Chapter Text
Heir James Potter sat in an empty compartment on the Hogwarts Express. It was a quarter to eleven; boarding had concluded and all non-students were required to disembark so the train could leave precisely at eleven. He took a deep breath, then another. Slow, deliberate. His posture was perfectly straight, as drilled by years of diligent instruction. He checked his bearing for the third time since his parents departed. Another breath. It was his first time being away from his parents. He had lived the vast majority of his life to date on the various holdings of the Honorable and Most Ancient House of Potter, with only supervised trips out with at least one of his parents.
He was broken out of his thoughts by the door opening. He rose with alacrity, turning to face the other boy. His eyes flicked down to check the other boy’s hands; the ring on the other boy’s right hand was silver with a rim of black stones, an Heir Ring like the one he wore, which was gold with crimson stones. Black and silver - this must be the Heir Black. The other boy swept into a bow.
“Heir Black, of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black. Might I join you, Heir Potter?”
James returned the bow. “It would be my pleasure, Heir Black.” He stepped back, retaking his seat. Heir Black sat across from him, smooth black hair wound into a braided bun. James’ hair was in a similar style, although his was curly. James was unsure as to whether or not to attempt conversation. He missed his parents already. If they were here, they would have already indicated, through their bonds or with the Potter signs, what he should say to start a conversation. Another breath. He thought back to his lessons in Conversation, searching for an appropriate topic.
He began running through what he knew about the Black Family. The current Lord was of his parents’ generation, his mothers’ first cousin once removed, making him and Heir Black second cousins once removed.
“It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to become acquainted with a cousin from my lady-mother’s birth House, Heir Black.”
Heir Black inclined his head. “It is a pleasure to have the opportunity to become acquainted with a cousin outside of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, Heir Potter.” He paused briefly. “Two of my third cousins are also at Hogwarts at this time. They would be your first cousins once removed, through your lady-mother’s line.”
“I look forward to making the acquaintance of the Madames Black.” No sooner had he finished speaking than a knock came on the compartment door. James and Heir Black rose at once. James opened the door to see two ladies, by their features the very cousins Heir Black had been speaking of. They sank into curtsies at the sight of him.
“Heir Potter.” They spoke in unison.
He bowed to them in turn. “Madames Black.”
They rose and James stepped back as they curtsied to Heir Black, who bowed in turn.
“Might we join you, cousin, Heir Potter?” James gave his assent, followed by Heir Black. Given that he had been the original occupant of the compartment, James held the status of host.
“Please sit, Heir Black, Madames Black.” It would be most improper to sit before he as host bade them to, and most improper for him to keep his guests waiting. The Madames Black sat first, as ladies, followed by Heir Black, and lastly James himself as host.
“Heir Black was just informing me that I would have the pleasure to become acquainted with the two of you at Hogwarts, Madames Black. I have been looking forward to being able to meet those of my lady-mother’s birth House.”
“You honor us, Heir Potter. It would be our pleasure to become acquainted with you.” One of the Madames Black spoke, marking her as the elder of the two. She had light brown hair neatly arranged in braids atop her head. Her sister was fairer still, with flaxen hair most unusual for a Black. The Madames Black must have inherited some coloring from their lady-mother’s line.
James recalled his lady-mother’s instruction to choose topics of interest to everyone in a conversation when hosting, “Madames Black, do you have a preferred area of study at Hogwarts?”
“I prefer Ancient Runes, Heir Potter.”
“My preference is History of Magic, Heir Potter.”
“And you, Heir Black? Are there any classes you are particularly interested in?”
“Charms and Transfiguration, Heir Potter. I presume you would be interested in Potions?”
“Yes, and Transfiguration as well.” The train whistle sounded and they began moving as the conversation continued.