Halloween had come quickly for both Harry and Arcturus and the last
six weeks had been busy. Something within the boy had changed
since the night they had seen the giants and the change was one all
too familiar for the older man. The boy was simply no longer a boy.
He carried himself differently, he trained with complete abandon and
he never once revealed even an ounce of what he was feeling. He
had truly mastered hiding his emotions and the older man couldn't
help but think that his long past friend had risen from the dead and
was possessing the young man in front of him.
Yes, the final part of Harrys' childhood innocence was gone and he
seemed to have come full circle. He had become what he needed to
and the older man now believed he could not only survive, he
believed he could win.
For Harry the changes had come naturally. For the first time in his
life he felt as though he could and was being the way he was
intended to be without the neglect and constant criticism he had
received throughout his life. He hadn't made any conscious changes
but he did notice them himself. He was no longer shy and meek. He
was quietly confident and felt even more so as each day passed.
The last month and a half had seen him grow in every way in leaps
and bounds and he was very proud of himself.
Physically he was healthy, fit and strong. He had grown to be almost
six feet tall and the training he had been doing had packed on
considerable muscle mass especially when he compared himself to
his previously under-nourished frame. He was a true athlete and one
would only need to look in to his eyes to see the differences. His
eyes continuously glowed with a gently dancing but bright emerald
flame but that gentle flame would become a roaring inferno in an
instant at his will. Now that his magic was stable and strong his body
finally reflected it and his spell work was now simply phenomenal.
He was very fast and powerful and moved with the same grace he
had seen his grandfather move with. He worked tirelessly on his
magic; creating spell chains and combinations that were devastating.
He knew he was not ready to face Riddle yet but he knew that even
now he would give any of his follower's serious problems in a fight
and was confident he would soon be capable of defeating any of
them.
He had begun training to face multiple opponents and had found his
family magic was perfect for this type of fighting. He excelled in
combat situations and when he watched himself back through the
pensieve he himself couldn't believe that the young man he was
seeing was himself.
Seeing the severed head of his friend had truly woken him to the
reality of war and that reality had created what he had become. He
was now a warrior and he knew that Tom Riddle would rue the day
he went after the Potter's. If it was the last thing he did Harry would
avenge those of his blood, those who were taken from him all too
soon.
He had decided weeks before that he wanted to visit his parents and
his grandparent's grave on this day. If anything he wanted to see
where they rested and pay his respects to those who he had finally
gotten to know over the last several months. He wasn't seeking
closure on their deaths; he knew he wouldn't get it until the day he
ended Riddle.
He hadn't broached the subject with the older man yet but he knew
he would not deny him. Arcturus may be a surly git most of the time
but he understood the worth and value of family.
Harry made his way into the drawing room as he did every day to
have his breakfast and the usual short chat with the older man. He
entered the room silently, took his seat and helped himself to his
oats and fruit. When the older man said nothing for a few minutes it
was Harry who broke the silence.
"Where are my family buried?" he asked neutrally.
The older man did not look at all surprised by the question but
looked at his younger companion critically before answering.
"They will be buried in the Potter mausoleum in Godrics' Hollow" the
older man replied with a frown. "Have you never been?" he asked in
a quietly dangerous voice that Harry knew meant that he was
displeased.
"No sir, my aunt and uncle never took me and no one has ever told
me before. All I know is that my parents were murdered on
Halloween and I was taken to them" he answered casually.
"And you want to go" Arcturus stated.
"Tonight" was the reply he received.
The older man looked at Harry and knew there was no stopping him
even if he wanted to. He had become sure of himself and even
stubborn the same way Charlus was.
He shook his head at young man but nodded at his request.
"We will go later tonight but it could be risky, the ministry or Riddle
could be keeping watch on the place. I will send Elgar to scout it out
for the day and if necessary we will come up with a way we can go
without being bothered" he finished.
"Thank you sir" Harry said respectfully. "I really do appreciate it".
They continued their breakfast in silence until the older man had
finished. He sent Elgar to watch the graveyard before opening a
letter that had been delivered to him during the meal.
"Ahh the letters will be going out today so we will be having our
meeting tomorrow" he intoned with a steely glint in his eye.
Harry just nodded at the man. He was looking forward to seeing
Sirius again but knew this was not going to be the happy reunion
with his godfather he had hoped for.
This was family business and Harry knew that it was going to be
tense especially with the occupants not having been in a room
together for many years.
He finished his breakfast and made his way to start his training for
the day. He wanted the day to pass quickly as he was both eager
and nervous about visiting the final resting place of his family.
The next couple of days would be interesting at the very least for
Harry Potter.
(BREAK)
Today found Sirius Black in a very sombre and depressed mood. 14
years ago to the day his life had plummeted into the downward spiral
that would haunt him forever. He lost his best friend and his wife and
because of his own actions he had lost his godson also.
Sirius Black was innocent of the crimes he had been sent to
Azkaban for but in his own heart he knew he was guilty. He was
guilty of recklessness that had seen his one chance at redemption
be squandered by his own actions. He was guilty of abandoning the
boy he loved as his own son and he was guilty of letting his friends
down in the duty he had promised to them if such events were to
occur. He knew he would always carry that guilt with him and wished
nothing more than to be able to turn back time and change what
happened that night.
Alas, he knew that was not possible. Instead he wished for one more
chance to be there for Harry the way he should always have been.
He wished that he could have raised him in the loving home he
would have had with him. And more than anything, he wished he
was with the boy right now so he could keep him safe from what he
knew was coming.
The past six weeks had seen Sirius at the busiest he had ever been.
He trained morning, noon and night and began taking care of
himself. He ate regular meals and would sleep soundly due to the
exhaustion he would feel at the end of every day. He looked and felt
healthier than he had in years. He was no longer emaciated and
sallow skinned and his hair was sleek and shiny as it once was. The
only thing that remained that demonstrated the hellish years in
Azkaban was the haunted look in his eyes, a look that would forever
be there.
It had taken a while for him to recover, much longer than he had
anticipated. He hadn't expected his magic to be so badly affected by
his stay in Azkaban but it had taken several weeks for it to stabilize
and be the way it once was. He had honed his skills so that he was
now at least on par with what they used to be.
Sirius Black was a skilled wizard and was no slouch in a fight. He
hadn't learnt his family magic due to its dark nature but he had learnt
more than enough to take people down when he needed to, he was
a Black after all.
He was currently sat at the breakfast table contemplating how he
would spend his day. He didn't want to train knowing his heart really
wasn't in it today but he did not want to be idle either.
Before he could decide his thoughts were interrupted by a sharp
tapping on the window. He frowned at the owl knowing that is was
not likely to be good news. He opened the window to allow the bird
access and as soon as he relieved it of its burden it exited
immediately.
He recognised the wax seal of Gringotts and felt his stomach give an
involuntary quiver. He knew this was not going to be a good thing.
He thought for a moment before continuing. He knew he didn't owe
the bank money as he had never had a loan and lived only on his
salary and the gold his uncle Alphard had left him.
He knew he wasn't due to inherit anything as he had been cast out
of his family at the age of sixteen by his mother.
He was at a loss and decided that opening it was his only option.
What he read surprised him greatly but also made him nervous.
Dear Mr Black,
I am writing to you as the Goblin in charge of the Black accounts
here at Gringotts. It seems that there are many things that need to
be discussed pertaining to family business and other sensitive affairs
that shall not be mentioned in writing. I request an audience with
yourself tomorrow at 6pm to discuss these most urgent matters. I am
aware of your current status and have therefore turned this letter in
to a portkey that will place you outside the designated room in which
we will meet at the time mentioned above. You have a magical vow
that this is no trap and you will be safe within our walls from capture.
Yours in service,
Barchoke
Black Family account manager
The letter glowed a bright blue sealing the vow and the man simply
stared at the piece of parchment in shock and as a nervous wreck.
He did not know what to make of the letter but knew it was not wise
to ignore a request for a meeting from the goblins. He would have to
attend in secret of course but now he was truly curious. He sat back
at the table and continued to ponder what business the goblins could
possibly have with him.
(BREAK)
Andromeda Tonks arrived to work in her usual fashion. She sat her
desk and looked over case notes for the coming week before
fetching her morning coffee. Despite the setbacks in her life she had
become a very successful lawyer and was proud of what she
achieved.
At the age of 18 she had fled her family home when it was
announced that she was to be married off to a man she had not
chosen. She had already found love and had spent the last 3 years
hiding it from her family because they would never approve of her
choice in man. Her now husband Ted was a muggleborn and her
being a Black meant that he would not be an acceptable choice.
She had always been proud of her heritage and proud that she had
been born into a prominent family but her pride ended at the bigotry
her family was well known for. She held nothing against anyone who
was not born into a wizarding family and did not buy into the
pureblood supremacy that was prevalent in the wizarding
community. Her husband himself had always been talented and very
intelligent and he and her complimented each other well.
Their daughter had inherited talents beyond both of them and
seemed to have taken the best of both of their genes. Not only was
she powerful in her own right but she had inherited the metamorph
ability from the Black line. She was a fine auror and Andromeda was
proud of her only child.
Despite the happiness she felt she regretted that all but one member
of her family had turned their backs on her but she remained
stubborn and married Ted Tonks anyway. Her cousin Sirius was the
only one who had remained in contact with her and he maintained
that contact until he went to Azkaban.
Andromeda had always been unsure of her cousins' guilt. She knew
that James was nothing less than a brother to him and he truly
idolised Lily Potter and respected her. She had tried to visit him on
several occasions just to ascertain whether he was guilty or innocent
but she had been rebuffed on every attempt. She had even been
unsuccessful in trying to obtain the paperwork pertaining to her
cousin, being told that it was senior ministry staff and for auror
access only.
She had long resigned herself to the fact that she would get nowhere
in her line of inquiries so she simply let it rest. To her it would be one
of those things she had no control over and one of those things that
would have to remain a mystery.
She had had a fairly happy childhood made easier by her two sisters
who she had adored. Her older sister Bella was beautiful, intelligent
and a fierce duellist and growing up, Andromeda had always wanted
to be like her. She trained with her throughout her younger years and
they would gossip as all young girls would but that changed when
Bella returned to Hogwarts for her seventh year.
She had been seduced by the pureblood movement headed by You-
Know-Who and had started to become what she was now known for;
an insane killer.
It had broken Andromeda's heart to see her sister take the path she
had chosen and no matter how much she pleaded with her older
sibling, she knew her mind had already been made up.
Her younger sister Narcissa was always the favoured and spoilt one.
Being the youngest she would always get away with everything and
would charm anyone she came across. She was a talented witch in
her own right but favoured potions and charms above duelling.
Andromeda always believed that she would make a fine healer but
that wasn't to be.
Her father had matched her with Lucius Malfoy and any hopes and
dreams the youngest Black sister had, died with that match. She had
become nothing more than a trophy and had truly adopted the life of
a Malfoy. She looked down on everyone and became a snob and an
emotionless shell of what she once was.
She had spent her life wasting away in an over-sized house and only
left to shop or attend events draped on the arm of her buffoon of a
husband. To Andromeda, the stagnation of her sister was wasteful
and the wizarding world could have benefited from a woman with her
skill and the care she had once shown.
She returned to her desk to begin her work day and had barely
begun to put together her most current case when she was
interrupted by a gentle tapping on the window. Thinking it was a new
case she opened the window to admit the bird. It wasn't until the owl
had left that she recognised the Gringotts seal. She had already
received her monthly statement so was confused as to what the
letter could include. She opened it and was completely shocked by
the contents.
Dear Mrs Tonks nee Black,
I am writing to you as the Goblin in charge of the Black accounts
here at Gringotts. It seems that there are many things that need to
be discussed pertaining to family business and other sensitive affairs
that shall not be mentioned in writing. I request an audience with
yourself tomorrow at 6:30pm to discuss these most urgent matters. I
would ask that you also bring your daughter Nymphadora Tonks and
husband Theodore Tonks as the business discussed is likely to
affect them also.
Yours in service,
Barchoke
The Black family account manager
The letter had Andromeda worried. Was it possible that her father
had somehow created a marriage contract for her daughter without
her knowledge? Or was it possible that it pertained to herself? She
was no longer a Black and hadn't been for 25 years. She knew it
was unlikely to be anything good and could only hope that whatever
it was it was not detrimental to her family.
She quickly put everything away and grabbed the letter to head
home. She had to inform her family of this development and plan
accordingly.
(BREAK)
The mood within the castle had shifted from an undertone of
tenseness to one of caution for many. The appointment of Umbridge
had led to many strange happenings. Educational degrees had been
implemented for several trivial reasons and those in the school bright
enough to understand knew it was done to control them and dampen
any kind of spirit.
People would be given detention with the toad and return confused
and could not remember what they had done in the time spent with
her. Hermione, not having served a detention with the woman had
taken her concerns to McGonagall but had been told to keep her
head down and let the storm pass.
The professors were worried. The students who had attended the
detentions had shown signs of having their memory modified but
they knew it would be difficult to prove unless they caught the
woman in the act. Their positions themselves were precarious at
best and were undergoing inspections by the odious woman. They
were in no position to investigate fearing for their own livelihoods.
Although it was upsetting and worrying the children did recover and
there had so far been no physical evidence apparent to them. For
now they knew if they wanted to retain their jobs they had to simply
wait for this to pass and hope that it would be over soon.
The cardigan-clad woman had firmly pressed her will on all in castle
and the days had become dark indeed under her tyranny.
Today was the day that Hermione and Ron had been planning for
several weeks now. They knew to pass their OWLS and to be able to
defend themselves when the time was right they needed to be taught
properly. They had taken it upon themselves to start a group in which
they and their peers could study together what they would need to
pass their exams and be able hold their own in a fight.
The castle was in a much better spirit today as the students would
get a respite from the rules the toad had implemented. It was the first
Hogsmeade trip and the duo along with Neville and Ginny had
chosen today to hold their meeting to garner interest in their plan.
They had spent the last several weeks quietly putting out word of
their idea to people they knew they could trust. All in all they were
expecting around 15 people to attend.
They were currently sat in the Hogs Head pub in the north of the
village waiting for people to arrive. They had chosen this bar hoping
it was far enough away from prying ears knowing that very few
people came here.
They had only been sat with their drinks for around five minutes
when the door opened and a group of around 30 students led by
Fred, George and Lee Jordan entered the pub. There were students
from all houses including a few Slytherins.
Upon seeing the group Hermione stormed towards the twins clearly
panicked.
"How many people did you tell" she hissed at them quietly.
"Only a few" George replied shrugging.
"It seems that your plan is much more popular than you thought it
would be Miss Granger" Fred said with an impish grin. "Bar keep" he
yelled. "Butterbeers all round" he finished gesturing to the group and
took a seat next to his brother where the rest of the students had
assembled.
"What the hell are the snakes doing here?" Ron questioned angrily.
"You know they can't be trusted".
"Well little brother of mine" Fred intoned, wrapping an arm around
his younger brothers' shoulders, "It seems that Miss Greengrass
here overheard us talking about it in the library and insisted that her
and her two companions be allowed to join" he explained.
"Yes she was very insistent" George cut in. "My left cheek is still
ringing from that hex" he added rubbing his posterior.
"They can't be trusted" Ron reiterated angrily.
"Oh shut up Weasely" Daphne interrupted. "If we wanted to drop you
in it it would be Umbridge here instead of us" she pointed out.
Before Ron could reply Hermione chimed in.
"It's ok Ron" she said attempting to placate the irate red head. "I
have runes and Arithmancy with Daphne and Tracey, I'm sure it will
be fine" she finished not sounding overly sure of herself.
"Well I don't trust them and they will drop us in it the first chance they
get" Ron growled.
"Can we just get on with it" Neville piped up irritably. "It would be bad
if we were caught here like this".
"Fine, fine" Hermione said and went on to explain the idea to the
group.
"So I was thinking that the older years could help us with our OWLS
and we could all chip in on everything else" she concluded.
The group remained silent lost in their own thoughts. They all knew
what Granger had suggested made sense and that they had a much
better chance of passing their exams if they worked together. It was
a much better prospect than relying on Umbridge and her sorry idea
of what teaching was.
"If Harry was here I would have got him to teach us" Hermione said
breaking the silence.
"Potter?" Tracey Davis broke in. "What could he teach us we don't
already know?" she asked. "And is he even alive?", "Surely you
know something, he is your best friend".
There was a majority agreement within the group demonstrated by
rigorous nodding by many.
"Harry is by far the best at defence in our year and has actual
experience" Ron answered irritably.
"What because he defeated a Dark Lord before he could hold a
wand?" Astoria Greengrass asked. "It was luck, not skill".
"He didn't mean that experience" Hermione retorted angrily and
quickly put her hand over her mouth once she realised her mistake.
"And no, none of us have heard from him since before he went in the
maze" she answered sadly.
"Well what experience did he mean?" Daphne asked neutrally.
The Weasleys' and Hermione shared a look until the brown haired
girl nodded in resignation. She felt compelled to defend her friend
and even though she knew it would bother him that she would
explain what he had seen and done, she felt it was necessary if only
to show there was some hope in this dark time.
"Remember our first year?" she asked the group. "We were told to
stay away from the third floor corridor which we did but we found out
someone was trying to steal something that was hidden there".
"What was it?" Susan Bones asked curiously.
"The philosophers' stone" Hermione almost whispered.
"You expect us to believe that the stone was at Hogwarts?" Marietta
Edgecombe asked sceptically.
"It was" Hermione answered simply. "Professor Quirrell tried to steal
it and Harry stopped him" She explained.
"You mean that stuttering moron who barely knew his arse from his
elbow?" Lee Jordan asked.
"He was possessed by You-Know-Who" George answered.
Lee looked at his friend but didn't question him further. The twins had
a knack for knowing almost everything about Hogwarts. The room
was stunned by the proclamation and it took several moments for the
silence to be broken.
"How did he stop him" Hannah Abbott asked quietly.
"We don't really know" Hermione answered. "But Harry killed him
and was unconscious for almost a week after" she added.
"That's why you all got those last minute points" Daphne said
suddenly in realisation.
"Yes it is" Hermione replied nodding.
"And there was second year" Ron pointed out.
"What, when all those students got petrified and none of us were told
what happened?" a 6th year Hufflepuff asked.
Hermione just nodded her answer remembering the big yellow eyes
of the basilisk.
"Someone opened the chamber of secrets and there was a basilisk
inside, that's what was petrifying everyone" she explained.
"So the chamber is real?" Daphne asked in awe.
"Yes, the entrance is in moaning mytles' bathroom" she replied.
When no one spoke, not even to demonstrate their disbelief she
continued.
"You have to be a parseltongue to open it, that's how Harry got in but
it wasn't him petrifying anyone it was You-Know-Who again".
"And how did he manage that, he's dead" the same Hufflepuff boy
interjected.
"I don't know but he did" Hermione said irritably.
"How do you know that then" he questioned equally annoyed.
"Because it was me that Harry saved from there" Ginny cut in
looking upset. "I was taken in the chamber and Harry came in and
killed the basilisk" she said fighting back tears.
"That basilisk must have been hundreds of years old and huge, how
did he manage that" Tracey asked frowning.
"With a sword, he killed it with a sword and the help of a phoenix that
blinded it" Ginny answered emotionally.
"You really expect us to believe that?" the Hufflepuff huffed
disbelievingly. "Pull the other one Weasley".
"He did" Ginny retorted angrily. "The snake even bit him on the arm
and the phoenix healed it" she added.
"So that's where he got that scar" Katie Bell piped up. "I asked him
about it and he went quiet, I knew he didn't have it in first year" she
said triumphantly. "I thought he got it at home or something" she
finished.
At the mention of Harrys' home the teens in the know shared an
awkward glance.
"It wouldn't surprise me if he did" George growled angrily.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Susan Bones asked.
"Let's just say Harry doesn't have the life we all thought he did
growing up" Fred said. "He was raised by his muggle relatives and
they are nothing but bastards. They treated Harry like a damn elf and
barely fed the poor kid, we had to rescue him half-starved after his
first year" he finished shaking in an unusual rage.
The assembled group were shocked by what they had heard and
none could find any words to say to that final piece of information.
The awkward silence remained until it was broken by the pompous
Hufflepuff.
"And what else has Potter done that is so great" he asked
sarcastically but with a little envy in his voice.
"Well you all saw him in the tournament and how well he did against
seventh year students with a lot more magical education than him"
Neville answered.
"And he can cast a corporeal patronus" Ron added.
"Bullshit" the Hufflepuff cut in. "Most grown wizards can't even do
that" he pointed out.
"Harry can" Hermione said quietly. "I saw him drive away a hundred
Dementors in our third year".
"Why would Potter have to do that" Tracey asked. "Apart from that
quidditch match they stayed away" she said.
"They did, but they tried to attack Harry and his godfather at the end
of the year and he drove them away" she explained coyly.
"Hold on, if Potter has a godfather then why does he live with those
horrible muggles?" Susan asked.
Hermione and the Weasleys' shared a sheepish look knowing that
this was likely to be the icing on the cake for those in attendance.
"His godfather is Sirius Black" Hermione finally explained.
If the room had been shocked before it was nothing compared to the
shock they were feeling now. Harry Potters' godfather was the
infamous mass murderer?
"Why would Harry save him?" Susan asked. "He betrayed his
parents, everyone knows that" she said.
"Sirius is innocent" George cut in. "It was Peter Pettigrew who
betrayed them, he's been hiding in his animagus form for years" he
stated not elaborating further.
The room was completely silent once again so Hermione took the
opportunity to move the conversation away from Sirius not wanting
any more attention on that particular subject.
"Harry is the most powerful wizard I know, he is up there with both
Dumbledore and You-Know-who but he has been quashed his whole
life by his relatives. That's why he is so quiet and not very confident
but believe me he comes through every time when it counts" She
intoned. "I don't know where he is or even if he is alive but if he is I
can promise he will do everything he can to stop him. I believe
Dumbledore, he has no reason to lie to us. Why do you think the
ministry has put Umbridge here and why do you think they are trying
to discredit Dumbledore?" she asked. "It's because they are scared
of the truth" She elaborated before she could be cut off. "Why do you
think they want to find Harry so badly? It's because they know that
he is the person everyone will look to when it all goes badly" She
added. "It may have been luck when he was a baby, but he isn't a
baby anymore" She finished breathlessly.
"That's why we want to have this study group" Neville continued.
"We need to be ready for exams and for what's out there, because
right now we would last less than a minute in any duel" he admitted.
"Swear on it" the Hufflepuff demanded.
"What do you mean?" Hermione asked the boy confused.
"Swear on your magic that everything you have told us is true" he
demanded again looking smug.
Without hesitating Hermione removed her wand, but before she
could say a word she was cut off by Neville.
"You don't have to do that Hermione" he said placing his hand on her
forearm.
"If it's the only way they believe me then I do" she answered sadly.
With that said she raised her wand and began to speak.
"I, Hermione Jean Granger, swear on my life and magic that
everything I have said about Harry Potter in this meeting is true to
the best of my knowledge, so mote it be" she intoned without
hesitation, the golden glow surrounding her.
The group looked at her expectantly waiting for something to happen
to the girl.
" Lumos" she incanted, lighting the tip of her wand.
The group were once again shocked. They had not expected her to
comply with the request the boy had made but she had and had
been found to have been honest.
The shocked group would leave today with a very different opinion of
Harry Potter and what they thought they knew of the boy. Many
realised that they in fact never knew a thing about him. Despite
sharing a school with him for four years he had always been quiet
and reserved and always kept his circle of friends small.
A seed of hope had been planted within many and all they could do
was wait it out and hope that Potter would be coming back and could
once again do what he had as a baby but this time with a more
permanent conclusion.
"We have a piece of parchment for everyone to sign, so sign it and
pass it along" Hermione said handing the parchment to Fred. "I
promise I will keep it safe and we will let you know when the first
official meeting will be and where it is once we find a suitable place"
she finished.
The students signed the parchment with little hesitation and as soon
as it made its way back to Hermione they began to disperse. After
the group had left Hermione sunk in to her seat exhausted.
"That went well" Neville said.
"It did" Hermione agreed. "I just wish we didn't have to explain so
much about Harry" she said feeling guilty.
"He will understand" Neville replied placing a comforting hand on her
shoulder. "If you hadn't they would have left and we would have
been back to where we were" he added.
"I know but I still feel bad for breaking his confidence" she explained
sadly. "I hope he forgives me" she said almost to herself.
"I'm sure he will" Neville answered. "Now can we please get out of
here this place is even creepier than the shrieking shack" he stated
with a shudder.
And with that the group exited the bar to enjoy what was left of their
time away from the castle. At the end of the day, they would be going
back but they knew they had achieved something today and felt
much better for it.
(BREAK)
Harry had just finished his training day and was getting ready for his
shower. He was both nervous and excited in his anticipation at finally
getting to visit where his family were put to rest. He usually spent
Halloween in quite the melancholy mood but today was different,
today he would get to pay his respects and to finally get some
closure. He wasn't the same as he had been in previous years, in
fact his mood was one of determination. He felt more determined
today than ever to give his family the over-due justice they deserved.
He finished showering and took his time getting dressed. He had
chosen to wear a half buttoned khaki green shirt, a black vest, jeans
and tan boots. He didn't want it to be a formal affair, the thought of
his father laughing at him suited and booted did not appeal to him.
He caught sight of himself in the mirror and realised he needed to at
the very least tidy up the facial hair that had quickly began to grow.
He found that he liked it and that it made him look less child-like and
more distinguished. He wore it as short stubble that blended to sides
of his hair that he kept equally short. He kept his hair longer on top
but just enough that he could control it with a simple messy style. He
had found a really useful barbering spell in one of his grandfathers'
journals, and with a little practice, he found that he was quite adept
with it.
He made his way to the drawing room where Arcturus was waiting
for him so they could eat before they would make their way to
Godrics' Hollow. He entered the room and took his seat only to be
frozen in place by a critical stare from the older man.
"Go and change in to a suit" he commanded simply.
Harry was about to protest but was cut off by the older man before
any words could form on his lips.
"It doesn't have to be a formal thing but you will dress the part" he
said firmly. "Charlus would hex you something silly if he was here
and you went to visit their graves for the first time dressed like that"
he pointed out.
Harry swallowed and nodded before exiting. He was back in the
room ten minutes later wearing a navy blue ensemble with a plain
white shirt and charcoal tie with a matching pea-coat. He waited for
the nod of approval from Arcturus before he took his seat.
"We need to talk about tomorrow" the older man declared. "The
letters were sent today and the meeting will take place tomorrow
evening" he finished.
"Okay" Harry said confused. It wasn't like the older man to divulge
details of his business with the teen.
"I want you to be there, but I have two requests" he said noting the
surprise on the teen's face.
Harry just nodded in acknowledgement.
"Firstly" the older man began holding up a finger. "You will wear you
cloak and only show yourself if I give you my permission,
understood?" he asked with a stern tone.
"Yes sir" Harry replied a little sadly knowing he would be in the same
room as his godfather and may not be able to speak to him.
"And secondly" Arcturus continued. "You stay hidden no matter what
happens, this is family business and there's a chance it will become
unpleasant but unless I give you my express permission you are to
allow what will be to happen, do you understand?" he finished
questioningly, glaring at the boy.
"I do sir" Harry answered sincerely.
He understood the importance of family business and knew any
interference from him would incur quite the wrath of the oldest Black.
"Good" the older man replied, relaxing once again. "I think it is a
good time to leave, Elgar reported no unusual people around the
graveyard so it should hopefully go off without a hitch" he finished
grabbing Harry by the arm.
They appeared on a quiet street in a village where a few Victorian
style houses were dotted either side of the road. A church could be
seen at the end of the road and Harry immediately understood why
his parents would choose to live here. It was simply beautiful. There
was a variety trees and lush green hills could be seen on the
horizon. There was a smell of fresh pine and the air was thick and
intoxicating.
The duo made their way in a casual pace towards the church where
Harry knew the graveyard would be. Both were alert to their
surroundings as had become their custom but they knew there was
no threat, Harry could scarcely believe a tragedy such as the one 14
years ago could ever take place here. He felt a sense of familiarity
with the village and he knew that something inside him recognised it
as home.
They reached the entrance to the graveyard and passed through the
kissing-gate that led on to a gently winding path that would take
them through the entirety of the cemetery if they cared to follow it.
It was Charlus that led Harry to where the Potters' were buried.
Harry hesitated and found the hand of the older man on his shoulder.
He looked up to see the usual stoic expression that he could see
was forced a little.
"You take as long as you need" the older man said sincerely before
walking away a respectable distance to allow the boy some much
needed privacy.
The first grave he came to was that belonging to his grandmother.
The tombstone was made of black granite adorned with the Potter
crest and a beautiful gold cursive inscription;
Dorea Constance Potter
Proud Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Healer
Born 4/6/1925
Died 12/10/1980
Honour Thy Blood
Harry knelt beside the stone and placed a hand upon it and took a
little time to simply absorb the moment.
"I'm sorry that we didn't get much time together but from what I know,
you would have been an amazing grandmother" he said quietly.
"Your brother has told me all about you. How caring and kind you
were and how you would kick my grandfathers' arse when he
needed it" he added chuckling.
He became thoughtful in silence, thinking of what he knew about her
from what he had been told and what he had seen in the pensieve.
"If I can find someone who is half the woman you are when this is all
over I know I will have done very well for myself" he whispered
placing a kiss on the granite before standing.
He removed his wand and conjured a bouquet of red roses, placing it
in front of her tombstone before stepping back.
He moved to his left and came to the grave that was the final resting
place of his grandfather. It looked very much the same as his
grandmothers. It was the same black granite and gold lettering