Chapter Text
“Your immediate presence at Gringotts is required immediately. Minerva McGonagall has been notified that she is to allow you to come to our closest establishment via Floo Network. We have contacted the associates of James Fleamont Potter, Regulus Arcturus Black and Lily Margret Evans who are alive and in sound mind.”
Harry read the letter again and again like something would shift on the page, or if he tried hard enough the words would twist into something else that made more sense.
Harry was only 13, there was no reason for him to be needed at Gringotts because he barely uses any of his vault money, and when he does he takes out the appropriate amounts. He turns his head around, scouring the Great Hall.
He was already having a strange morning, allegedly he has started levitating multiple things around the room in a burst of accidental magic, which should not be possible because he’s way past the age of accidental magic. Additionally his clothes looked more organised and tidy, as if someone had ironed them in his sleep which was strange and downright creepy. He tried pushing all of that away and enjoying his breakfast when an official looking owl interrupted him mid-bite of some lovely scones.
Even more so, he didn’t know this Regulus guy, but he had the same name as Sirius so perhaps he was a cousin or some relative? But what could be the reason for any of his death eater associates to be present in his presence when they could just report his whereabouts to Voldemort?
He finished his breakfast to find his professor waiting for him in front of her office.
“What business you have in Gringotts, Mr Potter, I couldn’t tell you. However, I must warn you as your teacher and as someone who knew your parents well Harry, exercise caution. Gringotts are trustworthy and efficient but put truth and honor above personal feelings of Wix.” Her voice was warm, not annoyed or exasperated like it was usually, there was a hint of worry and guilt that accompanied her tone.
Perhaps it’s because she couldn’t save his parents even after teaching them for 7 years that she felt more protective of Harry, but he nodded his head and gave her a smile that didn’t appear on James Potter’s face in all his Hogwarts career. It was a small fond smile that reached his eyes but not his cheeks, unlike James’ wide cheeky grin, this was a smile Harry reserved for private moments.
He saw her face crumple, feeling like there was something she saw that he didn’t. It was unusual but perhaps he just reminded her of his mother at the moment which is why she was so taken aback. Rarely did he ever show himself with his mother’s attributes, but something else flashed across her eyes. Harry took this as his sign to go through the Floo to Gringotts.
When he got there, he saw Professor Lupin already sat, hands folded on his lap sternly, and to his right he saw - Sirius? What was Sirius doing here? How did Gringotts find him? He also saw several other people, Mrs Malfoy he recognised from Quidditch games against Slytherin; A blond man he could tell was Luna’s father only based on their similar clothing and looks. A Healer from St Mungos that he vaguely remembered seeing from somewhere, must be a Black then judging from Sirius’ glances at her. And there was him.
A polished Goblin stepped forward, carrying a scroll that seemed to be the main reason for the day’s visit and reunion of many people.
“Good Morning, all.” He began smoothly, “My name is Rimeheart, I’m sure the members of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black will remember me well as their Gringotts account manager.” The Blacks in the room tensed for a fraction of a second, seemingly remembering their last meetings with the accounts manager.
“The reason for today’s visit is a joint matter between the Black and Potter vaults.” Harry looked at Sirius puzzled, and his godfather narrowed his eyes at the sentence. “I was clearing out and redistributing Young Regulus’ funds back into the main family vaults when I came across this peculiar parchment.”
He laid the paper out onto the round table everyone had gathered around and began reading.
“When I write this, I shall be 17 going onto 18 in a few weeks. I should hope Rigel never finds this and that this parchment is burnt at my return. My name is Regulus Arcturus Black, Second Son of the house of Black’s main branch family. I’m bound in soul and loyalty to James Fleamont Potter as of August 12th 1978 witnessed by my best friends Bartemus Crouch Jr, Evan Rosier, Pandora Rosier and Dorcas Meadows, and by my elder Brother, Sirius Black, and James’ close friends Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, Lily Evans and Marlene McKinnion.
I have birthed the heir of the Houses of both Potter and Black, named Rigel Perseus Potter. He is currently 2 months old. His Godfather is to be Remus Lupin and godmother Pandora Rosier. If later the order has been changed by James, the newest revision of his custody is to be followed. If not; the custody of Rigel will befall Sirius and Remus first, then Pandora, then Barty and Evan, then Lily, then Peter, Marlene and Dorcas, Andromeda Tonks nee Black, Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, if none are available or of sound mind, then Kreacher, the elf that serves the House of Black is to care for the child. Instructions have been given to him privately.
I do not trust Dumbledore to not rewrite my history.
Evan Rosier and I were imperoused and put under threat by our families into taking the dark mark, everyone mentioned in this document knows our situation and in Pandora’s case can vouch with memories and under verituserum the events that transpired. I traded myself for my brother’s freedom and he does not condemn me nor wish harm upon me, he has given me his word. Barty took the mark to stand by Evan and I. He didn’t take it willingly. He threw away everything because his relations with Evan Rosier were under threat by the Dark Lord. Even now I cannot say his name in fear he shall know. But know this. My Son is to be raised by our family, and grow up knowing his parents and our love for him.
If he ever does read this, Rimeheart, let me leave one message for him. Rigel Perseus Black, I have loved you ever since I knew you were with me. I love you now as I cradle you in my arms as I write this. I will love you even if I am no longer able to be there with you. You have everything from me and Jamie and I can never not love you, my starlet.
R.A.P.”
The room was silent. No sound, nothing at all. Mrs Malfoy and the healer - Andromeda? - were both tensed, looked disarrayed, trying to catch Sirius’ eye but kept finding each other instead.
Sirius looked at Remus, who looked back at him with a terrified expression. What did it mean Regulus and his father were bound by soul and loyalty? Didn’t his Dad marry his Mum and then have him as his only child?
Rimeheart cleared his throat, looking at everyone’s uncomfortable faces.
“There is a.. Second parchment. Written by James Potter which is also crucial to read. Griphook is here to read it on his behalf.” He gestured to another goblin entering
Sirius' eyes went wide, he nearly jumped from his seat, “Read it! Come on, don't waste time, read it to us!” His enthusiasm to listen to a piece of parchment from his late best friend didn’t go unnoticed. Azkaban had practically almost erased the sound of James Potter’s voice for him.
Griphook stepped forward, introducing himself as the Potters’ Gringotts’s accounts manager to those, including Harry, who didn’t know him and greeted Sirius with a fond smile.
“This is a longer parchment than Consort Regulus’, so we urge you to stay quiet, not interrupt and allow us to finish and ensure that the whole scripture is read aloud for the room.” the goblin said in an even voice, tone tone heavy and mournful, as if he’s read the contents himself.
“I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. That’s how you can tell it’s me. Hello to everyone reading, if my identity needs to be verified just show this to Wormtail - Peter Pettigrew, Moony - Remus Lupin, or Padfoot - Sirius Black.
The reason I write this is because it appears my dear wonderful Reggie is quite paranoid about the war and who am I if not bowing to my love’s every whims. Godric's Hollow is put under fiddelus charm at present moment. The secret keeper is none of the Marauders, I say this with clear and sound mind, my secret keeper is Dumbledore himself. I would never endanger my friends and risk having them tortured because of me.
I have one son as of present named Rigel Perseus Potter. Currently I am 18 going onto 19 and my baby is 2 months old. The love of my life is currently cradling him back to sleep and grumbling about how he was never this fussy according to Pads but he’s smiling the entire time. After this war I’m going to give them both the best wedding ever. Maybe even give Rigel a younger sibling. Regulus Arcturus Potter and Rigel Perseus Potter, you both are my guiding lights, my brightest stars right alongside Wormy and Pads and Moony.
I would have probably named him something like Harry James Potter if the Black family's naming tradition wasn't the one thing Regulus asked from me the entire pregnancy. That’s right. It wasn’t midnight food runs or tomato sauce on cucumbers, no. He wanted to name our baby after the stars and I couldn’t ever deny him anything even if he had been ordering me around the entire time. Pads will remember how I had to complete 1826 different tasks to show him that I was ‘worthy of his baby brother’. 1 task for every day for the 5 years I spent chasing after your approval to have him. I knew you would give in though, I saw how you looked when I first met him after the Christmas hols in first year and you and Wormy couldn't stop teasing me about how red I got around your little brother. Even Moony was quite mean to me on that ride and I shall never forgive the three of you!
But Pads, if you ever read this after the war and start laughing at me for even doing this and giving into Reggie’s paranoia I will set B and Panda on your arse and laugh as they chase you across the garden in Potter Manor. Don’t say I didn’t warn you. Panda is quite creative in her inventions.
The world will think that my secret keeper is Sirius Black, because, well, he is my best friend. Only our friends know that it isn’t, but they won’t know who. Rigel is very dear to me and Reggie, you see, so we’re not taking any chances.
Oh also, has Moony proposed yet? He has the ring on him, I know it, and Reggie said he got suspicious last time he came over and started asking hypotheticals about a marriage and what season Sirius had always wanted a wedding in. I just hope baby Atlus won’t be born in the middle of his war like Rigel was (Yeah Pads, Reggie told me what name you promised to name your child when you were 8 HA!)
I think I’ve written long enough. Custody of Rigel in case we are both incapacitated is up to Reggie, I just want our family to be around him and show him how much we love him.
J.F.P.”
“YOU WERE GOING TO PROPOSE?” Sirius yelled right after the sign off was read, turning to Remus shocked.
“WHAT? NO?” Remus yells back, but it seemed more like a question, “I don’t remember even buying a ring or even thinking about it. We were doing so much with the war and I didn’t even trust you enough after that prank you pulled on me and Snape!”
Sirius flinched at the venom dripping in Remus’ voice, but Andromeda stood from her seat and positioned herself between the two without a word, glaring at Remus as she did so.
“Sirius we were done for a long time even before the war. You know that, James knew that - everyone in the tower knew that. We just never ended it properly - I would never settle for you.” Mrs Malfoy turned to glare at him sharply.
“You may curse Sirius for his mistakes, but never call yourself settling for him. He’s a disgrace to our family, yes, but Sirius Orion Black is still twice a wizard you will never be, Coward." Her voice was cold and detached, but she looked from Remus to Sirius and her eyes softened in a way Harry only remembered when catching Draco frustrated after Quidditch games and with his parents. “He’s childish, perhaps, but he’s also my younger cousin and you best remember who you’re speaking to before you open your mouth, half-breed.”
“‘Cissa, don't call him that.. Andy…” Sirius’ voice was quieter than Harry had ever heard it before, it caught him off guard. He’s never spoken to him in such a way before even though he clearly meant it. Sirius on the other hand looked smaller, he looked childlike and scared. He looked like a boy slumped next to his older cousins because there was nowhere else to sit.
Sirius Orion Black looked an awful lot like his younger brother when he was a first year and slumming it with his cousins on the train, now that Remus really thought about it. He flinched at the memory.
Actually when he really thought about it, the surroundings weren’t so clear like they usually were. The compartment colours were all wrong, the seats were misplaced. The memory felt like a projected image onto a blank wall, he never really questioned how real they were because well, they were his memories. But now that he thinks, his memories don’t feel like his at all.
“It seems Mr Lupin is starting to unravel the memory curse.” Rimeheart grumbled, his eyes narrowed onto Remus. “Wix are so cruel, able to cast barriers and projections onto each other’s memories like that…”
He looked into Sirius’ eyes, guilt creeping into them just fractionally, “I should have mentioned something last a member came to see me. The curse was already starting to bind itself to you all, and for my negligence, I apologise. I had meant to bring it up to Master Sirius the next time he visited but… he was sent to Azkaban before I could inform him..”
Everyone in the room sat shocked, Harry looking like the earth could swallow him whole.
“What does that… mean for me?” he spoke timidly, his voice frailed and not quite strong. He only knew so much about himself, about his family and now it’s just been revealed that even what he knew was probably all fake.
“Well, considering James Potter never registered another child other than Rigel Perseus Potter with Gringotts, nor has St Mungos informed us of a second child of James Potter or Regulus Black,” Gripphook paused, scanning the eyes in the room carefully, as if someone could be a traitor or could leak this knowledge. “Either you are not a Potter at all, which is highly unlikely, or, the most likely option, you are Rigel Perseus Potter.”
Harry - Rigel? - went very still.
Rigel, his name was probably Rigel. Rigel Perseus Potter, not Harry James Potter. The one thing that was supposed to belong to him, the one thing that was supposed to be his - was not. How much of his Identity had been made up, then? Just how much of him was Him and not the version of him everyone wanted him to be?
“Can we - I don't know - prove it?” the voice that came out was much quieter, “I’m supposed to have Regulus’ eyes right? But mine are green and Sirius told me that his were grey like his so - is there a definitive way to prove that I’m Rigel?”
“Rigel is a Black,” Andromeda’s voice cut through the room like steel through air, “Blacks are known to have the highest turn out of metamorphagi in the Wix world, it’s in our blood, which is how Nymphadora is a Metamorphagus.”
Mrs Malfoy nodded along, “Yes, with our blood, it’s more likely we’re able to change our appearance with magic. We’re more susceptible, especially at a young age to change certain features.” she paused, “Regulus wasn’t a full Metamorphagus, but from what I remember he could change his face shape subtly and his eye colour when he was young before losing the ability due to magic control and resistance. That’s how he ended up looking like a second Sirius if I remember right ....”
Sirius nodded along, before pausing to look and squint at Harry with a funny look on his face.
“What better time to change someone’s appearance than forcibly alter it when they’re a baby and then send them off to the muggle world where they have no contact with magic until their facial structure has set so no outside magic can influence their appearance…” he murmured, looking from the floor to Harry. “Harry - Rigel - you are so incredibly lucky that you’re only 13 and not 17 yet.”
Harry quirked his head to the side, “Why am I lucky to be 13 and not 17?”
“Because it’s still possible to remove the glamor from outside magic and return you to how you were born.”
Andromeda nodded, “It’s a good thing that you’re a Black too, it meant whoever is responsible for this took the easiest route that can be traced and not the one that would permanently alter your genetics and magic core.”
“What do you mean by that?” Harry asked nervously, but he wasn’t really sure he wanted to know.
“Well, what he could have done instead of altering your appearance manually was instead use Lily Evans’ genetic material and small part of her magic core for yours to latch onto, while simultaneously extracting Regulus’ genetics and magic core out of you. Basically treating Regulus like a surrogate instead of your actual Papa. The practice is only legally administered by the Goblins because they have the necessary connection with magic, and only done for adoptive parents who wish to alter a child’s magic core and genetics to match their own.”
You could tell even from the other room that her tone was grim and filled with a type of tone that only Sirius and Mrs Malfoy remember from Dinners at Grimmauld.
“Sounds like you know who it could be too, Andy”
“Well, it wasn’t a far jump, I’m sure even you could figure it out after 12 years of Azkaban ruining your mind.”
It hit him at once, “Dumbledore!?”
Remus looked at him with a pitying look, “He’s the only one who was permitted inside of Godrick’s Hollow when Lily and James had died so… yeah, it was probably him.”
“Why would Dumbledore do all of this? How do we know he’s really responsible at all?” Harry was quick to say, defending the man that had helped him countless times.
“Well, he’s the strongest wizard alive and had the ability to alter mine and Sirius’ memories during the first Wizarding war when we were in the Order..” Remus added carefully after that, “And if Sirius’ memories of Peter were altered, then it’s very well possible that his has been too - did we ever look at him for a dark mark?”
Sirius shook his head, “No, I just remember suggesting James to ask Peter to be his and Lily’s secret keeper while Lily was looking heavily pregnant and holding her stomach.” he winced, “But considering that who I remember coming out of it was Harry, I don’t think she was ever pregnant at all..”
Harry looked over to Rimeheart and Gripphook, who both caught his eyes and nodded at him before Rimeheart cleared his throat.
“Before gathering you, we’ve gotten confirmation that we have the ability to service you with a magical cleanse, which means all alterations due to outside magic will be undone. Any personal belongings that you wish not to change or alter can be left in a separate room until after the cleanse is complete.” His voice echoed off of the walls of the room, “The cost of such service will befall Gringotts due to my mishandling of the situation. I could have prevented this if I had just told Sirius Black about it last he visited, in which he could have evoked his rights as closest kin as his uncle and highest position on the custody agreement to take Rigel regardless of the Ministry, I apologise.”
Sirius’ fists clenched until his knuckles turned white with restrained rage.
“We’ll cleanse.” Mrs Malfoy’s voice was laced with dismissal, like she had already made up her mind long before being asked the questions. Rimeheart nodded.
“I understand Narcissa, we’ll prepare the rooms,” Rimeheart assured, turning to Rigel, “We’ll have to prepare a separate room for you after the adults are all done. By far you have the worst appearance alters we’ve seen and will need to prepare your mind for the appearance after. While they are all being cleansed, we’ll draw up some possible appearances that you could look like to help prepare you for it. The more attachment to your current glamour, the harder it is to unbind the magic from your body.”
Rigel nodded at the Manager, “Will anyone be with me?” he asked curiously. Gripphook smiled, “Why, that would be me! We have many things to go over and as you’ve been excused from Hogwarts all week, it would do good to start on the mountains of legal work against Albus Dumbledore, young Rigel.”
The rest of the adults were led out of the room and into the cleansing chamber while he paused for a moment, really looking at him, “I remember James and Regulus bringing you in when you were barely 4 months old to administer your trust funds and expense vaults. They were both quite excited for you to start riding a broom - kept arguing about you playing chaser or seeker, excited about what you would buy during your first trip to Diagon Alley for Hogwarts…” his tone was warm and inviting. “But then you started crying and they paused their squabbling and Regulus pulled you into his arms and sang you a lullaby to lure you to sleep while the rest of the paperwork was being prepared. He had smiled so warmly at you, Rigel. To think the next time I would see you, everything would be so different..”
Rigel looked down with a sad smile, “Now I wonder if everything I thought was from Lily was from Regulus instead… I mean I’m bollocks at Potions so I don’t think I’d get that from him but.. I just wonder what else I have that Dumbledore changed the origin of, you know?”
Gripphook nodded, “It’s normal, I believe, to feel that way. You were robbed of your true self, Rigel Potter. You were always destined for greatness, carrying both Black and Potter blood, but he’s turned you into something you're not.”
Rigel couldn’t help agreeing with that, nodding along, “Yeah. I mean I love Hogwarts don’t get me wrong, but…” he trailed off, looking side to side checking no one was there before speaking.
“You can’t tell anyone about this but,” He paused, “I was actually supposed to be a Slytherin.” he looks shameful of admitting it, even now - even though he knows his dad fell in love with a Slytherin, even though Sirius loved his brother no matter the fact they were in rival houses. Even though his own Papa was a Slytherin, it felt shameful, like it didn’t fit the image of Harry Potter everyone loved, but when he looked over, Gripphook nodded.
“Always did tell your Dad you were going to be another Regulus. He used to say I was crazy because you would be Gryffindor but I had a feeling. Besides, it's nothing to be shameful about. You’re ambitious and seek to keep yourself safe - a completely admirable goal. Wix have always twisted the messages of their kind to fit their purpose, Albus Dumbledore is no different. The colour you wear is nothing but something your kind made to categorise you.”
Rigel doesn’t expect it, but he feels so much better about it after that. He’d carried that secret for years in shame, who would have ever thought that the Boy-Who-Lived was a slimy blundering snake?
If he thinks about it, in Slytherin he would have probably ended up befriending Draco Malfoy at some point, despite their encounters before Hogwarts. If he had, maybe he could have ended up meeting Mrs Malfoy sooner, ended up getting here and sorting this all out sooner.
He probably created a huge backlog of things that should have happened by arguing with the hat.
Oops.
“It seems you’re understanding exactly why you cannot fight yourself like you tried, Rigel,” Gripphook sighed at his expression, “You cannot remove parts of yourself and still expect to be the same. To change yourself, you must be willing to let go of the parts of you that you want gone. You never let go, though.”
Rigel shook his head, “No, I suppose I didn’t. I held onto myself because well… to be entirely honest it was all I had growing up so letting go hurt a lot - like I was erasing myself.”
Gripphook nodded his head, “many of your kind try to do that - erase who they are for what people want them to be. You didn’t do that, but you did try to conform to the image of you people had. I doubt neither James nor Regulus would have ever wanted or let you go through what you have, Rigel. You are brave, despite what an ancient Hat says, but that doesn’t automatically mean that ‘brave’ is the only thing you are.”
Rigel nods his head as seriously as he can, “I know now, thanks.” He smiled at the goblin, who nodded back at him.
“Good, never forget that, Rigel. Your parents would hate it.”
“I think they will hate who Dumbledore was trying to make me become regardless,” he added with a quiet tone, “Because it wouldn’t have been me..”
Some moments passed between them in silence, before another goblin had come in with the sketches of what his new face could look like. He left as quietly as he came, the sketches laid out on the table in front of him, the dark oak contrasting against the light beige of the parchment used.
He shifted through them all, looking at himself with higher cheekbones and a more angular jaw. He was in his own bubble, marvelled at how much more right the sketches looked, comparing them to his own face in his head. He hated how squared his face was, how the shape of his eye always felt off to him - like it was planted onto his face artificially. He’d never given it much more thought than teenage insecurity, but now that he’s seen what he could be like, they seem so much more right than what he has on his face currently.
By the time he’d finished sorting through them all, the adults had finished their cleansing. When Rigel looked up at them, they looked much more hollowed out than when they went in. Sirius, especially, looked the worst. His eyes were filled with tears, holding onto Remus’ arm like he’s going to collapse otherwise. Remus holds him, but he can see that even his hands are shivering, and judging by the heat, not from the cold.
Andromeda and Mrs Malfoy came out after them, their faces tight and shoulders tensed, whispering to each other in grief. They didn’t really realise he was still there before Sirius looked over at him and suddenly every tear he was holding back suddenly broke free.
He started sobbing uncontrollably, tears falling freely once they started, he couldn’t stop them. He slumped against Remus, who looked like he really needed to sit down before he collapsed, but just as he was about to usher Sirius to the seats, he leapt onto Rigel and hugged him the tightest he’s ever hugged him. Like he’s scared that if he lets go, he’ll disappear.
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry I’m so, so sorry Rigel. I’m sorry, I’m sorry, I’m sorry I didn’t remember I hate how much I missed. How much I mislead you, I hate myself for it, I’m sorry. I’m just so, so sorry, baby.” He cried even harder into him, and he wonders if he’ll be anything like that when he comes out of his cleanse. But for now, he warps his arms around Sirius’ shrunken frame and hugs him back just as tight as he continues to pour his soul out into his shoulder. Sirius keeps sobbing into him, mentioning James and Regulus and their whole friends group. Sirius cries for Pandora, for Dorcas and Marlene - people he never let himself grieve properly - but he mainly cried for Regulus.
Sirius kept crying out for his brother, the one he loves so much, the one he raised and bonded to his best friend himself. He cried for every moment they spent together through the years, while they fought, while they sat in silence doing school work in the Library, while they held each other in Grimmauld after a harsh punishment. He sobbed for every match he never got to attend because he had detention. All the time his own stupidity and immaturity cost him time with his baby brother. He sobbed and sobbed until he ran out of tears, and could only wail.
Remus had let himself cry beside him, his shoulders shaking slightly, while Mrs Malfoy occasionally wiped her handkerchief under her eyes to rid the water that spilled, Andromeda doing the same, but more frequently. For the first time all day, Rigel let himself feel the sorrow of everyone around him. He absorbed it, he let it wash over him and suddenly, he understood too.
These people had their entire lives rewritten, their memories rewired to fit the version of a story that one old man saw fitting for a hero. They lost friends, years of friendships that they had spent their school lives building, it has been taken from them. They lost family, lost them to the version of the story Dumbledore wrote.
They’d all lived years, 13 whole years, as other people. 13 whole years as a character created for a narrative by a singular control freak.
Rigel didn’t feel sorrow, or grief, he didn’t remember his parents or Lily. He had grieved what they could have been for his whole life, he’s just angry now.
He’s angry on behalf of everyone who is too grief-stricken to feel angry.
Angry on behalf of his uncle and godfather who had to lose 2 of their best friends to the lies another soul made them believe.
But most of all he’s angry for-
“Rigel Perseus Potter. Your room is now ready.”