Chapter 7:

Weeks turned to months and lessons turned into blurs for Harry who was only really focusing on his private studies and his Quidditch racket. The only notable action Harry took was his studies into the African wizards abilities with wandless magic and if any of them could give him a solution to his problem. He found some key leads in Kenya with stories showing up about wizards using fire to fight wild animals. Harry also joined the others at quidditch matches and found himself enjoying himself more and more willing when the time came to go back to his studies, this also increased his friendship with the other Slytherins and increased his friendly rivalry with Cedric now quidditch was thrown into the mix. Soon all of the students of Hogwarts were crowding platform 9 3/4 and the first years leaving their first year of Hogwarts behind them. To be honest Harry was looking forward to the break as he had been working to his limits over the term and now was looking forward to some well deserved rest.

Going through the final annual test of finding his family and going home Harry then went on to collapse on his bed and going to sleep.

"Harry"

Harry heard a faint voice ring in his head

"Harry" the voice called again

"Harry!"

The voice called loudly and Harry woke with a start to find his mother at the end of his bed hands on hips

"Harry it's time for dinner" Lily informed him before exiting his room

Harry still wrestling with the effects of sleep looked at his clock which read 6:30pm. He had been asleep for nearly five hours

'damn I need to slow down' he thought

Over the first three weeks of the summer holidays Harry helped Holly learn to fly with her training broom and was happy to fins that the girl had the Potter genetics when it came to flying, Lily on the other hand wasn't so happy and had kittens every time she supervised Holly's flying classes. Other this time Dumbledore showed up to start Chris's training, Harry didn't hate the old man but disliked how involved he was involved with his family's business. Also during this time when Lily was cleaning his room she had 'stumbled' across some of the darker books Harry had kept in his secured trunk and fair to say a large argument ensued.

Harry was now sat at the dining table with his parents looking down at him

"no son of mine will study this dark magic we are very disappointed in you, what do you have to say for yourself" James ranted his face a light shade of purple

Harry was not rattled at all most of the books found were duelling books with the odd dark book in there

"if you cared to look those books are on duelling some of them Flitwick gave me" He replied calmly

"Harry I looked through the books true most of them are what you say they are but not all of them" Lily argued

"so what if they are 'dark' both of your opinions on what dark is, is anything more damaging than a stunner" Harry was getting ticked off now he had been harbouring these thoughts for a while

"you are a child you wouldn't understand" James huffed

Harry stood from his chair both hands on the table

"is that so then what about Grandfather he used dark runes and curses to destroy hundreds of Grindlewald's army and saved thousands in the process" Harry shouted back "no wonder he and grandmother were killed if you were spewing your light side bullshit at them"

James lunged at him grabbing him by the collar

"now you listen to me..." James started yelling but was stopped by Sirius walking in from the fireplace

"sorry did I come at a bad time?" He asked just seeing the developments

James deflated and let go of Harry

"not at all was just going to check on Chris and Dumbledore" James said storming off with Lily on his heals

Sirius turned to Harry and smirked

"guess you did something serious this time"

Harry brushed himself off "not at all just showed some backbone" he then hugged the Black

Of all the adults Harry knew Sirius was the one he could be himself around. The two almost always found themselves at the end of one of Lily's rants every time they did anything together whether it be a prank on Lily or James or a last second trip to France. Harry also had Lupin another of his dads old friends but he was Chris's godfather and had the same views as James did almost to a scary level. But Sirius was his godfather the one he could get into trouble with.

"ye your old man doesn't like to be proven wrong even as a kid, still a wonder he married Lily really" the man chuckled while picking up some of the books in question "some greyish stuff here kiddo, so you have an interest in duelling?"

"ye but the kicker is Flitwick gave be most of those books" Harry replied

Sirius then picked up on the more questionable books but smirked, being brought up by the Black family he was used to seeing stuff like that

"you should've come to me you know I was quite the dueller in my day"

"yes but you've been almost silent for months now" Harry quipped

Sirius sighed knowing it was true

"I know pup but there have been some developments in the Black family which is also the reason of my visit"

Harry crossed his arms "and here I was thinking you came to see me"

Sirius sighed even harder "can we discuss how terrible at being a godfather I am later I need you to come with me"

"where?" Harry asked

"Grimmauld place, there is someone who wants to meet you"

Over the years Harry had taken trips to the Black home and had met the other members of the Black family which he was technically a part of thanks to his grandmother. He knew who could be around like Cassiopeia or 'aunty' as she reminded him every time and who to stay away from like Orion and Walburga, Sirius' parents who would label him a 'filthy Halfblood'. Then there was Arcturus Black the now head of the Black family who Harry didn't know a lot about as he was always in his study.

Harry seeing this as a way of getting away from his parents for a while gladly went with Sirius to Grimmauld place even if it was via the floo which didn't agree with Harry. When he arrived he felt the wards around the house and revelled at the presence of the darker magic, the wards around Potter manor would give an intruder a nasty rash or a sore head but the Black wards would kill or cripple anyone not given permission and was a nice change of pace for Harry. Soon after his arrival he was enveloped in a hug by Cassiopeia, she was pushing sixty but looked like a middle aged woman with long flowing blond hair, slim figure and cleavage that covered Harry's head when she hugged him she was a full blown MILF but Harry didn't know and didn't want to know what she did to look that way

"well if it isn't my favourite little nephew" she squealed as her boobs enveloped his head

"nice to see you to aunt Cassiopeia" Harry struggled to get out

"Cassy stop smothering the boy" Sirius said as he came through the green flames

The woman let go of Harry and crossed her arms

"ok but I don't approve of this" she said turning her head to the side and raising her nose

"approve of what?" Harry asked wanting answers now

"Harry, Arcturus is dying and it is his wish to see you before he passes" Sirius informed him

"but why I mean he's never shown an interest before"

Sirius looked reluctant "because he wants you to become the heir to the house of Black"

Harry was having hard time processing this even with his mental gifts, Sirius might have well of said he wanted to marry a centaur

"what why?" Harry blurted out after a few seconds

"I think it may be better for you to ask him yourself" Cassiopeia said

'again WHAT!'

Sirius lead Harry upstairs and to the houses study, he could sense that the wards were becoming more powerful and complex the closer they got to the room. Sirius knocked on the door twice before a muffled voice rasped enter. The room looked like any other boring study paperwork and books lined the walls and desks and a single figure sat behind the desk. Arcturus by muggle standards should look ready to crumble into dust but looked like a normal grandparent would not a great grandparent. He looked up from his work and eyed the two before gesturing to the seats in front of him. The two sat down cautiously while the older man kept his gaze strictly on Harry

"so then I suppose you're wondering why you've been summoned here?" Arcturus asked Harry

"not really Lord Black I was informed when I arrived" Harry said politely

The old man laughed a little before coughing

"seems my family is incapable of keeping secrets, well since you know why you're here what do you say to my offer?"

Harry swallowed hard before replying "it is a great honour Lord Black but I must ask why me?"

Arcturus seemed pleased with his reply and then reached into his draw and pulled out a piece of parchment and then read out loud

"Harrison James Potter, House Slytherin, during his first term at Hogwarts achieved O's in all subjects except Herbology in which he earned an exceeds expectations. In all his Professors reports he was mentioned to have displayed incredible talent and a thrust for knowledge. During his end of year exams he achieved O's in every single subject and Professors report that he has expanded his knowledge of magic further than most fifth years and even Professor Snape said quote 'if he continues at this rate our syllabus will pose no challenge at all'" he finished reading

"we're not allowed our results till the end of summer" Harry stated a little impressed

"for most yes but for those with the know how anything is possible" Arcturus answered "and to your question, your school results show that you are a prodigy with a wide range of magic something important for any leader, two your Grandmother bless her was a Black meaning you are of our blood, thirdly the only other option is the Malfoy spawn and I'll be damned if I see our family fall into their hands and lastly our final adult male heir cannot perform certain acts a lord is required to do"

"what do you mean? What can't you do Sirius?" Harry asked looking at his Godfather

"Harry I can't have children and the laws state that only a lord who can sire an heir can lead a family" Sirius said solemnly

Then it became clear to Harry all the time Sirius spent with him and why the man couldn't hold a long term relationship but there was still something bugging Harry

"but Lord Black what of your son Pollux he's older and has children wouldn't he be a clearer choice" he asked

Arcturus looked almost offended "my idiot son lost my confidence when he betrothed his daughters to the Malfoys and the Lestranges he would not be a strong Lord and would let his peers take control" was his reply

Harry sighed in defeat

"but I'm eleven years old and have no experience in politics"

Arcturus chuckled "I'm not planning on going yet boy, what time I have left will be spent making sure you are ready and I'm sure some of the others in the family will be willing to help you"

"then it is with great honour that I Harrison James Potter accept Lord Black's offer of becoming the heir of the most ancient and noble house of Black" Harry spoke magic filling his words

This seemed to satisfy the eldest Black who cracked a small smile

"good now be gone I have work to attend to"

"come on Harry better get you back so your parents can shout at you for using dark magic" Sirius said leading Harry towards the door

"dark magic?" the voice of Lord Black called after them

The two stopped and turned back

"well you see Grandfather when I went to collect Harry his parents had found some not so pleasant books he had collected" Sirius explained

Lord Black waved his wand at one of the bookcases and a book flew towards Harry who caught it

"now out!" he commanded

The two left closing the door behind them

"there's hope yet" Lord Black mumbled to himself when they left

Harry and Sirius made their way back into the living room where Cassiopeia was still sat

"so how did it go?" she asked

"meet the new heir to the house of Black" Sirius announced with over the top enthusiasm and pointing towards Harry

"so you decided to take the offer" the blonde asked Harry

"yes well more accepted to avoid sudden loss of life but yes" Harry replied

"congratulations I suppose"

"aunty why did you say you don't approve?" Harry asked fearing she believed him inadequate

"because you are so young and taking on these responsibilities may deprive you of the simple enjoyments of youth" she replied smirking, apparently she could tell he was afraid of her rejecting him

Harry sighed heavily internally her answer pleasing him

"that's what I'm for, can't our boy here not enjoying himself" Sirius said joyfully

Cassiopeia snorted at him "I said enjoyments not life threatening acts"

Sirius moved him face closer to hers "there's nothing life threatening about a few tumbles in broom closets" he smirked

The blonde went red faced with anger and rose from her chair to face him straight on

"Sirius you will not corrupt that boy in such a way" she fumed

"oh sure and squashing him with your tits every time you see him is so innocent" Sirius laughed "back me up here Har..."

They turned to see Harry wasn't there and had quietly made his way to the floo and travelled home.

Harry returned home to see his books had gone, James had probably burnt them

'no matter it's all stored in my head' Harry thought as he had read all the books and the words were stored in the library of his mind

He proceeded to grab a small bit to eat and then return to his room to look at the book Arcturus had given him. The events involving the Blacks still felt like a weird dream but with the physical evidence of the trip in front of him there was no denying it. The book was a beginners guide to Dark magic but it went into greater details of how to control it and how to create fail safes to stop dark magic addiction. Dark magic on its own was generally more powerful than light magic but excessive use of it changes a person's mental state and could even lead to insanity. In Harry's mind it was a book on how to use dark magic properly. Decisive to say the rest of Harry's time off was spent studying his book and increasing the power of his Runes and Charms around his trunk. Over the weeks the cold looks he would receive at breakfast from certain family members died down and things seemed to reach normal status by the time Harry was getting ready to go back to Hogwarts. So one crowded train platform and one long catch up session on the train later Harry was sitting with his friends at the Slytherin table in the great hall. Most of the chatter amongst the second year boys was quidditch trials as they were now allowed to try out for the team, Harry swore he could see Flint Slytherins captain already showing signs of a headache. Later on Dumbledore addressed them and spouted the usual rubbish and the only thing note worthy was a new Defence teacher 'surprise' and a new muggle studies teacher one Professor Quirrell.

Slytherin Common room:

"so Harry are you going to try out for the quidditch team?" Blaze asked

"ye could use a distraction from how easy the classes are"

"well excuse me overlord Potter" Blaze teased

"so what about you and Theo?" Harry asked back

"nah Theo's afraid of heights and I'm not one for playing quidditch"

"just digging into players that do something wrong right?" Tracy asked behind Blaze

"hey it's constructive criticism and if I was going to play who would be there to take bets?" Blaze asked defensively

"ok sheesh just wanted to join the conversation" Tracy exclaimed "so who's ready for another year?" she asked happily

"ask that again tomorrow morning then I'll answer you" Daphne giggled sitting down next to Harry

"but Daphne you know what I'm like in the mornings...oh clever" she said just catching on

Time skip:

Harry fell into the usual routine of school life and classes went on as usual but this year Daphne seemed more determined to catch up with him in scores and Harry was now enjoying Snape's anti Gryffindor comments in potions more now needing some of it after spending the holidays with his father. Harry also continued his extra-curricular activities of sneaking off to the room of requirement and practicing his practical magic and now alongside the book Arcturus gave him. Harry could feel the difference when using darker spells it gave off more of a rush when cast and he could tell how people got addicted to it but the trick was to accept the feeling and then let it go and not seek out the feeling the next time you cast.

'you should also try light magic' Sal advised

'why?'

'nothing completely dark is good for anything the same as anything being completely light and mastering both types could only benefit you'

'true but I'm spread far enough as it is now with quidditch coming up and I can't afford burning the candle at both ends only idiots do that'

Also over the weeks Harry found that muggle studies were now another class along with history of magic that he now would use to do independent studies, the professor was a stuttering mess and again Harry was wondering what was going through Dumbledores mind.

Soon the quidditch trails came now advertised on the houses information board, so Harry took to doing practice laps around the pitch early in the mornings. He did love the feeling of flying and the rush it included. So he found himself along with most of the boys from Slytherin standing in front of Flint wearing quidditch gear

"alright you sorry lot. Keepers to my left, chaser to my right, beaters behind me and finally seekers in front" Flint called

Harry was surprised to see he was the only one who was trying out for the seeker position. Flint went from group to group giving instructions and calling in fellow players to monitor them

"so only one seeker, don't think this gives you a free pass Potter quite the opposite. Stevens you will fly against Potter and fight for the snitch"

Stevens was the current seeker and the blonde seemed more like a Malfoy to Harry. The two took off and Flint released the snitch and the two shot off to go catch it. Harry could also see whilst flying past Blaze, Theo, Tracy and Daphne cheering for him. Harry could tell Stevens was good but Harry had Potter genetics and nine times out of ten beat Stevens to the snitch

"Stevens get lost you've embarrassed yourself" Flint called

"but Flint he's got a nimbus 99" Stevens complained

"that's no excuse off" Barked Flint "Potter well done welcome to the team"

Harry went to wash the sweat off him and wonder how easy it had been to get onto the team. He returned to the common room and was greeted with an almost hero like welcome by his friends and Harry kind of liked the feeling it gave him.

In defence they finally got to minor duelling lessons and Cedric seemed to be following Harry round the room most likely to make sure he was partnered with Harry and the Hufflepuff got his wish. Simply put the duel between them gave Harry a big confidence boost and Cedric left with more determination to win next time. Harry had to admit Cedric was very good for their year and simply lacked practice, all of this made Harry happy that he had become friends with the Hufflepuff. His belief in his friends grew even more when he saw the rest of them duel their partners. Harry saw that Blaze used brute force to beat his opponents, Tracy used speed trying to overwhelm her opponent with the number of spells she could cast before they could. The most interesting to watch was Theo and Daphne who both used creativity to win but it was even better to watch since they duelled each other as the Slytherins outnumbered the Hufflepuffs. Needless to say Harry was impressed and a plan formed in his head to bring them into his extra study sessions.

Slytherin common room:

"damn Daphne did you have to go all out?" Theo asked the blonde opposite him as he nursed his arm

Daphne had transfigured ropes into thorny wines that had wrapped themselves around Theo's arm and had won the blonde the duel but only just

"it's not like you gave me a lot of choice" Daphne said crossing her arms

"well I don't know about you guys but I'm proud of everyone here" Harry claimed happily

"well it helped that our parents gave us training before coming to Hogwarts" Tracy pointed out

"not our fault we took the time to practice, take every advantage you can that's what I say" Blaze said

"I agree" harry said

"still sucks I lost to a girl" Theo pouted

"a real man would..."Blaze started

"don't" Harry growled

"what?"

"you know what" (fairy tail fans ;) )

"so what are we going to do now you're on the quidditch team Harry?" Theo asked

Harry just sack back into the sofa "business as usual you guys proved you can take care of yourselves"

The first quidditch match was the week after the duelling lesson and was straight after a double period of potions which made Harry grateful at the chance to stretch after being cooped up in the dungeons for two hours. He made his way to the pitch and was lucky to run into Flint as Harry had no idea where to go, he was led to the changing rooms and found a locker with his name on it and a new set of seeker kit inside of it. Harry looked at himself in the mirror and he had to admit he looked damn good in the Slytherin kit, he then retrieved his broom and lined up with the others getting ready to go onto the field

"Nervous Potter?" Flint asked

"I'd be stupid not to be" he replied

Flint smirked "good, nervous makes you ready"

There was a loud cheer and the team made their way onto the field so Harry followed their lead. The stadium was packed and Harry admired for the first time all the banners and fans, he could see his crew all waving green flags and cheering. Harry lined up with his team facing the opposite team, that's when Harry realised who he was facing

"Cedric?" he shouted

"hey Harry I did hear that you made it onto the team" Cedric smiled at him

"now I want a nice clean game, now hover" Madam Hooch the flying teacher called

End chapter 7