Harry and Erebos glide through the skies, it was a sunny Saturday afternoon in August. One of the last days before on the First of September a new year at Hogwarts School would start.
In the next hours, the Tonks family would arrive and have Dinner with Harry for the first time on Potter Island. In the last days, they exchanged letters by elf and Harry tried to familiarize himself with his new muscle groups. He was very thankful for the Ritual he did to rejuvenate his body. Without the shorter regeneration and improved stamina, he would not be gliding. He still could not take off or stay in the air when the ground was not warm and gave him updrafts. He learned to glide and land without face-planting. Even if he did exactly that on the first days. Harry crashed into the ground on the first three tries and changed shortly after that to practice over the water. His nature urged him to learn anything he could about his form quickly and he just wanted to fly with his new brother-like figure in Erebos.
After the Bonding, the Dragon was able to quickly absorb Harry's Knowledge of the human Language and spoke in a deep voice since yesterday.
"Well, we should try to change direction now Harry. The Tonkses should arrive soon and while Lordey will take them directly to the dining room, I gathered as the host you should be there too."
Harry snorted, the letters he exchanged and the overall appearance of the Tonks family led him to believe that they were the total opposite of the Dursleys. Loving, Caring, and strictly loyal to each other. "You are maybe right there brother of mine. Let's get back to the castle and welcome them."
The dragon had a thoughtful look as both of them tipped their wings a bit to curve back. They would have enough height to smoothly get back to the castle he concluded so they just glided on. "Harry" He started and waited a bit so his brother could adjust his attention to him. "I know the Tonks are different from the ones that brought us together, but be careful with who you entrust with certain parts of your knowledge. You know where my mother cares for all those other magical creatures. I know that you hope to connect to this part of your family but don't lose sight of the other."
Harry relented a bit and showed some of his more childish tendencies.
"Yeah, Okay I will be careful." Harry had to doge a tail swipe midair as Erebos heard the eye-roll in his voice.
Just yesterday he carefully read the whole file the Goblins had provided him with information about the Tonks family. They exchanged letters, without any problems had agreed to the secrecy vow. Even did that with Goldaxe as a witness just yesterday too. Something deep inside of him was aching for more positive human interaction.
The Portraits were a nice change to the elves, and his dragon friend but he had already noticed that some information was outdated he had in his books or known from the portraits.
Harry wore a green shirt and black pants as he heard the popp of the elve apparition. Andromeda and Nymphadora wore matching dresses with Nymphadora changing some details to make it look a bit more punky. For example, some decorative chains were used to accentuate her hips, her pink hair was kept short and cuts in her skirt showed a bit more skin than the version her mother wore. Ted Tonks also decided to wear a shirt and pants combination like Harry but his looked a bit more tailored to fit.
They exchanged greetings and Harry had even to catch Nymphadora as she stumbled in her low heels. Overall the delicious feast the elves prepared consisted of a light salad, followed by slow-cooked pulled pork and a variation of watermelon straight from the grill was very well received. Harry enjoyed the chit-chat and was very entertaining. But the conversation changed after the meal to some more serious topics.
Harry looked at Andromeda as they sat in the same room with full stomachs. "Well, Mrs. Tonks". He was interrupted by the bespoken person.
"Andy please, Harry. I am not that old you know that we need to use full names." She said smiling gently. It was clear that Andromeda wanted to say something different but decided not to touch the family topic right now.
"Okay, Andy then." Harry started over. "I want to get the hard topics out of the way first. Have you managed to get into contact with this Vampire elder I provided the contact details?"
It was obvious to the observer that Nymphadora and Ted wanted to include themselves in that very topic but Andromeda needed one look to stop their interference before it would be a thing.
The Law witch nodded at Harry's question after she was assured that her family would let her do the talking. "Yes, I have. Funny enough it was very easy to get an audience after I used the phrase you gave me. She said we can come to her as soon as we want but maybe need to wait for a moment."
Harry commented on this with a short nod. "Tomorrow then. I want that matter dealt with. How about the standing of my family? Can I Veto anything in the Wizengamot that is utterly ridiculous or so?"
Andromeda looked a bit skeptical.
"Harry, your family is listed as a house in the second tier so no veto rights and just a simple vote how should tip that the scale in the right direction?"
Before Harry could answer Erebos was coming to him and landed before him. The Tonks all gave off a sound of surprise and even wanted to draw their wand only to see the dragon use his snout to poke Harry and speak.
"The Elves did make good foot today did they?"
Many things happened at the same time. Ted pointed and fainted. Andromeda was shocked speechless and Nymphaora yelled.
"By Merlin, did that Dragon just speak with Cousin Harry?"
Only for Erebos to turn his head to Dora.
"Grandpa knew that guy pleasant bloke to be honest."
The following "Damn" from Dora and an unbelieving "Language" from Andromeda broke Harry and Erebos and both laughed.
After they had woken up Ted, Harry and Erebos explained everything even his Hybrid form, and Erebos demonstrated his different sizes. While Harry had trained to fly he had used the time to try out his shrinking.
The dragon had tried but his best was sixteen inches. After being labeled cute he quickly changed back to his ten feet version and growled at Nymphadora.
They also told them how Harry learned his magic from Onyxia. One more count to Ted's faint counter later Harry and the Tonkses had some light conversation.
The mood lightened up over the progress of the evening and Andromeda could even ask how Harry wanted to deal with the whole guardianship of himself, as he would still need one in the magical and muggle world. First Harry parked the topic in favor of some other things that were not important but the former Black was insistent.
Later that day the raven-haired wizard agreed that it would be great if Andromeda would become his official guardian in the muggle world and in the magical one. Harry liked her, and how she dealt with him. The story about his mother and her bachelorette party also helped. Andromeda had censored it a bit but Harry liked to get to know his mother a bit more.
The next days were full of official meetings in the mundane and magical world. The mundane was surprisingly easy. The Dursleys reported him as moved out of the country with a relative, Andromeda used a hidden Confundus to step in as the relative and the move out was just a vacation that they had gotten wrong. With a bit of magic, it was very easy and Harry was now listed with Andromeda's address and as home-schooled.
On the magical side, everything went smoothly as well. The Goblins used the more than often-used approach to forward official papers to the magical liaison office to place his change of guardianship papers. After the thirteen days of waiting period it would only be changeable with a Wizengamot vote but who should motion for that?
The notice got to the old guardian a day after that and was diligently sorted into the for your information stack on the desk of Albus Dumbledore, who tried to mediate an upcoming conflict between two African wizarding communities in his role as Supreme Mugwump.
It took until Hogwarts started back up to organize the final date with the Vampire coven and with Dora back in School and Ted on his next assignment in Niger. Andromeda, Harry, and Erebos traveled by muggle means to France. The Dragon wore a Muggle-Notice-me-not charm as stylish collar-like accessories. At Paris Airport they were picked up by their contact and brought to a Chateau on the outskirts of Paris. Harry could feel all the old wards around them. Old, and very similar to those he could raise if he used his limited knowledge of blood wards Onyxia had provided him with.
Main Residence of the France Vampire Coven, Paris, France
The Chateau was much bigger on the inside its wards. Like most magical places space extension runes had been applied to stretch out the available space as much as it could be and while not risking stability. The result could be described as a small city of French Renaissance architecture. With a nice garden and some smaller houses leading towards the main manor building. Surrounded by a natural and mostly magical forest.
Their contact led them through the halls to an audience room. In its design, you would expect something like this if you were visiting a member of the royal family. Guards were standing at Attention in two lines facing each other. Flanking the red carpet leading to the Throne.
The woman with dark red hair which was cascading down her back had a symmetrical pale face and red eyes. Her lipstick was also of a red tone but more like the blood-red variant. She wore a black dress, a high-slitted leg with golden details. A leather corset emphasized her C-cups and hourglass-like body. The crossed legs were encased in high-heeled leather boots and one hand held a golden Chalice. The Voice had something alluring, beguiling even.
"Excellent, you are punctual Lord Potter and you have brought a Dragon with you. Impressive"
Harry could feel himself blushing just slightly. He was sure that if he had been older that would have escalated quickly. Now he was saved by his youth so to speak. Erebos had picked up quite a bit more than his bonded brother. He noticed the slight waves of magic the elder radiated. It was a playful tease but he had been warned by his mother that those elders could play dirty if they wanted to. Dragons are very capable of warning such people off. He changed his size and grew to an intimidating size and growled. Not that Lady Escofier cared about that much, she was amused if one wanted to judge her expression.
Harry gave his friend a short questioning look but kept his pace before they stood at the end of the carpet. He gave the elder a respectful bow and raised his voice.
"Greetings to you Vampire Queen of France. Punctuality is a virtue, one of those that I try to live by." He said with utmost confidence. Nobody would know that he practiced those words around a hundred times in front of the mirror.
The Queen gave off a melodious laugh. "That it is. I, Queen Ophelia Escoffier welcome you in my domain as an honored guest as long as you follow the proper etiquette." She took a sip of the blood in her chalice and liked up the drops in the corner of her mouth making it look exceptionally sensual after handing it off to one of her maids, who wore classical French maid garb but a bit shorter than you would expect. Some would even say to short as the skirt ended above the knees. Not that one would see a hint of skin as the legs had been put into delicate black nylon socks.
Harry gave a short nod of thanks before the Queen continued. "Well, Well, Well who would have thought to see one of the old Peverells again, with my 1337 years had not expected to see it happen again. You had a delicate topic had you not." Again she waited for Harry's nod and waved at her guards. The young wizard had some trouble not reacting too hard to the Peverell name. Without a word, the guards left the room and closed the door Only one of the maids remained in the room. The maid in question bore a strong resemblance to the vampire lady sitting on the throne.
The queen did notice his small reaction to her calling him Peverell and decided to address the party of Harry, Erebos, and Andromeda.
"Ahh, I forget, that you had not known them of course. The Peverells once were feared for their artifacts and magics in battle. For the most part, it was artificers and warlocks that the family produced, but these often took on enemies trying to invade Britain. In their shadow, the corpses of their adversaries usually piled up. Enough of the past though we can talk about them later if you so wish." She stood up by uncrossing her legs and accompanied by the clacks of the heel on the marble steps and her maid she made her way to the group. Her hips swayed with a hypnotic grace that Harry saw but could easily ignore thanks to his age.
"It is most curious to see Onyxia introducing me to a human, even more you, Lord Potter. Am I allowed to do a diagnostic of the problem in your scar?" Ophelia said with a curious smile.
"Pardon your highness but how do you plan to do that? If it is not invasive and dangerous I am all for it though" Ophelia chuckled after hearing Harry's words showing off her fangs and her tone changing to a more motherly one.
"It is refreshing that you are brave enough to step before me and question me. Even as you still need to come into your power. I digress." She paused shortly and waved her hand. "Like this". Harry could feel his scar heating up. Ophelia concentrated for just a second only to sigh disapprovingly. "Those self-styled Dark Lord wannabes and their playthings." One could feel her emotions rolling off her as she sighed and shook her head. Moments later she looked back at Harry. "Well Lord Potter, it seems to me that you carry a shard of your enemy around." Was her plain answer. Andromeda paled, and Erebos and Harry looked confused.
"Yeah, that sounds like something I really could do without right?" Came his youthful answer only for Andromeda to pale even more at his lacksidal response. The Queen blinked for a second and burst out in a soft giggle with her hand in front of her lips.
"As I said most refreshing. You see Liilith dearest. There are funny wizards" She said to the Maid behind her only for her to huff. Before she looked back to Harry.
"Yes, you could and should not be the reason that your enemy is still alive that is most uncouth of him to be that pushy right?" She joked. "Looking at the size of the one in your scar I deduce it is not the only one" Ophelia closed her eyes shortly like she needed to concentrate a bit more to get something out of the readings she had gotten. "Judging the overall size of that thing in you I would say there is not much left to split. How often he did it though I don't know"
She made a dramatic pause seemingly enjoying that her audience was hanging on her lips.
"But yes, I know of a quite safe way to get rid of it. Good thing you brought your solicitor and guardian. I don't do things for free and you may want to have someone consulting you on my price."
Harry wanted to groan but an elbow from Andromeda helped him to hold his tongue. Now was Andromeda in her role. She had a fierce look nobody would rip off her ward.
"And that is exactly why I am here your highness. Not that we would assume anything but I was raised to be cautious of any magical being that manages to live longer than a century."
The Queen looked at the fierce-looking woman and smiled. "I like you, Andromeda Black." She had to stifle the giggle as she saw Andromeda's expression of getting called by her maiden name. Yeah, I know you were banished but for someone like me, those are minor things. Blood will be blood in the end. You were raised and trained in the ways of the black so I think that counts."
Ophelia looked at them and said "I think we should take a seat" A short glance at Liltih and a minute later they had three chairs and a big table. The queen sat at her throne-like chair and motioned Harry and Andromeda to join her. Her maid placing herself to her right Erebos sized himself down to join them on Harry's shoulder.
She waited for Andromeda to take out Quill and parchment and started straight after that.
"Even as someone like me with all the time in the world, I will get straight to the point. There are three ways I know of to get rid of a soul shard created by human magic. One of them is to destroy the vessel with something destructive like Fiendfyre or Basilisk Venom."
The Elder sipped at her chalice for a moment before she continued "Maybe the Flame of Hephaistos but I can't say if that is still a thing in this era. The next one is a relatively new ritual by the Goblins. I think it is three centuries old but only intended for non-living things. So that maybe could go wrong and then we have my way." She smiled and looked like she was very proud of herself. Andromeda had taken down some notes but only for further reference.
The vampire did not let that stop her from bragging though "It is a very safe method if all safeguards are in place and the person using it mastered the technique. It can even siphon away at the soul shard." She smiled very brightly. "Oh. Now I digress again, right?" she asked with false innocence but did not get the reactions she hoped from Andromeda and Harry, they just looked on and waited.
"You are good," she said with her normal voice as she waited for their reactions to the news. Neither Harry nor Andromeda had moved much. Only Erebos slowly started to get agitated. Ophelia continued in her explanation. "I created that piece of blood magic for myself but now Lord Potter could gain advantage of this. To get access to the secrets of the shard he would need to be trained in the Mind Arts, something we could also provide."
Andromeda looked up from her notes. "Pardon me, I would assume how we train ours should suffice won't it?" For a moment the eyes of Ophelia and Andromeda crossed. Not a word was said before Ophelia blinked and nodded.
"Quite right Mrs. Black. Let us just say I could provide those skills faster than your approach. Back to the topic?" She half asked in Andromeda's direction who gave her a nod.
"If you reached the level of competency needed for the ritual I would personally oversee the proceedings and establish the soul siphon. You would gain something from the siphon, I can't say what exactly as it is different each time and would be very advanced in the mind arts. Without trying to sound arrogant. Vampires are one of the best practitioners of that Branch of magic. This and Bloodmagic."
Andromeda underlined one of her notes and looked up.
"Well, you listed very good profits, your highness. You did not once mention the price with which this conversation started. Not to forget that Blood magic is something forbidden in Magical Britain and France so I can't include this in a contract."
The Queen looked like she wanted to hug Andromeda for a moment. The former Black did not simply agree to anything she said. It was a rare experience for the old vampire.
"As I said refreshing for someone to not fear me when we just hold a conversation. Right. The Price" Her gaze shifted to Harry and she looked a bit like she wanted to make a feast out of him. Harry looked uncomfortable for a moment and Erebos jumped back only to growl threateningly.
The Dragon raised his voice in English, which surprised the elder vampire somewhat.
"You will not harm Harry in any way or I will burn down everything you own!" Flames were dancing around his nostrils and the temperature heated up accordingly to a degree Harry and Andromeda worked up a sweat.
The Queen remained calm for the whole time. "No, I will not turn Harry young hatchling. Rest assured and hold your flames. Do you think I would challenge the mighty Dragon that your mother is? Us vampires are strong yes. I could take on many wizards at the same time and most likely survive. An Elder Dragon? That's something different."
The Dragon and the Vampire crossed eyes and in short seconds that felt like minutes nothing happened only for the Dragon to calm himself and the Queenn to continue.
"There won't be exchanged Galleons. I have enough gold to my name. If you can work from the shadows to influence the mundane it is just too simple you know" She half explained. "No, in exchange that I rid you, Lord Potter, of this shard and give you access to the best tutor for the Mind Arts known around Europe," she flipped her long hair "Me." She winked. "I want you temporarily in my services."
Before Andromeda could say something the Queen held up her hand in an authoritative gesture. "Let me finish. I won't hinder you from getting your education at Hogwarts but in the summer Holidays you will serve at my side and join my Granddaughter in the duties of attending me." She looked over her shoulder at Lilith before turning back. "I would ensure that your identity would be safe, and if I wanted some of your blood I would swear a magical vow that I won't turn you. Lilith is learning at my heel so to speak and maybe If you are open to it and have the talent you could also learn a thing or two. Not that we can put the Blood Magic into the agreement."
Andromeda had noted down every aspect and frowned a bit.
"You did not mention how long exactly that temporary service would last. Also, would Lord Potter get into conflict with the wizarding law of magical Britain or the ICW?"
The Queen snapped her fingers and Lilith curtsied leaving the room. The Vampire did not respond until her granddaughter came back and placed water and wine in the right glasses in front of Andromeda and Harry, and a golden chalice with blood in front of the Queen. Silently getting back into position to her right. As she retook her place Ophelia started again.
"The process for the siphon to claim the shard takes time and is as slow as it is harmless. I expect it to last for the next two to four years." She took a sip of her new chalice and said. "As long as the extraction would last. Additionally, I would say two years on top. But, not longer as Lord Potter's time in Hogwarts."
Andromeda raised a brow and put her quill away. "Six years? With all due respect to the power of this ritual, those periods would take away all chances for Lord Potter to have a childhood. As a mother, I can't agree to that."
Ophelia looked thoughtful. "How about four years in the max. I have a feeling Lord Potter is quite gifted in magic and can claim his dues very soon after the siphon is applied." She trailed off with her eyes on the young wizard. Who, over all that time looked quite calm on the outside. The reason for this was the mental conversation he had with his brother.
Looking at her charge Andi had to think about the offer, four years is still a long time. Too long in her opinion. "Three years, I might agree that this a big thing but said it yourself, that we can't say what he will gain from the shard. All other things are extras you provided from your side without our say-so. Also, we would need to define what would be the services he would need to do in your service. "
"A very good objection Mrs. Black. Very good indeed," Ophelia answered. Regarding his services. I would say things a maid or butler would do. Washing my things, helping me dress. As he is human and magical I would also want my fill of blood." She counted on her fingers.
"What about the addiction and how can we be sure that you won't enthrall him?" Harry tuned them out as they got over the finer points of the agreement. Putting all things in writing. Three years of service did not sound so bad if that got the shard out of his scar. For the next few minutes, he was looking at the big picture all of that meant. First dragons, then goblins now vampires. He was getting around, he chuckled mentally. The next sentence stopped his rambling though.
"... I can agree to all those terms if Lord Potter will help my line to survive. I would even be inclined to come to his aid in the future. I think Lilitih would be a good candidate for him to have offspring with." Ophelia casually said. Both of the youngsters looked at her with wide eyes. Something that seemed to amuse the older vampire.
"Wait a minute. You mean that …"
Andromeda looked at the Queen. Meanwhile Lilith in the back was checking out Harry after she got over the shock from what her grandmother had said seconds ago.
"Yes, exactly that thing what you think about Lord Potter, there would be no enforcement of upkeep or something similar. Also, no marriage bonds or vows alike are needed. We Vampires, have very limited fertility if we want to procreate in a normal way. Or why do you think my daughter needed half of the last millennia to give me my granddaughter? The partner must be magical, and not any kind of magical. It must be a strong one. The species of strong magicals seem to be declining with each decade. You Lord Potter are one of those rare strong wizards, I can smell your might." She said with a last look to Harry.
She made a short pause and looked at them with an understanding smile.
"I have given you every information you need to know. I have to attend to a different matter in a minute and will return in about three hours. You will not be bothered and if you have final questions we can address them at that point. Make no mistake my offer is final and I am not known for concessions. Lord Potter will learn some things no wizard had learned after my mate."
She looked like she was taking a fond trip down memory lane standing up, only for Harry and Andromeda to copy her in that action.
"Ah, I miss my little Thundergod. Lilith will be accompanying me but if you need something just ring the bell" She pointed at it and with a wave was out of the room with Lilith following her both with clacks of heels but a bit more muted, thanks to the carpet.
As the door closed Harry looked at Andromeda and both sat down again.
"Well, there is that." She said exhausted.
"You can say that again. I mean we knew it would cost me something but that is a long list of things" Harry added only to look at Erebos.
The Dragon had closed his eyes seemingly sorting through his database of memories. Slowly opening his eyes again after nearly a minute.
"I am very sure, that the Queen can help Harry. I looked at every memory with her that I have and each time she traded with the Dragons she fulfilled each clause of the agreement to the last point. We know that this Dark Lord attacked you for some reason and failed. He is still alive and I am very sure that he wants revenge and will be coming after you again." The Dragon made a short pause.
"To learn at the heel of an Elder is something even Dragons regard as desirable. In the max that would say some summers where you will be busy and don't lie to me brother, you love to learn things. Also to mate with another we Dragons do all the time if we have the opportunity. I don't see any problem. What the elder hinted at, with the coming to your aid brother is much bigger."
Harry could only nod, he knew arguing against those points was fruitless, and looked at Andromeda. He sighed. "I have no idea why I do this but yes. Can you put that all in writing? I can't believe that I signed myself to someone else before I even reached maturity."
Andi gave him a comforting hug "I will draw up a contract with all points and be as precise as possible Harry, but I can't rule out a residual risk. The Queen looks like a person dealing with things like that daily. That is my first case including a vampire elder." With a short glint of a smirk, she added. "Also, you can't say that her granddaughter is not as good-looking as her Grandmom."
"Ewww. Okay. Yeah. Let's, Let's just not let us speak about that before I get much older." Harry said with a slight blush as Andromeda finished up the contract and gave it to him to read. Harry took the parchment with all the benefits and duties and lost himself in it. He was not even ten years old and somehow found himself in his first life-defining decision. Should he really sign it? That idea with the Goblins sounded very interesting now. He looked at the two others and they began to weigh the points and discuss everything.