Disclaimer: This story is based on characters created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoat Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Chapter 3– Reentering society
On the following week, Sirius and Orion researched the Black Library to find a spell that would hide Orion's scar. Finally, Orion found a blood magic spell that would cast a powerful concealing glamour on his scar. Though the book did warn that the spell would be ineffectual against some magical creatures who had the ability to see through glamours. Orion had cut his palm and rubbed his blood on the scar, while chanting the spell. The only way to undo the glamour was to do the same while casting the counter-spell, so it was the perfect solution.
Orion spent most of his time reading and learning spells, and he had already begun researching about the animagus transformation. He knew now, what potion to drink during the practice sessions and that he would have to spend long hours using his magic to slowly transform his limbs into that of the animal he wanted to become.
He had pondered for long hours about what animal to choose. An animagus usually chose an animal towards which he felt compatibility, and Orion wondered which animal could best represent him. He didn't want to be a large animal, because he thought it would be useful to choose something inconspicuous, which could allow him an easy means of escape.
After much pondering, he decided that he would like to become some type of bird. After reading about them, Orion found that eagles had been a symbol of power, courage, and immortality, since ancient times, and that their predatory instincts would benefit him in his animal form.
He dedicated three hours of each day to the process of trying to morph his body. It was painful, and required a lot of concentration and control over his magic, and he had only been able to change one of his feet into a claw. But his father told him that the Marauders had taken three years to complete the transformation, and that for him to be able to do that in only a week was exceptional, so he shouldn't lose hope.
While his son was busy with his studies, Sirius spent most of his time planning how to enter pureblood society. It was now January, and that only gave him until September to contact the pureblood families, since Orion would be going to Durmstrang for his first year. Thankfully, purebloods loved to mingle in prestigious events and parties, and the winter social season was always held in Moscow, therefore, many of the pureblood families must have already arrived to the city. Now, he just needed to get invited to their gatherings.
Much against his will, he wrote to his cousin Narcissa. He knew that his son would benefit from an allegiance with the Malfoys. They were one of the most high-regarded pureblood families, and while he despised Lucius Malfoy, he acknowledged that the man was a powerful wizard with many useful contacts in England.
Furthermore, Malfoy had been an Inner Circle Death Eater, so he held valuable information. Sirius had to tread very carefully, since the Malfoys knew he had never betrayed the Potters, but he was confident in the knowledge that Lucius Malfoy would not pass the opportunity of making an alliance with him; since as Head of the Black House he held a lot of power, prestige, and fortune. Not to mention, that he could cast Narcissa and her son out of the Black family, if he so desired.
When he had escaped from Azkaban, before meeting Orion, he was bent on revenge, and had planned on disinheriting Bellatrix and Narcissa from the Black line. That would have certainly hurt those prideful women. He had looked forward to the moment in which Bellatrix would find out; how she would rage and shriek...
During his first months at Azkaban, he had taunted her and made her bluster and splutter angrily, which was quite easy. He couldn't see her cell, but her rages were always audible. But as the years passed, he had heard less of her. He was quite certain that she had become even less sane than she already was. During his childhood, he had despised her, while mildly liking Narcissa. Bellatrix was powerful and clever, but she was vicious and cruel, and when he got sorted into Gryffindor she had made his life impossible. After running away to live with James and his parents, he had never seen her again, except in battle. She was always around Voldemort, groveling to him like the pathetic little Death Eater that she was.
Sirius sighed and carded his fingers through his hair. It will be very hard for him to conceal the contempt he felt for them. But he had to try, for his son's sake.
He finally wrote to Narcissa, saying that he wished to heal the breach between the families because, since his escape from Azkaban, he was the Head of the Black family and he wished to take his place in society. He told her about his resentfulness towards Dumbledore, and that during his incarceration in Azkaban, he had a lot of time to think about his life and the choices he had made as a young man. He explained that he understood now that as a Black, he couldn't turn his back to his heritage, and that he had long learned to embrace it; now wishing to set his life on track for the sake of his son. He briefly mentioned how he had found out about Orion's existence when he got out of Azkaban, adding that he wanted to give his heir what was rightfully his. He knew that Narcissa would soften at that. If there was anything she was good at, was being a mother. She had always cared deeply for her baby.
After sending his letter to Narcissa, he wrote to other Slytherins he had known from Hogwarts. He was wondering if he should write to Remus as well. He longed to see his good friend, to explain himself, and see how Remus was faring. But Remus had always been Dumbledore's man and he didn't want Dumbledore knowing that he was trying to make contact with Remus. Therefore, he decided to postpone the letter for some other time.
Sirius had also started Orion's flying lessons, and much to their shared amazement, the kid took to the broom as if he had been born on it. His son's lithe body and quick reflexes made him an excellent flier.
Those lessons were his favorite part of the day. They would laugh and race each other, and when he looked at Orion, he felt such a strong feeling of pride and love, that it made him grateful for having the opportunity of living and sharing his life with his son. He had thought that his life had ended after Lily and James were killed, but now, he saw how wrong he had been. His son had given him back a reason for living, and he treasured every single instance of their new life together.
Orion was seated at the library, reading 'Nonverbal Spells that will make your Enemies Tremble', while fingering the locket that hung from his neck, when he heard his father coming into the vast, oval room. He hastily tucked the locket under his shirt. He hadn't told his father about the locket yet because he feared that it would be taken from him, probably being told that a Slytherin heirloom was too dangerous to keep around. But he loved the locket, it was his treasure. He always wore it, and loved to feel the strange power of the locket tingling against his chest.
"Orion, I have received a letter from Narcissa," said Sirius, as he sat across from his son.
He had already told Orion everything he could about the Malfoys, to prepare him for the encounter, but many things could still go wrong, and he was slightly worried.
"They arrived a week ago to Malfoy Manor in Moscow, and the social season is about to begin. The first gathering will be at their manor and we are invited to attend. I have already taught you the pureblood protocol, and we bought you several formal robes, so we are quite ready. This first gathering will be very important. You have to behave like the Black Heir and you will need to keep a cool façade. You might hear many things you will not like but you cannot react to it. Both you and I have a role to play, and it is vital for you to fit in; they can never suspect who you really are. I'm sure they will ask a lot of questions about your childhood and your mother, so be ready."
"Yes, Father, I already know what to say," said Orion with confidence. "Don't worry."
He truly felt he was ready. This was going to be his chance to make friends with pureblood children and it was going to be his introduction into pureblood society. He had already read about the most important families, and knew how to behave, and what ideals to spout.
Sirius smiled. His son was clever, he had no doubt in that Orion could act the part. Though it troubled him what the Death Eaters could say about the Potters and Voldemort. He didn't know how it could affect Orion. The child was usually very calm and composed but Death Eaters were known for their crudity.
He leaned forwards and stroked Orion's hair. "Very well, I know you will have no problems, young pup. And I'll be there with you at all times, so we will manage."
Sirius looked into his son's beautiful emerald eyes. Slowly, he stood up and pulled Orion into a hug.
"I love you, you know. I never told you before, but you are a wonderful boy and you make me proud. I never expected to have a son, and after your mother died, I felt that my life was over. But now…" He paused and then continued, his voice shaking with deep emotion, "You are the light of my life, my reason for living..."
Orion felt thick tears running down his cheeks. He knew his father loved him, he could tell by the looks he gave him and the hugs he received. But no one before had ever told him that he was loved and cherished.
He instantly tightly embraced his father back. "I know, Dad. And I love you too. You are all what I used to dream about. I never expected to have a father. I always expected to be alone, but you took me in and..."
Orion broke off, as the sob that had been lodged in his throat threathened to surged upwards.
"Shh, shh. I know what you mean," said Sirius softly, tenderly wiping away his son's quiet tears. "I'll always be here for you."
Today was the day of the gathering. Orion was dressed in elegant, dark green robes, which made his sparkling eyes stand out, and he was groomed impeccably. His smooth black hair reached his ears and was elegantly styled. And his posture emanated confidence and dignity.
Sirius was wearing rich, dark blue robes and ostensibly wore the Black Head ring. The last to use it had been his father before his death, and it had been kept at the Black Vaults in Gringotts. The goblins had sent him the ring when he had assumed control over all Black properties and vaults, as Head of the Black family.
When they were ready, Sirius apparated them to the front of Malfoy Manor. The wards of the manor had been adjusted to accept the apparitions of the invited guests, and the front door was instantly opened for them. They were shown in by a house-elf and they heard loud noise coming from the main salon to their right. The elf took them to the door and signaled them to wait.
They saw the elf go in and heard him announce, "The Head and the Heir of the Ancient House of Black."
Orion felt nervous and exhilarated. This was it. This was the beginning of his new life as the Black Heir. He thanked the locket for its calming presence against his chest, and squaring his shoulders, he followed his father inside.
The immense room was lavishly decorated and it was filled with richly dressed wizards and witches greeting each other or sitting on plush armchairs while they talked animatedly. There was an army of house-elves offering appetizers and drinks on silver trays, and soft music could be heard in the background.
They were received by Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. He had never seen before such a beautiful woman and handsome man.
She had long, flowing, light blond hair, held by what looked like diamond pins. She was wearing a light blue dress, which sparkled with the light of the great chandelier that hung in the high ceilings. She had delicate and elegant features, and light blue eyes. And she held herself with pride, while the smoothness of her moves were a delight to behold.
Lucius Malfoy was a tall, well-built man, who had long, platinum hair, and was dressed in rich, dark gray robes. His features were manly and strong, and he had a cold and arrogant countenance. He held a long black cane, with the silver head of a snake, which had emeralds for its eyes. It piqued Orion's interest. He could feel the magic coming from it, as a tingle on his skin. He suddenly suspected why. The wizard's wand had to be inside the cane, and it was quite smart of him, since by always carrying the cane, the wizard would always be able to quickly draw out his wand, taking anyone by surprise.
Lucius extended his hand to Sirius, and formally said, "Welcome, Lord Black. I was delighted to discover you would be joining us this evening."
"Thank you, Lord Malfoy," said Sirius, shaking Lucius' hand. "I was pleased to be invited to your gathering."