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Cygnus Black II sighed as he glanced at his nephew.
He was old and ailing and wanted someone to take the weight off his mind.
Arcturus remained impassive, yet he knew that his sharp mind was looking for a panacea that would take care of this nuisance once and for all.
“She’s running rogue, I don’t recognize my daughter anymore. She’s consumed with Dark Magic and I fear for her sanity. We shall find a wizard with a specific core to balance her.”
The actual Lord Black hummed, lost to his thoughts:’’She had always been too brilliant for her own good. I may add that she is the brightest mind this family had produced in centuries. It will all go to waste if she doesn’t settle down and produce Heirs.”
Cygnus scoffed:’’Only if she accepts a contract first. You can’t imagine how many offers I had to decline. You know that your cousin, in addition to her genius, is a beauty, the brightest constellation in the family tapestry.’’
‘’But let’s not forget that her sharp tongue and cynicism leave nothing to be desired. This interest in Necromancy will bring nothing but trouble. You are aware that, even though our standing is good with the Minister, we’re still the renowned Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, which means the Darkest family in Britain. I don’t want to have Dumbledore and his ilk knocking at my door anytime soon. Delving in the Forbidden Art is too much, even for the wild and adventurous Cassiopeia. I fear that the Black madness will take hold of her soon.’’
Arcturus added quietly. But the tightening of his mouth told Cygnus that Lord Black was displeased with the situation.
A ribbon of fear dripped down his spine.
He couldn’t lose her, not his Cassiopeia. Marius was already removed and disowned and he missed his son every single day.
He couldn’t fail his flesh and blood again.
He drew his mouth in a tight slit, begging every Old Deity for an answer.
Arcturus smirked and raised an eyebrow waiting for him to elaborate.
His favourite nephew was a snake all right, nothing escaped his notice.
His silver gaze flicked toward the family tapestry and his heart lost a beat as he breathed:’’Sweet Salazar. How can I be so blind?”
“Let me hear you Uncle. Even old and debilitated, I know that your devious mind would produce nothing but greatness.’’ Arcturus demanded casually. However he read the anticipation in the grey depths.
He knew that Cassiopeia was his favourite cousin and he would turn over every stone to save her.
“The Peverells are the answer. You know that Ignotus Peverell bestowed the gift of Necromancy upon Isla Black as she helped him hide from Death, the one and only time his cloak slipped. Since then, daughters of our House had exhibited this Forbidden Talent over the centuries. If we manage to make her bond with a wizard with the Peverell Blood, we’ll stabilize her core and bring her back from the darkness, before it’s too late.’’
Cygnus explained smugly, patting himself in the back for his craftiness.
“And?’’ Arcuturus prodded, even though he knew the answer.
“Call for Lord Charlus Potter and your cousin Dorea, they have the solution.”
Arcturus’ smile was predatory as he tapped his chin:’’It wouldn’t hurt to have Him as an ally, too. You know that He’s the most coveted bachelor in Wizarding Britain, the most powerful politically and financially. To make him a part of our family…” He drawled lazily.
Cygnus winced:’’But let’s not forget how stubborn and elusive he is. Also, Charlus is very protective of his young brother, we have to tread with care in order secure a betrothal contract.’’
“Don’t worry Uncle. Even his sister in-law, Dorea, will help. You know how much she loves her younger sister. Between the three of us, Lord Harrison Peverell stands no chance. He’s ours for the take.’’
Cygnus shook his head. His nephew and Lord was daunting, thankfully he would always be on his side.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Harry breathed heavily as he shielded against another curse.
The training dummy was waiting for him to cast his next spell but he was done for the day.
He twirled his wand, thinking about a Cleaning Charm and all sweat and dirt disappeared from his clothes.
Sighing, he took a seat leaning his head against the plush red velvet cushions.
‘’This is crazy….” He whispered.
And it was true. His life was a whirlwind of mad adventures. However he couldn’t really complain.
It had been five years since he found himself in this new world, in what was supposed to be a long lost past.
As he greeted Death with open arms like his mentor wished, he veered from his predestined fate. Instead of going back to a war that broke him beyond repair, he chose himself for once.
He took the train with a single thought in his mind: ‘Take me back, take me to my family.’
Death welcomed him in the other stop and he learned then and there the true meaning of being The Master of Death.
He became an entity beyond wizards’ comprehension, a man that defeated nature’s laws and put the indomitable Death in his debt.
As a gift for collecting the Sacred Hallows, without a grain of greed in his heart, the deity gave him a second chance.
Drained from war he opted to ask for a trip to the past, where he could have all his family members around and enjoy the warmth he never experienced in his young, sad life.
Harry Potter was no more, what materialized in Potter Manor was a certain Harrison Potter, Lord Charlus Potter’s younger brother and the first second male born to the Potters since the beginning of time.
At first, he suffered from disorientation and regrets. But his older brother’s love and care healed all his wounds and erased all his doubts in no time.
Having Dorea Potter née Black as a sister helped too.
When he blew his eighteenth candle, Charlus took him to Gringotts.
At first, the childless Lord planned to have him as Heir Apparent. But everyone froze when his blood wrote a long forgotten name in the parchment.
He was the true Heir to the Noble and Most Ancient House of Peverell, a King among Lords .
Harry wasn’t surprised; he was after all the Master of Death.
Ragnok activated the seal on the highly protected vault and Harry took the mantle of Lord Peverell.
His brother was unresolved between congratulating him for being chosen by Mother Magic for such honour, or fearing for the future of House Potter.
Harry assuaged his fears and assured him that he would one day get his Heir.
That night, Death reappeared in his room and brought the three treasures. He decided that no one was worthy enough to guard them other than him.
Harry accepted the burden begrudgingly.
That was the day the story of Lord Harrison Peverell started.
He activated the long dormant seat in the Wizengamot and suffered the looks of awe and jealousy that followed him wherever he went.
Alas, he couldn’t be totally ungrateful to this life.
He gained a family that loved him, his previous grandparents, who were now his siblings and the future bearers of his father.
He learned so much about the meaning of being a wizard, of embracing this gift and celebrating his Magic every single day.
Charlus was a devout follower of Mother Magic’s teachings, even though he was a Light and open-minded wizard.
Dorea, his dear sister in-law helped him understand a lot about Dark Magic, something he used to abhor with passion.
And the icing on the cake was the Peverell Grimoire he inherited from his ancestors.
He started a journey of self discovery; honed his skills and embraced this life cradled in love and magic.
He was happy and yet…
Sometimes he missed what he left behind; his friends and his adoptive family.
Other than his brother and Dorea, he couldn’t connect easily with people. He exchanged fake pleasantries and endured endless balls.
But something was lacking, someone he could connect with like Charlus did with Dorea.
He didn’t deign the innumerable betrothal contracts he received worthy of his attention. He suffered from leeches in his previous life and didn’t plan to repeat the same thing again.
He wanted to settle down, to know the meaning of giving his all to witch and receive the same from her in the meanwhile.
He wanted Charlus and Dorea’s love, James and Lily’s love.
A knock stopped his inner thoughts and with a simple wave of his hand, Charlus came inside.
Harry noticed right away the strange look in his eyes. His brother was always an open book, so it wasn’t hard to read his hesitant expression.
“Something is amiss Charlus?” He started casually, wanting him to spell whatever bothered him.
“Harry…this evening, I received an invitation from Lord Arcturus Black. Dorea and I had a long discussion with him and Cygnus.” Charlus grumbled looking frustrated.
“And?” He pressed, enjoying his brother’s discomfort.
Charlus was everything he could wish in a brother. He was bold, honest and gallant. A true Gryffindor through and through.
He understood now why Sirius used to sing his praises, why he considered him his father figure.
He wished that he had enjoyed his company in his previous life too.
Tender concern filled his green gaze as his brother faced him and sighed:’’It concerns Dorea’s younger sister, Cassiopeia. It seems she found a great interest in Necromancy and her core is not stable anymore. Lord Black and Cygnus fear for her, delving in the Forbidden Art can trigger the Black madness, the curse Mordred condemned the family’s girls with for refusing to help in his last battle with Merlin.”
Harry furrowed his brows:’’I never met her since she’s always travelling, but Dorea speaks of her brilliance. It’s sad for such witch to be dealt this harsh fate. Is there a way to help? I can’t imagine what Dorea is going through now.” He added worriedly, fearing for his sister’s state.
He hated seeing her sad or hurt, she was a blessing he would cherish forever.
Charlus gulped and averted his gaze:’’There’s a solution, alas it would require your assistance.’’
Dread filled him as he heard Charlus’ last words.
Nothing good ever came from such words.
Yet, Dorea’s sister was family and family was everything.
“Alright, spill it out. No need to drag out the inevitable.’’ Harry said with a quick wave of his hand.
“They need the Peverell magic to stabilize her as they are the real masters of Necromancy. And since I am married and you’re Lord Peverell, you’re the only candidate. Arcturus Black drew a betrothal contract and asks for your collaboration.’’Charlus tossed him a stiff glance before he seated himself in the chair facing him, ‘’I’m sorry to put you in this delicate situation Harry, but you know it was always coming. You’re the pride of our family, the griffin that brought back our Peverell half. Any witch would kill to have you look at her twice, but you remained impassive and uninterested. I’m not sure what will come of this matter, but I can’t help but ask you to think about it seriously. Arcturus is a dear friend and a brother, and Cassiopeia, in addition to being Dorea’s baby sister, is an astounding witch. I hope you met her before, but she’s always travelling around, looking for adventure and exploring obscure branches of magic.”
Harry sighed and ran his fingers through his dark locks.
It seemed his ‘Saving People Curse’ followed him wherever he went; it didn’t matter if he traveled forth or back, he was always meant to be the Saviour.
“Ask for a meeting Charlus, let’s get to know Cassiopeia Black first.’’
Charlus gave him a long, thoughtful look before he smirked:’’You know, I think you will match perfectly. This witch will blow your mind, I can feel it in my veins.’’
Harry’s head sagged against the cushions:’’Not that look Charlus, not that look.’’
Lord Potter chuckled:’’You can’t blame me, I can’t help but wish for my dearest brother to settle down and start giving me nephews.’’
Harry groaned, the next days would be hell with his brother’s teasing.
Brilliant, just brilliant.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
“So, why did you summon me, my dear Lord and cousin. You ruined my chance at witnessing the Blood Moon Eclipse. You know how the gates between the two worlds open these nights. I wanted to have a little chat with Elladora Black tonight. There’s that Turning Blood to Lava curse she invented and I wished to ask about the wand movement before trying it.” Cassiopeia sighed dramatically and ignored Arcturus hard look.
“You can’t throw curses as such Cousin. You know that the Ministry regulations as harsher now, that Grindelwald is defeated. No one wants a new Dark Lord or Lady.’’ He pursued his lips and the frigid look in his eyes told her that he was at his limit.
Which motivated her to needle him further.
“Cousin, you know that others’ opinion means nothing to me. I am my own witch. My Fate is my own; I mold it with my blood and magic. Nothing will stand between me and my studies. Mother Magic didn’t give us her favour for nothing; we have to honour her by admiring her creations and learning everything pertaining our magic. I’m sure there’s a reason for all this.’’
Cassiopeia elaborated dreamily, knowing that even the inscrutable Arcturus Sirius Black could explode at any moment now.
“Cassiopeia, I had it with you. Delving so deep in the Forbidden Art is making your core unstable and you know it. As your Lord, and with the help of your father, we came upon a solution.” He said quietly.
Cassiopeia waved him off:’’Please do tell what your brilliant minds knitted. I’m sure it’s something splendid.’’
His smile was all teeth and she knew that she did it, she made him angry.
“We managed to find your match; the only wizard who can keep your magic and your mind safe while you enjoy your wild experiments. We sent a betrothal contract in your name, my dear. So be a sweet witch and make yourself presentable for the first meeting. It will be tonight.’’ Arcturus raised a dark eyebrow, definitely enjoying her stillness.
“What.’’ She hissed.
He prodded further, his long fingers tapping against the mahogany wood of his chair:’’I told you before not to cross me, cousin. You’re a daughter of House Black and I’ll protect you even from yourself if the need arises.”
May Hecate help her, nothing in this world was more frightening than Arcturus Sirius Black when he was in his protective mood.
But it didn’t matter; she would meet this wizard and make him flee at once.
No man was worthy of her time, or Merlin forbid, her heart.
⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱
Cassiopeia made sure that she looked her best before she left her room.
She knew that she was beautiful, even though she didn’t usually pay great attention to appearances. But never let it know that she wouldn’t use every weapon at her disposal to strike.
The wizard her family choose for her was the illustrious Lord Peverell, her sister’s brother-in-law and every British witch’s dream husband.
She couldn’t deny that he did intrigue her.
He was the first second male born to a Potter couple and the only one worthy to inherit their dormant Lordship.
Not to forget, that he was The Peverell.
Her studies in Necromancy told her about the close ties that family had with Death. If the legend was true, and she knew it was, they were the Guardians of the Hallows.
Being chosen for the title fascinated her, something was strange and as a researcher she had to uncover the truth.
She gasped as she entered the room.
Her father and mother, Violetta Bulstrode Black, were facing Dorea and Charlus.
Arcturus, as Lord of the House, was sitting in the high-back chair next to his wife, Melania. His hawk gaze let nothing escape his notice.
What made her shudder was the feeling of the magic that surrounded the wizard sitting to Arcturus’ left.
It was so dark and seductive, making her almost moan.
As if sensing her presence, his eyes met hers and she smirked at the widening of the emerald green orbs.
She let go of the iron control she had over her magic, letting some strands tease his and he froze, before his face turned impassive.
Oh, Lord Peverell was as sensitive to magic as her.
Arcturus glared at her while Cygnus gave her an exasperated look.
Acting demurely, she curtsied to the guests:’’Lord Black, Lord Potter, Lord Peverell, It’s an honour to have you here.”
Charlus smiled kindly, always the good Gryffindor and asked her to join them.
Cassiopeia ignored her sister’s meaningful look and took the seat facing Lord Peverell.
Even though he ignored her, she knew that he was aware of her presence. The moment their magic intertwined, he had no escape anymore.
But who was he? How could a Potter hold such delicious magic?
She needed to get to the bottom of this question. Another project she shall start right away.
Kreacher popped bringing refreshments and she smiled as Harrison kept stealing secret looks at her.
After exchanging a great deal of pleasantries, Arcturus cleared his throat:’’Why don’t you have a small talk? It would be a good start.’’ His silky tone didn’t fool her. She knew that the snake looked forward to this match. It would give him even more power politically.
She looked down, hiding the victorious glint in her eyes.
Yes, it was time to learn some of Lord Peverell’s secrets, if not all of them.
⊰∙∘☽༓☾∘∙⊱
Candle flames whipped and danced as she guided him toward the gardens. It was a Blood Moon night, and she couldn’t miss its beauty.
Harrison Peverell followed her silently; however she was aware that his sharp gaze studied everything. He had the posture of a duelist, someone who was always ready to draw his wand and fight.
What made him so? He was young by the time Grindelwald was vanquished, so unlike Arcturus and Charlus, he didn’t partake in the war.
She perceived that the Dark Magic she let out every time she experienced more with her Necromancy was taking hold of her. She was no more strong enough to fight the lull of the madness.
However, what made this wizard’s magic soothe hers and make her feel…calm?
“So, what do you think about our family’s decision Lord Peverell?” She started when the silence became too much.
Harrison kept looking at the red moon, something like longing lurking in the green depths.
She liked his eyes, the colour was so reminiscent of Ursula Balck’s emerald choker-necklace; her dear grandmother that left them too soon for her liking.
He snorted and tilted his head to look at her:’’You can leave the titles Miss Black. Your generous sister told me everything there’s to know about your charming self.” His eyes weighed her for a moment, before he sighed:’’To tell you the truth, I’m doing this for her. You can’t imagine how much she loves you.’’
Cassiopeia smiled. Typical Gryffindor.
Of course he would be an open book.
“Did she tell you that I never fancied getting bonded? No wizard is worth leaving my life and my fun for.’’ She teased, looking for a reaction.
He smirked, the challenge in his scalding gaze piercing her, and she realized just how quickly the luminous depths of his eyes could shift from flame to frost:’’Is that so? I heard you’re a Necromancer.’’ Without further ado, he rubbed his Lord ring.
A moment later, the ghost of Elladora Black appeared before them, looking at her questioningly.
Cassiopeia’s heart started beating like a caged bird, and he stood giving her a mocking bow:’’This is my first courting gift; I hope you enjoy your chat with Lady Elladora.’’
He left without a second glance and she grinned.
Lord Peverell was an enigma alright, a wizard definitely worthy of her time.
The ghost’s voice made her aware that she still had company:’’Why did you summon me?’’
Cassiopeia rubbed her hands together and leaned closer to her anxious great aunt:“Aunt Elladora, I am Cygnus and Violetta’s daughter, Cassiopeia. I want you to teach me how to turn blood into lava.’’
The ghost’s smile was chilling as she got near:’’I see, Ursula managed to get a good granddaughter. It would please me to contribute to your education, dear.’’
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Harry smiled as his ring warned him of the Veritaserum in his drink.
Ruffling Cassiopeia’s feathers became his favourite hobby. He never imagined Dorea’s sister to be so intriguing and amusing.
Not to mention that she was the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.
Something about her magic called to him. It was so dark and similar to his own, something he never expected to find.
As he embraced his Peverell heritage, his core changed.
He was no longer the Light wizard he used to be. Cold Death magic ran through his veins and his wand sang every time he produced dark spells.
Other than her magic, he saw himself in her. Cassiopeia was burdened with the Forbidden Art, the first Necromancer born in a century, something that brought to memory the prophecy he was saddled with in his previous life.
He knew that under her cold, sarcastic exterior, there was a woman looking for warmth after living in the cold for too long.
Yet, never let it said that the brightest constellation in the Black family tapestry would make it easy for any wizard asking for her favour.
Thankfully he wasn’t anyone.
He relished in her defiance.
After living in comfort these past years, he found a new challenge, something that made his blood burn like molten lava.
And so, he winked at her as he vanished the tea.
“Nice try Cassiopeia. Why don’t you ask nicely? Maybe I’ll have mercy on you and answer your questions.’’ He drawled lazily, enjoying the cold fire in her silver eyes.
“Thank you my Lord. But I prefer filling my black book with secrets I extract with my hard work. Your secret is the hardest to unveil, I confess, which will make my victory the sweetest.’’ She sipped her tea nonchalantly, like she hadn’t just used illegal means of interrogation on a Lord of the Sacred Twenty Eight.
Harry shook his head and grinned smugly.
Waving his hand carelessly, something he knew infuriated her since she didn’t have his mastery of wandless magic, he produced a small box.
Her eyes shone with anticipation, a sight which became his favourite these past months.
“Another courting gift for you, my dear. Something that will help with your experiments.’’ He dragged the moment, enjoying infuriating her more than he could express with simple words.
She faked insouciance, but Dorea told him how much she cherished every gift she received from him.
She was like him in that department too. Even being the daughter of one of the richest families in Britain, she didn’t look for fancy robes or priceless jewelry. She appreciated small, meaningful things that told her how much time the giver spent while looking for the perfect gift.
Knowing how dangerous his presents could be, she lifted the lid carefully and froze as she looked inside.
Her eyes sought him, something dark and strange making them look more intense.
“A piece of a dementor’s robe, just what I wanted for my next ritual.’’ She whispered.
Harry leaned in his chair, dropping his chin in his hand:’’A little bird told me that you were looking for it. I told you before, all you have to do is ask and I’ll give it to you.”
Cassiopeia rose slowly from her seat and gave him her hand.
Harry’s heart started beating wildly, she never allowed him to touch her before, other than the customary greeting.
He didn’t want to push her since he wasn’t sure of her feelings yet. However she wasn’t totally unresponsive to him. He knew that she enjoyed their meetings and had as much fun every time they argued.
Harry took her hand, his skin buzzing at the small contact and followed her as she headed toward her lab. A place no one was allowed in.
As she drew a diagram in the middle, he remained quiet studying her with predatory curiosity.
He had always thought that Hermione was the brightest witch he had ever met. Yet, seeing the mastery of runes and arithmancy Cassiopeia displayed told him how wrong he was.
Something about her brains was so alluring. How could he ever think that he liked athletic girls was beyond him.
Her resilience despite how much her core was suffering, her passion for what she did, her conviction that it was her path were making her more attractive in his eyes.
When she was done, she put his new gift in the middle and burned seven candles all around.
Finally, she took a dagger from her pocket and cut her palm, directing her blood toward the central rune. The room sank in darkness as the candles shone brighter.
Cassiopeia started chanting and the candles’ mist took the form of a woman who had similar features to all witches of House Black.
She looked at her expectantly but Cassiopeia’s concentration was on him:’’I wondered for long why you felt different, why I felt safe and whole in your presence. I spent the last month looking for answers as my father and Arcturus refused to cooperate. However, they don’t know I read all the books in the Black library. Now, I shall have my answer and know once and for all your true identity.’’
Harry froze as her words hit him.
He wasn’t sure what to feel. He had always begrudged the others for keeping things from him. Yet, he knew that Cassiopeia was different. She would never accept something that she couldn’t understand.
This thread of magic linking them, the easiness they felt in each other’s presence, the priceless gifts he brought her…
Could he trust again?
Even Charlus wasn’t aware that he was in fact an incarnation. That he lived before in another world coming here.
No one knew of his faceless friend, the one that visited him frequently and relied stories and secrets from other realms.
No one knew the real Harry James Potter also known as Lord Harrison Peverell.
But his instinct told him it was time to let go of the bitterness filling his heart, to forsake this loneliness and try living again.
He didn’t have to meet the whole British Wizarding World's expectations anymore, to follow Dumbledore’s instructions blindly, to forgive his back-stabbing best friend over and over again.
He was now Harry-Harrison Peverell, Charlus and Dorea younger brother, someone loved and cherished.
He was finally his own wizard.
“Ask what you want Cassiopeia, but only if I get something in return.” He said softly, giving her the ultimate chance.
Cassiopeia’s eyes narrowed, as the growing wind dancing in the room snapped her robes against her legs, snatched wisps of raven hair from her intricate hairdo and blew locks against her ivory cheeks.
“Can I really trust you Harry? Will you guard my heart and let me enjoy what I love most? Will you be there with me all the way knowing that this is me?” She asked and his emerald eyes devoured her, feeling the uncertainty that mirrored his own.
She was a proud witch, one of a kind and he would stab his own heart before extinguishing the enticing beams of light that streaked through the cracks in her mask.
“It’s all yours Cassiopeia, you don’t have to fear me.’’ Was his vow.
Her lips twitched in a sweet smile as she addressed the ghost:’’Great Grandmother, I called for you tonight to hear the truth. I found in your granddaughter’s journal about your encounter with Ignotus Peverell and how he paid you generously for saving him from his pursuer. What do you say.’’
Instead of answering, Isla Black didn’t stray her gaze from him.
The long dead witch curtsied, making them both stunned, before she answered gently:’’I see you inherited the gift young Necromancer. Sometimes, I regretted accepting Ignotus Peverell's present as I saw how much my daughters struggled through the centuries. However, I think you are safe now, with your company.”
Harry and Cassiopeia looked at each other, before pinning her with their questioning gaze.
Isla chuckled and pointed a slender finger at him:’’You’re finally here, Master Of Death. When I received the gift, I swore that one day I’ll have the perfect daughter that can wield this magic, that I’ll steal the Peverells’ most cherished son and have him protect her. My daughters will be safe from now on; you can’t expect me to accept a small pearl when I can have the whole strand. Take care of her, protect her magic and give me more daughters in the future.”
Harry rolled his eyes. It was always like this with Blacks, their devious minds never stopped weaving schemes upon schemes.
Was he angry? Not at all, as he was the winner here.
Cassiopeia grinned smugly, her striking beauty making his breath laboured. He tilted his head and waved his hand, making the annoying ghost, the runes and the candles disappear.
The room was barely lit with the streams of moonlight streaking through the window.
He stalked her like a panther and for the first time, she took a step back.
“So you know now my deepest secret. You know why you were attracted to me despite your oath to never look twice at a mere wizard. Your magic is part of mine, my ancestors’ gift. What do you say, my sweet?’’ He said huskily, his eyes soaring into her silver ones like burning coals.
Her back hit the wall, but he didn’t stop. The magic he let free cocooned her, making her drown in the Death Magic she loved above all.
As only a hair separated them, he felt her shivers, her longing and tilted her head to deny her any escape.
The soft tremble of her lower lip told him that the battle was over, that her defeat was real.
Seeing that, his defenses fell as well.
Her acceptance drew him, not to mention those lips he found himself aching to kiss.
He grazed her cheek with his lips as she breathed:’’I never thought that I’ll find a wizard with a magic that matches my own, a wizard who can accept me as I am. Thank you for coming here Harry.’’
The brilliant gaze that met him was alive with emotion, something no one saw before.
Cassiopeia Black’s shell was cracked beyond repair. The aloof witch was finally his for the taking.
Tugging on his robes' collar, she brought him closer. She arched her back seeking his lips and he gladly slanted them over hers, sharing his breath and his magic with her.
The kiss was sloppy, wet and dirty.
However, they didn’t strive for nice or romantic. The meeting of their souls was more, much more than that.
─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───
Cassiopeia clutched Harry’s hand tightly, giddiness filling her heart.
It was their bonding day, but before the ceremony started, he took her on a small trip. His wedding gift like he called it.
Ministry workers’ eyes widened as they recognized Lord Peverell with his betrothed, the fabled Miss Cassiopeia Black.
Harry ignored them, taking steady steps toward their quest.
He came clean and told her everything about his previous life. He shared his pain and she cursed those who dared to hurt him, swearing that he would never suffer again.
As for her core, it was at its best. He helped her with her work, giving her the chance to meet countless legendary witches and wizards and learn from them.
She was never this happy, her heart so full with contentment, it could burst at any moment.
Even Dorea’s sly looks didn’t bother her.
After the bonding ceremony that would take place in Potter Manor, they would move to Peverell Hold in Scotland, where they would start their life.
Harry would keep working in the Wizengamot, trying to make life better for all magicals and she would enjoy her projects and experiments, now armed with his protective love and magic.
However, before all that, they would take a long reprieve travelling around and seeking the thrill of adventure. She couldn’t wait to introduce him to some of the most beautiful and mysterious magical places in the world.
Their first stop, which he didn’t know of yet, would be The Bermuda Triangle.
She heard that there was a small island there, totally hidden from muggles' prying eyes where they could perform Necromancy freely and meet ghosts whose names were long lost in time.
She couldn’t wait.
They reached the Department of Mysteries and Harry took her to the veil.
When she stiffened, hearing the the sounds of countless wailing souls, he held her hand gently:’’Don’t worry, I’m here with you. We’ll be back in no time.’’
She shook her head; of course he would protect her.
She knew how important this meeting was for him. He tried summoning his family with the stone, but they refused to answer his call.
Death told him that they feared he wouldn’t be able to let go, once he met them, and as such he gave him this one and only chance and even let her accompany him.
They passed through the misty veil, hand in hand and gaped at the sight that greeted them.
In the most beautiful garden they had ever seen, a redhead beauty with a wizard who could only be a Potter smiled at them.
Harry’s hold got stronger as another wizard emerged from behind a tall tree.
His mischievous silver eyes, confirming his identity as a Black, laughed at Harry before he stiffened the moment he noticed her.
“Bloody Hell!’’ He gasped.
The redhead glared at him:’’Sirius, this is no way to greet our daughter in law.”
Lady Lily Potter’s smile was heartwarming as their gazes clashed:’’So this is your witch Harry? Death told us everything.’’ She looked regretful as she added:’’I’m sorry my dear, we refused to answer your call, but we didn’t want you to get used to our presence. We’re in peace here, let your mind rest and enjoy life.’’
Harry swallowed thickly and she knew how much his parents’ death still hurt him.
Lord James Potter grinned:’’And don’t forget to take care of ‘me’. You’ll be my uncle, I’m counting on you to teach ‘me’ wicked spells and pranks. A copy of the Marauders’ Map as a Hogwarts’ entrance gift would be appreciated, too.’’
Harry chuckled as Lily slapped her husband’s back:’’James!’’
“Oh, come on Lils. You know it will be fun. Maybe you’ll like me earlier this time and we can have that date in our third year.’’ He winked and she hissed:’’You wish.’’
Harry looked at his godfather, who gulped:’’Pup. When I heard the news, I couldn’t believe my ears but...you see…here…you...this is aunt Cassiopeia, I saw her pictures...’’
She smirked:’’Why, thank you future nephew. Rest at ease, I’ll see to your education myself in this lifetime and I’ll make sure that my brother Pollux' future daughter, Walburga, is well behaved.’’ She winked and he turned green.
“Merlin! You’re bonding with my aunt, Harry. This is too much even for a family that celebrates inbreeding.’’ He moaned and everyone snickered.
Her eyes met Harry’s and he nodded softly.
He intrigued her with his magic from the first moment and took away the rejection words that wanted to flow from her lips.
He understood her passion and her art like he knew that whatever craziness others perceived, was in truth her: Cassiopeia Black the first Necromancer in centuries and the wild soul that would never settle down.
He respected her enough to let her meet his family, knowing how much sharing this experience meant to her.
He took something from her, her heart in this instance, but it wasn’t only love he gave her, it was his all.
And just like that, her hand in his, side by side through this journey of Death and Magic, he became her tomorrow.