6 Chapter Six- Meetings and Marauders

My first morning in Hogwarts started out like all my mornings had for the past month as I woke up taking my wand in hand and cast a quick tempus to check the time. It was just before six in the morning before I got up and went to do my morning training, which wasn't a lot considering I'm in the body of an eleven-year-old but enough to really make me sweat, before going for a shower and grabbing a quick bite to eat in the kitchen before heading to my office for my morning occlumency session to strengthen my mental shields.

As I was sitting cross-legged in my office space reinforcing my shields, I took the time to review my memories from the day before on my conversation with the sorting hat. The more I did the more I berated myself for not asking if there was any way I could free Hogwarts from the old coot's control.

I would have to figure out another way to talk with the hat to see if it knows how I would go about it, but I knew I would have to be careful. If I took the control of the school away from Dumbledore that could cause a whole mess of problems, not just for my plans but for my future knowledge if his control of the school is crucial to anything that is meant to happen, I would have a lot of further planning to do to decide when the best time to do that would be so as not to mess anything up that I need to happen.

'I believe that I may be able to help you there,' came the voice of my phoenix familiar, Erebus, in my head.

'Oh, and how would you be able to help?' I asked in response not opening my eyes as I replied mentally.

'You do recall I am a phoenix, there is nowhere I cannot go, and I can see from your thoughts that you know where the hat is kept. I could easily bring the hat to you so that you may ask it your questions,' Erebus stated as if it was obvious.

I mentally nodded, 'That could work, but we'll have to wait for an opportunity to do so. The last thing I need is to send you to pick up the hat and then either Dumbledore sees you or notices the hat is missing. We need to keep to the shadows, for now, the old man is both magically and politically powerful, taking him head on and out in the open would be foolish'.

'Then doing so when he is away from the castle would be our best opportunity, and for a time when he won't be back, so as to give you time to ask your questions and have the hat returned. I recall you mentioning two times soon that we could do so, once at the end of this year and the other near the end of second year, I could retrieve the hat either time' Erebus reasoned.

I thought over the two times and frowned, 'The opportunity at the end of this year would be best, the one when he's supposedly travelling to the ministry for an emergency matter when Quirrell makes his move on the philosopher stone, but something's troubling me about that. We need to make sure he's really gone, and I can think of only one way to do that'.

'The map that the red-headed twins have the one that was created by the Marauders?' Erebus stated reading my mind.

'Yes, the twins use it for their pranks and I don't think they're going to give it up easily, I'll have to have you retrieve it before you go to retrieve the sorting hat so that we can check that Dumbledore has really left the grounds. If he hasn't we'll have to put it off until second year when he is suspended by the school board. At least then we will know he's really gone' I explained before opening my eyes as I finished my session before I stood up and began to stretch my legs out.

'Are you ready for your meeting with the old coot this morning?' Erebus asked me as I stretched.

"As ready as I can be, I think I know what to expect in this meeting. But I'm entering into uncharted waters here seeing as it will be the first time and all," I responded.

'Indeed, but I think you need to rethink your approach before you go to this meeting. You're not the only one who will have presumptions on how this meeting is going to go, the old coot has seen countless students you might draw attention to yourself' Erebus said as I looked to him.

"What do you mean, "might draw attention"?" I asked trying to get what he was meaning.

Erebus gave me a deadpan look, 'You're eleven years old, yet you act like you are much older. I know that's because mentally you are but, don't you think that's going to throw up some red flags in the old man's face when a student is serious and dead set against him from the start?'

I frowned, "So you think I should try and try and act as old as I look? Like an eleven-year-old?" I asked as I thought it overseeing the merits of it.

Erebus gave me a nod of his head, 'Yes, a smart but well-read eleven-year-old, who just so happens to be messing up the old buggers plans on every turn' he said and I swear he was grinning.

I smirked, "And I'd drive him insane in the process, it goes with my plan of keeping myself under the radar for now." I said amused at the idea, 'it would be a good way to mess with the old bastard'.

'And while you're at it why not have some more fun? I do recall your uncle having a certain legacy that needs to be followed here at Hogwarts?' Erebus said with what sounded like a chuckle, 'It would be a good cover for you, and hilarious all at the same time?'

I paused to think for a moment and my eyes widened, "The Marauders? You want me to be a prankster? Like the Marauders and the Weasley twins?" I asked as I started chuckling at the idea.

'Why not? You have advanced knowledge of various events that you could prepare pranks for in advance, you could have a laugh, drive Dumbledore mental at the same time, and keep alive the marauders legacy. You need to lighten up some, you're a bit too serious you know?' Erebus told me.

I chuckled and shook my head, "No I'm not, I'm Magnus Black, Sirius is in Azkaban" I smirked.

Erebus gave me a deadpan look again, 'Really the serious and Sirius joke… you know what I mean.'

I smirked and nodded my head, "Yeah I do, and you're right I have been a little serious, but considering the pressures on my shoulders and the odds I'm up against can you really blame me?" I said as I started to count off the tasks using my fingers, "I've got a war to prepare for, a dark lord in disguise to bring down, and Hogwarts classes to attend, on top of learning to be the head of a most ancient and most noble house, I think anyone would be as serious as I am."

Erebus nodded his head once more, 'True, but you're forgetting that you are in the body of a young boy, people don't expect you to be so serious all the time, loosen up, have some fun and think about the pranks'

I snorted, "Okay fine, I'll loosen up some and act more my age… and I'll think about the pranks" I said as I turned and walked towards the door, 'might be fun.'

I chuckled as I heard Erebus in my mind as I walked out, 'That's the spirit!'

Scene break- Ravenclaw common room

After climbing out of my trunk I closed it up before heading out of my dorm room and went down the stairs to the common room to find Professor Flitwick waiting for me, I blinked, 'Guess the old coot wants to have the meeting before breakfast then, a little off-putting, having a meeting with a young boy who in all likelihood wouldn't have been more than an hour out of bed, most wouldn't be properly awake yet.' I thought to myself, and part of me wanted to play that up and act like it, but my current state did not look it so I just rolled with it.

"Good morning Professor, I take it you're here to escort me to my meeting with the headmaster?" I asked politely.

Professor Flitwick gave me a smile and a nod, "Indeed I am Mister Black. I must say it's good to see you're up, I was wondering if I would have to send one of the older students up to wake you." He said lightly still smiling.

I shook my head, "I'm an early riser Professor, always have been."

Professor Flitwick chuckled, "Indeed, a good habit that." he said warmly, "Right then, come along Mister Black, we don't want to keep the headmaster waiting now do we."

"After you Professor," I said and with a bow of my head and a smile, 'Well no backing out now.'

Professor Flitwick turned and started towards the exit of the common room and I followed close behind as I brought up some of my occlumency shields to try and calm myself down, I could feel my heart thumping with worry, time to meet the headmaster.

Scene break- Headmasters office

In the large and grand office, Dumbledore sat behind his oversized desk as he sucked on one of his favourite muggle sweets that he had taken a fancy to in his many years as he waited for young Magnus to arrive.

To the right of his desk stood Severus Snape, whom he allowed to attend due to sate his curiosity, that they all shared about the appearance of the young Magnus, and to the left Minerva McGonagall whom had insisted on being here as her right as deputy headmistress and given that she had been the one to do the meet and greet with Magnus when she delivered his Hogwarts letter Albus had seen no way to deny her, and he didn't see the harm in it.

He had reasoned with himself that Minerva's presence might help the boy to be at ease more so they could get answers out of him easier, or if it didn't then he could always resort to the lemon drops, the ones that he had out on his desk that he had Severus seep calming draught in, to help lower the boys guard and get answers out of him that way he was only a child after all, and children loved candy.

He had already gleaned as much information as he could from his deputy about Magnus as possible he had only stopped shy of asking for her memory of the boy, knowing that she would refuse him as she would never give over something so personal as a memory for another to view, not even to him.

He had gathered from what she had told him about the boy, that he was quite smart but well mannered and respectable, though when she had also mentioned that she found his rather rapid hair growth odd, but he didn't pay that any serious attention to that.

Right now Albus only interest was in getting the boy under his thumb as another pawn that he knew would prove to be useful, especially with how full the Black vault was said to be, though he knew there would be dark items in the vault given the family's past, he only cared for the galleons he could gain from acquiring control over such a reputable vault.

While siphoning from the Potter vault would see his reserves well full in due time, the process was slow given that he was limited by the orders left with the account manager that limited the yearly amount he was able to take out of the vault, the amount that he claimed he was putting into the care of young Harry.

But he knew that there would be no such restrictions on the Black vault and that he could drain it dry in a matter of minutes. What use did two young boys have for such wealth anyway? Much better that it go to someone who could make use of it, mainly him.

And now Albus started to think what he could do with all that gold once he'd taken control of the Black vault as he thought of all the uses he'd have for it, it would mean that he wouldn't be limited in his bribing funds anymore, not that he'd need to do much with both Potter and Black seats in his pocket.

His attention was taken however by the thrills of his familiar who was sitting on his perch off to the far left of them, Albus just smiled his grandfatherly smile as he looked to his familiar, whom he had acquired many years ago. He could tell that Fawkes was unhappy as he normally was, though today he seemed particularly so. Perhaps he would buy him a new perch with some of the money, one that was grander and with gemstones on it, such a purchase would only boost his reputation more if his familiar was on such a perch.

Fawkes thrilled sadly, the perverse link that he had with Dumbledore told him what the old man was thinking and planning, and he could only watch on as his captor continued to get his way not caring for other and using them to achieve his own ends, the bond that the old man had forced on him years ago limited his powers severely and weakened him physically.

Oh how he despised the old man and cursed himself for letting down his guard all those years ago and allowing himself to be captured and bond like this with no hope of escape and forced to watch on with no way of stopping the old man from achieving his ends which he could see would not bode well for the wizarding world if he succeeded.

Scene break- With Magnus and Flitwick

Magnus continued to follow Professor Flitwick through the corridors as the small Professor led him to Dumbledore's office. All the while Magnus was memorising the route and doing his best to calm himself and control his emotions.

So he was reasonably calm as they came up to the large stone griffon that guarded the entrance to the stairs to the Headmasters office and stopped as he listened to Professor Flitwick speak the password.

"Acid Pops." Professor Flitwick states with amusement and they both watched on as the wings of the griffon raised up as it turned and the steps begin to rise up after it.

"The headmaster has a liking for muggle sweets," Professor Flitwick offered in explanation with an amused shake of his head before starting up the stairs as Magnus followed up behind him a moment after.

The Professor had only just knocked on the door when Dumbledore's voice spoke from the other side of it, "Come in Filius, Mister Black," he called before the door began to open on its own as if commanded.

Magnus felt himself tense slightly, 'How did he know that we were even out here, was he just guessing or was it some subtle magic' Magnus thought as he followed the Professor into the office only to find himself taken aback by the fact that it wasn't just Dumbledore waiting for them but also both Professor McGonagall and Snape.

'Talk about an ambush, all who's missing is Professor Sprout and this would be a head of staff meeting just to see to one first-year student.' Magnus mentally worried while he kept his features as regular as he could with his occlumency training and smiled a little nervously, as any child would be walking into a room full of adults, "Good morning Professors, Headmaster." Magnus greeted them politely.

Snape didn't seem to even acknowledge his greeting in the slightest, not that Magnus expected he would, but both McGonagall and Dumbledore both gave the young boy gentle smiles back, while Magnus also got an eye twinkle from Dumbledore through his half-moon spectacles but Magnus already had his barriers up and keep his gaze away from the old man's eyes.

'Already trying to draw my eye to read my thoughts, he doesn't waste any time,' Magnus worried to himself internally as he kept his worries from his face.

Dumbledore at the same time internally frowned as he failed to make eye contact with the boy, he had planned to do a quick mental probe to see the boys thoughts on things so far to try and find an opening to exploit but the boy didn't seem to want to make eye contact with him, for a second he worried that the boy knew about legilimency, but cast that thought aside after a moment of thought, the boy was obviously just a little intimidated, he would get an opening soon enough.

With the first hurdle averted Magnus decided it was best to shift his gaze for now so as not to give Dumbledore another chance at getting even a glance at his thoughts and moved his gaze to Professor McGonagall.

"Hello Professor it's nice to see you again," Magnus smiled, "sorry I'm not in your house, looks like I'm not as brave as I thought." he lightly joked remembering some of the conversation they had shared about the Hogwarts houses when she had given him the full introduction at the orphanage.

Professor McGonagall's smile was small but warm, she had taken a liking to Magnus when she had first met him at the orphanage and was a little sad that he wasn't one of her lions but that didn't mean she'd treat him poorly now because of where he was placed, "Indeed. It's nice to see you again as well Mister Black, you seem to have caused quite the stir with your new name."

Magnus rubbed the back of his head as he feigns embarrassment, "it wasn't on purpose Professor honest" he said as he did his best to act like an embarrassed young boy who'd was embarrassed about the whole thing.

Professor McGonagall smile grew a little bit seeing Magnus respond as he had, as he reminded her of the only Black to go through her house, and she didn't know to be happy or a little worried about that given how that Black had turned out in the end.

Dumbledore seeing the opening smiled as he rose from behind his desk, "Yes well hopefully we can get to the bottom of this before we all go to breakfast this morning," he said in his best grandfatherly tone as his eyes twinkled before he looked to Flitwick, "thank you Filius you can go, I'm sure you're hungry." he said in an effort to dismiss the small Professor, having Minerva there he would be limited enough as it was.

But the small Professor just stood his ground, "Thank you, headmaster, but I think I'll stay, young Mister Black here has requested beforehand that I attend this meeting as well as his head of house, as the Hogwarts charter allows him to do." Professor Flitwick stated knowing he was in the right.

Dumbledore paused for a moment shocked at the rebuttal but didn't let his irritation be shown on his face at being refused, "very well Filius if you insist," he said as if it was no problem before once more turning his twinkling gaze to Magnus and with a flourish of his hand conjured a chair for the boy, "please have a seat, my boy," he said before gesturing to the bowl on his desk, "Lemon drop?" he offered.

Magnus nodded his head politely and took the offered seat, and looked at the candy that he was offered and instantly had warning bells going off in his head about all the fanfictions that had suspicions about those sweets, he would find out not if any of them held true.

Magnus smiled reaching forward as it to take a sweet with his right hand he did so making sure his detection ring had its gems beneath his hand so as not to let anyone else see the glow, and sure enough as his hand neared the bowl he saw she gem flash purple and then yellow indicating a mind-altering potion of some sort was at play with the sour sweets.

Magnus let a moment of hesitation come to his face before he withdrew his hand, "on second thoughts I wouldn't want to spoil my breakfast." he offered as an excuse.

That didn't seem to raise any eyebrows with wither Professor McGonagall or Flitwick but did get a slight eyebrow raise from Snape, while Dumbledore was mentally frowning as his subtle ploy had failed but didn't let it show as he smiled his grandfatherly smile.

"Now then my boy could you please enlighten us as to why when Professor McGonagall went to meet with you at the orphanage your last name was Parker but yet when your name was called out yesterday evening it had changed to Black?" Dumbledore asked inquisitively, his eyes still twinkling.

Magnus for his part took note of the familiar way that the old man addressed him referring to him as "my boy" and remembered as to how Walburga had told him about how he should address others, and that as a Professor Dumbledore should be addressing him formally as Mister Black if anything and could easily tell that Dumbledore was trying to act more friendly and lower his guard.

Not letting the realization show on his face Magnus only continued to look slightly embarrassed as he kept his gaze well below the man's eyes.

"I'm sorry headmaster but with how things went down it was decided that my discovery was kept secret at the time for the protection and well being of house Black," Magnus stated and if he had been looking at Dumbledore's eyes he would have instantly seen the twinkle fade from them, "It was when I went to have my blood tested by the goblins before I could gain access to my Hogwarts vault for my funds that it was discovered that I was actually an illegitimate son of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black and because of that I was made a Black given that there aren't many of them left. And because of who my father was I was named the rightful Heir Black." Magnus explained as he raised his hand and his heir ring appeared getting some wide-eyed looks seeing it.

Dumbledore seeing the ring was worrying slightly, this was the kind of thing he should have been informed of immediately, not only as headmaster but as a member of the Wizengamot, an orphaned heir to a most ancient and most noble house was something that many of the members would try to pounce on and try to claim guardianship over through various links to house Black.

Internally he started scowling, the goblins had covered this up for some reason, had he known about Magnus when he was discovered he would have easily have been able to claim guardianship over the boy before word had ever reached the Winzingamots ears. But as he hadn't done so before he knew his right of guardianship could be contested and other parties could try to claim such over the boy and he was now required, by law, to inform the Wizengamot of this revelation… unless he could discredit the claim, if he couldn't use the boy to his own ends he would have to prevent others from doing so.

"I see," Dumbledore stated as he realised his next course of action, "well perhaps they were not wise to do such, after all, illegitimate children often have no right to inherit, and such tests are only meant to discover any magical connections. It is usually left up to the head of the house to decide if the illegitimate child deserves any such aid." he said sounding remorseful while inside he was chuckling, "I'm afraid that the goblins may have overstepped their bounds in such matters by declaring you heir Black."

Magnus hearing the old man's first statement instantly realised what Dumbledore was going for and internally scowled while he let his outer expression change to one of shock, 'So he's going for this method is he… got ya'

But before Magnus could give his reply came an angered yell from above them from someone Magnus has completely forgotten about until now, Phineas Nigellus Black.

"Now hold on just a second Albus," Phineas said as he raised his voice, "you are aware as well as I how heirs are verified, if he was not worthy to be the heir then he would not be able to wear the Black heir ring." the aged portrait said with a aged irritation to his tone.

Magnus blinked as the portrait came to his defence and he thought that he had perhaps judged the man's loyalties wrong, if he was willing to defend him against Dumbledore, perhaps he wasn't under the man's sway after all.

Albus for a second looked taken aback by the sudden rebuttal from the portrait but suppressed his anger as he calmed his features, "Be that as it may Phineas, it doesn't change the fact that the Goblins have overstepped their bounds on this matter, his discovery should have been brought to the wizengamot, in the absence of his head of house, for the decision to be made if he should be allowed to become the heir to the House of Black." he stated as he continued to push his point.

Magnus internally was jumping for joy as the old man brought up that fact, but kept an unsure face as he spoke, "um what about his portrait?" he asked respectfully.

The others all looked to him as he spoke as Professor McGonagall asked, "To what portrait are you referring to Mister black?" she asked as Dumbledore looked as though he had just swallowed a bad lemon drop.

Magnus looked to her in a confused child-like manner as he replied, "My grandfather's," he told her, "when I went into the Black Vault, I met both his and my grandmothers paintings, both said that I would be a good heir and welcomed me to the family" he said looking more happier by the end, "they've been teaching me about my heritage while I'm staying at Black manor." he added.

"That sounds very nice Mister Black," Professor McGonagall said, happy to see the young boy sounding happy, as she put it towards him finding some family, portraits or not.

"Well there you have it," Phineas proclaimed from his portrait, "he's been accepted into the family and recognised by the portrait of the last Lord Black, which by law is accepted in place of the lord himself when the last lord has already passed. It is only when neither option is available that the wizengamot has to get involved."

Dumbledore once again suppressed his annoyance as his attempt to manipulate the situation was blocked at every turn, he couldn't change it now. He quickly tried to think, if he couldn't guarantee control the boy himself and he couldn't keep others from doing so he would have to arrange who would, "I see, I understand now. But be that as it may, they still overstepped their bounds. I will have to contact the ministry to arrange for a meeting to arrange for a guardian for outside of Hogwarts, I can't imagine that living in Black manor by yourself even with your grandparent's portraits for company to be healthy and safe," he said putting on his best worried grandfatherly tone.

Magnus gave a childlike smile, "That's alright headmaster, my account manager already arranged for guardians for me, they've been living with me in Black manor for the past month, they're great." he said childlike still, while inwardly laughing his ass off.

Dumbledore mentally cursed as yet another avenue for controlling the boy was blocked, 'blast it, oh well if I can't arrange that, perhaps I might be able to manipulate or discredit whoever it is' he said as he nodded his head, "I see, it seems as though your account manager has been very busy, might I ask who your guardian is dear boy?"

Magnus smiled, "my cousin, Andromeda Tonks," he said happily.

And with that Albus felt a shred of hope that he might be able to work this in his favour after all, "Ah, I'm afraid that might prove to be problematic my dear boy, you see dear Andromeda is no longer a Black, she was cast from the family some years ago if memory calls, and as such I'm afraid she cannot be your guardian" Albus stated while he did a happy dance in his head.

Magnus internally scowled while he blinked outwardly in confusion, "But I welcomed her and Tonks back into the family as the Heir, my account manager said I could and they're the only close family I have left" he said while looking a little hurt.

"And he was right to do so," Phineas said from above them getting nods from the other portraits, "and it was a very wise move on your part, to bring in others to help you, Andromeda was a fine Black, regardless in her marital decision, family is family."

McGonagall nodded her head, "Indeed, I remember Andromeda. A fine young woman and now a respected healer and her husband, Ted, is a respected law wizard. And their daughter Nymphadora who left last year was quite the rambunctious girl, I'm sure they would be a wonderful family for you Mister Black."

Dumbledore was started to struggle to restrain his anger again, nothing seemed to be going his way, "yes that is most wonderful, though I can't help but wonder if perhaps a better arrangement can't be made, I'm sure the sudden responsibility of looking after a second ward when both Andromeda and Edward have such successful careers."

Magnus frowned outwardly while internally he was grinning, he has seen his opportunity and he pounced on it, "I'm not sure, but we could always ask Aunt Andy, today's her day off she should be at home"

Professor Flitwick who had remained silent until now smiled, "A marvelous idea Mister Black, the floo is right over there do you know your address," he asked and Magnus nodded, "Then why don't we call her and ask her to come through and we can sort this entire matter out now,"

Magnus nodded again and didn't wait for Dumbledore to give permission before he got out of his seat and hurried over to the fireplace and took a pinch of the floo powder from the small pot off to the side before tossing it into the grating and whispering the address, "Grimmauld Place"

Dumbledore meanwhile was spluttered as Magnus went to the fireplace. Calling Andromeda here was the last thing he wanted, he knew the woman held a dislike for him, but he couldn't very well refuse such right now given how she was apparently the boy's guardian and as Finius had already stated she would be the quickest way to sort this whole mess out. His hands were tied and he could only watch as the green flames flared in the fire as the network connected.

"Aunt Andy are you there?" Magnus asked knowing already that she would be, and after a moment or two, a picture of Andromeda appeared in the flames.

"Magnus, I'm here what's wrong? Has something happened?" Andromeda stated over the line putting on the little show so that it wouldn't be suspected that she had been waiting for the call.

"Aunt Andy I'm in the headmaster's office at Hogwarts, my Professors would like to talk with you, do you have time to come over to talk with them?" Magnus asked as he kept up the act,

"Oh, of course. but what is all this about, surely you haven't caused any trouble, Magnus, that doesn't sound like you?" Andromeda said as the flames flickered.

Flitwick who heard quickly made his way over and spoke into the flames, "No nothing like that Mrs Tonks, it's just that young Magnus's sudden appearance and placement in house Black has caused a stir as you can imagine, and the headmaster just wished to confirm such as well as your guardianship over him."

"Of course Professor Flitwick, give me a moment and I'll be right over, I just need to grab something that should help, as it happens I was just in the process of adding Magnus to the family tapestry so I have the documents to back up his claims at hand" Andromeda gave her excuse before disappearing from the flames.

Both Magnus and Flitwick stepped back from the fireplace and several moments later green flames rose up once more from the grates and died down a second later as Andromeda stepped out of them holding a document folder underarm.

With a flick of her wrist she dusted the ash from her shoulders before looking to the occupants of the room, "Magnus, Professor Flitwick, Professor McGonagall, Snape" she said as she walked over before looking to Dumbledore, "Headmaster, always nice to see you again." She stated her voice dripping with sarcasm through her thin-lipped smile.

Dumbledore smiled hiding his displeasure as he nodded his head, "And you, Andromeda, I trust you are well."

"As well as can be expected," Andromeda said in a clipped tone, "now what is all this about you're not believing Magnus's claim to being a Black?" she asked her tone short.

"Ah yes, I was just expressing my concerns," Dumbledore stated as if nothing was wrong, "it would seem that the goblins did not pass the word on about young Magnus being discovered, so his claim could not be verified by the wizengamot and the appropriate actions are taken to ensure he was properly cared for, I'm sure with both yours and Edwards busy schedules you wouldn't have time to care for a new ward."

Andromeda simply smiled, "Actually Dumbledore I have such verification here, his birth certificates as well as a blood inherency test to prove he is of house Black and who his parents are, so there is no further verification needed," she said as she set the folder down on the desk.

Snape chose this time to speak, "Hardly surprising, given how loose Black was with women, I'm surprised more of his spawn hasn't turned up yet" the man sneered.

Magnus glared at Snape for the comment but it was Andromeda who spoke first, "Actually it would surprise you to know that Magnus is not Sirius's son, his father was Regulus." Andromeda said giving Snape a narrowed glare as she opened the folder showing the family tree.

Snape's eyes widened a fraction at that statement, he had automatically assumed that the boy was a spawn of his rivals best friend, but finding out it was actually his brothers made the man pause to re-evaluate before stepping forward as he looked at the tree and sure enough there it was, he paused again to think before he spoke, "I see." he said as he thought over the facts again, the boy was a descendant of one from Slytherin house… this required more thought.

The statement also brought McGonagall to the table as she leaned over the desk to peer at the documents before her eyes flashed with recognition of not just Regulus's name but that of Alisha Parker she gasped before she covered her mouth, "Alisha" she said in shock.

Professor Flitwick gave a small shocked squeak in equal recognition of the name as his eyes went wide, "Oh my".

Magnus blinked at the Professors actions as McGonagall turned to him, "I thought it was just a coincidence".

Magnus felt himself stiffen at a realisation of what her words meant, "You knew my mother didn't you?" he asked a little slowly as he did so.

Minerva slowly lowered her hand, nodding as she did so, "I did," she said sounding rather heartbroken, "She was one of my lions, I remember her well," she said as she smiles fondly at memories.

Magnus looked shocked, "My mother was in Gryffindor?" he asked genuinely not faking the shock, the memories of the years he had spent in the orphanage coming to the surface as he felt genuine emotion hearing about his mother.

Minerva smiled and nodded, "She was, one of the many I remember fondly, so passionate and full of fire, always there for a friend in need."

Magnus took in a breath and swallowed as he listened, he could feel tears threatening to come and he blinked his eyes fighting them back, "I… I never knew her," he said as he felt the emotions stir in him, the emotions of that of a child that had longed for the comfort of his mother, the years of not knowing, it overwhelmed him, he couldn't think clearly and his control slipped.

His shoulder-length black hair began to recede and returned to his normal length and his grey eyes flickered and turned to a hazelnut brown his sudden changes drew gasps from each in the room.

"A metamorphmagus," Snape said in realisation.

Magnus blinked suddenly at the statement and his eyes opened wide, 'Ccrap, I lost focus' he mentally berated himself as he did his best to calm himself once more.

Dumbledore seemed to smile, "My that is a rather rare gift you have my boy," he said before looking to Andromeda, "A Black family trait if I'm not mistaken." he stated.

Andromeda nodded, "Yes, Nymphadora had been giving him lessons on how to control it," she said as she looked to Magnus, "are you alright?"

Magnus took a breath and nodded, "Yes just a little bit shocked lost my form," he explained before reaching up and brushing his hair back as he lengthened it once more, "sorry about that."

Andromeda smiled, "Your eyes have reverted too dear," she told him after.

Magnus blinked in confusion, "My eyes?" he asked not sure what she meant, he hadn't been doing anything to his eyes before.

Andromeda smiled, "They're brown now," she told him as she looked him in the eye.

Magnus blinked again at that statement, 'What, but I hadn't been changing my eye colour before, they were always grey, well in this life they were brown but...' he thought to himself.

Mineva seemed to smile, "Oh, now I can see," she said as she drew his attention, "now I can see her in you, your mother had those same eyes, brown and full of warmth," she said looking at him with a warm smile.

Magnus looked at her and he felt his emotions start to surge again the memories coming to the surface and he smiled, "She did?" he asked as Minerva nodded in confirmation Magnus smiled and decided to leave them as they were then, he didn't know how it had happened but that didn't matter right then.

Andromeda then turned back from the scene to face Dumbledore, "As you can see he is clearly a Black, accepted into the family by the Portrait of Uncle Orion and made Heir to the house. And as for your statement about us not having the time to look after him, I assure you that we have more than enough, Magnus is a very mature young boy and doesn't need much looking after. Nymphadora enjoys having him as a little brother the two get along well together."

Dumbledore internally sighed he knew this wouldn't be a fight that he could win in this setting without preparation and planning, he was by no means ready to give up on the opportunity that had opened up with the boy attending his school, but for now, he could wait there was no rush.

"I see," Dumbledore replied apologetically, "I meant no offence, it was just an old man's concerns, but I can see that they are unfounded," he stated.

Andromeda nodded her head, "Yes they were," she said as she moved to collect the folder, "now is there any other matter that you need to see to concerning my ward, given the time I hardly think he has even had breakfast yet."

Dumbledore nodded his head, "No there are no other matters currently," he said as he started to go through other possible ideas on how to get to the boy in his head, "Thank you for coming to clear this matter up, this has been most enlightening" he said with a twinkling in his eye.

Andromeda nodded before looking to Magnus for a moment and then back to Dumbledore, "I need to have a talk with Magnus, would it be alright if I walked him to the great hall, I can see myself out" she requested.

Dumbledore nodded his head, "I see no problem with that," he said and gestured to the door, "I trust you know the way"

Andromeda nodded her head and put her hand to behind Magnus's back as she ushered him to the door but they didn't get very far before Phineas spoke down to them, "Heir Black, I would request your aid, I seem to be unable to visit my portrait in Black manor, could you perhaps check on it when you get the chance?" he asked.

Magnus looked up and nodded his head, "Of course, I think it might have been knocked off the wall, I will have Kreature see to it" he said before they continued out the door with Professor Flitwick following behind them.

As they reached the bottom of the stairs Flitwick looked to Magnus, "I will leave your timetable with one of your year mates if you are not at the table in time"

Magnus nodded his head, "Thank you Professor, and thank you for accompanying me to this meeting" he smiled.

Professor Flitwick smiled, "Of course Mister Black, as your head of house it is my duty to do so upon request." he replied back happily.

Andromeda nodded her head as well, "Indeed, and I would request that it be like this any time that the headmaster wishes to have a word with my ward Professor, and if you cannot attend I ask that you contact myself so that I might. If you cannot reach me then you can inform the headmaster that the meeting can be put off until either of us can join Magnus in the meeting."

Professor Flitwick frowned slightly but nodded, "I can see to that, it's not an unreasonable request and I'm sure you have your reasons" he said before nodding his head, "now I will leave you two to have your chat" he said before turning and starting down the corridor rather quickly for a man so small.

Once Professor Flitwick was a fair distance away Magnus looked to Andromeda, "Privacy spell please" he asked and Andromeda nodded.

"Of course," she said as she took out her wand and circled the air above them as the muttered a string of spells to give them privacy to talk with a nod of her head as she returned her wand to her sleeve the two started down the corridor as well as they began to talk.

"Are you okay?" Andromeda asked as they walked, "I haven't seen you drop your transformation like that before." she asked gently.

Magnus nodded his head, "Yes I'm fine, I just… I wasn't expecting my mother to be brought up" he said as he still fought with the memories and the emotions that came with them, "... I never knew her… it was just a shock to hear about her."

Andromeda smiled and nodded, "That's understandable, I didn't think you did it on purpose." she said as they walked, "I'm sure McGonagall wouldn't mind you going by and asking her about your mother when you both have free time, I would tell you about her if I knew her but sadly she and I never had the chance to meet."

Magnus nodded his head, "I know you would," he said as he took a breath, "could we change the topic please, have you seen the prophet yet this morning?" he asked as they walked, "Do we know if they posted the announcement word for word?"

Andromeda nodded her head, "Yes I saw it just before I left, the announcement was posted in full, no surprise you made the front page" she smirked, "I think Ted might have had a little fun threatening them with legal suits should they have misprinted one word of the announcement, he's enjoying having the backing of a larger house as a client"

Magnus smirked, "Oh I bet he is, and I'll enjoy reading it at the Ravenclaw table, no doubt I'll have some more questions to answer when I get there, my housemates can be rather inquisitive" he chuckled.

Andromeda chuckled as well, "Well you are in the house of the intelligent. They're are bound to be hungry for knowledge when an heir to a thought near extinct house appears out of the blue." she said with amusement, "I'm still impressed you were sorted there given your clearly Slytherin look on things" she said giving him a sideways glance.

Magnus shrugged as they neared the great hall, "well given that I discovered how the hat really sorts, it's not that impressive, just takes a little bit more thinking" he said plainly.

Andromeda nodded as she once more took her wand from her sleeve and with a wave in the air and a chant of "Finite" she cancelled the privacy spells and nodded. "Okay, I will speak to you again tonight, let me know how your classes go, though given how much time you spent in the library and looking over your school books I can't see you having any trouble" Andromeda mused.

"I'll mirror you before I go to bed, don't worry," Magnus replied before he started in the direction of the great hall as he tried to think more about what happened in the meeting and about his memories but he was suddenly pulled from his thought by a sudden stinging pain in his backside as he jumped up with a yelp and his hands instantly went to his arse and rubbed as he turned to face Andromeda as he recognized the effects of a stinging hex and saw Andromeda smirking as she put her wand away.

"That was for last night and that Slytherin jab." Andromeda smirked, "Be thankful Nymphadora isn't here otherwise you'd be getting another from her."

Magnus winced and rubbed his backside and gave Andromeda an evil look, "You do realize that I will be getting you back for that," he said after a moment of rubbing.

Andromeda smirked and then headed towards the doors, "Just words Magnus, and that's all they will be until you can back them up," she said as she walked away.

Magnus watched her go for a moment more before he turned again and headed towards the hall giving his backside another rub as he did so, oh there would be payback alright, but to him, this just proved that he had a long way to go. He'd have to learn not to lower his guard like that. He smirked as he came to the large doorway into the great hall, 'as Mad-eye would say "Constant Vigilance!" gotta get that down before shit hits the fan in four years… that's if I let it, still not sure what I can do but I'll do something' he thought as he walked into the hall.

Walking into the great hall Magnus made his way over to the Ravenclaw table and after a couple of seconds he was spotted and Tracey stood up to wave him over, "Hey there you are!" Tracey called to him, "Magnus over here!"

Magnus smirked as he started over to her as she sat down beside Daphne. Magnus took the seat opposite them, "Morning, I miss anything?" he asked as he sat down and started to make himself up a small breakfast from the food on the table, subtly checking with his ring as he did so.

Daphne shook her head, "No not much," she said before looking up at him, "Professor Flitwick has yet to hand out our timetables yet" she told him before narrowing her eyes slightly, "Hey, weren't your eyes grey before, you decide to change them up?" she asked.

Magnus smirked as he scooped some bacon onto his plate, "Yeah you could say that, I just came from a meeting with the headmaster, McGonagall, Snape and Flitwick, my appearance raised some questions they wanted answering." he said with some amusement, "No surprise really, though I would have prefered that the meeting was after breakfast, I'm hungry"

Daphne gave a roll of her eyes, "Well that's no shock, the sudden appearance of a Black, let alone a Black Heir is enough to make anyone curious, though it does seem a little underhanded to have the meeting before you've even eaten." she stated at the end with mild contempt.

Tracey shook her head, "It might not have even crossed their minds that it was seen that way, some people are just like that,"

Magnus gave a smirk, "and yet this is the headmaster we're talking about, you'd think he'd give it some thought" he said as he again subtly checked the drinks before pouring himself some of the milk.

Daphne caught his subtle movement as he checked with the ring but didn't say anything and just nodded her head, "true, he is meant to be knowledgeable, might have just slipped his mind."

Magnus gave a scoff, "maybe he's slipping into senility, I wouldn't put it past him he's how old now? Wouldn't surprise me in the slightest." he joked.

Daphne gave a faint smile of amusement as Tracey giggled beside her to that statement. "True he is getting on in his age," Daphne said with a hint of amusement in her tone, "maybe it's finally getting to him."

Magnus shook his head in amusement before taking a drink and setting the mug down, "Okay enough about Dumbledore and his descent into senility, new topic, I take it the mail hasn't arrived yet" he said changing the topic.

Tracey was the one to answer, "No not yet, why you expecting something?" she asked.

Magnus shrugged, "Just wanting to read the Prophet, My Aunt had to come in to the meeting with the headmaster by floo, she said that the Prophet posted the statement that my law wizard gave about my sudden appearance, I'm just wanting to check to see that it's word for word what I authorized" he explained.

Daphne nodded, "I'm not sure when the post is due to arrive but it should be shortly," she said as she finished taking a drink of her own.

Magnus nodded only to pause as the sound of beating wings and the sound of owl screeching above to catch his ear as he looked up as owls started to fly in through the windows. "Looks like you were right" he commented as he caught sight of Erebus in his owl form flying in with some things in his talons.

Erebus swooped down and dropped the bundled mail he held that Magnus caught in mid-air with relative ease before holding out his arm as Erebus landed on it on his return pass giving a beat of his wings as he landed.

"You have an owl?" Daphne asked as she saw Erebus after retrieving her own copy of the prophet from one of the school owls.

"Oh wow, he's beautiful," Tracey said as she saw Erebus on Magnus's arm.

Magnus smirked and nodded, "Yeah, his name is Erebus," he said before offering up some bacon, "Care for some breakfast?" he asked

Erebus pinched one of the strips of bacon, 'I've already eaten, but I wouldn't pass up some bacon' he mentally replied before taking flight once more and flying out of the hall.

Magnus just smirked and began to unroll his newspaper, he took note of a letter addressed to him from Ted, but knew it was just the confirmation about having delivered the statement as ordered, Ted had told him he had to send such things out as it was the proper procedure.

He didn't have to look long before he found what he was looking for, Andy had been right he made the front page.

Lost son of the House of Black: Takes up heirship of the House of Black

Yesterday evening shocking news was brought to our attention, thanks to the aid of the Lord Lucius Malfoy, Lord of the magical house of Malfoy. That the long-vacant position of Heir of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black has been taken up once again by, at the time, persons unknown.

Lord Malfoy had this to say, "It was brought to my attention by my son that one of his fellow year-mates has the gall to lay claim to the position that rightfully belongs to him and house Malfoy. The title of heir Black belongs to my son, being of Black blood through his mother's side, he is the rightful heir to house Black, that has been stolen by this imposter. That he would sink so low as to confound the heir ring into accepting him and letting him wear it to fake his claim is only further proof of the depths that this imposter has delved so that he may steal what rightfully belongs to the magical house of Malfoy"

Such startling claims were believe to be true as records show that the current Malfoy heir, Draco Malfoy, is the son of lord Lucius Malfoy and lady Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, confirming Lord Malfoy's statement of his son being of the blood, and as no other male heirs at the time were known, it is also true that Draco Malfoy looked to be in line for the heirship of the House of Black as well as his father's.

However no less than ten minutes after Lord Malfoy had left the building after giving his statement. Law Wizard Edward Tonks arrived with a written statement and evidence proving the new heir's claim on the position to be genuine.

The new heir now identified as Magnus Roark Black, is the illegitimate child of the previous heir Regulus Arcturus Black, making him of Black blood also and through a direct male descendant, and Alisha Parker, the last descendant of a third generation magical house that perished in the last war with her death.

As I am sure all our readers know, Illegitimate children of houses cannot inherit heir or lordships unless they are welcomed into the house and made Heir apparent by the lord of the house. So the question I'm sure you're all asking is how did the new heir Black claim such when the previous lord Black, as we all know, died in the last year of the last war.

Well it has only just come to our attention that Lord Orion Black had, before he died, paintings commissioned of himself, to preserve him so that he might aid his son, heir Black's father, but only weeks after Lord Blacks own passing his son soon followed suit and the paintings have remained in Black manor and the Black vault since his death, and in place of the lord himself have recognized Heir Black worthy of the house and welcomed him naming him Heir apparent of the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black.

A position that the young heir has not let idle, as it has been revealed that the young heir's first decision as heir apparent to the house was to lift the banishment of his cousin, once removed, Andromeda Tonks nee Black, who has also been made heir Black's guardian, this decision also welcomes Andromeda's daughter into the house as well, a decision that both witches are thankful for.

A written statement from heir Black explaining his decision for doing so was delivered to this reported and stated plainly, "the decision to banish both Andromeda and Nymphadora from the family was a decision that was made based on moods going around at the time, but now times have changed, and more than ever house Black needs to come together if there is any hope of it surviving and returning to its strength once more.

Growing up an orphan I never knew my family, and now that I have finally found mine I'm not going to let poor decisions made in the heat of the moment keep what little family I have away, I understand that my house had a dark past but we can only move forward and leave such behind us. I will bring the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black back and restore it to its proper place and nothing will stand in my way."

Those were certainly some strong and passionate words from the new heir Black, but one has to wonder just what his plans will be, and just what the future for House Black will be, this reporter is certainly interested to see what is going to happen and will do his utmost to keep you up to date on any new developments involving the new heir Black and his plans for the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black.

For further information on Magnus's past please see page two

For further information on House Black please see page three

For further information on House Parker please see page four

For further information on the inherency laws please see page five

For further information on the banishment and reinstatement of Andromeda Tonks nee Black please see page six

For further information on… and the multiple topics just continued to list down the side of the page.

Magnus started to nod as he read down the list, there was nothing on it that he didn't give Ted the go ahead to hand over to them, and a quick glance told him that everything was in order, they had quoted word for word what he said, but he also took note of Lucius's statement, he knew that his status as an illegitimate son of the house might give some openings for arguments but he was certain he had everything covered, he would not risk losing the advantages of his position and the Black vault and all its contents.

Daphne looked up from reading her own copy and gave Magnus a curious look, "those are rather bold statements to make "bringing back House Black" and "nothing will stand in your way", those will get you some attention, especially considering your first actions were to lift a banishment, some would say it looks more controversial than anything, like you're undoing previous lords decisions and going against them. Some of the more traditionalists will not like that."

Magnus nodded his head, "Aunt Andy told me as much, but I've had words with my grandparents portraits, and I was able to convince them both that Andromeda's banishment was too hasty, they now both agree with me on the matter so I have no problem debating the fact with any other traditionalist who thinks my actions are not what house Black needs. I think if I can argue Walburga Black into agreeing with me, I can do the same for most other."

Tracey gave a whistle, "My mother told be about her, meant to be a real battle-axe of a woman," she said before wincing, "no offence."

Magnus smirked, "None taken. From the conversation, I had with her before I was officially made heir Black gave me that impression, which only proves my point further. If I can make her realize it was a mistake, I can make others as well."

Daphne gave a small smirk, "I see, I hope to be there for one of those conversations," she said before their conversation was cut short as the small form of Professor Flitwick made his way down the table holding a number of rolls of parchment.

"Here are your class schedules Miss Greengrass, Miss Davis," the small Professor said handing them theirs, "and here's yours Mister Black, I trust everything is okay"

Magnus took his schedule and nodded, "Everything is fine Professor thank you" he said back.

Flitwick nodded, "Good, if you need anything don't hesitate to ask," he said before moving on.

Magnus turned back to the table and unrolled the parchment as he looked over the classes, the timetable was easy enough to follow, they had class in the mornings from nine until half past ten, and then a fifteen minute break before their next class from a quarter to eleven until one and then lunch from one until two and then classes again until a quarter past four and then free until dinner at six.

Looking over that days timetable Magnus could see that first the first year Ravenclaws were with the Hufflepuffs in Defence against the dark arts for the first period until half past ten, then after that they had history of magic with the Slytherins until eleven thirty and then free study period until lunch and then charms and transfiguration after lunch both times with the Gryffindors and then astronomy theory from three-thirty with the Slytherins.

"Looks like our first day is a full day but with a nice break in the middle of it all," Magnus said as he looked things over, "Defence and history before a study period before lunch,"

"Seems pretty straightforward," Daphne stated, "though I'm hoping my father was just joking about the history classes actually being taught by a ghost. From the way that he tells it the man only covers the goblin wars on repeat."

Magnus frowned, "I heard the same but the only way to know is to take the class and see" he said while internally he was starting to worry some, he knew from the books that it was, and if the fanfictions were to be believed then both the classes they had first were going to be utter mind numbing rubbish.

'More time for you to plan and think then' came the voice of Erebus in his head, 'have you thought any more about my suggestion this morning, about taking up your uncles legacy, you know you want to'

Magnus smirked internally, 'I haven't really had time to think on such, but the more I do the more I think I should, with a timetable like this I will have plenty of time for project planning'

'Oh?' Erebus sounded happily in his head, 'Hogwarts in never going to know what hit them'.