Chapter Text
The Contract
Chapter 42
Sirius gave his Medi-witch a roughish grin in thanks as he sat in his usual seat waiting for Harry to come. Excited to see him, as he often was, even though Harry wasn’t exactly…forthcoming about his life or his current guardian or guardians. Oh, he’d made it more than clear he was happy with whomever it was, but that was as far as his discussions went. The times he’d tried to dig for more information it had upset Harry, so much so that he had ended the meetings early and left. He’d asked around, but for the life of him, nobody knew where Harry had went after that night. There was rumours and speculations, but nothing anyone said could be considered one hundred percent certain.
After numerous early exits, Sirius had decided against bringing it up again. It saddened him that he wasn’t trusted by Harry or whoever was raising him. He would prove his worth though, he’d do whatever it took. Harry was the only thing he had left, the only thing that mattered.
Perking up, giving a big smile, when he saw Harry coming into the room with his usual perpetual shadow. “Good afternoon, Harry,” he said, as always polite and respectful, and yes, he’d been given permission to use Harry’s name a few weeks into their meetings. Despite the fact he’d already been using it, but it was the principle of things.
“Hello, Sirius, how did your PT go?” Harry asked, giving him a beatific smile, as he slid into his allotted seat, as always Corvus’ lawyer and fast becoming a good friend to Harry, sat silently beside them.
Sirius was startled to see it, wondering what had brought on such a good mood, “It’s going…well,” Sirius said lamely. “I’m becoming less fatigued after each session,” which was what was meant to happen. Part of him hated it, he should be able to walk and run on his own, yet he needed aid from someone or something to get around.
Azkaban had made him a ruin of a wizard.
“That’s good, it means you’re recovering well, I know it’s difficult but when you’re better it will be worth it.” Harry said giving him reassurance. “Do they give you potions afterwards?”
Sirius frowned, glancing briefly at Antonio, digesting the words, now why would Harry understand? Was he just being kind or did he actually know what it was like? He knew better than to ask, at least for now, but he did slot it away for questioning later. Antonio grimaced, Sirius noticed, something had definitely happened to Harry. Had it been something to do with the killing curse? Had it caused damages to Harry that he knew nothing about? He looked physically fine. “They do,” he confirmed, which was the only reason he managed to get here after a shower. Physical Therapy was exhausting, but to get out of here he had to walk out under his own power.
“I won’t be able to visit next week…I’m sorry,” Harry said, genuinely apologetic, they were coming back to see Rabastan and Rodolphus but that was it.
“Is there something wrong?” Sirius asked, leaning forward, “And it’s fine,” it really wasn’t, he was gutted to hear Harry wouldn’t come see him next week. He understood though that Harry was a child, a teenager soon, he probably had better things to do with his time than visit him every week without fail.
“I’m going to be in France!” Harry visibly exuded excitement. “Tonight! I’m already packed!”
Antonio smiled, it was a genuine smile, and for a Lord to do so, it was quite a sight indeed since they were trained not to give any emotional response whatsoever, except with family.
“Oh, holiday, right,” Sirius said genuinely surprised, “Well, it is the summer holidays now… I’ve read that Hogwarts will be reopening in time for the new school term…”
“It will indeed, they’ve been working diligently in the timeframe given in order to ensure the students don’t miss out on a full education any longer than necessary.” Antonio added to the conversation, “After ensuring the foundation was strong and layered the rest was easily begun, they’ll be finished within the next fortnight. The professors and Headmaster are all preparing for the new year, before presumably taking their own holidays.”
“I thought they’d made a temporary…” Sirius began confused, why would they be missing out?
“Oh, they did, but not every subject is being taught, only those vital to their further education,” Antonio added, understanding what he was referring to. They just did not have the room or the time come to that, to allow every single class on the curriculum at Hogwarts to be taught around their magical district.
Sirius nodded slowly, it was true enough, he could imagine just how difficult it was. Hogwarts had been built to cope with the massive influx of students…Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade definitely hadn’t, except for once a year of course, when the students descended in droves to buy their equipment and clothes for school. Diagon Alley notably much busier because the students didn’t know about Hogsmeade to go there for their belongings. Diagon Alley was notably cheaper for a lot of products due to mass buying the owners did in preparation of the sales going up. He was glad he was missing that, he didn’t think he could stand the loudness or the chaos the magical alley would be right now.
“Are you looking forward to returning to Hogwarts? Seeing your friends again?” Sirius asked, turning the conversation back to what was more important.
“Definitely,” Harry said, “But I’ve not had a chance to miss my friends, I’ve been writing to them and they’ve been visiting or Floo calling.” Which was true enough, he wasn’t used to friends, and as fun as it was to have them…it could be a little much when they wanted to send all their time with him. He was getting more used to it of course, how couldn’t he? It had been nearly a year now in a few months since his life had irrevocably changed.
“I’d have missed them if I didn’t get to see them every day,” Sirius confessed, a far away look on his face. “I lived with your dad and grandparents for a few years did you know that? Best years of my life.”
“You were related to my Grandmother Dorea,” Harry nodded, yes he was aware of the family connection.
“Yes, she was the only decent one of the Black lot, except for my Uncle Alphard,” Sirius agreed, a wistful smile on his face.
“Did they hurt you?” Harry asked, his tone pensive, it was very rare Corvus said for any pureblood to hurt their child, especially the heir, due to how precious each child actually was.
“No,” Sirius vehemently shook his head, “No, kiddo they didn’t, my parents and I…just didn’t get along. They loved me, I know that, but they just didn’t like me, or the belief’s I held that differed from their own.” Something else he had come to terms with. “My mother couldn’t stand that at all, and if someone didn’t submit to their views…they were quite quickly struck off from the family.”
“Then why weren’t you completely disinherited? I know you can’t claim the Black Lordship, but you are still a Black.” Harry asked genuinely curious.
“Only my father, Orion Black could do that, he was the Head of the family estate. As angry as he was with my abandoning the family values, it wasn’t enough to strike me completely off. Plus, I think he was hoping Dorea would bring me ultimately back into the fold.” Sirius grimaced out a weak smile, “They were close, even if they didn’t agree on a lot of things.”
“You’ve definitely changed your tune from when you were a teen,” Antonio commented wryly, giving Sirius a smirk of devilment.
“I was a teenager,” Sirius said wryly, “Of course I’ve changed my tune. I’m…still getting used to the fact they’re dead.”
“Their funerals were…beautiful, despite no immediate family for Walburga the girls did a good job.” Antonio explained, simply, Narcissa and Andromeda had gotten together for a single afternoon without sniping and snarling and gotten it done. They hadn’t spoken to each other since if he was following recent events correctly.
Sirius’ eyes widened, “Andromeda and Narcissa?” he gaped agog.
Antonio laughed, “Yeah, they put their feelings aside for the day,” everyone knew just how little the Black sister’s got on. Andromeda for abandoning the family values and marrying a Muggle-born. Despite the fact she had a powerful daughter who had revived the lost Black family magic and was a Metamorphamagus.
“I think they actually liked my mother,” Sirius admitted, which still baffled him to this day, “I think she actually wanted a girl of her own.” But was satisfied with having a heir and a spare and didn’t want any more children after that.
“I don’t like Narcissa,” Harry stated, before startling, “She seems like a snobby stuck up witch, someone needs to take the stick from up her backside.” He liked Lucius though, but couldn’t admit that, he’d already slipped up.
Sirius let out a bark of laughter, genuinely amused, “You’ve met her huh? Perfect description…she wasn’t always like that, but she was fed the family values and stuck to them.” she didn’t wonder about Muggles or Muggle-borns or anything like that. “She’s not quite so…stuck up when it’s just family, it’s the way she was raised.” He quickly reassured Harry. “Her husband is worse.” he hated Lucius.
Harry blinked, he wouldn’t agree with that assessment, Lucius was much politer and less abrasive and cold.
“Stay away from him, Harry, he’s bad news,” Sirius mistook Harry’s silence, “He’s one of the Death Eaters who got away with his crimes.”
“Why would that have anything to do with me?” Harry asked pointedly, “It’s not like he’s going to kill me. The war is over, Sirius, has been for over a decade now, people change…you’ve changed. The choices people make as a teenager shouldn’t be held against them as adults.”
Sirius looked bewildered by Harry’s pronouncement for a few seconds before it sank in. Sirius nodded slowly, conceding Harry’s point. “True,” it was very true, he didn’t know how the world was now. He’d been in Azkaban for the past decade, he hadn’t gotten to enjoy that costly peace the world now enjoyed. Still, it wasn’t as though he was going to become friendly with Death Eaters.
“Where in France are you going?” Sirius asked, trying to get the conversation turned to a more upbeat subject. It had become very depressing and very fast, he’d think on just how amazing and mature his godson was once he was alone.
“Marseille, Paris, and a few other places I can’t quite remember the names,” Harry said, “I’m taking my camera, I’ll take pictures...” He offered up, wasn’t that what people were supposed to do? While on holiday? It would be his first real time using it, expect for the few pictures he’d taken of him and Draco and him and Daphne and him and Corvus.
“Sounds amazing,” Sirius said with a smile, “We normally just visited other Black properties, we didn’t do the tourist thing, mother absolutely detested the thought of a Muggle touching her…” sniggering in remembrance.
“Why not visit the magical sectors?” Harry asked, baffled by Sirius’ mother, wondering if she was touched in the head.
“Muggles that know were allowed in there, obviously,” Sirius said dryly, grinning, he may have riled her up a time or two, she’d gone ballistic at the time. “I definitely don’t miss her shrieking I’ll tell you that.”
“You do now that Walburga had a portrait made…do you not? She was activated the day of her funeral, I believe Narcissa said she was put in the hallway of the ancestral Black townhouse,” Antonio explained easily, refraining from laughing at the look on Sirius’ face.
Sirius blanched, staring at him in horror and disbelief.
Harry burst out laughing, finding it entirely too entertaining.
“You’re joking…right?” Sirius asked, “Far as I know neither wanted to do that!”
“Your father doesn’t have one, but your mother does,” Antonio replied.
Sirius screwed up his face, “Maybe I should just set fire to the town house…knowing my mother she will have had a permanent sticking charm adhered to her frame.”
“I couldn’t say,” Antonio answered, while Harry finished laughing.
“Can she visit other portraits? Like in the castle?” Harry asked curiously, he didn’t know much about portraits, “Like visit Dorea…” or how they worked.
“That I’m afraid I couldn’t answer, to get from one portrait to the next, you must be connected, spelled so that they can. I don’t believe Walburga and Dorea were particularly close…so I can’t see either agreeing to the connection in the frames.” Antonio as always, did his best to educate Harry, just as he had observed Corvus doing.
Sirius frowned, that was something Harry surely already knew? He’d learnt that when he was what? Ten maybe? Well before Hogwarts had started…then again all families were different in what they taught the heirs.
“Weren’t close? They argued constantly,” Sirius said wryly, “They did not get on at all, Walburga got on her case constantly for marrying Charles Potter.” She was quite lucky she didn’t end up disowned, not that it would have affected her any.
“Sounds fun,” Harry said sarcastically, if they were all always constantly arguing, it was little wonder Sirius wanted away from it all. Harry couldn’t help but think he would too. He didn’t like loud arguments, they made him want to hide away, to stay safe until it was over. It’s perhaps why he loved Lestrange Manor so much, even when Corvus was angry, he never raised his voice, he just expressed his disappointment and gave him a punishment in form of why it was wrong and to write why but made sure he knew he was still wanted. Harry had desperately needed that that day, and he’d delivered. He felt safe and happy, and couldn’t wait until he was on holiday. “We’re going to the opera tonight, I’m not sure what I’ll think of it,”
“The opera?” Sirius asked, at his age? Were his guardians trying to bore him to death? “Yeah, you’re going to be bored out your wits, I had to go a few times, they insisted it was a good way to brush up on languages…then they asked a million questions about it…and if I didn’t pay attention there would be hell to pay.” At least he had been thirteen when his parents took him along. As the heir he had a lot of expectations on his shoulders, expectations he hadn’t wanted. “In the end they gave in, and begun going on their own without us, leaving the House-elf to watch us.”
“The magic Palias Garnier is absolutely worthwhile regardless of age,” Antonio refuted, and it was very expensive to boot. He certainly wouldn’t contemplate going there more than once a year. He had taken his wife a few years ago for their anniversary. It wasn’t a place one usually observed children at, but with money…it opened paths normally not open.
Sirius slotted another additional piece of information away, going there of all places, it had to be someone in very high society. It was little wonder Harry was always so formal, although, he was laughing more and more in his company and the sound made his day. It gave him solace and hope, made him happy, so relieved that his godson was in a good place.
That belief wouldn’t hold forever, of course, but for now, Harry let him keep his delusions and allowed him to focus on getting better…not at useless thoughts of revenge and spiralling into a depression.
“Still, what did you do to earn that punishment?” Sirius chuckled and shook his head wholly amused, he did not see Harry’s immediate reaction.
“Magic Flute, is hardly considered a punishment, just because you disliked the Opera and considered it one.” Antonio did his best to stamp that ridiculous notion out of Harry’s head, he’d gone extremely pale.
“That one wasn’t too bad,” Sirius conceded, it was the first one he’d actually been forced to attend by his parents. Trying to ‘ease’ him into high society, when he’d wanted to be anywhere else. “At least it has a normal realism to it…most operas’ don’t.” sensing an underlying tension, but oblivious to how on earth it came to be.
“Normal?” Harry asked, frowning, wondering what he meant by that, “Oh, magic, right.” It was called the magic flute he supposed. Of course, Sirius had been raised in the magical world, it would be normal to him. For Harry though the wonder had yet to abate despite nearly a whole year of immersing himself in the wonder that was magic. He rather hoped it would always remain that way. He certainly never wanted to take it for granted.
“It’s time,” Antonio explained, as the Medi-witch made a motion with her wrist watch, giving them a few more minutes to say goodbye.
“I’ll bring you something back,” Harry said, although he wasn’t sure where to start, but Sirius had liked the food he was bringing him. Fortunately, it was healthy foods, today had been a fruit salad. He had brought him a few sugar quills when he commented they were his favourite, and he’d actually stuck them up his clothes with a cheeky wink. He’d never found out if he’d been caught, but they certainly kept a very close eye on him.
“I’d like that,” Sirius said, genuinely pleased, he had ten years’ worth of gifts to make up for when he got out. Considering how well off his guardians were…Sirius wasn’t sure what he could get for Harry that he might like. He just stared at the owl order magazines overwhelmed, the desire to spoil Harry strong, but knowing there was no point to buying things Harry may already have. His birthday was coming up soon… “Oh, I don’t suppose you’d give me a clue on a possible birthday gift?”
“I don’t know…it is a bit pricy…” Harry said deeply uncomfortable.
“What?” Sirius latched onto Harry intently, he didn’t think Harry realized just how far he’d go for him. How much he’d spend on him to make him happy.
“A Level three Rune crafting kit,” Harry admitted, “I love Runes,”
“Level three?” Sirius gaped, “But that’s…”
“I know it’s too much, some sweets will do,” Harry was quick to reassure him.
“No, no, I mean level three is fifteen year olds,” Sirius blustered out, a rune crafting kit being too much money was comical. “You really are that far ahead?”
Harry nodded, “Yeah, it’s fun, I love it,” and he loved Rabastan teaching him even more, it was him teaching that got Harry understanding Runes so much better than he had on his own. The Educational rune books were just that, educational, not fun, but Rabastan made it more so.
Sirius nodded slowly, “Your dad loved Transfiguration, he was way ahead of all of us in that class, it was charms for your mum.”
“Yeah, Mr. Ollivander said something about their wands being perfect for those crafts,” Harry replied, and that his was the brother wand of Voldemort.
“Then he was right,” Sirius said, “Listen…I’ve been asking people for some pictures of your parents…would you like some? I realize you probably already have…”
“I don’t,” Harry refuted that possibility, he didn’t have a single picture of them, expect for the school ones Corvus was able to find for him. “I don’t have any.”
“You’ve never been to Godric’s Hollow?” Sirius asked, “What about your parents graves?” maybe he was still a bit too young to go trudging through the wreckage of his family home, perhaps they thought it would be too traumatic. Perhaps he’d had nightmares for years…he didn’t know, because he hadn’t been able to be there because of his anger.
“No, I’ve not visited there,” Harry shook his head, he definitely couldn’t be seen with Corvus visiting there that’s for sure. It might be a Muggle area, but as far as he knew, a few magical’s actually lived in the area. If they were seen there it would raise questions that the Lestrange’s didn’t want to deal with.
“Best not to, can you imagine the mob?” Antonio sneered, “The pictures and the press?” it was just an utter nightmare, there would be no privacy for Harry to be had.
“What? Is it that bad?” Sirius asked aghast, what on earth was Antonio talking about?
“Yes,” Antonio replied, “It is that bad,”
Sirius just stared blankly, he just didn’t get it, he’d known Harry’s name was well known in the magical world…but pictures? Press? Mob? Was he just over exaggerating? They couldn’t just take Harry’s picture and post it all over the wizarding news, he had guardians, magical guardians that could stop it…press charges, the clothes Harry had on gave that away.
“Come, Mr. Black, there are others waiting for their time to spend with a loved one,” the Medi-witch chided softly, oh she understood that they wanted to spend more time with family and friends, but it just wasn’t possible. What she said was true though, there was someone else due to use this area to speak to their family. They were starting to get anxious waiting outside.
“I’ll see you in a fortnight,” Harry offered up, standing immediately, “I apologise,” he added to the healer, he knew it was always handy to be polite, especially in the long run. Who knew who you’d need one day. Plus, they were just doing their job, and society wouldn’t run without these people.
“It’s no problem, Heir Potter,” the Medi-witch said, genuinely taken aback by the apology, it wasn’t often they were apologised to, too many were gruff and commanding.
“Enjoy the rest of your day,” Antonin offered up, as Sirius was helped to his feet and guided away with a quiet goodbye.
“Is my godson bothered by the press?” Sirius asked as he was helped to his room.
“Your godson has never actually been photographed by the press, they’ve not had that chance. There has been a few statements made over the years, by Dumbledore, regarding Heir Potter, but no sightings…which has made people very curious to meet him.” she explained, as they slowly made progress.
“Wait, Dumbledore? When did the statement’s stop?” Sirius asked, when had his godson actually ended up in a magical household? Or had Dumbledore done it with their say so? He doubted it, Harry didn’t seem to like Dumbledore, that much he could glean despite the fact he rarely spoke. Or that might be the reason for Harry’s anger towards Dumbledore…he wondered what they said. He’d need to get someone to trawl through the archives and find out for him.
“I’m not actually sure, Mr. Black, I very rarely pay attention to gossip or news,” she explained patting him on the back lightly.
“Call me, Sirius,” the animagus said, yes, definitely going to have to get someone to give him all the information. Which meant writing, he hated writing, it was a new hatred, mostly due to the shaking. He feared he may never actually stop, regardless of how long a time passed. If that was the case, the thought was terrifying, to go the rest of his life with constant tremors preventing even something simple as writing. Harry was gracious enough not to mention how horrid it was, Merlin only knows what those who had received missives from him thought.
“Get some rest, dinner will be by soon,” she suggested, instead of replying to his statement, opening the door to his room, and helping the wizard to his bed. Normally he’d be a little better on his own these days, but after PT it was difficult for all their residences that required that little extra aid.
Sirius didn’t waste a second arguing, the second his head was on his pillow he was out of it, his body just exhausted beyond endurance. It just wasn’t used to such rigorous exercise from him, the most he did was change forms from time to time.
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“Ah, just in time,” Corvus said, watching them return, he could immediately see Harry had something on his mind, but he didn’t look too conflicted on it so he didn’t feel the need to ask right away.
“Yes, but I’m afraid I must dash, I have a meeting in less than five minutes, my apologies,” Antonio said, apologetically, giving both wizards a nod then he apparated away before they could reply to his apologies or statement.
“Can you think of anything else you haven’t packed you might want to bring before we leave?” Corvus asked, not that it would be a difficulty to summon a House-elf to get what they needed.
Harry gave the question an appropriate amount of time and thought, before he shook his head, “No, I can’t think of anything.” He’d bought some snacks, just in case he didn’t like what food was bought, about ten of his books if he had the time to read. “Is the opera a punishment?”
“I beg your pardon?” Corvus asked, utterly befuddled by Harry’s question, never mind the unexpectedness of it.
“Is the opera a punishment,” Harry repeated himself, staring up at Corvus sombrely.
Corvus sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, “Merlin, I could kill Black,” he admitted shaking his head, “No, Harry, it isn’t a punishment. This is purely for your own enjoyment, I sincerely think you’ll love it.” he had seen it before himself, with his parents, he had then taken his sons to see it, and now he was taking Harry. It wasn’t his favourite operatic performance by far, but for someone young and just starting out…it was perfect.
“You don’t like the opera?” Harry asked, brow wrinkling in confusion.
“Yes, very much,” Corvus easily explained, as he ushered Harry towards the edge of the wards. In fact he had missed a few opera performances since Harry came into his life, despite the fact the child probably wouldn’t miss him for an evening. “But this performance is one I think you’ll like.” Even his sons had found it highly entertaining.
“Oh,” Harry said, relaxing fully, he’d trusted Antonio to be right, but he was glad to have it fully cleared up.
“Are you not looking forward to it?” Corvus questioned, as he produced the portkey, which was set to go in a minute.
“I’ve never been to one,” Harry answered, “Or anywhere,” he was looking forward to it, he couldn’t wait to experience all that France had to offer, or the Opera, having spent ten years in a cupboard…everything he saw was new and exciting.
“Then let us explore France,” Corvus replied.
Harry grinned, giving a nod of consent, pressing his hand against the Portkey, and within thirty seconds they were gone in a whirlwind emerging after a minute in France. Losing not just a minute…but an hour, as France was ahead of the UK by one hour.
“Once we get unpacked, would you prefer dinner…or shall we wait?” Corvus questioned, “Remember to set your watch ahead an hour.” He added absently.
“What time is the Opera on at?” Harry questioned, his face craning every which way, to see everything around him, as they stood at the steps of the hotel.
Le Royal Monceau Raffles.
The moment the ‘Royal Monceau suite’ was out of Corvus’ lips, they were immediately met with staff eager to meet their needs. Others watching with envy at the prospect of spending even just a night in Le Royal Monceau suite. Women watching Corvus with open appreciation, making plans to insert themselves into his life, and soon, nobody spent more than a few days in those suites.
The woman all eying Corvus up hungrily, all glared at each other, silently warning them off, that he was theirs. Turning their nose up at Harry, they’d had the heirs to continue the family line, then palmed them off on the hired help as often as possible. They’d rather not entertain a child again, needy, dirty little things. Playing grandson though, which didn’t sit well with them, children were ill-behaved and constantly liked to steal attention. Wrongly believing it was a grandfather and grandson outing.
Harry laughed softly as they were guided to their rooms, hand almost in his mouth in his bid to stop his sniggering at the looks Corvus had received from quite a few women in the vicinity.
It wasn’t really funny, he knew Corvus wouldn’t want the attention of any of them. Corvus still loved his wife, the pain in his voice and eyes when he spoke of her revealed that much. These women wouldn’t care about that though, but he also knew it was going to be hilarious watching him tear them to shreds.
This was going to be so much fun.
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There we go! Another chapter for you to devour! Just a few more chapters of them in France before Harry’s twelve and at Hogwarts again! will we see more about the opera or just discussing it afterwards? Hmm… and thanks for the suggestions on what to do in France on holiday, it’s been such a long time since I visited I honestly can’t remember much of it : ) I was 10 at the time : ) Of course, I’ll need to add in a bit about Dumbledore and Minerva at some point…I’ve been meaning to but the story just isn’t about them so they’re relegated to background characters with barely a mention! Will we see Tom coming to France to keep an eye on Harry? let them spent more time before we’re back off to Hogwarts? How will Ginny Weasley react to this Harry? And how will Harry react to her? Will Colin Creevy follow him around? Or will Harry threaten to sue them and that back them off without worry? R&R please