Chapter Text
Tuesday, 3 February, 1981, Potter Cottage, 4:30pm
James Point of View
James had just taken Harry over to his old home, because Monty would be watching him as James went out. Monty had a few questions for James, as one of the longest members of the Order he knew everything. Not that he could actually tell James that, James just knew. James also knew that Monty knew he did not have any special meetings tonight.
James could have chosen the easier route and told Monty about why he was leaving and what he was going to do. But he couldn’t risk the safety of any of his family. Not even for his own moment of comfort.
James had grown up to be a strong independent leader, and he wanted to do just that. It was to protect the people he loved, and after he found out Regulus’s true intentions. There was a chance that this could all just be a prank. Something for Reg to draw him in close, and kill him there on the spot.
As he shook the thought from his head, he walked across the living room to the front door of the cottage. He turned around before he opened the door fully, there was a pile of Harry’s toys by the fire, potions books lay sprawled across the couch cushions.
“I’ll be back, always. Semper Constants.” James whispered, and walked out of the house.
—
Place Caheé 5:00pm
Cafe L’Air De La Sirène
After walking through the Moving Statue, weirdest thing in the world, even for wizards. But maybe that was just the French. James made his way down the cafe that Regulus had said to be.
James had on a long black robe that was probably more noticeable than not. He tried to go for the uncover roll. Most of this war hadn’t gone anywhere near the other countries. Mostly concentrated down to England and Scotland, besides wherever Voldemort decided to be at that moment. That’s what gave James the idea that Regulus might not actually be prepared to kill him.
The Cafe had giant panels of window panels instead of walls, letting in some of the natural night. Other than that the cafe was very dimly lit and full of wanderers. Not of scary looking individuals, like the Leaky Cauldron. More established crueling looks filled the people's eyes. The walls were decorated in gold and paintings of women from ancient French literature.
To the hostess's stand, and looked at the young witch standing there. “I’m here for a meeting with-”
James was instantly cut off by the witch. “He is waiting for you upstairs. Lord Black has asked that you make a drink order before you go up.”
Frantically thinking about if he was late or not, James replied. “Nothing to drink thank you. Just the meeting please.”
The witch nodded at him and led him to the back of the cafe. There was a small wooden door, and a staircase that led up much further than he could see. The witch was gone before he had the chance to ask any questions. Where was he supposed to go? Which room was it? James took his wand out of his pocket, lit it, and began to walk.
James didn’t know how much further that he had to walk, but he started to think it was a game. After walking a few steps up the black velvet lined stairs, there was a movement underneath him. James froze where he stood, watching as the staircase drew him to a wall with a wooden oak door.
James' breath hitched in his throat, was this where he was supposed to go? As he finished walking up the flat landing leading towards the stairs he took a moment. He thought of the first defensive spell that came to mind, Regulus was never an easy person to approach. Even when you both knew you were about to be face to face.
James touched the door knob, and twisted it to the left. The door opened wide without his help, to display a room of golden trimmed walls. Fresh white couches and two seater benches with throws all over the place. There was a table full of liquor in the back and a row of seats.
Standing in the middle of the room, only a few inches taller than he last saw him. Regulus was standing swirling a glass of amber colored liquid. He wasn’t looking at James or the door, in fact he was staring at one of the paintings that was put rather on the ceiling than the side of the wall.
“Bonjour, Potter. Welcome to Paris.” Regulus drew as James walked into the room and shut the door.
“Reggie, it’s always a pleasure. When was the last time I saw you, two years ago?” James started as he walked around the room admiring the art above.
Regulus sat his glass down on the table. “Actually it’s been three years. Missed that we are in a new year already Potter?”
“How could I forget? I had a grand smashing New Years didn’t I?” James said sulkingly while trying to avoid looking Reg in the eyes.
“I heard it’s been a grand entrance of sorts. Speaking of grand entrances, how has dear Sirius been?” James could hear the spite in his tone.
“Perfectly well at the moment.” James was lying right through his teeth. “Would have been splendid to hear from you had I told him. But for the sake of his life I choose not to.”
“Wise decision for once, Potter. They must be right in what they say about you. Turning over a new leaf, brand new father, brand new husband, how could James Potter become more amazing?” Regulus finally turned and looked at him.
James sucked in a breath at the sight of him. Regulus was not what he used to be. His pallid white face had sunken in cheeks to match, along with eyes that looked more hollow than ever. The lake blue eyes still pierced him like they did all that time ago.
“What do you want, Black? I’m not here to play any games. If you just wanted to know about Sirius, this could have been in an owl.” James humped as he turned his head to look at another painting.
“That painting is called, The Star. Painted by Evan Degas in 1878. It is here in Paris as of right now, but when time comes it’ll be yours. Now if you didn’t order anything, take my arm.” Regulus was stone cold in his voice, making James perk up.
It would be his? Why would it be James’? If it belonged to the bar they surely wouldn’t.
“The painting is mine, James. Well technically it’s Sirius’ so naturally he won’t want it. So you’ll have to take it for him. Now take my arm.” Regulus spoke softer this time. Almost as if he had forgotten how to.
James nodded and walked over to Regulus’s side. He didn’t look over at him, just very gently put his arm on Regulus’. Why was he trusting him? Maybe it was the whole “James” thing. There were only a couple of times James could actually remember Regulus calling him by his name.
Before he could say anything else, he felt the pull of a hook catch on to his navel and was sucked into darkness.
—
Cliffs of Moher, Ireland, 6:00pm
Top of the Cliff (aka the grass not water)
James stumbled as he tried to catch a hold of his balance once on the solid ground. Regulus had done something like the Order did by going to two locations first before arriving at the destination. Regulus was protecting something.
Regulus had laid down his arm to his side and walked a few feet away from James. He was looking down at the open water, it looked peaceful at the moment.
Regulus started to speak, “I need to tell you something, and you cannot ever tell anyone else. I need you to make an unbreakable vow to it.”
James almost snapped his head at the last sentence. An unbreakable vow? Seriously? What would ever be that important to never tell anyone?
“I want to know first. What is it that you want me to keep.” James stumbled up onto his legs. He felt like a 13 year old stag learning his balance all over again.
“It doesn’t work that way this time. You have to promise to do it first.” Regulus wasn’t soft like before, more placid.
James walked closer to him, not too close but enough to see what he was looking at. There was a ledge in the middle of the water, throwing a crash into the beautiful aesthetic of the water. James turned his gaze slightly to Regulus, there was a tear running down his face.
“Regulus, whatever is going on you can tell me. You don’t have to make me vow to not tell anyone. I can keep a secret.” James said with a slight confidence in his voice.
“No I can’t this time James. It isn’t just something about my parents, it’s more than that, it's everyone. I need you to do this James. If you can do anything for me, do this. S'il te plaît James.” Regulus was whispering now looking directly into his eyes.
James knew that meant please, not even the formal way. He dealt with Sirius for too long not to know the word for please. It had to be important to him otherwise Regulus truly wouldn’t be here asking. James knew the type of pride it took for Reg to even send the letter.
“Okay.” James let out a breath he didn’t know he was holding in.
Regulus dragged them both away from the edge, James' arm firmly held in his hand. It wasn’t until they were in the middle of the grass til he let go. James didn’t say anything, he didn't plan this ordeal.
Regulus stood in front of him talking to himself quietly in French, his eyes were closed. James could see him better now this way. The streaks of blonde that were hidden behind a mountain of curls. Hollowed out cheekbones that contrasted with every word he said.
Finally he opened his eyes and looked at James. “Kreature.”
A knobbly old elf appeared at their side, he looked between the two men. “Master Regulus-“
“Now is not the time, Kreature. Take my wand.” Regulus’ hand trembled as he took his wand out of his robes.
Kreature took the wand, and watched James from afar.
James held out his hand to Regulus’s and wrapped it around his forearm. Regulus did the same gripping at James’ arm. His hand was a bit sweaty now.
Kreature began to wave the wand around their joined limbs. “James Fleamont Potter, do you swear that until the fate of Regulus Arcturus Black is set to not tell anyone anything what you are told today?”
James was shocked, to say the least. How did the house elf know what he wasn’t allowed to yet?
Seeing the panic arise on Regulus' face, James quickly responded. “I swear.”
“And will you continue to help with the succession of making Harry James Potter heir to the Black legacy?” Kreature seemed to groan out.
Regulus shot a look at the elf. Kreature turned his ears down but attention back to James.
“I will.” James finally looked at Regulus who was now looking back at him.
James could feel the sting in his arm even after the vow was finished. Seeing the faint purple line appear on his hand was a bit frightening. James remembered that the Court of Old Magic would now have a record of this. James made a mental note to talk to Mum this weekend.
Regulus was talking to the elf before finally sending him away. James was not prepared for what was about to happen next.
—
Regulus had transfigured a big boulder into a tree. It was a very big tree, James didn’t know what type it was. He should have paid better attention in Herbology than he thought.
Regulus stumped down to the bottom of the tree, not minding where his robes went. James thought this was odd, Regulus almost always hated getting dirty. The main reason he loved being seeker, they stayed way above the ground.
James walked over and sat a few feet away from him leaning his head back against the tree. He grabbed his glasses and pinched the bridge of his nose.
“Regulus I hate to be this person but now would be a good time to start talking. Even if it isn’t what it is yet.” James finally broke the silence.
Regulus turned his head up, and stared into the branches of the tree. “Do you remember the night Sirius went to your house? It was one of the worst days of my life, and I…”
James let the silence go for a minute before speaking. “I remember it like it was yesterday. I’ll never forget that night.”
“That same night, I became the Black family heir.” Regulus was still looking up. “It was supposed to be a normal Christmas Black gathering. All he had to do was sit and listen.”
James nodded, he knew what had happened. Sirius had been on constant lock down that break, but he had the mirror.
Regulus’ eyes had turned glossy. “I didn’t want to become the heir. Most certainly not that way. Bella looked at me like a piece of meat. Cissy with tears in her eyes that she couldn’t let drop. And yet still I kept looking for him in the room.”
James tried to start, “Reg it isn’t your fault.”
Regulus looked at him sharply, and James stopped speaking.
“That same night laying in bed I made a decision. If there was anything I could do in this world it would be to protect Sirius. Whether he thought I was hating him or hating myself would be a part of the process. I would do it, and I wouldn’t let him down.” Regulus had turned to the water this time.
James tried another go at speaking. “Is that why you became a Death Eater?”
“Yes, a part of the reason, the others are various and different from the situation at hand. As I became a Death Eater it was a better way to protect Sirius, and see if there was something to do about this war.” Regulus cut himself off this time.
James knew it, he knew Regulus wasn’t a bad guy, But the way he was sounding, this was becoming a part of the secret.
Regulus continued on. “In becoming one of the most trusted Death Eaters, Lord Voldemort started to ask me to do things for him. Certain undignified tasks he “didn’t have time for” or was too busy to bother himself with. Bella was constantly at his side. It wasn’t until recently that my personal wealth became an advantage to him. It served me a large play into what I was starting to find.”
“I was starting to question how powerful Lord Voldemort was actually becoming. He was looking for so many allies in different people, vampires, werewolves, and even giants. But it was never himself who set out on these missions to make the allies. It was always someone of pure blood descent. I was sent on multiple occasions because of my French knowledge. And to become Lord Voldemort’s right hand.”
James was stunned but not by much. He knew that from rumors Regulus had been getting in deeper ranks than just a fighter. James had seen him flying at one of the fights sometime last year, so did Sirius.
“As I got closer I started thinking about who he even was. Why did this person all of a sudden come to some random magical power? Why was the Court not acting on this? I took a dive into his past, but the thing was there was no past. No academic awards, no athletic awards, nothing. Until I found a man named Tom Riddle.”
James shivered in his spot, he didn’t know the name but something was off about it from the start.
Regulus tore a piece of grass up from the ground and played with it in his fingers. “Tom Riddle was an outstanding student, and won an award for “Services to the School”. Achieved a Medal for Magical Merit for it as well in 1943. During the attacks of the Slytherin heir at Hogwarts.”
James turned and looked at Regulus again. This time his fist was scrunched up in the grass. Green blades stuck between the spaces in his hand. Was this what Regulus had been doing for the past few years?
“Naturally this led me to look into Tom Riddle. Now Riddle is not a magical name, at least not a Sacred 28 blood pure wizard. Leaving me to believe he had to be at least half-blood with the way he ran things.” Regulus blew out a breath. “His full name is Tom Marvolo Riddle. Now Marvolo I had heard somewhere. Not in school, but at home. Not in books or articles, but in history. Marvolo Gaunt was the last Heir to the House of Gaunt.”
James' mind was a whirl wind, Voldemort is a descendant of the House of Gaunt? That means he was the Heir to Gaunt family line and an heir to Salazar Slytherin himself.
“So that means when the chamber of secrets opened in 1943? Was it him? But how did that become You-Know-Who now?” James questioned whether he hadn't said very much letting Regulus tell him what he needed to know.
“Yes it was him. He blamed that poor man Hagrid for his own sake. After learning his strengths he kept it hidden. Somewhere along the way, Lord Voldemort came to rise. The last task that Riddle was looking into was horcruxes.” Regulus was now ripping up the grass again.
“Horcruxes? That’s insane no one would ever do that to themselves? Why would they?” James stuttered, this was deeper level magic. Not just something you learned by dropping a dung boom on Mrs. Norris.
“Yes, horcruxes. Now from those horcruxes Lord Voldemort went on about his life gaining power and allies. Creating the Death Eaters and hiding those hidden objects as time went on.” Regulus slacked back against the tree. “ There were still so many questions. But that was until he asked for my house elf.”
Regulus’ voice had steadied now. His jawline sharpened with each word.
“What would he need with a house elf?” James snickered, out of all things valuable the man needed Kreature?
“I was curious about the same thing. I went back to Gruimmauld Place to talk to Kreature. I ordered him no matter what to come back to me.” There were tears in Regulus’ eyes.
James wanted to put his hand out and on his. To hold his hand and tell him it was gonna be okay.
Regulus went on. “So I sent him Kreature and waited. I don’t think I’ve ever been more patient in my life than I had been. By the end of the day I called Kreature back to the house and he appeared soaking wet.”
Regulus was starting to heave in his breaths, his knees pressed into his chest. He looked like a small child again. The one James first saw on the Astronomy tower that night. James lifted his hand and placed it on Regulus’ back.
Regulus started to speak again, mellowing out the heaves. “I had Kreature inform me on what happened. Lord Voldemort brought him here.”
They both looked out to the side of the water. It was starting to pick up now in waves. Although there was no wind in the air.
Regulus dipped his head to his knees. “After being brought inside the cave, he had Kreature drink a potion. Then placed a locket in the basin, and left Kreature there.”
James scooched over to Regulus, not a lot but enough to make there not be so much space between them. He hoped it was helping Regulus get through this easier.
Regulus pulled out a necklace from his robes and held it in between the two of them. It was a golden chain holding a golden amber casing that showed a green emerald snake. The snake taking the shape of an S.
“This is a replica of Salazar Slytherin’s locket. It is almost the exact same as the one in the basin.” Regulus had started to shake.
James reached out and gently took the locket from his hand. It was smooth and cold as ice. It glinted as the light broke through the tree branches. James popped it open and saw a small piece of parchment.
James was about to take out the parchment when he felt Regulus’ hand on his arm. “Don’t read it. Please.”
James nodded and closed the locket. That was not a part of the secret he was meant to know.
“I will be replacing this locket. And in the event of doing so, I risk my own life.” Taking the necklace back, his tone leveled out. “This leaves the Black family with no further kin. What I need you to do is to help Sirius make Harry a piece in the Black bloodline.”
James would be silly to think Regulus would not notice his jaw drop at the last sentence. Regulus had said Harry’s name. He knew who Harry was.
“I can’t do that Reg. I would have to make sure Sirius is okay with it and wouldn’t I need to tell him all of this?” James said quietly after the moment had gone silent.
“Why would there be any reason Sirius would need to know this now? All it would do is put more people in danger than I planned. I wasn’t even going to do this. I don’t know why I still did.” Regulus deadpanned.
“Because you want to live. You want someone to tell you not to and I can.” James tried but Regulus shook his head.
“You just need to do what I’ve asked now. You cannot tell Sirius until the fate has been sealed. The Court of Old Magic is who you’ll have to go through about changing heirs. The Ministry does not hold the power capable of. Not that there’s anyone in the Ministry who needs to know of this at all.” Regulus scoffed, letting his legs go to the grass.
“Okay so let me get this all straight. He-Who-Must-No-Be-Named is actually Tom Riddle, the boy who is actually an heir to the House of Gaunt. He has created himself immortal and you're determined to help? Not to mention the fact that you're risking your own life for it, but making Harry the heir? I need something Reg, give me something. Why Harry?” James pushed his hands through his hair. This was insanity.
“Because who else? Sirius is my brother, he always will be no matter what. That is Harry’s uncle, but he is Draco’s cousin too. Although Lucius and Bella act like little Draco is a new dog. Pruning and cutting him into what they’re going to shape him into something awful. But he has Cissy, and she’ll make sure he’ll be okay. But Harry? Harry is going to be something one day, he has the best family to show it.” Regulus has lifted his head up to the branches again. “Evan died by the hands of Alastor Moody, ending the Rosier pure blood line. I don’t want the Black family line to end with Sirius and me.”
James nodded, he knew what that meant. Monty and Effie had that talk with him a little bit after the wedding. James knew how much his own parents struggled to have him, and James prayed to Merlin it wouldn’t be the same for them.
“I cannot give you the full details about how that should work. I know that would have something to do with The Lineage Court. I give my blessing and will update my will with them as well.” Regulus stood up to his feet.
James did the same brushing off his pants and looking out the edge of the cliff. The waves were crashing and colliding with another now. The sun was setting fastly, while the wind was making the air bitterly cold.
“What happens now Reggie?” James whispered into the cold air.
“Now, we go our separate ways James. You go on to fight Voldemort, and continue to bring him down. I will do my part. Remember you cannot share any of this with anyone until fate has been sealed. Harry will make an excellent Black heir. From what I hear, Il sourit comme son père.” Regulus looked from the water to the ground.
Turning on his heel, Regulus turned to the tree and restored it to a stone. He took one last look at James, and apparated away.
—
Sirius & Remus’ Flat 8:30pm, Same Day
Sirius Point of View
Sirius had just gotten off one of the most intense missions of the new year. Death Eaters had been found terrorizing a muggle village on the outskirts of Romania.
If they had any more Death Eaters they would have been successful in getting to the dragon sanctuary.
Remus had been with Lily at the Potter Cottage. She had apparently picked up some new research and wanted Remus’ opinion on it. So Sirius was by himself until they got their noses unstuck from the books.
Just as Sirius was about to go make some tea, when the door bell rang. But the thing was the door never rang. With all the wards and protections around the flat there should not be anyone who knows about it except.
Sirius jumped up off the couch and sprinted to the front door. When he opened it he said, “Prongs why are you not using the Floo?”
James hurriedly stepped inside past him, holding onto his right arm. There was a purple line that spiralled up his arm. “I wasn’t at home. I just got back from a mission. What are you doing Pads?”
Sirius looked him up and down, he looked frantic. What mission could he have been on? Sirius was on such an important mission. Yet now that he thought, it was weird James wasn’t there.
“Why weren’t you there?” Sirius questioned as James walked into the sitting room.
“I had other Moody business to attend to. Had to see if there was some meeting going on for the Death Eaters. Not the ones you attacked the close inner circle ones. It was nothing though.” James sat on the couch exhausted.
“Well, same here, that was absolute madness! You should have seen the way Frank was spinning around those twats!” Sirius let the matter go at the moment and walked back into the kitchen.
Returning to the sitting room he saw from behind James the mark. It was defined and thick, almost like a muggle tattoo.
“You didn’t get one of those muggle tattoos without me did you?!” Sirius was whining more than necessary.
James stuttered for a moment. “No, yes, no, I mean yes I did.”
“Oh.” Sirius didn’t expect that, they were supposed to get matching tattoos soon.
“It’s okay this one is different. I needed to um, see the vision clearer is all. It’s muggle inspired. But I think we need to talk about something else right now.” James choked out.
“James, you know you can tell me anything.” Sirius was getting nervous, was everything okay?
“I think that we need to start looking more into making Harry the heir to the Black House.” James finally spit out after a few to many moments of silence.
Sirius was stunned to hear him say it. It had just been an idea at first, Sirius had been a tad bit jealous realizing that dear Cissy’s son would also technically be an heir. But his was to a different fortune.
“But Harry is already an heir? A Potter-Peverell heir at that. Why would you want him to have another one? So that he has more money? Because honestly that won’t work right now I only have Uncle Alphard’s money.”
James quickly cut him off. “It’s not about the money. It’s about protection. Harry will be more protected if he’s a second heir.”
Sirius thought about this, he hadn’t paid much attention during his mother’s lessons. That didn’t mean that they didn’t make an impact. “Is this about the Court of Old Magic?”
“Yes, I think we’ll have to get them involved. Besides, if they haven’t become aware of this war going on they will now.” James was smirking now, ideas crashing inside of his brain.
Sirius could see the gears working in his head. It was possible, somehow, if Sirius left the heir of the Black House to Harry he would have to put it in his will. He would have to do some major magic on, oh.
“Wait, what about my family? There’s no way they don’t have a wife for Reggie boy lined up yet? What if he has kids?” Sirius dropped back into the couch.
“You let me worry about that part. I think that it won’t be as much of a hassle as we think.” James looked confident staring down at Sirius.
Sirius had seen that look before, more than a dozen times. It meant that James knew what was going to happen. Captain Potter put on the same face before he had walked out onto the quidditch field.
Sirius got up to his feet standing just a few inches short of his best friend. “Let’s make Harry a part of the Noble House of Black.”
James snorted and patted Sirius on the back. “You better grab that bottle of firewhiskey. After actually believing and wanting to make my child a Black, I need it.”
They spent the rest of the night drinking and talking about the traits of the Blacks that Harry was grateful not to inherit.
In the back of Sirius’s mind he thought about what Regulus would think about making Harry the heir. He’d probably think it was a stupid idea.