26 th June 1995
Remus watched as Andy greeted Augusta with a warm hug as she exited the floo and wondered at what had happened between the women who had taken part in the ritual. They all seemed more connected. Andy and Dora had been inseparable since they'd arrived at the Black Estate in the hours after the battle.
The past couple of days had been chaos.
Moody had taken control at Hogwarts until Minerva had arrived back at the school. She had been heartbroken at the death of Albus and dismayed at the news about Snape but had rallied and accepted the wards. She was overseeing the repairs to the school assisted by Filius and Pomona, and a particularly talkative dragon painting in her new office.
The students and their families had been sent home from the Black Estate. Some needed to deal with the heartbreak of losses and changed circumstances; some to simply absorb the reality of what had happened.
Remus had retreated that first night to the Black Estate; to his wife. He and Dora had slept together tightly holding onto each other, their hands resting over the precious gift of their unborn child.
He'd spent much of the previous day with his pack. They'd lost two members to vampires and his beta, Patrick, had lost a leg. He'd spent time with those grieving; with Patrick who was surprisingly upbeat and being looked after by an attentive Sian.
And the whole time he'd worried about Sirius and Harry.
It had only been after dinner that he'd had a chance to look at the mail and seen the notice of Nott's surrender and remembered the way Nott had died. Which dragged his mind back to the present and the reason why they were there; to see Theo who had gone home with the Longbottoms and Blaise Zabini after the battle and the news of his father's death.
"Thank you for welcoming us, Augusta." Andy said. "We only got the official notice last night that Lord Nott had surrendered to the House and with Sirius and Harry…" her voice caught and she had to take a breath, "well, things are at sixes and sevens."
"It's only to be expected." Augusta said diplomatically. Her eyes were clear if tired as they met Remus's. "Have you heard anything from Sirius?"
"Not from Sirius but Helen Jordan was able to send a message to say that they had arrived safely and they were healing. Harry's injuries are very serious though and she was certain that they'd probably spend a fair amount of time at the clinic before returning." Remus confirmed.
He expected that Sirius and Harry would only return when Harry was well enough to deal with the aftermath in England. It was comforting to know that they could take the time they needed but also that Remus and the others only had to survive a week without them thanks to the magic of the time bubble. Although, Remus mused dryly, the absence of them was already all too noticeable.
"Any news on Lucius? Narcissa's elf informed me they were still at Saint Mungo's when I enquired this morning." Augusta asked as she led them through the house.
"They saved his leg but the nerve damage was extensive." Andy replied. "He'll need a cane for actual use rather than vanity in the future." She paused. "How is Theodore?"
Augusta's eyes dimmed with sadness. "He's been quiet since he heard the news. I was granted temporary custody yesterday by the Wizarding Orphan Office until the will reading and the matter of custody could be established, but of course the notice of surrender changes things."
She led them through the house to the conservatory.
The three boys were gathered around a table; Neville and Blaise were playing cards whereas Theo was reading. All three looked wan and pale. Remus made a mental note to talk to Augusta about mind healing before they left.
Theo set his book aside and stood immediately as soon as he realised who had entered. "Madame Tonks. Mister Lupin."
Neville scrambled to greet them properly and the next few moments were a haze of greetings.
Augusta cleared her throat. "Neville, Blaise; why don't you take your card game to the library while our guests speak to Theodore."
"That's alright, Madame Longbottom." Theo said quickly. "They can stay."
Augusta nodded regally. "Tea then."
They all sat at the table as a house elf popped in with a tea-tray.
"Our apologies, Theodore." Andy began once the tea was poured and Remus had updated the boys on Harry and Sirius after a quiet enquiry from Neville. "We only received official word last night that the House of Nott had surrendered to our House."
Theo inclined his head. "I had wondered if Father hadn't been able to make the declaration before Voldemort killed him."
Remus frowned. "Your father planned this?"
"He…" Theo paused, collecting himself and Remus watched as the teenager visibly wrestled back his grief. "We'd talked about it at Easter and in letters. Father didn't want to even pretend to be on Riddle's side anymore and he knew Riddle wouldn't just allow him to leave. He expected to die and…we have no close family left." He pressed his lips together as his eyes shone briefly with tears. "He wanted to make sure I would have a guardian…he admired Lord Black a great deal and the way he'd dealt with the Wenlocks."
"Well, your situation is a bit different." Andy said and glanced over at Remus silently handing him the baton.
"Magic recognised the motivation in your father's action. The House surrendered but it is magically in the care of the House of Black until you come of age. I believe, and Gringotts agree with me, that you'll be able to claim your Head of House ring once you've completed your service to the House of Potter." Remus explained.
Theo breathed in sharply. He absently touched the Heir ring he wore. "Father had some old diaries from his grandfather. He theorised a voluntary surrender – that the intent would make a difference. Wenlock acted against the interests of the family magic but my father acted in my protection and the wider wizarding world's. We were hopeful but it's good to know it worked."
"Which brings us onto the matter of custody." Andy said briskly. "The WOO acknowledged that the surrender means you are automatically a ward of the House of Black. In Sirius's absence, Simeon and I spoke about your circumstances this morning. We can wait until Sirius is back, of course, but you're a young man and we'd like to take your wishes into consideration."
"My Father and I discussed it." Theo confirmed, reaching for his cup. He took a small sip of tea and set the crockery aside again. "My Father ideally wanted Lord Black to raise me but…" he grimaced, "he knew Lord Black's priority is Potter – Harry, and he knew that I would never want to…imposeon that relationship." He gestured vaguely, stopping them all from speaking. "Look, I'm sure if I insisted on it, Black would take me in and Potter would welcome me, and they'd both do their best to make me a part of their family. How could they not? They're honourable and good people."
"But?" prompted Remus gently when the pause went on slightly too long for comfort.
"But they shouldn't have to." Theo said bluntly. "And Harry deserves better than having to share his father with someone just when he needs him the most. I won't be the one who forces him to do that. I want to build a good relationship with Harry for the future and this…this could harm that."
"Then you have another solution." Andy said before anyone else could comment.
"Yes," Theo said taking a breath and meeting Andy's eyes across the table, "I would be honoured if you would undertake my ward-ship on behalf of the House of Black, Madame Tonks."
"I would be honoured to have you as my ward, Theodore." Andy said fiercely.
A brief look of relief flitted across Theo's face.
It was a good solution, Remus mused.
He couldn't deny that Theo had hit on Remus's own concerns; Harry needed Sirius's whole attention, deserved it after all he'd gone through at the Dursleys and with the events of the last year. And Sirius instinctively knew that. He'd made Harry his whole world and Harry thrived with Sirius's love. Perhaps when Harry was older, he'd feel more comfortable sharing Sirius. Remus hoped so because Sirius deserved to find love and have more in his life than simply Harry, who would grow up and live his own life in time.
Just like Dora was a grown woman, married and about to have a child of her own. She wouldn't view Theo's presence in her family as usurping her own position. In fact, Remus had an idea Dora would love the addition of a pseudo little brother to tease – moreso than Draco who was still adjusting to the imminent arrival of his unborn sibling and who would resent the presence of another boy in the Malfoy household.
Andy and Ted were the best option for Theo. Sirius and Harry would also be very much appreciative about Theo's thoughtfulness in his choice, so it was one which served the young Nott well.
It was an elegant and Slytherin solution.
"Thank you, Theo." Remus said softly.
Theo inclined his head. "Will I…the will and…" he shot a quick look towards Augusta, "Madame Longbottom and I were due to go to Gringotts today and see about the…the funeral."
Remus nodded. "I can take care of the logistics as steward."
Another fleeting look of relief crossed Theo's face.
"I suggest we go to Gringotts now." Andy said. "We can get the access to your house sorted out. Ted and I can always move in with you…"
"No." Theo shook his head. "I'd prefer to…I'd like to go home with you."
"Then that's what we'll do." Andy said firmly.
Augusta rose from the table. "Let me show you to Theo's room; we can pack up the few things he has here."
Remus watched quietly as Theo left the room, sandwiched between the two formidable women.
"Remus," Neville sat forward with intent eyes, "I was wondering if you'd heard anything from the Abbotts?"
Remus repressed the urge to sigh and nodded. "Hannah was admitted to the care of Saint Mungo's after the battle. It's been established that she was subjected to potions and compulsion charms to make her compliant and receptive to Crouch but the extent of that is not known. She was thoroughly brainwashed by him either way."
It wasn't the worst of it though and Remus would rather have cut his own throat than tell Neville the rest; that Crouch and Hannah had been physically intimate and there was a possibility of a child. Hannah had invoked the last Heir protocols on her committal to the hospital. Her parents were forbidden from interfering if there was a child.
"So it was all a lie." Neville said despondent.
"She was sweet on you earlier in the Summer, I'd swear on it." Blaise countered, patting Neville on the shoulder. "Just…"
"Crouch got his hooks into her." Neville sighed heavily and looked up at Remus again. "Do they…please can you convey that if they need anything at all, the Abbotts only have to ask?"
"I will do." Remus promised.
"How's Sue?" asked Blaise.
"Amelia said she was upset but coming to terms with everything with the help of her family." Remus said.
"Sue said she was going to need a tonne of mind healing." Neville noted. He rubbed his forehead. "I feel like I could do with some myself."
Remus nodded slowly. Probably everyone who had been involved with the battle required some – including himself. His own confrontation with Peter had left him confused and bewildered the more he thought about it. And then seeing Harry… "We could all do with some."
"All do with some what?" Augusta asked as she rejoined them.
"Mind healing." Remus said. "The battle was traumatic for everyone involved."
Augusta glanced at the two boys at the table. "Your thoughts, Neville?"
"I think it would be a good idea, Gran." Neville admitted without prevarication. "Harry speaks well of Healer Allen."
"Then I will owl him to make an appointment for you and for Blaise."
Blaise looked startled. "I, uh, I don't think my mother will…"
"Nonsense." Augusta cut in briskly. "After all, your mother was clear in her letter yesterday that until her return from the Continent she is content to leave all matters of your care in, what did she say? Ah, yes; my capable hands." She smiled sharply. "I believe this falls under my jurisdiction at the present moment."
Blaise snapped his open mouth closed and smiled brightly.
Neville beamed proudly at his grandmother.
Augusta nodded. "Why don't you boys head up and change your clothes? We'll go to Gringotts with Theodore and show him some support."
Neville and Blaise both jumped to follow her order.
Augusta sighed, and with their departure her demeanour changed. She looked tired and drawn. "They're good boys." She frowned. "I was thinking of petitioning Nora Zabini to allow Blaise to remain here this Summer."
"I think that would be a good idea." Remus said. Neville would appreciate his friend's company and Blaise would benefit from actual parental care.
Augusta nodded slowly. "I know Harry was injured and I know they need the time away but I wish Sirius and Harry could be with us."
Remus sighed. "Me too, Augusta, me too."