For the Collect a Collection Challenge (Black Family 1/37, Orion Black) and the Family Matters Challenge (Black Family)
"Would you like to hold your son?"
Orion almost scoffs at the midwife's foolish question. Does she not know that it is not a man's place to care for his children? They have a servant for that. However, judging by her expression, he doubts she is aware of his family's tradition. He doesn't want to rock the boat. With a tense smile, he holds out his arms. "Of course."
He doesn't know how to hold a baby. Part of him is grateful that she guides him along. "Just like that," she beams. "Keep his head supported."
Orion stares at his son, amazed. He looks so perfect. Dark hair, grey eyes. He is a Black through and through.
"Hello, Sirius," he says, feeling awkward for talking to something that can't understand him.
The boy squirms and whines. Orion takes a deep breath, resisting the urge to toss him to the side. Why must babies be so weak? It's almost disgusting.
"You'll learn, son. You'll learn to be strong," he says firmly.
Merlin, why is he doing this? He has no business partaking in servants' work.
The cry grows louder. "Where is that blasted elf?" he demands. "This thing needs to be cared for!"
"He's looking after your wife," the midwife answers, waving her wand and summoning a bottle. "You could feed him."
Orion supposes that it's an innocent enough question, but he looks at her as though she's suggested that perhaps he should try setting his finest robes on fire while wearing them. "Pardon?"
She places the newly summoned bottle in his hand, smiling brightly. "It's important for you to bond with your child," she says before guiding him through the process. "If you'll excuse me, I must check on your wife."
Before Orion can protest, she's gone. He scowls. "I do hope you're not as stubborn as that woman. Dangerous ideas, she has. Elves are meant to care for you," he says.
Sirius doesn't respond. He moves his lips, sucking the milk.
Orion watches, fascinated. He's never actually encountered a human child in such a way. Yet here he is. This child, this stranger thing, is his. If he's honest with himself, he'd say that it scares him. But Blacks do not admit weakness.
"Don't get used to this," Orion adds quickly. "I am your father, not your caregiver. You will be brought up as I was."
The boy doesn't answer. Of course he wouldn't. He does not care if Orion has any interest in him or not.
Orion sighs. "I suppose it would not hurt to do this, however. Just this once. Let us break tradition."
Sirius makes a small noise, almost like a laugh. Orion shudders. "There is nothing funny about breaking tradition," he snaps.
And though the boy is only an hour old, Orion has feeling there is something different about him. This will not be the last time traditions are broken with the boy. He scowls. Already, bringing this child into the world seems like a poor decision.