Chapter 2: Portrait

"Emalline? Sirius? Lihora?" asked Harry James Potter as he knocked on the door of Black Mansion, the mansion Sirius Black's ancestors had built. Scurrying of feet could be heard in the manse before the door swung open to reveal a pretty lady. Her sleek raven hair was a bun at the back of her head and she had the clearest blue eyes. She had curled eyelashes and she beamed at Harry.

Harry could see why Sirius had fallen for that lady, but in his opinion, Lily was much much prettier, however much Harry despised her.

"Welcome Harry! Sirius and Lihora are waiting for you! Not exactly, they are still sleeping! I will wake them up! They were so excited the previous night! Shall we have breakfast together?" Emalline Black exclaimed as she gave Harry a tight hug.

Then, her eyes roamed Harry's body. She furrowed her eyebrows, shook her head and said, "Have that mother of yours been starving you? You look so thin. But you are indeed tall, like James, I should say. You are taller that Lihora, and she is one year older than you!"

"Yes of course Aunt Emily. Now, can we have breakfast?" Emily nodded and then grabbing Harry's hand, went to the dining table. "Sit here. I will go and wake up Sirius and Lihora." Harry nodded and then sat down. On the dining table, there was a tome entitled, "Crastu Becosta Animagi". Crastu Becosta? What did that mean? Harry looked up to ask Emily but she had already exited the room to wake up the father and daughter. Harry sighed and then returned the tome to its original position. Then, he stood up and went back to the living room, to do a little "something".

On the walls of the living room, 5 portraits were hung. Each was a member of the Black Dynasty. There were Diria Black; the beginner of the dynasty. She was a good friend of Rowena Ravenclaw, Salazar Slytherin, Godric Gryffidor and Helga Hufflepuff. She had a part in establishing the castle of Hogwarts and its rules.

Next was Sinisria Black. She was beautiful and was the daughter of Sudhia Black and Marvin Black. Marvin and Sudhia were the descendants of Ferpo the Foul. They had also practiced evil sorcery before a swordesman named Fernando Clare had stopped them. Sinisria, however, was not at all revengeful or angry. She simply led her life peacefully before marrying Adam Potter. That was how the Blacks and Potters were related though the families' relation was quite distant by then.

Next was Filanda Black. She was utterly evil and supported Gellert Grindawald. When Gellert was captured by Albus Dumbledore, Filanda had claimed that she was under the Imperius Curse and escaped imprisonment. From then on, she harboured hatred towards the Dumbledores.

At the end of the line of portraits was Walbuga Black, Sirius's mother. However, velvet curtains covered the portrait. The reason was simple; whenever someone pulled back the curtains, Walbuga would holler at the top of her lungs about blood traitors and mudbloods. And, strangely, Harry was heading for Walbuga's portrait.

When he reached it, he smirked. He wanted to try out an idea that that popped into his head, but if his idea failed, the consequences of his actions would be quite dire; well, for his ears anyway.

When, Harry reached Sirius's mother's portrait, he took a deep breath before pulling the purple curtains back. Soon, an old lady was revealed. Her white hair was lung loose and her face beheld wrinkles while indicated the lady's old age. Her hands were settled on her lap and she was furrowing her eyebrows, frowning. Then, she started screeching, "You filthy half-blood! You killed the Dark Lord! Bring him back! You filthy scum!"

Harry's anger was roused. He pointed his finger towards the portrait and snarled, "Silencio!" A red jet of light streamed from Harry's finger and shot at Walbuga in the portrait. Then, no sound came from her mouth. Harry smirked. He whispered, "Well, at least I found a way to shut you up!" Just then, a voice was heard from the staircase. "Harry, Harry, what have you done to mydear mother?" Harry turned to face Sirius Black, his beloved godfather.

"Oh hi, Sirius. I just cast a silencing charm on your mother so that we don't have to hear her dreadful screeching if the curtains are pulled back accidentally. Just an idea." Harry said, beaming.

Sirius grinned and said, "A good one. Now, how did you break the news of your adoption to Mrs. Snape?" Harry winced and said, "Not in a good way."

Harry then explained to Sirius about all the happenings in the morning as they walked back to the dining room. After he was done, Sirius did not speek for a moment. He was looking thoughtful. "Calling your mother a mudblood was not a good thing, Harry. She raised you up." Sirius said, after thinking for a while. "With Dad's money! Then, she goes and marries that awful Snape." Harry spat.

"True. But, James would not wanted his son to call his mother a mudblood. You understand?" Sirius said quietly. Harry nodded but muttered, "Its not my fault I lost my temper. That bloody git is in the house, how can't I?" Sirius looked at him sharply before asking, "What did he do to you?" Harry shrugged and said, "Well, when mother was not around, he called me a filth-blooded freak and that I was interefering in Snape's and mother's lives. Anybody! My mom could have married anybody but Snape and I would be happy for her. But Snape? Its not quite a good idea, Sirius!"

Sirius's face was white. Finally, he said, "You deserve some condolence, mate. Follow me."

Harry folled his godfather up the stairs and through the corridors. At the end was a room. On the wooden door, the name "Sirius Black" was engraved. Sirius pushed the door open and stepped in, closely followed by Harry.

Harry looked around. There were many portraits in the room, each covered by red or blue or yellow curtains. Then, Sirius brought him to a painting at the end of the room. It was the biggest of all portraits. Harry sucked in his breath when he saw the name-sign above that portrait. It read "James Potter."

A/N: Luv it????? Hate it?????? Anyway, pls review....... pretty pls with a red cherry on top!Now, before I leave, I have a task to do. Thank all the reviewers personally! I do this every 2 chapters!!! So, pls go to the next chapter (which is named "Gracias") to see my words of thanks and replies to these wonderful reviewers!!!!

(P/S: I will thank the reviewers of "A Mother's Woes" at the next chapter of that story!")