Trigger Warnings: This story will include, self-harm, physical, emotional and sexual abuse/assault, dub-con, ooc Draco, mental illness, bullying of precious Neville and *gasp* gay people. Also the standard Black Family marriage traditions
Also if you're a Draco fan… you may be offended in later chapters.
Walburga sat peacefully in her drawing room listening to music play from the radio to fill the silence of her house. It had just been a week since the passing of her spouse and months since the death of her beloved son. Her house felt barren and bleak. She regretted in that moment she hadn't decided to have more children when she was young. Perhaps she'd have someone besides that blasted house elf to keep her company.
A knock on the door tore Walburga away from her thoughts. She got up swiftly and after checking her appearance in the mirror she went to open the front door. She was taken aback to see Luella Fawley standing there, Regulus' girlfriend. The girl he was deemed to marry as the Fawley family stood proudly under the Sacred Twenty-Eight. She was dimwitted but the family name was strong. Walburga glanced down at her swollen stomach.
"Mrs. Black, it's lovely to see you," Luella breathed graciously. Walburga nodded at her politely and motioned for her to come inside. Luella was a captivating girl, ideal for Regulus… or she would have been. Her wavy chestnut hair and ivory skin making her look like a porcelain doll that had come to life. Eyes such a delicate hue of blue like sapphire that they seemed nearly fake.
"It's been some time," Walburga said quietly. She ordered to Kreacher to bring some chamomile tea as the pair of women sat in the drawing room.
"Yes, I haven't seen you since… since the memorial service."
"I trust you've been well."
"Mrs. Black, I'm not here to beat around the bush. You can see I'm pregnant."
"Why yes, I can. May I ask how this concerns me?"
Luella took a deep breath, "Well… On the night of graduation me and Regulus-"
"I don't need the details."
Luella flushed red nodding quickly. She fidgeted with the ring on her finger. It dawned on Walburga why she was here and why she was mentioning Regulus.
"Are you telling me you're pregnant with my deceased son's child?"
"Children actually. I thought you ought to know." Luella smiled warmly but Walburga stared her down; Luella shrunk under her gaze.
"Speak properly. Ought is not a word."
"I'm sorry Mrs. Black." Luella apologized quickly wringing her hands. Walburga gazed at her with distaste as Kreacher came in with tea. Luella thanked him politely.
"For the love of Merlin call me Walburga." Walburga didn't sip her tea. She merely held the glass teacup in her hand.
"Walburga, I just thought you deserved to know before they were born and go to live with their new family." Walburga's grip on her teacup tightened and the glass shattered in her hands.
"What are you talking about girl?"
"I've put them up for adoption," Luella explained anxiously and Walburga clenched her hands into fists. The glass pierced her skin.
"You put children of the House of Black up for adoption. Children of the purest family-"
Luella interrupted her quickly, fearing Walburga's anger, "Walburga I can't handle a child on my own. Let alone two. Not without Regulus. My family doesn't even know."
"You will not." Walburga's voice was low and dangerous. Luella placed her hands on her stomach protectively.
Luella responded in a weak voice, "Walburga that isn't your choice."
"You will release the children to my care," Walburga demanded. Luella swallowed, struggling to find her voice.
"I've already promised them to a family."
"Well they will be disappointed I presume." Walburga mocked Luella as she stammered.
"But- they can't-it wouldn't be fair-"
"Stop stuttering you insolent child."
"I'm sorry ma'am." Luella bowed her head as she put down her tea. Walburga pulled her wand from her sleeve, admiring the family heirloom. Luella eyed the wand timidly. Walburga leered at her fiercely.
"Of course you are." Walburga pointed the wand casually at Luella who swallowed the growing lump in her throat. Fidgeting under Walburga's gaze Luella forced herself to sit up straighter rubbing her stomach soothingly.
"Will all due respect Walburga, do you really think you could raise these children."
"I have raised two before if you were aware." Walburga's gaze averted to the family portrait that hung on the wall beside her.
"I'm sorry. I just meant with Orion gone-"
"I'm not asking. I'm telling you. Release the children to my custody and they will want for nothing."
"B-but…" Luella stammered, she contemplated running out but knew Walburga would catch her.
"Do I not make myself clear? When shall the children be born?"
"Any day ma'am… The family is so excited they-"
"I will not repeat myself again."
Feeling helpless Luella nodded in agreement. She realized everything Regulus had said about his mother was not anything compared to this. "Okay, Walburga."
"Lovely, now we have one final order of business." Walburga stood up and held out her hand to Luella who took it apprehensively. "I trust you know what the unbreakable vow is."
"Ma'am- I hardly think-"
"Don't think. My dear niece will come over, I know she would be more than willing to perform the spell."
Bellatrix arrived at Black Manor promptly entering the house noiselessly. She greeted her aunt respectfully but sneered at Luella. "Why did you have Kreacher send for me?"
"Luella here is carrying Regulus' children."
This took Bellatrix by surprise and she turned expectantly to Luella, seeming to notice her swollen stomach for the first time.
"Lovely."
"She also intended to abandon her children," Walburga spoke dangerously low. Bellatrix stalked towards Luella grabbing her by the collar.
"I d-didn't."
"Children of the house of black," Bellatrix repeated. Luella stepped back and Bellatrix pulled her closer. "Me and Rod-"
"No no no." Walburga interrupted smoothly, "I will take them. I just want to confirm Luella will not back out of our deal."
"Walburga, Bellatrix, I- you have to understand I've promised her to a family already. They're so excited I-"
"I could… take care of the family." Bellatrix said half laughing. Luella's face drained off all color.
"I do not think that will be necessary Bella. I just need a promise from Luella… a simple vow." Bellatrix caught on right away grinning at a terrified Luella. Luella looked ready to argue when Bellatrix spoke again.
"If you have an objection to the vow we could just rip the babies out of you now. You look far enough along."
"I'll make the vow."
Walburga held out her hand and knelt down, terrified for her life Luella did the same and clasped unto Walburga's hand.
"Luella Fawley, do you swear to release the children into Walburga's custody on the day of their birth?"
"I do."
"Do you swear to not interfere in the children's life whatsoever?"
Luella hesitated but Bellatrix stared her down.
"I do."
"Do you swear to stay away from the children."
"I-I do."
Bellatrix gave a pleased smile and Walburga nodded at her, urging her to continue.
Luella left the house sobbing as she clutched to her stomach. She quickly disguised it to be flat as she summoned the knight bus. Walburga watched from the window as Luella left on the bus before turning to Kreacher. "There shall be two new children in the house Kreacher. You are to clean up the spare bedroom." Kreacher popped away happily as he got to work. Bellatrix scoffed at the pathetic house elf before turning to grin at her aunt.
"Quite strange to think Regulus would've had children," Bellatrix said airily. Walburga nodded in agreement as she paced the drawing room. "I highly doubt she'll keep up her end of the vow."
Walburga smiled dangerously, "I'm hoping she will not."
Three weeks later a Patronus was sent to Black Manor alerting Walburga that Luella was at St. Mungo's and that she had gone into labor. Walburga apparated to the hospital and greeted the woman at the front desk harshly. "Luella Fawley. What room?"
After terrifying the poor woman Walburga entered Luella's hospital room with a smirk. Luella turned to face Walburga a terrified expression on her sweat covered face.
"I remember being here with Regulus," Walburga said airily taking a seat next to the bed. "Do your parents know you're here?"
"N-no, of course not."
"I do hope the children do not inherit your awful speech."
"Walburga- could you wait outside?" The nurse asked earning a sneer.
"Of course. But if you ever call me Walburga again…"
It had been nine hours of waiting, cursing from inside the hospital room and impatient pacing from Walburga. Over the past three weeks, Walburga prepared for the arrival of the children. Kreacher was delighted to have any children of Regulus' in the home.
"Ma'am you may come in now." The nurse said politely and Walburga said nothing as she walked past the woman and looked at the babies laid in the crib beside the hospital bed. One screaming like a mandrake and the other just lay there staring up at Walburga curiously.
"May I take them now?" Walburga asked irritably. The nurse cast a confused glance to Luella who blinked several times.
"I-I haven't gotten around to telling the family Walburga- they still think that she's theirs."
"Haven't gotten around to it." Walburga mocked and Luella choked back tears. Walburga walked towards the bed and leaned down to whisper in Luella's ear, "What's the name of the family."
"T-the McKinnons'." Luella choked out, tears threatening to spill. Walburga simply smiled as she stood up straighter.
"I'll let Bella know."
She walked towards that baby that had yet to scream, it just gawked at her in wonder. It was a particularly small baby with Regulus' gray eyes. It was bald and showed no hints of what hair color it would one day have. The baby next to him was screaming loudly and Walburga cast a silencing charm.
"Are you saying Luella, that you are not releasing the children to my custody?"
"Y-yes," Luella said boldly and Walburga chuckled as Luella's face turned blue and she began gagging, desperately clawing at her neck.
"My dear, I thought you knew what an unbreakable vow was."
The nurse shouted for healers and rushed to try and aid Luella. The nurse turned to Walburga and began shouting that it had been her fault. Walburga simply smiled, "She made the unbreakable vow."
The aurors desperately tried to prove that Walburga was to blame but she easily talked her way out of it. The Fawley family was beyond embarrassed of the whole situation when Walburga explained it to them. They knew as everyone else not to have the Black Family as an enemy. Three days later Walburga was allowed to take home her grandchildren. The boy named Pollux Regulus Black and the girl Meissa Elledora Black.
Meissa and Pollux grew up spoiled awfully and shared their grandmothers view on anyone less them than. They only associated with the highest of purebloods and were far better children in Walburga's eyes than Sirius and even Regulus had ever been.
"Meissa!" Walburga called impatiently as she brushed back Pollux's hair tying it tightly in a bun at the nape of his neck. Pollux was an exact replica of Regulus in nearly every way. The same eyes, hair, and temperament. He was ambitious, clever and charismatic.
"Grandmother! That hurts." Pollux grumbled rubbing his scalp. Walburga ignored him shouting for Meissa again. There was a crash from upstairs followed by footsteps running down the hall.
"She's not very graceful," Pollux commented and Walburga rolled her eyes as she dismissed Pollux to fetch his cloak. Meissa ran down the stairs her long dark chestnut tresses flying behind her sloppily.
"I'm ready." Meissa grinned and Walburga narrowed her eyes at her granddaughter's hair. Walburga pushed Meissa down in the chair and brushed roughly through her tangles and plaited it inhumanely tight.
"Is this paint in your hair?"
"Um. No."
"Do you have your Hogwarts letters?"
"Yes." Pollux and Meissa answered together. Meissa pulled the wrinkled letter out of her pocket. Walburga read over it as Meissa smoothed down her deep purple robes. Pollux tugged on Meissa's braids earning a blow from her.
"We must go we have much to get," Walburga said fetching her money pouch.
"Can I have a racing broom?" Pollux asked fastening his little sisters cloak for her.
"First years aren't allowed brooms," Walburga said as they exited Black Manor. Meissa and Pollux frowned as Walburga summoned a wizard cab.
"I'm gonna be on the team. Seeker, I think." Pollux decided and Meissa rolled her eyes.
"You and Draco both apparently… Can I try out for the team Grandmother?"
"No, it is not ladylike. You are to join the Gobstones Club."
"Of course," Meissa replied respectfully gazing out the window watching the muggle shops blur as the car sped through London. Walburga flattened down Meissa's hair affectionately as Pollux talked excitedly about joining the Slytherin Quidditch team.
"Perhaps you and Draco shouldn't try out for the same position," Walburga suggested and Pollux sneered.
"I'm a far better player than Malfoy," Pollux said and Meissa giggled.
"Don't say that to him," Meissa taunted.
"Don't worry I won't hurt your future husband's feelings."
Meissa mocked gagging, "The future Meissa Ophelia Malfoy."
"Malfoy is not a bad family name. Do not complain." Walburga stared them both into silence as the cab pulled into a stop in front of The Leaky Cauldron.
"I know Grandmother. I'm not complaining."
Pollux kept laughing and Meissa smacked him, "You think it's so funny you marry Draco."
"Nobody is getting married for another 7 years. Relax." Walburga said as she exited the cab.
Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy stood outside with Draco who beamed at his cousins. Meissa rolled her eyes as she hugged Draco politely.
"Lovely to see you Meissa."
"Of course it is."
"So cute together," Walburga commented and Narcissa agreed as she beckoned for her son to walk ahead. The group of all of them made their way into The Leaky Cauldron and headed through to the back into Diagon Alley.
"School robes first," Walburga announced before the kids could rush off to look at the light up shops.
"Of course." Meissa agreed as they made their way to Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions.
Draco went running to the front but Narcissa grabbed him by the arm.
"Ladies first Draco."
"Missy is hardly a lady." Draco scoffed and Pollux snickered. Meissa ignored them as she proudly climbed atop the platform and the women went to take her measurements. The bell rang as another group of people walked in but Meissa paid them no mind as she tried on robes.
"Oh bloody hell." The voice of Sirius Black cursed. Remus Lupin entered behind him with Harry Potter. Walburga glared at her son as she guided Pollux to stand away from him.
"We can wait, Siri," Remus said diplomatically as he took a seat with Harry who was looking curiously at the Malfoys and Blacks. He had never met any of them. But Sirius had told him all about them. There was a tense silence as Pollux climbed onto the platform beside his sister.
"You're so short, dearie." The woman said as she pinned the robes. Walburga stared at her grandchildren refusing to turn and look at her disowned son.
"You talk a lot," Meissa stated rudely and the woman pinning her robes looked appalled that Walburga didn't scold the child. Pollux got fitted for his robes quickly. Draco climbed up before Harry could and slipped into a robe. Walburga decided now would be the time to get new dress robes for Meissa and was looking at the fabric swatches with a bored expression. Pollux went to touch the silks but Walburga smacked his hand away. It was clear to Sirius she was simply doing this to prolong Harry from getting his robes.
"Which do you prefer?" Walburga asked Meissa who appeared delighted to have a say in what she wore for once.
"The blue with that lace." Meissa decided, pointing at the lace the hung on the walls. The woman nodded writing down the proper information and promised to have the robes delivered by the end of the week. Finally, Draco and Meissa hopped down from the platforms. Draco had decided to boastfully wear his robes around Diagon Alley as he pulled his father away to look at racing brooms.
"Watch where you step you filthy little half-blood!" Pollux shouted loudly as Harry tripped over his own feet as he eagerly climbed onto the platform and accidentally fell into Pollux. Walburga ignored this and Narcissa simply rolled her eyes at the Potter boy.
"You little-" Sirius began getting to his feet but Remus pulled him down by his belt. Meissa turned to look at the man and recognized him right away. Her father's brother.
"You're Regulus' brother. I've heard about you… and the sort of people you associate with is true to the tales." Meissa said with a pointed look at Remus.
"You're Regulus' spawn. He must be so disappointed."
"Meissa do not waste time on blood traitors," Walburga said placing her hands protectively on Meissa' shoulders. Meissa nodded as she moved to the counter to collect her robes. Pollux glared at Harry muttering about filth under his breath. Harry stared right back at him.
"Grandma, can I get Chameleon skin gloves?" Pollux asked eagerly looking through the bin of gloves.
"Yes, Pollux."
Sirius snickered loudly, "Pollux and Meissa? Dear mother your naming skills have had little improvement." Harry laughed quietly at his godfather and glared at Meissa who stared back at him, Pollux moved to stand in front of his sister protectively.
"Nice scar." Pollux mocked Harry as the woman handed Pollux his parcel.
"Nice name." Harry retorted.
"Harry Potter… the boy who lived… son of a blood traitor and filthy mudblood." Meissa said in a bored voice. "Must say, I'm not impressed." Walburga smiled slightly as Meissa laughed at Harry's taken back expression.
"See you at Hogwarts scarface," Pollux said shoving Harry to the side as he climbed over the platform to exit the shop. Harry went to punch Pollux but Remus stepped between them to restrain Harry.
"You little!" Harry shouted angrily thrashing in Remus' grip.
"Crazy as the Longbottom's this lot." Meissa taunted.
Narcissa quickly moved to lead Pollux and Meissa out of the store as she left she heard Sirius shout, "If you raise them this way they'll end up just like their dad."
Pollux ignored Sirius comment, "Disgusting people."
Meissa rubbed his shoulders reassuringly. "I can't believe I have to go to school with the likes of them."
"We should be going to Durmstrang," Pollux added as Narcissa ushered them into the bookshop.
"You two shouldn't cause a scene like that. It's not proper."
"Of course. It won't happen again." Meissa said bowing her head slightly. Pollux nodded in agreement.
"If you two get in Slytherin you won't have to be around that sort."
"Obviously we'll be in Slytherin… well, I will. Meissa here will probably end up in Hufflepuff with the mudbloods." Meissa moved to smack her brother but Narcissa restrained her.
"He's only teasing Missy. No member of our family has ever been placed in that house."
"What about Andromeda's daughter?" Pollux questioned and Narcissa pretended to not hear him as she pulled out Draco's book list and began selecting three copies of each book.
"I've heard that-" Meissa began turning around to look at the velvet-covered books but knocked into someone knocking them both to the ground. "I'm sorry I'm sorry." Meissa apologized frantically helping the girl to her feet.
"Well you should be I never- Meissa Black, Oh I'm so sorry! Totally my fault." Pansy Parkinson apologized respectfully bowing her head slightly. Meissa knew Pansy vaguely, she often saw her at Galas held by the Ministry or at the Malfoy Christmas parties. Dark brown hair framed her heart shaped face and her full rose colored lips were pursed. Her pale green eyes reminded Meissa of the watercolors she'd often use in her paintings. She noticed she was outright staring at Pansy when she quickly stepped back and fixed her own robes. Pansy blushed slightly, straightening out her skirt.
"Pansy, it's fine." Meissa chuckled reaching forward to brush dust off Pansy's shoulder. Pansy looked from Meissa's hand to her face and smiled timidly.
"I like your robes."
"Oh thank you, Pansy, Grandmother had it imported from France. Purple is my favorite color."
"Mine too. Besides green... Purple does look lovely on you."
"Oh um thanks. You look great today... I mean you look great every day- You must be getting your school books. Your first year too?"
"Oh, yes."
Walburga walked in looking irritable and nodded politely at Pansy.
"Ms. Parkinson, lovely to see you. I trust your family is well."
"Yes, Mrs. Black," Pansy said quickly. Walburga stared Pansy down until she scurried away waving goodbye to Meissa.
"Grandmother, is everything alright?"
"Yes, Meissa… just promise me you won't ever end up like Sirius."
"Of course Grandmother."
Walburga kissed the top of Meissa's head affectionately, "My little Princess."
"Do you have everything?" Walburga asked as Meissa lifted her trunk onto the trolley.
"Dress robes, school robes, clothes, books, scales-"
"Wand?" Walburga asked and Meissa patted her pockets. Walburga pulled Meissa's wand out of pocket and handed it to her.
"I have it now. Thank you, Grandmother."
Pollux and Draco had taken to ramming their trolleys together. Meissa scowled at them. "Did I really have to be the only girl."
"You'll make plenty of friends at Hogwarts I promise. Make sure you don't get involved with the wrong sort." Lucius said and Meissa nodded proudly as if the very idea of being involved with anyone not worthy of her was absurd. Which it was.
"Of course."
Pollux and Draco had run straight to the train after a quick goodbye to their families. Meissa stood with her Grandmother apprehensively.
"Now Meissa, everyone in this school will want to befriend you, as they should. It is up to you to uphold the name of House Black."
"I know Grandmother."
"Good luck my dear." She said, "Get going."
Meissa looked up at intimidating train and stood taller. Walburga gently pushed her forward and Meissa waved goodbye as she climbed onto the train lugging her trunk behind her. She walked through the corridor trying to find an empty compartment or at the very least find her brother and cousin. She found an empty apartment and let herself in taking a seat. She pulled her drawing notebook out of her trunk and a quill and began sketching her family crest.
There was a knock on the door and Meissa looked up to see Pansy standing there.
"May I join you?"
"Of course," Meissa said politely as Pansy took a seat across from her and lugged in her trunk.
"Did you draw that? It's great." Pansy asked peeking over to look at Meissa's sketch.
"Oh, yes I love to draw, Grandmother says I get it from my dad- Father"
"Well, you're very good."
"I could sketch you if you want."
"Alright" Pansy agreed but before Meissa could start there was another knock at the door. A girl with big bushy hair and buck teeth peeked her head in.
"Is this cabin full?"
"What's your name girl?"
"Hermione Granger."
Pansy and Meissa looked at each other as neither of them had heard the name before. Pansy thought for a moment before speaking, "Any relation to Hector Dagworth-Granger? The potioneer?"
"Um, no I don't think so. My parents are muggles."
"Then I'm not sorry to inform you that this compartment is full," Meissa said in a mocking tone. Pansy hands flew to her mouth to stifle her giggles. Taken aback Hermione left quickly.
"She didn't touch anything did she?" Pansy asked and Meissa laughed shaking her head.
"I think we're safe... just to be safe," Meissa pulled out her wand and laid it next to her on the seat. "Doubt the mudblood will know how to use one of these."
Pansy smirked, her eyes twinkling.
"What kind of wand is that?"
"Blackthorn, 10 inches precisely and dragon heartstring."
"I've heard those wands are really powerful," Pansy said looking rather impressed.
"Oh, I know they are. My Grandmother was quite pleased. My brother got dragon heartstring too, elm wood I think, his was 15 inches almost. Rather stiff, mines swishy."
"Mines acacia, Phoenix feather. I'm not sure how long.. 12 inches perhaps."
Pansy took out her wand admiring it, Meissa gave an approving nod.
"Okay, ready to be drawn?"
"Sure." Pansy smiled widely and Meissa blushed as she grabbed her quill.
Yes, I admit this is my second story about one of the Blacks' having illegitimate kids and leaving them without a father. But this one is obviously very different and I'm super excited for it! The Black family is just so fun to write about and I just really wanna write an anti-hero.