Chapter 2
Sirius could only think he brought this on himself as he left the room. Remus would always say you don't have a monopoly on shitty pureblood families, Siri but he would brush it off, one because he didn’t know what this monopoly was. And two, because it felt like he did, no matter where he went or what he did the first thing people saw was Black, instead of Sirius. And he hated it. It only took him twelve years in Azkaban, and reuniting with his two long-lost godsons, one of which he thought was dead, to figure out he ended up being just like the people he longed to separate himself from.
He looked over at Harry who had collapsed in one of the chairs in between Ron and Hermione. Molly bustled over conjuring a handkerchief to wipe his tears.
“What happened in there, Harry?” Hermione asked.
Harry’s hands were shaking as he reached out to grab the cloth from Molly, “He wants nothing to do with me,” he cried, “thinks I’ll still hate him because he’s a Slytherin”
“Is he right?”
Harry looked disgusted at Hermione's question, “Of course not, you know I’ve always envied Ron for having siblings and now that I finally have one…” he trailed off, thinking of what his life would have been like had he grown up with Cypress. He can’t help but be glad that Cypress wasn’t around to deal with the Dursley’s but that makes him feel worse because Cypress grew up with Lucius and at least the Dursleys didn’t have magic to punish him with.
“Well, you’ll just have to show him you don’t think like that dearie. Your birthday is coming up, and you can show him that you don’t care then.”
“Yeah, mate, it’ll be okay. Even if he was a Malfoy and a Slytherin.” Harry glared at Ron.
“He was never a Malfoy, and there’s nothing wrong with Slytherins. We shouldn’t judge a whole house because of a few bad people. Don’t bring that up to him, Ron.”
Ron held his hands up defensively, wisely choosing to stay quiet.
“If he chooses to return to Hogwarts under his new name, he will be resorted.” Dumbledore spoke up.
“What do you mean if he chooses?”
Dumbledore turned to Sirius, “We are in a very delicate situation, Sirius. We are unaware of what the Malfoys are planning to do about Draco’s disappearance and we wouldn’t want to give anyone the chance of taking Cypress back. We must be careful when making our next moves.”
At that moment, Remus came out of the room holding a sleeping Cypress in his arms.
“Why is he sucking his thumb?” Ron asked.
“I think he’s an age regresser,” Remus said, glaring at the redhead.
“What’s an-ouch?” Ron’s question was cut off from Hermione’s elbow entering his side. She knew a bit about age regression, it was a trauma response but she would have to do more research on it. Griphook follows behind Remus and Cypress, holding a scroll and miniature box.
“Would you like to have the Potter’s wills read?”
Sirius looked at Remus, confused.
“They were never read?”
“Wills can only be read to the next of kin, and Miss Petunia Dursley never answered our missives.”
Remus looked over to Harry, “Would you like to have them read, Harry?”
Harry sniffed and nodded, taking a seat at the long table in the room. Griphook opens the scroll on the table softly saying an incantation while Remus gently sits down in between Sirius and Harry and shakes Cypress awake on his lap. Once Griphook is finished saying the incantation, unsealing the will, holographic images of Lily and James Potter appear in front of the occupants in the room.
“I, James Charlus Potter of sound body and mind, put forth my will in case of my demise.
Should I pass before my wife, Lily Potter, everything will go to her.
To Harry James Potter, I leave half of my vaults, and properties.
To Cypress Lyle Potter, I leave the other half of my vaults and properties. I have faith that you are still out there and I hope one day that you will be reunited with your brother. I’m sorry that Daddy couldn’t protect you.
To Sirius Black, my brother in all but blood, in Vault 632 there is a very cool motorcycle for you.
To Remus Black, I leave you the villa you loved so much in Belfast.
Custody of my children should go to those as follows: Lily Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Minerva McGonagall.
Let it be known that the secret keeper was changed from Sirius Black to Peter Pettigrew.”
It was only Cypress’ training from the Malfoys that he wasn’t bursting into loud sobs, but he was silently shaking with tears. His dad still had hope for his return and his- he didn’t know what to think of Sirius, but the thought that he would be able to get his name cleared, was comforting. Not exactly comforting for Cypress, but the fact that it would make Harry feel better.
“I, Lily Jasmine Potter nee Evans of sound body and mind, put forth my will in the case of my demise.
Should I go before my husband, all my possessions fall to him.
To Harry James Potter, I leave half of my vaults and I leave you with the knowledge that you are loved more than anything in this world. I will always be with you.
To Cypress Lyle Potter, I leave the other half of my vaults. I have faith that you’re still out there; a mother knows. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to protect you, but you are loved just as much as Harry.
To Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, I leave you with the responsibility of being there for James, if I go before him, and make sure the children are safe and happy.
To Severus Snape, I’m sorry and I forgive you. I should’ve told you a long time ago but you will always be my oldest and best friend. I’ve left our potions journals that we started in school for you with notes I’ve added over the years.
Custody of the boys goes as follows: James Potter, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, Alice Longbottom, Severus Snape.
Sirius Black is no longer the secret keeper and if anything should happen to us, Peter Pettigrew is at fault. He is an unregistered rat animagus. Under no circumstances should my children be under Petunia Dursley’s custody”
After the readings are finished, the room goes silent. Heavy breathing is heard from all occupants but Harry and Sirius’ crying is heard by all occupants. Cypress doesn’t know what to think; it’s the first time he’s seen either of his birth parents. The pit in his stomach shrinks a little when hearing the trust his mother had in his Uncle Sev. He’ll have to figure out a way to get into contact with him without the others knowing, he knows they don’t have a great opinion of him. Griphook grabs a box that was covered by the scrolls and opens them revealing two rings, each with the Potter crest on them.
“Your parents meant for you to receive them at eleven. The lordship will go to young Harry here as the oldest but they wanted you both to have rings. There are protection charms on them.”
Cypress fingered the ring in his hand before sliding it on his index finger. It was nice and it felt warm, it was copper with the potter crest etched on top. On the inside ‘Audentes fortuna iuvat’ was inscripted, fortune favors the bold. Cypress fiddled with the ring on his finger, spinning it around softly before speaking up, “Professor Dumbledore, I’d like to come back to Hogwarts with you. I believe I’ve forgotten something.”
Dumbledore looks over at Cypress, his eyes slightly knowing, “I will take you back after your birthday”
Cypress scrunched up his nose in confusion, “Sir, my birthday was last mon-”
His voice cut off by the squeeze to his arm from Remus, “Cy, your birthday is July 31, a few days from now. You’re still thirteen.”
Oh. Oh. Maybe that’s why he’s never felt different on any of his birthdays but does anyone really feel older? That feeling in his stomach is still there and this new piece of information does not make him feel any better. The good thing about previously being a Malfoy is that he’s learned to compartmentalize. It’s a very useful skill that he’s managed to perfect over the years living with Lucius.
So he swallowed and nodded, “Thanks for letting me know.”
-
Back at headquarters, Cypress retreats to his room. He sits at the foot of his bed, looking at all the books scattered on the floor, feeling conflicted. There’s no need for them anymore, he knows who he is now. Finally. But not really, for most of his life he has been told who to be. And now he has the freedom to pick who he wants to be. He has no one to turn to, no one that he trusts. He’s only just met Remus and he’s not exactly sure where his Uncle’s loyalties lie. But if he doesn’t have the books to belay an excuse to keep him holed up in his room, he’ll have to interact with the other occupants of the house and he’s not sure he’s ready for that.
He hears a knock on his door, bringing him out of his thoughts. At his soft come in the door opens to his older twin holding a plate of food in his hand.
Harry sheepishly smiles, sitting down across from him, “You didn’t come down for dinner. I thought you might be hungry.
Cypress grabs the plate from him, “Thank you.”
It’s silent, both of them just staring at each other until Harry breaks the silence.
“Can I hug you?”
Cypress sets the plate down, “I was about to lay down. This day has been exhausting,” Harry’s face falls, “Would you like to join me?”
Harry looks shocked for a second, but he wont give away this opportunity so he nods. They lay next to each other, kind of resembling stiffs in a coffin. Pressed on opposite sides of the bed with Cypress close to the wall while Harry is closest to the door. His paranoia won’t allow him to rest comfortably anywhere else. Slowly, Cypress scoots closer to Harry, laying his head on his chest while Harry's arm tightens around him.
“Who is Petunia Dursley?” Cypress asks, remembering the name the goblin mentioned at the bank. If he hadn't been laying on his brother he would've missed the minuscule stiffening of his body.
Harry had been expecting this question, it was only fair as he had a few of his own.
“She’s my- our aunt,” the last word comes like a curse. Cypress remembers Harry’s frighteningly tiny frame from first year and the whispers of the Golden Boy not being like anyone expected him to be.
“What did she do to you?”
Harry exhales heavily, “It wasn’t until I went to school that I learned my name was Harry Potter. They usually just referred to me as ‘freak’ or ‘boy'. I was treated as a house elf the whole time I was living there. Our older cousin Dudley would play a game called ‘Harry Hunting’ with his friends where they would chase me and try to capture me in order to beat me up. I got all his old hand me downs. Despite the fact he’s 3 times the size of me”
Cypress’ hands clenched tightly in Harry's shirt before he spoke up, voice soft, “When I was seven, I was playing on the grounds when I got a little too close to the peacocks, and one of them nipped me. I was bleeding pretty bad and went to find Mother, but I came across Lucius first. I didn’t realize I had trailed some blood on the floor until I saw the anger on his face. He got so mad and I couldn’t comprehend why he was mad at me for bleeding, especially when it was something the elves could have easily cleaned. That was the first time I was truly terrified of him. Now I understand he just didn't want a halfblood’s blood on his marble flooring.”
Harry kissed the top of Cypress’ head, he really was small. “I’ll protect you in any way I can Cy. I don’t care that you are a Slytherin. I’d like to get to know you.”
“How do you feel now?” Cypress whispers into his brother's chest.
“I’m angry. At Sirius, for being framed; even though it wasn’t really his fault. At Remus, for fucking off to Merlin knows where. At the Malfoy's, for taking you from me. I’ve always wanted a family, and instead I got Uncle Vernon, Aunt Petunia, and Cousin Dudley. And I’m especially angry at Petunia. She could’ve saved me from all of this had she just answered the mail. Instead she chose to make my life hell. I’m just so angry. But I’m also happy, because I have a chance at a real family, and I have a brother. No, a twin brother which is infinitely better. And hopefully this is my chance to let go of all the bad feelings.”
“Okay Harry,” Cypress nodded, it was a bit hard to do from his position against his older brother. But he fell asleep with his chest feeling warm and that unsettling feeling in his gut releasing just a little bit.
-
It was Remus who found them the next morning, he took a second to look at them before waking them up. The resemblance both of them had to their parents made his chest ache. They both had their backs to the other but their legs were intertwined and Cypress thumb was near his mouth like it had just been in there, while Harry's glasses were askew digging into his face. The sight made him chuckle, James had had a habit of falling asleep in his glasses as well.
He reached out gently, shaking Harry awake, “Hey, Harry, we are going to head to Diagon Alley today to do some school shopping and maybe you can get Cypress a birthday present.”
Harry woke with a start but remained still as to not wake Cypress up either. He looked up at Remus before nodding his agreement and gently shaking Cypress up and explaining their plans. Cypress was excited to get out of the house and do some shopping, he found it cathartic. He needed a new wardrobe and owl anyways, and he had some ideas about what to get Harry for their birthday.
When they got to Diagon Alley, they split into two groups. Harry, Ron, Hermione, and Sirius as Snuffles went as one group while Remus and Cypress went the other way. Cypress and Remus walked together silently before Cypress spoke up, casually slipping his hand into Remus’.
“Do you know Harry’s measurements? I’d like to get him some clothes for his birthday, a whole new wardrobe actually.”
Remus nodded, “Yes, I have an idea, and if they don't fit there are always altering charms. If he’s been to any of the shops recently, they should have them on file. What would you like to get for yourself?”
“I’d like a new wardrobe as well, I wasn't able to bring many clothes and I need a new owl and maybe a new broom.”
Remus nodded and steered them towards Eeylops Owl Emporium after they left Gringotts so Cypress could get a refilling pouch connected to his vaults. Cypress was excited, he hoped they had eagle owls. Their feathers were good to use in potions and they were very loyal.
“Hello, Welcome to the Emporium. Is there anything I can help you with?” a young lady spoke as Remus and Cypress entered the shop.
“Hi, do you have any eagle owls available?”
The shopkeeper looked surprised, “Yes, we do. Just one and he’s a bit feisty. We believe he was taken from his family as an owlet and he’s just never connected with anyone who was interested in buying him.”
Cypress’ heart broke a little at hearing this, the owl was just like him. “I’d like to see him please. Does he have a name?”
She led them to the back where a big gold cage was hanging and a white and brown owl was sitting eyeing them warily, “Yes, his name is Severin.”
Cypress giggled, it sounded like Severus and he’s sure Uncle Sev would not appreciate that. Remus grimaced after hearing the name, his thinking was along the same line as Cypress but not as humorous. He slowly and carefully reached his hand through the bars to pet the owl. Severin carefully nipped at his fingers and rubbed his head along Cy’s hands.
“Wow,” the shopkeeper breathed, “He likes you.”
“How much?” Remus asked.
“7 galleons.”
Cypress nodded, “Please add a cage, as well as treats.”
The shopkeeper nodded, getting everything together. Cypress paid and he and Remus left. “Where would you like to head next?”
“We’ll have to go to Madam Malkins and Gaberlunzie Garments. I’d like to get started on the clothing”
As they got closer to Madam Malkins, Cypress got antsier. He already had his measurements with Madam Malkin but that was as Draco. And now he’s not Draco and his body’s changed. He looks less manly and a bit more androgynous. His body’s still as slim and slight but one could describe him as tiny. That’s not exactly his favorite descriptor either. The good thing is that there aren’t any expectations that he knows deep down he’ll never live up to hanging over his head. But the bad news is that he still doesn’t really know who he is. At least his style hasn’t really changed.
“Hello dear, what can I help you with?” Cypress was so caught up in his head, he didn’t realize they were at the robe shop and Madam Malkin was standing in front of him and Remus.
“Yes, I need a boy's Slytherin pack in my measurements. Two sets of dress robes, a winter cloak, and 10 casual robes, all self ironing and repairing. Please be liberal with color.” She nodded at him before guiding him to the back and making him stand on
“ Do you have Harry Potter’s measurements on file?” The lady in front of him narrowed her eyes in suspicion at the question.
“Who’s asking?”
“Cypress Potter,” he said as he looked down at her from the platform he’s standing on, flashing his signet ring at her. She swallowed heavily, not asking any questions, “Yes, I do have his measurements on file.”
“Perfect, I’d like the same order for him, bar the Slytherin robes and be less liberal on the colors. He’s more partial to reds, blacks, and grays. Thank you.”
“Of course, Mr. Potter. It’ll be ready in a couple hours”
He nodded, stepping off the platform. As he and Remus left walking towards the next shop, he felt his foot hit something. When he looked down he saw a medium sized toad looking up at him, sitting atop his shoe. He’s always had a soft spot for animals, so he reached down and picked it up stroking its head.
“Who do you belong to, little guy?,” he cooed at the amphibian.
“Trevor! Trevor!” Cypress looked up to see a frantic boy about his age wandering around calling for ‘Trevor’. He walked up to him, with Remus following behind, “Is this your Trevor?” he asked, holding the toad out for the boy to see.
The boy looked up, and he recognized him as Neville Longbottom. “Oh! Hello, P-Professor Lupin. Y-Y-Yes, that’s Trevor. He gets a-a-away from me sometimes. T-Thank you for finding him. I’ve never seen you before, are you just visiting?”
Remus chuckled, “Hello, Neville. You don’t need to call me Professor anymore. Just Remus will do.”
Cypress giggled at the bumbling boy. Neville stared in awe at the pretty boy in front of him, even though he didn’t exactly know who he was. Remus noticed the look Neville was giving his godson, he recognized that look. He tried not to growl or grandstand, because Neville was a nice boy but he just got him and wasn’t ready to give him up to another.
“My name is Cypress Potter.”
“Potter?! Like Harry Potter.”
Cypress giggled again, “Yes, he’s my…twin brother. We’ve just discovered each other.”
Neville nodded in awe, a twin Potter. He’d have to ask his gran if she knew anything about that- speaking of, “I-It was nice to meet you but I have to get back to my gran. Thank you for f-finding Trevor, I’ll see you at Hogwarts”
“Good day, Neville. Maybe you should head to the menagerie and get Trevor a nice cage. Happy early birthday.”
-
“Harry, where are we going?”
Harry looked over at Hermione but continued walking, “I want to get Cypress a pet,”
“What kind of pet, mate?”
“I don’t know yet, I’ll know when I see it.” Harry said as he and his friends entered the Magical Menagerie.
“Hello, are you guys looking for anything specific?”
“No,” Harry shook his head, “I’m just looking for a pet for my brother. Something small that’s not too high maintenance.”
“Okay,” the shop lady said, leading them to the back where their smaller animals were. When the three students and Snuffles went to the back they noticed one of their classmates standing at the cages for small animals.
“Hey, Neville,” Hermione said.
Neville turned to look at them, Trevor clutched closely to his chest, “H-Hey guys,” Neville said, staring at Harry a little warily.
“Why are you looking at me like that?”
“I m-met Cypress earlier. I didn’t know y-you had a twin, Harry.”
Harry ran his hands through his hair, shrugging a bit, “I didn’t know I had one either. He was kidnapped and I just got him back. What did you think of him?”
Neville blushed, “He s-seems n-nice.”
Harry looked at him weirdly, but Hermione had to bite her tongue to hold in her giggle. She wasn’t as oblivious as Harry or Ron.
“Yeah, I’m here looking for a pet for him, for his-our birthday”
“I’m getting a cage for Trevor,” Neville said, holding the toad out. Ron snorted, “It’s about time mate.”
“Y-Yeah”
-
Entering Gaberlunzie Garments, Cypress and Remus were surprised to see the amount of clothes in there. Remus because he had never been and Cypress because they were usually pretty busy and garments went fast.
“Hello, how can I help you?” a young lady came out and asked.
“I’d like two wardrobes. One for me, I’d prefer silk button downs, and some sweater vests. Some trousers and trotter cases. One for my brother, he will probably prefer sweaters and more laid back shirts. Trousers as well, and more trotter cases. Darker colors for him, and please choose something for me that won’t clash with my hair. I haven't gotten my exact coloring down yet,” Cypress said, handing over a paper he got from Madam Malkins with their measurements on it.
While Cypress was talking, the young lady flicked her wand and had clothes flying into where they were standing separating in two piles. When she got the measurements, she flicked her wand again adjusting the sizes for everything.
“Each pile has everything you asked for. If you don’t like any garments, you have a fortnight to owl the clothes back for a refund. Will that do?”
“Perfect. Can you gift wrap my brother's pile please?”
-
“How did it go?” Remus looks up at Sirius as he enters their bedroom. They had just gotten back from Diagon Alley and Remus was a little worn out.
“Well, I could definitely see the pureblood he was raised to be when we were out shopping. Perfect manners and mask in place. Coldly polite and demanding, and not afraid to flash his status. I think he’s just too guarded and reverts to what he was taught when he’s out.”
Sirius sighed, he understood what that was like. When he was a first year at Hogwarts, having just been sorted to Gryffindor, he didn’t know how to act with those in Gryffindor who knew the history of the Blacks. Nor did he know how to act with his family, who he knew would consider him a traitor. “We just have to make sure he feels comfortable in deciding who he wants to be.”
Remus feels a swell of affection rush through him for this man. Even though he spent twelve years in Azkaban, he is still putting his godsons first. That thought also makes Remus feel like rubbish, he left his best friend, his lover, in bloody Azkaban because he believed he was a traitor. Remus starts out of his thoughts at the feeling of an arm around his shoulder, “I can always tell what you’re thinking Moony. It wasn’t your fault. I would probably think the same thing given the circumstances.”
Remus nods, eyes a little wet, “Okay Pads, let’s just make sure these boys have the best 14th birthday anyone could ask for.”