Harry had dragged Neville and Hermione outside to get them over their fear of flying. He worked with them for an hour and they had improved significantly.
While Hermione and Neville took a break, Harry grabbed a broom and FLEW! It looked like a barn swallow zipping around the place.
Cedric, a 4th year Hufflepuff on the quidditch team, came over and joined them watching Harry. After Harry performed another ridiculous maneuver, he shook his head and went for a training snitch. Once he came back, he called Harry down.
Cedric then held out a small golden ball with feathery wing. He explained. "Harry, I want you to catch this. It's a fun game we play with brooms. See how fast you can get it. If you don't see it, just keep looking, as it will not leave the field."
Harry looked unsure. He glanced over at Neville and Hermione before looking back at Cedric, "Well, I was teaching these two and just taking a break..."
Neville interrupted Harry and entreated, "Please Harry, do this. I think you will love it."
Harry still unsure replied, "OK, I'll try."
Cedric released the snitch and Harry launched on its tail. It really was like watching a barn swallow. Harry was twisting and turning all over the place never letting the snitch get away. The snitch finally dove for the dirt, and Harry stayed on it full speed.
Hermione screamed when she thought Harry was going to plow into the ground, but he grabbed the snitch and turned horizontal with 3 feet to spare.
Harry circled around and came back with the snitch to land. He stopped and handed it to Cedric, exclaiming with a big grin on his face "That was fun!"
Hermione stormed over with tears in her eyes, and grabbed Harry in a fierce hug. She then pushed him away and shook her finger in his face while yelling, "Hadrian James Potter! You scared me! Do you know how broken I would be if you were hurt, or killed?"
Harry looked devastated and pulled her into another hug, while Cedric was smiling at the situation.
Harry while hugging her tightly, "Mine, please don't cry. I was perfectly safe and in control the whole time!"
Hermione started to argue his point, "What do you mean perfectly sa" She suddenly realized what Harry had said, and broke the hug pushing Harry arms-length away. She then looked into his eyes and ominously and quietly asked, "Did you just call me 'Mine'?"
Harry looked down for a second, before meeting her eyes again, "Umm, yes?" he said unsurely.
Hermione getting louder, asked again, "Seriously...MINE?"
Harry replied again, "Yes?"
Hermione started poking Harry in the chest while she yelled, "Well don't forget you are mine too, and you won't do me any good if you get yourself killed!"
She quickly pulled him back in for a hug and kissed him on the cheek, before she stormed off with a red face realizing she had kissed Harry!
Cedrick, and Neville were grinning ear-to-ear, while Harry just stood there with a goofy smile on his face.
Cedric then explained to Harry the wonderful world of quidditch, and the role of seeker.
The next day during lunch, Draco wandered over.
Draco said quite loudly, "What's this I hear about Hufflepuff having a new seeker? A first-year seeker? Something which hasn't been seen in a century?"
Draco noticed the thunderous look which suddenly appeared on Hermione's face.
With a smile, Draco continued, "Oooh, you didn't tell your lady friend you were going to play? Sorry Bro, but I never figured you would make that mistake!"
Draco quickly retreated, and just as Hermione was taking a large breath, Tonks sternly said,
"A proper lady does not castigate her lord in public, missy! In public you support him. In private, where he can paddle your behind if you go too far, you can explain your difference of opinion."
Hermione looked suitably contrite and quickly curtseyed to Tonks before turning to Harry.
Hermione then said with an overly sweet voice, "Heir Potter, I was wondering if we could have a private word?" she wasn't fooling anybody.
Harry looked like he wanted to run, but just sighed, "Of course Miss Granger, I am at your service." before escorting her from the hall.
They barely made it to their next class on time, amidst the tittering of the masses.
Two weeks later was to be their first game. Draco had written home and the Lady Malfoy purchased a Nimbus 2000 for Harry.
Draco presented it to Harry during dinner, a week before the game. "No brother of mine will play seeker on a school broom!"
Slytherin had won the first match against Gryffindor, earlier. The second match of the season would be Hufflepuff against the Ravenclaws, who groaned when they learned the new seeker was now on a 2000.
Cedric just grabbed Harry, "We will be outside training our seeker!"
Harry looked at Hermione with begging eyes. Hermione looking back just sighed and nodded. Harry grinned and gave her a big hug. he then kissed her on the cheek, and said "Thanks, mine." quietly.
It was her turn to have a goofy grin on her furiously blushing face while the girls around them sighed and some said 'AWW'.
After practice, Hermione sat down with Harry and Neville and had Neville teach them how to send a proper thank-you letter with all the protocols. She had reminded Harry, that Lady Malfoy and Draco were due said letters for the broom.
The game was interesting in that Harry had chased the snitch all over the field but at the end, somehow swallowed the snitch while crashing into the ground. He then vomited it up for the 'win'. Draco still teased him about the new move 'Potter puke' when they were on the train, going home for solstice break.
Dumbledore had tried to keep Harry at the castle over the hols, but a letter from The Black put a stop to that. Dumbledore was told Harry was expected, and he would arrive. Otherwise, the 'mot (wizengamot) would know why Dumbledore was interfering in family affairs. Hermione was also scheduled to go home and promised to write.
A week before end of term, Harry went to the infirmary and talked to Master Pomfrey. Harry returned the books. She looked at him after taking the books and verifying they were undamaged, "There is a great amount of information in these books. Don't be discouraged. I expect you to try again when you are older."
Harry smiled and shook his head. With a large grin he said, "You misunderstand. I am ready to be tested."
Master Pomfrey looked at him, "What is the function of the lungs?"
"The simple answer is to oxygenate the blood via the hemoglobin, and dispose of the Carbon Dioxide. However, there are endocrine, neurologic, and magical functions too. Would you like me to explain them?"
Pomfrey looked at Harry for a moment, then went to her desk and pulled out a large parchment test. She came over to her desk and said, "Sit down and take this test. You have three hours. How well you do, will determine if I recommend you for a healer internship during the summer."
Harry looked confused, "What about becoming your apprentice now?"
Master Pomfrey replied gently, "You won't do well enough for me to consider that." Harry just smiled and started to write.
Three hours later, Pomfrey came back and said, "Time!"
Harry huffed and put his quill down.
Master Pomfrey picked up the test and started reading, and reading, and reading. She had a frown on her face which didn't go away as she read his answers.
After finishing the test, Master Pomfrey looked at Harry. She gently asked, "Why do you really want to be a healer?"
Harry looked into her eyes, then out the window. He quietly answered, not looking at her. "It calls to me. There is nothing like pain suddenly vanishing, an injury repairing, an illness healing. I want to give that to others, especially children." Harry then looked back at her, "Everyone wants something from me, this is something I want for myself. I believe I can become one of the greatest healers the world has ever seen, and I will work hard to become so."
Master Pomfrey then stated seriously, "Do you swear to follow my directions absolutely in this hall? When you are in here, you will not be a student but an apprentice healer, my apprentice healer. This is very serious and if I see any immaturity or lack of dedication, I will take my paddle to you, if I don't send you away."
Harry's face lit up with joy, "So I am your apprentice, now?"
Master Pomfrey grinned back at Harry, "Yes you scamp! You did well enough to become my apprentice! Now I have 6 more books for you to read."
"Yes Master!" Harry exclaimed with joy.
Harry was nervous to meet the Malfoys. When they disembarked, Draco strode over to a very richly dressed couple.
On arriving, Draco said half-bowing, "Mother, father, may I present Heir Hadrian James Potter, heir apparent to Baronet Potter, member of house Black...and now apprentice Healer. Harry, I present to you my parents, Baron Lucius Malfoy, the Malfoy of Malfoy, and the Baroness Narcissa Malfoy nee Black, member of house Black."
Harry bowed to Lord Malfoy receiving a nod in return and kissed Narcissa's hand.
"I'm honored my lord, my lady. Please call me Harry."
Lucius smiled at the proper introduction, while Narcissa said,
"And you must call me aunt Cissa. I insist."
Harry just nodded.
Narcissa then stated, "we will be spending the night at our house. Draco has informed me you lack the proper clothes for your station, and that will be addressed tomorrow."
As Harry was about to talk, she held up her hand, "DON'T, this will be done as when a Black presents himself to The Black, respect must be observed."
Harry nodded his acceptance.
Lucius with a warm smile, "It is good for you to learn that arguing with a Black Witch is fraught with peril, and should be attempted only in the most grave of circumstances."
Harry grinned, until Draco started telling his parents about the 'future Lady Potter' Hermione and how Harry has already learned that lesson the hard way.
Harry just punched him in the arm while his father laughed and his mother smiled.
The next evening they were resting, after an exhausting day. Getting Draco a new outfit (he had grown too much for an older one), and Harry a whole wardrobe wore the boys out. After a wonderful dinner, they were discussing the plans for the next day.
Narcissa stated, "We will be going to my grandfather's house tomorrow. Harry, tonight we will review the protocols for meeting the Black of Black. We will practice it until it is second nature. I warn you, be absolutely sure, as if you embarrass me tomorrow, I will paddle you thoroughly."
She then turned to Draco, "Draco already knows he is under the same threat, though his punishment would be significantly worse as he has little excuse with his training."
Draco looked at Harry, "I love my mother, but she will make you sorely regret testing her, I would not recommend it."
The next day Harry dressed in clothes so fine, he was having trouble believing it. He was soon to meet the Black of Black.
As they were leaving, Harry looked around and didn't see Lord Malfoy, he then asked her, "Aunt Cissa, where is Lord Malfoy?"
She replied, "He wasn't invited. This is a meeting requested by the Black of Black for just the two of you. Follow the protocols as you were trained and all will be well."
On arriving at an old but well-kept stately manor, they were invited in by a house elf wearing the crest of Black. The three of them were immediately taken to an office where an old man (similar in age to Dumbledore) was sitting at a desk working on parchment work. He was immaculately dressed, his white hair was cut short, and he had a white goatee. His grey eyes were obviously intelligent and fierce and he had a strong jaw. He was a fairly large man though age had bent him significantly.
Narcissa came forward and curtseyed. "My Lord Black. May I present two members of your house?"
A couple of minutes went by, as he finished what he was doing and set down his quill.
He then looked up and with a smile said, "My dear Cissa, please introduce these two strapping boys to me."
Cissa with another curtsey replied, "My Lord Black, allow me to introduce heir Draco Abraxas Malfoy, heir presumptive to Baron Malfoy, and member of house Black. I also present heir Hadrian James Potter, heir apparent to Baronet Potter, member of house Black, and apprentice Healer. Boys, I present to you Earl Abraxas Black, the Black of Black."
Both boys bowed properly keeping their eyes on his.
Abraxas just looked at them, for a while, and smiled. "Now that the protocols are covered, come here and let me look at you."
Both boys moved around the desk to stand in front of him. He first examined Draco, "Despite the Malfoy hair, I do see your mother in your eyes. Do you have her intelligence?"
"Not even close, but I get by." Lord Abraxas roared in amusement.
With a grin Abraxas said, "He has his father's charm as well as your intelligence. Well done, Cissa!"
"Now" turning to look at Harry "I have heard interesting things about you, my boy. I look at you and see your father, yes...but I also see pain, and fire…you have been sorely tested, but remain unbroken. So similar to your great grandfather, Charlus. That was a magus to respect!"
Harry not knowing what to say, said nothing.
After waiting, "So, he has learned patience, and what did I hear? You took down a Troll?"
Harry replied diffidently, "I had the help of my brother, Heir Longbottom, my Lord. I was also protecting my best friend Hermione, so was rather vigorous in her defense."
Abraxas shook his had and replied, "Used a broad sword as a spear through its head, and calls it vigorous. I see you are developing the Potter understatement, as well as showing the Potter luck...Do the two of you know why you are here?"
Draco said nothing while Harry shook his head no.
Looking between the two of them, Abraxas stated, "So, Draco has an idea, but Hadrian has no clue. It's like this, my heir Sirius Black is in Azkaban and has been there over seven years. This means he is sterile and can no longer father a child. That means he will be passed over and the two of you are the only real contenders for the title. Any thoughts?"
Draco replied, "Harry is already making significant waves with the troll and flying seeker for his house team. Just recently, he has also been made an apprentice healer under Master Pomfrey. She hasn't ever taken an apprentice younger than fifth year, and she took Harry half-way through his first! I would say he is in the lead, at this time."
Abraxas looking piercingly at him asked, "Does that bother you?"
Draco shrugged and said "Not really, I have the Baron Malfoy position and am a loyal member of house Black. If my brother Harry becomes Earl, I will celebrate with him."
Abraxas said, somewhat sarcastically, "You really do have your father's way with words."
Draco now angry at being doubted exclaimed, "I mean it, my Lord!"
After he looked at him deeply, "I see that you do...interesting"
He turns his head to stare at Harry, "What about you?"
Harry shrugged and said, "I have little idea, about which you speak; having been placed with magic-hating no-mags and known nothing about this world until I went to Hogwarts. My brothers Draco and Neville have both spent a considerable amount of their free time educating me...but I still feel ignorant."
Abraxas snorted, "You are ignorant, but you have such raw will, and power..."
He turned to Narcissa, "Does he know what a Magus is?"
Narcissa shook her head, "Doubtful, my Lord."
Lord Black turned back to Harry, "A magus is not just a strong wizard...or witch. A magus is a nexus of power which changes the path of destiny around him. Dumbledore, Riddle, and I are the last adult Magus in England...and I will soon be gone. You have all the earmarks of a magus, though it is a little soon to be sure."
He sat there, and looked at Harry deeply, "I name you heir presumptive to Count Black of House Black. While I live, I will watch you. You will become heir apparent upon my death...if I haven't replaced you by that time."
He pulled a box out and opened it placing it in front of Harry. "Your first test. Put it on your third finger of your left hand."
Cissa gasped, "My Lord! He is too young!"
Lord Black, "We will see."
Harry looked at the box with the gold ring in it. He then looked up at Abraxas and asked, "What happens when I place this on my hand?"
Abraxas looked him in the eye and stated calmly, "You will be judged by the house magic. If it judges you worthy, the ring will size itself to you. If not..."
Harry was about to touch the ring, and suddenly pulled his finger back, "My Lord?"
Abraxas with a cold grin answered, "If not, then you will be punished depending on your worthiness. You are a Black so it shouldn't kill you. Put it on, NOW."
Harry took a deep breath, and picked up the ring. It was heavy, though obviously smaller to the one Abraxas wore. There was a strange warmth to the gold ring. It had a large ruby with the Black coat of arms etched into it, and he thought he heard something...like a whisper in the wind.
Harry placed it on his finger and the ruby turned black. At the same time, he let out a moan as his eyes also turned black, though he stayed on his feet appearing buffeted by wind. Just when they thought he would fail, his eyes turned back to green, and the ring returned to ruby red, resizing itself for his finger.
Abraxas, looking exhausted himself, grabbed Harry's chin looking into his eyes. "He has the mark, the ring loves him."
In a mirror, Harry saw a faint black ring around his green iris, and noticed the same on Lord Black.
Once he caught his breath, Abraxas asked Harry, "What do you remember?"
Harry thought for a minute, then said, "Sir...I remember a sense of many, many people shouting for my attention, then one voice rising above all...I don't know who and I don't remember what was said, though it seemed important at the time."
Abraxas' eyebrows rose as he stated, "Interesting. Well that took a lot out of me, so I will bid you good day. Go."
The two boys bowed while Narcissa curtseyed. Lord Black just waved them away, and they left.
Once out of Lord Blacks earshot, Harry turned to Draco, "Are you really OK with this?"
Draco looked at Harry, "Yes, you heard what Lord Black said, that ring loves you. It would have likely killed me if I tried to take it."
Harry then stopped him and said, "Well, if you're sure, I would trade this ring to keep you as a brother every day of the week."
Draco smiled, "I am aware, but will be perfectly happy as Baron Malfoy."
Upon getting home, Draco took Harry to his father and bowed, "Father, I present to you Heir Hadrian James Potter Black, heir presumptive to Count Black, heir apparent to baronet Potter.
Lucius just looked at him for a minute, noticing the ring, the eyes…and then half bowed saying "I greet you Heir Black."
Bowing back, "I greet you Baron Malfoy." Lucius then turned and left.