Chapter Three, Family, Plots and Foes Oh My!

~ Gringotts, London Bank, November 2nd 1981  ~

While Laufey was with the Goblin Healer, Regulus had called Kreacher ordering him to bring the locket which was promptly destroyed by the goblins and therefore destroying another part of Voldemort. The two Account Managers had contacted the best Goblin Curse Breakers and had tasked them with hunting down the remaining soul pieces; goblin magic aiding them, along with a especially made weapon used only by their best goblin Curse Breakers, made it easier to track Dark Magic than Wizard magic. While in Xeng's office an owl had arrived with a letter addressed to both Regulus and Sirius which Regulus quickly opened.

What it revealed shocked him straight to the core and caused so many emotions to course through him he didn't know where to start. The letter was from Madam Amelia Bones who had been looking over all the previous cases that Crouch Sr had presided over and had come to a shocking revelation pertaining to the court case of Bellatrix Lestrange née Black, Rodolphus Lestrange, Rabastan Lestrange and Barty Crouch Jr.
"Reggie? What's wrong?" Petunia asked worriedly, distracting their son while Charlus busies himself with investing wisely into a variety of businesses (including in the Muggle world which wizards failed to look into), and getting more investors for their potion business. However, she could tell he had a worried ear on their conversation while giving them the semblance of privacy.

"It's from Madam Bones," Regulus confessed, clearing his throat a few times before he read it aloud. It was much simpler than having to pass it around multiple times while they were all in the same room as it was they would have to repeat themselves again when the others returned from Laufey's cleansing, and then again with Auntie Dorea, Aunt Cassiopeia and his grandparents, Caoimhe and Ármann, Great Uncle Regulus I and Aunt Lycoris, and not to mention Marius, if he had agreed to meet with them.

"'Dear Lord and Heir Black,

I apologise for the topic I'm about to divulge to you but as Mrs Bellatrix Lestrange is a scion of your House I feel that you should know the truth. Ever since Lord Black's trial Lord Theseus Scamander and I have been going over each case, each piece of testimony and evidence and even holding trials once again - or for the first time - under Veritaserum and it has revealed some troubling news.

There is no easy way to tell you this but Bellatrix Lestrange née Black never abandoned her family, she was never insane, she never attacked the Longbottoms and never attacked numerous others and never joined Voldemort. That is to say, she never joined or participated in these heinous acts of her own volition. She was under the Imperius Curse placed there by her parents and the late Lady Black, and then when  they passed - or when she fought it - and the spells lifted it was reapplied first by them and then by Voldemort.

Due to these circumstances - which Dowager Longbottom agreed when she heard the testimony under the Truth Potion, and I spoke to her in my office afterwards - Bellatrix's record has been expunged and she has been sent to Hibernia Magnus Memor Hospital in Ireland along with the Longbottoms with the hope they may all recover - somewhat - from this travesty.

Now, as for the male Lestranges and Barty Crouch Jr, Rodolphus has been sentenced to the Veil as he had full awareness of his actions and even used the Imperius Curse on his brother and Barty Jr; however, Rabastan and Barty Crouch Jr - who was found at his father's manor under the Imperius Curse and held prisoner by his father - have also joined Bellatrix and the Longbottoms at the Hospital.

If either of you wish to discuss this further with me then I'll happily set up an appointment.

Sincerely

Madam Amelia Bones
Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.'"

"What would you like to do Reggie?" Charlus asked, Regulus sat thinking about what was best to do while cuddling Freyr who had reached for him - until he came to the most accurate and wise decision he could possibly make in this situation.
"I think it would be best if we finished this and get Laufey and Freyr home and make sure they are protected with all our allies actually on our side. That is something we can actually do; whereas, at the Hospital we would just be getting in the Healers way and it would only hinder their progress, but tomorrow one of us should inform Andy and Cissy and possibly see if we can visit but I doubt it at the moment."

"Perhaps it would be best if Cassiopeia visited the Hospital tomorrow. She is the only one of us with the most knowledge to be able to help the Healers there and that way we have Mia and Dorea at home - or at work if they are scheduled to work - in case Laufey needs them or Merlin forbids Freyr." Petunia suggested, resting a hand on Regulus's thigh rubbing her thumb in small tender circles.
"If I may suggest," Xeng put-forth, "that is probably the wisest decision."
"Very well." Regulus agreed, penning a letter to the Healers at the Hospital on Sirius's behalf knowing his brother as well as he did, he knew that Sirius would be horrified but would ultimately agree with him. 

* * *

~ Gringotts, London Bank ~

An hour later saw Monty, Mia and Sirius - with a sleeping Laufey  in his arms - returning to the office. They could already tell a huge difference as the lightning bolt scar she had gained from that night was healed and was practically nonexistent on her dark skin compared to before when it was like a beacon on her forehead.
"Everything okay?" Petunia asked concerned, bouncing Freyr on her knee as he wanted his cousin while her bright blue eyes assessed her slumbering niece.
"It is now." Sirius assured her, kissing his daughter's forehead. "What's happened?" He asked noting their weary faces; and so Regulus told them of the letter he'd received and how they had acted regarding it, he was thankful they agreed to how they'd all handled things.

"You did the right thing, Reggie." Sirius assured him, clapping him on the shoulder. It seemed that was just the trick to get Regulus to calm down as no sooner had the hand made contact with his shoulder and his brother's words registered within his brain he - Regulus - let out a deep sigh of relief.
"Thanks Siri." Regulus said relieved.
"Right, let's head home. Monty, will you contact Arcturus and Melania, and I'll contact my brother Jabari, Lord of House Moretti, and my great-cousin Zain Lord of House Moyo. Perhaps I may even contact my cousin Alessandro Zabini and his wife Melissa. They have a son just a few months older than Laufey and Freyr." Mia mused.

"Of course my darling." Monty agreed, kissing Mia's temple.
"I wonder if they'll listen when they learn that we have family from five different countries." Petunia wondered, a note of doubt in her voice, as they made their way to the Apparition point after thanking the Goblins for their time and help.
"I doubt it, my love, but we can hope." Regulus stated, smiling lovingly at her and at their son who - like his cousin - had finally given into the calls of slumber.

* * *

~ Potter Manor ~

Arriving back at Potter Manor the Lord and Lady of the Manor immediately got to work penning missives that would be sent immediately either via their fastest owl - towards Arcturus and Melania - and via Mia's house-elf Poppy and Monty's Tooky while this was happening, Petunia put Laufey and Freyr down for their afternoon naps, and the Black brothers helped Charlus and head house-elf Bobby set up extra rooms for their extended family and asked Head cook Zoodey to prepare lunch for a large number and afternoon tea for later.

"Well, today has certainly been a trying day full of fluctuating emotions." Charlus scoffed, once everyone had finally joined them and had revealed what had happened during Gringotts, at Castle Black and the letter from Madam Bones. Aidan (who was twenty years older than his baby cousins) had been unable to join them as he had received an owl from his wife that her labour had started early so he had quickly used the Floo Network at Castle Black but had promised to meet them soon.
"It certainly has. I think it is high time that we contact the I.C.W and inform them of what their so-called leader is doing." Alessandro sneered, his Italian accent thickening as a fierce scowl appeared on his face.

"That, I think we can all agree too." Monty replied with a nod of his head. "Did Narcissa reply? I know Andromeda is back in the fold as she as the Black family Lawyer has been noting everything down to sue the Ministry, Crouch Sr and Dumbledore, but what of Narcissa as she's married to Malfoy."
"She did." Melania said, after an elegant sip of her tea, she leaned forwards to place her cup and saucer back on the coffee table before she continued. "She sent word with her House-elf Dobby that she will stand with her family and try to get Lucius checked by the Goblin Healers. She fears that if Bellatrix, Rabastan and Barty Crouch Jr. can be compelled to do what they did she fears the same has happened to Lucius. But she also assured us that no matter what she will remain a Black and stand with her family and bring Draco to meet his baby cousins soon."

"Then it is agreed that we send a discreet letter to Lord Esposito as he is high enough up in the I.C.W to help us and begin a trial for Dumbledore while sending their Aurors to look for Pettigrew but is also not in Dumbledore's pocket." Monty stated firmly.
"Grandson, where do you think this traitorous rat could be hiding?" Arcturus asked Sirius. "And what of Remus?"
"Knowing him as I unfortunately do," Sirius groused a dark look in his eyes, "he will be hiding in rat form with a Wizarding family to keep an ear on what's happening and about my daughter. It'll most definitely be a light family and most likely someone who has children attending Hogwarts or those of....

Shit! I know where he is! Tookey!" Sirius exclaimed alarmed, jumping to his feet as he called for his house-elf and ignoring his grandmother's, aunt Dorea (Aunt Cassiopeia just cackled at him and ignored her sister's reprimands to not encourage him), and Mia's reprimands for his language.
"How can Tookey help Master Dogman?" Tookey asked when he appeared before Sirius with a bow (he was Dobby's brother and had the same mischievous mannerisms as his younger brother).

"I need you to discreetly go to the Weasleys and capture their brown rat, please." Sirius ordered quickly. "Make sure he doesn't escape no matter what either in rat form or human form, bind him if you must, and make sure no one sees you otherwise Molly will stop you. I then want you to take him to Madam Bones of the DMLE but make sure she's alone when you do and inform her the rat is Peter Pettigrew and he was hiding as a rat with the Weasleys."
"Of course." Tookey agreed seriously, all mischievousness forgotten as he bowed leaving to fulfil his duty to his boss and to Laufey who he absolutely adored. As soon as Tookey had Disapparated, Sirius slumped back into his armchair in relief; one for down, two to go.

"As for Remus, he's still completing that stupid mission Dumbledore ordered to infiltrate the werewolves for the Luna pack in the Black Forest and isn't due back for another ten days, so the 12th of November." Sirius informed them. "But I did send an owl this morning telling him to come here as soon as possible."
"Very well." Uncle Regulus I sighed, as that wasn't ideal but there wasn't much they could do right now. "I shall get started on the Wolfsbane potion for him and perhaps see if I can create a better version then what Flavius Belby came up with." He rolled his eyes at this. Flavius was a good Potion Master but he often looked for the easiest option to create his potions and not the best so they often didn't last as long as the better ones out there. "Monty, perhaps you and I can combine our efforts." He suggested to the Potter Lord who he idolised and looked up to.

Although he himself was a skilled Potion Master, Fleamont Potter was in a league all on his own and no one else has been able to measure up to his brilliance.
"I look forward to it!" Monty beamed, a wicked grin on his face while his siblings Arcturus and Lycoris sighed, along with Charlus.
"Oh no." The trio sighed, heads in their hands.
"Was corrupting our sweet nephew Alphard not enough brother dear." Lycoris said sweetly but the look in her silver-grey eyes said anything but.
"Sweet sister, I have no idea what you mean." Regulus I replied innocently, while Sirius and Regulus II just laughed at their aunt and uncle; however, Sirius had a guilty look on his face which Marius (having been informed on what had happened in his family since he was kicked out at eleven) nipped in the bud straight away.
"Sirius," Marius commanded in a firm voice.

"What happened to Alphard was not your fault. It was your mother's, my brother's and nephew Cygnus III's fault. Never yours. Yes Alphard chose to help you but that does not mean that his fate at the hands of his sister, brother and father is your fault." Despite looking a little relieved that his family didn't blame him for the death of his Uncle Alphard, Sirius didn't look wholly convinced but nodded his head regardless. Seeing this Lord Áki Pekkanen chose to change the subject to allow Sirius time to digest this and come to terms with it in his own time, which he knew would be soon now he knew that no one blamed him.

"Now that is one foe down," Lord Áki stated, "I think we should all start a Blood Feud with them."
"Excellent idea!" Lord Aengus agreed, slicing his hand with his wand as he issued the Blood Feud with Dumbledore, Pettigrew and Crouch Sr. One by one all the wizards and witches and Marius and Petunia (despite being Squibs they had enough magic to complete this vow which would hold in effect for any descended of theirs should they have magic, like Freyr for example) completed the ritual of the Blood Feud ending with Sirius as father of Laufey. 

"I, Sirius Orion Black the Third, Lord of House Black and father of Heiress Laufey Potter-Black issue an everlasting Blood Feud with House Dumbledore for the crimes against my daughter, my House and myself. I also decree a Blood Feud with the minor House Pettigrew for birthing a traitor who had a hand in killing my Blood-Brother and his wife and for harming my daughter.

I decree a Blood Feud with House Crouch but only pertaining to Crouch Sr for aiding Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore in his crimes against my daughter, my House, my cousin Bellatrix Lestrange née Black, and myself. So I have said, so mote it be!" With the last part of the vow a golden light filled the room flashing over each family member as Mother Magic accepted their vows and went ahead with the Blood Feuds that everyone in the Wizarding World would soon know. Especially as within a few days Aidan and his wife would also complete the Blood Feud ritual once she had recovered from her birth, and these types of rituals are recorded at Gringotts and at the Halls of Records in every Ministry.

"I'd love to see Dumbledore try and worm out of our accusations with the backing of the Italian, Southern Irish, Zimbabwean and Norwegian Ministries." Melissa commented as she reentered the lounge with a shawl covering her chest as she fed her son Blaise to protect her modesty.
"Oh, knowing him he will try and will no doubt manipulate and use any means necessary to get what he wants." Lady Aisling Lynch scoffed.
"Yes, but when he does we will be ready for him." Lady Alda Pekkanen said with a blood thirsty smile upon her face.
"Usapho Ngalo Ionke ixesha!" Jabari announced in Xhosa, uttering his mother's family's motto as he shared a look with his younger sister Euphemia, identical blood thirsty smirks adorning their lips.

"Usapho Ngalo Ionke ixesha!" Mia repeated. "It's our family motto from our mother's family and means 'Family Always' in Xhosa." She explained to everyone as only her husband knew how to speak it. When she and her brother had been young their mother had wanted them to learn their heritage and language as well as Italian from their father. She had made sure to teach James and she would do the same for her sweet granddaughter as well, and perhaps Freyr if that is what Petunia and Regulus wanted.
"That is a much better family motto than Toujours Pur." Marius voiced with a shit-eating grin, clearly saying 'stuff you' to the family (his parents, aunt and uncle) who had kicked him out as a child for being a Squib.

"That it is, brother. That it is!"
"That it is, Uncle Marius. That it is!" Sirius and Cassiopeia agreed with an identical grin on their faces causing Arcturus to groan dramatically with his head in his hands to the amusement of everyone else.
"Great, now there's three of them!" He cried frantically. "Why must our ancestors and Mother Magic hate me so much!"
"There there husband!" Melania crooned, patting his head which only descended the room into laughter at Arcturus's expense.

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Author's note: DO NOT ask me to update in any way shape or form. There are other ways of telling me what you thought of this. If the Xhosa is wrong I apologise as I used Google translate so please correct me if it is and I will change it.

Extra Cast:

Giancarlo Esposito as Lord Jabari Moretti

Percelle Ascott as Lord Zain Moyo

Will Smith as Lord Alessandro Zabini

Halle Berry as Lady Melissa Zabini née Bruno.