In the Shadow of What If's

Bound by Blood and Flame

She let that settle before continuing.

"As for Thomas—he's thoughtful, emotionally stable, and clearly understands the responsibility of the bond he's formed. He does not exploit it. He nurtures it. With care."

The panel murmured.

"And the guardian?"

"Harrison Potter is devoted. He protects the child without isolating him. He doesn't interfere with development. He allows space, but never abandons responsibility. He's what you want in a parent."

The head magistrate steepled her fingers. "And yet the creature itself remains a concern. An unregistered, unclassified—"

"She has aname," Harrison cut in. His voice was quiet. Sharp.

The room went silent.

"Her name is Morrigan. She chose it. Just as she chose Thomas."

"And if she becomes a threat?" the older man asked. "To the boy? To others?"

"She won't," Harrison replied.

"And if she does?"

"Then we'll face thatifit comes."

There was a long pause.

Then the head magistrate leaned forward.

"This tribunal will permit the familiar to remain with the child. However—due to the risk of continued magical development, the child's legal custody is under review. If it is determined that Mr. Potter cannot ensure containment or compliance, the child and the creature will be remanded to Ministry guardianship."

Harrison stood so fast his chair scraped back.

His magic surged with him—not in light or flame, but inpresence. The air in the room shifted. The walls seemed to lean away from him.

Every person in the chamber felt it—like the entire building was waiting for his next word.

"You will not take him."

"Mr. Potter—"

"You will nottouchmy son."

The old magic in him, quiet for so long, hummed beneath his skin. Morrigan's feathers lifted in echo. Even the enchanted torches flickered.

"If oversight is what you require," Harrison said, voice low but rising, "I will allow biannual reviews. I will accept weekly visits. But they will be donemy way."

"And what does that entail?" the magistrate asked carefully.

"Agent Vale will conduct the weekly check-ins. No one else. The boy has bonded with her presence. It will not be disrupted by strangers."

A pause.

"Anything else?" the old man asked dryly.

"Yes," Harrison said. "If any hand—any hand—reaches for my son under pretense of law or fear, you won't just face House Potter and its allies."

He took a step forward.

"You will face House Peverell."

Murmurs. Sharp intakes of breath. Quills froze mid-scratch.

"Is that a claim?" someone asked.

"It's a warning," Harrison said.

The head magistrate sat back, staring at him like she was reevaluating everything.

Then—after a long pause—she gave a single nod.

"Weekly observation will be assigned to Agent Vale. Biannual check-ins will be arranged through the Department of Magical Creatures. Custody remains with Mr. Potter. Any breach of these terms will result in immediate Ministry action."