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Chapter Text

The silence was a shock to his system. It was such a contrast to the cacophony in the death chamber battle. Going to rescue Harry had seemed like the exact right thing to do. It was the first right thing he could remember doing in a very long time. Now . . .  now he wasn't so sure.

He was floating in a formless gray mist. Nothing seemed to exist here beyond the gray mist. He looked down where his body should be and found nothing but more mist. 

He tried to touch his chest, his face but felt nothing. He was sure he was still gripping his wand . . . not his wand, just one borrowed from the family collection. But it wasn't in his hand. He couldn't feel anything. He wasn’t even here . . . Where was here? 

The last thing he remembered was Bellatrix's maniacal laughter as they traded spells. He remembered dueling with her when he was 12, maybe 13. Young anyway. Trading the twisted, darker versions of the spells they had learned at Hogwarts under the vicious guidance of their parents. 

The deadly dance seemed to be the only way he could get the approval of the Black family. He might have eventually stopped caring what they thought of him. He wasn't sure. It was all very unclear.

It was like trying to look for the future in a crystal ball. Lily had been brilliant at that. So had Brooke. Maybe that was what his cousin Andromeda had meant when she talked about a woman's intuition. 

He wasn't a woman. Maybe that was why he had never been able to see clearly in a crystal ball. Now, it seemed like his own past was obscured in the crystal ball of his mind. He could see bits and pieces. A moment of peace and safety here, the vicious agony of a torture spell there. 

Fragments left behind by the ravages of the dementors. 

He wanted to shift, to change into the comfort of Padfoot. 

Padfoot didn't care about these things. He didn't feel the cold and the horrible tearing at his mind and soul. Padfood didn't care about much of anything but when he would get fed again and if he could find a soft enough corner of the stone floor to curl up on without his spine wearing through his skin.  

He couldn't, though. 

He couldn't do anything but float. 

Float. 

Time seemed to pass. 

He wasn't sure how he could tell. The light in the mist never changed, but nevertheless, time passed. 

He could, if he didn't try too hard, hear people speaking. Someone shouted. It sounded like Harry (or was that James? No, James was dead.)

“ SIRIUS! ” Who was . . . oh . . . Harry was shouting for him. He was Sirius. What an odd name.

“ He can’t come back, Harry. ” That had to be Remus. Who else could be so reasonable in the face of such anguish? 

“ HE - IS - NOT - DEAD! ” Harry sounded furious . . . Was Sirius dead? Was that what the mist was? It seemed anticlimactic to him. Sirius had always expected something grander. 

" CRUCIO ," Harry yelled, and Sirius’s heart dropped. No . . . he shouldn't be doing magic like that. It twisted you. It tainted you. Made it easier and easier to do horrible, callous things to people. He knew he had been tainted like that. He tried so hard not to be dark, to be better than his parents wanted him to be. 

He had to find a way out of here. Harry needed him. He tried again to find his wand, to shift into his familiar fur, but it was pointless. He just continued to float formlessly in the same grey mist.

" If death is nothing, Dumbledore, kill the boy, " It sounded like Harry, but not Harry. Like someone was using Harry's voice without his permission . . .  

He wished he could SEE what was going on. What was going on? Harry needed him.

Snivellus had come and told him that Harry needed him. No . . . that's not right. Snivellus had told the order that they had to find Harry. He had then sneered at him and told him he needed to stay here and not go. He had to stay safe because he was a useless coward, as he had always been. 

He went anyway. He remembered feeling such fear for his Godson and such fierce joy at finally, finally having an active role in the world. Getting out of that horrible house that almost felt worse than Azkaban had been amazing. Actually fighting alongside the rest of the Order and coming to the aid of his Godson. Keeping him safe. It was a brilliant moment, but now . . . now it was just the mist. 

The voices had stopped for a while, but they were back. Harry was shouting at Dumbledore, but the Headmaster was doing that thing where he was maddeningly calm. Nothing seemed to break through that calmness. Sirius himself had raged against it until he was so exhausted all he could do was listen to Dumbledore’s logic and accept that his role could only be one of quiet support.

He listened as Dumbledore outlined Kreacher’s betrayal. It was a simple plan, but it had worked. Sirius felt shame at Dumbedore’s words. It was true. He had ignored his warnings about treating the house elf with kindness. Kreacher didn’t need kindness. He was a house elf. He was worthless. . . 

Sirius should have just sent him packing, demanded an unbreakable vow, and sent him off to go belong to Cissi.  

“And whatever Kreacher’s faults, it must be admitted that Sirius did nothing to make Kreacher’s lot easier -”

Sirius wanted to turn away from the conversation . . . it was true. It was all true. Many times, he had made it worse for Kreacher. Finding a twisted joy in the power he held over the unfortunate creature. 

That wasn’t right. He knew it. He just didn’t care. 

He remembered, vaguely, talking with Brooke about house elves. He had agreed with her when she pointed out that witches and wizards, more often than not, mistreated their servants, treating them like unwanted slaves instead of intelligent magical beings. He had tried, in his own bumbling way, to be kind to house elves, just not Kreacher . . . Kreacher was his mother's enforcer, and he clearly didn’t deserve any kindness or consideration.

“I trust Severus Snape.” Ha! Dumbledore was a fool. There was nothing redeemable about that man. He was a bitter, twisted, vile excuse for a wizard. 

“But that’s okay, is it? It’s okay for Snape to hate my dad, but it’s not okay for Sirius to hate Kreacher?” Harry was in fine form, as only a 15-year-old wizard could be. Sirius, himself, had been much the same, absolutely certain he knew better than all the adults in his life, and mostly wrong. 

Their conversation continued . . . Sirius wished he could flush in shame as Dumbledore spoke of his treatment of Kreacher. Brooke, too, would have been disappointed in him . . . 

But her name wasn’t Brooke anymore, was it? Sirius poked at the memory. The faulty shattered crystal of his mind yielded a confusing picture of a young woman with long brown hair and sparkling brown eyes fading into a sharp-faced young man who kissed him under a sky full of stars . . . 

He had forgotten about her . . . him. It was him. 

Wade . . . 

How had he forgotten about Wade? 

He had left him alone in their apartment, unable to sleep with the worry about Peter . . . 

"I knew I was condemning you to ten dark and difficult years . . . ." Sirius’s attention was pulled sharply back to the conversation between Dumbledore and Harry. 

You utter bloody fool! He wanted to shout at Dumbledore. How could he? He had promised Sirius that Harry was safe with the muggles. He had lied right to his face. 

Dumbledore had told him that Harry was well cared for whenever he commented that the boy seemed skinny and stressed. He had been concerned when he thought about it later. Harry had immediately agreed to live with him. It seemed so right that he would take in his Godson as soon as possible, but Harry did not know him. He had no memories of his Godfather. Harry should have been suspicious of Sirius, hesitant to leave the only family he had ever known to live with a virtual stranger.  

Dumbledore had somehow convinced Sirius that it was for the best that he just let the current arrangement stand, and really, he was a wanted felon. He had no power, no agency. He couldn’t even take care of himself, let alone a teenager . . .

His horror grew as Dumbledore outlined Harry’s struggles through the years. How could the Headmaster claim to love Harry and not have tried with everything in his power to give Harry the tools to protect himself? He had left Harry staked out in a field as bait, year after year. He had tested him again and again to see if he was ready yet to do . . . something . . . to do what ?

A new voice joined the others. This one is harsh and horse. “The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches . . . Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies . . . and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not. . . and either must die at the hand of the other for neither can live while the other survives . . . The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord will be born as the seventh month dies.”

A fucking prophecy ? Suddenly, so many little things snapped into focus for Sirius. Some of the conversations he had had with James and Lily back when they went into seclusion and eventually hid under that thrice-damned Fidelus.

It seemed impossible that Lily would have even considered taking a prophecy at face value. She had been loud in her opinion that most prophecies were self-fulfilling. But James was himself the product of a broken prophecy. His entire family line was full of them. He believed that prophecy was a warning that should always be heeded. 

He would tell the story of his grandfather’s broken prophecy and how it had eventually come to pass that breaking the prophecy had led to the survival of the Potter line. Prophecies were warnings that could be broken or altered to your benefit if you were wise. 

The fool. 

More and more memories surfaced in his mind, clear for the first time since he first saw a dementor. 

He remembered the promises he made to James to raise Harry in his place should he fall. To raise Harry into a strong, happy man who could continue the Potter family far into the future. Sirius had failed. 

He remembered kissing Wade and promising to love him forever, never to leave him. Sirius had left and never returned.

He remembered standing in front of the ruined remains of the cottage they had hidden in, numbly handing over his motorcycle to Hagrid and breaking every single promise he had made to his best friend. His brother. 

He remembered spending days chasing Peter, ignoring all of his responsibilities for the sake of revenge. The madness that had engulfed him had driven him to become an oathbreaker. 

He remembered it all.

And

He

Broke

Chapter Text

Sirius tumbled out of the mist onto rough flagstones, his wand falling from his hand. He curled in on himself and barely felt the pain as his knees made sharp contact with the unyielding stone. He was consumed by horror and grief. How could he have ever thought he could be anything other than a Black?

His stomach roiled, and he gagged on his sobs, choking on remorse and anguish. He covered his face with both hands, wishing the gray mist would return and swallow him whole. Unmake him. This return to having a body again was as unwelcome as anything else that had happened to him recently.

He trembled with his grief and didn't notice that he wasn't alone until he was roughly shaken by his shoulder. He looked up at the man standing above him and finally understood he was being spoken to.

"Foolish boy," the man was saying, not unkindly. "Foolish, foolish boy. Why did you not come to my son when all this started? He would have helped you. I've been watching you and the rest of our damned family, and I am at my wits end. When did we stop raising wizards and start raising fodder for any charismatic dark conman who cared to prey on them?"

Sirius stared uncomprehendingly for an embarrassingly long length of time. The face was familiar, but also not. He vaguely recalled a portrait in his mother's house, up in the guest rooms that looked like him. "Who . . . Who are you? Where am I?" He looked around, recognizing something that looked like the courtyard of Black Manor.

"You, my descendent, find yourself in the in-between place. We are neither here nor there. This construct was imagined to soothe you with something familiar. As for who I am, who do you think I am?" The man was smirking at him.

"Sirius the second?" Sirius hazarded a guess. At one point, he had been fascinated to learn about his great-grandfather, who shared a name with him. He had died only seven years before Sirius had been born and had worked with the Aurors in some capacity. He had an unfortunate nose, much like the portrait, though it seemed to have been straightened at some point after the portrait was commissioned.

"At your service," Sirius the elder straightened up from his crouch and offered a hand to his great-grandson. "We have much to discuss and very little time to do it in. She will be here soon, and things will move very quickly once she arrives."

"Huh?" Sirius articulated cleverly as he allowed his ancestor to guide him up and into the Manor's overly grand main entrance. He fumbled in his back pocket for his handkerchief and tried to wipe his face clear of the snot and tears.

If he was dead, which was seeming more and more like the case, the least they could do was not let tears and snot linger. He was still horrified by the depth of his betrayal of the people he professed to love, but it seemed like he wouldn't be allowed to wallow for the moment.

Sirius, the elder, guided him into a parlor. The last time Sirius had been in the manor was for Christmas break when he was 15. This particular parlor had been done up all in white with gold accents. He had been afraid to even walk past the open door for fear of getting dirt on anything. Melania was very particular about her home and would verbally flay anyone she caught making messes. Fortunately for Sirius, it was currently decorated in buffs and tans. Some hunting trophies were hung on the walls, a few portraits of even older Black ancestors scattered among them, and a small fire burned merrily in the fireplace.

He was prodded into a large, comfortable armchair and sank back into the well-stuffed leather. His great-grandfather settled across from him on a small loveseat.

"Tea?"

Sirius nodded, and a tea service materialized between them on a tray. He watched as his great-grandfather carefully poured out for both of them, dropping an extra sugar cube in Sirius's cup. He floated the tea over to Sirius with a flick of a familiar wand. It looked like the wand Sirius had been using lately. He suddenly realized he must have dropped it and started to stand.

"No worries," the elder Sirius soothed. "It's already back in your pocket. Things aren't quite real here, as you may notice."

Sirius checked his pockets and found the reassuring shape of his wand in the special sheath sewn into his jacket. His hand dropped to his waistcoat pocket, confirming his watch was still inside. He had received the watch on his 17th birthday. His grandfather Arcturus had sent it to him with a short note explaining that it once belonged to Sirius II. At the time, Sirius had just packed it away, rejecting the watch and the acceptance it signified. It was only after Azkaban that he started to carry it around, finding a strange comfort in that connection.

“Yes. That’s also my watch. It seems you were attracted to many of my old things. I am glad they could serve you well.” His great-grandfather seemed completely unconcerned as he sipped his tea. “If I could have smacked my son, I would have. He should have been more explicit with you. He kept you at arm's length, hoping to repair his rift with Orion.

“He let that boy get away with far too much and allowed my brother far too much access to him. Orion grew up as twisted as Cygnus ever was. Born wrong, he was.” The older man nodded to himself, momentarily lost in thought.

“But here I am woolgathering when we really don’t have much time. Now, as I said, She will be here soon and you will have to make a choice. She has a rare opportunity to try to correct the path, but you must do the work if we are all to succeed.”

He stopped talking and stared expectantly at Sirius. Sirius shifted uncomfortably in his chair, “Um . . . I’m not sure what you are asking. Who is this woman you are waiting for? What choices? What path?”

His great-grandfather snorted, “Making a hash of it again,” he muttered to himself, then louder, “The path of the wizarding world has been growing darker since the time of Grindelwald. Each time we have some large fight among ourselves, it seems to leak over into the muggles’ awareness, and it erodes the natural protection the magical has from notice by the mundane. There are many reasons for this decline, but one thing has been clear: the life of Harry Potter is important to the balance.

“I believe She wants to send you back to make different choices. I asked to speak with you while we wait for Her so I could try to knock some sense into your head. Now, tell me why you cut contact with the entire family when you ran from your mother?”

Sirius stared at his supposed great-grandfather. For a while there, he really thought he must be dead, and the afterlife was just really weird. Now he was starting to think he had just hit his head really hard and was in a coma or something. How could Sirius II not know? “She disowned me. She told me I could no longer call on the Black family if I left. I couldn’t stay anymore; I was losing myself to the darkness.”

He had been, and he still was. The Black Curse was a form of madness that had affected Blacks for countless generations. For a long time, Sirius had thought it was just myth and rumor, but he had far too much evidence now that it was a real problem in his family, including in himself.

“Fools,” Sirius the elder sighed, “All of us are fools. Now, Sirius, only Lord Black can actually remove someone from the Black family. As much as Walburga wanted to inherit, she wasn’t in the direct line of succession, so she wasn’t eligible. Neither was Orion. I made sure of that before I died. He was too much like my brother, and even then, I was worried about the direction our house was going.

“Toujours Pur. I’m sure you heard that a time or two growing up in the Black family?”

Sirius nodded. He usually had heard that phrase as part of a lecture on blood purity and the superiority of wizards and witches over everyone and everything else.

“Contrary to Cygnus’s belief, it has nothing to do with blood at all. ‘Always Pure’ is in reference to our magical craft. It is a call to keep our magical practices clean in honor of our Lady of Magic. I know Walburga didn’t allow much talk about the Lady of Magic, but I hope you remember learning about Her from your grandmother?”

Sirius nodded, “That part of my magical education always comforted me, but I learned very quickly not to talk about it with my mother. For some reason, she found it intolerable.”

“That was all Cygnus’s influence. He got three times the normal amount of the Black Curse, much like your cousin Bellatrix did. One of the tasks I will ask you to complete is to try to cleanse the family of the curse. You will have to seek out a teacher. Conrad Bones would be my first choice. Cassiopeia Black has been having a 40-year-long affair with the man, so it should be easy enough to get an audience with him.”

Sirius shook his head, “I’m not sure I can help. I don’t even know if Cassiopeia is still alive or not, and even if she is still alive, I’m a wanted felon. I can’t just walk up to someone and introduce myself.”

“Wait and see. Just remember Conrad Bones. He will help you,” his great-grandfather said in a rush just as a chime sounded and the manor around them started to shimmer away.

Sirius stood just in time as the chair under him started to melt away. Shortly, he found himself standing alone amid the standing stones of a vast and ancient ritual circle. He could feel the power thrumming under his feet and through his bones. It felt good. Free in a way he hadn’t felt since before Hogwarts.

Sirius basked in the magic all around him, feeling some of the darkness he held slowly melting away. He tilted his head back and opened his arms as he closed his eyes, accepting the magic flowing through him.

“Sirius.” The voice was familiar and feminine.

“Lily!” His eyes snapped open, and there she was, clothed in a robe of sparkling white. Sirius took a single step towards her before remembering how he had failed her entire family, especially her son. The grief that lay just below the surface of his mind bubbled up, and he stopped, transfixed.

“Lily,” he whimpered softly as his legs gave out, and he fell again to his knees.

Her face, which had been fierce and proud, softened, and she crossed the distance between them. She engulfed Sirius in her arms, and he let out another sob against her stomach as she held him close and offered soothing words.

“I’m sorry, Lily. I’m sorry,” he repeated between racking sobs as she stroked a hand through his hair.

“Oh, Sirius. I forgave you long ago. We were all just children playing at being adults. None of us had a chance. It’s going to be okay. She has promised me that she will allow you to atone for your sins.”

“Anything, Lily,” Sirius gasped. “I was such a fool. I let revenge take importance in my heart and mind when I should have kept my promises to you and protected Harry. I can never make that up.” Sirius was calming under Lily’s soothing hand. He vaguely wondered how any one man was meant to hold this much pain.

“You say anything, Sirius, but I am not sure you understand what we are asking from you.” 

Sirius looked up as the new voice broke into their conversation. Just beyond Lily, at the center of the circle, stood a short, plump woman who seemed to glow in the indirect light. There was something about Her that called to Sirius like the sweet, clean magic of the circle. She was nothing like he expected and everything he needed.

He pulled away from Lily and accepted her help as he stood. He carefully bowed to the Lady of Magic. “My Lady, how may I serve you?”

She stared at him for long moments, and Sirius felt She could see everything he was. "You offer to atone, to right your wrongs. What would you do to repair the world?"

Sirius considered this and decided to place his trust in the Lady of Magic. Everything he had ever learned about Her taught him that She would not steer him wrong. She knew the way forward much better than he ever could. "I place my trust in you. Whatever you ask for, I will strive to accomplish. I don't see how I can fix anything that I have wrought. I am unsure what use you can make of me, but I'll not stop trying, especially if it will help Harry."

"I have the opportunity, an opening in the magic, to send you back to a very particular spot in your history. You will not have the time to do everything you wish. I cannot allow you to negate a mother's sacrifice, but I can allow you to make a different choice when it matters most. 

“Choose now, Sirius. Will you be the force for Magic that you should have been, or will you turn your back once again on those you love?"

Sirius tried to keep control of the wild hope that was blooming in his chest. He could go back and fix some of his mistakes. He could do better. He would do better. "I am Yours to command, My Lady. Though this feels more like a gift than atonement."

"You will keep all of your memories, but I have already cleansed you of the damage to your soul, heart, and magic. I fear it is your memories that will cause you the most pain.  I cannot remove your bloodline curse, but I can suppress it for a time.  You will have to take care and watch for its return, for it will not appreciate being cast aside. Seek the help you need to remove it from your family or suffer its thrice-fold return."

She turned away from him and lifted her arms over her head. Lily pulled him into one last hug and whispered to him, "Tell Harry I love him, and I do not regret giving my life for him." She ran out to the edge of the standing stones to join hundreds of women dressed the same as she was. They all lifted their hands in a mirror of the Lady, and once again, the world lurched beneath him.

Chapter Text

“Hey, Sirius, great work today! Arron said you managed to bag Travers.” Kingsley Shacklebolt clapped Sirius on his shoulder as he passed by the duty desk in the DMLE.

Sirius was hard at work filling out the paperwork associated with the capture. As the youngest Auror associated with the capture, he had been voluntold for the duty. “It was a group effort, but the paperwork, as always, is an individual duty.”

Shack laughed as he was meant to.

“If you hurry, you could probably catch the rest of the team. They decided to head to the Leaky for a celebration,” Sirius offered.

“I just might! You heading that way after?” Shack asked.

“Nah. My wizard wants me home early tonight for the holiday, so I’m going to head out once I get this filed.” Sirius cast a drying spell across the parchment, followed by the memo spell that transfigured it into a paper airplane. The parchment zipped off his desk and disappeared into the network of small archways that lined the walls. It would shortly end up in the records department, and what happened to it from there was a complete mystery to Sirus.

“Well, have a great night, regardless, and say hide to Wade from me.”

“Will do,” Sirius replied as he tucked his wand away and pulled his cloak on. It was chilly for late October this year, so he hadn’t been able to leave his apartment without Wade pressing it on him, even though he normally flooed to and from the Ministry and didn’t have to go outside at all.

He briefly considered checking in on Peter on the way home but decided to do that after dinner. Wade had promised to make extra so Sirius could bring Peter a homecooked meal. With the decision made, he headed for the main atrium and the outgoing floo system.

Sirius stepped out of the floo into his living room. He checked to ensure the floo fence was still up and active behind him. It would prevent anyone who wasn’t in the ward scheme from being able to use their floo for travel.

“Smells great in here,” he called out over the music playing from the wireless.

Wade popped his head out around the doorway to the kitchen and smiled at him, “‘Course it does. I’m just pulling it out of the oven. Go wash up, and I’ll have it on the table in a second.”

Sirius couldn’t help but steal a kiss as he passed the kitchen to head to the bathroom. Wade obliged him with a saucy little smirk. Sirius knew better than to try and take it any further, as Wade was very serious about meals and would probably hex him if he messed up the timing.

Soon enough, they were both at the table and digging into the best roast pork Sirius could remember ever having. 

"This is delicious."

Wade grinned at him, "Thank you. It's easy enough to make, do you like the potatoes? I wasn't sure about the dill."

"They are lovely," Sirius enthused. "What did you get up to today? You mentioned that Ryan would start working with you on some new runic expansion plans?"

"Yeah. He's been considering how to mesh different expanded spaces together. He got a hold of a specialized traveling trunk that was made to provide different habitats and environments for magical creatures. Some Magizologists created it. The problem was that the matrix was starting to collapse because of the different magical needs of the various compartments. He thinks we can use Hryman's Theory to rebalance the matrix so it will last longer than a few years and be self-renewing." 

Sirius adored how Wade's face lit up whenever he started talking about runic matrixes and other such things associated with his work. Sirius had taken Ancient Runes at Hogwarts, but some of the stuff that Wade was experimenting with in his apprenticeship was so far beyond his understanding he may as well have been talking about things better left to the Unspeakables. 

"That sounds like quite the project. Do you think it will have applications in the transportable medical wing you've been working on?"

"Yes! Exactly. If we can figure out how to mesh . . . " Wade's voice faded out as the world seemed to shift sideways around Sirius. His fork clattered to the table as he slumped sideways out of his chair.

"Sirius!" The sharp, worried voice woke him from the strangest dream. Something about goddesses and mist. He looked up into worried brown eyes, familiar, but it was a very long time since he had seen them last. 

"Wade?" He lifted a hand and touched the bearded face. His eyes focused on his hand, young, free from scars and the horribly swollen joints he had gotten in Azkaban. It had worked! He was back in the past. 

Suddenly filled with urgency, he grabbed Wade's shoulder and demanded, "What day is it? What year?"

"Sirius, what happened? Um . . . it's 1981, Sauin. Are you okay?" 

"No. I have to go! The scroll with the Secret is in the back of the knife drawer. Follow me when you can." He lept to his feet and apparated out of his dining room. Wade would be livid when he caught up, but hopefully, he would understand. Apparating out of a living area was just not done.

He arrived in Godric's Hollow, not far from St. Jerome’s Church, and started running towards the cottage. As he rounded the hedges, he saw the cottage was still intact, a thin plume of smoke curling peacefully from the chimney. The windows were all brightly lit, and someone had carved a pumpkin for the front step, although no one not in on the secret would be able to see it. 

Sirius slowed his pace a little, relief settling in him. He was on time. 

No sooner had that thought crossed his mind than a bright green light exploded from the upper stories, sending a rain of debris into the backyard. The whole house lit up in yellow and orange sparks as the wards collapsed. He stared in horror, momentarily believing the house was on fire before recognizing the effect. 

He shifted into Padfoot as he ran. Four legs were generally faster than two. He ran for the kitchen door and plowed through the muggle dog door that James had installed as a joke. His nails skidded on the tile as he made the turn into the living room. 

James was laid out across the carpet, his arms flung wide and his eyes staring sightlessly at the ceiling. 

He howled his grief as he continued past his first friend and up the stairs. The whole house stank of Voldemort, and he couldn't help the low growl that followed that realization. He wasn't in time to help James or Lily, but his godson needed him. He burst into the nursery and found Lily’s body lying next to the crib while an ash-strewn robe lay on the other side. Little Harry stood up with the help of the crib rails and reached towards him with tears falling down his face, mingling with the blood dripping from his forehead.

"Pa-foo," he cried. "Where, ma?"

Sirus transformed again and reached into the crib. He cradled Harry against his chest, pulling him close. "Shhh, little man. I'm here. I've got you."

Harry started crying in earnest and clung to him with both hands. He rubbed the tiny back as he tried to look at his godson's face. 

That cut was bad. It was much worse than he remembered from the first time. Hagrid had probably done something to stem the bleeding. He reached into his back pocket and pulled out his handkerchief. He quickly folded it and pressed it against the cut. A quick wandless charm applied pressure to the wound and stuck the fabric in place. 

He heard steps on the stairs and a frantic voice, "Lily!" He shifted Harry to his left arm and pulled his wand out, ready for whatever he saw.

"Severus! What the fuck are you doing here?" He demanded as the man stopped in the doorway to stare in horror at the scene before him.

"What have you done!" Severus roared, "You betrayed her." His wand was already moving, firing a string of curses at Sirius. 

Sirius was hampered by the baby in his arms, so he threw up the strongest shield he could manage as he moved quickly to take cover behind the crib. He was pinned down between the crib and the giant gaping hole that was the back wall of the nursery. 

He transfigured some of the debris into birds and sent them after Snape to provide a distraction. He needed backup.

He took a deep breath and focused on the child in his arms. Harry was alive, and Sirius was here to protect him now. It was the happiest thought he could summon. He flicked his wand, and a large dog appeared crouched before him. 

"Quickly go to find Moody. Tell him Potter's Cottage has been breached, and I need backup." The dog nodded once and bounded down into the yard. Sirius turned back to an enraged Snape and fired off a few more spells. 

Unfortunately, he was perfectly aware that Snape could outmatch him in a duel, even when he wasn't hampered by an infant. Harry snuffled against his neck quietly, and Sirius felt something like love and duty rise inside him. There was no way he was going to let anyone hurt this child. 

Harry glowed in his arms, and there was a gong-like noise as one of Snape's curses suddenly rebounded and sent Snape tumbling back through the door. 

Sirius cast a few quick charms on himself and Harry to provide a little more protection. Among them was a specialized sticking charm that would ensure Harry would stay precisely where he was even if Sirius had to move suddenly. 

Once he was as certain as he could be of their relative safety, he cautiously moved to the door and peered into the hallway. Snape was sprawled in the hallway, a pool of blood forming under him. Sirius quickly summoned his wand and tucked it away for later. Then he cast a diagnosis charm. 

Snape was still alive but had a bad head wound and was bleeding from that, as well as a large cursed cut across his upper chest. Fortunately, the cut hadn’t injured anything important. Sirius shot a few quick healing charms at him to try and stop the bleeding, followed by an Auror-level incarcerous charm. 

“Merlin’s balls,” Wade shouted from downstairs. “Sirius, are you here?”

“Yeah. Yeah, I’m here. Harry’s okay, I’ve got him. I need help up here, though.”

“I think James is dead.” Wade sounded horrified.

“I didn’t get here in time. Voldemort got here first. Lily’s gone, too. Be careful coming up the stairs. Half the back of the house was destroyed.”

Wade came up the stairs, face pale and wand held in a white-knuckled grip. “Are you okay?”

Sirius huffed out a sob, clutching Harry tightly to himself. “Define okay.”

Wade side-stepped Snape, eyeing him cautiously, before moving to put his free hand on Sirius’s arm. “What happened?”

Sirius felt his eyes fill with tears at the gentle touch. “I failed them again.” He leaned into Wade, accepting the comfort for the moment as tears flowed down his face. 

“Aurors! Call out.” Came the shout from the lane as Sirius felt Auror war wards snap into place over him.

The Auror communication spell and response came to him by rote. “Black, here! I have an adult civilian and a child with me. The child is injured but appears stable. There are at least two dead. I’ve captured a suspect who is injured and unconscious.”

“Wand’s down. We’re coming in,” Proudfoot called back. 

“Put your wand up. They're coming in,” Sirius said as he pulled away from Wade and tucked his own wand away. The Auror communication spell was a modified Sonorus charm created to carry voices only to sworn Aurors in the area, so Wade hadn’t heard Moody’s call. 

Sirius, Wade, and Harry had been escorted out to the front yard and settled on a conjured loveseat. Wade cast a few diagnostic charms on them both before he joined them. 

“Looks like he’s magically exhausted, but you’re fine. What happened?” Wade asked as he sat down carefully next to them. Sirius was very aware of the space between them. 

Sirius shook his head. “Not now. I promise I’ll tell you everything once we are private.”

Wade stared at him for a moment and then nodded slowly. “I’ll wait for now, but I want to know everything.”

“So do I,” Arran Proudfoot said as he conjured himself an armchair to sit on. “What happened here tonight?” He pulled his notebook out of his pocket and set it on his knee. A quill sprang up from the page and started to write the report, transcribing Sirius’s words.

Sirius took a deep breath and started to explain, “As I’m sure you’re aware, James and Lily have been hiding under the fidelius from Voldemort for several months now. I was originally the secret keeper, but after a few close calls, we decided to switch it to our friend Peter.”

Sirius laughed bitterly, “We thought we could trust him, and he didn’t have a job or anything, so it was easy for him to hide away. We thought it would be safer with the secret keeper out of play. We made the switch three or four weeks ago.

“Peter’s been acting increasingly paranoid this week, and I’ve had a bad feeling all day. Wade and I were eating dinner, and I just knew something bad was about to happen. I told Wade to follow and apparated here from the dining room.

“At first, everything seemed calm. Normal. There was a flash of green light from the upstairs windows, and suddenly, the whole back of the house exploded out into the yard. I ran into the house. James was dead in the living room. I raced upstairs. Lily was dead, too, but Harry was standing up in his crib, crying and bleeding.  I had just put a makeshift bandage on his cut when Severus Snape arrived. 

“He accused me of betraying Lily and started to attack. I barely had a chance to get my shield up in time. I took cover and created a distraction so I could send off a messenger spell. We traded spell fire until something triggered what I think is a personal ward on Harry. It caused one of Snape’s spells to rebound onto him. 

“I ensured Harry and I were okay and followed Snape into the hallway. He was unconscious and injured. I cast some healing charms and secured him. Then Wade arrived, followed shortly by you and Savage. Savage secured the suspect, and I came out here.”

Proudfoot nodded, “Do you know who the other person in the nursery was?”

Sirius shook his head. “I have a guess, but I didn’t see a wand, and it looks like the body turned to ash.”

Proudfoot had opened his mouth to ask his next question, but they were interrupted as someone tried to portkey in and came to an abrupt halt on the Auror wards. He hung suspended in the air for a moment before sliding into a very large heap just outside the property line. 

“Is that Hagrid?” Wade asked, bewildered.

Proudfoot lept up, leaving his notebook hovering over his chair, as he stalked to the ward line. 

“What the hell do you think you are doing trying to portkey into an active investigation scene!” He roared.

Hagrid scrambled to his feet, both hands going to his beard to smooth it nervously back down. “Dumbledore sent me. Told me summat had happened ter the potters. He wanted me ter check it out an' bring 'em back ter the castle.”

“And how would Dumbledore know what was happening halfway across the country on a holiday? Doesn’t he have school to run?”

“Don' know,” Hagrid mumbled, “Great man, Dumbledore. I’m sure he has his ways.”

“Best you head off now. Return to Dumbledore and tell him the Aurors have it in hand.”

“Are the Potters okay? Where’s little Harry? I should bring 'em back ter Hogwarts, where it’s safe.”

“I can’t give you any details about an ongoing investigation. Now move along.”

“Now, see here!” Hagrid stood up a little taller. “Dumbledore gave me a task. I’m not goin’ anywhere until I’ve got the Potters with me.”

“Very well, then. I’ll have to put you under arrest for attempting to interfere in an Auror investigation.” Proudfoot stepped through the ward line and raised his wand in threat.

Hagrid took a step back, “Tha' won’t be necessary. I’ll get Dumbledore. I’m sure he can straighten this out.” He reached into a coat pocket and produced another portkey, which took him spinning away. 

Proudfoot nodded to himself, satisfied, and was about to come back through when three more wizards apparated into the lane. These three wizards were dressed in the hooded cloaks of Unspeakables. One of them held up a runic sigil, and Proudfoot waved them on towards the house. “Savage is upstairs. We’ve done nothing to disturb the scene except to remove an injured suspect.”

The lead figure nodded, and all three disappeared into the house. 

Proudfoot dropped back into his chair and asked, “Where were we?”

“Not sure,” Sirius replied. “I want to bring Harry home and get a healer out to look at him.”

Proudfoot shook his head, “With the Potters dead, we’ll have to check with the ministry for a will and see who’s to care for the boy. I think I remember James’s parents passed away a year ago or so, and I don’t know any of Lily’s relatives.”

“I’m Harry’s sworn godfather,” Sirius replied and pulled his right sleeve up. A thought brought the silver and gold band wrapped around his forearm into the visible spectrum. A line of pulsing silver connected the band to Harry. Sirius stared at the magical proof of his promise and felt a spike of shame at how this had gone the first time. He would do better. 

Proudfoot cast a few charms to document the bond before the lightshow faded away.  “Well, that’s alright then. I’ll make sure it’s included in the report. Will you be returning to your home of record?”

Sirius glanced over at Wade, who shrugged back at him. “If I am not there, I will be at Black Manor.”

Proudfoot nodded and made a few more notes. “Before you go, you said that Peter was the secret keeper? Last name and address.”

“Pettigrew. His mom lives in Hogsmead, just past the Hog’s Head. Peter has a flat on Diagon Ally behind Dandy’s Shoes. I should add that he’s an unregistered animagus. A rat.”

“Good to know. Okay, I think I have what I need. I’ll reach out if I have any questions. I do want to say that James was a very good man, and I will miss him, too. I am very sorry for your loss.”

Sirius just nodded, not sure what to say. He turned to Wade as Proudfoot headed back towards the house. “Will you come with me? I think I will need my grandfather for the rest of this.”

Wade nodded, “I am owed an explanation, and I’m not leaving until I get it.”

Sirius stood, holding the sleeping Harry close, and pulled Wade into his other side. The Potters' destroyed cottage disappeared to be replaced with the grim, looming facade of Black Manor. 

Chapter Text

They had been greeted by one of the Black family elves. She had introduced herself as Pobky and complained under her breath about the hour while escorting them to a parlor.

"Pobky go wake Master Black even though Master should be sleeping. Master is needing his rest. He does," she said as she left them to get comfortable on the couches. She gave one last glare before bustling out of the room.

Sirius glanced over to Wade to find him glaring back. Wade averted his gaze. Sirius sighed and repositioned Harry. The boy was getting quite heavy, but he was reluctant to put him down. The warm body and the tiny sniffles were far more comfort than Sirius deserved.

It wasn't long at all before Arcturus Black stepped through the door. Even in his dressing gown, he looked severe and demanding.

"Does the child need anything?" he started, and Sirius was grateful. He probably should have gotten Harry to a healer hours ago.

"He was just in two magical battles and appears to be suffering from magical exhaustion. He also has a cut on his head that I want to get looked at. I was hoping you would be willing to help us contact a healer for him."

Arcturus nodded sharply and turned to the house elf that had followed him into the room, "Pobky, please pop over to Darius's practice and ask if they could send someone who can care for small children, then go ahead and set up the lavender suite for our guests. Let us know once the healer has arrived."

She bobbed a curtsy and popped away.

"Now that is taken care of, are there any other immediate needs we should consider? Are either of you injured as well?"

Sirius glanced at Wade, who shook his head. "It's just Harry I was worried about. Thank you for getting up at this late hour to see us. I'm not even sure what I can ask of you, but I need your help."

The old man seemed to sag a little as he sighed, "My dear boy, I will do whatever is in my power to help you. You are my grandson and my heir." He dropped heavily down into the armchair across from them, shedding much of his stern demeanor as he slouched into the cushions. "I'm sorry you doubted that for even a second."

"Shortly after I went to live with the Potters, Walburga told me I was disowned and wouldn't be allowed back in the Black family if I didn't return to her house."

Arcturus nodded slowly, "I should have been more explicit when I sent you my father's watch. Your mother never had the power to disown anyone and never will. She and her husband were both removed from succession by your namesake. You are now, as you always have been, a Black."

Sirius was surprised at the emotion that swelled inside him at those words. He thought he had left behind his desire to be accepted into the Black family long ago. He took a deep breath and pushed those feelings away. He promised himself a good solid angst fest in a week or so when things were a little less dicey.

"I have a lot to tell both of you." He looked between both of them, meeting their eyes carefully. "What I have to say must be kept in the strictest confidence, as I fear the consequences if the wrong people discover what happened to me."

Wade pulled his wand out first and calmly stated, "On my wand and magic, I promise to keep faith with the secrets I hear tonight." His wand glowed, and Sirius felt the oath settle over them.

Arcturus followed suit, "On my wand and magic, I promise to keep faith with the secrets I hear tonight." He followed his oath up by activating the privacy wards on the room. The door swung shut with a squelching noise, and the air grew still around them.

"Thank you," Sirius felt something inside him relax. He took a deep breath and began.

"I made a mistake 13 years ago that completely derailed any chance of keeping the promises I had made. On the night of Samhain in 1981, I checked on Peter after dinner. He wasn't at his flat, but everything there looked normal. There was no sign of any damage or foul play. I immediately left for Godric's Hollow, but I was too late. I found the Potter's house mostly demolished, the wards destroyed, and Hagrid picking through the ruins with Harry tucked into his coat.”

Sirius couldn’t bring himself to properly look at the two wizards with him. He kept most of his focus on Harry’s sleeping form. He settled him more comfortably across his lap and gently smoothed his hair. His grandfather sat upright in his chair with a small shocked noise. Wade was perfectly still next to him.

"I begged Hagrid to let me take Harry, but he told me Dumbledore wanted him to bring the Potter family back to Hogwarts for safety. James and Lily were dead, but he had laid their bodies out and was getting ready to send them off with a portkey. I gave him my motorbike so he wouldn't have to subject Harry to a portkey. He rode off on it, and I left to find Peter. I was like a winter-starved wolf on the hunt, mad for revenge. To my shame, I allowed it to consume me.

"Two days later, I had finally managed to corner Peter in a muggle area. Peter cut off his finger, shot a blasting curse into a gas line, and disappeared in the chaos. He was a rat animagus, so he didn't leave a trace. I was thrown into a brick wall by the force of the blast. I have no memories past the explosion, just a vague recollection of being brought to Azkaban. Even that faded quickly under the onslaught of the dementors.

"I was told later that I had been found by Aurors crying and laughing and blaming myself for the deaths of James and Lily. Twelve muggles died in the blast, and at the time, I was also blamed for Peter's death. That little rat was given a posthumous Medal of Honor. Complete farce.”

Even now, bitter rage burned in him at the thought. Hopefully, he had already changed that outcome. It was like the insult that sent the injured dragon on a murderous rampage.

"Anyway. I was dumped into Azkaban without a trial or any real investigation. The dementors were relentless. The only real part of myself I could cling to was the understanding that I wasn't responsible for James and Lily's death. I was innocent. For some reason, they couldn't touch that memory.

"About two years ago, I discovered Peter had been hiding out in his rat form with a family of wizards. This galvanized me to try to figure out how to escape. According to the news article, Peter lived with Harry's best friend. The idea that he was anywhere near my godson was intolerable. Like Peter, I am an unregistered animagus. A dog. I transformed, and because I had been on starvation rations for so long, I was able to squeeze through the bars. I swam the whole way back to England."

Sirius was going to continue, still not looking at either of the wizards listening to him, when Pobky popped back into the room. Arcturus turned to her expectantly.

"Healer Lore is here. Pobky leave them in the visiting room of the Lavender Suite."

"Thank you, Pobky. Let them know we will be right up, and please offer them any refreshment they need." The house elf popped away, and Arcturus turned back to Sirius. "I have so many questions, but it is clear your tale is not done. It is also clear you are telling me the truth. We will continue this discussion after your child is seen to."

Sirius steeled himself before he glanced at Wade. He still had his poker face on, giving nothing away, so Sirius could only follow Arcturus out of the room. He didn't allow himself to be reassured when Wade came as well.

The Lavender Suite was much less pink than Sirius had feared and was quite restful. The visiting room was well appointed with several couches and chairs and a small round table off to one side with four wooden chairs gathered around it. The healer was short and thin, with long white hair gathered in a neat bun on the crown of their head. They stood up as the three wizards entered and gestured to a healer's cot behind one of the couches.

"I am Healer Lore. Please put the child on the cot and fill me in."

Sirius carefully settled Harry down on the cot but couldn't bring himself to move away completely.

"This is my godson, Harry Potter. He was in two magical battles recently. In both battles, he was struck with curses that were repelled by some sort of personal warding. I think the first curse might have been the Killing Curse, and the second was a modified cutting curse. Based on the scene I found him in, his parents sacrificed themselves to set the warding."

The Healer nodded and began to cast their diagnostic charms. As they cast, their face grew grimmer and grimmer. They flicked their wand over the makeshift bandage on his head, banishing it to the trash. The familiar lightning bolt scar was red and swollen. Thankfully, the bleeding had stopped, but there was an unsettling glimmer of movement across the area.

The healer glanced at Sirius, “Can you help me get him out of his pajamas?”

“Of course,” Sirius moved immediately to start removing Harry’s clothing. The shirt came off without too much trouble, but his pants had some charm that likely prevented Harry from pulling them off. Like most toddlers, Harry was a practicing nudist. It only took a moment for Sirius to recall Lily's preferred charm and cast the counter.

A far distant part of himself was shocked at how clear and quick his recall of small details was now. It had been so long since he felt like he could rely on his own memories . . .

“Lay him down on his belly,” Healer Lore instructed.

Sirius gasped in dismay as he turned Harry over. There were two vicious-looking bruises visible, one on his upper right shoulder and the other on his left buttock and thigh. The clear spot in the middle was where Sirius’s arm had covered his back while carrying him. “That’s where Snape’s spell hit us. The one that rebounded. I didn’t feel anything.”

Sirius pulled back his left sleeve, displaying unmarred skin.

Healer Lore nodded and spoke as they cast a few healing charms over the area. “That is typical with this kind of personal warding. High-yield spells will often be only partially blocked. It makes lethal spells less lethal, though I’ve not heard of any of them that can protect from the Killing Curse. You will need a ward specialist to break down how they will behave. Usually, you would only see this level of personal warding on an International War Mage or an Unspeakable, so I recommend you get a full report for future healers.

"How old is he?" they asked.

"Exactly 15 months old today," Sirius glanced at the clock above the fireplace and frowned. It was almost 3 am. "Well, yesterday, anyway."

“I see.” They cast a few more charms on Harry, the last one conjuring a diaper onto him. “As for his condition, he is completely magically exhausted and has micro fractures in his core. Some of his magical channels are bruised as well. He’s also got a lot of corrosive magical residue clinging to his aura. I can detect the remains of two different deadly spells.”

Sirius rested a trembling hand on Harry’s back, needing that contact to reassure him that Harry was in front of him and alive. He could feel the warmth of his skin and the movement of his chest as he breathed in sleep. Harry had survived this once, with what was likely minimal care. “What do you recommend? How can we help him?”

The healer sighed. “I would recommend that we put him in a healing sleep for the next 24 hours and then repeat the scan. Because of his age, if we allow him to wake, he will reflexively flex his magical core and channels to encourage his reserves to refill faster. This will be very painful for him. We can easily interrupt that process with adults with various potions, but none are safe for children under five.

“With potions and careful monitoring, we can keep him in a healing sleep for up to 72 hours, which should be plenty long enough for his personal reserves to renew. It will take longer for the magical bruising and stress fractures to heal, but so long as he’s not actively performing large acts of magic, they will heal quickly. It would be best for him to keep him in a magically active area, like this manor, while he recovers. The more ambient magic there is, the easier it will be.

“For the corrosive magic, he will need ritual cleansing. We refer to two local covens for healing rituals, including the coven Lord Black practices with. I recommend you hold off on the cleansing until he’s fully recovered. His personal warding is very strong and will prevent the corrosive magic from touching his personal magic for quite some time.”

Sirius carefully banked his temper. Now was not the time for a screaming fit. As far as he knew, Dumbledore had left Harry with his muggle Aunt only 24 hours after the attack. There was no way he had done much to treat him. Poor Harry must have been in agony for days.

He could see the bruises slowly fade as the healer’s spells took effect. He knew and trusted Darius’s Healing Collective. He had sought out healing from them both before and after Azkaban. They were professional and discrete.

“Will he have to stay at your healing halls, or can he stay here while sleeping?”

Healer Lore looked to Arcturus, “With Lord Black’s permission, I can stay here to monitor him. I wouldn’t recommend bringing him to our hall because we are treating an outbreak of Dragon Pox, which could be deadly to him while his magic is delicate.”

“I would prefer he stay here. He’s had two powerful wizards try to kill him, and I‘m not sure that situation is fully resolved.” Sirius said, looking between his grandfather and the Healer.

“That won’t be a problem at all,” Arcturus reassured them. “I’ll have Pobky set up the boy’s room with an extra bed for you. She will ensure you have a house elf assigned to you for any errands you need to be taken care of.”

Healer Lore bowed over their folded hands, “Thank you for your gracious hospitality, Lord Black.”

Arcturus mirrored the gesture and waved for them to follow Pobky through the door to Harry’s room. Sirius picked up Harry and followed along behind. It didn’t take long to get Harry redressed into a diaper and a little nightshirt and tucked into the crib that Pobky had set up. While he was doing that, Healer Lore directed another house elf to set up a little area for them to rest in.

He waited for them to be finished before he spoke up, “I won’t want to disturb your rest more than necessary. When should I come back to check on him?”

“Once I get Harry settled with the potions Turmeric is retrieving for me, I’ll get him settled into a healing sleep and go to sleep myself. Given the time, I will likely sleep until noon. At that time, I will repeat the spells and give him the next round of potions. So between 1230 and 1400. would be the best time. I will monitor him, and Turmeric will set up a privacy screen so it won't disturb me if you want to peek in here before going to bed.”

“Thank you, Healer Lore. Please send one of the house elves for me if anything changes.”

The Healer patted Sirius on his arm. “He’s a strong child. He will get through this and be fine in a few days.”

—--

They had taken a break then to freshen up and reconvene over a very early breakfast. Sirius had a strong feeling that this couldn’t wait. They would likely need to get ahead of whatever happened next. He also couldn’t stand the distance he felt between him and Wade. The wizard was deeply uncomfortable with something, and Sirius was concerned his situation might be too much for Wade. 

Azkaban had taken so much from him. He had Harry now, and he could keep him safe. It almost seemed unreasonably greedy to want Wade back, too. The dementors had taken most of his memories of Wade from him and all of the love. To have it back, even just this tiny bit, was an unimaginable gift. At his heart, Sirius was a selfish man, and he wanted as much of Wade’s love as Wade was willing to give him.

As Sirius sat down at the small breakfast table, Arcturus passed him a potion vile. "Wake Up Juice. Should keep you going despite a night of missed sleep. The only real side effect is that you'll likely pass out sometime after sunset today."

"Thanks." Sirius tossed back the contents and belched out the expected cloud of yellow smoke. He shuddered at the faintly sulfurous taste it left behind and sat at the table. Wade was already halfway through a plate of eggs and sausage, so Sirius set to, surprised at how hungry he was. Arcturus seemed happy enough with some lightly buttered toast and tea and watched them as they ate. 

Once he was finished and had refreshed his tea, Sirius resumed his tale. 

"As I told you before, I had escaped from Azkaban and swum to shore. I headed for where I knew Harry's muggle family lived. It seemed likely that he would be there, and I needed to check on him.  I did see him a few times, and he didn't seem too happy with his family. He was too skinny, and even though the family seemed well off and they all dressed well, Harry was in ragged oversized clothing. 

"I had a really bad feeling, but before I could approach Harry, he left the area on the Knight Bus and didn't come back. I hung around for a while and finally decided to go to Hogwarts. To make a long story short, I wasn't thinking particularly well. Between the effects of the dementors and starvation, my mind wasn't as functional as it should have been. 

"Eventually, I got Peter, Harry, and Remus away from the school and tried to explain everything to them. I hurt one of Harry's friends while doing so, but many of my memories of that day are fragmentary. I do remember that Severus Snape showed up in the middle of it all, and Peter got away, Remus  . . . well, I had to drive him off, and Harry ended up saving me from the dementors that had been stationed at the school with the help of a hippogryph. 

"I eventually sought out medical care, and things got a bit better. I was working with Albus Dumbledore to help with the war and staying at the house at Grimauld Place. Walburga had died some years before, so the house was empty. I put the hippogryph in her bedroom. 

“I was mostly following along with Dumbledore’s plans because my brain was Swiss cheese. I could barely remember anything important from my life before the dementors. The only thing that mattered to me was ensuring my godson was safe and happy. 

"Dumbledore convinced me to leave Harry with his muggles, even though it was very clear that Harry hated living there and was being treated poorly. I did what I could to encourage Dumbledore to let Harry spend time with me, but I was a wanted felon and had no power in that situation. 

"Eventually, a day came when we were called to the Ministry to rescue Harry and his friends. During that battle, I was killed by my cousin, Bellatrix Lestrange. 

"What happened next is still slightly confused, but I learned some key things. 

“First, Dumbledore knew that Harry was being abused by his muggles but turned a blind eye because he believed the protections Harry had from living with his mother's sister outweighed the abuse. Secondly, the reason the Potters were attacked was a blasted two-bit prophecy.  I'll share it with you if you want, but it's a bunch of self-fulfilling mumbo-jumbo. I think Dumbledore was trying to orchestrate things so Voldemort would be defeated tonight. Third, Dumbledore did absolutely nothing to prepare Harry for what he was to face. 

“None of that can be allowed to happen again. 

"After that part, I spoke with my great-grandfather, Sirius II, for a bit. He has some specific things he wants me to try to accomplish. Then I spoke briefly with Lily Potter and, finally, Our Lady of Magic. She offered me the chance to right my wrongs. I had hoped she would send me back far enough to prevent the death of Lily and James, but I barely had time to get there before Snape showed up as it was." Sirius came to a close and finally looked up from his tea. His grandfather was contemplative, but Wade looked sad. 

"Is that what happened at dinner?" Wade asked. "Was that when you arrived here?"

Sirius nodded slowly. 

"And you're still Sirius, just older?"

"Yes. Though honestly, I don't feel that old. I spent most of the time between now and then in Azkaban."

"Oh." Wade stared into his tea for a long moment, then sipped the remainder and flipped the cup into his saucer to drain. The familiar action of him turning the cup back up to read his tea leaves shouldn't have been as endearing as it was, but Sirius felt a surge of love, nevertheless. He wasn't great at any form of fortune-telling, but Wade could make most things work at least moderately well. With tea leaves, he had yet to be wrong in his predictions. 

"What do you see," Sirius asked carefully.

Wade snorted softly. "It's a hard-to-believe tale, but you speak the truth. I predict that we will be having a very long private conversation soon. I have a lot of questions. The tea leaves only tell me you love me, which I already knew."

"I do love you. But we can certainly talk, and I will give you all the answers I have." Sirius wasn't sure where the words came from, but Wade's small smile told him they were the right ones. 

"It is a very strange tale." Arcturus agreed. "What do you see as the most pertinent danger here?"

"I think Dumbledore is going to make a move to take control of Harry. I've decided to leave the investigation of what happened tonight with the Aurors. I gave them all the clues I could to make sure they investigate properly. They did call in the Unspeakables, so we are well ahead of the game. 

"It became clear to me very quickly that Dumbledore had his own idea of what should happen and was moving things around to achieve his idea of a good ending. He often spoke of the Ministry being just as bad as the Death Eaters. With some guidance from the Wizengamot, we should be able to keep the Ministry on task to ensure that Harry isn't put in the position again of saving the world multiple times before he even finishes puberty. "

Arcturus nodded slowly. "Are you finally willing to take on the role of the Black Heir properly?"

Sirius took a deep breath and nodded. "I never wanted it, but it will be necessary to keep Harry safe.”

“Good. You’re still friends with the Longbottom boy, right?” 

“Yes. His wife is Harry’s godmother. Lily is . . . was her boy’s godmother, too. I should probably call them today to tell them. . .” Sirius trailed off as he suddenly considered the enormous task before him. He was going to have to call all of their friends, arrange a funeral, fight with Dumbledore over the best options for Harry, figure out how to find and speak to Conrad Bones, save the entire bloody magical world, somehow convince Wade that staying with him wasn’t nearly as bad an idea as it seemed, and worst of all, somehow grow up enough to raise Harry as his son. 

It was all too much, and he started to shake, “I can’t do this,” he whispered as he started to push back from the table. Wade was there, though; he pulled him close and held him tight. 

“Shhhh, love. It’s okay. It’s going to be okay. We can do this. You are not alone. Your grandfather and I will help.” The words were soft and compelling, and Sirius allowed them to soothe him. Part of him knew that Wade had held him like this not even a full day ago when they woke early before he had to go to work. The rest of him had almost forgotten what it was like to be held by those strong, loving arms. He closed his eyes, matched his breathing with Wade, and leaned into his strength. 

Perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad. This time, he wasn’t on the run. He had help. Real help. Harry was just upstairs, safe in his crib, and already on his way to healing. He could do this. He owed it to everyone to give it his best.

Chapter Text

Hours later, Sirius had a much better understanding and respect for his grandfather. Arcturus had quickly drawn up a plan of action and set Sirius and Wade to write letters. Most of those letters invited various people to stop by the manor throughout the day. Once the letters had been sent out, he had brought them to Gringotts to meet with the Black and Potter account managers.

After some vicious negotiations, there was a new Potter account manager, and Sirius also had a much better respect for the dverger that ran the bank. He also had two new rings on his right hand. The Potter Regent ring sat on his index finger, and the Black Heir ring encircled his ring finger.

He rubbed his thumb against the unfamiliar weight, and the regent ring warmed briefly. It had a connection to the Potter Family Magic that Sirius was unprepared for. The magic was grieving the loss of James and Lily and seemed wistful as it pooled around his hand. The Black ring, by contrast, was almost entirely inert. It had warmed and resized itself when he first put it on, but otherwise, it just seemed like any other ring he had ever worn.

They were currently in an office at the ministry. Specifically, Arcturus’s office that he used primarily for duties related to his seat on the Wizengamot. They had a whole sheaf of documents their account managers had prepared that Arcturus was traipsing about the building with. Sirius had offered to take part of the stack, but Arcuturs had refused, saying he wanted to be seen doing this for now.

Wade had been mostly quiet through all of this, just following along and providing moral support. This was their first time alone since he had taken off for Godric’s Hollow. Sirius decided he should probably practice his adulting and start the conversation.

“You said before that you had questions," Sirius started, then faded off, unsure what to say next. 

Wade looked at him solemnly and reached out to take his hand. Sirius squeezed it and tried to offer a smile. He could remember when things like this didn’t bother him. He would just charge in like the overly enthusiastic dog he was and know that he could charm the pants off of anyone. Now, he wasn’t so sure.

"I do have questions," Wade said slowly. "I'm not sure where to start."

"I will do my best to answer any question you ask as honestly as I know how to," Sirius offered.

"You said that you went to Azkaban. With the dementors."

Sirius nodded.

"My father's brother spent two years in Azkaban, and when he came out, he was very different from the man who went in. I was very young when he came back to the family estate, but I remember barely recognizing him and being frightened of him at first. My father told me that the dementors consume your happiest thoughts and memories. Is that what you meant when you said you couldn't remember things?"

"Yeah," Sirius agreed. "I had my animagus form that I could retreat to. They couldn't do much to hurt a dog, so it was the only relief I could get. But I had to stay human for all the inspections and meal times. Once a month or so, they would come through the prison to do general health checks and cast cleaning charms all over everything. Those were the worst days.

"I lost many of my memories of school, and most of the years I spent learning to become an Auror. I could remember to cast some very complicated transfigurations, but I couldn't remember how to cast a basic teeth-cleaning charm. Remus had to show me again."

"But you remember all of that now?" 

"Yeah. I think our Lady of Magic fixed me somehow. She told me that she was also going to remove the Black bloodline curse or at least suppress it for a time. I don't think I have ever been able to think as clearly as I have been since I came back. It's as if my brain power is dialed up to 11, and my emotional control isn't always dialed to epic drama."

Wade laughed a little at this. "Honestly, that's part of why I've been concerned. My Sirius could not have dealt with half the shit you have managed to navigate so far. I could not imagine how you would have dealt with any one thing that has happened, let alone all of it, without losing your mind. You spoke about Severus Snape many times last night and didn’t call him Snivellus once."

Sirius winced, “I find that I am less inclined towards hatred overall. I can remember feeling disgust and anger at the thought of Snape, but now I just feel a sort of antipathy. I would prefer if he stayed far, far away from me. However, I would probably punch him if I saw him for hurting Harry last night.

“Calling him stupid names just feels petty and ridiculous.” Sirius considered this and found he didn’t mind so much. He wondered idly if She had changed anything beyond restoring his memories and removing the Curse. 

“Before I was in the between place, there was a time of nothingness where I heard Dumbledore speaking with Harry. He had a lot to say about me that made me ashamed of my behavior. I had to think I was being a horrible role model for Harry, and now I’m entirely responsible for him. I have to do better, I have to be better, or I will break the promises I made to his parents again. I find that idea intolerable.”

Sirius looked up at Wade. He was staring pensively at their hands. “That feels like my Sirius. You have always been very invested in your friendships and your honor. Honestly, that’s the only reason I agreed to that first date.”

Sirius laughed softly, “I wonder who was more surprised by your agreement, me or Janita Hopkins.”

“Definitely Janita. I think she is still convinced that I am secretly pining for her even though I have never had a romantic thought about a woman in my life,” Wade responded, meeting his eyes with a soft smile. “Why didn’t you come back to the apartment that night?”

Sirius took a deep breath. That was the question he was afraid of. He spoke carefully, wanting to be as honest as he could be. “I think that the first time around, I was so horrified by the loss of James and Lily that I just went completely off the rails. Even now, my memories of that night and the following days are hazy and painful."

Sirius looked down at their joined hands, rubbing his thumb along the back of Wade’s hand, and continued, "At first, I was so consumed by my need to destroy Peter that I could think of nothing else. After a few weeks in Azkaban, I stopped thinking of you entirely because it hurt too much. Eventually, the Dementors took all of my memories of you and the time we shared. By the time I escaped, I had forgotten what it felt like to love you.

"I can't imagine how you could ever forgive me for that. I promised you forever, and what I gave you was not even close to that. I don't even know what happened to you after I was arrested. Most people I associated with after my escape were not mutual friends. I think the closest would have been Remus, and you two never really got along. I hope you moved on and continued to live a happy life with all the children you could have."

Sirius took a deep breath. "I'm sorry that I left, and I'm even more sorry that I didn't return."

Wade squeezed his hand. "That's a lot," he said. "I'm not even sure I can respond properly. Part of me thinks I would have eventually understood that you were in so far over your head that you had little control over what you did. I don’t believe I can even offer forgiveness because I am not the wizard you hurt.”

Sirius shut his eyes and swallowed, his throat making a clicking noise. “Do you think we could try to continue together?”

Wade sighed, “I don’t know. I know I love the man I was living with, but I’m not sure how much of that man is still in you. You’ve changed, and I can clearly see it in just the 12 hours since you came back. I would like to try though.”

Sirius gripped the hand he held a little tighter, suddenly terrified of losing even this small contact. “I have a lot more responsibility now,” he admitted. “You signed up to live in sin with me in my flat while I fucked around with the Aurors and maybe try to convince me to make babies with you in the future. Now I am Lord Regent Potter, Heir Black, and I have a toddler. I also have a mandate from our Lady to save all the witches and wizards from themselves.”

“There is that.” Wade sighed and seemed to consider his options. “I thought I was well shut of the Wizarding Peerage when I stepped out of the line of succession. Very well, Lord Regent Potter, Heir Black, I am willing to allow you to court me again, and we will see where it goes. After all, that toddler you speak of was the sweetest baby, and I’m sure he will be a delightful son.”

“I would very much like to kiss you,” Sirius said. 

In response, Wade leaned forward, and they shared a kiss. It was soft and sweet and made Sirius’s heart ache in the best way possible. 

He leaned closer, rubbing his cheek against Wade’s as the kiss ended before he sat back in his chair. “I feel so selfish to want this with you on top of all our Lady gave back to me, but I don’t want to do this without you.”

Wade’s lips twisted in amusement, “You should have led with that, you romantic bastard.”

Sirius couldn’t help the grin that spread across his face before he leaned in for another sweet kiss. 

They were interrupted not long after by the arrival of the Daily Prophet. It was quite late for the morning paper, but the headline certainly captured Sirius’s attention. 

YOU-KNOW-WHO DEFEATED? 

By A. Smudgley

In the wee hours of the morning, the DMLE held an impromptu press conference to announce that the remains of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named were found in the destroyed remnants of the Potter Cottage in Godric’s hollow. Unspeakable Bode and several Ministry Leaders were there to corroborate the report. 

Unspeakable Bode had this to say, “It was apparent from the magical residue on the scene that You-Know-Who fell afoul of sacrificial ritual family magic. From what we were able to piece together, James and Lily Potter used a Potter Family ritual on their 1-year-old son, Harry, that would give him powerful personal warding in the event of their deaths. 

“It is unclear at this time why he attacked the Potters, but he entered their home a little before 7 pm last night and killed Lord James Potter in his living room. Lady Lily Potter tried to defend herself and her child in the nursery, but she, too, gave her life for her son. You-Know-Who then turned his wand on Harry Potter. He cast the Killing Curse at point blank range, but the curse rebounded back onto him, killing him instantly.”

There was no information about the health or whereabouts of the Potter Heir, but we were told he did survive the encounter and was seeking medical care. 

The Aurors captured an unidentified suspected Death Eater at the scene and are currently looking for the Potter’s secret keeper, Peter Pettigrew. Pettigrew is an unregistered Animagus with the form of a rat. 

Minister Bagnold was also present and said, “I want to thank all of the hard-working Aurors, Unspeakables, and Ministry Personal that were able to respond immediately when a concerned citizen reported what was happening at Potter Cottage. 

For more of Minister Bagnold’s speech, go to page 4

For information on Animagi, go to page 2

For more on the Fidelus, go to page 3

“At least they haven’t started calling Harry the Boy-Who-Lived yet. I hope that never becomes a thing.” Sirius offered as they finished reading the article together.

“That was a thing?”

“Yeah. He got quite famous for it.”

“That’s shitty. Imagine random wizards and witches walking up to you and saying, ‘Good job on surviving the death of your parents!’” Wade made a face.

Sirius stared at him, “I never thought of it quite like that, but that’s exactly what they were doing. I wonder if I can sue the paper if they start printing shit like that. Harry should be famous for being a Quidditch player or inventing a new way to harvest phoenix tears.”

Wade nodded in agreement. “Sounds like a perfectly good plan. Do you know what Arcturus has in store for us next? Most of his guests aren’t getting to the Manor until 11, and it’s only 7:30 now.”

Sirius slumped down in his chair, “We have to go see the Longbottoms. We have an invite for eight, so we should be leaving soon. I had hoped to be able to tell them about the Potters before it was general knowledge, but well,” he gestured helplessly at the paper. 

“I’m sure they will understand. You can at least let them know the arrangements for the funeral.”

“There’s been far too much death. I never forgot a single funeral I attended.” Sirius said.

“Yeah,” Wade agreed. “Let’s hope this is the last one we have to attend for a while.

Chapter Text

The morning of the funeral arrived bright and clear and cold. Sirius stood on the balcony outside the lavender suite and looked over Black Lake as he considered the day. James would have probably tried to get him to go flying. Even after Hogwarts, James was still drawn to the air as much as he could. If he shut his eyes, he could almost hear James's laughter as he skimmed over a different Black Lake far to the north.

Lily had always sighed a little at his exuberance, but she could always be found with a book, sitting in a sunny spot where she could steal glimpses of him. Lily had tried to put on airs that James annoyed her with his excitement, but it was clear to anyone who spent any time around the two of them that she loved every single one of his idiosyncrasies.

Sirius missed them so much he ached with it, but he was glad he would get to say goodbye properly this time. The ministry had put a watch on their graves in the old timeline, so he hadn’t had a chance to see their graves. He had repeatedly asked Albus to arrange a trip so Harry could see them but had been refused for safety concerns.

The last four days had been hectic, but Sirius felt safer than he had in a long time. Harry had woken up yesterday and kept everyone on their toes as he absolutely refused to be contained and insisted on exploring the entire Manor. He had fortunately not figured out how to open any of the doors to the outside yet, so they were at least safe there. The hardest part was that he kept asking about his parents. Sirius had tried multiple times to explain that they were gone forever, but Harry didn't seem to understand. Healer Lore had reassured him that Harry was simply too young to understand death yet. They had produced a picture book for him to read with Harry that had helped some.

Auror Proudfoot had stopped by twice. Once on Sunday to drop off Lily’s cat, Bella, who they had found hiding in the primary bedroom, and again yesterday to see for himself that Harry was okay and to pick up Healer Lore's statement. He had also let Sirius know that Snape was being released. He would have to pay a fine for the harm he caused, but he wasn't connected with the attack. Sirius had assumed Snape would get off somehow, so he wasn't shocked, just deeply annoyed. 

Sirius was grateful the rest of the department was giving him space because he had spoken with more people in the last three days than he could remember interacting with in years. Most of his grandfather's guests had been members of the Wizengamot or higher-ups in the Ministry, including Minister Bagnold, who was less awful than Minister Fudge but still more interested in her image than anything else.

So far, that crowd had accepted that Harry had been healing, and the only two people who had insisted on seeing him were Auror Proudfoot and Minister Bagnold. The minister had asked for a picture of the two of them together, but Sirius refused, citing concern that there were still Death Eaters out there. There had been a large attack on a muggle-born's family that the ministry had to scramble to hide from the muggles. The young witch in question hadn't been home, but she still lost her father and grandmother.

Sirius had insisted that Minister Bagnold do something about the threat, and she had agreed to provide security for the funeral service today. It wasn't much, but at least they could grieve in peace.

Sirius had spoken to all his old school friends in the last few days, making sure they all remembered who he was and were inclined to side with him in the coming days. Only Remus had been conspicuous in his absence. He had been on a mission for Dumbledore, and any owls addressed to him just came back unopened.

Sirius had refused to see Dumbledore the one time he dropped by. Arcturus had been more than happy to run interference, and the memory of Lord Black acting like a confused old man who had lost all his wits was one that Sirius would treasure forever. Albus Dumbledore had come in all smiles, twinkles, and innuendoes, and Arcturus had been as literal in his responses as anyone could be. Eventually, Melania had to intervene and send the Headmaster back to his school, claiming it was time for Arcturus's nap.

After viewing the entire visit in the pensieve, they all had a good laugh. It did have the benefit of preparing for Dumbledore's arguments. The autumn session of the Wizengamot would be starting in just over a week, and they were certain that that was when the Headmaster would start his campaign to gain control of Harry.

The DMLE had managed to capture Pettigrew trying to leave the country, and his trial would be one of many slated for the autumn session. Minister Bagnold and Crouch were still arguing the trial schedule, but many Wizengmot members insisted on the right to oversee all of the trials. Sirius had been very loud about his concerns that people could be sent to Azkaban without due process or, even worse, be released without answering for their crimes.

The Longbottoms had been a great support and were the only people he had invited to visit with Harry once he was awake. Their son Neville was the same age as Harry, and the two toddlers had decided they were best friends on sight and caused so much chaos that all the adults had decided to keep their interactions limited for now. Eventually, they would have to figure out how to get the boys together with some kind of structure.

Sirius remembered the conversation he had overheard at Grimmauld Place before Harry had been allowed to join the rest of the Order. Ron Weasley was like most young wizards his age but wasn't a good friend to Harry. He seemed more preoccupied with what he could gain from his friendship instead of how he could help and support his friend. The witch, Hermione, had been the kind of friend any young wizard should have. She was sensible, smart, and truly invested in her friendship with Harry.

"Here you are," Wade said from the doorway. "Harry was looking for you and came to my room first. I saw that your bed hadn't been slept in, and I was worried."

Sirius turned and saw his wizard in the doorway, dressed in somber black robes. He couldn't help how his eyes traveled the long length of his body and grinned when he saw the faint blush on Wade's cheeks. They had talked several times since the conversation in his grandfather’s office, and Sirius had hope that they could repair their relationship with time and care. 

"Don't look at me like that," Wade hissed. "Harry will be here any second."

Sirius laughed. Harry had interrupted them several times yesterday when they were snuggling or making out on the couch in the living room of their suite. Wade had started calling him the tiny chaperone. Not that either one of them had gone beyond some light petting. "I can't help it when you dress like that. All I can think about is how to get you back out of those robes again."

Wade laughed, "You look just as delicious. I don't remember those robes, though."

Sirius looked down at himself. He was also dressed in black, but his robes had a subtle pattern of alternating crests woven into the fabric in a slightly different shade of black. The Potter Crest and the Black Crest. It was a statement about the temporary merging of the families and the alliance between them. "Grandfather had them commissioned. They just arrived this morning, and Pobky altered them for me."

Just then, Harry came up next to Wade's legs and peered around the doorjam. "Pa-foo!" He demanded and tottered his way over to his godfather. Sirius picked him up. Harry could walk well for his age but was still a little wobbly on two feet. When he gave up on walking and crawled, he was faster than most of the adults in the house.

"What's going on, little man?"

"Toast!" Harry demanded.

"Toast it is," Sirius agreed, carrying him back into their room. Wade stepped back from the doorway, but Sirius still managed to steal a kiss as he passed.

-----

"Do you really think he'll be okay at a funeral? Don't you think he's too young?" Melania Black fussed as they gathered in the floo room to head over to St. Jerome's Church.

"It's his parent's funeral. He may not understand or remember this day, but he will ask about it at some point. I would much rather be able to tell him that he was there to say goodbye. And Healer Lore said that it might help him understand better." Sirius responded. He had been back and forth on the issue. Wade thought bringing him was a good idea, but both his grandparents thought Harry was much too young. However, Healer Lore had been happy to explain much of childhood development to him and suggest some reference books for him to read. They had even supplied a few books.

Melania huffed a little, "Well, you are his Reagent, so I can't argue too much. Are you ready to go?"

"We're ready. We'll follow you?" Wade responded for both of them.

She sniffed and took some floo powder in her gloved hand. "St. Jerome's Church," She declared in a firm voice and swirled away.

"Bah. She'll come around soon enough," Arcturus said as he reached for the powder. "She thinks since she raised two children, you should be tripping over yourselves to come to her for her wisdom. She'll eventually figure out that you boys will just do your own thing no matter what she thinks. St. Jerome's Church." And he was gone, too.

Sirius shared a frown with Wade, "She's not had a child in over 40 years, and she raised my father. I'm much happier asking Healer Lore for advice on this subject."

"I feel just the same way," Wade agreed. "I think she also has a problem with me. She asked me the other day how I could give up the Owens name."

Sirius huffed, "I told her not to bother you about that. It's obscene. You made the only choice you could live with by taking your father's name."

"I did. I don't regret it even a tiny bit, not even when proper old ladies sniff in my general direction."

Sirius laughed and cast a few spells over himself and Harry. One would ensure he didn't drop Harry in the floo system, another would keep the soot off them both, and the third would protect Harry's lungs from any weird fumes they encountered. He took a handful of powder, declared his destination, and swirled through the system to a chorus of Harry's gleeful giggles.

They stepped out into the Church's floo room. It was a plain chamber with only a single fireplace on one wall. Sirius quickly moved away from the floo and headed for the arched doorway into the main Church. Father Charlie met him at the door and guided him to the side room where his grandparents already waited. Wade joined them shortly after. St. Jerome’s was one of many Catholic churches that serviced the spiritual needs of both Muggle and Magical parishioners. Father Charlie was also a wizard and had been in contact with Sirius about the services via Owl. 

"I didn't know if you wanted a viewing before we get set up for the funeral," Father Charlie asked. Everyone looked to Sirius. He hadn't had a chance to talk with the priest before now. The plan was to have a graveside service in the old way, as that was how James had buried his parents.  They wouldn't have a reception or remembrance, just the funeral. Perhaps in a few years, when Harry was old enough, Sirius would arrange for all of their friends to gather so that Harry could learn about his parents from those who loved them. 

Sirius considered and finally decided that might confuse and distress Harry even more. He probably wouldn't remember any of this, but seeing his parents after he had been asking for them and having them not respond to him sounded awful. "No. I think it would be too much for Harry. Did any of the guests request it?"

The priest shook his head, "No, though several people are already gathered around the grave. The DMLE has set up a security ward and provided several Aurors and Hit Wizards to monitor it. I can show you to your seats."

"Thank you, Father Charlie," Sirius murmured as Harry caught his attention. The boy was trying to get down. "Not yet, Harry. We're going to sit outside."

The boy huffed and crossed his arms. Sirius tweaked his nose, and Harry pouted, his big green eyes glaring at him reproachfully. 

They followed the priest out into the graveyard. The area around where James and Lily would be laid to rest had been hit with several space enhancement charms that pushed the surrounding gravestones away and made room for the gathering of people. There was already a crowd. Sirius had invited everyone he could think of who knew the couple, much to the annoyance of the DMLE, who wanted him to keep the gathering small. Sirius felt everyone who wanted to should have a chance to say goodbye. 

Auror Proudfoot and Auror Savage were sitting in the front row with three seats between them. Proudfoot waved them over, and they settled down between the Aurors while Arcturus and Melania sat directly behind them. Sirius looked around once he had Harry settled between him and Wade. Wade produced a stuffed manticore from somewhere and caught Harry's attention with it easily. Frank Longbottom came over and sat next to Arcturus after a brief greeting.

"How are you holding up?" he asked Sirius. 

"Eh," Sirius replied. "I've had better days. Did Alice decide to keep Neville at home?"

"Yeah, he woke up this morning with a case of the sniffles, so we thought it best to keep him home. He gets fussy when he doesn't feel well. My mother offered to take him, but he won't settle for anyone but Alice when he's like this."

Sirius nodded, "Thanks for coming then. James and Lily would have appreciated it." Sirius felt he would be repeating those words over and over again today. Frank just nodded in response and sat back in his chair. Sirius went back to watching the crowd. 

He was looking for one specific individual. He had been unable to reach Remus by owl, but he hoped the werewolf had seen a paper or that Albus had been able to reach him. He still wasn't sure what to think of his friend. Their relationship had been difficult after Azkaban. Sirius felt like he couldn't trust Remus, but he had no choice but to pretend. He had to play nice because everyone else had power over him. 

He finally spotted the man enter the area along with Albus Dumbledore. The two of them were followed by Minerva McGonagall and Hagrid. Hagrid was already crying, a large handkerchief clutched his hand. Sirius glanced at Wade, "I should probably go over there to talk to them before they come over here. Will you be okay with Harry for a bit?"

"Sure. We've got a whole adventure to plan, don't we, Harry?" Wade had produced several more stuffed animals while Sirius wasn't watching, and it looked like they were well into a game of pretend. 

Harry looked up at Sirius and nodded eagerly, so Sirius just ruffled his hair and stood up. 

"Arran, can you and Honora ensure no one is allowed to approach Harry? I don't want him upset," Sirius asked the Auror. 

"Of course, brother. We've got your back today," Proudfoot reassured him. 

"Thanks. I'll find a way to pay you all back for everything."

"No worries," Savage interjected. "We know you would do the same for us."

Sirius nodded and headed over to intercept Remus. Dumbledore had wandered off to talk with some of the gathered officials, so this was probably the best time to approach. The werewolf looked about the same as he had in the future, tired and careworn. Sirius suspected he had always been older in spirit than in body. "Remus," he said as he came within talking distance. 

Remus turned to him, his face lightening briefly before falling back into sorrow, "Sirius. I was hoping I would get a chance to talk to you today."

Sirius offered a one-armed hug, which Remus returned. "I don't have much time, unfortunately." He pointed to where Harry was playing with Wade, "I'll have to get back to them quickly, but I did want to ask if you would agree to be the pallbearer for James. I would do it myself, but I don't want to leave Harry that long."

"Yeah, of course, whatever I can do to help," Remus said. "Harry looks good. From what Albus told me, I expected you not to bring him or for him to still be too ill to attend."

"What has he been saying?" Sirius asked, half curious and half annoyed. Albus hadn't asked once after Harry's health the one time he came by the manor. 

"Just that he required extensive medical care after you took him, and he was worried he wasn't getting it because you were refusing to speak with him."

Sirius sighed, "Harry saw a healer within hours of the incident. He was suffering from some stress fractures of his magical core, as well as injuries sustained in the attacks. He needed intensive care for a few days, so I hired a private Healer to stay with us. He's fine now. If you want to come by Black Manor tomorrow, you would be welcome to see him for yourself."

"I would like that."

Sirius nodded and pointed to the yellow door at the side of the rectory. "Go through that door. Father Charlie is arranging everything, and he will explain what is needed. I should warn you that I asked Severus Snape to be Lily's Pallbearer. I know they had a falling out, but he was still her closest friend. James told me recently that they were back in communication, and she had convinced him to join the Order.”

Remus stared at him, “Who are you, and what have you done with Sirius?”

“Ha Ha. I can be mature when I need to be,” Sirius insisted.

“I’ll believe it when I see it,” Remus returned.

“Well, believe it, and get over there. It’s about to start.” Sirius shoved Remus towards the yellow door and headed back over to his wizard and godson. 

—--

The funeral itself was like most funerals that Sirius had attended. Remus and Snape carefully floated the closed caskets through the gathered crowd to their grave and gently set them to hover side by side. Someone had thought to bring out some enchanted instruments that played quiet, sad music. Harry watched it all with a serious frown on his face, eventually climbing into Sirius’s lap to suck his thumb. Sirius held him close and let the tears flow freely.  

A few people got up to speak about their memories of James and Lily, including Albus, who shockingly kept his comments brief. Sirius was the last person to speak. He had planned something short but heartfelt, but when he arrived at the podium, he decided on something different. He had spotted several reporters in the crowd but hadn't said anything so far because they had all kept their distance. He was grateful now for that decision. He was hopeful he could derail the idea that Harry had to be sacrificed for the greater good. 

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies..." he began, ignoring how Albus had lunged forward as if to get up. Minerva was right there with a hand on his shoulder, keeping him in his seat. "These were the words shared with Lily and James shortly after the birth of their son Harry. They were terrified to hear their child might be named in a prophecy, as any parent would be. But the Potter family is full of broken prophecies.  One of James's favorite stories is about how his grandfather broke a prophecy and saved the Potter line from extinction.  

"James and Lily came to me not too long after the first part of the prophecy was disclosed to them to ask me to help as best I could. We devised several plans together, and they continued to plan without me. They worked together, using Potter lore to find a special ritual to ensure that if they fell in the defense of their child, he would continue to live. They charged me with making sure that should the worst happen, Harry would be protected and loved. 

"It was my great honor to be declared Harry's Godfather, and so I agreed to do everything in my power to continue to raise Harry as they would have wanted. James and Lily were two of my best friends. They were both powerful magically and intellectually. Many of you have spoken about their gifts in magic. When two such powerful beings come together, we have to expect great things, and they gave us one of the greatest things imaginable. 

"James and Lily gave their lives to break a prophecy so that their son could live free from the expectations of strangers. They gave their lives to free us all from Voldemort." Sirius paused at the reaction of the crowd. Who could blame them for the fear? For so long, his name was dangerous to say. 

"For so long, we have lived in fear of his name. A made-up name. Now that he is gone, we can say it with impunity. Or we can call him by his true name, Tom Marvolo Riddle." Sirius glanced towards Albus to see that he had stopped trying to escape Minerva. His face was white as paper, and he had one trembling hand covering his mouth. 

Good. Secrets were not helpful in this situation. The more people knew, the easier it would be to keep Harry safe.

"We all came here today to honor James and Lily and say goodbye to them. I believe they would want all of you to go home tonight and find one more way to keep your family safe. While Voldemort is gone, his followers are still out there causing trouble. I charge you all to keep yourselves and your neighbors safe in memory of their sacrifice." 

He raised his wand and cast the final spell over the two coffins before him. They settled gently in the graves they had been hovering over, and one by one, witches and wizards stepped forward to spell the dirt into the graves. Wade carried Harry to him, and together, they cast a spell that caused hundreds of flowers to bloom over the filled-in graves. Harry clapped and laughed at the display, and Sirius smiled through his tears. 

The Aurors had gathered around them while they were distracted by this, and Sirius was startled to see that they were preventing Albus from approaching. He decided discretion was called for and followed Wade's prompting to head back into the Church to floo back to the Manor.

The Prophet published an evening edition with his entire eulogy printed word for word. There was also a picture of Sirius, Wade, and Harry casting the flower spell over the grave on the cover. Sirius was glad the illusion he had cast over Harry's scar worked well for the photo. It was the best he could think of to give the boy some small measure of anonymity.

Chapter Text

After the funeral, they returned to the Manor and, by mutual accord, decided to relax the rest of the day.

Harry had been more than ready for a nap, so Sirius settled him down in his crib and set a few monitoring spells so he would be alerted as soon as Harry started to stir. Harry delighted in 'escaping' his crib and running about. Sirius had been letting him because it was generally safe in this suite, and now that Sirius had cast a few alarms, Harry couldn't leave the suite without the house elves being alerted.

He dropped heavily on the couch next to Wade, who was reading a book on childhood development.

"Anything good in that one?" Sirius asked.

"Meh," Wade responded. "It seems to be written by someone who didn't actually have a good childhood at all and wants to take it out on his kids. I don't think there is anything here that we can use except possibly examples of what not to do."

Sirius snorted, "That's probably not one from the list then."

"No. Your grandmother gave me a stack of them from the Black Library. They are fascinating if dated."

"The last thing I want is to raise Harry or any other kids like I was raised. It seems to be contrary to actually liking children."

Wade nodded in agreement, setting the book aside. "Now that you have Harry, do you think you might want more children?"

Sirius considered this. He and Wade had talked about children before, and at the time, Sirius had been ambivalent about children. He had wanted them in a vague, someday sort of way, but he was also convinced he would be horrible at raising kids. Watching Wade with Harry made him want to see Wade with more children. There was something truly contented in his magic whenever Wade interacted with Harry. "Yes. Absolutely. As many as is reasonable."

Wade laughed, "I was not expecting such an emphatic answer."

Sirius shrugged. "I always knew you wanted children, but it seemed like something that future Sirius would have to figure out. Seeing you with Harry makes me want at least eight more. Maybe nine."

Wade poked him, "I'm not fielding a sports ball team here! Unless you want to carry half of them, we are keeping the numbers down to just a few."

Sirius raised both hands, "I don't have the correct equipment for that, and I don't want it. Thank you very much!"

Wade smiled a bit smugly. "I did keep those parts for now, you know. I wanted to have my own kids if it was possible. Surrogates and ritual babies are both dicey propositions. It's too easy to lose the child in the first trimester, and then you have to start over from scratch."

"That works out then. I suppose I would be willing to settle for as many as you are willing to carry."

Wade nodded as if that was completely decided. "I guess that means I'm stuck with you."

Sirius nodded solemnly. "Most definitely. It's a pact and everything." He mimed writing on his hand with a quill, "On this Day, the 4th day of November in the year of our Lady 1981, Wade Alex Turner has declared his desire to make babies with Sirius Orion Black, therefore binding the two together for all their days."

Wade snuggled up against him, "I do like the sound of that."

Sirius kissed him softly, "I thought you were still considering your options." He said quietly, hating how insecure he felt.

"I was. But then Harry woke up, and I've been watching you with him. You have always been at your heart, a good man, and I still see all of that goodness in you. You have changed, but not in any of the ways that matter. Your pranks have gotten far more sophisticated, though.”

Sirius couldn't help the grin that spread across his face. He bounced a little as he said, "Did you see Dumbledore's face?"

Wade laughed again, "He looked like someone had desecrated his favorite robes. I thought he was going to spontaneously combust when he was trying to get to us after the funeral."

They snuggled together for a long moment before Wade continued, “I keep coming back to that day on Diagon Alley before seventh year. Do you remember that day?"

"I think so. James and I went school shopping with Lily and Remus. Peter's mom had Owl ordered everything for him because she was afraid he would get kidnapped and tortured by Death Eaters. James and Lily had just discovered they were Head Boy and Head Girl, so they were also trying to plan for that. Remus was feeling poorly, so he left early, and I was bored out of my mind playing third wheel. So I wandered off."

"Yeah, it was strange to see you alone when you came into the stationary store. My dad insisted on accompanying me to go shopping, and we argued over me getting extra ink in fun colors. You jumped right in. You argued with my dad and said something like, 'Brooke is totally right. She should absolutely get the purple and teal. Transfiguration notes are dull enough. Why not liven them up?'"

"And you said, 'It's Wade now.' And I finally paused to look at you and noticed the changes. You even had this cute little bit of chin fluff trying so hard to be a goatee." Sirius pulled on the much thicker, neatly trimmed goatee that Wade was very proud of.

Wade shoved him away, laughing, "And you just repeated your statement with the correct name and pronouns like it was nothing."

Sirius shrugged, "I never understood why so many people made such a big deal of it. I sort of get all the people who thought you were crazy for stepping out of the line of succession for the Owens family. They are the most powerful magical family on the Isle of Man, but the rest of it is no one's business but your own."

"That. Exactly that. And later that year, you actually asked me out to Hogsmeade and treated me like any other boy I had seen you date. My mind goes back to that because I see the parallels. You left and came back a bit different, but still you. So did I. If you could accept my changes, I should be able to do the same for you."

"I'm not sure it's the same thing," Sirius responded. "You were always a man; you just hadn't told many people yet. Everyone just assumed, based on your appearance, that you were not.

“I was a hot-headed idiot and never tried to be anything else. Now, I'm still an idiot, but I seem to be able to think things through. Just yesterday, I was playing with Harry, and I thought it would be fun to let him ride me as Padfoot. But then I didn't because the more I thought it through, the more dangerous it seemed. Maybe when he's older."

Wade poked him again, "Good choice, but I still think it's close enough."

Sirius leaned back onto the arm of the couch and pulled Wade up to lay on his chest, and for a while, they were content to trade lazy kisses.

"I miss them," Sirius said softly after the kisses had faded into cuddles.

Wade nodded his head against his chest and sighed. "They were good people. I wish I had been able to get to know them better. James always had such insight into runic work, and Lily taught me more about Charms than Professor Flitwick did. The world is so much less without them in it."

Sirius just let the tears flow and held Wade close. Now was the time for grieving.

-----

Wade and Sirius had fallen asleep on the couch, so Harry ended up napping much longer than planned, which meant it was almost 10 pm, and they were trying to convince the toddler to go to bed. He wasn't having any of it. He had spent quite some time screaming for his parents and wouldn't be soothed, even when Wade brought out the stuffed animals, which had so far been his favorite activity.

Wade wiggled the Hippogryph towards Harry and said in a squeaky voice, "Come play with me. I want to go on an adventure!"

Harry shouted, "No!" And the Hippogryph was ripped from Wade's hand and flung into a wall.

All three of them stared at the mistreated stuffie in shock for a long moment.

"Was that accidental magic?" Wade asked softly. Sirius just nodded slowly. Little Harry shoved his first two fingers in his mouth and burst into tears again. Sirius scooped him up and started to rock him.

"It's okay, little man," he soothed. "I know it's hard, but Wade and I are here for you."

Harry just snuffled into his neck, "Want Mama."

"I know, love. I miss your Mama, too. She's with the ancestors now, and she can't come back."

Harry just sobbed harder against him.

Wade shifted closer and started to rub Harry's back. He began to hum and soon started to sing:

Oh hush thee my dove, oh hush thee my rowan,
Oh, hush thee, my lapwing, my little brown bird.

Oh, fold thy wings and seek thy nest now,

Oh, shine the berry on the bright tree,

The bird is home from the mountain and valley.

Oh horo hi ri ri. Cadul gu lo.

They rocked together until Harry's sobs faded into snuffles, and eventually, he slumped into sleep against Sirius's shoulder. Sirius carried him to his crib and settled him down once again. Wade came to lean against his side, and they stood together for a long moment, watching Harry sleep. 

Eventually, Wade cast the charms to monitor him and pulled Sirius away. "Let's get ourselves to bed, too. Tomorrow is already a full day. We have Remus stopping by in the morning, and after lunch, you're supposed to meet with Conrad Bones."

Sirius nodded and followed Wade into his bedroom. Wade moved to the far side of the bed and started to undress like it was any other night before Sirius had come back in time. Sirius hesitated. He had been sleeping in a different room since he came back and wasn't quite sure what Wade wanted here.

Wade slid under the covers and looked up at him, "C'mon, Sirius. I'm tired of sleeping alone. Come to bed."

Sirius nodded jerkily, feeling oddly shy and nervous. 

He added his clothing to the hamper and slid in next to Wade. The lights in the room slowly started to fade as Wade moved right into his space and settled with his head on Sirius's chest. Sirius closed his arm around him tightly as they snuggled skin to skin. Wade slid a hand across Sirius's chest and sighed softly as he fell asleep. 

Sirius lay awake for a long time, just holding his wizard. It had been only days in this timeline since the last time they lay together like this, but for Sirius, it had been more than a decade. He did not deserve any of this but was grateful to have it all the same. He promised himself again that he would keep trying his best to earn it. There was no other option. He would not lose this again. 

-----

Remus arrived right on time and surprisingly didn't bring anyone with him. Sirius had hoped that he could rebuild something like friendship with Remus as the last two Marauders standing, and this was a good sign. Remus stood just inside the doorway and watched Wade and Harry playing together with the musical blocks. Harry had more fun knocking them down than stacking them up while Wade tried to get them to play Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. 

Sirius stood next to him and waited quietly. 

"I haven't seen Harry in almost eight months, not since they went into hiding," Remus said. "He's grown so much."

Sirius nodded, "He really has. Healer Lore says he's well ahead of the development curve in language and motor skills. He certainly is doing a great job of running us ragged. You can go ahead and say hi if you want," he urged gently. 

Remus met his eyes briefly and, seemingly reassured, headed over to join Harry and Wade on the floor. Harry looked up at him consideringly for a long moment and then started handing him blocks while babbling a mile a minute. Remus seemed to understand and started building up a tower as directed. Sirius settled on the couch with a soft smile to watch. 

Eventually, Harry tired of the blocks and retrieved his new favorite book. He brought it to Remus and climbed into his lap. Remus accepted both the book and the cuddle, though he hesitated when he read the cover. It was one of the grief books Healer Lore recommended.

"That's his current favorite," Wade offered Remus at his questioning look. 

Remus nodded slowly and started to read. "My dear one. Life, like spring, is far too short..."

Harry fell asleep towards the end of the book, and Remus looked up at where Sirius and Wade had retreated to the couch, a look of vague panic on his face. Sirius smiled and got up to retrieve the toddler. "I'll go put him down, and then we can talk."

When he returned from the nursery, Remus had moved to the loveseat, and Wade had just finished serving some tea. Sirius settled down next to Wade and accepted his own cup. 

For a long moment, they all just sat together enjoying the tea until Remus sighed and spoke, "He seems to be doing well, though that was a strange storybook."

"Healer Lore tells us that he's too young to understand that James and Lily are dead, "Sirius said easily. "He continues to ask for them, and we were having a hard time explaining in a way he could understand. They recommended a few story books that talk about death, and more specifically, the death of a parent. I think he likes that one best because it talks about what his parents might be doing right now and how they still love him even though they can't be with him anymore."

Remus nodded. "Headmaster Dumbledore was very concerned that Harry should be with his Aunt while he grieves. He was worried that she wasn't invited to the funeral and might not even know that her sister had passed."

Sirius sighed, "I went to her house on Monday morning and tried to speak with her. She yelled at me for a solid ten minutes about how she wanted nothing to do with the wizarding world and that we should just leave her alone. When I could finally get a word in edgewise and explain why I had come in person, she told me that it was no less than her sister deserved, and she wanted nothing to do with the funeral. I left a written invitation with the details anyway, so it was entirely her choice not to attend." 

"Wow," Remus breathed, "I knew they had a falling out, but I didn't realize it was quite that bad."

Sirius nodded, "The last time Lily spoke about it, she just said her sister resented not having magic, and there wasn't much she could do to make it better for her."

"I wonder why the Headmaster was so convinced she would want to care for Harry,” Remus mused. “He made it sound like he had talked with her, and she was upset that you were keeping Harry away from her."

Sirius shrugged, "Why does Dumbledore say anything? I think he's gotten a bit out of touch with the world. He spends all of his time either at Hogwarts or on the Wizengamot. I don't remember the last time I've seen him outside those settings."

Remus nodded slowly, "He always seems to know what's going on, and I've gotten used to him having a plan."

"I get that. We went from being his students to supporting him in the Order and following his plan for this war we have been fighting. I greatly respect him but question why he's so interested in Harry."

"What do you mean?" Remus asked, confused.

Sirius sighed, "Well, he was the one who heard the prophecy and told Lily and James about it. From what James told me, he seemed very convinced they could do nothing to interrupt the prophecy once it had been made. James tried to convince him to help break it, but Dumbledore was firm in his views.

"The night they died,” Sirius continued, “the Headmaster sent Hagrid to their cottage with a portkey. Hagrid said he was there to see what happened and to bring the Potters back to Hogwarts. When he bounced off the Auror wards, he got a little shirty with Auror Proudfoot about being denied access to the house. 

"I find it strange that with everything that's been going on, he sent Hagrid, of all people, to check on them. He set his portkey to drop Hagrid practically on the front step. If he had some kind of monitor on the house and a ready-made portkey, why couldn't he have sent Professor McGonagall? She still works for the Auror department and is a member of the Order. Barring that, why didn't he go himself?"

Remus nodded slowly.

Sirius added, "He also came by the Manor the next day and spent well over an hour trying to convince my grandfather to give Harry to him so he could ensure the boy got proper medical care and his Next of Kin could be informed. He never once asked how Harry was or why the Aurors released him into my custody.  I know for a fact that I'm named in their will as Harry's guardian. He's also trying to have their will reading blocked. Currently, it's in limbo, waiting for the Wizengamot to open on Monday."

Remus frowned, "Why would he involve himself so much with that process? I can understand his worry for Harry, but interfering in the business of a noble house seems to be a bit much."

Sirius nodded in agreement. "The whole thing has made me nervous about giving him access to Harry. Harry was in a magically induced coma until Tuesday morning. When he woke up, all the damage to his core and magical channels had healed, but he was still not quite himself. Healer Lore says it's all very normal for what he's been through. We shouldn't worry; just let him process at his own speed. 

“He still needs some magical cleansing as the residue from the attacks is still lingering. I have a meeting with Conrad Bones later today to try to arrange for a ritual cleansing."

"That's a lot. It sounds like you've been doing everything you can for him. Are you going to try to raise him?"

Sirius nodded, "That's the plan. James and Lily asked me for my word that I would see their son cared for to the best of my ability. I plan to honor that promise with everything I have."

"Thank you for letting me see him today. I have much to think about now, but most of my worries have been put to rest."

"It was good to see you again. I'm unsure how long we will stay at the Manor, but feel free to drop by again."

Remus smiled a little and nodded as he stood up. "That would be good. I have another trip to take for Dumbledore. He heard word about another school-aged child with the same condition I have. He wants me to see if she could attend Hogwarts."

Sirius stood, too, and offered a hug, which Remus accepted. "Take care in your travels, and let me know if there is any way I can help with that. I think it's great that he's continuing to help as many kids as possible."

They said the usual goodbyes until Remus left the suite with Pobky to be escorted out of the Manor. 

Once he was gone, Sirius turned to Wade, "Something was very odd about that whole conversation."

Wade snorted, "He's still weird around me, but I see what you mean. I don't think I'm ever going to figure out what his problem is."

Sirius laughed a little, "That's not what I meant, but I would be happy to explain that to you if you really want to know. I just feel like he was holding something back, like he had some kind of secret or something."

"You know what his problem is? Why haven't you told me?" Wade questioned, starting to sound offended. "I've asked you before, and you  . . . well." He considered it. "I guess you probably evaded the question. Why?"

"Because it's stupid, and Remus knows it's stupid and kind of transphobic and hates himself for it. He carries more guilt than any other Catholic I've ever met in my life. Makes me glad my parents raised me Agnostic."

"Tell me," Wade demanded.

"He had the hots for you before your transition. After you returned to school for seventh year, he still had the hots for you and had a ton of bi-panic. He had apparently never found another man attractive before that moment and went on quite the spiral. James and I had to sit on him to get him to admit it. He still hasn't quite gotten over it, even though I told him he wasn't allowed to ogle you anymore."

Wade burst out laughing. "Now that's ridiculous. That man's been panting after you for years. I seriously thought for a while that you two were dating."

"What? Remus?" Sirius squeaked, "No. There's no way . . . " he faded off as he considered it. "But now that you mention it . . . there were some times in the future where I thought he was coming on to me. I was completely uninterested in anything to do with sex and still struggling with some performance troubles, so I just pretended I didn't notice."

“Poor Remus. He missed out on banging the best lay in England.” Wade sighed, mock tragically. 

Sirius shoved him and stood up, “I have much better things to do than to be mocked today.”

“Like what?” Wade challenged. 

“Pluck my ear hair,” Sirius declared with great dignity before sweeping from the room in a grand, dramatic fashion.

Chapter Text

Conrad Bones was a short, thickly built, broad wizard. He had a bald head and a carefully groomed beard that fell well down his chest. He was probably in his mid-70s but was more vigorous than any wizard that age that Sirius had ever met. He greeted Sirius with a bright smile and an enthusiastic handshake.

"They tell me you need help with a ritual, young man. Very odd, very odd to ask me when your grandfather is a member of an entirely different coven. I spoke with Tiberius Ogden about it, and he's as baffled as I am as to why you would ask me for help with your ward." Conrad's enthusiasm was a bit like being rolled down a hill by several large, kindly cats.

Sirius blinked for a moment but pressed forward. "I had an incident recently that caused me to have a . . . vision, I suppose."

"A vision, you say?" Conrad tilted his head and seemed to stare through Sirius as if he could see into his mind. Sirius reflexively checked his oclumency and found his barriers undisturbed.

"I see," Conrad continued thoughtfully. "You spoke with our Lady of Magic. She left Her mark on you. Who else did you speak with?"

"You can see that?"

Conrad nodded once, "If you know what to look for, you can see Her mark on this world. Answer the question."

Sirius considered the man for a long moment, trying to regain his scattered thoughts. Sirius II had insisted that Conrad would help him right the curse. He took a deep breath and began to explain. "At first, I couldn't see anyone, but I overheard a conversation between Headmaster Dumbledore and a student. I learned things important to the Blood War and things I didn't like about myself. 

“Eventually, I was in a space with my great-grandfather, Sirius Black II. He charged me with reaching out to you specifically to help me clear the Black Bloodline Curse from our family. I spoke with a friend in Her service, and finally, our Lady spoke with me. She charged me with several tasks, including clearing the curse and protecting Harry Potter."

Conrad let out a long breath, "That's a whole heck of a lot for any one person. I assume there was more that you feel like you can't tell me?"

Sirius nodded cautiously.

Conrad grunted and rocked back on his heels, "Don't tell anyone anything that feels too private for them. She will guide you. Tell me something you couldn't possibly know about me that you learned in your vision."

Sirius racked his brain, trying to remember that brief, confusing conversation with his ancestor. "Um . . . Great Aunt Cassiopeia. You've been seeing her for 30 or 40 years."

Conrad let out a large belly laugh and clapped Sirius on the shoulder. Sirius stumbled a little under the blow but readily followed the man as he moved over to the soft chairs in their meeting parlor. "Well said, young man. Well said. Unfortunately, that witch refuses to settle down, and I will forever follow her about, hoping for a scrap of her time. I am hopelessly in love with her. She's a brilliant woman. Brilliant woman."

Sirius hadn't felt so wrong-footed in a long time, but this was for Harry. He pushed on. "So, are you willing to help?"

Conrad considered him carefully as he picked up the snifter of whisky that appeared at his elbow, "Mmm. Ogden's is the best." After a few sips, he continued, "I will help you with your child. I have the report from Healer Lore. They are thorough, as always. It should be an easy enough ritual. I will bring five wizards, including myself. You will provide two wizards of average or better power. They must have affection for the boy and a desire to see him safe. Healer Lore did say the boy has some personal warding on him. I will need a full report before we begin."

"I'm not sure how to get such a report. Healer Lore mentioned it, but I had other concerns at the time and didn't think to ask."

Conrad pulled his wand out of his pocket and flicked it towards the small table next to Sirius. A business card appeared. "Take that and the boy to the floo address listed. Madam Ironlock is a dverger wardsmith. She will require payment upfront and will produce the report that I need. She is trustworthy and can provide multiple international references if you are concerned about her discretion or ability."

Sirius picked up the card and studied it. There was a line drawing of a dverger holding a runic quill and wardstone on the left half of the card. The right half had a series of runes corresponding with a floo address. He looked at the back, but it was blank. He carefully tucked the card away in his waistcoat. "Thank you. I will reach out to her and set an appointment. When can we do the cleansing ritual?"

"Saturday would work best for me. It would be best for the boy to do the ritual in the Black Family Circle or the Potter Family Circle."

Sirius nodded. "We will have to do it here; Grandfather has already agreed. The Potter Family Circle was compromised when Potter Manor was raized. James hadn't had a chance to repair anything there."

Conrad shook his head sadly, "That's a crying shame. The Potter Family Circle was a beautiful and powerful space. Fleamont was a member of my Coven when he was younger, and we did some very fine ritual work there. Now tell me more about the Black Blood-line Curse."

Sirius shifted uneasily in his chair before he spoke. "I don't have a lot of information. None of us know much about it beyond rumor. It appears to affect different family members to different degrees. Based on my conversation with my ancestor, I only ever had a single dose of it, but Bellatrix Lestrange, my cousin, had three times that amount. He told me that Orion and Walburga, my parents, were heavily influenced by his son Cygnus, who had the same heavy dose of the curse as Bella. I believe he means the curse can be influenced even after it's been set on a person, but I'm not sure.

"Our Lady suppressed the curse inside me in the vision. She warned me that the curse would return over time and strengthen because of that suppression, so we should deal with it as soon as possible."

"Did She give you any kind of timeline?"

Sirius tried his best to remember that moment and slowly shook his head. "If She did, I don't remember it."

"Do you have any idea of the origin of the curse?"

"Family lore says that a Black made a bargain with a devil and tried to back out at the last moment. That story never rang true, but I can tell you that the curse has been active since at least the 1800s because its effects are described in a journal dated around then. It was part of my early history lessons."

Conrad nodded slowly, scratching through his beard thoughtfully. As he scratched, the hair seemed to bristle up until the lower half of his face looked more like a hedgehog than a chin. "I will have to think about it. I will give you an answer after the ritual on Saturday. I will be here at 2 pm sharp, and we will begin the ritual at dusk."

With that, Conrad leapt to his feet, shook Sirius's hand one more time, and headed off for the floo room, muttering to himself about runic clusters. Sirius didn't understand any of that, so he headed back upstairs to Wade and Harry.

-----

"How did your meeting with Conrad Bones go?" Wade asked as Sirius hung up his robe by the door. It was fine for meeting guests, but trying to play with Harry while wearing a formal robe was just not happening.

"He's a very interesting man," Sirius answered as he came to sprawl out on the floor to one side of where Harry and Wade were playing some kind of game with the army of stuffed magical creatures and the musical blocks. Harry seemed completely absorbed in making the dragon and the unicorn mash together into a tiny pen of blocks. He was babbling quietly to himself, probably telling an entire story.

"How so?" Wade asked as he continued to stack blocks around several smaller stuffies, building some kind of barn.

"He reminded me a bit of Profesor Slughorn, but he talks faster and isn't quite so eager to collect people. He seemed much more interested in collecting ideas. I think you would probably like him." Sirius picked up the lion and the gryphon and used his wand to make them start to prowl around the structure Harry was working on. Harry clapped and started babbling encouragement at them.

"Interesting. Is he going to be able to help with Harry?"

Sirius fished the little card from his waistcoat and passed it over. "I have to go see a Madam Ironlock and ask her for a report on the personal warding on Harry. But he's agreed to do the circle on Saturday. He says he'll be here around 2:00, and we will start around dusk. Do you want to stand up for Harry in the circle? He wants me to provide two wizards who know and love Harry and want to see him safe. I figured I could be one and hoped you might be the other?"

"Of course I will. That will be interesting, for sure. I've only done rituals with my mother's coven a few times before we all discovered why I always caused such disharmony in the circle. My father was never interested in ritual craft, so I never explored it properly."

"Did your mother ever try to figure that out?" Sirius wondered.

"Nah. Even now, she thinks I'll come to my senses and return to the Owens Clan. She very rarely sees anything but what she wants to see. I'm just glad my dad supported me and took me in when I asked for help."

Sirius nodded as he directed the lion to disassemble the fence holding the dragon and unicorn captive. Harry giggled and tried to catch the gryphon who was flying around his head and occasionally divebombing the fence. "Your father is a good man. Have you talked to him recently?"

"Not really. I floo called him to let him know where I was staying so he wouldn't worry if he dropped by the apartment. He was at the funeral and came over to say hi while you talked with Remus. Harry seemed to like him." Wade had stopped building his barn and was watching Sirius tease Harry with the stuffed animal.

"We should invite him over for dinner soon. Harry could use a grandfather."

Wade looked startled by the idea but nodded his agreement. Just then, the lion managed to pull a final block out of place and freed his friends. Sirius directed all three stuffies to pounce on Harry together, and the toddler fell into a giggling heap against Wade. Wade squealed and pretended to be bowled over, grabbing Harry and rolling on his back so he could lift the boy into the air. Harry laughed and cheered.

Sirius released the stuffies from his charms and leaned back on his arm to watch the two most important people in his life play together.

-----

After dinner, Harry went to bed easily, only demanding two stories, one from each of them. The two wizards left him to his dreams and collapsed together onto the couch.

"Who knew toddlers could be so much work?" Wade said. "I feel like he's run me ragged."

Sirius nodded in agreement. "Harry is very energetic, but seeing him laughing and playing is so good. I was thinking we could bring him to Longbottom Manor tomorrow. Frank sent an invitation and told me they've dropped their heaviest wards so nonfamily could visit again. Maybe he and Neville can run each other ragged and give us a break."

Wade laughed softly, "I hope they have better childproofing there than we do here. The two of them together is trouble."

"Alison assured me in the postscript that they are taking care of it. Apparently, the whole manor is warded to help contain children."

"Don't you mean Alice?"

"That's what I said. Alison," Sirius agreed.

Wade gave him the hairy eyeball, "Don't be starting any fights you can't win with that woman. She was a fully-fledged Auror for a year before you even thought to join up."

Sirius blew a raspberry at him, "Don't you worry, you're pretty little head. Alison's got nothing on me."

Wade flapped a hand at him, "I'm way too exhausted to get properly worked up by you being a brat. Why don't you find a better use of your time?"

Sirius leapt to his feet, scooped Wade up, and dropped him over his shoulder, "I've always got a better use of my time!" he crowed as he swept off towards the bedroom.

Wade just laughed and grabbed himself a double handful of the ass in easy reach. "I like the way you think, now put me down!"

-----

Longbottom Manor was probably about half the size of Black Manor, but unlike Black Manor, it was part of an actual working farm. The manor was dwarfed by the larger greenhouses surrounding it on three sides. Longbottom Farms grew all sorts of plant-based potions ingredients, wand wood, food, and ornamental foliage. They had one of the largest gatherings of house elves in the United Kingdom, with hundreds of elves answering to the Longbottom Family Magic.

Inside the Manor, it was quite cozy, with the whole place advertising that the Longbottom magics produced primarily Earth Mages. Warm browns and brilliant saffron were everywhere, with occasional flashes of green to keep it from being too boring. As soon as Harry spotted his friend, he insisted on being put down. Harry and Neville hugged each other for a solid three minutes as soon as they saw each other and then started babbling together while Neville showed off his favorite toys.

Alice seemed a bit teary-eyed as she watched them. "Pardon me," she sniffled as she dabbed at her eyes with a handkerchief, "they are just so adorable together."

Frank patted her hand soothingly and rumbled his agreement, “I’m glad you could come, even if it was a bit later than planned. It’s all Neville could talk about since we told him Harry was coming over.”

“Harry, too,” Sirius agreed. “Thanks for letting us delay our arrival. I wasn’t expecting to get to see the wardsmith this morning.”

“How did that meeting go? Everything okay with Harry?” Alice had been one of the people they had consulted with about Harry’s protection. Unfortunately, she couldn’t see much more than Healer Lore had. 

"Everything is just fine. Wardsmith Ironlock was very informative," Wade assured. "The most important thing to know about his personal warding is that it is intent-based. For it to trigger, the person attacking has to want Harry to be egregiously hurt or killed by the attack. If the person attacking only wishes to do moderate harm, like a fistfight or a dueling situation, the ward won't activate. It is made more powerful by his being in regular contact with mature witches and wizards who love him and want to protect him. It can last him for his entire life, so long as he has strong, healthy connections to others."

"And that made me too angry to speak once I understood what she was saying," Sirius interjected. "I am furious with myself for backing off on pressing charges against Snape. To trigger the ward, he had to actually want to harm Harry. I had backed off mostly because I thought Harry was incidental to that event and that Snape was going after me."

Alice stared at Sirius for a long moment, "You told me that Snape showed up and attacked you, but I didn't realize that Harry got hurt in that altercation."

"Yeah, he cast a super-powered cutting curse, probably something he designed as no one could recognize it from the spell residue. I had Harry held against me," Sirius demonstrated with his arm held away from his body. "I had some shielding cast over us and a sticking charm, so I wouldn't drop him if I had to dodge. His spell went right through my shields and hit Harry on the back and me in the arm. It triggered his defensive ward, and Snape was blasted into the next room."

Alice huffed and got up to storm out of the room. Frank sighed, "She's going to go tell my mother. She’s been on the Board of Education for Hogwarts for almost a decade. Headmaster Dumbledore has been trying to get Severus Snape approved to teach potions in the school. He's passed his mastery, and Professor Slughorn is trying to retire. He's been talking about retirement for several years now. He's adamant that he retire very soon because he's depressed about his fish dying."

"His fish?" Wade asked.

Frank shook his head. "Completely barmy. All of them."

"I wouldn't want Harry attending Hogwarts if Snape teaches there. Not after what we just learned today." Sirius said.

"Are you sure his intent towards you didn't bleed over into the ward?"

"Once I had calmed down enough to speak normally, I played out the scenario for the Wardmaster, and she said that only intent directed towards Harry would count. So if someone wanted to hurt some random person and fired a spell into a crowd at random, it would count, but if they didn't know a person was there or meant no harm at all, the ward would ignore it."

"I can see where this could become a problem for those around him if they don't know about the intent quality of the protections," Frank considered. 

"I wish we had access to the grimoire it was all written in," Wade said. "I retrieved Lily's notes about getting ready for the ritual, and it sounds fascinating, but the Potter Family Grimoire was recalled to the family vault when James died. We won't have access to that until after the will is read, and it likely has some protections to prevent those outside the family from reading it."

"You were able to claim Regency?" Frank asked Sirius.

Sirius nodded and showed him the ring. The Potter Family Magics were still mournful but softer since the funeral. Sirius had felt very comforted by how the magics touched and embraced him. He was looking forward to sharing that with Harry when he was older. 

Frank nodded, satisfied. "It's important for Family Magics to have someone to direct and support them. It keeps them clean and powerful."

 "The Black family doesn't have much lore on Family Magics, and I've had more active interaction with Potter Magic than Black. Do you have any resources so I could learn more about it?" Sirius asked. 

Frank considered for a long moment, then said, "I believe I have some general references in the library. Would you be offended by some books geared towards children? I might not have much for adults."

"I would appreciate anything you would be willing to loan me, and I've found that I often learn more from the kiddie references anyway. I don't know why adult books never want to cover the tiny basics. They just assume you know everything," Sirius said. 

"Exactly!" Wade said. "There were so many books on expansion charms that I read when I was first getting started that I couldn't make heads or tails of. It wasn't until I read a children's storybook to my little sister that I found the bit none of those books had thought to mention. It was based on the theory behind a stupid air purification charm that most wizards learn when they are five or six and think the height of humor is badly timed fart jokes." 

Sirius and Frank laughed at this, and Sirius was just about to crack a joke when the ward alarms went off, and the huge windows in the front parlor exploded inward. 

Wade dove for the two boys, who both started crying immediately. Sirius lept to his feet and began casting shield charms around himself, Wade, and the boys. Frank had to scramble for his wand, where he had left it on the side table. 

"Send a message for help!" Sirius shouted as curses started to rain all around them. 

"Got it!" Frank responded. 

Sirius moved to cover Wade and the boys. Wade had grabbed them and took cover behind the couch. There was too much open space between the couch and the hall doorway for them to risk the dash, so Wade had tucked the boys between himself and the frame as he tried to calm them down. "I've got you covered. Try to keep the kids calm."

"Cousin! What are you doing here, little boy?" a sickenly familiar voice sang from the windows.

"Bellatrix! We've called for backup. They will be here soon. Best if you just leave." Sirius called back as he deflected several spells. 

Bella laughed brightly, "Just means we have to move fast, boys."

Alice rushed back into the room and started firing spells towards the windows. Sirius still couldn't see any targets and had no time to fire back anyway under the onslaught of vicious curses. 

A dark figure darted out of the smoke and somehow managed to summon Alice right past Frank and Sirius. Sirius couldn't see what happened next but heard a furious shriek cut off sharply as she disappeared into the spellfog. 

"Alice!" Frank cried and began firing spells at the figure. One of the spells connected, and he went down, but two more leaped forward and tried to box Frank in. 

Wade had managed to get the boys calmed enough that he could join in the defense of their position. "Go help Frank. I'll hold this spot," he said urgently as he tossed out several runestones. They formed up around him and started moving to help deflect the incoming spellfire. 

Sirius shot right over towards Frank, firing several spells into the back of one of his attackers. The man went down, and Sirius shot an Auror restraint spell at him before moving to help Frank with the far more difficult opponent. It had to be Rodolphus. Bella hardly went anywhere without him. 

Frank was bleeding from a gash on his arm but had a look of grim determination on his face as they worked together to get the wizard pinned down. Sirius could hear Bella taunting Wade as she tried to break through his defenses. He hoped she would choke on her ridiculous baby talk. 

Sirius and Frank had worked together as Aurors for most of Sirius's training and first year on the job, so they understood how each other fought. When Sirius sent off a series of charms and curses designed to overwhelm deflection magic, Frank fired off several incarceration spells that were impossible to block with shielding. The old trick worked, and the wizard went down. 

Frank immediately cast the Auror restraint spell, and Sirius moved to check on the first wizard that had summoned Alice. He was still down, so Sirius cast restraints on him, too, before casting a point me to try to locate Alice. His wand spun in a full circle and stopped. Alice wasn't anywhere nearby.

"They probably have portkeys on them," he called to Frank. "No sign of Alice here." 

Frank grunted a response, and then Wade screamed. Both men bolted across the room where Bella had finally broken through his defense and was casting at him viciously. Sirius didn't even think. He just started throwing his most powerful spells at her. She flew back into the fireplace mantle with a thud and slid motionless to the ground. He fired off an incarceration spell and returned to Wade and the boys. 

Frank was casting franticly over Wade while the two boys were crying and trying to get to him. Sirius scooped them both up and shushed them, alert for more danger. Frank finally stopped casting, "I think I have him stable for the moment. He's going to need a real healer. I think he got clipped by some fairly lethal spells."

"Is he stable enough for a portkey? I can take the boys to Black Manor and get a healer out," Sirius's mind spun. Wade had to be okay, and he had to keep Harry safe.

Frank flicked his wand over a scorched pillow and shoved it at him, "Take this. It should drop you in the receiving room. He should be fine. I've put several of the curses in stasis, and the bleeding is under control. Go!"

Sirius nodded, his heart in his throat as he made sure both boys were in contact with the portkey and touched it to Wade's still form. Frank tapped the pillow, and they were jerked away.

Chapter Text

The healers had descended on Black Manor and quickly had things under control. Both boys were checked over and declared healthy if terrified. They were both given calming potions and put to bed. Sirius had refused to have anyone check him over until Wade was properly looked at. They had finally ejected him from the room, and Healer Lore took him into hand, forcing him to undress to the waist so they could look him over.

"If you're done with the boys, you should go help with Wade," Sirius insisted, even as he complied with their demands.

"Nonsense. He's got all the help he can use. One more Healer would probably just get in the way. Now, hold your left arm above your head."

Sirius did as instructed and watched them cast over the burning mark across his ribs. He hadn't noticed it until that moment, but it stung at their prodding.

"You've got some broken ribs, and your lung is collapsing," they scolded. They cast several spells and fished a vial from their robe pocket. "Drink this."

"What is it?"

"Pain relief and organ mending. It should take care of the internal bruising. I should give you something to make you sleep like the babies, but I'm sure you want to angst over your wizard."

"Not sure I could sleep right now either way," Sirius muttered as he tossed the potion back. He made a face as he handed the empty vial back. “Alice Longbottom is still missing."

Healer Lore just humphed at him. "Wade’s got the best care imaginable. Healer Slate is a master in her field regarding spell damage. He couldn't have a better Healer anywhere in England, and Frank isn’t about to let his witch come to harm if he can help it." They began to clear away the debris associated with healing.

Just then, Arcturus came into the suite, "I just got a message from Auror Proudfoot letting us know that Frank and Auror Dawlish are going to try to recover Alice Longbottom. They will come here instead of St. Mungos for medical care if they can find her. I'm to bill the Auror department. Auror Proudfoot will also be coming here as soon as he's done supervising the processing of the scene. Now, what's the current status of everyone?"

"Harry and Neville are just fine,” Sirius finished removing his robe and started mending the spell damage as he spoke. “They were unharmed but rather upset. Healer Lore checked them over and put them to bed with a calming draught. They should wake up before dinner. Wade is still being seen, but there are no updates yet." Sirius responded, relieved that Frank had taken backup to look for Alice. "Did they have any information about why Bellatrix chose to attack the Longbottoms?"

"Not yet. The message was brief. I knew several of the younger Blacks had started to follow that man, but I am disheartened that Bella chose to continue her attack in the face of family."

Sirius laughed bitterly, "She learned to do that at her father's knee. Our parents would always make us duel, and it wouldn't count unless we were using real spells that could cause harm. I can't remember how often I had to see a Healer after one of those bouts." Sirius was vaguely aware of Healer Lore going into Wade's bedroom. He hoped they were checking for an update.

Arcturus frowned, "I don't know what to say. I believe you, but it just seems to be impossible. We're family. That should count for something."

"When was the last time you actually felt the Black Family Magic?" Sirius asked. The conversation earlier was still bothering him.

"I'm not entirely sure Family Magic is real," Arcturus replied.

Sirius thumbed the Potter ring, and it gently squeezed his finger. The magic was soothing. "I can feel the Potter Family Magics through the Reagent Ring. I feel nothing from the Blacks. I have a strange feeling that it is related to the Bloodline Curse."

Arcturus huffed softly. "You said Bones had agreed to help with that."

"No, I said he would think about it. He's only agreed to help with Harry. He will give me an answer tomorrow evening."

"I still don't see why you need to work with him. Tiberius has been a friend of this family longer than either of us has been alive. He's led his conclave for years longer than Bones and is much more familiar with our magic than he could be," Arcturus grumped.

Sirius finished repairing his robe and pulled it on, settling it around himself. "I've already explained my reasoning to you, and I'm not in the mood to retread old ground. I would appreciate it if you would stop bringing it up. I'm not going to change my mind."

Arcturus glared briefly and opened his mouth, probably to continue to argue, but Healer Lore came back into the room and cleared their throat. Sirius immediately turned to give them his full attention.

"They have Wade stabilized. They were able to reverse most of the spell damage. He will have some lingering effects for the next 12 to 18 hours, but they should all resolve by then. Healer Slate is getting him settled into a healing sleep. She says you can have five minutes to speak with him before she's putting him under until tomorrow morning."

Sirius immediately started moving towards the door that Healer Lore helpfully held open for him. "Thank you," he said, touching their arm briefly as he passed. The healer just nodded and turned their attention to Arcturus.

"Now, old man, I've held my tongue long enough . . ." Whatever they had to say next was cut off as the door shut behind Sirius, and honestly he didn't care.

Wade was sitting propped up in bed, looking a bit pale but whole and bright-eyed. Sirius hurried to his side, barely registering the three Healers moving around the room. He sat gingerly on the edge of the bed and took the hand that Wade held out to him.

"Any word on Alice?" Wade asked before Sirius had a chance to say anything.

"Frank and John went to go try to recover her. Arran said he would stop by as soon as he finished the scene. He said they would come here if they can recover her." Sirius searched his face as he spoke, his worry from before like a living thing in his chest.

"They said you almost died," Sirius blurted out.

"Nah," Wade flicked his free hand, dismissing that claim. "I'm tougher than I look. My runestones performed better than I could have hoped. I'll have to write it all up in the morning."

Sirius pressed the hand he held to his face, feeling the faint tremor that Wade couldn't quite hide. "She hurt you."

Wade nodded solemnly. "She did. You protected me and the kids. They tell me the boys were not hurt at all."

Sirius nodded, "Just frightened. I'm sorry I didn't get back to you faster."

"It's okay, Sirius. It's not your fault. At all," Wade reassured him. "Bella kept trying to summon the boys, and I think she was going to use them as leverage to get you and Frank to stand down. There is no way I could have held her off if the other attackers had joined in trying to summon them. You and Frank were exactly where you needed to be to stop them from causing further harm. Now, I can already feel the potions taking effect, and I'm going to sleep for a while. Kiss me, tuck me in, and then go take care of the rest of it."

"Your word is my command," Sirius whispered softly before leaning forward and gently kissing Wade. "I won't leave the Manor until you wake up."

"Good. I love you." Wade said as Sirius eased him down into the pillows. His whole body seemed to be trembling off and on.

"I love you, too. Sweet dreams." Sirius kissed his brow as he mumbled a response and passed out.

Sirius pulled the blankets up around him carefully and turned to the Healer that had come to linger near the bed.

"He should sleep until at least 5 am. He might sleep longer, and that's okay." Healer Slate started. Her voice was firm but kind. "If he sleeps past lunch, please have your house elf contact me. He will need to take these potions when he wakes up." She pointed to the vials set in a wooden stand on the bedside table. "Just the first row. He will need to take the second and third rows twice daily, one from each row until they are gone, starting tomorrow before bed.” The Healer tapped the scroll resting next to the potion holder. “This has all of the instructions for his potions."

"He will likely continue to have tremors until mid-day tomorrow, but they shouldn't continue past that point. If he's still having tremors by dinner time tomorrow, please summon me back. He shouldn't have any lasting effects from today, but I will be back on the 13th to check him over."

Sirius nodded along, so relieved he wanted to cry, "Thank you so much for taking care of him. I was so worried I was going to lose him."

Healer Slate patted Sirius's shoulder. "It's always hard to see our loved ones hurt. Now, do you have any questions?"

Sirius shook his head slowly. "Not about Wade, but I was wondering if you and your team could stick around for a little bit? Alice Longbottom was kidnapped during the attack. Frank and John went to try to recover her. They want to come back here when they find her. We can get you refreshments and a meal while you wait."

Healer Slate smiled gently, "That would be lovely." She checked her pocket watch. "We should have an hour or three before we need to move on to the next thing."

"Thank you again. We will, of course, compensate you for your time," Sirius reassured as he patted the blankets one more time and rose to make the arrangements.

-----

In the end, Frank and John returned to the Manor with Alice just as Arran showed up. Both Frank and John had minor injuries, but Alice was still unconscious and bleeding when the Healers took her into Sirius's room. Frank insisted on seeing his son before he would allow himself to be cared for, so Sirius brought him into the nursery where the two boys were still sleeping, arms curled around each other. 

"The healers said they should wake before dinner. They were without injury when Healer Lore checked them over. They said the emotional upset might linger for a while, but with care and understanding, they should be just fine," Sirius explained, sympathizing with Frank's need to just watch the two boys sleeping. Sirius had lingered over them before Healer Lore convinced him to let them check him over. 

Frank rested one of his large hands on the edge of the crib but didn't reach out to touch his son, "They had set the portkeys to deposit their victims into individual cells in a larger dungeon. They had seven portkeys with them, so I have to think they were trying to capture everyone living at the Manor. Including Neville."

"Wade told me that Bella tried to summon both boys several times. That's why he had trouble holding her off. He kept having to counter the summoning spells."

Frank made a choked noise. "Thank you for standing with me and my family today. I can't imagine how it would have gone if you and Wade hadn't been there. I didn't even have my wand on me."

Sirius moved up beside Frank and touched his broad back, offering support. Frank smelled of blood and spellfire. "Lily's wand was in the kitchen, where she left it next to the sink. James's wand was on the mantle. The last thing he cast was a charm to light the fire. I think it is reasonable to have an expectation of safety in your own home. I haven't put my wand down except to sleep since it happened. I'm not sure I will ever feel comfortable just leaving my wand somewhere again."

"Yeah. I can understand that."

"C'mon, let's get you checked out before your boy wakes up. He shouldn't have to see you like this."

Frank nodded and let Sirius guide him away from the nursery and over to where Healer Lore was finishing up with John Dawlish. 

"I've got another one for you," Sirius tried to summon one of his trademark cocky grins. From the mildly irritated glare he received, it wasn't his best effort. 

Healer Lore pointed to the cot that John had recently vacated, and Frank followed the unspoken instruction, pulling his robe off completely before sitting down. Sirius retrieved the robe and busied himself with mending it. In quick order, they were all cleaned up and declared well enough for general company. Healer Lore told them sternly to wait where they were and disappeared into Alice's room. 

Sirius summoned Pobky and asked her to let Aaron Proudfoot know they were all set for him to come up. The Auror entered the rooms not long after, followed by Arcturus. Sirius felt a flash of irritation that he tried to suppress. He didn't want his grandfather here for this, but he couldn't bar his entry. Arcturus was one of the few things protecting Harry and Sirius from interference at the moment, and he was also providing sanctuary for the Longbottom family. 

Pobky set up a tea service at the table, so they all took chairs and spent a few moments getting settled with snacks and drinks. Sirius was surprised that he was rather hungry, but when he considered it, they had all skipped lunch in the chaos. He quietly picked at a biscuit and waited for someone else to start. 

Arran Proudfoot cleared his throat and began, "I've already sent another Aurour out to speak with Cygnus Black, and I've spoken privately with Lord Black already. Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black died from injuries sustained tonight, as did her husband Rodolphus Lestrange. The other two attackers on Longbottom Manor were Rabastan Lestrange and Barty Crouch Junior. Their families have been notified, and they were both taken into custody."

Sirius felt a vicious kind of satisfaction to hear that Bellatrix had died. She had done her level best to kill him in the old timeline and had certainly tried to kill Wade this time around. He glanced at his grandfather to see him staring back with a hard look in his eye. Sirius lifted his chin slightly and refused to look away. He felt the old man touch his occlumency shield and pushed forward the memory of Bella attacking him in the veil room. Arcturus looked away and swallowed convulsively. 

"Based on what we could see on the scene and at the secondary site," Proudfoot continued, "this was a major operation to capture several members of the Longbottom family. 

"We were able to question Rabastan Lestrange, who told us that Bellatrix was trying to find information about the Dark Lord's whereabouts.  She had already been setting up an attack on Longbottom manor as that was his next target after he attacked the Potters, so she followed through with it, convinced that Frank or Alice would know why they were being targeted. 

"The plan was to capture as much of the Longbottom Family as possible using portkeys to Lestrange Manor. They were going to use Neville to ensure the cooperation of the adults." Here, Frank seemed to crumple, pushing his tea out of the way so he could put his head down on the table. Sirius rested a hand on his shoulder in support. 

"I've already gotten Frank's statement; he was kind enough to supply a memory of the event. Healer Lore and their team have provided what information they could as well. Sirius, can you add anything?"

Sirius considered what information had already been shared. He knew this wasn't the normal way of an investigation. Typically, they would get everyone's statement before filling in the blanks. He had to think they were doing it this way as a favor to Frank to reduce his stress. "Wade told me that Bellatrix was trying to summon both boys. Based on her banter, he believed that she would hold them hostage to get me and Frank to cooperate. She also used the cruciatus curse on him at least once during the fight.

"Did you have any questions for me about what you saw on the scene?" Sirius asked.

"No, that aligns with what we were able to reconstruct. We are ruling both deaths as self-defense. There will be a full trial for Rabastan Lestrange and Barty Crouch Jnr once we can question him."

Frank slowly sat up and spoke, "Is there anything else you need from me? I think I need to stare at my son until he wakes up."

Aaron shook his head slowly. "Shacklebolt will be heading the full investigation if you have any questions."

Frank nodded and was about to push back from the table when Healer Lore returned from Alice's room. They all turned to look at them expectantly. "Frank, Alice is awake and asking for you."

Frank popped to his feet and rushed through the door that Healer Lore was still holding open for him. They gently shut the door behind him. "I can't tell you much, as Alice and Frank haven't given permission. Alice is in guarded condition. She is awake and talking, which is an excellent sign, but there are still some concerns about her prognosis."

Sirius stood and pulled back an empty chair, "Thank you for sharing what you could. Please sit and have some tea while we wait for more news?"

They smiled faintly and took the offered seat, "Thank you, Sirius."

They all fell into silent contemplation of their tea after that. 

-----

Frank returned from Alice's room about half an hour later and retook his seat. Sirius poured him a fresh cup of tea and added cream and sugar to Frank's taste. Frank accepted the cup and drank it down in one go. He returned the cup to its saucer and rubbed his face with both hands. Sirius busied himself with making him another cup. 

"She's not out of the woods yet, but Healer Slate believes we got to her in time, and she should recover. She's been put in a potion-induced coma to allow them to finish repairing the damage," his voice was unsteady as he spoke. Sirius rested his hand on Frank's shoulder again, and Frank gripped his hand almost desperately. 

"She was almost five months pregnant, and she lost the baby," he gasped out, fresh tears falling down his face. "She was a little girl. We were going to name her Annie." Sirius pulled Frank closer, and the huge man collapsed against his shoulder, sobbing. 

Sirius looked up at the others around the table. John and Arron both looked devastated. Healer Lore looked saddened. Shockingly, or perhaps not, Arcturus looked completely calm and unaffected. Sirius couldn't restrain the glare he shot at his grandfather. 

Arcturus cleared his throat and said, "I think we should go, Aurours. Thank you for your time. Lord Longbottom, please make yourself at home here as long as you and your family need." With that, he ushered Arran and John from the room and quietly shut the door behind himself. Sirius let himself relax and tried to comfort Frank to the best of his ability.

Chapter Text

The boys woke up just when promised, about an hour before dinner time. In the time before they awoke, Frank finished his tea and washed up again. Healer Lore gave them instructions as Healer Slate and her team finished with Alice. Healer Slate and Healer Lore would return after breakfast to check on everyone.

Healer Slate gave her final report before they left. "She's much more stable now and should sleep at least until tomorrow. I will have a better idea of her prognosis then. I've taken the liberty of putting some monitoring spells on her, and I will return immediately if I am alerted. You can visit her, but it would be best if she is as undisturbed as possible. Do not let either of the babies touch her, and I would advise against letting them see her right now. A child's magic can be very unstable, and if they were to try some accidental magic to make her better, they could be hurt by the curses still affecting her.”

Frank nodded, "Thank you. I'll see you both in the morning."

Soon enough, they had both boys in the main living room quietly playing with Harry's collection of stuffed animals. They seemed more subdued than they normally were but didn't otherwise seem affected. Neville had asked about his mom, and Frank told him she was resting. He seemed to accept that answer easily. When he first got up, Harry had looked around for a bit but hadn't asked about Wade. Sirius had been expecting a question, but he decided to let it wait and would talk with Harry after dinner.

Frank had decided to sleep in the main area and transfigured the couch into a tent, complete with a comfortable floor and piles of pillows and blankets. The boys were fascinated, so he invited them to go camping with him. Sirius asked the house elves for some supplies and, soon enough, was showing the boys how to roast marshmallows in the fire. They had a lovely time and fell asleep way too late. Both men had excused themselves throughout the night to check on their partners, but it was easy enough to keep the boys engaged and distracted.

Wade woke up in the wee hours, triggering the monitoring ward that Sirius had set. He carefully extracted himself from the blankets and went to see how he was doing. Wade was sitting on the edge of the bed and immediately called out when Sirius came into the room. "Help me to the bathroom, or I'll pee right here."

Sirius laughed but gamely jumped in, helping to steady Wade as he stood up and moved to the bathroom. Once Wade was done, he asked for help getting a shower, so Sirius stripped them down and got them under the water. Wade was fine when standing still, but he seemed uncoordinated when he walked.

"Ugh. It's like my legs are different lengths than yesterday, or the ground isn't ever where it's supposed to be."

"Healer Slate said you would probably have effects through the morning, but they should be mostly gone by lunch," Sirius reassured. "When we are done here, you have a whole bunch of potions you are supposed to take that should help."

Wade huffed and carefully leaned into Sirius. "This is the least fun I have ever had when naked with you."

"Yeah," Sirius said softly, "You should probably not get into magical duels with Death Eaters in the future to prevent a recurrence."

"Was Frank able to find Alice?"

"Yes. She's in the other room in a magical coma. They aren't sure she will recover fully, but Healer Slate seemed confident that she would survive this." Sirius wondered if he should mention the baby that she lost but decided it wasn't his place to share that, and if he did, now was probably not the best time.

By the time they were both dry and dressed for the day, Wade seemed much stronger and more coordinated. The potions had helped, though he did make some fantastic faces as he forced them down. "Ugh, and you say I have to drink all those as well?" Wade asked, gesturing with the empty vial.

"At least it will just be one at a time for a few days," Sirius reassured. "Breakfast will be ready shortly, but I can get you some tea to help with the taste."

"Are we eating up here? I want to see Harry first, anyway."

"Yes. Frank and I camped in the living room with the boys. We roasted marshmallows over the fire, too."

Wade smiled and held out his hand. Sirius easily helped him up and guided him out into the main room. Frank was busy turning the couch back into a couch, and the boys were still in their jammies but already playing with Harry's toys. Harry looked up when they came in and shouted, then charged at Wade.

Wade scooped him up, and the boy glomped onto him and burst into tears. Sirius had his hands full, steadying them both. He quickly summoned one of the armchairs so Wade could collapse safely into it. Wade was making reassuring shushing noises, but Harry seemed to be inconsolable. He kept rubbing his face on Wade's shirt as he sobbed and had both hands fisted in the fabric. Wade met Sirius's eyes over Harry's head, his expression heartbroken.

Sirius crouched down next to them and rubbed Harry's back. The boy slowly calmed down into soft hiccups. Sirius fished out a clean handkerchief and passed it to Wade. Wade gently wiped Harry's face as he asked, "What was that all about, little guy?"

"Wade here," Harry whispered. "Where Mama Papa?"

"Oh, Harry, no. I never left like they did. I got hurt by the bad people who attacked us, so I had to sleep so I could feel better. Mama and Papa died, so they can't come back at all."

Harry sniffled and leaned into Wade. "No, go. Wade stay. Pa'foo stay," he mumbled.

Wade just held him, and Sirius pressed his face into Wade's shoulder, trying not to cry. He had thought Harry was unusually quiet last night. He had checked in with him, but Harry was more focused on playing with Neville, so he let it go. He should have reassured him that Wade was okay and just sleeping. He was the worst. He was already doing an awful job raising Harry, and it had only been a few days. 

-----

The check-up with the healers went well, and Healer Slate reported that Alice was doing better than anticipated and should be able to come out of the healing coma before Monday lunchtime. Frank brought Neville in to see his mother, and the boy seemed much happier after that. Both boys seemed content to play together, though every time someone new came into the room, they would freeze and stare for a long moment before returning to play.

Healer Lore reassured them that the boys should recover as long as they didn't make a big deal of it. They recommended that all the adults talk about what happened with and around the boys, using language the boys could understand. The more they talked about it, the easier it would be for the toddlers to process it. 

They all gave it a shot. The three men sat on the floor and talked through what they remembered. Harry and Neville had contributed a little, saying things like, "Wade stopped bad people," or, "Big noises." At one point, Harry got up to show them what Wade had done to protect them. They all laughed at Harry’s enthusiastic demonstration.

Sirius found it helped him a lot to talk it through as well. Just knowing what Frank and Wade experienced in that chaos was oddly comforting. He didn't feel quite so alone in his fear. After he put the boys down for their nap, he asked if they could continue to talk. Wade and Frank agreed, so they gathered together on the couches. 

Frank started, “I couldn’t find my wand when they burst into the room. I’m always careful not to put it out of arm's reach, but in the moment, I went for my wand pocket, and it wasn’t there. I panicked. It was on the side table, and I knocked the lamp over while grabbing it. My mother is going to be very upset when she finds out. She loved that stupid thing.”

“It was very chaotic at first,” Sirius responded. “I initially thought there was some kind of explosion with one of the greenhouses, but then we were under fire. It seemed a miracle that Wade could grab the boys so quickly.”

Wade shook his head, “I don’t even remember that part. I had them both in my arms, and we hid behind the couch. I was trying to calm them enough to see what was happening.”

“I am eternally grateful that you managed to get to them and keep them safe,” Frank said. Wade nodded, so Frank continued, “I had just finished a messenger spell when Alice came charging in. Watching her summed into the spellfog was one of the worst things imaginable. I tried to catch her, to interrupt the spell, but then she was gone.” Frank fisted his hand on his leg and swallowed convulsively. “For a moment there, I thought I had lost my mind, but the wizard before me fell, and suddenly there were two more. Thankfully, you came to my aid, Sirius. There was no way I could have held them off much longer.”

“All those drills with Moody suddenly seemed much more useful,” Sirius said.

Frank grunted a laugh, “Don’t tell him that. He doesn’t need any encouragement, but yes. It helped. It suddenly snapped into focus when you told me Alice wasn’t there. I knew I had to get the boys to safety, away from the Manor, and then I would figure out where she had gone and take care of that situation, too.” 

They were quiet for a long moment before Wade continued, “Bellatrix was relentless in her attack. If she wasn’t flinging vicious curses at me, she was trying to summon one of the boys. I was doing okay until she cast the Cruciatus. It blew right through my shielding and destroyed my matrix. The pain was like nothing I’ve ever experienced. It just kept getting worse. I was vaguely aware of her continuing to hex me, and I had the odd thought that I had pissed her off enough to change her focus from the boys.” Wade shivered and pressed his shoulder to Sirius. Sirius pressed back. 

“I turned when I heard you scream, and she was standing over you, just casting one spell after another with this wild look on her face. I threw everything I could at her. I wasn’t even thinking, just firing spells. She flew back into the fireplace and . . .” Sirius trailed off, suddenly realizing that he had killed her, and he was not sure how to feel about that.

On the one hand, he was deeply relieved that she was dead. Bellatrix had always had a cruel streak that transcended any other quality about her. He had been concerned about her and many other people in the wizarding world having any kind of access to Harry. He had been considering asking Arcturus to properly disown her. Harry would be a Black, and all Blacks had access to Black Manor. He had put up some exclusion wards with the help and agreement of Arcturus to only allow invited people into the Lavender Suite while he was staying here. While it wasn't perfect, it still felt safer than trying to shelter Harry in his apartment. 

On the other hand, he remembered when he was little, and Bella was a teenager. She would dote on him. She would often bring him sweets and help him get out of trouble. She taught him many of the pranks he used and worked with him to prank their parents. There was a time when she would pet the cats in his house long before she started to use them for target practice. She wasn't always a bad person, but she had always been cruel. 

He wondered what she would have been like if she had been raised in a different environment without the curse's effects. Sirius had to admit to himself that he was a very different person now. He still had impulses to do silly, ridiculous, dangerous things, but he also had an impulse that made him consider his options a second time. He no longer felt a lingering rage about certain people. Even his ongoing argument with his grandfather hadn't translated into anything more than annoyance at the old man. 

"I'm not sure how to feel about Bella," he voiced, not quite sure he even wanted to. "She wasn't a good person, and she was trying to hurt the people I love, but there was a time when she felt like a sister to me. I grew up being babysat by her and her sisters. We spent a lot of time together, and she taught me many fun, innocent things. But she also taught me thousands of ways to kill or maim other wizards. I feel safer with her gone, but . . ." he trailed off, picking at a loose thread on his slacks that he hadn't noticed earlier. 

Frank made a deep, rumbling noise in his chest, "The first time I killed someone, it wasn't anyone I knew well. Yasrotti Filch was a home robber that me and my partner, Moody, had tracked to his apartment. Filch attacked as soon as we announced our presence. He had two other wizards with him, so we were hard-pressed to make any captures. Moody had managed to stun one of his accomplices and was trying to secure him when Filch hit him from the side with a blinding curse. I overpowered a disarming spell and sent him flying into a wall. He broke his neck. The remaining wizard fled the scene. Moody lost his eye in that fight, and I spent the next year having nightmares about accidentally killing random people.

"I don't think it is possible to cause the death of another human and not have bad feelings about it. If you can ignore that, there's just something not right in your head."

Wade had a hand on Sirius's back and was rubbing softly. Sirius deeply appreciated the reassurance of that touch. "Yesterday was hard in a lot of ways. I'm sorry you killed her because I can see that it troubles you, but I'm not sorry she's dead. I don't think I would feel safe right now if I didn't know she was gone. Until I faced Bellatrix that day, I didn't think I had ever seen someone I could call evil. Some of the things she said and the spells she used were just so . . . wrong. Wrong on so many levels." Wade shivered. "Sometimes, when I shut my eyes, I can still hear her laughing as I went down. I don't know how to process that."

Sirius pulled Wade a little closer, letting him lean into his side. "I think that moment will stick with us all for years to come. I just hope the boys can forget it."

Frank nodded in agreement. "It seems strange talking about this with them. I know Neville is smart. He's talking so well for his age. Harry is too, but I wonder how much of what happened they can understand."

"Yeah. It doesn't feel right, but they witnessed the whole thing. We can't protect them from it because it already happened. Healer Lore is the foremost expert on child development and health, from what Healer Slate explained to me this morning, so I can only trust they know what they are talking about."

Wade nodded, "So far, they haven't been wrong about anything, and Harry is responding well to their recommendations regarding the death of Lily and James."

"Yeah. He really does seem to be handling things well for his age. They are good kids, and I love how much they love each other," Sirius agreed.

Frank smiled softly, "They are adorable together."

Just then, Arcturus came into the suite. He looked around and sat in one of the armchairs by the couches. Wade sat up straight, and Sirius let him go reluctantly. 

"How can we help you?" he asked, trying not to feel annoyed at the sudden interruption. 

"I just came by to check in on you and see how everything is going. I saw that the healers have come and gone and thought I would get an update." Lord Black said in a pleasant tone. 

Sirius looked to Frank to start. The large man said, "The boys appear to have no lasting damage from yesterday's fight and are napping right now. My Lady is recovering well, better than expected, but she will likely be unconscious until Monday. I hope we can continue to shelter here until she's awake."

Arcturus nodded, "Absolutely. You and your family are welcome here as long as you need. I only ask that you reach out to your mother today. She's floo called twice this morning." 

Frank winced, "I probably should have called her last night. Is there a floo connection I can use?"

Sirius pointed to a door that had been painted to blend into the wall. "Through there is the floo connection for this suite. It's only rated for calls, so no one can step through or pass things to you, but that should be all you need for now."

Frank stood and headed over, "If you will all excuse me, I should take care of this right away." 

They didn't even have time to voice their agreement before he was through the door. 

Arcturus huffed a laugh, "And how are you two fairing? It's good to see you up and active, Wade."

Wade offered a smile, "I'm still a bit shaky from everything, but it's getting better hour by hour. Healer Slate said the spell damage should only take a few more hours to heal. She says it's lucky my exposure to Cruciatus was as short as it was, as much longer, and it could have caused permanent damage."

Arcturus nodded gravely, "I'm sorry you were hurt at all, especially by a member of my family."

"This war has been hard on us all. Family has been fighting family, and often for reasons that don't affect any of us. It's senseless. All Bellatrix seemed to want to do yesterday was hurt people. Sirius filled me in on her motivations, but I still don't believe she did all that just to try to discover something none of us knew about. I feel like if she had just asked, things would have been very different." Wade said.

Arcturus looked away, "I can't agree with anything Voldemort and his Death Eaters have been saying or doing, but I feel I must stand with my family. I’ve lost so many over the years.”

“At some point, you have to say enough,” Sirius insisted. “The darker elements of our family have already been doing that. So many of our family members have been disowned by the family for stupid reasons. Why would you protect the ones causing true harm to our world?” 

“What would you have me do?” Arcturus asked.

“Push for trials for anyone discovered with the dark mark. Push for full, fair hearings for every single one of them. Help to separate those just caught up in this and those who actively want to harm our world, and then insist those in the second group be removed from society. Insist that the Wizengamot oversee it.” Sirius pushed.

Arcturus sighed, “That would just destroy more families. I doubt it would be a very popular idea with the Wizengamot.”

“If we don’t do something, if we don’t remove this cancer from among us, it will continue to grow in the darkness of our active apathy until it is poised to destroy us all again. Lily and James’s sacrifice has removed the biggest player from the board, but if we leave his lieutenants in play, they will continue his work without him,” Sirius pushed. 

“Sirius is right,” Frank added as he retook his seat on the couch. “We saw what happened after Grindelwald was taken out. Many of his people continued his work for years afterward and continued to cause death and disruption. The more they spoke out, the harder it became for the ICW to mediate peace between the enclaves.”

“How is your mother doing,” Arcturus was clearly trying to change the subject. 

Frank gave him a pointed look but let the conversation be changed, “She’s worried about us, of course. She’s devastated about the loss of our child. She’s staying with her sister for a few days, so only Clementine is in the house. She’s completely unbothered by the reconstruction and doesn’t want to be far from her plants.”

—--

After lunch, Sirius did his best to avoid everyone by napping. It was a very good nap, and he woke up in a much better mood, though he hoped his grandfather wouldn’t interfere with the ritual. He certainly appreciated everything Arcturus had done and was doing for them. He just wished the old man would recognize that the family needed leadership and direction, not acceptance and passivity. He had to consider that the curse might be at play with Arcturus’s reactions to events. Sirius had certainly struggled to see the reality before him when he was still under its influence. 

Conrad Bones arrived precisely on time, along with his coven members. They all met in one of the downstairs drawing rooms to review what was needed for the working. Frank kept Harry upstairs with Neville until he was needed. 

Conrad reviewed the report Sirius had made (and almost entirely forgot about) before the attack and then did his own diagnostics on Sirius and Wade. He then drew Wade into a discussion about the ritual's runic requirements, which quickly went over Sirius’s head. 

Sirius ended up sitting next to his grandfather, watching the proceedings. They sat in comfortable silence together for once, and Sirius felt himself relaxing by degrees. He didn’t want to be in opposition with Arcturus, so it was nice to share space while they waited.

When the time came for the ritual, Sirius had done his best to explain to Harry that they were trying to heal him and he would need to sit very still where he was put. Harry nodded slowly and accepted the change into a ritual robe. He sat very still on the altar stone as soon as Wade placed him in position and took up his spot standing behind Harry. 

Conrad stepped into the circle, standing opposite Wade at the altar, and Sirius felt it come to life. The Heir ring shifted on his finger and began to warm. At Conrad’s signal, his four coven members stepped into place, taking up four points of the pentagram, leaving the final point behind Wade open for Sirius. Sirius took a deep breath and stepped into place. 

It was like something inside of him came suddenly into alignment, snapping into place with a sharp pain and sudden relief. The ring on his hand resonated with the circle's rising power, and he could feel the Black Family Magics thrumming all around him. He did his best to focus on the working well enough to call for Spirit when it was time for him to do so, thankful not to stumble over the familiar/unfamiliar words. 

He felt like he was in two places, in two minds simultaneously. Everything seemed so familiar, but the only other formal ritual Sirius had ever participated in was the one the Lady had used to send him back. He had never stood in Conrad’s place, but it was as if he was also standing there. He knew the form of magic Conrad would shape and admired his deft skill at the task. 

Corrupted black, yellow, and brown magic sparked, slowly coalescing into a putrid blob above Harry. Magic rose through the wizards and began to swirl around Harry, forming an ever-thickening barrier between him and the sickening corruption. Sirius recognized what was being cleansed from Harry’s aura as new information seemed to flow into his mind, settling in as if he had known it all along. That putrescence was the blackest of black magic, a severed shard of a soul. Sirius gagged on the knowledge and, for a moment, almost lost his grip on the magic moving through him.

A cool breeze moved through the circle, shoring them all up and carrying the rich, earthy scents of fall rain. He felt Her hands on his shoulders as She came up behind him. “Your working is righteous and good,” Her voice echoed oddly through the circle as though She spoke in several voices at once. The words resonated through his soul, each a profound tremor rewriting his understanding. “I honor you all for your cleansing of this child. I leave you with a gift of knowledge for your assistance of My Chosen.”

The corrupted magic that had gathered over Harry condensed into a tiny sphere, which She carefully plucked from the ritual magic that swirled around them. Sirius felt relief as it was removed from his perception. The Lady moved clockwise once around the gathered wizards, touching each of them as She passed. When She stood once again before Sirius, She whispered so only he could hear, “You do well, My Chosen. I am proud of what you have accomplished. Keep walking the path before you, and know that I am here with you, always.”

The world seemed to shiver momentarily, and then She was gone.

Conrad made a hoarse choking noise, cleared his throat, and tried again, “Our work here is done today. In your honor, our Lady of Magic, we release these magics. May the circle be open but ever unbroken.”

“May the peace of our Lady be ever in your heart,” Sirius and the other wizards responded as one. 

Sirius felt the magic of the circle fade, but the new/old awareness of the Black Family Magics stuck with him. They felt frustrated and lonely. He tried to soothe them, and they warmed around him, a fragile feeling of hope suffusing their tentative embrace.

Harry clapped his hands and laughed. “Lady feel nice!” He exclaimed. 

Wade snorted and scooped him up to ride on his hip. “You speak the truth, little man,” he agreed. “That seems like enough excitement for now. How would you like to go play with Neville for a while?”

Harry cheered, and Wade shot Sirius a wide-eyed glace. Sirius shrugged, “Can you see if Pobky could watch them so Frank can join us? I think we need to have a discussion with Conrad tonight.”

Wade nodded and headed back inside the Manor. Sirius turned to Conrad, who had been checking in with his coven members. He dismissed them, and they followed Wade back inside, speaking softly amongst themselves in awed tones. 

Conrad sighed as Sirius joined him at the edge of the circle. The waters of Black Lake that had been held back by the enchantments on the circle's stones began to trickle down from the head-high walls around them, once again covering one of the oldest stone circles in the English magical community. They began walking back towards the shore, following the stone path that Sirius’s distant ancestors laid centuries ago. As they passed, the water rose behind them until all that was left was an undisturbed lake. 

“Our Lady of Magic has always been present in my circles and ritual work. I’ve felt Her moving around us many times before. I have never dreamed of seeing Her like we did tonight. I saw Her blessing on you when we spoke before, but I dismissed that when considering your request to help with your Familial Curse. I felt I shouldn’t get involved because of Lord Black’s concern about you working with my coven instead of his. I felt it would be best to allow Lord Ogden to lead that effort. 

“Now, I understand better what that mark means and what my duty to Magic must be. I once learned ritual craft from your great grandfather, with whom you share a name. Now, I will return to your family the knowledge he imparted when he accepted me as an apprentice.”

“Thank you. From my entire family, I must thank you. What do you need from us,” Sirius asked. He was deeply relieved to know that his great-grandfather’s first choice was willing to work with them.

“We need to research the history and form of the curse as it has moved through your family. Personal journals and grimoires will need to be gathered and reviewed. I have a historian in my conclave, Grayves Cyndir. I will bring him with me tomorrow. It’s a Sunday, so unless you have other obligations, we can spend most of the day working through what we can find. That is if Lord Black will give us access to the library.”

Sirius nodded, “I will ensure we have the access we need. Of the tasks She gave me, this currently feels the most pressing. I was hoping I could ask you to stay and speak with me and my companions a little more. I have questions about my family magic and how this ritual affected my connection to it.”

Conrad paused to look at Sirius before they entered the drawing room Arcturus had set aside for them to use today. He looked through him as he had done the first time they met, and his eyes widened briefly before he nodded slowly, “Yes. I think that would be a very valuable conversation. Let me ensure my people return home safely, and I will be at your service.”

Chapter Text

They settled in the drawing room with tea. Pobky refused their request for snacks, saying she would serve them dinner in the dining room in an hour. Sirius agreed that would probably be a much better idea and secured the room once Frank and Wade had joined them.

“Wade wouldn’t tell me about how the cleansing ritual went,” Frank started as soon as the wards were up.

Sirius held up his hand to forestall the questions he could see Frank was about to fire at him. “The ritual was successful, and Harry was cleansed. What he was cleansed of will have to be a topic on another day. I need to do a little research on my own before I decide how to approach it. I wanted to discuss two parts of the ritual with all of you.

“First, Our Lady of Magic appeared in the ritual circle and spoke to all of us. She graced us with some gifts of knowledge.” Sirius tried and failed to suppress the shiver that moved through him at the thought of his own gift. “I don’t think it wise to share the specifics of that gift, even between ourselves.” Wade and Conrad nodded in agreement, so Sirius continued, “She referred to me and Harry as Her Chosen, which . ..” Sirius waved a hand as if flicking a fly away, “I don’t want to talk about.

“What I do want to talk about is the second thing. Tonight, in ritual, I felt the Black Family Magics for the first time in my life. They embraced me after the ritual,” Sirius thumbed the Heir ring and, after a long moment, felt the Magics prod him back gently, carefully. “They feel lonely and diminished. There is a thread of cautious hope now, but they are more like a stray dog, wanting affection but wary of any overture on my part. The Potter magics are more like a faithful hound, mourning the loss of their master, but open and friendly to my hand.”

Frank just stared at Sirius for a long, long moment, his eyes a little wide with surprise. His face slowly softened and became thoughtful as he considered his response. “Gedda,” he finally called, and a house elf appeared beside him. She was dressed in something like a tea cozy, with a gardening apron made of a coarse hand towel. The hem was stained darker than the rest, and a pair of gardening gloves peaked out of one pocket.

“What can Gedda do for Master?” she asked, large eyes taking in the wizards he was meeting with.

“Can you bring any books referencing Family Magics from the children’s and family library? Also, I need the private journal of Lord Gunther Longbottom I. You may need to ask your brother for help to bring them all here. Please place the books in the suite we are staying in. There is an empty bookshelf in the main sitting room. The journal should go on the desk near where Lady Longbottom is recovering.”

Gedda blinked twice and nodded, “Gedda do.” With a snap of her fingers, she was gone.

Frank turned to Sirius, “I had almost forgotten to get you those references. I think they will help you immensely. I hadn’t realized that you had no relationship with your Family Magics at all.” Frank pushed back from the table and stood to one side. He cupped both of his hands in front of himself and concentrated. Four green translucent vines grew up from the palms of his hands and twisted together into the form of a coursing hound. It shook itself all over, silently barked, and bounced around inside the fence of fingers. Frank sighed, and the magic faded back into him in a shower of green motes.

“This was the very first thing I learned to do when I first understood what Family Magics were and how to manipulate them. As the Regent of the Potter family, you should be able to do the same with those magics. The figure you can summon is almost always some kind of canine, often with elemental traits specific to the family. The appearance of the summon can tell you a great deal about the health of the Family Magics and the connection between the magics and the caster.”

“Can you show me?” Sirius asked, fascinated with his brief glimpse of Frank’s vine-dog. He wondered what the Potter Magics would look like, but he knew immediately that the Black Magics would be a ghostly grim.

Frank held up his cupped hands again, and Sirius joined him, mirroring his stance, “First, you want to touch your magical core, like when working on a potion or meditating. Then think of the feeling of your Family Magics reaching towards you. While still staying in contact with your core, reach through your core towards them. You will feel a warmth flowing in your magic; direct it to your palms, and the avatar will form.”

Sirius touched his magical core, aware of how it had changed since he came back in time. Before, it had been powerful and chaotic, rarely staying completely in his center and sometimes refusing to do as he wished. Now, it felt cleaner and more powerful. It was connected and grounded in him in a way that made him feel safe and centered, though it still refused to stay entirely in one place.

He thought of the grieving magics of the Potter Family and how they reached for him even as they mourned the loss of so much of their family in the last two years. Sirius touched his own grief for James, Lily, and Fleamont, who had been like a father to him. He sent that grief out through his magic, wanting to share it with that warm, welcoming magic.

The Potter Family Magic welled up through his core, filling him with love, acceptance, and sorrow. Sirius shut his eyes, tears falling down his face at the utter perfection of connection between himself and this power. He could feel the faint impressions of the thousands of witches and wizards that had invited this magic into themselves for countless generations.

He opened his eyes when he heard Wade gasp softly. Cradled in his hands was a wise, long-eared hound dog whose glistening silver skin reminded him of the invisibility cloak that James’s father had given him. The hound stared up at him with large, soft eyes and lowered his head before dissipating back into his skin.

Sirius sat down abruptly, missing the couch entirely and landing with a huff of surprised air on his butt. Wade moved to help him, but he waved him off. 

"I'm fine. Just suddenly . . . more?" He glanced up at Frank, wondering if that was the correct word. Frank nodded. 

"It can be a bit much, feeling that much history."

Sirius slowly gathered himself and picked himself up, returning to the table. "Thank you for showing me that exercise. I think it will help a great deal in the days to come."

Connor cleared his throat, "I could only speak briefly with my coven before they left, but we all feel the same as you. Her Gifts should not be spoken of for now, if ever. It was one of the singularly most powerful experiences I have had in ritual. I think everyone involved in the ritual should take part in cleansing the Black bloodline curse. Depending on what we discover, I may want to bring in a few more members. 

"As for your connection to your Family Magics, I had thought that the Black Family just didn't touch their magic that way. Not all families do, even those involved in ritual magic. It's part of the reason I never joined your great-great-grandfather's coven. Most of the wizards he works with don't have such a connection, and it can be uncomfortable to work in concert between the two groups."

Sirius shook his head, "Now that I have touched those magics, I can't imagine not having them as part of my life. Even as diminished as the Black Magics are, the history and connection they give me is incredible."

Wade nodded, "Giving up that connection to the Owens magics was . . ." he rubbed his sternum, "hurtful." He looked a bit lost for a moment, and Sirius offered him a hand. He was glad when Wade took it readily. He continued, "The Turner family is too small and new to have built up any magical legacy. My father's parents were both muggle-born, and he was their only child."

"How does that work," Sirius asked, "when you invite more people into your family through marriage or adoption? Will they have access to the magic?"

Frank nodded, "If the head of the family welcomes the addition into the family, they can develop a connection to the magic if they wish. Just like those born into the family, you only get what you are willing to invest." He grinned, "Was that a half-assed proposal?"

Sirius shoved Frank's shoulder, hardly moving the larger man, "Get off it. When I get around to proposing it, it will be done like a proper wizard." Sirius glanced towards Wade to see him blushing but looking pleased. He figured they should probably have a conversation about that, too. But now was not the right time. 

"To bring this back on to the topic, is there anything I need to know right now because I probably won't have a chance to look at those references any time soon."

Connor was the first to speak up, "The only thing I can think of is that because the head of your family doesn't have any connection to the Family magics, and you are his acknowledged heir, you will stand for him in accepting or rejecting members from the family magic. When you summon the avatar, you should be able to feel who in the family has those connections. You can mute, strengthen, remove, or create them for anyone associated with your family, but that will require more time spent interacting with that magic."

"You will begin to feel the strength of those connections as you interact with the Family Magics," Frank said. "When I was 17 and took the Longbottom Heir ring, my connection to the Longbottom magics seemed to blossom inside me. Before, they had been lovely, but after that, I felt their power in my personal magic and casting. It wasn't long before I understood that my father's grasp on those magics had begun to falter." Frank trailed off, one finger tracing the wood grain on the table. 

"Is that why you took the Lordship so early?" Wade asked softly.

Frank nodded, "He had taken spell damage while working for the ICW during the War. They treated it as best they could, but it affected his magic and mind. My mother encouraged me to take the Lordship when I explained what I had been feeling in the Family magics. His healers think that's why he lived as long as he did. It wasn't easy for us, but without the stress of managing the Family, he could finally relax and recover as best he could."

"It sounds like I am going to need to spend some time with the magics then," Sirius acknowledged. "For now, I would prefer to keep this topic between the four of us. Tomorrow is Sunday, and Connor has offered us his historian to help with the research. Will either of you be willing to help out?"

 "Of course," Wade said, "though we should probably set up a play area for the boys nearby so we can keep an eye on them. I don't really like just leaving them with the elves. I can't decide if Gnorman is enabling their mischief or actually assisting them in pulling off some of the things they have done."

Frank laughed, "Probably a little of both. If we can set up that area for them, I'm all in on helping out. It seems like an excellent distraction. Healer Slate stopped in and thinks she will be able to wake Alice tomorrow after dinner, which is much better than Monday but still seems much too far away."

"Thank you, both," Sirius said, catching sight of Pobky, "and it looks like it's time for dinner. Connor, would you care to join us?"

"Don't mind if I do!" Connor hopped up, his normal exuberance making a reappearance now that the discussion was over. "The Black house elves have always been excellent cooks."

—--

 Research had always been Sirius’s least favorite part of anything. James and Remus had usually led the charge on that, with Peter happy enough to be their gofer. Sirius let himself remember the tall shelves and worn wooden tables of Hogwart’s Library. That ozone smell of the preservation spells on the books. Most of the books and scrolls they had regular access to weren’t anything special, but on rare occasions, they would find something full of great ideas and fascinating facts. 

On one such day, James had managed to distract Sirius with a fascinating book on practical cartography so he and Remus could get started on their homework for Arithmancy. It was the one class Sirius had not taken with them, instead taking Care of Magical Creatures with Peter. Peter. Sirius could remember the homicidal rage he had felt at Peter’s betrayal the first time around. He remembered the overwhelming need to see Peter broken and made to pay for his crimes. 

Now, he felt empty, cold at the thought of his once friend. He wondered if there was anything they could have done to prevent Peter from making the choices he had. Peter had often been the quiet one of their group, the one to go along with their plans without much argument but never one to suggest plans of his own. 

Sirius and James became instant friends when they met on the train. Sirius had never met anyone like that before or since who appeared in his life and fit perfectly. When shy little Peter stumbled into their compartment on the train and asked if he could join them, they immediately folded him into their friendship as if he belonged there. Remus had taken a much longer time to befriend them, by contrast. That was part of why he had never considered that Peter could or would betray James or Lily and a large part of why he had believed that Remus was the traitor. 

Peter was in Auror custody now, and Sirius was relieved to know that, but he couldn’t find it in himself to want Peter dead anymore, at least not at his hands. He had spent entire days imagining the torture and death of his once friend, coming up with ever more painful and creative ways to express his displeasure at Peter’s actions. Now, he just wanted Peter gone from his life forever. 

All the revenge in the world would never bring James back. 

Sirius was unaware he was crying until Wade moved the journal he had been staring at but not reading away from him and pulled him into a hug. He buried his face in Wade’s shoulder and clung to him as he sobbed out his grief. 

—--

Sirius woke up a while later, wondering why he was sleeping on a couch. He had a soft blanket and a pillow, but why was he in the library? He sat up and looked around in confusion. 

Frank and Arcturus sat side by side with their backs to him, taking notes as they worked through what looked like old journals. Melania and Cassiopia were working together on a much larger tome. Heads bent together as they discussed what they were reading. The boys were still by the catalogue podium playing inside the silence ward Wade had cast. Wade was in deep discussion with Grayves, the historian Conrad had brought along. Conrad was seated at another table towards the back of the room, along with several members of his coven who had volunteered to help. 

“Master Paddy drink his tea,” Pobky said, holding up a teacup on a tiny saucer. Sirius accepted the drink automatically. He wasn’t sure when the house elves had started calling him ‘Master Paddy,’ but he was deeply amused by it. 

“Thank you, Pobky. This is very kind of you.” Sirius murmured. The house elf straightened, a small smile appearing on her usually stern face before she vanished with a soft pop, taking his blanket and pillow with her. 

Sirius sipped his tea and watched the others in the room until Remus sat beside him on the couch, holding a slim journal. 

“Feeling better?” Remus asked softly.

Sirius cleared his throat, trying to suppress a blush. “Much. Thank you. Not sure what came over me there.”

Remus sighed, “Nothing to be embarrassed about. I get hit with it at odd times, too, and all you can do is feel it.” He glanced toward where the boys were playing, “It’s hard enough dealing with this at our age. I can’t imagine what Harry must be thinking.”

“Yeah,” Sirius agreed. “He doesn’t even have the words for what he’s feeling. Sometimes, he starts yelling and crying and doesn’t want to be held. He just wants to throw things or pound on his bed, and his magic heaves around him like he’s trying to do something that can’t be done. All we can do is wait for him to come to us and try to help as best we can.”

Remus nudged him gently in the arm, “I certainly don’t envy you in navigating that. Children baffle me, to begin with.”

Sirius smiled softly, “I couldn’t do it without Wade. Through all of this, he has been here for us in all the ways that matter.”

“He’s a good man,” Remus agreed. 

“When did you get here anyway? I know you weren’t here before I tried to drown Wade with tears.” 

Remus chuckled slightly at his lame joke, and Sirius appreciated the effort. “I actually came in in the middle of that. Your grandmother escorted me in and just about murdered everyone with her glare because they were all standing around awkwardly, trying not to stare at you.”

“Ugh,” Sirius put his tea down so he could cover his face with both hands. “Maybe I should die of embarrassment and save us all the trouble.”

“Nah. Grief is like that. It comes on you when you least expect it, and sometimes all you can do is cry.”

“So, have we learned anything interesting so far?” Sirius desperately tried to change the conversation.

Luckily, Remus was a good friend and let him. “I haven’t read anything more fascinating than Licorus Black’s complaints about Elliot Smethywyck’s newfangled broom charms. Apparently, Licorus prefers his bollocks to go numb on every broomride.”

Sirius snorted, “Licorus’s portrait had to be taken down and put into storage because even after his death, he was fixated on trying to convince everyone that Smethywyck was a detriment to the magical world.”

“Yeah, I’ve put it down as a possible sign of the curse's influence. Our current goal is to try to figure out when the curse started. It’s hard to tell because most of what we have is personal journals, and it doesn’t seem like many Blacks are even aware of the curse.”

“Wait, wasn’t that in the 1820’s?” Sirius checked. “We really think the curse went back that far?”

Remus nodded, “Wade found a journal from around 1790 that had an entry about Horologium Black going on a murder spree among the muggles who had begun to build around the London house.”

“Well damn. Okay, where are the journals we haven’t looked at yet?” Sirius asked as he stood from the couch, ready to get on with it. 

—--

“I think I have something,” Wade called out. Everyone turned towards him, and Sirius tried to read the journal he was holding. Wade nudged him away and pulled his wand out to add a name to the board floating above the catalogue podium.

Fornax Black vs. Robin Higgy appeared in black lettering, followed by August 11th, 1736 .

“This journal is written by Lepus Black, who is Fornax’s father,” Wade said, holding up the journal. “He has several entries about the ongoing fighting between his son and Robin Higgy. When Higgy became the Slytherin House Quidditch team captain, he tried to kick Fornax off the team for flirting with his little sister. Fornax eventually married Higgy’s sister after getting her pregnant. She was well along on the wedding day, and Higgy appeared to have lost his mind, attacking them both at the reception. 

“He claimed his sister betrayed him by whoring herself to his mortal enemy. Fornax attempted to disarm him, and the knife Higgy was using flew out of his hand and struck Fornax in the shoulder. Fornax wasn’t killed, but he became increasingly unstable and prone to mad outbursts after that. Higgy dropped dead where he stood as soon as the knife made contact with Fornax.

“Lepus explains that Higgy’s death was declared a misadventure with curse magic. The dagger was an ancient ritual dagger used in several death magic rituals. It took a team of four Unspeakables to remove it from Fornax’s shoulder, and they were unclear about what it might do to him in the long term. 

“The last entry from Lepus is in January 1740 when he records the birth of Fornax’s second child, Eridanus, a boy.”

“Alright,” Grayves said, “Does anyone have any other information about Fornax or Lepus?”

“Family lore says that Fornax was one of the founders of the Acconites. He was beheaded by dverger in 1743 when that Gideon fellow sparked an uprising by very stupidly stealing their gold,” Arcturus said. “If memory serves, he had three children, but only Eridanus lived to adulthood.”

“Excellent. Let’s see if we can find a few journals from before 1736 and any journals written by Eridanus or Fornax,” Grayves said.

Remus spoke up, “I was just finishing a journal by Lepus’s sister Ara. It spans 1702 to 1731 and goes into very boring detail about all the Black family members of that time. Ara appears to have no good opinions of them, but nothing she complains about comes close to what we’ve attributed to the curse so far.”

“Good work, Remus. Let's find one more clean source like that around that time to give more credence to this theory. I’m going to head over to the ministry to see if I can find anything on the Higgy family,” Grayves responded, gathering several rolls of parchment from his table. “I should be back before lunch.”

Sirius shut the journal he had been slogging through and set it aside. It had been one of Sirius II’s journals, so it likely didn’t have anything useful if the curse had been set as far back as 1736. He joined Remus and Conrad at the Catalouge podium in search of a more likely journal. 

Chapter Text

By late afternoon, the research party had mostly concluded that the interaction between Fornax and the Higgy family was the likely cause of the curse. Grayves had uncovered the Unspeakable's report on the dagger used to injure Fornax as well as much of the Higgy family history. The Higgy family had ended with the death of Robin. The family magics hadn't been able to merge with the Black magics due to the nature of Robin's death. Several members of the Black family had commented on it in their various journals, though Fornax himself hadn't spent much time recording anything.

His journal, when they finally found it, had been very brief, with a simple list of dates and family matters. There were no personal anecdotes or stories.

Based on the Unspeakable's report, a large portion of the magical attack on Fornax and the death of Robin was tainted by Robin Higgy's obsession with ending his sister's relationship with Fornax. Because Robin was the head of the family at the time of his death, his rejection of the Black family corrupted access to the family magics. The curse used that access as a pathway to continuously reinfect anyone who had managed to avoid or remove the curse.

The Unspeakables had attempted to repair that connection but had been largely stymied by Fornax's refusal to participate. They had documented that his response to them had become increasingly more combative and aggressive each time they tried a new approach until Fornax bared them from approaching him on the issue again.

Unfortunately, Fornax's son Eridanus agreed with his father and kept the Unspeakables out of the family business. The final set of notes indicated that all affected family members would have to be involved in removing the curse, or else the curse would just reinfect those cleansed.

That particular point had caused the most concern in planning how to do so. It would mean calling the entire family together, or at least all of those who had the potential to be connected to the family magic. That included all family members who had been removed from the family since 1736.

"I'm not even sure where some of these people live now if they are still alive at all," Arcturus huffed as he worked his way through the family tree searching for still-living Blacks. "The magic of the tapestry isn't so robust as to withstand repudiation magics."

"Yeah, but I've been in contact with the Family Magics, and just looking at these names, I can tell who's still got the potential to connect and who does not. If you assemble the list, I can mark the ones the magic is responding to, and we can reach out. You can use your position as Head of the Black Family to order everyone to meet at Black Hall. Once everyone is together, we can work out how to cleanse ourselves," Sirius pointed out.

Arcturus sighed and resumed his task, Melania working next to him, carefully copying down names on her side of the tapestry. Sirius hadn't known there was more than one, but apparently, there was one for each century. The copy that hung in Grimmauld Place wasn't even the original as he had been led to believe, so his mother's blasting off of names didn't count. That said, many names had been obscured by formal repudiation from the family.

Sirius was steadily working through the names on his tapestry. Most of them appeared to be dead or far enough removed from the family's core not to matter, which made sense because it was documenting the 1700s. Still, witches and wizards could live for 200 or more years if they were powerful enough and didn't fall prey to a thousand and one maladies and idiocies. There were many stupid ways to die in this world, and magic seemed only to magnify the chances of someone running afoul of natural selection.

Gryaves and Conrad were working with Wade and the other volunteers from Conrad's coven to map out what would be needed in a ritual cleansing of such an insidious curse. Most of their discussion had been far over Sirius's head, so he had done his best to make himself useful elsewhere. Frank had taken the boys upstairs to nap and himself off to stare at his wife as her potential waking drew closer.

-----

Just before dinner, they wrapped up their session in the library. Arcturus had roped them into helping him write letters to all discovered living Blacks. He had used a spell on the seals of the letters to show that this summons was not a request. The Black Family Reunion was planned for Tuesday at 2 pm. They had used a combination of house elves and owls to see that all the summons were delivered.

Due to the late hour, Arcturus agreed to cancel their planning session for tomorrow's Wizengamot session. Sirius hadn't felt it was necessary, but Arcturus would plan something to death, given any room to do so. Instead, they all split up to find their dinners individually. Sirius was grateful to have some time alone with Wade when they returned to the Lavender suite.

The boys were both in Harry's room, entertaining themselves with his toys, while Frank was brooding over his still-sleeping wife. The healers had come and gone, stating that she would likely sleep only a few more hours and they would be back when the alarms on her let them know she was awake.

"This has been a wild couple of days," Wade said as he slouched down on the couch next to Sirius.

Sirius grunted in agreement, "My brain hurts."

Wade laughed softly, "You're lucky I like being the smartest wizard in this relationship."

"Hey!" Sirius objected. "I'm smart! I'm street smart."

"You keep telling yourself that," Wade laughed.

Sirius poked him, but Wade just captured his hand and held it against his body. They both sat in quiet contemplation for a while, content to be together.

"Sirius, I was wondering something," Wade started.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. Did you know that Longbottom Manor was going to be attacked? Is that something that happened in the future?"

Sirius looked over at Wade, surprised at the question. "I had no idea. I wouldn't have put us in that situation if I knew. I came back to keep Harry safe. In the other timeline I was already in Azkaban by now. I'm not exactly sure about the timeline, but I wasn't running after Peter for very long before he escaped and I was captured. Maybe a few days?

"I asked about Frank and Alice when they didn't show up to the first meeting with Dumbledore's group and was told that they had been tortured into insanity by Bellatrix sometime around Yule. I didn't ask any more questions after that. I really didn't want to know. So many of the people I knew were dead or gone completely, and those who survived had lived for years believing that I betrayed James. I had a hard time trusting all of them. I'm not sure how much of that was the curse and how much was the circumstances."

Wade fiddled with Sirius's hand, looking down as he spoke, "I didn't really think you would have put us in that kind of situation without at least warning me first, but I had to ask. It seemed too much of a coincidence that she picked that exact moment to attack."

"I get it. I'm not sure why she attacked then. I had planned to warn Frank to be on his guard next month, but she apparently decided on her own timeline. This business of time travel is confusing enough, and I don't have a good idea of the timeline from when I was in Azkaban. So much happened, but I wasn't part of life anymore."

"That sounds awful. I wonder how everyone just accepted that you would betray James like that. I can't imagine I didn't question everything after it happened."

"I have a hard time with that, myself," Sirius said and retrieved his right hand, putting his left hand in its place. "You have to massage this side, too, or I'll be unbalanced."

Wade smiled and kissed his hand before beginning to massage it.

"James and I thought Remus was the traitor,” Sirius continued. “Yes, he was our friend, but he wasn't as entrenched in our friendship as Peter was. Peter didn't have any outside friends, while Remus enjoyed hanging out with a group of Ravenclaws in the library. Several of those kids had family that was suspected to be involved with the Death Eaters." Sirius sighed, "I think our suspicion of him led to his doubting my innocence.

"Dumbledore himself stated that I was the secret keeper. He helped cast the fidelius, but it's part of the magic that makes the caster forget who's involved in the casting unless they are told again afterward. James told him that I was the secret keeper, and I did 'give' him the secret by pretending to write it down on a scrap of parchment and handing it to him. I put that same parchment in the back of the knife drawer for you. James cast that fidelius for me so I could share the secret with you in an emergency."

"You two really did think all of that through."

"It was supposed to be our greatest prank ever. We continued to leave little clues here and there that I was the Secret Keeper. Lily wanted it put in their wills that Peter was the Secret Keeper, just in case, but James and I were concerned that there might be a leak from the law wizards or the bank. We were so certain that Death Eaters were everywhere."

"Do you know who all the Death Eaters are?" Wade asked.

Sirius barked a surprised laugh, "I have no idea. I really am pants at this whole time travel gig. I wish I had had some time to prepare. There is so much I just don't know because I was honestly too messed up to even think to ask. Azkaban is a real horror, Wade. If it ever seems like I'm going to have to go back there, I would much rather die." Sirius shivered all over at the thought.

"If I thought it would make a lick of difference, I would demand that the Wizengamot find a way to destroy all the dementors and build a different prison. Something more like the International has. No one escapes from Hvite Kamre, but the prisoners are not tortured day in and day out.

“My cousin Belatrix was incarcerated there a few months after I was. They put her in a cell just down the hall from me. She spent the first month there taunting me about my perceived failures. Eventually, she fell silent, like they all do. When she was released from prison by Voldemort, about two-ish years after I escaped, she was far wilder and more vicious than when she went in. I only saw her the one time when she killed me, but she was very different from what I remember of her before."

"It sounds like Azkaban is even worse than I thought. Maybe it would be a good thing to try and change after we navigate our current challenges."

"I would like that very much," Sirius admitted, carefully pulling his wizard closer. "Now, that is more than enough talk about depressing things. Let's think about something nicer." Sirius pulled Wade into a kiss. Wade went along willingly. 

They traded kisses for several long moments before they were interrupted by the arrival of Healer Slate. She didn't even glance at them as she followed Turmeric into the suite and crossed to Alice's room. 

"Alice must be awake," Wade mused, blinking with adorable confusion at the interruption.

"Yeah, we should probably start getting things arranged for dinner," Sirius agreed as he waved Turmeric over. "Turmeric, could you arrange dinner for everyone in the suite? I'm not sure if Healer Slate is staying, but please make sure there is enough for her if she chooses to eat with us."

"Turmeric can do, Master Paddy, sir," the little elf nodded vigorously and popped out of the room.

-----

Alice had joined them for dinner. She was still a little unsteady on her feet but seemed to have a good appetite as she plowed through her food single-mindedly while the rest of them watched warily. As she cleared her plate, Frank offered her his untouched meal. She glared at him for a moment before nodding. He switched out the plates, and the carnage began anew. She was a very neat eater, making careful cuts of the meat, adding a bit of the squash and some green beans to each neat bite. It was fascinating to watch the systematic destruction of her meal.

Wade passed Frank the extra plate the house elves had provided for Healer Slate. She hadn't been able to stay due to other patients. Frank traded it for Alice's first empty plate, and the three men began to eat. Harry and Neville were eating the small finger foods the elves had prepared with good appetites. Sirius was glad to see that, as Harry had been hit or miss on eating. It was clear to him that having his friend around was helping him cope with the loss of his parents. He would have to see how long they could keep the boys together.

"Have you given much thought to the Wizengamot session tomorrow?" Frank asked, still keeping most of his attention on his wife.

"Yes. I've had a few conversations with my grandfather about what to expect, and I've got a good idea of what I will need to do to ensure that Harry stays with me," Sirius said after swallowing his food.

Frank frowned, "You think that there will be opposition to that? You're Harry's sworn Godfather. They can't contest a magical fact."

"The Headmaster has been making noises. He has already blocked the Potter Will reading, so that's the first thing we should address. It sets a bad precedent to allow the Will of a noble family to be circumvented at any time, let alone when the entire house depends on a single minor child to survive. "

Frank grunted his agreement as he added a few more bits of sausage and cut fruit to Harry and Neville's plates with a flick of his wand. "I will certainly be happy to make that statement for you if needed. I couldn't imagine leaving Neville's care up to just anyone if Alice and I were to die. Our current Will needs to be rewritten, though, as James and Lily are listed as the first choice for primary caretakers, with my Mother as secondary."

Alice nodded vigorously, "I would hate for her to have to raise Neville all by herself at her age if the worst were to happen. Augusta is very much enjoying herself, and I feel like being responsible for another person again might be too much. Speaking of, I did talk with her about Severus Snape before the light show in our parlor started. She agreed to do her best to block his nomination. The problem seems to be that Albus keeps vetoing any other potion master who has applied.”

"Can he do that? Just refuse to follow the guidance of the Board?" Wade asked, appalled.

"Unfortunately, he can," Frank replied. "The Headmaster has final say on all hiring and firing decisions. The Board can nominate or refuse to nominate candidates based on applications submitted, but they cannot force the Headmaster on any of those points."

"If there is no suitable candidate for the position found, the Department of Magical Education can appoint someone without the Board or the Headmaster’s approval," Sirius pointed out. “All they have to do is create a Section M.I. Trx. and have the members create an Educational Decree along those lines.”

Both Frank and Alice stared at him.

"What! I can read, and sometimes it helps to read all the rules about the school and its governance. It got me and James out of a whole bunch of detentions. Not even the teachers know all the bylaws, and some conflict wildly creating loopholes you could fly a hippogryph through."

Wade snorted into his squash, carefully not meeting anyone's eyes. "Of course, you would actually study ways to get out of trouble."

Sirius humphed, "I know stuff."

"I'll have to see if I can find that entry and make a suggestion to the Minster then," Alice mused. "It would be best if someone like Severus Snape did not have access to children."

"I couldn't agree more," Sirius said. "But as to the session with the Wizengamot tomorrow, I mostly want to get the Potter Will dealt with, but my secondary goal is the Death Eater threat and the trials. 

“I've become aware that there have been several instances where suspects have been tossed into Azkaban without due process. No trial or investigation. Minister Bagnold gave certain people, including Bartemius Crouch Snr., emergency powers that allowed them to declare someone guilty and impose a sentence of their choice without any oversight, completely bypassing the Council of Magical Law.

"Azkaban is a frightening prospect for any wizard," Sirius didn't have to fake his shiver at the idea. "To be locked up surrounded by some of the foulest creatures known to magic. I find it intolerable that we are sending people there without oversight. I want all the trials to be tried with at least five sitting members of the Wizengamot as the jury. I also insist that the Council of Magical Law review all incarcerations since Minister Bagnold’s decree was enacted.

"Are you sure that's the best idea," Frank questioned. "I'm sure plenty of people just want to get on with their lives now that You Know Who is dead."

"He's not the only threat. Look what happened to your family. Death Eaters came to your home and attacked you on suspicion that you had information they wanted. That was the third documented attack after the Unspeakables confirmed that Voldemort is dead." Sirius refuted. "From the reports I read this morning, we have a large backlog of recently incarcerated suspects waiting for trial, and at least a dozen that had informal hearings or no hearings at all that are already in Azkaban. I want to know that we have as many troublemakers as possible removed from our society."

"It's not illegal to be a Death Eater," Wade pointed out. "If someone is proven to be a Death Eater, so what? They followed a madman and charlatan. It's what they did regarding the war that matters. There are rumors of witches and wizards being subjected to various curses and Unforgivables and forced to participate in attacks. I would prefer to know that the people we are punishing are not just as much victims as the people they hurt or killed."

"Is there even any way to prove if someone did illegal actions of their own free will?" Frank questioned.

Sirius tipped his hand back and forth, "Yes and no. Veritaserum can give some insight, and Unforgivables leave a magical residue that can be verified. A master of Occlumency can work around some half-truths and the like but cannot fight yes or no answers. If we ask each person under veritaserum if they were magically compelled at any point, that is a good start." Sirius waved his hand as if dismissing the idea.

"I'm sure there are plenty of people smarter than me that can figure out other ways of asking things that will let us know who to release and who to incarcerate," he continued. "The point is that we need to show due process. I know the ICW has already been threatening censure because of how many muggles have been affected by this war. This could go a long way to repairing that, especially if we invite a member of their Department of International Magical Law to participate."

"I see. Are you going to speechify like you did at the funeral?" Frank asked.

"I just might," Sirius confirmed. 

—--

Sirius set aside his book as Wade circled the bed to get in on his side.  He settled down on his pillow and turned to watch Wade slip under the covers. They both settled, facing each other across their pillows. 

"I kinda like you," Sirius said, unable to hide his smile.

"That's remarkably convenient because I find I like you, too," Wade responded, as Sirius knew he would. There was such comfort in these long, rehearsed, ridiculous lines that Sirius could hardly contain the emotions bubbling through him. He wondered as he did many times a day, what he had ever done to deserve so much goodness in his life. A wizard like Wade could have done so much better than him, but he had decided Sirius was enough. 

"What are you thinking about," Wade asked.

"How lucky I am. How much I love you," Sirius said.

Wade smiled and wiggled his eyebrows, "I don't suppose you might be interested in giving me a demonstration?"

Sirius was very interested, but he found himself hesitating. Since he had returned to the past, they had reconnected and spent plenty of time kissing and cuddling and doing other such teenage things, but it was clear that Wade was asking for more, and Sirius wasn't sure he could perform. It had been years for him.

Wade frowned, "What's wrong, love?" He slid his hand across the distance between them and onto Sirius's arm to let it rest on his bicep. "If you're not in the mood, that's okay. We've been dealing with a lot these days."

"No," Sirius said, "no. It's just it’s been a very long time for me and I'm not sure I remember how it goes."

Wade tilted his head to one side, "I guess there wasn't much chance while you were in prison, but you were out for a few years before you came back, right?"

Sirius nodded against his pillow, "Yeah, but," he flushed and looked away, "at first, I was mostly in survival mode, and then I needed so much Healing. Even after the Healers released me, I wasn't really interested, or well . . ." Sirius couldn't believe how hard this was to say. "I couldn't get it up. Even by myself. The Healers were uncertain if I would ever get that back, so I just . . . didn't think about it."

"I see," Wade said, trailing his hand back down Sirius's arm to tangle his fingers with Sirius's. "I am well aware that is no longer an issue for you, so what else is stopping you? It's okay if you want to wait, but I need you to talk to me."

"I do want you, I just . . ." Sirius huffed, "I guess there were good parts to the curse too. I never used to hesitate about anything. I would just jump in with both feet and figure out where to land when I got that far."

Wade laughed, eyes sparkling, "That's one way to look at it, I suppose. I certainly approve of a more thoughtful and less prone-to-injury partner. But why don't you come over here, and we can see where we get."

Sirius liked that idea so much that he slid right over into Wade's space and stole a kiss, which Wade happily reciprocated. "I like how you think," Sirius murmured against his skin, once again gratified and relieved to feel his cock harden as he slid his hand across Wade's bare chest. He had almost cried the first time it had happened after his return. He had almost forgotten how good it could feel. 

"I do think we are a bit overdressed, though," Sirius pointed out as he slid his hands down and hooked his fingers on Wade’s sleep pants. Wade lifted his hips and wiggled to help Sirius pull them off. He dropped them off the side of the bed, followed by his own, and they both groaned softly as they settled together with nothing between them. 

They kissed until Sirius couldn’t stand it anymore, and he slid down, starving for a taste of Wade's cock. He slid his face close into the join of his hip and nibbled as he inhaled that wonderful musky smell. Wade softly slid his hand through his hair, fingernails scrapping just right along the scruff of his neck. 

Sirius trembled, nuzzling along his length and nibbling gently as he went. He opened his mouth and sucked the head inside. The weight and breadth of Wade's cock was just as he remembered, fitting just right in his mouth. He sucked gently at first before slowly sliding back up, taking a little more on each trip down. 

Wade sighed above him, rocking gently into his mouth. Sirius sucked a little harder, shifting his cock against the sheets. Wade pulled a little on his hair, "Bring your cock up here. I want to taste, too." His voice was thick and horse with arousal. Sirius shivered and pulled away with a soft slurp to rearrange them both on the bed. 

Wade swallowed him down hungrily, making a pleased noise deep in his chest. Sirius groaned in response, taking a few deep breaths before he could resume his task. They came at roughly the same time, gasping together. 

Once Sirius got his breath back, he rearranged himself the correct way on the bed and pulled Wade close again for a soft kiss. Wade made a sleepy, contented noise and pulled the blankets up over them both as he cuddled in.

Chapter Text

The room was large and loud and full of other witches and wizards, and Sirius was grateful for the presence of Frank Longbottom at his side as they navigated up the side of the underground amphitheater deep under London. Arcturus had neatly intercepted Minister Bagnold when she approached, clearly intending to speak with Sirius. They had intentionally arrived just before the doors shut and sealed, hoping to avoid unnecessary conversations with any before they started. 

When the full Wizengamot met quarterly, it was always in the primary Hall of Wizards. Four seating sections were clustered on two-thirds of the oval, with the center and open section left clear for various uses. One section was set apart, with seating for an audience and reporters.  

To the left of that section were 12 boxes for the 24 elected members, each pair representing one of the districts of Britain. In the center section sat Chief Warlock Tiberius Ogden, flanked by the empty seat for the Minister on his right and Amelia Bones, a clerk from the Wizengamot Administration Services, on his left. Behind them sat the department heads. 

The boxes for the 65 noble families with inherited seats were in the final section. Over half of those boxes were dark and unclaimed, clustered on the 4th and 5th tiers. The unclaimed boxes mostly belonged to wizarding families that didn’t have anyone with the correct qualifications to claim their seat. Currently, only 32 of the seats were active. The Potter box was between the Longbottom and the Greengrass boxes on the third row up. The Black box was on the other side of this section on the 1st row, with the Ogden box flanking it. 

A murmur of sound moved through the gathered magicals as Sirius bypassed the first row, followed Frank to the third row, and moved past him to the Potter box. He laid his right hand on the gate at the rear of the box and felt the ring on his hand respond to the box's magic. There was a stillness as the magic of the Wizengamot inspected his claim to the seat, and then the gate opened under his hand. As he took his seat, the Potter Crest lit up on the front of the box. 

Everyone began moving to their seats as if this was the signal. Sirius looked around the room, nodding in response to anyone who met his eyes, including Headmaster Dumbledore, who was seated next to Madam Rosemerta in the Hogsmede District Box. Dumbledore frowned at him sternly, and Sirius felt a faint touch on his Occlumency. He ignored it, continuing to look over the gathering. 

Both Wade and Alice had decided to stay with the boys at the Manor, concerned that someone might use this opportunity to go after them. They had locked down the Lavender suite entirely so only the house elves could enter or leave. Sirius had agreed with them that it was for the best, but he could have used Wade’s support now. 

He glanced down to the second row and met the eyes of Lady Owens, Wade’s mother. He had never met the woman officially, so he didn’t know what to expect. Her face was stern, though he could still see the strong resemblance to Wade. She nodded once and returned her attention to the desk in front of her. 

Sirius looked down at his own desk, noting the ink and quill set out for his use along with three scrolls. One would show the minutes being taken down by Madam Bones, another was blank for his use, and the final scroll was the agenda. Sirius took a moment to unroll the agenda and review it. 

The Potter will was now first. He had been expecting it to be well down the list, but the next two items were questioning Harry’s custody arrangements and Sirius’s position as Potter Reagent. The next three items after that were about the trials. Sirius was gratified that someone had asked for an Official Investigation Panel to review all the trials and sentences enacted since Minister Bagnold had given the Head of the DMLE executive powers. 

The last few items were small bits of budgets and law changes they probably wouldn’t even get to today. Sirius had already read most of the provided material for those things and found nothing objectionable. Arcturus had frowned at most of the budget, grumbling about increased spending in all departments of the Ministry. Sirius had largely ignored him. 

The sharp sound of a wand rapping on the Chief Warlock’s desk drew his attention to the front of the room. Tiberius Ogden stood and addressed them, “I hereby call the Autumn Session of the Wizengamot 1981 to order.” The last of the witches and wizards scurried into their seats, and Chief Ogden cast the spells to seal the chamber. A golden light flashed from the large glowing orb set in the center of the ceiling and ran down through the amphitheater, pooling in the center of the floor for a moment before fading away. 

“Welcome all,” Chief Ogden continued as he settled back into his seat. “I have plans this afternoon, so I would like to keep our efficiency streak going and address everything on the agenda as quickly as possible. I see some new faces, but the magic of the chamber has accepted all claims. I think that will dispense with item three on the agenda without discussion. Anyone object?” He stared directly at Albus Dumbledore as if challenging him to do anything. Dumbledore pretended to ignore him, studying his scrolls. 

“Very well. On to the Potter Will.”

“Objection!” A strong voice called from the first-row center. Sirius saw a blond man standing and was shocked to recognize Lucius Malfoy. 

“I recognize Lord Malfoy. Please state your objection for consideration.”

“The Potter Family is a Noble Family. The Law of Succession and the Law Governing the Matter of Nobel Houses require that any Will composed by the Lord or Lady of a Noble House be read and enacted immediately upon confirmation of death. If this body moved to block such a Will in any situation, we could see the breakdown of the integrity of all of our Houses. 

“I will not agree to any action that will invalidate my ability to see to the future of my House after my death.” Lord Malfoy resumed his seat, indicating he was done with his speech. 

“Lord Malfoy has called into question the legal right of this body to discuss sealing the Potter Will. Everyone, please look at your agenda to see the relevant sections of the code.”

The was a rustle through the chamber as everyone read through the passages. Sirius skimmed them, finding the archaic Latin somewhat difficult but still understandable. The general gist of the law clearly stated that the seated Lord of a Noble House was entitled to having his Will executed as soon as death was confirmed. He set the scroll back on his desk and looked around the room. There were several blinking lights above various boxes, including Dumbledore’s. 

“Are there any requests to speak with questions pertaining directly to the laws referenced?” Chief Ogden asked. The lights all blinked out. He nodded once, “I am calling for a vote. All who feel the law is clear and we cannot question the Potter Will select Green. All who feel we should argue the law for hours select Red.”

Across the hall, seals lit up green. In Dumbledore’s box, Madem Rosemerta tapped the green stone before her, blocking the Headmaster from selecting red. She appeared to scold him fiercely until he settled back in his seat and smoothed his beard. Sirius couldn’t quite prevent a smirk from forming on his face. 

“Very well. This body has no right or ability to block the reading of the Potter Will. Madam Bones, if you would please review the document as it relates to the custody of Harry Potter and see that a proper Will reading be arranged?”

Madam Bones quickly produced a glowing scroll from her desk and tapped it a few times, moving through the text quickly. “I have sent the relevant passage to everyone’s Agenda. In simple terms, it states that should Lily Potter and James Potter die, custody of their child goes to his Godfather, Sirius Black. If Sirius Black is unavailable, his Godmother, Alice Longbottom, should take custody. If neither is available, there is a long list of names. At the bottom, it states that their wish is for Harry to be raised in a magical family with love and honor. The Will Reading will be in the Wizengamot Administration Services on Wednesday at 10:00 am.”

Sirius traced the words on the scroll before him. They had been copied directly from the Will, as the handwriting was Lily’s. He firmed his resolve. He was going to do it right this time. Harry was safe, and now there was nothing Albus could do or say to prevent Sirius from taking care of him. 

“I believe that clears up the final item on our agenda related to the Potter estate,” Chief Ogden said. Sirius looked up quickly to see that Albus had set his request to speak flashing. “If anyone has a specific objection to the placement of Harry Potter with his Godfather, it should be addressed directly with Wizengamot Administration Services as is appropriate when the welfare of an underaged magical is questioned. This body is not empowered to make decisions about such things until and unless it has been elevated to us through the proper channels.” The last part of this speech was delivered directly to Headmaster Dumbledore. 

The light above the Hogsmede Box blinked out, and Chief Ogden nodded once before continuing, “Now, there are several proposals before us about the Death Eater trials. The first item on the agenda is . . .”

What followed were hours of speeches and arguments over the laws' details and the best course of action. Sirius spent most of that time doodling on his note scroll. It seemed like the Wizengamot was split into three parties. One group wanted everything done quietly and without any public attention. “To put everything behind us and move on to a brighter future,” Albus had said in his speech. Another group that wanted public trials and harsh punishments for everyone. “Anyone involved in the death of our fellows should receive the harshest of penalties, up to and including the Dementor’s Kiss!” one particularly excitable man had insisted. 

The final group was led by Frank Longbottom, who had given a rousing speech in support of having the Council of Magical Law follow their procedure with a panel of selected members of the Wizengamot to sit as a jury. He also insisted that all trials be open to the press. Sirius finally signaled his desire to speak as Frank was winding up. 

“I recognize Heir Black, Reagent Potter. Please speak.” Chief Ogden called out. 

Sirius stood and spread his hands, “I couldn’t agree more with what Lord Longbottom has outlined, but I wanted to add one more thing. I have been made aware that there were several judgments and sentences that took place under Minister Bagnold’s Emergency Decree XVII. This decree gave several department heads the authority to act outside our usual methods to allow for the war we were fighting. It is clear this Emergency Decree was necessary, but now that the war is over, we should make sure that every witch or wizard judged and sentenced has received due process. 

“I do not doubt that those working under the Emergency Decree acted in good faith to ensure justice and the law were served, but we have our policies and procedures for a reason. We are all aware that our Minister was recently called before the International Confederation of Wizards. She asserted our inalienable right to party most admirably.” Sirius paused, grinning at the cheers that rolled through the crowd.

“However, I am concerned that the ICW may choose to sanction us should it be discovered that we have incarcerated anyone without due process. Over the last two decades, the ICW has investigated Azkaban multiple times, and the only reason they have not moved for reform is because that institution has been grandfathered in. I believe it would be in our best interests with that body to ensure that due process is served now that we have the time and space to act.”

Sirius sat down.

The discussion continued for a while before the first vote was taken. In the end, no one was completely satisfied, but the trials would be public, and half of the jury would be taken from randomly selected Wizengamot members. All of the sentences enacted under the Emergency Decree would be reviewed by a panel formed from members of the Wizengamot, the Investigations Department, and the Wizengamot Administration Department. And finally, Crouch Snr would not be allowed to participate in his son's trial, which seemed like a very good idea to Sirius. 

Thankfully, the Wizengamot ended for the day as Chief Ogden had declared it was time for lunch and a nap in some order, as was traditional. Sirius had attempted to leave the chambers without having to speak with Headmaster Dumbledore, but it seemed his good luck on that matter had come to an end. 

“Sirius, a word, if you please,” Albus called. 

Sirius sighed and moved out of the way of traffic, grateful that Frank moved with him and stayed at his side, “How can I help you, Headmaster,” he asked politely. 

“I am very concerned about young Harry and what may have happened to him that night.”

Sirius was taken aback by the directness of that statement and took a moment to respond, “I was concerned as well, which is why I’ve had him examined by several different professionals, including several Healers. He was injured severely and required professional care but has had a full recovery. At his last check-up this morning, his Healer decided he needs no further intervention until his regular health exam is due.”

“I see. Are you certain you are up to the task of raising him? You are so young,” the Headmaster changed his approach. 

Sirius couldn’t help but laugh at that. “I assure you, while I wasn’t planning on having children right this second, I am more than prepared to care for Harry. I am the same age as his parents, so I’m not sure where you are going with this. Regardless, I have a prior engagement to attend to. It seems my mother insists on berating me in person, and I would not like to keep her waiting.” Sirius decided he wouldn’t get anything else out of this encounter, so he took himself off, Frank trailing behind him. 

“I’ve very rarely seen Albus so off-center,” Frank whispered to him once they were through the door. 

“I know. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him ask such direct questions. I wonder if Tiberius Ogden threatening him with censure has put him off stride.” Sirius whispered back as they headed for the lifts. 

“He seemed bent to have so much of the agenda taken up with illegal motions.”

“As he should be! That whole thing was an exercise in masochism that I really regret signing up for. I should have tanked my history NEWT. Then I wouldn’t have to suffer this four times a year for the rest of my life.”

“You could always select a Proxy,” Frank pointed out. “Both Algie and Augusta are registered for the Longbottom family. You might look into your friends to see who could qualify.”

“Now that’s an idea. Remus got a better grade than I did. I’ll have to review the code, but he likely qualifies.” They had arrived at the floo station, and Sirius sighed. “I can’t believe Grandfather insisted that I speak to my mother. That letter she sent this morning was mostly full of mad ravings. I can’t imagine what she has to say to me that couldn’t be said tomorrow.”

“Are you sure you don’t want company for that meeting? I would happily go with you as moral support,” Frank offered. 

“I should be fine. Pobky agreed to listen for my call today, and I’m on Lord Black’s business, so she can’t harm me without harming herself,” Sirius reassured him. “Besides, you should get back to Alice and update her and Wade. I know they had planned to listen on the Wireless, but I doubt the boys would have left them alone long enough to get all the details.”

“Very well. I’ll see you back at the manor. If we don’t get an update in an hour or so, I’ll send Arcturus to check on you.”

“Sounds like a plan. Thank you for today.”

“No problem. I’ll see you soon.” Frank waved as he stepped up and flooed away. 

Sirius checked to ensure his watch and his wand were in their places before he stepped up, tossed in his powder, and said, “Grimauld Place.”