House of Caliban

Chapter 14

Haylan was nervous.

Haylan was more than nervous because he was inviting all of his extended family into his home, including his boyfriend, and telling them his secret.

Haylan thought he might throw up from nerves alone.

Haylan wasn't the only one nervous though, the Black cousins had argued with him a lot over the last week on if telling everyone that he was once Harry Potter was a truly intelligent decision. But Haylan didn't want to keep such a large secret away from the rest of his family. Better to handle the fallout before his coronation was upon them. He also needed a strong front to present to the public and having the entirety of his family behind him would provide the support he will need. It was wild that he now had a family. Something he only dreamed about having when he was starving in the dark of his cupboard. He used to wish and pray for a family to come to save him.

Haylan saved himself though, he got out of that hell hole on his own and found family along the way. He would take what Mother Magic had granted him and appreciate his blessings.

But for now, Haylan was sitting in the family parlor of Caliban Castle, sipping on his tea, and trying not to overthink the conversations he was about to have.

Sirius is waiting at the floo to direct everyone to the parlor and Haylan was practicing his breathing so he could stay calm through this meeting.

This would be fine. He hoped.

Narcissa was worried for Haylan. When she entered the parlor she knew that the others wouldn't be able to tell what a wreck Haylan was on the inside, but she knew this boy well now and she could tell that Haylan would be hyperventilating if he would allow himself to do something so undignified.

Haylan was dressed impeccably as always, in black and silver dress robes, the house colors of the House of Black. His bright red hair had been braided back along his head in several intricate braids giving the illusion of shorter hair. He looked amazing, spine straight, an easy but dangerous smile on his face, but fear in his eyes.

She wished things would get easier on Haylan, but instead, she stepped up to present a formal introduction of her family, even if she knew they didn't need one.

"Emperor Caliban, it is my honor to present to you, my family. My husband, Lord Lucius Malfoy of the House of Malfoy in Britain, and my son Draconis Malfoy, currently Heir to the House of Malfoy."

"Welcome, and Blessed Be House of Malfoy. It is my pleasure to welcome you to Castle Caliban and welcome you into my family. Narcissa has been a necessary and large part of my training since discovering my lineage. I do not know where I would be without her at this point. I look forward to improving relations between us as we move forward." Haylan's voice was even and calm, there was even a look of mischief on his face as he discussed improving relations between them. Narcissa knew that Haylan was expecting the worst responses from everyone once his true identity was announced, but she hoped her family would behave.

Andy's family was the next to arrive and Haylan was more relaxed with this group since Nymphadora already was in the know, Haylan didn't worry about Ted Tonks' reaction.

"Emperor Caliban, let me present to you my husband Ted Tonks, and you already know our daughter, Nymphadora Tonks," Andromeda said with a slight bow, having no family title to offer but her love was all that Haylan cared about.

"Welcome and Blessed Be Tonks family. I am grateful to you Ted for allowing me to steal your wife and daughter so often. Their voices have been important to me over the last few years. I look forward to getting to know you as well as I know them." Haylan smiled gently at the mild-mannered man, truly appreciating the man for not being upset at Haylan monopolizing the rest of his family for so long.