The Power of Fear and Trust.

Sirius was worried, seriously worried, worried enough that he couldn't even find a gleam of amusement at the pun he usually adored. Harry had sent him a note, in the middle of the night, begging for his help. His godson had said something was really wrong with him. So, Sirius was worried. He had returned the note with on of his own, it had appeared to be a pawprint on a blank piece of parchment, but in truth, it was so much more. He had attached a feather from Buckbeak to the parchment and sent it off with Hedwig before anyone was able to realise that she had returned for the first time in three weeks. Now, he was on his way to Privet Drive. He apparated several times before landing on Holly Road, Little Whinging, which was a twenty-minute walk from their meeting point. Sirius shifted into Padfoot and cautiously made his way to his godson.

Harry had been worried for so long, he had believed that Sirius would just respond with the typical platitudes and whatnot, but he was honestly desperate. He had been ill for weeks at this point. It had reached the point that Petunia was worried about him, and the other Dursleys were avoiding him as though he had the plague – which he wasn't sure he didn't. He had been relieved to see the note from his godfather and smiled when he realised that it needed a password, knowing exactly what to say. Harry was almost boneless in relief and exhaustion when he read that Sirius would be coming, but he knew he needed to prepare. If he did have some weird magical malady, he could not be caught out as Harry Potter. Fred and George had taught him a very quick and easy hair-dyeing potion that would last for a week, or until the – also very quick and easy – antidote was taken. Harry brewed both with the last few ingredients he had in his school supplies, which he had asked Petunia for after it became obvious his illness was not a passing bug.

Harry had packed up all his necessary and treasured belongings in his secret satchel, something he had found it in Hogsmeade last year and bought it when e discovered the ever-expanding and feather-light enchantments on it, but he kept it secret as he had spent much of the year wondering just who he could trust after Ron and, to a lesser extent, Hermione turned on him. It had been safely tucked under his clothes during the train ride to London, and unnoticed by the Dursleys upon entrance to Privet Drive. It contained the one set of casual wizard robes he had, his invisibility cloak, his winter cloak, his Firebolt, a sliver of his Nimbus 2000 his photo album, and several school textbooks – only those that contained anything useful. It also held his money in a side pocket, both muggle and magical, and the last of his stash of food. Harry was slightly depressed that the sum total of his life took up less than a half of the standard trunk he had bought, one without any added enchantments (which was the one Hagrid had grabbed for him). Despite this, he was happy he would get to see Sirius, so happy he spent the time watching the clock.

When it was time, Harry threw on his invisibility cloak and snuck downstairs. He left the pre-prepared note on the side by the cooker, knowing Petunia would see it. He had slipped his note into an opened envelope that had carried handwritten letter to Petunia in. He had given her exactly what she had given him: the bare minimum. He had simply said 'P.C.D. Getting help. Won't be back. Burn this. H.J.P.' It had felt good to leave her with so little information.

Harry was almost too embarrassed to remove his cloak when he spotted Sirius in the playground, but he shucked it anyway, happier to see someone he knew actually cared for him. Sirius' protective embrace washed away all but the happiness and safety he felt in his godfather's arms. They remained hugging for several minutes before Sirius pulled away and looked over Harry.

"First question, why do you look so ill? Second question, what's with the get-up and hair?"

Harry blushed weakly. "I look ill because I've been ill for the last month, I've not managed a day without vomiting, and I can't eat anything without bringing it back up. I've been able to hold down sips of water and sucking a sugar quill for a minute, but otherwise…" He paused, blushing stronger as he looked down at the old dress he wore. It was Petunia's least favourite dress, though it was one that actually suited her, so Harry was unsure why she disdained it as much as she did, especially as she refused to get rid of it either. "And I thought we may need to go somewhere in our world. I stole some of Petunia's make-up, and the dress, as everyone recognises 'Harry Potter' as dark-haired, scrawny, big glasses, green eyes, scar, and oversized clothes. Fred and George taught me a potion for my hair, which is longer than it has ever been before. I thought that, when we get closer to the magical world, I could ditch the glasses, and the rest, well, the make-up hides the scar and the dress and longer hair means people will see a girl, not 'the boy-who-lived'."

Sirius smirked, "All you need is your animagus form and you'd be a full-Marauder."

Harry beamed tiredly in response, before smirking. "Fred and George's potion works on animal forms too. They actually got McGonagall's cat form with a red and gold colour. She knew who had done it, but they weren't punished as she was happy being a very Gryffindor tabby for a week."

Sirius let out a barking laugh and patted Harry's shoulder. "What colour are you changing me, then?"

"Red like an Irish Red Setter. Your form is quite similar to an Irish Wolfhound, so I thought it would be explainable as you being a mixed breed – a wolfhound, setter and 'something else'."

"Alright. So, we'll travel away from London on a muggle train. By a ticket for a distant station but we will alight six stops in instead. Hopefully, we have forty hours before you're noticed missing. Once we alight, we will leave the station and get a taxi to a shopping centre of some variety. Then, I'll apparate us to London. There, you will need to ditch your glasses and I'll help you get to Gringotts. You will need a note, asking for Sanctuary from the Goblin Horde for your animagus companion and yourself. Go up to a teller and ask to see the Director as soon as possible. Call any goblin you don't know 'Master Goblin', or 'Master' and their occupation, so the teller would be 'Master Teller'. Be brief, honest and respectful, but don't show your submission unless it is an act that the goblins can see through. They will take us through to a private chamber. It will be warded to the hilt so will be safe from anyone not present seeing or listening in, or tracking us, but it will have at least three invisible guards – more if they deem us important or a threat."

Harry nodded his understanding and withdrew the potions bottle, handing it to Sirius saying, "Well, sooner started, sooner done."

Sirius transfigured a stone into a bowl, poured the potion in, and then lapped it up. His dark black fur lightened to a copper red and he shook his whole body at the tickling sensations that swept through it. "Alright, Cop, we should head to the station."

Sirius changed back quickly and smirked at Harry before removing his belt and transfiguring it into a working-dog's harness. He charmed it to resize before shifting back and pawing at the harness. Harry crouched to attach everything before standing and leading Sirius towards the train station in the town centre.

It took them five hours before they finally arrived at the Leaky Cauldron, which was probably for the best, as it was not eight o'clock and a much less suspicious time. Harry realised that he would draw attention as they were now, so the only way to prevent suspicion was to make sure the attention was a certain type. He knew he was small and dainty, especially for an almost-fifteen-year-old, and dressed as he was, he appeared even younger. He played up the image, approaching Tom and saying softly, "E…excuse me, s…sir. I…I was w…wondering how to…"

"How to get onto the Alley?" Tom asked.

Harry widened his eyes as though nervous, ducked his head shyly and nodded, "Yessir. Copper and I are going to Gringotts and then School Shopping." He said the last bit almost breathlessly. "Ma gave me a list of everything but my wand, books and potions ingredients to get."

"Right this way then, lass." Tom grinned toothlessly before leading her to the Gateway and opening it for her. Harry smiled and thanked him softly before slipping through the Gateway, one hand on Sirius' back and the animagus led him to Gringotts.

They were seen quickly by the teller, and Harry could tell that the goblins could see through the disguises. Despite that, he gave a half-bob, half-bow and said, "Master Teller, I wish to meet with the Director right away."

"And what would a girl and her mutt want with the Director of Gringotts London?"

Harry lay the prewritten note on the desk and said, "That is a private matter, Master Teller, which I will not speak about outside of a private room away from the…crowds." And he looked obviously towards one of the human employees, and the other witches and wizards in the room.

"Lokjaw will show you to the private room. The Director will arrive when he is free and no sooner."

Harry nodded and followed the irritated-looking Lokjaw away, Sirius' warm fur gripped under his hand. He was led deep into the building, through a maze of corridors, before coming to a halt before a set of ornate doors. Harry nodded to Lokjaw before he and Sirius entered the room. The doors banged shut ominously behind them, and Sirius shifted, standing tall and, resting a hand on Harry's shoulder, guided them to the chairs.

They sat in silence for several minutes before Sirius sighed, "Okay, pup, I'm going to need you to tell me exactly what you've been experiencing. You said something about nausea, and you look worse than me. You've lost weight that you really couldn't afford to, and I'm pretty sure you've not slept in weeks."

Harry bit his lip and looked down. "I, it started just before I left Hogwarts. My stomach felt queasy all day, and I was having nightm…" he stopped himself and swallowed down the white lie, before admitting honestly, "night terrors, mostly about the Graveyard, but also about that Halloween, and, well, other things too. I just thought, it doesn't matter, you know. I mean, I had watched C…Cedric be killed for simply being present, 'the spare', and seen my parents' murderer brought back to full corporeal form using my own blood, no matter how unwilling it was. I was tortured and escaped, only to end up back in a situation where my life was at risk. I thought the nausea was just because of my paranoia and the feeling of dread and…" He paused and closed his eyes, trying to stave off tears. "…and guilt." He admitted quietly.

Harry released a shuddering sob. "I just thought it was normal. Hermione was spewing off about survivors' guilt and Ron was bragging about my 'victory', it was easy enough to avoid eating when you spend the time avoiding everyone. Then, I got back to the Dursley's. The night terrors carried on, and I couldn't get away from food. And then it got worse. Any time I was cooking or eating, I'd feel more nauseous, A week in, I started vomiting. Vernon and Dudley refused to let me near them. Petunia was the same for the first three weeks, but when it kept happening, well, she actually started to worry. I've been making do with half a slice of toast four times a day, along with a lot of water and a sugar quill a day. I just, well, I'm so exhausted and I don't have the energy to do much of anything."

Sirius frowned. He swept his eyes over Harry's rough form and asked "Harry, I need you to be honest with me. Have you had penetrative sex with a man? Could you be pregnant?"

Harry scowls at his godfather. "I may be wearing a dress, but I can assure you that I am, most definitely a man."

"Harry, you may be a man, but you're a wizard. Did you just skip you Magical Health class in second year?"

"We never had a 'Magical Health' class." Harry bit out.

"But… Harry, it's meant to be a compulsory class. Especially for muggleborn and muggle-raised students."

"Well, we never had one, or, if we did, it was not on my timetable, nor Ron's, Hermione's and Neville's."

Sirius sags into the chair. "I need to know if you have been penetrated by another man, Harry." He says softly.

Harry blushes and looks away before nodding. "It…we were dating in secret, but it was just meant to be a way to relax, not to plan for the future. He…he said he may not be able to be with me beyond his seventeenth birthday, though he wouldn't tell me why, and we all know what my life is like. Who's to say I'll even be around by my seventeenth?" Harry finished bitterly.

Sirius rubs his face tiredly. "Did either of you use any form of contraception, pup? A spell, or a potion?"

Harry looked baffled. "Why would we? We were both virgins and are male, it's not like we could get pregnant."

Sirius groans. "This is why you're meant to have the class. Pup, wizards – especially those with very strong magic – can get pregnant. Similarly, witches with strong magic can impregnate another witch. For men, it requires the magically stronger partner to be penetrated and for him to carry the child to term. The start of the pregnancy is rougher on men than women as the magic has to cleanse and prepare the man."

Harry gulped and said worriedly, "Y…you're actually telling the truth. Why… he's a pureblood wizard. Surely he should have known?"

Sirius sighed. "I need to know who your partner was, Harry."

Harry sighed in turn and whispered, "Blaise, Blaise Zabini."

"Oh, shit." Sirius said softly. He swallowed another curse and sighed, "Of course you would be the mate of a 'magical creature' and become pregnant before either of you are mature enough for the Recognition."

"What do you mean, 'magical creature'?"

"Blaise's mother was a childhood friend. The only one I had before Hogwarts, to be honest. When I was ten, she told me she was classed by the British Ministry as a creature, but all the information, including her race's name, was completely wrong. She told me everything as she was beginning to mature, and her mother had said there was a chance we may be mates. I honestly can't pronounce the name of the race they are part of, and I refuse to disrespect Cassie by calling her those foul names the Ministry recognises them as. What I can say is that they don't mature fully until their seventeenth birthday and magical maturation. At that point, they recognise their mate.

"What you must understand, Harry, is that mates are not long-foretold, or destined, or whatever soulmate bullshit you may have heard about. What they are, is the acknowledgement that another being is sexually, magically, emotionally and physically compatible. The Zabinis have enhanced scent, sight and hearing. The scent allows them to recognise beings compatible to them. Technically, you can have many possible mates, but it is extremely rare to meet more than one possibility, and when the mating, the bonding has happened, they remain ignorant to all other possibilities. It is, honestly, impossible for them to stray. It is also impossible for their partner to stray."

Sirius paused, sighing, and licked his lips nervously before continuing. "Now, all this is important, but what you really need to know is that no one who is not a mate, or a potential mate, has ever been able to impregnate or conceive during intercourse with the races. Blaise had no idea you are a potential mate. He would have assumed he was unable to impregnate you, so he would not have taken precautions."

"But…" Harry protested.

Sirius took Harry's hand in his own and said softly, "Harry, when I last saw Cassie, we were talking about how odd mates and potentials could be. Even then, she had never even heard rumour that anyone could become pregnant before maturity, within any of the races that have similar biology. This pregnancy – if you are, in fact, pregnant – is not your fault, nor is it Blaise'. Had you received the lessons you were meant to, you would have been aware of the potential risk of pregnancy intercourse held for you. If the blame can be laid anywhere, it is at your educators for failing you so greatly. There is a reason you're meant to receive the lessons in your second year."

Harry trembled and placed a shaking hand over his abdomen. "Do you really think…?"

Sirius rested his hand on top of Harry's and said softly, "Probably, pup. But whatever happens, I'll be by your side through it all."

That was all it took, the tears of worry, fear and sadness quickly overwhelmed Harry and he began sobbing, burrowing deep into Sirius' welcoming embrace.

Sirius simply held Harry tighter and stroked through his hair soothingly. "We'll need to tell Blaise and Cassie, pup. Especially as a pregnancy means that you and Blaise will be bonding in two years. And we'll need to get you somewhere safe, get out of the coming war."

"N…no one has even offered me the choice to fight or not." Harry sobbed softly. "Blaise said he wished he could, b…but everyone j…just expects me to fight, all… the… t…time."

"We've all failed you, then, pup." Sirius said gently, "But I refuse to do so anymore."

It took Harry another few minutes to calm down, and he felt lighter for it. He remained held in Sirius' embrace even after his sobs had slowed to a stop, and he soon found himself drifting off.

Sirius shook Harry away two hours after he had drifted off, when the door began to creak open. Both wizards stood as the director and an aide strode into the room.

"I received notice two wizards were seeking Sanctuary. My guard have informed me of some of it. Explain, Lord Black, why the Heir of Potter, Black, Peverell, Gryffindor and Slytherin does not know of his heritage?"

"Who's heritage?" Harry asks confusedly.

"Yours, Harry." Sirius replies worriedly. "Dumbledore told me he had personally been teaching you about your place in the wizarding world, the titles you will hold and power you will gain upon your majority."

"But Dumbledore has told me nothing!"

"I see." The Director sneered. "The Wizard Dumbledore is behind this, though I would know why you have not replied to the missives sent by the Horde?"

"I have never received mail from Gringotts or the Horde, Master Director." Harry said nervously.

"Then we can assume Dumbledore has withheld everything. First, we must confirm you are who you claim to be. We will do an Arthurian Heritage Test, created by Merlin to prove King Arthur's lineage and allow him to claim all the titles he was due without the need for blood to be spilt in battle. The test will indicate any magical gifts you possess. It will also provide information about any magic that has negatively impacted you that has not been corrected in full or in part."

"The Arthurian Rites have not been used in three centuries!" Sirius protested, "They were said to be too dangerous! Especially for the underaged heirs!"

"That was not because of age or power, it was because Magic tests the subject and those that used it failed due to the corruption their magic and souls had fallen to. Harry Potter should not be harmed, so long as he is Harry Potter."

"I'll do it." Harry said softly. "I just need you to talk me through it."

It took an hour to prepare for the ritual that would complete the Arthurian Heritage Test, or Arthurian Rites as Sirius called them. Harry was knelt in the centre of a complex runic circle as seven goblins stood around him, two flanking him as one faced him, and then the last four placed in a square further away. The two goblins flanking him rested a hand on his shoulders as the magic built. When the runic circle began to glow, the goblin in front of him reached forwards and placed a hand on his sternum and his second on Harry's forehead. The power built even more, and the four outer goblins stepped forward with mithril knives in their hands and each drew a shallow gash into Harry's hands, each hand scored twice. Harry's blood dripped onto the floor, seven drops from each wound before they healed fully. The three other goblins released Harry when the wounds healed, drew their own mithril knives, and cut where they had first touched – the shoulders and sternum. Seven drops of blood from each wound found their way onto the ground and the ritual room flashed a golden white. The seven goblins filed out, leaving Harry kneeling on the floor, trying to get his balance back before he attempted to stand. He was glad the wounds all healed perfectly, and that the cuts had not hurt. He had been told that any pain during the ritual meant that something was wrong. It took Harry a minute to realise the Director and Sirius had arrived into the room, and Sirius was knelt beside Harry as the Director made his way to the stone altar that was in the centre of a connected ritual circle of its own.

After half an hour, Harry, Sirius and the Director were once more settled into the room they had been in before, the Director reading through Harry's results.

"Lord Potter, Head of Potter, Peverell, Gryffindor and Slytherin, Heir of Black. You will be required to undertake a purification ritual before you can accept your Rings, but otherwise, I am able to start auditing all your vaults and providing you with an overview of your inheritance. The Goblin Horde will provide you, your godfather and your mate and child Sanctuary for as long as needed only if you undergo the ritual."

Sirius frowned. "Surely nothing that serious…"

The Director scowled and sneered, "He should have died years ago. It is only the strength of his magic and will that has allowed him to survive. Also, if his pregnancy continues without the ritual, the babe will die inside him within weeks."

Harry swallowed. "I'll do it. Whenever you need me to. I… I didn't know I could carry children, didn't know it was possible, but I…it has always been my dream, to have my own children. I could never do anything that would harm one of my children. If going without the ritual will kill m…my baby, then I'll go through ten thousand just to make sure they're safe."

Sirius soothed a hand through Harry's hair. "I wasn't saying not to have the ritual, pup, but was just surprised that it was needed. Purity rituals are rare. They require a lot of strength and it is most often easier just to use potions or spells as all participants become magically exhausted. It requires the twenty-one casters – three lots of seven – and the object of the ritual to bring all magic to bear, to allow the cleansing to happen."

Harry gulped, "Y…you said my p…pregnancy was being supported by my magic…"

"Blaise will need to be present, the babe can use his magic to support the pregnancy through their bond, but it will be easier in close proximity, so he will have to be brought here."

"We cannot complete the ritual today, regardless." The Director stated calmly. "Lord Potter does not have the magical nor physical strength to go through such a demanding ritual. Sanctuary will be granted for three days for rest and recuperation. Lord Potter will be given potions to raise his physical condition as quickly as possible."

Sirius nodded, "Good. That gives us three days to get Blaise here without anyone growing suspicious."

Harry just nodded. He felt exhausted down to his soul. He was still trying to process both the knowledge that male pregnancy and female siring were possible (Magic, it was brilliant and scary!), and that he had somehow managed to do something previously thought impossible and become pregnant by someone who, apparently, could not get another pregnant except in very specific circumstances, one of which had previously been thought to be age constraints. All this on top of the traumas he had suffered through for years: from the time he was fifteen months old, if he was completely honest with himself. He just wanted everything to stop, he wanted to curl up and make the world go away. Preferably in Blaise's arms, but Sirius' would be a highly acceptable replacement. They were the only two people who had ever made Harry feel truly cared for and protected, even when he and Blaise had believed they would not last long.

Harry was guided by Sirius into another room, and he allowed his godfather to settle him into the soft bed, swallowing the disgusting potions pressed to his lips. He was asleep within seconds.

Sirius settled Harry, making sure he was comfortable, before returning to the sitting room he had guided Harry through minutes ago. Director Ragnok was sat in an armchair staring down at the results of Harry's Arthurian Rites.

"How bad is it?" Sirius asked warily as he sank into the comfortable armchair.

"Bad." The Director rumbled. "Very bad, but fixable. I have told my curse-breakers, healers and ritualists to prepare for the Astraean Rites. Each will provide seven Masters, seven Journeymen and seven Apprentices. The curse-breakers will begin the ritual and take care of what is needed before stepping back and lending their power and will to the workings. It will then be the ritualists' job to cleanse Lord Potter of everything harmful before the healers finish the ritual to purify and heal."

"Surely the Astraean Rites call for justice to be enacted?"

"Aye, which is why the journeymen and apprentices are needed to add power and will. By the end of the ritual, all those who have wronged Lord Potter will be marked by Magic. Goddesses willing, they will all suffer for what they have done to him."

Sirius scowled. "That bad, then."

They sat in silence for several more minutes, both brooding, before Ragnok sighed. "Your Sanctuary in these halls remains the same as when you came to us before. The Ministry have not presented us with evidence of your crimes, so they cannot touch you nor your title and vaults."

Sirius' scowl soothed slightly, but remained a worried frown as he admitted, "I can't keep the Black title." He sighed before continuing, "My magic is barely managing to keep the Family Magics contained. It's all I can do in a given moment to not let my hold slip, not let my strength wane, to allow the Black Madness to overtake me. And that is without actively using the magic. Whenever I reach for it, my control slips, becomes tenuous. If I were to use it in a battle, I would be lost."

The strange pair remained silent for several long moments before Sirius continued. "I plan on abdicating the title in favour to my blood-bound godson. He is my child by magic and my cousin by blood within the fifth generation, closer than all others eligible."

"We shall prepare for the Passing On after your godson and Heir has recovered from the Rites and accepted his Rings. I should warn you that Lord Potter is an emancipated adult and had been since Samhain night, 1994."

Sirius' eyes widened in shock and understanding. Harry was recognised by Magic as an adult and, with a close, mature Potential in such danger, of course parts of Blaise's maturation were sped up. It would explain the very early pregnancy (not that he could talk of early pregnancies, considering his grandfather was forced to marry and reproduce at fourteen, and his own mother's brother was forced to do so at twelve. Sirius settled into the chair and decided to change the topic, asking Ragnok about his family and his recent battles.

It took a week for Harry to recover enough for the healers to agree he was capable of the Astraean Rites. Blaise and Cassandra Zabini had arrived on the third day and, with Blaise firmly attached to Harry, his healing seemed to finally pick up. Cassie and Sirius spent the time teaching Harry what he needed to know, going through the huge list of properties owned between the four of them, and planning for the future. Blaise spent his time in almost constant contact with Harry, holding him as he slept, soothing his bad dreams before they could get worse, and helping strengthen his over-wrought magic. Blaise and Harry, when they weren't being smothered by their parental figures, were discussing everything they had refused to talk about before, often calmly, though there were tears and rage at some subjects (directed towards others, not at their mate). The couple settled slowly into the partial bond they held, and grew more excited with the child growing inside Harry, though both admitted to being terrified at the prospect of parenthood, and relieved that Cassie and Sirius would be there for the three of them.

For Harry, the ritual seemed to take no time at all. He had dressed in an undyed cotton shift and bare but for the shift. He was told to enter the ritual chamber and, while the participants stepped into the room chanting, he was to make his way – in time with the chant – over and into the pure hot spring in the centre of the ritual circle. Ragnok had told Harry he should submerge himself in the water as the door closed, and then the magic of the ritual would take over and he would awaken when everything was done.

Harry had complied, glad he had little to remember and less to do for this ritual. When he stepped into the hot spring in the centre of the ritual circle, Harry had felt himself relax, but could also feel something inside him that was definitely inside him, but was not him, not his child, was wrong, try to rebel. He squashed the feeling by reaching his magic out to the bond that was growing between himself and his child, allowing the feeling to soothe and settle himself. Just before the doors shut, he felt the thing in his body try and seize up to disrupt and end the ritual, but he breathed slowly, held tight to the memories and thoughts of those he loved, and let himself drop down and float away. Everything around him was golden, and there were three gentle women each stroking his hair tenderly and hugging him gently. Harry relaxed into their embrace, recognising the flaming redhead as his mother, Lily. The lady with rich golden hair, he knew instinctively to be Magic, or Hekate in her Greek guise. The third woman, Harry knew, was Astraea, with starlight-white hair that would make a Malfoy's blonde seem dirty. Each woman comforted and healed his soul as the sixty-three goblins worked to do the same to his physical form. As the triad began to fade, they all swore that those responsible, truly responsible and not just because of ignorance, obliviousness or deep trust in others, would be punished for the crimes they had perpetrated upon him. Lily was the last to whisper to him, telling him she would be leaving once justice had been served, for while her soul was immortal, her time as Lily should have been as ephemeral as every other humans, and they were not meant to live for years after death.

Harry came to in the centre of a dry spring and blinked tiredly around himself. He was dry, but he thought he should have been wet. Healers and guards filed in to bear out all sixty-three goblins and, finally, Blaise was there, lifting Harry up and holding him close.

"Tesoro," He said softly, placing a gentle kiss on Harry's brow, "I did what I could, but something Greater was protecting the bambino."

"Mmm," Harry hummed tiredly, snuggling deeper into the strong arms, "Mum, an' H'kate, an' 'Straea. Said g'blins no' heal soul. Stepped 'n. Pr'mised, justice. Pr'per j'stice. Then Mum'll move on. She's gonna go soon."

Blaise, Cassandra and Sirius shared a look over Harry's head as the teen finally gave in to the tiredness dragging at him and fell asleep to the gentle rocking of Blaise's steps, and the soft beat of his heart.

Harry woke up the day after the ritual feeling like a brand new person. He felt light and clean, free of some undefinable burden, and he beamed when he felt Blaise wrapped around him. Harry savoured the feeling, fervently wishing it was one he could feel forever and never take for granted. Eventually, though, he had to start moving. The day passed as a blur. Harry had to accept the Lordship Rings for Potter, Peverell, Gryffindor and Slytherin, and the Heir Ring for Black, all before lunch, which was followed by Sirius abdicating his position as Lord and Head of House Black to his Heir due to damage to his magic. Harry then accepted his fifth lordship and was fully prepared to rest from the influx of magic when Cassie had suggested Blaise see if the Zabini and Ravenclaw Lords' Rings would accept him yet. They did, and more. As the magics settled within Blaise, his magic recognised that it had gained maturity, and within minutes, Blaise recognised Harry as his mate, and he clung to the younger teen, scenting him and allowing himself to recognise that he and his mate had already been fertile in their coupling.

It took a while before Blaise could reign in his possessive and protective instincts, by which point, found Harry curled in his lap with arms wound tight but carefully around his still-too-small body. Harry didn't mind Blaise's runaway instincts. He could honestly admit to enjoying the long cuddle it had led to, but he knew they had more to do. The four of them had planned for this moment, and Harry followed through. He signed the pre-written letter to Madam Amelia Bones, Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement, and Regent of House Bones. It stated that he was leaving and withdrawing all his families from Britain until such a time as one Sirius Orion Black was given a fair trial, with the use of untainted veritaserum. The letter did not state the repercussions of such a move, but it was heavily implied by the list of titles, including Consort Zabini, and Consort Ravenclaw. Harry knew he would win, it just depended on how long it would take. While that was set in motion, the four made their way through the bank to Harry's account manager. He placed Sirius and Cassandra as Overseers for all of his accounts, asked that all reports go through them until he had his NEWTs, and then named Cassandra as his proxy for all the seats he held, though with his declaration, not one single law or court case would be able to be heard – after all, between him and Blaise, they held a sizable number of seats, to the point that only a unanimous vote would be able to overrule their absence. Once Harry was done, they had to do the same for Blaise, before they were finally led to the Director's office, where Ragnok had the four of them sign a marriage certificate to make their union legally binding, instead of just magically binding. He then bid them farewell, and they continued on to the Portkey departure point.

Harry and Blaise had been kept unaware of where they would be hiding out, and so were stunned when they landed gently outside a huge villa with the sun shining down and the sea swishing just metres away. Harry looked around in awe and asked breathlessly. "Where are we?"

"Black Island, in the Mediterranean. This is the Black Summer Villa. There is a small village on the other side of the island, but the residents have all sworn oaths not to speak of what happens here. They are permitted to live here, and in return they maintain the island's natural beauty and provide stability for the altered fidelius that holds the island's existence a safe secret. Only the Lord, Heir or a Lord Emerus is able to set a portkey's destination to here. It is impossible to apparate on or off of the island, and the floo network does not work here."

"We decided on this location because though we describe it as a small village, it is actually a self-sustaining community and contains healers and shops that literally cannot tell anyone beyond this community anything. It means you are safe here, Harry, and you can just be yourself."

Harry beamed and hugged Sirius before turning to Cassie and shyly hugging her too. He then turned to Blaise and, taking his mate by the hand, tugged the taller teen after him, saying, "Come on, Blaise! We've got so much to explore! And I want to go to the beach, though I'd rather not go far enough out to need to swim. And, hey, look, we have an actual pool too! You can teach me to swim, Blaise!"

The two adults smirked as they listened to Blaise's admonitions for Harry to slow down and be careful fade into the background.

"So, how long do you think it will be before Britain release they're pretty screwed?" Sirius smirked.

"Oh, probably a week." Cassie replied with a beautifully sadistic grin. "I was thinking about how long it will take before justice is served."

The two friends laughed and made their way inside. Everything was finally looking up for their family, and tomorrow, Harry would turn fifteen.

Back in Britain, things had not been going well for many people. First, Nymphadora Tonks was distraught as Harry had gone missing during her shift guarding him, then they had realised Sirius wasn't sulking in a side room, and Buckbeak had disappeared too. Dumbledore was furious with Tonks, Kingsley, Moody and Lupin for losing both Sirius and Harry. It had taken three days before they realised Harry was not in Surrey, like they had thought. Moody had interrogated the Dursleys and had been stunned with their careless disregard, the fact that he had been gone for so long, and the knowledge that he had been suffering from a severe illness without any who guarded him even realising. None of them had noticed his steady deterioration, and they had been forcing Hedwig to return with his letters unopened most of the time, meaning that he could have told them without them knowing as they were so certain Dumbledore knew best. It took another day for Moody to question where Sirius and the hippogriff were before anyone had realised Sirius had been missing for about as long as Harry. It took no time at all for them to realise Sirius and Harry were likely together, though where they were was the question.

Eight days after Harry's disappearance (five from the realisation), they found out where he had been. Bones had called Kingsley into her office and demanded to know why Harry Potter seemed to believe Sirius Black deserved another trial. Kingsley, with no alternative, had to tell her the truth: Sirius had been thrown in Azkaban without even the sham of a trial, and Kingsley believed that Harry Potter was being honest in his declaration of Sirius' innocence. He then asked why she was asking. He read the letter and frowned in consideration. It was surprising they would go through the Goblin Horde, but maybe it should have been obvious, considering every search led to a dead end.

Kingsley took the information straight to the Order safehouse, expecting everyone to turn up that evening, and knowing he would be on duty at the time. His news was essentially: Harry Potter was emancipated due to the Tournament, he had claimed his lordships, and he accepted Sirius' Abdication of Honour. He was also magically, and possibly legally, married to the Zabini and Ravenclaw Lord and Head. Things were really not looking good.

"Zabini?" Remus questioned with a thoughtful frown. "As in Cassandra Zabini née Sinistra? Aurora's paternal cousin?"

"Yes, why?" Kingsley asked cautiously.

"Well, Sirius and Cassie were pre-Hogwarts childhood best friends. She was a Ravenclaw, like Aurora, and the two of them were extremely close, James joked that they would end up married if they spent any more time together. Whenever Siri wasn't with us or asleep, he was hiding away with her. It surprised all of us except Sirius when Cassandra started to date the Slytherin, Angelo Zabini, in our sixth year. They married right out of school. There were rumours that Zabini was the last Ravenclaw Heir, along with his own title. Most thought them false, until he was killed by Voldemort during an attack on Diagon only a couple of months before that Halloween. I believe that only a handful of people knew that the Zabinis had had a son until he started school."

"So, somehow, Harry ran away from his home, with Sirius, while ill. They turned to the goblins and, within a week, Harry is fully, legally, emancipated, has taken up his titles, gotten at least partially married to a boy we know nothing about beyond that his mother and Sirius were close childhood friends, and has essentially run away, all the while giving a huge middle-finger to the British Wizarding World in general and the Ministry of Magic specifically, along with all of us. Taken Sirius and his new mother-in-law and Consort with him and disappeared off the face of the known world... all while ill?" Tonks states, a mix of baffled and impressed.

"With help." Remus helpfully adds as Moody glowers at them, "And all in a week."

It is at that moment that the half-filled kitchen begins to rapidly cool down. The small number of Order members draw their wands as three translucent figures appear in front of them. Remus automatically lowers his wand and exclaims in astonishment. "Lily!?"

Lily frowns sadly. "Remus." She looks around the room and sighs. "Well, this is one of our last stops. Grimmauld Place." She turns to the women with her, but the gesture for her to start.

Lily nods in acceptance before scrutinising each individual in the room. "It would be easier if you called Ronald, Hermione and Ginevra down for this."

Molly swelled up with indignation. "Now, see here, I don't know who you think you are…!"

Lily flicked her finger at the other red-head, silencing her, before saying, "I don't just think, I know I am Lily Diana Potter, née Evans, mother of the young boy you believed you could manipulate into marrying your daughter, therein increasing your status once more. With me are Magic and Justice, in their aspects of Hekate and Astraea."

"I can guess why Magic would be with you, though I have no idea how or why you're here, Lils." Remus says calmly, with only a hint of the worry and curiosity he is feeling, "But why is Astraea the form justice is taking?"

"Astraea was Called Upon. My son had many bindings and much damage. The goblins – seven Master Curse-Breakers, seven of their Journeymen and seven of their apprentices, and the same number of Master, Journeyman and Apprentice Ritualists, and Master, Journeymen and Apprentice Healers – had to perform the Astraean Rites to purify my son. Rite which should have been enough, but due to the damage piled on him, would have left his soul damaged, repairing only his body and magic. He would have suffered, horrifically, for the remainder of his life, until death became his respite, unless his soul died before his body could."

"But calling on those rites calls justice upon all involved!" Bill Weasley burst out, horrified. "And most die! Including the one being purified!"

Lily smiled softly and said, "Worry not. My son survived the Arthurian Heritage Test while burdened, with no pain. He was treated until his body and magic would be able to cope with the ritual before it went ahead, though it may interest you to know that what they believed would take three days, took seven, because you had all ignored his cries for help, and he was much worse than even the goblin healers were first able to identify."

Remus, Tonks, Kingsley and the two male Weasleys in the room paled at that information.

"Good, you understand. Now, call the teens who name themselves my son's closest. Lady Astraea wishes to have words with them."

"Lily…" Remus said softly, "They're just children…"

"And they are around the same age Sirius was when he sent Severus after you on a full moon. Being children does not excuse cruelty, greed nor injustice. Sirius was punished for his crime by being thrown into Azkaban while innocent of the crime they proclaimed was his. Had justice happened for the cruelty your four Marauders shown in your formative years, Sirius would have never even considered such an action. By allowing you all to get away with so much for so long, the staff and other students taught you that such behaviour was acceptable. It is never acceptable to behave thusly. Harry's so-called friends have bullied and belittled him, used him and betrayed him, and he never had the ability to punish them, or gain justice for himself, because he was taught that he was worthless, so their treatment of him was acceptable. They perpetuated that belief by blaming their fallings-out on him and his supposed failings, instead of owning up to their own faults. No one noticed nor stepped in to tell him that he was worth more than their fickle friendship."

Lily paused, glared at Molly and looked sadly at Arthur and Bill before adding, "And that is only Hermione Granger and Ronald Weasley. Ginevra Weasley has been raised to believe she will be marrying my son. She cannot recognise the difference between the legend of 'Harry Potter, the Boy-Who-Lived', and my son, Harry James Potter, struggling teenager. She caused much harm just in her first year of schooling at Hogwarts. She should have been punished for her failure to report the worrying situations she was finding herself in, especially as she kept silence due to her embarrassment, and it led to the entire school, staff and student alike, turn on my son. It also caused her own brother deep suffering, to the point he has pulled away from his family because every action they took from that summer on has shown him that he is less than his sister. Less loved, less liked, less wanted. Just less. Instead of punishing her, she was rewarded with a trip to Egypt and plenty of spending money for any trinket she wanted, and in the two years since, her every demand had been met, even at the expense of her brothers' needs and wants."

Astraea touched Lily's shoulder and nodded encouragingly. "However, as you say, they are only children. It is the responsibility of the adults to educate them properly. Their status as children will always be taken into account, just like with every single other child who caused harm to my son. They will suffer dreams that will place them in Harry's role of every argument, every situation they experienced that negatively affected him. They will learn his thoughts only vaguely, just enough for them to understand exactly why they were in the wrong. When they feel true remorse, the dreams will stop. They will never be able to speak of the things they learn about Harry, nor will they be able to remember anything but vague impressions once they feel remorse, but they will learn understanding and empathy, along with being shown just how others view them. That, I believe, is a just punishment."

Remus nodded and flicked his wand, sending his grim-shaped patronus up the stairs. Remus bit his lip before asking, "Why did Siri not include me?"

"He did not know if he could trust you." Lily said gently. "He honestly believed you would try to talk him out of going or inform Dumbledore and/or other Order members."

Remus hung his head in shame, he had lost so much of Sirius' trust. "W…why did he trust Cassandra?"

Lily smiled wryly, "Because Harry and Blaise started dating in secret last year and Sirius believed – quite correctly – that Harry would need Blaise. He knew Cassandra would expect to be included as her son was underaged."

"Harry was in a relationship!?" Remus asked, stunned.

"One that was exactly what he needed. Blaise supported him in the background. He never demanded they step into the spot-light and show off for the media. They quickly became one another's confidantes. They are married now. Legally and magically bound. They will be remaining where they are, but once everything here is finished and Sirius is properly free, he will most likely reach out to those he cares for. Sirius will definitely reach out to you, Moony."

It took about an hour of talking for Lily to explain and lay upon them their punishment. Most were to suffer guilt for their ignorance, only to be lifted once Harry could freely and safely walk upon British soil once more. Molly was curse for a year and a day, as it was her actions more than any others, that had led Ginny down the path she was on. She was to suffer watching children – her own and other people's – be harmed without her being able to step in, and then watch as they tried to get help, but were ignored. It would be a punishment that would start at four am and finish at five am, which was when Molly tended to rise. She would only see one dream a day, because Justice knew there was a line between punishment and torture that should never be crossed, and it would also not do for Molly's heart to be hardened to the suffering of others.

Remus' punishment, given by magic, was the severing of his bond with his wolf for seven weeks, which would cover two full moons. Lily stated it was because Remus his behind his wolf, using it to excuse his absence in people's lives and blaming it for the state of his life. She said that any longer and both human and wolf half would begin to lose their sanity.

Finally, Lily smiled at them and said "Punishment should not only be about retribution, they should also be tools to change your actions, present and future. They are lessons all must learn eventually, and once they are over, all is forgiven, though it should never be forgotten, for it is in forgetting that we repeat our mistakes. Though, I warn you all now, some punishments require the ending of this life, so the immortal soul can learn the lesson. Unfortunately, two individuals have been punished in this manner, for they would never have repented for their actions in this life. Their next life will be the punishment given to their immortal souls, as the souls guide the ephemeral actions of the individual."

And with that, the three women faded, leaving everyone silent, staring at one another in disbelief.

When Death came for Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, it was accompanied by three women, one of which he recognised. He knew instantly who the other two were and what was happening.

"I did it for the Greater Good. He needed to save our world from the Dark."

"Dark and Light are not synonymous with Good and Evil, Albus." Lily scolded. "And one man's 'Greater Good' is another man's 'Lesser Evil'. There is no 'greater good' nor 'lesser evil', a lesser evil is still evil, and deciding what is Good and Evil is for the gods who See all, not for mere mortals. We have laws and traditions that have been given to us for a reason: because they guide us down the path of Good, away from the harm other paths may cause our soul. You slipped from the path and your 'Greater Good' led you to perform acts of evil on an innocent child. You prolong your life with a stolen trinket so you may live to see your plans come to fruition, but you have failed. My son was too kind for you to corrupt. He was hurt too much to accept prejudice and yearned for love too much to turn away from the care shown by an unexpected source. He had now been healed of the damage you and Tom did to him, and he had married – too young for my preference, but they have a child on the way due a miscalculation in your plan, so I am happy they are preparing to give my grandchild a stable and loving home."

Lily smirks at Dumbledore's dumbstruck expression and said, "Yes, Harry carries my grandchild – the first of many, I believe. He is happy, healthy and safe. And neither you nor Tom will ever harm him again. After all, we must all meet Death and go on to our next great adventure."

With that, Death steps forwards and, resting a gloved hand over Albus' heart, leans in and whispers into his ear, "Albus. Percival. Wulfric. Brian. Dumbledore. Your time with this shell is over. Come." The soft tone echoes with a trillion voices and Albus Dumbledore's mortal body collapses, leaving his spirit standing, staring around in disbelief.

"Will you remain or move on. Tom is ended, his soul repaired and sent for punishment before he can be returned to the mortal plains. You have nothing left for you, but much to look forward to, once you have learnt your lesson."

Albus looks away from the four beings, surveying his mortal trappings and pondering remaining among them, when Lily said, "Professor, it does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live. Your life as Albus Dumbledore is ended. Remaining here will mean dwelling on the dream of your last life. You have legion of lives ahead of you, surely you want to live them?"

"What about you, my dear. Dead for thirteen years, nearly fourteen, and still you linger."

"I placed my soul in my son as a barrier to protect him that night. It was only meant to last for as long as Voldemort was nearby, and Harry was in danger. I have spent the last years fighting to prevent you and Tom from destroying my son's soul. A destruction that could never be healed, had it happened. I am beyond wearied, and yearn for my rest, but I have one last promise to fulfil, with which I will be aiding my companions. I will see my son safe before I go on."

With that, Dumbledore nodded briskly and reached towards Death, who reached back and flashed them both away in a dramatic, unnecessary burst of blue flame.

"He can be such a diva." Hekate sighed, rolling her eyes.

"And he wonders why so many believe him evil." Astraea agreed.

Lily, Hekate and Astraea followed the sound of laughter into a large, indoor pool room and quickly spotted Harry playfully splashing his husband as Sirius and Cassandra laughed from the poolside. They all smiled softly, happy to see Harry happy. The noise stopped when Harry realised that they were there.

He dashed over to them and stopped just before them, allowing his gaze to take in every single detail before he asked sadly, already knowing the answer deep down, "Is it over? Will you leave, now?"

Lily responded first, "My promise is fulfilled, you are safe. Sirius will soon be free, and you and Blaise will be happy together. You will have many children and live such full, blessed lives, though happiness is hard work, and you should never take it, nor love, for granted." She smiled softly and cupped his cheek tenderly. "I am so proud of you, my son. The man you are, that you have always been. I love you so much, but I am tired. I need to go."

"I love you too, Mum. I…I wish you all the happiness and a long life you can enjoy once you are rested."

"Greatest blessings on you, my sweetest child." Lily whispers, leaning forward to kiss Harry's brow. Death appears beside her as she pulls away from her son, and she turns to him with a smile and says, "Finally, my friend, shall we go."

Death rolls his eyes and smirks, reaching to take Lily's hand before they both disappear in a flash of blue flame and crimson lilies.

"He is definitely a diva." Hekate restates sardonically.

Astraea chuckles before stepping forward and standing before Harry. "You lost much innocence too early, and yet managed to protect the true strand of innocence. You were harmed and sullied by two men as a baby, yet remained pure of heart and soul, which allowed the ritual to purify you of all taint. You have been treated unjustly, yet asked only that Justice be served, not retribution. Know that I have acted with precision. Each action I took will serve justice and the learning for Good. I bless you, my beloved child." She placed a gentle kiss on his brow, just as Lily had, before asking quietly, "What will you do once you pass your NEWTs? Will you remain hiding away, or will you step forwards and make changes that speak of your spirit?"

Harry blushed but replied "There is much that I disagree with. Too much prejudice. I will fight in whatever forum I must to prevent such things sullying the innocence of our future generations."

Astraea beamed proudly at him and said, "I will watch from the stars, then." And she faded from Earth.

Finally, Hekate stepped forwards and said, "I saw so much loss in the future. The death of magic in Britain, which would eventually lead to the final death of magic in this plain. I feared for my children, though there were some futures that gave me hope. I dared not even believe this future could come to pass, so fleeting it had been. You defy the odds, Harry, and you stand through everything. You may end up battered and bruised, but you carry on. You are not alone anymore. You have your support. Use them, or you will become lost in the struggle and lose your way." She smiled softly at him and kissed his brow, whispering, "Courage, dear heart. I bless you, Harry James Potter, my greatest child." With that, Hekate stepped back and then she was gone, leaving behind only a small gust of warm wind.

Harry remained standing for a moment, a peaceful smile softening his features, even while tears rolled down his cheeks. He blinked thrice before scrubbing his face and returning to his family.

Ten months later

Harry was standing watch over the crib once more. Every now and then he just found himself staring in awe at the baby he had helped create, had carried, and had delivered (with much assistance).

Angelo James Potter-Zabini, AJ for short, looked like an angel, and Harry knew he was truly blessed. His son had rich caramel skin, Blaise's black hair and face shape, but Harry's green eyes and (unfortunately) his nobbily knees. At fifteen, Harry believed he was coping well with having a three-month-old baby and studying for his OWL exams. He relied heavily on Remus, Sirius and Cassandra, but none of the adults minded. They were happy to allow Harry and Blaise time to be teenagers, to study and relax, as they knew both boys spent every minute they could with their son, even if he was simply sleeping in the baby-sling on their chest as they studied, or chatted with their friends when the other teens came to visit for the weekend.

The family remained living on the island as it was safer, and it was home. Harry and Blaise were home-schooling, though through the school. Professor Flitwick – the new headmaster – allowed their friends to join them every other Saturday, though he had asked for signed parental permission slips before he would permit them to leave the grounds. Only Flitwick knew where their island was, and he had full access to it for any holiday he wished in return for him keeping the secret.

Harry knew Flitwick had agreed due to a mixture of guilt for the past and a wish for the couple to retain friendships with those in the same age group. It was alright, though, Neville often joined them, and sometimes brought his girlfriend, Luna, who was brilliant. Hermione was utterly terrified of AJ, but always insisted on holding him and reading softly from one of the books she had gifted the baby. Ron came infrequently as he was still working through his feelings of guilt and inadequacy. The Weasley twins were frequent visitors, and with them came much laughter and many prank wars, along with products specially developed for babies and toddlers. Blaise's friends also quickly became Harry's. Theo Nott was quiet in a way Harry related to, and they were all working together to get enough evidence to send his father to jail. Daphne had taken a little while to warm up, but Harry had made her melt when he had grabbed her hands and pressed them to his belly as AJ kicked. She had been the first beyond Harry, Blaise, Cassandra and Sirius to feel him. Her girlfriend, Tracey Davis was the opposite, teasing him from the start and treating him like they had been friends for years. Harry was happy to have her friendship.

Harry sighed in happiness as arms wrapped around his waist and disrupted his trail of thought. He leant into Blaise's warm, sturdy chest and hummed happily. "Though I could never imagine life without him, and I love him dearly, I want to wait until we're twenty for anymore. He was our blessing, but we need to make sure the world we live in won't screw him and his siblings over, first."

Blaise kissed his neck gently, "As you wish, dear heart."

Harry smiled softly. "I love you, Blaise Angelo Potter-Zabini."

"As I love you, Harry James Potter-Zabini." Blaise replied tenderly.

Written 22/06/20.

This was inspired by many fics, and none at the same time. I had the beginning of an idea and found my flow today. Happily, I started and finished it within one day. I had considered a multichapter fic, but this is how it wanted to be written and anything else would be extremely cumbersome. I may one day write a sequel, but it is unlikely. I actually adore the ending as it feels just right. I will say, though, that I had considered Harry and Blaise's future daughters: Alexandra Lily, called Lexi for short; Aradia Hekate, called Rady (said ray-dee); and Aurora Astraea, called Rory. Rady and Rory are twins, always. I figure, they have seven titles to pass along, meaning seven children. So that will happen. Who knows who the last three will be, this will be where my cliff-hanger lays.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed this. Please comment below and tell me your thoughts (constructive criticism welcome, arseholes need not apply).