Genesis


Sirius Black was pacing in front of the fireplace. His eyes fixed on the big clock on the wall.

"You are going to dig holes in the carpet."

"Filth! Scum! By-Products of dirt and vileness! Half-breeds, mutants, freaks, begone from this place! How dare you befoul the house of my fathers," high-pitched shrieks resonated all through the Grimmauld Place.

"Shut-up, you foul woman," Sirius snapped and brandished his wand. "Evanesco!" he yelled. When the portrait remained unchanged another spell emerged from Sirius' wand, "Silencio!"

But there was no reaction and the stream of profanities didn't stop. Sirius' frustration was ascending new levels as his efforts remained futile. "What shall I do? Fiendfyre?"

"Was her portrait like that, when you moved here?" Remus asked rubbing his chin.

"Well kind of, Harry finds it funny so that didn't bother me before. But a muggle born girl is coming. And I'm worried." Sirius said wincing as the portrait spurted another disgusting word.

Remus shook his head and lowered Sirius' hand. "Harry's napping, right? Did you ward Harry's room?"

Sirius nodded his head with dejection. "Why the hell did I invite that little girl here? I'm going to frighten her," Sirius said freaking out. "I'm going to scar her childhood."

Remus strode forward and looked at the portrait. At the sight of the werewolf, the woman in the portrait started wailing loudly. "My poor Mistress," the elf appeared beside the portrait and joined in her sobs. "Her unworthy son, causing her immense distress."

"Shut up, you little bugger," Sirius cried turning his wand to the little creature.

"Sirius, you're not helping," Remus calmly said, ignoring the slurs coming from the portrait. He ran his fingers along the edges. "It appears like a permanent sticking charm." As his fingers brushed on of the corners, there was a sharp prick on his finger and blood started oozing. Remus brushed the wound with his finger and said, "And I think she took extreme precautions that nobody would ever try to take it off. It is radiating dark magic. Only a surge of powerful light magic would be able to unhinge the portrait."

"What do we do now? They're going to be here, soon."

Remus placed his hands on Sirius' shoulders and turned his attention on him. "Why don't you check all the preparations? We don't want any mishaps happening on this very special day. I'll take care of this portrait."

"Everything's ready, Moony. Except for this ugly and vile thing," Sirius snapped.

"Did you get all his presents wrapped up, cake, balloons, everything?" When Sirius impatiently nodded his head. "Go on, Sirius. Check if that elf had not ruined anything," Remus said casting a doubtful glance at the whimpering elf beside her Mistress' portrait.

Sirius' eyes narrowed on the elf. "I wouldn't put anything past that bloody thing. Let me check," Sirius said moving towards the kitchen.

Remus stopped him by his shoulder and whispered in his ear, "Instruct him to stay out of sight, in front of those new people."

Sirius nodded his head in understanding and yelled, strolling inside, "Kreacher follow me, now."

"My poor mistress, I'll take care of your home," the elf mumbled between his sobs and disapparated with a loud pop.

Remus now got the window he was looking. The frame surrounding the portrait was sparkling with dark magic. The old lady had taken every possible precaution to keep her position untouched in her house. If they could do anything, it has to be an external thing without actually touching the portrait. His eyes fell on the windows and the curtains covering them. A simple but working solution flashed in his mind.

In the meanwhile, Sirius was busy overseeing all the decorations, after banishing the elf to his confines in a kitchen cupboard. He was busy hanging up a dancing Happy Birthday banner with little broomsticks and snitches. It suddenly appeared calm and beautifully quiet. He couldn't believe his own ears for a moment. The hurtful slurs and the malign curses vanished from the atmosphere.

With a beatific smile on his face, he rushed back to his friend, "Did it work? Did you manage to blast her off the wall?"

"No, but I think I've managed a temporary solution," Remus said pointing to the curtains which were now hanging in front of the portrait. "Sadly, she can still hear us and that would trigger an immediate reaction of insults. But the fortunate thing is, she can't see what's happening in the house or who is coming to the house. So if we don't disturb these curtains, we may actually contain her."

"It's brilliant, Moony," Sirius said pulling Remus into a hug. "I know you could do it, my friend. This clearly shows you are the brains behind the Marauders' map."

An awkward moment passed between the friends, as the other two members of the Marauders are missing. One who left them forever and another one who wouldn't be left alive by the remaining members.

"How are your searches going on?" Sirius asked walking to the small table, where two glasses of untouched fire whiskey were sitting.

"How do you think they are going, Padfoot? He's a rat for Godric's sake. Each and every night, I return empty handed. I think I have to start sniffing around sewers to catch hold of him."

"I'm sorry you had to do this alone, Remus. Harry's still little. Or else I'll be the first one to drag that rat out and tear his filthy neck by my claws," Sirius said downing the entire glass of fire whiskey.

"No matter what happened, Sirius. You are to stay with Harry. When I find the rat, I'll bring it to you and you can have your revenge, my friend," Remus said taking a long gulp. "Any word from Dumbledore?"

"No. I don't think the old coot knows Harry's back in Britain."

"Never underestimate Dumbledore. He has eyes and ears everywhere. Hardly anything misses his sight. I definitely think he knows."

"I don't care. I'm not afraid of him. I still remember the night we took Harry from Lily's sister's house. The poor boy was shivering in my arms. And Dumbledore was responsible for it. He left Harry in their care," Sirius hissed. "And didn't even bother to check. Those heartless bastards left a tiny babe in a room unfit even for an elf. I can't understand how can that horrible person be Lily's sister. The Lily we know was an embodiment of kindness. Prongs was my best mate and my brother. But Lily, we had something in common. We didn't belong to our families. She accepted me with open arms and became my sister," Sirius said brushing his tears.

"Mine too," Remus said reminiscing the way she accepted his condition and showed unparalleled compassion.

"Uncle Moo'y," a small voice interrupted their conversation and they turned to see Harry standing at the nearby door, rubbing his eyes. "You came."

"Happy Birthday, Harry," Remus walked to him and picked the toddler. "Ready for your party?"

"Yes, yes," Harry bounced in his arms. His green eyes fell on the dancing birthday banner and they brightened up. "Snitches," Harry squealed. "Uncle Moo'y, present," Harry said jumping down from Remus' arms. He rushed into his room and came back with a sparkly pencil that Hermione gave him. "Hermine gave."

"That's a lovely gift, Harry. Did you say thank you?" Remus asked the boy who was holding the pencil very dearly. "The girl?" Remus mouthed to Sirius.

Sirius nodded with a smile and greeted the boy. "Come on, birthday boy. Let's get ready. She'll be here soon." He passed Harry a wrapped present and Harry enthusiastically opened it. He squealed and pulled a Quidditch Jersey in Gryffindor colors, out. He pulled it over his head and proudly proclaimed, "like Daddy."

"Yes, Harry. Just like James. Just like your father," Sirius whispered adjusting his messy hair.

"The resemblance is uncanny," a new dainty voice sounded in their vicinity. Sirius and Remus pulled their wands out as Sirius pushed Harry behind him, protectively.

"Narcissa?" Sirius gasped and his grip on Harry tightened. "Get out of my house, now."

"Cousin," Narcissa Malfoy replied demurely. "Is that how you treat family?" She then turned to Remus and greeted, "Mr. Lupin, we never had an opportunity to make acquaintance."

Remus blinked his eyes and started to lower his hand. But Sirius didn't budge. "What the hell are you doing here?"

"You forget, this used to my childhood home and the elf is quite charmed by me. Are you banishing me from my own home?"

"I will if you think you can come near by Godson," Sirius said pushing Harry to Remus. "Take him away, Remus. I'll deal with her."

"Ah! Harry Potter," Narcissa moved forward ignoring Sirius threatening glares. "A very joyous day, today isn't it? Happy birthday," she said bowing down to peer into his emerald eyes.

Harry's emerald eyes widened at the stranger. He moved closer to Remus and mumbled, "Thank you." Narcissa grinned widely and moved closer.

"One more step and I will forget that you are a woman," Sirius' eyes were fuming.

"What a pity! Such a precious boy and he has no one else to celebrate his birthday with," she said with a mocking tone concealed in her concern. "But not to worry, I have brought you a present, you will cherish for life."

Sirius had enough of her intrusion and a harsh spell formed on his lips.

"Draco, come here," she said calling her son, who was standing close to the fireplace.

Sirius' wand stilled in its place as he looked at the youngest Malfoy. He vaguely remembered the little boy at Severus Snape's place slobbering all over him. The boy looked slightly shorter than Harry but he was trying very hard to keep his chin up and his fear controlled, as he walked to his mother. "Mother," the little boy said standing a foot farther to his mother. Narcissa smiled proudly at Draco and spoke to Harry, "This is my son, Draco Malfoy. You'll never find a better friend."

"I have a best friend, Hermine," Harry said showing the pencil in his hand.

Narcissa's eyes cringed at the sight of the pencil and she shook her head. "What is this, Sirius? A pencil for Harry Potter. And for Salazar sake, lower your wand, there are children here."

Sirius hissed sharply, "Narcissa, I don't care what game you are playing, coming here with your child. I'll give you exactly five minutes, to get the hell out of here."

"Pish Posh, cousin. Now," she said reaching for her bag and took out a small parcel. She tapped it with her wand and enlarged it to its original size. "This is a gift, fit for the boy who destroyed the Dark Lord," she said with a glint in her eyes.

Before Sirius could stop Harry, he yelled, "Broom," and clapped his hands. "Pa foo, it's a broom." Sirius felt constricted, he didn't know what to do. He couldn't break his little heart on his birthday. He gritted his teeth at his Slytherin cousin, who had an innocent smile on her face. "For me?" Harry asked.

"Of course. Draco already has one. It's a magnificent broom for children like you. It's a pity that Sirius didn't get you one sooner," Narcissa said pushing the broom into his waiting hands.

But at that time Harry did something that made Sirius' heart swell with pride. "Pa foo, give me a big broom," Harry said without taking the present. His eyes were focused on Sirius as if the little boy was waiting for his Godfather's approval.

Sirius beamed at him. "You can take it, Harry. But first, let Remus have a check, okay? You can go with him." He snatched the broom from Narcissa's hand and pushed into Remus'. "Take the children with you, Remus. I need to have a chat with my dear cousin."

Harry jumped after Remus as he turned into the other room. But seeing Draco still in the same place he came back and pulled Draco's hand, "Come."

Draco didn't move. His gaze was fixed on his mother. "Mother?" he asked timidly.

"Go on, Draco. The boy-who-lived is asking you to come and play with him," Narcissa said in a stern voice.

Draco smiled for the first time after he entered the house. "Let's go," he said hopping after Harry.

Remus gave a tensed look at Sirius holding the broom in his hand. Sirius gave a slight shake of his head and assured his friend that he would be fine.

As the three of them disappeared, Sirius gave a sharp turn and jabbed his wand into Narcissa's throat. "Don't you think I know how your deranged minds work? What in the name of hell are you doing here? We are on the opposite sides. And how do you know we are here?"

Narcissa let out a sharp breath. "You are forgetting the bigger picture here, Sirius. I come to you with nothing but friendship and goodwill. And as I already said, the elf is quite loyal to me."

"Rubbish. You don't know a thing about them."

"You are right. I don't know a thing about them. I was raised in that way. We all were raised in that way. But I was taught one thing. A Family is the most important thing. I'll do anything to keep them safe and untouched." Narcissa said pushing his wand away. "And being friends with the boy-who-lived and his Godfather seemed like a good place to start."

"What a load of shite," Sirius seethed at her. "Is this stupid idea stem from the twisted mind of your Death Eater husband?"

Narcissa chuckled, "Lucius doesn't know we're here. We faced a lot of scrutinies after Dark Lord perished. My husband is still fixing things. This is my part of a plan to keep Draco safe." She said strolling towards Walburga's portrait, twirling the curtains with her fingers. "Oh! Dear Aunt, how lovely to see you."

"NARCISSA! My darling niece. You have come to save my father's home. My BLOOD TRAITOR SON…." Her voice trailed off as Sirius clamped them shut.

"How long you are going to keep her shut. You are now head of the Black family. You have to embrace its legacy," Narcissa said catching hold of his shoulder. "Be a Black and look after your family."

It was Sirius time to laugh. "Sure, when it comes to you and your precious family, you plan all these deranged things. What happened when Voldemort went to murder a little boy. What happened to your sense of family when he killed James and Lily and made Harry an orphan."

Narcissa narrowed her eyes. "That boy is not an orphan. He's got you."

"I swear, Narcissa. If you don't leave in five minutes, I'm going to…." He didn't get to complete his sentence as a loud knock sounded at the door and Walburga Black erupted into a fit of curses.

"Shite, they're here," Sirius bit on his knuckles.

"You invited more guests? What a joy!" Narcissa said with a confused look.

"What to do, now? Remus, come here," he called.

Remus hurried into the room with both the toddlers on his toes. "It's them?"

"I don't know, what to do," Sirius yelled his eyes darting between his screaming mother's portrait and his cousin who stood there, utterly composed.

"Calm down, Sirius. I'll close the curtains and you take care of your cousin," Remus assured.

The knock sounded again and Harry squealed this time. "Hermine!"

Draco who was looking amazed by Harry's antics started clapping his hands just like Harry and joined his squeals, ignoring his mother's stern looks.

As Remus moved to close the curtains, Sirius cornered Narcissa. "One word, from your mouth and you are out of here," he hissed pointing to Draco. "And I'm doing this only for him."

Narcissa smiled but remained silent.

Harry and Draco were already running towards the door. Sirius quickly followed them, halting them in their step, and opened the door.

"Oh, you are here. I trust you didn't have any difficulty in finding this place," Sirius said welcoming the pair of father and daughter into his house.

"Not at all. As it turns out, we came to this neighborhood, quite a few times. Come on Hermione," her father gently moved the girl who was hiding behind him. "Come on, you wanted to wish Harry, Happy Birthday."

"Hermine!" Harry moved closer and took her hand. "Come, a new friend," he said pointing to Draco.

Hermione smiled but didn't leave her father's hand, as her eyes took in the dark demeanor of the house. Sirius caught her apprehension. He crouched down in front of her and asked. "Is this the same girl, who made fun of my name?"

She giggled and let go of her father's hand. She moved closer to Harry and squeaked, "Happy birthday," giving him a hug. The birthday boy felt extremely proud. Holding his friends in his both hands he guided them through his home. He grandly displayed his birthday decorations his Godfather had put up before moving to his presents.

"It is quite an antique house, Mr. Black," Richard Granger explained peering around.

"Oh! Please, it is an old mangy house. It belonged to my parents," Sirius said. "Let me introduce to one of my best mates, Remus Lupin."

"How do you do?" Richard Granger extended his hand.

Remus smiled warmly. "Harry is quite enamored with your daughter. He had been talking only about her since he came back," Remus said looking at the chattering toddlers.

"I must say, Hermione had been doing the same. To be frank, she hasn't had many friends in the past. I think some part of her knows she is different than the others. And with your boy, she could easily connect. That's part of the reason I agreed to come."

"Different you say," Narcissa who was quiet until then, advanced. "In what sense?"

"Narcissa, not now," Sirius started to say, gesturing Remus to take Richard Granger away from her.

But their efforts turned futile when Richard said, "all her friends are just like us. Our Hermione is the only one who is a witch."

Narcissa's eyes widened in horror. "You're a muggle," she shrank back from her position. "Sirius, how could you? How could you invite filth like them into this noble house."

"This is my house and I'll invite whoever I want to. On the other side, you're the one who is not invited, so feel free to get out," Sirius scoffed. He turned to Richard Granger who looked blanched at Narcissa's sudden outburst. "I'm so sorry. Our family is not very cultured."

"We mean no trouble. If our presence is causing concerns, we'll leave," Richard obliged, his steps leading to the place where the children sat, immersed in their own world.

"No, please, stay. I'm sure Sirius would sort it out," Remus said shooting a sharp look at Sirius.

"Of course. Please stay. Harry after a long time, is having fun with a friend."

Richard calmed down and gave an apprehensive look towards Narcissa. Her nostrils flaring, she rushed to Draco, who was animatedly explaining a broomstick ride to an amazed Hermione and an intrigued Harry and pulled him up by his hand. "We're leaving now. I can't stand to stay in the same room as that filth. Draco! Don't touch her," she yelled at her son, who was holding Hermione's hand. At the same time, Walburga's portrait started her own share of slurs, further antagonizing the situation.

Tears started to form in Hermione eyes and Draco started to wince in pain at his mother's pressure. All the adults had their faces turned red in anger and started to advance towards them.

"Stop," Harry yelled. "Hermine friend, Draco friend," he said looping them into his embrace by their shoulders. "Stay," he concluded with determination.

Sirius' heart swelled with pride for another time. He truly was his father and mother's, son. But before he could congratulate his Godson, a bright white light erupted from the children, throwing Narcissa back with a great force. It didn't stop there. With a powerful surge, the light surrounded the wailing portrait and blasted it off the hinges. The adults tried to come forward to protect the children, but the light kept them at bay. The muffled screams emanating from the portrait, slowly dissolved into nothingness.

As the light dimmed, Sirius, Remus, and Richard lunged forward and grabbed all the three children, who were completely passed out on the mat. Sirius' eyes welled up as he saw the protective grip of Harry on both Hermione and Draco.

"Is this normal?" Richard asked taking Hermione into his lap. He quickly checked the pulses of all the children and sighed. "They seemed to be alright, just asleep. What exactly had happened?"

"No, it's not normal," Remus said a concern marring his face.

"It's going to be okay. We will find out why this has happened and we will protect them with our lives," Sirius said taking their tiny hands into his. "But one good thing had definitely come from this. They got rid of my mother's portrait," Sirius said grinning and looking at the prone form of Narcissa, as the wails of the ancient elf reached his ears.

At the same time, far away in Hogwarts, Dumbledore smiled taking a sip of his tea, "So it has begun."


A/N: My heartfelt thanks to all those who have followed, favorited and reviewed.