Harry Potter-A New Future

I am 15 chapters ahead on my patreón, check it out if you are interested.

https://www.patréon.com/emperordragon

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Chapter 9: The Return of a Black

Dorea Potter sat by the window of her home, staring out at the frost-covered garden. The fire crackled warmly in the hearth, but it did little to chase away the chill that had settled over her since the attack. Charlus was resting in the next room, his injuries healed, though his energy was slow to return.

The roar of the Floo network startled her, and she turned sharply, wand in hand. Green flames flared in the fireplace, and a tall figure stepped through, brushing soot from his black traveling cloak.

"Arcturus," Dorea said, her voice a mixture of surprise and relief.

Her older brother stepped into the room, his imposing presence filling the space. His silver-streaked black hair was neatly combed, and his sharp gray eyes swept over her with a mix of concern and determination.

"Dorea," he greeted, his voice as steady as ever. "It's been too long."

She placed her wand down and crossed the room. "You've been gone a long time, Arcturus. Why now?"

He grasped her shoulders briefly, his gaze searching. "Because you're my sister. News of the attack reached me even in exile. I won't stand by while you and Charlus are targeted."

Dorea gestured for him to sit, and they settled into chairs by the fire. The flickering light cast shadows across Arcturus's lined face, but his bearing remained regal, commanding.

"How's Charlus?" he asked, his tone softening.

"He's resting," she said. "Fully healed, thanks to... someone."

"The mysterious wizard," Arcturus said knowingly. "The one who took down an entire group of Death Eaters and scared off a swarm of Dementors. The Ministry's been buzzing about him."

"Yes," Dorea said cautiously, her thoughts flickering to the young man who had appeared out of nowhere to save them.

Arcturus leaned forward, his sharp eyes narrowing. "And you trust him?"

Dorea hesitated before replying. "He saved our lives, Arcturus. Without him, Charlus would be dead. I don't know who he is or why he helped us, but I'm grateful."

Her brother studied her for a moment before nodding. "Gratitude is fair, but caution is wiser. Such power is rare, especially in one so young. And his methods—lethal and efficient—are not the actions of an ordinary wizard."

Dorea glanced at the fire, the image of their savior's glowing green eyes and serpent-shaped Patronus flashing in her mind. "He's... different," she murmured.

Arcturus didn't respond immediately. Instead, he shifted the conversation. "The attack is a symptom of a greater illness, Dorea. The wizarding world is in chaos. The Ministry is weak, the Death Eaters act with impunity, and even our family—House Black—has become a disgrace."

Dorea frowned. "What are you saying, Arcturus?"

Her brother's expression darkened. "I left after Melania's death, thinking Orion could manage the family. But what do I see now? Bellatrix is a fanatic, Andromeda is cast out, and Narcissa is tied to that Malfoy boy. And Sirius..."

Dorea's eyes hardened. "Sirius is a good boy, Arcturus. He has a kind heart."

"He's reckless," Arcturus said bluntly. "That recklessness will be his undoing."

"And whose fault is that?" Dorea shot back. "You abandoned the family when it needed you most. You left, Arcturus."

Her words struck a nerve, and for a moment, his stoic mask faltered. He exhaled deeply, leaning back in his chair. "You're right," he admitted. "I failed you—and the family. But no more. I've returned to set things right."

He stood, his presence towering. "House Black was once the backbone of the wizarding world, a name to be respected and feared. I will ensure it is so again."

Dorea regarded him cautiously. "And how do you plan to do that?"

"By taking back control," he said firmly. "Of the family, of our alliances, and of our legacy."

Before Dorea could respond, the wards around their home hummed, signaling an incoming visitor. Both turned toward the door, wands in hand.

The door opened slowly, and a figure stepped inside. It was the mysterious young wizard, his dark cloak billowing slightly as he carried an unconscious man in his arms.

Dorea's breath caught as she recognized the face of the man in the wizard's grasp. "Regulus..."

Arcturus froze, his sharp eyes narrowing as he recognized his nephew. "What is the meaning of this?"

The young wizard's green eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. "I found him in a place he shouldn't have been," he said calmly. "He's alive, but barely. I thought it best to bring him here."

Dorea moved quickly, taking Regulus from the stranger's arms and settling him on the nearest couch. Her hands trembled as she examined her nephew's pale face.

"What happened to him?" Arcturus demanded, his tone edged with suspicion.

"He was attempting something beyond his abilities," the wizard replied, his tone measured. "He was lucky I arrived when I did."

Arcturus stepped closer, his wand still in hand. "And who are you to intervene in the affairs of House Black?"

The young wizard met his gaze steadily. "A friend. For now."

Dorea looked up, her voice firm despite the turmoil in her heart. "Thank you. Whoever you are, thank you."

The young wizard nodded once, his eyes flicking to Regulus before meeting Dorea's gaze. "Take care of him. He'll need it."

Without another word, he turned and left, disappearing into the night.

Dorea and Arcturus exchanged a tense glance, their unspoken questions hanging heavy in the air. Who was this man? And what had Regulus gotten himself into?