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Chapter Text

November 12^th, 2011

It had been a little over six months since the Battle of Hogwarts and the end of the Second Wizarding War. The ‘light’ side won, but not without paying a hefty price. A lot of lives were sacrificed to put an end to the reign of a mad man and his followers, and even more lives were lost for their amusement and delusion of grandeur.

Harry had lost every person who was closely related to his parents. After the death of Sirius, Lupin was the last link he had with them, the only one who knew them both and that could share the more intimate memory of them with him. To make everything worst, Teddy, his son was rendered an orphan as both his father and mother died at the final battle.

Harry couldn’t help but think that he was cursed as everyone he loved had to suffer or meet an untimely death. He was infinitely grateful that the Weasley family had somehow escaped that cruel destiny. They had a scare when a blasting curse hit close to Fred rendering him unconscious, but luckily he was quick to cast various healing spells and save his life. He still remembers what form Mrs. Weasley boggart took, and he was sure as hell that he couldn’t have lived with that burden, being the cause of her son’s death.

Harry minutely shook his head to chase away the horrible memories and continued to have his breakfast. After the war, he decided to move to Grimmauld Place as the Burrow felt too oppressive in his opinion. He needed to be alone for some time, to digest everything that happened in his life, to heal, and to be better. That was also a very important fact of why he declined both McGonagall and Shacklebolt offers. It didn’t feel right to come back to Hogwarts to finish his education nor did he want to be an Auror. He spent the past months closed into the Black ancestral townhouse, more specific in the library, divorcing avidly every book he could find. His magical knowledge and prowess grew exponentially, even more so after he went into an unexpected magical and creature inheritance. It was something that took him by surprise, nonetheless, they were welcome gifts.

It was mid-morning, and he was having a cup of tea while reading a book when a grey owl come into the dining room. It stopped in from of him and extended its leg where two letters were attached to it. Harry took the letters, the first he didn’t recognize the sender and resembled a muggle letter as there was no wax nor seal on it. The second one was from Gringotts, and he decided to read that first as he was confused as to why they were contacting him. After settling the matter of the break-in by paying a hefty bill they were on good terms. Even more so after he went into his inheritance and allowed them to manage his business. They write him reports on his finances every two weeks or so, on the 7^th and 21^st of every month, and they seemed to be 9 days early, so he concluded that it wasn’t that.

His Royal Highness Prince Pendragon,

We have received a missive from Beacon Hill, CA, USA address to your deceased Mother, Lillian Potter. It was sent on the 8^th of this month, and I forward it as soon as I made sure that no harmful spells or substances were attached to it. If you need anything do not hesitate to contact me and I’ll do my best to aid you.

Respectfully,

His Majesty’s Head Accounts Manager, Ragnuk III.

Harry blinked a few times, confused and taken aback by the content of the letter. He wondered who was writing to his dead mother. He was sure that everyone closed to her already knew of her demise, after all, two weeks ago was the 16^th anniversary of her death. It didn’t make sense and there was only one way to know. He took the letter in his hands.

Lily Potter, Gringotts British Branch.

It was written behind it and after taking a deep breath he opened it.

Lily,

You may or may not remember me, I’m Noah Stilinski, the husband of Claudia Gajos, your half-sister.

At reading those words, Harry’s blood run cold. He couldn’t believe what he was reading. His mother had a halt-sister, that he knew nothing about. His mind wandered to the hateful, face-horse woman that didn’t waste a moment to remind him how unwanted he was. He felt his anger rising at the prospect that his abuse could have been avoided and be raised in a loving family instead of the hell that was the Dursley household. He closed his eyes and willed his anger away, once he reopened them, there was a calmness in his green eyes.

He continued to read.

Lily,

You may or may not remember me, I’m Noah Stilinski, the husband of Claudia Gajos, your half-sister. I don’t know what happened between them that had the two of you stop writing to one another, but things changed greatly in the past few years. My wife, Claudia, passed on due to an illness late in 2004. Before her passing, she mentioned that if I ever needed help, I should reach out to you, and she gave me a way to contact you. Despite the numerous challenge I faced, it never felt right to contact you, until now. I’m well aware of Claudia’s heritage and she confided in me that you inherited an even more powerful gift, so I’m here begging for your help.

Stiles, my son and your nephew, found himself drew into the supernatural world, I would like to share in details of how it happened, but the time is tight. Suffice to say that he joined a pack of werewolves and more often than not he found himself in mortal peril or danger, nonetheless he managed to get out of trouble every time. Unfortunately, I don’t believe that he could survive this, not without some serious help.

Somehow, an evil spirit, they called it ‘Nogitsune’, possessed my boy and force him to do things, horrible things, and people were hurt or killed. I can see the guilt and the toll all of this had on him, he needs help before it’s too late. He checked himself into ’Eichen House’, a psychiatric facility and it will give us 72 hours to hopefully find a cure.

I’m out of my depth here and I hope that you would answer the call of a desperate father, that wants nothing more than for his son to be safe and happy.

Sincerely,

Noah Stilinski, Sheriff of Beacon Hill.

Despite reading it again and again, Harry found that no, his eyes weren’t playing a prank on him and yes he had an uncle and a cousin that needed his help if the letter was to be believed. For how much he wanted to go there and help them, he couldn’t disregard the possibility that it was a ploy from the remaining death eaters to lure him away from England to deal with him.

He had so many questions. Did Sirius and Remus know? Why did they stop writing to each other? What did his mother inherit? Were they separated when they were younger? But the most pressing was how he could help them defeat the Nogitsune. He remembered reading about them in passing, but nothing too specific as they were rare creatures in Europe. Aside from knowing that they were fox spirits that feed on chaos and strife, he knew little about them. He needed information and fast, luckily he had already a solution.

With a flick of his wrist, he summoned ink, quill, parchment, and started to write a letter.

Head Manager Ragnuk III,

I found myself in need of your assistance. I just receive some worrying information and I need to know more about the situation before making a move. I need intel about one Sheriff Noah Stilinski, his son Stiles, the current situation of Beacon Hill and their supernatural inhabitants, how to defeat a Nogitsune and everything that you might think would be of assistance. I leave a copy of the letter that caused this, and I trust your confidentiality.

Sincerely,

Prince Harrison James Potter.

Ps: I need the right documentation to enter the United States without breaking any MACUSA law. I need it to be done as soon as possible and triple the normal fee for your trouble.

With a simple wave of his hand, he copied the letter he received from Noah and attached it to his letter, before closing it with golden wax and stamping it with the royal seal of House Pendragon, a sword embedded in a rock with a dragon curled around it.

Unfortunately, the grey owl that delivered the letters had already departed after Kreacher offered him some treats, but fortunately, he knew someone that could deliver it for him.

“Fawkes.” He called softly and after a second flames manifested in the middle of his dining room, followed closely by the appearance of the phoenix who chirped happily at seeing him. He landed on his lap and Harry took advantage of the moment and started to per his crimson feathers.

“I need this letter delivered to the Head Manager Ragnuk, could you help him?” Harry asked gently.

Fawkes looked at him with his very intelligent eyes and nodded his head once. Harry continued to pet her for a few more moments before Fawkes took the letter in his beak and fire flashed away.

Some days Harry was still awed by the fact that he was now bonded to such a majestic being. He was surprised to find Fawkes waiting for him just as he went through his inheritance. As soon as he opened his eyes the legendary bird flew towards him and bit his hand, drinking a few droplets of blood and forming a bonding with him. Since then, Fawkes became a companion during his self-imposed solitude, and he was grateful for the company he provided. Furthermore, he helps Harry in delivering his letters and packages.

Harry decided to go on with his day while he waited for the information from Gringotts. It wouldn’t do any good to worry about this he couldn’t control, so he chose to put to better use the time he had by looking for information about nogitsune in the Black Library.

It was about four in the afternoon when the fireplace roared and come to life, signaling that someone was granted access to his place. He already knew who it was as not only did the wards already informed of their presence, but it was also time for their weekly meeting.

Harry stood in front of the fireplace when Hermione come out of it, and he only had the time to mutter an incantation to remove the ash from his friend before he was enveloped in a bone-crushing hug.

“Harry” She exclaimed with happiness in her voice. “I missed you.” She continued before he could greet her back.

“I miss you too.” He said and tightened his arms around her as his form of greeting.

“Should we?” He said after a few more moments of just enjoying each other presence.

“Sure.” She said as she stepped back and gave him a once over. “I cannot believe your so tall now.” She said with an incredulous tone of voice.

“Tall and handsome.” Harry told her playfully.

Hermione snorted and hit him on the arm.

“According to who?” She asked with a raised eyebrow.

“Rita Skeeter. Didn’t you read how my growth spurt was my reward for having to defeat Tom? I will finally be able to live handsome and rich.” Harry rolled his eyes. Sometimes he wondered if Rita should be put away in a ward at St. Mungo, and for every article she wrote the more convinced he was.

“I can definitely see that. At least you don’t have to pull a broom out of your arse to find a husband.” She sneered playfully, and both of them started to laugh as they walked to the living room.

The three of them, Ron included, had suffered from the articles that the unpleasant woman decided to write soon after the end of the war. These days she just keeps her distance as Harry threatened her to send her to Azkaban if she continued the trend of her articles. The Skeeter seemed well aware of the power he wields in the magical community as she wisely decided to not bother them anymore.

At least when she talked about how handsome and tich he was, she wasn’t lying. He could be called the wealthiest man alive, and after his creature inheritance, he became really handsome if he says so himself. He grew taller and was now 190cm, his features lost the last of his immature feature as they turned sharper. His features were now more aristocratic, with the infamous beauty of the Black and le Fay lineage. His body developed, taking after the Emrys and Pendragon blood, letting him have a slim figure with well defined muscle. His hair grew to his shoulder and his eyes were sharper, sparkling with intelligence and power. There was an aura of power and royalty around him that added to his unnatural beauty. He was aware that it was thanks to his creature inheritance that he become so handsome, even more so than a full blooded vela.

He could be considered a truly otherworldly beauty.

They sat on the couch facing each other, their customary glass of red wine in their hands and plates of food on the tea table in front of them.

“So, how was the week?” Harry’s question made her groan.

“You cannot believe the number of essays I had to write for next week. It’s unbelievable!” She started a tirade of how their professors were overworking them and if they continued they would arrive at the exams weeks spent and tired, unable to perform at their best.

“And that’s why we have this get-together every Saturday.” Harry reminded her.

“Thank Merlin, it’s literally a lifesaver.” She proclaimed and he couldn’t really fault her. After everything that happened in the past years, having these afternoons just for them was really a god-sent.

“Cheers to that.” He said as he raised his glass in the air.

“Cheers.” She replied as followed his example.

Harry brought the glass to his lips and down the red liquid until nothing was left behind, earning him a frown and a searching look from his best friend.

“What happened?” She asked after she looked at him a moment longer. By the tone she used Harry was sure that she already knew that something was important was amiss.

“I received this early this morning.” It was the only thing he said before silently handing her the letters.

He watched her face as she read the content of the letter and he was amused at how her eyebrows almost disappeared in her hairline. Her eyes were wide in pure astonishment.

“Your mother had a sister.” She asked bewildered.

‘3.’ He thought

“Half-sister.” Harry replied slowly.

‘2.’

“You have another uncle and cousin.” She asked while looking intensely at him.

“Yes for the uncle and maybe not for long for the cousin.” Harry said amusedly like he was waiting for something.

‘1.’

“The nogitsune?”

Harry merely nodded his head.

‘Now.’

Harry watched as a moment later Hermione’s eyes lit up with interest and she sported a frown as well.

“Harry, I know how bad you want a family, but we can't be sure of the origin or intentions of these people. They could mean you harm, and even if they don’t, they come at a very suspicious time. Not to talk about the Nogitsune.

Void Kitsune or Nogitsune, are a type of yako who feed on chaos, strife, pain, and other negative emotions. They have the ability to possess people, control others by infecting them with flies they produce from their bodies and create powerful illusions. They also are immune to the effects of electricity. As the Nogitsune feeds on more and more chaos, strife, and pain, they become even more powerful and are able to use their abilities to an even greater extent. They can also absorb pain through tactile contact in order to gain sustenance and increase their power. In addition, the Nogitsune also have superhuman physical attributes such as super strength, speed, agility/reflexes, and accelerated healing, which, like the rest of their powers, increase with age, experience, number of tails, and the amount of chaos, strife, and/or pain on which they have fed.” Hermione started to talk fast, sharing what she knew about the argument, and Harry couldn’t help but look at her fondly. He could still remember every time she’s done that, more often than not people found it annoying, but to Harry was just a quirk Hermione had.

“I know. That’s why I’m still here, furthermore, I request information about them to the goblin.” Harry tried to reassure his best friend. “It doesn’t matter how much I want to go there as soon as possible, but I’m not going to rush headfirst this time.” He continued with a bitter tone.

He learned the hard way that lesson. He needed to make preparation before making a move or people could get hurt, or worst, killed. The constant absence of his godfather was a sad reminder of what impulsive actions may lead to.

“Oh, Harry…” Hermione looked at him with understanding in her eyes, most likely knowing what he was thinking.

“Anyway, I got some info from my account manager. Nothing major, just a summary of their life till this point. Sheriff Noah Stilinski, former U.S.A. army, enlisted right after finishing high school.  He then returned home and went to college, fell in love, and later married Claudia Gajos. He was a deputy until late 2003 when he was appointed Sheriff.” He told her as he passed her three manila folders containing their info.

“Claudia Gajos, of polish descendant. The Gajos family was a powerful family of magic users, but their magic and craft differ from us wizards and witches. She attended Beacon Hills High School in the same class as Natalie Martin. They had a kid in 1995, Mieczysław Stilinski. In 2003 she was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia to which she succumbed in 2004.” Harry knew how painful it was to lose a parent, and he was grateful that Stiles grew up with a least his father by his side.

“Their letter mentions a Stiles, they had another son?” Hermione asked a bit confused.

“No, they're the one and the same. Mieczysław Stilinski, or how he prefers to be called, Stiles. He’s sixteen and he was diagnosed with ADHD at a young age and more recently with frontotemporal dementia as well. He and his group of friends formed by Scott McCall, Allison Argent, Lydia Martin, Isaac Lahey, Kira Yukimura, and Derek Hale found themselves in numerous crime scenes. He had also a restraining order against a Jackson Whittemore, but it’s now void and null. More or less, this is all I have at the moment.” Harry told her while pouring more wine for himself and letting her read through the folders.

“What do you think?” Harry asked once he saw she finished.

She gave him a long assessing look before downing the content of her glass and demanding more of the red liquid.

“I think that we cannot be sure. Even if it was true, how are you going to help them?” Hermione said while trying to be as tactful as possible. She knew that it was something big for her best friend, but she had to make sure that it wasn’t a trap and that no one was there waiting to kill him.

“I know.” Harry let out a tired sigh. It had been less than ten hours and he was already exasperated by the situation. He wanted answers and he wanted them as soon as possible.

“Harry, this could be a ploy by the death eaters to finally kill you. It’s dangerous and you shouldn’t go. At least not until we know more.” Hermione phrase it as a suggestion, but Harry could see the hardening determination in her eyes, and at that moment, he knew that if he wanted to go, he had to convince her, not that he needed her permission, but he wanted her to be on his side.

“I know.” He repeated with calmness despite the growing irritation he was feeling. “But even if there’s only the smallest of chances, I have to take it, I need to. They need my help and Stiles is only sixteen.” Harry tried to reason with her but by the look on her face, he knew that she was sympathetic, but she wasn’t willing to budge… not yet. Harry was sure that he would be able to gain her support, after all, it was Hermione.

“I understand, but-“ She was cut off by Harry.

“Do you?” He asked with a raised eyebrow. He knew that he was being childish and unfair, but for every second it passes his family, his blood may be in peril. There was a small part of him that was urging him to leave everything behind and cross the ocean to find and aid his family at the best of his abilities, but for now, he was keeping it at bay, nonetheless, there was only so much that he was willing to wait. The 72 hours were almost up, and he wanted to be there when his cousin would be let out.

“I do, or are you already forgotten that I was by your side this all time?” She looked directly into his eyes and her eyes were sharp as her words cut deep into Harry’s soul.

“What? I know! We’ve been through a lot together and saved each other life numerous times.” He was hurt that even for a moment, his best friend thought that he could forget all the pain, grief, fear, and deaths that they experienced together.

He must have looked really hurt because Hermione’s features softened, and her eyes lost their edge.

“I know, this is not…” Harry took a deep breath before speaking again. “This is about a sixteen year old that needs help, my help. His father is desperate enough to reach out to someone who didn’t hear from in years, and I’m convinced that my mother would want me to help them if she was alive.” Harry tried to make her focus on what was truly important.

“You don’t know them.”  Hermione rebuked him.

“They’re family.” Harry said simply. Like it was the only thing he needed to know, and to him, it was, even if he couldn’t risk going there without information and risking making the situation worse.

“You don’t own them anything.” Hermione pressed on.

“I didn’t own anything to the Wizarding World either, and yet I fought for the freedom of its people.” He said with a faraway look on his face, as images of his past tribulation flashed in his mind.

“It’s dangerous.” Hermione said once again, pointedly ignoring the glare Harry just send her.

“I CANNOT DIE, Hermione.” Harry shouted at the top of his as he raised on his feet and started to pace.

“There are worst things than death.” She whispered and unconsciously touched her left forearm. Harry stopped him pacing for a moment to look at her before resuming his walking. He knew very well what Hermione was alluding to, and the guilt that bloomed on his chest didn’t help one bit to chase away her screams.

On her part, Hermione didn’t look minimally fazed by Harry’s outburst as she was already used to it.

“You already made up your mind long before I came.” She stated simply and by how Harry suddenly stopped in his tracks to look at her, she must be right.

Harry sighed and retook his seat on the couch while Hermione slowly sipped her wine.

“Yes, I’m going.” He told her softly.

“When?” She asked in the same tone.

“Tomorrow night at the latest. I’m waiting for Ragnuk to send my documents.” He may be a prince, but ha had to go to the proper channel like everyone else, the only advantage was that his practice may be expedited. Money, Fame, and Power made a fearsome combination.

“So, you didn’t want my opinion, but my help.” She asked him with a raised eyebrow.

“No, I wanted your support, and you know very well that I highly value your opinion.” Harry corrected her. He didn’t simply want her to help him, but for her to have his back no matter what.

“I know as well as you know that you will always have my support no matter what.” He said sincerely and while smiling at him.

“So, where do we begin?” She was ready to give him her full support and start to work on whatever Harry needed.

“Here, I already started to read about nogitsune as the Black Library has a few books on them. I need to find a way to exorcise a body and to kill or trap the fox spirit.” Harry briefed her on his progress, while with a movement of his hand he summoned the books from the dining room.

He was sure that together they would be faster in finding a solution, and he hoped that he would make it in time to save his cousin. It was already incredibly difficult to stay put and do research while knowing that his family was suffering, but it wouldn’t do to go there and be clueless and unprepared.

When he will put a foot in Beacon Hills, he will be able to deal with whatever situation he was going to face. He will free Stiles and take care of him, ready to help him with the fallout and consequences he will have to face.

Chapter Text

It had been a really long day and Harry couldn’t wait to finally leave for the States, but he had to wait for half an hour more.

“For Morgana’s sake, stop pacing! You’re giving me a headache.” Hermione huffed and rolled her eyes. She was rightly fed up with Harry as he had been a pain in the ass for the whole day, and he even got worse when he received the portkey that would leave at seven in the evening for Sacramento.

“Sorry.” Harry was genuinely apologetically, but he was so nervous that it seemed that he couldn’t stay put for longer than a minute.

“Did you finish packing?” Hermione asked trying to distract her friend by letting him focus on things he had real control over.

“Yes, Kreacher finished for me.” Harry told her as he took a seat on the couch in front of her. Hermione gave him a look, but she didn’t comment further on the subject of house elves. She learned the hard truth a few months back, when she discovered that house elves must be bound to wizards or other seats of magical power like Hogwarts or old wizarding mansions, not only to use their magic but to survive. She knew that Harry would treat his house elves well and wouldn’t abuse them, but it didn’t mean that she liked the situation as most of the wizard population treat them like slaves. Furthermore, she loathed being wrong.

“Do you have your documents on you?” She quickly moved on not willing to dwell on what she perceived as one of her failures.

“Yes, passports, I.D., driver's license, bank accounts, credit and debit cards, and social security number.” Harry went over what Ragnuk sent him. He was pleasantly surprised by the efficiency of the Goblin Nation. Not only did they send him his British passport, and a diplomatic one to boot, but an American one as well. As it turned out the members of House Potter are granted U.S.A. citizenship upon request. This was due to their ancestor who volunteer to be the first auror in MACUSA history. There were so many things he didn’t know about his family, and it sadden him that there was no one alive to explain things to him, but he was determined to discover and learn as much as possible.

“Good, do not lose them.” Hermione cautioned him, but he simply flashed a playful smirk as a reply before changing the focus of the conversation.

“Have you heard from Ron?” He asked while sending a knowing look.

Hermione rolled her eyes at his poor teasing attempt.

“You perfectly know that he’s not allowed to send letters or contact anyone for the duration of the first semester of the training program.” Her tone of voice was seemingly normal, but Harry knew better, and he knew that she was irritated by the situation.

Things were going smoothly between Ron and Hermione, they started dating soon after the final battle. They had a few months to start their relationship as a couple before Ron decided that he wanted to join the Auror forces. Thanks to Shacklebolt he didn’t have to go back to Hogwarts to take his N.E.W.T.s, nonetheless, he had to undergo the Auror Programme like any other new recruit. It was a three year course, but they were forbidden to contact anyone for the first six months, after which they were sent home for a couple of weeks before resuming their training.

“As if any of us would follow such a rule.” It was Harry's time to roll his eyes.

Hermione was about to rebuke him, but Harry had to only raise his eyebrow to stop her. They broke their fair share of rules, and Hermione couldn’t refute his words as she was always beside him and by the look on her face, she knew it as well.

“Here, take it.” He said as he summoned a two-way mirror. “I sent the other one to Ron. It has been two weeks; you must miss him.” He knew that she does, but Ron told him to at least give him a month to see if he would be able to figure out a way to contact them, but as he was going to leave, he didn’t want to leave Hermione completely alone. He didn’t know how long he would stay away and how often they would be able to talk due to the time difference.

“Oh Harry, thank you.” She was quick to shorten the distance between them and enclosed him in a tight embrace. Harry basked in the feeling, drawing strength from here as he was a bit afraid to discover what was waiting for him in the States.

They disentangled but Hermione took a seat beside him.

“Just make sure to not get caught. He still had the D.A. galleon, perhaps you should schedule your call with the coin as to avoid detection.” Harry suggested as he didn’t want to get his friend in trouble.

“I used to be the smart one, when did you get so wise?” She said playfully but still appreciate the suggestion.

“It seems that your smartness is contagious.” He smiled fondly.

They continued to talk while waiting for the time he had to leave. They didn’t have to wait long and soon enough Harry was standing with a red ribbon in his hand.

“Be careful, and don’t hesitate to call if you need anything. And if you’re in danger send a patronus and I will be there as soon as possible, and I wouldn’t be the only one.” They already had said their goodbyes, but she couldn’t help herself but make a last-minute recommendation. Not to mention the contingency plan if it was a trap, both D.A. and Orders members were notified to be ready to move as soon as possible.

“I know you will, but I think I can handle whatever hell was going on in my cousin’s life.” He reassured her, never doubting her words for he knew that she would come at a moment’s notice if he ever needed her help, and she would come regardless of further backup.

They stared into each other eyes for a few more moments, before the portkey activated, and with a final nod, he was whisked(?) away, leaving his best friend behind.

Thankfully Harry didn’t feel anymore the side effects of wizarding travel and was able to land on his two feet with an unnatural grace that he wasn’t able to show just a few months prior. He found himself in a nicely decorated office, and the first thing he notice was that it was still day outside, morning to be precise, as there was eight hours difference between Sacramento and London.

The second was that he landed where he wasn’t supposed to. His destination was the airport in the international landing section not in a random office.

Harry quickly drew his phoenix feather wand, ready to defend himself in the chance that he got ambushed. The war was over, but he still has plenty of enemies.

‘Constant vigilance’ one Mad eye Moody would say.

As he started to consider that he indeed fell into a trap, someone made his way into the room. He was a man in his early 30s with sandy blond hair and blue eyes. Harry noticed that he carried himself like someone who was used to being listened to, like someone in a position of power. Harry watched him carefully and was ready in case he was suddenly attacked. The man was accompanied by three people who seemed to be his bodyguards. They looked at him and take a defensive stance in front of the man they were supposed to protect, but strangely they didn’t deem it necessary to take out their wands despite Harry having his out.

Either they undecimated him too much or they were sure that he would not attack them.

The man looked at him for a moment longer before breaking the silence.

“Welcome to the United States Mr. Potter, it’s an honor to meet you.” The man had a nice strong voice, filled with confidence and Harry had the impression that it would be a suited voice for a general who commands thousands of soldiers. What caught his attention was the choice of not using his proper title, which was a clear breach of protocol, not to mention plain rude, but he wasn’t sure if it was deliberated or not, but what he recently learned was that wizard put heavy emphasis on their titles and the proper way to address them. Many blood feuds and enmities started because someone consciously decided to ignore proper protocol and offed someone.

“And you are?” Harry asked with fake innocence as he was perfectly aware of who the other interlocutor was. If the man wasn’t willing to pay the due respect, he may find that two can play the same game.

The man’s left eye twitched in a clear sign of annoyance, but other than that Harry couldn’t find any other sign of it. Unfortunately, his bodyguards weren’t nearly as good as him. They frown and display their displeasure for everyone to see, but it seemed that they were trained well enough to know that their opinion wasn’t required.

“Forgive me.” He said with a fake smile on his face. “I’m Samuel Quahog, the President of MACUSA.” He looked like he was waiting for a specific reaction from Harry, but to his greatest dismay, Harry looked bored and not at all impressed with his declaration. It was expected, after all, Harry was a good friend with most of the upper echelon of Wizarding Britain.

It wasn’t the reactions he usually got when he entered a room or announced his position, normally they would flatter him or at the very least they would fake some pleasantries, but Harry wasn’t one to gash over political figures, especially after his personal experience with the British Ministry officials. He was well aware of how sneaky and unpleasant they could be.

“Well, Mr. Quahog, what’s the meaning of this.” Harry smiled condescendingly while twirling his want in his hand, still refusing to put it away despite not needing it to cast powerful magic.

“It’s Mr. President.” One of the guards said before anyone could say anything more. He looked outraged by the disrespect Harry was showing to his employer.

“What?” Harry inquired innocently like someone who didn’t understand what he said wrong.

“You will address him as Mr. President.” The bodyguard instructed imperiously with rage in his eyes.

“Oh, so we’re using titles. It’s nice to know as I have a few of them. Perhaps you should start to use them? Lord or Prince, whichever you prefer.” He reminded them that the President wasn’t the only one with a high title and a position of prestige and that they should show the respect it was due.

“Your Lordship is not recognized here as well as your royal status, after all the United States is not a Monarchy.” Another guard sneered with ill conceal disdain in her eyes, but what she didn’t notice was the reaction of President Quahog.

Their boss didn’t like where the conversation was going and was clearly displeased by his guards over the top behavior. One thing if he, the President, showed disrespect to someone, another thing was if one of his lowly bodyguards were to do the same.

Harry's lips turned upwards into a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, and instead of warming, his gaze come out as predatory.

“Of course.” Harry purred. “But if I recall correctly as a foreign dignitary, it’s basic courtesy to address me by my title. Furthermore, you’re correct in saying that the United States is not a monarchy, but the magical sectors are not governed by no-Maj laws. The magical United States is subjected to the British Royal family as well as every nation that was part of the British Empire at one time or another, and it’s not dictated by law, but by magic itself.” Harry wasn’t shouting, but his words were laced with magic giving them an ethereal feeling to them.

Everyone in the room was shocked by the revelation, unquestionably they weren’t aware of such details and what Harry was about to add to it.

“Even if we decide to disregard that, I do have other titles officially recognized by MACUSA.” Harry went on not caring one bit about their shock.

President Quahog was the quickest to recover and by the look of it, he seemed to have an inkling of what Harry was about to disclose.

“As direct descent of Abraham Potter, one of the twelve original Auror, I have a right to a seat in the Magical Congress. As a Lord Gaunt, thanks to the blood that I share with the Founder of Ilvermorny, Isolt Sayre, I have a right to another seat. By having the Lordship of the three Royal Houses I inherited three other seats. So, just like that, I become the single person who holds the most seats in your most powerful governing body. I do believe such feat requires at least a modicum of respect.” Harry’s voice was filled with sickling sweetness, nonetheless, the guards caught the unspoken threat.

If Harry wanted, he could have them fired in a second, after all not many would make an enemy out of him for mere bodyguards. Not to mention that even President Quahog's position could be in danger if Harry decided to take action against him.

They all paled.

None of them expected what he just said, not even President Quahog, he did know about the Potter seat in the congress and even the Gaunt one, but what he didn’t know was that the Royal Houses had seats as well, what was worse was that he wasn’t aware that Harry Potter had those Lordships.

“There’s no need to work ourselves up, we’re among friends here.” The MACUSA President tried to dissolve the situation and Harry was reminded why he hated politics. Most of them were double-faced bastards who only wanted to further their own agenda without caring who they hurt in the process.

“No, of course not.” Harry smiled amiably and for how much he hated them, it didn’t mean that he didn’t know how the game was played nor that he wasn’t able to. He had to learn how to deal with politicians back in England and he was a quick learner.

President Quahog smiled back and was about to open his mouth to continue the conversation, but he was cut off by Harry.

“Anyway, you still have to answer my question. Why am I here?” Harry questioned, and even if he was starting to lose his patience, he didn’t let it show on his face.

The President gave him a long looked, carefully assessing him.

“I was thrilled to meet a war hero and I imagined that you would appreciate the privacy.” He said and to Harry, it seemed to be sincere in his words and he couldn’t understand why he felt the need to put up the whole charade.

‘Now I’m a war hero.’ Harry fought the urge to roll his eyes and maintain a perfectly polite façade even if he felt irritated by the whole situation. He was losing valuable time that he could use to reach his cousin, but he knew the value in forging a relationship with people in high places, and it might help him in the future, so he decided to indulge the man.

“You’re right of course. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, after all, I didn’t want to cause a commotion.” Harry smiled warmly at the president, who looked complacent with his ‘successful’ flattery.

“There’s no need for thanks Lord Potter, it was my pleasure.” The President was aiming at being modest, but he miserly failed, and it was almost painful to watch. Harry couldn’t understand how such a person managed to raise to the highest office, so he concluded that Vice President Quahog was either a genuine person or one bloody politician, or perhaps a mix of both.

Harry found himself intrigued by the man and he noticed, by the honest reaction of his bodyguards, that they genuinely respect him, and it was somewhat odd. If the MACUSA President was just like Fudge it didn’t make sense for him to both command respect and have a strong way to carry himself, there was more than meet the eye and Harry was considering having him as an ally. It should be beneficial to have a friend in a strong position of power in a land where he didn’t know anyone.

He thought that the President set up that little scene just to discern what type of man was Harry and he was sure that if he was a weak-willed individual Quahog would fully take advantage of him. Harry ruined his plan by showing that he wasn’t an individual to mess with, not unless one wanted to pay hell for it. Harry had an inkling that the President was going to be more friendly from now on, to try to win him over.

“Nonetheless, thank you President Quahog, but I have some business to attend to so I should really get going.” Harry menage to appear regretful while internally he was rolling his eyes.

“I’m sure whatever business you have could wait a few hours. We should get something to eat.”  He said quite amiably but Harry noticed a sharpness in his eyes that wasn’t present before, and Harry got the feeling that the President wouldn’t get a no for an answer.

They locked gaze and for a brief moment Harry felt a light pressure hitting his occlumency shields, but instead of getting angry, he acted like he didn’t notice, as he knew that he would get the opportunity to pay him back soon enough.

“It would be an honor to share a meal with you, Mr. President.” Harry was a good enough actor to conceal his annoyance and deliver eagerness and happiness along with his verbal response.

They started to make their way out of the room as they continued to make small talk, while they were followed by his guards.

Harry was looking out of the window of the car that President Quahog kindly provided him. They spent several hours together, chatting over a meal and some wine, and to Harry's surprise he found himself enjoying the company of the man, but by all means, it didn’t mean that he wouldn’t repay the favor and use some Legilimency now and then to get some information out of him and he wouldn’t easily forget the way he was greeted and the poorly attempt to manipulate him.

As it turned out the man was both genuine in his pursuit of the betterment of his country and a politician when needed. He wanted to meet Harry to know if he could take advantage of his fame and manipulate him to do his bidding or if he had to build a mutually beneficial relationship if Harry proved to be a formidable opponent, and Harry was confident to say that he was done to be taken advantage of.

Dumbledore was enough for seven lifetimes, and he wasn’t the same naïve young boy that was grateful just because he was shown basic human rights. He learned not only from his mistakes but from his friends and foes alike, after all, one could pick up a skill even from enemies.

All in all, the meeting was the starting of a nice partnership, even the bodyguards seemed to be decent people once they dropped the act that they were asked to perform to get a reaction out of him. The only things he regretted were the several hours he lost by being with them and the insane traffic he was stuck in for hours. Thankfully as he got closer to his destination the traffic lessened, but he felt restless, so as soon as he spotted the ‘Welcome to Beacon Hills’ sign, he asked his driver to pull over.

“Thank you for the ride, but I will continue on my own from this point on.” Harry said in a no-nonsense voice, that leave no space for any argument.

“Are you sure Lord Potter?”

“Yes, thank you.” Harry exchanged a few more pleasantries before getting out of the car.

As soon as the car made a turn and was out of sight, Harry cast several spells to conceal himself from view and unshrank the firebolt that he was carrying in his pocket.

His destination was the home his father bought for his mother as a wedding gift, knowing that she had a sister and they most likely would spend a lot of time in the city and it wouldn’t make sense for them to constantly be staying in hotels. Unfortunately, they never get the chance to put the house to full use, as they had to get into hiding soon after their marriage. On the brighter side, the Goblin made a remarkable job in keeping the property in utmost condition as per his parents’ instructions, and they didn’t even stop after his parents’ death.

He flew through the darkening sky unhindered and unnoticed, enjoying both the view of the town and the exhilarating feeling that flying never failed to provide. He felt truly free when he was in the air, even more so now that he didn’t need an object to fly, but he was too attached to his firebolt to completely forgo flying on a broom. It was purely for the sentimental value that he is still using a broom.

He felt at peace alone in the dark sky.

As his luck often dictated the peaceful moment didn’t last for long.

“ALLISON!” Someone shouted in a high-pitched tone, and it was so loud that it echoed for kilometers, most people would be focusing on that oddity, but not him. Harry could detect the layer of magic beneath it. It was crystal clear for anyone with enough magical power to feel another’s magic user’s signature, but for Harry, it was even easier.

‘Banshee.’ Harry thought while speeding through the night sky.

He recognized the name, Allison was Stiles’s friend and if a kneeling woman dare to utter her name in such a way, it meant just one thing. He didn’t want his cousin to lose a friend just like he did, and he hoped that he would be there in time to save the girl.

He landed just outside the gate of Oak Creek and was thankful for the charmed he applied before stepping into the sky. He shrank his broom and put it in his pocket.

He made his way through the metal gate and knew even before setting his eyes on her, that she was already dead.

 A brown haired boy was cradling the corpse of a young woman, blood coloring her lips while her lifeless eyes stared at the teen. An older man was looking at the scene with a heartbroken look on his face, his eyes resembled that of the dead teen, with the same color and almost as lifeless. Harry saw the same look on people who lost someone in the war against Tom.

‘He must be her father.’ His brain supplied helpfully.

The desperation was almost tangible as another woman with distinct Asian traits was holding another teen on her bosom, almost as to protect her from a danger that wasn’t there any longer, or mayhap she was trying to simply protect her from the cruelty of the world and from the sight of Death, ignorantly not knowing that the only being capable of such feat was standing merely a few meters away from her.

Another teen was bracing himself as trying to get some comfort while silently crying.

‘What in the bloody hell I just walk in?’ Harry asked himself with some horror. He really wanted to believe that he was the only one who lived through some serious traumatizing experiences, but he was fully aware that it was just naïve thinking because people walk through hell even without the supernatural mixed in.

The older man, the one Harry was sure to be Allison’s dad, Chris Argent, made his way to her dead daughter, crouched down, and started to gently caress her. Harry quickly averted his eyes for he felt that he was intruding on some intimate moments and that it shouldn’t be witnessed by a stranger, furthermore he had some serious thinking to do.

He had to make a choice and he didn’t know if he should interfere and revealed the full scope of his inheritance. He wasn’t even sure if it would work or what consequences would she face. It was a hard decision, even if some would argue that it shouldn’t be and that life should always prevail over death, but Harry knew better than that. Death should be respected as well and what’s dead should be risen again, not as inferi and definitely not as living.

To have the power to affect the balance in such a way, was certainly daunting and Harry shudder at the mere thought of how such power could be misused.

Death was nothing but fair, for everyone was equal in front of it. They wouldn’t differentiate and would reap as they pleased be young or old, male or female, born or unborn.

While he was thinking about his dilemma, a couple was making their way toward them. A crying, petite, beautiful strawberry blond young woman who was doing her best to help a young man walk. He seemed to be struggling even if Harry could find any visible injuries, he was heavily resting most of his weight on the young woman, but the strangest thing was that Harry could feel a strange connection between them.

His magic extended itself from Harry’s body without permission and started to wrap itself around the struggling teen. It was like it was welcoming a brethren, rejoicing like it finally found something that was long lost, and at that moment Harry didn’t have any doubt that the young man was his cousin: Stiles Stilinski.

They stopped a few meters from the grieving trio, and Harry couldn’t help but notice the look on his cousin’s face. There wasn’t only sadness and grief, but something more that he could easily identify as guilt, after all, he saw the same look on his face every time he took a peek in the mirror after a bad night or a sleepless one. His own reflection stared at him with a heart breaking gaze filled with unhealthy guilt.

The devastation was something he could relate to, and he knew that in time Stiles would feel better, he would partially heal and go on with his life, he was sure that he would, after all, he shares blood with Lily and she was made from some very hard stuff, but it didn’t mean that he must.

Harry had the power to help him and as soon as he laid his eyes on him, he knew that he would do anything in his power to help him out, to aid him in alleviating the immense guilt he knew Stiles was feeling.

He made his decision, and he was going to go through with it, damn the consequences, he would deal with them later.

He steeled his will and dropped his charms, allowing everyone to see him.

The group of people was instantly alerted, and it was painfully obvious. The werewolves and the Asian woman were their first to notice that someone new was there, most probably thanks to their developed sense of smell, but while the older woman was wary of him and was visibly cautious of him, even going as far as standing in front of her daughter, a thing that was so Lily that made Harry feel half fond and half sad, but the other two weren’t as cautious as her or simply they weren’t as smart or attuned with their instincts.

The two teenage shifters stood in front of the dead girl, snarling at him and looking ready to shred him to pieces. Chris gently laid down his daughter and took out his gun, pointing at him, seemingly ready to take out his pain on him if Harry was going to even make the slightest suspicious move. The blond girl moved so she was slightly in front of Stiles as she was ready to protect him no matter what, and Harry found himself liking the girl for the subtly protection she was willing to give to his cousin.

“I can help her.” He started, but before he could go on, he was rudely interrupted by the young man who resemble a rabid puppet.

“She’s dead.” He shouted with so much venom that if Harry didn’t know better, he would believe that he was the one behind her demise. He accompanied the shout with the bearing of his teeth like it was supposed to scare or even deter him. He found the gesture cute, as he wasn’t even in his top ten of scariest things that he faced. McGonagall on a bad day was a thousand times more intimidating, with her thin lips and disappointed judging eyes with an aura of authority that even dumbledore was in awe of.

That was scary, they were just endearing, like a duo of puppies, truly they need some work on their intimidation skills.

“I have eyes. I can see that. Nevertheless is in my power to-“ Once again he was interrupted but this time the werewolves just threw themselves at him.

Harry wasn’t in the mood to play games, so he fired two stunning spells hitting them square in the chest and while they were still in the air, he followed up with the Incarcerus spell, binding them even before their bodies hit the ground and for good measure, he stuck their asses to the ground.

Harry locked eyes with Chris and it seemed that he was about to pull the trigger, but he was too slow as Harry already sent a disarming charm his way. Just as the spell hit him, the gun was sent flying and landed in Harry’s hand, he looked at it in disgust.

“It’s very rude to attack someone while he’s still speaking, but I’ll let it slide in the light of your obvious distraught state.” He told them coldly, not liking how he was attacked while he offered them his help.

He suddenly remembered how he trashed Dumbledore’s office after the fiasco at the department of mysteries and felt like a hypocrite, but he was sure that they didn’t need to know about his past exploits.

“I can help your daughter Mr. Argent, but I won’t if you don’t agree.” He looked directly into the older man’s eyes and there he could see the distrust and skepticism, but also hope.

Hope that whatever Harry was offering he would be able to bring Allison back, but he was still cautious as he didn’t know with whom he was dealing with. For all he knew Harry could be some kind of demon ready to take advantage of his pain and desperation. He was a hunter, and he was taught how to deal with this situation, and even if Harry could bring his daughter back, he wasn’t willing to pay a price in blood, he would lie his life in an instant if it would be for Allison to come back from the dead, but he wasn’t willing to implicate others.

He didn’t want others to suffer and lose loved ones for his selfish desire to see his daughter alive and well once again. He was a hunter, and it was his duty to prevent tragedies from happening, and not make them. He should be protecting people and agreeing to some kind of demonic deal wasn’t something that he would do, and definitely, it wasn’t something that Allison would agree to, and even if he was to accept and live with the guilt and weight of his decision, Allison would hate him, and it would mean to put a burden on her shoulders that no one should have.

So, he would be careful and do nothing dictated by his emotion, he would maintain a clear and logical mind.

“Who are you?” He asked carefully while ignoring the outrageous scream of the two bound teenagers.

Harry retreated from Chris Argent’s mind, and he felt conflicted by what he just discovered. While what he just felt were Chris’s surface thoughts, there was an unyielding conviction behind those thoughts that he wouldn’t allow him to discard them as simply floating notions.

If on one hand he could commend the older man for his upstanding will to not cave in and be tempted by the resurrection of his daughter, and the morals that didn’t allow him to sacrifice others to have what he wanted, on the other hand, Harry couldn’t help but be a bit upset.

Parents were supposed to be always doing what’s best for their children and protect them to the best of their abilities, going even to lay down their lives if the need arises, as his parent did, but Chris’s choice bordered dangerously too close to ‘For the Greater Good’ territory for Harry’s liking, and it rubbed him in the wrong way, even if it would be the right decision to make.

“I’m Harry Potter.” Harry said and he was taken aback by the way Chris’s eyes darted to his forehead like he was looking for something and it seemed he did when his eyes widened and when he locked gaze with Harry once again, there was recognition in his eyes and Harry had to refrain from groaning loudly. He wasn’t aware that his reputation spread even to the muggle hunters, perhaps there was a story behind it, either way, he was going to get to the truth of the situation.

The puppy duo was really getting on his nerves with their shouts and their trashing trying to get themselves free, so he sighed, and with a flicker of his wrist, they fall silent. With the small mercy of a silencing charm, he didn’t even bother to look at them.

When he looked around, he could see the Asian woman looking at him wearily and Harry had the feeling that she as well knew who he was and she wasn’t willing to get on his bad side, so she simply stood there in silence, observing without interfering and she was prompting her daughter to do the same.

Strawberry blond and Stiles was looking at him with fascination in their eyes that couldn’t be hidden by the suspicious, caution, and weariness that they were feeling.

He set his eyes on the Argent man once again.

“I can help her.” He said once again. “It’s your decision, yes or no, it’s as simple as that.”

Chris looked skeptical but definitely less wary.

“How?” He asked and one could feel the steel in his voice. It would intimidate lesser men, but Harry was so far from that, that it wasn’t even funny.

“It doesn’t matter how. I either do it or not. The how is for me to know and for you to wander.” Harry replied mysteriously as he wasn’t ready to get into the details of how his powers worked, nor how he obtained them.

He saw Chris’s eyes narrowing and he could feel the wheel in his brain trying to come out with something that would give him the edge against him, but there wasn’t anything that he could do to defeat Harry.

It was simply impossible for him.

Harry sighed knowing that they weren’t going to go far if he wasn’t willing to reveal something that would allow them to trust him.

“There isn’t anything nefarious in the process and there’s no price to be paid. It’s perfectly safe and there aren’t any malicious side effects.” He told the hunter, and he wasn’t lying but he knew that he wasn’t telling the full truth either, but he didn’t want to lose more time as when he glanced at Stiles, he both felt and saw his exhaustion and he was 100% sure that it wasn’t natural and that it was life threatening.

The silence stretched for long moments and the only thing that could be heard was the labored breath of his cousin.

Harry waited patiently for Chris to weigh his option, but when he didn’t reply after a good ten minutes, he was about to ignore him and deal with Stiles’s aliment when the hunter talked, apparently having made up his mind about the whole situation.

“Do it.” He spoke clearly and with conviction.

“Please Lord Potter, save my daughter, and the Argent family will be forever grateful.” Chris’s words seemed to come as a great shock to everyone present but Harry, probably they didn’t expect the hunter to address him so respectfully and it seemed to confuse them, and in Stiles and his supporter case it seemed to spark more interest in them.

One thing that the statement did tell Harry was that the hunter wasn’t aware of his new royal status. Perhaps he was too busy to pay attention to the happening in the Wizarding World or he simply didn’t bother to check. There was even the eventuality that he didn’t use his royal status to put him in a position of disadvantage, but it didn’t seem likely as most wizards would be offended if they weren’t called by the proper title, wizards could be fickle like that.

“Very well, but I warn you, whatever happened do not interfere. You wouldn’t like the consequences.” Harry said sternly with no hint of a smile on his handsome face.

Chris nodded, but before Harry could make a move the Argent man’s voice halted the step he was about to take.

“Can you free Scott and Isaac?” Chris gave him an innocent and concerned look, and if Harry didn’t know better it would fool him. Not to say that the emotions the man was feeling weren’t genuine, but Harry knew that he was using them to achieve a goal. Most likely he was hoping that they would help him deter Harry if a fight was to break out after Harry did something fishing. Not that it would work well, other than having them stepping on Harry’s nerves.

“Who?” Harry purposely played dumb, but by the exasperated look that Chris sent Harry, he knew that it didn’t fool anyone.

After a moment Harry decided to play nice and give the poor man a break, after all, he just lost his daughter.

“Fine, but I won’t hesitate to hit them if they do anything stupid.” He warned him once again.

The man nodded to express his assent.

Harry didn’t have anything against them, but what he was about to do was something that he had never dared to attempt before, and he wasn’t keen on the idea to have someone interrupt and mess up the process. He lazily waved his arm in the puppy duo's direction and the magic that was binding them vanished. It didn’t take long for them to flunk the hunter’s side as if they were his bodyguards, and Harry found the scene hilarious.

‘Protecting the man who hunts their specie. Where the hell I landed?’ Harry wasn’t in the mood to think about the implication of the gesture, he come with a specific target and if he wasn’t for Stiles he wouldn’t be indulging them and trying to break one of the unbreakable rules of magic.

No one in the history of Wizard kind managed to successfully wake someone from the dead, the closest they got was by creating the Inferi, and even there it was more a matter of necromancy than healing.

Harry minutely shook his head to keep his wandering thoughts away, he took a deep breath and started to slowly make his way to Allison’s corpse. As he approached and crouched down, he could feel the weight of the gaze Stiles’s friends were giving him. He could feel the skepticism coming from the strawberry blond near his cousin, Stiles’s raging guilt and a vague hope that Harry would be able to save the situation.

The puppy duo even matched their glares and growls as if daring Harry to make a wrong move, evidently not having learned their lesson. The foxes stood on the side, just watching him carefully.

Harry assessed the corpse and noticed that she was fatally wounded by something very sharp that stabbed her from behind, severing the aorta. She bled to death in a matter of a handful of seconds.

Harry felt saddened by the sight.

The young woman decided to face the enemy to help her friends, most likely knowing that there was a non-negligible chance that she would die, nonetheless she was there, and Harry commended her bravery.

He put his hand over the stab wound, and after reciting a spell under his breath, the open flash started to knit itself back together, and a few seconds later there wasn’t even a scar left behind.

Just like that the first step, the easiest one, was complete.

He summoned some of his own courage before extending his hand, palm up, and closed his eyes for a brief moment, before opening them again.

A white flame materialized in his right hand, and he sent it to the corpse lying on the dirty floor. He could hear the scream, and before they could make a move Harry looked at them.

He stared them down, his eyes were lit in a vibrant purple shade, in his gaze reflecting a cold fury that was ready to be unleashed upon them if they even dare to utter another word, but by their terrified looks, trembling bodies, and pitying whines, Harry was sure that they wouldn’t be as foolish as to disregard his warning.

After all their reaction was a clear sign of who was the most dominant creature. He could see that their reaction was dictated more by their most instinctual and animalistic side, than their rational one.

Their wolves felt scared of Harry’s true nature and Harry’s creature side felt satisfaction at their display of fear.

With a last warning glared, he refocused on what he was doing, and he didn’t pay them any mind as the flame traveled from his palm to the dead woman’s body. He was sure that they wouldn’t do anything stupid as soon they realize that even if the flame felt warm, it didn’t burn, or at least it didn’t burn anything that they could see.

The white flame he was able to produce, has a specific use. It wasn’t made to simply burn material things down, but to burn out the impurities. It didn’t matter what it was, the white flame was strong enough to purify anything in its path.

In this case, it was used to rid of the impurity of her body, soul, and mind. To protect her from any entity that would take advantage of her weak state to take over her being. It was another layer of protection that would render the process smoother, effectively eliminating the risk of possession.

Allison’s body was fully engulfed by the white flame and Harry waited patiently for them to do their work.

After what felt like an eternity, merely seven minutes, Harry approached the still raging flames. He took out a vial of a crystal liquid and Harry was sure that even the werewolves couldn’t pick up any particular scent. Sure, the substance was odorless, but if one were to taste it, one would find that it was a bit salty, but nothing more than that.

He uncorked the vial and without hesitation he carefully poured the full content into her mouth, making sure to massage her threat to make sure the clear liquid would go down and end in her stomach.

Soon after the white flames turned into a bright shade of green and Harry let them burn for other seven minutes before extinguishing them.

Once they receded Harry once again put his hand where the fatal wound was supposed to be. He pressed his palm on the lukewarm skin, leaving behind the Deadly Hallows crest, that flashed for a brief moment before disappearing.

Not a moment sooner Harry could hear the strong beating of her heart.

Harry scooped Allison in his arms and made his way where Christ and two crying teenagers stood. Harry was sure that they could hear her beating heart and come to the most logical conclusion. Harry was about to give Allison's unconscious body to his father when Scott came forward instead.

“Give her to me.” Scott demanded after he dried his tears in his t-shirt.

Harry didn’t like the commanding tone in the younger wolf, furthermore, he made a deal with Chris Argent and not him, so he wasn’t about to hand over Allison to him just because he said so.

“Why? Who are you to her?” Harry’s voice was deliberate controlled, but the displeasure was clear in it for everyone to hear.

“I’m..” Scott hesitated a moment before glancing at Isaac.

“I’m her first love. She loves me.” There was pride in his voice and by the hurtful look on Isaac’s face, Harry was sure that there was some drama there, but it wasn’t the time to indulge in it.

“So?” Harry raised his eyebrow.

Scott furrowed his eyebrow and looked a bit offended, but Harry didn’t pay him any heed. He passed without sparing him another glance.

“For how I see it, loving parent trample first love any day of the week.” He said as he carefully passed Allison to her father, who took her with tears in his eyes.

“Thank you.” Chris simply said, but Harry could feel the raw emotions and the immense gratitude behind them.

“Be careful.” Harry told him gently. “While she may not be dead anymore, she needs further cures, and she needs to be under observation to see how she reacts to coming back among the living.” He continued and as he went on, he could see the apprehension forming in the hunter’s eyes.

“What should I do?” Harry could pick up the fear in his voice, most likely at the idea of losing his daughter once more.

“Well, I would like to be there when she wakes up, so I offer you and your daughter hospitality in my own home. I have a house in the preserve and while there I can assure your and Allison’s safety. What do you say?” Harry was quick to offer, after all, he was quite interested in seeing the outcome and possible side effects of the ritual he just performed.

Christ stood there immobile, like he was petrified, most likely stunned by the offer he just received. Harry was willing to bet all his inheritance that the hunter was well aware of how reclusive and evasive wizards could be and to be offered hospitality from one of the most famous wizards of all time, and on their first encounter to boot, it was really something mind-blowing.

“I kindly accept your offer, Lord Potter.” The hunter bowed his head in a sign of respect to the young wizard.

“If you have a car, I suggest having Allison lay on the backseats. As I require a lift a will join you in a few minutes, if you would be so kind to wait for me.” Harry instructed and Chris complied without any complaint.

“I’ll be waiting for you Lord Potter, take all the time you need.” He didn’t add anything further, and with a last look over the other teens, he made his way out of Oak Creek.

With the hunter's departure, some tension made its presence known among them. They stood in silence for a few minutes, time Harry used to look at his cousin until the strawberry blonde girl broke the silence.

“Since no one is going to speak, I will start.” She said with haughtiness, but Harry could easily see through her façade.

She was worried and scared, and it was so well concealed that one would only notice if one knew where to look, or if one had supernatural sense.

Harry had both, so it was quite easy.

“I’m Harrison James Potter, and you are Miss?” Harry put on a polite smile, but nothing more as he was quite worried for his cousin.

Stiles was clearly getting worse. His already pale complexion whitened even further, he was weakened to a point where he could barely stand and the pain on his face was a clear sign of the state Stiles was in.

“Lydia Martin. He’s Stiles Stilinski.” He used her free hand to point at Harry’s cousin.

“You already met Alpha Scott McCall and his Beta Isaac Lahey. While over there is Kira Yukimura and her mother.” She pointed at the correspondent person when she spoke their name.

“Now that the presentations are over, what do you want?” Lydia said and for once Harry could appreciate her straightforwardness. And as if it wasn’t enough Harry could see a calculated look in her eyes, and in that instant, he knew that she would make a perfect Slytherin and a formidable ally to have by his side.

They started a staring match, a contest which either of them would willingly back out from.

“Not that we do not appreciate the whole necromancy thing you just did.” Stiles pitched in from the side, but neither of them look in his direction.

It was just a futile attempt to diffuse the tension. He noticed when Lydia minutely shook his head, as probably to deter Scott and Isaac to attack him from behind.

“Necromancers do not possess the power to revive the dead.” It was Harry simply explained, but both his cousin and Lydia couldn’t conceal the interest in their eyes.

Harry had a hunch that they both possessed quite an interesting mind.

Before Lydia could add more, she was forced to break eye contact with Harry as Stiles started to fall and she wasn’t able to support his weight.

“Stiles.” Lydia and Scott shouted at the same time.

Harry frown and made his way over, where his cousin was sitting on the ground, having trouble breathing.

It couldn’t escape Harry’s keen eyes the way Stiles’s life force was leaving his body and traveling through a parasitic connection, most likely left behind by the nogitsune.

“Bloody hell.” Harry muttered under his breath, but not low enough to not be heard by the banshee.

“What?” She asked, her tone clipped and with a sharp gaze.

“I’ll explain in detail later, but the gist of it is that his life force is being drained from his body. Yes, there is a solution, but for now, I have a temporary one.” Harry quickly explained not willing to lose more time than he already had.

She gave him an assessing look, but she quickly gave her assent.

Harry once again crouched down, but this time he simply pressed a kiss on Stiles’s forehead. A golden light enveloped his body and just like that, the change was visible.

He started to take normal breaths, his skin retook a more healthy pink complexion, and he looked more relaxed like a burden was suddenly lifted from his very essence.

Harry watched as the strength come back to his cousin’s body, a veil of worry in his eyes.

“Wow!” Stiles exclaimed suddenly. “That’s awesome dude.” The admiration in his voice was easily heard by anyone who was listening.

“Well, that’s not a permanent solution,” Harry told him apologetically, “but if you follow me and the Argents to my house, we could work on a more permanent solution for your plight,” Harry told him sincerely as he offered him his hand.

Stiles looked at Lydia for a moment, who nodded, before taking Harry’s hand.

Harry couldn’t help but smile at the interaction, that so easily reminded him of his and Hermione's friendship. Without thinking he pulled himself and Stiles up.

“You should call your dad and have him come to the house as well. I believe that this is something he should be involved in,” Harry told him kindly.

“Sure, but where?”

“The Potter Manor in the preserve. It’s the only other one in there other than the Hale’s former house,” Harry looked as they grimaced as one when he mentioned the Hale’s house, and rightfully so. He was sure that it wasn’t pleasant to think about what one of his friends lost, especially when the fire killed most of his family.

He knew that the Hale fire was caused by Kate Argent, and he found the relationship these teens have with the Argent Family, to say the least, strange. No sane person would befriend or more with someone whose whole family goal was to kill werewolves, but once again he personally knew the difference between family and individual and the drive to prove that one is more than their family. To improve, to be better…

A few names come to mind: Draco, Sirius, Ron, Regulus… himself as well.

He was not his father, and he was not responsible for his action, a thing that Severus never understood, or if he did, he just ignore it, deciding to see just the similarities and not the differences.

“I’ll see you at the house. Follow Mr. Argent's car,” Harry instructed and started to walk away, not even waiting for a response. He was already at the gates when he heard Stiles talk in what was supposed to be a low tone of voice.

“And what do I tell him?” Stiles grumbled under his breath.

Harry stopped in his track and turned around to look directly in Stiles’s eye.

“Tell him that Lily Potter answered his call.” He said in a way that even at that distance away he could be heard clearly.

Harry turned once more and resume his walking with a smile on his face.

Chapter Text

Noah was at the station and he was extremely grateful that it was a quiet night. Despite what was happing to his son, he had duties that he must attend to.

He felt hopeless, and it grew by the second, even more so since it have been days since he send the letter and no reply came.

He still got a couple of hours before he could leave, that’s if no one calls them. If they did he could end up spending the night out, depending on the severity of the crime.

He looked up from the paperwork he was working on, as a strange feeling washed over him. He had the vague sensation that something big was happening, but he wasn’t sure of what.

He couldn’t shake off the feeling.

He looked outside of his office, where the desk of the other deputies was and his eyes set on a specific man.

Deputy Parrish.

He was the newest addition to the station, and despite his youth, he already proved to be a valuable member of his team.

He served in the military and it was something that he could relate to and it was one of the main reasons why he decided to take him under his wing and teach him everything he knew. He was an eager learner and quite talented as well. Noah was sure that one day he would make a fine sheriff.

His musing was interrupted by his phone playing the ‘Law and Order: SVU’ theme song.

Noah sighed.

He loved his kid and his sense of humor, even if sometimes could be inappropriate.

He picked up the phone and answered, eager to hear his son’s voice.

“Stiles, how are you?” Noah asked with worry in his voice.

“Dad, you can't imagine what just happened. We were at a war prisoners camp to save Lydia from the Nogitsune when things got bad, and I mean really bad. Like Allison was dead bad, but then this man appeared out of nowhere and he saved Allison, and when I say save, I mean he un-undead her. He beat Isaac and Scott and his eyes glow purple even if he has green eyes and he did something with flames. A moment Allison is dead and a moment later she was alive and breathing. It should be impossible, I mean werewolves are real, but necromancers are entirely another thing. Well, he said that necromancy couldn’t bring back the dead, but then what and who is he? Where does he come from? Probably England, he has a British accent. Nevertheless, what does he want? Is he a friend or foe? And who is Lily Potter?”

Noah was used to his son’s way of talking, but he was still impressed by how fast his brain worked.

“Stiles, how are you and what do you mean–“ Noah was about to ask about Lydia and Allisson when his brain caught Stiles’ last words.

“What did you say?” Noah refrain from shouting, but one could hear the trepidation in his voice. He was excited by hearing that name as it meant that there could still be a chance for his lovely boy to survive.

“About Allison being dead or Lydia being kidnapped?” Stiles asked and Noah winced, wondering what kind of trouble they find themselves in. How Stiles was always in the middle of trouble was beyond him, the only thing he could do was hope that everyone stay safe, and it frustrated him to no end.

“No, about Lily Potter,” Noah clarified.

“Ah, okay. There wasn’t much to tell. This guy I was talking about before, the non-necromancer, talk about her, but it was kind of vague,” Stiles told him.

“What did he say?” Noah needed to know if he was there for them or not and if Lily came as well, it was a top priority.

“He said to tell you that Lily Potter answer your call. Who is he? Who is this Lily Potter? Did you ask them to come? Why? Why didn’t you tell anyone?” Stiles inquired and Noah could tell that his mind was trying to piece everything together and get as much information as he could.

Noah couldn’t believe that after 16 years of no contact, all it took was a letter to get ahold of her, and he couldn’t help but have mixed feelings about it. He was excited that she came to his aid, but he was also furious that she didn’t reach out before now.

He tried to get in touch with her when Claudia got sick, as he could see how much it hurt his wife to not be able to talk with her sister. He tried to patch things up, but he never got an answer and Claudia died with the regret of not being in his sister’s life and it infuriated him to put things mildly.

He couldn’t believe how selfish that woman could be. The only thing that prevented him to go and scream in her face was that she may be able to help his son, and he didn’t want to jeopardize it.

“DAD?” his musing was broken by Stiles’ panicked voice.

“Don’t shout Stiles,” he winced slightly.

“I was talking and you were unresponsive. It’s not my fault,” Noah could hear the sulking in his voice.

“How are you feeling Stiles?” Noah put his inner turmoil aside, he needed to know if Stiles’ condition worsen, but his voice sounded strong and he hoped that he was feeling better.

“I’m fine. I mean I feel a lot better than before. It’s like the strength came back to my body. And all it took was a kiss on the forehead by this guy,” Stiles told him.

Noah frowned, he wasn’t aware that something so dire could be resolved by something so simple.

“Where are you and where is this guy now?” Noah was curious to meet the man who help his son.

“We’re heading to the Potter Manor on the Preserve. He said that you should come as well…”  Stiles sounded a bit hesitant and Noah knew that it was because he wanted to protect him. He didn’t even want to tell him about the supernatural, thinking that he couldn’t handle it, not knowing that Noah already knew. It was cute, but it was a behavior that in the long run, could be dangerous.

Noah wanted to be there for his son, to help him come out alive from the supernatural world.

“Potter Manor,” Noah repeated the word and it sounded so foreign coming out of his mouth.

He remembered Lily telling them, he and Claudia, that she would love to have a house in the preserve, and he saw the little smile on James, and he knew that somehow he would gift a house to his lovely fiancé.

After all these years and he didn’t even know that there was a Potter Manor in Beacon Hills. He felt betrayed. They had the time to build a house, and not to come and visit them.

“I have some work to do, but I’ll come as soon as I can. Don’t do anything stupid or reckless. Just know that you can trust these people, just be careful,” Noah caution him.

“Okay, see you in a bit,” Stiles said and then hung up.

He sighed as he lean back into his chair.

He was glad that his son was feeling better, but he needed to know that it wasn’t just a temporary thing.

Noah still couldn’t believe what he just heard, not only his son was feeling better, but it seemed that it was Lily Potter’s doing. When he sent the letter, he didn’t expect her to reach her, let alone for her to help, and already be in Beacon Hills after just a couple of days. After all, it has been more than sixteen years since he last heard from her.

He still remembers the time his dear wife was saddened by the loss of the connection she had with her sister. It happened suddenly and out of the blue the letters stop coming, no matter how many she sent, it was like she vanished from the face of the earth. He and his wife knew there was something more behind her behavior, and they knew that it was something important as they read between the lines.

Lily never went into too much into details, telling them that it was for their own protection, but from what they gathered, something truly terrible was going on in England and she and her family were at the center of it.

He and Claudia offered their help, asking her to move to the States with them, but Lily vehemently refused, not wanting to put them in danger.

The last news they receive was that Harry, his little nephew, just turned one. After that, only absolute silence. After years of no further communication, he started to believe that they were dead, the three of them, but Claudia stubbornly refused to believe him, telling him that she would know if something happened to her sister, brother-in-law, and nephew. Nonetheless, Noah was a bit skeptical, and some days he even started to hate them for the pain they caused his sweet wife.

He had some work left to do, but he couldn’t wait to meet her once again and find out what really happened and why she felt the need to disappear from their life.

The sheriff continued to fill his paperwork, but his mind continued to wander to Lily Potter and the mystery man. He was pretty sure that it was James, and he cursed himself for not asking more questions to his son, or at least the man’s name.

In the twenty minutes following the end of the call, he only managed to fill half a page, and he knew that he wouldn’t be able to do more work for that evening. So, he took his things and walked out of his office.

He was done for the day.

“Are you off Sheriff?” Deputy Parrish asked him with a bright smile.

“Yes, someone came to visit me from out of the country and they’re waiting for me for dinner,” Noah made up an excuse, he wasn’t willing to go into details about what was really happening in his life.

Jordan was a good kid and in the future, he might clue him in about the supernatural, but not today.

Noah lost many deputies under him and he wasn’t willing to lose more. He was willing to do whatever it took to make sure that the men and women working for him would go home safely.

“Then have a good night Sheriff,” Jordan nodded at him and went back to his own paperwork.

“Good night Parrish, and don’t hesitate to call me if something comes up,” Noah replied and started to make his way out of the station.

“I will not,” Jordan replied without looking up.

Noah got into his car and started to drive toward the reserve. He was still thinking about all the possible reasons why Lily and James decided to don’t be part of his and Claudia’s life.

With a sigh, he sped up.

The car come to a stop and Harry was grateful. Even though the driving man was grateful to him and his daughter was alive only because of Harry's intervention, he wasn’t a great talker. The atmosphere in the car was awkward, to say the least.

Harry didn’t really blame him, as the whole situation was quite unusual and Harry was basically a stranger. So, aside from the direction Harry gave him, they didn’t talk.

Harry stepped out of the car and looked at the house in amazement.

He couldn’t help but think that his mother would have loved the house.

Harry reached out with his magic, and he felt the wards reaching back, and a moment later he was key to them. They recognized him as the sole owner of the property and as such, he gain full control of them, while also leaving behind his magical signature.

At a later date, he would have to go to the ward stone and leave behind some of his blood and magic, not only to strengthen the wards but also to have an easier time controlling them.

Mr. Argent got out of his car and walked to him.

“That is the Potter Manor?” the hunter asked and Harry could detect a hint of awe in his voice and he couldn’t really be faulted.

“Yes,” Harry simply said while keeping his eyes on the building.

‘I should have known that my dad wouldn't hold back, especially if it was a gift for mom’ Harry sighed internally.

“How long has it been in your family?” Chris couldn’t help but inquire.

“Almost twenty years. It was my dad's wedding gift to my mom. He had it built for her, but unfortunately, she never got the chance to live in it,”  Harry said with a bitter tone.

“Wow,” the hunter let out and Harry could hear the awe in his voice.

Chris was surprised, he came from old money, and he could see that it must have cost a fortune to build something like that. He knew that the kid in front of him was well off, but he didn’t understand how much until now.

Harry could understand his feelings as he continued to look at the manor.

The front face of the building faced west and the manor could be divided into three main parts. The central one, the left wing, and the right wing. Thanks to the information he got from the wards Harry knew that the manor developed in seven levels, five above ground and two underground.

He wondered why two people needed all that space, even if one accounts for children, it was really too much space.

The manor was surrounded by a high sturdy metal fence and an imposing gate that blocked access to unauthorized people.

“Let’s get back into the car,” Harry said as he flicked his wrist.

The gate opened and passed through it without problems. Harry left it opened as the other should be there any minute now.

As they make the short drive from the gate to the house, Harry got the chance to appreciate the sight.

All over the property, there were big trees, bushes, benches, little ponds, and a few stone gazebos here and there where one could enjoy a nice time outside. What surprised him the most, and it really shouldn't since the property was given to the goblins to manage, was that everything was well kept and nicely groomed.

Chris parked in front of the entrance and they waited inside for the others to arrive. It took about five minutes before the others arrived in Stiles’ jeep and Mrs. Yukimura’s car. The group got off the car and Harry noticed that they were looking around with various degrees of awe and even some wariness, especially from the almost millennia-old fox, she was the weariest one.

“Let’s get inside,” Harry said not willing to waste more time.

Chris once again took Allison in his arms and followed Harry inside, her unmoving body rested against her father’s chest and if Harry couldn’t hear her strong and steady heart beating he would guess she was dead.

They walked the little steps that led to the main entrance. The enormous double door opened without the need for a physical push.

The entrance walls were painted white as well as the staircase that was towering at the center of the room. A red carpet with golden refinement lay over the steps that led to the upper floors.

‘Gryffindor, of course’ Harry had to fight the urge to roll his eyes.

Harry ignored everything else and decided that putting Allison on a bed was the top priority. He confidently walked up the stairs, until he reached the fourth floor. Then he took the right corridor until he stop at a door.

It was one of the most luxurious guest rooms on the property.

When Harry entered he found himself in a nice sitting room, painted in calm tones of blue and white. A couch and two loveseats surrounded a coffee table in front of a fireplace. There were big windows that face the back and that during the day would let in the sunlight. On the left side of the room, a set of decorated doubled doors led to the bedroom.

The bed in the room was big enough to let four people sleep comfortably, another fireplace was in the room with two loveseats facing it. There were two more doors, one that led to the en suite bathroom and one that led to the walk-in closet.

“Put her on the bed,” Harry instructed and Chris did as he was told without protest.

“We should change her into something more comfortable,” Lydia suggested from the entrance of the bedroom, and Harry wasn’t surprised that they followed Chris and him upstairs, just a little annoyed.

Harry sighed.

“Sure,” he snapped his finger and Allison's clothes were transfigured into comfortable pajamas. With a flick of his wrist, her body started to levitate, the sheets were pulled down and she was laid down gently, after which the sheets pulled up and covered her body.

He turned around and he was met with awe faces, well mostly, Chris looked constipated as did Scott and Isaac, but they didn’t do anything reckless, so he counted it as a win. He just needed to see if they were going to behave for what he was about to do.

“Winky, Kreacher,” Harry called out.

“Mr. Harry Potter sir,”

“Lord Black sir,”

Winky and Kreacher's appearance was accompanied by the usual pop sound, and they greeted him with reverence in their voice, even if he told them countless times that they could be less formal.

Harry didn’t have the time to greet them back when he heard the sound of a gun’s safety being pulled off.

He turned around, and sure, Chris was pointing his gun at his house elves. Luckily for them, Scott and Isaac didn’t do anything stupid.

“Are you going to put that thing away or do you need me to help you?” Harry asked him very politely, with an even tone and a raised eyebrow.

Chris looked at him for a moment before securing the gun and putting it back in its holster.

“Good choice,” Harry smiled at him, but it was far from a friendly one.

“What are those?” Scott asked with a confused voice while eyeing Winky and Kreacher curiously.

Harry had to take a deep breath to not snapped at the alpha in the room. He was aware that all his guests, safe from Mrs. Yukihira, never saw a house elf, so he was going to excuse the way Scoot asked his question.

At least Chris seemed to have the tact to not voice his thoughts in that matter, and even so, Harry excused his act of aggression for the same reason and because of the events of the evening.

“Those, are my friends. Treat them with respect or you’ll deal with me,” Harry glared at the group. He was well aware of how house elves are treated in the Wizarding World, and he was not willing to let other people mistreat them, not under his watch.

It seemed that the message was understood as they all nodded.

“They are house elves and they serve magical families. They are not dangerous as long as you don’t mean me any harm, and that’s all you need to know for now,” Harry explained the bare minimum, as he didn’t have the time to go into more details.

“Winky, please look after Miss Argent. She and her father are my guests. Monitor her vitals and call me the moment anything weird happened. The same goes for when she wakes up, most likely she will sleep through the night,” Harry instructed Winky with a kind tone.

“Yes, master Harry sir,” she nodded excitedly.

“Kreacher, please prepare dinner and have it served in the semi-formal dining room. Make enough to feed two werewolves, two foxes, a banshee, four humans, and of course me,” Harry told the older house elf.

“As you command, Lord Black,” Krecher straighten his one-piece suit and bow deep to Harry.

Since he found out that Harry was the new Lord of House Black, Kreacher started to treat him like royalty while always singing his praise. He even forwent his dirty pillowcase and replace it with the uniform that Harry got him.

It was a one-piece sleeveless dress, that reached down to Kreacher’s knee. On its left pocket, the House of Black coat of arm was masterfully embrewed. Kreacher got multiple sets in a few different colors, and he always wore them with pride.

The old house elf glared at Harry’s guest and while muttering something under his breath, he apparated away.

“Let’s go downstairs, we have a lot to discuss,” Harry didn’t wait for their reply and he started to make his way out of the room, but a voice made him stop in his track.

“I won't leave my daughter alone,” Chris protested with a hard tone that normally wouldn’t leave no room for argument, but what he didn’t know was that Harry was more stubborn than him.

“She will not be alone, Winky will watch over her,” Harry pointed out.

“It doesn't matter, I want to be here with her,” Chris said challenging.

Harry was rapidly exhausting the patient he accumulated during his staying in Grimmauld Place. He was trying to be reasonable, but those people were making it hard for him to keep his composure.

“I brought your daughter back to life, I offer you and her my protection, I gave you a safe place for the night. Whatever is going after you, both the Nogitsune and the Oni, will not be able to pass the protection on this manor. You have the chance to get a nice night of sleeve without the worry of being hunted down and killed since this whole thing started. If I were you, I would appreciate that kindness and be a little kinder to my host,” the was an unmistakable edge on Harry’s voice.

The two stared at each other for a moment, and tension filled the room.

“Mr. Argent, I do understand the grief, the worry, the strong urge to protect the people you love, believe me, I do, but I also need to understand the situation better so I could be more prepared and offer adequate help. Those are teenagers, and I need an adult input to this whole thing,” Harry pressed on, but Chirs didn’t bulge, so Harry changed his strategy.

He relaxed his posture, and smile at the older man.

“Well, but of course, you’re free to leave. I’m pretty sure Allison doesn’t need further medical attention. After all, I know that as her father you know the best way to deal with the after effects of coming back from the dead,” Harry smiled genially and left the room without looking back.

He made his way to the ground floor and while he felt the steps behind him, he didn’t bother to check who followed him. From there he walked deeper into the mansion until he stopped at an open space that face the back of the property. It was a nicely decorated sitting room, with big couches and loveseats, there were bookcases built into the wall, filled with numerous books on various topics. There were two big fireplaces on each side of the room, where wood logs burned fiercely, warning the room.

Harry wasn’t bothered by the cold anymore, but some of his guests were, not to mention it gave off quite the nice vibes, and Harry love the wintery atmosphere.

Harry moved to the left side of the room and sat in the armchair that face one of the fireplaces. To his left and right there were two black leather couches, that would magically enlarge themselves to make more space if more people decided to sit.

Soon after he sat down, his guest arrived. To his right sat Lydia, Stiles, Kira, and her mother, while to his left were Scott, Isaac, and lastly Chris.

Harry suppressed the smile that threatened to appear on his face, instead, he show a polite smile.

“Thank you for joining me,” Harry looked at every one of them, even if his gaze lingered for a long moment on Chris, before moving on.

His statement was met with silence and nobody seemed in the mood to make small talk.

“McCall you should call your mother and tell her to come here as soon as she’s done working. You as well Mrs. Yukimura, you should call your husband and tell him the same,” Harry asked them with a polite tone.

“Why?” Scott narrowed his eyes, and Harry could feel the suspicion in his gaze, but for once he wasn’t going to be pissed off about it. He understood that the idea of placing the safety of your mother in the hand of a stranger he just met, could be daunting.

“As I said before, the protections on the house are strong enough to keep the Nogitsune and the Oni out. I’m just offering out of courtesy. You’re free to leave your mother out there, defenseless and ready to get hunted,” Harry shrugged his shoulder, it wasn’t any of his business what they decide. If they were more comfortable not getting his help, he wasn’t going to complain, but he hoped that they did. He didn’t want them to lose a parent if he could help avoid it but that didn’t mean he was going to start kidnapping people left and right.

He noticed Noshiko Yukimura messaging someone and after a moment she spoke.

“Thank you, for your offer. My husband is already on his way here,” the woman spoke politely and briefly bowed her head.

“Don’t mention it,” Harry nodded back.

Harry looked at Scoot, and after exchanging a glance and a nod with Stiles, he took out his phone to call his mother. He explained the situation, and after a back and forth, he closed the call.

“Thank you,” the teen said curtly, and Harry merely nodded at him.

“So, I need you to tell me what’s –“ Harry felt someone entering the range of his outer wards and stopped mid-sentence.

“What’s going on?” Stiles asked with a hint of worry in his voice.

“Someone is coming –“ Harry couldn’t continue as Stiles shouted.

“Who’s coming?” he was frantic, almost on the verge of a panic attack.

“Don’t worry,” Harry said calmly, “the one who’s approaching the Manor is the sheriff, so there shouldn't be a problem. He can walk through the wards without a hitch, and I’ll have Tilly meeting at the entrance,” Harry tried to settle Stiles’ worries.

“Uh, okay,” Stiles managed to say before concentrating on his breathing, trying to calm himself down.

Harry was looking forward to meeting the man.

Noah’s car approached the big metal gates and he was about to stop and get out when the gate opened by itself. Noah stared for a moment, but while a bit surprised, he wasn’t overly fazed. He witnessed other feats of magic that were more worthy than that.

He continued to drive until he saw his son’s Jeep and Chris Argent's SUV, he parked his car and got out. He walked the short distance from the car to the door, his heart beating stronger by the second, and a sense of anticipation spread from his chest to all his body. Every step he took was a step closer to a possible solution to his problems.

He knocked on the big double door, and a moment later it opened. He stepped inside, expecting someone to greet him, but nobody was there.

“Mr. sheriff sir, Master Potter is waiting for you,” Noah suddenly heard a voice.

In front of him, there was a house elf, Tilly if he remembered correctly from the time James introduce him to the little creature.

“Tilly is nice to see you again,” Noah couldn’t help but smile.

Tilly squealed excitedly, before turning around and walking away. Noah did as instructed and followed behind the small creature while being in awe of the big place and its decoration.

Tilly guided him to a big room where his son and his friends were, then she disappeared followed by the typical pop sound.

He was relieved to see that his baby looked much healthier, and not on the verge of collapsing. He knew that he was feeling better, but seeing it was very different from just hearing Stiles saying it. He felt something settle inside him, and a stronger hope bloomed in his chest with the notion that everything will be all right.

“Dad, you made it!” Stiles called out to him as soon as Noah got closer to the group.

He was about to reply when the man who was sitting on the armchair stood up and turned around.

Noah froze.

He couldn’t believe his eyes, it was like he got back in time.

“James?” he called out.

Chapter Text

November 13^th, 2011

“James?” he called out.

The man tilted his head a bit and looked at him. He wasn’t simply looking; he was assessing him. His piercing green eyes were taking every detail in, and they lingered on his right ankle, where he held his second gun.

‘Wait a moment, green eyes?’ Noah thought and it took a moment longer before it clicked together. He knew that Lily had the same shade of eye color, and as he inspected the man's looks, he knew that he was mistaken.

That man wasn’t James.

Not only the color of his eyes was wrong, but he was taller, his skin was fairer and there was a fierceness that James lacked. Despite the man's cheekbones being higher and more defined, he possessed an uncanny resemblance to his brother-in-law.

“People always told me that I resemble my dad quite a bit, but I’m not James. My name’s Harry and I’m Lily and James’s son,” Harry said gently.

“Harry,” Noah repeated softly, he couldn’t believe that the tiny baby turned into such a big man. The last photo he got was when he was still an infant and seeing him right now made him feel old.

Harry was surprised to hear the man calling him by his father’s name. It wouldn’t surprise him if he didn’t undergo a magical and creature inheritance that drastically change him, or so he thought. Evidently, the change wasn’t as radical as he initially believed, and people were still able to recognize James in his facial features which made Harry very happy.

The obvious next thing to do was to assess what level of threat the man posed, and it wasn’t very high. Other than his official gun, he had another one on his ankle and a hunting knife hidden in his boot, and nothing more. Relatively more dangerous than the average muggle, but very far from a true threat.

Harry would be able to take him down with just a nod of his head, but he wasn’t there to fight.

Even before he spoke, he saw the denial and then recognition in the man’s eyes, so he wasn’t overly surprised when the sheriff called him by his name.

“Noah, so you have heard of me?” Harry was sure that it couldn’t be possible that his fame reached the muggles and he guessed that his parents kept in touch with them at least until he was born, but he wanted to be sure.

“Of course I did. Your parents send us pictures of you,” the excitement in Noah's voice was quite evident and Harry smiled gently but he felt his blood freezing when Noah spoke next.

“Are they here?” Noah asked hopefully, but Harry detected a hint of anger in his tone. He didn’t know the cause of it, but it seemed like the sheriff wasn’t aware of his parents’ death.

Harry's smile fell from his handsome face, and his expression went completely blank. As he looked at Noah, his brilliant green eyes narrowed. For a moment he thought that Noah was being purposely obtuse, and he asked about his parents just to be cruel and hurt him.

It wouldn’t be a first that his uncle would want to make him suffer, but as he looked at the man’s face, he saw genuine excitement at the thought of meeting his parents. That, and he used a bit of Legilimency, and sure his eagerness seemed to be real and that meant he will be the one to break the news that James and Lily were gone.

It would be a first.

Harry never had to tell someone that his parents were dead, not like this. Everyone in the Wizarding World knew his parents’ fate and he wasn’t sure how to feel. It left a bitter taste in his mouth.

“I think we should sit down and have a talk,” Harry said kindly while smiling gently.

“No! Why?” Noah said warily and Harry knew that he was already working out the truth. He worked in law enforcement, and he was the Sheriff, Harry was sure that he had broken the news of someone passing before. Asking someone to take a seat when inquiring about the well-being of someone they cared about it was never a good sign.

 “Noah, please take a seat,” Harry said in a tone that broke no argument while gesturing to the couch where Lydia, Stiles, Kira, and her mother sat.

He could feel the curious gazes of his guest, but he ignored them, but he was thankful that they decided to be quiet for once. He wasn’t sure how he would react if they were to interrupt him while telling someone about his parents’ death.

Noah followed his instruction and Lydia scooted over to make space for the Sheriff while the couch enlarge a bit to accommodate the man.

“Tell me,” Noah sported a resing look on his face.

Harry took his place back on the armchair.

“I’m sorry nobody tell you before, but Lily and James Potter passed away on Halloween of 1995,” Harry didn’t see the point of beating around the bush so he went straight to the point. Nonetheless, his tone was gentle and kind.

“1995?” Noah managed to ask with a broken voice, his eyes wetting.

“Yes, I’m sorry for your loss,” Harry nodded, not knowing what to say and feeling out of his depth. Despite them being his parents, he could tell that the man in front of him cared deeply about them, and it wasn’t like he was the only one allowed to grieve.

“How?” the man questioned and Harry could see that the man was on the verge of crying if the red and wetness in his eyes were of any indication.

“They were killed by a madman who was after me,” Harry said matter of factly.

Harry could feel the shock coming from his guests and the outrage coming from his uncle.

“Did they catch him?” Noah’s eyes were burning with fierceness, and Harry was momentarily taken aback. He didn’t know that the man was so close to his parents, but he was glad to see that they had people who love them.

“No, but I killed him,” Harry felt like Noah deserved to know the truth, but he wasn’t overly eager to disclose too many details with people he just met. Nonetheless, Noah had the right to know that the man was now dead, that his parents were avenged, and that they got justice.

The good Sheriff seemed to be conflicted by the revelation and Harry understood him and wasn’t mad. He was an officer who swore to uphold the law, but the Potters were part of his family and he wanted justice for them. In the end, he just decided to not comment on it and he just nodded seriously at Harry with an understanding look in his eyes. Harry was grateful that Noah withheld his judgment.

Harry was about to speak when he was stopped by an outraged shout.

“You killed someone?” an already too familiar voice resounded loudly in the silent room.

Harry turned around, already irritated by the young teen.

“Yes, so?” Harry glared at him not willing to be ashamed of ridding the world of a tyrant.

“It’s wrong!” Scott glared back in his righteous fury. It would be cute if it wasn’t just so frustrating, it was just wishful thinking of a kid who wasn’t aware of the truth of the world, of its cruelty. Sometimes, one had to kill in order to survive. Not long ago he was like him, with an upstanding moral, condemning killing no matter the reason, but long gone was the naïve little boy. Now, he would do whatever it took to make sure the people he love were safe.

Harry felt the sudden urge to curse the teen into oblivion, but he refrained himself.

“I don’t believe this is any of your business. Don’t go around throwing judgments about things you do not understand,” Harry’s face was devoid of any emotion, but his voice was cold and dangerous, an unspoken warning to the werewolf.

“Dude, how do you do it?” Stiles said before Scott could dig a deeper grave.

Harry turned around and his features softened.

“Do what?” Harry couldn’t help the little smile that formed on his face as he notice Stiles’ twinkling eyes.

“That,” his face was full of interest and awe.

“Changning your expression just like that. It’s awesome! Can you teach me?” Harry must have looked confused because Stiles quickly added.

“Oh, that. It’s nothing special, and perhaps you’ll be able to learn,” Harry wasn’t sure if Stiles would be able to learn the mind arts, but they could surely try.

“Yes,” Stiles said excitedly.

“Perhaps we could continue the conversation after dinner?” Harry turned around and spoke to Noah who nodded.

Harry waved his hand and a bottle of Firewhisky with four glassed appeared on the table. Harry poured a generous amount into the four glasses before he passed them to Noah, Chris, and Noshiko.

The three adults were thankful for the drink, but Noah couldn’t stop himself from commenting with a raised eyebrow.

“Aren't you a bit too young to be drinking?” Harry wasn’t impressed by the sheriff.

“I told a killed someone and what you decided to focus on was me drinking?” Harry didn’t conceal his amusement.

“Yeah, right,” Noah grumbled.

Harry gulped the amber liquid in one go and relished the burning sensation as it passed down his throat.

Noshiko followed his example and he wasn’t surprised that a over nine hundred years old kitsune didn’t have trouble drinking the strong liquor.

Meanwhile, Noah and Chris looked at each other and thought it was wise to imitate Harry and Noshiko, and oh boy, they were wrong.

As soon as they emptied their glasses they started to cough and tears run down their faces as they turned red. Harry couldn't help but laugh loudly and he even caught the fox hiding away a smile of her own.

“What was that?” Chirs asked a few moments later once he calmed down.

“Firewhisky, but I didn’t recall being so strong,” Noah replied before Harry and he was surprised that he had it before, but in hindsight, if he met his parents wasn’t entirely impossible that they offered him some.

“It’s Odgen’s Strongest. As the name implied it’s the strongest of the Firewhisky he produces. I should have worn you, sorry,” he said with sincerity in his voice, but the mischievous glint in his eyes told all another story.

Chris and Noah glared at him, but Harry wasn’t bothered.

They didn’t have time to say more as Tilly appeared once more, followed by a man and a woman.

“Master Potter sir, other guests have arrived,” Tilly said politely.

“Thank you Tilly for showing them the way,” Harry nodded at the little house elf who courtesied and left with a pop.

“Mr. Yukimura, Mrs. McCall, welcome to my house,” Harry stood up to greet the new arrivals.

“Thank you for having us,” Mr. Yukimura bow a little in a sign of respect and Harry nodded back at him. Harry noticed how the man glanced at his wife and daughter to make sure they were all right.

“Yes, thank you, Mr. ?” Mellisa looked at his son and then at Harry. She seemed like she was trying to assess him.

“Potter, but you can call me Harry,” Harry told her politely.

“Harry, what are we doing here?” she looked at him with suspicion in her eyes.

“Why, to have dinner of course. Other than that my house is protected against many things and beings, including what is currently hunting down your son and his friends,” Harry told her matter of factly.

“If you follow me,” Harry said and started to walk away not waiting for a response. He was sure that the other could bring the woman up to speed.

He guided the group out of the room and after walking a fair bit, he found himself in front of a big wooden door. He opened the door and walked into a spacious room. At the center and in front of the door, there was a big rectangular table. Two fireplaces were at the opposite end, each behind the head of the table, but far enough to not bother someone if they decided to sit there. They were lit and bright orange flames were raging, warning the big room. Three amazing crystal chandeliers illuminated the room. Big windows on the other side of the door gave a view of the back garden.

“Is this really a semi-formal dining room?” Harry heard Isaac whispering at someone, and Harry couldn’t help but share the sentiment.

The walls were white with golden details and Harry was sure that it was real gold. He was even impressed by the details on the fireplaces, and they were quite big as well.

Harry moved and sat down at the head of the table while admiring the number of dishes. Not only there was a lot of food, but it smelled amazing and looked really good.

“Please, take a seat,” Harry prompted once he noticed his guests were frozen a the entrance.

After a moment, they moved.

On his left sat Stiles, Lydia, Scott, Isaac, and Chris. While on his right sat Noah, Melissa, Noshiko, Kira, and then Mr. Yukimura.

“Please, eat whatever you like,” Harry told them, and then he started to fill his plate, and he couldn't help but notice the high quality of the cutlery, glasses, plates, and everything else. Not to mention the food, it seemed that the house elves outdid themselves.

Harry took a steak with a side of asparagus, mushrooms, mashed potatoes, and a saucer with gravy. There was a lot more, like pasta, rice, fish, vegetable, chicken, pork, and more, all cooked differently. Harry accompanied his dinner with red wine. What he took could be considered as an appetizer for how much he used to eat now.

Harry waited for everyone to have filled their plate before speaking.

“Please, enjoy the food,” he said but he caught Mellissa and Noah looking at the male teens with disapproving gazes.

It seemed that Stiles, Isaac, and Scott were already eating, not waiting before digging in their food. Then he noticed that everyone else had yet to touch their food.

Harry understood what was going on and as soon as he took the first bite, the other started to eat as well.

“So, what are you?” Stiles asked after swallowing his food and Harry was thankful for that. He wasn’t eager to talk to someone who had the same table manners as a young Ron.

“A wizard,” Harry said without a problem.

“A wizard, really?” Stiles narrowed his eyes at him.

“Absolutely. I’m a wand waving, broom riding, pointed hat wearing wizard. We even use cauldrons to make potions,” Harry said with a bit of amusement.

“You’re not pulling my leg, are you?” Stiles asked with a hint of suspicion and Harry could see that while Lydia seemed like was minding her own business, she was paying great attention to them and their conversation.

“I promise,” Harry told him seriously.

“Wow, is that why your eyes glow purple?” he asked with awe in his voice, but Harry wasn’t easily fooled. He knew that his cousin was fishing for information, and he wasn’t being subtle about it.

“No, that’s for an entirely different reason,” Harry smiled at him before turning around and asking Melissa what she did for a living, even if he already knew that.

He chuckled under his breath when he heard Stiles muttering under his breath.

Dinner proceed amiably as they make small talk as they ate, and even if he ate even more than the werewolves, they were polite enough not to point out. Especially since Harry was the one providing the food.

After dinner, they moved back to the room they occupied before dinner and they sat in the same way they sat at dinner.

“Can someone tell me why Stiles is dying?” Harry want information and he wanted them fast and the better way to get it was to be direct. He had no time to waste in more pleasantries.

“What?” they said in chorus.

“He doesn’t look like he is about to die to me,” Mellisa said skeptically.

“Seem fine to me,” Mr. Yukimura felt the need to add and it earned a glare from his wife.

“Maybe it doesn’t look like it, but you should have seen him a few hours ago. He had a couple of days before all his life force would be drained by the Nogitsune,” Harry told them seriously.

All of them paled drastically, especially the parents in the room.

“What do you mean draining his life force and is he fine now?” Noah asked him apprehensively.

“Think of a parasite. Since the moment Stiles and the Nogitsune got separated, the fox is constantly draining Stiles’ life force. Think about how weak he was during these last days,” Harry told them and he was happy to see they were considering his words seriously.

“You did something,” Scott said, but for once it wasn’t an accusation.

“I did,” Harry nodded.

“So, I’m not dying anymore?” Stiles asked fearfully.

“Unfortunately it’s not a permanent solution. The fox is constantly feeding from your life force, and I can’t stop it without hurting you. The best thing would be killing the Nogitsune,” Harry’s tone was very serious.

“What did you do?” Noah was looking at him strangely.

“I link my life force with Stiles’s. Not only I restored his life force, but now the Nogitsune is feeding from my life force instead of Stiles’s. Ergo, Stiles got his strength back,” Harry explained matter of factly.

“What?”

“Why?

Noah and Stiles screamed at the same time while the others looked at him in various degrees of shock.

“Why not?” Harry shrugged, it wasn’t a big deal to him.

“Maybe because it’s dangerous and you might die!” Stiles said fiercely. He glared at Harry, but there wasn’t accusation in his eyes, but worry and guilt.

Harry furrowed his eyebrows. He didn’t like how his cousin seem a heartbeat away from a meltdown.

“It may be dangerous for others, but not for me. I have a very strong life force and my magic protects me. Don’t worry, I can take it. Not to mention, I’m very good at surviving,” Harry smiled reassuredly at his cousin.

Stiles didn’t seem entirely convinced but he didn’t comment further.

“Tilly,” Harry called out and the house elf appeared immediately.

“Please, bring us some tea,” Harry asked and moments later everyone had their cup of tea.

“That’s really good. What is it, magic tea?” Stiles seemed surprised by the taste of the hot drink.

“No, earl grey,” Harry said drily.

“Wow,” Stiles took another sip.

“Now, can someone tell me how a Void Kitsune managed to possess Stiles?” Harry’s tone was demanding, but nobody seemed bothered by it.

“It’s because I’m weak,” Stiles’ voice was filled with shame and he didn’t look anyone in the face, instead he opted to look down at his feat.

Harry sighed.

It seemed that his cousin was filled with guilt for something that was out of his control. That wouldn’t do and Harry vowed to help him get out of that mindset.

“Explain,” Harry asked no one in particular.

“Everything started with the Surrogate Sacrifice Ritual,” Lydia told him.

Harry felt his blood freezing.

“Why do you feel the need to perform such a dangerous ritual? And please tell me you don’t have a Nemeton around,” Harry said slowly, hoping that the answer wouldn’t be so bad, but he knew that it was useless. He already knew that there was one not far from his house.

The teens looked at each other in bewilderment.

“You know the ritual?” Isaac asked with wide eyes.

“Of course I do,” after all the Black Library was full of all sorts of magic and rituals. He became well-versed in the knowledge that the library held.

“We didn’t have another choice,” Scott defended them.

“There is always another choice. The fact that the choices you were faced with led to a path you weren’t willing to walk on didn’t make it any less true,” Harry pointed out and Scott gritted his teeth.

The alpha glared at him, but before he could say something more, Lydia cut in.

“Long story short, there was a Darach that wanted revenge against a pack of Alphas, and to gain the power to achieve her goal she went around town performing the Three Fold Ritual,” she started but she was interrupted by Harry cursing.

“Well, fuck. What groups she chose to sacrifice?” Harry dreaded their answer.

“One can choose different groups?” Stiles seemed very interested in the mechanics of the ritual.

“Of course, it depends on what the one who performed the ritual wants to achieve. Since her goal was revenge I assume she sacrificed Warriors for strength, Healers for healing powers, and Philosofer for enhanced knowledge and strategy,” Harry reasoned out loud.

The people around him seemed surprised by his knowledge and how accurate he was.

“Yeah, but it’s not all. She sacrificed virgins as well and she almost sacrificed guardians,” Lydia added.

“A Five Fold Knot Sacrifice Ritual performed through a Threefold Death Ritual over a place with great Telluric Currents Convergency. Please tell me she’s dead,” Harry asked almost pleadingly.

They once again looked at each other before Scott spoke.

“I let her go,” Scott’s chin was tilted upwards defiantly and there was a look of challenge on his face.

“You stupid child,” Harry sneered and at that moment he sounded just like Snape.

“Hey, watch how you talk to my son,” Mellissa interjected before Harry could reap Scott apart with his words.

“I’m not the one who should watch himself. Your son let go of someone very dangerous that could come back at any time to kill all of you. I know how it feels to have someone hell-bent to kill you and let me tell you, it’s not fun at all,” Harry had to resist the urge to cross the room and smack the alpha on the head.

Harry took a deep breath to calm himself.

“We seemed to have gone off-topic. You mention Guardians, did she take your parents?” Harry questioned Lydia who seemed to be the only one he could talk to without feeling the urge to curse her for their sheer stupidity.

“She took Melissa, Chris, and Noah,” she told him and the three people in question averted their eyes when he looked at them.

“So, what happened next? Who told you about the ritual? Did you have any assistance?” Harry wanted to know who proposed the crazy ritual.

“Deaton, a druid, and the town’s veterinarian told us about the ritual…” Lydia explained in great detail about it and Harry listened carefully. He stopped himself from interrupting the girl even if he had a lot of questions, but he knew that they would spend all night if he were to voice them. He wanted to make plans before sending the other to bed and speak with Noah and Stiles privately.

“For how long were you dead?” Harry knew they came back from the dead the second he laid his eyes on them, but he didn’t focus on the specifics as he was too worried about Stiles and resurrecting Allison.

“Sixteen hours,” Stiles told him.

“Bloody hell, no wonder… This kind of ritual leaves your mind and soul extremely venerable to outside influences. Please tell me that you got help to shield yourself and close the door in your mind,” Harry was well aware that at least Stiles didn’t receive the necessary help, otherwise, they wouldn't be in this problem.

“They did not,” Isaac told him, and Scott glared at his friend.

“Let me know if I got this. This druid help you perform a dangerous ritual to find your parents, which he could use a locator spell instead, and you ended up dead for sixteen hours. He didn’t offer you any aid in protecting yourselves and that led you to be weakened and somehow a Nogitsune was around and possessed Stiles. Not to mention that the ritual powered the Nemeton and now this town became a beacon for all the supernatural creatures. I’m going to bloody murder him!” Harry couldn’t believe how irresponsible the man was. He knew that druids weren’t nearly as powerful or versatile as wizards and witches, but for god sake, it didn't mean they had to be so incompetent.

“It’s not Deaton’s fault!” Scott defended his mentor.

“Yeah, sure,” Harry rolled his eyes.

“Scott’s right, if anything it’s all my fault,” Stiles whispered but Harry heard him.

“It’s not your fault Stiles,” Harry told him gently while looking into his eyes, “This ritual works best if you’re anchored by someone you hold a strong connection with. Ideally, it would be someone you share blood with, a parental figure, a lover, or even a best friend. There wasn’t the need for the three of you to perform the ritual. One would have been enough. Not to mention that you were anchored by Lydia, who wasn’t the best choice honestly, and it weaken you further, I’m just glad that you share a strong enough connection that she was able to pull you back even after the ritual went wrong. And if I have to be honest, it has much more to do with her being a banshee than anything else. If she wasn’t one, I much doubt that you would have been able to come back at all,” Harry took Stiles’ hand in his and gave a squeeze in reassurance while ignoring the pale faces of his guests.

Harry let Lydia explain the events of the past few months that led to this moment and Harry couldn't help but be surprised. It seemed that they survived a lot.

“What now?” Noah asked once Lydia ended her retelling.

“He made a powerful move by splitting himself from Stiles. At this point, you need a divine move,” Noshiko told them.

“What's that?” Stiles asked curiously.

“In the game of Go, it's what we call a truly inspired, or out-of-the-box move. The Nogitsune has had sente, the advantage, until this point. What you need is a divine move in order to turn the game around,” Noshiko explained to them and Harry thought he could be the one to make a Divine Move.

“Okay, so is anyone feeling divinely inspired?” Stiles asked sarcastically.

“Actually, I do,” Harry told them half amusedly.

“Before talking about how to deal with the Nogitsune let’s talk about how to get rid of the Oni,” Harry said before anyone could interrupt him.

“Allison killed one of them. Doesn't that mean something? She killed an Oni” Kira voiced her thoughts.

“Is that even possible?” Chris pointed out.

“I'm not sure how,” Noshiko told them honestly.

“But she did it. She killed one of them,” Kira told them and she seemed so sure that even Chris and her mother looked like they almost believe her.

“Yeah, and then they killed her,” Stiles reminded everyone. Silence fell in the room and Harry took it as his cue to intervene. While Melissa and Mr. Yukimura looked confused.

“Allison is alive and currently sleeping upstairs. She’s not dead. Now I believe she used silver to kill them. Normal silver must remain in their body for a significant amount to kill them, otherwise, it won’t work,” Harry informed them.

“It makes sense,” Isaac couldn’t keep the excitement out of his voice.

“What does?” Scott asked his friend.

“Allison made a silver arrow and she shoot it at the Oni and it died,” Isaac told them.

“So, now we know it works for sure,” Harry said before a sword materialized in his right hand.

“What’s that?” Chirs asked him while eying the sword with a curious and wary gaze. Harry was sure that his weapon caught the hunter’s attention, after all, it was a wonderful and masterfully made sword.

“It belonged to one of my ancestors. It’s called the Sword of Gryffindor. It’s a thousand years old, goblin-made magical sword. It’s made out of Goblin Wrought Silver, meaning pure silver enchanted by goblins with goblin magic. It’s better than non-magical silver, so it should be deadlier for the Oni. So, I’ll take care of them,” Harry told them with finality, which leave no room for argument. Noah seemed like he wanted to interject, but a mere look from Harry made him desist.

Everyone seemed to understand that Harry was merely informing them of what will happen.

“Now, how to kill the Nogitsune?” Harry wanted to hear what his guests had to say on the matter.

“Mom, you said you trapped it in a glass jar, right?” Kira helpfully pointed out while looking at her mother.

“It wasn't the jar that trapped it. It was where I buried it. The Nemeton. A place I don't know too much about,” Noshiko explained patiently.

“Who does?” Kira asked while the other teens in the room looked at each other.

“Deaton. Deaton does,” Stiles said softly but loud enough for everyone to hear him.

“Oh, hell no! I’m not going to trust a crackpot I don’t know for something this serious,” Harry was wholeheartedly contrary to involved the druid that led his cousin and his friends in this situation in the first place.

It seemed like he had to take the matter into his own hands, again.

“Deaton –“ Scott started but Harry cut him off.

“I don’t care! I will take care of him. I will not merely trap him. Instead, I will make sure to kill him once and for all,” Harry once again used a tone of voice that left no room for argument. He made up his mind and he will as he told them for Stiles’ sake.

“How?” Noshiko asked him with a glint in her eyes.

“I know a spell that kills everything it touched,” Harry looked directly into her eyes and she wasn’t able to conceal the surprise in her eyes.

“You’re ready to go so far as to cast the Killing Curse? Can you even perform it? How old are you?” Noshiko narrowed her eyes.

Harry wasn’t surprised that she knew about it, after all, she was over nine hundred years old and a fox to boot. It was bound to happen sooner or later in her life to stumble into the Wizarding World. It wasn’t anything to be overly concerned with.

Harry could feel the other people in the room looking at him. Their gaze felt heavy on his body, but he wasn’t bothered by them.

“I’ve already cast two of the three Unforgivable and I’m sure I can cast this one too. I may be seventeen, but I’m far more powerful than you realized,” Harry’s eyes flashed purple in warning. He doesn't like being questioned, and even less being judged by strangers.

They had no right and he was starting to be fed up with their gazes.

“Why tho? We don’t even know you,” Stiles was the one who interrupted the staring contest between Harry and Noshiko.

Harry turned to look at Stiles and willed his eyes to turn back to normal.

“Because you’re family Stiles,” Harry told him softly and kindly, but it did nothing to prevent the others to hear his words.

Chapter Text

“Because you’re family Stiles,” Harry told him softly and kindly, but it did nothing to prevent the others to hear his words.

Harry looked around at the shocked faces of his guest. Scott’s mouth was hanging open, he continued to look from Stiles to Harry and back with huge wide surprised eyes. Isaac was doing a good job imitating Scott with the addition that he was sniffing the air like he wanted to smell the familiar relationship, not knowing that Harry completely erased his smell.

Chris was looking horror-struck. He looked at Stiles, then at Noah, and finally, he set his eyes on Harry. Harry could see his mind racing, and the hunter went paler by the second. Harry wasn’t sure what he was thinking, but he knew that whatever it was, it scared him to death.

Lydia was doing a good job trying to look like the news didn’t faze her, but she couldn’t fool Harry. Her eyes were narrowed, and she seemed to be in deep thought a calculating glim in her eyes, with the faintest of smiles on her pale face.

Noshiko was surprised for just a moment before her features smoothed into an expression of polite interest, but it was enough for Harry to see it. Her husband was frowning at Harry and Stiles not sure what the revelation implied. Kira's beautiful face was morphed into genuine surprise and, Harry dared thought, happiness.

Mrs. McCall was glaring at Noah with her hand covering her mouth. She then turned around to look at Harry. He could still see the glare that was directed at the sheriff before she started to look at his face with intense attention. She scanned his face and Harry raised an unimpressed eyebrow in question, but he was ignored. She didn’t seem to stop her searching even after he pointedly cleared his throat, but it didn’t work. Then Harry decided he had enough of the woman looking at him like he was something to gawk at, so with practiced ease, he looked into her eyes and dived into her mind. It was extremely easy to find what he was looking for, and he couldn’t help but feel appalled at the woman’s assumption.

“It’s none of your business,” Harry started politely and in a second every eye in the room was on him, “but you will find, Mrs. McCall, that I’m not a child born out of wedlock. My parents are neither Noah Stilinski nor Claudia Gajos and my relationship with them is none of your business, but our own,” Harry said frostily and a shiver run down his guests’ back, they were sure if it was just pure fear or the drop in temperature that accompanied the wizard’s words.

In the silence that followed, Harry glared at the woman, who paled but still had the measure to look ashamed of her hastily made assumption.

“Tilly,” he called out with barely contained irritation.

“Yes, Master Potter sir,” the house elf appeared with a pop.

Harry looked at her before closing his eyes for a brief moment to gather himself.

“Please, escort our guests to their chambers. Make sure that Mr. Argent has the room closest to his daughter and that no one disturbs her resting,” Harry said kindly, there was no sign of his previous irritation in his voice.

“Yes, sir,” Tilly nodded her head.

“If I may Lord Potter,” the hunter interjected carefully.

“You may Mr. Argent,” Harry gestured with his hand for him to go on.

“I would like to spend the night in my daughter's room,” he requested and Harry didn’t find it in his heart to deny the man’s simple request.

“Reasonable,” Harry commented politely.

“Tilly, please place a bed in Mrs. Argent's bedroom and supply all of them with pajamas and clothes to wear in the morning,” Harry instructed once more.

“I will be doing now,” Tilly went to carry his master’s wishes.

Harry turned back to look at his guest, and he wasn’t really surprised to be met with Scott’s outraged gaze.

“Are you sending us to sleep?” Scott’s asked in an incredulous tone of voice.

“Very sharp of you to notice the obvious,” Harry replied dryly before dismissing him.

“Noah, Stiles, if you would stay behind, I believe we have a lot to discuss,” Harry focused his attention on his uncle who seemed a bit surprised to be addressed.

“Sure,” he nodded and Harry turned to Stiles.

“It’s not a problem for me,” he replied to Harry, his relative.

He didn’t know how they were related, but he was grateful that he came to help them. He still couldn’t shake the dreadful feeling that the knowledge of his almost death brought him. He couldn’t stop thinking about how his death would break his dad. He still remembered how he sought comfort in drinking when his mother passed away and wasn’t sure his dad would survive.

Harry smiled at him gently, and Stiles couldn’t help but notice how handsome he was and how his brilliant green eyes were filled with kindness. Now that he was thinking about it, he noticed that every time Harry looked at him, his eyes softened.

He couldn't stop himself from smiling back.

There was a burning curiosity in deep in his chest. He was normally a curious and inquisitive creature, and he wasn’t able to prevent himself from wondering and making theories on basically everything. Needless to say, he was dying to know how he was related to such a powerful being. Someone who could even defeat death.

Stiles noticed how Harry’s lips turned to form a mysterious smile, while his eyes lit up in amusement. Stiles didn’t know why and so he averted his eyes, and Scott felt that it was the perfect moment to insert himself in the silence.

“What? No!” Stiles could hear that his tone sounded even more outraged than just moments before, but there was a petulant undertone to it. Scott often got like that when he didn’t get his way, but usually, there was more whining.

“Excuse you?” Harry raised an eyebrow and there was a warning in his voice. Stiles could see clearly that the other teen was far from amused, and quite fed up with Scott's behavior.

Scott had the heart in the right place, but he lacked a bit of brain. Not to mention that he had the uncanny ability to put the foot in his mouth at the least appropriate times. Not that Stiles didn’t have a similar problem, his sarcasm landed him in lots of trouble, and despite that, he could stop himself from using it.

“We will stay, they need protection. We don’t know you, you may be up to something,” Scott said vehemently.

Stiles felt both touched by Scott’s caring and irritated that Scott felt like he and his dad could protect themself, but there was something else he felt, and he was surprised when he finally noticed.

Indignation.

He felt offended on Harry’s behalf. Not only the accusation was baseless, but if Harry wanted to harm them he knew he couldn’t easily do it. Not to mention that he opened his house for them to be safe and he couldn’t simply let the Nogitunes kill them all.

Stiles looked at Melissa, who was looking at her son while frowning. Then he chanced a glance at Harry. His features were completely blank, but his eyes were burning with fury.

Scott didn’t seem to notice and felt it was wise to stand up and flash his eyes red while bearing his teeth.

“You’re dangerous and you may hurt them, and I have to protect them!” Scott growled.

Stiles turned to look at Harry once more to see his reaction.

Harry stood up drawing himself to full height, his eyes turned purple with a vertical slit and shone brightly. The next thing he knew, Harry leaned forward and… roared

Several things happened at once.

He felt a strange, but familiar energy surging within himself, enveloping him in a golden hue.

His eyes were still on Harry who now grew fang, which looked sturdy and very sharp.

The roar reverberated throughout the whole property. It was so strong and loud that the windows shattered in a booming explosion. The expensive crystal chandeliers fell to the ground, the lights went out plunging the room into almost pitch darkness, safe from the column of fire coming from the fireplace.

Stiles had to look twice for his brain to register what he was seeing. From the fireplace, the fire seemed to follow the example of the owner of the house and his fiery temper. Stiles was surprised to notice that he could hear the cracking and swishing of the bright scarlet fire.

Stiles focused his attention on the occupants of the room, and a weaved of relief washed over himself as he notice that his father was protected from harm thanks to the same golden hue that enveloped him. The relief didn’t stop there as he saw the same protection was over Melissa, Chris, and Mr. Yukimura.

Unfortunately, the relief stopped there.

He looked at Lydia who was kneeling beside him with her head down. Mrs. Yukimura was in the same position, and both seemed relatively unharmed if one discarded the blood running down from their ears, but the same couldn't be told for the others.

Kira was curled up in a fetal position, her eyes tightly shut while her hands covered her ears trying to stop the noise, but who had it worst, in Harry’s opinion, were Isaac and Scott.

They were flatted to the ground, face on the floor and hand over their head. Blood was running out from their nose and ears. Their bodies were trembling, if it was in fear, Stiles couldn't tell, but their pale faces were a tell on their own.

As suddenly as it started, the roar stopped, leaving behind a resounded silence. The fire calm down and returned to what was before Harry’s roar, crackling gently. Stiles noticed how Chris’ hands were twitching like he was itching to get his guns out, but he seemed to have learned his lesson, but what got his attention was the whimpering sounds that Scott and Isaac were making.

Everyone was like rooted in their place.

Stiles was still looking at them, when out of nowhere Harry was there, behind the werewolves. He took Scott by the neck and flung him across the room. Scott traveled the whole length of the room in a direct line, before hitting the wall with a resounding thud and falling onto the floor.

“Kreacher,” Harry called out with fury laced voice.

“Lord Black, how can I be of service to the great Master,” Kreacher came with a popping sound and bow down to Harry.

“Take him to cell eleven,” Harry said cooly.

“Oh, the dungeon! Master dare I ask why?” Kreacher's eyes lit up in delight.

“He needs to learn some respect and not to speak when no one is seeking his opinion,” Harry drawled silkily.

“Kreacher lives to serve the great Lord Black, the greatest of us all,” Kreacher's eyes filled with glee, and bow very deeply before turning around.

Stiles got a glimpse as the house elf's face morphed into an expression of disdain and fury. From the corner of his eyes, he noticed Isaac, Lydia, and Kira standing up, still looking a bit dazed.

“Disgusting mutt soling my Master property with his filthy self,” Kreacher muttered loud enough for everyone to hear.

“Oh, what a great Master Kreacher serves. If only the Lord would allow poor, old Kreacher to use a bit of dark magic to teach the filthy beast a lesson,” Kreacher went on as he padded towards Scott’s unconscious form.

“Oh, how Kreacher craved vengeance for the House of Black Lord’s honor. Kreacher would gladly remove a limb or two from the stupid wolf who dared to defy Kreacher’s great Lord or maybe…” Kreacher’s voice faded away and Stiles got the feeling the house elf was still thinking about how he could best bring harm to his best friend.

Kreacher almost reached Scott when he let out a triumphant cry.

“Yes, yes, that could work,” Kreacher’s voice was filled with mad glee as he took more steps.

“After all the crazy elf almost kill crazy Bella with that, but Kreacher could do better. Kreacher will not fail and will kill his Lord’s enemies. Yes, yes,” Kreacher cackled madly as he shorted the final distance between him and Scott, but just as he approached him, the elf slipped and fell over Scott, headbutting him.

Scott groaned, but he didn’t wake up.

Kreacher quickly stood up and turned to face Harry.

“Oh, my Lord, please forgive Kreacher for his mistakes,” the house elf told him, but his tone was far from apologetic, while a sinister smile was etched into his face.

“There’s nothing to forgive Kreacher, just make sure to be more careful with his handling from now on,” Harry said with an equally wicked smile and for a moment Stiles felt fear for the wellbeing of his friend, but once again he reasons that Harry wouldn’t seriously harm them.

The glee in Kreacher's eyes intensified and from how his face lit up, one would believe that Christmas came early. He once again bow deeply, then he turned around, and with a snap of his long finger, Scott’s body floated above the ground. The house elf snapped his finger once more, and both were gone with a resounding pop, but not before Scott’s head hit the wall three times.

“Where did you send him?” Mellissa asked fearfully as Harry’s eyes turned around. His eyes were cold, and gone was the amusement that shone at the house elf antics.

“To the dungeon, where he will spend the night and where you will join him if you don’t behave. I’m here to help Stiles and Noah but beware, I do not owe them or you anything. You do not want to make an enemy out of me as they always turned out dead or in prison,” Harry warned them with finality in his voice and Stiles got a distinct feeling that he was done putting up with their crap.

“Listen here –“ Melissa started and Stiles recognized the tone, it was the same one she used when Stiles and Scott did something very wrong as she was about to scold and ground them. Her eyes showed determination, but she couldn't completely conceal her fear. Whatever she was about to say died down as Harry whipped out his wand and pointed at her.

She turned into a big bronze coin, which then floated toward Harry and into his outstretched hand.

“Kreacher, Tilly,” Harry called once again and the house elf popped into the room.

“Break the charm and put her in cell ten,” Harry instructed the old house elf who just bowed, perhaps sensing his master's bad mood.

Harry waved his wand and the dried blood on the other’s skin vanished, and Stiles got the feeling that he healed Lydia’s ears as well.

“Follow Tilly to your rooms, now. If you need her help you’re allowed to call her,” the dismissal was clear in her voice and Stiles was thankful to see that nobody protested further.

Everyone was already up and recovered from the roar, and as they move passed Harry, Stiles saw various degrees of fear, apprehension, and interest.

Noshiko bowed her head, likely in thanks for protecting her husband before she passed him.

Harry looked pensive, then he turned around and called her.

“Noshiko,” the fox stopped at the door, turning around to face Harry. The other did the same, simply too curious to keep moving.

“Yes?” she inquired and Stiles noted the weary tone in her voice.

“Is my understanding that the Onis came from the power of your tails, am I correct?” Harry told her with a small smile on his face.

“Indeed, you are,” she replied tersely like she expected to be suddenly attacked, nonetheless she was polite in her response.

The duo stared at each other intensely before Harry spoke once more.

“Catch,” Harry throw something that resembled a vial with a thick golden liquid swirling in it.

Noshiko didn’t have a problem catching the vial despiting being thrown with abnormal strength,

“What’s this?” she asked after briefly glancing at the vial, after which she return to look at Harry.

“It’s a potion that allows you to regain the full strength of your tail,” he said with a gentle smile.

Noshiko looked stunned for a moment before remembering her manner. She bowed deeply to Harry.

“Thank you,” she said with gratitude filling her voice.

Harry nodded.

“Just think carefully next time you feel the urge to unleash something like that on my ancestor's land. A final word of advice, if you ever find yourself in a similar situation, contact the Lord of the Land,” the smile fell from Harry’s face and his face looked stern and reproaching.

“Who? The Hales?” Stiles blurted out unable to stop himself.

Immediately two sets of eyes, one green, and the other brown looked at him. Stiles was already regretting opening his mouth as their gaze felt like pressure on his body. it was like an invisible force was pushing down on him.

It immediately disappear the second their eyes left his body, and once again Harry and Noshiko locked their gaze.

Stiles let out a breath of relief.

“I will,” Noshiko bowed once again, but not as deeply, then turned around and left the room.

She was quickly followed by the others.

“Please take a seat,” Harry asked them and with a flick of his wrist the door closed, and with another something else happened, but Stiles couldn't tell what it was.

Noah and Stiles complied.

“Another drink?” Harry asked and Noah nodded his head.

Harry was about to sit down, but then frown and looked around the room. He sighed loudly and snapped his fingers two times.

With the first snap, three glassed appeared, while with the second the room started to put itself together. The broken glass floated and rearrange itself to form the unbroken windows. The chandeliers knitted themselves back together and floated back to their rightful place, and once more the room was well lit. the shattered china, the glasses, and the bottle of liquor repaired themselves and they were like new.

Stiles was amazed by the sight.

Harry filled three glasses with the amber liquid and passed it to the father and son duo who were seated at his right. He took his glass and gulped the Firewhisky in one breath. He refilled the glass, sat, and turned to face his relatives.

“Stiles is too young to drink,” Noah pointed out not unkindly.

“I believe that after the events of tonight he could use something stronger than coffee or tea. He just needs to be careful and sipped it, we don’t want a repeat of what happened before, do we?” Harry’s shone with amusement.

Noah sighed loudly.

“Fine, but not make a habit,” Noah warned him and Harry smiled, happy he got his way.

“Awesome!” Stiles seemed he was just waiting for his father’s approval and as soon as he got it, he snatched the glass so fast that even Harry seemed surprised.

Stiles took a small, tentative sip, and the first thing he notice was the burning sensation running down his throat. He couldn’t help it, and he started to cough.

“Here, here,” his father patted his back but Stiles noticed how amused he was.

“That’s not fair, you could have a whole glass without a problem,” Stiles pouted and Harry simply shrugged.

They fell silent and the atmosphere grew heavier with every second. They all knew what was going to happen, or at least they have a vague idea, but it seemed that no one was overly eager to approach the subject.

The silence stretched a bit further before Harry spoke.

“Should we begin?” he asked and his tone indicated that it wasn’t really a question.

The Stilinski men nodded.

Stiles watched in amazement as Harry opened his hand and a letter materialized on it.

“How do you do that?” Stiles couldn't restrain his curiosity any longer.

“I modified the summoning charm to better accommodate my needs, and it looks cooler,” Harry explained without problem, but it seemed he added the last part as an afterthought.

“Wow! Can anyone make changes to spells and charms?” Stiles pressed on, his mind racing a thousand miles per second.

Harry frown.

“Theoretically yes, but in reality, it takes a great deal of skill and knowledge. Not to mention that it’s quite dangerous,” Harry explained, but before he could ask more questions, Harry gave him the letter he summoned.

“I promise a will answer your question at a later time, but I believe we should first tackle a more serious matter and then get a good night's sleep. Tomorrow will be a big day and we must be well rested,” Harry said calmly looking at him with green understanding eyes.

“Ah, right,” Stiles muttered.

Stiles read the letter and he couldn’t believe his eyes, he had to read it multiple times to just get over the shock. The man in front of him was his cousin and his mother had a sister he never knew about. Harry was a connection to his mother, and since he had very few left, it meant the world to him.

“Why did you never tell me?” Stiles turned to face his father with hard eyes, the accusation was evident in his voice.

“I –“ his father began but he was cut off by Harry.

“The truth,” he said in a calm voice.

“What?” Noah and Stiles asked at the same time.

“Let’s make a deal, to tell the truth, no matter how unpleasant it could be. I have enough of people lying to me, and it wouldn’t do well to…” Harry seemed to struggle for a moment to find the right words, but then he spoke with caution in his tone, “to start our relationship with lies,”.

Stiles wondered who lied to his cousin and how often for him to be fed up.

“Deal,” Stiles accepted immediately, after all, he wanted to know the truth and he didn’t have a problem sharing his experience. In addition, he knew that omitting something wasn’t lying and half-truths were lies either. Stiles felt confident that if necessary he could come out on top, that was until he notice Harry’s smile and his confidence faltered a bit.

Harry smiled at him as he knew perfectly well what he was thinking and honestly it was quite unnerving as it was his twinkling eyes. Stiles wondered if there was a spell to make them twinkle.

Noah hesitated a bit, but he ended up accepting the deal as well.

“I didn’t tell you because I believe that they cut all ties with us. Especially after your mother’s death, I resented them for denying Claudia her dying wish to see her sister again,” his father explained softly making an effort not to look at Harry.

Stiles didn’t have the same problem and as he turned around he managed to get a glimpse of  Harry’s thunderous expression before he smoothed his facial features, a blank expression appeared on his handsome face.

“Understandable,” Harry let out flatly.

Noah looked up at him for a moment before looking away with a mild ashamed look marrying his face.

Stiles stood up and sat on the opposite side of his father to have a better view of the two men without the need to turn around.

“So, what happened in reality?” Stiles asked with a small voice.

Harry sighed and took a sip from his drink, before opening with mouth and speaking in a carefully neutral tone.

“As I said before they were murdered by a dark wizard. The Dark Lord Voldemort was after me because a prophecy was made that stated that I would be the one to vanquish him. My parents went into hiding but they were betrayed by one of their closest friends and my mother give up her life to save mine. And that’s the shortest most basic version of the events,” Harry said matter of factly.

Stiles didn’t like how Harry talked about his parent's death, it was cold and clinical just almost like he was just reciting well-known facts. He wasn’t able to speak about his mother’s death without at least getting his eyes wet or his voice breaking.

“The man who betrayed them?” Noah’s eyes were burning with so much fury that Stiles was taken aback. He never saw his father like that.

“What about him?” Harry raised an eyebrow.

“Who it was? Did they get him?”  Noah asked in a hard voice but a moment later his eyes widen so much that Stiles feared that his father’s eyes would fall out of his eye sockets.

“Please, tell me it wasn’t Sirius,” Noah whispered, but there no denying the pleading inflection in his voice.

Stiles looked at Harry, and for the first time, he saw the shock on his cousin’s face. Surely, it didn’t last long, but it took him more time than normal to change his features.

“No,” Harry replied with a whisper as well, but it wasn’t pleading like Stiles’ father, but it sounded hunted, almost hollow.

Harry gulped down the rest of the whiskey before pouring himself another one.

“Then who? Remus?” Noah pressed on with determination and Stiles knew that he would stop at nothing to get the answer out of Harry, which once again emptied his glass, and not a moment later he refilled it.

Stiles and Noah looked at each other and they sported matching frowns. Stiles wondered if Harry had a problem with alcohol or if it was just the mention of his parents' death that made him drink so much. Regardless, Stiles noticed that he wasn’t minimally affected by its consumption and he guessed that whatever creature his cousin was, he was a healing factor that didn’t allow him to get drunk.

“Peter Pettigrew,” Harry uttered the name with so much contempt that it surprised Stiles.

“Peter?” Noah sounded genuinely taken aback, “Are you sure?” the disbelief was clearly heard by both Stiles and Harry.

“Am I sure?” Harry repeated slowly and Stiles knew immediately that his father said the wrong thing.

“Am I sure that the man who betrayed my parents is poor, little, defenseless Petter Pettigrew?” Harry drawled silkily in his best imitation of Snape.

“But h-he,” Noah stammered a moment before clearing his throat and trying again, “I don’t understand why. He was so…,” Noah didn’t feel it was appropriate to end the sentence but by Harry's looks, Stiles knew he understood what his father wanted to say.

 “But he was so nice,” Harry said sarcastically in the same silkily tone.

“He was,” Noah said weakly.

“He was a coward! That’s why he did it. He was afraid of dying and bargain my parents' lives with his,” Harry said heatedly.

Stiles felt that there was a lot behind that story.

“Where is him now?” the fury in Noah’s eyes came back and he understood that Harry was a hundred percent sure that Pettegrew was the traitor.

Harry smiled sinisterly.

“Noah,” Harry began as he lean forward like he was sharing a secret with them. Stiles and Noah felt compelled to emulate the gesture.

“I wasn’t lying when I told you that my enemies, sooner or later, end up dead or in prison. In this case, I glad to inform you, that Peter died almost a year ago,” there was a satisfied glint in Harry’s eyes, and Stiles gulped down nervously and at that moment he vowed to never make an enemy out of his cousin.

Noah nodded, raised his glass, and downed the liquid. This time he barely coughed. As he put the glass down, it refilled itself.

“Good, good,” Noah murmured and Stiles was sure how much more his father could take before breaking down. Stiles wanted to stir the conversation into a lighter topic, but before he could, Harry spoke.

“That’s all good and well, but I must warn you,” Harry began and he immediately caught Noah’s attention, “I must warn you that not all my enemies are dealt with, and some are still at large and I’m sure, sooner or later, they will seek vengeance,” Harry paused for a moment to look at them before continuing.

“They will want to avenge their master and they are well aware that the best way to hurt me, is to hurt the people close to me. My family and friends. You must understand that the people whom I love have a target on their back, and by the simple fact that we share blood and a bond, they will come after you if they will ever be made aware of your existence,” Harry spoke gravely.

Stiles and Noah were too surprised to speak and Harry took their silence as a sign to go on with his speech.

“Of course, I’ll do my best to protect you and make sure that no harm befalls you, but there was no guarantee. There are other ways to deal with it, of course, but it’s your choice. I can make people forget about our connection, speaking of which, I should have blurted the information as I did. It was careless and stupid, a blunder,” Harry continued with a thoughtful frown.

Stiles couldn’t help but feel a bit offended both on Harry’s behalf and how he phrased his last sentence.

“A blunder?” Noah cried outrage.

Harry looked at him and his frown deepened.

“For god’s sake kid, we’re family! You shouldn’t feel like it’s dangerous to tell people that, it’s not fair. Not to mention, us Stiliski stick with family, no matter what,” Noah told him hotly with a stubborn glint in his eyes and Stiles couldn’t agree more.

“Exactly! Dad’s right, you’re stuck with us now. We look after each other and always have each other’s back. We are family,” Stiles shared his thoughts as well and as he caught his father’s eyes, he could see the pride in them, and Stiles couldn't help but feel pleased with himself.

Harry looked surprised but then regarded them carefully, considering their words, and after a long moment, he finally spoke.

“Very well, but better be careful. I don’t want anything bad happening to you,” Harry said kindly.

Noah nodded.

“Well, the worst thing that could happen is getting killed,” it was Stiles's turn to get his foot into his mouth and he regretted his words the second they left his mouth.

Harry looked at him and his gaze felt heavy on his body and he couldn't help but feel a bit ashamed.

“You will find, Mieczysław, that there are fates far worse than death,” Harry told him sharply, but not unkindly.

Stiles's already fair complexion paled further at hearing Harry’s words. Stiles gulped and he was impressed that his cousin could perfectly pronounce his name.

Silence followed Harry's statement and nobody spoke for a few minutes.

“So, how are Serius and Remus?” Noah tried to say lightly, but it didn’t come out right.

Stiles saw and was sure that his dad did as well, how Harry went rigid and pale a bit. Stiles didn’t get a good feeling.

“Sirius died on June 18^th, 2009. Remus and his wife died on May 2^nd, 2011,” Harry said bitterly and Stiles got a glimpse of anger and regret in his cousin's eyes before Harry could conceal it.

He once again drained his glass.

Noah was stunned into silence.

It was evident that he didn’t know what to say or do, and Stiles couldn’t really blame him. He just got the news that five people he knew, and was friends with, were dead, and he could understand that it was a hard blow.

“There are much more things we have to address, but I believe we should go to sleep now, as I said before, tomorrow will be a challenging day,” Harry spoke suddenly, but with care and gave them a small, but sincere smile.

Noah nodded and Stiles didn’t object as he did indeed feel tired.

They followed Harry to the same floor where Allison was staying, and Harry assigned them a room each.

“This is just temporary, but once everything is resolved, I hope you would choose a room on the family floor. I want you to treat this as your home, and you will always be welcome here,” Harry told them with so much sincerity and vulnerability that Stiles was surprised.

He couldn’t believe that someone who just met them, was opening the door of his mansion to them, giving them a permanent room.

Suddenly, and Stiles wasn’t minimally surprised, Noah walked to Harry and gave him one of his bear hug that  Stiles still love to this day. It didn’t matter how old he got, his father’s hug made him always feel loved and protected.

Harry seemed quite uncomfortable but after a moment he wrapped his arms around Noah. Harry’s eyes watered a bit, but Stiles was a gracious person and decided to not mention it.

“Good night, I’ll see you at breakfast tomorrow,” Harry said a bit awkwardly.

“Good night,” Noah and Stiles told them at the same time.

Harry smiled one last time before walking away.

Stiles got into his room, and he wasn’t surprised to see that it was so big, but he didn’t have the strength to explore it. He went directly to the bedroom and changed into comfortable pajamas that he found on the bed, probably left there by the house elf.

In no time he was under the sheets, head on the pillow, and ready to sleep.

Stiles caught a glimpse of red outside of his windows and before he got the time to get up and check what was the cause, he heard a song. It sounded peaceful and soothing, and Stiles knew that nothing would harm him in his cousin’s home, so he let the song lull him to sleep.