Eduardus stood in the hallway of Grimmauld Place, the eerie silence of the old house weighing heavily on him. As he ascended the creaking stairs to go to his bedroom to get ready for the day, he heard a muffling sound from the direction of his parent's room. His heart pounded as he approached the door and opened it slightly, just enough to peer inside.

"Kreacher," Eduardus whispered, feeling the familiar presence of the house-elf beside him. "What is that noise?"

Kreacher appeared, taking Eduardus's hand in his small, wrinkled one. "Master Eduardus, inside this room is a portrait of Mistress Walburga, your mother. It contains her essence. She... she screams and speaks ill of people. Kreacher did not want to disturb you with her presence."

Eduardus nodded, taking a deep breath. "I need to confront her, Kreacher. I need answers."

Kreacher's grip tightened, his eyes filled with concern. "Be careful, Master Eduardus. She is not the mother you remember."

Eduardus gently pushed the door open and stepped inside. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with melancholy. A large, ornate portrait of Walburga Black hung on the wall. Her eyes closed as if in restless sleep, but as Eduardus approached, they snapped open.

"Who dares enter my sanctum?" Walburga's voice was shrill and accusatory, but her expression softened, her eyes widening in disbelief. "Regulus? My dear, beloved son... but you're a child again. How is this possible?"

Eduardus took a step closer, his heart aching at the sight of his mother. "Mother, it's me. I've returned. But I need to know... why didn't you help Sirius? Why did you abandon him?"

Walburga's face twisted with disdain at the mention of Sirius. "That traitor! He disgraced our family, consorting with Mudbloods and blood traitors. He deserved what he got."

Eduardus felt a surge of anger. "No, Mother! Sirius did not deserve to be abandoned. He was your son, too. How could you turn your back on him?"

Walburga's voice rose, filled with venom. "Sirius was no son of mine! He betrayed everything we stood for!"

Eduardus clenched his fists, his voice trembling with emotion. "Enough! I won't let you poison my mind or this house any longer. Sirius is my brother, and I will not allow you to speak ill of him."

With that, Eduardus turned on his heel and left the room, slamming the door behind him. He leaned against the wall, taking deep, steadying breaths. Kreacher appeared beside him, his eyes filled with sympathy.

"Master Eduardus," Kreacher said softly. "What will you do now?"

Eduardus straightened, his resolve firm. "Kreacher, as the Heir of the Black Family, I want you to either put my mother's portrait away in the basement or destroy it. I don't want any toxicity in my new life. For my mental health, she must be gone."

Kreacher bowed deeply. "As you wish, Master Eduardus. Kreacher will take care of it."

Eduardus watched Kreacher enter the room, carefully removing the portrait from the wall. He felt a sense of relief wash over him, knowing that he was taking steps to create a healthier environment for himself. As Kreacher carried the portrait away, Eduardus knew this was only the beginning of his journey to reclaiming his life and finding peace.

Kreacher carefully carried Walburga's portrait through the winding corridors of Grimmauld Place, her shrill screams echoing off the walls. The portrait's weight seemed heavier than usual, burdened with the evil spirit of the woman who had once ruled the Black family with an iron fist.

"Kreacher! Kreacher, take me back this instant!" Walburga's voice screeched from the canvas. "I must speak to Regulus! He needs to understand!"

Kreacher's steps were steady, his grip on the portrait firm. For once in his long life of servitude, he ignored his Mistress's direct orders. His loyalty to Eduardus, the boy he had seen grow into a brave young man, outweighed any fear or obligation he felt towards Walburga.

As he reached the cellar, Kreacher's resolve hardened. He placed the portrait against a stone wall in a secluded corner, dimly casting eerie shadows across Walburga's painted face.

"Kreacher, how dare you! Take me back at once!" Walburga's voice rose in fury, but Kreacher remained unmoved.

"Master Regulus has suffered enough," Kreacher said quietly, his voice trembling with emotion. "Kreacher will not allow MistressMistress to harm him again. Master Regulus deserves peace."

Kreacher summoned a small, controlled flame with a wave of his hand. Walburga's eyes widened in horror as the fire began to lick at the edges of the canvas.

"No! Kreacher, you traitorous elf! Stop this madness!" Walburga's screams grew louder, but Kreacher's determination did not waver.

The fire spread quickly, consuming the portrait. Walburga's visage twisted and contorted, her screams becoming more desperate and incoherent. Kreacher watched, his heart heavy but persistent, as the flames reduced the canvas to ashes.

"Master Regulus is back," Kreacher whispered to the dying embers. "Kreacher will protect him. Kreacher will not fail him again."

Kreacher felt a strange sense of liberation as the last remnants of the portrait crumbled into dust. Walburga's oppressive presence was lifted, leaving behind a space that could finally be filled with hope and healing.

Kreacher turned and returned to Eduardus, ready to serve his young Master with renewed purpose and unwavering loyalty. For the first time in years, the future seemed brighter, and Kreacher was determined to ensure that Eduardus would never have to face the darkness alone again.

Kreacher meets up with Eduardus and sees that his young Master is dressed comfortably.

"Kreacher. Take me to Diagon Alley so I can get my school supplies?" Eduardus asked, looking at Kreacher.

" Yes, Master Eduardus. Kreacher shall take Master Eduardus to Diagon Alley." Kreacher takes Eduardus' hand in his, and the two disappear.

Eduardus and Kreacher reappeared at the alleyway and walked towards the busy street. They walked through the bustling streets of Diagon Alley, the vibrant energy of the wizarding marketplace washing over them. Eduardus felt excitement and trepidation as they made their way to Gringotts. Today, he would take his Inheritance Test with Kabruk and get his Heir ring.

Upon entering the grand marble building, one of the Goblins directed them to Kabruk's office. The goblin looked up as they entered, a cunning glint in his eyes. "Ah, Eduardus, Kreacher. Welcome back. Are you ready for your Inheritance Test?"

Eduardus nodded. "Yes, Kabruk. Let's get started."

Kabruk led them to a side room with a large, ornate bowl on a pedestal. "Place your hand in the bowl, Eduardus. It will take a few drops of your blood to confirm your lineage."

Eduardus did as instructed, feeling a slight sting as the bowl took his blood sample. The liquid inside the bowl glowed briefly before settling into a deep, shimmering red. Kabruk examined the results, looked at Eduardus knowingly, and nodded.

"As expected, you are the son of Sirius Black, which makes you the Heir of the Black Family. This means you are entitled to wear the Heir Ring, which is enchanted to protect you from dark Magic and curses."

Kabruk presented a sleek black ring inlaid with a silver emblem of the Black family crest. Eduardus slipped it onto his finger, feeling a warm, protective aura envelop him.

"Thank you, Kabruk," Eduardus said, his voice steady with newfound confidence.

"You're welcome, young master," Kabruk replied. "Would you like to know what you inherited from your father, who is currently in Azkaban?" He asked.

Eduardus and Kreacher looked at one another. Eduardus looked back at Kabruk and nodded.

Kabruk cleared his throat, his voice a gravelly rumble. "Master Eduardus, as the Heir of Sirius Black and due to his current incarceration in Azkaban, you have inherited several key assets and responsibilities. I will outline them for you."

He opened a giant, elaborate archive and began to read from it, the pages filled with intricate Goblin script.

"Firstly, you are now the primary beneficiary of the Black family vaults at Gringotts. This includes significant financial assets, gold, and various family heirlooms. The Black family vault is one of our establishment's oldest and most secure."

Kabruk glanced up to gauge Eduardus's reaction before continuing. "Additionally, you inherit the ancestral home of the Black family, Number 12 Grimmauld Place. As you know, this property has been your family's seat for generations. As the Heir, you are responsible for maintaining and protecting it."

Eduardus nodded, a sense of responsibility settling over him. Kreacher's grip on his hand tightened, offering silent encouragement.

"Furthermore," Kabruk continued, "you have inherited the family's collection of Dark artifacts and magical items. These are housed both at Grimmauld Place and within the vault. You must handle these items with care and discretion."

Eduardus's brow furrowed slightly. "Dark artifacts?"

"Yes," Kabruk confirmed, his tone serious. "Items of considerable power and danger. It would be wise to seek advice before attempting to use or dispose of any of them."

Kreacher whispers to Eduardus. "Your parents own a Boggart. It's in a room."

Eduardus paled, learning about Boggarts in his Defense Against the Dark Arts class. He looks at Kabruk in concern.

"Does Gringotts have a Specialist that can get rid of the Boggart that my parents owned?" He asked.

"We do have a Specialist. However, it will cost you," Kabruk looks at Eduardus.

"That's fine. Take the amount from the Black Family Vault." Eduardus nodded.

Kabruk nodded, deciding to communicate with the Specialist when Eduardus left.

Kabruk flipped another page in the ledger. "You also inherit the title of Heir of the Black Family, which has certain magical protections and responsibilities. This includes the Black family heir ring, which is enchanted to protect you from dark Magic and curses. The ring will recognize you as the rightful Heir and provide a measure of safety."

Eduardus looked at the ring on his finger and smiled.

"Finally," Kabruk said, closing the ledger, "you inherit any outstanding debts or obligations held by Sirius Black. There are no known debts, but you must ensure the family's financial affairs remain in order."

Eduardus took a deep breath, absorbing the weight of his new responsibilities. "Thank you, Kabruk," he said quietly. "I will do my best to honor the Black family name."

Kabruk nodded approvingly. "I believe you will, Master Eduardus. Gringotts is at your service if you require any assistance or advice."

"Now, you should take money from your family vault to buy your school supplies." He looked at Eduardus knowingly.

Eduardus nodded, thanking Kabruk for helping him out. He leaves his office with Kreacher and looks at his Heir ring again. He smiled, happy to be wearing this ring again since it disappeared when he died the first time.

After withdrawing a generous amount of gold from the vault, Eduardus and Kreacher exited Gringotts. They headed towards Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions to get fitted for his new school robes.

The shop was bustling with young witches and wizards preparing for their first year at Hogwarts. Eduardus's eyes scanned the room, and to his surprise, he recognized his older cousin, Narcissa Black, now known as Lady Narcissa Malfoy. She stood with a boy his age, doting on him with evident affection.

Eduardus watched from a distance, a soft smile playing on his lips. He felt a warmth in his chest, seeing Narcissa as a mother. The boy beside her was receiving a fitting for his Hogwarts robes, and as Eduardus drew closer, he overheard their conversation.

"Draco, hold still," Narcissa chided gently, adjusting the boy's robes. "We want these to fit perfectly for your first year at Hogwarts."

Eduardus's smile widened. He remembered the many conversations he had had with Narcissa about the name Draco, a name inspired by their mutual fascination with dragons.

He approached the counter, pretending to be engrossed in selecting fabrics. Narcissa glanced up, and their eyes met. She looked at him curiously for a moment as if sensing something familiar.

"Excuse me," Eduardus said, trying to sound casual. "Is this your son? His name is Draco, correct?"

Narcissa nodded, a proud smile on her face. "Yes, this is my son, Draco Malfoy."

Eduardus felt a pang of nostalgia. "It's a wonderful name. I've always thought highly of it."

Narcissa's eyes softened. "Thank you. Draco has always been a special name to me."

Draco looked up, curious about the stranger talking to his mother. "Are you a first-year too?" he asked.

Eduardus nodded. "Yes, I am. My name is Eduardus Black."

Narcissa's eyes widened slightly at the mention of the name Black, but she quickly composed herself. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Eduardus. I hope you and Draco become good friends at Hogwarts."

Eduardus smiled, feeling a kinship with his cousin and her son. "I hope so too, Lady Malfoy."

As Narcissa and Draco walked towards the exit, Eduardus turned to Kreacher, who had been watching the exchange with a proud expression. "She named him Draco," Eduardus mused softly. "Do you think she did it in honor of me?"

Kreacher nodded. "Kreacher believes so, Master Eduardus. Lady Narcissa always held you in high regard."

Eduardus felt a renewed sense of purpose. Although his family might be broken, there was hope for new beginnings and reconciliations.

He stood by the counter, watching as his cousin Narcissa and her son Draco exited Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. His heart swelled with a fondness for Narcissa and amusement at Draco's arrogant demeanor, as the boy not only looked like Narcissa's husband, Lucius, but also acted like him. Once they were out of sight, he was ready to continue shopping.

As he turned, his eyes fell upon a boy standing awkwardly on a stool, being fitted for robes. The boy's messy, dark hair and round glasses were strikingly familiar. Eduardus's heart skipped a beat as he realized the boy bore an uncanny resemblance to James Potter, Sirius's best friend. But what caught Eduardus's attention were the boy's eyes—emerald green, just like Lily's.

'Could it be?' He wondered, feeling a mixture of curiosity and excitement. 'That must be Harry Potter Kreacher has told me about.' He smiled.

'The boy who defeated Voldemort as a baby.' Eduardus's mind raced as he approached, wanting to know more about this young wizard with such a powerful legacy.

Eduardus took a deep breath and approached the boy with a friendly smile. "Hello," he said, his voice warm and inviting. "You must be getting ready for Hogwarts too."

Harry looked up, slightly startled, but then smiled shyly. "Yes, I am. It's my first year."

"Mine too," Eduardus replied, extending his hand. "I'm Eduardus Black. But you can call me Eddie."

"Harry Potter," Harry said, shaking Eduardus's hand. "Nice to meet you."

"The pleasure is mine," Eduardus said, his eyes twinkling with genuine interest. "I couldn't help but notice—you look a lot like someone I have seen pictures of."

Harry's curiosity was piqued. "Really? Who?"

Eduardus hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully. "My Father's best friend, James Potter. He was a great wizard. And your eyes, they are that of his wife, Lily. They were good people."

Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "You knew my parents?"

Eduardus nodded, feeling a pang of sadness. "Yes, I did. They were courageous and kind. Your father and my father were like brothers themselves. I'm sorry for what happened to them."

Harry looked down for a moment, then back up at Eduardus. "Thank you. I don't know much about them, just from what Hagrid has told me. I have lived in what Hagrid called the Muggle World for ten years. Today is my birthday, to be exact." He smiled.

Eduardus looked at Harry with mixed emotions when he learned the boy had lived in the Muggle World after his parents' death. He couldn't help but wonder who thought it was a good idea to leave a famous infant with powerful Magic in their DNA in a world where he had heard horrors of Muggles killing their Muggleborn children, believing they were demons.

His expression softened when hearing that today was Harry's birthday.

"Happy Birthday, Harry. After my fitting, we can hang out and celebrate your birthday if you like?" He asked.

Harry's face brightened. "That would be great. Thank you, Eddie."

"I can tell you more about your parents. And about Hogwarts. It can be overwhelming, but it's also a wonderful place." Eduardus genuinely smiled.

Harry didn't know how to say or feel. Before meeting Eduardus, he prayed to any God out there to see if they could send him someone to make him feel comfortable in the Wizarding world.

"I would like that very much. Thank you." He warmly smiled.

Eduardus nodded, feeling a sense of purpose and connection. "It's my pleasure, Harry. We can look out for each other at Hogwarts."

As Madam Malkin finished Harry's fitting and turned to help Eduardus, the two boys continued talking, forming a friendship that would become essential in the challenging days ahead. Eduardus felt a deep sense of responsibility towards Harry and silently vowed to protect and support him, just as his brother, now father, would have wanted.