Time and Sacrifice: Book 1

Writings

Flashbacks

Silent communication

........................

When Dumbledore had finished talking the room became deafly quiet. 

Harry was cold, numb. It felt as though his entire body had been dumped into freezing water. Cold rivulets of the water sending chills up and down his spine. He wanted to scream. His throat felt as though something was trying to choke the words out of him. Breathing became difficult. Thoughts became just as hard. Dizziness swept through Harry. He knew he wouldn't be able to form a coherent sentence, he couldn't even string a thought together.

Finally, one thought pierced the molasses that had taken over his mind.

"Why is it always me?"

The only thing that kept him from floating away and suffocating was the feeling of Sirius' arm around his shoulders and Fred's hand holding his. 

Harry closed his eyes and tried to take a deep breath. 

Seven books.

Seven books all about him.

His life. 

His thoughts. 

His feelings. 

Everything he's done.

Everything he will do. 

How much of his personal life will be aired? How much of the Dursley's, the way they raised him? How they abu...treated him? 

Will the cupboard be mentioned?

What about all his feelings? Loneliness? Helplessness? Fear? Love?

Will his feelings for Fred be read to everyone? The extent of them that Harry hasn't even told Fred himself.

His secrets? Not just the ones from his childhood with the Dursleys but the ones from Hogwarts? His Invisibility Cloak? The Polyjuice Potion? The Time-Turner? Everything with the tournament? His detentions with Umbridge?

"They can't do that. You can't let them, Headmaster." Hermione was the first to break the silence. Her voice was filled with indignation and fury.

"I'm afraid there is nothing I can do. It's out of my hands." Dumbledore's voice is sad and regretful. It also holds something else. 

"It's a total breach of privacy. There's no way this is right. There's no way it can be legal." Her voice was like ice yet burned with passion. Hermione always fought with everything she had for those she considered friends and family. 

"That matters little to the Minister and Professor Umbridge. They are determined to see it through." His words do little to douse the raging fire behind Hermione's eyes. Instead, it manages to set Ron off.

"Hypocrites! The lot of them. Going on for months about Harry being a criminal and liar. Yet what they're planning to do is criminal." His best mates face is an alarming shade of red. 

"I know you're all upset..." Dumbledore didn't get a chance to finish.

"Upset? Upset doesn't cover what we're feeling, Headmaster. You can't just expect us to just let this happen and not do anything about it." Ginny doesn't bother to hide the viciousness in her voice.

"It's not right what they're trying to do. You can't think we'll let it happen." The intensity and protectiveness in George's voice is clear for all to hear.

"Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do." The Headmaster continues to speak calmly.

"I think you'll find, Headmaster, there are very few things we can't or won't do for family. Harry is family." The emotion in Fred's voice was like the eye of a storm.

Where Dumbledore was able to brush aside the anger in the other's voices, the raw brutality in Fred's voice gave him pause.

"I understand..." Once again, the Headmaster was cut off by a Weasley, this time it was Fred. 

Harry could tell by the tension in his boyfriend's body that he was not going to be merciful with his words. He was coiled like a snake, ready to strike, to hurt, to kill. 

"You understand nothing." The seething rage in Fred's voice quiets all sound. The temperature in the room drops and the fire nearly goes out with the power of Fred's fury smothering everything in the room. 

"How could you understand? You're not there. You're not there day after day, night after night, nightmare after nightmare. I am. You don't see the toll it takes on him. You don't see the shadows in his eyes. You think you do, but you don't, not to the full extent. It is because of you that he has lived through most of what he has. The Dursleys'? I believe we both know the extent of that, and it all lies at your feet, Headmaster." The contempt in Fred's voice shocks even Harry. 

"How much of what Harry's been through can be blamed on you? How much of it could have been stopped if you had acted? How much happened because of the actions you had taken? It may be the Minister and Umbridge that are demanding the reading, but how much of what will be read be because of what you had caused?" Harry could see Fred's words were worse than a physical blow to the aged Headmaster. He watched as Dumbledore bore each blow rained down on him. Saw the minute tremble in his hands, the shaky inhale of breath. 

"I know you all are angry, and rightfully so, but I believe there is more than meets the eye here. Why this is necessary." Dumbledore tried to calm the raging fire with Fred, within all his friends

"There's nothing necessary about it. It's Harry's thoughts. His feelings, his life. It's everything he's been through. Everything he will be through. It's his life on full display for everyone to read about. For everyone to hear." Ron's short speech sends Harry's mind into overdrive.

His life. 

Everything he's been through. 

His time at Hogwarts.

Everything plays out in his head.

Everything he has been through these past few years. 

The Philosopher's Stone. Quirrell. The Chamber of Secrets. Tom Riddle's diary. Sirius. His name coming out of the Goblet of Fire. Cedric dying. Voldemort returning.

Voldemort returning.

Sirius.

Sirius.

Harry realizes why Dumbledore believes that the reading is necessary. Why he didn't put up a bigger fight. 

"Me. It's because of me that it's necessary." Harry caught Dumbledore's eye for the first time in weeks, and for the first time Dumbledore didn't look away. 

"You believe I'm the one that sent those books back in time. That I'm the one behind all of it." It makes perfect sense to Harry. 

"Yes, that is what I believe." He didn't need the confirmation; he already knew the truth. Harry still appreciated it though. 

"Why? Why would Harry do something like that to himself? It doesn't make sense. He hates attention of any kind." Ginny was only half right; he did hate the attention others gave him. 

He may hate attention, but there isn't anything he wouldn't do to stop Voldemort. 

To free Sirius. 

"It makes perfect sense. The books are from my point of view. I would be needed for the making of those books for that reason alone." It was his life, everything about himself was written in those pages. 

"I witnessed Voldemort’s return last June. If the books are about me, there's no way that the graveyard won't come up." As much as he didn't want to relive it, it was proof that Voldemort was back. 

"If that wasn't incentive enough for me to go through it, there's one thing that definitely is." One thing that he tried to do nearly three years ago. Something that would make him happier than anything in the world. 

Sirius.

His father. 

His dad.

Turning to the very man Harry caught his eyes. Shining emerald met molten silver. 

"You." Harry watched as Sirius took a deep, staggering breath, and closed his eyes. From behind the dark lashes, a tear escaped. Felt the minute tremble of his father's body so close next to his. 

"My third year. What happened at the end of the year in the Shrieking Shack. The truth of what happened. If that gets revealed, you'll be free. I'd do anything for you to be free. For us to be a family with no fear of what could happen." He'll be able to give Sirius his freedom after Sirius just gave him a family of his own.

"I know, Harry, I know. There's nothing I wouldn't do for you either." Harry didn't doubt the words Sirius had spoken for one second. Between the Blood Adoption and him breaking out of Azkaban, how could there ever be doubt of that in Harry's mind?

"You would be free. That's why Madame Bones must be present. She's Head of the DMLE. We would need her to know the truth for you to be declared innocent. From my trial over the summer, I would've known she would be an ally, someone who would listen and do the right thing." The hope in Harry blossomed even more.

Sirius will be free.

He can be with his dad.

Harry watched as the flow of Sirius' tears increased. Felt as the man pulled him close and held him. 

His dad would be worth every second, every word that was read. 

"I love you, Harry. Nothing would make me happier than to be found not guilty so I can raise you like I was always supposed to." Each time Harry heard his dad say he loved him, it felt like his heart would beat out of his chest. He never thought that he would hear those words from a parent who was warm and alive. 

"But I don't want that to come at your expense. I'm not worth that." He's worth it all. Harry has to let Sirius know that. Sirius would do the same for him if the roles were reversed. He's already sacrificed so much for Harry. 

Pulling himself away Harry looked into his father's eyes. In the liquid silver Harry saw what he felt. An unconditional love for the person in front of them. A willingness to do anything and everything they could for the other. 

"You are to me, Padfoot. I know I don't have a choice in the matter but if I did, I would choose to do it. For you. Regardless of everything else, you'd be my first reason." Last year his father risked being caught and Kissed. Survived in a cave on a diet that consisted barely more than rats and other rodents. Bore the cold weather and elements day after day, night after night. All so he could be close to Harry after his name came out of the Goblet of Fire. In case something happened, he could be right there for him. Like he was after the third task.

The least Harry could do is read a few books about himself. 

Harry felt Sirius kiss his head once more and couldn't help but melt into it. 

It was a short moment of peace in a time rife with chaos. 

That peace was broken by the sound of knocking at the door.

"Ah, I believe that will be Minerva and Severus at the door." Harry was surprised to hear the choked emotion in the Headmaster's voice. Realizing it may be from Sirius and himself and their display of open affection, Harry felt his face turn red and ducked his head. 

"I'll get that." Remus' calm voice in the center of so much that has happened and had been revealed today was like a balm to Harry. 

He knew he would be relying on both men and the people who currently surround him in the coming days. 

He couldn't help it; he looked up and his eye caught Fred's.

His face was filled with a million emotions, but the most dominant one was soft happiness, followed by a question.

Harry knew it was because of the way he and Sirius had acted towards each other. He knew he would have to explain the changed status of their relationship to his boyfriend and best friends. 

Harry was nervous about it but at the same time he was overjoyed. He has a father. A father who was alive and loved him. 

If anyone could understand how happy Harry was at that revelation, it would be the Weasleys. Family is the most important thing to them.

Moments later, Remus returned with Professor McGonagall and Snape in tow. He was surprised to see Snape's face was devoid of venom. Especially while being surrounded by Gryffindors, and the last two surviving Marauders. 

"Headmaster, the rooms have been set and are ready for when all the guests arrive," Professor McGonagall said, her voice the coldest and shortest Harry has ever heard. Harry was surprised by its clipped nature as it was directed at Dumbledore. 

One thought ran through Harry’s mind.

"Better him than me."

Harry felt a tiny bit of pity rise up for the aged Headmaster. He wouldn't wish Professor McGonagall's fury on anyone.

Well, perhaps Umbridge.

"Thank you, Minerva. Severus." Dumbledore didn't sound surprised at the tone Professor McGonagall had used. Although he did see the barest of flinches. 

There was no faulting the Headmaster for his reaction. 

Their Head of House could be downright terrifying.

If Professor McGonagall sounded like that while talking to him, he'd be more petrified than he was while facing Voldemort.

Snape didn't respond at all except with a sharp nod of his head. His face remained blank, neutral. Not revealing a single thought or emotion. 

Harry watched as his Head of House turned away from the Headmaster and focused her attention on him. The moment her eyes landed on Harry, her cold demeanor melted and a warmth that was rarely seen from her washed across her features and shone in her eyes. 

"I assume the Headmaster has informed you of what is to happen." Her voice is filled with the deep care that she holds for her students, except the slightest chill at Dumbledore's title. At Harry's nod she continued. 

"I want you to know that if you need me for anything I will do whatever I can. Whatever is within my power to do." The honesty and conviction in her voice soothes a part of Harry. It makes him happy to know that she's on his side. 

"Thank you, Professor. It means a lot to me." Harry can tell that she can hear the sincerity in his voice. She offers him one of her rare smiles. 

"I mean it, Harry. I'm against this. I don't believe that this should be allowed to happen. I believe we should do more to fight it, but it seems others disagree with me." He watches as her eyes flick to Dumbledore and gives him a look of disappointment and fury. 

"I believe that fight was lost before we knew it even started. The only thing we can do now is gain as much as we can from the position we find ourselves in. Try to gain more than we lose." His father will get his freedom, Harry feels like he already won. He'll take the punches that come later. It'll be worth it. 

"Adapt and change. Use it to your advantage. Survive." Snape's deep baritone filled the room, the usual bite in his voice missing. Replacing it was an emotion he had never heard from the man before. He couldn't put his finger on what it was.

"You can't fight a storm. The only thing you can do is ride it out. It's a wise plan. Resourceful. Clever." Harry couldn't help the way that his jaw dropped at what would seem to be a compliment Snape had given him. Looking at his friends, he's not the only one. 

"You mean Slytherin." Sirius' voice cuts in. Harry can't read the emotion in his voice. Although it lacks its usual hostility and bite that it carries when he addresses Snape. 

Harry watches the two men. 

"Indeed." Snape's voice echoed around the silent room. Everyone was as still and silent as possible. Knowing that when the two men are in such close proximity to each other, the smallest thing can trigger a fight between the two.

It seems that Snape saw something that he had not expected in Sirius' eyes. A brief look of slight surprise crossed the Potion Master's features. 

"You approve." Snape's surprise was clear to hear. 

"Why wouldn't I?" As was the challenge in Sirius'. 

Harry stopped short.

Sirius was challenging Snape. Challenging the fact that he would approve, that he would be proud, that Harry had just said something Slytherin. 

His sorting will be in the books. The fact that Harry was almost made a Slytherin will be revealed.

How didn't he not think of that before?

Maybe it didn't matter. If Sirius didn't care, if he approved of his Slytherin qualities, maybe he wouldn't be upset that he had nearly been sorted into the House of Snakes instead of becoming a Lion. 

"Considering your dislike of all things Slytherin I would have assumed you would take it as an insult." Snape raised a single eyebrow, questioning the validity of Sirius' question.

"My brother was a Slytherin." Harry could tell it took everything in Sirius to hide the pain at mentioning his younger brother. Remembering how Regulus' memory nearly brought Sirius to tears.

"I didn't believe that mattered." The bite that was previously absent in Snape's voice came back. Some of the old hatred and animosity that was evident during the holidays started to gleam in the blackness of his eyes. 

Quicker than Harry had ever witnessed anyone move in his entire life, Sirius was up and out of his seat standing no further than a foot away from Snape.

It was at that moment that Harry understood everything his father had said about the Black Family.

His father's family.

His father himself.

Blacks were the Oldest and most powerful family in all of Europe. The knowledge of Magick they hold, that they have access to, is vast and extensive. They trained in dueling from the moment they could hold a wand. Their age was never a factor in the brutality, ferocity with which they were trained. 

Sirius, as the Heir, would have had to be quicker, stronger, and better than the rest. 

It was up to him to carry on the family line. 

His mother would've never allowed him to forget that. 

Looking at the others in the room, Harry could tell that they too were affected by his father right now. 

Power emitted from Sirius in waves. The smell of ozone thick and heavy clouding his mind and senses. Sirius was a storm of Magick, strong and unyielding. Demanding all in its wake. Omnipotent in its intensity and sheer volume.

Ancient.

So very, very Olde.

It felt as though it would bend, and break Hogwarts should that become his wish. 

Harry couldn't help but take in his friends’ reactions. 

Hermione face was etched in fear and anxiousness. One hand over her mouth as though she was trying to hold in her scream, afraid that if she moved it would tear its way out of her throat. The other hand was placed over her chest as though she was trying to keep her heart from pounding out of its place. Her hair was standing on end from the energy that charged the room due to the amount of Magick Sirius had released.

Ron was ghostly. His eyes wide and terrified. Abject horror written across his features that was not even present there when they believed Sirius was there to kill Harry in third year. His one hand had grabbed Hermione's knee while the other had grabbed Ginny's hand. Afraid he would lose them in the storm that had become Sirius. 

Ginny seemed to be faring better than the others. This did not surprise Harry in the least. Ron and Hermione may have been with him through nearly everything, and Fred and George may be older. However, Ginny had suffered through horror that none of them would ever truly understand. She had spent a full year with a young Voldemort leeching her soul from her. Possessing her mind and body to where she was no more than a marionette on strings, dancing to the Riddle that was Tom. It was with intimate knowledge that she was able to tell the difference between someone who was lashing out because they were hurting and livid, and someone who had genuine malicious intent on causing pain and destruction.

Nonetheless, Harry could still see that Ginny was affected by Sirius' Magick. Her face was paler than moonlight, eyes as wide as saucers. It wasn’t fear that were held in eyes that were usually warm and sweet like the cinnamon they resembled, but trepidation and worry. A fear at what Sirius could possibly do in the state he was in, rather than fear of the man himself. 

George had managed to shift his body to position himself in front of his younger siblings, Hermione, and Harry himself. From the slight shift of the body next to his, Harry knew that Fred mirrored his brother. Ever the older, protective brothers, they're ready to take the brunt of any possibility that could harm their younger siblings, and Harry. 

There was worry etched onto George's features. Fear at the possibility that those he loved could be potentially harmed by the onslaught of indescribable raw power emitting from Sirius. Harry was grateful to see that the fear wasn't of his father himself. Perceptive and attuned to the emotions of those around him, George's eyes held a sheen of tears from the pain Sirius had felt at the mention of his long dead brother. The burning rage and indignation in the blue irises that nearly mirrored his twins, on his father's behalf at the insinuation that his father did not care for his baby brother. 

Harry realized there was a similarity in each their eyes. A look that Harry couldn't place for a brief moment, when suddenly he it came to him. It was a deep understanding. In a family that had seven siblings, if anyone could understand the complicated relationships between siblings it would be the Weasley's. Especially, this year and the strained relationship between Percy and the rest of the Weasley family. Even with the deep aching sense of betrayal they all felt Percy had committed against the family, if something were to happen to him, if he were to die, it would devastate them. Even with the rift between Percy and the rest of the family, at the end of the day, he's still their brother and they love him.

Harry's eyes grazed over the Headmaster and both Professors. They didn't fare much better compared to their student's. 

All three looked ashen. As though they had never seen Sirius before. It was clear to see that none had believed that Sirius was capable  and held such raw Magick. The full force of the Black Family Magick wreaking havoc within the confined four walls. The control Sirius had over it, for if he did not, Hogwarts may not still be standing. 

He felt a warm firm hand wrap around the base of the back of his neck. Its grip wasn't painful or forceful.

It was grounding. 

Remus. 

If anyone knew what effect Black Family Magick has, it would be Remus. Especially to a Black. 

Remus didn't feel as though he needed to protect Harry in this moment. He knew Harry's Magick would be reaching for his father's.

It wanted to join his father's side.

Unlike his friends and the other occupants in the room, the Magick pouring out of his father wasn't oppressive. It didn't choke the air out of room, suffocating him. 

He felt his blood sing. His Magick wanted to reach out and touch his father's. 

It felt protective.

Loving. 

Familiar. 

This was Black Family Magick.

His family.

His father. 

Harry felt the hand at his neck tightened ever so slightly. He snapped his eyes opened, not remembering when he closed them in the first place. 

Harry's eyes then snapped to Fred's when he felt his hand being squeezed.

Fred was staring at him. His face was whiter than the first snowfalls over Hogwarts. His freckles stark against his complexion, standing out like the brightest stars against the night sky. Hair redder, more startling, and vibrant in hue than he's ever seen it due to how pale he now looked. 

This wasn't the first time Fred had felt Magick like this. 

Harry saw in Fred's eye that he sensed a familiarity of his and his father's Magick

How many times had Fred witness Harry in a similar state, especially this year? How many times had Harry allowed himself to be vulnerable with Fred? How many times did he let his walls crumble and release everything, including his Magick?

Fred knew there was something, but he didn't understand what.

Harry already intended to tell Fred, but if he hadn't, he would definitely have to know. 

“He was my brother and I loved him. I loved him regardless of his House!” The ferocity and agony that engulfs his father’s voice creates a chasm in his own heart. All the pain that his dad endured throughout his life is brought to the forefront of Harry’s mind.

It amazes Harry that he hasn’t buckled and broken under the enormity of it all.

“I never hated Slytherin. I hated what the House did to him. How it pushed Regulus to Him more than our parents ever could. He was too soft, too kind, too good to have survived the dungeons at that time. With the likes of the Junior Death Eaters. Slytherin House is the reason why my brother is dead. Had he been put in any other House, he may have had a fighting chance of surviving the bloody war.” His voice is like an ice storm, quiet, biting. It tears through you mercilessly. The viciousness of it tearing through flesh, creating weeping wounds that warm blood burns when it touches cold flesh. Before it too freezes over. The howling of the wind echoing the pain that his father will forever feel at the loss of his brother.

It was that moment that Harry realized that his father’s hate for Slytherin wasn’t because of the reputation it has, it’s because he blames it for taking one of the few things that was good in his life, Regulus. 

“And you? Where were you?” Snape's voice held a quality that Harry had never heard from the man before. Under the scorn and bitterness was a deep sadness and helplessness. It was mournful. He too grieved for Regulus Black.

“I was there!” The sharpness in Sirius’ voice belied the tears gathered in his eyes. Eyes that Harry had seen cry too much already today. How much more pain was his father supposed to endure?

“I was always there.” It was quiet but no less intense. The heartbreak clear for all to hear.

Harry wanted to run to his father when he witnessed the man close his eyes and take an agonizingly slow breath.

Suddenly, mercurial eyes snapped opened attempting to scorch the one in their sight.

“I was there. Then, I was lying, near death, in the middle of the Forbidden Forest. Courtesy of Dolohov, Rosier, McNair, Rowle, Travers, and Rabastan LeStrange. I’m sure you heard of what happened.” Harry's attention snapped to Professor McGonagall when he heard her let out a short quiet sob. She took a staggering step back, shaking her head as if trying to rid herself of memories to horrific to witness once more. She would have collapsed had George not caught her in time.

It was the Professor’s reaction that reminded Harry that she had been part of the search party to find Sirius. That she arrived after Remus and his father. Had seen for her own eyes what was done to Sirius as he lay dying on the forest ground.

Professor McGonagall was the Head of Gryffindor House. She was once Sirius’ Head of House. The Professor deeply cared for all her Lions. Harry remembered how she had been when the petrifications had happened during his second year. How she would go to visit her students every day. Had witnessed the tears in her eyes when he had been visiting Hermione at the same time.

There is no doubt in Harry’s mind that she would have been there for Sirius as well. Would have checked up on him repeatedly, made sure that he was healing. It would’ve been so much more painful for her than his second year. Then, Hermione and Colin were frozen but relatively unharmed. There was no doubt that they would make a full recovery once the Mandrakes were ready.

Sirius had been near death. Broken and bleeding. He had been tortured. Denied the chance of ever having his own family at the age of 15.

To witness how much his father’s pain affected her, to see the care and affection she still held for him throughout all the years and everything that had happened, a well of emotion for the Transfiguration teacher had engulfed Harry. 

“Tell me Severus, why do you think they attacked me? Do you think the only reason was because I ran away from home? That my running away made me open game?” Sirius’ question was more dare. Held more bite to it as if challenging the Potion Master to be honest with himself.

“I was still the Heir.” His eyes were flecks of ice. The coldness of them piercing. Snape was frozen in place, they all were. Unable to move as the Magick in the air felt charged and was pressing them down from all directions.

“I remain the Heir of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black.” There’s a finality to the words. A weight to them that all present could feel.

Harry felt his father’s Magick wrap around him. Felt as his Magick surged up in response to meet it. To greet his father’s and welcome him openly and completely.

Remus’ hand clamped tighter on him.

“The Blacks are the Oldest and most powerful family in Europe. They had Bella, but she wasn’t part of the main branch.” Those in the room were witnessing a taste of the Black Family Magick. No one in the room would try to deny the validity of his father’s words. The truth in them was unmistakable. His father wasn’t bragging, he was simply stating a fact. 

“I made my opinion of Voldemort and his followers extremely clear. They knew that I would never join." Harry was brought back to that night he first met Sirius in the Shrieking Shack. The fury that had emitted from him when he had talked of Pettigrew turning traitor. That Sirius, his father, would die before betraying his friends.

That he would die before joining Voldemort.

“They settled for the next best thing.” Sirius' voice was hollow, empty. Like the pain had created a hole so deep inside of him that there was no chance he would ever heal.

Snape closed his eyes in pain. Knowing what Sirius was going to say next, and the ache it will bring. The grief that is still ripe for both men as though the wound was only inflicted yesterday.

“They went for Regulus.” Harry watched as the agony ripped through both men. They knew it was coming, had tried to brace for it, but also knew that nothing could cauterize a wound so deep it bleeds to this day.

“They thought that after what they had done to me that he would be made Heir. Thought that they could give the Heir of the Black Family to their master.” It was silent but they all heard it

"To your master."

The flinch from Snape showed he heard it as well.

"They didn't realize that my grandfather would keep me on as Heir even after what had happened. Didn't ever consider that Arcturus Black wouldn't change the Heir to someone who he knew could continue the family line." A dark mockery of humor and surprise laced his father's voice. Words light and airy on a subject laced with loss and horror.

"I'm sure you were all surprised, knowing what was taken from me in that Forest." Sirius spoke as if they were only discussing a past joke. A roguish half smile that was feral in nature adorning his face.

"I wasn't a part of that. I only found out after the fact." There's an intensity in Snape's obsidian eyes as he meets the steel of Sirius'. 

"I believe you." Harry can tell that his father is being honest. He doesn't like Snape, their history is wrought with deeper animosity than what Harry had initially realized, but his father believes the other man in that moment. 

"But don't ever question where I was when it comes to Regulus again. I was there. I was always there." The pain and honesty in his voice rips through Harry.

His father would never leave behind someone he loves. He would endure so they wouldn't have to. Die in their place. 

"It became unbearable for him when you ran away. You don't know what it did to him." The accusation sounded hollow. Like Snape didn't believe it himself anymore but the hurt was so old, profound and longstanding that he had to voice it. He sounded more lost than anything. 

"I would've died! My own mother would have killed me. What was I supposed to do? I was fifteen! I wouldn't have been able to do anything for him if I was dead." It sounded like an argument, a plea that Sirius had made to himself thousands of times. 

Harry wanted to tell him that he did nothing wrong. 

That Sirius being here means everything to Harry.

"I saw you on the train after the summer holidays each year. Saw the bruises." His father's voice was soft and gentle. He wasn't saying the words to air out any of Snape's history. It wasn't condemnation. It was a recollection of times long passed.

It didn't stop Snape from paling even further. The ghosts of past demons reflected in the firelight of his eyes. It was the same look reflected in the mirror when Harry thought of the Dursleys.

"You got fists and open hands. Probably a belt and a few kicks too." Harry felt his mouth go dry. The phantom pains of past injuries. He never would've believed he would be able to empathize with his Potion Professor, but it seems today holds a series of surprises and revelations.

"I'm a Black. Our repertoire holds the foulest of the Darkest and Blackest of curses. I got the Cruciatus. For the first time at the age of three. Don't think for one moment that my mother held back. Me being a child wouldn’t have deterred her one bit. Me being her son, me being me, it would’ve given her more pleasure at the pain she inflicted." His father suffered endlessly at the hands of the people who should have loved him. He had grown up with parents who were worse than the Dursley's, and had no reference while growing up to what it was like to be raised by loving parents. Yet, in the short and limited time they had together, Sirius loved him unconditionally, and was there for him as much as possible. 

"You think being held under Voldemort’s Cruciatus is painful, have you ever been held under Bella's?" The words are conversational, the meaning of them torturous. Harry could still feel the ghost of open nerve endings being stripped and flayed coursing throughout his body.

"My mother's was worse." Sirius sounded lost in memory. A memory that Harry prayed wasn't tied to the agonizing pain that came with the Cruciatus. 

He knew it was futile based on his own experience with the Unforgivable.

Harry felt the hand on the back of his neck tremble. Heard the rumble of a growl deep in Remus' chest. 

Remus would have seen Sirius after the summer holidays. He would remember the condition his father would be in when he returned from his parents. 

Harry reached up and covered Remus' other hand that had a death grip on the backrest of the sofa. He felt Remus brush his thumb through the hair at the nape of Harry's head gratefully.

"All Blacks are taught to master the Unforgivables by the age of six. Why do you think she was able to hold the Cruciatus for so long on Alice and Frank?" He's talking about Neville's parents. Harry was aware that Bellatrix had participated in their torture. He knew she was the main reason why that Neville was raised by his grandmother even though both his parents were alive. Was the reason why they didn't recognize their own son. Knew that it was because of Bellatrix that Neville had looked so sad during his visit and why he had become so focused during DA meetings. 

He just couldn't wrap his head around how his father could ever be related to someone so foul. 

"The Lestrange's and Crouch Jr. would've become exhausted after the first few minutes. The Longbottom's were tortured for hours." It was a startling revelation. The fact that someone was able to hold such a vicious and exhausting curse for so long. 

Harry was more surprised by the strength of Neville's parents. He remembered how he had wished for death, how his limbs could barely work after being held under Voldemort’s Cruciatus for a few moments. 

The strength and sheer bravery they must have had to have endured something so agonizing for so long hits Harry hard. 

He saw that same strength and bravery blossoming in Neville these past few months. He had always known it was there. Harry was proud of his friend, but he ached for him as well.

"Bella was still able to put up a fight and kill seven Aurors before they managed to take her down." Amazement and grief welled up inside of Harry for Neville. For his friend's parents. They had survived this evil person, but the cost was so high. The cost was so very cruel.

"Where do you think Bellatrix got her cruelty and viciousness from? She and my mother adored each other." The roiling in the stormy eyes held more meaning, more emotion than his words ever could. 

How was his father related to these people? How could someone who was so good, so incredible, so honorable have grown up surrounded by the vilest of people?

Through all the pain that Harry felt for his father, his pride in the man had heightened at how amazing he genuinely was to have remained as good and noble as he is.

"What about you Severus? Where were you?” The derisiveness, the scorn, the accusation in his father’s voice echoed throughout the room. Harry could feel the vibration of it rattle his bones.

It was clear to Harry that they were getting to the crux of the matter. The reason why the animosity and hate between the two Dark men was so visceral, so potent that everyone around them could feel it radiating off them.

“He was my friend! I was there for him as much as I could be!” The emotion in Snape’s voice was so tangent that Harry could taste the despair, the void that lived within the man. It was deeper, more wrapped up in loss and misery than Harry had felt in the moments after Cedric’s death.

The pain bleeding from Snape had no effect on Sirius in the slightest.

“He was your friend?! He was my brother! My baby brother!" It was like a monsoon. The emotion that poured from Sirius engulfed all present, seeping into their own hearts, becoming their pain.

Harry watched as the Weasleys became the most affected by it.

The redheads had grown deathly white, agony and pain carving themselves out in their features. It wasn't physical pain that had taken hold of them.

It was Sirius’ pain. His father’s pain at losing a sibling.

It was the pain at the thought of losing one of theirs.

Harry remembered the way the Weasley boys had reacted when Ginny had been taken down into the Chamber of Secrets. He recalled how Fred and George had become empty husks of their former selves. The way Percy and the twins didn’t want to let Ron and Harry out of their sights, afraid to lose another brother. 

Of course, it would be the Weasleys who would be most affected. They loved each other wholeheartedly. It would kill them to lose one of their own.

“And don’t play at Reggie just being your friend. He was so much more; we both know it. He loved you!” It looked as though Snape would have preferred a physical blow to the words hurled at him.

"Regulus loved you! And what did you do? You helped push Reggie to Him. He followed because you joined!” Snape had looked like he would prefer the Cruciatus over Sirius' words. The despair, misery and heartbreak that consumed his entire being looked as though it would bring the man to his knees.

"What was I supposed to do?! You, the Marauders, you took one of the few good people in my life away from me!” The pain, the bitterness saturated each syllable Snape spoke.

“Don’t blame us for that!” The shout bounced off the walls with the force of his father’s shout.

“Did we go further than we should have? Yes, I won’t deny that.” Shock overtook Snape at his father’s admission. 

“But don’t you dare try to blame us for what came out of your mouth. That sin is on you. That’s on the company you kept. They hate spewed by Avery, Mulciber and the likes. What did you think was going to happen?” Incredulity filled every crease and crevice of Sirius’ question.

Taking a deep breath and then slowly letting it out, Harry watched as his father slowly reined in his emotions. Felt as the Magick that had charged and permeated the room, encompassing all who stood in its way gradually started to dissipate. Slowly, it returned to the one who had unleashed it in the first place.

The lack of the Family Magick that had enveloped Harry left him at a loss. It was as though a piece of him had gone missing and left a chill in its wake. Soothing circles were rubbed between his shoulder blades and Harry couldn’t help but lean into Remus’ touch, grateful for the comfort from the sudden loss.

Looking around, Harry noticed that he was the only one to have a negative reaction to the loss of Sirius’ Magick. He felt the stroke of Fred’s thumb on the back of his hand. Saw how Fred’s eyes were on him.

Yes, he will definitely need to explain his reaction.

"Reggie loved you." The words were soft, quiet. It felt as though his dad had dragged them from the deepest part of his soul. Reminding Snape and admitting to himself the truth of those words. 

Their effect on Snape was obvious. The love and grief are palpable for all to feel as their own.

"You joined and Reggie followed you." Snape's eyes slammed shut, his head swiftly turned to the side as though he couldn't bear the brunt of the words head on. 

"You led Reggie to Voldemort." They watched as Snape grabbed and held his left forearm to his chest, nearly taking a staggering step back. 

"He died at 18." His father's voice is devoid of emotion. He's facing Snape but Harry could tell he didn't see the Potion Master. His father was looking at something that wasn't there. Harry was scared to know what it could be. 

Watches as his face crumbles as grief and despondency take hold.

"I don't even know who killed him or how he died." He hears a soft sob and turns his head to the sound. Hermione has tears trailing down her cheeks. Her shoulders lightly shaking from the soft sobs that escape.

The rest of his friends don't fare much better. The Weasleys are all holding onto one another in some way, reminding themselves in the wake of his father's loss that their siblings are still with them.

"His body was never found." His father didn't even have a last resting place for his brother for when the pain got too much that he could visit. 

"My baby brother was murdered, and I cannot even put a face or a name to the perpetrator." Harry couldn't contain the tears that escaped from his own eyes at the admission. To know someone you loved dearly was killed but didn't know how they died or who had taken them from you, that was a pain in and of itself.

"Neither can I." The words were barely more than a whisper, yet they screamed of misery. 

"I tried." It was a tortured confession from Snape. 

Sirius' eyes snapped to Snape and Snape held them, not looking away.

"When I found out that he was dead, I did everything I could to find out who did it." The brokenness and tear coated words sent another jolt of pain and sympathy through Harry.

"Had I found out, regardless of my status as a spy at the time and which side of the war I was on, there would have been nothing left of the person who did it." The viciousness and malevolence in the promise was unlike anything Harry had ever heard. Including the end of Harry's third year when Snape talked about giving his father to the Dementors. 

"I would've made them suffer for what they did to him. Made them suffer a more terrible fate than whatever they had made Regulus endure." It was a promise, a promise he would still keep today. 

"I know." Sirius acknowledged the truth and honesty they all heard in Snape's words. 

"You blame me for his death." It wasn't a question Snape had asked. His voice devoid of all emotion like he already knew the answer was yes. 

Harry could tell he blamed himself too.

Sirius stood and stared at Snape. It was as if his father was evaluating and judging everything he saw of the man. 

Harry watched as a series of emotions flashed across his face. Saw the million things that he wanted to say. 

He glanced at Harry and Harry watched as his features soften. The way that decades of hate and blame smoothed over to be replaced with a deep weariness.

"I did. I want to." Once again Sirius caught Snape's eyes, offering his own confession.

"I loved Reggie. I will always love him." His father had so much love in him that Harry felt warm he was a part of it. 

"He's gone though, and that won't change." The loss still heavy for his father even though he had borne it for over a decade. 

"Blaming you, hating you, it won't bring him back." It hurt Sirius to say those words. To say that the brother he loved, that he still loves so dearly will never come back to him.

"I can't go on the way I have." This was a proclamation to the entire group, not just Snape. 

"With what's to come, we all need to be ready. We can't do that while we're at each other's throats." His father straightened his back and squared his shoulders. Snape mirrored his father's actions. 

"It'll only get someone hurt. It'll get someone killed." The words are heavy, a sign that a change was needed.

"I don't want to lose anyone else, do you?" They had already lost so much. How will they carry on if they lose more?

"No, I don't." Harry can hear it in Snape's voice. He's willing to die before he loses anyone else. 

"Then a truce." Sirius takes a step towards Snape and holds his hand out to the other man. 

Snape looks at the hand but doesn't move. Doesn't react. He's stood stock still. Emotions flickering in the fathomless eyes that Harry couldn't discern.

"Regulus isn't the only thing that can be held at my feet. I've done more than you think. You may regret offering a truce." The deep voice is suffused with memories of past misdeeds. 

"Do you want Voldemort dead and gone?" Snape's eyes snapped from Sirius' hand to his eyes. 

“Yes.” The passion and fervor in that one word rang true for all who had heard it.

“Do you want Harry dead?” The bluntness of his father’s words shocked Harry. Fred flinched as if they were a physical blow. He grabbed Harry and pulled him so Harry was sitting on his lap. Fred wrapped his strong arms around him as if shielding him from an oncoming fatal blow.

“No.” The fact that Snape had replied with just as much passion as his last surprised Harry.

“Will you protect Harry?” The question is sharp and carries a sense of severity. Sirius focuses his entire being on the man in front of him, waiting for the answer. Waiting to see any discrepancy or deceit in the answer.

“Yes.” Snape holds Sirius’ eyes, allowing him to weigh the truth of his word.

Harry holds his breath until he sees Sirius nod his head.

“I’ve been doing that for years despite how difficult he makes that task.” Snape's black bottomless eyes turn to him, and the drawl is nearly impossible to miss. So is the put-upon sigh in his voice.

Harry can’t help the look of indignation mixed with sheepishness that crosses his face.

It’s not like he asked someone to try to kill him every year, thank you very much.

The looks morphs to a pout when he sees the slight smirk on his dad’s face.

The traitor.

Once again, Sirius turns all his attention to Snape. 

"As long as you help keep Harry alive, help kill the monster that wants him dead, whatever you may have done, that comes second." Everyone hears the honesty in Sirius' voice as he still holds his hand out to the other man. 

With bated breath Harry watches as Snape stares at his father's hand. 

Once again, Magick thickens the atmosphere in the room. The scent of ozone and thunderstorms invade their senses. The feeling of gentle lightning gliding across their skin sends sparks of power coursing through their bodies. 

It's more powerful than a thunderstorm in the middle of a sweltering summer. It is impossible to find shelter from the storm. No walls to stop the winds from their attack. No roof to stop the rain from soaking you to the bone. It won't end as all things in nature do, slowly dissipating to show the sun behind the clouds. Its force isn't dependent on elements from nature. 

It's all-encompassing.

It's Sirius. 

His father is the element of the storm, the driving force behind it.

Grey eyes, the color of clouds blanketing the sky, the sheerness of them blacking out the sun. The intensity they hold within are the bolts of lightning that crackle and burst before they have the chance to leave the impenetrable cover. The explosions like starburst, the only source of light, beautiful yet terrifying.

His emotions are the water that makes up the rain. Seeping into the clothes, skin, down into the very bones of those who get caught in its path. It saturates the soil, offering sustenance, nurturing growth, preserving life. Its capability to overflow bodies of water, causing wreckage beyond imagination, wiping out entire civilizations from history where they are no more than myth. A force that can create and sustain life or demolish all in its path. The most powerful and destructive of all elements.

His breath is the wind, the very air itself. The light breeze that can provide relief from the hot, inescapable sun. It cools the overheated sun weary, softly caressing skin and ruffling through hair, making it easier to breathe. Easier to bare the day. It’s the strong gale that knocks you off course, putting you at its mercy. A tornado that unroots ancient trees and blows away homes like flints of wood, carving a trail of destruction in its wake. The pressure stealing the very air from your lungs.

This time though his Magick isn’t coated in rage, grief, and loss. It doesn’t leave those in the room suffocating and paralyzed as it wreaks havoc.

Instead, it’s laced with protectiveness, openness, and hope.

It’s not alone.

As if in answer, another rises to meet it.

It’s of the Earth. The smell of a forest after rainfall. From the grass and moss that cover the ground, to the uppermost branches of the tallest trees covered in buds and leaves. So dense that the sunlight that reaches the ground is scarce and scattered. It’s the soil that is home to all life. The fertilizer from what once was. The way the decay breeds new life to live, only for time to end it and start the process over again. It's the never-ending cycle of life and death.

Harry realizes that it’s Snape’s Magick that meets Sirius’. 

Harry can’t help but hold his breath at the shock that it seems receptive.

A moment passes before Snape lifts his hand to firmly clasp his father’s. 

A clap of Magick, reminiscent of thunder echoes not only in the room, but Hogwarts herself. Harry feels as it reverberates within his body.

Both men stood in front of the other, hands clasped, eyes boring into the man in front of them.

It’s a truce.

A promise to fight for a better future.

Together.

Once the Magick settles the moment is broken by the sound of clapping.

“How wonderful! Magnificent! So very admirable of both of you, my dear boys.” The Headmaster sounded sincerely proud of what they had all witnessed transpire between the two nemeses. His eyes were twinkling madly, a sheen of tears making his eyes brighter and bluer than normal. The joy on his face was honest.

Harry noticed the look both younger men gave the Headmaster. Sirius gave Dumbledore a scowl that said he didn't much care what the old man thought. Snape looked more put upon than he had ever seen the man previously before he was able to school his face and smooth his features into uncaring. No one missed the slight red hue high up on each man’s cheekbones.

Harry was in a state of shock that he didn’t know he would ever be able to recover from. By the looks of his friends and Professor McGonagall, he wasn’t alone.

Behind him, he could feel the pride and mirth radiating from Remus. It seems that Sirius too had sensed it for his eyes snapped and narrowed on his old friend, the red on his cheeks becoming deeper and more pronounced.

Both men immediately released the other’s hand and took a step back. They took one last look at each other before each nodded and returned to their place before the memory of Regulus Black was mentioned.

Still in shock, Harry felt a bit better, more secure with Sirius back next to him.

“Now, before anything else happens, planned or not,' said Dumbledore glancing over at his dad and Snape, who were studiously ignoring the look and the smile on his face. "Is there anything you would like to discuss about the days to come?" He was speaking to Harry and his friends.

“You mentioned that the letter stated that for the books to be read, all intended people must be present. Who must be at the reading?” Hermione was the first to recover from the magnitude of everything that had just happened. She still looked stunned, like she just got hit with a bludger to the face, but as ever the logical one, she had questions that she wanted answered.

Thank Merlin because Harry didn’t believe he could string two words together right now.

“As the reading is to be held at Hogwarts, all inhabitants are to be present, of course. As are the three people who had brought the matter to my attention, Madame Bones, Professor Umbridge, and Minister Fudge. Naturally, all members of the Order and Weasley family are to be there as well.” Harry gets the feeling that Dumbledore is trying to hold off saying something that Harry really doesn’t want to hear by listing the obvious people first.

“Mr. Longbottom’s grandmother, Madame Augusta Longbottom, is being informed that her presence is needed.” Harry is surprised as he had only met the woman once but sees the sense of it. Both of Neville’s parents were in the Order and suffered greatly for it.

"Your old Quidditch captain, Oliver Wood." Harry could admit that was a pleasant surprise. 

"Ollie!" He couldn't help the little shout of cheer. They were on the same team for three years. The original team always felt a bit like a family to Harry. It will be nice to have his friend back for a bit. 

"Oh yay." Harry couldn't help but roll his eyes at Fred's drawl. A tiny part of Fred was always jealous of how well Harry and Oliver got along. He knew that they were nothing more than friends, but emotions are rarely logical. Harry understood that. Fred loved Oliver just as much as Harry did though. 

He still threw his boyfriend a look who answered with a chided smile. 

“Two House Elves were also named. One I believe is an old friend of yours Harry, Dobby. The other being Kreature.” Harry wasn’t as surprised to hear about Dobby considering the role he played in his second year. Kreature makes sense, as he is bound to the Black Family.

A swooping sense of forbidden had gone through Harry as he noticed the hesitancy that overcame Dumbledore when he had tried to go on.

He didn’t know what was coming but Harry knew he wasn’t going to like it.

It was another moment of silence before Snape continued for Dumbledore.

“Two people who I know you have already come into contact with will be at the reading as well.” Yes, Harry definitely wasn’t going to like what Snape said considering his voice held a soft quality to it that had never been directed toward Harry.

“Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy.” You have got to be freaking kidding.

“YOU’VE GOT TO BE BLOODY JOKING!” Ron said it perfectly where Harry’s voice was stuck in his throat.

“You’re intending to allow Death Eaters, DEATH EATERS to read the life of Harry Potter, The Boy Who Lived?!” His best mate was incensed on his behalf and Harry loved him all the more for it.

“Mr. Weasley…” Professor McGonagall sounded like she wanted to calm him down but also as though she agreed with him wholeheartedly.

It was a testament to how furious Ron was that he completely ignored her.

Are you all OUT OF YOU BLOODY MINDS?!” Even Snape looked taken aback by Ron’s outburst.

Harry could feel the approval radiating off of both Sirius and Remus.

“Why don’t you just tie him up yourself and offer Harry to Voldemort on a bloody silver platter?!” Harry didn’t understand the full extent of Ron’s fury until the moment he yelled Voldemort’s name. It seems he wasn't the only one. It was well known that none of the Weasleys actually said his name. He felt pride in his friend for finally using it.

“ENOUGH!” It seems that the use of Voldemort’s name was too much for Snape judging by the flinch and look of pain that crossed his face. He took a steadying breath as Ron snapped his mouth shut, slowly releasing it.

“Enough.” It was calmer, quieter.

“I understand why this would be upsetting…” Snape continued in a smooth voice, trying to stop any escalation. They all have been emotionally drained enough within such a short time.

Ron wasn’t to be deterred though. Although he did continue without yelling but with no less intensity.

“No, you don’t. You don’t understand.” The words were a furious whisper.

“Lucius Malfoy stood and watched as Harry was tortured. He laughed along with the man who murdered his parents, after having Cedric murdered in front of him. You can’t understand that at all.” His father wraps his arm tightly around his shoulder as Fred leans into his side, trying to be a physical barrier to the words.

Snape stares at Ron. There’s no scorn or malice that lurks in the dark pools of his eyes. There’s only a deep understanding and empathy there.

“Trust me, Mr. Weasley, no one understands better than I.” The words are mournful, and Harry feels the full force of them. He’s not the only one.

“I was a loyal Death Eater in the last war, part of the Dark Lord’s Inner Circle.” It was bitter, full of past mistakes that still haunt the man.

“Things happened. "My loyalty changed." An agonizing regret deep within the man rises to the surface that Harry can feel as if it were his.

“I turned spy. Kept myself immersed in the ongoings and my associations with the other Death Eaters.” The weight of it was a heavy burden on the Potion Master.

“It was imperative that I did. It is Imperative for that to remain.” The words feel like a death sentence. An ax hanging over the man’s neck, ready to fall at the smallest miscalculation.

“I must continue my position as a spy, be the loyal Death Eater, knowing that someone else within the Circle murdered someone who I loved dearly.” Harry knew who he was talking about. Sirius did as well considering the way he had tensed next to Harry. Harry grabbed and squeezed his father’s hand, offering whatever comfort he could to his dad, feeling his father squeeze back in appreciation.

“Regulus Black was murdered by someone in 1979, at 18. Every time the Dark Lord calls, I must make nice with his killer. The only thing is that I don’t know who killed him. Therefore, to me, they’re all guilty of that crime.” Harry felt the stab of pain that ripped through Sirius at hearing his brother’s name spoken aloud. Saw the devastation of it reflected in Snape’s obsidian eyes.

Snape took a moment to collect himself, reining in his emotions once more.

Ron gave the man a moment before he continued softly, aware of the pain that Snape and Sirius must be in after all that had happened not too long ago.

“How do you know Lucius Malfoy wasn’t the one who killed him?” He can tell that Ron is trying to be as delicate with his question as possible, but still unhappy at the thought of the man being present at the reading.

"He didn't." All heads turned to face Sirius.

“Lucius Malfoy is many things. I would never trust the man. Never. Except for one thing.” His face was stone, emotionless and hard.

“Above everything else, Lucius loves his son and wife. Narcissa, my cousin.” It’s easy to forget that his father is related to Draco Malfoy’s mother. He never showed the same coldness that Harry had seen from the woman.

“Narcissa loves her family deeply, passionately. She had loved Regulus. Adored him.” More than anything, Harry wishes that he had had a chance to meet Regulus. To know the boy that his father loved so deeply. That seemed to carve himself into the hearts of others.

“Even if Voldemort had ordered Lucius to kill Regulus, he would refuse. He would never wish to cause Cissa any pain.” The old nickname for his cousin came easier than Harry thought it would for his father. It shows how much he once loved his family. How much he must still.

"It is also my belief that Cissa is the reason why both were requested." That revelation from Snape caused his father to raise an eyebrow in question.

"Narcissa is not a marked Death Eater. Her association with the Dark Lord is through Lucius. She did not want to be marked. If I remember correctly her exact words when I asked were, 'I will not be branded like a mule, I am a Black. The Malfoy's may be loyal to the Dark Lord, but I am loyal to my family, first and foremost. I am a Malfoy only by marriage. Black is my blood.'" The smirk that overcame the man's face during his retelling was one of pride, affection, and respect. 

"Well, it's a pleasure to hear Cissa remembered the true ways of the Black Family. That she had not allowed someone else to make decisions for her. She always had the quiet strength that the rest of the family overlooked and didn't appreciate the way they should have. Thought her only dutiful, dim next to Bellatrix's star." The surprise and genuine happiness in his father's voice was clear to hear. It was the hope that maybe things weren't as broken as he had thought for his family. That there was a possibility to mend broken bridges.

Harry had the troubling thought that he may have to be around Draco Malfoy more often than he would like.

It seems his father wanted to try to mend his relationship with his cousin, and Draco would be a factor in that.

If it made his father happy, Harry would deal with it. 

"Indeed, I always believed Narcissa was always underestimated, especially when compared to Bella." It was odd to hear Snape and his father agree on anything. 

"Now Draco may be a Malfoy, but he is his mother's son as much as he is his father's. Narcissa does not want Draco to be Marked. Fears it above all else. She fears what he will be made to do, what it will do to him, how the weight of it will crush him." It hits Harry that Draco may be an obnoxious bigoted git, but he's a son who has a mother that loves and worries about him. 

"I believe Narcissa may have done, or in our case, will do something in the future that makes your future self feel as though she is necessary for the reading." It seems they won't find out for sure until the reading but it's as good a guess as any.

"There is one thing you should never do that many make the mistake of doing. Never underestimate Narcissa. She is more capable than most give her credit for." Sirius tipped his head towards Snape giving the man a two-finger salute and a smirk acknowledging. Agreeing to the truth of Snape's words.

"I always believed that if one person could look into the Dark Lord's eyes and not just bend the truth but lie absolutely, it would be her." The fact that Voldemort had the ability to enter someone's mind at his will was further impounded into Harry. That Snape had told him that Voldemort was the most skilled in the world and could detect the smallest lie showed just how capable he thought Mrs. Malfoy was.

"There are no lengths she wouldn't go for the safety of her family." Harry gets the feeling that that will be a recurring theme of those with Black blood.

“When Regulus was Marked, Cissa was devastated. She knew that he would crumble under the weight of it. He was too soft to do the things that would be asked of him. Draco is much the same in that regard.” Before Harry could stop himself, he had to let it be known that he did not like his uncle being compared to the likes of Draco Malfoy.

“I find that very difficult to believe Professor. There is more than one instance that shows just how vile Malfoy can be.” He knew he will most likely eventually have to try to make nice with the youngest Malfoy. That doesn’t erase years of animosity and the things he had said about Harry’s friends, his family, over the years. Especially what he had said about Hermione in second year.

Snape stared at him with a lifted eyebrow.

“Pray tell, what has Draco done that would make you think he would be able to kill and torture on the Dark Lord’s command?” The smooth baritone of his voice lacked all its usual venom once again as he directed his question to Harry. The truth of Harry's statement sounded doubtful. It also held a hint of protectiveness in it.

Harry and Ron had never told Hermione what Draco had said all those years ago. To know that someone, even someone you don’t like, and you knew didn’t like you, hoped for your death, was cruel.

Harry turned to face Ron. He could tell that his best mate knew exactly what he was thinking. Watched as the redheads’ eyes flickered at their female best friend.

“If you have nothing to say then…” Before Snape could finish Harry cut him off.

“Second year.” Ron flinched at Harry’s admission. They both knew that it would most likely be covered in the books. It might be better if Hermione found out about it without hundreds of people there witnessing her reaction to it for the first time she heard it.

“After the message was written on the wall “The Chamber of Secrets has opened. Enemies of the Heir beware.” I’m sure you remember.” Harry can still see the blood red letters written on the stone walls. It looked like a bleeding wound carved into Hogwarts when he saw it.

From the corner of his eye, he saw the full body flinch that his words had caused Ginny. Watched as Ron wrapped his arm around her as if trying to protect her from the memories.

“Of course. It was a difficult year, more than usual.” Snape's eyes flickered to Ginny and back to Harry. Not commenting on the fact that the person who was most affected by that year was sitting in the same room with them.

“Well, the three of us were worried. Hermione, Ron, and myself I mean. You see Hermione is a Muggleborn. The legend says that Slytherin himself was against Muggleborns coming to Hogwarts. People were talking about a purge of students who didn’t have magical parents.” Harry could still feel the fear that had clung to everyone that year. The way no one wanted to go anywhere alone. Afraid of being attacked and not knowing who or what to fear.

“Merlin.” Sirius’ horrified whisper was carried throughout the room.

It dawned on Harry that his father didn't know about his years at Hogwarts, or his life, prior to his escape from Azkaban. 

He had given both his father and Remus edited versions of his time at school, never touching on his time with the Dursleys.

Harry knew that Remus had been told some details when he was made a professor at Hogwarts. Once he had reconnected with Sirius, no longer believing him to be a murderer and traitor, Harry was sure that Remus had shared what he knew with his father. 

Although, the professors wouldn't have known all the details of Harry, Ron and Hermione's adventures. Even Ron and Hermione didn't know everything. 

It was entirely plausible that they will know everything once they started the reading. 

Harry decided to ignore that for the moment and panic about it later.

"We had thought that one of the Slytherin students may know who the Heir was. That if we could find out, they would be caught, and everyone would be safe. That Hermione would be safe." Hermione gave Harry a watery smile from across the room. He knew she was still touched that she had people who cared so deeply for her and would do whatever they could to protect her. 

"So, we came up with a plan to find out who the Heir was. We knew we needed a way in. That is, we needed a way into the Slytherin Common Room." The second those words were out of his mouth he saw Snape's face smoothed over and hardened.

"What do you mean you needed a way into the Slytherin Common Room?" Snape's voice was biting again, and Harry couldn't help the gulp he took. 

"Well, we knew that no one in Slytherin House would talk openly about such matters. Realized that if we wanted to find anything that was worth knowing, we would need to find a way in where their guard was down." A thunderous expression overcame Snape's features. He was beyond livid.

Next to him Sirius was no help to Harry as he could feel his father shaking from trying to contain his laughter and not laugh out loud. 

A quick glance behind him and Harry could tell that Remus wasn't in a much better state than his father. 

"So, we uh, we came up with a plan to get into the Common Room. When we got in..." He was cut off from finishing by Snape's shout of fury. 

"What do you mean you got in?! No one who wasn't a Slytherin has been able to get in since I was made Head of House! I made sure of that!" It seems Snape's calmness had finally come to an end as his face was a furious shade of red, seething with rage. 

That had broken the dam that was Sirius and Remus. No longer were they able to hold in their laughter and were now chuckling in plain view. 

This seemed to infuriate Snape even more. 

"You two! I blame the both of you for this! You're the reason why I had made it my mission to ensure no one but a Slytherin was to get into our Common Room!" He had pointed an accusatory finger at the two Marauders. It made Harry wonder what the two men and his father had done to enrage Snape so much that Harry and Ron entering Slytherin territory would cause this reaction. 

Then again, maybe it's better he didn't. 

His father’s response was to double over laughing, clutching his stomach. Remus had his arm wrapped around Sirius’ shoulders, tears of mirth in his eyes.

Professor McGonagall had tried to look chiding and disapproving but its effect was ruined by the twitching of her lip.

Dumbledore’s eyes were twinkling madly, he couldn’t keep the smile off his face causing his silver whiskers to twitch.

Fred, George, and Ginny looked confused but highly amused.

Bafflement and unease covered Ron’s face, not as amused as the other’s seeing as he was part of what had made Snape so infuriated in the first place.

Terrified was the only way Harry cold describe Hermione. It was understandable considering she was the one that had come up with the idea to infiltrate the Slytherin Common Rooms by using Polyjuice Potion.

It took a few moments, but Remus was the first to recover.

“Oh, come on now Severus, there’s no reason to be to upset. It’s obvious that Harry and the others hadn’t abused their knowledge of your Common Room seeing as you weren’t even aware of it. Remus wasn’t affected at all by Snape’s anger. In fact, it seemed to amuse him all the more.

“Besides, I’m sure it was just the one time.” Harry made himself dizzy with how fast and hard he had nodded his head in agreement as Remus had directed that to him.

“See, no harm done.” Remus had a crooked grin full of mirth that made the man look like he was once again the teenager who enjoyed a playful prank. It was a nice sight to see the man so relaxed.

“It’s true Professor, it was only the one time. Besides, with a password like ‘Pureblood' it would have been easy to figure it out anyway, even if we weren’t let in.” Ron had said earnestly.

His father, who had barely managed to gain control over himself, once again fell into uncontrollable laughter at Ron’s statement.

“This is not funny, Black!” A scowl crossed his features as his outburst didn’t have its desired effect, only causing Sirius to laugh harder.

It took a few moments before Snape’s attention snapped to Ron as the full weight of his words sunk in.

“What do you mean you were let in?!” The question was spit out like venom.

“Uhh, well, uhhh, you see, umm, what happened..." Ron trailed off as Snape's eyes bore into his friend.

“We’re going to be in so much trouble.” A quiet whimper of a whisper left Hermione.

Before Snape could give his assent and agree with her Harry plowed on before he got the chance.

“I believe that everything will be revealed in the readings. It’s best that we only have to go over it once, Professor.” Harry had to figure out a plan to spare them from their past rule breaking.

“I think it’s more important to get back on track to what we were discussing before this.” Before Snape could reply that no, let’s talk about this now, Dumbledore cut in before you he had got the chance.

“Yes, I would believe that would be best. If you would please continue, Harry.” Snape threw a sullen and piqued looked at the Headmaster. Nevertheless, the Potion Master took a deep breath and composed himself.

Both Sirius and Remus followed Snape’s lead and too calmed themselves down.

Once Snape was calm, he nodded at Harry to continue.

He hesitated for a moment, knowing that the atmosphere was once again rife with tension.

Gently, he felt Sirius and Remus each squeezing one shoulder, offering comfort.

“We were in the Common Room when we heard Malfoy talking about the Chamber of Secrets. He said he didn’t know who had opened it but that the last time it was opened, it was fifty years ago. That when it was last opened a Mudblood died.” That disgusting word left a nasty taste on his tongue. He hated that one word with a passion. The way it caused a flicker of pain to flash in Hermione's ’s eyes whenever someone would fling it her way.

It made Harry wonder how many times his mother had had to deal with the same treatment, if it was worse for her seeing as she went to school when Voldemort already had so much power openly.

Even Snape looked as if he had been affected by that word.

“He continued on to say he wished he knew who the Heir was so he could help him in his quest.” It sickened Harry at the time, and still does, that someone would want to help hurt someone else, based on nothing more than believing they were better because of their blood.

“He said…” Trailing off, Harry glanced at Hermione, noticing that Ron had picked up her hand and was holding it. Ready to comfort her from the blow she was about to receive.

“He said that since a person was killed last time, he hoped that would happen again." He really didn't want to say it. The image it evoked hurt. Harry didn’t know what he would do if he ever lost Hermione. She was one of his best friends. His sister.

“He said that he hoped it was Hermione.” Saying the words felt like he was having his teeth pulled out.

Hearing Hermione’s broken sob was a punch to the gut.

It seems that his revelation didn’t only have an effect on Hermione. All present seemed to be in a slight state of shock.

“That’s not the only time he had wished death on someone.” It still infuriated Harry what had nearly happened.

“He had tried to have Buckbeak executed for an attack that he initiated!” The fact that Buckbeak had nearly lost his head for that made Harry’s blood boil. Especially, seeing as it was MacNair, a Death Eater, who would be executing the innocent creature.

“One of the first things Hagrid had said to the entire class was that Hippogriffs are temperamental creatures! That one should never insult a Hippogriff!” The look of heartbreak and devastation on Hagrid’s face when he had told them Buckbeak had been sentenced to death still tore at Harry’s heart.

“And what does the git do?! He insults Buckbeak. Right to his face!” The absolute stupidity of the move astounded Harry.

“Then he milks his injury for all it’s worth, complains to daddy dearest who then has the whole thing put together.” It’s another reason why he hates Lucius Malfoy.

"And on the day of execution, do you know what we run into? Malfoy and his cronies trying to get the best view they can!" Harry feels the rage he had felt that day bubble to the surface. 

"HE TRIES TO GET THE BEST BLOODY VIEW OF AN EXECUTION OF AN INNOCENT CREATURE WHO IS ABOUT TO DIE BECAUSE OF WHAT HE DID!" Harry doesn't remember when he jumped up to his feet but now, he's standing toe to toe with Severus Snape. His breathing is heavy. Magick is crackling under his skin. He can feel it in his fingertips. Bolts of electricity, like lightning, trailing over his body. The taste of rain coating his tongue. The smell of a thunderstorm fogging his brain. 

Harry is only aware of Sirius' presence at his back, in addition to Snape who is standing unflinchingly in front of him. A readiness to possibly have to take Snape on if he reacts negatively to Harry’s outburst. 

The only reaction Snape had is his eyes pass over Harry to stare at Sirius. The black eyes bore into his father's, fathomless and never-ending. Calculating. 

He can't see his father's but can feel by his Magick how his entire body stiffens. 

A moment later the tunnel of black eyes focuses back on Harry. 

"One of the reasons you believe Draco could be a Death Eater is because of the execution of a creature?" The question isn't asked with any judgment. It's devoid of any discernible emotion.

"Malfoy didn't care that his actions would get Buckbeak killed. It doesn't matter that Buckbeak is a creature. He was innocent! He has just as much right to live as any of us. To think he doesn't just because he isn't human is wrong! Isn't that what Voldemort and his Death Eaters think of anyone who isn't a Pureblood? That they're less than human! Just creatures alive who need to be exterminated!" The Magick continues to rise around Harry. Snape never looks away from Harry's eyes. 

"If we think that what happened to Buckbeak wasn't important then we're no better than Him. No better than the people who torture and slaughter entire families all for the reason that they are different." The words are quiet but no less potent had he screamed them with all his might. 

"I will never be like them. Like Him. Never." It's a promise, an oath. 

Snapes stares into his eyes. It feels as though he is looking through Harry and reading his mind, his heart, his very soul. Taking in each as if measuring it, looking for something, seeing everything. 

"No, you won't." It's said decisively, as though nothing truer has ever been spoken. 

"You have too much of your mother in you for that to ever happen." The pale face is soft and gentle. Snape dips his head to Harry, and the action is meant to further demonstrate his acknowledgement of Harry's statement. 

It feels like a physical blow. Harry stumbles back into his father's arms who instinctively catches and steadies him. 

Used to being compared to his father, James by Snape. Never as a compliment even. 

Being compared to his mother in the way Snape had stunned Harry, knocking the breath from his lungs. 

Harry allowed his father to drag him back to his seat on the sofa. Snape's eyes tracked him the entire time. 

One they were finally settled back down, Snape continued.

"I understand your feelings towards Draco. I admit that I myself am beyond infuriated by his past actions. I assure you that when they are brought up during the reading his mother and I will be addressing them, privately of course." Once again, Snape's calm demeanor was back. For the time being, his anger is gone over their infiltration of the Slytherin Common Room. 

"Why you? Why not both his parents?" Which now that Harry thought about it, why did Snape name himself and Mrs. Malfoy, but not Mr. Malfoy?

"Narcissa will be incensed at Lucius since it's his behavior Draco is trying to emulate instead of what she has tried to instill in him. Apart from being Draco's Head of House, I'm also his godfather." Harry feels like he should be surprised by that news.

"Well now a lot makes sense now. No wonder he got away with so much from you." Harry couldn't agree with Ron more. 

Snape didn’t bother giving Ron a verbal response. Instead, he gave the redhead a narrow-eyed glare, effectively quieting him.

“I know you all and Draco have a history wrought with animosity. Based on the few things you had just shared; I know now that he may not have shown himself in the best light.” Snape studiously ignored the scoff that Fred had let out.

“But I ensure you, Draco would not be able to function well as a Death Eater. Despite his past actions and words, if he were to be Marked, there is no doubt. It will break him.” There is worry for Snape’s godson in his eyes.

“Draco is first and foremost a child. A child who craves the approval of his parents. His father’s approval especially. Much of what he says and does is him trying to emulate Lucius. Although, blunter and less stealthily than Lucius has ever been.” The way Snape had said that last part was as though it was a long-held frustration of his.

“He acts in the way that he thinks will earn the approval of his father.” Snape sounds more disappointed than what Harry could have ever imagined. As though the thought out his godson acting a way to please his father regardless of if it is who he truly is causes the man great pain.

“He is very much like Regulus in that regard. Aiming to please the ones who mean the most to them. Even at their own expense." Deep regret and inconsolable grief once more found a home in Snape’s eyes.

“If Draco were to become a Death Eater, I have no doubt that he will most likely meet the same fate as Regulus Black, regardless of anything I could possibly do to stop that from happening. Narcissa believes the same. That is why I believe Draco’s parents have been requested." Snape finishes his theory on why he believes that the presence of both Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy were requested for the reading.

There is not much Harry can say. It feels like something is stuck in his throat after listening to Snape’s reasoning.

He knows that regardless of anything, there is nothing he can do to stop them from being there.

Harry just nodded his head in acknowledgement to Snape.

“Is that all then? All the people who had been requested in the letter?” It took Harry a few moments to ask the question.

Based on the reactions of the adults around him it wasn’t, and Harry knew he was going to hate finding out who else was to be there.

“No, Mr. Potter, I’m afraid there is another group of people whose presence is necessary for the reading.” Professor McGonagall sounded as she did when Umbridge had sent him to her the first time.

Trepidation seeped deeper into his bones.

“It was a group of three people; they were the last that were named.” A group of three? Who else could be needed to be a part of a reading about him?

“Who?” He didn’t want to ask. He didn’t want to know. He had to though.

“You’re relatives, the Dursleys.” His father’s voice was barely more than a growl. As though he could rip them apart with only his words.

Harry was unable to respond. A white static had filled his mind,

Far away, Harry knew that his friends wanted to rage at them being there for the reading. They believed the Dursley’s had no right to Harry, whatsoever. That they had lost that privilege when they couldn’t bother to raise and love him as they should have.

It seems they were either too stunned or too furious to speak.

Maybe it was that they decided to remain silent because they, better than anyone, would know the effect the Dursleys' presence would have on Harry.

It took a few moments for any clear thought to penetrate the fog in his mind. One that he had not known, nor meant, for him to voice verbally.

“Would someone like to AK me now? It’ll be a lot less painful than what Vernon would do once he realizes how many times I almost died but didn’t. Merlin, when he finds out about me and Fred, he’ll skin me alive." Harry winced at the very thought.

A feral, primal Magick rose. It was deadly, carnal, unyielding. Like a predator who chases its prey deep in the night.

Relentless.

It was vast, endless, and Dark like the night sky. Its only light was the cool illumination of the full moon. It rose like a tidal wave, the water's current being manipulated by the full moon, unable to ignore the pull of its gravity. 

It was of fire. From the fire that offers warmth and comfort, a family basking in front of the fireplace together, surrounded by love and laughter during the frigid winter months. To a raging inferno that scorches everything in its wake, leaving nothing but a cloud of smoke and a storm of ash and soot raining down. 

Fire, the most temperamental of the elements. Controlled and tempered it's essential for survival. If left unchecked, it rages and torches all in its path indiscriminately.

Beautiful and destructive.

Night and fire. Primal and temperamental. Kept on a tight leash until given a reason to lash out and break free of its constraints. It was no longer docile, willing to be content in a world that left it bereft to roam alone.

It was unleashed, ready to hurt, to defend.

"There's something you have to understand about Remus. We're not just his family, he considers us pack. It's the werewolf in him. You've been a part of that pack since your mother was pregnant with you. You're his cub, his child. He loves you more than anything in this world."

Remus. 

This was Remus' Magick. 

It wasn't Black Family Magick, but it felt like family.

It felt of love. 

Belonging.

Protectiveness.

One moment, the sound of a rumble from deep within a chest could be heard from behind Harry. The next moment, faster than the eye could discern, quicker than was humanly possible, Remus was knelt in front of him. A large, warm, scarred hand, gently cupped Harry's chin, tilting his head up. Emerald eyes looked into the burning pools of liquid fire. Richer and more lustrous than molten gold was filled with more love, care, and protective savagery than most people will ever see in their entire life. All directed at Harry. 

"Never. Never will they lay a hand on you. Not one single hair. Never again." The words were a low thunderous growl. The vibration of them resonated deep within Harry's bones, his very soul. 

It was a promise. 

Harry believed him absolutely.

The tension he felt earlier when he heard about the Dursleys immediately snapped. Harry couldn't help but fall into Remus' arms, wrapping his arms around the older man's shoulders. His father's arm wrapped itself around the middle of Harry's back, his hand gently stroking his ribcage, his other hand on Remus' bent knee. The motion of the hand on his ribcage, his father's and Remus' arms around him, and the feeling and scent of both men's Magick relaxed Harry more than he could've ever imagined he could be after hearing that his relatives were to come to Hogwarts and read about his life. 

It took a few moments before Harry slide back onto the couch, so he was sitting down properly instead of being half on the couch and half in Remus' lap. 

Remus stayed on the ground kneeling in front of him so he could remain looking into Harry's eyes. 

"I know how hard this all already is. How much harder it is going to be with the Dursley's here." The words had less of the growl that was prevalent earlier. They were softer but no less fierce. 

"What is happening, whether it's necessary or not, whether your future self was the one who had set it all in motion, it's not fair." The fact the Remus understands that this may help them all, but it will be hard for him nonetheless is a bigger comfort than Harry could say. 

"It's not fair that you’re the one that has to go through it. It's not fair that your future self believed it was the only way, knowing the suffering it will cause the both of you." No, it’s not but Harry will do what he needs to do. For Sirius. For the Magical World. 

"But you’re not alone." The emotion in Remus' eyes burn and Harry gets lost in their fire. The flames of them stealing the oxygen in his lungs.

"You're never alone." His voice holds him just as much as his arms. 

"Sirius and I will be here for you. All your friends and family." He's spent the last few months feeling so alone, so isolated. The warmth of the two older men, of Fred, of his friends surrounding him is a firm reminder that he's not. 

"We're all here for you." He loves all of them. They love him too. Harry's finally coming to terms with the second part of that. 

They truly do love him. Harry can feel it. How could he not?

"Just as I like to believe we're all there for him, for you in the future." Merlin, he hopes that true because Harry doesn't know what he would do without any of them. 

"We will always be here for you. Always. I promise." The honestly and love in the golden eyes didn't give Harry any room to question him. 

It made him love the man all the more. 

Unable to form words Harry gave the man a brisk nod, trying to fight the tears that once more threatened to flow free. 

Remus understood and gave him a kiss to the forehead before he got up to lean against the armrest of the couch on Sirius' other side. 

Everyone in the room was silent, allowing the raven-haired boy a moment to gather himself, get control of his roiling emotions. 

Sitting up, back straight, face set in grim determination, Harry turned to face the Headmaster once more. 

"I know I have no choice in the matter, but I won't fight it. We'll do the reading. There will be no fight put up by any of us. You have my word." He'll hate every second of it but if it freed Sirius, gave him his father back, gave Remus his oldest and best friend back, he'll do whatever was necessary. 

"Thank you, Harry. I know it may mean little to you now, but I am so extraordinarily proud of you, my dear boy. So very proud indeed." Dumbledore's voice was thick with emotion. Tears gathered at the corner of his eyes. Pride, love, and heartbreak shining through. 

Harry can't deny that he's angry with the Headmaster. Angry with the way he had ignored Harry, barely even looking in his direction. Angry with never telling him things. Angry about everything that happened during the summer. 

But Harry was also so very tired. 

So tired of being angry. 

Maybe tomorrow he'll find the energy to be angry again, but today, he's emotionally tapped out. 

He offers the Headmaster a small genuine smile. It's the best he could do right now. 

The smile that Dumbledore offered him back was worth the effort it took. 

A thought then popped in Harry's head. 

"Headmaster, Professors, considering that we all here can agree, and I'm sure the other professors do too, that the readings although maybe necessary and out of our hands to stop, it's a lot to be asked of someone. The fact that their whole life, all their inner most thoughts, their feelings, their secrets, all on display for everyone to hear could be seriously emotionally damaging." If Harry had to go through these readings, he's going to use what he could of the situation he has been put into his advantage. 

"Yes, Mr. Potter. You're right. When the Headmaster had informed all staff what was to take place, none were happy about the situation. We all think it's a grievous breach of privacy and an abuse in power to demand that the reading be held. We are more than aware the emotional and mental toll it would put you through to relive even certain moments that you had gone through here at Hogwarts." Professor McGonagall was firm and heartfelt in her address to him. 

A wave of affection for his Head of House rushed through Harry. It helped knowing she was on his side from the moment the matter was brought up to her. 

"In that case, don't you believe that some concessions should be made." This was Harry’s chance, he had to do what he could. For the sake of him and his friends.

"Indeed? Concessions, like what exactly?" Snape asked silkily coated in dark humor and intrigue. 

"Well, considering that the reading spreads out over seven years, past, present, and future, don't you think it would only be fair if it was agreed that any and all misdeeds and rule breaking that were done in the past or future, whether currently known or unknown, had or had not been reprimanded for, not be punished? Meaning, no points taken, detentions given, or possible expulsion." He aims for his speech to sound strong, clear, and compelling. 

Instead, it comes across as rushed and forced.

Terrified.

"Oh? You mean like finding one's way into the Common Room of another House?" A spark of that earlier anger finds itself in those dark eyes. An eyebrow lift up to further express his thoughts on the matter.

"Uhhh, yeah, yes that's a good example, sir." He can feel the slight shaking of his father’s shoulders signaling his laughter and humor at Harry's expense. 

Before Snape could tell them what he thought about Harry’s suggestion, the Headmaster cut him off, his voice filled with mirth and amiability.

"I believe that is more than fair, my dear boy." A wave of relief spreads through Harry. He sees as both Hermione and Ron nearly collapse from it as well. 

"Thank you, Headmaster. I..." Before Harry could finish an Abraxan Winged Horse Patronus burst through, rearing on its hind legs, and flapping its wings in agitation and annoyance.

"Sirius, we've arrived at Hogsmeade and are currently making our way to the gates. If someone is not there to meet us and get these insufferable monsters in human flesh off of my hands, I shall not be responsible for what their fate awaits. Inform the Headmaster that even before my daughter became an Auror I was aware of the laws against muggle baiting and am against it. I will make an exception in their case that will not be tracked to me. I give you my word on that." The voice was like river water over stone, beautiful yet had the power to break rocks down and mold them as it willed. 

"Ah, I believe it is time for us to leave. We don't want to risk the chance of Nymphadora having to arrest her own mother. Minerva, Severus, if you would join me, please." Harry realized that the Patronus was Andromeda's, Sirius' cousin. Someone who was now part of his family. Harry's felt his heart lift at that thought. He was equal parts excited to meet more family, family that may actually want him to be a part of their family, and fear at the possibility of more rejection. 

It seems that Harry wasn't the only one that was filled with slight fear. The slight tensing and apprehension in the Headmaster were clear to see since Andromeda's Patronus had arrived, only growing more pronounced after each word it had recited. 

"Of course, Headmaster." Her voice was still colder than the Scottish Winter when directed to Dumbledore.

Harry watched as her eyes once again turned to him immediately defrosting and warming faster than flower petals in the spring sun.

Walking over to him she gently placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Mr. Potter, remember, if you need me at all, I will be there for you. Whatever I can do to help, I will." Her voice thick with emotion making her brogue more pronounced. 

Tears prickled Harry's eyes in the face of her support.

"Thank you, Professor. It means a lot." 

She gave him one last warm smile before she turned to his father and Remus. 

"You two. I'm prouder of you both more than words could ever express. Harry is in good hands with both of you. Lily and James would be so proud." Her eyes looked as though they were a dam about to break. Tears forming in them from the overflow of emotions of the day. 

His dad and Remus are affected by her words. They hold great affection and fondness for their former Head of House. To hear her say something makes them more bashful than he's ever seen the two men. 

"Especially you, Sirius. I'm so very proud of the man you have become. So happy that you're back where you belong. Back home. It's where you should have always been. I've missed you, so very much." His father once again had tears flowing down his cheek as he clutches her hand that she had lovingly placed on his cheek. 

Professor McGonagall gave his father a soft kiss on the crown of his hand, then did the same with Remus.

Turning she then walked to Snape.

Just as she did with Sirius, she placed her hand on the Potion Professor’s cheek.

"Severus, I'm so very proud of you as well. Everything that has happened, how you handled it. I hope you get the chance to heal all the hurt. You deserve that. You're a good man, I've always known it, it's time you start seeing that for yourself." Snape too, then received a soft kiss to the cheek before Professor McGonagall made her leave. 

Snape stood stunned in the wake of the affection bestowed upon him by the Transfiguration teacher. 

The spell was only broken when Dumbledore spoke. 

"Come now, Severus. If we aren't there to relieve the Tonks' of their burden, I fear what may happen. Dumbledore sounded half serious at the threat that was Andromeda Tonks nèe Black. 

Rapidly blinking his eyes to rid the tears that had formed there, Snape then turned to face the Headmaster.

"No." That wasn't the response that Harry was expecting.

It seems neither did Dumbledore.

"You forget, Headmaster, I had grown up with her. I knew of how she treated her sister. I have more of an idea of how she had treated him. Had I'd been aware it was her that the boy was with, things would be entirely different, I assure you of that. I will not forgive the fact that you purposely kept me in the dark from that information." His voice rung of betrayal and bitterness. A deep seeded anger that had took root and blossomed.

"Knowing what I know now, you do not want me around her in view of limited witnesses." Harry believed the promise in Snape’s voice. It wasn't an empty threat. 

"If you fear of what Andromeda Tonks could do, you will dread what I will do." The intensity of his voice wasn't lost in its quietness.

"I know that woman better than anyone. I know what she is capable of." Judging by the way the Headmaster had bowed his head, a look of deep sadness and regret on his face, he knew the truth of Snape's statement. 

"I understand, my dear boy. You won't have to worry about seeing her until after dinner until the announcement." Snape gave a sharp nod to Dumbledore showing his acknowledgement of the Headmaster's words. 

"Thank you all for you time. Once again, I am sorry that all this has happened." Before anyone could respond to the aged Headmaster, he turned and left, closing the door behind him. 

It was a minute before Ron spoke up. 

"What just happened?" That was a good question. Harry was just as confused about the last few moments before the professors had left. 

"What Had happened, Mr. Weasley, is that Andromeda Tonks had just informed us of her arrival and the fact that she is ready, if not to kill, then to seriously maim, Mr. Potters relatives." The response was the smooth drawl of Snape's voice.

"In which I find great sympathy for her as I completely understand her plight." It took a moment longer than Harry would like to admit to understand everything Snape had just said. 

"You know my aunt?!" How did Snape know his aunt?

A moment later and more importantly...

"You knew my mother?! How?" It seemed that it wasn't just a casual relationship they had either. The way Snape talked; he knew both very well. 

"Yes, Mr. Potter, I know your aunt. I was lucky enough to know your mother quite well. She was my friend since childhood until we had a falling out in our fifth year." Obsidian eyes cut over to the two Marauders before snapping back to focus on Harry. 

"I'm very aware of just how...caring Petunia can be to those she considers abnormal." Harry could hear her words from when Hagrid had given him his Hogwarts letter.

"Just as strange. Just as...abnormal."

The pain of it didn't hurt any less. 

He could see, it wasn't sympathy, Snape understood.

"Had I've been aware that it was her that you were left with, things between us would have been much different. The Headmaster purposely withheld that information from me because he knew that had I known, I would have done everything possible to get you away from that woman." The anger at the deception of the Headmaster was palpable. So was the truth of his words. It made Harry dizzy with their implications.

"I knew the way she had treated Lily. How it had affected her." It hurt to think that his mother had to endure the cruelty of her sister. Harry only hoped it wasn't as bad for her growing up as it was for him. 

"I know she would have been worse with you." He recalls all the times they said he was lucky that they had accepted him into their home. That he should be grateful, thanking them on bended knee. 

"Much of my past behavior was based on falsehoods, I know that now. It does not excuse my behavior." Harry was pretty sure that he was stuck in a perpetual state of shock. 

"Hopefully, one day you can forgive me." He realizes that a few people had said those words to him today. 

"I will take my leave. I understand you've had an emotionally turbulent day and that it is not over." As Snape turned to leave, Harry couldn't help the quiet question that fell from his lips before Snape had made it out the door. 

"Will you tell me about her?” His father and Remus mostly talk about his father, which Harry understands. It was his dad that they were best friends with in the first place. That didn't stop him from wanting to know everything he could about his mother as well. Maybe Snape was his chance for that.

"My mother. Will you tell me about her? You said you knew her, that you grew up with her. Can you tell me about her one day? Please?" He just wanted to know about his mother. The woman who loved him. The woman who died for him.

Please, tell him anything, anything at all. 

Snape turned his head slightly, so he was able to catch Harry's eyes from the corner of his starless night eyes. He held them for a moment before bowing his head slightly in agreement to Harry’s request. 

He then turned back around and left the room in a billow of black robes. 

When the door closed, Harry fell into the couch cushions and exhaled deeply. 

Other than telling his friends and newfound family of the Blood Adoption, and then the announcement of the readings after dinner, Harry hopes that there isn't anything else he has to deal with today. 

He has a feeling he may have jinxed it.

Harry felt a strong arm wrap around him and he fell completely into Fred's chest, both his arms wrapped around him. 

Closing his eyes, he allowed the peacefulness that being around Fred always gave him. 

A moment of respite from the chaos that surrounds him. 

He allows the scent of Fred to fill his senses as long calloused fingers run through his hair and gently scratch at his scalp. 

It was a few minutes before the smell of hot chocolate filled his nose and he popped one eye open. 

Remus was standing there with a cup of his hot chocolate an inch away from Harry's nose.

As comfortable as Harry was right now, there was no way he could ignore the cup of chocolate heaven in front of him. Sitting up but still leaning against Fred, he grabbed the cup and thanked Remus who replied with a smile. 

After taking a sip he looked at his father who quirked his lips up in a soft smile. 

"Andie should be here in a few minutes. Ted and Dora should be here as well." In other words, everyone who he wants to know about Sirius being his father will be in the same room. A good time to tell them about his newfound relationship. 

He was so very weary from everything that had happened today. 

He was so very happy too. 

He has a father who is alive and loves him. 

For that alone, Harry will take anything the world decides to throw at him.

It was at that moment that there was a sharp knock on the door. 

Looking equal parts apprehensive and excited, Sirius bounded off the couch to answer the door. Before he could get too far, Remus grabbed him by the back of his shirt, effectively stopping Sirius in mid-sprint. 

His father looked like he had words for the werewolf who in return just gave Sirius a look and pointed a finger at the couch. 

The mutinous look on his father's face morphed into chagrin as he sulkily took his seat once again. 

With one last long look at his father, Remus made his way to the door.

Opening the door, Harry heard a voice that caused him to give his father a sly look which was immediately returned. 

"Wotcher, Remus!" Tonks' bright cheerful voice echoed through the room. 

If Harry didn't know Remus as well as he did he would be surprised at the torch the usually well mannered, tempered, reserved man held for the younger witch who brimmed with life and laughter. 

Since he knew Remus well, he knew his usual persona was a front and that Tonks was perfect for the man. 

Harry hoped that Remus would see it too. The man deserved all the happiness in the world. 

"Hello, Dora. Andromeda. Ted. It's a pleasure to see you all. Please, come in." Harry felt his nerves raise a bit as he knew he was about to meet family he didn't know he had when he woke up this morning. 

Harry already knew Tonks. The two got along quite well. Harry respected her and liked her. She never treated him like a child, she always treated him like an equal. His affection for her had deepened when his father told him everything she had done on his behalf with the Dursleys, and how she had argued against him being there. 

It was Andromeda and Ted that Harry was nervous about meeting. 

Mainly Andromeda. 

Andromeda was his father's cousin. The way he talked about her Harry could tell that his dad loved her dearly and thought very highly of her. 

He feared what would happen if she didn't like him. 

Harry hoped she would like him. 

He didn't know what he would do if he learned that he had more blood relatives only for them to reject him. Just as Petunia did. 

Tonks came bounding into the room, tripping over the corner of the rug before catching herself. 

The slight show of clumsiness didn't remove the smile from her face. 

"Wotcher, Harry, Sirius, Ginny, Hermione, Ron, Devil Twins." Tonks greeted everyone with a wide smile. Harry couldn't help but to smile at her cheerful nature and endless energy. 

Saw as the twins preened at her title for them. 

His smile only widened when the young energetic woman gave him a warm affectionate hug. 

"Wotcher, Tonks." They all said simultaneously, smiles growing even wider. 

Two people came up from behind Tonks. The man was tall, broad shoulder, fair haired and big bellied. Although his size could be described as intimidating, his face as he looked at Tonks, his daughter, was kind, warm and open. Filled with love and affection. 

Although he was a person that would be very difficult to ignore, Harry barely took in his features before his eyes drifted to the woman next to him. 

Her hair was chocolate brown with strands of cinnamon and burnished bronze running through it. Her curls were voluminous as they cascaded like waterfalls over her slender shoulders and down her back. The silkiness of them reminded Harry of the way hair looked when in water, soft, otherworldly, beautiful. With the vast number of curls, one would try to describe them as wild if they weren't perfectly coiffed. 

Her features reminded Harry much of his father's. The sharp, high cheekbones that would be the envy of anyone and everyone. The Grecian nose, and full lips. The dark, thick, perfectly arched eyebrows that alone could speak for them without having to use words. The honey-colored skin that looked as though it was sun-kissed all year long. The sculpted jaw and aristocratic feature. 

Only Andromeda's face was heart-shaped, feminine, and delicate.

Her eyes were the grey silver that seems to be prevalent of those with Black blood. The color of her eyes reminded Harry of the silver glow of the full moon. The offer of light and beauty in the vastness of the inky black sea that is the night sky. 

She was extraordinarily beautiful. Her beauty only grew when she saw her cousin. Deep love and warmth rose within her eyes, adding shining stars to the already luminescent moon. 

Harry watched as the woman made a beeline for his father and gave him a hug. Watched as his father melted into it. 

The warm embrace lasted a moment before Sirius pulled slightly back and gave his cousin a smile.

"Andie, Ted, I'm glad you both are here. There's someone I would like you to meet." Without a preamble, his father pulled him to his side and gave him a proud smile. 

"This is Harry, my son, my godson." The pride and love in his father's voice brought a rush of affection and belonging through Harry.

"Harry this is my cousin, Andromeda. And this is Ted, Andie's husband and Dora's father." Harry saw Andromeda's eyes immediately zero in on Harry and take in every inch of him. 

It only took a second, but it seemed she found something she had not expected for her eyes then snapped to his father and back to him. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you both, Mr. and Mrs. Tonks." He held his hand out nervously, with a shy smile on his face. More than anything, Harry wished to make a good impression on these two people. 

Ted was the first to reach for his hand, giving him a large, warm smile, lighting up his entire face. 

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Harry. I'm sorry that our meeting is under such circumstances. In any way we can, I want you to know you have our support." His voice was smooth and sweet like melted chocolate. Kindness and compassion shone through, lacking the pity that Harry would have expected from someone who was aware of what was to happen.

Harry greatly appreciated it. 

"Thank you, sir. That means a lot." His words were true and heartfelt. Harry had a feeling he was going to like this man quite a bit. 

"Please, call me, Ted. I was never one to stand on formality. I believe my daughter learned that from me, despite her mother's teachings." Pure love shone in his eyes as he talked about his wife and daughter. It was easy for Harry to see how much the man adored his family.

He nodded his head in acknowledgement of the man's request. 

"Harry Potter." Harry's eyes snapped to the beautiful woman that stood next to Ted. Her voice was soft and beautiful. Like chimes swaying in the gentle breeze. 

"It is a pleasure to meet you. I've heard so much about you. My dear cousin talks more about you than anything else. It feels as though you are already family." Her words held more weight than what the others in the room could hear. Harry hears it clear as day, saw the way her eyes looked between him and his father with an indecipherable look.

Nevertheless, she remained calm, open, and warm. 

It calmed Harry greatly.  

"Come, let's do the other introductions and get comfortable. There is something that Harry and I want to discuss with everyone here." Unlike himself, his father wasn't worried or nervous about the discussion about to take place. He was filled with contagious happiness that was seen all over his face. 

Looking at his father's face and the unbridled joy, Harry couldn't help but relax and feel content with his father by his side. 

Following his father's words, everyone who was standing took their seats around the room. Remus returned from the kitchen with hot chocolate and tea for everyone.

Once everyone was seated with either a cup of tea or hot chocolate, Sirius cleared his throat to gain the room's attention. He opened his mouth to start speaking but suddenly he snapped it shut and turned to Harry. His face morphed into resignation as his father addressed him directly. 

"I think one more person is needed for this discussion." The dark look on his face worried Harry.

"Who?" He was worried about what his father's response would be considering the mood the thought of the person had put him in.

"Kreature." The scowl on Sirius' face was prominent.

"He may be a wretched, miserable monster but he is the House Elf to the Black Family." His father's voice was coated in displeasure and bitterness as he talked about the old House Elf.

Harry saw Hermione open her mouth to scold his father on his treatment of Kreature until Harry gave his friend a look that clearly said, now is not the time. She stopped before a word came out, but she was not happy about it. 

"Well, the Headmaster did say that he was needed for the reading. Do you think we could just call him?" His father just blinked slowly at him.

"I don't know if that would work considering we're at Hogwarts but sure, why not? Let's give it a try." His voice was tired as though the thought of having the decrepit House Elf around was already a heavy burden for the man.

"Kreature!" It was a few moments before the craggily old Elf popped in.

"Nasty Master calls for Kreature." He gives his father a mockery of a bow. 

Sirius stares at Kreature for a moment with a blank look on his face. Kreature stares back with a sneer on his face. 

"That's not safe." His father says after a moment with an accusatory finger pointed at Kreature. 

The sneer on the Elf's face deepens.

His father ignores it and turns to Remus.

"No one's personal House Elf should be able to get into Hogwarts. It's a security risk. A Death Eater could just order their Elf to kill Harry while he's sleeping!" His father had ended in a furious roar. Harry felt his stomach drop at those words, saw as his friends' faces blanched and felt the grip that Fred had on his hand tighten painfully. He was scared that he would lose Harry in the next second. 

"As soon as we're done here, we'll inform Dumbledore. This will be fixed. Immediately." The growl in Remus' voice was predatory. It spoke of dark tidings should the situation not be remedied quickly. 

"No one will lay a hand on him Padfoot, I promise you that." The golden amber held nothing but truth and protection within them. 

Sirius took a deep calming breath, trying to get himself under control from his outburst. 

A moment later eyes the color of a raging storm snapped open and focused their entire attention on the lone House Elf.

The usual hostility was gone from the Elf, replace with trepidation and shaking limbs.

"Kreature, are you already aware of the readings taking place here at Hogwarts?" A slight nod of the balding head was seen. 

"Before the readings are to take place there is something that everyone in this room needs to be told. You are included in that." Another nod to show his understanding.

"I want you to listen to me as I will make myself as clear as possible." His father's voice dropped. It was hard and frigid cold. Magick coated each word wrapping them in power. 

Kreature stood stock still, eyes wide. It looked as though he had stopped breathing. 

"Do you understand me?" His voice was like gale of wind, whipping across flesh. 

"Yes." Came the croaked, terrified reply of Kreature.

"I command that what will be revealed in this room, you will not ever reveal to anyone or anything, in any way, shape or form. You will not try to circumvent my instructions in anyway." Kreature had fallen to his knees, breathing was coming in short and rapid.

Harry could tell that this order was different than any order Sirius had given Kreature in the past. 

The Black Family Magick was thick once more. An unforgiving storm, a hurricane of power, will, intent, and so much more. It was all consuming, all encompassing. Capable of bending and breaking one's will and spirit to follow out its decree, leaving no room for fight or treachery.

Specifically, it was Sirius, his father, and the lengths he would take to protect Harry.

"This is my command as Heir Black of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. Do you understand?" The Magick grew denser, filling the room to where it had become suffocating, difficult to breathe. The finality in Sirius' voice making it all the more potent.

"Kreature, the House Elf of the Black Family understands and will obey his master, Heir Black." Magick crackled and snapped into place like a bond formed at Kreature’s acknowledgement. 

A second letter and it starts to fade, which makes it easier to breathe once more. 

"Sirius, was all that really necessary? I'm sure if you just asked, Kreature would..." Hermione's reproachful voice was cut off by his father.

"No, Hermione. I understand how you feel about House Elves. I know that you believe that they should be treated better and while agree with you, even if I do not agree in you method, this was necessary." His sharp steel eyes bored into his bushy haired friend. Her faced paled minutely from the intensity in those sharp as steel eyes. 

"Kreature is not like other House Elves you may have met before. He's insidious, spiteful, and hateful. Especially when it comes to me." Old hate and scorn rise in his father's face when talking about the old Elf.

"If he believes he can do something that will hurt me, trust me, he will. He has been doing it my whole life." The way resignation and old hurt echoes in the timber of his voice hits Harry hard.

"He's the reason why my mother would Crucio me so often. The smallest infraction and he would run to go tell her gleefully, knowing what punishment I would get." An agonizing pain strikes Harry’s heart to hear his father talk about how he was so carelessly treated by his family as though he's talking about the weather. 

"I will not take any chances with Harry's life. What we have to tell you cannot leave this room. As Kreature should also be told, I will do everything within my power to ensure that he cannot do anything to jeopardize Harry's safety. Harry is my first and only priority. " There's no mercy in his father's voice. Only steel and conviction in keeping Harry safe.

"You may not agree with me and my methods in handling Kreature, and as much as Harry loves you and all the respect I have for you, in this, your feelings matter very little. You do not know Kreature as I do. What I did was necessary for Harry's protection." Sirius looked more serious than Harry had ever seen him before. He was calm and collected but a fire burned with fervor in his eyes.

"I know you love him as well and would never wish for anything to happen to him. So, I ask you to trust and believe that I know what I'm doing." The hope in his voice that she would trust him was blatant for all to hear.

The depth of it must have shocked Hermione because she had tears in her eyes.

"Alright, Sirius. I'm sorry." She gave him a watery smile as a single tear tracked down her face. 

"No, Hermione. There's no reason to apologize. You have a kind heart and stand for what you believe is right. Don't ever change that, okay?" The kindness and sincerity that radiated from his father warmed the room. Hermione let out a soft teary laugh and nodded her head in agreement. 

His father offered his friend one more soft, honest smile before he made himself comfortable next to Harry. 

"I know today has been a long day, and it's not over yet. We're all aware of what happened today and what will be taking place over the upcoming days." His father wrapped a protective arm around his shoulders as Fred squeezed his hand in comfort. 

Harry knew that the days ahead would be difficult but knowing that he has these people makes the burden easier. 

"These readings will reveal a great deal, for the good and the bad, I am certain." Most importantly for Harry, the truth will emerge that Sirius is innocent. That was worth everything. 

"Before the readings, I have a revelation of my own. One that I had shared with Harry before the Headmaster had brought you all here." His father looked at each of his friends while he said this. Holding their eyes in equal turns. 

"You're all here because Harry wishes for you to know as well. You're all people he cares deeply for, and people who the news would affect as well." That last part was directed at the Tonks' family. He saw the reaction it had on the family of three. 

The way Tonks head tilted to the side in confusion, her eyes scanning his face looking for answers to questions she's unsure about. Trying to figure it out for herself even though a second before she wasn't aware of there being anything at all to figure out. Ever the Auror.

Andromeda's eyes lit up like the brightest constellation. They spoke of a half knowing, as though she had questions and answers but couldn't put them together to form the whole picture. 

Ted had a look of patience as though he was well versed in the Black's tendency for dramatics. 

"To explain, a bit of a back story is needed." His father cleared his throat and Harry leaned into his father's side in a show of support and comfort. Harry knew where his father was going to start in his tale and how it affected him. It was important for Harry to let the man know that he was there for him. 

"I am sure you have a lot of questions after witnessing my confrontation with Snape. I also must apologize for losing myself and having you witness all that." Stormy eyes met each of his friends. He noticed how each had given his father their undivided attention.

"If you recall, I mentioned how I was attacked, in a six on one fight, in my fifth year, where I was found near death in the Forbidden Forest." A roaring rage still consumed Harry at the knowledge that his father had been so very hurt and near death. He grabbed his father's man given him as much comfort as he could and taking some comfort from him in return at the contact.

"I won't go I to the details of what happened before they left me alone. It isn't something that children need to hear." Harry knew that his friends were tired of being considered children and that being the reason no one would tell them anything. He knew his dad didn't mean it in that way, that it's even hard for him to talk about it. 

"That doesn't mean I think that you all aren't extremely mature and amazing young ladies and gentlemen, and has nothing to do with me believing you can't handle it, but I rather you didn't have to." He knew his friends understood that Harry's father didn't mean it in his earlier explanation to them in the way that them being children had been thrown at them all summer long. Harry could tell though that they greatly appreciated his reasoning even though it wasn't necessary in this circumstance.

"We understand that Sirius. You've always treated us like adults. We understand that whatever happened to you must have been terrible and wouldn't ask you to relive any of it." Hermione had assured his father, her voice gentle as she understood the topic was difficult for his father. Harry loved her even more for that consideration.

"Hermione's right. You don't have to tell us any more than you feel comfortable." Ginny was quick to follow Hermione. 

"Thank you both." A watery smile slowly raised the corners of Sirius' mouth. Eyes filled with emotion from their understanding. 

"There is one thing that I will tell you about the attack as it's the reason why we're having this conversation at all." The sound of his father’s voice, thick with emotion and pain, caused a deep ache in his chest, wishing that he could take away all the hurt that had happened to his dad. 

"As a result of one of the curses thrown at me..." His father started shaking from the cries that he would not allow to pass his lips and the tears he would not allow to fall. Feeling his father's pain Harry leaned against the man, letting him know that he's here. He'll always be here for his father.

His father pulled him closer and kissed his forehead in appreciation. Sirius didn't move from the position for a bit, breathing the scent of him, his son, trying to calm his nerves and old long held hurt.

After taking a deep breath and kissing the crown of his hair one last time, Harry saw his father steady, preparing for the next part. 

"As a result, I was made sterile. Unable to ever have children of my own." The pain was still noticeable in his voice, but it was no longer all consuming. 

Harry immediately saw the effect the news had on everyone in the room. 

Andromeda and Ted had already known but he could tell that even though they had known for many years, the pain they felt for someone they deeply cared for was still raw and deep. 

Tonks was openly crying; quiets sobs shook her frame as tears cascading down her face. It seems that her emotions were once again affecting her Metamorphmagus abilities. Harry was surprised by how much she looked like her mother and Sirius. This must be what her natural state was. The only thing that was different was the way her wild curls shone blue in the light. 

Remus had his arm wrapped around Sirius' shoulder. His eyes were a raging fire, begging to have the men that had hurt his brother put in front of him so he could dish out his own justice onto them. 

Hermione had let out a soft sob. Her warm chocolate brown eyes washed in deep sorrow and pain for his father made them shine bright as tears rapidly flowed down her face. Both her hands covered her mouth as though she was trying to physically stop the sobs escaping from deep within her chest. 

Ron was pale and unmoving. He always admired Sirius for what he had done for Harry, how he had broken out of Azkaban to protect him. How, without Sirius, his family would still be living under the and roof as a traitor, a follower of Voldemort. His friend woke up from nightmares at what his family had been able to avoid, thanks to his father. To know that something so terrible happened to someone he respected and was extremely grateful to, caused grief and helplessness to fill his friend.

Ginny was near tears. The warm cinnamon eyes shining brightly as she tried her hardest to stop the tears from flowing. Remorse and compassion for what had been taken away from his father were the most prevalent on her freckled face. 

George was the only Weasley to be openly crying. It made sense to Harry as George was always in tuned to the emotions around him. It's likely that he can feel the loss and pain that Sirius was forced to endure. Not only these but both twins admired Sirius as his father always encouraged them to follow their dreams despite what their mother thought of it. 

Looking into Fred's eyes, Harry felt that his heart was being tore out. He knew the pain and suffering in them, the tears that made the blue of his eyes look otherworldly, was on his father's behalf and not do to anything inflected upon him. But to see any bit of hurt in those eyes that he loved so much made Harry want to scream in rage. 

"That's why you said that the ones who attacked you were surprised that you remained Heir. As Heir your family's power and position in society is passed down through you. If you couldn't have children, then you couldn't pass it down." The words were for Sirius, but it was Harry’s eyes that Fred held. A hint of understanding in them. 

"That's right, Fred. That's why they were surprised. Everyone knew the pride of the Black Family. For my grandfather to not remove me as Heir was more than a surprise to everyone." Even Andromeda was nodding along to his father's words. 

"Arcturus Black may have believe in the Pureblood Supremacy that Voldemort had preached. Sympathized with his cause." It still astounded Harry that his father came from a family full of bigoted people. 

"What he didn't do was bow. Blacks do not bow to anyone." Pride brimmed in his voice. It could be seen in Andromeda's eyes, whose features were so similar to her cousin's.

"He saw members of his family being swayed to do the bidding of him. He saw his brand etched into their skin as if they were cattle. My grandfather witnessed Bellatrix bow and kiss the hem of Voldemort’s robe. In her own home." Disgust and revulsion filled every line and plane of his face. Harry knew he hated his cousin Bellatrix, but the fact was that she was of Black Blood and her display stood against what the family was. 

"Grandfather Arcturus may have believed in Blood Supremacy, but he believed in the Black Family Supremacy above all. He would rather have the Family die with me than live on in servitude to anyone, including Voldemort." Harry couldn't deny, he would have to agree with Sirius' grandfather, Harry's Great Grandfather, in that. To have one’s family have to live and serve the monster of a mad man would be horrific. 

"What Arcturus didn't realize is that the Black Family wasn't my only family." The overwhelming love and adoration in his dad's voice made tears prickle in Harry's eyes.

"I had a family that was created within these very walls." A gentle smile full of friendship and brotherhood, which spoke of family, lit a roaring smile in Remus' molten eyes. Harry felt as though he was being engulfed in the biggest, warmest, loving hug when looking at the man who was giving him and his father the most tender look he'd ever seen. He couldn't help but return the look and see his dad doing the same. 

"That because of them, I may not be able to have children, but I didn't remain childless." While most in the room looked confused, both Andromeda and Fred had a look of comprehension.

"Years after the attack, Harry was conceived. I was the first one to find out as James and Lily asked me to be the godfather. I was never going to be able to have children of my own, but I was going to be Harry’s godfather and that was enough for me." The look his dad gave him was full of love and Harry couldn't help but to melt further into the man's side. 

"I loved him from the moment I found out about him." The words filled Harry's heart and helped soothe the old wounds created by vicious and cruel words thrown at him by his mother's sister calling him unlovable and a burden. 

"Love you too, Siri." Harry couldn't help but whisper the words into his father's chest. He felt a soft kiss on his head in response.

"After he was born, I was set in my job of being godfather, until Lily and James came to me and asked a question that would change my life. Make me happier than I ever believed I could be." Even though Harry had found out years later than he should have, to finally know that he has Sirius, that Sirius is his father, it makes him happier than he's ever been.

"Andie, Ted, Dora, I know you three know, but for the rest of you, do you know what a Blood Adoption is?" Even though Harry could tell that Fred and Andromeda had already arrived at the right conclusion, they were happy to have confirmation that they were correct in their assumption. 

Dawning comprehension slowly made its way onto the faces of all the other occupants in the room. All except one.

"No, what's a Blood Adoption?" Hermione asked, interested in learning something new that she'd never heard of before. 

"Blood adoptions used to be common a few centuries ago. It allowed parents to adopt children into their family, making them an actual blood parent." Ginny started off the explanation. Harry was surprised that it seemed that the Weasleys knew what a Blood Adoption was but figured he shouldn't be considering they're Purebloods. They would know something that was once common in the Magical World.

"There were several reasons why they were done. One was when a noble family was unable to have children. They faced the prospect of their family line dying out." George continued on why Blood Adoptions had taken place. 

"For an entire family to die out is not only a point of grief for that family but for Magick herself. Magick is passed down family lines. It's a Magick that is special in its own way because it can usually only be found within that family. Gifts and affinities are passed down generation to generation carried within the Family Magick." It was odd to witness Ron explain something to Hermione that she didn't know. Usually, it's Hermione explaining something to either one of them on something she had learned years earlier. 

"Like my ability as a Metamorphmagus. Only those with Black Blood carry the gift. I believe that the reason why I was the first to receive the Gift in so long is because of the inbreeding of Purebloods, the Black's in particular. For the Gift to be prevalent once more, new blood needed to be introduced. By Black's marrying other Black's and families with close family blood ties to ours, the Family Gift of Metamorphmagus was bogged down by other prevalent family traits." Harry couldn't help but think about that time he was able to grow his hair back after his aunt had given him the most horrendous haircut ever. He made a mental note to talk to Tonks about it.

"Yes, so allowing a family line to die out wasn't only about pride but about Magick itself." Andromeda had continued after her daughter. Harry found it ironic how the daughter of the woman who was disowned by her family, whose Family Magick contained the Gift of being a Metamorphmagus, was given the Family Gift. He knew Sirius must have loved telling Andromeda their family's reaction to that. Harry could see them thinking of it as divine justice.

"It also wasn't the only reason Blood Adoptions took place. Another instance they took place was when a couple wished  to have children and weren't able to, or they were but they wanted to bring a child who may have lost their parents. That child would become part of their family and as much of their child by blood had they been conceived by those parents."  It was strange to hear Ginny take over. The way each Weasley switch to another as though instead of the regular Twin Speak that Fred and George use, it's became Weasley Speak.

"The last of the Blood Adoptions was when a third person would become the third parent of a child. This usually took place when the child's parents feared for their future and wanted more than anything to ensure that their child would grow up with someone they knew would love and protect them. It was the highest form of trust bestowed on the one that was asked. The child would gain qualities, features, and Magick belonging to the now third parent. Making that child as much their as the two who had conceived them." Cobalt blue eyes stared at Harry, who couldn't help but be memorized by their allure as Fred explained the last of the Blood Adoptions. 

"That's why you did it. Harry's parents, James and Lily that is, feared they wouldn't make it out of the war alive. They feared what would happen to him if they died." Trust Hermione to hit it right on the nose.

"You said yourself that you already loved Harry, and you couldn't have your own children. It was your chance to make Harry your child in blood as he was already in your heart." Harry saw as her eyes flickered to him and shone. He was able to read the look in them as though it were words on a page.

"See Harry, you are so very loved. You always were. You always will be."

Harry couldn't stop his face from burning.

"Yes, that's right." He knew he must be as red as a tomato as his dad lovingly brushed a hand through his hair. He wasn't ashamed of it at all.

"If you're his father than he should've never gone to the Dursley’s. You should have never been arrested! How could they think that you would kill the parents of your own child?!" There was furious indignation in Hermione's voice like she was ready to give each and every person responsible for Sirius ending up in Azkaban a piece of her mind.

"Because no one knew. We kept it a secret." His father's voice was filled with sadness and heartbreak. So much time lost. 

"Why?" The anger quickly burned out of Hermione in the face of his dad’s devastation. 

"Blood Adoption is one of the Darkest Magicks there is. The Dark was currently under persecution. James and Lily feared what would happen to me if people immediately found out about the adoption. I was already looked at suspiciously because of my possible Magical affiliation and coming from a known Dark family." Will people now look at Harry that way when the true extent of their relationship becomes public knowledge? Although slightly worried, Harry didn't care much because he had a father who loved him. That was worth everything that may come their way.

"With Blood Adoption being as Dark as it is, they knew that people would assume that I was the one that suggested it, cementing myself as a Dark Wizard." It was wrong that anyone had to hide a part of themselves for fear of what other's reactions would be. 

"But you're not dark, you're good. Anyone who spent any time with you and saw how you were with Harry, they'd see it in a few short minutes." Even though the topic wasn't light, it still amused Harry at how alike their thinking was due to their ignorance on the topic of Dark Magick.

"That's exactly why it was kept a secret." A faint smile spread over his aristocratic features. His father's gray eyes appeared tired. 

When you hear Dark, you automatically assume that it is bad or evil. Being a Dark or Light Wixen doesn't determine if you're bad or good. It's not your fault either for not knowing that distinction." Sirius says knowingly.

"Dark only really started to be associated with evil this past century. That is thanks to the likes of Grindelwald and Voldemort. A hundred years before Grindelwald became a Dark Lord, Dark Magick was persecuted but it wasn't at the level or intensity it is today."

"I know it may seem confusing and you have a lot of questions and one of these days, if you would like, we can sit down and discuss everything that you may have questions about." Harry has the thought that Sirius may regret making that offer to his friend. He can already see the spark of excitement at the prospect of learning something new, and the hundreds of questions she already has that will only multiply the more Sirius explains. 

"Thank you, Sirius, I would really appreciate it." Her voice was bright and excited. 

He knew that his father could see the situation he had put himself in, but it didn't seem to bother him. His smile was full of enthusiasm, happy at the prospect that he would be able to explain something that means so much to him. 

"You won't let him go back." Fred's voice is harsh and commanding, startling everyone in the room. 

Harry can't help the shock that rushes through him. The way his eyes widen in surprise at the ferocity of his boyfriend's voice. 

Fred doesn't look at Harry, his eyes, as blue and stormy as the ocean waters, holding the strength to sweep all away in its currents.

"To them." The disdain in his voice makes it sound more like a sneer. 

There are only four people that can make his boyfriend sound like.

"Tell me, promise me you won't allow Harry to go back to them." It's a demand that Fred gives his father. Unwilling to hear anything but agreement from Sirius.

"He belongs with you." There is no doubt in the statement. No room for argument. 

Fred's eyes bore into his father's.

Sirius does not look away.

"I will rather die than ever allow him to go back there to them ever again." Harry can feel the truth of his father’s words down to his very soul. Warming him and enveloping him in the love he can admit, at least to himself, he had always craved from a parent. 

As Fred stares at his father, he weighs and measures the honesty in his words. It seemed his boyfriend had found what he was looking for as his body relaxed and he gave Sirius a sharp nod. 

"I want to thank you. All of you." Sirius' voice is thick and filled with sincerity and earnestness.

"For being there for Harry when I couldn't be." The faces of each of his friends were tinged red from the heartfelt emotion coming from his father. 

"It means everything to me that my son had you when I couldn't be there for him. I will forever be in your debt." His gratitude is evident.

"Harry's our family too. There's nothing we wouldn't do for family." George's proclamation was resolute, receiving nods of agreement from his family and Hermione. 

It never failed to move Harry, sending warmth and a sense of belonging through him every time he heard those words. How the Weasleys and Hermione always included him as family, never making him feel like an outsider. The way they embraced him as one of theirs helped heal old wounds that were inflicted on him by the Dursleys when he realized that no matter what he did, he would never truly be their family. 

Now that he had his father and Remus, Harry thought that maybe he could heal everything that they had broken within him. 

Maybe Tonks, Andromeda, and Ted will be a part of that. 

Harry knew the Dursleys were here at Hogwarts, the place that was his true home. He was determined to do his best not to let it affect him. He’s come a long way from the unloved little orphan that was dropped on their doorstep. 

"All the same, I will forever be indebted to you. To all of you." His father's voice was filled with love and gratitude. His face was set in a soft tender look, eyes like dew on flower petals.  

Suddenly, the look hardened, like a wet stone that's capable of sharpening the deadliest blade. 

"Frederick, seeing as you are in a relationship with my son, there is something that I must say to you." His father's voice was colder than the Arctic winds. Aristocratic features set in harsh lines. It spoke of a man who was born and bred to be the future Head of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black. 

Harry's jaw dropped. Out of everything that had happened today, he did not see this coming. He never considered that his boyfriend would have to stand the judgment and protectiveness of a parent, seeing as he believed he was an orphan. 

Next to him, Fred paled noticeably. The color drained out of his face, making the constellations of freckles all the more noticeable. There was slight fear in his eyes but also determination. He stared back at his father, the vivid summer sky meeting the fiercest of storm clouds.

They held each other's eyes for a few moments. His father evaluated everything about Fred. They seemed to look past the surface, piecing through the redhead, trying to judge his heart and soul. Weighing everything to determine his worthiness. 

Fred never looked away.

Even with the trepidation that Harry could feel in his boyfriend, the vulnerability, he refused to look away from his father's eyes. Opening himself up to judgment and facing it directly. 

Finally, his dad softened and gave Fred a small smile.

"I know how much you love Harry. I saw it over the summer. How you fought Dumbledore and your mother because you knew that the silence from us would hurt him. I saw it over the Christmas holidays after the attack on your father. I witnessed it today, the way you gave him strength, never letting go of his hand. Continue to be there for him, to love him, to treat him as you always have. As long as you do that, you have my blessing." The sincerity and earnestness in his father's voice and eyes floored Harry more than the words themselves.

The fearful tension left Fred, conviction and resolve taking its place. With his shoulders squared and his eyes fixed on his father's, he showed his sincerity and seriousness in his next words. 

"I swear it. To my last breath, I will swear it." It was the most serious, the most honest the voice that he loved so much had ever sounded. A whirlwind of emotion rose up in Harry. He couldn't deny the love he heard in Fred's voice.

Harry swore he fell in love with the redhead all over again. 

"I believe you." He knew his father liked Fred. They got along well. Fred admired the man and Sirius was amazed and astounded by the things that Fred and George came up with. To know that his father approved of his relationship with Fred, something Harry did not imagine could actually be an issue, greatly lightened his heart. 

The spell was broken by a voice that Harry forgot was there. 

"Master has an Heir." The crotchety House Elf voice sounded mystified, surprised. 

"Death will not come to the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black because of Master. It has a chance to live on." His eyes are wide, an indiscernible look on his aged and weathered face. 

"Even if it does associate with Mudbloods and Blood Traitors, the House of Black will live on." There was no venom in the voice that was the softest Harry had ever heard the Elf sound. 

"Kreature." His father said in warning, never liking the way he referred to Hermione and the Weasley's.

Kreature ignored him and continued to stare at Harry. 

"Master has a Pureblood son, who will be Heir once Master claims Lordship." Voice still soft, a hint of wonder within it. 

Harry was confused. 

"I'm not a Pureblood, I'm a Half-Blood." His mother was a Muggleborn, so he couldn't be a Pureblood.

"Little Master is as stupid as Master." There was a slight note of annoyance in his voice. 

"Kreature." The warning from Sirius was sterner this time. 

Once again, Kreature ignored his father. 

"Master's Heir is a Pureblood. To be a Pureblood, Little Master must have sixteen Magical Great-Great-Grandparents. Little Master does between Black and Potter. Even if Little Master's mother was a Mud....was not Pureblood." It seemed Harry wasn't the only one to be shocked by that announcement. Even his father and Andromeda seemed stunned.

"Rules don't say that all Great-Great-Grandparents have to be Magical. Only sixteen. Little Master has twenty-four." There's a spark of deviousness in the bulbous wide eyes. A hint of life and satisfaction that was not there before. 

"Little Master is with a Weasley. Blood Traitor but Pureblood. If Little Master and his mate have little masters of their own, they will be Pureblood." Harry wanted to squawk in anger at Fred being called a Blood Traitor until it died in his throat at Kreature's next words. His face burned red at the Elf talking about him and Fred having kids in front of everyone in the room.

In front of Fred's brothers and sister.

In front of Harry's father.

"The House of Black shall remain Pure." A hysterical laugh that wasn't completely full of humor burst from his father. 

"Of course, you would come up with that logic. Why am I surprised? I really shouldn't be. You were always more fanatical about the Purity of the House of Black than my own mother." His father sounded absolutely done with everything. 

"Master should be happy that he's not as much a shame to House Black as once thought. That he's no longer the Death of the Greatest House. Even if him and Little Master associate with undesirables." It seemed that Kreature was starting to come to terms with the day's revelations for he was able to give the others in the room a slight sneer. 

Although, when his eyes met Andromeda's, his face turned white, and he quickly dropped his eyes at her raised brow. 

Harry had to let Kreature know that he wasn't willing to tolerate him talking down to the people he cared about.

"Kreature." The Elf's attention snapped to Harry at the sound of his name. 

"I know you don't approve of the company Sirius, or I keep. That the House of Black believed in Blood Purity and Supremacy. We are Blacks but we are not them. We are Dark but we are not followers or sympathizers of Voldemort. We never will be. "We would rather die than bend to his will." All eyes in the room were on Harry. He could feel his Magick, much like his father's, rise to the surface and saturate the air around him. 

"Blood Purity, Blood Supremacy, Voldemort, they are what made the House of Black fall so far. They are what nearly made the Black Line extinct. How many Blacks were imprisoned for following Voldemort and his ideology? How many Blacks were killed because of Him? Regulus died because of Voldemort. Remember who truly almost ended the House of Black." Harry could feel sparks of lightning flowing through his veins all over his body. Felt the crackle of his Magick sitting just under the surface of his skin, encompassing his entire body. 

"It was Voldemort, not my father." The smell of ozone rose, permeating through the room, making it denser, harder to breathe for the other occupants. Harry saw as Kreature's breathing became rapid and his eyes widened in a multitude of emotions.

"I want you to remember that the next time you sneer at anyone in this room. Before you talk down to Sirius as though he is still at his mother's mercy. Before you call Hermione a Mudblood. Before you call any of the Weasleys, Blood Traitors. Before you say anything about Remus being a werewolf." His voice was Dark, a power flowing through it that ensnared everyone who heard it. 

"Sirius is my father and remained Heir because he was the truest Black there was. He refused to be branded like cattle and serve on his knees to a madman who caused the Dark to be viewed with more scorn and fear than ever before. Who made the persecution of Dark Magick all the more prevalent and accepted in the Magical World." The Magick in the air was like a storm. It was as though rain and fire were pouring down from the heavens, endless obsidian clouds that crackled with power of lightning flashing through them. 

"Black blood flows through Andromeda and Tonks, living on in them. Tonks was Blessed with the Black Gift of being a Metamorphmagus. Ted is a Black through marriage. He loved Andromeda when the Family kicked her out, a family who touted loyalty to their own but didn't hesitate to throw her out like trash. He fathered, loved and raised a Black daughter who would never be recognized by the Family whose Gift she inherited." Harry didn't notice the way his words caused tears to flow from the eyes of the Tonks' family. The way that he included them in his family, barely knowing them and only just finding out his connection to them. How he had claimed them as Black's, had claimed Andromeda as a Black, when the people who had raised her, who she had grown up with had forsaken her. Declaring her unfit and a shame to ever be a Black.

"Hermione may be a Muggleborn but that doesn't make her less than anyone, including Purebloods. She's the brightest witch of the age. I would have been dead ten times over before I had ever even heard of Sirius. Throughout my friendship with her, she had always stood by my side, even if it would have made her life easier if she no longer associated with me. She stood by my side and helped me train, helped me survive the tournament last year. Without her I would've never made it through the first task. Even now, with Voldemort back, she still won't leave my side, knowing it makes her an even bigger target for Voldemort." Hermione was one of his best friends, his sister, and he loved her. 

"She had faced everything that has been thrown her way by being friends with me, to remain by my side, to be a sister to me. Even when she was terrified, she stayed. Followed me to confront Voldemort in my first year. Stayed by my side when the whole school scorned me in my second year because they thought I was the Heir of Slytherin. Willingly followed me to try to save my father against a hoard of Dementors, even though she didn't know how to conjure a Patronus. Then she had a way to ensure that he wouldn't be arrested and Kissed again." Had she not had that Time-Turner, Harry would've lost his father before he ever had a chance to get to know him. Before he even knew that the man was his father. 

"All the Weasley's, each and every one of them were family to me when I had no one. They were the first people to show me kindness, to treat me as family, when my own blood hated the very thought of me, couldn’t bear my very presence. They welcomed me with open arms. They treated me just like any other brother or son and sat me down at the table with them. They showed me what having a family was like. Provided for me even as they struggled." The kindness and love that was the Weasley family healed wounds in Harry that had been bleeding and sore since he could remember from the callousness and cruelty of his own. 

"Remus is the reason my father and I are alive. He took the time, had the patience, to teach me the Patronus Charm. He knew how badly I was affected by the Dementors. Saw how they were drawn to me. For days, even after the full moon when he was beyond exhausted and in pain from the transformation, he would continue the lessons so I could protect myself. Without him Sirius, Hermione and I would've been kissed at the end of my third year." Harry remembered those days as he thought back. Remembered how ill and tired Remus' had looked after the full moons. He didn't know the reason for the condition he was in. He did not understand the magnitude of it. How it was so much worse, so much more painful than what Harry had initially thought. Still, Remus had helped him all he could. 

"He was there for Sirius when the Blacks turned their backs on him. Remus was the one who found Sirius after the attack. He stood by his side, was there as he lay in the hospital bed, was with him every step of his recovery. Remus and my dad are the reason my father wasn't alone during one of the darkest moments of his life." He didn't see the tears and love in Remus' eyes making them brighter, more beautiful than the sun. 

"The people in this room are good and loyal. They're family. They're willing to fight by my side, by each other's side. Willing to take a blow for the one standing next to them, regardless of whether it will be the death of them. We would live for each other. We will fight for each other. We will die for each other." His Magick rose and wrapped around all who were present. It wasn't suffocating or restricting. It was welcoming, loving. It enfolded them into his family. 

"Can those under Voldemort say the same? Who did Regulus have to take the killing blow for him? No one. If Voldemort said he had to die, then they would fight over who would have the honor to kill him." He knows that bringing up Regulus pains his father but it's necessary to make his point clear. Harry knows that the Elf loved Sirius' brother. The way that he made sure no one got too close to his room. It was the only thing that his father and Kreature had agreed on. 

"Your beloved Mistress, how was she when she learned that her youngest son had joined Voldemort? Knowing the terrible and monstrous things he will have to do in the name of his Lord? Knowing how he treats his followers? The way he has them prostrate themselves to him, makes them kneel and kiss the hem of his robes like good loyal dogs. How if they do one thing, the smallest thing that displeases him, he'll Crucio them without a second thought." Harry remembered how the Death Eaters had acted when Voldemort had called them to the graveyard. The way they had crawled on his belly to kiss his robes. 

"She rejoiced. She rejoiced as her son, a son she should have loved and protected, became a slave to a megalomaniac." It's easy to see that his words greatly affected the old House Elf. How his eyes widen, and his breathing comes in short gasps as though he can't get enough air into his lungs. 

"So, the next time you decide to sneer at any of them, before you decide to label them undesirables, I want you to know, I want you to remember what I said. I need you to know who they are." It's imperative that Kreature understands. That he understands how lucky Harry is to have these amazing people by his side. In no way will he let the Elf degrade them.

"I want you to understand who they are when you try to compare them to people who you worship. The same people who nearly destroyed the House you love so much." Blazing emerald eyes bore into the tiny creature. The weight of everything he has said crashing down on everyone in the room. 

"Kreature will remember the words of his Master. Will respect them." He bows low, respectfully, reverentially. He bows so low that his nose presses against the stone floor. When he rights himself, he stands straighter than Harry has seen the Elf stand before. Harry is shocked to see tears in the aged eyes. 

"Kreature lives to serve the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black and his Masters." There was pride in the croaked voice. 

Before Harry could respond, although he was too speechless from Kreature's reaction, the Elf popped away, leaving the spot he had stood in empty. 

Harry turned to ask Sirius about the Elf's reaction when he was suddenly assaulted by his five friends jumping on him simultaneously. He felt as though they were trying to hug the life out of him. Tonks followed only a few short moments later. 

"Can't...breathe." Harry managed to gasp out, reminding his friends and boyfriend that he needed air for his continued existence. 

Pulling away to allow Harry to get much needed air, he saw tears and smiles on all of their faces. 

"Oh Harry. I didn't know you felt that way. I love you too. We all do." Hermione was beaming the brightest smile he'd ever seen on her. She had gentle tears running down her face. The tears made the chocolate of her eyes all the more brilliant. 

"Yeah mate, we all do. You're family. Always have been. I'm hoping in a few years you and Fred will make that official." His best mate's voice was the most cheerful he had ever heard. It surprised Harry, especially as he brought up his and Fred's relationship. Ron was always the one who was the most sensitive on the topic. It's not that he was unhappy that they were together, it was just strange for him. His older brother, and someone he considers his brother were together. It was difficult for him to wrap his head around and Harry understood that. 

To hear him bring up the subject without the usual look of wanting to run away surprised Harry.

Ron bringing up Harry possibly marrying Fred in the future made his face a bright red as he felt like a million snitches were fluttering in his stomach. 

"Mom and Dad love you like their own. You're a Weasley too. And my favorite brother." Ginny's declaration caused Harry to laugh heartily. 

"Yes, little brother, you've always had a place at the Burrow. Even if you did pick the less attractive twin." Harry saw Fred elbow George in the ribs. Hard. 

Turning back to face Harry, the look of pure love on Fred's face stole the breath right from his lungs. 

"I love you, Harry. From the moment I saw you, a tiny lost first year trying to find their way onto Platform 9 3/4, I had no doubt you were going to be important to me. Not because of your scar but because of your eyes. I knew that seeing your eyes light up in joy and happiness was going to be my goal every day. You mean everything to me and I don't know what I would do without you. I never want to find out." Fred lovingly cradled Harry's face in his hands. Softly stroking Harry's cheek in pure adoration. Harry couldn't help but flutter his eyes close and lean into Fred. It was always easier to breathe, to just be with Fred. He never expected anything from him. Only ever expected Harry to be just Harry. 

"I love you too, Fred. So much. I can't lose you. I can't. Promise me." Harry said the words into Fred's neck. Putting all the love he had for the other boy into them. He didn't care that the others were watching them. Right now, all Harry cared about was Fred right in front of him. 

"I promise, Harry. I'm not going anywhere. Ever." Fred's words, full of love and promise washed over Harry. They covered him like a blanket of peace in a world, in a day, so full of chaos. Fred was his anchor in the turbulent sea of everything. 

Slightly, Fred pulled back to look at Harry. His eyes are as beautiful and vibrant as glacial pools, with none of the coldness. They looked at him with loved and tenderness. Harry felt home looking into those eyes. The smile on his face was crooked, left dimple a deep divot in his perfect contours of his face. A smile that always made his heartbeat faster. 

"Besides, I spent so many years pining after you, there's no way I'm going g anywhere now that I have you. You're stuck with me." Harry couldn't stop the bubble of laughter that escaped him as he tackled Fred in a hug, knocking the older boy to his back and into his twin. 

"Good, you better remember that." Harry said into Fred's chest who was sprawled over his twin from the force Harry had launched himself with. 

"Oh, trust me, my little mischief maker, I will." Fred said with laughter in his voice. 

"Just remember where your hands are when positioned like that." His father's voice was a strange mixture of teasing and stern. 

Immediately, Harry’s face was on fire, and he quickly pushed himself back, so he was sitting where he was before he launched himself at Fred. 

His father looked too amused at Harry’s horrified and embarrassed face. Looking at Fred, his face was red but he too seemed amused. 

Harry hated them both. 

"I...no...we...I mean...nothing like that." Stumbling over his words, unable to get a full sentence out, his already flaming face was quickly getting hotter by the second. 

Of course, Fred was no help at all. Harry could hear him snickering while still sprawled over George. 

"Because you're too young for anything of the sort." The grey eyes of his father were lit up with amusement and mischief, but also held an undercurrent of something else, something protective. 

"Sirius, leave the poor boy alone. Besides, I have it on good authority that you were his age when you started." Thank Merlin for Andromeda. Harry thought that all the blood in his body had rushed to his face from how red he must be. 

Although, he could have gone without that knowledge about his father. 

The embarrassed, contrite look that his father adopted was entirely worth it. 

"Also, it's clear to see that Harry is much smarter than you were at that age, with a good head on his shoulders." Her voice was like soft bells as she teased his father. 

"Now come here, darling. I wish to welcome you to the family." Andromeda gracefully stood up and held her arms out to him openly. 

Hesitantly, Harry stood and walked over to the intimidating, beautiful woman who he now knew was family. 

Once he reached her, she gently and lovingly pulled him into a hug. Wrapping her arms around him, Harry was immediately enveloped in a sense of family and belonging. Her hug was soft, tender, and heartfelt. Yet, it was also firm, protective, and unwavering. In her arms, there was no mistake. Harry was family. For now, and always. 

Hot tears burned Harry's eyes. He used to dream about how this would feel. To be hugged by someone, a woman who was a family figure in his life and feel safe and wanted. When he was a small child, cold, alone, hungry, and still full of dreams, he had hoped, begged, and prayed that his aunt would hold him like this. 

She never did. 

Now, with these people around him, he felt he belonged, that he was wanted. 

Harry felt so very loved. 

Pulling back slightly, she gently cupped Harry's cheek, an adoring smile on her beautiful aristocratic features. Features that he has seen in the mirror. 

"It's long overdue, but welcome to the family, Harry. We are so very lucky to have you." The sincerity in her voice caused a tear to escape his eye, softly making its way down his cheek. Andromeda saw and gently brushed it away. 

"Thank you, Mrs. Tonks, it means a lot. I just hope I make all of you proud." Harry didn't want to disappoint any of them. He just found out about them all. He'll do everything he can to keep them. To never be alone again. 

"Oh, little Emerald, you already have. Just being you will make us all proud. That's all we will ever want of you." The nickname made Harry blush, unused to having any from anyone besides Fred, his friends, his father, and Remus. 

"And none of this Mrs. Tonks business. We're family. You can call me Aunt Andie. Sirius was more like a little brother to me than a cousin." The affection in her voice made Harry’s heart soar. To have an aunt that look at him with love, whose voice was filled with warmth when she talked to him. It was like a wish that was finally granted. 

“Yes, Aunt Andie.” It was the only thing that Harry was able to get out, his throat tight with emotion. Andromeda seemed to understand for she gently patted his cheek and kissed his forehead before she stepped away.

One moment Harry was standing where he and Andromeda had embraced. The next second he was tackled to the ground, bubblegum pink hair caught in his mouth.

“Wotcher Harry, Welcome to the family, little cousin. I’m sure between us we’ll manage to turn mom and Sirius grey within no time at all.” Laughter quickly sprung from him due to Tonks’ enthusiasm and proclamation.

Tonks may be an Auror. One of the finest, personally trained by Mad Eye Moody himself. At heart though, she was still fun-loving and had more energy than any one person should have.

“Please no, it’s a miracle my hair didn’t turn white from Azkaban. Please, let me keep it.” His father’s horror-stricken voice made Harry and Tonks laugh even harder.

With one last hug, Tonks finally decided it was time to allow Harry the ability to take a deep breath once more. She quickly stood up, knocking her knee on the table, and almost falling on Harry once more. Luckily, Remus’ inhuman reflexes kicked in and he was able to wrap an arm around her waist, steadying her on her feet.

Harry saw the way the Metamorphmagus’ hair turned fuchsia pink matching the color of her cheeks when she realized who had caught her. It was easy to spot the slight blush high up on Remus’ cheeks as well. He couldn’t help but give the man a subtle look which he studiously ignored.

Ted generously offered him a hand, helping Harry to his feet.

“I know I said earlier to call me Ted, but I think now it would be more appropriate if it were Uncle Ted. Welcome to the family, Harry. It’s good to have you.” The friendliness and happiness in Ted’s voice as he spoke to him was not what Harry was used to hearing directed at him from someone he was to call uncle. Harry knew it would take some time to get used to, but he was more than happy for the change.

The man pulled Harry into a strong embraced, lightly patting his back.

“Please don’t turn ‘Dromeda grey. Blacks can be vain creatures. I’ll never hear the end of it.” Harry couldn’t help the small laugh at Ted’s whispered words before he broke the hug.

“I heard that.” Andromeda’s voice was a smooth drawl, with and undertone of mirth.

Ted ignored his wife, putting both hands on Harry’s shoulders. Eyes the color of the spring sky staring into his own green.

” Please tell me that you didn’t inherit the tendency for over dramatics that seem to come with all Blacks.” His voice was slightly pleading and slightly teasing.

Before he could respond, before Sirius, Andromeda, and Tonks could squawk with indignation at the man’s words, his friends and Remus answered for him simultaneously.

“He did.” It was said with equal parts commiserating and humorous.

Harry immediately understood the others indignation.

“Oh Merlin, save us all. There’s another one.” The resignation in his voice didn’t match the mirth in his eyes.

And apparently, it’s those with Black Blood that are the dramatic ones.

Humph.

“Enough with the dramatics, Ted. I think Harry has endured enough today, and the day isn’t over.” The look that Andromeda gave her husband would have quelled any other living soul. Ted’s only reaction was to give he a sweet smile.

Turning her attention to Harry, she gave him a small soft smile.

“I know today has been very hectic and emotional for you. Unfortunately, it’s not over.” Even though Harry had initially dreaded hearing about the readings, it wasn’t as bad as before considering he knew that Sirius will be free afterwards.

“It’s nearly time for dinner, why don’t you all go to your dorms and get ready. We’ll see you after dinner, during the announcement.”  Harry was able to hear the words that she didn’t say.

“We’ll be there for you through it all.”

It meant everything to Harry to know that he’ll have all these people here for him.

All who still attended school, got up to start to head back to Gryffindor Tower. They all were given hugs by the others before leaving. The last and longest hug Harry got was from his father. It further solidified his resolve with the readings.

Once the truth is known, he will no longer have to fear the possibility of his father being Kissed.

They’ll be a family.

“Love you, pup. I’ll see you in a bit.” The words of love were whispered into Harry’s ear as his father embraced him.  He gave the man one last squeeze before he quietly returned the words.

A few moments later, all six Gryffindors left the quarters that Remus and Sirius had been given making their way back to the Common Room. The walk to the tower was quiet, comforting. No words needed to be said after everything that had happed. With everything that has yet to happen. The presence of those by his side, Fred’s hand in his was the only thing that was needed.

It was a few minutes later when Harry stopped dead in his tracks.

“Damn.” Harry recalled what he was meant to do today before McGonagall Had brought him to Sirius.

“Everything alright, Harry?” Hermione’s eyes held more concern than what was necessary for what Harry was thinking about.

Considering everything that had happened today he couldn’t blame her. He appreciated the concern.

“Yeah, everything’s fine. I just remembered. I have a book due today. Was going to bring it back before, well, before everything.” His words eased the worry in her eyes, and he couldn’t help but love Hermione a little more for all the care she always gave him.

“Would you mind taking my things to the dorm while I drop this off? I’ll meet you all in the Great Hall.” It would also give him a bit of time to himself. Try to prepare himself for what was to come.

Fred understood immediately, so he reached out to take his bag after squeezing his hand one last time.

After handing his things to Fred, Harry started making his way to the library. He barely took two steps before he was lost in his thought, feet on autopilot.

He has another father. A father who loves him. who would do anything for him.

He knew his mom and dad loved him. That they had died for him.

Harry couldn’t help but feel that even from the grave, they’re still taking care of him, still protecting him.

Sirius being his father was because of them. their fear, their love, gave Harry a chance to still have a family even after they died.

The love and loss he felt for the two parents that he never got a chance to know felt as though it had multiplied tenfold. 

Harry’s musings were cut short as he heard snide voices from around the corner. 

"How come you're always alone? Don't have any friends?" The words were cruel, mocking. Harry slowly came to a stop right before the turn, hiding out of sight. 

"Who would want to be friends with her?" Harry felt the words like a slap to the face. Old memories resurfacing of his cousin stopping him from making friends at school.

"Who'd want to be friends with the loveless orphan boy?"

"No one. It's why she's always staring into space. Imagining what it's like to have friends? To be normal?" Their laughter is cold.

"Just as strange. Just as...abnormal."

"Can you please tell me what the Sorting Hat was thinking when it put you into Ravenclaw. It's easy to see you don't belong." The words cut like glass. 

Harry hears a sound as if something was pushed to the wall hard, then a sound of something gently sliding down the stone wall.

"It's because of her mother. It's obvious she doesn't belong anywhere. The Hat decided to put her where her dead mother was." There was a ringing in his ears as white-hot rage consumed Harry. How dare these girls talk about the death of a parent so callously.

How dare they. 

"Poor Loony Lovegood, dead mother, crazy father, and no friends." Luna, these girls were bullying Luna. Someone who didn't even know him when she offered her support when people in his own House that he had known for years turned their backs on him. 

"I'll have you know, Luna does have friends." Harry said, voice cold and full of fury as he stepped out from around the corner, no longer being hidden by the wall. He can feel his Magick trying to rise along with his anger. 

The three girls loomed over Luna menacingly as they spewed their vitriol at her. The sneers on their faces were ugly and mocking. Harry immediately realized that they were older than Luna. They were older than him, probably seventh years. 

It wasn't them though that caused Harry's fury to seep further into his bones like the numbing cold that freezes lakes down to their deepest point. 

It was Luna, who had her back pressed against the stone wall, seated on the floor, knees up to her chest. A look of resignation on her face at the treatment given to her. 

His Magick rose, lashing out like whips of frozen wind that tear sails leaving sailors to the mercy of the sea and the biting cold. 

His presence caused the three older girls to stumble back in shock. The second they felt his Magick they fell to the ground, looks of fear written across their faces. 

Any other time Harry would feel guilty for being the cause of their fear. For putting that look on their faces. 

Not this time. 

Not when their cruel words to someone who was odd, yet so incredibly kind were still ringing in his ears. 

"Her friends don't take kindly to those who seek to hurt and bully her." Their breaths become visible in the air, ice climbs up the walls. 

"You'll find that they take great offense to those who bully her. They're not as kind and forgiven as she is to those who hurt her." He watches as their eyes widen impossibly more. Tears glistening in the torch light. 

Harry doesn't notice Luna making her way towards him until she puts a small gentle hand on his arm. His eyes snap to her, and he sees the soft smile on her face. 

"Come now, Harry. I believe you were in the middle of heading to the library when we stopped you." Her voice was as soft and whimsical as butterfly wings dancing in the sunlight. 

Looking into her eyes, Harry could feel the storm that was brewing within him immediately lose all momentum. 

Nodding his assent, Harry offered his arm which she took, and they made their way to the library. Not bothering to spare the other girls another look.

They made it to the library and Harry handed his book to Madame Pince who took it with a kinder look than she had ever directed at him before.

At that moment, Harry became aware of the announcement of the reading that was to take place after dinner. It explained the look that the Guard of the Library gave him. Dumbledore must have told the whole staff. It was the students that needed to be informed.

Releasing a deep breath, Harry walked back to Luna who was patiently waiting for him at the library entrance. They barely made ten feet before Luna’s soft voice broke the quiet that had descended on them since she had snapped him out of his fit of rage when he had found her.

“I suspect that today has been an emotionally trying day for you, Harry. I’m sorry it isn’t over. Just know that if you need me, I’m there for you.” Harry didn’t have the energy to be surprised by the knowing in her dreamlike voice. If anything, it calmed him immensely.

“Thank you, Luna. I appreciate it.” Harry really did. Luna was odd but she was a good person, a good friend. He decided to be a better friend to her.

“Do they do that often? Treat you that way?” Harry tried to keep his anger at bay as he remembers the look of resignation on Luna’s face. The way her eyes just seemed tired as though it was a daily occurrence that was routine.

“I’m used to it, Harry. There’s no need to worry.” Her words further cemented his resolve.

“You’re my friend, Luna. Of course, I’m going to worry about you.” No one should be treated the way those girls treated Luna.

“Oh, well that’s nice.” The genuine surprise in her voice hurt Harry.

“Why don’t you sit with us during dinner, Luna? We’d love to have you.” He wanted Luna to know that he was being honest. That he truly did think of her as a friend.

“Really? That would be lovely. I would be happy to, Harry.” The wide smile on her face was infectious. Harry couldn’t help but to give the petit girl one back.

They made their way to the Great Hall. When they got there it was half empty, but his friends were already at their table, a spot between Fred and Ron was open for him. Harry wrapped a hand around Luna’s slender one bringing her over to the others. When they got in front of his friends, he saw Fred lift an eyebrow and look at his and Luna’s connected hands.

“Anything I should know?” It was teasing but held a note of slight jealousy in it.

Harry just gave him a look.

“Luna will be sitting with us. I ran into her while on my way to the library. She was with a few of her housemates. After witnessing their behavior, I don’t believe they are deserving of her presence.” The protectiveness and slight menacing note in his voice cleared the jealousy from Fred’s eyes in an instant, replacing it with understanding and protectiveness as well.

It was one of the reasons why Harry loved Fred so much. It didn’t take much for the other boy to pick up where Harry’s mood was and do what he could to help.

“Of course, Luna, you’re always welcomed here. Ron move over a bit.” The fact that it was Hermione who was the first to offer words of welcome to Luna set Harry at ease and filled him with pride for his friend.

Hermione was the one that had the most trouble with Luna being, well, Luna. The way the slight blonde girl looked at the world and saw things was completely different to his bushy haired best friend. To see that Hermione had not even balked at Luna sitting with them made warmth for all his friends flow through Harry.

He was so incredible lucky to have these people in his life.

“So, Luna, I haven’t read the latest issue of the Quibbler yet. Would you mind telling me about any of the animals that were mentioned? I’d love to hear about them.” Harry saw the way Luna’s eyes lit up with delight at Neville’s inquiry. The way that he had a soft, sweet smile on his face for the blonde girl.

Neville was always so underestimated but there was no denying his kindness.

It was a few minutes later when Harry felt a tap on his shoulder. Turning around and looking up he saw Professor McGonagall standing with an annoyed and irked expression on her face. When their eyes met, she immediately softened, he eyes warm as the fire in Gryffindor Tower.

“Mr. Potter, dinner is about to start. Before it does, Professor Dumbledore will be giving an announcement that all are stay in the Great Hall for an important announcement. I will not have the chance to talk to you again until after the school has been made aware of what is to come. As so, I will once again tell you, anything, anything at all that I can do to make this easier for you, I will. If there is anything that you need, please come to me and I will do everything in my power to help.”  The protectiveness, conviction, and determination in her eyes made her declaration even more absolute. Harry was overwhelmed with great emotion and respect for his Head of House as his eyes welled with tears that he struggled to keep at bay.

“I’m so very proud of you, Harry.” The small, soft smile on her face and gentle squeeze to his shoulder was almost too much for Harry. He knew he had Professor McGonagall on his side, and he was so very glad for it.

“Thank you, Professor. That…that means a lot.” It was all that Harry was able to get out. His throat was too thick with emotion, making it difficult to speak. The professor understood as she gave him one last smile before making her way to the Head Table.

“Harry, I don’t know what that was about, and I won’t ask. It seems we’ll all find out soon enough. Whatever it is though, you have me. I’m on your side too.” Trust Neville not to know what was happening but to be the first to offer his support and loyalty. Neville was always a good friend to Harry. Harry had never known how much or truly appreciated it until now. He made a vow, just as he did with Luna, to be a better friend to the blonde hair boy.

“Thank you, Neville. You’re a good friend. I’m lucky to have you.” He watched as the blonde boy’s face turned red from the compliment, but nonetheless gave Harry a small smile.

It was at that moment that Harry saw Dumbledore stand up to make the announcement before dinner started. Almost as one, every head in the Great Hall turned to look at the aged Headmaster.

“Good evening, everyone. I’m aware that we all must be hungry, but a short announcement is needed before we indulge ourselves in the splendid food provided for us.” It was easy for Harry to see that today's events had taken a toll on Dumbledore. His shoulders were slightly slumped, and his eyes were absent of their usual twinkle. It seems that Harry wasn't the only one to notice as worried faces looked to Dumbledore. 

“After dinner, all must remain in the Great Hall. Guest will be arriving with Professor Umbridge, which will include the Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge.” Whispers immediately broke out amongst the students that the Minister will be at Hogwarts. Everyone knew of the strained and soured relationship between him and the Headmaster. Harry heard a scattering of questions about what this could mean, to the possibility of it being announce the Dumbledore was going to be fired. 

Dumbledore gave everyone a few seconds before he raised his hand for silence and less than a second later all sound had ceased.

“What will be said will be hard to believe for everyone here, but I assure you that it is the truth. It will also be part of our daily schedule for the foreseeable future.” Of course, between having to read  years’ worth of Harry's life and the supposed time bubble, it's hard to say how long the readings will be. It could take days, weeks even to read all the books but with the time bubble, time is supposed to be frozen within Hogwarts grounds. 

It made Harry’s head hurt just thinking about it, so he didn't. 

“I asked that for the people that it will most affect, that the rest of you will remain kind and respectful to them.” Subtly his friends closed ranks around him, including Luna and Neville. It felt as though his heart would erupt from the onslaught of affection that welled up within him for them all.

“Thank you all for listening. Please, enjoy dinner.” When Dumbledore was finished speaking, the food appeared but no one bother to touch any of it. 

Everyone turned to those around them talking about what would be happening. 

“What do you think would happen if you crossed a Womping Willow with a Mimbulus Mimbletonia?” Neville’s question was so out of the blue it was obvious that he was trying to get Harry’s mind off the impending announcement that he knew was about Harry. Yes, he was so incredibly lucky to have Neville.

“Devastation.” Fred and George answered in unison. Their voices full of intrigue and delight. There was a sparkle in their eyes.

Then again, maybe giving the twins and idea like that wasn’t a good idea.

“Oh, Merlin. Please, don’t.” It seemed that Hermione shared the same fear as Harry did.

They continue to talk about nothing at all. Most were aware of what was going to happen and the effect it would have on Harry. The ones who didn’t know, knew that it was centered around him and decided to do what they could to distract Harry as best they could.

Words couldn’t express how much it meant to him.

It was later, but still too soon for Harry’s liking when he saw Professor McGonagall get up to leave the Great Hall. As she made her way to the doors she gave Harry one last look, nodding her head to him.

Harry knew it was time. His Head of House would be bringing in those who were already here.

Looking around it seemed everyone had finished eating, and that some had been done for quite some time.

When his Head of House closed the doors of the Great Hall after she left, the House tables cleared of everything. Three additional chairs appeared at the Head Table, presumably for the Madame Bones, the Minister,  and Percy Weasley seeing as he currently worked directly under Fudge now. A table now sat diagonally in the front of the Great Hall between the Head Table and the Gryffindor Table, close to where Harry currently sat. On the other side of the Hall by the Slytherin Table a smaller table appeared. Harry believed that the smaller table was for Malfoy’s parents.

Suddenly, Harry heard two soft pops from behind him and instinctively went for his wand as he turned around. He stopped mid motion when he saw who was behind him.

Two sets of impossibly large eyes greeted him. One was filled with excitement and joy, the other was filled with something Harry couldn't quite understand. 

"Harry Potter, sir, how good it is to see you!" Was the high-pitched enthusiastic greeting from Dobby. 

Harry was aware that all eyes were on him. The volume of Dobby's voice was impossible for anyone to miss. 

Although Harry dreaded what was coming and hated the attention currently on him from everyone in the Great Hall, he couldn't really gather the ability to care all that much. He was happy to see his energetic little friend. 

He was a bit at a loss of what to think about Kreature currently.

"Hello, Dobby. It's good to see you too. Did you enjoy your Christmas present." Harry watched as the Elf's face lit up in unimaginable joy.

"Oh, yes sir, Harry Potter sir. Dobby was most happy with his Harry Potter's gift to Dobby. Dobby bes wearing them now." Dobby showed of his very eccentric socks that Harry had gifted him for Christmas.

"Good, that makes me happy Dobby. You deserve them." It was the truth. Dobby had tried to warn him and save his life in his second year, even though he had almost killed Harry in the process. He had also given Harry the Gillyweed that was necessary for him to complete the second task last year. Additionally, Dobby had told them about the Room of Requirement for the DA lessons. 

Harry loved the Elf. 

"Harry Potter sir is always so kind to Dobby. Harry Potter is Dobby's greatest friend." The large green eyes shone with tears of happiness. 

"You're my friend too, Dobby." A wide watery smile broke of Dobby's face as the Elf launch himself at Harry, able to hug him around the waist due to his seated position. Harry wrapped an arm around his odd friend, gently patting his back. 

A moment later Dobby took a step back and looked at him with the most serious expression he had ever seen the Elf sport. 

"Dobby will be there for Harry Potter. Just like how Harry Potter is there for Dobby." Harry could feel his cheeks heat up at the voice that was filled with so much dedication and loyalty. 

He was immensely grateful to his small friend. 

"Kreature is here for Harry Potter too. Kreature said he would help Harry Potter however he could. Isn't Dobby right, Kreature?" Dobby looked at Kreature imploringly.

Kreature ignored Dobby's look, his attention focused on Harry. 

If Dobby's words didn't surprise Harry, then the look on Kreature's face did. 

Kreature stared at Harry. There was none of the usual disdain, contempt, or derisiveness that usually marred the aged House Elf's face. 

Harry was unable to describe the look on Kreature's face but there was one thing he did recognize in the large round eyes. It was a hint of respect. 

Harry watched as Kreature blinked slowly then fell into a deep bow. 

"Kreature lives to serve. Master Harry Potter will have Kreature by his side." He felt his jaw drop from the words spoken by the craggily old House Elf. It was only over the Christmas vacation where Harry was sure that if Kreature could murder him in his sleep, he would. Now, the old Elf was showing more respect to him than he's ever seen his father get. His father who was the Elf's true Master. 

It took a moment, but Harry was eventually able to speak again. 

"Thank you, Kreature. I appreciate it very much." Kreature stood from his low bow, giving Harry one last indescribable look. 

"Would you both like to sit with the rest of us? We best make ourselves comfortable for what's coming." Dobby's eyes glistened with tears as shock overtook Kreature's features at Harry’s words. 

Luna and Ron shuffled down the table making room for the two Elves to sit where they had previously occupied. 

Dobby eagerly jumped into the seat that had been opened directly next to Harry. 

Kreature was slow, cautious, weary in his movements. As though unsure of the sincerity in Harry’s request and how he should respond. Ever so slowly, he finally made it to where he was sitting on the bench, feet dangling and shoulders stiff.

Harry understood Kreature’s plight. The old House Elf was loyal, devoted, and fanatical to the House of Black. That does not mean though that they would have been kind to him or had treated him with any respect. How Kreature acted was bred in him. It was behavior taught by the generations before him, instilled in him from when he was young.

Harry decided that he would do better by Kreature. Deciding that he would try to get his father to do the same. He knew it would be difficult for his father. Not because Kreature was a House Elf, but because Kreature was Kreature. The wounds between the two are old, deep, and infected.

A thought popped into Harry’s head. The whole of the House of Black needs a cleansing. Maybe then instead of surviving, it can thrive. 

Harry was pulled from his musings as the doors to the Great Hall swung open. Umbridge, with the Minister at her side, stepped through the doors, leading a procession of people behind them. Both oozed malicious glee. Their smiles were wide, full of teeth and hideous.

The Minister looked far from how he was before the end of the third task. Before then, when he had spoken to Harry, he was always jovial, eager, and a bit bumbling. When Harry accidentally blew up his aunt, the man let Harry off with barely a word of warning.

After the third task, after Harry had informed everyone of Voldemort’s return, everything changed. The man had ignored the proof, Barty Crouch Jr., the Dark Mark once again alive on Snape’s left forearm. Before anyone could even have the supposedly dead Azkaban escapee questioned, the Minister had once again allowed Dementors onto Hogwarts grounds and had the man Kissed. His denial soon turned to paranoia. The Minister grew paranoid, thinking the Headmaster was making a play for his position. He had thought that Harry was in on it, trying to help Dumbledore. That Harry saying that Voldemort was back was a ploy, trying to set up Dumbledore to become Minister. It was always known that Voldemort had feared his old professor. That paranoia grew to hate. He had enabled the Ministry and The Daily Prophet to start a slandering campaign again Harry and Dumbledore. This caused the public to turn on them for them telling the truth. A truth the Minister refused to believe.

Far from the man Harry had met, the Minister stood side by side, gleeful at the opportunity that Umbridge had presented to him at Harry’s expense.

Umbridge, well for lack of better words. She looked like the frog who caught the fly.

Both quickly scanned the Great Hall, eyes immediately finding Harry, a hideous joy lighting up in their eyes.

The look didn’t last long for both were nearly knocked to the ground. An enormous, shaggy black dog burst from in-between the two, making a beeline to the Gryffindor Table. It amused Harry greatly to see that Remus was being dragged along, holding the leash that was connected to the dog’s collar. Although Harry was aware that had Remus really wanted to stop Padfoot, he could have easily done so with the extra strength he had from being a werewolf. It became clear that Remus was part of it when he had bumped into Umbridge with extra force, successfully sending her to the ground.

"My apologies Madame, he's a tad excited to see someone." Remus sounded genuine as he threw the apology over his shoulders. His face spoke differently, clearly showing his amusement at her current position. 

"Control that mutt or else it will have to leave!" The shrill yell from the frog in pink who was still on the floor and having difficulty getting to her feet. Making her look more like a fish flopping on land.

"Oh, aren't you the reason he's here in the first place? Remember, he needed for what you want." There was a feral note under his cordial tone.

"Go, Professor Lupin!" Harry heard the quiet cheer from Dean a few feet down the table. 

He couldn't agree more.

Padfoot and Remus quickly made their way to Harry. As soon as Harry was within reaching distance, Padfoot launched himself at Harry, front paws on Harry's shoulders, and started licking every inch of his face, knocking his glasses askew. 

"It's good to see you too, Snuffles. Alright, alright enough. Get off, you mangily mutt." Harry was barely able to get out between laughter. 

He couldn't help but laugh even more at the dramatic expression that his father was able to pull off even in his Animagus form.

Once Padfoot was back on all fours, allowing Harry to stand up, he gave Remus a hug. 

"We're both here for you, cub. Always." The gently words were whispered in his ear for him alone. Harry nodded into the man’s neck to let him know he heard. 

"Dobby bes making room for Harry Potter's wolfie." Dobby's voice was clear for Harry to hear, making a smile form on his face. Apparently Padfoot heard to for barking that Harry knew was laughter echoed throughout the hall.

Going by the pained look on Remus' face, he knew that he was never going to live that one down. 

“Thank you, Dobby. I appreciate it.” His voice was a mixture of resigned to what he knew his father would put him through, and kind in the face of Dobby’s thoughtfulness.

As Remus sat down, it seemed Padfoot noticed Kreature for the first time as a low growl was emitted from his throat. There were gasps from around the hall. Kreature's shoulders, which had minutely relaxed when he sat down, stiffened, and tensed once again. Harry responded by flicking his cold, wet nose. The large black dog gave him a look of hurt and betrayal.

“Snuffles, this is Kreature. Kreature said that he will be staying by my side, helping me. Be nice.” Harry had stressed his voice, trying to get his meaning through to his father.

“He’s loyal to the House of Black. To our House. To me. Please, don’t start.”

Padfoot once more focused his full attention on the Black Elf. The stormy eyes stared intensely into the large weary eyes of Kreature that lacked its usual disdain. The two stared at the other until Kreature bowed his head. The action seemed to surprise Padfoot for even in his Animagus form, the dog's mouth dropped down in surprise. 

"Very subtle, mutt. Very subtle." Harry heard the voice of Andromeda from across the Gryffindor Table. Turning to look at her, he saw the three Tonks'. 

"Wotcher, all." Tonks said in greeting. 

"Wotcher, Tonks." They all replied to the bubblegum pink haired woman. 

"Hello, Andie, Ted." Harry withheld calling them aunt and uncle, seeing as they were trying to keep the extent of his relationship secret. 

"Hello, Harry." Ted greeted him warmly.

Yeah, it definitely was going to take a while for Harry to get used to Ted's friendly nature when he had only ever known Vernon.

"Hello, my darling. I hope that you don't mind us sitting and joining you and your friends." Harry knew that this was Andromeda keeping her word to be there for him during everything. 

"Of course, please, have a seat. All of you." Harry knew he wasn't successful keeping the emotion out of his voice. At least he was able to hold in the tears that threatened to spoil over for the hundredth time that day. 

As Ted, Tonks, and Andromeda sat down across from Harry, room being made for them by Hermione and Ginny sliding further down the table, Remus sat down to Harry’s right. Not wanting to be left out, Padfoot squeezed himself in-between Harry and Remus, settling his massive weight on both their laps, his head in Harry's and his tail lightly thumping against Remus' chest.

"You overgrown, scruffy, dog child." Harry could hear the quiet laughter from down the Gryffindor Table at Remus' grumblings. 

Padfoot looked entirely too pleased with himself. 

As the Tonks' sat down, Harry noticed that the guests were making their way to the new tables made available to them. It was right at that moment that the Dursleys walked by, stopping in front of where Harry and his friends were sitting.

His blood immediately ran cold, dread filling his stomach, making his entire body stiffen noticeably. The look that Vernon and Petunia were giving him was making breathing difficult. Their faces were filled with more hate and scorn than they had ever directed at Harry in the past. Although he did notice that Dudley had tried to offer him a small smile. 

It seems that his reaction did not go unnoticed at all. Catching the attention of all, including the Minister and Umbridge, both of whom had cruel smiles on their faces seeing the discomfort on Harry's face. 

Before anyone could say anything, Andromeda's voice rang out, her eyes sharper than a sword that could cut stone. 

"Your place is over at that table. There's no room for the likes of you here." The disdain and cruelty in her voice was something that Harry did not expect the woman to ever be capable of. He was reminded just who her older sister is and realized that even though she was loving and caring, that she is not someone who should ever be underestimated. 

It seems he was not the only one shocked by the quality of her voice. Harry saw as the woman he knew to be Narcissa Malfoy took a stumbling step before she quickly regained her footing. The way Neville's face turned whiter than milk and looked as though he was about to either faint or cry. 

More importantly, he saw the affect it had on his aunt and uncle. His aunt took a step back as though she had been slapped. His uncle looks more terrified and offended than he ever see the large man before. 

Harry watched as Dudley pulled his parents to the table in front of the Gryffindor Table where he now noticed the other Order members sat, including someone who looked very much like Dumbledore.

"Harry, dear." Barely a moment passed when he heard the voice of Mrs. Weasley. Harry gave the Weasley parents a smile as they made their way to Harry hand in hand. 

"Mrs. Weasley, it's good to see you." Harry gave the Weasley matriarch as good of a hug as he could from the position he was in, sitting down with half a gigantic, massive dog in his lap. 

"Harry." Mr. Weasley's voice was gentle and kind. The father of seven softly squeezed Harry's shoulder in greeting. 

"I want you to know, we're all here for you." It was shocking to Harry the amount of steel that was in the man's words, unused to ever hearing the man sound anything but the loving father he was. 

"Thank you, Mr. Weasley. I appreciate it." Harry gave the man a smile. 

With that the redheaded parents went to great their children and Hermione before taking a seat to George's left. 

"Harry, it's a pleasure to see you again." Bill said from the other side of the table. 

"We're sorry that it's under such circumstances." Charlie said from his spot next to Bill. 

"Mom and Dad are right, we're all here for you." The kind and determined look in Bill's eyes made it seem as though Bill was looking at Harry as though he was a younger sibling who wasn't planning to let his little brother face anything alone. 

"Yeah, you’re a Weasley. Your family." Charlie and Bill weren't twins, but Charlie's look perfectly mirrored his older brother's. 

The raven-haired boy truly felt as though he was a Weasley in that moment. 

He also realized that the twins probably got their Twin Speak from their two oldest brothers. 

"Thank you, Bill, Charlie." Harry was moved by their kindness. Having the whole Weasley family by his side was an incredible feeling. Well, nearly the entire Weasley family. 

Harry's eyes landed on Percy who was sitting in one of the additional chairs at the Head Table, a forlorn and longing ache in his eyes as he looked at his family. Percy may have torn a rift in his family when he left, but that didn't mean he didn't love them. 

He needed to look away from the pain in the third Weasley boy's eyes. It reminded him of how he used to long for a family of his own before he came to Hogwarts and painstakingly built his own. 

Tearing his eyes away from Percy they landed on an elderly woman who had just made it to stand right behind Neville.

It was Neville's grandmother.

Harry watched as the two greeted each other before the intimidating elderly woman turned her gaze on him. He couldn't help but gulp when those sharp, shrew eyes met his.

"Mr. Potter, it's good to see you again." The matronly woman had greeted Harry with more warmth than he would have expected.

"It's a pleasure to see you as well, Madame Longbottom." He noticed the way Andromeda stiffened ever so slightly at his words. Her face blank but there was tightness around her eyes. Tonks threw her mother a worried look which Andromeda ignored. 

"Yes, well, it's a shame that it's due to these circumstances. Vultures trying to peck and tear at a child. Trust me, I made my displeasure known at what our esteemed Minister and his lackey had ordered to take place here." Harry had to admit that Augusta Longbottom was a terrifying woman. Additionally, he greatly appreciated and liked her. Her words weren't quiet and carried over the hall causing Umbridge to shout in indignation. This led to a small smile to form over Madame Bones' face before she immediately smoothed her features out once more. 

"I want you to know that House Longbottom will stand with you." There was a feeling in Harry's gut that these were meaningful words. He decided to follow his gut instead of saying the usual thank you he has been to everyone. 

"House Potter will stand with House Longbottom in return." There was a proud gleam in the Madame's eye at his words as she nodded her head to him. 

"Now Neville, move down a bit. I don't wish to sit closer to the miserable Ministry shrew than I have to." Yes, Harry liked Augusta Longbottom quite a bit. 

Neville moved down, creating room between him and Andromeda for his grandmother to sit. His face was a bit panicked. 

As Madame Longbottom sat down, it looked as though Andromeda had stopped breathing. Her eyes slightly gazing over. 

When Neville's grandmother made herself comfortable, her eyes looked at the people surrounding her. When they landed on Andromeda, the elderly woman froze, stiller than a statue. 

"Madame Longbottom." Andromeda greeted the other woman, reservation in her voice. 

"Andromeda Black." There was no emotion in the elder Longbottom's voice.

Neville's face whitened even more, his hands trembling. 

Finally, Harry understood the tension that had suddenly appeared in Andromeda when the Longbottom matron had come up to them. 

Andromeda was Bellatrix's sister. 

Bellatrix had tortured Neville's parents, Madame Longbottom's son and daughter-in-law. 

Harry looked at Neville whose eyes seemed far away, lost in memories that he wished he didn't have. 

"I can move if you..." Andromeda's soft voice was cut off by the older witch. 

"No, that's not necessary." Augusta Longbottom was stern, yet sincere.

"You're not her. It wasn't you." The fierceness in the older woman's voice seemed to shock Andromeda, her eyes snapping to meet the eyes of one who has lost so much because of the actions of her sister. 

The two strong and powerful women held each other's eyes for a moment, searching for something that Harry didn't know but seemed incredibly important for them. 

"This is my husband, Ted. This is my daughter, Nymphadora." Andromeda said, a bit shakily at first, as she introduced her family to Neville’s grandmother. 

After that, the tension seemed to seep away as introductions and pleasantries were made. 

"Andromeda, I didn't realize you and Harry had met before." Mrs. Weasley’s kind voice could be heard. 

"Yes, I had the pleasure of meeting Harry earlier. I thought it prudent for me to remain by his side. Considering what is to come, I'm sure certain secrets will be revealed. Ones that would cause some to react poorly." Andromeda is talking about his father being an Animagus. A massive Grim looking dog. One who is currently sprawled over himself and Remus. 

"Before that could happen, they would have to go through me. I'd love to see them try anything of the sort." Her words were sharp, vicious, and so very protective. Andromeda Tonks was a woman you would want on your side. 

"You're not the only one, dear." The fact that Mrs. Weasley matched her ferocity, shocked Harry. 

He knew that the Weasley matriarch didn't get along well with his father. They argued constantly whenever they were around each other. 

The fact that she was ready to fight and protect Sirius made Harry love the woman all the more. 

It was at that moment that they heard the clearing of a voice that set all their teeth on edge.

"Hem hem."