1993
Hermione watched in disdain as the thin and dirty man pulled himself from the ground. His grey eyes stared back at her with determination, with a life that she wished to snuff out. Her wand rose a second time, the cruciatus curse dancing across the tip of her tongue.
"Please no, I'll do anything you ask." His voice was a gasped whisper. Her eyes raked over his form and she almost felt pity when she caught sight of his protruding ribs through his torn Azkaban jumpsuit. The moonlight pouring into the astronomy tower made his skin even paler than the years in prison had. His beard was a mess; scruffy, tangled, and dirty.
"I know because cowards would trade anything to save their life. I want to know if you still live and breathe for our Lord." Her voice was calm, but her grey eyes reflected the hatred that filled her body. She saw the hesitance in the tension of his shoulders. His mouth opened and closed as thoughts swirled around his head. Impatience welled and with a flick of her wrist she set his body convulsing once again. She couldn't afford for him to die or fall victim to insanity so his torture was cut short, much to her chagrin. "Answer me, filth, I don't wish to stand here all night!" She sneered, irritation becoming apparent on her face.
"I will follow our Lord til my last breath." He wheezed pathetically. She rolled her eyes, she knew he was lying, it was his specialty. His body twitched ever so often as the curse's aftereffects worked through his system.
"You're full of shite Sirius, Aunt Cissy always said you were a disgrace to purebloods." Her grey eyes bore through him, sifting through his mind and finding lie after lie. His occlumency was nearly as disgraceful as his blood traitorous love for the halfbreed, Lupin. He held many mistakes in his shoulders, but one their Lord could never forgive was his closeness to the werewolf. His request for his mark was swiftly declined because their Lord couldn't have someone like Sirius Black representing his empire.
"Please! Hermione, my dear niece, do not let your aunt brainwash you any further. Your father-"
"My father is dead!" She screamed and cast an incendio, setting his body ablaze. She felt unexplainable joy as his body burned, but she soon put him out, as her Lord would be angry if the man were to die. He continued to scream long after the fire was snuffed, his flesh was peeling and puss leaked from the blisters that popped each time he moved. "Leave Sirius. That filthy feathered creature is waiting for you on the outskirts of the forest. Uncle Lucius was going to have him slaughtered for injuring Draco, but with a bit of persuasion on my part, I was able to save that dastardly creature from my uncle and you from our Lord's wrath. See this as the only kindness that you will receive from me, uncle." She spat at his feet and turned to leave. "The sun will rise in three hours, Dumbledore has delayed Filch and his bloody cat until then, get out. Next time we meet, we will be enemies and I will not hesitate to end you." She laughed before leaving Sirius to crawl out of the castle and into the forest.
1978
Josephine Black nee Malfoy smiled tiredly at the small bundle resting in her arms. The infant had a small tuft of curly, bright blonde hair on her head. Her eyes had remained closed from the moment of her birth, but she giggled and balled her small hands like any infant. The child's magic stirred the air and brought the once empty house to life.
"You should have heard it Lucius. Her cry was so powerful, I could feel her magic in surrounding me." Josephine looked up as her husband and brother entered her bedroom. Regulus's face held pride, while Lucius's was filled with awe. She smiled a bit wider when she saw them, their smiles were so rare and it brought her so much joy to not only be holding her child, but to also have her family all together. She worried for them when they left to fight each of their Lord's battles and she feared one day they wouldn't return.
"Her magic has manifested so early. Our Lord is already interested in her. She is the second child in all of magical history to show signs of magic at birth." Lucius looked down at the small bundle. "Her hair." His fingers ran over the small tuft. "Seems to me that her power comes from her Malfoy blood, just look at her." Pride welled in his chest as he watched his niece smile and wave her tiny fists about. Her eyes remained closed, but if she had the Malfoy hair, he was sure the pale blue eyes of their ancestors were hiding beneath her lids.
"Now wait a minute, have you forgotten what colour your wife's hair is?" Regulus laughed as Lucius looked taken aback.
"Speaking of my sister-in-law, when are the two of you planning to have a child, Lucius?" Josephine smiled as red tinged her brother's cheeks, a darkness passed through his eyes, but was gone just as quickly. She wanted to dwell on the moment, but she was sure she only imagined it and ignored it. Narcissa was an innocent young woman, though she knew how pureblood society worked and functioned perfectly in it, she knew little of the bedroom or the continuing of bloodlines. Lucius confided in his older sister before his wedding that he feared taking Narcissa's innocence because after it was gone he was uncertain his wife would still be the shy young girl he met so many years prior. Lucius was no prude, but the thought of being as open with his intimate life as his brother-in-law was far too scandalous for his tastes.
"In due time sister." Josephine smiled at her brother. Lucius was only 22, but his marriage was nearly five years old and his wife had not fallen pregnant, nor had he made any plans for conception in the near future. The couple took a year and a half to travel the world for their honeymoon. The way Lucius's letters were written she was expecting them to return with a blonde haired, blue eyed baby girl swaddled in the finest of cloths the Malfoy fortune could buy. When they made it home, something seemed different about them and the child was nothing more than a quiet night of tears and angry words that no one besides the couple would ever hear or see. "Have the two of you chosen a name?"
"After months of arguing we finally came to a compromise that would suit us both. She has always been fond of the name Hermione, but I wished to follow Black tradition and name our daughter Gemini. Thus she has consented to the name Hermione Gemini Black." Regulus gesticulated with his usual theatrics. He was the epitome of the perfect pureblood man in public, but at home when The Dark Lord was not watching he was far from the serious and silent man that everyone knew him to be. With the constant shadow of their Lord looming over them, they could only get two years before their Lord began demanding a child from them and exactly 9 months later, here she was.
"Narcissa will want to meet the child soon." Lucius swept some of his sister's blonde her behind her ear. His sister was glowing, though exhausted and slightly paler than usual, motherhood truly suited her. "She is beautiful, Josephine." He smiled down at his niece one last time before turning for the door with a slight grimace on his face.
"It seems that our Lord is calling darling. Rest and I will return with Lucius and Narcissa tonight." Regulus tried to remain smiling, but the mark's heat scorched the skin of his forearm the longer it took for him to comply with its wishes.
"Do go, you mustn't make him wait any longer." She waved tiredly. As the sounds of their apparition filled the room she sighed. She was still waiting for her daughter to open her eyes, to either reveal the piercing grey of her Black blood or the bright blue of the Malfoy's. It was three days since the child's birth and with Regulus being away on a mission until just the day prior she was still exhausted, but her joy could not be diminished.
She stood slowly from the bed, abandoning the warmth of her duvet to place the child into her crib. "Sweet dreams, my dear Hermione." She watched the way her forehead crinkled and her eyebrows furrowed, the crib was foreign compared to her mother's arms, but she settled quickly.
1981
Hermione giggled and twirled Bellatrix's long black curls around her small finger. "Pretty." The blonde child whispered as the Death Eater held her close. Hermione's free hand reached for the bird skull necklace that lie just above Bellatrix's bosom; its dark hollow eyes entranced the small girl. The beak nicked the child's finger and Bellatrix prepared to quiet her when the inevitable crying began, but no tears were shed. Hermione watched the thin stream of blood run the length of her finger tip in the moonlight that poured through the opening between the drapes. "Red." She whispered in awe. Bellatrix watched on with amusement as the child seemed so enamoured with the sight of blood.
"Yes child, it is called blood." Bellatrix cooed in her usual insanity. Her dark eyes held a sort of focus that was uncommon for the dark witch. Her black abysses watched the girl and softened minutely as dimpled fingers poked the woman's cheek.
Bellatrix listened to the quiet footsteps outside of the bedroom door. Someone was attempting to sneak up on her, but rather than manic anger, she was simply amused. Her wand was trained expertly at the chest of the intruder before they could fully comprehend who was standing before them. "Crucio." Bellatrix whispered without looking at the person as they dropped to the floor with a piercing scream. The scream did catch Hermione's attention; however, her reaction was once again something unexpected to the murderess. Hermione giggled as she watch her mother writhe on the wooden floors of her bedroom.
Bellatrix released Josephine from the crippling pain and joined Hermione in laughter. "Crucio." The small child repeated. She pouted when her mother didn't begin screaming as she did when Bellatrix said it. Bellatrix's laughter died as she watched. Determination danced through the child's eyes and suddenly she shouted the curse, surprising both her mother and the Death Eater. Josephine felt pain coursing through her again. She tried to rip through her scorching flesh to release the boiling blood inside of her.
"Now now little one, we mustn't ruin mummy. You need someone to watch after you until I come back, darling." Hermione smiled up at the dark witch and continued twirling black curls around her finger. Josephine gasped for air as tears poured down her cheeks, and blood poured from her forearms where she had torn at the flesh. She watched the way Bellatrix held her child and jealousy welled in the pit of her stomach. Hermione was never been so enchanted with her own presence, but Bellatrix suddenly appears and she was enamoured. "She is quite beautiful, Josey. I will return later tonight to collect her, our Lord wishes for me to raise her. Her dear father was killed by that filthy blood traitor brother of his. I told Regulus that his brother could not be trusted and now Sirius has gone off and been captured by the aurors before I could get my hands on him." She glared hatefully out the window before setting Hermione back into her small bed. Bellatrix pulled the silk duvet up, tucking the child into her bed before kissing her forehead.
"No Bella, don't go!" Hermione cried. She latched onto the the skirt of Bellatrix's dress. "No Bella!" Tears poured from Hermione's eyes. Bellatrix turned back uncertainly, confusion filling her. She never felt this emotion before; the need to comfort the child was overwhelming.
"Don't cry, my darling. You will be just as pathetic as your mother if you grow up crying when you don't get your way." Bellatrix cooed soothingly to the small blonde. "I will return for you in the morning. Sweet dreams, my lovely."
Bellatrix left her that night and Hermione cried herself to sleep for months when the dark witch didn't return the next morning.
1990
"Hermione remember that you are a Black. Should you disgrace yourself you are-"
"Disgracing both you and my father, the great Regulus Black, one of our Lord's most loyal." Hermione met her mother's bright blue eyes. She was glad she had not inherited the Malfoy eyes. Her mother and uncle were nothing more than cowards, but she could understand why their Lord kept them around. Regulus being the head of the Noble and Ancient House of Black passed all of his fortune to his wife and daughter upon his death and her uncle being the head of the House of Malfoy also offered a large sum of money to benefit their Lord's cause.
"You mustn't speak that way in public, my dear. At least not around anyone besides your fellow Slytherins." Josephine looked panicked and her daughter glared irritably at her. Hermione wished for a moment she would have been lucky enough to receive Narcissa Malfoy as a mother, Narcissa was a true Black. She was the perfect and pristine pureblood woman, but she was powerful and cruel under her cool exterior. She flicked her wand with precision and she never lost her composure.
Josephine was one of the more likeable purebloods amongst the filthy population, the filthy population being the impure. No one knew anything about her father because he was forbidden by their Lord from becoming a public figure as Lucius was. Josephine was the example that everyone assumed Hermione would follow, but how very incorrect they would soon find their assumption to be.
The red train blew its whistle, giving Hermione the perfect excuse for escape. "I must be going mother, can't allow them to leave without me."
"Yes of course, my dear. Remember to-" Hermione had already turned to leave, not sparing her mother a second glance.
She stepped onto the train and began the process of locating a suitable car to spend the journey in. Each that she passed seemed to have a mixture of Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs filling every seat. As she neared the end of the train she was stopped by a tall and incredibly hideous Slytherin boy.
"You must be Hermione Black, the child of the legendary Regulus Black." His voice was nearly as repugnant as his face, but who was she to turn down praise when it was due.
"I am and you are?" She stared emotionlessly at him.
"Marcus Flint, third year. Would you like to sit with myself and a few of our fellow Slytherins?" She could see the hope shining in his eyes. Her mother had yet to sign any marriage contracts, which left the pureblood aristocrats' children to try to garner her favour in hopes she would persuade her mother to marry her off. The Flint family was off the list entirely. She simply nodded and followed after him.
Upon their arrival she was offered a window seat after commenting about how lovely the Scottish countryside was and promptly introduced to everyone. Three first years, Daphne Greengrass, Millicent Bulstrode, and Adrian Pucey, two third years, Roselyn Wakes and Marcus, and surprisingly a second year Hufflepuff by the name of Cedric Diggory.
"Tell me Diggory, what's a Hufflepuff doing in a den of snakes?" Hermione asked, her tone holding genuine curiosity and a bit of humour. Cedric's chin rose minutely before flashing the blonde a smirk fitting of a Slytherin.
"I may be a Hufflepuff, but that simply means I am destined to be our Lord's loyalist follower." The students all laughed.
"I can appreciate your dedication Diggory, but there will never be any more loyal than Bellatrix Black." Every eye turned to her, she was the only one in the entire train that had ever had direct contact with Bellatrix Black or their Lord.
"What's she like?" Millicent whispered in awe. The broad shouldered brunette was one of Bellatrix's biggest fans.
"Y-yeah." Adrian stuttered uncertainly.
"She has to be pretty bloody amazing if she's our Lord's right hand!" Roselyn's tone mimicked Millicent's.
"She's magnificent, the strongest witch I have ever seen. Her spells always hit their mark, I've never seen her miss. Our Lord allowed me to watch his memories of her in battle, she looked like a true warrior. She wielded her wand expertly, every spell flew from her lips without hesitation. It was the greatest thing I had ever seen, I felt honoured not only by our Lord, but by Bella for asking him to keep that memory for me." Her grey eyes filled with adoration and longing. Each of her new classmates could hear the pure devotion in her words.
"Bella?" Marcus smirked at her.
"Yes Bellatrix is quite the mouthful." She lied easily and turned to the window. Her throat felt tight and her chest hurt from remembering that night. Bella leaving was one of the saddest moments of her life and she promised on her fifth birthday when her Aunt Cissy showed her another new memory of Bella that she would never be pathetic like her mother or her disowned aunt, Andromeda. She watched Andromeda proclaim her love for a mudblood and sully their bloodline. She watched her Great-Uncle Cygnus blast her filthy blood traitorous face from the family tapestry.
The the others chatted while she read. Bella had gifted her many tomes of the dark arts before her imprisonment. The night Bella left was the first time she had ever seen Bella with her own eyes, before then it was just letters that her mother read to her and gifts that Bella thought Hermione would need as she grew. She watched a few memories of her mother's, memories of her younger self receiving gifts from her beloved Bella and she could tell she was infatuated with Bella long before the two of them ever met.
She never really got to read through the texts that Bella gifted her because she was still quite young and her mother never wished to explain them to her. When she turned seven she asked her Aunt Cissy to go over Bella's tomes with her and her Aunt seemed more than pleased. Thus began a rivalry between her mother and aunt that led to the constant studying of not only the dark arts, but common spells and everything she would need to succeed at Hogwarts as well.
The tome she was currently reading was called The Art and History of Fire and Explosive Spells, she was quite fond of this particular one. While her beloved Bella always enjoyed making people bleed, Hermione was more interested in fire. She liked to see things burn, though the curciatus curse was the first she mastered, incendio was a close second. Her Lord was the one to teach her that spell, he took her with him on a raid where they burned down an entire neighbourhood in search of the Potter boy. He watched in intrigue as the small child repeated the spell and on the second try she was able to replicate it, wandless and all. Their Lord knew then, with his Death Eaters standing around him, small girl in his arms, that she was to be the prodigal child he never had. Incendio was one of her favourites, but from fear of her burning their manor to the ground her mother never condoned its use and Hermione was left to use it on her own outside when her mother was off doing business in the study or entertaining in the library. Of course Hermione was never allowed to roam alone, so she resorted to crying and when the elf that was assigned to her, Diffy, disappeared she ran. Her mother always found her with smudge marks all over her face and singed pieces on the tips of her long blonde curls.
"Hey Hermione, we're almost there!" Millicent yelled excitedly. Hermione looked back out the window and was nearly awestricken by the castle that sat off in the distance.
"This way first years!" She heard as the train came to stop. Everyone began making their way off the train. As she stepped off, her tome resting under her arm, she saw a half-giant standing on the platform directing the first years to boats. The man's beard was long and unkempt, his clothes looked like glorified rags, and his stench was foul enough to reach her from multiple metres away.
"A halfbreed, how dreadful." She sneered. She spat at his feet in passing earning laughs and cheers from her fellow Slytherins and future Slytherins as they stepped off behind her. She led a pack of Slytherin students as more and more of them recognised her. Her bright blonde curls and piercing grey eyes were clear signs of a Black. Unlike the other houses, besides the Malfoy's of course, the few Blacks that acquired blonde hair had ashen blonde hair, so pale and bright it was nearly white. Her thick curls were a shining beacon in the ocean of students.
Rather than wasting time staring at the Castle, she continued to read as the boats moved across the water. Her interest in the castle's exterior was fleeting, but she was excited about exploring inside the castle walls.
"Is that all you do? Read?" This was the first time Daphne had spoken besides introducing herself and her haughty tone was unimpressive to Hermione.
Hermione spared the other blonde a short glance before completely ignoring her. She heard a short huff and controlled the urge to smirk. The Greengrass girl was attempting to get under her skin, but she would have to try much harder.
Hermione was enjoying all of the material she was taking in, but she was becoming irritated with how little freedom she had. How would she practise? Understanding the concept of a spell was completely different from actually performing one. She would find a place or perhaps she could sneak out at night; she was a Black, her choices were endless.
The boats docked and the first years were herded into the entrance hall and stopped in front of an old woman with green eyes, deep wrinkles, and a pointed hat. She looked as if she had sat on her wand.
"Hey there, the names George."
"And I'm Fred." Twin redheads tapped Hermione's shoulders. She was taken aback that poor blood traitor filth thought themselves worthy enough to touch her. They raised there hands to shake hers, but her eyes fell on the freckled skin disdainfully.
"Weasleys, I presume." She kept her face as neutral as she could, but her disdain was still laced through her every word. "To what do I owe this... misfortune?" Her eyes ran the lengths of their lanky bodies, both wearing too-big hand-me-down robes and worn out shoes. Both boys shifted nervously, confusion filling their eyes.
"Yeah." They both squeaked.
"What's your-"
"Name?" Her irritation grew as they continued to converse with her, but she decided she would humour them just a moment longer.
"Hermione Black." She sneered and they gasped.
"Much too good to be bothered with the likes of you." Daphne's ire was nearly as scorching as Hermione's. The other blonde draped her arm around Hermione's shoulders pulling her, almost possessively, away from the twins. Their cheeks were red with embarrassment and shame as the future Slytherins laughed at them. Hermione smirked in their direction and was a bit irritated by the determination that flickered in their ocean blue depth. Her irritation grew when Daphne's arm remained on her shoulders, though she didn't complain. Her aunt once told her that connections are important especially when you are at the top of the hierarchy. The fame she had lived on all of her life was that of her father and it was her turn to create a place for herself in history right along side him. Daphne wasn't the most pleasing to put up with so far, but her family was wealthy and Hermione liked the idea of acquiring more wealth.
"Follow me!" The old witch, McGonagall, called over the chatter of the first years. As the large double doors opened, Hermione didn't spare a single glance at the great hall. She walked with her head raised and her hands clasped behind her back the whole of the soon-to-be Slytherin first years walking behind her with the same elitist prestige. Gasps sounded throughout the whole of the Slytherin house table and there were even a few from the older students at the other house tables.
McGonagall and the old swine, Dumbledore, kept their eyes trained on her nearly the entire time. Their suspicion of her was palpable, no one from her family ever left Hogwarts without leaving a lasting impression. Snape watched her with a sort of pride, as her cousin's godfather the two of them were often in each other's company.
Hermione's name was called quickly and she walked up to the stool without an ounce of fear. She wasn't nervous, she was ready; ready to make her family, her Lord, and her beloved Bella proud.
She glared at the dusty old hat, but allowed it to touch her pristine curls anyway.
"Hmm. Such an angry child you are." The hat spoke into her head. "You would prosper in Ravenclaw were it not for that nasty streak. You would terrorise those poor Hufflepuffs and Godric help Gryffindor if I were to place you there. It seems the only proper house for you would be... SLYTHERIN!" The hat yelled. While it seemed to her that the hat had been on her head for ages, the hat had hardly touched her head before making its decision.
The Slytherin house table not only cheered, but applauded as the heir of The Noble and Ancient House of Black, daughter of the legendary Regulus Black earned her green and silver and took her place amongst her brethren.
Later that night Hermione sent a letter to her mother. One of the few that the worried mother would receive.
Dear Mother,
I was sorted into Slytherin today.
Sincerely,
Hermione Black
Narcissa Malfoy also received a letter that night.
Dear Aunt Cissy,
I am quite pleased to inform you that I was sorted into Slytherin today. I have reluctantly become friends with the halfblood Bulstrode and Wakes girls, the Flint, Pucey, and Greengrass heirs, and a pureblood Hufflepuff that claims loyalty to our Lord. His name is Cedric Diggory. The children of those filthy blood traitor Weasleys tried to befriend me today, but their attempts were intercepted, though I feel that this will not be the only time the poor red headed filth attempts to garner my attention.
Send my regards to my dearest cousin, Draco, I wish to practise the magic I have learned from my tomes with him over the holidays. I hoped Draco would be as advanced with his abilities as I am, but because he is not I have taken it upon myself to train him.
So far, I am very unimpressed with Hogwarts and wish more than anything I could be back at the manor, mine or yours, practising until Bella returns to us.
Sincerely,
Hermione Black
1965
The Dark Lord was smiling, a genuine smile. His smile was quite sinister, but those of his followers sitting at the table around him knew his smile meant he was happy and at the very least had some good news.
"Did you bring him in Abraxas?" Abraxas Malfoy stood from the table and bowed to their Lord.
"Of course my Lord, he is just outside the door, shall I fetch him?" Malfoy, with his usual boot-licking cowardice, remained bowed before their Lord. Their Lord was never fond of Malfoy, but the Malfoy line was quite affluent and he saw no reason to rid himself of the obnoxious pest. Soon he would have the Black line in the palm of his hand too. He gave Malfoy a simple nod and watched the flea of a man scurry to the door.
A tall, broad man with long wavy black hair and piercing grey eyes stepped into he room. He was clad in some of the finest robes wizards could buy. He stood tall, with a regal gait and every follower in the room immediately knew that Orion Black was their Lord's new favourite, mark or not.
"Lord Black, what an honour." Their Lord stood and gestured to the seat on his right. "Please come, have a seat." Malfoy nearly commented about their Lord giving away his seat, but knew better than to go against his master.
"You wished to speak with me about a prophecy concerning my family." The Dark Lord chuckled, true mirth swimming in his red eyes. He liked the lack of fear in the man's eyes. This was a man he wanted on his side because this was a man he knew would serve well.
"Straight to the point, I see. Yes Lord Black, I have many plans and I need you to ensure all goes properly, you see." Orion Black watched the Dark Lord, his eyes calculating. "Your son, Regulus must marry the daughter of Abraxas Malfoy." Abraxas stood, outrage clear on his usually submissive face.
"But my Lord..." He began, but smoothly sat back down as their Lord shot him a scathing glare.
"The prophecy states that the joining of Malfoy and Black will produce a powerful heir that will be connected to the eldest child of the Swan, which I assume is Cygnus Black's eldest. Narcissa Black is betrothed to Lucius Malfoy, the prophecy will be completed." Orion Black explained, his interest in the conversation waning.
"Narcissa and Lucius will form a bridge between the two lines; however, it is not the correct bridge. The prophecy requires the joining of the Black and Malfoy lines through the marriage of their Lords' eldest children, you are the Lord of the Noble and Ancient House of Black." Their Lord shifted his eyes down the table stopping on Cygnus Black. "Tell us about young Bellatrix." While Cygnus Black wasn't a snivelling coward like Malfoy, he was still far too cautious for their Lord's tastes. He was an advanced warrior; however, and their Lord was more than accepting of his few shortcomings. Being that Cygnus was not the head of Black, but simply a mere member their Lord had to go the extra mile to recruit Orion Black.
"Bellatrix is 14 now, she shows great potential. Her magic manifested on the day of her birth and she was casting spells before she could complete sentences." Cygnus spoke with pride of his eldest whom had also received the approval of their Lord.
"I see." Orion Black nodded. He rose stretching his hand out toward their Lord, a gesture none had attempted before him. "I will see to it that the marriage contract is written up and Malfoy will be left to finalise it." Their Lord's smile seemed to grow brighter as he shook Orion Black's hand, he could see the pieces falling into place little by little. He would rule the world, all that was left to do was wait.
1972
I have been at Hogwarts for two weeks now. My brother graduated last year, which is a relief, but his friend Lucius Malfoy is still here. Malfoy is a sixth year, which means that sadly I will be left to deal with him for another two years. His sister Josephine is much nicer than him, which makes me wonder what she sees in my brother, Regulus. Regulus and Malfoy were so terrible to me when I was younger and it would be nice if the two would disappear. I met three boys, they're third years. James Potter, Peter Pettigrew and Remus Lupin, the three of them are completely horrid. I met a second year named Severus Snape, while he was a bit closed off he was very polite and after watching Potter bully him, I am convinced that Gryffindors are worse than Slytherins. I was sorted into Gryffindor. My brother made me think that Slytherins were terrible, but after meeting Potter, Pettigrew, and Lupin, I realise that Gryffindors are no better. Severus and I have become friends, I hope, I really enjoy his company and he is quite helpful when I have trouble with my studies.
I also found out that Severus fancies a mudblood girl by the name of Lily Evans, though Severus said I shouldn't call her or anyone a mudblood. She is bloody brilliant and when Severus isn't around to help me with assignments I turn to her without hesitation. Lucius and my parents are both disgusted with my sorting and my choice of friends, but Josephine thinks it is wonderful that I am expanding my horizons.
Sirius
1975
Regulus married Josephine this summer. I was far from excited, but I still smiled and congratulated my brother regardless. I told Josephine later that day, before she and my brother left for their honeymoon, that she deserved better. She told me that she thought the crush I had on her was cute, but my jealousy needed to end and suddenly I felt like a little boy again being reprimanded by my mother. She was beautiful in her gown, but it was hard to celebrate when all I wanted to do was sulk.
I can't wait to go back to Hogwarts.
Sirius
1977
I joined the Dark Lord today. My mother told me I needed to be more like my brother and this is what I think she meant. When I returned home for the night my father rested his hand on my shoulder with so much pride in his eyes, something I have only seen directed at Regulus. My mother hugged me, it was an actual hug, not one of her usual hugs in which she harmed me without anyone noticing. For the first time I feel like I belong in my family, but at the same time I have never felt so alone.
Sirius
1979
I killed my brother today. I was attempting to sabotage their Lord by destroying his precious locket, but Regulus stopped me. He took the locket from me and I shot a stupify at him. I didn't mean to kill him, but he fell into the water and the inferi dragged him to the bottom with the locket secured in his breast pocket. I lost my chance to end the Dark Lord and I lost my brother, but if he were to survive he would have killed me. Soon the Dark Lord will learn of my treachery, or worse Bellatrix will find out. This will most certainly be the last time that I write.
Sirius
1980
An auror stood over the bound figure of Sirius Black, the prisoner sat silently his eyes staring blankly at the face of his captor. His arms aches as his body rested on them. His back was surely bruised from the rough treatment dealt to him and his outrage over the act was immense.
"You are being arrested for the murder of James and Lily Potter." His eyes widened in confusion and anger. Sirius began struggling against his bindings.
"I did no such thing!" He shrieked, his eyes shifting frantically from the auror to the port key in his hand. He was going to Azkaban for murder, a murder he didn't commit. He would rot for the rest of his life in a prison cell that he didn't belong in.
As the auror lifted his bound form his eyes connected with an almost black pair that watched him from the shadows, long unruly curls peeked into the light before the figure vanished with a mad cackle and a pop. He sighed, he would spend the rest of his life in a cell, but at least that cell would be almost a luxury compared to what Bellatrix would have done to him.
1965
Regulus Black walked warily toward the Slytherin house table. He wasn't afraid, but his cousin sat at the head of the table, even as just a third year, and he was uncertain if she would allow him to sit near her. As he sat near the end, farthest from his cousin, he heard her scoff. He looked up into the nearly black eyes that she inherited from her Rosier blood and grinned when he saw her wave him toward her. She pushed a seventh year boy from his place at her right and gestured for Regulus to take it.
"Cousin! What made you think to go sit all the way down there?" She stared calculatingly at her younger cousin and she felt a since of pride when he met her eyes with almost the same intensity.
"I was awaiting your permission to join you, dearest cousin." He smirked and she laughed.
"Regulus meet the others." He didn't retain many of their names, but he happily shook everyone's hands and inquired about their thoughts on Hogwarts. He received advice from many of his fellow Slytherins and something deep inside of him felt at home. His younger brother was just a toddler and his parents were often busy, which left him to his own devices more often than not. Bella was his only entertainment until she left for Hogwarts and finally being reunited with her left him feeling warm and much happier than he's ever been.
"Regulus is my favourite cousin and I expect everyone here to do everything in their power to ensure he learns to be a true Slytherin, can't have him disgracing the family, can we?" Bella and Regulus laughed with the whole of Slytherin as McGonagall and Dumbledore watched on disdainfully. Regulus' eyes traveled down the table of green and found his other cousin Andromeda, though she seemed less merry than the rest of Slytherin.
"Bella, what's wrong with your sister?" He whispered to the dark haired witch. She spared her sister a short glance before looking back into bright grey eyes.
"She's always like that. Quiet and alone. I nearly crucio'ed her last school year, she was speaking with some mudblood in Hufflepuff. She's a filthy disgrace and she fears that I will tell mother and father." She whispered low enough to avoid eavesdroppers. Regulus looked taken aback, he nearly glared at Andromeda, but Bella grabbed his chin before he could point his fiery ire at the curly haired brunette. "You won't show any indication that you know." Bella ordered.
"You aren't going to tell on her?" He saw the conflict in Bella's eyes as she fought herself. She had to make a very important decision, one he didn't want to ever have to make. Would she protect her family values or protect her traitorous sister. He knew if Sirius were to become a blood traitor as Andromeda was turning out to be, he wouldn't choose Sirius. Traitors were worse than mudbloods and he would waste no time snuffing them out.
"No, not yet. Should her behaviour become worse then my parents will be protecting her from my wrath. Their wands will not have the opportunity to fire a crucio at her because mine will have shot an avada kedavra without hesitation." She winked at her cousin, another boisterous laugh finding its way into the air.
1975
Bellatrix smiled at her favourite cousin as he danced with his new bride. Though she wasn't very fond of Josephine, the cowardice prude was just as irritating as her younger brother, she was still pleased with seeing Regulus' happiness.
Her parents never arranged a marriage for her, so she was still happily single. Of course she had the occasional fling here and there, she had needs, but she was far happier without any commitment. Their Lord never seemed displeased with her lack of husband either.
Regulus' wedding was a grand affair, their Lord appeared in person to celebrate the occasion. Their Lord never showed very much interest in the affairs of his followers and often just sent his congratulations by word, rather than presenting them in person. He sat on a throne near the front of the ballroom watching the newlywed couple lead a waltz.
Bellatrix' eyes flickered around the room, taking in the varying expressions. Sirius' sulking form caught her attention, he sat in the darkest corner of the ballroom watching Josephine twirl around the floor on Regulus' arm. His jealousy was nearly palpable, his grey eyes were hate filled and Bellatrix found herself angry with him. She felt an uneasiness build in the pit of her stomach and made her way onto the dance floor. She quickly excused Regulus from his dance and lead him out into the hall.
"Bella, what is all of this about?" His voice was filled with confusion. Bellatrix checked the halls for any life before turning back to her cousin.
"Listen Regulus, you mustn't trust Sirius." She whispered conspiringly.
"What?" Regulus looked somewhat irritated, but amusement danced across his face as well. "You wish for me to be wary of my 14 year old brother?" He rested his hand on the dark witch's shoulder and chuckled.
"I'm serious, Regulus. You mustn't trust Sirius. He will stab you in the back, his loyalty lies." Regulus nearly struck the woman for being so absurd.
"How dare you? I will not have you tainting my wedding day with your conspiracy theories. Leave Bella, don't return here until you have seen your own ludicrousness!" Bellatrix' eyes grew steely. The nearly black depths spit fire at her oblivious younger cousin.
"Fine then Regulus, but when you see with your own eyes the treachery your brother will commit, it will be too late for you to heed my warning." She turned with a huff, leaving without sparing the foolish man another glance and she never returned.
1978
Regulus stood next to his newborn's crib and watched her sleep. She was so small and that frightened him. He knew nothing about children, having never spent anytime with his brother when he was small and never being near any other infants. It was alarming to him how delicate his little Hermione was and he knew nothing about being gentle. He was a Black, they were known for their abrasiveness.
Her eyes slowly opened and they quickly glanced up at the locket resting temporarily around his neck. She reached her small pudgy hand out, her eyes conveying her desire. Regulus chuckled quietly and unfastened the hook on the locket's chain before resting the horcrux in the infant's hand. A shadow filled her eyes and for a moment Regulus was no longer staring into the eyes of his daughter, but into the eyes of being far older and familiar to him. He thought little of it, assuming it was just an effect of touching the horcrux.
He slowly slipped the locket from the child's hand. With a quick brush of lips to her forehead he was off to the cave that would house this portion of his Lord's soul.
1979
Regulus ran as fast as he could. His feet carried him deep into the cave where Sirius was attempting to sabotage their Lord. "Sirius, what are you doing? This is treason!" Regulus yelled as he came upon his brother holding the locket that contained a portion of their Lord's soul.
"Regulus, why can't you see that the Dark Lord is the enemy?" Sirius yelled angrily. He had yet to draw his wand; hoping his brother wouldn't draw his own. Regulus finally understood how Bella felt during his first year when he asked her about Andromeda. He finally understood the conflicted look in her eyes as he was placed in the very same position. Would he protect his Lord or protect his traitorous brother? The difference between himself and Bella is that he was faced with the question many years after Bella and had made his decision long ago. He drew his wand without hesitation and Sirius followed.
A battle ensued that led to Regulus' wand being lost and him being forced to resort to using muggle tactics. He wrestled Sirius for the locket and pulled it from his grasp, as he was standing he was hit with a spell that threw him into the water and as he was being grabbed and pulled under the surface he remembered something Bella said to him the night of his wedding.
"Fine then Regulus, but when you see with your own eyes the treachery your brother will commit, it will be too late for you to heed my warning."
His lungs tried to expand, but liquid filled them and darkness blurred his vision. His life and the life of his family flashed before his eyes. In his final moments he thought of his daughter, she would never know him. Knowing his wife, as much as he loved her she was a hopeless fool, she would teach their daughter to be kind to others and appreciate those that weren't like her. Bella would surely watch after his precious child, or she would resent the girl for being his. After the way he treated her that night he would be surprised if she didn't smother the child in her sleep.
His last thought was reserved for Bella. He could almost see her dark curls in front of him, flowing through the murky water. Her nearly black eyes watching him with a smirk and her usual smugness.
She was right.
l..l
I'm going to be going through and editing this story again. I probably won't change much, but I will try to do better at elaborating on certain things because I have been told that there is a lot of confusing areas.