Dura et Triumpha

by h-hogsmeade

As a fifth year student, Bridget's got plenty to worry about. But with the threat of a rising Dark wizard, an intersocial conflict building up in the school hallways, and a few family issues – least of which include a convicted criminal for a brother – it makes for a bit of a bother. And all this is without her inconvenient (but not entirely unwanted) feelings for Sirius Black.

1. Prologue

Bridget Durant first met Sirius Black at a party. In the years to come, she would realise how fitting that was, seeing as there was nothing in the world that young Mr Black liked more than a party. Except for Quidditch. And girls.

Bridget had arrived at the gathering with her mother holding her hand at sharply two o'clock. They Apparated in front of the manor of Alphard Black, an esteemed pure-blood from the long line of Blacks (as her father had said), where they were greeted by house-elves and then shown to the garden where the luncheon was.

The lawn behind the house was enormous, stretching as far as the eye could see – or maybe it only seemed that way to the small four-year-old. The several trees planted on the sides had been decorated with pale-yellow lights, floating up and down gently between the leaves. In the middle were tables with silk tablecloths draped over them, around which guests milled, exchanging meaningless small talk.

Bridget followed her mother and father, staring up at all the strangers that came to greet them. When introduced, she would shyly slip closer to her mother's side and offer a small, "How do you do?" as she had been taught. She was frightened by all the ladies with dark make up and men with sinister moustaches, but it was worth it when she would see the proud smile on her mother's face.

A tall, imposing woman appeared before them and greeted her mother with a firm kiss on the cheek. It had been Walburga Black, sister of the host. With her were two boys about Bridget's age; one Mrs Black held in her arms, and the other stood next to her, arms crossed and face wearing a frown.

"Darling, this is Regulus," Mrs Durant said to her daughter as she gestured to the boy carried by her friend. "And this is Sirius." She gestured to the one with the scowl. "He's just your age. How about you two go off and play, hm?" So the adults left them and went to mingle with the rest of the guests.

The pair of toddlers were quiet for a few brief moments, each getting a measure of the other, while the lively party went on around them.

Then all of a sudden, Sirius opened his mouth and said, "That's an ugly dress."

Bridget immediately retaliated with, "That's a stupid haircut."

And that was it.

With a huff, they both spun on their heels and left in opposite directions; she to find her mother, and he to cause some trouble.