My Time

Chapter 79

Harry apparated outside of the property, he'd never just apparate into someone's home. It was a bit too rude for his tastes, even if they proclaimed him 'family' and as lovely as that was, he had no intentions of returning the favour. He would not be allowing all the Black's access to his home unless they were actually invited to live there, and even then, they'd need to actually walk into the castle. Orion and himself were going to be the only exceptions, he didn't need to discuss it with Orion to know that he'd likely want the very same thing. Orion was paranoid, look at just how secure Grimmauld Place had been, at least until too much attention was brought to it and then the Fidelius Charm breaking was the catalyst when Dumbledore died taking the safety with it.

He knocked on the door, even though it was likely known he was here, she'd been raised a Black, she would likely be as cautious as the rest of them. There was one thing though, he would make sure Orion didn't put a single cursed object in anywhere they live, be in Grimmauld Place or looking more likely (it had really already been determined) Peverell Castle. If he found him doing it, he'd curse him to hell and back and send him packing. It was too dangerous to allow children to live in their home with cursed objects strewn around. Then again, Orion hadn't done it, perception was a scary thing, Orion had been nothing but a puppet for decades at the mercy of Walburga.

The door was opened, and Hayden was met with the sight of a House-elf, its downward nose, making it look as if it was disgusted by the mere sight of him. "Hello, I believe I'm expected." He could practically hear Orion's annoyed scoff or huff at his words. He reckoned it was going to be one of those things he couldn't change for the life of him.

"Welcome, Mistress is in the sitting room, follow me," the House-elf spoke, it's voice not as croaky as he'd expected, in fact it sounded rather young.

"Thank you," Hayden replied agreeably, wiping his feet before entering, the House-elf didn't wait around, quite swift in its move towards what he presumed to be the sitting room.

The first thing he noticed when the door opened was the heat, it was nice and warm. He couldn't help but take it all in, the knitted blankets, with the Black and Weasley coat of arms, the comfortable furniture, the extra rugs, plants and various wizarding pieces surrounded the room. It was cosy, and perhaps Molly didn't have such a big say in the decoration as he'd believed. Arthur had copied his own parents habits, "It's brilliant." Hayden murmured with a wide warm smile. Echoing his twelve-year-old self when he entered the Burrow for the first time. Recalling Ron being slightly embarrassed about the Burrow, but to Harry? It had been the most beautiful home in all the world.

"Thank you, it's good to see you, how are you fairing?" Cedrella said, positively beaming at Hayden's words, her home was rather on the small side compared to Sirius and Hesper's castle, or even Black Hall (Arcturus and Melania's home). It's why she'd made the decision to have no more than three children. "Please, sit, cup of tea?" although, it seemed as if she was being punished for her presumptions, having lost yet another babe.

"Um…sure," Hayden said, giving him a weak smile, all this propriety made him feel very awkward, especially without Orion with him. He couldn't be sure if it was because there was nobody there to distract any conversation, smooth over the silences, or if he was just reacting to how society was at this day in age. Truthfully, Harry would rather be…informal with everyone, especially those he would soon consider family. "I assume Septimus is working?" was it seen as improper for him to visit her? his brow furrowed as he tried to navigate these waters so unfamiliar to him. He really should have asked Orion, perhaps that's why he'd had that reaction (an odd look on his face) to him going for a visit?

"He is, yes, did you come to speak to my husband?" a surprised look gracing her features, she hadn't been aware they knew each other. Except for in passing, when they were both in Black Hall. Hayden was getting married to Orion after all, the future Lord of the Black family.

"No, I just wanted to ask you how you were after everything?" Hayden confessed, "I wasn't sure whether you had told him or not, and I didn't want to cause any strife." Being sincere in his bid to ensure that she was okay without giving anything away to her family. If she didn't want to tell them he couldn't force her, but he hoped she did, it wasn't something anyone would struggle through alone.

Cedrella smiled as a tray popped onto the table, "You're very kind, there aren't very many people like you in the magical world. I do hope my own sons turn out similarly." A wistful tone to her voice.

"They will," Hayden replied immediately and with firmness that could only come from experience. "Well, one of them for sure." Amending his statement, he didn't know Arthur's brothers in the future so he couldn't say they were kind. If they had been anything like Arthur though, it was guaranteed they were kindness itself. He knew that Molly's brothers died in the war, but nothing about Arthurs, was it because Arthurs mother had been a Black and considered 'dark' by then? The divide had been…irreparable by that time. Dumbledore had done a number on everyone, he idly pondered what the Beauxbaton and Durmstrang students had thought of everyone so brainwashed they'd been to believe the drivel Dumbledore had poured down their throats.

Cedrella nodded, knowing his abilities, she was inclined to believe him. The urge to ask him all sorts of questions was strong, but she didn't, it would be rude of her to do so. Nobody liked being put on the spot, and he would be if she asked all her questions.

Hayden himself had to stop himself from asking Cedrella if her husband was unkind. To tell her that if she ever needed it, she had a safe harbour in him. He'd make sure they were safe from harm; she didn't seem unhappy but women in this time likely knew how to hide what they truly felt didn't they? Betrothed and married off young, property of their husbands and beholden to their whims, even the muggle world wasn't that bad nowadays. The magical world was backwards, and thus, yes, women weren't given their dues for everything they did. He liked to think the Blacks' would ensure the family was whole and happy, but he knew how insidious abuse was, how easy it was to dupe someone, even family. You didn't need to be physically being hurt to have an unkind husband, after all.

"Here you are, help yourself!" she said, gesturing towards the tower of sandwiches and biscuits for him to take. As she passed him a cup of tea, the warmth of the cup heating up her hands.

"Thank you," Hayden said smiling at her, nibbling on the sandwich he took, before devouring it, suddenly realizing just how hungry he was.

"You see the future?" she asked quietly, almost cursing herself for actually giving voice to her questions.

"Sometimes," Hayden confessed, there was no point to lying to her, she'd been there when Death himself was in the room for Merlin's sake. "It's nothing big or substantial though." He couldn't very well let everyone believe he was this grand seer, not when the world was already changing with his mere presence. There would also come a time when he didn't know anything far into the future. Plus, he didn't want to be annoyed by everyone asking him about their futures, now that wound be tiresome. For all he knew, he may have well even wiped Arthur himself out of existence with his presence and words.

"Will I really have another child?" sounding so forlorn and hopeful. Recalling the words he had whispered to her that day, on the bleakest of all days.

"You will." Hayden confirmed, "In a few years, you'll name him Arthur."

"Arthur?" she mouthed, a smile on her face, she liked that name very much, it was her second favourite name for any son of hers. She'd named Edison and her Septimus had named Bilius, part of her wished he would have settled for Bill but ah well, she didn't love her son any less. However, if she did have a third son, she would be next in turn to name him, Arthur, it didn't surprise her that name, but knowing she would give birth to another son eased her immensely. "I'm so happy you came, it's nice to talk to adults now and again." a fond laugh leaving her lips, her days was spent watching over the children, and don't get her wrong she loved it but would really like more adult conversation. Even Septimus was too tired for a lot of conversation during the week when he got home from work.

"Have you ever thought of adopting a child? Raising a girl as your own? Or even just taking one to ward?" Hayden suggested, the idea hitting him, "There are so many children out there without parents right now. Many of them likely have magic. If I could bring you a magical child, young, a girl would you take her in as your own?" families used to take in wards, it usually enticed loyalty in the younger generations, introduced children to the ones they'd marry, the families they'd marry into. It was all so long ago, before Hogwarts, when the magical world was more insular. Yes, he'd been doing his reading and Orion had the most fascinating tales, family stories handed down over eons.

Cedrella gaped at him, completely bowled over by the words, "I'm not sure Septimus would go for that," she confessed, frowning thoughtfully, Septimius would do just about anything for her that was never in doubt. However, raise a child not his own? They had the room, they could do it, and had the money, they didn't have to touch too much of the money they got from Lord Black to ensure they lived well, a little added food and clothes wasn't truly an immense burden.

"Is it money?" Hayden asked bluntly, drinking his tea before it ended up cold, nabbing a few more sandwiches as he did so, he knew the Weasley's had never been well off, at least the Weasley's he knew.

Cedrella gasped, utterly aghast by his rudeness, the urge to stand and demand he leave for his insolence was strong, but the desire to continue their conversation was stronger. If only he hadn't asked such a question…hadn't anyone given him lessons on what was acceptable or not?

"I only ask because Orion will be taking over from his father at some point, if you need a little extra, I'd be happy to provide it, especially if it gave a child a home where they'd be loved." Hayden continued, utterly unperturbed by the shock displayed across Cedrella's face. "It's something I would have given anything for."

Any anger or horror at his insolence popped away like a balloon in a strong breeze. How could she remain angry when he said things like that? Honestly! Yes, he was truly a lovely boy, she hoped her little ones would end up just as considerate and lovely. "Oh," was all she could utter.

Hayden laughed, shaking his head, "I always know how to quiet a room." His tone sheepish, as he brushed his hair back.

"We received our save the date card, it's very beautifully crafted," Cedrella complimented Hayden. 1st of May, was Orion and Hayden's bonding ceremony, held in Black Castle.

"Ha! That was all Orion, he oozes sophistication, I'm more for simplicity." Hayden grinned, the love he felt for his partner shining in his green eyes and fond smile.

"You're bonding," she pointed out, "It's becoming rare for couples to bond."

"I've noticed," Hayden answered, "It's a shame, I think if you can feel your partner, it would make all the difference."

"Doesn't it scare you? You haven't known each other long." Cedrella questioned, pouring a second cup for them, pressing biscuits across for Hayden to help himself.

"I've been here for over a year," Hayden laughed amused, "Most some people betrothed gets six months if they're lucky to know their significant other." Hell, some might not actually meet their significant other until the day they got married, especially if they were witches brought in from abroad, which did happen from time to time.

"So true," Cedrella laughed too, oh it was a nice feeling to laugh again. "Are you doing the planning? Or are you hiring someone to do it for you?" he was a Lord, he had a lot of projects going, and was doing exams if she wasn't wrong, add wedding planning on top of it? There was no way he could possibly keep on top of it all.

"Bit of both, Orion and I want to be as involved as possible but let Lucretia actually deal with the rest of it, getting everything sorted." Hayden explained, "The main things have been decided, the location, what kind of bond, and the date, the rest can come as it pleases." They'd choose everything together and leave her to get it set up, just as a wedding planner tends to do. Lucretia was getting paid for it too. Orion was far more intense about it than him, and that was just the save the date cards.

"Not Melania?" she asked in surprise.

"Technically is it not the witches or carriers family that's supposed to plan it and assume the financial burden of it?" Hayden teased, although, he didn't consider it a burden. "Isn't it?"

"It's the Lords that have control over the estates, so it's actually the Lords that pay out, except for the families where the Lady is regnant until the Lord or Heiress is old enough to take over at seventeen." She corrected him without an attitude, a soft smile on her face. She wondered who was paying for it, but she'd never ask, that was beyond rude to consider let alone actually doing so. Then again, the venue won't require payment since it's Black castle, that would make the day significantly less costly.

"Ah," Hayden murmured, giving a nod that he understood, so it wasn't exactly like the muggle world after all, good to know. "How are your boys?" gracefully changing the subject.

"They're visiting their grandparents today," Cedrella replied, "In the coming days I plan to take them to visit Dorea," they had gotten closer, her and Dorea lately. It was completely natural, really, she had children and Dorea had become a mother of three so suddenly. A sullen teenager – Walburga – and Alphard and young Cygnus, who was still at home and needed far more attention than his siblings.

"That's good, it would do Cygnus good to have family around and people his age to play with." Hayden was quick to say, a fond smile on his face as he thought about his little swan. He missed him a lot, truth be told, and felt awful for not having been to see him very much lately. He just didn't seem to have enough time for everything, and it was no excuse, he knew, family should always come first.

"Oh, most definitely, he's coming along well, Dorea says, he's not so subdued." Cedrella commented, "When he's with my boys he's even more outgoing, it's lovely to see them all getting along and playing." She still very much wanted a girl though, perhaps Hayden's idea was a good one.

"Do me a favour, start looking into magical children in need of homes, I cannot guarantee an answer at the moment…but I'd like to help where I can." Cedrella explained passionately. "In any way I can."

Hayden arched a brow, "It sounds like you want a job, not a child." He chuckled; the way she worded it did sound that way.

Cedrella flushed red, staring down at the table, suddenly quiet.

"Ah," Hayden murmured, must have poked a sore spot, shifting uncomfortably, "Um, is that something you'd want? A job I mean?"

Cedrella shook her head, "It's not feasible, having someone look after our sons would be too costly for any job, I may be able to acquire." The longing in her voice for adult company…to do something other than sit in the house all day every day was prevalent in her tone.

Hayden nodded, even in the future that had been a problem for many people, child care just being too costly for most people earning minimum wage to even contemplate two adults having jobs. He knew nursery's allowed their employees have spaces in the nurseries they work at, with massively reduced rates at that. He intended to create a nursery and primary school within the confines of the Peverell estate, including an orphanage.

Tom was already creating an orphanage in Riddle Manor, it was going to be up and running far sooner than anything of his. Which he was grateful for, the war had left so many children parentless, all alone in the world. Not that muggles would be sent there, no, their orphanages would be for their own, which would free resources in the muggle world for their own too so it was a win-win situation. It would stop those going home to an abusive household as well. It's likely why Tom had actually did it once he had full control of his faculties after he'd forced his full soul on him.

"Give me a few days," Hayden stated suddenly, she was a Black, even if she had married a Weasley, she'd be trusted, Tom would wish to use any connections she might have. Oh, he knew Tom wouldn't ever be a paragon of virtue, he'd do what he could, hoping to get something out of it. Even if it meant a favour from him somewhere down the line. "I might have something for you."

Cedrella blinked, almost gaping at Hayden, utterly befuddled by his statement. Was he referring to a possible child or a job? Either one was surely not possible. Hayden had only been in the magical world, here, for little over a year, by his own proclamation, how could he help her? If he did, what on earth could he possibly want in return? He supposed people would want to kowtow to him, in order to get an in with her family (the Black family) or perhaps the newly emerged Peverell name.

"You don't need to go all out for me," Cedrella protested, if she really desperately wanted something she could have gone to her family for help in finding something. She knew that, but she knew it was improper for witches to work when there was a father around. It wasn't fully out of a need, her family ensured they lived comfortably along with Septimus' income. She just felt alone, and tired all the time, she wanted to get out more, to do something, to talk to more adults.

Hayden laughed softly, "I'm not," he wasn't solely doing it just for her, he was just so used to helping people that it was something instinctive to him. The fact she was family did make him desire to help mostly, he wanted to be close to them all, as much as he could anyway, perhaps without Walburga the Black family – his family – would still be standing strong and dominating the wizarding world come his original time. He would have preferred her helping him instead of Tom, but time waited for no man or woman.

Tom would help, if he knew what was good for him.

"What exactly do you intend to do?" Cedrella asked, peering at Hayden with a demure look, which just caused Hayden to stare at her in amusement. Clearly, he was amused by her attempts at appearing shy and reserved.

"I'm going to talk to Tom, see if he'll do me a favour," Hayden told her, not giving specifics, there was no point if it didn't go the way he hoped. He was rather hoping that Tom would take Cedrella on in a part-time capacity, where her children could attend, it would give the children someone to play with, and would give Cedrella someone to talk to. He wasn't sure if it was even up and running, it was unlikely, but Tom had moved really fast when he got the Riddle Estate.

"Tom? As in Tom Riddle?" Cedrella swallowed, "I don't think…" caution oozing from her every pore.

"I know, I know he was a blood thirsty little shit, wasn't he?" Hayden said, causing Cedrella to choke in shock at his vulgar words and the way he so easily spoke of Tom in such a matter. The rest of the school might believe the veneer Tom showed them, but the Slytherin's knew better, he ran a tight ship within Slytherin common room. Anyone who attempted to bad mouth him mysteriously got hurt. "Shouldn't surprise anyone he has Peverell blood in him? we're cousins, Merlin only knows how many times removed."

"Did Peverell join the Slytherin line or did the Slytherin join a branch of the Peverell line?" Cedrella perked up, truly and wondrously curious.

"A female heiress of the Slytherin line married into the Peverell line before the lines branched," Hayden commented with a shrug, "Tom has Slytherin blood in him twice though, very likely why he's so powerful." Muggle blood along with old family magic merging with the current Gaunt line and boom.

"You truly know him…I…you know my family and even I am cautious of him." Cedrella replied, overawed by his utter disregard he held for Tom's reputation.

"You had every right to be," Hayden acknowledged, "He was traversing down a path that would have brought him nothing but ruin and rained destruction down upon the wizarding world. Bit like a cat with nine lives, he's down to his last one, he'll be far more careful now."

Cedrella just stared bewildered, what on earth did that mean?

Hayden just smirked enigmatically at her; nobody was ever going to know about the Horcruxes except for the few who do. "He's a little changed." Giving her the amount between his fingers, an infinitesimal amount.

Cedrella just laughed, not believing it for a second, but unless she was very much mistaken, she wouldn't be spending any time with him, would she? Whatever he was going to ask of him, it would be just background compared to what she'd be doing. She had her suspicions but until they were confirmed, she wouldn't get her hopes up. Regardless, she did begin to hope, quite frankly, it's all she could do. These walls were beginning to tighten around her like a vice for which there was no escaping. Her husband just didn't understand, bless him, he tried, but until he actually was in her shoes he wouldn't be able to get it.

She'd do anything for any sort of change, even talking to Hayden had made her day.

A break in the monotony of the days going by.

"Hey," Hayden said, leaning forward and squeezing her hand, as he stood, "Talk to your relatives, the female ones, through marriage or blood…you might find yourself surprised that they feel the same way. You're told that all you're good for is producing heirs and making alliances between families…but you're so much more than that. They might be just putting on fronts just like you. Even if they aren't they'll be around to help you and there is nothing wrong in that. Promise me you'll talk to them?" he could see she was drowning; he didn't think a job would cut it, it might help, but not fully. She needed people to lean on, that understood what she was going through…who better than to lean on than family?

"You're a very strange wizard," Cedrella commented, as she stood as well, correctly deducing that Hayden was leaving.

Hayden laughed softly, opening his arms giving her the choice of whether to accept the comfort.

She did.

"Don't you forget it!" Hayden teased her, her black hair fluttering from his breath.

"I'm not sure anyone could." Cedrella said dryly, smiling, he was certainly unique. She was suddenly not at all surprised that Tom and he were related. They were both absolutely terrifying, she thought, recalling the day death himself had shown up, and Hayden had proceeded to complain. They were unlike anyone she'd ever met. She wasn't sure how she could ever forget what happened that day, but she did forget here and there.

"I'll pop by for a visit in a few days, alright? With an answer regardless of what it was." Hayden reassured her, as he stepped back, realizing that it was an improper display for a married woman and an unmarried man to hug as such – even if he was to be family – he didn't want do anything to Cedrella's reputation. Things were all so different here that it was hard to come to grips with, coming from someone who had known only painful touches and reared away from any touches for a time before gleefully accepting any comfort offered to him – as sparing as it was – he'd appreciated it all the same.

"I'll be here," she replied, with a rueful laugh, feeling much lighter than she had in a while.

"Think on what I've said, alright?" Hayden leaned forward and squeezed her shoulder in comfort, "But for now I must depart, I'll see you soon." He promised her, before he left the sitting room, and was guided to the front door by the house-elf who he bid goodbye to, enjoying the look on its face. It reminded him terribly of Dobby and Kreacher in his later years.

Hayden apparated towards Shell Cottage, or rather Shell Manor, he was more used to thinking of Shell Cottage. It's where Bill and Fleur had lived when they got married. He still didn't know how it ended up in the Weasley family, or even for sale to be bought by Bill. His family hadn't been hurting for money, so he did not understand why they'd need to sell Shell Cottage, especially since it had been made for House-elves apparently. What had become of the manor? He hadn't seen any manor, or even remnants of one.

It had been a safe haven for the Weasley's and their allies during the war, and it had been under the Fidelius Charm, with Bill as its Secret Keeper. The smell of lavender wafted through the air, bright purple stalks giving life and beauty to the surrounding area which was bereft of anything except the manor naturally. The rest of the area was rather desolate really, bereft of life.

He recalled the need to get out of the cramped cottage, to feel the cold salty wind on his face. The burden he'd been lamped with weighing him ever downward. The quest he'd been on felt like an unending one, one he feared he'd ultimately fail, what did he know? He was…just a boy, six years of Hogwarts education, how could he possibly bring down Voldemort? Not even Ron and Hermione could possibly understand, much as he loved them, they made the quest harder, faced every day with the knowledge that if he failed…he'd be killing his best friends, the people who'd meant more to him than anything else in this world. More than his future, more than his life.

The sounds of the waves crashing against the cliffs had somehow made everything more bearable oddly enough. The very same sound he was listening to right now, that deep monstrous rumble. To think it still made the exact same noise decades in the future. Still, what had happened to the manor? So many questions he had, and would truly very have an answer. He was in a different time now, he couldn't just ask the goblins what happened to the Potter estate, and wonder when it was suddenly getting sold off.

"You know you could have just gone to the manor, right? They're not going to kill you." Orion said, his voice slightly louder than normal to be heard over the crashing waves. The winds were atrocious up here, behind the wards on the manor it was easier to bear, and less loud too. However, the castle, the House-elves must prefer it that way, since they had their own magic and capabilities of doing some wards.

Hayden positively jumped, wand in hand and pointed at Orion a curse on the tip of his tongue.

"You really shouldn't do that," Hayden warned him, deflating immediately. Grateful that he hadn't come any closer to cursing Orion, as pleasure at seeing him overtook the immediate reaction he had. Scratching at the nape of his neck as he sheepishly pocketed his wand. Malfoy likely had deeply regretted his actions, let's put it that way. Foolish idiot, he wondered if the boys wand had been an heirloom or an item purchased at Ollivander's.

"I wasn't that close when I began speaking," Orion pointed out, more amused than concerned, he was growing used to Hayden's reactions. For anyone else, they would seem extreme, but luckily, he knew the truth, and even the 'fake truth' of an attack before ending up at Grimmauld Place would be enough to deter anyone from finding it an overreaction.

Truth was, he'd been there for a few minutes, just watching Hayden, his clothes and hair whipping in the direction of the wind. His features peaceful, usually he only looked like that when he was sleeping deeply. There was something about this place that settled Hayden, the wind? The water? The cliffs?

"You seem all too thoughtful," Orion prodded, seeking answers without outright asking.

"There was no Shell Manor in my time, it wasn't in my estate holdings, but there was Shell Cottage, it came under ownership of Bill Weasley…it also wasn't in my holdings. I wonder if Dorea and Charlus' son had survived and sold them off…" Hayden mused thoughtfully, "Perhaps he escaped the war and remained gone after it was over…can't say I blame him, if I could have…I would have too."

Orion snorted, "That is utter hogwash." He didn't believe that for a second. "You not doing anything, that's a laugh!" Hayden didn't know how to sit still for more than a few minutes unless he was exhausted. He'd gone from a war to here, and he was still decompressing, Orion reckoned. Not that he knew much or the best, since there was nobody, he could talk to about it, the best he could do was read up about such information. Which isn't easily done, healer journals and books were tediously dry and boring, for those actually interested in matters of the mind.

"Maybe if I had a different life," he conceded with a weak snigger. Feeling rather pleased that Orion knew him well enough to call him out on his bullshit. He was right, Hayden would never leave anyone in need of help, let alone the whole magical world. It's how he'd been raised, despite hardly knowing the wizard, Dumbledore had ensured he got what he wanted. Someone to raise as a pig for the slaughter. Someone who had gone so eagerly to the slaughtering for the 'greater good'.

"Come on, let's get a move on, I don't want us to be late." Orion told him, turning in the direction of the manor, pondering himself for only a moment if Dorea and Charlus had been that much in dire straits that they'd sold Shell Manor. Shaking off those thoughts, there was no point to it taking up room in his mind, for it was a question that would never be answered. "Did you manage to squeeze in a visit to Cedrella after all?"

"I did," Hayden replied, as he walked in sync with Orion, as they got further from the cliffs the bitter edge to the wind died down. "Speaking of which, have you heard anything more about what Tom's doing with the Riddle Estate?"

"Not that I've heard," Orion replied, as they passed over the wards that welcomed them to radius of Shell Manor. "Has something happened that I don't know about?"

"Just wondering since I know Tom wanted to place an orphanage somewhere on the grounds, something that could be used right away since mine won't be functional for at least a year or two." Hayden explained, and he wanted to know if he was actually getting anywhere with it. "It was a really good idea; it means we can help those that need it right now. At least the war has ended, but there will be still a lot of people in need of aid. If we can help our own, the muggles will have more resources for their own."

Orion made a noise of agreement.

"Remind me to write to him later, I'd like to know how it's going and if I can help," Hayden commented, a wide smile splitting across his face as he opened his arms.

A young beaming Cygnus screamed in delight, "HAYDEN!" before running at top speed towards them.

"I can guess who your favourite is," Orion said in faux disappointment, shaking his head sadly.

Cygnus just laughed in merriment, delighting in Orion's sad look, as he jumped at Hayden with all the exuberance of a child that he was.

"Oh, my little swan, I've missed you so much," Hayden confessed squeezing him tightly, before setting him back on his feet. "You're getting bigger every time I see you, how is that possible? It wasn't that long ago!" gesturing to where Cygnus was now on his own body and shaking his head in amazement.

"I've missed you too!" the young boy chirruped.

Hayden smiled, absently rubbing his back, he was so different from when he first saw him, such a quiet sombre little boy. Now he was outgoing, friendly, and just bursting with life. There was hope that Cygnus would be alright after his upbringing, there was no hope for Walburga, he wondered if Alphard would remain the same. He had been on the outskirts of his own family, and have Sirius a lot of gold, defying Walburga (who was essentially running the entire family that contract had ensured that).

"Are you staying for dinner?" Cygnus asked, eyes wide, doleful and hopeful, clutching Hayden's hand in his as they walked home.

"We can't tonight," Hayden said with genuine regret, as he swung their hands, "BUT how about coming to ours for lunch tomorrow?"

Cygnus stared up at Hayden, utterly besotted by the very fact Hayden was treating him like an equal, like he mattered. Even after all this time, a year was a long, long time for a young boy, he was still amazed by the care he was receiving from those around him, particularly Hayden.

"Shall we ask Dorea and Charlus, hmm?" Hayden enquired, smiling fondly when Cygnus eagerly nodded, looking more like a bobble head than anything.

"Yeah!" Cygnus shouted, raising his hand in triumph, they never denied him anything he wanted, and he knew how to use the Floo network, he had used it on his own before. "They have a visitor, she's kind of funny, and looks at me weird." Wrinkling his nose up, he wasn't sure what to think of her yet.

"Oh? Weird how?" Hayden asked, his gaze narrowing speculatively.

"Sad, maybe a little lonely," Cygnus whispered quietly, as if he was afraid of being overheard.

"Out of the mouth of the babes," Orion barely refrained from laughing, not wanting Cygnus to think he was laughing at him. He had always been such a serious little boy; it was still jarring to see what he'd become in such a short amount of time. He was pleased though, and really bloody pissed he hadn't noticed something was wrong, but he had been a sombre boy himself. Admittedly his duties forced that sombreness upon him. He just assumed it was the way Cygnus was, he hadn't realized it was abuse, plain and simple until his eyes were opened.

Grinning so widely, Hayden ambled into the manor with a very attentive soon-to-be husband and a very excitable Cygnus his bleak mood vanishing like tufts of scotch mist. Those bouts of sadness wouldn't happen often, but they would trip him up now and again as the world advanced and more and more people he knew would slowly come into the centre of his world.

However, the love he felt for his husband and children made those little bouts of sadness worthwhile.

The dream of having many children – a house fit to bursting with happy children – would come to fruition.

A/N – if this is a bit jarring it's because half was written before I got ill the rest afterward, I've re-read it myself, and I do believe it's fine, especially considering my mind was a bit fuzzy (not bad going! LOL) but yeah, if you notice anything off or iffy do let me know I do prefer to know about my mistakes especially if they affect the story!

I just need to get this particular plot point tied off before the wedding of Orion and Hayden! I can't wait! It's going to be so much fun! Will we see Cedrella have more than just three boys? Shall we give her the girl she so longs for? How about Dorea? Will Hayden ensure she has more than one boy who may or may not have survived infancy? (I haven't even decided myself LOL) what about Lucretia? Will she be the aunt to everyone's kids and happily so becoming a modern witch or will she have kids of her own? So many choices! Hmm…I've got to add Tom and Antonin in before the next arc too…is there anything else you want to know about before the next time jump? Even if it's something simple like what came of Malfoy, is he fully recovered? Suing him etc…

Also never be afraid to reach out and talk to someone, it truly helps, even if they can't offer help, just listening can be such a weight off xx