Chapter Text
Henry put down his quill and looked at Hermione. “Are you done yet? I don’t plan to spend all day studying Ancient Runes.”
He picked up his quill again, dipped it into the small jar of ink and waited for his friend.
She blew out a silent sigh and looked at him with exasperation.
She lifted her sharp quill and pointed it at him. He wasn’t sure if she was trying to make a threat. Hopefully, she wasn’t. “How are you so good with Ancient Runes? I thought that Defense Against the Dark Art was your favourite subject.”
Ron groaned. “Not again!”
Henry smirked, wrote, dipped his quill then wrote again. “Every Potter is a natural in Combat Magic. Ancient Runes however needs more investment. I heard that My Grandma Euphemia was a prodigy and decided to honour her by taking Ancient Runes seriously. You never know when you might need them.”
“That’s deep, mate,” Neville’s eyes shone with respect. “I can relate seeing that Mum is…was very fond of Herbology.”
Henry looked at Ron and Hermione through the corner of his eye, his heart suddenly bleeding for his best friend and godbrother.
He inhaled a deep breath and forbade himself from showing any signs of pity.
Neville didn’t need his pity, he needed his friendship.
His parents could’ve died hadn’t Dowager Augusta Longbottom and her brother, Unspeakable Algie Longbottom rushed to the cottage as soon as Sirius sent a Patronus.
Maybe Lady Alice Longbottom had lost her memories, but her soul was there. It counted.
“Less talk, more work, please,” his mother pushed the door open.
“Mum,” he mumbled. “We’ve been studying for three hours.”
She smirked and motioned for Ezio to bring the refreshments. “I know. However, if you want to have twelve NEWTs like me and your father, you have to study. Harder.”
Henry, Ron and Neville sighed.
Hermione nodded and pursued her lips. “Mrs Potter is right. We have to take our education more seriously.”
Lily’s face softened. “But don’t forget to have fun from time to time. You’ll cherish these memories later.”
“Am I dreaming? Are you perchance encouraging the children to follow the Marauders’ way? Wow, Lils, I’m so proud of you,” his father whistled the moment he joined them.
Lily gave him a sharp side glance. “I won’t have another Marauder in my home. Dealing with you and Sirius on a regular basis is more than enough.”
“Why are you not mentioning Remus?” James pouted pitifully.
“Because, unlike you, he was responsible,” Lily rolled her eyes.
“Lils!” James gasped.
Henry and his friends burst out laughing.
“Doesn’t your uncle Remus visit?” Hermione whispered.
“He does occasionally,” he sighed. He’s my godfather. Unfortunately, Magical Britain doesn’t offer many jobs for—’’ Henry stopped midsentence, his smile vanishing. “…for people with his special condition. He’s sick.”
It hurt that his godfather had to disappear for months working with Muggles. He was a proud wizard. He did not accept financial help from his best mates.
“I’m sorry,” Ron patted his back.
“Hey, I’m fine,” Henry waved his friends' worries. “He makes sure to visit whenever he can."
Lily and James exchanged a glance. The latter cleared his throat and his jovial expression vanished. “We’re going to have a special guest tonight; someone we haven’t seen in years.”
Henry noticed that his father’s face paled a bit. “Arcturus will bring his cousin later and I expect you to behave impeccably. No breach of manners is allowed.”
Neville swallowed audibly. “Is she a traditionalist, Uncle James?”
It was obvious that his father held this guest in high regard. “I wouldn’t say that. From what little I’ve heard about her, she likes to act in the most unexpected ways. I wouldn’t test my luck, though. She’s important to Sirius and Arcturus, so we have to treat her accordingly.”
Ron did not hide his relief. “I’m going back to the Burrow, tonight. Charlie will be back from Romania. Are you coming?” he looked at Hermione.
“Yes. I’d like to hear some stories about dragons,” she nodded frenetically.
Henry mumbled under his breath. “Traitors.”
He cocked an eyebrow, his eyes narrowing on Neville. “You’re stuck with me. You are not leaving tonight.”
Neville seemed resolved to his fate.
At least, Harry would be there to help him deal with this special guest.
Cassius smiled sympathetically. “Your grandfather is plotting something.”
“And? It’s what he does best,” Hadrian replied wryly.
His best friend snorted. “Isn’t that why you brought the Diary to him? You knew he would solve the riddle.”
“Time is of the essence. Voldemort won’t stop trying to come back and we have to be ready,” Hadrian, promptly, replied.
He had resolved to be patient, to do his duty to his family and look after his brother whether he needed his help or or not.
Henry wasn’t powerless, far from it. He was growing stronger by the day and he couldn’t wait for him to reach his full potential.
It was obvious Arcturus was suspicious of the Diary and the Obscure Magic he sensed but he remained stubbornly silent and refused to answer his queries.
Hadrian feared what his grandfather was hiding. It was something daunting.
“But to call for Miss Black…” Cassius tsked. “She’d been absent for years, doing Merlin Knows what. Her reputation, though...”
Hadrian did not argue over that. The fearsome Black witch was steeped in the darkest branches of magic, possessing a deep talent that exceeded every daughter House Black had ever birthed.
Hadrian had never met her. She took residence in Paris years ago and seldom visited Magical Britain.
“I wish you luck. It’s good to meet members of your family. One day, you’ll become Lord Black and rule over all these impressive witches,” Cassius said with no small amount of sarcasm.
“As if,” Hadrian dragged the words out. “Narcissa is tied to that slippery peacock, and Bellatrix is rotting in Azkaban. The Black Madness claimed her even before she attacked the Longbottoms and submitted to Voldemort's will. She’s no good to us. Andromeda rarely visits. She couldn’t find it in her heart to forgive the family that threw her out even though Sirius had annulled her disownment as soon as he took the mantle of Lord Black.”
The words slammed inside him, his magic pumping with rage. “Sirius, Arcturus and….Cassiopeia are the only Black family I have.”
There was a short, thundering silence.
“I know,” Cassius said. “I understand how you feel. I lost my grandfather and uncle years ago and the wound never healed.”
Hadrian closed his eyes and whispered. “Family is everything.”
“Family is everything and you’re family, mate,’’ Cassius repeated very, very quietly.
--
Hadrian watched tersely as Cassiopeia’s Black gaze moved to the Potter banner hanging above the fireplace.
The colouring was that of deep burgundy, outlining the design of two Griffins holding two Claymores and speaking of generations of Battle Mages, fighters and duelists.
Hadrian could understand why the design would attract new visitors’ attention. You could almost taste the stifling magic filling the room.
Cassiopeia Black’s hair was the colour of ash, arranged in an intricate style that left her face bare for all to see. Like Arcturus and Sirius, she inherited the silver-grey eyes and chiselled cheekbones.
There was something about her that demanded attention and imposed respect. Her magic was dark and alluring. He shuddered when their gazes locked.
Slowly, deliberately, she laid her left hand upon her knee and studied his family members.
“Thank you for having me, Lord Potter.” Her tone was quiet, her mouth curved in a taunting smile.
“Miss Black,” his father nodded. “It’s a pleasure. Curiously, we never had the chance to meet. And you may call me by my given name.”
Her smile widened. “James. First, I want to thank you for taking care of my foolish nephew all these years. House Black is indebted to you. Even though I don’t care much about deranged mothers, foolish teenagers and estranged sons, Sirius is family.”
“Why, thank you, Aunt Cassiopeia. It astonishes me how much you care,” Sirius rolled his eyes.
“You are welcome,” Cassiopeia went on, unabashed. “Lady Potter, contrary to rumours I have nothing against Muggles and Muggleborns. Maybe because I simply don’t care much about…human feelings. I don't cater whims or Merlin Forbid, soothe sensitive nerves.” Her voice was velvet soft and mildly amused. “But, I do recognize talent when I see it. Your magic speaks for you. You did much for House Potter. You don’t need recognition from blinkered fools to know your worth.”
Hadrian was surprised when his mother’s eyes shone with pleasure. “Thank you, Miss Black. Please do call me Lily, you’re Sirius and Hadrian's family.”
When Cassiopeia tilted her head, Lily added. “And for the record, I’ve never considered myself lesser. I’ve learned early to believe in myself.”
“No wonder you stole James’ heart. You have the spirit of a lioness.”
“I wonder why the ceiling hadn’t fallen yet,” Sirius mumbled under his breath. "Aunt Cassiopeia is—‘’
‘’Your aunt is not deaf, young man. She can hear you,” Cassiopeia drawled. “And to answer your question, I do compliment people. Occasionally.”
Though she kept his gaze fixed straight ahead, Hadrian saw her puzzled reaction in the periphery of his vision, caught her frown as she studied Henry the moment he came into the room followed by a reluctant Neville. He discerned the exact moment her thoughtful glance moving to his forehead. Then, his heart sinking, he perceived the slow, interested upturn of her mouth.
She edged nearer and offered her hand. “Mr Henry Potter, I believe?”
Henry stumbled on his feet then kept himself rigid. “Miss Black,” he lifted her hand to his lips. “It’s an honour.”
“Nonsense, young man. I’ve been looking forward to this meeting.”
As if he just walked into a trap, Henry’s eyes beseeched him for help.
Hadrian winked, enjoying his brother’s distress for a moment.
Cassiopeia’s aura was oppressive. Everyone in the room sensed it, even Henry and Neville.
He wondered, though, why her eyes lit the moment Henry joined them.
There was satisfaction and a deep hunger for more in her eyes; as if she found something she’d been looking for.
He appreciated her presence knowing how elusive she was.
He was looking forward to her help yet he couldn’t help but feel wary of her blatant interest in his brother.
Only his preternatural composure allowed him to remain calm.
Arcturus wasn’t faring any better. His brows were furrowed, his lips pinched in displeasure. It seemed his cousin didn’t share much of her thoughts and secrets.
“How long do you plan to remain in Britain?” Sirius blurted.
Lily glared at him.
“I hate making plans,” Cassiopeia said dryly. “I should leave whenever my job is done.”
She dragged a hand over her immaculate robes and blinked. “Though, I sense that this trip is going to be a most fulfilling one.”
“Merlin’s Mercy,” Sirius moaned. “Did you have to send for her?”
“Are you finding fault with my reasoning?” Arcturus answered firmly. “You knew well why I called Cassiopeia. She’s the only one who can help.”
“I know, but—‘’ His godfather lowered his gaze like a dutiful pup.
“Enough with your whining,” James hissed. “Stop acting like a fool, your aunt seems like a decent witch.”
Sirius spluttered. “I pity your ignorance, Prongs. Truly.”
“Young Henry looks so much like Fleamont. He carries the Potter colouring,” Cassiopeia said, her grey eyes gleaming.
Henry seemed at a loss. “Thank you. Sadly, I didn’t get to spend enough time with Grandpa.”
“He will be avenged, Henry, don’t worry. Only then, his soul will rest in peace.”
Her gaze went to him and he wondered what she read in his face.
He essayed a composed demeanour, waiting for her to find whatever she was looking for.
He ought to have that much control if he wanted to win the respect of a witch as impressive as his great-aunt.
“I sense my family magic in you,” she said ever so quietly. “You are so thoroughly a Potter, but you are the future of House Black. No wonder the family magic claimed you. At last, Sirius did something right.”
“Aunt Cassiopeia!” Sirius gasped.
Without the smallest hesitation, she added. “You are two curious brothers, Hadrian and Henry. I’ve never sensed a bond this strong.”
James inhaled sharply. His voice was rough when he spoke. “They’re my everything.”
“As they should be,” Cassiopeia nodded, pleased with the confession.
“Would you join us for dinner, Miss Black?” Lily cleared her throat and stood slowly.
“I would like to try the Potter elves’ cooking.”
“Actually, Lily helped a lot,” Sirius boasted. “She’s a natural.”
“A Lady who can cook? Even better,” Cassiopeia grin was feral.
“I—‘’
Before his mother could utter a word, a shimmering lynx came running through the wall.
“It’s Kingsley’s Patronus,” James jumped to his feet in alarm.
The lynx opened its mouth and said in Auror Kingsley Shacklebolt’s voice. “Peter Pettigrew escaped Azkaban.”
“The…” Sirius could scarcely force one syllable past his throat.
Hadrian didn’t bother.
He thumbed frantically through his mental dictionary, looking for words, but he couldn’t find what he wanted to describe how he felt.
His gaze went from his father whose face was red with anger to his mother.
Her eyes shone like coals and her hair wafted over her shoulders with repressed energy.
He inhaled deeply when Henry’s palm landed on his shoulder. “Harry, are we...”
“Yes,” he said through gritted teeth, “We will catch the traitor and we will punish him.”
His magic cracked like thunder escaping his austere control. For once, he didn’t mind. Not even when his mother’s brows furrowed with worry.
Vengeful Black magic bubbled up inside him, dark and hungry for blood. His body straightened to welcome it. As soon as he did, anticipation bolted through him sharp and predatory.
Sanity ebbed through the madness. He strived to control his rage and not add to his parents' burden.
He might be a valiant, gallant Potter but at that moment, he needed his Black side.
Every cell in his body called for vengeance.
Cassiopeia shifted toward him.
Satisfaction oozed from her voice when she drawled. “I told you, I expect so much from this trip.”