The Returned

Orion's POV

Landing in the receiving room of St. Mungo’s, Orion and his group groaned with the impact. It wasn’t a hard landing, but it definitely wasn’t pleasant, so much so, Rodolphus leaned over and vomited. Fabian holding his hair back and rubbing between his shoulders.

Healer Rowle cleared the sick away and handed Fabian an anti-nausea potion. “This should help, its not full strength, he wouldn’t be able to handle it yet”

“Thank you” Fabian said softly, taking the Vial and handing it to his Husband.

“Does anyone else need one?” the healer asked.

“Please” Rabastan rasped.

Bella just leaned further into Orion as he held her up.

“Perhaps we should get them all situated” Amelia said turning to Kingsley and Malcom. “You Two, I need you to go back to the ministry once they are situated. I want six aurors on their floor at all times and one in each of their rooms. Nothing is to happen to them. We all know just because Dumbledore is in a cell, doesn’t mean he doesn’t have someone who will try something, he wanted this covered up. Kingsley, Malcolm, I want trusted Aurors here, no new recruits. Are we clear”

“Yes Boss” the two answered quickly.

Bella giggled at the two men. “she’s always been bossy”

Orion smiled at his niece and pulled her closer and was about to answer her, when the door opened.

“Uncle? Are we to early?” Andromeda asked quietly.

Bella turned to face the door, eyes wide, a smile on her lips. “ANDY”

Much like her reunion with Narcissa, andromeda was embraced by a crying sister. Her arms in turn wrapped around the smaller woman.
“Hello trix. I’ve missed you” She whispered into the wild nest of curls.

“You look older, did you know that? Where’s Cissy?” Bella giggled.

“I’m here Bella” Narcissa stepped over and wrapped her arms around the pair. “I’ve missed you so much”

“Little Siri got out. Is he with his pups?” Bella turned in her sisters’ arms and stared at her uncle.

Orion stared back in surprise. “How much do you remember darling?”

“I remember lots of things uncle” she replied with a smile.

Orion turned to Rodolphus and Rabastan. “Boys?”

“When I was first brought in, I only remembered the false memories. It was a year later that I started regaining the real ones. It’s the same for Rab, Barty and Bella. Sirius to would remember things and start talking about Bowie, Phoenix and Hades, then almost like clockwork every two months someone would take him away and he would come back and remember nothing” Rodolphus croaked.

Orion Looked at Amelia, something wasn’t right. Why only Sirius? Why not the others?

“Ok, before any more questions, I want these three in a bed and examined. So, if you will follow me, please” Healer Rowle said.

“Lead the way Healer Rowle” Corvinus said, His arm around his youngest son.

“You can call me Florance, Healer Rowle can be a mouthful. This way everyone” she said holding the door open. “We have organised for them to be on a private Floor, we know the situation they are in and will not risk their safety. Of course, the added security will not be a problem Madam Bones”

“Thank you. Orion, do you Think Healer Flora and the goblin nation would help us? What they have done for your family and everyone else was done rather quickly” Amelia asked. They all turned to the sound of chuckling.

“Lucy, you got old” Bella stated.

“Yes, That Happens Trix” the blonde grinned.

“I like it.” Was all she said back to him before turning to the man standing beside him. With a wave and a ‘Hello teddy’ she turned back the rest of the group.

“What was funny Lucius?” Orion asked.

“Alya actually suggested getting the Goblins involved. Draco then said to mention it to you”

“It makes sense. No offence Florence, but they are able to use magic that we simply, can not” Amelia stated.

“None taken. We are restricted in the worst ways here. So much good could come from some of those spells and rituals that were banned. Half of the spell damage ward would be empty if we could use even half of what’s used in the rest of the world but If you believe they will help, I will talk to my supervisor.” She smiled at the group. “I personally would welcome it”

“I will talk to chief Ragnar and ask if they will then” Orion wasn’t sure of their response, but he hoped they would at least think about it. “They may want them within their own healing hall though”

“Of course, when you know for sure just let me know and I will organise it” Florence smiled.

Orion and the others followed quietly behind Florence, within 5 minutes they found themselves on a quiet ward with three open doors.

“Right, Ms Black you are in the room on the right, Heir Prewett-Lestrange in the middle and Mr Longbottom-Lestrange in the end room. A healer is waiting for you already so if you will, when you get in there you will remove those… Uniforms” Florance said with a grimace. “You will be allowed to bathe and then we can make a start on our assessments of you. I’m sure a hot bath would be very welcome, yes?” she smiled as all three nodded and made their way into their designated rooms, Narcissa handed some bags to Corvinus and Fabian, turned and followed her sisters.

“Alright you two, back to the ministry. Kingsley if Burke is back in the office ask him to accompany you back here. I want details on the muggles. Malcom, I trust you to organise the guards” Amelia issued her orders and watched as the two Aurors gave a quick nod, turn and walked out. “Right, now that that’s done im going to see if Augusta would like to come up”

“Before you go Amelia, I have some requests. It seems, Neville, Fred and George would like to come visit as soon as possible. I said I would let them know if that was possible” Lucius said.

“Of course, I will speak to Augusta when I get to her. Talk to Fabian and Rodolphus about Their boys and when I get back, we can see what the healers say” with that said, she made her way out.

“I think this is the quietest it’s been all day” Orion sighed as he sat down.

“It is. I believe we will all sleep well tonight” Ted sat next to Orion with a groan. “I don’t think I have been on my feet for this long in some time”

“I for one, am looking forward to bed already. But we still have dinner to get through. Couldn’t help yourself could you Orion” Lucius chuckled.

“Hey, I’ve been ‘Dead’ for 14 years. I think the more the merrier. I’m looking forward to seeing my old friends and meeting their families, but I do agree. Im bloody exhausted” he sighed. He could feel a headache coming on and he just wanted to go home to his family.

The three men sat for a while, quietly talking to one another when Amelia and Augusta come back.

“How are they?” Augusta asked.

“They are still with the healers, but their minds are surprisingly clear. They remember everything” Orion was still baffled over that.

“yes, Amelia mentioned that they were coherent. Can I see Rabastan?” she asked.

“I think that should be fine, his in the end room” Orion walked with her to the room. Knocking on the door he popped his head in “how’s everything?”

“Everything seems to be going well, there is some issues but over time it can be fixed. Severely underweight but considering the care they offer in that place” Corvinus gave him a sad smile.

“that’s good news, Augusta would like to see you, Rab. Shall I let her in?” Orion asked.

Rabastan sat up and tried to straighten himself up before nodding. Orion smiled as he opened the door to let the formidable woman in.

“Hello dear, you look terrible” the woman teased.

“And you don’t look a day over 100” Rabastan smiled at his mother-in-law.

Moving faster then her age should have allowed, Augusta brought the man into her arms. “I am so sorry dear”

Orion placed his hand on his friend’s shoulder and gestured to the door.

“We will leave you two alone for a bit, call if you need anything” Corvinus smiled at the pair. Augusta had hold of Rabastan’s hand and didn’t look like she was letting go anytime soon.

Out in the hall, they joined again with their group.

“How is he?” Ted asked. He didn’t know them, not personally. But he was still concerned.

“With time, he will be back, physically, to his old self. His mind, and the others are quite clear though, but still. The trauma from that place has left its mark” Corvinus answered.

“Lord Black, Lord Lestrange?” a deep voice from behind them.

“Yes, Healer?” Orion asked as he turned, keeping his mask in place.

“Good evening. I’m Healer Mitchell, along with Healer Rowle, I will be taking care of the patients. Now, as you know, All three suffer from malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, muscle and bone weakness, as well as a few others. The good news is that that it is all treatable and treatments will be tailored to the individual, including Mr Longbottom-Lestrange’s carrier capabilities. Mentally, well as I’m sure you have noticed, is quite sound, considering the circumstances. The issues I’m finding though, fall with Ms Black. Though coherent, she will always maintain a childlike quality, roughly that of a 15 year old. This could be due to many reasons, trauma being a prominent cause” he said, looking down at his notepad.

Orion had expected it, but it still hurt knowing his once beautiful, wilful, spirited niece would always be stuck in a childlike existence. Schooling his features, he turned storm grey eyes on the healer. “Whatever can be done, do it. Don’t worry about the cost”

“Of course, Lord Black. Now, I would like to give them all some dreamless sleep soon. This one will last for at least 14 hours, but don’t be concerned if they sleep longer. Any more visitors will have to wait until tomorrow afternoon at least. Is that alright with you both?”

“Yes, what ever you need to do healer Mitchell” Orion said.

“Of course,”

“Thank you. We will be administering it shortly if you would like to say goodnight” with that said, the healer made his way to the office at the end of the corridor.

“Well, I think we may have to say our goodbyes before we leave. I’m going to say goodnight to Bella” Orion informed the group.

“wait a sec, I’ll go with you” Ted groaned as he stood, hands placed on his things

“I’ll go inform the others with Corvinus” Lucius added.

“Do I still have access to your home Orion? And would I be able to bring susan, I don’t want to leave her home alone” Amelia asked

“You should be, but I’ll make sure when we get back. Of course, I look forward to meeting her. will you be alright on your own?” Orion watched as she raised her brow as if to say ‘Do you doubt me’ before chuckling and shaking his head “Right, my mistake”

“You have known me for well over 40 years Orion, when have I ever been helpless?” she smirked.

“You know, for a Hufflepuff, you can be very unsettling” Corvinus said.

“Ahh, you misunderstand what a puff is” Amelia chuckled. “We are always made out as weak”

“Ah yes, the weak unsuspecting puffs.” Ted said, grinning manically.

“Alright you lot, enough with the chatter. Shoo. I will see you later” Amelia waved them off.

Orion chuckled as he and ted made their way to Bellatrix’s room. Stepping into the room, he smiled at the picture he saw. His nieces had made the bed wider, making it easy for them each to sit beside Bella. Bellatrix had a tight hold on both of their hands and grinning softly, her head resting on andromedas shoulders. She looked much better now that she had been given a proper bath. Her hair now knot free and slightly less wild, skin cleaned. He noticed the empty potion vials next to the food tray, pleased to see she had taken them.

“Hello uncle, hello Teddy” Bellas’s voice childlike in its tone.

“Hello darling. How are you feeling?”

“Good. can you bring Siri in to visit? he used to come sit with me in my cell when I was feeling lonely” She asked.

“I will ask him to come tomorrow darling, but unfortunately, he can’t tonight. The healers want you to get some sleep so they will be in shortly to give you some dreamless sleep. Is there anything you want me to bring tomorrow?”

“Bunny slippers” she said seriously.

Orion chuckled at the scowl she sent him. “Of course, darling, pink or purple?”

“Orange please” she smiled as her sisters hugged her to muffle their own chuckles.

“Orange it is then” he said just as Healer Mitchell walked back into the room.

“Alight Ms Black, I have some dreamless sleep for you. I would like you to take it now please” he handed the potion over to Narcissa, who removed the cork and sniffed it before handing it over to Bellatrix. “It will take effect quickly, so I suggest getting comfortable now. if you will excuse me”

Orion watched as the man left. “Man of few words it seems”

“That may be Orion, but I know Conrad. We went to Hogwarts together, he is a good healer and takes it very seriously” Ted said from beside him.

“Good. But I think I would feel better with them in the healing halls of Gringotts.” Sighing, Orion waited for the girls to say goodbye before going over. Leaning down, he made sure the blanket was tucked in around her and placed a kiss on her forehead. “I will see you tomorrow darling. Sleep well”

“Night uncle” was the mumbled response.

He and the others left the room and made their way over to the rest of their group. “Alright are we ready?”

Orion sighed in relief once they made their way to the public receiving room. Finally going home. “Augusta, you’re going to have to floo over with me, I’m afraid you haven’t been keyed into the wards yet” holding out his arm.

“Oh dear, whatever shall I do without these fine men around” She grinned. “Lighten up dear, your too stiff”

He had forgotten that she had a sense of humour. “Sorry, been a long few days”

“Don’t apologise young man. I know” she held on to his arm as he threw in some powder, before stepping in.

Hades POV

“How do you think its going?” Hades asked. The younger generation had decided to go up to the entertainment room after exploring their rooms, he had opted to stay on the fourth floor with the others rather than the family area, for now anyway. He had been pleasantly surprised when he had entered. It was a mix of muggle and wixan. Board games, pool and poker tables and a few other things he didn’t recognise. A few instruments to. large floor to ceiling windows opening up on to a balcony. The room looked quite comfortable, Tall backed wing chairs and cloud like sofas spread out across the room.  

“Not sure mate. Hopefully we find out soon” Ron said quietly, concentrating on the chess board in front of him.

“Gramps should be back soon, so we should know then” Bowie said from across the pool table, she had started a game against Tonks, Charlie and Viktor. So far her and Viktor were winning.

Hades just nodded. He looked around the room and couldn’t help but feel safe, for the first time in his life. He liked his cousins so far. Bowie was a whirlwind, just like Sirius. Quick to humour and nearly always smiling. Phoenix was quiet and seemed quite shy, like Remus back in his third year, but he could tell that he was up for making mischief. Alya was sweet and seemed to have a caring Nature. and His dad’s, although very affectionate, were better than he could imagine. And his grandfather? He knew he was safe around him. He couldn’t wait to get to know them all better.

Seeing Ginny make her way over, he shuffled over so she could sit next to him. “Hey Gin”

She dropped down next to him and rested her head on his shoulder “hey”  

They sat for awhile watching the others. Neville was watching the chess game between Matty and Ron. Fred and George had made their way over to the pool table. While Percy was in a quiet discussion with Phoenix and Draco over who knows what.

“Hades?” ginny said quietly.

“What’s up”

“I’m sorry you had to put up with those horrid muggles and dumbledore. I had no idea he had tried setting up a marriage contract between us. And im sorry if I ever made you uncomfortable, I didn’t know I was being made to act like that” she said sadly.  

Hades rested his head on hers “None of that was your fault. And while yes, it made me uncomfortable I know now that it wasn’t really you”

“I know but still. I love you, but like an annoying big brother”

“Love you to gin” He chuckled.  

“Hey Hades, you have a letter” Bill said, entering the room, Alya not far behind him. “Orion and the others are back to”

Hades took the letter and laughed when he saw the pastel paint splotched envelope. “Its from Luna. What’s the bet she knows?”

“Whose Luna and knows what?” Phoenix asked.

“She’s one of their friends, wicked sense of humour and a genuinely nice person. Pretty sure she’s got seer blood” Matty said. “Check mate”

“Bloody hell” Ron whispered “Closest game I’ve had in a long time. What does Luna say mate”

Hades sat up straight and removed the piece of parchment before clearing his throat.

Hello everyone.

Its good to see that the bumblebees’ plans have fallen apart. The Bumbling Humdingers are very happy now that his no longer messing around.

Mother would like to let you know that the prince will have his home again with his flower and little princes return. But maybe show our new friends your album to speed it along.

I’m looking forward to meeting everyone, mother and father says so to.

I also have some exciting news for you all.

See you soon

Love Luna.

“Ah what?” Bowie asked, confusion clear.

“That’s Luna-talk. Bumblebee is what she calls Dumbbells. It really wouldn’t surprise me if she did have seer blood to be honest, Pandora to” George said. “What do you think she means though, about the prince, flower and little prince?”

“I’m assuming by new friends she means everyone here and downstairs. No clue why she wants them to look at the photo album though” Draco said as he pointed to his cousins, Viktor and Matty. “And ‘the prince’ could be uncle sev. His last name is Snape-Prince. And if that’s the case the flower is pretty obvious, though no clue on little prince”

“Lily. I’ll go get the album then” Hades stood up and stretched.

“So… you’re going to listen to her?” Phoenix asked.

“Oh when Luna tells you to do something, you do it. Or else.” Hades said with a laugh. “Meet you guys downstairs”

Hades made his way to his room, thinking Lunas letter over. He still had no clue over why he had to show everyone his photo album. He knew now that the photos where fakes. Entering his room, he walked over to his trunk and removed the album. Looking over to the very comfortable looking bed, he sighed. He was going to pass out so easily tonight.

Navigating his way down to the dining room was interesting. The portraits that lined the hallways were a mix of people and landscapes. He assumed the people were all relatives, so he gave them a polite smile and nod as he passed them. Even the one sneering at him.

When he got to the dining room, he stopped in the doorway. He couldn’t help the smile that lit his face. His family and friends, new and old, sharing this space made him feel great.

“How are you feeling Hades” Hades jumped slightly before turning to see his grandfather smiling at him. “My father has asked to meet you”

“I’m good, tired, but good. I thought he had passed on?” Hades couldn’t keep the smile of his face.

“He has, but his portrait is in my study. I had to send out a few more letters and have been ordered to bring you up so he can ‘meet his great-grandson’, I told he can wait until tomorrow” he said with a chuckle.

“Oh, um ok”

“What do you have there?” hades looked down to his photo album.

“Oh, its my photo album, Luna told me to show it to everyone. No idea why though. Something to do with princes and flowers” he chuckled at his grandfather’s confused expression. “Lunas special”

“She’s a friend of yours I’m assuming” Orion asked.

“More like little sister. But I guess she’s kind of family now anyway”

“Oh? I don’t think we have a Luna on the black’s side. So, the potter’s side?”

“Nope to both. Her dad is Lucius’s older brother” Hades had found it hilarious when he found out that bit of information. Xeno and Lucius were the complete opposites of each other.

“She’s xeno and pandoras daughter. She must have been only a year old when I last saw her”

“Are you two just going to loiter around the doorway or actually come sit with us” Sirius called out excitedly. Hades couldn’t help the laugh that escaped.

“yes we’re coming Sirius” Orion grumbled.

With his grandfather’s hand on his shoulder, Hades walked over to the table. Seeing a free seat in between his dads and sat.

“What’s that” James asked, pointing to the photo album

“This is my photo album. Hagrid gave it to me in my first year, but the photos it came with must have been fake because it shows you and lily as my parents. Lunas told me to show it to ‘our new friends’ so I brought it down with me”

“May i?” Regulus asked.

“Sure, the first few pages are of my time at Hogwarts so far, they are real.” Hades handed over the photo album and watched as his dad opened it to the first page. James got up to stand behind them. The first picture was a large group photo taken at the yule ball.

“So, who is everyone”

“Ok so that’s Angelina, Katie, Lee, Marcus, Terrance, Cedric, Fleur, Hermione, Adrian, Daphnee, Draco, Luna, Neville, ginny, Ron, Viktor, Fred, George, Matty, me obviously, Blaise, Susan and Theo. Literally the only photo we could get together and it’s not even everyone. We had Professor sprout distract dumbledore”

“I’m assuming there’s people from all the houses then if you needed a distraction?” James asked, watching as the pages were turned.

“Oh yeah. It took awhile but we made the effort. Marcus and I had been friends since the end of my first year. Everyone thought he was a massive bully, but he only went after the actual bullies. He found me crying after Dumbledore told me I had to go back to the Dursleys and looked after me. We fell asleep in the charm’s classroom” Hades laughed. There was a photo of him and Marcus from his third year. they were in one of the empty classrooms trying to do their homework, but hades had decided Marcus made a great bed, So, he had laid himself over the Slytherins back. The photo showed Ron, Draco and Theo laughing at a clearly grumpy looking Marcus.

They slowly went threw the first 8 pages. Hades explaining who was in the photo or what was happening.

They finally reached the photos of James and lily.

“Oh, these aren’t fake Hades” Regulus chuckled as he watched lily and James dance dramatically around a dancefloor. “This was from Lily and Sevs wedding. Your dad was lily’s man of honour”

“merlin would you look at those robes. Why did we think Magenta overcoats were a good idea” James laughed. “Awesome night though. Tunafish and her landwhale of a husband were royally pissed. Especially after Pads cocked his leg and pissed on their shoes”

“In my defence… I was plastered” Sirius grinned. Clearly not sorry for his actions.

“Dad, that’s disgusting” Bowie said as she made her way over. “Why were you even transf… HOLY SHIT”

“Bowie, language”

“Sorry Gramps but… what the hell. That’s professor Llewellyn” she said pointing at the picture.

“What? Who is?” Viktor asked.

“Lily! She’s our bloody spell crafting Professor. I did my apprenticeship with her” Bowie said excitedly.

“Wait, Hades what did Lunas letter say again? What her mother said specifically” Matty asked.

Reaching into his pocket he pulled out the letter. “The prince will have his home again with his flower and little princes return. Then the part about showing everyone the album. But I still don’t get the part about a little prince”

“That’s got to be Sean. Nix can you get one of our Journals” Viktor said, Phoenix already racing out of the room. “Seems he already thought of it. Well, this should make it easier, he did say they were going to France over the summer”

“How the hell did we forget Sean” Remus Groaned “his my godson for merlins sake”

“GOT IT” phoenix yelled.

Hades watched as phoenix sat down next to Remus, opened the journal and started writing in it. “What’s so special about a journal?”

“It’s a communication journal. Technically there banned here because its classed as ‘dark’ due to the spells used to create them” Phoenix said as he put the pen down. “Hopefully he sees this soon”

“How do you know when they respond” ginny asked just as a small chiming sound came from it.

“Like that. He wants to know why they need to go to Gringotts in London rather than Paris”

“Just tell him he wont regret it. And I’ll give him a month’s supply of bloodpops” Matty chuckled.

“Make it three and it might happen. You don’t think we should tell him why?” Phoenix looked around, brow raised in question.

“Maybe a partial truth” Hades said. “Just tell him its important”

“Masters guests have arrived” Kreacher said, leading the group in.

Within moments hades was dragged into a hug by a worried Marcus, theo and Blaise, Sophia standing beside the group. “Im fine guys”

“Fine my ass. Why didn’t you tell us it was that bad? Father would have made damn sure you were out of there” tightening his hold. “I’ll bloody kill em”

“No, you won’t, madam bones has already been informed and I’m sure she will have it handled” Madox said calmly “But he is right. I would have done something and if needed, fled the damn country”

Hades smiled at the man. “I had told people before, but nothing was done, so I just dealt with it”  

“Sorry to interrupt, but sean responded.” Phoenix said.

Hades turned and watched his cousin read through the response. “What did he say?”

“Word for word. ‘Tell Matty, make it Six months and add on the first edition of batman and it’s a deal. What do I tell mum though, she’s going to want to know why we need to go to London and saying you wont regret it wont fly with her, you know that’. What should I say?”

“Why my first edition… that took me forever to find” hades chuckled as Matty whined.

“that’s why his done it, if you actually say yes to it, you know damn well he will make sure they’re there in the hour” bowie was patting his back trying not to laugh at her friend.

“Fine. Yes, tell him he can have it” he sighed. Though hades thought he looked rather cute with the scowl on his face.

“Sorry we took so long, had to debrief” Amelia said as she and Susan entered the room.

“Hey Suzy” Hades sighed when she started marching towards him, very clearly angry. “As I’ve told everyone else, I’m fine. Don’t give me that look”

“Fine? Your fine? I would say you were anything but fine. You know who my aunt is, you know she would have done something. Hello Professor lupin” she said as she walked past Remus and straight up to hades, The werewolf chuckling as she passed.

“I believe its time for dinner, so phoenix ask Sean to let you know what’s happening, if they decide to go to Gringotts tonight, you four may meet him there but you will be taking someone with you”

“We’ll go. Don’t think we can let them go by themselves just yet” Sirius stated. Hades could tell he was using this as a way to stay with Bowie and Phoenix.

“Thank you, Sirius. Now everyone, sit wherever you like” with that, Hades was herded to the end of the table to sit with his friends.

Orions POV

Orion watched as Hades and his friends sat and talked over dinner. He noted that all of them found some way to touch the young man, which he seemed to like.

“Hades likes physical affection. Knowing what we know now, those muggles have a lot to answer for.” Theodore sr said.

“You seem to know my grandson” he said, looking at his old friend

“Just what Theo, Blaise and Sophia have told us. I must admit, I tried looking into his situation through Hilda, but the file had been sealed. Nothing we could do” Thoedore sighed. “But its over now and his safe. At least from them”

“Yes, well I’ve sent out a letter to Emrys. We should hear back from him soon.” Looking down at his plate.

“As in Emrys Riddle? The dark lords Brother?” Madox asked, the rest of the table going silent. Orion looked up, eyes straight at Matteo. The young man sat back straight and tense.

“Wait, Voldemort has a brother?” Bill asked. “Why doesn’t anyone know that? Is he a threat to?”

“Ah yes, he does. Half Brothers, through their father and absolutely nothing like Tom. His actually a good friend of mine. His looking into some rumours his heard over the years on ways to get rid of Tom”

“He has a son, doesn’t he?” Orion watched as Phoenix, Bowie and Viktor each grasped their wands and shuffle closer to Matteo, Hades doing the same. He could see Sirius watching their actions in confusion.

“He does. Why is that Relevant?” his tone sounding stiff.

“Does the Dark lord know of his existence?” Madox continued.

“I don’t even know how you found out, Emrys and Maria, rest her soul, kept the pregnancy and birth secret. Only telling those closest, but we haven’t had any reason to think Tom knows. But again, why is this relevant” Orion was about to draw his wand, in case it was needed.

“Like Hades, he will need protection. If Voldemort finds out he will be in just as much danger as Hades. Will his father have set up protections for him?” Bjorn asked, Concern lacing his words.  

Looking at Matteo, he gave the boy a nod.

“My father has made many sacrifices for my safety, Lord Nott. As Lord Black said, they are friends, and he feels I’m safest here with him and his family. I thank you for your concern though” Matty was still tense, and straight backed. But he could tell he was relieved he wasn’t about to be cursed.

The table was completely silent. Orion watched as the realisation hit.

“Your fathers right in that kid, don’t worry” Sirius smiled. “If there’s one family that can offer that kind of protection, it’s the Blacks”

Orion released the breath he didn’t even realise he was holding and smiled at his son, relief washing over him. The others relaxed and placed their wands back in their holsters. Another chiming sound breaking the silence.

“Gramps, Sean managed to convince her. They will be arriving at 9pm” Phoenix called out.

“Alright. You may go when you’re ready, let them know they are welcome to stay here” Orion said.

“Then we will go now, give Chief a heads up” Bowie stood and walked over to him and kissed his cheek. “I’ll send a message once we know what’s happening and ask about healer flora assisting with the others”

“We’ll go to. See if the professors need anything” Bill said indicating himself, Charlie, Tonks and Alya.

“Thank you. Let me know when you’re done”  

“Sure thing, see you all later.” Sirius waved as he walked out of the room following the others, arm thrown over Phoenix’s shoulders.

“How do you think their going? Remus looked tense back at Gringotts” James said after they left.

“It’s been a long couple of days, his wolf is on edge because of the separation. The four of them haven’t had much time to reconnect but I think now though, the adults should let the young ones go before we bore them to death. Go and relax while the adults catch up and talk” Orion stood and made for the parlour door. “We will be in here if you need us”

“Excellent idea, much needs to be discussed and I fear we won’t cover everything tonight” Corvinus looked determined.

Orion watched as Hades shuffled his feet. “Hades? Would you rather stay with us? I have no problem with that, as long as your fathers say its alright”

Hade’s face lit up and turned to the two men standing behind him. “Can I stay with you?”

“Of course, you can, but let the others know first” James said, hugging the young man.

Watching as Hades raced out of the room, Orion chuckled.

“I have to say, I’ve never seen him smiling that much” Amelia said from beside him.

“Well, we will make sure it continues” Regulus was watching the door, waiting for hades to come back. It didn’t take long as he slid back into the room, causing everyone to chuckle at the young man’s excitement.

“sorry” he said, blushing.

“No need for that, just be careful and watch where your going” Orion still wasn’t sure what was left around the house, so wanted them all to be watchful. He opened the door and made his way to the bar. “Drinks anyone? I believe we have some Butterbeer also”

Once everyone had sat down and had their drinks, Orion made his way to one of the armchairs and took a seat. Taking a sip, he looked around the room. Now that he was able to truly appreciate the situation, he realised just how much he had missed them all. But now, it was time to come somewhat clean over his actions over the last decade.

“Now, I spoke to Sirius before you all got here, and he gave permission to tell you why we did this. If you’re all ready to hear it” he said, looking around the room.

“I think its best you tell us uncle” Andromeda said as everyone else gave a nod in agreement.

“I am not sure if you all know, but 14 years ago, a bill was being proposed.
Any children born to werewolves, Vampires, Veelas and others like them, were to be removed from their families and held in a facility to undergo ‘testing’.
Now, Bowie and phoenix are the first, born wolves in magical Britain in over 200 years, that bill would have made it LEGAL for experiments to be performed on them.
Those experiments were disgusting in nature. Forced shifts, silver injections and mutualisation’s being some of them. Fenrir Greyback is actually the one who let Remus know of this law, He seems to forget that there is more to his Alpha than meets the eye. But luckily greyback has an inside man who worked under the woman trying to get the bill passed” Orion hated thinking about what could have happened. “It didn’t, but there have been rumours that she’s trying again”

“So, they came to you before the bill passed. I would hate to think what they were feeling in that moment.” Narcissa said quietly.

“Fear, anger you name it. Sirius has never been able to hide his emotions. That night was no exception. I was able to meet them here, while Walburga was in Paris, and we planned. I was to take the children and leave, they were to forget, in case the authorities came knocking. I’m lucky that charms have always been something that fascinated me. I used a memory charm, of my own invention, to remove those memories until either my death or I reinstated them, even replacing them with false ones. No one would have been able to access them, though I didn’t consider Dementors. I used the same charm on Walburga, she would have handed them over straight away. I went to Gringotts that same night and faked our deaths to cover our bases”

“I’m going to assume, that the woman proposing the bill was Dolores Umbridge?” Lucius sneered.

“Yes, The toad herself. She’s going to find herself in hot water soon, seems she has too much power in the ministry, fudge especially had been turning to her for council. But now that his out, she will try to suck up to the next” Orion didn’t like the woman before, now it was a deep hatred.

“Well, now we know what she is planning, we can stop it. Especially now that both Fudge and Dumbledore are out” Madox said.

“That’s the plan. my resources have come across some rather damning evidence against the woman. Seems they have been busy over the past 14 years, even after my ‘death’. But I have been kept up to date, through Corvinus. Amelia, do you want them to send these pieces to you?” Orion turned to the woman.

“Please, very few actually like the woman. If this can get her at least out of the ministry that much quicker, it would be appreciated”

“Of course, I’ll have them send what they have.”

“Whose Umbridge?” Hades asked.

“Someone I do not wish for you to ever meet. She is one of the reasons Remus and those like him, struggle. She’s made it impossible for them to earn a living, own a home and in the case of vampire’s, feed. Hogwarts was once a place where all magical beings could come and learn in a safe environment. But Remus is the only Creature to be given a formal education in over 40 years, because of her and those she worked for. The rest can only rely on outside sources. the rest of the wizarding world does not see them as lesser beings”

“Bowie mentioned at lunch something about creature mates at Drumstrang, I thought that it was a pureblood only school”  

“They attended Drumstrang with many other creature beings, Muggleborn’s and half-bloods. The school is said to only accept Purebloods, but that is a rumour. Their last headmaster, Igor, tried to ban them but was met with threats and removal of his position if he continued. Now the man has fled and will be met with deadly force if he shows himself again. You may not know this Hades, but at least six of the twenty visiting students were creatures. The letters they sent home were concerning. Their headmaster did nothing to protect them or provide them with their necessary dietary items, so they had their families send what was needed. Drumstrang is proud of their students and will go to great lengths to help any one of them, he brought shame to the school.” Orion said calmly.

“What about those laws that have already passed? Will they need to be looked over again? Because Remus was the best Defence teacher we have had, and it would make a lot of people very happy if he could come back to teach” Orion smiled as hades practically bounced in his seat.

“I will be going over them before the next meeting. But seeing as he has taught there before, we may be able to get him reinstated. I’ll be taking a position on the schoolboard at the next meeting and will see how they feel about it”

“Oh, you would be surprised. Even after he was outed, the reason we were given as to why he didn’t come back the following year is because he was called away. None of us questioned it. But knowing what we know now, he was probably guilted into not returning” Molly had a scowl on her face as she held Fabian’s hand. “The school board was all for him coming back to teach, they were insisting on it. The children’s exam scores were the highest they have been in over 20 years”

“I, myself was impressed. Draco didn’t complain once about him, he enjoyed his class immensely” Lucius was still impressed with his sons scores from that year.

“Theo, Blaise and Sophia were the same” Bjorn added.

“Yes, Marcus was very happy. Lupin took the time to explain things and helped whenever he could, never showed favouritism between house’s and always had chocolate on hand” Madox chuckled

“Well we did have Dementors hanging around” Hades added.

“WHAT? Dementors where on the school grounds?” Orion seethed. He couldn’t believe they had been allowed on the school grounds.

“Yep” Hades said, making sure to emphasise the P.

“Fudge ordered it. It was after Sirius escaped Azkaban. He didn’t see the problem of them being there if it meant catching a criminal” Amelia sighed, massaging her temples. “Dumbledore didn’t even try to argue against it either”

“And when he was asked about it, he just waved it off and said it was under control. From when they arrived to a month after yule break, Theo and many others were exposed to bouts of depression, resulting in stays in the hospital wing. There was nothing we could do” Bjorn croaked.

“Merlins beard, what happened to the wards? Arn't they there to protect the students?” Orion groaned, then remembered something Arthur had said earlier. “Arthur didn’t you mention something about the wards earlier?

“I did. I think its best we take a look at them, I can do that. I just need to be reinstated and given permission from the minister and Amelia. Everything that’s happened over the years should never have been possible. Just this last school year Alister was kept in a trunk while someone impersonated him, plus Hades being entered in the tournament despite being underage and an illegal portkey. The wards should have prevented all of it.”

“Yes, they should have. And speaking of reinstatement, I believe this is yours” Amelia said as she handed over a badge. “Welcome back Auror Weasley, I’m looking forward to working with you again. And seeing as for the time being, I am acting minister, you can start the assessment come Monday, I’ll have Kingsley and Tonks accompany you. I’ll talk to Minerva tomorrow about allowing you access to the wardroom”

Orion was enjoying the company and the topics they were covering, Hades excusing himself to spend some time with his friends. After an hour, his guests had left with promises to arrange a get together and soon it was just Orion, Amelia, Corvinus, James and regulus, Hades making another appearance, smiling happily. But he knew he was about to put another dampener on the mood, so with a look at Amelia he asked. “Lia, was there any news on the Dursleys?”  

He watched as the attention went straight to the woman in question.

“Oh, there most certainly was. They have been detained and are currently with the muggle aurors until tomorrow. Then they will be transferred to the ministries holding cells. Turns out Mrs Dursley is in fact a squib, her son is barely a wizard, but he still should have been allowed to attend school. Mr Dursley didn’t seem to know that. Burke said he caused quite the scene even attacking one of our Junior Aurors in denial. We should be able to arrange for their trials in the next 3 weeks”

“Sounds like him, he doesn’t like anything ‘freakish’. Try to beat the ‘freak’ out of me, but heaven forbid his own wife and son show any sign” Hades growled.

Orion stood from his seat and walked to the sofa. once he was with his grandson he kneeled down, took his hand and squeezed gently. “You will be called in during their trials to give your statement, but once it’s done, you will never see those people again. They cannot hurt you anymore.  And I will do everything in my power to make sure your never hurt again” he said softly.

“You can’t promise that. Not until Voldemort is gone, not until I can get rid of him” Hades shook his head.

“Hades, that prophecy was a fake. Your barely 17 and This is not your responsibility. what Dumbledore did was wrong, and you are not a sacrificial lamb. you are a teenage boy whose life has been dictated by two ‘Lords’ for far too long, and I will do whatever it takes to keep my family safe” Orion leaned forward and kissed his grandson’s forehead. “Now, why don’t you head off to bed. It is getting late”

“That’s a good idea. Come on, Hades. Let’s head up” James said, pulling hades to his feet. Regulus following “Goodnight everyone, see you in the morning”

Orion stood and pulled his son into a tight hug. “Goodnight my lion”

Regulus held on tightly for a moment before following his husband and son.

“Why do I get the feeling that this isn’t even the tip of the iceberg?” Corvinus asked.

“Because its not” He sighed, fingers rubbing his forehead.

“What aren’t you telling us Orion?”

“Emrys knows how to defeat tom” he sat, picked up his glass and swallowed the amber liquid.

“Why does there sound like there’s more to add” Amelia said leaning forward.

“What do you two know about Horcruxes?”