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Chapter Text

The man with dark brown eyes and black hair looked down at the baby in his arms in awe. The baby had light brown skin and messy brown hair already. His eyes were a darkened hazel brown. A mix of all three of his parents. Born to Fleamont and Euphemia Potter. The former Tom Riddle blood adopted him.

A baby who would one day be the Lord of Potter, Gaunt, Slytherin, Gryffindor, and Peverell. For now, he was simply James Fleamont Potter.

"He is simply precious, Effie." Lord Slytherin says softly, finally looking at the mother of the babe.

"Please take care of him well." She asks softly.

It reminded Tom why they had him blood-adopt James. He was only supposed to be the Godfather. Then, Fleamont passed. His old age had finally caught up to him. Then, Euphemia was dying. So, Tom became James's third parent. His Papa.

"Papa! Papa!" Called out a new eleven-year-old happily as he made his way to the dining room on March 27th, 1971.

His Papa, Thomas Slytherin, was sat at the head with a coffee and the Daily Prophet. His dark brown eyes looked over the Prophet to see his son holding his Hogwarts letter.

He immediately sat his paper down and held open his arms, allowing the child to run into his arms quite happily.

"Are you excited about Hogwarts?" He asks, pretending not to know the already obvious answer.

"Yes! When can we go shopping for supplies, Papa?!"

"Close to term. We will likely go with Auntie Walburga, Uncle Orion, Sirius, and Regulus."

The child smiled brightly at that. He and Sirius were as close as could be. Regulus as well. Although having found out Regulus was a carrier, a betrothal of James and Regulus was being made.

"I'm going to miss you, Papa." Said James softly, hugging the man on the platform of 9 3/4.

"And I as well, son." He whispers in reply hugging his son. "Effie and Fleamont would be so proud."

"Really?"

Thomas looked into those dark hazel-brown eyes. They were filled with so many emotions. Excitement, fear, melancholy, and happiness. He knew his son was a shoo-in for Slytherin. Unfortunately, he, and Orion, had other plans. The boys were both to go into Gryffindor. They would end up as spies. It was their last resort to end this long ass war.

"Of course." He says. "Have I ever lied to you, My Snake?"

James then giggles while nodding. It was true. The man had lied to him. However, both knew it was for his son's safety.

Dear Papa,

Sirius and I were placed in Gryffindor as planned. With us are 3 others. A Pureblood named Kingsley Shacklebolt, a half-blood-named Peter Pettigrew, and a werewolf named Remus Greyback. Cousin Severus got into Slytherin as expected.

Others in my year with the potential to be useful are as follows:

Pandora Malfoy, Ravenclaw

Harris Rosier, Slytherin

Joseph Adrian, Ravenclaw

Lily Evans, Gryffindor

Alice Fawley, Hufflepuff

Marlene McKinnon, Gryffindor

Dorcas Meadows, Hufflepuff

For Lily Evans, I saw Dumbledore watching her closely. I believe he will cause her to be a mudblood. Stupid witch. She already acts like a know-it-all. Sev knows her.

It's infuriating. However, I know to stick with the plan. Sirius and I are prepared, and I made sure Sev understood. That we must act hateful, but we don't hate him. Nor the others.

Franklin Longbottom is being a pain in my arse already. Saying he is on to me. Blood traitor watches too many muggle things if you ask me. His older brother, Heir August Longbottom, is disappointed. Says Lady Augusta and Lord Francis are also. Especially since Longbottom refuses to be called anything but Frank.

Sirius asks if you can pass a letter to Auntie and Uncle since he will be "disowned" from the family.

Love,
Your Snake,
James,

On December 21st, 1971, James hugged his Papa as tightly as he could. He may love Hogwarts and the friends he made, but he missed his Papa. He grinned as his Papa greeted his familiar, Frost.

"How was your first semester?" He asks his son, smiling as they arrive home.

"It was good! Professor McGonagall says I have a real natural talent for Transfiguration! Siri is better at Charms. Professor Flitwick is impressed with his work! Remus is great at Defense. Peter works well with Herbology! Sev, of course, is great at potions. He and Peter plan on opening a shop up that handles both potion making or potions themselves, and the ingredients homegrown!"

The man smiled as he listened to his son. He was happy Dumbledore had yet to notice anything. Truthfully he doubted the old man ever would. In later years it would be as though James learned the "truth" and began to distance himself from his Papa. Those years would be hard on both of them.

December 25th, 1975
Dear Papa,

I miss you terribly. I know I ought to start with 'I hope this letter finds you well' and such, but I can't help but miss you so much to mention it first.

Sirius helped sneak me to the ROR in order to let me see Reggie. Please have Uncle and Auntie check on him. I think the sneaking is taking its toll. I don't wish to harm him.

Evans will not switch. She is a bloody lost cause. Damn, mudblood is treating me like an idiot. Can you imagine her telling me how to properly cast a spell? I told her I was doing fine on my own and would ask a teacher if I needed help. She scoffed at me, saying how I didn't pay attention in class.

Thankfully Aunt Minnie stepped in, telling Evans how well I do in class. She told Evans to focus on the younger years as that is her job as a prefect. Then proceeded to point out Moony, who was helping a few first years.

Dumbledore finally approached me. Asked me why I didn't go home. The plan has officially begun.

Love,
Your Snake,
James Potter

James sighed as he sent the letter off. He could feel the eyes of Albus Dumbledore on him. So, he promptly looked at the man with saddened eyes.

"I don't get how my Papa can be such a bad man..." he states softly in an almost childlike whisper. "Does that make me bad, Headmaster?.."

"No, My Boy," Albus answers, truly believing his answer. He truly believed James was working for him and not his so-called Papa. "Our choices make us who we are. Not our family."

Chapter Text

James Potter had to fight the urge to sneer at the mudblood before him. She kept insinuating and nearly even said he was a bloody idiot. As if he, the Dark Prince, could be an idiot. His Papa raised him to know the wonders and knowledge of many countries.

"Are you even listening James!" She screeched causing Remus to wince and Sirius to glare at her.

"Oi! Stop sounding like my Mum!" Sirius said angrily. "You're hurting Remy's ears!"

"Well if James would simply listen!" She said with a huff.

"I already know because I do study." James said with a roll of his eyes. "Unfortunately we do remember who my Papa is, yes?"

A solemn silence fell over the room. Although for people such as Lily Evans and Adrian Stevens, they were sad due to thinking that Lord Voldemort, otherwise known as Lord Thomas Slytherin, was a horrible wizard.

The others, James Potter, Severus Snape, Sirius Black, Remus Lupin, and Peter Pettigrew knew the truth. They knew Lord Slytherin was kind, caring, and loved his son with every ounce of his being. Specifically for James Potter, he missed his Papa. With this in mind and giving a heavy sigh James began packing his things.

"James, I.."

Her words fell at the saddened look she received from him. His darkened hazel eyes held tears. Again, to some it was to symbolize the betrayal he felt. To others, it was simply him missing his Papa.

"I want to be left alone for now." He said softly, walking out.

He wandered the halls sadly. He understood the need for what he and Sirius were having to do. His Papa had explained it in depth his second year. His eyes found a group of Gryffindors surrounding a person huddled in the corner.

"I would suggest you lot back up." He said, wand in hand as he approached them.

"Potter! We were just teaching the snake a lesson."

"Leave. Now." He said with a sneer. "I'll take it from here."

He watched as they left. Waiting a few extra moments to be sure he knelt before the Slytherin. He could tell they had black wavy hair and pale skin. He hoped it wasn't who he believed it to be. However, his fears were found secure as the Slytherin looked up at him with mercury grey eyes.

"James?.."

It was Regulus Black, James Potter's betrothed. Secretly of course. The only ones in the know at the time were Lord Slytherin, Lord and Lady Black, Sirius, Remus, and of course the two involved. James could feel his blood boil as he saw the bruises which began to form on his love's face.

"How long?" He asked softly healing him.

He tried to keep his voice calm but his anger seeped through. He couldn't help it. He was absolutely livid. He and Sirius both made it clear that Regulus was off limits.

"Since first year.."

He cups Regulus's cheek softly. His eyes locked on Mercury grey. He could tell Regulus could see all he felt. The guilt. The shame. The anger. The sadness. The plan for revenge. It made Regulus smile softly. Leave it to James to make him feel protected.

"Me and Padfoot will handle it. Go find Severus. We will talk later."

He watched as Regulus left until he was no longer visible. He then paced in front of a wall back and forth three time. His thoughts of home stuck in his head.

Walking into the Room of Requirement. He smiled weakly. The room was decorated much like his Papa's study. From the dark wood to the dark forest green carpet to the desk which held picture of him growing up.

Sitting in the replica of his Papa's dark wooden chair with slytherin green cushions, he pulled out the mirror that he used as a way to talk to him.

"Papa." He said hoping he wasn't busy. He waiting a few moments before smiling as he saw the man pick up. "Papa!"

"Hello my Snake. How are you? Have you been crying?" His Papa started off smiling before he slowly turned worried.

James put a hand to his cheek, noticing then and only then, that he had been crying. He set the mirror down and tried wiping the tears from his face and eyes.

"The things they say and do when it comes to you Papa...it's all so bad...and Reg has been getting hurt since first year and didn't tell me and Siri. I couldn't protect him..."

"James, pick up the mirror my Snake." Once James saw his Papa's face he calmed down slightly. "Do you wish to be pulled? I can always talk to Orion and send you, Sirius, and Regulus to Durmstrang. I could even talk to Greyback I'm sure."

"No..this mission is important..."

"Then how about we, along with Orion, Walburga, Sirius, Regulus, the Greybacks, Severus, and the Malfoy's take a nice summer vacation to the states? No Dark Lord business from me unless absolutely necessary."

"I would like that..." James muttered softly. "I'm sorry for being so emotional.."

"You are under bouts of stress and pressure most your age do not have. You are bound to be emotional. Plus, you are still human despite my nickname for you." Thomas said softly. "I am so very proud of you. I know your Mum and Dad would be as well. Effie always said you would do amazing things, and she was right James."

"You think they would be?" James asked gently. "Even if I am not a great potioneer like Dad?"

"I know they would be." Thomas said smiling. "Monty always told me that potions was his passion but he loved you so much even before you were born. He was so sad when he realized he would never meet you. Not without great costs."

James nodded in understanding. He was from the Peverell family from three different ways. The direct line from the eldest brother, his Mum. The next line from the middle brother, his Papa. Finally the final line from the youngest brother, his Dad. All three distant lines joined into one Heir, James Fleamont Potter.

Something they hoped Albus Dumbledore would never learn. They knew Albus was obsessed with the Peverell family, especially their Heirlooms. The Elder Wand, the Resurrection Stone, and the Invisibility Cloak.

If he ever found out that James was the direct Heir of all three lines, if he ever found out that James was to be Master of Death upon his 17th birthday, they knew James would be in danger. More than he already was as Thomas's son and Heir.

Chapter Text

"James!"

James Potter turned around to see Pandora Malfoy. Her eyes bright and a smile as she waved a hand in the air happily. He couldn't help the smile that grew on his face. He quite enjoyed the blonde girls company. She was in his year and a Ravenclaw. They had interacted quite a bit as kids since his Papa and her Father, Abraxas Malfoy, were good friends.

"Hello Pandora."

"What are you up to?" She asked as they continued to the court yard.

"Just," He sighs smiling softly. "Taking time to enjoy the peace as we have it."

"Hmm, Daddy says that is always a good idea."

James chuckled softly. Abraxas Malfoy's husband, Francis Malfoy, was just as eccentric as his daughter. Which was known in the close-nit group to be because they were both seers. Again, that was a fact that was truly kept to close family and friends. As far as James knew only the Nott, Slytherin, Black, Zabini, and Prince families had any idea. Although, he was almost confident that Pandora told Xenophilius Lovegood.

"I can see that. How has you-"

"James Potter!"

James groaned as he looked to see the source of the screech, Lily Evans, making her way over to him and Pandora angrily. Her eyes blazing with hatred towards Pandora making him stand in front of the youngest Malfoy protectively.

"Evans! What is your problem!" He asks tightly.

"Why are you hanging around Malfoy?!" She asks as if the mere thought was disgusting.

"She is one of my friends." He states slowly, as though talking to a child. "Is there a problem?"

"The Malfoy's are dark!"

"Uh-huh. So are the Black's." James says with a raise of his brows. "Does that mean I ought to stop talking to Sirius?"

"I heard my name?"

James chuckles as Sirius walks up with Remus and Peter before dramatically draping his arm around James's shoulders. However, James took note of Xenophilius, Regulus, Lucius Malfoy, and Narcissa Black also walking over. Lucius immediately rushing to his little sister worriedly.

"Well, yes, you see Evans decided to judge our sweet Pandora due to her last name. Sounds quite similar to what she claims to hate being done to her, right?"

"I would agree, Jamie. I mean Pandora is just the sweetest kindest person ever. I would never be surprised if she ended up in Hufflepuff but her love of knowledge was just too much!" Sirius says dramatically as always with a smile to the youngest Malfoy.

"But Malfoy's are dark!"

Remus pinches the bridge of his nose with a heavy sigh. "Evans. Dark is a core of magic. Everyone has one of the three cores: Light, Dark, or Neutral. It's something you are born with. Sirius and myself have Dark cores. Peter, I know, has a light core. While James has a neutral core. There is nothing bad about any of them. Dark does not equate to evil nor does light equate to good."

"But the Malfoy's support that Dark Lord guy!"

James saw Lucius and Pandora stiffen at the sentence. He watched as Regulus looked away. He noticed Xenophilius pulling Pandora into his arms. His mouth was moving so James assumed he was muttering softly to her. He was happy that Pandora was betrothed to such a great wizard. He saw her as a sister almost. In fact, all the guys of their larger friend group were very protective of her.

"Evans." James said harshly as he turned his glare to her. "I suggest you shut up. We are merely teens. Lucius is the eldest and he is a sixth year, only 16. Regulus is only a bloody fourth year Evans!"

Before the prefect girl could even speak a scottish voice started first.

"Miss Evans. I truly expected better from you." The group looked to the side to see Professor Minerva McGonagall standing straight and stern. "Hand me your prefect badge immediately."

"What-but- Professor!"

"The badge. Miss Evans. I do not care for repeating myself." The scottish woman nodded sternly as it was put in her palm. "I do suggest you leave to your dormitory. As I do not see Miss McKinnon in the immediate premise, do advise her that I wish for her in my office immediately."

The group watched as the woman smirked after the redhead left. "I do detest bullying of any forms." She looked over everyone sadly. "As you know I went to school with many of your parents. Especially your parents, Mister Potter, and I know the truth. Give your Father my best wishes for him, Mister Potter. Mister Lovegood, I do hope you take good care of my Goddaughter. I would hate to have to transfigure you into a pet."

The group, which grew to add the younger  Lestrange brother, Rabastan, Barty Crouch Jr., Alice Fawley, Frank Longbottom, and Dorcas Meadows; began laughing at the look of fear the Lovegood Heir sported.

The Gryffindor Head of House smiled softly as she promptly left for her office.

The group decided to head to the Room of Requirements happily. Sirius and Remus hand in hand happily. Peter, Rabastan, and Barty hand in hand together with Peter in the middle. Xenophilius had has arm around Pandora's shoulders. Lucius smiling softly as Narcissa tells him about some gossip.

James, however, was a bit behind the group with Regulus. The two. Softly whispering to each other about their future. Well, more so Regulus talking of their future as James merely listened lovingly.

"James.."

James stopped with Regulus worriedly. The younger looking downward, his hands clutching the hem of his sweater nervously.

"Yes my King?"

"I.." Regulus took a step forward. "I want to go public. I am ready for everyone to know."

"Are you sure?" James asks softly, his eyes searching the younger teens face.

"With everything I have." 

James smiles softly. "We can talk to Papa, Aunt Walburga and Uncle Orion during break."

The smile he received was blinding. To James, seeing Regulus smile was reward enough for anything. He gave Regulus a soft, chaste kiss before taking his hand and led him to the Room of Requirements. 

Chapter Text

HEIR JAMES POTTER OF THE HOUSE OF POTTER BETROTHED TO REGULUS BLACK OF THE HOUSE OF BLACK CONFIRMED!

I, Elvira Falcon, had the wonderful pleasure of being invited to the Slytherin family home by Lord Thomas Slytherin, the known guardian and father of Heir James Potter, for a reason not stated immediately. When I arrived I was greeted by Lord Slytherin's sweet house elf, Finny, who showed how well taken care of she was by the Slytherin Lord and his son as she spoke swell English, took my coat with manners, and wore the most adorable uniform.

I was led by Finny to a meeting room that had Lord Slytherin, Heir Potter, Lord Orion Black, Lady Walburga Black, and their younger son Mister Regulus Black. I was greeted kindly as they offered me a seat and refreshments.

**In this article EF will refer to myself, LS will refer to Lord Slytherin, HP will refer to Heir Potter, LOB will refer to Lord Black, LWB will refer to Lady Black, and MR will refer to Mister Regulus.

EF: Thank you for inviting me.

LS: Of course. My son said that you were very reliable in the Hogwarts papers and said you would be best for this interview to announce this wonderful news.

EF: Wonderful news?

LWB: Yes. Our sons have decided that they wish to make their betrothal public.

EF: Betrothal?

HP: Yes.

Heir Potter smiled softly at Mister Regulus as seen in the photo before turning back to myself

HP: My Father and Lord Black had decided when Reg and I were young that they would put a betrothal in place for us. If only to keep the other families away at the time. However as Regulus and I grew older we grew closer. Eventually I asked Lord Black if I would be allowed to court Regulus the week before his 13th birthday last year. On his birthday I presented him with the first of many courting gifts.

I was then given a glimpse of a beautiful cuff bracelet that was silver in color with grey sapphire stones and jade stones imbedded into the cuff outlined with obsidian. It was absolutely gorgeous.

MR: Of course I was in shock but immediately accepted. This year while with James on one of our secret dates we decided we were ready for the world to know. It is not every day the Houses of Potter and Slytherin unite with the House of Black.

EF: Of course. I appreciate you all letting me write of the joyous occasion. May I ask how Heir Black is with this news?

HP: Sirius is just as overjoyed as our parents. Sirius and I are like brothers and he sees this as a way of merely making it official. He knows I love Regulus with all of who I am. Of course, how could I not?

This dear readers is when I was asked to leave. This was of course done very politely as they explained that there was nothing more they wished to say or answer with the matter. I respected their wishes and went to the office immediately so I could put out this wonderful news.

I for one wish the young couple a joyous and long relationship full of love, happiness, and security.

Lily Evans slammed down the paper angrily as she glared at the Slytherin table. James Potter was meant to be hers! Dumbledore promised! He promised she would be Lady Potter! That she would be the one to provide the next Potter Heir! Not that pureblood shit! She turned to look at Sirius Black.

"Are you okay with this?!" She asked incredulously.

"Of course." He said with a head tilt. "I know Jamie would protect my little brother."

"I thought James had a crush on me?" She asked carefully.

"No. James just thought you would like to join our friend group. He has been betrothed to Regulus for years as far as I have known." Remus stated calmly as he read the paper. "They just worried being public with it, given everything going on."

"Surely, he is being forced by that that monster." She says quietly.

"Are you insinuating that the only reason James would be with my baby brother would be due to force?" Sirius asked through clenched teeth, his mercury colored eyes glaring harshly into her emerald green ones.

"Well no, its just, I didn't think James was...well..."

The young witch paused. She knew in the wizarding world Homosexuality was not seen as an abomination. It was primarily due to the fact that Carriers existed for Wizards as well as a potion which helped same-sex couples have children of their own. She, however, knew better.

"One of...those...people..."

This made nearby students look at her. Purebloods and a good portion of Halfbloods looked at her with disgust. Several Muggleborns even looked at her with shock and disdain. A few of the first years looked at her with fear. Sirius and Remus immediately went to comfort two young first years. One who had just come out the other day to her friends as a lesbian and had looked up to Lily, and one young transboy who now knew why he was the one first year that Lily refused to help.

"Evans!"

Lily looked to her former friend, Marlene McKinnon, storming to her. The young witch's orange eyes glaring at her in a way that made Sirius think it was like fire burning. Which, he wouldn't be surprised as it was rumored that the McKinnons were elementals.

"Marls! What's wrong? You look-"

"No!" Marlene stood face to face with her. "You absolute homophobic trash! How dare you! Regulus is a sweet young wizard! The fact that you had the audacity to be my friend, knowing who I am, who I LOVE! And be such a twat."

"W-what?.."

"Evans, I love Dorcas. She and I were waiting to tell you but,"

Everyone watched as Dorcas Meadows, the Hufflepuff fifth year prefect, walked over and linked her hand into Marlene's.

"We entered a betrothal contract. Once we are out of Hogwarts we will solidify our Bonding plans."

"Don't you mean wedding?"

"Have you learned nothing of Wixan culture?" James asked as he walked over. "For purebloods, and even some half bloods, we do not do weddings. We have bondings. Which are much more tight, complex, and intimate. It involves the binding of two peoples magics between them. It is why a quote, divorce, is pretty much non-existent in the Wixan world."

"What if they are not compatible?" Lily asked confused as she frowned.

"That will be all." Headmaster Albus Dumbledore said tightly before anyone could answer. "Everyone will cease this discussion immediately. Mister Potter, if you will join me for a discussion in my office?"