, demanding for us. He had a baby in his hands. “Harry Potter”. He told us he wasn’t the one who betrayed the Potters and needed somewhere safe for the boy and himself. Dumbledore apparently left the boy in front of a muggles’ residence. How disgraceful, even a half blood wouldn’t deserve to be left with filthy muggles, including the ones that are not family.
We accepted, only because Sirius is of Black blood, even if disowned. Though, I have a feeling Walburga initially agreed with the thought of the Black family having an heir once more. Anyway, upon drinking the blood adoption potion, it became evident that he did not inherit the qualities of the French pureblood we chose, instead he bore a striking resemblance to Regulus, inheriting his mother Cassidora Malfoy's distinctive blond hair.
Turns out Regulus is Cassius’s father. Cassius Regulus Black is the actual name of “Harry Potter”. Regulus wrote a detailed, timed letter which explained everything in detail. I have enclosed you that letter as well. Apologies for not informing you sooner, father, but we agreed that the less people know the better. And, we didn’t know how well you would take the news.
There was an ageing potion in Cassius’s system. He requires the corresponding antidote to revert him back to his original age. Warburga and I are sure we have this potion in the Black family stocks. We checked. However, the ingredients are either illegal or extremely expensive. Your involvement, as the head of house, is indispensable in this matter.
I trust you to not share this information with others, not even with the other members of the family. You know how dangerous it will be for anyone to find out that Cassius was Harry Potter, even if the “prophecy” (I still think it is something made up by the light side) does not apply to him. He still survived the killing curse after all.
P.S We will be anticipating for you on November 1st. So we can hopefully discuss everything.
Sincerely yours,
Orion Black
The Most Ancient and Noble of Black
Arcturus was speechless. How could this even be possible? How did Regulus manage to hide this from him, from his family? It didn’t matter now though. Regulus was dead and left his son behind him. It was his duty as Cassius’ great grandfather and the head of the Black family. Also, now that they have an heir, the past glory of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black can be gained back. I shall take action immediately.
“Volpey! I will be departing for Grimmauld #12. Inform Melania that I will be gone for approximately a day as I have an immediate task that needs to be addressed. I'll update her on the situation when I return.”