Back to Hogwarts
Even six years later, Hogwarts was still as magnificent as he remembered. As the Hogwarts Express pulled into Hogsmeade Station, Harry could feel the familiar sense of home that the sight of the castle always brought out in him. Although with the sense of home also came the sense of foreboding.
With his return to Hogwarts came the reality of his inevitable encounter with Hermione and Ron and Dumbledore. He had been ducking them all summer long but after the feast it would be rather difficult to avoid Ron while sharing a dorm with him. It was one of the reasons that Harry was reluctant to return to Hogwarts this year. The announcement of his betrothal and lordship were other reasons he was not too excited to return to Hogwarts. He was not shameful of either announcement and knew it was for his safety, but wizarding world had proven that the news too much for them.
Andromeda and Hyejing had decided earlier in August to announce Harry as Heir Potter-Black before someone else broke the story. It had been the cause of the craziness of their school shopping and arrival at Platform Nine and Three Quarters. Just as Narcissa had said, everyone wanted to be in his good favor. People who had openly denounced him last year flocked to him as if he did not hear their scathing words. Hogwarts students were no different, all of them staring and a few seventh years attempting to shake his hand on the train. Draco had simply reminded him to keep his chin up and pay them no mind. Lord Min had said he would handle the announcement of their betrothal and it would not be too long into the school year before it was announced.
Gentle pressing on his wrist pulled Harry out of his thoughts, his head turning towards Blaise and offering a gentle smile. Harry had sat with the Slytherin and his friends on the train ride and was relieved that none of them went on triads about homework being due like Hermione would have. He had also learned that Draco was betrothed to Astoria Greengrass and that Daphne Greengrass was having a secret affair with Millicent Bulstrode. He really liked the Slytherins, especially Astoria she was a breath of fresh air compared to the other Slytherins. Almost like she did not belong in the house of the snakes.
“Alright?” Blaise murmured, his fingers running over the stones on Harry’s bracelet that Luna gifted him. Despite the misunderstanding they had about the bracelet before, rubbing the stones had become a soothing motion that Blaise had taken up. Harry too could be seen from time to time counting the gemstones on the bracelet when deep in thought.
“Yeah, not looking forward to Gryffindor.”
While had spent most of his time with Slytherin on the train, he ran into a few Gryffindors who had quickly given him a dirty look when they noticed he was with Draco. It seemed that Hermione and Ron had spread a story to the Gryffindors as the day went on if the increase in the sneers was anything to go by. After last year though, Harry did not bother entertaining the looks. At the end of the day, his only worry was living in Gryffindor safely. The adults had been worried about his future in Gryffindor as well. Andromeda had told him many stories about how Gryffindors had tormented Slytherins with Dumbledore’s unstated consent and how dangerous some of the transgressions had been. She had told him that they would only see him as an outlier after his betrothal announcement. However, Hyejing insisted she would get it taken care of. He had no clue what she meant and neither did Blaise so he supposed that they would see what she would do.
“Longbottom is still your friend, right?” Daphne asked, looking behind their cart as if she could see Neville on the dark path. The carriages could hold six people and in their cart sat Harry, Blaise, the Greengrass sisters, Vincent Crabbe, and Gregory Goyle. Pansy and Draco as prefects had to go ahead in another cart with the other prefects. Harry did not envy them, knowing that Hermione was probably ranting something fierce in that cart.
“He sent me a plant for my birthday and said that him and his Grandmother were sorry for my loss,” Harry shrugged, still not too sure on customs in the Wizarding World. Andromeda and Narcissa had been teaching him diligently but it was centuries worth of knowledge to learn in only two months. Though Neville did not seem like the type that would hold his parentage and betrothal against him. The other Gryffindor had come into himself towards the end of the last year after facing Bellatrix Lestrange and he seemed more sure of himself instead of just following the other lions. “Shame the twins left last year, they would have been a great defense system,” Harry smiled at the thought of the twin, nudging Blaise’s hand with his own when the other boy frowned.
It was no secret that Blaise was less than pleased that Harry would be back in Gryffindor with people who had already attempted to hurt him and be the pariah once more where he was supposed to be safe. Harry had told him how he had to lock his trunk with complex spells and how there was almost always a verbal battle when he entered the common room. Without his old friends, Blaise was not convinced that it would not escalate into physical violence. He had to just hope his mother’s solution worked.
“Keep your rings on at all times, yeah?” Blaise boldly intertwined their fingers together, thumb brushing over the heir rings on his right hand. Since arriving on the train, Blaise had been rather standoffish in terms of affection, but Harry did not hold it against him at all. It was because of the unknown people around them. Hyejing had talked at length how Zabinis and Mins were instructed to hide most of their emotions, including their affection for their family and partners. Blaise had been open with affection surrounded by family but in public was something different. When they went school shopping, the most Blaise had done is clutch the sleeve on his robe and pull him to stand close to his side.
Harry was content to just hold the other’s hand and felt butterflies flap in his stomach at the thought that Blaise was comfortable enough with the others to hold his hand, even if the action was mostly hidden by the folds of their robes.
“Of course,” Harry whispered back shyly, ignoring Astoria and Daphne’s cooing as he scooted closer to his betrothal. It would be awhile before they could be this close again and he wanted to take in his presence while he could. If anyone asked, he would just say he was cold.
“Betrothal looks good on you, Zabini,” Daphne teased, Blaise simply tipping his head to kiss Harry’s cheek before a sly grin slipped on his face.
“Yeah, it does. When are you gonna get your act together and sign a contract with Bulstrode?” Daphne hissed, reaching forward to cover his mouth as if Millicent was anywhere near them. Blaise chuckled and Harry could not help himself from laughing a bit as well. It was interesting to see Slytherins act like teenagers and not have their stoic masks on at all times. The two teased each other for the rest of the carriage ride, Harry holding the other’s hand in his lap contently.
It was not until they were arriving to the castle that Gregory spoke up. “Professor Flitwick is on the stairs.” Harry was a little surprised when the other spoke, Blaise having said that Crabbe and Goyle were naturally quiet and did not usually talk and that was just how they were. Six heads turned towards the entrance and sure enough the Charms professor was standing there, waiting for someone. Professors usually did not wait for the upper classmen, trusting them to know their way to the Great Hall after their first year.
“Three guesses who he is waiting for,” Harry grumbled under his breath, just knowing that it had something to do with him. It was only confirmed when Flitwick stood up a bit straighter at the sight of their carriage. Blaise hummed comfortingly, giving Harry’s hand one more squeeze before letting him go. Harry instantly missed the warmth of the other. Crabbe and Goyle got out of the carriage first, Goyle helping Astoria and Daphne out of the carriage. Blaise went next, already reaching back to help Harry down. The Gryffindor blushed at the gesture, fingers worrying the hem of his sleeve to stop from reaching for the other’s hand.
“Mr. Potter-Black,” Professor Flitwick greet as they approached the staircase.
“Professor, did you have a good break?” Harry greeted in turn, taking note that the five Slytherins had stopped around him as if they were his bodyguards.
“I did, I spent some time in France during my holiday. But let us catch up later so you do not miss the entire feast, if you would follow me?” Harry bobbed his head, glancing at Blaise long enough to express he was okay and that they could go on. The taller boy nodded, patting Harry’s arm as he moved around him, the group following his lead. Professor Flitwick wait until they had disappeared around the corner before leading Harry in the opposite direction.
“Professor, where are we going?” Harry asked a few minutes later after they had twisted their ways through the corridors. Andromeda would probably shake her head at him for following someone without knowing where they were going, even if it was a professor.
“How much do you know about the Hogwarts Charter, Mr. Potter-Black?” At the silence, the charms professor chuckled, glancing over at him. “It was not a trick question, I swear. Not many people know any of the Charter these days, but someone as influential as Lady Zabini who has a renowned lawyer at her disposal? It does not surprise me in the slightest she would find the loophole.” Flitwick had a mischievous grin on his face, the same he had last year when the twins would make a fool out of Umbridge. The scar on his hand ached at the thought of that toad, but he quickly shook his head of those thoughts. He did not want to remember any of those nights from last year.
“A loophole?”
Flitwick hummed in confirmation, coming to a stop in front of the Gargoyle statue that led to the Headmaster’s office. Harry felt a brief moment of dread. The last time he had been in this office, that stupid prophecy had been read out.
“Chocolate Frogs.” Flitwick called out, a grinding noise sounding as the statue begun to move and reveal the staircase. Harry followed after the professor, still wondering what loophole that he could be talking about. What could Hyejing’s plan have to do in Dumbledore’s office? Flitwick entered the office, his steps hurried as he motioned Harry in.
The office seemed emptier than it had previously been last year. He knew that he had destroyed quite a few things of the Headmaster’s but surely not this much? His mind supplied the reminder that Sirius’ will had demanded Dumbledore’s office be searched for artifacts that belonged to Harry rightfully. His hatred for the old fool was only growing with each day.
“We must make haste, Mr. Potter-Black. The Headmaster had been reluctant when Lady Zabini first brought up this loophole. Oh, good it has been returned!” Harry begun to feel more and more confused, desperate for answers. Though the biggest one was answered when Flitwick summoned the Sorting Hat down from its shelf. “Hurry now, we must get this done and then I will answer questions.” Harry moved over quickly and carefully knelt down so the professor could place the Hat on his head.
Ah, back again, though with a new name now Mr. Potter-Black. I have to say, it is not every day when I sort someone for a second time. Will you allow me to put you where you belong this time?
“Yeah, I think it is for the best this time.” Harry responded, his heart beating rapidly. This was Hyejing’s plan.
Glad to see you finally have come to your senses. A magical hat is never wrong, Mr. Potter-Black, you should have gone here from the beginning. . . SLYTHERIN!
Harry could not stop the grin that settle on his lips as he pulled the Hat off his head in time to see his red and gold tie switch to a green and silver one. Flitwick nodded his head, not surprised in the slightest by the Hat’s choice. He quickly levitated the Hat back onto its shelf and led Harry from the office once more, this time leading him to the Great Hall.
“The loophole, Professor?” Harry prodded knowing that the others would want to know why he was resorted.
“Oh yes! The Charter is from the Founders’ time, back when arranged marriages were prevalent for the majority of students. There was a clause that if a student’s betrothal was in another house and that other house proved to be dangerous, one of them could be resorted into the other’s house. Lady Zabini and Lady Tonks both wrote to me to express their concern about you returning to Gryffindor due to the events in the summer and revealed to me your betrothal to Mr. Zabini. Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall were reluctant to allow you when they were approached, both believing the concern was misplaced.” Flitwick tilted his head over to look at Harry, a sour look on his face. “But when I was told, I knew there would be cause of concern, especially after last year.”
Harry stared at his Charms professor for a few seconds in stunned silence. He had never been particularly close with Flitwick but the man had still listened to his guardians concerns and took the seriously. Hell, he even went against Dumbledore and McGonagall to get it done. He was not surprised by Dumbledore’s refusal to see the Gryffindors’ bullying, but McGonagall? That hurt a little bit. Although, she had not stepped in previously when Gryffindor had turned on him so was it really surprising?
“Thank you, professor.” he whispered, grateful for the other’s involvement.
“No need to thank me, Mr. Potter-Black. We are professors, our number one priority should be the care and safety of our students.”
Silence stretched between them as they neared the Great Hall, the sound of hundreds of people talking filling the silence before too long. Just outside the hall, Flitwick turned towards Harry once more.
“Professor Sprout and Snape have both been made aware of your situation as Heads of Houses and both will defend your resorting. Now, go sit with your new housemates and enjoy the Welcoming feast,” Flitwick’s mischievous look was back as he stepped into the Great Hall, leading the two of them. Harry broke off to the Slytherin table as Flitwick continued to the Staff table.
The hall noticing Harry begun to go quiet as hundreds of eyes watched him walk to the Slytherin table. It was unnerving but Harry kept Narcissa’s voice in his head as he held his head up high and made his way towards the sixth year Slytherins. Blaise’s eyes were on him intently, watching him walk towards them. There was a brief shuffle but by the time Harry reached the group, he easily sat down with Blaise on his left and Daphne on his right. The hall was quiet for a few more seconds before voices exploded, whether they go back to their own conversations or were talking about him.
“How the hell,” Draco started but Blaise tutted, his mask in place as was expected of him.
“Let him fill his plate before you start clucking, Malfoy.” Harry ducked his head shyly, patting Blaise’s leg under the table in thanks before reaching forward to fill his plate. He could feel eyes on him still, not just from Draco, but he ignored them as he tucked into his meal. Thankfully the other Slytherins kept up their indifference masks, hiding their curiosity until it was appropriate.
As Draco did not seem to be able to take his eyes off of Harry, the former Gryffindor took a moment to study him as well.
At first glance, Draco Malfoy looked as put together as he always did. Immaculately pressed robes and blond hair swept over his forehead. It was only to the trained eye that one could see the cracks in his mask. His eyes were sunk in purple bruises from his lack of sleep and they twitched frequently around the room as if someone nefarious would appear. His long fingers that were once manicured to perfection are now bitten all the way down and the skin around them torn to shreds. There was an anxious sixteen-year-old underneath the mask of pureblood heir that Draco was desperately clinging to.
Not long after Harry’s birthday and meeting the Min family, Draco and Narcissa Malfoy came stumbling through their Floo in the middle of the night. Both were worse for wear, the prim Narcissa disheveled and Draco covered in blood, clinging to his mother. True to Sirius’ warning, the dark times had finally reached the Malfoys.
Due to Lucius’ failure and capture, Voldemort had turned his attention to his son. He ordered that Draco take his mark and complete two tasks for his father’s failure. But not before having Draco pay for Lucius’s inability to retrieve the prophecy. Draco had suffered from numerous different dark curses before he was left to ‘think about his choices.’ In lieu of deciding, Draco and Narcissa packed up everything they needed and abandoned the Malfoy Manor, heading for Andromeda first. Sirius’ property had come in handy, although Harry was willing to bet that his father would have rather Draco never have to use it.
The property that Sirius had left Draco was a little cottage, much like Godric’s Hollow but not as prolific. It was in the English countryside and heavily warded, only Draco and Harry had been able to get in to begin with until they adjusted the wards. Upon hearing of the security of the home, Harry had been struck with the deep anger that had begun to grow for Dumbledore increase. If they had been placed somewhere safer than Godric’s Hollow, his parents would be alive. They had options and Dumbledore had let them die. . . had let Sirius get locked in Azkaban.
Harry rolled his shoulders to release the tension. He had spent many hours dwelling on the could haves and should haves. Now was not the time.
True to Blaise’s warning, Draco wait until Harry’s plate was half-empty before he began again.
“You have some explaining to do,” Harry snorted at Draco, shaking his head.
“Aren’t you glad to see me?” He playfully pouted, grinning when Draco stepped on his foot under the table, causing Blaise to kick Draco back in his defense.
“Explain,” it was Pansy now, staring Blaise and Draco down to stop their game of footsies. Harry sighed, placing down his cutlery and preparing himself.
“Lady Zabini found a loophole in the charter and it allowed me to be resorted. Something about if one of the betrothals is deemed in danger in their house they can be resorted,” Harry tried best to explain before he went back to eating, the others nodding or humming as they thought about it. Lady Zabini was a formidable force and it no surprise that she had found a way to protect Harry. She probably had Taehee pouring over the charter since she mentioned taking care of it.
“Well that explains Astoria,” Daphne smirked, tilting her head down the table where Astoria was sitting with her year. Harry must have made a questioning noise because she continued. “Our parents were convinced that Astoria would have been in Ravenclaw or even Hufflepuff, but she was sorted into Slytherin. Make sense since she has been betrothed to a Slytherin since she was younger. The Hat must have thought she would be in danger later in her time when her betrothal was revealed,” he nodded in understanding. It made sense now. Astoria did not seem like a Slytherin when she was with them but if whatever magic in Hogwarts and the Sorting Hat thought that she would be better there with Draco than anywhere else.
“When will it be revealed?”
“Next year when she turns fifteen and officially signs the contract.”
Harry hummed, his fingers playing with his engagement ring. He was glad that Daphne was willing to share this information with him. Since he had been thrown into betrothal, Harry had no clue what all it would have entailed had he known before his father’s will reading. He looked up when Blaise’s knee nudged his, attempting to get his attention.
“Ours would have been the same. Betrothals are usually hidden between the families until both are fifteen and then they have a party to celebrate the union. It is expected that by fifteen the betrothals can protect themselves and their partner,” Blaise explained softly, his hand slipping to squeeze Harry’s knee and letting it rest there comfortably. Another moment of Blaise reading Harry’s mind.
“Did Lord Min give any date on when he was announcing it?” Harry asked quietly, his own hand resting over Blaise’s. The other’s thumb was stroking against his thigh and it made Harry’s constantly buzzing nerves calm. Affection was something that Harry had never thought it would feel comfortable with but was the easiest thing in the world when it came to Blaise Zabini. He remembered the years of touches and hugs from both Hermione and Ron, it took him ages to get comfortable and not flinch. Yet with only a few months of knowing Blaise, he felt more secure than people who used to be his best friends.
He would never admit it to anyone, but a small part of him knew that this man would never hurt him. Sirius would not have put his faith in the Zabini family if he did not have the upmost faith that they would take care of him. If Sirius trusted Hyejing and Blaise, then Harry could as well. And it was a feeling that Harry loved more than anything. He did not have to be strong all the time, he had a support system now that let him know that he was allowed to be weak and did not need to be in a leader position all the time.
“Sometime this week, he said. Pa was not sure if Mother’s plan would work and thought he could force the Headmaster’s hand.”
“Lord Min scares me like no other,” Draco shuddered, remembering his encounter with the Min family patriarch when he was a child. Blaise smirked in amusement, his fingers caressing Harry’s knee.
“Draco had the unfortunate luck of spending the night when Consort Min was angry with Lord Min and resized all the doors in the manor so Lord Min would run into them. Draco had numerous bruises by the time he went home the next day,” Harry cackled at Draco’s scowl, his fingers wrapping loosely around Blaise’s wrist. He did not know what Blaise was doing or if he was aware of it, but the touch was nice and Harry did not want him to stop.
The chatter in the hall quieted down as Dumbledore stood up, tapping his wand on his podium. Harry shifted so he was facing more towards Blaise, the other’s hand slipping up his leg a little bit but neither paid much attention.
“Welcome to a new year at Hogwarts! I would like to start out by reminding our returning students that while Hogwarts encourages friendships between houses, they must sit with their house.” Dumbledore’s eyes landed on Harry, who kept their eyes from meeting. Blaise shifted so Harry’s body was hidden behind him a little bit, his hand looping under Harry’s thigh protectively. Harry tightened his grip on Blaise’s forearm, whether in warning or support, he was unsure.
“Headmaster, Mr. Potter-Black was resorted upon his arrival at his guardian’s request.” Flitwick spoke up, taking those piercing blue eyes from Harry. He could imagine the Headmaster was glaring at the Charms Professor but with Professor Sprout and Snape at each of his sides, both with stone-like faces, there would be no fighting this right now.
“Forgive me then, I was unaware of Mr. Potter’s resorting until now.”
“Potter-Black,” Blaise growled under his breath, but Harry clutched his arm tighter, silently begging him to just leave it. Narcissa had taught him that not using his proper title was inappropriate and disrespectful, but he did not want to have this argument with hundreds of people look at him. Blaise’s grip tightened on his thigh and Daphne captured his free wrist in her hands, giving him a comforting squeeze.
The rest of the speech went without any more mention of Harry and before he knew it, they were standing up and being led down to the dungeons. He stayed close to Blaise, noticing that Daphne seemed to take up the permanent position to his right while Gregory and Vincent walked behind them. Draco and Pansy had to go ahead as prefects, but if the time he spent with the Malfoys over the summer was any indication, Draco would not be far from Harry unless he had to be.
Harry had initially found it weird since he was not close with Draco before or have any connection with him like he did with Blaise, so there was no reason for the Malfoy heir to want be his friend. But Andromeda had suggested that he was most likely taking Sirius’ words to heart after he helped Draco and Narcissa escape the Dark Lord. Sirius had asked Draco to look out for him in exchange for his help and he acting as if it was his personal duty to watch over Harry. Narcissa had even picked up on it, though she had just smiled wistfully at Harry and said that she had always wanted to give Draco a little brother. He may have gotten a little misty eyed when she said that.
A family is the only thing that Harry had ever wanted. He wanted parental figures and siblings and everything. The Min Family was a huge family and with the addition of the Tonks and Malfoys, Harry finally had that family he had longed for since he was old enough to understand the Dursleys hated him. It was a patchwork family that was brought together through loss. He still wished that his fathers were alive, that Lily was alive, but this family was enough.
“The password is purity, do not forget it,” the Head Boy, Terrence Higgs, called out and Harry stifled his snort as he followed closely behind Blaise into the common room. Leave it to Slytherins to make the most obvious word their password. He wondered if it was even worth it to use Polyjuice potion in second year or if they could have just stood outside and said random prejudice words and got in just as easily.
“Laugh all you want Potter, but you are one of us now,” Daphne teased, leading the way over to the sofas in the corner by the fireplace. Blaise let Harry sit down with Daphne, standing next to him. Their legs were pressed together and Harry longed to hold the other’s hands once more. Maybe it was teenage hormones but Harry felt most at ease when Blaise was touching him in some way shape or form.
“Welcome to Slytherin,” Professor Snape begun, doing his traditional welcome speech, but Harry let his mind wander. He could easily ask Blaise later and he knew a lot of how Slytherin worked because of Andromeda. When she had first brought up the idea of him being re-sorted she shared how Slytherin operated and he was willing to bet that Snape was talking about those exact operations. “Mr. Potter-Black, a minute?” Snape swept out of the common room before Harry could even agree, but the brunet quickly followed. He did not want to make his head of house angry the first night in his house.
Harry met the potions professor in the corridor, coming to stand not far from him. Snape looked like he rather be anywhere else than right here.
“I hope I do not need to tell you to keep to your own bed within the boys dormitory?” Harry’s ears burned at the implications and he quickly nodded his head. Snape was the last person he wanted to talk about bedroom stuff with. “Good. I also wanted to inform you that the Headmaster is not pleased with your resorting, but there is not much he can do. I would urge you to avoid being alone with the Headmaster for the foreseeable future. Should he call upon you, seek out myself ideally or Professor Flitwick or Sprout to go with you.”
“Yes Professor,” Harry was little stunned that Snape was actually offering to be helpful.
“You may return to your housemates,” Snape tipped his head once before turning on his heel in his extravagant manner and sweeping down the corridor. Harry resisted the eye roll at how dramatic he was before turning to go back into the common room.
Draco and Pansy rejoined them, taking Harry’s previous seat, but he simply took a seat on the floor in front of Blaise’s chair.
“No lap sitting?” Draco teased, wincing when Pansy pinched his arm for it.
“They are not announced yet, it is improper,” Draco grumbled something under his breath but Pansy’s threat of another pinching quieted him down.
“What did Professor Snape want, Harry?” Astoria asked, having squeezed herself on the couch next to her sister, but was mostly in her lap.
“He let me know that Dumbledore wasn’t happy with my resorting and may try to get me alone to fix it,” Blaise’s hand landed on his neck, almost possessively, at this knowledge. Harry let his hand come up and wrap around Blaise’s fingers, squeezing them to calm him.
“You will not be alone with him,” it sounded like a question, but also a demand. Harry frowned at the words. He knew better than to be alone with the Headmaster at this point, he did not need to be warned off. But he did not voice his disproval for Blaise’s words because when he tilted his back to look at the other, he found the same expression the other wore when he thought Luna’s bracelet was cursed. It was not said out of control but out of the trepidation passed through his family. Harry did not know if he would ever fully understand the paranoia that Lord Min had instilled in his family but he could not fault Blaise for being worried about him. Harry did not have the best track record for boring years at Hogwarts.
“I know, don’t worry.” He whispered, tightening his fingers on Blaise’s. He would have to talk to him later about how it made him upset, but not right now.
“Did he say anything else?” Daphne asked, quirking an eyebrow when Harry’s eyes widened and his face got really red. “Oh? Something interesting to share, Harry?”
“Nothing important,” Harry mumbled, smacking Blaise’s leg when he heard the other laughing.
“I’m sorry, Harry,” yet the other boy did not sound sorry at all. Despite the laughing at his embarrassment, Harry found himself at home in Slytherin. These people actually felt like friends and he could see himself enjoying their company. He was a little regretful that he did not listen to the Hat all those years ago. Who knows, maybe he would have found out about his father before he lost him. Maybe he would have had friends that did not want to just use him for his fame and money.
When Harry went to bed that night, cheeks rosy from Blaise’s kiss and the other boys in the dorm’s teasing, he felt at peace for the first time at Hogwarts since his name came out of the Goblet of Fire.
“Didn’t waste any time did he?”
Harry snickered at the Daily Prophet, the front page proclaiming The Boy-Who-Lived Betrothed!? It seemed Lord Min meant for everyone to know who he was tied to before anyone could get any ideas. You would have to be stupid or Muggle raised to mess with someone who would be related to the Min family.
“You’d think they would have a better picture than that one,” Draco sneered, looking at the moving picture of Harry next to Dumbledore on the paper. Harry knew exactly where it was from, it was an hour after his father was killed and after being possessed by Voldemort. It was not the best picture, but it was better than some sneaky photo that Skeeter should not have been legally allowed to have.
“Most recent picture, I suppose,” Harry hummed, putting the paper aside so he could sort through the rest of the mail he had gotten. He had a lot more than he usually would but after sorting it left only two that he wanted to open. One from Andromeda and the other from Hyejing. He put the second pile off to the side to open later, startling when the pile was snatched up from the table.
“Fucking vultures,” Blaise hissed as he sat down, the pile of letters clutched in his hands but not looking at them out of respect for Harry. The brunet nodded his consent, breaking the seal on Andy’s letter as Blaise rapidly flipped through the stack, only looking at the return addresses.
“How many did he get?” Draco’s face was tilted with a teasing grin.
“At least six, some didn’t put the address, cowards.” Blaise grumbled, pushing the pile in front of him and beginning to fill his plate.
“Six of what?” Harry asked, looking between the two in confusion. He did not like how on edge Blaise was and wanted nothing more than to ease the tension in his shoulders.
“Offers for your hand,” Draco explained, shaking his head as if the mere notion was ridiculous. Which is was in Harry’s opinion.
“But we’ve already signed the contract?”
“Doesn’t stop people from being stupid,” Blaise huffed, turning to fill some more onto Harry’s plate, causing the brunet to blush. Now that their betrothal was announced, Narcissa had said that Blaise would be looked to as a provider. It was a little confusing, but Harry was more than happy to be taken care of. “They think that if they offer you something, you’ll take up their contracts.” He grumbled something about being able to provide more than any of them.
“I thought it needed to be drawn up by our parents? I don’t have any.” Harry trailed off, two sets of concerned eyes landing on him. Blaise immediately stopped his grumbling to hold Harry’s hand tightly under the table, stroking his thumb over his fingers.
“You have Aunt Andromeda; I am sure she has gotten a pretty stack this morning too.” Draco started softly, hating the lost look on Harry’s face. “Besides, you are essentially Lord Potter now. You could break your betrothal and go with someone else if you thought it was a better pair, if it was more beneficial for the Potters.”
Harry looked down at his hands in shock. His eyes landed on the gold band on his right middle finger, its ruby gem clashing with the emeralds of the Black family ring. He did not know that. Griphook had not told him that he could break the marriage contract when he was at his father’s will reading.
Gringotts was a place that Harry was becoming increasingly familiar with in the last month. Him and Andromeda had been back at least once each week to go through the Black family vaults and the one James and Sirius shared. After visiting the Min family last week, Andromeda had mentioned that he could unseal James’ will and possibly Lily’s if he wanted to see if there was anything of value.
“From what I remember, Lily enjoyed healing charms. She might have some useful books for you,” Andromeda had mentioned casually one morning after alluding to the fact that James’ will had never been read publicly.
And here they were. Harry had dressed nicely once more, now with clothing that fit his station as Narcissa would say. He wore an expensive set of dark grey robes and had a pair of Muggle shoes that he had liked. They were brand new, no scuffs to be seen and a lot more comfortable than some of the shoes that were fashionable in the wizarding world. Andromeda had smiled fondly as he tied his laces, saying how he had reminded her of Sirius and Tonks. She had joined him for his visit, but since she was not a Potter, she would not be able to come meet Griphook with him.
“Good Afternoon Rodkoff,” Harry greeted the Goblin teller, having made it his mission to at least know the teller’s name since he had to greet him each time. He also knew that the helper Goblin’s name was Farkus, but he rarely spoke to anyone outside of Rodkoff so it had been difficult to find out that piece of information.
“Good Afternoon, Mr. Potter-Black. How may we help you today?”
“I wanted to meet with Griphook if he is available?” The Goblins were put off at first by overly polite manner of speaking to them, but they had grown accustomed after his sixth visit. Andromeda had found the relationship between Harry and the Goblins endearing. She had once remarked that he would become friends with Hippogriffs given the chance. Imagine her gob smacked face when he revealed he was.
“Of course, Mr. Potter-Black. If you would please follow Farkus to his office?” Rodkoff gestured for the helper Goblin to come forward and Harry made to step forward to follow.
“I’ll meet you outside, Harry.” Andromeda informed him, patting his arm before watching him follow the Goblin, shaking her head fondly when he hastily turned around a call out “May your vault overflow with gold!” to Rodkoff before he disappeared around the corner.
“It is nice to finally meet you Mr. Potter-Black, for security sake we must do an inheritance test,” Griphook was less talkative then Nurlus it seemed, but Harry could not fault him. A lot of the Goblins were not talkative. He easily sliced his hand and let the blood dropped on the parchment. He read the familiar information, heart fluttering at the sight of Blaise’s name under the betrothed to. A month after that first inheritance test and Harry was still shy about the knowledge that he would marry Blaise next year. The other would turn seventeen in October. By September next year, Harry would most likely be a married man. It was crazy to think about but Harry was starting to find comfort in his new reality.
“Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Potter-Black. Now how may I help you today?”
“I was wondering if I could have my father’s will unseal and privately read? I am not sure about Lily Evans or if she ever had one?” Harry knew that Lily was never a Potter legally and that he was not her son. If she did have a will, Petunia would most likely be the only one to unseal it. At least as far as he knew.
“Lily Evans did not have an official will at the time of her death according to our records. All of her belongings were placed within the Potter vaults due to it being public belief of her marriage to James Potter. I conferred with your other account manager and our superiors and it seemed it would be in Lily Evans best interests if her belongings remain in the Potter family.”
Harry could feel his eyes tearing up before he could school his expression. Lily may not have been his mother, but she was his godmother and the Goblins had decided that he could keep her belongings. That he was so valuable in her life that it just made sense to them. He felt an overwhelming sense of grief for Lily. She had wanted to protect her friends, protect him and she had lost her life because of it. So many people had lost their lives protecting him.
Pulling in a shaky breath, Harry blinked away the tears. He would allow himself to grieve later when he was not in public. He was not the same boy that he was a month ago. He had some lessons on how he should act as a Pureblood and crying in public was a number one no-no.
“My father’s will?”
Understanding the need for a change of topic, Griphook shuffled some papers around on his desk until he pulled out a scroll that resembled Sirius’ will.
“Because of your private reading request, the will does not need the other beneficiaries to be here to be read. All items will be sent to the beneficiaries’ accounts with a letter of informant. I will now activate the will.”
It did not dawn on Harry that he would be hearing his father’s voice for the first until a disembodied voice filled the room.
I, James Abraham Potter-Black, Lord of the Noble House of Potter, of sound mind and body, declare this to be my final will and testament, voiding all previous ones. This will and testament is dated October 20th, 1981.
Harry’s breath hitched at the sound of James’ voice. It was weird to experience. Eerily familiar and unknown at the same time.
I would like to begin this by stating for the record that the secret keeper of Godric’s Hollow was Peter Ambrose Pettigrew, sworn on September 10th, 1981 and witnessed by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore. Sirius Orion Potter-Black was previously the secret keeper and requested the change to Peter Pettigrew to keep us safe.
Another point I would like to clear so there are no liberties taken with my words: Harry Regulus Potter-Black should never be placed with Petunia Dursley. Not only is there no blood relation between the two, Lily has informed me of the hatred her sister has for anything magical. Harry is to never go there.
Upon my death, Harry shall be placed with the following people, in order of preference: Sirius Potter-Black, Lily Evans, Hyejing Zabini, Min Jiwoo, or Andromeda Tonks. Should none of these people be able to care for Harry, he should be placed with Augusta Longbottom or another Pureblood family that will care for him.
He was a little surprised to hear Lord Min’s name among the list of possible guardians, but the most shocking part is hearing that his dad had vehemently detest Harry going to the Dursleys.
If my son is placed with Petunia Dursley or someone who does him a disservice to his station, I insist a case of Magical Child Neglect be opened. Min Jiwoo should be approached on the appropriate lawyer for the situation.
More surprising was his father naming Lord Min to aid in the neglect case, something that Harry did not even know was possible in the Wizarding World… After six years, no one had even mentioned the possibility of it. Even Hermione and Ron who knew of his situation at the Dursleys had never mentioned it.
“We will reach out to Lord Min regarding the magical case, on your behalf.” Griphook said, Harry just nodding along. He knew that Lord Min would take care of it, probably would put Taehee on the case. He trusted the two to handle it. Harry did not want to be involved. He wanted to never see or hear about the Dursleys ever again.
So lost in his thoughts, Harry missed the majority of the will although he was glad for it. Just hearing his dad’s voice had made his chest feel tight, he did not know how it would feel to listen to his voice talk to his friends that were more or less gone at this time. A part of Harry was grateful that Andromeda had mentioned the private will reading. Even though Remus had chosen to side with Dumbledore and his ex-friends, he would not have wanted him to have to go through listening to his lost friend’s voice. He could not even imagine how hearing Sirius’ voice during his will impacted Remus. Although a bit foolish, Harry was still holding out a small shred of hope that Remus would come around, that the son of his friends would hold priority over whatever bullshit Dumbledore had put in his head.
Lastly to my dearest Sirius, Paddy, I am so sorry that I did not keep my promise of forever. You must be so angry with me and rightfully so. But please do not feel any guilt over my death, it was not your fault and I would never have blamed you for anything. I leave everything to you, use it to give our Prongslet the best life. I know it may hurt now Pads, but please live your life. Have fun, explore new things, fall in love again. This is all I will ask of you; live your life and care for our son. We will meet again one day. I love you, Sirius.
This ends my last will and testament, so mote be it.
Tears drifted down Harry’s face, the young heir ignoring them as he stared at the piece of parchment on the desk. Reading Sirius’ journal had shed light on the lives of his fathers but to hear James talking to Sirius? The longing and hurt in his voice. Just the thought of leaving Sirius and Harry sounded like James’ worst nightmare. Harry had no doubt that had he grown up with both James and Sirius that he would have never been unsure what love would look like. Love would be an abundance in their home. Maybe he would even have siblings. . .
“My Heir ring?” The teen quickly shifted the silence, needing to get away from what could have been. Hopefully one day he would not concern himself with the possibilities he had missed out on in life. Fate was a fickle thing and it had decided that Harry was its punching bag. There was no changing that. He could only change what he did in the present to influence the future. He promised himself that he would have the things that he almost missed out on. While his fathers were gone, he had Andromeda and Ted, who had taken to him like he was their second child. He had the Zabinis and the Min family, the big family he had always wanted.
He was also hopeful that he could have the same love his parents had with Blaise. Harry would not say it out loud, Merlin he had only truly met Blaise a month ago, but the time he had spent with the Slytherin? He knows love would be inevitable. It was easy.
“Place this ring on your right middle finger,” Griphook handed over the Potter family ring. “Given the circumstances of you being the last remaining Potter, this is not the Heir ring but the Lord ring. If it accepts you, you will become Lord Potter until your majority where you will become Lord Potter-Black,” Harry bobbed his head, not exactly sure what it meant but it made sense. Sirius would have known if there were other Black family members and since he placed him in the care of Andromeda, being named Heir Black seemed sensible.
The Potter family ring was a simple gold band, much like his engagement ring, but this ring had red gemstones on top. Very Gryffindor. Harry snorted at the red gemstones, rubies if he had to guess, before slipping the ring onto his middle finger. It warmed against his skin, resizing to fit his fingers before settling.
Despite how jarring it was against the Black ring, the sight of both rings together on his hand had filled an ache that he had no clue he had until it was.
“Harry… It is okay if you wanted to break the betrothal. I know that all of this was not explained to you, which it should have been. I will still protect you, as was your father’s request,” Harry held up his hand to pause Blaise’s rambling, a fond smile working its way on his face. He had not seen the other so worried since he explained Jiwoo and Sungjin’s relationship.
“I don’t want to break our betrothal,” the tension in Blaise’s shoulders eased at the words, his hands wrapping around Harry’s under the table. “My father arranged this betrothal and I want to honor it,” Harry scooted over the bench some, leaning up to whisper in Blaise’s ear. “And I think I quite like your company.”
“Think, huh?” Blaise’s words were teasing, but did not press. The red on Harry’s ears was enough to satisfy him. “Eat up,” the dark skinned man nudged Harry towards his plate.
“Let me read this, one second,” Harry gestured to Andy’s letter, picking up a piece of bacon with his free hand and nibbling on it to appease Blaise’s stern look.
Harry,
Merlin, I could wring Lord Min’s neck! Not a single warning before he announced it, gave Ted quite the fright with the hundreds of owls swarming our house. The audacity of some of these requests. . . Some were even already married or well into their sixties. Older than me! Never-you-mind Harry, how was your first day back? Jing mentioned something about helping to keep you safe? Did it work out alright?
Write back as soon as you can, it is quiet around here without you. Though Cissa has still been coming over for tea. We are working on your winter lesson plans.
Study hard, Harry.
Love,
Andromeda
Harry tilted the letter so Blaise could see the beginning, the other chuckling at Andy threatening his great-grandfather.
“Pa thrives off of dramatic timing,” Blaise murmured to him, Harry shaking his head fondly.
“Such a sweet couple,” Draco teased, Blaise kicking him under the table. Harry opened up Hyejing’s letter as the two begun to argue back and forth.
Mr. Potter,
I hope all went well. Many nights were spent pouring over that Charter. My son will watch out for you now. Please stay safe.
Lady Zabini
Harry shoved the two letters into his bag to deal with later and focused back on his plate of food. Pansy and Daphne had gotten involved in Blaise and Draco’s verbal war and it caused a small smile to rest on Harry’s face. It seemed he was smiling a lot more recently. The Hat was right that he belonged in Slytherin. The easy assimilation into the Slytherins only proved so.
“You’d think they would stop putting Gryffindor with Slytherin,” Pansy grumbled, as they made their way to potions. Draco and Blaise were flanking each of his sides, the latter’s hand resting on Harry’s lower back as they walked. Pansy and Daphne were in front of them and Crabbe and Goyle were following behind. If the events of the summer had not happened, Harry would have said that the formation was a little much. But after his old friends attempted to harm him during the summer, he would say that it was right to be more cautious.
“I’m just surprised that they got Professor Snape to combine the N.E.W.T class with the regular class. Merlin forbid Weasley not get to be with his friends,” Daphne complained. It was not surprising to Harry in the slightest. He and Ron had not gotten high enough scores for N.E.W.T level courses. Before the summer, Harry had not cared about potions and was ready to drop the class after being tormented by Snape for the last five years. But now that he knew that he would need some high-level understanding of potions for healing, he wanted to give it his all. Draco and Narcissa had tutored him a little bit over the summer, but there had not been enough time between everything else he had to learn.
“It just means Professor Snape will be extra sour,” Draco shivered, despite never being on Snape’s bad side. If even Draco was apprehensive about the potions class. . . Harry let the thought end, not wanting to frazzle his own nerves even more. He was a Slytherin now and Snape did not seem to hate him, openly at least, anymore. Hopefully he could get through a class without getting chewed out or detention.
“Hiya Harry,” the brunet turned towards the voice, an easy smile coming to rest on his lips at the sight of Neville Longbottom. The Gryffindor had filled out more during the summer and Harry could admit that he was attractive and seemed to hold himself with a new found confidence. He was proud of Neville for finding his place at Hogwarts.
Fingers tightening in the back of his robes reminded him of the Slytherins surrounding him, Blaise practically posturing next to Harry. The shorter Slytherin nudged Blaise with his hip to get his attention and shook his head in a barely noticeable movement. Neville was one of the good ones and he would not give up their friendship unless Neville had wanted to. Blaise hummed, fingers releasing Harry with one final caress before reaching up to slip Harry’s bag off his shoulder. He stepped away from Harry, the group of Slytherins following his lead. The comfort of group was missed instantly but he could see that Neville had relaxed once the Slytherins were not surrounding him.
“Hi Neville, good summer?”
“Yeah, Gran took me to get a new wand and this one is more favorable than my dad’s,” Neville flicked his wrist, a wand sliding down his arm and showing it to Harry. The brunet noticed that Draco had made to step towards him, Blaise grabbing his shoulder to stop him. It made something warm fill his chest that Blaise had trusted him and his trust of Neville.
“That’s great, Nev! I hope the new wand helps with your spells, I know your dad’s wand had been giving you issues,” if he was honest, it was a blessing in disguise that Frank Longbottom’s wand had been broken during the battle if only so Neville could get a wand that actually responded to him. He had not doubt that his new found confidence had something to do with the wand actually working for him. “Oh, and thank you for the lily. . . it was very nice of you.”
“Of course, Harry. Gran hadn’t known that Sirius was your father at the time, but I knew how much he meant to you as your godfather. I cannot imagine, Harry. I mean my parents are. . . yeah, but to find out you had him and,” Neville trailed off, noticing the pinched look to Harry’s face. “I’m sorry,” he whispered, worrying the edge of his robes. It would seem that he was not completely confident.
“No, it’s okay Nev. I just don’t want to talk about it, at least not here. Maybe we can meet up another time and talk?” Harry’s voice, despite all the lessons of having a mask, was hopeful. Neville was nice by nature and loyal to a fault, but Harry could not help the feeling that Neville would stop being his friend if he did not like who Harry was becoming.
“Sure, Harry. Maybe we can study together? Or meet in the greenhouses? I would say eat lunch together, but I have questions that would best be asked privately,” Neville’s eyes drifted towards the Slytherins before snapping back to Harry. The Slytherin smiled once more, patting Neville on the shoulder.
“Of course, Nev. Maybe the greenhouses? I have taken an interest in healing and I would love to see the plants in person and you know all of them,” Neville flushed at the compliment and nodded.
“Maybe on Wednesday, then? It is good you are taking an interest in healing! A very neutral subject. Speaking of neutral subjects,” Harry barely suppressed a snort at Neville’s poor topic switch, “Is everything alright on that front?”
“Yeah, it’s really good,” Neville laughed at Harry’s dreamy stare, nudging him back towards the Slytherins with a promise of meeting on Wednesday. Harry agreed before he stepped back to Blaise, slipping his hand into the other’s, hiding them from view in the folds of their robes. The taller squeezed his fingers, quirking an eyebrow at Harry.
“We are gonna meet up on Wednesday and gossip about you,” Harry teased, not expecting the other to laugh while in public, but the warmth in his eyes was enough for him.
“I’d expect nothing less, I am very gossip worthy,” Blaise murmured back, smirking when both Daphne and Harry smacked his arms.
“Yeah, yeah hot shot, you also know I can carry my own,” Harry was cut off as a spell hit his back, causing him to stumble into Blaise’s chest. The necklace that Lily had wanted him to have was burning against his neck and the Potter ring was trembling against his finger. He was so stunned that he barely noticed Blaise turning them so he was between the wall and Blaise’s chest or Draco snarling as he took up the protective position against Blaise’s back.
“Are you okay?” Blaise’s voice was worried, fingers tipping Harry’s chin up so he could see him. Fighting the trembling, he reached in his shirt, showing the other the necklace around his neck.
“Lily,” he whispered, remembering Blaise’s worry about jewelry. He did not think that they would be any bonding magic on something Lily and his parents wanted him to have. The Zabini Heir reaching for the necklace, stroking over the jagged edges before releasing it. Blaise turned around, one hand resting on Harry’s waist while the other had his wand out, ready to protect. It was an unfamiliar position to be in, he was usually the one with his wand out, facing the adversary. But currently he was content to clutch Blaise’s wrist as he hid behind him. Harry did not want to fight anymore.
“Diffindo? You study up on public executions, Granger?” Draco’s voice was in its trademark sneer, poised like a snake in front of the couple. Harry had not been exaggerating when he said that Draco had come to see him as a brother. This explosive protectiveness was just a side effect of that title.
“Fighting Potter’s battles for him, are you Malfoy? You shagging him with Zabini as well?” Harry’s hand tightened on Blaise, knowing if he lost his grip that other would kill Ron. The taller had seemed to settle for gripping Harry and wrinkling his robes, but it mattered not at the moment.
“Why, you jealous Weasley? Jealous that your family couldn’t afford to offer for Heir Potter-Black’s hand?” Ron was turning an awful shade of red and Harry never thought that he would be hoping for Professor Snape to show up.
“Arranged Marriages are archaic and Purebloods’ way of keeping magic ‘pure.’” Hermione’s voice entered the fray and Harry could feel a dull ache at the back of his head. “Anyone in their right minds would never marry for political advantage.”
“Newsflash Granger, you are the only one who isn’t Pureblood,” Harry was glad that the Slytherins had avoided that awful slur. He had gotten upset with Blaise for using it over summer and refused to answer his letters for a week, to the point Hyejing had shown up at Andromeda’s home wondering if Harry was okay. Since Blaise had been careful not to use the term and the other Slytherins had picked up on it as well.
“Oh so Harry finds out he is Pureblood and now he thinks he is too good for us?”
No, the fact that you two had made fools of yourself at my father’s will reading and attempted to use Ginny as a fake him to get more had been why he did not want to be their friends.
“If you truly believe that Granger, perhaps you are not as intelligent as you brag. I will also implore you to keep your spells to yourself. It is dishonorable to attack a wizard with their back turned, especially life threatening ones.” Draco turned, dismissing the two passively. Much to the displeasure of the two Gryffindors.
The beginnings of the stinging hex echoed in the corridor, but Blaise’s firm “Expelliarmus” was loud in Harry’s ears. Ron’s wand flew out of his hand and Blaise stepped back, letting it fly across the corridor and land with a clatter at the other end of the hall. Rolling directly into Professor Snape’s dress shoes. The Potions Master had an irritated twist to his lips as he bent down to grab the wand between two fingers, as if touching it would rub off Ron’s inability to cast proficiently.
“40 points from Gryffindor. For attempting to attack a fellow Prefect in the corridors. 15 points to Slytherin for aiding a fellow student. Now get in,” Snape used his own wand to open the door to the potion’s classroom, the wood banging against the wall. “Mr. Weasley, you can reclaim your wand from me during detention tonight.”
Harry could hear a groan, but Blaise and Draco had already swept him into the classroom and sat him between them. He had already asked Draco to be his potions partner so he could learn more but with the odd number of students, there needed to groups of at least three. Harry took his bag from Blaise and grabbed his notebook and quill. Warm fingers curled around his wrist and Harry was becoming very accustomed to the grip.
“I am okay, I promise,” Harry assured him, letting his fingers brush Blaise’s palm to comfort him.
“It is really creepy how you two talk without words,” Draco huffed, not looking up from where he was copying the directions from the board into his notebook. Harry shook his head at Draco before turning back to Blaise.
“Have lunch with me?” Blaise’s head tilted in confusion but nodding his agreement. Harry patted his thigh with a short smile before turning back to focus on the lesson. It was only the first day of classes and yet Harry was ready for Yule break.
September 30, 1973
I hate her! That foul, evil, woman! Nothing I ever do is good enough for her! Or my spineless father! Always following whatever his precious wife wants of him. You would think that she was Lord Black and not him with the way they act. There is nothing wrong with James, fuck he is even a Pureblood! What is the problem?
Merlin, even Regulus already has his marriage contract established! Min Taehee but I guess he is acceptable since he comes ‘from a respectable family’, a load of bullshit!
My fifteenth birthday is coming up. . . Father had mentioned a potential marriage contract and I asked about James. He was the perfect choice! He would treat me right and our heirs strong and ‘pure’. Though, I am not sure if James even likes men, he seems to really fancy Lily Evans. . . No, James would still help me if I asked or if Father had just proposed the contract to Mrs. Potter! I just know it! I’m his best mate, we could have made it work! Peter and Remus are out of the question; it could only be James. But no!!! Stupid Mother!
She had even mentioned the ‘respectable’ Rabastan Lestrange. The brother of cousin Bellatrix’s husband! As if the Black family tree was not confusing enough!
Curse you Walburga Black!
“Rather dramatic?” Blaise commented as Harry finished reading the journal entry, long fingers tangling in Harry’s hair where his head rested in his lap. The remnants of their picnic spread out around them. Now that they were publicly betrothal, Andromeda and Hyejing had advised them to begin to go on little dates for appearances.
Blaise had suggested a picnic, even with the weather growing colder as October neared. An early birthday gift for himself, the older Slytherin had said, even though Harry was already planning on using the Hogsmeade weekend next week to get Blaise something. Andromeda had said that gifts were expected between betrothals, even outside of holidays and birthdays. Customarily it would be Blaise’s ‘responsibility’ to gift Harry and illustrate that he can take care of the younger. But Harry was adamant, he would be gifting Blaise as well. He also planned to take the other on dates as well.
Harry could feel his ears grow warm as he remembered Andromeda’s stern warning to get a chaperone for all outings that were not classes or meal times. Someone responsible and who knows how to be one. Said chaperones were Daphne and Draco, both sitting closer to the lake and doing homework.
“That was Sirius for you,” Harry smiled softly, eyes far away as he thought of his dad. It was hard to imagine the tattooed, escaped convict as an angst-fueled fourteen-year-old who wanted nothing more than to go on a date with his best friend. “Him and James go on their first date three years later.”
Reading his dad’s journal was not want Harry had in mind when Blaise asked him on this date, but he had mentioned a prank the Marauder’s played and pulled out the journal to read it to Blaise. He had just continued reading on as the elder played with his hair.
“Didn’t he run away from home?” Blaise asked curiously, no judgement in his voice. Harry carefully got up, shifting around on the little blanket until their knees were pressed together. He saw Draco look up in his peripheral but go back to his work when he deemed them decent.
“Yeah, when he was sixteen. They got into a huge fight and Walburga attempted to disown him. I haven’t reached the journal entry yet, but I think it might have been a betrothal between him and a Greengrass? He mentioned not wanting to marry Greengrass in another entry.”
“Alfred Greengrass, Daphne’s uncle most likely. Her father had been betrothed to her mother properly. Mother had said there was a lot of controversy about Alfred Greengrass not being betrothed despite being older than Daphne’s father.” Harry nodded, fingers playing with the fabric of Blaise’s pants. They were both dressed casually, although casual for Blaise still meant dressing up. While Harry was wearing simple jeans and a jumper, Blaise had on plaid patterned dress pants and a turtleneck that reminded Harry of how Hyejing dressed at the will reading. Though the casual part could be his choice of footwear, a pair of Muggle converse. At least they had that in common with their dressing styles. “Did you meet her? Walburga Black?”
Harry hummed an affirmative before speaking “There is a portrait at Grimmauld Place, though I would not call it meeting as much as her calling me a disgusting half breed.” Blaise stiffened, his face turning cold at the new information.
“She did not know?”
“No, not at all. Not until Taehee had told her,” This information only made Blaise more upset, hands wrapping around Harry’s wrists in a way that Harry had come to know as a self-soothing move on Blaise’s part. Whenever he felt anything other than calm, Blaise was grabbing onto Harry in one way or another. It comforted Harry as well so he did not mind the almost constant contact of his betrothal.
“You went there, over the summer. You told me that Uncle had invited you and Andromeda.” There was concern in Blaise’s voice and Harry just stroked his thumbs over his hands to try and calm him. It was silly to get angry about what a painting had said in the past. It was not like Blaise could go and curse the painting for calling Harry names that were not even relevant anymore.
“I did. . . Though Andy and Taehee took care of it,” he hoped he sounded reassuring. A worried Blaise was not seen often, not since Weasley and Granger had attacked him on the first day of classes. Harry did not like seeing the other Slytherin this worried. Especially over something so menial as the rantings of a deceased blood supremacist. Besides during his last visit, Walburga had not been so bad.
“WHO DARES TO ENTER! IS IT THOSE BLOOD TRAITORS AND MUDBLOODS??”
Grimmauld Place had not changed since the last time Harry had been here, including Mrs. Black’s screaming.
Taehee had written to him and Andromeda earlier in the week about visiting Grimmauld Place. In all the new developments, Harry had forgotten that the property was given to Taehee during the reading. He had not been sure if he would feel comfortable returning, but something was pulling him into accepting. Whether it was wanting Andromeda to be able to see her face reestablished on the family tree or just be where his dad had grown up. . . Harry was unsure and he needed to know. So him and Andy had decided to meet the lawyer outside of the townhouse early in the morning one Friday.
“Nice to see you again, Mr. Potter, Andy,” Taehee bowed his head in greeting. They had found the other man leaning against the metal fence of the park across the street from the townhouse.
“Taehee,” Andy greeted while Harry simply bobbed his head in greeting.
“Can both of you see the house?” Taehee asked, fiddling with a sheet of parchment in his fingers that looked a lot like the one Moody had shoved in his hands last summer. Harry turned on his heels, and sure enough Number 13 Grimmauld Place was standing where it had been last year.
“I can,” At Taehee’s eyebrow raise, Harry continued “They brought me here last summer after I was ‘expelled’ from Hogwarts and given a court date,” the teen did not notice the stormy looks that covered the adults’ faces. Both had known about the trial from last summer, but Andy had not known the specifics until this summer when Harry told her about it. Taehee focused more on criminal cases, not paying much attention to lower cases involving underage magic. No matter how blown out of portion Harry’s trial was. Taehee investigated Harry’s past after the will reading, at the instruction from Griphook, and had learned all the details about the trial and Fudge’s paranoia.
“And you Andromeda?”
“I can. I have been here a handful of times in my youth and for order meetings.”
Which had led them to right now, being yelled at by Walburga’s portrait as they stepped into the stuffy house.
“Never pleasant, is she?” Andromeda whispered to Harry causing the teen to snort. Both watched as Taehee, eyes wide from the yelling, rushed forward to the painting. Harry went to warn the older man that the portrait would only get louder if talked to, but to his surprise Walburga did not instantly begin to scream.
“Taehee?”
Harry was stunned.
In the time spent at Grimmauld Place, Harry had never seen Walburga speak so softly to a human. Whispering with Kreacher was the quietest the portrait had ever been.
“It is nice to see you again, Mrs. Black. Unfortunately, under these circumstances. My condolences for your husband and sons.” Taehee kept his normal voice when he spoke to the portrait. As if. . . he actually liked the late Black matriarch. Andromeda and Harry slowly crept forward into the house, both keeping their footsteps soft to not set off the portrait.
“Thank you Taehee. You were always so considerate and brought up right. . . Regulus loved you very much.”
Harry felt like he was overhearing a conversation he should not be. He glanced over Taehee’s shoulder, his stomach turning as he saw Mrs. Black’s face like he had never seen before. This was his grandmother. This was his first time seeing his grandmother and knowing their relation. His throat went dry as those dark eyes connected with his.
“Who is with you, Taehee?”
The older man turned around, letting the portrait see who was there. Andromeda shifted in front of Harry protectively. She had dealt with Aunt Walburga all of her life, Harry did not need any more abuse from adults. Walburga’s face instantly soured upon seeing Andromeda.
“Niece. What are you doing here?” It was surprising that Walburga had not instantly begun to insult her niece. Though Harry would scream too if the Weasleys and Hermione had ransacked his home for their own.
“Sirius reinstated me as a Black so I could properly watch over his heir, Aunt. I came to support him,” Andromeda’s voice was not the soft, motherly one that Harry had gotten to know over the last few weeks. No, it was cold and detached, like Narcissa’s. Like a proper Pureblood.
“A heir? He did not have any children. Merlin help us, he did not point one of those red headed demons?” Harry smirked slightly, holding back his laughter. He could imagine Sirius naming the twins his heirs if Harry was not his son or godson. It would be the perfect middle finger to his mother.
“No, Aunt Walburga.” Andromeda glanced back at Harry to gauge how he wanted to handle his introduction. Taehee continued the sentence while the two silently debated on their next move.
“Sirius had a child with James Potter and they pretended he was Lily Evans’ child. No one knew the truth until Sirius’ will reading.”
“Besides the Mins, naturally?”
“Besides the Mins.” Taehee confirmed, a satisfied grin on his face. Harry had only known the Min family for a few weeks and he was already well aware that secrets were not a thing kept from them. There were too many branches of the family for them not to know every whisper in the British Wizarding Society.
“The boy with you? That is my grandson? Bring him forward.” Andromeda and Taehee both looked at him but Harry just nodded his head in acceptance. Walburga was the closest blood family he had. She was not the best person, her treatment of her family was a testament to that, but she was his grandmother. Harry did not have a grandmother before. Both sets of grandparents had passed before he was even born. There was only Walburga left.
Harry made his way up the stairs until he reached the first platform, standing shoulder to shoulder with Taehee. The older man cupped his shoulder to provide comfort.
“Mrs. Black, I would like you to meet your grandson. Harry Regulus Potter-Black.” Taehee spoke, but Harry barely heard him. He was more focused on Walburga. Her eyes were wide and scanned him over, a soft gasp escaping her when she learned what his middle name was. The brothers had grown apart when Sirius ran away, but Sirius had loved his little brother dear enough to name his son after him.
“Harry Regulus,” Walburga whispered, an awe to her voice. Harry’s own voice was caught in his throat. “It is nice to meet you.”
Andromeda and Taehee leave Harry to speak with the portrait, the teen sitting before it like a child would with their own grandparents. They spoke of everything and anything. From Sirius and Regulus’ childhoods to Harry’s betrothal to Blaise Zabini. The teen’s cheeks were bright red as the woman praised the Zabini heir as a good choice and mentioned how her oldest might had been more of a Pureblood than she gave him credit for.
It seemed like they had talked for hours before Walburga excused herself, claiming to be tired. Harry figured that she needed time to process everything she learned.
Andromeda seemed to be further in the house, but Harry found Taehee in the family tree room. The dark haired man was staring intently at the green walls.
“It has been sixteen years since I was last in this house. Right before Lord Black’s death. Some say that Lord Black could not take the loss of his youngest son, that his heart could not take the disowning of his heir and the death of Regulus. Walburga followed not long after if I believe, most likely from loneliness.”
Taehee’s voice practically echoed in the quiet room. Harry watched as his fingers traced over Orion Black down to his father’s face and then over Harry’s own. A connection was already forming between him and Blaise on the tree. He had no idea how the tree worked, but seeing his name connected with the other man’s made his heart beat a little faster. Would it ever feel any different? He really hoped not. The butterflies associated with Blaise Zabini was one of Harry’s favorite feelings.
“I could not bear to return here after Regulus, but he loved his father. I had to see him after the news broke. Walburga was a little more. . . tolerable after the loss of Regulus. . .” Taehee choked on his words, but he continued on with his rambling. “She liked me, liked what I meant for her son and her family. Marrying into the Mins? Talk of the town. A union between the Mins and the Blacks? Coveted. It is why so many will talk once you and Blaise announce your betrothal. He is essentially a Min and you are a Black and Potter. Your union will be bigger than mine would have been.”
Taehee’s fingers drifted back up the gold lines, tracking back over Sirius and over to Regulus. Just as Sirius had said in his will, Taehee’s name was connected to the youngest Black brother, the union recognized by the last Lord Black. The older man’s fingers gently caressed over the painting of Regulus. Harry could never imagine the depths of Taehee’s connection with his uncle, but he desired it for his own future. For him and Blaise.
“Regulus died attempting to defy Voldemort.” Harry hung onto Taehee’s words, whether it was for understanding of his connection to a man that Harry never knew or of some desire to know more of his family that was gone, Harry did not know.
“A task that he should have never taken on himself. A completely foolish man if you ask me, Harry. Almost as Gryffindor-ish as his older brother. But Merlin. . . I loved him. Love him. Will love him until the end of my days. I have spent more of my life grieving his death than actually being able to love him.”
“He sounds like a good man. Sirius- uh, dad talked about him often in his journal.”
“Him and Regulus were not as close after Reg was sorted in Slytherin. But Sirius never let his friends pick on his brother. You know, you look remarkably similar to him. Especially with your grey eyes.”
“I’m used to hearing that I have Lily’s eyes, I forget they are no longer green.” Harry smiled almost sadly. He had been Lily Evans’ son for fifteen years and in a few weeks he had stopped considering her his mother. She never was.
“You look more like Regulus, it stunned me walking into that will reading. It was only the presence of Blaise next to you that me that he was gone.”
Taehee’s hand turned into a claw shape over Regulus’ painting, nails scratching on the wallpaper as he turned his wrist counterclockwise. Harry watched closely, almost missing what the older man was doing.
The death part of Regulus’ name disappeared. . .
“What the,” Harry quickly snapped his mouth shut when Taehee shushed him. His movement continued, a wave of his hand had the tree design disappearing and replacing with one like the Min family had, that matched a Muggle Genealogy Tree. This was powerful magic. Magic that Harry wanted to know. He noted a ring on Taehee’s hand, one that had not been there the previous times they met. Was there hidden magic in it? One that allowed Taehee to manipulate ancient magic?
“Harry. Read this.”
The teen stepped up to the wall, his chest aching for the last time he was here with his father. It felt like a left time ago. Harry looked at the wall closely, noting that Taehee had manipulated it so only Regulus’ information would show in this area.
“Aloud, if you will.”
Harry nodded his head, not even sure if the other man noticed the movement. His eyes were glued to the wall in disbelief.
“Regulus Arcturus Black, born August twenty-fifth. Currently under stasis curse administered by Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.”
Harry turned to face Taehee, both of their eyes wide at the revelation.
Regulus was alive.
“Wait. He is alive?” Blaise’s eyes were wide, as he stared back at Harry. The black haired boy nodded his head, lacing his fingers with the older Slytherin’s. “Uncle did not mention it.”
“He wants to keep it secret for right now. Not even Andy saw.” Harry had been excited to have a close family member alive, even just the chance of it, but Taehee had made him swear to keep it to himself and Blaise.
I have no doubt you will tell my nephew about this. I know he will not tell anyone.
“I will keep his secrets, he must have his reasons,” Blaise murmured, eyes drifting over Harry’s shoulder where Draco and Daphne were. Harry hummed, messing with Blaise’s pants once more. He knew Taehee wanted to investigate this privately. Wanted to know how Sirius had come about his knowledge and how to get Regulus back. Before Harry would have wanted to help the older man search for his uncle, but now he was content to sit back and trust Taehee to do his best to get Regulus back.
If there was anyone who could save Regulus, it would be Min Taehee.
Slender fingers came up to his cheek, tilting his head up to meet Blaise’s eyes once more.
“I am glad that you reunited with your grandmother, Harry. I know you long for a family and mine can only provide so much. With Mrs. Black and the possibility of. . . I am glad that you are finally getting something good in life.” Blaise’s tone was sincere, thumb stroking Harry’s face tenderly.
“I have something good in life,” Harry whispered, using some of his boldness to pull Blaise’s hand from his face and kiss his palm. He could feel his cheeks heating up in embarrassment, but when his eyes met the other’s he felt frozen in place.
Blaise’s eyes were dark and heated, staring at Harry like he was seven course meal and he had not eaten in a week.
It made Harry burn with something he had never felt before.
“You will be the death of me,” Blaise whispered, leaning closer to Harry. Their knees knocked together in their position but Harry did not even feel the pain. Their foreheads pressed together like they were made to. Harry glanced towards the elder’s lips, the burning in him yearning for something more.
“Oi!” Both startled at the sound of Draco’s voice behind them. “Keep it respectful!”
Harry rolled his eyes at his cousin’s words, grinning at Blaise.
“Do you want to really rile him?” Harry whispered, hands tightening on Blaise’s hands. The other Slytherin smirked, head tipping in a slight nod. They could still feel Draco and Daphne’s eyes on them.
With a quick glance at each other’s lips, the teens shot forward, lips colliding with each other’s. Harry’s stomach burst into fireworks, the press of their lips like nothing he had ever felt. Blaise’s lips were not wet like Cho’s. They were smooth and moved against Harry’s with a purpose. Confident even in his kisses.
Harry felt like he could kiss him forever.
Daphne and Draco tackled them on the blanket, pulling the couple away from each other with shouts of disapproval that were quickly drowned out by Blaise and Harry’s laughter. Locked in his cousin’s arms as the older berated him on the decorum of a betrothal, Harry found that he would gladly break every courting rule if it meant he could kiss the other and hear his laughter again.