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The most ancient and noble house of Black. Known for blood purity, producing natural born animagi and metamorphmagus, As well as being bat shit insane.

Capella now dedicates her life to the title of Lady Black now that her big brother Regie was dead and Siri was in jail for a crime she knew he didn’t commit. The most painful part of it all is she’s never taken seriously even Cissys husband Malfoy tramples over her during meetings. To them she was simply just there to reproduce a male heir which never happened now since her betrothed Barty jr was caught as a death eater before they even married. With that said she rejected all proposals in spite and now she lived in Grimmauld place which was stuck in time as she has yet to change hardly anything, rarely interacting with others.

She walked past Sirius' room and her heart ached; she couldn’t get him out. When she stepped inside she flopped on his bed. Sirius interacted with her the most out of all their relatives and when she got to Hogwarts he would even let her hangout with him and his friends. Lily’s little boy should have just turned seven if she remembered correctly. Lily had been so nice to her like a big sister, they would study together, cheer the boys on from the stands, and watch them try and pull insane stunts landing them in detention. Maybe she should check up on the pup ?

***
The pup in question was just getting better from the flu and was being let out to wash himself up. “Don’t take too long boy just make sure you no longer reek and get out, can’t be wasting resources on you.” Vernon yelled at the little kid who was all skin and bones “yes Sir” Harry marched up the stairs quickly and quietly as to not be any more of a burden. Not even five minutes in when he had to turn off the shower so he wasn’t slacking off. He also had to clean up his cupboard as to not smell up the house, afterwards he would have to catch up on all the chores he missed.

***
“Albus, just tell me where you put the boy !” Capella was furious the old man wouldn’t tell her. “It’s not your concern dear” Albus attempted to calm her down but it only backfired. “Like hell it isn't, my brother blood adopted him meaning he is my nephew so just let me check in on the kid.” Capella was starting to worry that he was hiding something from her and not just his location. “I’ll have you know I still own a fourth of this damned school.” Capella wasn’t in the mood to be undermined so she just called for a house elf to bring her the book of magical students without Albus. She would have to go to a muggle neighborhood. She wouldn't be able to check on him in her dress robes, instead she went back home to put on a button down blouse in a crimson red and a black pencil skirt to blend in and check on the boy.

***
Harry was doing touch ups on the baseboards that had been scuffed and chipped by carelessness after all why should they ? when they had the boy. A Knock was heard at the door. Harry picked up the paint and dashed to the kitchen so as to not be seen by any guest and his Aunt went to greet the door. “Hello, what can I help you with?” His aunt’s voice sounded tense. “I'm here to do a wellness check on Harry.” he was shocked someone was here to see him ? “We were told not to let just anyone in our house” Petunia snarled at the elegant lady. “I’m aware this is partially my fault, you're just a muggle so it’s understandable you don’t know who I am.” the lady smirked looking down on his aunt. "I'm Capella, Lady of the most ancient and noble house of Black, my brother was Harry’s godfather so he was adopted into our family. I'm not one you were warned to turn away.” The woman was getting aggravated so she invited herself in. “Now where is he ?” the woman's mood brightened when she got a glimpse of him. Harry was nervous but the lady seemed nice so maybe it would be okay to come forward.

“Well you're definitely James’s son, spitting image except the eyes those are unmistakably Lily’s , why are you wearing such rags though ?” Capella looked at the boy who was much too small. “We don’t waste money on freaks, he gets Duddykins old clothes” Petunia stuck up her nose. She just ignored her, Harry was who she was here for “Harry deer can you show me your room ?” if his clothes were anything to go off of then he was being neglected and when he pointed to the cupboard she knew she was taking him out of this place “well then, let's pack up anything you wish to take with you.” Capella keeled down to his level and tried to give him a soft smile. “Where are you taking me ?” Harry backed up a few steps unsure. “To my house it’s a magical mansion where you can have a proper childhood and a real room.” She hoped this would help sway him but before he gave any indication Petunia screamed out “NO HE’S NOT LEAVING Dumbledore said he’d protect us from your kind” but that just made him jump into her arms. “Is there anything you want from there that we can't replace” she kept her voice soft and quiet and was returned with an even quieter no that she might have missed if it weren't for her improved hearing. “Okay then hold on tight we’re going to teleport you might feel a little sick after”.

The lady was right. Harry did feel awful afterwards but he knew better than to vomit. The house they were now in was dark a bit creepy even but the scariest part was the little goblin looking thing that appeared in front of him “Harry, this is Kreacher he’s our house elf you don't need to be scared. Kreacher what rooms are free right now not counting my siblings and cousins." The house was huge despite how it looked on the outside. So hopefully she wouldn't have to empty out someone's room. “The one a door over to the left of your’s Lady Capella” Kreacher responded after having to think about it for a minute. They walked up stairs to a hall with eight doors and stopped at the second one on the left side “This will be your room it’s connected to another one that belongs to my nephew by a bathroom in between but he’s never here the last one on this side of the hall is mine, but let's focus on you room right now, okay”. Harry gave her a quick yes. The room was spacious. It had a full sized canopy bed with matching bedside tables and wardrobe all made from an almost black looking wood, the curtains were green, bedding was blue as well as the carpet. “Now to start, would you prefer your bed to be in a corner ?” Harry was still holding on to her leg but pointed to a back corner so she spelled away a bedside table and moved it there “do you like the colors ?” Capella wasn't expecting a verbal response, “yes thank you mam” was still quiet but his politeness was a bit too good she felt it might have been beaten into him.

“Harry, you don't have to call me mam if you don’t want to. My cousins call me Ella and my nephew calls me aunty Ella and my brothers and your dad called me Cappy so you can pick one of those, call me by my normal name, or come up with something of your own. Whatever feels right to you.” he just shook his head yes this time “I will never hurt you and you don’t have to clean anywhere but your room, that needs to stay tidy if you ever need something just ask me or Kreacher, you may have snacks when ever you want as long as it’s not too close to dinner okay ?” again he didn’t give her a verbal response but she was gonna take what she could get she asked Kreacher to get any toys and books appropriate for his age out of storage “I’ll get you your own new things but for now all we have are these so while I go take care of somethings can you just play in here for a bit ?” and when he gave another nod Capella left to go contact someone and as she walked she pointed to things that should be put in storage like the elf heads Harry wouldn’t have to fear them like her and her brothers.

***
Severus got a letter from Capella Black strangely enough. They weren't friends per say but they did help each other when the death eater hunts were happening. She never took the mark similar to Narcisa not to mention she had only just gotten out of Hogwarts and was getting sold off to be Barty jr. 's wife. He saw her at a meeting or two, she’d be serving tea because she was simply at the wrong place at the wrong time. She didn’t go to Azkaban since she had no mark, never participated in a raid, so she was labeled as a victim to her family and fiance, just a helpless little pure blood girl. Despite rarely interacting he could tell she was far from helpless and has the right ideas but no one will hear her out, she had earned some respect in his opinion. So he gave the letter a chance. All it said was emergency come quick talk later with how quickly it was written he felt it seemed worth investigating.

“Snape, thank Godrick your here I’m still unsure who I can trust with this but my instincts told me I could trust you, something told me to check on Harry and what I found was awful he was with his aunt being treated worse than a house elf, his room was a cupboard under the stairs, he looks so sickly ! I need a healer to look at him and I thought you were the best choice.” Capella led him to Harry's room as he processed the information he was just given. When he saw the boy he immediately noticed how small he was thin too. “Harry, this is a friend of mine and you mums he’s a wizard doctor. Will you work with him so we can help you feel better ?” Capella saw as the boy’s eyes lit up with the mention of his mum. “Hello Harry I'm Severus and as she said I’ll be helping to make you feel better now would you prefer her in the room as I work ?” This wasn’t how he pictured he thought he’d have another four years and the child he’d meet would be a snarky ass like his father. Not a child that made it feel like he was looking at his past self, shaking, scared, ready to flee. The check up went well but they arranged to talk after dinner when Harry was asleep.

Chapter Text

The dinner went fine, Harry couldn’t eat much so appetite stimulants were added to the list of things he’d need for his weight. She shrunk some of Sirius' pajamas, put him to bed and set a charm to alert her if he woke up, leaving her to talk to Severus.

“You realize how terribly this could go for both of us now.” Severus was tense,
“Yes, but still I couldn’t leave him there.” Capella immediately getting defensive
“We are still seen as death eaters by many and he’s the chosen one, did you not think ?” he yelled at her lucky they put up a silencing ward
“I was never loyal to the dark lord and you were a spy”
“It doesn't matter to them that you hadn't chosen a side, how naive can you be ? oh wait you never actually did any fighting ”

“Oh, don’t try this bullshit with me ! just because I didn’t fight like you doesn't mean I got it easy, it didn’t matter what side I chose I always lose, not knowing if Bella was killing Sirius as I sat in class, or if Reggy was getting a dementor's kiss as I studied, was Cissy safe or was her husband beating her, did Lily's pregnancy go well, I still don't know how Andi’s doing ? and if I wasn’t worrying myself sick I had to worry about myself. If you haven’t noticed, all pure blood women are to the family is a bargaining chip, a womb to be filled to continue the man's beliefs . So get your head out of your ass and see everyone suffered no matter the side or blood status !” she had been holding it all in that now with Harry she couldn’t hold herself back.

Severus couldn’t think of a retort. “I will supply you with the potions Potter will need but take him to the goblins” Severus then quickly left. In his lab he started getting
everything ready, there was a lot Potters boy had been to put it simply messed up.

The next day Capella planned to take Harry shopping, she was excited to tell him. she shrunk down more clothes from her brothers and was about to wake him up for breakfast but when she walked in he was already awake just sitting on his bed

“Here some more clothes we’re going shopping to get you your own things as well as a second check up” she smiled and left him to change during breakfast she had some thing to ask of him “I know you don’t know much about this new world but I will teach you we just need to get you some things, but in the wixen world your famous so in order to not make shopping to overwhelming I will put an illusion on you and for extra precaution a notice me not charm is that okay ?” Capella wanted to make sure he understood things and not feel confused. “um okay” Harry wasn’t sure about shopping; he'd never gone to buy things for himself. After they ate she changed his appearance a bit. His eyes were brown and he had freckles, skin went paler,and his scar disappeared. “If we end up talking to someone you're six, name is Rigel Black and you're my son okay ?” Capella waited for him to agree and they were off. She hoped if anyone who knew a bit about her saw her with Harry would think he was her and Barty Jr.’s son after all that would be easy to cover up compared to other possible stories after all she was known to be a very private woman.

As they were out shopping Harry clung to Capella so he didn’t get lost the first shop they went to was for clothes “My son will need a new wardrobe he got a growth spurt” Capella and the woman behind the counter started talking styles, colors, and fabrics with Capella asking him about his thoughts and letting him feel fabrics to make sure he liked them. “Okay, it’s time for measurements. Can you step up onto that platform” the woman guided him away and let her magic do the work “Such a sweet little lad still clinging to his mum, enjoy it before you know it he’ll be a moody teen.” the woman gawked to Capella who just nodded along. After they paid and were told it would take two days for it all to be finished.

A toy store was their next stop “you can pick whatever you want okay dear” Capella nudged Harry to see he was tearing up “Oh, honey what's wrong” she crouched down in front of him “I… I .. i’m fine with what you’ve already given me don't waste your money” Harry was overwhelmed by the kindness and all the choices “how about I just pick you out a few new stuffed animals for now and we can come back another day” once he gave her a nod she picked out a stag, black dog, and wolf stuffed animals payed. She doesn't know much about kids but she knew what she already had wouldn’t be sufficient.

it was time for the day's last stop Girngots, “I would like to speak to the manager of the Potter account it’s an emergency” Capella whispered to the goblin “very well office 67 it’s in the hall by the griffin statue” The goblin only looking up at them for a second.

“Hello Lady Black heir Potter, I'm Clawcry how may the goblin nation help you today ?” The small goblin sat behind his desk with an unreadable expression “I request a full medical check for Harry, and while I know you must have a guardian allow it but I request this be a case 5” Capella had a stiff face and Clawcry gave a small nod. Case 5’s meant the person was claiming temporary custody of a child being abused. This matter was taken seriously by goblins, ones young is important in their culture. “We will get him the care he needs Lady Black” Clawcry gave another nod. “Can you work with them pup ? I know we can trust them.” Capella hoped they could get this done relatively fast but she still wanted him to be comfortable. She ended up staying with him for each step what they found was horrifying not only was there blatant abuse but a whole slew of other things

Name: Harry James Potter
Birth date: July 31, 1980

Mother: Lily Potter Nee Evans _ Deceased
Father:James Potter_ Deceased

Godmother: Alice Longbottom Nee Fortescue _ Compromised
Godfathers: Frank Longbottom _Compromised
Remus Lupin _Compromised
Blood adopted father: Sirius Black _ Incarcerated

Block on magic core 90%
Compulsion for self sacrifice
Compulsion of obedience
Compulsion of dependency
Compulsion of spontaneous anger
Compulsion of loyalty
Compulsion of anxiety

Human Horcrux
____________________________________________________________________________
Heirships

Next in line for the House of Black - gained thru Sirius Black
A seat on the Sacred twenty eight
The Grimmauld house
The Blackwood manor
The Black Estate in France
The Black swamp
A house elf - serving the Grimmauld house
The Black family vault

____________________________________________________________________________

The house of Gaunt - gained thru conquest
A seat on the sacred twenty eight
The plot of land the gaunt house was on
The Gaunt family vault

____________________________________________________________________________

The House of Gryffindor - gained thru James Potter paternal

1 / 4 say and claim of Hogwarts of witchcraft and wizardry
A house in Godric's Hollow
11 house elves - all serving Hogwarts
The Gryffindor vault

____________________________________________________________________________

The House of Peverell - gained thru James Potter paternal
The deathly Hallows
A hidden castle in the forbidden forest
The Peverell vault

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The house of Potter - gained thru James Potter paternal

A cottage in Godric’s hollow
The Potter estate
The Potter vault

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Next in line for the House of Ravenclaw - gained thru Sirius Black

1 / 4 say and claim of Hogwarts of witchcraft and wizardry
A secret library in Hogwarts only accessible to Ravenclaw students and Heirs
6 house elves - all serving hogwarts
The Ravenclaw vault

____________________________________________________________________________

The House of Slytherin - gained by conquest

1 / 4 say and claim of Hogwarts of witchcraft and wizardry
Parseltongue ability
The chamber of secrets
The Slytherin vault
____________________________________________________________________________

“We will be able to remove the block and compulsions, but the horcrux will be different we will have to do more reach since few fools mess with such magic” Clawcry handed over the paper “and the price, I know things aren't just given” Capella looked to him as she held Harry's hand. Clawcry gave a big smile showing off his pointed teeth “What we ask is for you to make sure he is a proper Lord there hasn’t been one in ages, we the goblin nation will tutor him. Young Lord Potter will also inherit vast riches that have been on hold. It's in our best interest to invest in him, he has great potential.” Clawcry could see the raw power in this boy “So you want him as a political puppet” Capella glared “Not exactly we want him to bring back the true ways when magic was free, before blood purist, when the other magical species were equals to the wixen. The time of gray magic.” Clawcry shifted his glasses up his nose “So you're proposing a third side one of neutrality and acceptance?” Capella felt a weight off her shoulders the goblin nation was offering what she had been looking for and when it was confirmed she knew this would be the best choice.

The goblins removed the compulsions and weakened the block so Harry would get his power back gradually instead of it hitting him like a bus. They gave her ancient literature on magic that should have been extinct, containing secrets long forgotten of the truest magic. They also had been given a direct way to speak with Jerath the goblin king. But for now all she was asked to do was take care of Harry and try and salvage his childhood including keeping his identity secret.

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It was hard to help Harry with his trauma. He still struggled to understand he didn’t need to cook or clean, that his accidental magic wasn’t a bad thing, that he could and was encouraged to ask questions, state his opinions, and that Capella was on his side. But she could wait It was a healing process in no way did she think he’d be better overnight. There would be good days and bad ones but she would keep supporting him.

“Hey pup, you want a bedtime story” Ella was tucking him in for the night “Yes please, and I have a question.” Harry had enjoyed living with his new aunty Ella. She treated him like aunt Petunia treated Dudley even though he wasn’t her’s. “Ask away.” She gave him a soft smile “Why do you call me pup ?” Harry didn’t mind the nickname, he just thought it was odd. “Okay looks like we have tonight's story. In my family some of us have a power, a gift from Magic herself that lets us turn into an animal. You can learn how to do it but we have it naturally. We don't get to pick but it’s almost always some kind of black wolf or dog. Because In the old days the house of Black was known as Mother Magic’s guard dog or lap dog depending on how the story is told as things get warped over time. It's not common knowledge about our family any more, so in old books or stories when they mention Mother Magic’s wolves or dogs people think of actual ones and not people. A few stories you might hear involve her sending a Black wolf to lead others to safety or fending off danger because that’s what our family used to be known for. Your nickname is because wolves have packs or in our case family and as the youngest you’re the pup.” Capella trying to make the explanation longer so it's more of a story.

“So like how you came to save me ? Did magic send you?” Harry looked up to her wide eyed. His expression pulled at her heartstrings. “I believe so.” She kept up a strong hold but she really just wanted to pull the boy into a hug and cry. Instead Capella just ruffled his hair “So does that mean you can become a dog ?” Harry's eyes filled with excitement. “A french bulldog to be exact, the boy’s joked it’s because of how much I struggled with English, at times when I was younger and mad I would start yelling in french. My accent took a long time to fade away as well.”

After a moment she transformed and a little black french bulldog was at the foot of Harry's bed. He was a bit timid at first after all his bad experiences with aunt Marge's dogs but he soon reached out a hand to pet her and she gave him a lick on the cheek “Ewww Ella” Harry let out a loud giggle. She shifted back and gave him a final good night leaving the door cracked. Harry liked that she would leave it cracked after all that time being locked away unable to leave his cupboard it was comforting.

That night didn’t stay peaceful, he was having a nightmare again or more of a memory he was five again it was one of the nights when they forgot to lock up the door he went out to the kitchen he was able to snag a few grapes and a handful of peanuts from a canister and a few other small things nothing to big or not to much where the others would be able to tell he took anything. After stashing it away under the loose floorboard in his cubby where the stairs made it too low to normally use the space he should have gone to bed but no, It was that night. He couldn’t control his body and stop what came next but he sure tried. He walked back out into the family room. He wanted to feel what it was like to sit on the couch but he barely laid his hand on it when he knocked over the lamp. Vernon came running down and beat him with an umbrella by the door it had hit so hard it broke the skin then he had to clean up the blood and lamp shards on the ground he had been locked in his closet for three days only letting him out maybe five times for the bathroom since aunt Petunia didn't want to have it reeking inside from the boys “room”.

He woke up in a cold sweat crying. It set off a charm to wake Capella who rushed in to comfort him. She held the small boy and rocked back and forth as she hummed a lullaby. She loved singing. She was in the choir at school she was good to, she knew she wouldn’t be able to pursue it. She figured she’d at least sing lullabies to her kids but that never happened at least until now. She sometimes wondered what her life would be like if Barty jr got a slap on the wrist like Malfoy did.

Barty had been good to her especially considering it was a pure blood arranged marriage at the end he had gotten unstable. But she had been given a second chance she would raise Harry like her own after all he was the closest thing to family she had left. She didn’t just save him but in a way Harry saved her too.

Then the moment she had been dreading Cissy heard the rumors about her having a kid and took the Black manor by storm. “Why didn’t you tell anyone, not even me !” Cissy scolded her as Draco and “Rigel” went off to play. “Originally I wasn’t going to let anyone find out until he started Hogwarts, I kept him hidden to keep him safe from prats like your husband.” she scowled at the thought of him, but It was a tough choice to lie to Narcissa or if she should let her know the truth so she ended up taking the safe route. “I understand I can feel his magic as well. Lucius would try and pull something to get his hands on the child. It just hurts you're all that I have left, I know we weren't as close as kids but I just wish you told me.” Narcissa calmed down a bit and held onto her hands both misty eyed, “You are always welcome this will remain your home, but I don't want your husband here.” Capella would just hope Cissy would choose her and Harry’s side when it came down to it.

Harry’s magic had been getting increasingly more powerful; it was getting out of control and got worse each time he’d have a panic attack. Capella was left with few options the goblins had given her books about how to channel such raw power but she was no teacher and her house was no training ground.

The Black family did have the legendary swamp it was full of dangerous plants and animals some thought to be extinct. Pure Blood children in other families were even taught about it, it was a warning, “if you're bad I’ll take you to the Black swamp no one has ever come out alive.” In crazed Black fashion all spent their fifteenth summer left alone in it training and if they survived they came out horrifyingly strong. Her plain; get Snape to help her train Harry in the swamp and in return he could take some of the rare ingredients that thrived in abundance there.

When Snape got the letter it was one hell of a choice he disliked getting involved with the boy but what he could get from this deal could easily be worth a fortune. In the end he took the deal, he arrived at the Black manor he saw the illusioned Harry “Hello, Sir mum is almost ready to leave” and as the boy said that as if on cue Capella came strutting down the stairs. “Harry, hon you don’t need to use your disguise around Severus, he already knows about you remember ?” Capella ruffled his hair and the boy took off a necklace revealing the boy's true appearance. “Let's go both, you should hold onto me.” Capella putting out her elbow for Severus and Harry latching around her waist.

Severus was astounded when they arrived; it was a treasure trove of rarities. “Shall we start ?” Capella grabbed a book from her satchel and read some notes left by the goblins “The first thing they recommended was to connect to the magic around you so I want you to close your eyes and let your magic flow around you, try and set it free” Capella read from the book. “What, I thought we were training the boy ?” Severus spat out to her but after a moment they felt a huge wave pulse through the swamp leaving them feeling tingles. It shook Severus to his core he had never felt such power before and Capella the look on her face was equally terrifying, her smile reminding him of her oldest cousin Bellatrix.

“Wonderful pup ! lets try going over some basic spells.” Capella cheered on the boy and left the next part to Snape he watched as the boy tried and sometimes did execute the spells wordlessly and wandlessly. In amazement as Ella kept running around in excitement like a chicken without a head even though she should have been behind a shield with how unpredictable the boy's magic was. She was so distracted she even tripped, but before she hit the ground a tree root grabbed her. When he looked back at the boy he had his hand stretched out he had used elemental magic his eyes even seemed to glow for a second. “That was fantastic pup ! I’m so proud of you you're doing better than one would expect. How do you feel ?” Ella had rushed over and picked up the boy in a big hug. “It feels wonderful. I feel like I’m lighter, I can feel the magic all around and it feels so warm !” Harry had a twinkle in his eyes that never had been there before.

Harry had never felt so connected, he could feel Aunty Ella and Mr. Severus’s magic was so comforting. The magic of the swamp had welcome him when he was first trying to release his magic he heard a voice, the voice of the swamp. “You are no child of mine but Mother Magic has claimed you welcome young prince.” and that's when it worked. He figured he should tell the others but Aunty Ella was so excited it was hard to interrupt her even Mr.Severus had a small smile.

Back at home Mr.Severus had been invited to eat with them again, “When I released my magic like you asked I heard the swamp talk to me it said Mother Magic had claimed me and called me young prince.” Harry wanted to tell them immediately but Ella and Kreacher had been celebrating when they got back Severus dropped his fork at the news. “What does this mean ?” Ella was wide eyed and then Kreacher appeared “Young Prince Harry has been chosen by Mother Magic to enact her will he has been deemed true, we of magical making see him our ruler beyond any other agreements or loyalties.” The old house elf exclaimed excitedly Capella had never seen him so happy.

She contacted the goblin nation who immediately gave their loyalty to Harry and scheduled a meeting to further inform her what this meant. This left Severus the only other person who knew any of this. “I ask you to betray both light and dark and join us in our attempts to bring peace and neutrality back to the magical world” Capella reached out a hand to the man. Severus was no fool, he saw what this meant and how powerful this new allegiance was. “I believe only a fool would reject your generous offer. I shall keep you updated on the actions of the other two sides and continue to help with his training in any way I can.” Severus shook her hand, this boy was going to change the world.

The meeting had arrived and it was time to go into detail. She invited Severus to join but first he had to get a cleansed for safety since he has been close to Voldemort and Albus and unsurprisingly there were a few. Then the three were escorted to the conference room containing the goblin king and account managers for all of Harry’s titles. “Harry here has gained the highest point of power one can, he will wield great power.” the king explained further. At the end of the meeting there was one more topic “You will need allies within the wixen race. We recommend you be very careful and get anyone who joins you to be cleansed.” and with that the meeting ended.

Back at the manor Severus and Capella went over possible allies. “The people I’m considering trusting are Narcissa but not Lucius, Andromeda and her husband if I can get in contact with them, and Remus if I can find him. Any thoughts ?” Capella wanted only the ones she trusted most at first at least. “Narcissa would be helpful if we can get her away from Lucius, I can contact Andromeda since her kid is in Hogwarts, I don't trust Lupin but may I recommend Flitwick” Severus also wanted to be extra selective with the first they reach out to. “Remus is non negotiable so put your petty school boy grievances behind you.” Capella scolding the man.

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“Tonks stay behind !” Severus snapped as he finished his fourth year class of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. “But Sir, I didn't do anything to warrant any kind of trouble !” Tonks pouted. “You're not in trouble. I would like to know if you're going home or not.” Severus sighed. “Yes, why does that matter ?” Dora already showed the Black cockyness. “Because your mother is being stubborn and refusing any contact with her family and now I’m an owl.” Snape rolling his eyes as he held out a letter to the student. “Capella Black, my mum never talks about her relatives.” Dora mumbled to themself as they looked down to the name it’s from.

When the holiday break came and Dora now had a mission, people had always talked about their extended family so now it was time to find out them self. “Mum, you got a letter !” Dora walked over to their mum. “Did an owl drop by ?” Andromeda sat on the couch with papers in her lap. “No professor Snape handed it to me himself !” Dora sat down and handed it over, “Since when did they start talking again ? I guess if she went through this much trouble I might as well read it.” Andi opened up the letter. “Dad, how does mum know Snape ?” Dora whispered over “You didn’t hear it from me but he used to date one of her cousins back in the day.” Ted whispered back “You can ask more questions tomorrow night at dinner.” Andi over hearing them.

Dora was interested in the new family they were about to meet, they must have been different than most pure bloods, as they could get away with dress slacks instead of a dress. “Andi ! you finally came to visit and you must be Nymphadora, you are so grown up, I only got to see you once when you were little.” Ella rushed over and gave Dora a big hug “I actually go by Dora” Dora was squished up. This in no way was what they expected. Snape then flooed into the house. “Still hanging around death eaters I see.” Andi scoffed, “I defected.” Snape growled back. “Yes, that's actually why I asked you here, Dora while we talk do you mind spending time with Rigel ?” Ella looking back at the teen. “Who is Rigel ?” Andi never heard the rumor and as if called on cue Harry popped from a round the corner with his illusion necklace. “Mum, Mr Severus, who's here ?” Harry quickly hid behind Ella. “This is Rigel, my son. I found out about him after Barty got the kiss. Rigel, this is my cousin Andromeda, her husband Ted, and their kid Dora.” Ella dropped her smile for a second after mentioning Barty, leaving Andi to falter for a second. She was aware that things were going extremely well for them especially for an arranged marriage.

“I met our cousin Draco already. He's really excited about going to Hogwarts, Mum said you're currently going can you tell me about it ?” Harry was really interested after all things must have changed since Ella went there. “You two run off Kreacher will call you down for dinner.” Capella then leading the adults to the study “So I can't think of an easy way to put it but I never had a son that’s just Harry Potter with a glamour on. I went to check on him and I found him being abused by his muggle relatives so I took him.” Capella told them with a straight face as Ted spat out his tea “WHAT!” Ted hitting his chest trying to get air. “Yes, when we took him to Gringotts the goblins asked for an alliance. Harry is supposedly chosen by magic to be our prince and will be the catalyst that brings neutrality and peace, a third side to this war that has been on hold and we ask you to join us.” Severus picking up where Ella left off.

“How can a child be the catalyst of change ?” Andromeda was struggling with the concept even if Harry was the boy who lived. Severus figured showing a memory would explain best so he got out a pensive and showed them parts of his training. “HE USED ELEMENTAL MAGIC” Andromeda freaked out, the only other current wizards were Albus and Voldamort but it took them effort and focus not to mention a wand but Harry did it by accident. After a lot more discussion the Tonks family agreed.

“It’s quite late, we should be heading home.” Ted looking to his wife who had warmed back up to Capella. “Yes however I would like a list of things so I can make Dora a room” Ella commented “of course what room are you thinking for her ?” Andromeda cheerfully replied “I’m still unsure we probably need to move some of our rooms up a floor” Ella hadn’t messed with the third floor bedrooms “Why don’t we stay the night and move some things around tomorrow ?” With that said Ted could tell the Black bond had been rebuilt.

The next day Andromeda brought up a good point. “What about Blackwood manor ? if you're looking for a revolution we might need a bigger, more protected base.” Blackwood manor was the stronghold, one of the many estates belonging to the House of Black. Capella agreed they packed up the two little boys' rooms, Capellas, and Andromeda’s not wanting to invade the others' space without them knowing. After a long day of moving things to the bigger house Capella and Andromeda sat down after moving the few of Draco’s things that were there. “So who will end up with the master bedroom ?” Andi looking to Ella “I’m trying to prove Sirius’s innocence and then he will take over as head.” Capella expected to be laughed at like most people did when she said her oldest brother was innocent but Andi laid her head on Ella’s shoulder and the two sat in silence for a moment “he’d probably get a kick out of shagging someone your parents wouldn’t approve of in there” Andi almost whispered out leaving them both to buckle over laughing.

“I’m actually going to hunt down his little boyfriend since I know we can trust him and he’d be a great asset.” Ella was a little pissed with Remus just going off the grid like that after it all happened she was ready to hex his ass to next week. “We can watch “Rigel” for you when you do.” Andi offered. “After the break so Dora will be back in school.” Ella was thankful her and Andromeda had never been so close since Andi thought Ella would end up like Cissy, a death eater's wife. “However, if you succeed, what will you do next ? you’ve spent so much of your life training to be a wife and the rest as temporary head of the house.” Andromeda knew what it was like when she ran away with Ted, being left with uncertainty. “I’ll help raise Harry, I love my brother but I doubt he’ll know what to do and I think I’d like to sing again.” She gave a slight smile but inside it was eating her alive. She never had true freedom or choice before so a part of her wasn’t ready to let go.

With that all said, she needed to set up safety guards in case she couldn’t free Sirius. It would be best to start working on a back up plan Harry had a lot to learn about the wizarding world as well as politics, he should learn at least two other languages, self defense, how to detect poisons, ballroom dancing, and all the other things children of the house of Black are expected to learn. She didn’t want to be like her parents but he still needed a proper upbringing but nowadays some of those things might be too dated like if she should set up a wife for him ?, or what if he ends up preferring men like her brothers ? It might be best to talk to Andi and Cissy about their views and what they have planned.

As she spiraled in the office Harry still in his Rigel appearance came running into the office “MUM! Tonks said they'd teach me to fly if you were okay with it, So can I ?” Harry was excited for the chance to fly on a broom like in the stories. Snapping her out of her thoughts “Okay, but I want to watch just in case.” Capella knew about broom accidents, her brothers used to joke when she was little that the only time those happened was when she was on a broom. When she recalled those times she realized Harry was still seven. They had time to work out detales he was still a kid.

It was nice spending the holidays with Harry and Andi’s family; she hadn’t actually celebrated any since she was alone for so long. She made sure to spoil Harry and Dora rotten to make up for lost time. For Harry she got him a kids broom since normal ones were too big for him, A few new story books, more new clothes, a few more stuffys, and some other popular toys on the market. For Dora she asked Andi and Ted, A new broom and other quidditch gear, some things from the muggle world she didn’t quite understand and a set of throwing Knives that were made of a medal that seemed to have a rainbow glow to them. “What do you mean you haven't taught them how to use any weapons !” Capella was dumb founded when she learned Andi hadn’t given her child even the most basic training let alone Black secrets like their infamous secret curses. “I didn’t think it was appropriate to, I might be disowned but I understand to keep family secrets.” Andromeda had only given her new family ballroom dancing lessons and how to speak french since that was still her first language and would occasionally forget that her husband and child didn’t know the language like many pure bloods not to mention it gave them an edge when others thought they didn’t know what they were saying. “Over the summer you will be taking lessons with me and Rigel to catch you up to speed sweety, your mother doesn't understand how important it is to have a poison tolerance.” Ella wrapping her arms around the teen, glaring at the other woman as Ted worried about what she was about to teach his kid.

Once Dora went back to school Capella started working on tracking down Remus. The others would come by for tea and to check in occasionally to help with Harry's training. The shocker was that Severus visited more than one would expect. Capella recognized his soft spot for Harry no matter how much he denied it. She and Severus even started becoming friends. Turns out he’s a huge gossip. “So if you do find Lupin how do you plan on dealing with his full moons, because it’s unwise to keep him around with Harry.” Severus had stopped by for tea and to complain about his students and co-workers. “We have a dungeon where he can spend those nights until you make a cure.” Ella commented off handedly. “What makes you think I’m making such a thing ?” Severus raising an eyebrow. “Because the house of Black will be funding your research, or maybe because you like the challenge, to inflate your massive ego, because like it or not your family now that we’re on the same side.” Capella was staring at him like she had mind control. “Fine, but I get most of the prophet.” When she said he was family it struck a chord in him compelling him to help and for a second when she was staring into his soul he swore Regulus’s eyes pleading with him, haunting him, not like he’d ever let anyone know that. Not to mention when he agreed the image was completely ruined when she gave a shit eating grin that could rival Sirius’s.

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Remus had been living in the mountains since the night he lost it all. He didn't want to hurt anyone and he figured it was better this way, as did Albus. It was lonely most of the time since it was just him and the animals already residing there, his extensive wards made sure of that. However his wards had gone off, it was a magical animal. Most likely a familiar with a letter since It was small. Only Dumbledore and Minerva write to him and they are usually just holiday cards. Since the war is over and Minerva comes in person to check in on him. So it was strange to be getting one.

A bit later he swore he heard a scratch at his door. When he didn’t answer he heard what sounded like a small dog yapping its head off. When he went to check it was in fact a small dog but not just any dog Frinchy the amungus form of Sirius’s little sister. She had spent a full moon or two with them since she found out about his furry problem right away. “What are you doing here, how did you find me ?” Remus questioned the dog but she just walked passed him into his cabin.

“You mother fucker, what the hell have you been doing up here all this time ?” Capella had shifted back to human and was determined to know why he couldn’t have taken Harry that night and save him from the pain. “I fucked your brother not your mother, awful woman really.” Remus, deadpanned since he wasn’t in any mood to be interrogated by his ex's sister. “Funny, now would you tell me when was the last time you checked in on your godson ?” he could hear some amusement in her voice when she said funny but otherwise her voice was monotone as she glared at him. “Albus said Lily and James didn’t want me near him and that he was safe.” Remus trying not to falter as he told her “and you believed him just like when he said Sirius was the trader ? My instincts told me to go check up on him and do you know what I found ? A starved sickly child who lived in a cupboard. Now tell me what did Albus tell you again ?” Capella looked to him for a response “Albus said he was safe and that I was a danger to him, that my condition made me unqualified to raise him.” Remus started tearing up. “So are you ready to help with taking care of Harry ?” Capella still scrunching her nose at him. Remus knew he had to fix his mistake of leaving Harry. “Yes please, I need to fix this for his sake as well as James and Lily's.” Remus finally making eye contact with her.

“Let's pack up your stuff cause you're not staying here cause this is a dump.” Capella’s tone was now lighter and had a bit of humor to it. He didn’t have much to pack up all the furniture that was there when he got it, not to mention it was almost garbage so they got done quickly. It didn’t occur to him that he had no clue where he was going. When they arrived at the grand castle like house his jaw dropped. Sirius had told him about Grimmauld place where he grew up but never mentioned any other properties his family owned, just how rich are the Black’s.

“Kreacher, take us to Harry.” Capella called out to the old elf “yes Lady Capella, Kreacher will guide you now.” Remus was in awe. The place was magnificent, the Dark woods paired with the jewel tone walls, gold accents all adorned with meticulous detail and lots of wolf and dog imagery. The place was huge. When they got to a hall with a bunch of doors he noticed some had name plates Andromeda & Ted, Dora, Harry, Draco the other side listed Severus, Narcissa, Capella, Remus. They already had a room ready for him, he was touched… wait Severus like Severus Snape why did he have a room here ? Remus stopped his mind from wandering. “let's at least drop your bags in your room then we can check on Harry” Ella extended her arm to his door. Then they went over to Harry's door. That's when his stomach started twisting in knots and he thought about what Capella said at his cabin. Knock Knock “Pup I’m back and I have someone new for you to meet.” Ella softy announced but the boy who opened the door wasn’t Harry. “No necklace needed this time but good job for being careful” Ella snorted at his reaction when Rigel greeted them instead of Harry. “Sorry aunty, who’s he ?”

Harry inspected the lanky man in front of him. He was a bit scary, not like uncle Vernon with his massive size, no, he had lots of scars like the villains in Dudleys shows. But then again Mr Severus seemed scary at first but he has only helped so he could give this new man a chance, after all he felt safe like he had met him before. “This is your uncle Remus, he was friends with your parents” Ella introduced the man. “Sorry it took me this long to see you again, last time I saw you, you were just starting to talk.” Remus weakly smiled at the boy and Harry didn’t really know what to say in return luckily aunty Andi left her room “Oh, I was just about to check on him Harry do you want to tell them what we did today ?” Andromeda only nodded in acknowledgement to Remus.

“We looked at some photos. It was weird in some of them it looked like there were two of you !” Harry happy for a new topic. “He’s talking about you and Bella” Andromeda had a sad smile on her face. “Yes we did look almost identical except for the eyes.” Ella had always favored Bellatrix because she was one of the few people who actually interacted with her, even if it was because she was trying to make her into a “mini-me”. “However the hair is a different story. You actually keep your maintained instead of a massive tangle” Andromeda lightening the mood getting a laugh from both Ella and Remus. “We should put some photos up, maybe not the ones you were looking at as they tend to be quite gloomy.” Capella had already taken down most of the portraits for secrecy reasons so the walls were bare.

Remus was slowly getting used to the size of the place and whenever he got lost Kreacher was able to help. But instead he ran into Snape crouched over his latest brew. “Lupin, is there something you need or are you just here to be a nuisance ?” Severus had been practically living out of that potions lab so he could avoid the marauder but it couldn’t last forever. “Sorry, I didn’t know you were in here. I just got turned around and didn’t want to bother Kreacher.” Remus sinking in the awkwardness of the moment. “Understandable, this place is a bit unnecessary. Perhaps more nameplates are in need, if that's all then leave. I have little time to work before Harry’s training exercises.” Severus waving the man away.

He managed to find his way to the main library where Capella and Harry were speaking French or at least Harry was stumbling through it. “What's this for ?” Remus walking over. “I’m the next heir so I need to learn French for the duties that involve our assets there.” Harry sounded more like he was asking than telling, only looking confident when Capella gave him a nod. “He's picking it up quite well, I suspect he should be fluent in a few years time at most.” Capella bragging in Harry’s stead. Unlike James, Harry was modist with his accomplishments and power. Then again if things had gone differently he could see the boy being a cheeky brat with James as his role model, he’d still be polite if Lily had ant say but it would be a different kind compared to the manors that were most likely beaten into him.

“Remus, would you like to join us for Harry’s training today ?” Capella offered “He’s still a kid, what kind of training could he need ?” Remus knew some of the high standards that were set for pure bloods and worried about Harry, he trusted Capella but fears some of her views on raising kids might be skewed due to her own upbringing. “We’ll be leaving after lunch. If you decide to join I recommend wearing some gear. The black swamp is no place for sweaters.” Ella got up ruffled Harry's hair and went off to another room. Mention of the swamp just made his nerves worse but for Harry's safety he’d have to go in case they were too harsh with him.

BOOM … Capella, Severus, and Remus were flat on their asses. Or more sinking in the marsh of the swamp. “Harry love, although that was quite impressive it was just supposed to be a small blast.” Capella digging herself out of the mud. Had no problem using magic without a wand unlike most adults his problem was controlling how much power he put into them, the elemental magic seemed to have a mind of its own being harder to wield. “I'm so sorry, are any of you hurt ?” Harry rushed over to help them up, panicking “I’m sorry I didn’t mean to be bad.” Harry mumbling, since leaving the Dursleys he would still occasionally panic when using magic but it was becoming less frequent now it just was if he did a huge blast or things like that that could break things or knock people back. “Hey pup it’s fine we're all okay, it’s fine this is why we practice, right Sev ?” Ella held the boy close as she looked to Severus for more words of comfort. Remus just kept getting hit by surprises when Severus actually tried to comfort Harry going on about how it was natural to struggle.

Chapter Text

Sirius sat in his cell listening to his cousin cackle and sob. Bellatrix was right next to him with her husband on his other side, so yeah some days the dementors kiss sounds like a vacation. “Bella, stop it already !” Sirius yelled to her, leaving her silent for a moment “Blood trader” she mumbled back. Azkaban had made her a bit childish believe it or not and actually made her seem less crazy. “Crazy bitch” Sirius had managed to keep his immaturity naturally “Warewolf fucker” Bella grining manically.

Year three of being locked up together they had started sharing stories and trauma dumping, Sirius ended up breaking a few of Rudolph's bones despite the bars separating the two. It was quite appreciated by her, seeing her cousin who she was on questionable at best terms with get so protective of her for things that happened years ago. During one of their off and on peace periods Sirius let Remus’s secret slip a bit and surprisingly Bella was ecstatic knowing he got with a dark creature even going on a rant about the family’s history with them, saying they were the best lap dog one could have once tamed even if they were a halfblood.

Another thing they bonded over while in hell was their mutual hatred for Lucius but once they stopped talking about how awful he looked their opinions on things differed due to still being on opposite sides despite some of the changes in her beliefs nowadays. However today seemed like it was gonna be a bad day between the two.

“Oy Black you know what your sister is doing ? Rumor has it she's been running around in the shadows and started being seen with a boy. Rumor has it, he's her and Barty Jr’s.” One of the few human guards standing outside the cells asked as he’s known to be a gossip using the prisoners as a way of trading information. “No clue what she’s doing, she’s always been a bit on the quiet side when in public but never shady. Don’t remember her being pregnant before arriving here. I thought Barty would have known I would chase him down to the ends of the earth and feed him to Hagrid's pets.” Sirius frowned at the new news.

“Would have loved to see that bet your dad might have even talked to you again just to team up or argue who gets the kill. He always had a bit of a soft spot for his little girl. With that said Ella never seemed the type to birth a bastard. She stayed in the lines most of the time.” Bella butting in and getting a laugh from Sirius due to the first part. “Yeah, you girls never put out till marriage, stingy bitch !” Rudolph cominting since he was listening in. “See even if you weren't a death eater I’d hate you, never accepting a girl doesn't want to shag your sorry ass or just wants to stick to the old ways you claim to worship !” Sirius snarled at the other man.

“But back to what you asked, I wasn't in too much contact with her after I left Hogwarts.” Sirius sadding that he never spent more time with his siblings. “She and Barty jr. seemed like they were on the happier side of the arranged marriage scale, and he’d get pretty handsy sometimes so it might be true, sorry we can’t be more help.” Bella chirped and then the guard slipped them each a chunk of day old bread (much better than the moldy stuff they got when fed) as thanks for the little bit of help the two gave him. The thing is as long as you talked to him a bit and told him what he wanted to know most of the time he’d slip you some of the better food.

“Handsy ! that bastard, wish I was the one to kill em.” Sirius brooding. “It’s in the past, don't get your panties in a twist and look on the bright side there's an heir.” Bella acting like she didn’t act worse when she found out Narcissa was pregnant. “Your right If the rumors are true then that means Luicus can’t get his hand on the family title and assets.” Sirius trying to be optimistic about the situation. “Yes, Malfoy is a weak man who would dishonor our family’s name” Bella agreed now on better terms since they both had a bit of food and news of the outside world. They always liked it when gossip guard came around as they were on his good side since they were such chatter boxes.

Chapter Text

Harry couldn’t be happier he finally had a family that loved him, he no longer had to go to school and be chased around in games of Harry hunt. He only had to pick up after himself. He had his own room too, he didn’t even mind cleaning it because it was his.

Lessons were normally fun since he could actually do them instead of scoring lower than Dudley. Today he was starting with practicing his handwriting and they used feathers to write. It was hard but fun. “Use less ink that's why you're getting all those splotches.” Severus guiding the boy since he had a free period, he enjoyed Harry not too loud, smart, polite, eager, all around better than his students. What he did worry about was that Harry didn’t really have friends which are important to a child's development, he had a play date with Draco and Dora was around during the break even if they were seven years older and both knew him as Rigel. Severus might not like most kids but he was still a teacher meaning he knew things about how their brains worked. When they left the library they saw the outside had been fully covered in snow. A blizzard was coming. He could just stay in his room here but he would be needed at the castle. With snow came colds too as if children aren't gross enough they'd all be getting sick and Poppy would need more pepper up.

When he got back Minerva was waiting for him in his office. “You have been disappearing more than usual.” She gave him a curious look. “I have been spending time with Capella, the Black brother's little sister. She has decided she wants more family time and deemed me one of them.” Severus was weary. He wasn't sure where her loyalties were and she was already aware of his relationship with the younger brother. when they’d all get really drunk he starts getting sad about Regulus and Lily as they had been such big impacts on his life.

“Yes, I recall them I tried to get Albus to intervene, maybe If he listened or I tried harder their fates would have been better. That poor girl barely has any family left now, how is she ?.” Minerva always tried to help children in bad homes but Albus never gave her any aid if the child was pure blood, it pissed her off. Over the years her trust was faltering.

“Capella is doing better she has her son, Andromeda’s family as of late, and Lupin most recently” Severus was baiting her seeing how she’d react to news of Remus and she definitely showed curiosity. “So the rumors are true she has a son and now she’s managed to get that boy off his bloody mountain ?” Minerva would go up to visit when she had the energy to argue with the boy to convince him solitude doesn't help and the self pity does nothing. “Yes, Rigel is a nice young boy, very bright but I suppose that happens when both parents were in Ravenclaw, Lupin and I are honorary uncles, is there anything you need or are you just here to gossip? Because as far as I’m aware it isn’t Saturday yet.” Severus rolled his eyes but she was just happy he was getting out of his lab and agreeing to Capellas' idea of a family, like Remus he desperately needed it, with each day he was getting colder and more distant.

“Sorry, yes a blizzard is coming, we need to prepare the students. Flitwick and I will help you with casting some heating charms for your snakes since Albus wont do anything about the temperature in your dorms and our students are ready.” Minerva got up and the two left. After every thing that happened with him and the Marauders she kept a closer eye out for bullying and got stricter with her lions. Minerva was proving herself trustworthy and was definitely the most powerful witch he knew. If he was being honest, her job as deputy headmistress was below her skill. She could easily take over as headmistress, kicking Albus out. Later tonight he should probably send a letter to Capella about his new findings and idea of having Minerva replace Albus.

Capella sat in the head office going through papers from the goblins, drafts of the new laws people were proposing, and other desk work one deals with when being a paranoid noble refusing to let others handle it for her. As she worked the portraits of previous heads gave their input some helpful, most complaining about how the man of the family should be in charge and not her. “The only men in this house right now are a half blood werewolf and a muggleborn neither of Black blood so who do you want at this desk?” Capella snapped at them and they actually started to discuss which of them they preferred, only pissing her off more.

“I AM A CHILD OF THE HOUSE OF BLACK SAME AS MY BROTHERS, YOU WILL GIVE ME ADVICE LIKE YOUR SUPPOSED TO OR SHUT UP YOU FRAGMENTS OF SELF ABSORBED TRASH, IT’S MY TURN YOUR DEAD !”

as she yelled her magic pulsed and knocked many of them off the walls. She took a few breaths raining in the famous Black temper, then pulled out her wand to put them back up. Most now quite due to the display. So she got back to work flipping through papers skimming over each document. Lucius the bastard is still trying to push his son in line for inheritance like hell. When an idea hit her it was time for drastic actions.

A letter to Severus bring Dora home for a moment and that it was important, well with the weather she best send a patronus. Next she needed to prepare things she wasn’t about to let anything slip through. It would have to wait till tomorrow the sun was about ready to set anyway.

At the dinner table Capella sat at the head of the table ready to give her proposition “Andromeda how would you like to be reinstated as a daughter of Black. I don’t think I can bring Ted in but Dora can be put in line ahead of Draco.” she sipped on her wine and Ted dropped his fork. He knew what a big deal this would be and his wife just had a threatening smile.

The next day Andromeda and Capella took Dora to the heart of the house where the true family tree tapestry resided. Most families kept theirs in the family vault these days thinking there old fashioned, but back when Grindelwald was in power the Blacks were disowning people like there's no tomorrow so a trip to the bank just takes too long. Reinstating people has only happened a few times though

Capella drew her wand and house ring. slicing open her hand and letting blood pool for a second then using the ring as a stamp to the blood finally pressing the ring to Andromeda’s burnt face, the blood stamp absorbing repairing Andromeda's place. “Dora dear you just need a few drops of blood” Capella pointing to an empty spot under Andi’s. Dora walked up to the wall as their mother tended to her cousin's bloody hand. Dora sliced open their finger and pressed it down. A shiver of magic went up their spine and they felt the magic of the house, old, dark, and both bone chilling cold and melting hot at once. They had heard how powerful old magic was but this was stronger than expected.

“Your core should get a boost for transfiguration as well as gray and darker magic. You might even find it easier to control your appearance shifts.” Capella informed them as Andi bandaged her hand. It was official they had been reinstated in the family. Dora would have to go back to school but now it was undeniable they were a part of the house of Black. Capella loved thinking about how Lucius would react now that his chances of getting their power were even lower.

A few days later Narcissa arrived at the manor after checking Grimmauld place, unlike in the past the place felt softer, more welcoming than when she was a girl and the air felt thick and daunting. She even heard slight laughter and footsteps dashing through the halls. “Narcissa, what are you doing here ?” Capella entered the room to greet the unexpected guest. “My husband demands to know why Draco has been put further down on the heirship list. He found out last night and tried to come over himself but was rejected.” Narcissa kept a neutral face as she spoke. “Ah yes, as current head of the family I finally reinstated Andi and her kid, who technically rank above you and Draco.” Ella’s mention of the older sister got a slight reaction.

Narcissa hadn’t seen her sister since she defended her during her death eater case. Narcissa continued to ignore her afterwards despite the aid she lended as her sister disowned or not. “Andi’s here ?” Narcissa’s voice was wavering with hope. “So now I’m your sister and not just Mrs.Tonks ?” Andromeda made her presence known as she leaned on the doorway. “I’m sorry I just, just was scared, it’s safer to stick to the old ways, Draco was still just a baby.” Narcissa’s indifferent demeanor fully shattered looking like a little girl getting scolded again. Andi couldn’t help herself and went over for a hug. “It's okay you were always the most cautious out of us, I know you were just trying to protect yourself and your son.” Andi comforting her little sister.

The words were true though Narcissa would wait as long as possible mulling over her options for the safest path. Calculating the best outcomes and what would get them there. A true cunning Slytherin.

The girls caught up with each other over tea afterwards. “As I said before if you and Draco ever need a break from him you can stay with us, we already moved the few things I have for Draco over to here just not yours.” Ella reminding her. “Does Andi live here as well ?” Cissy asked the two. “Not fully, I still have my own home. I just come over here often to assist in Rigel heirship training and so Dora can learn more about their family. Not to mention spending time with Ella.” Andromeda would only move in if the war started back up again. Today might not be the day to let Narcissa in on the secret but they had a feeling she wouldn’t be fully against the idea of joining their new side and around then she would probably move in.

Meanwhile another woman was upset with a man. Minerva was losing her trust in Albus. He never gave her any information about how Harry was doing and disappearing more often. She was constantly doing Albus’s work while he went off doing who knows what. These days it felt as if she was the headmaster instead. Tonight was gossip night, every other Saturday she and the other house heads would drink and shit talk, it was her favorite. “The students are doing a full leak check since their pot in greenhouse 17 has been notably decreasing” Sprout chuckled “Do they not realize how long students have been using that one for special plants, of course we know” Flitwick refilling his glass “And we all know whose hands it ends up in, right? is divisions a real class ?” Severus thought about the students' faces if they learned the teachers dipped in all the time. They all sat in comfortable silence for a bit “I’m thinking about starting a coo against Albus, he's been pissing me off and not actually doing any work.” Minerva casually announced. Now all Severus had to do was wait to see the others' reactions. “I’ve been working on a plan for years. It'd be a challenge but I practically have a new curriculum built from scratch for if that day comes, Rowena knows we need it.” Flitwick admitted “We'd have to get Malfoy under control first otherwise he'd take over if we tried anything.” Minerva pointed out. Only Sprout seemed cautious with the idea but she’d likely sway to their side. This was perfect if he can get them on the neutral side it would be profitable much like his original thought process Flitwick would be the most understanding out of all of them so that’s where he’ll start, he is a great strategist. Then Minerva and Poppy will most likely follow her wife, making it more comfortable for Sprout to join.

Chapter Text

Filius had gotten a letter from the house of Black, with the official seal as well as the Ravenclaw seal. Requesting that he comes for a visit to the manor for a meeting over tea at his convenience. An intriguing offer, knowing his former student this is probably important and at least a bit entertaining. Tomorrow he’ll have a planning period before lunch which should give them ample time. He drafted a letter telling her this so she knew in advance in case she needed to prepare anything beforehand. Later that night he went over different scenarios in his head. What intrigued him the most was the chance to meet the rumored son that Severus spends a lot of time with but almost never speaks of. Once he started wondering if Severus was actually the father he knew he needed sleep before he snowballed down a path of strange conspiracies.

He arrived at the parlor to be welcomed by Capella with the Ravenclaw and Black family rings showing this was business and not just a chat. She led him to a side study and as they walked he noted unlike many pure blood homes family portraits were scarce like ten at most, the house of Black was known to be paranoid but even this was overkill. He had been here in the past when parties were held due to his title as head of Hogwarts’s Ravenclaw house but even then more portraits were hung. Just what was happening and why was he involved ?

“Rumor has it you are unhappy with the state of the school with how Albus is running things.” Capella planned to use what Severus told her for an opening “In all honesty yes he is stuck in the future when we need to be looking at the past and now rebuilding instead of delaying, I don’t think he understands the war is over or at a stand still judging based off his actions.” Filius wasn’t sure how she knew but he had trust in her but still knew he needed to be careful with what he said.

“It’s true the war has yet to truly end contrary to popular belief, and to put it bluntly I’m offering a new side one based on magic not blood, both sides are interested in winning but the gray fraction just wants peace and pure magic both light and dark. We feel there is a growing void between Mother Magic and the wixen people no matter their blood status and when I say peace I mean between all the children of Magic.” Capella mimicked the strong and daunting behaviors that she saw her old relatives use when talking. A part of her still felt like a little girl trying on her mothers heels and pretending to be grown, she only hoped her act was convincing enough so Flitwick couldn’t see past the facade of confidence.

Filius leaned back in the chair with his eyes squinted “The goblin nation found its catalyst and you are a main component aren't you ?” Filius smiling to her. He hadn’t expected that this was about the time of change the other magical races have been preparing for, that magic would reset the balance, as a half goblin himself he was no stranger to the prejudices the other non wixen races face. Then to his surprise Remus Lupin came in with a young boy. Back when Remus was in school Filus connected the dots and realized the boy was a werewolf and even some of the more open minded wixen had a slight disdain for them so the fact she had no issues leaving her son in his care spoke volumes, she really was neutral. “So is that a yes ?” Capella looking to him with a slight smile. “I’m excited to join your faction”. After getting filled in on most of the details he went back to the castle to start working on his own ideas and making a copy of his redone school plans for her to go over.

Dear Capella Black

As of late the rumor mill has been discussing that you and my late son did in fact produce an heir, I wish to know why I was never informed of this. I request that you and the boy come for lunch on Sunday so I can meet him. I expect a good reason for why it’s taken this long for me to be informed. As well as learn about him. As I should know my own grandsons birthday, full name, god parents and other such crucial information.

Sincerely,
Bartemius Crouch Senior

Bartemius was furious if this was all true that bitch had been hiding his heir, possibly even turning it against him. It was a mistake letting his son choose the girl of his own fancy as long as she was pure blood, he should have known the Black family had always been untrustworthy. “Turns out you didn't completely mess things up for me boy, that girl of yours ended up pregnant and hid your son since. Lets just hope she didn’t mess him up.” Bartemius walked into his son’s room.

It’s been a risk keeping him but if he who must not be named comes back he still needs the boy to stay close so he has safety no matter what side wins. Barty stayed silent as he tried to recall if it was possible for the kid to be his own but years of the Imperius curse and torture had done a lot to his memory. Had he even gone that far with her ? It all felt so far away. If it is true he just has another reason to hate that man, if he had been allowed to make his own choices he would have never gotten involved in the war. He and Capella would be married and raising their son together. Maybe Even and Regulus would still be alive after all he might not have been completely in control but he did support their joining the death eaters.

This would be the ultimate test for Harry’s acting skills, he can’t make any mistakes as Rigel Barty Black. Capella hated the idea of seeing Crouch senior and having Harry near the man in general, Barty never said it out right but she knew the man was an abusive shit. When things got heated between them she saw how many scars Barty had littering his skin. Sadly it wasn’t uncommon for pure blood children to suffer varying levels of abuse. She had been able to avoid such punishments since lots of scars weren’t attractive and she was raised to be married off to strengthen the family.

Bartemius had been keeping his eyes glued to Rigel closely inspecting him looking for signs that it wasn’t his grandson, however eventually he had to talk to Capella separately and that's when he was left alone in the parlor with his sketchbook. Harry however was curious he could tell that there was another person in the house that “grandfather” wasn’t telling them about and they were nearby. It left him with an internal battle should he just stay and wait for his “mum” to return or figure out the mystery person Is.

In the end he was told to keep an eye out for anything strange so he was off. He tiptoed through the halls but figured if he was caught he could just say he was looking for the bathroom. Once he was outside the door he felt the magic signature coming from he peeked through the keyhole and saw the man who was his “father” the man pictures who was supposed to be dead trapped in the room looking unwell. He figured his best bet would be to ask Kreacher.

Kreacher knew just what to do. He then appeared in front of his mistress and explained in French. She then told him to take the man back home and put him in one of the extra cells in the basement. “Sorry it seems Rigel got lost looking for the bathroom so he called for help. He's just telling him to stay put and that we’ll find him” Capella lied to the man as Harry moved to a spot further away from the door to be found. “MUM !” Harry ran to Capella muttering apologies in French to help with the act and she responded the same “Sorry Bartemius as I was saying he’s not ready to be away from home for long stretches of time he’s still working on his English as well, I had been raising him in France till now.” Capella gave a soft but fake smile to the older man and they continued their visit.

In the basement Barty was stuck in a cell being greeted by Remus who was asked to watch him until they got back. “The hell is happening Lupin ?” Barty pressing himself up against the bars “I don’t know myself. You are dead, so if you mind telling me what happened we might be able to speed things up for Ella.” Remus conjuring a chair for himself. “Are you talking about my Ella or Bellatrix for some reason.” Barty unsure who he’d rather face Bellatrix might be crazy but he rather deal with her than a mad Capella. “Capella, she’s working on world domination though, I’m thinking the urge to do so is genetic.” Remus partly joked. “So how well do you think this will work out for me?” Barty figited filled with anxiety unsure how real this all was (he might have just finally snapped). “I can't say, since I don’t know her feelings for you.” He and Barty were in no way close and Capella doesn't talk about him so he has no clue what his and Capellas relationship was like which will most likely affect his fate. The two stopped talking after that so Remus played sudoku as Barty walked in circles waitting for her return.

Capella asked Andromeda to come over and watch Harry and for Severus to send some Veritaserum, not telling him what it’s for. “I thought you didn’t need me to babysit as much anymore?” Andi appearing in the house “Well you won't be spending all your time doing that you and Remus will take turns, he’s on first shift.” Caplla also called her here for support since these days they were more sisters than cousins. As they walked to the cells she kept fidgeting with her hair yanking her overgrown bangs out of her bun when she walked past a mirror looking like her mother. “Ella what's wrong ?” Andi placed a hand on the younger woman's shoulder “You’ll see when we get there.” Capella brushing off her hand and descending down the stairs.

Barty heard the sound of heels hitting the stone steps and the voices of two women “Remus be a dear and go up stairs so Rigel has someone nearby.” Capella instructing him. Barty watched as she rounded the corner, her hair was more curly, she had moved on from frilly dresses to ones that were tight and showed off her figure, and wore jewelry that in the past she would have called clunky and unnecessary. Appearing like a proper pureblood lady than the soft and shy girl he knew before. Behind her was Andromeda shocked but maintaining composure. “Last time I checked I was a widow before making it to the altar so do you mind explaining.” Capella sat down in the chair Remus got looking at the man.

Chapter Text

Barty figured the best place to start was the last time he saw her, “When I was exposed my mother switched places with me. Bartemius went along with it so if the dark lord did in fact return I would still be able to get him safety. He's been playing both sides so no matter who won he’d have an in on the winning side. He's kept me in that room since, I’ve been going mad. The years of the Imperius curse.” Barty frantically explained. Severus brought the Veritaserum that evening and the story still matched. If she played her cards right she could get Sirius out of jail and if she's lucky get Bartemius in Sirius’s cell instead.

Her thoughts were interrupted by Barty though “So is it true we have a son ?” Barty was both thrilled and terrified at the idea. “So you caught wind of the rumors. Well for now since the situation is so delicate I am raising a young boy and he is related to me and that's all I'll tell you for now.” Capella felt bad for withholding information this important but it was for her and Harry's safety. With that said she still cared for him so she and the others brought down some items to make his cell more comfortable. “Thank you Ella, I understand that I should stay in here as you work things out.” Barty got comfortable in the cell and Capella just nodded and went back up to her office to plan things out. Barty laid there thinking about how much she changed.

-Flash back-

She was a first year and he was a third. He, Regulus, and Even were studying when she approached their table she was well put together her hair was straightened and pulled back into a ponytail that bounced when she walked with a bow tying it up and at eleven she had only a bit of a heel on her shoes. “Regie, can you help me a bit ? I have a test and I was wondering if you could help study since you already took my classes ?” Her accent was thick and she was very soft spoken, making it harder for him and Even to understand “Ask Sirius to help I’m busy.” Regulus dismissing her not wanting her around his friends embarrassing him. Causing her frown “His friends are loud and struggle understanding me.” she spoke a bit louder. “Then go make your own friends and stop bothering us.” Regulus rolled his eyes and she stormed off saying something Regulus later informed him was a spew of insults and swears. She had then grabbed Barty’s attention due to her surprising temper and soft appearance. It wasn't love at first sight but it was close.

-End of flashback-

Later that night she was still thinking about her next moves as she laid in bed when she should be sleeping. “I had a nightmare.” Harry stood in the door frame to her room. “Come here, and we can talk through it.” Capella patted next to herself on the bed. Harry ran up next to her and cuddled in. “I was running through the house looking for you but it was just me, you all disappeared. Then there was a knock at the door and when I opened it uncle Vernon was there and he dragged me back, I called out for all of you, I used my magic but nothing happened.” Tears rolled down Harry’s face. “They can’t get you here, you're safe and soon even more people will be here to help whenever you need.” Ella rubbed circles on his back to calm him down, letting him fall asleep in her bed.

The next morning Barty woke up to the smell of breakfast. Capella stood on the other side of the bars with two plates in her nightgown and slippers. “Take these.” She pushed the plates through the slot and then transformed into her dog form to sneak between the bars. “What is it ?” Ella looked at him and his stupid smirk. “You just look more like you compared to yesterday.” Barty brushed her overgrown bangs to the side. Her hair was down and frizzy, no makeup or jewelry and she had a ruffled nightgown on. “You mean less put together. Well it happens when your pup is an early riser. We eat breakfast then get ready. Thank Godrick for Remus distracting him long enough for me to get a cup of coffee in me." Like most of the Black family Capella isn’t a morning person and according to Remus Potters get up with the sun with the energy to rival a snitch.

“You and Lupin aren’t together are you ?” Barty’s jealous tendencies pointed out another man living with her and sent him spiraling and Ella’s laughter wasn’t helping. “Remus wants to shag my brother not me, he and Severus are honorary uncles and free child care for when I'm busy.” Capella was practically folded over in half with how hard she was laughing at the notion and Barty was now a bit embarrassed. “We dogs are loyal, the only other people in my bed are children when they get nightmares.” Capella leaning her head on his shoulder. “What other kids are here ?” Barty was confused since he only heard about the one. “I’ve taken care of Narcissa’s son Draco a few times and Andi has a kid but at fourteen I doubt they'll be at my door in tears wanting to snuggle.” Capella was still a bit upset that she missed Dora’s younger years. The two talked for a bit longer before she had to leave.

Amelia Bones, the Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, probably the most unbiased person in the whole department and can't be stopped. In other words just what Capella needs. “Lady Black what can I do for you ?” Amelia sat behind her imposing desk. “I imagine you don’t recall every bit of gossip so let me give you some base information for context or filling in any gaps. Back when I was in Hogwarts I was arranged to marry Barty Crouch Jr. Currently there are rumors going about me giving birth to his heir in secret. Yesterday Bartemius Sr. requested I come over for lunch so I could clear things up for him. While there I learned that Barty Jr. was in fact alive being held captive. I removed him from the house. I have been keeping Barty in my family dungeon to see if it was actually true and found that Bartemius had arranged the ordeal and been using unforgivables on both his wife and son.” Capella saw how the other woman was handling the news. Amelia didn’t know what to believe, sure Crouch was a slimy git and in the past Capella has only told the truth but the story sounded outlandish. “May I meet with Bartemius Jr.” Ameila figured that was the best next course of action after all this wasn’t in any training.

She arrived in the dungeon to find some other man playing cards with Barty Jr. through the bars. Capella cleared her throat to catch their attention “Madam Bones this is Remus Lupin he was a soldier for the Light during the war, Remus this is as you know Madam Bones.” Capella gave Remus a slight glare “Madam Bones pleasure to meet you.” Remus stood up a tad bit embarrassed. Amelia spent the rest of her day putting together a case with Capella after learning how deep the corruption went.

“Your niece lives with you, correct ?” Capella looked up from her papers. “Yes, I don't see how that's relevant.” Amelia was protective of the girl so she was cautious now that the lady Black was asking about her. “I was wondering if we could possibly set up a playdate, I’ve been quite the hermit since the war and so I don’t know anyone with kids and unlike myself Rigel doesn't have siblings to speed time with. Sorry if this is a bit forward I just am out of my depth here.” Capella had a suspicion a child raised by Amelia would make a great friend for Harry. “I suppose we could arrange something for once your family settles down a bit. It will be around a week till I can get Bartumis Jr a trial but that will give me time to keep digging so we can make a solid case.” Amelia knew befriending the Black family could benefit Susans future since they are extremely loyal. After a little while longer she left to go work on getting rid of Crouch at home.

In the meantime Capella would add getting a mind healer and doctor for Barty when he's free to her long list. Her work load had increased since taking in Harry but it’s for the best, things were finally changing. But that didn’t mean she could stop working. She would go over the mountain that was Filus’s Plans, ideas, edits, and even new curriculum. The man had the right ideas, all color cord-anted, there was room for improvement after all one man couldn’t solve everything, she would ideally want experts as well but it was a start. After dinner she started teaching Harry wizard chess, she still found it adorable when Harry would get excited over simple magic and small tricks. Harry ended up more distracted by the little horses. It looked like the boy was actively avoiding them getting caught over the others.

Once he was put to bed she called Narcissa over. “Are you up for a duel cause I could really use a few rounds.” Capella and her would occasionally duel during Narcissa’s few visits as both women needed an outlet for their feelings as it was practically a family rule to train when you’re angry so you don’t act on it like an idiot. The two women stood in the dueling hall both in sleek outfits instead of their normal wear with hair tied back and out of the way. After a three second count flashes of light were flying through the room as the two put up shields or dogged. Nothing was too harmful but it’d still hurt to get hit. Capella learned that the hard way once her calf was sliced, again nothing too bad that can’t easily heal just some blood “Shit” Ella mumbled. They never talked a lot during their duels so they could truly focus on what they were doing. Capella finally hitting her and unintentionally turning her into a blondish fox. Cissy ran around in a tizzy for a bit before switching back to human. “Looks like you have an animagus form, a fox relative of the canine family. Just took a good hex to scare it out of ya.” Ella sheepishly smiled as she was at the receiving end of a playful glare from Cissy and the two continued dueling.

Afterwards they sat down for tea. “You should come over on full moons for runs now, it's quite exhilarating.” Capella offered excited since it was always more fun with more people. “I’ll pass. I'd rather read a book or get a good night's sleep than run around.” Narcissa couldn’t imagine running around at night with no real objective to be any kind of fun. “You should try it at least once. It's good for stress as well.” Ella continued to try and coax her into it. It was always nice to run with others and she could use a stress reliever herself with the trial coming up.

It was the day of the trial Capella was on edge with her nerves out of control. Remus would stay home with Harry so Ella, Andi, and Severus could be there. Bartemius had no clue what he was walking into since he had been looking for his son who must have escaped upon hearing the news about his family. “Bartemius I’m afraid you will be sitting in a different chair today.” Augusta Longbottom tapped his shoulder with a wicked smile. To say he was confused was an understatement when mad eye Moody pulled him to the chair in the center of the room and kept him at wand point. “Today we discuss Bartemius Crouch Sr. and his many offences including use of two unforgivables, child abuse, domestic abuse, abuse of power, conspiracy against the ministry, aiding the dark lord, and murder.” Dowager Longbottom listed off for the room and Bartemius knew he was fucked.

“First Lady Black provides a memory.” Augusta nodded to the younger woman. “For context my ward and I were at Crouch manor as we were summoned to clarify if I had produced an heir with his son and due to this containing French a translation will be provided after.” Capella sat back down and her memory was projected for the room to see. The memory played and the crowd began to whisper amongst themselves as some read the written translation.

“Next we bring in Bartemius Crouch Jr.” Augusta silenced the crowd with her words. In came Barty ready to give all incriminating evidence to the jury. They gave him Veritaserum and started questioning. “Were you a willing death eater ?” Dowager Longbottom kept a cold glare on him the whole time, understandably so. “No, I was under the control of my father. I just wanted to raise a family with my beloved and be a better father than him.” Barty answered in a trance-like state. They continued questioning him and in short it was horrible especially when Augusta learned it was Crouch Sr. who gave her son's address. No one dared to go against her when she sentenced 20 years to the dementors and then the kiss if he wasn’t dead yet.

As for Barty he was put on parole with a five year wand ban and public service. Only then would he be able to claim his lordship back. Capella was thrilled she thought he’d get worse but Augusta felt bad about his childhood and mother. “Before we end today I wish to know if today's events give my eldest brother a fair trial since he was never given one under Bartemius’s order.” Capella looked at everyone as they decided. Thanks to the pity of many it was granted.

That night back at the Black manor they celebrated the demise of Crouch Sr. The next day they met with the goblins to sort things out and have a meeting about their next steps. “We request that Harry gets a proper tutor when he turns eight so we can monitor his progress closer.” the goblin king wasn't really asking. “Perfect I trust none of it will be too dangerous, he's still a kid.” Remus had taken over teaching Harry for Severus since he had a full plate and was making his wolfsbane. “Of course we goblins value our youth and understand that too much pressure and training could negatively affect him.” A goblin to the kings left answered.

“Well my next step is to try and prove my brother's innocence as he is Harry's rightful guardian.” Capella hoped the goblins would be satisfied with that response. “Yes you are in a gray area with how legal your guardianship is so that’d be wise, Albus is probably scheming to find and get him back.” Many of the goblins then nodded their heads in agreement. Once the meeting ended they all let out a breath they didn’t know they were holding.

Chapter Text

Back in Azkaban many prisoners were cackling as the guards walked Crouch down the rows of cells containing people he sentenced. Sirius was so proud hearing how his baby sister was the driving force behind it and it gave him hope she’d come back for him. A few papers were distributed and Bella ripped out his mugshot to cherish the news. Sirius was more focused on the smaller photo with Barty jr. holding Capella with Andromeda standing to the side and underneath Barty’s words about just wanting to have a family and Rita going on about how tragic and romantic their story was. “That bastard already has his hand all over her!” Sirius showing it to Bella. “Andi’s there too, I thought she was disowned.” Bella frowning “The bastard !” Sirius shoving the photo closer to her. “Well I suppose the weddings back on.” Bella taking another glance. “I ought to chop off his hands.” Sirius grumbled wishing he could remove the man from the photo. After a bit more sulking he continued reading the article and at the very end he read.

Lady Black requests the jury give her brother a fair trial after Bartemius denied him one. This begs the question is lord Sirius Black really guilty and how many others were possibly wrongly imprisoned due to Crouch Sr. treachery? The ministry will be going through their records to make sure everyone sentenced when Bartemius was in charge actually had a trial and a fair one at that. It is requested everyone who has a seat on the wizengamot come in themselves and not proxies.

Tears fell as Sirius read those words “Siri what is it ?” Bella hadn’t seen him cry since his first two years in Azkaban so she wondered what could rattle him that wasn’t front page worthy news. “She’s trying to get me out, they got me a trial, she didn’t forget about me.” Sirius then ripped out the footnote from the article. “Hey, if you're done ripping up the paper, pass it down so others can read !” A man nearby yelled to them. Bellatrix and Sirius each got a paper since it was the guard who gossips passing them out so he gave them copies since it involved their family so they passed the unripped one down. “You think I might be able to get out during the retrials?” Bella looked to her little cousin with eyes he hadn’t seen since they were young and playing with them or telling them about Hogwarts and how great it was.

“If they were to try and get you out what could they use to defend you ?” Sirius didn’t have much hope for her after every thing that she did, Bella thought for a minute and then it hit her “Barty used the plea of being constantly being under or threatened with Cruciatus and the safety of his mother, Rodolphus was using it on me I.. I lost my baby because of it. Cissy used being forcefully married to a death eater.” Bella started shaking as she spoke. “If anyone can get you out it’s Cappy, she’s always had a hidden vicious streak.” Sirius comforted Bella the only way he knows how, reminding her of their family's blood thirst when it comes to protecting one of their own.

It had been true Bella wasn’t nearly as crazy before she got married off and it made him remember when Capella got her arrangement,

-Flash Back-

“Andi didn’t let herself get forced into a marriage she didn’t want.” Sirius had gone to Hogsmeade to meet up with her. “And she was disowned. I'm fathers last heir. I don't get this freedom you left and Reggies dead, Plus Barty’s nice to me it’s rare to get a good match. I know Bella was getting beaten right away with Rodolphus, Barty has been nothing but nice to me. You wouldn’t understand you're a man and disowned you get to choose who you marry.” Capella then stormed off in tears leaving Sirius behind.

-End of Flash Back-

That ended up being their last full conversation he didn’t understand back then but now he’s started noticing the patterns around him for all those years of pure blood women frightened at the thought of marriage and made him think of his own mother, was she once a nervous young girl ? Is that why she was so cruel ? Was Capella still safe with Barty ?

Chapter Text

Alastor Moody came out of retirement just so he could be set as Bartys parole officer which was going to be one hell of a problem. Alastor’s eye would spot Harry right away and to make things worse Moody would be moving in for at least the first year. It was decided Harry would stay with Andi for the first two or so weeks since any longer people might get suspicious. “Love, so before Moody gets here I should tell you I am not the mother of Rigel. That's just Harry Potter under an illusion, I actually took him from his abusive relatives. I'll tell you more later but Moody is about to arrive just please it’s all for the boys safety so please play along he IS Rigel Barty Black.” Capella hoped he’d understand. “I’ll play along after all if it weren't for that boy I’d still be locked up.” Barty held her cheek and brushed his thumb along it and she they’d be fine.

When Moody arrived he immediately started complaining about the large amounts of dark magic “If you're willing maybe you could help us get rid of or safely store some of the more unsavory things.” Capella knew there are unsafe items but couldn’t remove them all herself since she was focused on healing magic for her brothers as a child and continued on that track so curse breaking wasn’t her strong suit. “Fine I’d like to see what monstrosities your family made are hidden here.” Alastor knows how few people that aren't family get this much access to the manor and wasn’t going to pass it up.

She took the two men to the family wing “Here’s your room. I figured you’d prefer to be close at all times but if you’d like I can set you up in the guest wing.” Capella stood in front of the doors labeled Barty and Moody. “No, this is fine.” Moody gruffed out. “Our house elf's name is Kreacher, you will treat him with respect.” Capella giving both men a stern look. “Not often you hear that, don’t worry the Moody’s have similar ideology of respecting the other races.” Alastor gave an approving nod.

At dinner it was only Capella, Barty, Remus, and Alastor. There was almost no small talk for the longest time “So Lupin how come you live here?” Alastor finally talking “Capella just showed up at my cabin and dragged me here one day.” Remus gave an awkward chuckle. “That shack was hardly suitable.” She then turned her head to Alastor. "I came there since he counts as family as my older brother obsessed over him, meaning he was already in our pack.” Capella not paying too much mind to her mention of a pack. “Then I suppose the legends are true and the Black family is really Lady Magic’s guard dog.” Alastor staring at her for a second. “Since when was that a thing ?” Barty was totally confused never hearing such stories. “Not surprised I only know about it from work, the other magical races still pass on those stories unlike the wixen community since the concepts of a family chosen by magic or some one powerful enough to rule over it threatened the authority of government officials. Heard a few of the fascinating stories.” Alastor was of similar beliefs of the non-wixen community.

“What about this ruler of magic stuff do you think it’s true ?” Barty was intrigued and surprised his father never mentioned something like that. “I’m not to sure my self but some who do know about the legend have said it was Merlin, Grindelwald, or Albus. But I think they haven't came if they're real.” Alastor might have been the only other wixen who agreed with the other races saying it hasn’t happened yet. “Makes since it couldn’t be Grindelwald despite being powerful he was defeated and if it was Albus we should have won the war much faster.” Remus adding in to the conversation. If he didn’t already know about Harry he would have thought it was Merlin from those three answers.

Moments later the sound of someone coming through the floo was heard “Sev have you eaten dinner yet ?” Capella called out without even checking who arrived. “Not important, I made a breakthrough !” Severus yelling back and Capella rolling her eyes at his stupidity “Kreacher, take some dinner to Sev’s lab.” Capella calling out to the elf. “What’s Snape doing here ?” Alastor now on guard since he was still suspicious about Snape's loyalties and unlike Barty has his wand. “Like Remus he's an honorary family member and I sponsor his potions research so he has a lab here.” Capella waiting to see Moody's reaction which was just a huff. The rest of dinner continued in silence.

The next day people in town got quite a show seeing Capella taking Barty shopping followed by Alastor. “Sorry about this Moody, Barty just has so few clothes. If something interests you while we're out I’d like to get it for you as an apology.” Capella noticed how uncomfortable he was “Conflict of interest.” Alastor was cautious, just because Capella seems like a nice girl that doesn’t erase his suspicions. With that said she still kept the trip short of Alastor. they could buy more when Alastor calms down a bit and doesn't feel he has to constantly follow Barty or owl order.

After a few more days they finally went around the place looking for unsavory items. Moody was thrilled to find all kinds of items. “Let's start with the family room. Does your eye detect anything concerning or just things we should be aware of?” Capella watched Alastor narrow in on a shelf “These figurines of the different Magical races, that sword hung on the wall over there, and that statue.” Moody listed off anything that could be concerning in each room and the deeper in the house they got the more there was. In the end many things were locked up or destroyed. Alastor had fun looking at all the objects each one was facanting. “Thank you so much, I’ve been wanting to check the place now that my son and I moved here.” Capella wasn’t lying but she knew mention of her wanting to protect her child would give the man a sense of ease. But her current story is that she’s been in France for the most part and the few times people have seen her out of her house were just trips.

After the first week Alastor stopped hovering as much and spent some time looking at some of the rare items held in the house and sometimes engaging in conversation mostly as they all read through the books in the library. “This book focuses on blood magic and theory behind it, mostly healing but a few more dangerous spells. I'm thinking of making a copy without them so we can have a copy in the common library and the original in the separate restricted one what do you think.” Capella wandlessly moved it to one of the stacks. “Since when could you do wandless magic ?” Barty looking up from his book. “It came with Rigel, it’s not unknown for children to boost one's magic, the only change for me has been moving small objects.” Capella knew that only happens with kids you birth but her theory is Harry boosted everyone he was related to including Black family after moving in with them due to his amount of raw power.

“When’s that kid of yours coming home he sounds like a powerful little tike, like to teach him a bit, if he has potential.” Alastor knows the kid has to have a really strong and powerful magic core to affect the mother and those kids make the best auror’s. Coming out of retirement for this job is looking like a perfect opportunity to get the mystery kid as his apprentice before Albus gets his claws in the boy. “Rigel has been staying with my cousin Andromeda as a precaution no offense to your skills or Barty but I worry about his safety. After all, we don't have a full grasp on how Barty was affected mentally. However, with how well things are going he might be back soon.” Capella knew making Barty act unstable could affect the good terms he got for parole and didn’t want to risk that so Harry would have to come home soon. Alastor just gave her a nod of approval.

Back at Andromeda's they were helping Harry get more accustomed to being called Rigel since he still would forget it was supposed to be his name, as well as calling Capella mum naturally by having him refer to her as that when talking about her. They told him to call Barty dad but if he slipped up and just called him Barty it wouldn’t be too strange since they never met. Harry liked being at aunty Andi’s because he could do more there like help cook and clean up since Kreacher wasn’t around to scold him for doing so. But he was starting to miss the grumpy old elf as well as mama (What he chose to call Capella since to him Lily was mum) and uncle Mooney, not to mention his room. Not that the guest room at aunty Andi’s was bad, it was very nice and she was very nice but it wasn’t his. He did pack some toys and got to use some of Dora’s old stuff (which was in better condition than Dudley’s ever was.) but it wasn’t the same he wondered if he was being selfish or spoiled. He didn’t want to be like Dudley but the feeling still lingered.

“When is Dora coming back ?” Harry had been getting a bit lonely since Ted and Andromeda both had jobs so he was left alone a lot more here. Back at home Mooney was always around since he didn’t have a job that Harry knew of, and mama almost always was home even when working and he could just sit with her enjoying the warmth of her magic, Mr. Severus was strict but still kind so he had gotten used to the man even if he only randomly popped in, so he was never really alone but here he would be left alone missing the feeling of the others magic. He was also just missing Dora because of how nice they were. Sometimes he felt bad for lying to them since he wasn’t actually their cousin and was treating him better the Dudley ever did.

“The summer holiday is in a few months and if their letters are anything to go off of they’ll want to spend more time with you at the family home.” Andi looked up from her papers and wondered if Harry needed more interaction with other kids. “If you’d like, we can go to the nearby park for a bit.” Andi needed a break anyways and knew Ella would have her neck if she let Harry go off on his own like she let Dora do at this age. “I’d like that.” Harry had still remained polite which was good. “Remember to use the name Rigel if you meet someone and stay where I can see you, Okay ?” Andi reminded him when they got there and then he ran off to play.

Chapter Text

At the park Harry played on the swings when he saw a girl in bright yellow rummaging in the field nearby. Since learning he was a wizard he’s only talked to one other kid, his cousin Draco who was a bit bratty and his cousin Dora but they're actually a teenager, a nice one though. He figured now was his opportunity to make new friends now that Dudley wasn’t running them off. He went over to talk to her but she was in her own world. “Hello I’m Rigel, what's your name ?” Harry stood there awkwardly as she stared at him for a moment. “That’s not your name, but hi I’m Luna, want to help me look for daisies ?” The girl finally spoke and Harry panicked for a second thinking his glamor wasn’t working but it was still in place. He figured the girl was just weird after all it wasn’t quite the right season for daisies but he could play along.

“I suspect the Nargles are the reason I can’t find any.” Luna mused “What's a Nargle ?” Harry had never heard of one and Luna looked happy to explain. “Nargles are a magical creature they’re very mischievous and tend to infest mistletoe that's why during and after Yule they're all over.” Luna explained. Luna’s magic was warm and felt like oranges and honey somehow, and was stronger than Draco's. Harry deduced she must be a witch around his age so since no one else was around he released his magic into the ground and focused really hard on the thought of daisies.

Moments later daisies began to grow around them at a rapid speed and Luna’s face lit up with pure joy. He was a bit surprised himself and was prepared for it to not work. “That was wonderful !” Luna quickly started picking them and braiding them into a crown as Harry just watched her trying to copy her actions to make one as well. The two kids sat there as Luna hummed a soft tune and when she finished she placed it on his head. “Every prince needs his crown plus the stems and leaves look good with your eyes.” Luna again made Harry wonder if she could see his real appearance but the necklace was still working. “Here you can have mine, it’s not as good since this was my first time making one, so sorry.” Harry rambled as he handed his crown to Luna “It’s perfect !” Luna immediately put it on despite it not looking as neat and nice as the one she made. She then continued picking the rest of the flowers when a blond man that resembled her came rushing over.

Andi saw that only one other kid was at the park all by herself and once Harry saw her he went over to talk to her. After a bit she felt his magic spark up and then flowers started growing around them. She would talk to him about using magic in public but didn’t worry about it too much as the girl would grow up thinking what she saw was a dream or miss remember it like most muggle children who see a bit of magic. She continued watching the two make flower crowns but after a bit a man came running over to them so she got up and drew her wand as she headed over to the kids. When she got there she recognised him, Xenophilius Lovegood and then it clicked the girl must be his and Pandora’s.

“How did you get here ?” Xenophilius bent down to their level. “I’m not sure, I was looking for daisies in the garden when I started popping up in different parks.” The girl didn’t seem worried about the situation though. “I don't know how long she’s been here since she was already here when we arrived but I’ve been keeping an eye on her.” Andromeda interjected “Oh yes thank you she’s been having accidental magic accidents more often.” Xenophilius gave a slight bow looking exhausted and not as whimsical as he was when in school. “No problem, we came to the park so Rigel could spend time with other kids anyways. If Pandora is free I know Capella would love to see her again.” Andi reassuring the man “Still thank you, I’ll pass along the message and tell Barty we send congratulations, but we must go.” Xenophilius picking up his daughter not having the heart to mention his wife's recent passing. “Bye your majesty I hope we meet again.” Luna waved to Harry.

Back at the house she put a preservation charm on Harry's flower crown as he told her about how nice Luna was, “Oh and is it possible that my necklace isn’t working because she said my name wasn’t Rigel and said the green in the daisies looked good with my eyes.” Harry asked leaving Andi even more surprised after hearing that the girl called him a prince. “No, it's still working. Luna's family has just always been a bit odd.” Andi figured the only explanation was how you can’t explain the Lovegoods. “Well I like odd, do you think I will get to see her again ?” Harry wanted to remain friends with her. “Yes, we can always arrange playdates and when you both go to school you’ll see her even more.” Andi made sure to remember to tell Capella about this.

Harry was thrilled at the idea of having a friend and the possibility of playdates. He had seen Dudley have or go to many in the past with the other boys who would pick on him, but he knew Luna wasn’t like that, she seemed far too nice and since she had magic she wouldn’t call him a freak like the other kids in the neighborhood did.

At the end of the week it was time for Harry to go home and he was super excited unlike the adults. He packed his things away including his flower crown that Andromeda got him a cardboard box for so it didn’t get crushed. “Mum, Moony, I missed you !” When they arrived he immediately ran to Capella to give her a hug and then to Remus. “Rigel, I’d like you to meet your dad.” Ella motioned to Barty and Harry went behind Remus’s legs “Hello I’m Rigel” Harry was nervous around the two new men. “And that is Mr. Alastor Moody. He'll be staying with us for a bit as well.” Remus picked Harry up. Harry thought Mr Moody had to be the scariest man so far. His best comparison was if you mixed Moony and Vernon.

Alastor immediately felt the child's magic. It had to be one of the most powerful people he’s come across and his eye detected a glamour on the kid. He’d have to look into that, this was no ordinary kid. He kept a close eye on the boy, he seemed well mannered but shy around him and Barty. That made sense though there was almost no information on him as he was almost never seen out in public so he must not be used to new people and Alastor was aware of the effect he had on kids. He was pleasantly surprised with how close he was with Remus since most mothers wouldn’t let their kid around a werewolf no matter how nice they were, then again Capella did invite him to live with them. He himself wanted to check all the precautions they had in place for full moons when he found out.

Later that night once the boy was put to bed he figured now would be a good time to ask questions and just his luck they were all in the family room as if they were waiting for him. “So you're gonna tell me about the kids' glamour?” Alastor noticed only Barty seemed to react to the question. “I knew we wouldn’t be able to pull this one over you… I never had a kid, that's Harry Potter. Before you report us you should know when I went to check up on him and I found him with Lily’s muggle relatives who were abusing him, contrary to the safe place that Albus had been telling me.” Capella wondered how much trouble they were about to get in but kept a confident facade. Alastor sat there in silence for a moment collecting his thoughts. He wouldn’t put it past the bastard to do something like that. “When I took him to the goblins they found six compulsions and a 90% block on his magic core. Albus is the top suspect.” Capella added to try and distract Moody from the fact she kidnaped the boy who lived with the horrifying facts she learned at Gringotts. Alastor finally spoke “He was turning the boy into a new pawn for his game because of how powerful he is. I'd even bet the goblins told you he’s the catalyst, didn't they ?” Moody asked. “Yes he can already do some wandless magic and has used earth elemental magic.” Capella was unsure how this was gonna go and was stiff as a board “I’ll make you a deal, If the ministry asked I had no clue what was happening but I get to train him and be a part of whatever faction you and the goblins are making.” Alastor stuck out his hand for a deal and Capella reached out to shake in agreement.

The rest of the night she debriefed Alastor on what the goblins have asked and who else was in on it. Turns out Alastor had trained with the goblins when he was young so all agreed it would be best for him to do the lessons so it seemed less suspicious. The next day Harry was told Alastor knew and would be his new teacher Harry wasn’t really thrilled that he was replacing Moony. Alastor was even more excited when he learned he would now get to go to the Black swamp.

It was the day of the first lesson Alastor came down to find Capella, Remus, Severus, and Barty also there. “What's with the crowd ?” Alastor gruffed out. “You need some one of Black Blood to get there, I figured you’d want Barty to come so you could keep an eye on him, Severus needs ingredients, and Remus likes to come to make sure the pup is safe and we aren't pushing him too far.” Capella sighed knowing how big the group was getting. First she took Alastor and Barty though then Severus and Remus and finally Harry.

“So kid show me what you can do.” Alastor looking down at Harry. There was no doubt Harry was powerful but Alastor wished the boy could do more. At the end of the day though he was still young and controlling that much power is hard but at least he was doing better than most would. “Okay, the first thing we need to manage is your mediocre disguise, talented wizards will be able to detect your little charm in an instant so I want you to focus on how you look and the differences between you and your Rigel look, list 'em out loud for me.” Alastor knew Albus would see through the current disguise. “My hair gets a more frizzy curly like mum’s and her cousin from the photos, my eyes go brown like Barty’s, my skin goes pale like all of Aunty’s family but I get freckles, my scar goes away, my cheeks get a bit pointy, and I get shorter.” Harry felt a bit stupid saying it all out loud. “Now focus on those and push your magic out with the intent to change those things.” Alastor instructed. So Harry squeezed his eyes close to concentrate slowly causing the texture of his hair to change and little freckles started popping up, Alastor transfigured him a mirror and when he opened his eyes that were now a muddy green.

They spent the entire lesson practicing his shifting between the two looks getting a bit better, going back to Harry was the easier part. At dinner all they could talk about was Harry’s new accomplishment “How did you know he’d be able to do that ?” Remus was still awe struck “He’s the chosen one of Mother Magic I had a feeling that meant not only would he have an unimaginable amount of power that he would be able to use genetic magic not to mention him being blood adopted by a member of the house of Black. Or in other words he has pure magic flowing in him.” Alastor explained. They all sat processing it and what it could do in theory.

But Harry, well he just wanted a nap after all that.

Chapter Text

The summer holiday was here Harry had gotten a hold on his transformation and no longer needed his necklace. In his free time he had been working on changing his hair to different colors like Dora and today he got to go with Andi to pick them up from the train. “Andromeda, good to see you and who’s this ?” A woman with red hair and two kids came up to them. “Hello, this is my cousin Capella’s son Rigel, he wanted to come with me to pick up Dora.” Andi nudged Harry forward “I’m Ron and that’s Ginny” the little boy pointed to the girl on Mollys hip. “Nice to meet you.” Harry gave a polite smile. “Such a little gentleman I wish my boys were like that.” Molly cooed over him.

Once the train arrived the two oldest Weasley boys came over with a yellow haired Dora who ran as fast as possible as soon as she saw Rigel. “You came ! We're gonna get to spend lots more time together now that it’s summer.” Dora picking up Harry and hugging him tight. “Look what I can do now.” Harry making his hair a bright yellow to match Dora,“See I told you he’s perfect !” Dora bragging to Charlie. Dora had been bragging about their new little cousin to Charlie all year. As an only child and not knowing any of their extended family was often jealous when Charlie would talk about what the twins did over the summer or when Ron and Ginny would send him poorly written letters.

Andi thought it was adorable and reminded her of Bellatrix fawning over Capella and their matching hair. She knew Dora would want to visit him all the time this summer and Capella wanted to work on catching Dora up on some of the family expectations like ballroom dancing now that they were taking over the family name. But first a few days of lazing about their room would happen.

With the third sister Narcissa was getting worried Lucius was getting upset all the time and she worried for her and more importantly Dracos safety. “I was wondering if Draco and I could visit my family home for the summer. According to Capella she and Andromeda will be teaching their children some of the family methods and secrets while school’s out so I was thinking I could take Draco to learn as well.” Narcissa held her breath waiting for her husband's response she knew it was a risky move especially mentioning Andromeda. “I suppose you may visit after all it will be good for Draco's future to gain such knowledge.” Lucius had been in a good mood and it would be beneficial since Narcissa was the youngest of her sisters and had three other cousin’s she was simply never taught certain things. Narcissa was thrilled so she got her and Dracos things ready. He was worried at first but knowing how happy his mum was he figured it must be a good thing.

When they arrived at the house Kreacher welcomed them. “The rest of the family and friends are in the garden. Kreacher can take your bags to your rooms." The old elf seemed just a bit warmer than in the past, the whole house did, giving Narcissa a sense of relief.

In the garden Draco saw the boy he met before with an older kid giggling as they transformed their facial features to the ones of different animals and his mother encouraged him to go over. “Oh hi Draco, What are you doing here ?” Harry noticed the boy. “My mother said we were here for the summer for family time.” Draco eyed the teen. “Oh same here, I’m Dora. I believe our mum’s are sisters.” Dora patting the grass for Draco to join them, he carefully sat down unsure about dirtying his clothes. “No duh that's how cousins work” Harry gave a bit of snark to the older one who just laughed and messed up his hair.

“I’m sorry for not asking before coming over but Lucius has been in quite the mood and I just wanted to get Draco out of there and he was having a good day so I had a better chance of him saying yes.” Narcissa’s normal confidence shattered. “Of course this is still your home and now they boy’s can get to know eachother better.” (What Capella really meant was no shit if I married that prat I would have thrown myself off the astronomy tower, stay as long as you need) and they all knew that.

The three then sat in silence watching the kids and how Draco was carefully opening up. Later Moody and Barty returned from one of Bartys mind healer sessions. “What are you doing here ?” Barty surprised to see the third woman at the table. “Avoiding my husband, he’s in one of his moods.” Narcissa rolling her eyes to mask how nervous she was just minutes ago. “When is he not in one ?” Barty meant it as an actual question but instead just got laughs from Capella and Alastor, as the other two women held composure but still with slight smirks.

Alastor never expected to be having dinner with the Black family and then drink by the fire making fun of Lucius Malofoy. “Not even Sirius spent that much time on his hair !” Remus recalling how long it took the man to get ready as Ella was cackling like Bellatrix at Lucius' hair routine. “With that said we really must get him out of there and when we do have a spa day ready for him.” Capella calming down “Make that a spa week, he spends as much time looking in the mirror as I do to get ready.” Andi causing another burst of laughs. “You have to hand it to him, the Slytherins had to resort to calling him pretty boy as an insult.” Barty recalled “Oh, Godrick that just inflated his already massive ego.” Remus rubbing his forehead. Recalling a teenage Sirius strutting about the castle.

“It never did sit right with me. The boy was too proud of being on the light side to pull a stunt like that.” Alastor grimaced as he thought about it. That comment led to them discussing how exactly they would prove he was innocent. “What if one of you goes and talks to him? I don't think there are any rules about visitors since no one likes to even think about the place.” Alastor figured if any one could it be Sirius who would be able to point them in the right direction for where to look.

Capella turned in earlier that night after they talked since she and Severus would be having another meeting with Fillius the next day. After All she had already worked herself into a standstill not able to do anything any way.

A full night's rest worked wonders for Capella as she double checked everything before Flitwick arrived. “We should be getting the other heads involved soon.” Severus sat relaxing with his tea as the other ran around like a chicken without a head. “I want to wait until we free Sirius for that. Minerva and Poppy are both very loyal to Albus and are a package deal, the two cared deeply for my brother and his friends so having both Remus and Sirius with us when we ask might help.” reasoned. The meeting itself focused on the school and students' education and safety.

“May I suggest we find a way to remove Binns' ghost? Having him teach puts Muggle born students at a disadvantage if they only ever hear him talk about his biased opinions on the goblin war.” Severus brought up the man who was never a good teacher to begin with. “If I recall after both the wizarding world war and Voldemort the school shrank a bit with the amount of unused classrooms we could just put the class in another room and leave him in there” Capella recommended recalling a many of times her and Barty met up in an empty classroom like many other couples have been doing over the years.

“Another thing I wish to discuss is the house system, while it’s helpful for the live-in aspect of the school by breaking them into smaller and more manageable groups it creates a divide between students. I think while it's smart for the first and last meal of the year, the divided tables increase the unneeded house conflict.” Severus added thinking about the prejudice his own horse faces.

After Filius left the two moved back to their discussion about Sirius. Andromeda set up a meeting for one of them to go and talk to him and so far the vote was putting Capella up for the task. “What if he’s too crazy to help ?” Severus had been pessimistic about the idea in general, not that he’d outright say he wanted to leave him there to rot, because it wasn’t really true any more. “Please don’t say things like that, it’s time for lunch anyway so I don’t want to hear any talk like that around the kids. got it ?” Capella glared at him and walked out of the office.

Draco was having a blast not having to worry about his father and getting to do things he would deem improper like going swimming in the garden pond “Dora stop splashing !” Draco giggled “HEY !” The two looked up to see Rigel in the tree next to the pond. “You wanna see a real splash !” Harry said with a mischievous glint in his eye and then jumped down even using a bit of magic to make the splash bigger, drenching the other two. “Kreacher is here to bring the young masters towels as lunch will be served soon.” Kreacher popped up with three fluffy towels for the kids. As they all got out and grabbed one they thanked him with big smiles across their faces.

Harry had been wondering why Capella wasn’t around much, she had been a way in the study all the time. Not that he doesn't like the rest of his new family. He was just missing her, she was the one that saved him. He was feeling selfish again, he was being spoiled. Aunt Petunia’s voice rang out in his head.

“You have to earn your keep, we won't have a useless little leach stuck with us, Tell me what have you done to get anything, If you want love you have to earn it !”

All of her hateful words repeated in his head. He scrambled into his closet hiding in the corner as he sobbed and stayed like that for a while. Eventually he heard a knock at the Door “Rigel are you in here ?” Dora stuck their head in and then heard the light sobs from the closet where they found a little boy but not their little cousin Rigel. This boy had bright green eyes and tan skin but still looked similar to Rigel even wearing the same clothes he had been in when they last saw him. “Hey what you crying in the closet for ?” Dora using a concerned but playful tone trying to get the kid so they could figure out what was happening. They scooped him out “What's your name and how’d you get here ?” Dora set the kid on the bed “What do you mean it’s me Rigel” Harry sounding panicked as he looked at them. “Really ?, you look so different, were you practicing changing your appearance ?” Dora could see some resemblance now but Harry got up and ran to his mirror “oh no I.. I my .. I’m not Rigel … I messed up !” Harry started struggling to breath, he wasn’t supposed to be Harry around Dora. They tried to calm him down but he just kept panicking.

Soon Remus came to check his room to see what was wrong and found the two. “I found him in the closet crying. He hasn't stopped, he's acting strange .” Dora was now also stressed. “Prongslet calm down, it's okay, it's fine, it was an accident.” Remus kept reassuring him finally getting him calm he explained a bit of what was happening to the teen leaving Dora with the knowledge that the boy they had been spoiling wasn’t their cousin Rigel but Harry Potter the boy who lived.

It was safe to say Dora was in a bit of shock.

Chapter Text

Capella had no idea that Harry was having a meltdown because she was on the verge of one herself as her boat approached Azkaban. An exhausted looking guard brought her though the halls of the prison, where she knew so many on the other side of those bars, many hated her for being a part of the reason they were there or that she wasn’t with them.

Then she heard a voice that almost brought her to tears. “No but still no matter how much time passes I’ll never understand why you had a crush on her, have you read her trashy articles there worse than her personality !” It was Sirius. His voice was raspy and not as lively as before but it was him yelling in a joking manner.

“Oye Black you got a visitor !” The guard yelled out and then he turned to see his baby sister “You look like shit, smell like it too.” Capella had tears in her eyes and a smile on her face “Ella ! you're so much bigger you look beautiful the photo didn’t do you justice” Bellatrix butting in. “Nice to see you too Bella but I really must talk to Siri.” Ella smiling at her “So a group of us believe you're innocent so when your trial comes what will we have to support that claim.” Capella getting more professional.

“I wasn’t the secret keeper, it was Peter and Albus knows this.” Sirius’s face went dark with the last part. “I have a plan, we'll get you free.” Capella lighting up a bit “Me too please.” Bella yet again interrupts and Capella’s heart shattered a bit “I’ll see what I can do.” Ella knew it was unlikely to free her with the long list of crimes she DID commit “Who believes I’m innocent ?” Sirius was really asking about one person and she knew that.

“Our family knows.” Ella messing with him by not outright saying his boyfriend was literally living with them as if the two were married before he was arrested. “What about Remus ?” Sirius looked like he was standing on glass shards waiting to hear. “I said our family knows, my question is if you’ll want your own room or not.” Ella gave him a smirk as he caught on to what she was saying. “If he’ll have me, what about Harry ?” Sirius quickly looked desperate again. “He’s safe.” Capella could feel his worry. “All right the dementors are coming this way so unless you want to stick around visiting hours are over.” The guard snapped at them so they all exchanged goodbyes and Capella headed home exhausted.

She arrived to Dora frantically dragging her to Harry's room where she learned about the little disaster that happened while she was gone. With Remus and Dora gone she went over and sat down next to Harry “What happened that got you so upset pup ?” She kept her voice soft and sweet as she wrapped an arm around him. “You don’t want me anymore do you ?” Harry looked up at her with big eyes. “What makes you think that ?” Capella trying to control her face since she had been told she looks mad when confused. “You're avoiding me, you don't want to deal with me, I'm just a problem.” Harry sniffled as he didn’t want to cry any more. “Oh no I’m not avoiding you sweetheart, I’ve been trying to rescue your uncle Sirius he’s stuck somewhere very bad just like you were and has been waiting for the day when he can be with us again.” Capella now was mentally kicking herself as she can see why he thought that. “Really ?” Harry sounded more hopeful. “Of course I went to visit him today and he asked about you, actually I was wondering if you wanted to snuggle like when you get nightmares.” Capella scooted in the bed and Harry held onto her as she ran her fingers through his hair so he could fall asleep.

Capella spent the rest of the day with Harry and after she went to Remus’s room. “Thanks so much.” Ella looked weary. “It was no problem, I want to help him and you.” Remus smiled and Capella sat down in the chair with a smirk “So I’ll tell you all the important things about my visit tomorrow but there’s something that I thought you would prefer to talk about in private. When he gets back I would like to know if you’ll still have him, and don’t worry there is no wrong answer.” Capella does not want him to think if he says no that she’ll kick him out. “Always !” Remus’s eyes held so much fondness. “Sirius will get the master bedroom and he wants to know if your stuff will already be there ?” Capella smiled as Remus got a small tint of pink on his face. “If he wishes.” Remus more mumbling at this point. “We’ll pick his things up from Grimwald and you can move yours to the master bedroom.” Capella smirked and left and when she did she saw Barty about to head to his room and so she dragged him into hers instead with a smirk.

After the meeting where Capella informed the others about what she learned and then she took Remus and Cissy to Grimmauld place so they could pick up their stuff. Cissy quickly got to work packing up anything from her old room she still wanted. As Capella and Remus worked on Sirius‘s room “He was looking really scrawny so his old clothes will probably fit him.” Ella folding clothes as she had Remus pack up items. “Hey, I found a box of photos. Do you think Harry would want to see them ?” Remus flipping through them. “Yeah, when I first got Harry I only grabbed a few things to shrink down not wanting to find what a teenage Sirius was keeping in here.” Capella had brought Remus for that and after a while he must have found it. “I know your family runs a bit obsessive but did he really have to take my favorite jumper and …” Remus choked on his own spit when he found some photos he forgot he let him take Capella wasn’t thinking when she looked to see what he found and immediately regretted it. “AHHHH WHY OBLIVIATE ME !!!” Ella tripping over her own feet and falling on her butt. “Are you two okay?, I heard yelling.” Cissy came running in to see what was wrong. “No I’m traumatized, I just saw Remus’s nudes from Hogwarts !” Ella screamed and Remus wanted the floor to swallow him whole and then Narcissa bursted out laughing.

Back at the house Andromeda noticed the three were a bit off and so did Severus who had been taking a break from working and ended up talking with her. “Are you two okay ?” Andi was a bit worried “They found Remus’s nudes in Siri’s room” Cissy yet again laughing joined by a snort from Severus “Narcissa !” Capella didn’t want to relive the moment “Oh come on that is proper embarrassment you should have heard how you screamed.” Cissy still had a giant grin on her face and Andi was even smiling a bit. Capella ended up finishing up her plan and other random paper work in attempts to cleanse her mind. She went over her plan with the other portraits and Filius for spots to work out and then she went over it with her mother and thought she had truly lost it when she saw her smile just to get praised for how good it was. At dinner when she told the others about what happened Narcissa asked Kreacher to bring out some of the good wine for rare occasions and they celebrated Ella somehow meeting family expectations and then they played some games together as a family.

Chapter Text

The plan fell into action and it all started with that morning's daily prophet.

The house of Black puts all business on hold including Ravenclaw assets. Due to this Gringotts will be raising interest for all nobles until the Black’s return to full operation.
Lady Capella Black was willing to give us a statement- “With the upcoming trial of my older brother who is the rightful head I am holding business for his return as I am only acting head.” - what is she up to read more on page 7

First step remind people just how much power we hold. With the help of the goblin nation she is now holding the other nobles by the neck and watching them squirm while keeping the lower class out of their bullshit. What wasn’t planned was the house elves at Hogwarts going on strike putting Albus in an uncomfortable spot. Kreacher went to talk to them as a representative of the houses Black and Ravenclaw to discuss the terms of their contracts and their relation to the founders as well as spread news of the coming catalyst. This aided in the second part confronting Albus.

At once his floo erupted with the arrival of Capella who had perfectly recreated the intense look of her mother as well as glare. “Albus during my brother's trial you will be informing everyone that Peter was the secret keeper for the Potters not Sirius.” Capella wasn’t leaving any room for him to back out, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t try. “I have something to talk to you about as well my dear, Did you know around the time of your last visit young Harry Potter was kidnaped from his home ?” Albus had his signature twinkle in his eye but Capella was prepared. “Actually I’ve heard the opposite, That Harry Potter has finally been reunited with who he was supposed to live with before he went missing from the cottage that night.” Capella watched as the twinkle in his eye dimed. “I’ll be seeing you at the trial then.” Albus’s voice went cold and Capella left with a knowing smile.

Albus was left in his office furious. “Ha, that's my family for you.” The portrait of headmaster Black erupted into life followed by many of the others who disliked him. Albus silenced all the portraits before they could keep going. How did that girl figure out about Peter and that Harry was supposed to be sent to live with Andromeda that night ? If word gets out he’ll be in lots of trouble more than he was already in. When he tells everyone it was Peter people will wonder why he never mentioned it before. Minerva had a soft spot for the Black kids and Lupin so he’ll get a scolding from her right away. Losing her loyalty would be a huge disadvantage as she's been doing almost all his headmaster work for him making it easier to work on his plans but keep the title and power the job came with.

The more he thought about it the more he wondered why he ignored the girl when she was in school, he had focused on so many others that she had faded into the background, he thought she’d just fall in place as a good little pureblood girl like her cousin Narcissa. What else could she have up her sleeve ? and has she ruined his chances of using Harry ? He needed a back up plan but who would replace all his pawns that were now fighting against him ?

He already had a back up for Harry, the only problem was the horcux. He can kill Harry and use the Longbottom boy and if things go really badly he can use a Weasley kid. They have been proven useful even if it's just numbers since they're constantly popping out kids. To be fair Molly is useful for keeping everyone fed and her older brothers were above average cannon faughter. That did leave the question of who should replace Barty Sr., Rowena help him this girl is causing a mess.

Albus wasn’t the only one plotting because he wasn’t the only one who got a visit. Between cashing in favors and giving strong suggestions (Blackmail) unlike most of her family Capella wasn't a sweet talker she found it easier to just be blunt.“Lord Crab, are you aware of the massive amounts of money you’ve embezzled because if not I have a collection of receipts that I can give to Gingotts so they can HELP.” Capella smirking at the fumbling man knowing he’d be ruined if she handed over whatever proof to the goblins. She was collecting the votes needed to free her brother as well as securing future votes. What she didn’t expect was Phineas’s poritat waiting for her in the office. “Capella I wish to offer my services and report Albus’s moves back to you.” The previous headmaster getting straight to the point as he was also a blunt man. “Well that is a lovely offer but why should I trust you our ideals are completely different.” Capella looked at him unimpressed. “You're right I don’t like that you're letting our house get so tainted but I prefer you over Albus.” Phinneas was at least logical. “And how do I know you wont sell me out to Voldemort ?” Capella knew by his logic his loyalties could change at the drop of a hat. “I’ll let you in on a secret not even Albus knows I learned about, Voldemort has horcruxes a kind of magic not even I tolerate despite what you might think.” Phineas might be a blood supremacist but not even he would go near such foul magic and so a deal was struck.

Capella was able to just sit back free of worry as she watched the kids play exploding snap. “What if we play a muggle game? I got a few of those. You know, just to change things up a bit.” Dora was stuck in a losing streak and getting frustrated that kids half their age were beating them. “My father doesn't allow me to use muggle things.” Draco had been doing quite well without having Lucius constantly watching him but still struggled disobeying things he said in the past. “But he’s not here so why not try it ?” Harry had been a great influence on him as he understood what it was like to get more freedom randomly. “Okay maybe just a game but you can't tell.” Draco fiddling with his hands but still excited to learn a new game. Capella had noticed that Draco liked to win and prove he was better, Harry seemed fine with it and often congratulated him and Dora begrudgingly accepted the results. Dora brought out a few games, Sorry, Clue, and Monopoly. The kids started with Sorry and soon some of the other adults came in.

“Muggle games can’t be that interesting.” Narcissa watched as the kids had fun with the strange new game. “Actually I think you might want to try one first.” Remus had a smirk on his face ready for trouble and that's how Severus walked into a heated game of Monopoly with Capella, Barty, Narcissa, Remus, and even Alastor. “You little brat that was the last railroad I needed” Alastor was furious with Ella as Barty kept asking if he could get out of jail yet and Cissy looked ready to flip the table as she muttered a string of profanities in French. “Isn’t this a sight to see, I assume this was your doing Remus.” Severus watched in amusement as the group of respected pure bloods acted like children over a game of Monopoly as Remus despite already out beaming with the classic Marauder smile, Severus would be saving this memory knowing they would deny acting like such fools later.

After the game ended like all games do, Quitting, Severus went to talk to Capella “Minerva is wishing to speak with you about Sirius, I believe she is fed up with Albus.” Severus hoped this news would put her in a better mood after that game of Monopoly and it seemed to at least get her mind off it. “Can you extend an invite for tomorrow at two in the afternoon ?“ The gears in her head started turning as she thought about how to go about a conversation with Mcgonagle.

Severus headed to his lab to continue working on his new wolfsbane since he doesn't have any other classes today. It has been an interesting challenge and after seeing the others play that game he wondered what this would look like in muggle terms. He started deconstructing it like an illness down to its symptoms and transfer method. Hunkered up in his lab he blocked out the rest of the house unsure of the time passing until Kreacher interrupted “The family wishes to know if you will be joining for dinner or if I should bring you a portion here.” Kreacher snapped him out of his tunnel vision. “I think I’d like to join the others tonight.” Severus made an effort to still interact with the others after all they had been more than generous to him. At dinner Capella and Narcissa insisted he get proper sleep for once so he laid there thinking.

Why did they do this ? He wasn’t family and despite what they say he isn’t like Remus. Regulus was gone and wouldn’t be coming back. Reguls had been dead for almost a decade in a few months and they weren't as serious as Remus and Sirius. Back then they were still getting flustered from kisses at the time (as childish as it might sound).

One day Regulus asked if he really believed in what the Dark Lord stood for. At the time Severus said yes and then Regulus went missing soon after. Many assumed he was just killed on a mission but Severus was never sure what to believe, Regulus had been acting strange before disappearing. Had it been connected to his question? and if so how would things be different if he said no instead.

Minerva was getting ready for a meeting at Black manor, she wasn’t sure what to expect all she ever knew about them was how they treated Sirius which he would rarely open up about. If she recalls correctly he was on good terms with his siblings and with what's happening now she’s probably right but she still should stay cautious. The address she arrived at looked like a miniature Hogwarts. She was able to pass the gates so she headed up the path as she got near the door a bludger landed not too far away from her and three brooms came overhead to collect it. “Hello professor, didn't expect to see you here !” Tonks landed down with two little boys following “Hello Tonks, who do we have here ?” Minerva wasn’t expecting this “That's Rigel and Draco my little cousins, and we just learned you won't see them as beaters when they get to Hogwarts.” Dora picked up the ball as the two boys looked embarrassed.

“You're here to meet with my mum right ?” Rigel stepped forward to her. “Yes I believe so.” Minerva caught a glimpse of Sirius in the boy with his mischievous smirk at the other little boy moments ago (but of course she did that was his nephew). “I’ll take you to the study.” The boy ran up to the door to guide her, leaving Dora to pick up the broom and fly away with the other boy. Rigel welcomed her in and started leading her though the house where she saw photos on the walls of the kids and a few other faces she recognised like Remus and Severus smiling to her surprise.

When they passed the kitchen there was the smell of fresh brownies. “Do you think we could make a quick stop ?” The boy looked up to her sheepishly and she folded at his facial expressions continuing to remind her of her boys and to her surprise one of them was in the kitchen baking. “Minnie, what are you doing here ?” Remus pulling down some plates. “I’m here for a meeting with lady Capella but my guide got a bit side tracked.” Minerva chuckled at the boy who was cutting himself a brownie. “Ah I see I’ll take over for him.” Remus grabbing two other plates with brownies and then gesturing for her to follow. He took her to the study and left the plates of brownies for the two women. “Excuse me but I’ll be heading back to see how much Rigel has eaten already.” Remus leaving them alone.

“I wanted to know if you truly believe Sirius is innocent ?” Minerva sat at the desk holding her breath. “Yes, everyone here believes my brother is innocent. With that said I can’t discuss this any further, I’ll answer your questions at a later date. I apologize for my vagueness I know how much you mean to them but I wish to keep all details as private as possible before the trial as I’m sure you know the more people in on a secret will expose it sooner.” Capella wasn’t going to let Albus anywhere near her plains. “While disappointed I understand.” Minerva was a bit upset this was all she got but didn’t let it show. “With that said I’d like to ask you about any changes you wish to see at Hogwarts, Dora has started writing letters to Rigel and it’s got me thinking about some issues I want fixed and as an adult who works there I want to hear about what you’ve seen.” Capella always held respect for Mcgonagle and wished to see things from her point of view. The two talked for a while “Thank you this has given me some new thing for my revisions to give to the board. Remus should still be in the kitchen if you wish to catch up with him.”

Minerva walked back to the kitchen and continued to look at the photos, none of which had their parents in them but for some reason the Potters had some. “We had a quick meeting so I wanted to check up on you since it’s been so long.” Minerva sat down at a small table in the kitchen. “I’m doing well, better than before.” Remus thought about how sad his cabin was. “If I may ask how did you end up here ? After all, I had been trying to get you to be around other people for years.” Minerva was still just a mother hen wanting to make sure he was okay. “Capella matched up my mountain, took one look at me and my cabin and said she’d be damned if she let her family live like this and that I needed to be with people again and she would drag me back by my ear if needed.” Remus chuckling at the thought of how similar it was to when Minnie visited. “Now that I think about it you had the same reaction but a bit nicer about it.” Remus had been scolded something wicked in English, French and what he thought was some Latin on their way back to the manor. After a bit more catching up Minnie left and Remus felt better like her talking about mundane things was something he’s needed for a long time. When Sirius comes home he might see if he’d be up for a visit from her.

Chapter Text

Tonight the Weasleys were joining them for dinner since Charlie and Dora were friends and the younger ones would match in age up with Rigel and Draco. But with so many kids coming over they did take extra precautions like locking up most of the doors so a kid wouldn’t stumble across something dangerous or get too lost if they wandered off on their own. Made sure the boys put any toys they didn’t want to share in their rooms to avoid conflict. Barty recommended they put some charms on the dishes to keep them from breaking just in case so none of the kids got hurt if they accidentally dropped a water glass since any previous charms that might have been on them have probably worn off by now. Kreacher had been cleaning even more with the news of guests and cooking the dinner since most of the family was banned from the kitchen and Molly insisted she’d bring dessert.

Molly was a fierce woman who was devoted to the next generation and her husband had backed Capella up more than the other members of the lordship circle holding similar beliefs so they figured the family might make good allies down the road. It might be difficult to persuade them since they’re a light aligned family and those were almost always loyal to Albus and so far everyone in their faction were gray or dark but maybe they can pry them from Albus’s grasp.

The family would arrive shortly and the children were bouncing up and down like mad men waiting for new playmates. A knock at the door had them dashing through the house. “Charlie !” Dora let in the mass of guests hurdling to the second oldest boy to give him a hug. “May Kreacher take your coats.” The elf appearing to do his duties. The kids were ushered to the recently made playroom that used to be a study that came off the family room. Molly seemed relieved to be able to keep the kids in sight, not that any of the Black women felt offended and understood her concerns after all their families hadn't gotten along in the past.

But as the evening went on they all got more comfortable. A pair of twins approached Remus “We got some candy, want one ?” The boys took turns talking, one starting the sentence and the other finishing it. Remus thought it was kind of cute and when he looked at the candy he noticed it was joke candy that turns your hair a bright color. James took the recipe and adjusted it so he could slip it in everyone's food in the great hall one day. It wore off after a day or so and there was a charm to reverse it so Remus kept himself from showing he knew and took one casting the charm at the same time so it wouldn’t work. The twins both went wide eyed and tried on themselves to check leaving one with purple hair and the other with yellow and when they were about to ask him Remus held a finger to his lips shushing them and reversed it walking away with a wink. Leaving the two excited their new goal was to succeed in pranking the new fellow mischief maker.

Remus then went to join Ted in talking with Arthur, who wouldn't stop asking about Muggle things slowly tiring the other. “How do they manage to travel overseas ?” Arthur missing the fact that even wizards use boats. “Well there are two methods currently, the ever dependable boat I believe they even added motors to make them go faster and then airplanes, however the technology still can’t go into our pocket spaces similar to land they just can't detect us.” Remus interjecting and a wave of relief washed over Ted that he now had help with entertaining the man's questions and soon Barty came over to join in learning about muggles.

Meanwhile the women and surprisingly Alastor talked about knitting and crocheting “I tried in the past and ended up breaking the needles.” Ella laughed “I think I’d like to learn.” Andi and Cissy seemed interested though so Molly and Alastor indulged their questions “If you’d like I can teach you two since I have lots of free time these days and wouldn't mind getting back into the old hobby.” Alastor offering up and Molly adding she would love to help as well ending with the four planning to have Molly over on Thursdays for some club like meetings.

Capella figured she’d have a better time checking in on the kids. They had separated into two groups splitting down by age: the twins and under were playing Clue and the older ones were talking. Percy was showing Dora his pet rat and that's when Ella’s focus shifted to the rodent. She knew it from somewhere but she doubted herself after all why the hell would she recognise some random rat but Kreacher announced dinner so she figured she’d think about it later. The meal was amazing as always as Kreacher made it since the Black family is sure they were cursed, not letting them cook. ( I mean how does one manage to set a pot of water on fire ?) They all conversed and small talk buzzed around them. “My mum can turn into a dog.” Harry and Ginny were having a conversion that connected the dots for her. The rat was Petter ! She had only seen him in rat form once or twice but knew his scent. She couldn’t bring it up now as they ate so she figured she could talk to Molly in private.

After dinner she was able to catch her in the kitchen trying to help clean as she argued with Kreacher before bringing out the pie’s. “Molly I know this might sound strange but can I see your son's rat ?” Capella’s request was strange but the look in her eyes told Molly that it was grave. She grabbed it and handed it over as her son asked questions. Capella went to Remus and Alastor telling them to grab their wands. She nodded telling Molly she could follow. They stepped into what looked to be an old lab and she sealed the room to cast something on Scabers. Molly watched as her son's pet turned into a man. “Peter, you look pretty good for a dead guy.” Capella glared down at the sniveling man. “What’s happening here ?” Molly noticed the other two men seemed unaware as well.

“My brother didn’t betray the Potters he would rather die and he never killed Peter and those muggles. The evidence was stacked against him after all they could only find Peter's finger. He’s been hiding out as a rat this whole time.” Capella held up his hand and then Alastor put him in a body bind. “I know this is a lot to ask but please don’t mention this to anyone and if you’d like I can get your son a new safe pet.” Capella now comforting the concerned mother. Molly didn’t know what to do with herself after, but it explained so much back in the day there was a leak in the order and many pointed to Sirius but he was so loyal despite who his family was. But now after meeting them it appeared they weren't as bad as the rumors say, Narcissa didn’t act like her husband she never even brought up blood purity. It made her think, did the families of the death eaters even share those beliefs ? had she been unfair ? Barty’s trial then came to mind.

Peter was now in a cage one he couldn't escape from no matter if he was rat or man his fate was left uncertain as no plans were discussed around him. In all honesty he was lucky Capella and Remus were about ready to tear him limb from limb at a moments notice the only thing keeping him alive was they needed him to prove Sirius’s innocence. Meanwhile Percy was told his rat had a disease that Capella noticed before it could get bad enough to spread to humans and that he’d be getting a new pet of his choice. (Percy ended up with a sleek black knezle that head been checked it wasn’t human.)

It was the day of the trial. Ted stayed home with the kids this time and the rest of them were there all dressed in black and dark blues of their finest clothes each adorned with jewels from the family vaults and to top it off their most intimidating faces. Walburga made it very clear this wasn’t just getting Sirius out of prison, it was a show of them reuniting to become stronger than most familes combined. Bones was their judge since they were still trying to find a replacement after Crouch Sr. Luckily Amelia Bones was one of the few people in their generation Sirius hadn’t pissed off, pranked, or slept with before he realized his feelings for Remus.

Once everyone arrived Sirius was brought out in chains with guards at both sides, acting as if he was standing with the rest of his family with a proud smile. “Today we discuss the lack of a trial for Lord Sirius Black !” Bones announced, silencing the room. “Our first person to the stand is Professor Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.” and with that it started Albus was administered Veritaserum, asked the test questions and Andromeda stepped up. “Were you the one to cast the fidelius charm for the Potters ?” She started with that for formalities “Yes” Albus answered “Was Sirius Black the secret keeper ?” She paused, “No the secret keeper was Peter, Sirius was too obvious.” Albus responded and then she motioned for the potion to be nullified as she was done asking him, there were murmurs in the courtroom. It would have been worse if she asked the questions that's been a constant itch in the back of her head, Did you know Peter was a death eater ? If you knew these things why didn’t you get Sirius out ages ago ?

“The next person I would like to call to the stand is Peter Pettagrew !” Andromeda yelled out causing an uproar then Alastor came in with Peter and stuck him to the chair so they could give him the Veritaserum that Alastor had to force down his throat before Andi started her questioning. “Were you the Potters secret keeper ?” Andromedas face was riddled with disgust. “Yes” “Did you reveal their location ?” “Yes” “Did you kill the twelve muggles and blame it on Sirius Black ?” “Yes” “There you have it folks you wrongly imprisoned the head of the House’s Black and Ravenclaw.” Andromeda turned to the jury as Moody cuffed Peter.

Obviously Sirius was deemed innocent but Capella wasn’t done so she stood up for announcement “As my final act of acting head of the Black house I ask for compensation for the wrong committed against my brother and since you can't reverse the effects of six years exposed to the dementors and time he was forced from his family we will accept it in a monetary form.” Capella cracked a devilish grin as she watched their reactions. “Don’t worry we can go over it on a later date. I would like to prioritize my brother's health.” and with that the Black family walked out of the room heads held high.

They all arrived at home and were greeted by the kids waiting for their mums. “Hello loves, please back up and give your uncle some space.” Sirius listened to Ella’s voice sweetened from the cold tone she had been using. “You don’t need to hide anymore.” Capella figured they no longer needed Harry’s disguise now that Sirius was free and so Rigel was back to Harry. “So you didn’t have a kid ?” Sirius bent down to get a look at his godson. “No honestly it was shocking how quickly people believed me, did no one do the math I would have had to have been fresh out of Hogwarts if not pregnant while attending !” Capella looked around at everyone with a look of bafflement as they realized just how young still Capella was. “Now Remus be a dear and help him wash up he’s filthy.” Capella dismissing everyone.

“So she set us up in the master bedroom ?” Sirius couldn’t wait to jump into the huge fluffy bed after years on that grimy floor. “Yes, but be warned this is most likely a formality and she’s staying head of the house.” Remus chuckled as he guided him to the bathroom and started preparing a bath for him. “Come on, let's get you into the shower first.” Remus ended up joining him. “You have no idea how I missed when you insisted on helping me wash up.” Sirius couldn’t stop smiling as they sat on the floor of the shower so Remus could wash his hair getting all the knots and grime out. “I’ll help you every day if that’s what you wish.” Remus ment it too. Once he was clean Remus had him soak in the tub since he put in something to help heal all the bruises that couldn’t properly heal due to Sirius’s manurashed state. Finally he shaved as Remus cut his hair to get rid of all the dead ends. Sirius put on one of Remus’s jumpers despite the warm weather since he constantly felt cold thanks to Azkaban.

“Come on now Capella wants to get you a health check before dinner.” Remus was sprawled out on the bed as Sirius got dressed. The healer in question had just arrived. “Remind me why I have to check the mutt ?” Severus sighed. “Because we have few allies and you're the one who has the credentials I never finished healer training.” Capella gave him glare, sometimes she resented that some of them got to finish all their chosen schooling.

When Sirius saw Severus in his lab he immediately started objecting “Hell no why is he here I thought only family was allowed in this house.” Sirius complained. “Stop acting like a child, he’s just as family as Remus and until you get checked over you can’t see Harry.” Capella grabbed her brother by the ear and pulled him to the observation table. “What do you mean he is not.” Sirius confused by the comparison. Capella realised he was never told about Severus and Regulus and it would be best to break the news later and just kept talking about the importance of his health.

“His health is about as good as expected. He needs lots of sleep, nutrient potions, and water, he should slowly build up his muscle mass as well. Your bones are brittle, we'll need to fix that so until then no flying, dueling, or other stupid stunts that end in broken bones. No more smoking or drinking as well. Your body is in no condition to handle it, besides it’s bad for you no matter your current health.” Severus finishing with the most basic information. “So I can’t do anything fun ?” Sirius complained “Not if you want to live a long and healthy life with your family, minus the smoking, everything else is just for now so you don’t end up in worse condition and if you try to argue I will body bind you and spoon feed you until you're better.” Capella hoped that’d be a good reason to stay out of trouble for now at least.

Dinner went smoothly as it could with so many of them fussing over what Sirius did or didn’t eat and afterwards those who had nothing to do gossiped in the family room as the kids played. Currently it was just Nacissa, Barty, Capella, and Remus with Sirius clinging to him. “I still want a proper explanation why Snape’s here. I mean Barty I can deal with but Snape !” Sirius was not over the fact the other man was living here with his family (Alastor and Barty too but they were close enough).

“Because like Remus, Severus used to shag one of the Black brothers.” Barty answering with a sly smile watching Sirius’s reaction of pure shock and a bit of delayed anger. Capella quickly hitting him upside the head. “Excuse me but children are present” Cissy gestured to the two younger boys who weren't paying attention and Dora who was snickering. “In a less crude way to put it, it's because all of my siblings and cousins' partners are welcome here, except those who follow the dark lord (Lucius the dumb fuck), and I won’t have any fights between the two of you.” Capella clarified ending the conversation.

At least that's what should have happened but once the kids were put to bed Sirius went to the study to continue to pry. “Snape was a death eater.” Sirius announcing his arrival “As was Reggie and Barty, depending who you ask Narcissa and I were as well despite never getting the mark. Now what do you need? I'm busy.” Capella looked at him with a cold stare tired from the day's events. “You've changed, it’s like you're slowly turning into mother.” Sirius had hit a nerve. “And what makes you say that ?” She could already feel the tears starting to form “Your colder, focused on power and reputation, just look at yourself your even dressing like her !” Sirius pointed to her outfit. “Really! is that what you think of me, a heartless cold woman devoid of any compassion ? I’m trying to keep our family safe if you haven’t noticed it’s been in shambles." She was heartbroken. “Yes, because paperwork is gonna fix it all ?” he threw the papers on her desk to the ground. “This paperwork is what's keeping you and Barty out of Azkaban, keeping Harry with us instead of his abusive muggle relatives, what's making Severus’s research on helping Remus and others who suffer the same fate legal, so yes doing the work that I know you won’t do so tell me how does that make me like mother.”

Capella hesitated “You stayed the same, childish, never thinking of the bigger picture.” She gave him a tearful glare. “Cappy I didn- you, You know I didn’t mean it like that, I’m just not used to this you.” Sirius tried taking it back but quickly left her office with his head hung low as he walked back to his new room. Remus saw the look on Sirius’s face when he entered their room “I messed up, she’s really upset.” Sirius flopped on the bed. “She’s been under alot of stress.” Remus laid with him in attempts to console him. The two layed there in silence the only sounds were Sirius trying to keep himself from crying as Remus ran his hands through his hair, both drifting to sleep in eachothers arms still in the day's clothes.

Capella had a similar idea but with Barty already asleep (he went to bed at a normal time she just over works) she just slipped on her night dress and crawled into his bed instead, wrapping around him. Leaving a seed of doubt in her mind, Was she like their mother ? and how long has he felt like that ? She knew the last they saw each other before everything went wrong they had a fight but he couldn’t still be mad about agreeing to an arranged marriage, could he ?

The next morning when they were all down for breakfast some of last night's tension was left behind “So, Sirius today I’d like to catch you on the current plans and go over the house schedule.” Capella was avoiding eye contact with her older brother. Still a bit upset with last night's comment. “I believe Cissy and I should be there as well.” Andromeda figured now would be the best time to see how Narcissa felt about all this.

The four remaining Black’s ended up in the game room for the talk instead of an office. “To put it simply, the goblin nation and I are attempting to overthrow the current government.” Capella was walking over to pick a pool cue. “WHAT ?” Sirius figured Cappy was up to something but he didn’t think it’d be this big. “Yes the main goal is to abolish species separation and cut out as much corruption as possible.” Capella stood as the other girls picked out their own cue’s as Sirius stood there in a bit of shock.

“I had a feeling that’s where this was going when you first introduced Harry as Rigel to me, I’ve already put somethings together like acceptable allies, looking over documents, gathering all of Lucius’s black mail information, and others around Harry's age that could work to be his partner.” Narcissa had been waiting for the day in which she can break free from her husband and his reputation. The three women now looked to Sirius for his stance on this. “Women in this family are terrifying.” Sirius made the connection that the house was becoming a home base and he trusted the judgment of many that Capella had already gathered. They went over what they’ve already started and details. “Bella asked if we could get her out as well, cause believe it or not she seems more grounded these days.” Sirius lined up his next shot. “I wonder if she was under some kind of compulsion and that’s why she started acting so manic, she had such a drastic change after marrying Lestrange after all it’s not unheard of for husbands to try and pull a stunt like that.” Andromeda putting out the idea, she knows how many were put on Harry so now she’s been insisting to get everyone checked and she wouldn’t put it past Lestrange to try and control Bellatrix like that.

Not knowing about how negatively compulsions affect Blacks as they amplify the family craziness. “If she was Azkaban would have nullified them, explaining why her mood slowly shifted.” Sirius thought about how it would take long to rebuild her mental shields once they were removed and how much longer it would take surrounded by dementors. If he needed therapy then Roweana knows what Bella would need.

Chapter Text

Sirius’s life outside of prison was completely booked. Not that it was a bad thing he appreciated the help and he’s got loads of it. They had put him in therapy, physical therapy, magical therapy, and doctor appointments but also things like shopping, manicures, making a new hair routine now there are new products, and quality time with his family to make up for all he’s missed.

Today he was inviting Minnie over for tea to let her in on more information. After his trial she had sent many letters inquiring about his health. He was looking much better now so he figured it’d be a bit better for her and the others agreed. So now he, Moony, Cappy and Harry waited in the garden for her to arrive. When she saw him she rushed in for a hug. “You stupid boy, do you know how worried I was.” Minerva never had kids but when those four boys joined her house she immediately knew they would be her favorites. “I missed you too Minnie.” Sirius melted into her hug and tears pricked his eyes. “Oh, let me introduce you to Harry !” Sirius was like a dog excited to show off his pup. “Hello Mam, nice to see you again.” Harry saw the confused look on her face so he quickly shifted to Rigel. “How did you get here ?” Minerva recalling the night he was set on that door step. “I took him, Albus left him with monsters.” Capella not even wavering.

They informed her about what has been happening and she was immediately on board “Over the years it’s felt like he’s becoming less human. Just mimicking emotion.” Minerva confessed these days that twinkle in his eye didn’t work nearly as well as it had in the past. They instructed her to report any suspicious behavior and evidence of illegal behavior. She was also informed she could tell Poppy and out of the house heads it was just Sprout who wasn’t involved yet.

A few days later they were called in for a meeting with the goblin nation. The group that went consisted of Capella, Sirius, Andromeda, Severus, and Alastor. They waited in the conference room for the king to appear and Capella kept a close eye on Sirius as he was the only one who hadn't seen him. When king Jareth came in Sirius couldn’t keep his shit together. “That's David Bowie, holy shit.” Sirius talked to himself under his breath. “A fan of my Muggle persona Lord Black ?” Jareth chuckled at Sirius who was trying to keep composure.

“Can we get to business please ?” Severus groned. “Yes of course, for starters I would like it if we could push for lord Black to take Crouch's old job, I hear you're quite the charismatic charmer so I think putting you in the Politics is best and you are no stranger to those considered dark creatures, meanwhile your sister will be more of the brains.” Jareth had calculated that was already the case but none the less the comment got small chuckles from the other wixen in the room.

The meeting continued with discussions on Hogwarts “if I may I believe Minerva McGonagall would be a more than adequate replacement as she is already handing most of the work for Albus.” Severus knew she would do well and he unintentionally got brownie points with Sirius hopefully getting the man off his back. “Yes she would do great.” Sirius was beaming at the mention of his sudo adopted mother. The meeting ended with talk about house elf rights.

“You little ass, why didn’t you tell me I would be meeting David Bowie !” The moment they left Sirius was trying to chew out Capella. “That's what little sisters are for !” Capella sticking out her tongue with a shit eating grin. “I looked like a fool.” Sirius couldn’t believe how stupid he looked. “Oh Siri, we don't have to help you do that all on your own.” Andi chuckling at his melodrama. “Harry, do you see this ? your aunts are bullies.” Sirius collapsing on the couch. “Oh no, not your ego, how will you ever recover ?” Severus sneered as he walked back to his lab with Narcissa chuckling at his remark. “All right, enough of this Harry has training to do.” Alastor breaking up the giggles.

Sirius was intrigued but when he came along to the swamp he wasn’t expecting the kid to freeze it over. “Sorry, give me a second and I’ll fix it !” Harry scrambling and sliding on the ice. “Try thinking about what you did to do this and work it in reverse !” Alastor shouted out to the boy and after a few tries he did. “Perfect, you're going to be great one day.” Capella continuously praised the boy, Harry had been improving rapidly.

Sirius continued following Capella around for the day. “If you're joining us you should know you have to speak French to help the kids improve. They continued to sit as the kids (it was mostly Harry) asked all kinds of questions in French as they read whatever grabbed their attention. Sirius just watched as she acted like a model mother unlike their own and he was really regretting what he said. When they were kids you could get punished for asking stupid questions but here she was encouraging their knowledge. It was amazing she even got on a broom just to be sure the boys wouldn't fall despite her own abysmal flying skills. There was a slight hiccup when he heard Harry call her Mama but Remus explained he had just gotten used to calling her that when pretending but knew Lily was his birth mom. At the end of the day she tucked Harry in and went back to her paperwork.

“You think I can help out some so you can go to bed at a decent time.” Sirius saw the exhausted look on her face now that she was alone. “Please, go away, I don't have time to fix your mistakes.” Ella sounded cold again, since she was still a bit upset with him. “If you didn’t know, this is what I was made for.” Sirius jested and then got handed over a pound of work to look into. “Do I really remind you of her ?” She didn’t even look up as she asked. “No I’m sorry I was just upset.” Sirius really did feel bad and didn’t expect her to forgive him, but then she patted on the chair like she did when she was little and wanted him to read something to her. The two were pretty squished in it but in a way it was comfortable enough to almost return to that moment when they were kids as they did paper work. Thanks to his help Capella actually went to bed on time, joining Barty to Sirius’s displeasure as Barty had moved into her room.

The next morning at breakfast Narcissa suggested something that could only inflate Sirius ego “A ball to welcome him back and celebrate our family's victory with winning the case something big and lavash like the ones we went to as kids !” Narcissa suggested the power move and Capella knew it’d be perfect. “Cissy do you think you could handle the majority of the planning since I’m no good with those things?” Ella had a lot on her plate and knew Narcisa would have already started planning before asking and of course Cissy already had a huge grin on her face “I’d love to !” Narcissa was already mentally rushing around to prepare as the other two Blacks and Draco looked at her in fear of the monster she just created.

It didn’t take long for each of them to be getting fitted into Narcissa’s designs. “You will be the star of the show, you'll be in royal purple and the rest of us will have it as accents. It will be the best robes ever seen ! Now do you want Remus to have more purple in his to closer tie you two as a pair ?” Cissy was trying not to stab him with the pins since she was practically shaking with excitement. “Yes, that would be lovely and can you have Harry match with us now that we can finally take our places of his godfathers ?” Sirius had been spending more time with Harry as of late and he was happy that with Sirius around it was official that no one could take him from his new family. “Ah yes, that would be a bold move. I love it.” Cissy, although excited, was nervous Lucius would most likely have to be there as family.

She hadn’t been hiding it well enough though. “Now that I’m back I can terminate your marriage, you and Draco can stay here. If you want I can even do it at the party to publicly humiliate him.” Sirius had his own minical smile as he suggested it. “Please, but not at the party. It will make him have to explain why he’s not up there with us and there's still a few things from his office I need.” Narcissa wanted to play the long game. “You know you might be the most tactical and brutal of us all, you just don’t use it enough” Sirius complemented.

Chapter Text

“If he could copy Doras born ability, do you think he can copy an animagi ability too?” Sirius watched as Moody trained Harry. “Might take a bit. We spent lots of time working on getting him to where he is now with more simple and subtle changes, but then again Dora was born with the ability.” Alastor thought about it then yelled out to the boy who was practicing with growing plants on command like he did with Luna. “Yes, what is it ?” The boy looking up to the men worried they were getting impatient with his lack of success. “How about we take a break from that because I want to tell you something very special. Our family has a special gift like Dora letting us become animals…” Sirius was excited to tell him about the family legenes. “Oh, I know this mum told me about the magic dogs awhile ago !” Harry not understanding that him already knowing was like a blow to the chest.

After saving face Sirius asked him if he wanted to try and learn as well. “What do you think i’ll be? What if I'm a dog or wolf like you guys ? That'd be so cool !” Harry starting to ramble off all the different animals he could be and any cool traits they have. “Kids probably going to love beast keeping” Alastor chuckling at his enthusiasm “James liked it too but he really struggled in the class.” Sirius recalled.

“All Right bud, don't want to waste all your time talking to yourself.” Sirius snapped Harry out of his thoughts. “Sorry” unlike in the past this sorry was more cheeky and lighthearted compared to the past when he’d go stiff and look remorseful. “It’s okay, so let's get to work. Will need to try a new approach since we know you have the power just not the understanding and we don’t know what’ll work.” Sirius felt a bit like Lily as he said that “You two are hopeless, you have the talent, why don’t you use it ?” Lily's voice from all those study sessions replaying in his head.

The three guys struggled to think of how to go about the transformation. Eventually Harry perked up. “I think I got it!” Harry didn’t explain further and before the two men knew it a little black wolf stood in front of them but what really caught their attention were the small deer antlers sticking out of his head. “He’s a horned wolf like in the old stories.” Capella was in shock “A what ?” Sirius figured it was just because despite being raised with the Blacks he was still James’s son so the antlers transferred over.

Harry started running around in his new form and Sirius joined him as Padfoot. The two started chasing after each other and running through the swamp as they nipped at each other's tails. Harry was having so much fun he didn’t realize he had out ran Sirius and was now on his own. He looked around and a crow caught his attention. It was perched in a tree staring him down. The bird had a strange feel. It was definitely not normal, he could feel an intense amount of magic. A loud bark snapped him out of the staring contest with the bird as it flew off with the sound of Sirius and Harry followed the sound to get back.

The two regrouped with the others “I’m still recovering so I can run like I used to be a bit more careful Prongslet.” Sirius was a touch out of breath. “Sorry, I got a bit too excited.” Harry understood the swamp was dangerous and he needed an adult with him. “It's okay we can go on runs near the house.” Sirius consoling the boy. Capella would be thrilled, running would tucker him out making it easier to put him to bed. “I think we can be done for today. You made a huge leap in progress and we don’t want you to overwork yourself.” Alastor figured once the excitement wore off the boy would be out like a light. They couldn’t have him suffering from magical exhaustion, even as adults they found the sick feeling unbearable. Harry washed up once he got back to his room getting the mud from the run in the swamp off and sat on his bed for what was supposed to be a moment he quickly fell fast asleep like the adults predicted.

The crow from the swamp was flying over what looked like it might be an ocean and in his claws a yellow locket. The locket was whispering he couldn’t understand it but he could tell it was calling him. Other objects flashed through his head a black book, a ring, and a golden cup, as well as some other things like a tattoo on someone's arm and in the air. Then he saw a pretty lady with the necklace. She looked like the girl Harry met at the park. She was surrounded by books and scrolls trying to figure something out, then the girl Luna walked into the room. Her eyes kept popping up they almost commanded attention, they were pulling him in, they were wide in fear. But then he was back to the older woman, (most likely her mother) was outside and Luna was watching from a window. She started muttering a spell but the magic felt wrong and before he knew it the locket shattered and the woman was lying in the grass and then he woke up.

His scar was throbbing and bleeding. He got up to get some help and ran into Mr.Severus, he saw the blood and rushed him to his lab sending a sparkly deer out. The blood got on his sleeves and he rolled them up not thinking as he was in a panic to start cleaning the injury when Harry noticed his arm. “My dream, that mark was in my dream a man was cackling from somewhere. It felt bad.” Harry was curious as to why it was in his dreams when he doesn't remember seeing it before. Severus had him fully retell what he dreamt of and was mortified at what he heard.

Capella arrived and the two figured it best to take him to see the goblins. Harry then had to explain his dream in as much detail as possible and explain things like the bird in the swamp and meeting Luna. They then sent a letter to the Lovegoods getting a response that what Harry dreamed of was the same as what happened a few months ago and that Pandora died experimenting with some locket. Moody was sent to retrieve the remains of the locket for the goblins to analyze. Snape took over for Capella since she sat in shock crying that her beloved mentor was gone. Like Lily and the other Valkyries Pandora watched over her but the two spent a lot more time together as they were in the same house.

“We have found that the locket was another horcrux and even though we can safely remove the one from Harry yet we believe the other items are also ones we don’t know how many there are as his dream might not have shown all of them but we’ve deduced the gold cup as he put it is Helga Hufflepuffs and we currently have it in Bellatrix Lestrange’s vault we can use it to track down the other ones and destroy them however we need consent from a Lestrange to take it from their vault.” A goblin came into the room announcing what they found. “We’ll keep you updated on any further developments. Thank you for your help today.” Severus led Capella and Harry back home.

He shared the new information to the others as Barty went to comfort Capella. “If we can arrange a meeting with Bella like you all did with me I’m sure she would agree.” Sirius hoped her cooperation would help with getting her out of Azkaban. Barty only hoped Pandora was knocking some sense into Even in the afterlife and reuniting with Regulus and all their other fallen friends.“I…I should have spent more time with her.” Capella was now feeling the consequences for shutting herself off all these years.

Harry felt bad as he waited for her to come out of her room again. Sirius asked him if he wanted to go on a run even Cissy said she’d come with. “You still up for it bud ?” Sirius checking in on him before they went out, it was going to be Harry and Narcissa’s first proper run. Sirius just wished they had more people but the others lacked the ability. Once the moon was up the three went out running through the massive yard. Harry loved it. The air had a different smell and everything felt more free as they chased each other. Narcissa was also enjoying herself despite her thinking it was ridiculous and only doing it for Harry. It worked as a good distraction from worrying about Capella.

Harry was continuing his mission of controlling his magic, ever since that dream his magic had been a bit more rowdy and unpredictable as if it was wiggling around inside of him. He didn’t like losing the control he had on it, he felt less safe. However he couldn’t tell the adults what if they were upset that all their work was going to waste, not to mention they were all very busy with their own things. He could fix it himself, he needed to. It was the fourth time he had gone out into the garden to train by himself, he kept it small he didn’t want to ruin the place but the idea of showing how he wasn’t falling behind lingerd. The earth stuff came more naturally and the snow and ice stuff was going well so maybe water wouldn’t be too bad. He was doing well and in the zone but then he felt a hand on his shoulder and all the water exploded into ice shards. “Harry, are you okay ?” it was just uncle Moony. That's when the panic hit him. It was uncle Moony and one of the ice shards cut him ! He hurt him, he hadn’t ever drawn blood during training, just knocked them back a bit and the red seemed so much bigger.”I’m sorry!” Harry sobbed, not letting Remus get the chance to comfort him when the ground started cracking around him causing more panic. Harry blacked out the next thing he knew he was in a bed at the bank with the goblins checking his health.

“We suspect the destruction of the Horcuxes is triggering the one in his head causing his magic to become unstable. We are getting close to finding a way to remove it from him without hurting him.” A healer goblin explained and Capella and Sirius were on edge with Remus and Barty trying to calm them down. “Is there anything we can do to help him ?” Remus hoped. “No he just needs rest and comfort, take a break from training too.” The goblin shook their head.

Harry wouldn’t leave his room or let anyone in, if it weren't for Kreacher using his elf magic to transport the food to him the poor thing would starve. When Remus tried checking in on him he freaked out saying he’ll hurt him again and it wasn't just Remus any time someone came knocking he’d panic and push them away. It was really affecting Sirius who was already desperate to get the boy’s attention so he could prove how good of an uncle he was.

Capella let out a big huff she was never that patient, not that anyone would say anything. Eventually she just bursted in, “You’ll get hurt, go away !” Harry tried to discourage her but she just scooped him up and held him tight. “Sorry pup but you're not good enough to frighten me off yet.” Capella ruffled his hair and carried him out to the family room for tea and pastries to talk it out.

As he explained everything Severus came up with an idea. “We’d want to talk to the goblins first but maybe teaching him occlumency would help him not to mention it’s a good skill to have even if he’s young Albus is interested in him.” Severus knew it would be best to make sure he learnt it for if Albus was still at Hogwarts after all the adults knew it to keep their own secrets safe. They quickly drafted a letter and sent it off to the goblins then went back to comforting Harry.

Harry was confused, shouldn't they be mad ? He did something wrong and then ignored them. Even if it was okay and encouraged to do freak things here he hurt them with it but they didn’t care. He wanted to ask but they always got sad and more fussy over him when he asked about such things. It was best not to think about it for too long so once the adults stopped crowding him he asked Dora if they would be up for a game of checkers.

“What’s the big party gonna be like ?” Harry asked his older cousin while he thought about his next move. “No clue, never been to one, Draco is probably the better one to ask.” Dora patiently waited for him to make his move. “What if I make a fool of myself ?” Harry finally moving and taking one of Dora’s pieces. “If anyones making a fool of themselves it’s me, kind of my thing so find your own.” Dora jested making him chuckle. “Will there be other kids ?” Harry was nervous interacting with other kids. “Yeah people bring their heirs to these things Charlie and Bill told me about the few they’ve gone to.” Dora would now have to go to them after their taking over the Black family title with Harry's permission since he said he had plenty and was only adopted into the house of Black so rightfully it should go to them.

All that was left was to actually go to it.

Chapter Text

In mid July there was a ball to celebrate the return of Lord Sirius Black. The only ones in the family who were nervous were Ted, Dora, Remus, and Harry since they had never gone to such an event meanwhile Narcissa, Andromeda, Capella, Barty, and of course Sirius were thriving. “Just give up, we couldn't tame James’s hair and his son will be no different.” Sirius watched as his sister messed with all kinds of products on the boy's hair. “It’s ridiculous that not even their own family made products work !” Capella was about ready to take his advice and give up. “Lily theorized it’s a petty family curse since it was the same for other Potters.” Sirius shrugged and knowing Lily couldn’t tame it meant it was impossible so she finally quit since the guests were about to arrive.

The first to arrive were the Weasleys accompanied by their two oldest. “Heir Black” Charlie immediately teasing Dora “Heir Prewett glad you could make it.” Dora returned the gesture with an even more stuck up voice causing them to break character and laugh. Soon the ballroom filled with guests and Harry was encouraged to meet other kids when he spotted Luna from the park. “My prince, I'm glad we could meet again so soon. I'm happy to report the Nargles have let the Daisies grow again.” Luna smiled brightly. Harry still didn’t know why she referred to him as a prince or what Nargles are since the library didn’t have anything about them but he was still ecstatic to see her again. “The wrackspurts had been quite persistent lately, they seem to have gotten to you as well.” Luna grimaced and Harry figured this was a negative thing and hoped he could find a book on this new creature when a boy around their age came towards them “Luna glad you’re here !” He then noticed Harry “Oh, I apologize I’m heir Longbottom but you can just call me Neville.” The boy fidgeted, obviously nervous as well. “Heir Potter but you can call me Harry, thank you for coming.” Harry had been trying his best to remember all his lessons.

Neville was nice, he hoped maybe they could have him over again in a less formal setting. Before he knew it all the other kids at the party introduced themselves and were surrounding him as they talked to each other. “Hello I’m heir Bones, or just Susan my aunt worked on lord Blacks case. I’m happy it worked out well.” Susan was bright and bubbly compared to some of the other kids like Blazie and Pansy who seemed extremely formal. As the night continued the dance floor was opened up. Harry watched as his godfather pulled uncle Moony out to dance, they moved quite gracefully and had giant similes. From what Dora told him they were a couple the same way a man and woman are, he didn’t know people of the same gender could be together like that before but he doesn't really care since they’re so happy. Uncle Barty and mum also were out on the dance floor with a bunch of other couples. “Would you like to dance ?” Luna appeared beside him with her hand out. He was entranced by those on the dance floor and now he had a chance to join so he took her hand. They stumbled a bit at the start and were the only kids there but Luna didn’t seem to care.

It wasn’t long before Dora and Charlie joined them, then Neville and Susan, Draco asked the Greengrass girl as well. Sirius and Remus shared a look when they saw how Harry looked at Xenophilius’s daughter. It was like James, absolutely smitten even if it would probably take a few years for him to realize it himself. Capella didn’t know the similarity with James but she did see how big their smiles were as he spun her around despite being a bit shorter than her at the moment. To Sirius relief Harry didn’t just stay next to Luna the whole night and attempted to get to know some of the other kids his age, must have been the Lily in him dulling down the Potter clinginess a bit.

The event didn’t go too late into the night since people were encouraged to bring their kids but it was definitely a success. Harry was dozing off balanced on Capella’s hip as they said goodbye to the last guest. Once she got him ready for bed and tucked him in, the adults gathered in the sitting room before they themselves went to bed. “You know you’re a natural with Harry, have you and Barty thought about having one of your own.” Narcissa had also come back from putting her son to bed. “We’re not even married yet. I think you’re getting ahead of things.” Capella chuckled but Sirius had a less positive reaction to the question “Watch where you put your hands Crouch or you might just lose them.” Sirius growled and Remus gave him a small nudge with his elbow to stop harassing them. Barty didn’t heed his warning and put his hand on her thigh once she sat down next to him and Remus held Sirius by his shirt to keep him from lunging across the coffee table.

“Anyone notice how pissy Lucius was ?” Andromeda breaking the tension letting Ted release his breath since he was so nervous, if there was one thing he knew about before they all reunited was how messy their family disputes could get by some of his wife's old stories. The pride on her face when she recounted dissolving a bone in Bellatrix's arm during a particularly nasty fight haunted his dreams. They all took the bait and laughed at Lucius for a moment before moving on to more important matters. “The Longbottom boy looked like he could be a good friend for Harry.” Andi started the allegiance talks off. “The Potters and Longbottoms have a long standing alliance so that would work well.” Sirius had learned quite a bit of the Potter family traditions and things when living with James. “But we’re trying to get Bellatrix out of Azkaban so that could be tricky, plus Harry should be friends with people he chooses.” Remus reminded them of what happened between their families. “You’re right, that is a hard one and Harry can choose his own friends as well. We’re not forcing them to be like we were with James but he was friends with Frank to honor their alliance, in the end because their families did what we’re doing now.” Sirius forgets not everyone in the room had been raised pure blood so some things would have to be explained so it didn’t just seem like blood purism. “I had been looking into becoming a healer back in school with the questionable books in our family library. I might be able to help Frank and Alice’s condition.” Capella had suffered from second hand guilt from all the things their family had done and could at least set up in the third lab in hopes of reversing some of the damage.

They continued to talk about friends for Harry and Draco when Luna was brought up. “I was thinking about talking to Xenophilius about a betrothal when they're a bit older or is that too old fashioned ?” Capella admitted knowing the veering opinions of the room. “It depends on who you ask, but waiting till they’re a bit older is definitely smart. I say we just shelf this conversation till then.” Andromeda recommended and everyone seemed okay with it. There was a second reason to talk about who Harry seemed to want to be friends with, his birthday was just around the corner and they wanted to surprise him with a real party unlike all the years he missed at the Dursleys. So far they were inviting all the Weasley kids, Susan Bones, the Patil twins, Neville, and Luna. Sirius knew the Patil’s and Potters had a close alliance on par with the one with the Longbottoms and was also hoping to ask the girl's parents for recipes and advice on anything Harry might need or want to know. It actually occurred to him that Harry might not even know his grandmother was from India, since the Durley’s wouldn’t have told him anything. Hell recalling when Petunia met James she made some unwelcome comments about his race to put it lightly.

Eventually they all went to their rooms for the night and Barty was left with a question. “Do you want kids?” Barty stared up at the ceiling in the darkness of their room. “I wouldn’t mind having some but I would like to get married first and maybe wait until Harry’s in school, we have a lot going on right now.” Capella used to think she’d already have one by now and maybe even have a second or third on the way and she did already kind of have one just not in the way her younger self would have expected. “Sounds like a good plan, might need someone to save me from your brother when the time comes.” Barty smirked and rolled onto his side to hold Capella closer to him while they drifted off to sleep.

When Harry's birthday arrived they had lots to do. Harry woke up to a large crepe breakfast with all the toppings and his whole family around the table digging into the heavenly food together. “Harry dear, how would you feel about going to a magical Zoo ?” Narcissa and Remus would take the kids to the Zoo in France while the rest of them decorated the house. “There are magical Zoos? That sounds amazing. I only went to a Muggle one once for a field trip.” Harry had seen the Dursleys go once as well but he had to stay with Miss.Fig and her cats. “Yes, the closest one is in France so I might need you to help me out some while we’re there, I’m not as fluent in French like the rest of you.” Remus only knew a bit but never bothered to fully learn.

With them gone the others started getting ready for the party. Kreacher and Ted got the food ready while Capella and Andromeda decorated. In the corner Sirius and Barty wrapped the last few presents. “That's absolutely abysmal, have you never wrapped a gift before ?” Severus looked at the crumpled paper and sloppy bows the other two men managed to make. “You do it then !” Sirius wasn’t expecting the depressing looking man to do it so perfectly. “Where’d you learn that ?” Barty looked in awe even the bow was symmetrical. “Lily taught me when we were little, she was wrapping up a gift for her mum since it was the day before mother's day.” Severus got a little sentimental and even recalled asking her for help for Reguls’s birthday back when he still struggled doing it himself. Some of the adult guests arrived a bit early to help and put their own gifts on the table with the rest.

“Is Alastor around? I was hoping to talk with him.” Filius wasn’t over often but was still invited. “He’s up in the main library, kids parties aren't his thing Severus can take you there.” Capella was putting the finishing touches up. “Thank you” Filius and Severus headed up. The other adult guests were Minerva and Poppy otherwise the rest would arrive with their kids once Harry got back from the zoo.

The four arrived at the huge gates to the zoo and Harry was already fascinated. “What do you wanna see first ?” Dora showed Harry a little map. “I don’t know there’s so many options.” Harry was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed at all the choices. “There is a recommended path that lets you see everything. Do you want to try that ?” Remus quickly defusing the situation since Harry liked that option. Harry loved seeing all the different creatures and hadn’t panicked about anything else yet . Next to the unicorn enclosure there was an empty one or at least that's what Dora and Andi thought. “What are those called ?” Harry pointed to what looked like nothing. “What are you talking about? It's empty.” Dora did a second look but there still wasn’t anything. “There, right there, how can’t you see a skeleton horse ?” Harry frowned, still pointing at nothing at nothing when Remus explained “Thestrals, not everyone can see them Harry.” Remus was hoping Harry missed his look of unease. He and Andromeda whispered about how they shouldn’t be in a zoo for many reasons.

After walking through the bird/flying creature enclosure they stopped for a snack before ending the trip after the reptile and aquatic house. “After this we should stop at the souvenir shop.” Dora whispered to their mom as they entered the building. The thing that Immediately caught Harry's attention was a small basilisk behind enchanted glass. Andromeda then noticed him whispering to the snake like they were having a full conversation. When she moved a bit closer she heard him actually speaking to them. It would be best to tell the others later, she didn’t want to ruin his birthday before the party that they should be heading to soon. As they headed out they stopped at the gift shop to look around and that's when Harry saw the biggest snake stuffy. It was taller than him and he looked at it with such wonder. Andromeda had to get it for him. It would just be a bonus present before he opened all the ones at home. Remus ended up having to carry the thing since it was too big for Harry to easily hold.

When they got back Harry was met with a surprise party. He recognised the other kids from Sirius’s party luckily they were the ones he had gotten along with better but he was most excited to see Luna again. They had different party games set up for the kids to play that seemed to be a success even the older kids joined in. Harry could honestly say this was the best birthday party he had ever been to, the ones he would see back when he lived with the Dursleys were way less energetic. Kreacher eventually brought out a huge cake topped with eight candles. Harry’s wish wasn’t a selfish one, he wanted everyone else to be happy. Harry was happiest when his new family was. He was then served the first slice before everyone else. It was such an amazing feeling to be able to sit in a room full of people who care about him. After cake he was taken to a table overflowing with presents. “This is too much.” Harry stood there with wide watery eyes. “Nah kid it’s about the right amount, maybe less ! We had lots of years to make up for.” Sirius pulled him in for a side hug.

The party had been so much fun no one noticed the crow watching from the window.

Once everyone left Harry just cried for a bit in Sirius’s arms as Capella and Remus sat on either side comforting him, that was until a goblin arrived. “Right, your final gift !” Sirius announced. Harry stayed latched to Sirius as they left the house. They arrived at the Potter estate. “A reminder none of you can take anything from here without the young lord Potter’s permission.” The goblin stated as they walked through the front door. Sirius and Remus showed Harry and Capella around and ended the tour in the family office. “Sirius, Remus, it's been so long since we saw you, you both look so handsome and grown up! And who have you brought with you ?” the painting of an elderly couple warmly greeted. “Fleamont, Euphemia, Meet Harry. Harry, these are your grandparents.” Sirius introduced and the two portraits spent a second greeting their grandson “And the young lady ?” Euphemia looked at Sirius with amused disappointment “Right this is my little sister Capella, I was actually hoping she would catch you two up with everything that has been happening and you could teach her how to raise a Potter while we take Harry to go through the remaining items from the cottage.” Sirius then looked to Capella. “Of course just yell if you end up needing me.” Capella was then left in the office while the others left.

The boys took Harry to the ballroom where all the items that didn’t get blown up and ruined that night were taken. They looked through boxes of his parents' old things and he was allowed to take home whatever he wanted. He ended up wanting all of the pictures and some of the few toys. “Harry, do you mind if we go to my old room so I can take some things from there, with your permission.” Sirius added the last bit after a look from the goblin. “Of course, why do you have to ask ?” Harry was a bit confused. “The items were bought with Potter funds.” The goblin explained. Harry sat on the bed as Sirius and Remus packed up all the things the Potters got him after he ran away.

“Sorry Mrs.Potter I’d love to keep talking but it’s getting pretty late and I don’t want Harry cranky in the morning.” Capella had been listening to stories about Sirius after they talked about the serious stuff. “Of course dear, I love em to bits but without you to help those boys would be drowning in shallow water trying to take care of Harry. Also just call me Mia dear and have a nice night.” Euphemia bid the younger woman good night and Capella found the boys to tell them it’s time to go.

Harry crashed hard that night after all the sugar and excitement clutching on to his giant snake stuffy.

Chapter Text

Capella got Harry ready so he could watch his first ever quidditch game at Hogwarts. “He can’t be seen in that.” Sirius came over with a Gryffindor scarf to replace the Ravenclaw one she put on him. “Why don’t we let him choose?” Severus suggested before the siblings broke out into a duel. “If I get to pick, then can I have a yellow one like Dora ?” Harry’s question made the two deflate both a bit disappointed he didn’t want theirs. Capella changed the colors of Sirius’s and switched the two out. “Hey, why’d you change mine ?” Sirius was highly offended. “It's easier to make red into yellow than blue.” Capella had a wicked smirk because they all knew the spell was no problem for her and Sirius just stuck out his tongue.

“All right pup ready for your first game ?” Sirius had never been happier to be pureblood since his lordship of Ravenclaw let him take Harry to Hogwarts for the games. “I want you to stay with Minerva so I know Harry has a competent adult nearby.” Capella’s comment made Harry giggle. “Thanks for the confidence Cappy.” Sirius mumbled as he and Harry left.

“Who do we have here ?” Sprout surprised Harry was in Hufflepuff colors. “I’m Harry Potter mam.” Harry held Sirius’s hand a bit tighter since he was still a little nervous around new people. “Nice to meet you Harry l’m professor Sprout head of Hufflepuff.” They all sat in the staff box and Harry watched Dora come out onto the field with Black and yellow hair and waving to Harry. He excitedly waved back and like normal tried to copy Dora's hair but ended up with half and half instead of stripes. “Since when could he do that ?” Sprout watched in surprise.

“There's very little he can’t do. We had to register him as an animagus not too long ago.” Sirius bragged “What animal ?” Minerva’s more interested in the conversation than the game since her lions aren't playing. “An antlered wolf.” Sirius was still thrilled Harry got such a rare form. “Impressive I hope he’ll thrive in my class.” Minerva had always found her few animagus students were naturals in transfiguration. “I doubt he’ll struggle in much, He luckily got Lily's brains and if you add the Black families method of teaching their kids from a young age it makes one unstoppable kid. He’s already fluent in French and it’s only been a year.” Sirius had once wondered what Lily would be like if she was raised Pureblood like him and James since they had an advantage having known they were wizards their whole lifes and he figured Harry would probably show him.

“Is he all Lily personality wise or should I be preparing for a Marauders part two ?” Minnie questioned. “Don’t worry I’m working on it, I’ve also been teaching Narcissa’s son Draco and Neville longbottom when he’s over, Harry has already found a girl to obsess over and from what I hear you already have the Pritwit twins part two with Moly’s twins.” Sirius smirked as she rubbed her head anticipating the future headaches. “I’m no seer but think I see retirement in my future.” Minnie lightly glaring at him and Pomona laughing. “You laugh but thats just because you know they won't be in your house.” Minerva glared at her co worker and friend.

The game ended with Hufflepuff winning and Harry going wild with the crowd. Sirius and Pomona took him down to see Dora before they left. “Dora you were amazing !” Harry ran over to them and they picked him up. “Thanks, Squirt !” Dora was thrilled to see Harry even if summer wasn’t that long ago and he had been sending letters. “Dora ?” one of the guys grinned. “Only family calls me that, it’s Tonks to you.” Dora glared at him. Then introduced Harry to some other players Dora’s team mates weren’t too surprised to see Harry with how much Tonks had been talking about him but it was still a bit surreal being complemented by The Harry Potter.

Before they left Minnerva was able to take Harry on a tour since He was the Gryffindor heir publicly and technically owned a part of the school. As they walked through the school Harry stopped and stared at a wall causing a door to appear. “What in the world?” Minerva and Sirius halted neither ever knowing about the mystery door. “There's something in there like the locket Alastor brought to the bank.” Harry whispered to Sirius so he pulled out his wand and they went in. Sitting on a small table was the missing diadem of Rowena Ravenclaw. “Kreacher” Sirius called out for the elf. “Master mutt called for Kreacher?” The old elf seemed uncomfortable and kept looking at the diadem. “Can you get something to safely hold that and take it to the Gringotts team we’ve been working with.” Sirius asked and Kreacher popped away, came back with a small box and left again. “Sirius what was that ?” Minerva watched it all unfold. “It’s another horcrux .” Sirius quickly got Harry home in case the destruction of the diadem causes Harry to lose control again.

“With Bella’s permission they got the cup and have located the last one in Malfoy manor other than that they have secured the diadem. Since they managed to remove the Horcux they returned the objects back to us but the diadem did lose it’s ability to enhance the wearer's intelligence. The concerning thing is that an anonymous letter arrived containing a list of every horcrux and the one inside the ring was in the envelope.” Capella sat in the office with Sirius, Narcissa, and Andromeda. “Who could know all that and why would they hand over the ring now ?” Andromeda started chewing on her lip as they all thought about what this could mean. “I bet you it was Dumbledore. He loves doing cripted shit like this. Why haven’t we thrown him behind bars for what he did to Harry?” Sirius was slowly losing his cool. “He is a beloved and key figure in our society. We need overwhelming proof, the majority of the population trusts him too much and our family is no beacon of light.” Capella would have to think each move through carefully.

Regulus watched from his perch outside the window as his Sirius and the others joked around crowning Capella with the diadem. “Don’t worry I’m planing on giving you the lordship to, it’s not my style.” Sirius lounging on her laughing. With each day he wondered what would happen if he revealed himself. Scratch that he knew how most of them would but Sirius? Would he be happy and go back to being his big brother? But if he did, was he just a replacement for James now that he was gone? What if he still hated him? What was worse being a replacement or still being dead to him?

And Severus what would he do? There was no way they’d be like his siblings with their partners who just acted like they hadn't been apart for so long. Then again they had been with their partners for years he and Severus had only been together for three months and didn’t get to see eachother often. Severus seemed so happy here and what if returning made him stop coming over? He couldn’t do that to him.

Or to Capella Severus was a much better brother figure than he was, for the majority of their childhood he would ignore her and treat her like a nuisance when she was the nicest out of all of them. She was only nine when he found out he was actually a boy in a girls body and what did she do? She helped him cut his hair and stood up for him when their parents got mad. What if he was the bad brother, he replaced Capella with Pandora just like Sirius did to him and he got Pandora killed asking if she would destroy that locket. Were they all better off without him?

The thing was he might be outed anyway because he seemed to constantly be making eye contact with Harry like he knew something. The day Pandora's family had been invited over he nearly flew off never to return. “I got a new set of colored pencils, lately all I seem to draw lately are crows.” Harry had been interested in them ever since his dream with the crow. Draco, Luna and Harry sat in the den with sheets of paper littering the ground. “I’ve been reading about crows recently, they are really smart but people don’t like them since some see them as a symbol for death or bad luck.” Harry shared his findings and Regulus could have sworn they knew about him, maybe it was best to just come out of hiding. Voldamort was still dead and they found all the horcruxes. The only question was how to reveal himself. (he couldn’t come up with a good plan)

That's how Kreacher found him breaking into the house early that morning. “I’m home.” Regulus smiled and the elf went ballistic and finally let him in after confirming it was in fact him and he explained what he was doing this whole time. Afterward he was ushered to the dining room for breakfast because he was too skinny and needed a proper meal despite the sun not even being up yet.

Who better to first find him there than Draco who woke up from a nightmare and was coming down for a glass of warm milk. “Who are you ?!” Draco yelled, waking up every one but Barty. Regulus just sat there as five sets of feet came rushing down the stairs, wands drawn. Narcissa quickly picked up her son about to blast him to bits when she registered who she was looking at “Regulus ?” her jaw dropped. “Good morning everyone, nice to see you too.” Regulus just stayed seated bagel in hand. “Kreacher has already verified and scolded master Regulus.” The elf began setting the table for more people and Alastor glared at the dead boy. “What the fuck Reggie we thought you died !” Sirius yelled, finally waking up Barty.

“Hey kid, do you know what's happening ?” Barty asked Harry who was too scared to go down after Draco yelled about an intruder. “Someone named Regulus is in the house and mum and uncle padfoot are yelling at them.” Harry informed him. “It’s fine, come on I think we're having an early breakfast.” Barty held Harry’s hand as they walked down stairs to see everyone else eating as Capella and Sirius yelled at their brother. “Welcome back to the land of the living Reg.” Barty sat down to eat with Harry. “So do you want to go flying today ?” Harry and Draco just started doing their normal planning for the day. “Barty, up for some flight supervising ?” Remus had a feeling Sirius would be a bit too busy to watch the boys fly today. “Why not.” Barty shrugged and continued watching his best friend get chewed out by his siblings and Narcissa who butted in every once in a while. He’d feel bad but he was a bit mad too he thought he was the last one left after hearing about Pandora.

Once it was the normal time people woke up they floo’d Andromeda and Regulus prepared for another round of scolding. Instead she just hugged him “I’m not gonna say anything cause I’m sure they already did.” Andi did give him a look of disappointment though. Afterward he finally was properly introduced to the kids who weren't all that interested. “So who’s telling Severus ?” Andromeda finally brings up the man who was at work for the school year. Regulus was then given till Severus’s lunch break to prepare himself after Capella called him. “What do I even say to him ?” Regulus walked in circles. “Apologize” Sirius rolling his eyes. “But how ?” Regulus went over and flopped on the couch. “You really didn’t plan any of this, did you ?” Barty was just sitting doing a crossword puzzle. “Look, give better advice. I have to go with the boys for training.” Capella hoped it would work out while she was gone after all out of sight out of mind.

“Minnerva, Capella said there was an issue at home, I shouldn’t be gone long but just incase will you cover for me if my house has any issues ?” Severus figured it couldn’t be that bad if it could wait till his lunch break. If it weren't for Minnervas need for drama reminding him he might have even forgotten, realistically they should have been able to handle themselves. He was prepared to go over to deal with some stupid problem and instead he stepped through the floo to find Sirius and his dead boyfriend having a fucking fist fight like children ? How the hell does one respond to that? “Fucking get off me your bloody boyfriends here.” Sirius grumbled out and Regulus released him from the choke hold Severus got a good look and confirmed it, that was Regulus alive and breathing (wheezing with a black eye) and what does he do ? walks back through the bloody floo.

He stormed through the castle running into Dora who was headed to lunch themself. “Sir are you okay you look a little pale ?” Dora only asked since no one else was around. “Do you know what's happening at the manor ?” Severus honestly would rather learn it though the teenager than go back to the house for answers. “No, is something wrong ?” Dora started to get worried with how he was looking at them. “Your uncle was having a fist fight with his supposedly dead brother.” Severus ran his hand down his face and kept walking as Dora put the dots together.

Severus continued walking to the great hall and then taped Minerva on her shoulder “it’s an emergency.” and the two went to his office where he pulled out a bottle of brandy. “Severus are you okay ?” Minerva concerned what could warrant day drinking like this. “Regulus is alive” Severus swallowing his drink all in one go. “Wot?” Minerva was baffled, the boy had been dead for around nine years. “I go over the manor since Capella asked me to this morning and I walk in on Regulus pining Sirius to the ground in a choke hold with a black eye and busted lip and Barty just sitting there with no Capella in sight so I left.” Severus pouring himself another glass, a little tipsy since it was the strongest thing he kept at the school and was drinking it like the world was ending. “Get back over there and find out what in Merlin's name is happening over there.” Minerva pushing him to the fireplace.

If Minerva was one thing she was a sucker for drama and the Black family always seemed to be more than ready to provide.

Chapter Text

Severus was back in the floo about to face whatever was going on at the manor. “What the fuck Sirius I just wanted advice you ass!” Regulus yelled at his brother but then they both turned at the sound of someone arriving. “Look he’s back, you can stop bitching!” Sirius falled his arms. Severus grabbed Regulus by the arm and pulled him to his lab. “Sev, um, shit I don’t know what to say…” Regulus sighed, running his hand through his hair. Severus led him to a stool and grabbed a first aid kit. “I have already drank half a bottle of brandy so I’m sure it will suffice for now.” Severus carefully rubbing bruise balm on his eye. “What ?” Regulus doing a double take. “Alcohol I was saving the bottle for when I finally quit teaching, I’m a teacher now.” Severus moving to the busted lip. “I know I would check in on you every so often.” Regulus downplaying his obsessive stalking. “And you never thought to let me know you were alive ?” Severus frowning. “At first I couldn’t because you were still a death eater and you could have interfered with my mission…” Regulus was struggling to speak. “What mission and why couldn’t you have told me when I defected ?” Severus almost snapping at him.

“I had started hunting the horcruxes and I told myself I would stay dead till I destroyed them all but then you guys found out about them and they're almost all gone, I couldn’t stay away.” Regulus admitted. “And now what ? We go back like nothing happened like how your siblings did and I forget about how you chose to leave.” Severus wished it was that simple but the others were forced away from their partners not abandoned. “As much as I would like to, I couldn't ask you to forgive me just like that.” Regulus looked down at his hands ashamed. Next thing he knew Severus had pulled him in for a kiss it was hot and heavy tasting of brandy and before he knew it Severus broke it off then walked out of the lab. “One of you tell Minerva I’m taking a sick day and don’t bother me even if the dark lord returns I’m going to sleep !” Severus yelled out to the other inhabitants of the house knowing one of them would do it and went to his room he got another drink and promptly passed out.

“I’d say that went better than expected.” Sirius stood in the doorway. “What do you mean ?” Regulus wasn’t sure if it had. “He kissed you didn’t he ?” Sirius wanted to wring Severus’s neck for kissing his baby brother but he wanted to attack Regulus to, he was at fault for this whole mess after playing dead. “I’ll have Cissy check in on him for you.” Sirius rolled his eyes and walked off.

Soon Barty walked in. “So how do you think Capella would feel if I brought home a ferret?” Regulus just gave him a dead stare. “Not the time.” Regulus couldn’t believe him. “Actually I think it’s the perfect time, you help me shop for a ferret and forget about your abysmal love life and I get a ferret, win win.” Barty smiled, “I hate you.” Regulus dragged his hand down, his face. “You love me really” Barty smirked and helped him get up so they could go to a pet store.

Severus woke up to knocking on his door, “I said I didn’t want to be bothered !” Severus yelled through the door. “Yes but I need to make sure you haven’t given yourself alcohol poisoning or choked on your own vomit, so do you want to tell me why you're freaking out this much.” Narcissa sat down on his bed. “Because I fell in love like an idiot thought he died and never moved on.” Severus gave broad hand gestures as he spoke. “Look I don’t see the problem, the two of you will be on top of each other before next school year.” Narcissa didn’t understand the big deal if Regulus liked him they would probably end up married with kids and everything no need for all this drama but severus highly doubted that.

After a while Capella returned home with Alastor, Remus, and the boys. Draco wanted to come to Harry’s training to see what it was like and Capella even let him borrow her wand for some simple spells. “Dear is that a ferret ?” Capella saw the thing sitting on his shoulder “Yes isn’t he cute? I still need to pick out a name.” Barty picked it up to show it off. “Can I pet him ?” Draco looked at the rodent with wonder. “I don’t see why not.” Barty handed it over and the ferret immediately cuddled up in his arms. “I think you might have just bought Draco a pet instead.” Remus chuckled. “Why does my son have a ferret ?” Narcissa came down the steps. “It’s mine. me and Reg got him after Severus locked himself up in his room.” Barty taking his pet back. “Oh, I take it didn’t go well ?” Capella looked to her brother. “He walked in on me and Sirius fighting, left, came back drunk. We had a short talk and then he went to his room.” Regulus summing it up. “I checked in on him and he didn't seem black out but he was pretty wasted so I took the bottle away and he went back to sleep.” Narcissa glared at Regulus as she spoke.

Regulus spent the rest of the day getting to know the boys and subsequently put on broom duty with Sirius “Woah that kid’s fast, I think he might make a good seeker.” Regulus watched Harry on his broom. “If he's interested maybe you could train him up the summer before his second year.” Sirius couldn’t wait to see Harry on the field. “I think I have a practice snitch in my old room he could use too.” Regulus eventually noticed that Harry was using small boosts of wandless magic to propel himself faster. “Do you think all this training with Moody is necessary for a kid ?” he didn’t want Harry to get burnout before even making it to Hogwarts. “I thought that at first but it’s because he’s so powerful we need to make sure he can control it, unlike other kids his accidental magic is more frequent and dangerous since it’s so closely tied to his emotions.” Sirius had thought they were trying to turn him into some kind of child weapon but after some explaining and what happened with Remus he was on board.

“Boys it’s time for dinner!” Capella yelled out the back door and they all filled in. “Kreacher, would you please take a plate up to Sev and wake him if he's asleep.” Narcissa asked. “Feel free to go back to Grimwald and grab whatever you want and choose a bed room here.” Capella was a bit done with all the men in the house right now (minus Remus since he’s too good for this family.) and after dinner she spent all her time in her office working on Bella's case with Harry just doing some of his reading in there with her. “Harry when you’re big you won't be dumb like those guys out there will you?” Capella looked up from the work completely exhausted. “Of course not.” Harry looked offended at the question. “You're right, you're my little angel !” Capella got up and picked up Harry. “I’m not little, I'm a big kid, I'm eight.” Harry looked exasperated. “You're right I won't be able to carry you much longer I might just have to shrink you down.” Capella teased making him laugh and throw his arms around her neck snuggling in closer. She took Harry up to his room and tucked him giving him a kiss on the forehead. “I love you, thank you for finding me.” Harry said right before she left. “I love you too Harry, you have no idea how happy you make me.” Capella held back tears. Harry could officially say he had found his family and it was never the Dursleys. Living here he finally felt like he belonged and that he was never a freak, the Dursleys were just bullies.

“So mind telling me what the fuck happend. I was gone for two hours.” Capella glared at Regulus. He quickly explained and she just sank into the chair. “Look I don’t mean to get stereotypical but Sirius and Remus could immediately get back together because they're impulsive and loyal, they're Gryffindors. Barty and I could do it because it was logical we were already arranged we both still had feelings and we both knew the other felt the same, were Ravenclaws. You and Severus are Slytherins, both of you can’t communicate your feelings well, both of you overthink every move you make, you think with skewed logic needing to have tons of steps.” Capella took a breath and held up her hand to let Regulus know she wasn’t done yet as he scowled. “If you want him back then don’t analyze things too much and take those steps, bring him little gifts, compliment him, take him out on dates but go as slow as you two need.” Capella put down her hand finally. “Got it thank you.” Regulus understood how she put it, despite being the youngest it was safe to say she was the smartest. He brewed a hangover potion in the community lab, attached a little note apologizing and had Kreacher set it on his bedside table.

Then next morning when Severus woke up with a massive headache he found the vial and note. Without thinking he had the slightest smile and downed the potion. When he went down stairs to floo back to the school Kreature asked if he needed breakfast. “No thank you, I must make an appearance at breakfast at the school.” Severus left knowing he’d have to talk to Minerva about what happened.

“Now that you’re back you need a task so you will be focusing on how to safely remove the Horcrux from Harry.” Capella informed Regulus at breakfast. “You make it sound like everyone has one.” Regulus was still gonna help but he just had to say it. “Everyone does Sirius is our people person slash my political puppet, Narcissa collects black male and organises events, Andromeda works as our legal person when she has time since she has a real job, Severus makes potions, Remus lets Sev use him for research and helps teach the kids, Alastor trains the kids and covers up what were doing from the ministry, and Barty keeps me from ripping your all’s heads off when you do something stupid like playing dead.” Capella gives an eerie smile at the end. “Point made, I was going to do it anyway but jeez.” Regulus puts his hands up in surrender. Regulus made his way to the library to get to work.

Harry found himself in the library staring at Regulus. “Are you gonna go play with Draco or just watch me?” Regulus asked not looking up from his book. “His dad is making them go back so he’s packing.” Harry curled up. “If you’re worried about them, don’t Narcissa is one scary woman and will keep them safe just fine.” Regulus stated. “Were you the bird from my vision ?” Harry leaned forward a bit. “I’m not sure but I am a bird.” Regulus didn’t understand where the conversation was going. “What's it like having siblings ?” Harry continued his random questions and eventually Regulus gave up on reading.

Draco didn’t understand why his mum told him not to pack much, were they not going home? To be fair he did know Dora left stuff in their room but his mum told him to leave a lot more behind then they did. Nacissa wasn’t going to stay there any longer than she had to, she would locate the diary and Lucius’s files of black mail then alert the aurors finally she and Draco would fully move into Blackwood manor and when Draco’s an adult he can live in Malfoy manor if he chooses. She spent nine days looking for the diary and once she found it she saw how many wards were around it. She recognised her son was confused by her strange actions nowadays but she reassured him it would be fine. Then the fated knock came to their door. “Dear I need you to stay in your room for now okay?” Narcissa knelt down to Draco then went to the top of the grand staircase to watch Lucius open the door.

“Mr. Malfoy you are under arrest for possession of an extremely dark and deadly artifact.” The man pushed past him and two other restrained Lucius. “If you follow me I can take you to the hiding spot.” Narcissa stood tall and glared down at Lucius. “What have you done woman !” Lucius yelled as he was taken away. She led the team to the dining room. It was behind the painting of his father that sat behind where the dark lord would during meetings. “Thank you for your service Mrs.Malfoy.” one of the men said and she just showed them out.

“Draco love, we need to start packing up your room we’ll be permanently moving in with your aunts and uncles.” Narcissa found Draco a little shaken up by the yelling in his room. “What about father ?” Draco had heard him yelling. “He has done some very bad things and won't be coming with us.” Narcissa watched her son’s conflicted face contort as he dealt with his conflicting feelings. Later Capella, Regulus, and Harry came over to help pack, Capella and Narcissa packed up her room then went to check in on the kids and help them with Draco's things, as for Regulus he was scouring the library for any information on soul magic the Malfoys might have (and anything he thought was interesting.) and returned it all back to the manor to unpack.

Regulus would spend his days reading anything he could find on soul magic to help Harry and in his free time he’d fly to Hogwarts in bird form to deliver his love letters and gifts to Severus. “You need a hobby, you're either working or being a little love sick puppy.” Sirius was looking through the library to find a book he once read that he thought Remus would like. “Like you're any better.” Regulus scoffed. “I keep up with professional qudditage, relearning the guitar, and have been looking into getting a transfiguration mastery so I can take over when Minnie becomes headmistress.” Sirius smiled smugly. “Who are you and what have you done with my brother ?” Regulus squinted. “You liked gardening when we were younger so maybe you could try that now that mum isn’t around telling no.” Sirius recalled how much Walburga hated Regulus’s interest in growing plants saying it made him filthy and should leave such work for those beneath them.

Harry was out in the garden playing with Draco. “Uncle Reggie, what are you doing out here?” the two boys ran over to him, Draco had become very attached for some reason. “I’m thinking about fixing up the garden. I'll have to remove all the weeds then when spring comes I can plant.” Regulus looked out on the slightly overgrown garden beds of dead plants killed of by the winter chill. Harry and Draco ended up helping by pulling out the dead plants by hand with him. “Why can’t we just vanish them.” Draco had never done work like this. “It will affect the soil badly, sometimes it's best to let nature take its course.” Regulus had learned a lot about the earth's balance while living off the grid. As he pulled weeds he thought about plants that would both look good but Severus could use for potions.

Severus had been getting letters from Regulus often and was now being teased by Minerva and Poppy constantly, but with the winter holidays coming soon he was eager to spend it at the manor instead of the school for once. The others who were in on Capellas' plot had decided to send any gifts through Severus though so when he arrived to a fully decked out manor he had a horde of presents to put under the massive tree, the entire place had a soft smell of cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, and a bit citrus. He noticed it was almost completely yule decorations, making a different feel from the castle. It gave a wave of nostalgia from before Hogwarts back when he was little helping his mother string berries and pine cones to make garland as his mother told his father it was just Christmas decorations but was celebrating yule in secret.

That night they had all sat in the main family room playing games, even Alastor was sitting in the corner knitting ? Severus never thought he’d see that. “Hey, that was my railroad !” Dora looked exasperated at Sirius. (Monopoly had surprisingly become a family favorite despite all the rage quitting.) Severus sat in a chair slightly drifting when Andromeda was making a fuss about something and he was snapped out of his daze by Regulus sitting at the grand piano that had been almost decoration. He watched Regulus elegantly playing some carols, he looked perfect sitting there, as if it came naturally but at the same time he could see the slight twitch in his eyebrow meaning he was trying his hardest to focus. Regulus hadn’t played in years and it had been longer since he played holiday music. It was all worth it though because when he finished and saw soft smile on Severus’s face as he watched him he could have sworn he fell in love all over again.

Chapter Text

After the holidays things got a bit darker as they prepared for Bellatrix's trial, so far no one had been proven innocent during the retrials, at most some people’s sentences were lightened. Andromeda took over for the last bits of research and evidence for the trial while Capella moved her focus to the research she had been doing in her free time to help the Longbottoms. She had been able to find a few helpful books and might have made some progress compared to what the healers could accomplish before they gave up. “Capella It’s time to go.” Narcissa stood in her doorway ready for the trial. “I know, I just wanted to have something better to show to dowager Longbottom by now.” Capella wouldn’t really be satisfied with her work until Alice and Frank were functioning normally raising their son.

When they arrived Sirius sat in the Black family seat, Capella in the Ravenclaw, and now that Lucius was in jail Narcissa took over for the Malfoy’s until Draco is of age. Dowager Longbottom looked ready to combust when Bellatrix was taken out into the cage. Andromeda stood up in Bellatrix’s defence as her lawyer causing quite the stir since to the public she was still disowned and unlike Sirius, Bellatrix was very much a Deatheater.

Finally after fifteen minutes of waiting it was Andromeda's turn. “Lords and Ladies of the jury I understand my clients crimes but I would like to bring up her circumstances, as it’s well know at the time of Voldemort's power the head of the house of Black at the time was a death eater. I would first like to put forth Bellatrix’s marriage contract or shall I say receipt, not only had Rodolphus Lestrange bought her from Cygnus Black for a large sum of money but with in the fine print you can find multiple questionable things such as Cygnus Black suggest Rodolphus Lestrange use the Imperius curse to make her easier to use. As it’s known Rodolphus Lestrange was a prominent death eater himself and Bellatrix Black had only gotten the mark once she became a Lestrange. My client claims to have been put under the Imperius and cruciatus by her husband multiple times.” Andromeda stopped to present her next piece.

“Was she under the Imperius when she attacked my son and daughter inlaw.” Dowager Longbottom stood up from her seat. “No she wasn't, however she had been unstable due to the fact she had her second miscarriage not long before. Both of her pregnancies had been lost due to being under the Cruciatus curse, the first at the hands of her husband and the second at the hands of Voldemort. With the addition to the damage both of the curse’s I’ve mentioned she was also suffering from the Black family curse that had been placed on the Black blood line by the Longbottom line.” Andromeda had pulled out the family record of both pregnancies to show to the jury.

“Could you explain the Black family curse for those who aren't familiar.” Madam Bones asked. “Of course. It’s a simple madness curse passed through bloodline, the more powerful the family member the more unstable the person is, an additional note is that it has been recorded as more potent to women. The family has combated this curse with enchanted jewelry made to ground and calm the wearer, it has been proven extremely effective over the past century give or take a few years. All children are instructed to not remove their chosen item and even have a backup incase of emergencies. In my client's case Voldemort had taken her’s because in quote it held her back.” Andromed explained and multiple people looked to the members of the Black family in search of jewelry finding each member had multiple things that could be the mentioned grounding device from hair comb to detailed belt buckle. James once asked Sirius why he wore so many accessories and Sirius explained it was so it was harder to tell which was the enchanted one, even now not even Remus knows.

“Still what is it you are trying to get for your client Mrs.Tonks ?” Madam Bones wishing to speed things up. “I ask that instead of sending her back to Azkaban she goes to intense mind healing and once deemed stable, spend ten years minimum in community service.” Andromeda announced and the entire Black family held their breath, not even Bellatrix argued to lessen her sentence having to bite her tongue.

It took a long deliberation period of arguing about the sentence till it was finally decided to change it to fifteen years of public service and then they wouldn’t send her back to Azkaban. Dowager Longbottom continued to send glares their way.

“How did it go ?” Harry ran up to Capella once they returned home. “We got your Aunty Bella out of the bad place but she has to recover for a bit before she can come home.” Capella explained to the boys. Harry thought his mum had to be one of the coolest people to ever exist. First she had saved him then Barty and uncle Padfoot now she’s done it again. She remind him of those guardian angels Aunt Petunia and the other ladies at the church would talk about. “Now do you think you’d be willing to spend time with me after my really long day.” Capella fawned over Harry causing him to giggle.

“Can we go for a run ?” Harry loved running out in the woods and Capella was the only one who could keep up with him when he wanted to go as fast as possible. “Can I come too ?” Sirius putting on puppy eyes begging Harry. “Sure.” Harry excitedly shifted foot to foot. “Okay one second though boys I need to get a new piece of jewelry.” Capella had given Bella her simple silver necklace with a big pearl and two smaller ones on each side and when she came back down she had changed into a more comfortable outfit and a black lace choker with a sapphire pendant. “I don’t think I’ve seen that one before.” Narcissa went for a closer look. “Found it when we were clearing the house for dangerous objects.” Capella stood as Andromeda came in for a look. “I think it looks amazing on you darling.” Barty chimed in, giving her a wink and she sent him a playful glare in return. “Can we go now ?” Harry had been getting impatient. “Harry, use your manners next time and yes I’m sorry for holding us up.” Capella gave him a stern glance for a second and he just had a sheepish smile.

The three went for a run effectively tiring Harry out so he went to bed soon after dinner. Barty caught Capella in the hall after she tucked Harry in and read him a story. “You really are great with him, motherhood really suits you. Makes me wonder what you’d look like if you were pregnant, I’d bet you’d be glowing.” Barty flirted and hooked a finger in her new choker so he could hold her close. They were about to kiss when they heard something fall. “Excuse me, thats my little sister you’re about to feel up in the fucking hallway that leads to her entire familes bedrooms you pervert.” Regulus stood there with a bowl of grapes littered on the floor. “Oh come on Reg, just because you don’t get any action dosen’t mean you have to be a cock block.” Barty rolled his eyes at his friend. “You bastard !” Regulus started charging at Barty but he ran as well and so Regulus started chasing him as Capella laughed, not nearly as embarrassed as when the same thing happened during her and Bartys first kiss. “Meet me in bed if you survive.” Capella called out and headed to their room for the night.

The next day she dived deep into her work with the Cruciatus curse to help the Longbottoms. “Mum It’s lunch.” Harry walked into her lab. “Hello pup, thank you for reminding me but can you ask Kreacher to send my plate to me here ?” Capella was absorbed in her work. She had just figured out something that could also help Severus' research as well. Instead Harry had his lunch brought to her lab as well. “Oh, are you okay honey? Do you need to talk ?” Capella noticed he had his own food while he sat on the examination table. “No just wanted to eat with you.” Harry swung his legs back and forth off the edge of the table. “What did I do to get a boy as sweet as you?” Capella patted his head and grabbed her own sandwich.

Harry loved getting praised by his family because he knew it was because they love him and not the boy who lived and people gave him half genuine compliments like the stranger on the street who made it sound like it was a good thing he was an orphan. Mum had tried to take him to visit his parents grave last halloween but all the people made him nervous causing him to back out. “What are you working on ?” Harry looked at the board covered in small print notes, diagrams, and a small stack of books. “I’m trying to help your friend Neville's parents since they’re in the hospital.” Capella was not about to tell him any of the scary stuff but Harry's hero worship just grew larger with each person she saved. “Is there anything I can do to help ?” Harry wanted to be just like her. “Sure, when you're done eating take this list to uncle Reggie so he can help you find the books I need.” Capella handed him the small pad of paper and they finished lunch together.

Harry spent lots of his time with Capella in her lab to watch her work and learn what she was doing. “Harry, you know I love your company but it’s time to see Reggie to work on you occlumency.” Capella reminded him and so he went running off to the library. Occlumency had to be the thing Harry struggled with the most and until Regulus or the goblin nation can remove the thing in his scar, he’s not supposed to be doing his regular training nearly as much. “Harry you need to focus, remember its just like cleaning your room but everything away in its place.” Regulus was hoping once Harry cleared his mind he might be able to locate the Horcrux with in Harry's mind, of course he would have to be extra careful around it since it was uncharted territory, never recorded. Meaning Regulus was keeping a journal recording every thought process and theory.

“I’m tired. Can we please be done for today ?” Harry finally caved in. He was supposed to tell him the moment he felt sleepy or overworked but Harry had a bad habit of pushing himself to get better. “All right kiddo go take a nap and remember if you have any weird dreams again tell us.” Regulus had internally cringing at his use of kiddo, he had been trying to come up with his own nickname for the kid.

While Harry was gone Capella had a chance to experiment… It was a relatively old wand from their family vault; the original owner had died long before she was even born. It had worked well for her so it would suit her purpose and so she got out a cage of rats. When experimenting it’s best to have a living test subject to see if the theory holds up. So she Crucio’d one to the point of near death. It took all she had to not vomit, but it was necessary. Once the rodent was at the same stage as the Longbottoms it just layed there squeaking once or twice twitching, meaning it was ready to test on.

The process continued and each rat was put in its own cage labeled for observation. That night at dinner she was unable to bring herself to eat, she attempted to continue her evening as if nothing happened. “Love, are you okay ? you seem a bit off tonight.” Barty saw her curled up in bed facing away from him, she hadn’t even put her hair in a braid before bed. “Just a little upset after my research today.” Capella muttered “Come here.” Barty brushed out her hair to braid and kissed the back of her neck as he worked making her lose the tension in her shoulders. “Don’t forget you can always talk to me about anything.” Barty held her in his arms.

The next day in the lab while her brothers took Harry and Draco out flying she was able to check in on the rats and a few seemed to be much better than when she left them yesterday. She would leave the one doing the best alone to see if it could continue healing and use the method she used on that one again on the others to see how they worked together. The process continued daily until she found the best method and so she wrote everything down into a notebook minus the rat tests making a full recovery plan and sent it off to Dowager Longbottom. All that was left was to wait and see what happens next.

It took a total of nine days till she was asked to go to the hospital and made the Longbottoms specialist healer.

“Alice has been able to form some coherent sentences, while Frank has yet to show any improvement in that aspect. I have started playing him in chess and he has been able to respond accordingly just slowly he actually won yesterday.” Capella stood in front of the elderly woman reporting back the progress weakly. “So they're improving ?” Augusta's eyes narrowed. She had been extremely suspicious of Capellas help especially after the trial where she was reminded it was her family that cursed the Blacks at the start of their blood feud. “Yes slowly but things have only gotten better since I started my experimental method.” Capella felt prickles up her spine as the woman glared then just walked into the couples room.

“How was work ?” Sirius sat in the main room reading about mechanics, now that he has his bike back he’s determined to fix it up himself. “It’s not a job, I’m volunteering.” Capella waved him off. “But you're doing something seasoned healers failed at.” Sirius argued. “I know and they know. I’ve actually been offered a job if I get an official healer's license.” Capella was still considering the offer. She never really thought about becoming a healer. As a girl she wanted to be a singer, when she got older she just wanted to be a regular house wife instead of serving tea to the dark lord, once she was free she was too broken to think about what she would do now that he was vanquished. “Mum would make a great healer.” Harry came in to greet her.

“You think so ?” Capella caught him for a hug. “I know so.” Harry proudly stated. “What do you want to do when you're older ?” Capella walked with him to her lab. “I don’t know what exactly, but I want to help people like you do.” Harry understood it would be difficult to balance a job and his lordships but if he has people to help like how the adults all support each other he should be fine. “Have I ever told you what a sweet boy you are ?” Capella ruffled his hair. “All the time.” Harry rolled his eyes and tried to fix his hair.

“By the way, Ron, Ginny, Luna and their parents are coming over tomorrow for lunch.” Capella let him know. “Why didn’t you tell me sooner? Me and Draco have to prepare.” Harry said worriedly and rushed off making Capella chuckle. She and Cissy had been thinking about wedding plans for her and Barty now that she could choose instead of her mother doing it to make sure it was “respectable and appropriate” for some one of their status. She had been thinking about a shoulderless dress that's loose and flowy instead of the ball gown that went up to her neck and was covered with an absurd amount of lace that her mother planed back when she was in school.

If things go well she would like to invite Alice and Frank to the wedding, but for that to happen she needed to focus and hope they would be okay with at least Harry and Neville being friends. Harry had been asking if Neville could come over but dowager Longbottom said Neville wasn’t allowed over until Alice and Frank could recognise him adding another reason to work as hard as she was.

It had taken two months until Alice was able to recover. It was honestly incredible, she would still shake, stutter, and get extremely tired but the feeling of accomplishment when she saw Alice meeting her son again made her want to work harder to get both of them to full health. Things hadn’t been going as well with Frank he was still not talking, her theory was he had become selectively or fully mute as a trauma response. “Ella, how is Harry ?” Alice’s voice was a bit shaker than normal. “Has been living at Blackwood manor with me for over a year now, almost my entire family lives there nowadays. Sirius and Remus have been doing an excellent job as uncles making sure Harry is a little trouble maker even getting Narcissa’s son in on their antics.” Capella has kept them on a strict rule with that they had to ask the questions in order to keep from overwhelming them with information.

“Have Harry and Neville met, Lily and I had planned to set up lots of play dates so they could become good friends.” Alice had been trying to keep herself from crying, ever since she had become fully cognizant she had been constantly crying. “Yes they met at a ball we hosted and they went to each other's birthday parties as well as a couple other play dates, they seem to get along well.” Capella avoided mentioning it was a welcome back from Azkaban Sirius ball. Alice smiled and then Frank interrupted by tapping to signal he made his move. Frank's reaction time had gotten better as well to the point where playing a game of chess with him had cut down to only taking about three hours. Alice was technically able to go home now only needing weekly check ups but she wanted Frank to get a bit better first. The last thing she had to do for the day was meet with Augusta. “Any new news ?” The woman had relaxed more as their condition improved. “I think if it’s possible Neville should visit three times a week if possible and in case Frank doesn't improve it might be best if your family learns sign language.” Capella saw the frustration in the other woman's face but she just sighed. “Thank you healer Black, have a nice day.” Dowager Longbottom then went to visit. Being called healer Black had been happing more and more frequently to the point actual healers would ask for a second opinion for their case from her and she wasn’t even wearing healer's robes.

She actually decided she would start the training to become one but she had one more thing to do first.

Chapter Text

School was out meaning it was time for arguably Capellas biggest plain. Invitations were sent out and the ballroom had been turned into a giant meeting room containing a huge table to seat over a dozen people.

Families arrived and the kids were sent off to play. “Capella, my wife and her brother send their aid.” Xenophilius arrived with a small notebook. Capella wasn’t going to question it after all he seemed in better spirits than the last few times she saw him. The room contained the Weasleys, Dowager Longbottom, Xenophilius Lovegood, Emilia Bones, Minerva Gonagall, Poppy Pomfrey, Filius Flitwick, Pomona Sprout, Alastor Moody,and the entire Black family.

“This is quite the crowd, Lady Black but what are we here to discuss ?” Emilia Bones sat looking around. “I’m here to ask if you all would be willing to join me in my case against Albus Dumbledore.” Capella announced “Now Lady Black I appreciate what you have done for my family but why on earth would Albus need to be arrested ?” Augusta’s face was all wrinkled up as she made a sour face.

“Your right this must sound confusing for some of you, this started the day I found Harry Potter living with his abusive muggle relatives instead of my cousin Andromeda, one of the many people on a list the Potters trusted with Harry. Once I took custody of Harry I found a 90% block on his magic core and six compulsions all linked to Albus.” Capella watched the shock on their faces. “No way, why would he do such a thing ?” Molly stood up. “Why would he withhold his knowledge about the Potters secret keeper only voting to free my brother when I revealed I knew. Molly not only did it affect the Potters and myself, but if people knew it was Peter then we might have been able to discover he was hiding as your son's pet.” Capella reminded her. “But Albus, he was helping us, he was the leader of the order !” Molly struggled with the concept, not wanting to see the man in a dark light.

“And yet he was purposely sabotaging missions? He had Remus spend most of his time trying to negotiate with the werewolves knowing it would never work. You all would have had better chances if Sirius went, think about it he’s charismatic and a werewolf supporter, the werewolves still hold the house of Black on a pedestal because of the legends we’re Magic’s guard dogs, Sirius wouldn’t have to worry about being turned since he’s animagus.” Capella reasoned, after all, Voldemort would order her to be in the room when he worked with the wolves. She would just stand there serving tea and refreshments and even grayback would give her a nod of approval.

“Are the legends true ?” Augusta inclined her head. “Yes that’s why my family produces many natural canine animagi, we also have what many call a gut feeling not quite seers but we get whispers of the correct path.” Capella admitted. “Not that what happened to Harry isn’t awful but are there any other reasons?” Emila asked “It was Albus who was the root of the Longbottom leak.” Barty looked to Dowager Longbottom as he spoke. “Albus knew the Pritwit twins would die on the mission he sent them on, tried to get Pandora to cover for Peter, knows about the horcruxes for almost as long as they’ve existed, and planned which students would become death eaters.” Xenophilius held up the small book. “How do you know that ?” Pomona asked.

“My wife could see the future and her twin brother could hear it. Not long before she died she instructed me to bring this book to Capella when she called a meeting, It's all the things she and Even learned about Albus.” Xenophilius explained. The meeting continued to look through the small book and by the end they had all agreed to join and soon a front page article was made.

Albus Dumbledore accused of child endangerment

All four founder heirs invoke the immediate removal from his position as head master title and Minerva Mcgonagall takes over from her position of deputy.

The following house’s support this claim: Black, Bones, Crouch, Fortescue, Gaunt, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Longbottom, Lovegood, Malfoy, Moody, Pevervill, Potter, Prince, Pritwit, Ravenclaw, Rosier, Slytherin, Weasley

I know my dear readers not only is it a surprising accusation but for those who don’t know not only are there many Blood feuds between many of those families but some have been believed extinct for quite a while. Despite my extensive research the most I was able to find out about this unconventional alliance was a rumored meeting at Blackwood manor the Black family ancestral castle that's only event for over a decade was lord Sirius Black’s welcome home party that coincides with this trend of intermingling of different social circles. Don’t fear my loyal readers Rita Skeeter will get to the bottom of this.

“Why aren't Minnie and Moony on here? They might not all have but they have titles.” Sirius looked to his little sister. “If Minerva's name is on the list of accusers then it might look like a conspiracy so she can take over the headmaster position and since Remus is a werewolf he doesn't count as a capable heir so he cant take his lordship.” Capella explained disappointed how idiotic he can be. “We’re changing that law once we’ve taken over the wizengamot.” Sirius scoffed. “That is on the list of changes.” Capella walked off.

Capella and Narcissa were taking the boys out around the shopping district unaware they were being tracked. Albus knew what was going to happen, he would lose his trial and Voldamort would be freed from Harry's horcrux. He had to be killed now, it was for the greater good, there was no other way. Once he saw them enter a clear enough street it was time.

Harry had a bad feeling something was going to happen, someone was watching them and not the normal kind of stares he got and before he knew it that bright green flash he saw in his nightmares came towards he could barely even let out a yelp before he dropped down. He opened his eyes to see his parents standing with a beautiful giant woman he didn’t recognise. “It’s not your time yet love.” His mum stood there with a bitter smile “Padfoot and his family will do a good job taking care of you, live a good life, know we love you.” His dad rested his hand on his shoulder and then they both parted to let the giant woman step forward. “I have chosen you for a reason Harry you will rule the magical world well now go.” The woman smiled and his vision went bright.

Capella saw out of the corner of her eye she could have pulled him out of the way if she was a second faster but Harry dropped dead. Narcissa wrapped herself around Draco and a crowd gathered upon hearing Draco’s scream. Capella looked from where the spell came from and saw Albus, before she knew it her vision went red and her warded jewelry shattered. She didn’t even remember grabbing her wand and curse’s started flying. “You bastard !” Capella screamed and a large wolf made of fire came rushing towards Albus. People in the streets tried putting up shields to protect others but they kept breaking them, not even Narcissa could keep one up for long. It was horrifying they just couldn’t look away and then it happened Capella was hit in the side.

Harry woke up to see Capella, the woman who took him in, staggering as blood trickled down her side. His own rage consumed him, dark clouds surrounded them and small bits of lighting struck down around Albus making it harder for him to move and then was hit with the hardest stinging hex he had ever felt, making him keel over before Harry took his wand. Never had Albus seen a child this scary, not even Tom was like this, Harry’s eyes glowing a killing curse green. What had gone wrong? He had been playing the long game and winning for so long, but when he had looked up from his chess board for once and found a young girl holding his most powerful piece.

He had forgotten one of the most crucial rules: a pawn can always become a queen.

With the fighting over, the aurors were finally able to safely intervene. Harry rushed over to his mum and she tried to pull him in for a hug. “No, you’re hurt and losing lots of blood.” Harry protested but she hugged him anyway. “I thought I lost you !” Capella sobbed holding her little boy. When the healers arrived they tried and failed to separate the family to be healed. “It's just like the one on my forehead.” Harry had found out he had gained another lighting scar just on his chest this time. Once Harry was cleared to go home she had Regulus take him to the goblins instead to get him checked over and see if anything disrupted the horcrux. The thing was it no longer existed, the killing curse must have gotten rid of it instead. Harry's retelling of what happened once he was hit was interesting to say the least, the goblins believe the other woman might have been Magic herself.

Luckily Capella was healed up and ready to go to Albus’s trial with only a large scar. The courtroom was completely packed. Lords and Ladies had their families huddled around the family seats because the gallery was full.

“Ladies and gentlemen may we start the trial of one Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore.” King Jareth of the goblins was appointed judge due to how high profile of a case it is. The courtroom silenced. “He is accused with child endangerment, abuse of power, murder, accessory of murder, tampering with official documents, illegally using Blocks on magic cores, illegally using complotions, and treason. How do you plead” Jareth listed, causing the courtroom to burst out into chatter.

“Innocent, It was all for the greater good.” Albus attempted a last ditch effort by seeing if he could talk his way out of it like in the past. “You are aware there are dozens of eye witnesses for your use of the killing curse on young Lord Potter, As well as multiple people here to give evidence on your other crimes ?” Jareth was unamused.

“It was for the greater good Harry Potter is a living horcrux for Voldemort, the boy is possessed !” Albus yelled. You could hear sharp gasps of horror from the few people who knew what they were and others just panicking because of the mention of Voldemort possessing someone. Many death eaters sat up straighter or held on to something with a white knuckle grip. “Harry Potter has been freed from the Horcrux and was closely watched of any signs of possession or behavioral altering influences by the people who located all the other ones ever since the goblin nation learned of his status as a living Horcrux. Harry Potter's medical records only show the six deactivated compulsions you placed on him, nothing from Tom Riddle.” Jareth announced, and just because most of the crowd didn’t know about horcruxes they all knew about compulsions and their negative effects. By the end even if Albus managed to avoid Azkaban his reputation would never recover, not that it matters since he was sentenced with a dementors kiss. Once people found out how many titles Harry had they

To celebrate Capella had everyone who agreed to help over for a giant dinner or at least it was in her house but Narcissa planned it. The night had been one to remember alcohol flowed freely among the adults and Dora snuck some with the two oldest Weasley boys. Molly had been furious but was quickly subdued when stories of her youth were brought up. The place was full of laughter as they all celebrated. Capella later found Dora and Charlie in a side hall making out. “I know you two are adults now so it’s your business but all I’ll say is use protection. “Aunty Ella what the hell !” Dora whisper shouted blushing so hard their hair went pink as Capella walked off laughing.

With all the major threats out of the way the family got closer to “normal” lifes as they worked to make the magical world a better place.

Chapter Text

“Why am I a bridesmaid again ?” Remus sat as the girls got ready, it was kind of funny once they know you’re not into boobs they have no problem changing in front of you. “Because you’re my brother's partner and a dear friend of mine.” Capella stuck face forward as Alice did her hair. Despite the family's past the two women became fast friends. “Here go check on the kids so you don’t have to watch us get ready.” Andromeda was busy double checking Narcissa for spots she needed to blend more.

He didn’t really need to go check on the kids since they were eleven going on twelve already and Dora was supposed to be nearby. “Every one good in here ?” Remus leaned up against the door frame. “Yep I’m even on a winning streak.” Harry grinned. All the kids were sat on the floor playing some card game. “And there will be no pranks pulled or else you’ll have to face Capellas' wrath.” Remus eyed Harry, Draco, and Neville in particular. “We swear, it’s the twins you need to watch out for.” Draco rolled his eyes, he wouldn’t ruin Auntys wedding and needed no death threats.

It wasn’t long till guests slowly started arriving meaning it was getting closer to go time. The ballroom was where the majority of the event was being hosted but the large doors to the garden were opened to show the altier letting in the fresh summer air. Soon it was time for the ceremony.

Barty stood at the altar trying not to fidget, it was a day that was supposed to happen years ago but now they got to do it their way. When the music started he could have sworn he’d combust with anxiety, the doors to the ballroom had been reopened and everyone's heads turned. They came out in pairs Severus and Regulus both going to his side, then Narcissa and Andromeda heading next to where Capella would be standing, of course Frank and Alice were next, then the last pair Sirius and Regulus, Then Luna how could he forget flower girl first.

Finally Capella came out, she was breathtaking. He finally got to see the dress as well. It was a simple sleeveless one with small lace details flowing out leaving a trail, her hair was down and she wore a recreation of Rowena’s diadem holding her veil in place. It was Alastor walking her down the aisle with Harry and Draco behind holding the rings. The binding ceremony was done and vows were said meaning it was the moment he’d been waiting for. “You may kiss the bride !” Jareth finishing the ceremony.

Barty pulled her into a deep and passionate kiss. “May I present for the first time Mister and Miss Crouch !” Jareth announced, causing a sea of applause.

Capella and Barty had their first dance and then she bounced around between family and friends. They had kept the first part of the event traditional but after the dinner and cake she snuck off to change dresses into a pale blue shoulderless dress that ended above her knees (Far shorter than she normally wore) and Alice helped her put her hair into a ponytail while keeping it nice. When she came back out the atmosphere changed into one of an actual party. The lights shifted to different colors, a bonfire was set up and the music changed into different pop bands both magical and muggle. At the end of the night something unexpected happened giant fireworks went off decorating the sky. “I know you said no pranks but I don’t think this fits the bill.” Sirius appeared with the twins trailing behind all with huge grins.

Before they left for their honeymoon in france at the family lake house Sirius pulled Barty aside. “I’d kill you if I could.” Sirius had a cold stare and once Capella came back down he started laughing and clapped him on the back way harder than necessary. Once they left Regulus approached “You’re far to protective just get used to her being an adult.”

Chapter Text

A part of Harry hated that his family could come to all his games between Sirius, Remus, and Severus being teachers Capella and Barty could come as Lady and Lord Ravenclaw. “Cheer up mate, it's your first game as captain.” Ginny elbowed him. “You're right, sorry it’s about to start. I should give the Wood speech.” Harry rounded up the team and tried to mimic the previous captain's speech. “There you are Harry.” Luna drifted in and gave him a kiss for good luck causing the others to burst out in a mix of whistles and whoops.

The game started and Harry watched from above keeping an eye out for the snitch. He did get a quick look at the stands to see his little brother cheering him on in full gryffindor colors. Not too long after Capella and Barty got married she announced she was pregnant and when they learned it was a boy Harry jokingly said she should name him Rigel but it ended up sticking and now she had a little girl on the way.

Once they were in a sufficient lead he knew it was catch on sight time, when he finally saw the ball the other seeker was headed towards it and much closer. It looked like he’d have to pull his special move mum could yell at him once he won, in that moment Harry free fell rapidly approaching the ground at a speed and height that would end up with a trip to the hospital wing if he messed up. The second he grabbed the ball the game ended but he still had to stick the landing pulling his broom up to keep from crashing.

The crowd went wild his teammates hoisted him up as he showed off the ball. Once they went back to shower off before the party they saw Capella waiting outside the locker room. “Sorry mate !” Ron ran off “well plan your funeral.” The twins called out as they ran off with the rest of the team. “Traitors !” Harry yelled out making a note to make drills a little harder next practice.

“It’s not their fault they have self preservation unlike someone.” Capella grabbed him by his ear. What were you thinking? You shouldn’t be trying to give me a heart attack and when I’m pregnant.” Capella scolded. “Ow salazar mum, I’m sorry.” Harry rubbed his ear once she let go. “Now go off and think about what you did while you celebrate.” Capella dismissed him. “He’s got James’s blood in him, what'd you expect.” Sirius appeared next to her. “Don’t think you and Reg are off the hook it was you two that encouraged stunts like this.” Capella stormed off and Sirius saw some students giggling “Oi bugger off!”

Chapter Text

Students sat in the great hall mingling between houses and grades laughing as they ate lunch. “So have you finally decided what you’re going to do once you graduate, we only have a little time left.” Hermione had been pestering everyone in their year about future plans since the end of sixth year. “I’ll just be managing my estates as lord of my house.” Harry had been butting heads with Hermione about this for a long time now as a muggle born she doesn't have a full grasp of wizarding politics, he’s offered to teach her but she cherry picks what she wants to hear. “I mean a real job.” Hermione rolled her eyes. “Mione, I’m lord of five houses and help with my family's other two. There's a lot of work that goes into managing lordships.” Harry was talking to a brick wall. “Once he marries Luna he will be expected to help with her two as well.” Neville snidely added. Hermione then went on a rant about how they should be careful thinking about getting married so young when a raven approached the head table.

“Harry, isn’t that your mum's bird up there with professor Snape ?” Neville pointed out. “Why would your mum need to write to professor Snape ?” Hermione questions. Harry never made it public that Severus was a member of his family to avoid any more controversy by having a third family member on staff. The entire table turned to see what was happening.

Despite being held by one of Capellas' ravens, it was from Regulus. He had access to his floo what would a letter be for ? Severus slowly opened it and pulled out the paper.

Severus

I won’t drag this out longer than necessary, I’m pregnant.

Love
Regulus

Severus’s jaw dropped it was more of a note than a letter even the writing looked rushed and before he could think about it to much Minerva had to open her big mouth. “Congratulations dear I think you’ll make an excellent father.” She smiled at least keeping her voice down so the students didn’t hear. How ever Sirius who had enhanced hearing as if sitting next to Minerva was not enough, did hear. “What ?” Sirius looked at him with a murderous glare. “Well now we know how he was really spending the holiday break.” Fillius chuckled and Pomona snorted. Severus stood up not running but definitely not simply walking as he tried to save face in front of the students when Sirius practically leaped across the table. “You absolute scum, how dare you!” Sirius tackled Severus and the two started cursing each other as students watched in horror. Harry levitated the letter almost completely unnoticed. “Harry, you can’t just read a teacher's private mail!” Hermione shrieked.

Harry glanced at the letter and snorted and passed it to Luna only making Hermione worse. Harry got up and went over to Minnie and Remus trying and failing to pull them apart and used his magic to separate them. “What’s the big deal Mum already has two kids and you didn’t tackle Barty like this?” Harry questioned. “Because Barty had the respect to marry her first, but they’re not even engaged.” Sirius was still seething. “Still you shouldn’t act like children in front of children!” Minerva scolded them. “If you must fight you could at least arrange a non lethal duel.” Fillius added in.

After lunch the dining hall was set up so the students could watch a real duel instead of a demastation. “What is even happening ?” Hermione looked at Ron who was cakaling with Neville. “Severus knocked up Sirius’s little brother.” Ron bursting out into another fit of giggles. “First you read the mail and now you call them by their first names, have you no respect !” Hermione couldn’t believe it. “Sorry Mione, I can see how this looks but we're not laughing at them as teachers but as the two men who have been fighting like this since we were kids.” Neville explained. “We have seen them fight all the time at home but never like this.” Draco interrupting. “At home ?” Hermione frowned. “Sorry we often forget you don’t know things since you were raised muggle but Severus has been living at the Black manor longer than I have, the others are just over so often it’s like a second home to them.” Draco further explaining. They all went into further detail about their time with the Black family as they watched the two professors duel it out memorizing the students.

After they finished in a drawl Mcgonagle announced they would be writing lines in her office as punishment causing the children who stay at Black manor to laugh harder as the other students departed what it was all about.