Chapter 14 Swift Changes

It was a cold winter evening and a tired trio had just put Harry to bed. They were sitting in their favorite seats, sipping tea and relaxing.

"Hey, Remus," Hydrus broke the silence, "you're a researcher, right?"

"Yes," the werewolf answered tentatively at the gleam in the immortal's eyes. That look usually meant more work. Not that he had a problem with work, but getting the book store up and running had taken a lot out of him.

Sirius just sat back and snickered quietly. Remus had done all the research for the Marauders, so he knew that once Hydrus gave the werewolf something to look up, the man would be lost in the world of books.

"I have an idea," the time traveler said, "I was wondering if you could get with the Chocolate Frog Company and make a book on the people depicted on the cards. Put them in order of Hogwarts Houses or unaffiliated, for those that didn't attend. Add more descriptions as to what they did and who they are, you know, make it more of a history book geared towards teens."

"Why?" Remus asked, not seeing what good that would do.

"Well, most magicals seem to forget things like Merlin being sorted into Slytherin, or that guy, Paracelsus, who named and was a parseltongue, being an alchemist and a healer. If it's all in order then they can see that not everyone from that House or with such talents are evil," Hydrus explained, still going over the possibilities. "There are some Dark Lords and Ladies from other Houses, as well. It'll also show that blood doesn't matter, if you do the research to show their blood status. There are loads of things like that on those cards, but for some reason they aren't paid attention to. You can get the Company to tell you where they got their information and use those reference points to get the public to do some of their own research."

"That might actually work," the other man said thoughtfully. "I can do it on my down time. But, I might need some of your Death Eater money to pay them."

Hydrus waved that off as a given and the two settled down to discuss it more. Sirius added his own two Knuts' worth every now and then. It would take a while to get it put together, but they were hopeful for the summer.

The next day Sirius got a missive from his grandfather saying that they couldn't put off the meeting any longer. So dressed in their best robes, the two Blacks went to Arcturus's house.

The house was small for a Black home. It was only three stories tall and painted in a dark brown that was almost black. The trees formed a circle around it, casting deep shadows making the cloudy day even darker, like a large foreboding fence. The front yard was trimmed and flowerless. The path they walked up was dark grey gravel, with deep green bushes, that came up to their shoulders, lining each side. Hydrus had to wonder why the old man wanted his house to look haunted. The whole place made you feel like you were walking to your death.

Sirius used the large head shaped knocker to announce their arrival. A clean, yet, worn looking, house elf answered and showed them to the parlor.

Seated in a high wing backed chair sat a very old, emaciated, looking man. He was dressed in formal robes of green and silver. He was very pale, as if he hadn't seen the sun in years. His hair was streaked with grey and his face was lined with wrinkles. His grey eyes were alert and the set of his mouth was thin with repressed emotion. However, if you looked hard enough you could see he was once a handsome man. Power also radiated off him, he may look weak, but he was magically strong.

"Sirius," the surprisingly strong, deep, voice said, "it is about time you came. I told you I wanted to meet this young man weeks ago."

"We've been busy," the dogman defended. The two were still standing near the entryway, waiting to be offered seats.

"Yes, I have heard of all your exploits," Arcturus said, waving his hands for them to sit. "I have to wonder if you are actually going to do anything for the family. I trusted you to pull them together."

"Well, you see…" the chastised man tried to explain as they took the chairs indicated. "I did bring a few of the others and Andromeda back into the family and set up vaults for them and their children."

"Yes, you did, but what of your other great aunts, uncles and cousins? Your cousin Narcissa and her son?" the ex-Lord asked, shooting a disappointed glare at the youngest Black. He was thinking maybe he shouldn't have given up the seat quite so soon.

"Cissy still has her vault and has expressed that she wants little to do with the family. I did send her a message about what we're doing. She said she wouldn't stand in our way, but she had little faith of any of it working," Sirius rattled off. "As for the others, do you really think they would understand the things I'm trying to set in motion?"

Arcturus rubbed his chin and thought for a moment. "Your cousin Callidora has always had a soft spot for squibs, so she might help you with your orphanage. Your Uncle Cygnus can help you gain allies, his only dream, at this point in time, is to see the Black family name return to power. Your Aunt Cassiopeia is said to have a blackmail list on everyone in the Wizengamot so you might want to seek her out as well," he said, ticking off the members with a tap of his finger on the arm of his chair. "However, you are correct in the rest of the family. They will not understand what you are trying to accomplish, you do need to write to them and use your status as their Lord to make them stay out of your way, since they are all older and respect tradition. I recommend that you take more time to communicate with them to let them know that you have not abandoned the family."

"I'll do that this afternoon, Grandfather," Sirius said, settling back in his chair now that the other man wasn't angry at him anymore. It wouldn't hurt to open relations with the older members of the family, who knows he might just get more allies that way.

"I would like to see you married, before too much longer. My time is near, and I wish to know that the name will not die with you," the old man demanded. He had been shut up for so long that he had made himself ill, he weakened every day. It was one of the reasons he handed the Lordship to the younger man, well that and there were no other successors.

"Well, I've already got an heir, however, I think it's time I started courting again," the grandson said, thinking about his lovely therapist. Though, he might not want to lose her great counseling. He'd have to think about it. He was just glad his sex drive was up again, he had been very worried about that.

"Who is your heir? It better not be young Draco, though with his father dead, that might not be as bad as I had envisioned," the old man said, once again rubbing his chin in thought. "Still, I would not see the family name going to the Malfoys."

"Harry Potter."

"At least, he has Black blood, though not as close as I'd like."

"He is my heir," Sirius said with finality.

"As to you, young man," Arcturus said dropping the subject and turning his attention to the quiet man, "I would like to know how you just appeared on the family tree. And do not give me that story you are descended from Marius, I know of all his sons and grandsons and there was not a magical among them."

It had angered him greatly when he found out that the Death Eaters had killed off all but one of that family. Now there will never be a magical born of that line. He never could get the younger generation to understand that Muggle-borns came from long lines of squibs. No, they had all taken Voldemort at his word and killed where they were told to. Even his title as their Lord would not sway them. Now they were all dead or imprisoned, but for a few. "Moreover, names don't just appear on the tree, especially after said person is an adult," he added.

Hydrus shared a look with Sirius, they had discussed this. Sirius wanted Hydrus to tell his grandfather the whole truth. He claimed that the old man would understand and might even back them if he knew the downfall of the magical world in Britain was possible. Hydrus, on the other hand, was leery; rumors about the elder Black were that he was a strong supporter of Pure-bloods, though the conversation he had just listened to gave doubt to those stories.

"I need a vow of secrecy," he said politely.

"Your tale is such that you would encumber an old man with that great a burden," Arcturus asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yes," was the succinct answer as Hydrus looked the man dead in the eye to show he was serious.

The elder Black looked into those grey eyes, so like a Black, and saw the need in them. "I need your full name."

So Hydrus gave his name and once again it was pointed out that Williamsford wasn't a star name. He said he'd give explanations after the vow.

One vow, many hours of talking and the ample use of the pensieve later and the old man exploded out of his chair, belying his ill appearance. "You are a fool!" he yelled, his face contorted with rage and aura of power coming off him in waves. "No one should mess with time the way you did! And just so you can simply save yourself! Of all the greedy, selfish reasons!" He started pacing, using his wand to throw priceless items against the walls, all the while yelling at the stupidity of youth.

The other two younger men sat in a state of shock and let the man rant. He didn't wind down for at least five minutes, pacing back and forth, fingering his wand when he wasn't destroying things, shooting piercing glares at the time traveler, as if he would kill Hydrus in any minute. "Give me one good reason not to end your life," Arcturus said, with a murderous glint in his eye.

"If I hadn't come back, the magical world of Britain would have fallen. Your precious family name would be dead. Every member of your immediate family died with no heir. Sirius in my timeline called the name dead in his will. There would be no more Blacks in Britain," the immortal spat as he glowered back. "If Harry went to the Dursleys, this timeline would have played out exactly the same. So don't give me your self-righteous indignation. You would have done the same thing to save your family."

With that Arcturus deflated and dropped bonelessly back into his chair. The boy was right, and if the future he was showed was real, and he knew the method used, he would do just that. He would do it now, if only to try harder in keeping his family from joining the Dark Lord. He had the power, but the time traveler in front of him stated that a special wand was needed.

"Besides," Hydrus continued in a much calmer voice, "you can't kill me."

That caused the old man's head to snap up. "What do you mean, I cannot kill you. I assure you young man I am more than capable."

"I'm immortal."

"How did that happen?" came the shocked, yet, curious reply. The elder Black looked honestly inquisitive, like it was something he too had been searching for. Not that he would ever split his soul, he knew madness lay in that direction, and he was quite fond of his sanity.

"I'm the Master of Death," Hydrus said and he produced the Deathly Hallows.

Once more fingering his wand the old man's eyes turned greedy.

"Don't even try. I have it on good authority that I will be the only Master," the immortal said as he placed the Hallows in his pocketspace.

Arcturus slumped in his chair as he watched the fabled items vanish. "My time is near, as I have said, I would have one favor to ask of you, Sirius," he said tiredly, turning back to his grandson.

The youngest Black had been quiet up till now, letting the other two vent their feelings. "What do you require, Grandfather?"

"Cremate me and give my sister the ashes. I have no want to be set in the ground." It was because of his fear of being used from the grave that he made such a request.

Once again the other two were shocked; it wasn't the Pure-blood way. However, since it was the man's final wish, Sirius would see it done.

"I am done with you two. Do what you will, I will not hinder or help. Leave this old man to die in peace. I will instruct the house elf to tell you when I have passed. Leave," the weary man said, waving his hand in dismissal.

The two younger Blacks got up and left the house, neither one of them were happy about the confrontation, yet were content at the conclusion. They went home, told Remus what had happened and then decided to set it all aside until such time it needed to be dealt with.

Sirius sequestered himself in his room to write reams of letters to the family. That blackmail list would come in handy and Aunt Cassiopeia was known to be on the Grey side. She was more of a researcher than anything else; her fights with other family members were legendary. It was her research on squibs producing magicals that swayed his grandfather to her argument.

More weeks flew by and the spirits that Hydrus set on Voldemort had little good news, the wraith was angry at the ghosts that haunted him and was keeping his mouth shut as to whether or not he made a new horcrux. So the Master of Death suggested they only trail him from afar during the day and haunt him at night, maybe he might let something slip, though that was a long shot. They did tell him the wraith was weakening, he could only possess small animals and only for a short time. That bit of information made the immortal hopeful.

Harry was doing great at daycare; he was learning to play with other children and could now say a few more words and colors. So far no accidental magic was seen, which was a major relief. Sirius had approached a few magical families to set up play dates in the future. The dogman had approached the Weasleys, thanks to Arthur's love of the appliance store, and made arrangements. Hydrus's problem with that was Ron; he still had some bitterness about his ex-friend. He was hopeful that if they got to the child soon enough it might turn out different. Sirius would take Harry to the other people's houses to keep the other two's names away from the child's.

The orphanage was up and running, they had fifteen squib children and three non-magical. Sirius was in contact with Marius and social services about fostering the non-magical ones out. They had a few prospects, but social services were still doing background checks on them. It was hard to keep the magical world from those three, but they talked with the other children and told them to tone it down or say it was their imagination talking. The kids were between eight and fifteen so most of them understood why they needed to not discuss their past in front of the others. Though, some of the older squibs were bitter and wanted to expose the magical world. It was an ongoing battle to keep it all hushed. Hydrus made sure to have on staff two magic knowing counselors, who had mandatory meetings with every child. Marius was a great resource.

The mansion was huge, with thirty bedrooms, one large playroom, a humongous dining room, and five studies for the children to do school work. There were a few offices on the ground floor, as well as a visiting area for those looking to adopt. The counselors were set up on the first floor. The rooms at this time were individual as there were only a few children in comparison to the amount of space they had. The staff also lived in the mansion.

They did hire three house elves, which they bought and then freed, for the cooking and taking care of the yardwork. Tippy helped a lot when that happened, letting the elves know that they weren't being punished and what they could do with their pay. She also instructed them on how to keep up the yards.

The yards were divided into four. The front yard was maintained as a pretty entryway, with trimmed grass and shrubbery. The backyard was a play yard with swings, slides and other playground equipment, plus an area for football. The side yard to the right was smaller and used for barbeques, outdoor parties and picnics. The other side yard was made into a vegetable garden that everyone worked in.

Remus used Hydrus's name to write to Frostwell and gave him the idea for the book-readers. The inventor said it was a wonderful idea and that he would see about getting one made soon, they were hopeful for next autumn. They didn't give the man any that they had, just a general sketch, because Hydrus wanted to make sure that Frostwell got the credit and the profits from them. Besides, how would they explain it?

With copious use of bribes, Sirius prevented the werewolf restrictions from happening. He was also working on getting better relations with the goblins, much to the immortal's displeasure. But, Sirius's reasoning was that he was trying to prevent what happened in the future from happening again. Hydrus couldn't fault that logic, but he didn't have to like the greedy bastards. Sirius also prevented a few Pure-blood laws from going into effect. He had quite a lot of allies now, and not all of them had to be bribed, just poked in the correct direction. That list came in handy.

It was now spring and Tippy was working hard on the garden. The flower bed was now fenced off. She was adding a small waterfall, which was warded against children. The trees were trimmed back and starting to bloom. A play yard was added with swings, a slide, and a sandbox. Needless to say, she was putting those books to good use.

The first Boy Who Lived book hit the shelf and Sirius fell on the publisher and author like a rabid dog. His lawyer sued the pants off them and the godfather threatened further action if it happened again. This action caused the Prophet to write a headline that accused the Black Lord of trying to keep the public away from their hero. Sirius gave an interview on the Wizard Wireless Network in rebuttal. He claimed that if anyone wanted to know about Harry all they had to do was ask, but he wasn't going to let rumor or speculation run wild about his godson. He even gave a few anecdotes about Harry's potty training and eating habits to show that he was still just a toddler and not the next coming of Merlin.

Because of this, they also started their own newspaper, since they couldn't buy any shares of the Prophet (It was mostly owned by the Ministry). They simply called it The Times, blatantly stealing the name from the non-magicals. They hired reporters that were made to vow that everything they wrote was true—to their knowledge. They didn't want anyone to die or lose their magic for printing something that would later be found out to be incorrect.

The paper was a medium success, somewhere between the Prophet and the Quibbler. The things they reported on were the government, social pages, sports and up and coming entrepreneurs like Hydrus and Frostwell. Every now and then there was an article on how well Harry was doing, showing once again that he as just a child. They even had a section on what was big news in the non-magical world. It was gaining subscribers with each printing.

Everything was going well, but Hydrus knew something would come up to ruin that soon. He was still getting that watched feeling every time he went into Diagon Alley. Besides, nothing ever went this smoothly for long, not for him anyway. Those thoughts made him jumpy and nervous. He started distrusting everyone he met, until such time they proved themselves not a threat. He made sure he never mentioned Harry or Remus. He cut his public time with Sirius in half, only being seen with him a few times a month.

The others in the house, of course, noticed the twitchy behavior and confronted him one night towards the end of spring.

"Hydrus, what's going on with you? You're all jumpy and it's got us worried," Sirius said when they settled for evening tea.

The immortal sighed and set his cup down. "Sorry, I'm not used to things going so well without waiting for the other shoe to drop. I mean, even when me and George were getting our revenge on the magicals, things would pop up that would throw plans off. So, I'm waiting for something bad to happen. I just don't know what," he said. "That and I can't shake the feeling that someone is stalking me."

"Let's go over a few things and see if we are missing anything," Remus suggested.

"Okay, orphanage, going good. Newspaper, flourishing. Bookstore, doing well. Your store, making a huge profit. Harry, growing every day and well loved, so the wards are strong. Death Eaters, dead or in Azkaban. Politics, many allies. Chocolate Frog book, at the publishers. My therapy, down to once a week," Sirius said, ticking off everything. "I can't for the life of me think of anyone you've offended that's not in prison or dead. The only downside I see is You Know Who; we have no idea how to kill him off."

The time traveler waved that off and stated, "The spirits tell me he weakens every day, so we might just have already solved that problem. No, it's something else, something I've forgotten."

"As much as I hate to bring it up, have either of you heard about Umbridge or Skeeter?" Remus asked mildly.

"Now that I think about it, no, I've not heard a word about either of them," Hydrus said a bit shocked. Maybe it was one of them following him, which would make sense.

"Umbridge works for the Improper Use of Magic Office. Didn't I tell you? She's the one who drafted the werewolf restrictions," Sirius added.

"No, you didn't tell me, but I should've known. I better keep an eye out for Dolores causing trouble, that office would be a bad place for her to work. I wonder where Skeeter is," the immortal thought out loud. He had been so caught up in moving things along that he had forgotten about those two. Well Skeeter didn't become a reporter until 1989, when she appeared out of nowhere. He'd have to hire an investigator to see what they were up to and dig up as much of their past as possible. He could just pop over to Umbridge's family house and take care of her now. Something to meditate on.

"Sirius," Hydrus asked, after another thought came to him, "have you heard from Dumbledore?"

"Sure, I've talked with him a few times. He seems happy that Harry is growing up well. He did ask how I got the pictures and I told him that I was in touch with the Dursleys, but that I could only see Harry at his daycare. He just nodded and twinkled at me," Sirius said, thinking over the few times he had run into the Headmaster. "Though he did ask if I was the one to cast the Fidelius Charm, and I told him they asked to be hidden from the magicals and I complied." He really hated to lie, but needs must. He thanked Merlin that his Occlumency shields were at their fullest now.

"Did he ask about me?"

"Only once, he asked if you were the owner of the appliance and entertainment store and expressed his opinion on it. I had to tell him you were, since it's a well-known secret. He thinks it's a marvelous trend. He went on and on about how he had bought a telly and VCR and some of the movies. He was even suggesting getting some for the common rooms at Hogwarts. He said something about having to get the Board's approval."

That made Hydrus feel better. When it came to the Headmaster his emotions were still conflicted. While he was sure the man had done some shady things to keep his secrets, he couldn't help but think Dumbledore truly believed it was for his Greater Good, and that that belief was his way of helping all magicals. Besides, he really couldn't throw stones, since the things he had done since he'd been back, stuff he still planned on doing and what he had done in his timeline would border on the darker Grey side. Though the immortal still thought the old man had too much power, he didn't think he was nefarious. How the Headmaster reacted to what was happening in the world today would go a long way in settling those opposed feelings.

"What about you, Remus? Has he contacted you?" Hydrus turned to the werewolf.

"He wrote me a letter expressing his concern that he could no longer contact me through the Floo. I wrote him back and informed him that I was no longer living in a magical house and that I was doing well. I have not heard from him since."

"Well, it seems that Dumbledore is placated for now. We'll still keep an ear out, that man is tricky," Hydrus said thoughtfully.

"Can you think of anything else?" Sirius asked in trepidation. Now that he thought about it, the time traveler was right, things were going too well.

"No, that's what is so frustrating, I can't think of anything that would hinder our plans," Hydrus said, shaking his head and running his hand through his hair.

"Well, the only thing we can to do is continue on as planned and fix whatever pops up," Remus suggested mildly.

The other two nodded and the conversation turned to other things. They soon went to bed, the next day being Saturday none of them had work until the afternoon, when Remus and Hydrus would make visits to their stores.

The next morning Hydrus decided to make waffles, with fruit toppings. He gathered Harry and set to cooking. Harry was banging his sippy cup on his tray and giggling when the juice would spurt out. Then the toddler accidently let go of the cup and it fell to the floor. Hydrus was about to pick it up when it flew to the tot's hand.

Damn, I was hoping that wouldn't happen till later, he thought. He smiled at the child and patted him on the head as to not discourage him and then turned back to breakfast, making sure to fix some sausage, since the full moon was coming up soon.

When everyone was seated and had their plates fixed, Hydrus told them what happened. Both men were joyful that Harry was showing magic, until the immortal reminded them that it could be a bad thing.

"I don't know much about magical children, but I thought that would only happen when he was around four," the confused time traveler said.

"It can happen sometimes when they are toddlers, but it is rare," explained the ever knowledgeable Remus.

"That doesn't mean he is going to be like super magical, does it?" That would be worrying, though it didn't make sense to Hydrus, because he wasn't super powered.

"No, it just means he is used to magic. Many Pure-bloods do little things like that, whereas the Muggle-born and -raised wait until they're older," Sirius said, still beaming at Harry.

Harry had thrown his cup to the floor once again and was getting angry that it wouldn't come back like it did before. Hydrus picked the cup up and handed it to the toddler only for him to throw it once again.

"No, Harry, don't throw your cup," Hydrus said firmly. He picked it up once again and put it on the tray. It went flying, thanks to a swat of Harry's arm. This time when the older man retrieved it he didn't hand it back to the child, which of course made Harry cry.

"Cup," the tearful tot demanded.

"No, Harry, eat your breakfast," Hydrus said.

"Cup." Harry banged his little fist on the tray, causing the rest of his breakfast to spatter on the floor.

"I think someone needs some time out," the adult replied. And with that took the child to his playpen, which of course started a fit. After five minutes of being ignored, the temper tantrum died down and the child was happily playing with his toys. Much to the relief of the adults, listening to a toddler yell wasn't fun, but Harry had to learn that he couldn't always get his way.

"Isn't he a little young for time outs?" Remus questioned. He too had read the books on child raising and knew that time outs were to keep disagreements between child and adult to a minimum without the use of spankings. Knowing how Hydrus was raised he understood why the immortal would choose this method.

"Which is why he went to his playpen and not the corner, this way he'll be distracted and I won't have given into his demands. When he is older, I'll set him in the corner."

"Oh, well, I guess that makes sense."

The rest of the day was uneventful, in such that no more fits were thrown, though they did have a fussy child at naptime. After the nap, they took Harry out in the back garden and started him in the child swing. He very much enjoyed it and the slide. After a while he wanted to play in the sandbox. So the adults let him and sat with tea and chatted about how their businesses were going.

Around three in the afternoon, both Hydrus and Remus went to their respective shops. When the time traveler entered his store he had to withhold a groan. There looking at the VHS movies was one Albus Dumbledore. Just as he was about to try and sneak past him, the crowd being too large to whip out his Cloak, the Headmaster turned and smiled.

"Hydrus, my boy, good to see you," Albus said cheerfully. He was holding a couple of movies in his hand.

"Hello, Headmaster, it is good to see you as well," Hydrus replied, putting a smile on his face. "I see you're enjoying the movies."

"Yes, they are a marvelous way to seeing what Muggles think of what magic entails. Oh, that what they believe were only reality," the twinkling eyed man exclaimed. "Think of the wondrous things that could happen if one only had to wish upon a star. Still, I would like to see someone in this world create such works of art."

"I've always enjoyed them; it makes me happy to see they are so well received." There was a very sincere look on his face.

"Yes, yes, my boy, superb indeed. It is admirable to see the young so enterprising. Now, I was hoping you could satisfy an old man's curiosity. I don't recall ever having a Hydrus Black in Hogwarts; can you tell me where you received your education?" Dumbledore asked politely, trying to figure out the young man in front of him, without coming across as prying.

"I was homeschooled," was the succinct response.

"May I inquire, by whom?"

"My adopted parents," he said in a voice that said he would not welcome any more questions on that topic.

"Judging from your products they did a splendid job. I have never encountered a rune array such as yours, splendid, indeed," he praised, with a twinkle in his eyes he raised his free hand and placed it on the young man's shoulder. Then he let it drop when Hydrus gave a small smile and a nod of thanks. His smile brightened and he changed the subject. "I was wondering if you have spent time with your cousin Sirius."

"We have lunch a few times a month," the immortal said with a casual lift of his shoulder. "He's trying to get the family together and support his political standing. I wholeheartedly agree with everything he has accomplished so far."

"Indeed, Sirius has done some ideal things in the Ministry. Have you ever come across his godson, young Harry?"

"I've only seen pictures," Hydrus lied with a disinterested face. "The child seems happy enough," he said with another shrug.

"Definitely, those pictures do speak a thousand words, as the Muggles say. It was delightful seeing you again, my boy. Thank you for answering this old man's questions. However, I must be off," the Headmaster said, going to the checkout counter to purchase the movies in his hand.

Hydrus gave a silent sigh of relief. That wasn't so bad, though I'm pretty sure it won't be the last time I see the Headmaster. I'm probably correct that he has a monitor on the wards. Still, I must keep my knowledge of Harry out of the public.

When the Headmaster had left, Hydrus went and conducted his business with his store manager. After that he went home and let the other two adults know what happened. They both promised they would watch what they say about Hydrus in public. The rest of the night was spent rehashing the immortal's story about being adopted, until it was time for bed. All of them hoping that what the time traveler told them was correct and the Headmaster's inquiries were just a passing interest.