Found Family

Harry

After getting dressed in a pair of jeans and a hoodie, Harry decided to wait downstairs for everyone else to get ready.

As he waited, he thought about Draco. He had been nice earlier, and they hadn’t argued once since the Slytherins arrived. It could just be that Draco was afraid of getting kicked out, but it seemed like he might want to try and be friends.

Harry decided that he would push his feelings aside and be good enough to earn Draco’s friendship, and that he would do the same for the other boys. Enzo seemed like he was the most agreeable, so Harry decided to start there.

He approached Sirius and Remus at the bottom of the stairs and suggested that everyone split into groups.

“I just think everyone will be safer if they are with one of us. Most shopkeepers are refusing to serve former death eaters, so if the boys are alone they might be kicked out of some places. It will also help their public image to be seen with me, and reporters follow me everywhere anyway. We can arrange a group shot when we arrive and then split up as we shop. I don’t like having my life publicized but if it helps people move past the war then it’s worth it.”

“The groups thing is a good idea, Haz, but if the boys aren’t willing to we can’t force them. It’s not right for shopkeepers to begrudge kids for their parent’s actions, and an article in the daily prophet isn’t the worst idea to spread awareness as long as we control the narrative and make sure no false information is spread. Everyone deserves privacy, so we’ll make sure its okay with all of them before we alert the press.” Remus replied.

“I think it’s a good idea,” Enzo said from the doorway, standing next to Theo. “We have nothing left to lose anyway. If being public figures for a while improves our chances of having a normal future, I’m in.”

“Enzo, if our parents somehow see or hear anything about us interacting with Harry in public then we’re dead. They will kill us and do damage control within their inner circle as soon as they’re out of prison, maybe even sooner. It just puts us at risk for a slim chance that people will pity us enough to leave us alone,” Theo interrupted.

“I’m not planning on seeing my parents again, and last time I checked neither were you. If we’re in the public eye then our parents wont be stupid enough to try anything, it would be too obvious. All we need to do is make a good enough impression on the public to get through this year and find jobs far away from here. As soon as we do that, we can disappear.”

“I won’t spend my life hiding from everyone, and what about our friends? Pansy and Blaise still have their social status because of Mrs. Zabini, and Draco will have Narcissa back by Christmas at this rate. Mattheo doesn’t want to leave either. He will only leave if its his last option, and if things continue this way and we can still stay here, He won’t want to. You are the only one that feels the need to hide, Enzo. I’m not having any contact with my parents, but I won’t give them the satisfaction of knowing I ran like a coward.”

“I’m not a coward! Excuse me for trying to move on with my life after losing everything. It wasn’t all bad, you know. My parents weren’t as fucking psycho as yours, and at least they didn’t torture me! I have good memories and I want to keep them as just that. Memories, Theo. I won’t go back, but I can’t stay where they can reach me. Physically or otherwise.”

“Fine, do whatever the hell you want. My parents might have been worse than yours, but at least I always knew where I stood with them. You’re abandoning your family, and I’m not talking about the noble house of Berkshire, I’m talking about us.” Theo remarked as he turned to Harry. “Go ahead and schedule the photoshoot or whatever. If that’s what everyone wants, I won’t stop them.”

As Theo walked away, Harry began to realize that making friends was not the worst of his problems. He had to make sure everyone was safe, its now his job.

First he had to make sure Enzo and Theo stopped fighting.

“I’m going to ask Mattheo and Draco what they want to do,” Enzo said after a pause. “I’ll let you know what they decide.”

“I think that all of them need therapy,” Said Remus. “They argue like they expect a duel. I think we should split Theo and Enzo up today. Enzo can go with Harry and Theo can go with us.”

“Mattheo seems to be able to calm Theo down, so he can be in our group, and Draco can go with you, Haz.” Sirius added.

“That’s a good idea. If everyone agrees to the public appearance we have to make sure nothing major is released. The most it can say is that they have been spotted with me and our new living arrangement seems to be working out well. I’ll have Hermione run interference so we get some privacy after the initial photos and we get first view of whatever is written.”

Just then, everyone else came downstairs, looking even less happy than usual.

“We’ve decided to go along with the paparazzi stunt.” Mattheo said, “As long as we aren’t hounded all day and can actually get our shopping done.”

“Don’t worry, Hermione’s got it covered. We should only really be in view of the cameras for a couple minutes at a time, and it makes it easier that we’re going to split up into two groups. I’m also calling in some backup so we can get lost easily in a crowd.”

“We should get going, it’s already midday and we have a lot of places to shop.” Remus said.

Theo

After apparating to the leaky cauldron, the boys followed their two guardians into Gringotts bank. On the way, several reporters and photographers began to trail the group.

“Okay, we just have to make a quick stop so everyone has money for their supplies, and then we can split up.” Sirius said.

As they walked in, many goblins looked up from their desks. Theo could feel the stares from every direction, and it made him apprehensive. Two photographers continued to follow them into the bank, making sure not to miss any important information.

Sensing the tension, Sirius gave a quick smile to Theo and held his head high alongside Remus. Following their example, Theo and the rest of the boys did the same. They walked as if the situation weren’t anything but normal, like they had done this their whole lives.

The head goblin immediately recognized both Remus and Sirius, and sent an approving nod towards Harry. He promptly ignored everyone else in attendance.

“Lord Black, Mr. Lupin, Lord Potter, how may I help you.”

“We would like to set up four accounts with the same unlimited access to our familial vault as Lord Potter.” Sirius replied.

“As you are aware, I will need your wand as proof of identity,” the goblin said, casting a disapproving look at the rest of the boys, “and I believe it is best if we talk privately about the purpose of these accounts.”

“Oh there is no need for privacy in the matter. The new accounts will be held by our four new wards, and as the newest eligible heirs of the house of Black, they will gain unlimited access to the house’s assets. 

“As for my wand, I have no trouble turning it over to you for verification.”

Theo cast a look around the room, noticing the shock spreading. Sirius had publicly called them his heirs, and granted them access to his entire fortune.

There were whispers from each desk, and the clicking of cameras began to sound. Theo promptly fixed his face and pretended this was not news to him, as did the rest of the group.

“Forgive me lord Black, I was not aware of the situation. Of course, I was not suggesting your heirs are not worthy, I was just expressing caution and inquiring as per our policy—“

“See to it that this disrespect does not happen again. I would not want any news of bias to be spread within to the public.” Remus interrupted.

“Of course not, Mr. Lupin. Now, I can help you all to the family vault before creating the four connected ones.”

“That’s not necessary. I trust you will take care in doing the work yourself. I would like to withdraw a thousand galleons for each of my heirs, and two thousand for myself and Remus to share.”

“Of course, Lord Black. This will only take a moment.”

As the goblin quickly retreated, Sirius and Remus turned to the five boys.

“I know this was an unexpected decision, but if you five will refrain from drawing attention to the situation in public we would appreciate it.” Remus said.

“And of course we will talk about this when we arrive back home. We meant to speak to you before giving unrestricted access, but I needed to knock the goblin down a few pegs for his insolence.” Sirius added with a smirk.

Theo began to wonder how Sirius and Remus could be so calm, and looking to Harry could tell he was thinking the same thing. Maybe the odd casualness of the pair was something he would never get used to, but in the moment it was an advantage.

When the goblin returned, he carried six sacks full of galleons. One was handed to each of the boys, and the last was given to Remus.

Sirius turned and started to walk away without another word, and Remus did the same after stating that the two would be back to formalize the changes later that evening. Harry followed, with Draco and Enzo right behind him. Theo held back to wait for Mattheo, who looked both confused and angry.

“I know it’s unexpected, but I think they are genuinely trying to help us get through this.” He whispered, trying to reassure Mattheo.

“I don’t care what they are trying to do. What they did was put pressure on all of us to live up to the standards of an heir with no warning or preparation. We are now extensions of their house but know nothing about its history, and when word gets out we could ruin their reputation. They aren’t thinking this through and it’s obvious.” Mattheo whispered back.

“They might not have everything planned out perfectly, but so far both Remus and Sirius have been able to keep our best interests and comfort in mind while simultaneously figuring out how to keep Dumbledore under control. I’m not saying I trust them completely, but I do know that they are capable of helping us.”

“Let’s just talk about this later, there’s too many eyes around.”

As they stepped outside, multiple reporters began to ask questions. Theo was instantly overwhelmed by the sheer amount of people and cameras focusing on him, and was unable to hear anything being said or make out the identities of anyone nearby. He felt as though his lungs were restricted with the rest of his senses.

After a couple minutes, Mattheo guided him out of the way as they followed behind Remus. Sirius walked behind them, but Theo didn’t know what was happening around him beyond that. They walked into a hidden alcove, and it immediately became easier to breathe.

He took a few deep breaths while Mattheo stood next to him and looked around.

“I know it’s overwhelming. I used to get the same way before I could control my hearing. Having advanced senses made being in crowds unbearable.” Remus said.

“But I don’t have advanced senses.” Theo replied.

“No, but you’ve been through war. It makes you more sensitive to loud noise and chaos, not to mention unwarranted touch, which is bound to happen around so many people. There are charms that tone down your senses, and I can place one on you now if you’d like. I do the same before going into loud places.”

“I think that would help. I don’t know, my mind stops working when I’m around too many people at once. I don’t like closeness and the noise just makes it worse.”

“I can apply the charm and take it off if it makes you uncomfortable. If it works I can teach it to you tonight.”

Theo nodded, and Remus whispered a quick spell. The noise was now at a tolerable level, and he suggested they begin to shop.

Their first stop was to the owlery and pet store, and immediately Theo and Mattheo spotted a beautiful black great horned owl with greenish-yellow eyes. They approached the bird, and it flew to Mattheo’s arm.

“I think we found our bird, moony.” Sirius remarked.

“What?” Mattheo asked, “But if it’s your owl shouldn’t you pick one out?”

“It’s the family owl. We think we should get two anyway, and I’m not picky so long as it’s good tempered.” Remus answered.

As they continued to search for a second bird, Theo wound up at the back of the store. In the far corner of the back wall was a caged kneazle. It was smaller than expected, about the size of a cat, and it’s fur was white with gray stripes. Theo picked up the cage immediately and went to the front of the store.

“What is this kneazle doing in a cage this small? It’s inhumane, they’re not supposed to be kept in such a small space.” He told the owner.

“It’s not a real kneazle. It’s a disgusting half breed, probably mixed with a stray cat. All I know is that no one will pay full price for it.”

”What’s disgusting is you treating an animal like a paycheck. If you didn’t want it in your shop, then you could have released it or taken it to someone who could care for it like a decent person. No living thing should be tortured like this, when was the last time you let it out?”

“If you care so much then why don’t you just take it?”

“We will.” Remus said. “How much do you want for it?”

“Fifty galleons.”

“We’ll pay thirty. Clearly you think it’s worthless, and no one else wants it either. It’s our offer or nothing.”

“Fine.”

“We’ll also take this owl.” Mattheo said. “We were going to buy two but I think I’d rather go with an ethical breeder.”

After paying for the animals, the four of them walked to get new robes for Hogwarts.

On the way Theo caught Remus looking at him more than once, most likely wondering why he cared so much about his new pet.

“I just don’t like seeing creatures suffer for no reason other than existing. People are cruel, but I don’t want to be.” He explained.

“I think that you and I are more similar than I thought.” Remus replied as he walked away.

Enzo

Enzo was still in shock as he exited Gringotts with Draco and Harry. He barely had time to take in the sunlight before being surrounded by journalists.

Sirius and Remus answered several questions about their living arrangements and many pictures were taken before Enzo and Mattheo started to notice that Theo was unfocused and breathing heavily.

Enzo alerted Harry before he and Draco stepped in front of Theo to shield him from the cameras.

Just then Hermione, Ron, Blaise, and Pansy appeared in the crowd and started to distract the reporters with an obscuro charm.

Harry signaled to Remus and the group split up and headed in opposite directions. Within minutes, the three boys had successfully escaped.

After getting accosted by paparazzi, Enzo continued to shop with Draco and Harry.

They looked at new brooms and other quidditch equipment for a while before heading to Flourish and Blotts to buy their textbooks.

Upon arrival, they saw Luna Lovegood waiting for them. She greeted Harry before turning to Enzo and Draco.

“I’ve heard from Harry that you are staying with him from now on. I do hope you like your new arrangements. If you would ever like me to do a sweep of the house and make sure no unwanted creatures are nearby I can.”

“Thanks, Luna, but I think Remus and Sirius have already cleared out the manor. You and your father are welcome to come over anytime, though.” Harry interjected.

“Dad is very busy with the quibbler nowadays, but I’ll be sure to stop by soon. I’ll bring my specterspecs just in case. Anyways, I should get home before dad starts to worry. I’ll let Hermione know the diversion worked before I leave as well. See ya Harry!”

“Bye, Luna.”

“She’s odd.” Enzo said.

“She’s cool, and fearless, and still sees the good in people even though she’s experienced loss and suffering. She’s my friend.” Harry replied.

After finishing up buying textbooks and going into muggle London for clothes, Harry brought Draco and Enzo back to the Leaky Cauldron. Waiting at one of the tables was Blaise and Pansy, and the table next to them held Ron, Hermione, Neville, and Ginny.

Pansy got up to hug the pair while Harry sat next to Hermione.

As they caught up, Pansy told Enzo how great it was living with Blaise and inquired about their new living situation.

“I like Grimmauld Place. It’s unusual for a pure blood estate, but in a good way. It’s not as dark as I expected. Sirius and Remus have been very welcoming.”

“Sirius called us his heirs in front of a journalist. I don’t know if it’s a good or a bad thing yet, but so far nothing bad has happened and they seem to genuinely want to help us.” Draco added.

“Well if you two need anything let us know. And tell that to Mattheo and Theo, too. We haven’t spoken in weeks.”

“You guys are welcome to come to Grimmauld Place,” Harry said. “And if you would like to stay over at all you can, there’s plenty of space.”

“We were thinking of having a get together as an end of summer thing before school starts up again. You all are welcome to join us, the more the merrier.” Ginny said to Pandy.

“Yea, we’ll think about it.” She replied.

“We really should be getting back, Pans. Mom wanted us home early so we can spend time with her new husband. Family bonding or something like that.”

“How long do you think this one will last?” Draco asked.

“Not long. He’s not as rich as the others and she’s already tired of him.”

“It’s been pretty fun to watch, actually. Mrs. Zabini is a badass. She can wait thrity more minutes, can’t she?”

Sitting with his friends. Enzo found it easy to forget about everything else. He didn’t want to think about everything that was coming. Not his parents, or his newfound heirship, and definitely not his fight with Theo. He was out of line, and he could admit that now, but Enzo needed that conversation to wait. Right now he was just talking in a pub with his friends and being a normal seventeen year old.