The Returned

“Home sounds good” Hades said. But before anyone could say anything else, His hand flew to his chest, a pained gasp sounding throughout the room. All of a sudden, the pulling sensation was back and so much worse. His breathing became faster and faster. He felt like he needed to follow it, but, he couldn’t move. His body felt like lead. He tried getting up, but fell right out of the bed, landing on the cold stone floor. He could do nothing but lay on his side curled up, Eyes wide, hand to his chest and pained quick breath’s. He could just make out yelling somewhere when his head felt like it would explode, his hands flying to his ears in a futile attempt to stop the pain.

Finn and the others were following Chief Ragnar to the hospital wing when his core tightened. He fell to his knees, his hand grasping at his chest. The pull he had felt was stronger than anything he had ever felt before. Finding it hard to breathe, gasping for air, he barely felt when someone lifted him from the ground. He heard someone yell and when the pressure in his head became to much, he let out a scream, another sounding through the closed doors at the end of the corridor. Suddenly it felt like his head was exploding and he felt himself slipping into unconsciousness.

Orion watched as Hades fell out of the bed. Fear ripping through him when he started screaming. The sound echoing around the hospital wing. Rushing forward he watched as Remus dopped and held Hades tight to his chest.

“What’s going on? He was fine a second ago” Bowie yelled, Charlie holding her tightly, preventing her from getting to Hades. Viktor Holding Fred back similarly. The others to shocked to move.

Orion didn’t have time to answer, as the hospital doors were thrown open. Ragnar rushing in.

“Flora, I need your assistance immediately” Ragnar was huffing like he had ran a mile. “Quickly”

“Chief! I’m dealing with the youngling right now, as you can see. Healer Hygar, go with the chief now.” Flora was trying to pry Hades hands away from his head. She didn’t know what was happening, but it was scaring even her.

Ragnar watched the youngling when something clicked. He turned on his heel and left the room, running in the direction he had just come from.

“Quickly, bring him in” Ragnar told the group as he approached, stopping for just a second, he turned again and ran. He entered the wing just as they were placing hades back into the bed. He had an idea and was hoping he was correct.

“Make the bed wider” when no one moved he growled “NOW” that got them moving.

As the bed was being transfigured, three men came rushing in. the first carrying the unconscious form of another.

“Place him on the bed, they need to be close. The longer we keep them apart, the worse the effects could be” Ragnar ordered. Looking around the room he spotted Lord Black. “Lord Black, you must release the Call. Now.”

Orion stood staring as his son was placed on the bed. How was this possible. His son, his lion, was here. He was shocked out of his thoughts as Corvinus shook him.

“Orion you have to release it. Release the call now.” Orion stared at his friend before the words registered.

Taking a deep breath, Orion called upon the family magic. He asked for her to release the call, that she had done her duty to her family. He felt as magic rushed through him and anchored itself at his feet. For a few moments all was silent, until a rush of magic blew through the room, knocking those standing to the ground. When everyone was up standing again, an angry voice tore through the wing.

“WHAT THE HELL DID YOU DO TO HIM” Orion Turned to see a young man marching towards him, fists clenched. Just as he got close, he was tackled to the ground.

“JAMES, CALM DOWN” Sirius yelled, having to sit on top of the man he believed dead for so long. “He didn’t do this on purpose, look, they have calmed down.” He forcibly turned his best friend’s head in the direction of the bed. Both occupants breathing evenly, chests rising at a steady pace. “They’re going to be fine, but you need to calm down now, you won’t achieve anything by attacking him”

“Whose James?” the confused man below him asked, breathing heavily as he tried to calm himself. “Why did you call me James?”

“That is one of the reasons I asked the four of you down here. You remember I said your memories had been altered?” Ragnar asked. He got three nods in confirmation before he continued. “You all had been made to forget who you are. You forgot your true selves, your families, Your children all of it. We are here to remedy that. Had I known that your youngling and husband would react in such a way I would have prevented it. Now you three need to sit on those beds over there. The healers will begin removing the blocks on your memories and hopefully restore them. Lord Lestrange, have you had your blocks removed?”

“No, we were to busy. But I’m ready” Corvinus grasped Orion’s shoulder as he past, making his way to the other bed.

Watching the others move to the beds, Orion made his own way to Hades’ and Regulus. Flora was moving her hands over his lion’s head.

“How are they”

“They will be fine, just sleeping for the moment. I’ve removed the blocks on his memory, though there wasn’t much to remove. It seems what ever just happened, almost completely restored them. And Hades, well I don’t know why he reacted the way he did. He didn’t have any blocks. It could have just been the effects of the magic. I’m sorry I can’t offer any more of an explanation.” Flora explained as she worked her magic.

“HADES” James jumped from the bed, tripping as he made his way over to them. “What happened? Why are they asleep?” panicked, James didn’t know who to go to first.

“They are going to be fine. How much do you remember James?” Orion asked his son-in-law.

James thought for a moment. “I remember it all, Minnie’s warning, Reggie coming home after he erased everyone’s memories, Halloween. Then the years I thought Reggie and I were different people. The twins showed up around a year afterwards, right up until we came here” All he could do was stare at his little boy. Emotions rushing through him as he tucked a strand of hair behind hades ear. Then he spotted the scar. It resembled a burst of lightning, from his hairline to just below his right eye, He ran his fingers along the jiggered lines.

“Reggie wiped our memories. When?” Sirius stood shocked.

“Your Halloween party in 81. Minnie had just told us, Franky and Bas about the fake prophecy Dumbledore came up with. We all decided to go into hiding, but we were terrified. Only close friends and family knew about us and the boys. We knew someone betrayed us, so, Reggie used the family magic to preform a spell or ritual, I don’t really know, when he came home, he collapsed and didn’t wake until the next morning. When he did, he just kept repeating ‘No one will know’ what ever that means” James didn’t look at anyone, he was just staring at his son.

“Wait! You said Family magic, right?” Fabian making his way over, Gideon and Arthur not far behind.

“Yeah. Why?” James asked, slightly confused.

“That would explain why they reacted the way they did. If he used the ritual I think he did, it basically acts as a homing beacon on top of what it was designed for. The caster would have used someone as an anchor. so, when Orion sent out the call, The magic was still in use and the anchor was basically activated. It’s why Reg felt it the way he did, The family magic was already calling to them, it was just intensified” Fabian explained. “Now that, that explanation is out of the way, where is my husband” it wasn’t a question.

Orion looked over to Corvinus and raised his brow in question.

“Ahh Fabian… sit down please” Corvinus really didn’t want to tell his son-in-law that his husband was in prison.

“Cor, what’s going on?”

“Do you remember the night you, rod and the boys came to visit? Bas and Barty were there to.” He really didn’t know how to explain it.

“Yes” Fabian drawled out, looking over to his son’s.

“We don’t know how it happened, but we believe Dumbledore was there also. He must have slipped something into our drinks. It must have knocked us out because when we came to, it was just Rod, Bas, Barty and myself, No memories of you and the boys. A couple of hours later the Aurors showed up” He had to stop and take a deep breath.

Fabian watched his father-in-law, dread making its way up like bile. ‘Please don’t be dead’ he begged in his mind.

“They were arrested for the torture of Frank and Alice. It’s been Fourteen years since they were arrested”

“WHAT! THEY WOULD NEVER” Fabian roared. “Bas would never hurt Franky. Not like that, He adored the ground the man walked on. What about Neville is he ok?”

“Nevilles fine Fabian. And we have Amelia on it, I promise we are doing everything we can right now” Orion stepped in. “We will make this right.”

“What about Franky and Alice, what happened to them?” Gideon needed to know.

“They have been residents of the Janus thickey ward for the last fourteen years. BUT” Orion had to stop the others from interrupting. “But we are hoping that we can help them. As you know, the unforgivables do not leave a trace, let alone signature, but we need someone who can use Legilimency, and use it correctly. They could remember what happened to them, but we need to get Dowager Longbottom’s permission first, we have organised a meeting with her for tomorrow. Your more than welcome to be there”

“What about snape?” came the quiet voice of Hades. Everyone turned as the young man slowly sat up, looking bewildered at the sight of the man next to him still asleep.

“Hades, are you ok? Does anything hurt?” James asked frantically. Hands running over his face, arms anywhere he could reach.

“Ah…” Hades just stared at his… dad. “Well, I guess we can cross some people off of the manhunt” Sirius letting out his bark like laugh from beside him.

“What are you talking about?” James asked again completely confused.

“His talking about you and these three, Prongs” Remus whispered “We do need to locate lily though. We all thought you and her were Hades parents”

“First off, ew. I love her but no. Second, she’s married to Sevvy. Where is that cranky ass anyway?” James was looking around, trying to find the surly man.

“He doesn’t remember any of this either James. The only reason we know is because of my father activating the call and then your very dramatic entrance. Can tell you spent way too much time around Us Blacks” Sirius was staring. He was happy, but still… this was unexpected. Much like everything else in the past few days.

“Oh. I think the letter said something about a counter for it. Gid, do you have it?” James turned to the man in question. He was currently wrapped in what looked like a spine breaking hug from his sister.

Patting molly on the back he was able to dislodge himself from the crying witch. “I think Ragnar still has it. But best to wait until Reg wakes up. He may remember something else about it. It should not have wiped the entirety of wizarding Britain’s memories.”

“Well, that would explain why Amelia didn’t remember them being together. She wasn’t at the party, and she officiated their ceremony, I remember it all now” Corvinus said. He was still standing next to Fabian, Fred and George had made their way over to the man as well. He needed to be close to them. He had let them down for too long.

Alya was watching from the sidelines, when Bill came up to her looking worried. At what she didn’t know.

“You ok?” ah he was worried about her.

“I’m good. Lots to take in that’s all” She smiled. It really was a lot to happen in the last few days. “I think it might be best if everyone goes back to Grimmauld after Reg wakes up. Theres plenty of room and I think dad wants to hold another meeting. Sirius and Remus will have to come back when Madam Bones gets back though, but in saying that. James should stick around also. Confirm his alive and all that. Should probably also get Snape to” She was blabbering, she knew that. But he was cute, sue her.

“I’ll talk to dad, see what he wants to do. Mu…Aunt molly, may like the idea though. We have the burrow under Fidelius, and Dumbledore’s the secret keeper.” He would have to remind his dad about that. See what they can do to get it removed.

“Probably a good idea then. I’ll talk to my dad and see what he wants to do” Alya excused herself and walked over the group. Bill watched as she moved, she was so graceful. He didn’t realise Charlie had silently made his way over to him.

“Careful, brother. Wouldn’t want you getting into trouble now would we” Charlie grinned when Bill jumped.

“Like your one to talk. You looked very cosy with your arms full of a certain purple haired witch” Bill snorted at his now blushing brother.

“There's something about her” Charlie shrugged. He didn’t know what it was, just that he wanted to be close to her. Charlie wasn’t a jealous man, but when she jumped on Krum the day before, he had wanted to walk right up and punch the guy. “I don’t get it. I got jealous when she hugged Krum. And then before, having to hold her back like that. Damn she was strong, but it felt… I don’t know, right?”

Bill looked at his brother, Charlie had been awfully quiet when they got back from the station. They all just assumed he was missing his Dragons.

“You like her?” it was all Bill could ask, Charlie had never expressed any type of attraction to anyone. Charlie looked over to the witch in question, sighed and nodded.

They must have been standing there for some time, as their dad and … other dad? Made their way over.

“Lord Black has offered for all of us to stay with him until we can get the burrow sorted. I’m staying here with Sirius, Remus and James. I need you two to keep an eye on the others for me. Ron’s still a little emotional and Gin is unusually quiet.” Arthur was worried about all of them, today had been a major upheaval.

“We can do that dad. Ahh, I don’t really know what to call you anymore. Think we’re a bit old to call you daddy” Charlie couldn’t bring himself to call the other man father. It was too pompous.

“To be honest, neither do I” Gideon sighed. He had missed out on raising them. It wasn’t his fault, but he felt guilty.

“Well, we will think of something” Bill said to the small group. “We should head back over there. Looks like his waking up”

Bowie had been watching Charlie as he talked to his brother. She didn’t mean to overhear what he said. But she was curious. He was hot in his muggle jeans and tight black t-shirt, the muscles in his arms bulging, long red hair pulled into a topknot, tattoos, and a well maintained beard. She was attracted to him. That was what confused her. They only met yesterday. And now, they were all going back to Grimmauld for who knew how long. Gramps had, had to remind her papa that they were safe at home, no one could enter the wards without permission from him. So, She, Alya and Nix were to play host until everyone got back. Uncle Reggie and Hades were staying under the healer floras demands. Only until her dad’s interview was done though.

“What are you thinking about Bobo” Viktor asked.

“World domination of course” Grinning manically at the Bulgarian.

“Oi, as long as we’re your right-hand men, I’m down” Matty said. She could see he wanted to check on hades though. His eyes kept moving over to the bed, on occasion eyes meeting.

“Well Duh. You two are the arm candy and nix is the brains of the operation. I’m just the pretty face that takes the credit”

“Bloody hell, you really are like your father aren’t you.” Remus had overheard everything and was now chuckling into Sirius shoulder.

“You make that sound like a bad thing. We all know I was the pretty face of the group, you were the brains, Prongs and ‘him’ were just the front men that took the blame” Sirius grinned.

“I seem to remember you being in detention with them. Every. Time”

“Yes, well, unlike you Mr. Perfect, I owned my pranking ways” Sirius said. Nose in the air.

“Oh, I owned it… I was just smart enough not to get caught, unlike you idiot’s” Chuckling at his dramatic husband.

“You were all idiots” Regulus mumbled. Sitting up he noticed he wasn’t alone on the bed, he turned his head and was looking straight into the eyes he now remembered. Storm grey, Hazel and still the most amazing green he had ever seen.
“Hades” he whispered before pulling the young man into a hug. His baby boy was so much older. He felt as Hades arms wound themselves around him. Holding on tighter he felt as another pair of arms slipped around them. Tears sliding down, he held on to everything he loved most.

Orion couldn’t hold back anymore. Silently, he let the tears fall as he watched them reunite. He felt as Alya slipped her hand into his. He pulled her in close and slipped around her.

“Thank you, princess. You don’t mind taking everyone back, do you? Amelia will be back soon” Orion kissed the top of her head and held on tighter, His star, his lion and his princess back together.

“Its fine dad. Andy, Ted, Tonks, Draco, Vic and Matty can all take someone with them as well now. so, it’s not just Bo, Nix and I that can take them. It will be fine. Plus, I know you, you wont leave until everyone can come home. You’re worrying to much” She understood why. No matter how much he loved her and the others. He had missed his sons more than anything. And now they were back he was afraid they would be taken from him again.

“I know, but I will continue to worry until this is all over and I know every single one of you is safe. I couldn’t live, if I lost you all princess” hugging her tighter he let his fear be known.

“We will be, we’re a hard bunch to kill you know”

Orion chuckled at her attempt to cheer him up, placing one last kiss to her head he released her from his grip. “Alright, you should all head back to Grimmauld place. all of you who hasn’t, will need to go with someone who has, the wards won’t allow you through otherwise. Auror Weasley, I suggest you allow Kreatcher to help you grab your things from home, we don’t know how long you will be staying. And I assume you’re not comfortable all going back there just yet”

Arthur smiled, he couldn’t wait to have his badge again. “Thank you, Lord Black that would be very helpful”

“No thanks necessary, and Orion is fine please. Kreatcher?” a pop sounded through the room as the wrinkled elf appeared.

“Master called?”

“Yes, I would like you to accompany Auror Weasley to his home, he needs to gather some belongings for himself and his family. They will be our Guests for the foreseeable future” Orion told the old elf.

“Kreatcher will help the bloo…”

“Finish that sentence Kreatcher and you will find yourself free. There will be no derogatory terms in my home is that clear? You will listen to Auror Weasley, and you will be Polite. Is that clear” Orion said forcibly.

“Yes master, kreatcher bes polite”

“Alrightly then, everyone ready to go?” Nix asked. He was disappointed to be leaving his dad and papa, but he was hopeful that by the time they got home, His dad would be declared a free man.

Everyone started pairing off, Arthur was going straight to the burrow and would arrive with kreatcher. Orion watched as his daughter and granddaughter paired off with the elder Prewett-Weasley boys, quiet happily to. Viktor himself had paired with one of the twins, he wasn’t certain which, Matty with the other. His niece with Molly, Ted with the younger Prewett-Weasley, Tonks with Miss Devereux and Draco with Ronald. Nix was accompanying Gideon as Fabian had decided to stay with his Father-in-law while the meeting with Amelia was taking place, he wanted to ask some questions, mostly pertaining to being able to see his husband. After everyone had said their goodbyes, they left following Griphook to one of the private floo’s.

“Its certainly quieter now” Corvinus said, breaking the silence. Orion scoffed and faced his friend.

“I for one am looking forward to the noise. Grimmauld needs it after so long.” He said, pleased that his home will be filled for the first time in many years.

“I’m going to have to owl Mia, she might be abit put out about being left out in the festivities” Hades said sarcastically. He loved her, truly, but sometimes her need to please authority figures really grated on him. “She may be in denial over dumbels”

“Mia?” James asked. He was still sitting next to his son and didn’t plan on moving anytime soon.

“She’s one of my best friends, she’s muggleborn and extremely smart, but sometimes its not a good thing. She can come across very ignorant of the things around her. Its why she doesn’t have any female friends other than Ginny and Luna. Even Dray has a hard time with her often very offensive opinions. Once she has a goal, she hyperfixate’s and it becomes an obsession. She also believes in authority but is one of the biggest rule breakers which in itself is contradictory. But she’s loyal, and very protective” Hades explained.

“Yes, well, she did help you with my escape on a hippogriff in your third year” Sirius chuckled. She was certainly brave that was for sure.

“What? Where did you need to escape from?” James asked.

“Filius office, but we can talk that when we get home. speaking of Filius, what are we going to do about him, Minnie and Sev? They need their memories back, and all three are going to lose it all over again once they remember who they are to Hades and the rest of us.” Sirius looked over to his father.

“I am unsure how to approach this. Fillius is easily contactable through his connection to the goblin nation, as he is the nephew of Chief Ragnar. Minerva and Severus may be more difficult. Although now that I think of it we could ask him to give them both their summons. Would that work Chief?” Orion asked.

“Its already done Lord black. I sent out their summons after Hades’ test. I know for certain my nephew will be not only be outraged over this, but he may even try to bring the force of the goblin nation on to the headmaster. As hades is his godson, Hades and those he associates with are under our protection.” Ragnar told the shocked wizards.

“I forgot that one of my godfathers was Flitwick… that’s so cool.” Hades was ecstatic. Then he remembered all of the others that were listed. “Why do I have so many godparents?”

“Well, we wanted to be absolutely sure you were protected if something happened to us. Now though, if we go the legal route, it can be used against the headmaster even further. The bond that godparents have to their godchild has acts like a magically binding contract. They can never harm you, their instincts would always seek to protect you. But they are also like extra parents to help raise you in all matters whether that be politics, Magical history, spells etc. Sev was extremely excited to start teaching you potions.” Regulus explained.

“Ironic that the man is my Potions professor and I’m abysmal at them. But knowing what I know now, I think there may be more to that. Snape hates me.” Hades just shrugged but now that he knew the man was his godfather, it hurt a little.

“Once his memories are restored, things will be easier. I don’t believe he hates you hades, even if he doesn’t remember your relationship. He has protected you every year you have been in Hogwarts, including standing in front of you, Ron and Mia when I forgot the potion.” Remus said softly. “I’ll bet you Ten Gallons that once he has his memories back, his going to go on a murderous rampage.”

Hades laughed but was still unconvinced.

“What potion are you referring to Mr. Lupin-Black?” Flora asked, she had a feeling she knew but still wanted confirmation.

“The Wolfsbane potion. It’s the only way I keep my mind human.” Remus said warily. He had seen the healers’ eyes darken when he said wolfsbane.

“You will stop taking it immediately, unless you wish to die before your 45?” Flora hated that potion. She would need to know how long he had been taking it and act immediately “How long have you taking it?”

Sirius head at shot up “What do mean? Isn’t the potion designed to help?”

“No, its designed to slowly kill the wolf, therefore killing the witch or wizard along with it. Its in the name for merlins sake. Wolfs bane. You may keep your human mind, but your transformations are more excruciating. I know your children are born wolves, they can help you during the moons until you learn to self-shift. Which yes you can do, but that toxin you put in your body prohibits you from full contact with your lycanthrope side. Your Alpha should have told you this as a youngling”

“I’ve been taking it on and off for over 20 years” Remus was shocked. He didn’t know any of this. “My Alpha didn’t take me in. he attacked out of hatred of my father”

“I need to know who the Alpha was Mr. Lupin-Black”

“… Greyback”

“Moony…” Sirius would not allow it to continue. He needed Remus, alive and healthy. “Please, stop taking it.” He begged.

“Will you allow me to contact Greyback? That doesn’t sound like something he would do. I know what the ministry has said about the man, while some of it is true, not everything is as it seems. Only your alpha can give me permission to use the potions I need to.”

“What? Why?” Remus really didn’t want to see the man that ruined his life.

“Because if the scent you’re giving off is right, then you are his pup, not in blood but in the same way you see Hades. Not taking you with him, wouldn’t have been his choice” Flora sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose.

Everyone was too stunned to talk. They remained that way until hades broke the tense silence.

“Please Moony, I can’t lose you” he whispered, Glassy eyes staring straight into Remus’.

“Oh cub” Remus pulled hades into a tight hug. “I’ll stop. I’m going to be around for a long time.”

The hug between the two was soon joined by Sirius, James and Regulus.

“I don’t think Gringotts has ever sent out this many summons for one group… well ever” Ragnar joked, everyone letting out a chuckle. “Flora you will need to send Greyback the summons along with the potions his asked for. They will be sent out tomorrow”

“It will be done, chief” Flora excused herself and left the group to themselves.

For 30 minutes the group sat and talked, James and regulus still seated on either side of Hades, when Amelia, Lucius, another man wearing Aurors robe and to their astonishment, Fudge walked in. Immediately Sirius found himself surrounded by his family, Fabian and Lord Lestrange.

“What is the meaning of this Bones, arrest him” Fudge bellowed. Neither Amelia nor the other Auror moved. “Well?”

“Neutral ground remember minister” the smooth Baritone voice of the other man said. “I am Auror Shucklebolt, I’m just here as witness as is Lord Malfoy. the minister was with lord Malfoy when we found him”

“Fudge, quiet down. You are half the reason my son is in this mess, so I suggest that unless you want the fury of the house of Black on your door, you shut up and listen.”

“Not just the House of black either” Corvinus growled. Lucius and James voicing their agreement

“His a murderer. He sold James and lily potter to he who must not be named and…” Fudge started.

“Do I look dead? I was never Married to Lily, she is my son’s godmother, that’s all. Now I would really like to know why my brother was put in Azkaban with no trial” James fumed. He hated fudge even back then.

“He was sentenced strai…”

“Actually, minister. He wasn’t. legally speaking, we should have only held him for a week or until his trial. Which never happened” Amelia was feeling very smug right now. she had seen her Godson sitting with Hades and was even more determined to get this over with. She had a few words for the young man.

“Can we Begin minister, or are you planning on extending it out longer? I would like to get home to my family sometime today” Lucius drawled. Oh, he was going to enjoy this. So much.

Fudge sighed and waved his hand.

“Excellent, how about everyone takes a seat and we can begin.” Amelia smiled. She was going to make fudge regret ever taking over as minister.