Hermione sat at her favorite spot in her bedroom, a cozy nook by the window where she often read and lost herself in her thoughts. Eduardus had handed her the book Magical Theory by Adalbert Waffling, which lay open on her lap, but her mind kept drifting back to the brief encounter in Flourish and Blotts.

She glanced out the window, watching the afternoon summer sun cast orangey hues across the garden below. Hermione's parents tended to the flowers, but her thoughts were miles away in Diagon Alley. She repeatedly replayed the moment—Eduardus' kind smile, his hand brushing against hers, and the unexpected warmth surging through her at the touch.

"Eduardus Black," she whispered to herself, testing the name. Something was intriguing about him, making her curious beyond the usual bounds of her insatiable curiosity. She had read about the Black family—an old, prominent wizarding family with a complex history. But Eduardus seemed different, almost out of place in the stories she had heard.

She closed the book gently, leaning her head against the window frame. "I wonder what his story is," she mused aloud. Hermione had always been drawn to understanding people, to uncovering the layers beneath their surfaces. Eduardus was a mystery she felt compelled to solve.

Her thoughts drifted to his eyes—striking, intelligent, with a hint of something deeper, something hidden. It was as if he carried the weight of many secrets, and Hermione wanted to know every single one.

Suddenly, the memory of their hands touching surfaced again, and she felt a faint blush rise. There had been an undeniable spark, an unspoken connection that seemed to promise something more. She wondered if he had thought it too or was just her imagination.

Hermione shook her head, trying to clear her thoughts. "You're being silly," she told herself. "He's just another boy you met in Diagon Alley." But deep down, she knew it wasn't true. Eduardus wasn't just another boy. He was someone special, someone she felt inexplicably drawn to.

With a sigh, Hermione picked up the book again, trying to focus on the words. But her mind kept wandering back to Eduardus, and she couldn't shake the feeling that their paths would cross again. She had always believed in the magic of books and learning, but now, for the first time, she found herself believing in a different kind of magic—the magic of connection, of destiny, of meeting someone who might change her life forever.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows across her room, Hermione closed her eyes and smiled. She didn't know what the future held, but she felt a sense of excitement and anticipation she had never felt before. She couldn't wait for Hogwarts to see Eduardus again and to discover the stories behind his mysterious eyes.

Eduardus entered the grand yet somber foyer of the Black Ancestral House, his footsteps echoing off the marble floors. The shopping trip to Diagon Alley had been successful, and he felt a strange mix of nostalgia and excitement as he thought about the new chapter of his life about to begin at Hogwarts. He went to the sitting room, ready to relax since Kreacher had all his school belongings put away for him.

Kreacher, the loyal house-elf, appeared before him with a slight bow, holding a cream-colored envelope. "Master Eduardus, an envelope has arrived for you," Kreacher said, his eyes shining with excitement and curiosity.

Eduardus took the envelope, his brow furrowing as he noticed the elegant script on the front. His new name, Eduardus Regulus Black II, was written in a delicate hand. Confused, he broke the seal and unfolded the letter inside.

As he read, his heart skipped a beat. The letter was from Marlene McKinnon, his fake Mother, who he had been telling everyone she had been hiding and kept away from the Wizarding World for her safety. It stated that her dear friend, a Seer named Pandora Lovegood, had foreseen a moment when Eduardus would need her help, and now that moment had come.

Eduardus,

My dearest son, if you read this letter, it means the time has come for us to reunite. I have been hiding but have never stopped thinking about you and your father. A dear friend of mine, Pandora Lovegood, a Seer, has seen a moment when you would need me. Please meet me at the Leaky Cauldron in Muggle London. I cannot wait to see you and hold you.

With all my love,

Marlene McKinnon.

Eduardus read the letter twice, his emotions swirling. He had so many questions, so many things he wanted to know. Without hesitation, he pulled out a piece of parchment and wrote his response.

Mother,

I cannot express how much your letter means to me. I have many questions and want to share them with you. I will meet you at the Leaky Cauldron at noon tomorrow.

I look forward to seeing you.

With love,

Eduardus Regulus Black II

He handed the letter to Kreacher. "Please deliver this to Marlene McKinnon," he instructed, watching the house-elf nod and Disapparated with a pop.

Eduardus sank into a chair, his mind racing. He was about to meet the woman his older brother had fondly been in love with before he got sent to Azkaban. The woman he has decided to use as his Mother. The anticipation was almost overwhelming, but a sense of hope and excitement was beneath it all. Tomorrow couldn't come soon enough.

Eduardus arrived at the Leaky Cauldron the next day, his heart pounding. The bustling inn was a familiar sight, and he quickly found a quiet corner where he could wait. He glanced around nervously, searching for any sign of Marlene McKinnon, his Mother.

Moments later, the door opened, and a beautiful young woman stepped in. She had the same striking features he remembered from old photographs that Sirius had all over his bedroom—blonde hair, bright eyes, and an air of quiet strength. Marlene McKinnon scanned the room, her eyes lighting up when she spotted Eduardus.

"Eduardus," she whispered, tears glistening as she approached. The boy looked like Sirius and Regulus, yet she knew he was different simultaneously like he had gone through so much.

"M-Marlene. Or are you okay with me referring to you as Mother," he replied, standing up and embracing her tightly. The moment felt surreal as if a missing piece of his life had finally fallen into place.

They sat down, and Marlene took his hands in hers. "I am fine with you calling me Mother or Mum. Pandora has told me of this moment. I've been waiting for this moment to arrive. She told me that a boy resembling Sirius and his younger brother, Regulus, needed my help and decided to use me as his Mother to protect himself in the Wizarding World. Seeing you in person, you look so much like Sirius and his brother.," she said, her voice thick with emotion.

"It's a long story, and yeah. I do need your help. I need a guardian, and I only trust you now since Sirius, my father, is in Azkaban for something he didn't do, and my uncle, Regulus, is gone. I feel like I'm alone." Eduardus replied, feeling a lump in his throat.

"There's so much I want to know. Like what you and Sirius have gone through in the Wizarding War from your perspective." He looks at her.

Marlene smiled, brushing a stray tear from her cheek. "And there's so much I want to tell you. But first, let's get to know each other again."

They spent the next few hours talking, sharing stories, and catching up on lost time. For Eduardus, it was a moment of healing and a new beginning that he would cherish forever.

The afternoon sun filtered through the windows of the Leaky Cauldron, casting a warm glow over Eduardus and Marlene as they continued their conversation. The noise of the bustling inn faded into the background, leaving them in their own world as they shared stories and laughter, making up for lost time.

As the hours passed, Eduardus felt a growing sense of connection and warmth towards his Mother. He had been living in the Black Ancestral House alone, save for Kreacher, and he realized that having his Mother with him would bring a sense of family and stability he had longed for.

"Mother," Eduardus began, his voice earnest, "I have a proposal for you."

Marlene looked at him curiously, her eyes reflecting the same mix of emotions he felt. "What is it, dear?"

Eduardus took a deep breath, gathering his thoughts. "I want you to live with me at the Black Ancestral House. It's a large house, and it's just Kreacher and me. You'd be protected there, and Kreacher can care for you and ensure your safety. It would mean the world to me to have you close."

Marlene's eyes widened in surprise. "Eduardus, that's a wonderful offer. But are you sure? The Black Ancestral House has so much history, and I don't want to impose."

Eduardus shook his head, reaching out to take her hands. "You wouldn't be imposing at all. You're my Mother now, and after everything we've been through, we deserve to be together. The house feels empty without family. Besides, Kreacher would be thrilled to have another person to care for. He's very loyal and protective."

Marlene smiled, her eyes shining with tears. "If you're sure, then yes, I would love to come live with you. Being with you means everything to me."

Eduardus felt a wave of relief and happiness wash over him. "I'm sure, Mother. It's time for us to start a new chapter together."

After they finished their meal, Eduardus led Marlene out of the Leaky Cauldron, his heart lighter than it had been in years. Together, they returned to the Black Ancestral House, ready to face the future as a family.

Eduardus opened the door and led Marlene inside when they arrived at the Black Ancestral House. Her presence made the grand foyer feel warmer and more welcoming.

"Kreacher," Eduardus called, and the loyal house elf appeared instantly.

"Master Eduardus," Kreacher said, bowing low. His eyes widened with recognition when he saw Marlene. "Mistress Marlene, it is an honor to have you here."

"Kreacher, this is my mother," Eduardus said with a smile while looking at Kreacher knowingly. "She'll be living with us from now on. Please make sure she's comfortable and take care of her."

Kreacher nodded eagerly. "Of course, Master Eduardus. Kreacher will take excellent care of Mistress Marlene."

Marlene smiled warmly at Kreacher. "Thank you, Kreacher. I'm happy to be here."

Eduardus led Marlene to a cozy sitting room where they could relax. As they sat down, he felt a sense of peace and contentment he hadn't known in years. They talked more about their plans and dreams, feeling their bond grow stronger with each passing moment.

For the first time in a long time, Eduardus felt truly at home. The Black Ancestral House, once filled with dark memories and loneliness, now promised a brighter future. With his Mother by his side and Kreacher's unwavering loyalty, Eduardus knew they could face anything together.

As the evening drew to a close, Eduardus showed Marlene to her new room, ensuring she was settled in comfortably. They bid each other goodnight, and Eduardus retired to his room, his heart full of hope and happiness.

He lay in bed, thinking about the day's events. Meeting his Mother, bringing her home, and starting this new chapter together felt like a dream come true. As he drifted off to sleep, Eduardus felt a deep sense of gratitude and determination. He would do everything possible to protect his family and build a future filled with love and light.

A few weeks later, it was the first day of the new school term. The hustle and bustle of King's Cross Station echoed around Eduardus, Marlene, and Kreacher as they navigated the crowds. Eduardus clutched his trolley, laden with his trunk and the black owl Kreacher had gifted him, excitement and nerves battling within him. Marlene walked beside him, her presence a comforting anchor in the sea of chaos.

"It's finally here," Marlene said softly, her voice tinged with pride and sorrow. "Your first day at Hogwarts."

Eduardus nodded, trying to quell the butterflies in his stomach. "I'll make you proud, Mother."

"You already have," she replied, squeezing his shoulder.

Kreacher trailed behind them, his large eyes darting around vigilantly. As they approached Platform 9¾, Eduardus noticed a familiar figure standing alone, looking utterly bewildered. It was Harry, the boy he had met in Diagon Alley.

"Mum, Kreacher, I'll be right back," Eduardus said, approaching Harry.

Harry's face lit up with relief as Eduardus approached. "Eduardus! I was starting to think I'd never find it."

Eduardus grinned. "Don't worry, you're almost there. Let me help you."

He guided Harry towards the barrier between platforms 9 and 10, but before they went through, Eduardus waved Marlene over. She approached, her eyes widening as she took in Harry's appearance. Her breath hitched, and she wiped away a tear from her cheek.

"Harry, this is my mother, Marlene McKinnon," Eduardus said. "She was best friends with your mother at Hogwarts."

Harry's eyes widened. "Really?"

Marlene smiled, though her eyes were still glistening with emotion. "Yes, Harry. Lily and I were very close. You have her eyes."

Harry smiled shyly, clearly touched. "Thanks, Mrs. McKinnon."

"Please, call me Marlene," she replied softly. "It's so wonderful to meet you, Harry."

Eduardus felt a warm glow as he saw the connection forming between his Mother and Harry. He glanced at the barrier and then back at Harry. "Ready to go through?"

Harry nodded, and Eduardus led the way. They ran at the barrier together and emerged on the other side, greeted by the sight of the scarlet Hogwarts Express.

Marlene and Kreacher followed, Marlene's eyes scanning the platform with a mix of nostalgia and anticipation. She knelt to hug Eduardus tightly. "Write to me as soon as you can, okay? And be safe."

"I will, Mum," Eduardus promised, hugging her back. He then turned to Kreacher. "Take care of her while I'm gone, Kreacher."

Kreacher bowed low. "Of course, Master Eduardus. Kreacher will take excellent care of Mistress Marlene."

Eduardus smiled, feeling a pang of sadness at leaving them behind and a surge of excitement for the adventure ahead. He turned to Harry. "Let's find a compartment together."

Harry nodded, and they both boarded the train, finding an empty compartment in the middle. As they settled in, the train began to move, and they waved out the window to Marlene and Kreacher.

Marlene stood on the platform, waving back, her heart full of pride and a touch of sadness. "Be brave, my son," she whispered as the train disappeared from view.

Inside the compartment, Eduardus and Harry shared their hopes and fears for the year ahead. They talked about their excitement for their classes, the Houses they might be sorted into, and the friends they hoped to make.

As the countryside rolled by outside the window, Eduardus felt a sense of calm. Despite the challenges and uncertainties ahead, he knew he wasn't alone. He had his mother's love, Kreacher's loyalty, and a new friend in Harry. Together, they would face whatever came their way at Hogwarts.