Author's Note:
Peter was not always a psychopath; he was a good friend. It happened at the end of their sixth year. It will be revealed soon in future chapters. And so will the reason behind Peter's hatred for Sirius.
I apologize for my poor English. Nevertheless, I can't understand how abusing me and asking me not to continue story would make my English better.
Anyway here is a long chapter.
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Unknown to boys, Hagrid the gamekeeper after some time has found the body of Atsushi near Forbidden Forest. There was an uproar in the Great Hall as Hagrid walked with tortured body of Atsushi in the Great Hall where many students were still doing breakfast. Dumbledore and all other professors have gotten up, alarmed and asked Hagrid to take Atsushi to hospital wing. However, looking at the condition of body, Dumbledore realized that it might be too late.
Gryffindor Dormitory
Frank was horrified after seeing the body of Atsushi. He was currently undergoing Auror training after graduating from Hogwarts. Due to war going on, the Auror training program had been shortened from 3 years to 1 year. Alastor Moody had asked them to get rest of training in actual battle. He had come to Hogwarts because some bloody Slytherin had thrown a dark curse at Alice and she was in hospital. He and Alice had been inseparable since childhood. Finally, in their third year in Hogwarts, they started going out.
He came to the dormitory as Mrs. Potter had asked him to deliver few things to James and Sirius. His family had been friends with Potters as long as he could remember. However, James and Frank were not very close since the latter lacked the tendency to cause trouble. He had a very good relation with Marauders. At first, he was not fond of Sirius Black but had eventually grown to like him when he saved Alice from Slytherins a few times. James' bed was next to Remus' bed. James, Remus and Peter, as usual, have left a mess and their things were scattered here and there unlike Sirius' side, which was clean and organized. He decided to clean it up a bit without magic in order to distract himself. As he was gathering parchments and placing them on the side table, his eyes fell on the book behind Remus's trunk. He picked it up and started examining it. He could see that it was a muggle book. The title had peaked his interest; 'Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone' Harry Potter was name of James's grandfather. However, publishing date of the book was in future, which seemed odd to him.
He decided to read it, thinking it might divert his attention. However, after he started, he could not stop. He, somehow, felt that book was from future; moreover, not some fiction.
Lake:
Severus and Regulus were sitting in shade of trees beside lake to be out of line of sight.
Severus sneered, "After all this time, you still haven't given up on that brother of yours? He is too dumb to see Dark Lord has the right idea. I don't even know why Dark Lord is so eager to have him in his ranks."
Regulus could detect hint of anger in Severus's voice. But he didn't care. He loved his brother more than anyone in the world; maybe even more than mother. He replied, "Well, he is the pureblood Heir of the most ancient and wealthy wizarding bloodlines. Anyway, what I want to discuss with you is far more important than petty school grudges."
Severus almost shouted, "He almost got me killed. That sounds like petty? What could be more important? I am sure your idiotic brother would never join Dark Lord. And I was under the impression that he had been blasted from the family tree."
Regulus sighed and replied, "Severus, don't act like you were all innocent. You provoked him. Moreover, you don't know anything. You don't know anything that happened that night." Regulus's voice cracked but he continued," Look, I am not here to talk about your relation with my brother and his friends or discuss why Dark lord wants Sirius to join his cause or my brother's status in the Black family. I am here to talk about this book."
Regulus took out the book from his bag. Severus was startled when he saw the title. He also suddenly produced the book from his bag.
Regulus said hurriedly not hiding the surprise in his voice, "You also got a book? What does it say? Mine is about Harry Potter's search for horcruxes and deathly hollows."
Severus replied, " Horcruxes, Deathly Hollows? What are they? Anyway, the one I have is about fourth year of this Harry Potter in Hogwarts and Triwizard tournament. Even, I am one of the character."
Regulus took the book from Severus's hand and said, "What do you think about these books?"
Severus said, " I think they are from future. I know it sounds foolish but -"
Regulus who said, "I am of the same opinion as you", cut him off.
They both decided to sit there and read the books.
Around lunchtime Sirius showed up, however, his expressions suddenly changed when his eyes fell on Severus. He was not happy about his little brother's association with Snivellus.
Regulus looked up and said, "Sirius, you came."
Sirius didn't reply, as both Sirius and Severus, had their wands out, pointing at each other. They both looked at each other with pure hatred.
Regulus suddenly stood up, book falling from his lap and shouted angrily, "Stop it, both of you." This sudden outburst startled Sirius and Severus.
Then he looked at Severus and said, "I told you how important all this is."
Severus did not pay any attention to this and kept looking angrily at Sirius. However, Sirius was no longer looking at Severus but at the book that fell from Regulus's lap.
He suddenly picked it up and said, "Where did you get this?"
Regulus explained everything to him and said, "You seem familiar with it."
Sirius just shrugged, not replying.
Just then, Hagrid interrupted them.
Hagrid said looking at Sirius, "Everything alright?"
Sirius replied with a small smile, "Yes, don't worry about it."
Hagrid said, "I need you to come with me. You guys seem to have left your book when you came last time to the hut."
Sirius said," I will be there after I have finished talking with my brother."
Hagrid said," You ok, right?" Hagrid could see that Sirius was not his usual self. The boy, who was always jovial, full of energy, seemed tired like he had aged a few years.
Sirius replied," Yes. I will just be there in few minutes."
Hagrid waved and left.
Regulus said, "These books, I think they are from future."
Sirius was not sure if he was ready to trust the Slytherins + future-Death Eaters enough to tell them about the books that they had.
Sirius said as if he was giving order, "Give me these books."
Regulus replied, "What do you mean, give you these books? Sirius, it concerns us, too."
Sirius replied angrily, "How could it concern two future Death Eaters? It's none of your business."
Regulus shouted angrily, "What do you mean it's none of our business? Sirius, for God sake, you are dead in this book."
Sirius took a deep breath. No matter how much he hated his family; no matter how much angry he was with them, he just could not hate his brother. He could be angry with him but could not hate him.
Severus, however, was a completely different case. They both loathed each other.
Severus suddenly shouted, "Expelliarmus."
Sirius's wand flew out of his hand and landed in front of Regulus.
Regulus glared at Severus and said, "What do you think you are doing?"
Severus replied angrily," Regulus, if even for one second you thought that learning future from some books would make me work with these despicable Gryffindors, you are very wrong."
Severus suddenly sent a hex towards Sirius, which he lazily avoided after rolling his eyes. Regulus took his wand and disarmed Severus.
Regulus said angrily, "Why can't you understand that this is bigger than these school grudges?"
As Severus was looking angrily at Regulus, Sirius had picked up his wand.
Sirius threw full body-bind spell at Severus. Severus, who was standing at edge of lake, fell in it.
Regulus, who was surprised, didn't have time to respond as the same spell fell on him.
Sirius picked up the books and said, "I will be taking these."
Then he removed spell from Regulus and started walking towards Hagrid's hut.
Regulus shouted from behind, "You are an idiot, Sirius Black. You are not even ready to give me second chance."
Regulus saw his brother stop for a moment. His brother looked back at him and he thought he saw a smile on Sirius's face. Then he walked away.
Regulus was furious. He levitated Severus out of lake and removed the full body-bind.
Severus started saying something but was cut off.
Regulus said angrily, "I don't want to talk to you, Severus. If you two can't grow up, I will do what I have to do on my own. I thought we could be friends but now I can see that is not possible. "
Severus picked up his wand and dried himself. Severus was extremely angry. He hated the 'Blacks'. The Blacks who grew up in lap of luxury, naturally talented; having perfect blood; having perfect life; he just hated them. Even in the circle of Dark Lord; Blacks didn't have to prove themselves and were easily accepted. He remembered how before Hogwarts he wanted to be best friends with Sirius Black because he was sure that Sirius would be in Slytherin. Just because he was half-blood; he had to prove himself by torturing a muggle family with most creative dark spell he can think of to impress the Dark Lord. He was sure that Dark Lord wont ask Sirius Black to prove himself to join since he had been quite adamant about wanting the Black Heir to join. The thought of Lily going out with James made him angrier. He just sat there fuming. He hated James more than anyone else in the world because he took away Lily, his Lily. He hated Sirius Black and Regulus Black because everything was always so easy for these two brothers. He realized that friendship with Regulus was just smoke because Regulus will always choose Sirius, no matter what. He befriended Regulus to irritate Sirius after all. He thought why is it that all he can feel is bitterness and hatred. He couldn't see the light at the end of this long tunnel of hatred and bitterness. He was lost.
Hagrid's Hut
Sirius kept the books he had taken from Regulus and Severus in his bag and started walking towards Hagrid's Hut.
He heard his brother shouting about giving him second chance, which made him stop. This made Sirius smile. He looked back at his brother fondly. There was no way he would not give his brother a chance. However, first he needed to sort out his feelings and consult with James and Remus. He had just learnt that Peter will be betraying them. He knew that they needed proof. They can't just suspect Peter based on some books which could or could not be true. Peter has been their friend since first year. Besides, if there is a chance, they could make it so Peter doesn't betray them. In the first two years, Sirius had not been very fond of Peter. However, when Peter decided to go through Animagi training with them to help Remus, Sirius was sure that all four of them would be friends forever.
He reached Hagrid's hut and knocked on the door.
Hagrid opened the door and looked at him worriedly. Hagrid had thought of talking to Sirius about Atsushi, but after looking at Sirius, he decided not to.
Sirius said, 'Can I come in?"
Hagrid said, "Yes, yes."
Sirius sat on the chair and sighed.
Hagrid looked at him, "What is wrong? Did those people hurt you?"
Sirius said, "I don't know who to trust and who not to trust. My mind is so full of things that I cant think straight. Hagrid, tell me, what would you do if you found out that one of your best friends betrayed you?"
Hagrid took a minute to answer," Then he was never your friend. But why are you worried about this crap? Your friends will never betray you."
Sirius's hollow laugh echoed in Hagrid's hut.
Hagrid asked again, "What is wrong?"
Sirius, however, changed the topic and said, "Which book were you talking about?"
Hagrid gave him a book that he instantly recognized;" Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince."
He thanked Hagrid and took the book. Hagrid offered some of his rock-cakes but he refused and left to meet James and Remus in Great Hall.
Room of Requirement
Few hours ago
Remus said entering the room, "What is wrong with you, Prongs?"
James took the book out of his bag and threw it at Remus shouting, "This is what is wrong with me."
Remus picked up the book. He was surprised and he saw similar expression on the face of Sirius.
He and Sirius both simultaneously took out the books they had.
They looked at each other.
Remus said hurriedly in case James decided to throw another tantrum," Lets discuss this."
Sirius who was unusually quiet sat down on the nearest sofa. James looked at him surprised. James could see that his best friend was lost, somehow.
Remus interrupted his train of thoughts, " Prongs, what is your book about?"
James replied, " It's about my son. Voldemort has apparently killed Lily and me because Peter betrayed us. However, Padfoot ended up taking all the blame and was sent to Azkaban. Padfoot escapes from Azkaban and in the end proves to Harry that he didn't betray me."
Remus slightly chucked and said," Leave it to Padfoot to do things that are considered impossible."
James sighed, now apparently calmer, and said," Moony, Peter betrayed us. Padfoot spent more than a decade in Azkaban. I don't care if I died, but I will never want Padfoot to stay in Azkaban even for a day. I don't care about anything as long as Sirius is happy and safe."
Listening to James made Sirius smile.
Remus replied," I understand James. But this has not happened yet. Anyway, my book is about the chamber of secrets in Hogwarts." The Remus briefly explained the plot.
Remus and James, both then looked towards Sirius.
Sirius startled at sudden attention said, "What?"
James replied, "What about your book?"
Sirius then briefly explained the plot, which ended with him dying.
James said angrily," I will kill that Bellatrix, right now. But before that I want to kill Peter. How could he make Padfoot suffer like that?"
Remus smiled but shifted his attention to Sirius asking," Why are you so quiet?"
Sirius said," Prongs is dead in these books. My idiotic brother joined Death Eaters and ended up dying as well."
This was enough for Remus to understand. The bond that James and Sirius shared was unlike he had ever seen. Sirius was his best friend, too. Nevertheless, James and Sirius were like brothers. They were two parts of one soul. They loved each other fiercely. No family, no girlfriend, no other friend could ever come between them well with the exception of Regulus and Mrs. Potter time to time, which sometimes made James jealous. Remus remembered that he had been furious at Sirius after the incident with Snape but James had still defended Sirius.
James smiled at Sirius's response but then said angrily at Remus, "By the way, why didn't you trust Padfoot in the book? You abandoned him. I can't believe, Remus, you of all people will believe that Padfoot could betray me."
Remus replied," How am I supposed to know that?"
James kept bickering with Remus about that.
Sirius smiled looking at their friends bantering.
Sirius said," Anyway, we should all read these books."
James hurriedly took Order of Phoenix to know how his best friend died so that he might be able to prevent it.
Remus smiled at him and handed Chamber of Secrets to Sirius while picking up Prisoner of Azkaban.
They spent few hours reading and around lunchtime, Remus said that they should go for lunch and Sirius had to meet Regulus.
Great Hall
Sirius had left to meet his brother alone despite multiple protests from James. James and Remus were now sitting at the end of Gryffindor table talking in hushed voices.
"Do you really think it was ok to let him go alone to meet Black?" said James
Remus replied," I think its ok. Black is his brother by the way. I don't think he is stupid enough to start dueling with Sirius."
"I am just worried. If these books really are from future, doesn't that show how messed-up our lives ended up being? Can you even imagine right now that this is how future will be? Lily and I will just die after few years, I will never see you and Padfoot again, I will not see my son grow up, and my brother will spend a decade in Azkaban. And here I thought we ruled the world," said James with a sigh.
James continued in a very quiet voice," Moony, you know I love Padfoot more that anyone in the world. I …I do not want him to suffer even for a single moment in his life. I …."
Tears were filled in James' eyes.
"I understand, Prongs. But now we both can make sure that Padfoot doesn't suffer. I love him, too, you know," said Remus after taking James's hand.
Just then, Lily and Peter came and sat across them.
Lily seemed quite angry and decided to ignore James.
"Hey Lily. I am sorry about this morning," said James sheepishly.
"I think someone else here deserves your apology more than me. What did you say to Peter?" replied Lily angrily.
Remus, seeing that James won't be able to control his temper, interrupted calmly, "Lily, James didn't say anything to Peter that would require an apology."
"Remus, stop acting like mother of the two biggest idiots in Hogwarts? You have been their nanny since first year. Anyway, where is Sirius," replied Lily.
Remus turned slightly red, "I am not their nanny."
Lily ignored them and started talking to Mary discussing some news about explosion in Research Department of Arab League in Jeddah, which has resulted in death of 120 wizards.
James and Remus were discussing whether they should attend next lecture or not. Peter was looking at them curiously while stuffing his face.
In the meantime, their conversation was interrupted as James' owl named Nancy came with the package and letter from his home.
James read the letter and handed it over to Remus, saying in amused tone, "I wonder if my mother has really forgotten that I am the son she gave birth to."
Remus chuckled reading the letter.
James,
I have sent Sirius and your's favorite sweets with Frank. Ask Sirius if he wants anything else. Anyway, I am sending pie that Sirius likes since I forgot to give it to Frank. And also the chocolate chip cookies that Sirius likes.
Love
Mom
"Well, it's kind of impossible not to love Sirius even if he is crazy," said Remus in an amused tone.
Lily laughed and said, "Well, finally we agree on something , Nanny,".
All three of them laughed but Peter interrupted," I don't know how someone can be scary as well as lovable at the same time."
James' eyes flashed with anger. Before he could say or do anything Remus held James' arm and looked at him pointedly.
James freed his hand from Remus and got up angrily but was distracted when he saw Regulus coming in alone.
James said loudly," Black, where is Sirius?"
James and Regulus hated each other. There were two very good reasons for that, Sirius and Quidditch.
Regulus rolled his eyes and ignored James. But as he was walking his eyes fell on Remus' bag and he saw three books similar to the one that had been recently confiscated by his brother.
Regulus smirked and replied venomously," And why should I tell you, Potter?"
James replied in the same tone moving towards Regulus, "If you know what's better for you, you will simply answer my question."
But then Regulus looked over at staff table, seeing as Dumbledore and Minerva were not present, he shouted," In the name Salazar Slytherin," and stunned Remus.
It took some time for James and other Gryffindors to understand what was going on. Soon they were all on their feet.
Meanwhile, with the shout from Regulus, all Slytherins on table had moved beside Regulus and dueling battle had started.
First, it was between Slytherin and Gryffindor, but now all houses were involved.
Regulus threw a spell that covered all Great Hall with smoke. With the cover of smoke, he moved towards the stunned Remus. He duplicated Remus' bag, transfigured the original one into history book called 'Noble Bloodlines: The Royal Lineage'. Then set the duplicate to fire.
In all this commotion, Dumbledore and Minerva have arrived. With a single spell, Dumbledore quelled the smoke. All students have just stopped in their tracks.
"What is going on here?" shouted Minerva.
Many students were stunned, some had tentacles, some had changed colors, some were half transfigured into animals/plants, some were floating ankle-down in Great Hall, some had jelly-legs, some were covered with boils, some even had cuts and so on.
Regulus had stuffed the book in his bag and was looking at Entrance, his eyes searching Sirius.
Minerva was questioning James and Lily as to what happened. Headmaster, teachers and students were taking injured to Hospital Wing.
After listening to Head Boy and Head Girl's explanation, Minerva was like a volcano, seconds' away to erupt.
"Mr. Black, what is the meaning of all this?" shouted Minerva.
Regulus just rolled his eyes and turned his face towards entrance.
Finally, he saw Sirius standing in the entrance looking confused.
Regulus smiled, ignoring sermon of Minerva.
"Mr. Black. Go to Headmaster's office right now. I will see to it that you are properly punished for instigating this preposterous event," said Minerva angrily.
Regulus looked at her indifferently and saw that Sirius was going towards his friend, Remus.
He shouted, "Sirius, Noble Bloodlines: The Royal Lineage."
A peculiar exchange crossed between two brothers; there were no words, no signs, only their eyes spoke to each other.
Minerva, by now, had lost all her patience and grabbed Regulus' arm and started taking him towards Headmaster's office.
Sirius quickly started walking after them, ignoring James when he tried to stop him.
As soon as he caught up with Regulus, they hurriedly did a wand shake.
Minerva thought that they were about to fight and grabbed both their wands. Look of horror could be seen on Minerva's face , when she saw that both wands were almost soaked in blood.
"What did you two do?" shouted Minerva.
"Cant you be a little quiet Minnie? I have a headache," said Sirius indifferently.
"Mr. Black. Don't call me Minnie and I think you should also accompany your brother to the Headmaster's office," said Minerva angrily.
"What did Reg do?" asked Sirius while walking with Minerva who was still holding Regulus's arm.
A bright smile appeared on Regulus' face when he heard his brother calling him with his nickname.
"All the commotion in the Great Hall was instigated by younger Mr. Black. He would surely be suspended and Headmaster would be writing to your mother," said Minerva angrily.
"A lot of good that will do," Sirius said rolling his eyes and continued, "Minnie, don't you remember that my grandfather sent you a Howler to stop sending letters about my adventures because we, Blacks will do whatever we want and you should learn to handle it all."
Minerva's face changed shades but instead of being angry, she was confused at Sirius' behavior. Sirius was her favorite student and she knew he had tried so hard to make people look at him instead of his family name 'Black'. Yet here he was talking about Blacks like a Black. He called Arcturus Black not by name as he usually did but grandfather.
On the other hand, Sirius and Regulus were stifling their laughs while being led to Headmaster's office.
When they reached office, Minerva said in a firm tone looking at Black brothers, "I can't believe my students can be so insensitive. Incident with Atsushi already had everyone on edge and yet you are here laughing and taking all this as a joke."
"What happened to Atsushi?" Sirius asked in a serious tone.
Looking at boys' expression, she could tell that they were not aware of Atsushi's death.
Minerva replied in a tired and sad voice, "Mr. Atsushi's body was found near Forbidden Forest."
Minerva noted that expression on boys' face suddenly changed.
Regulus asked in a small voice, "What do you mean by body?"
Sirius stood there stunned while Minerva explained the events of morning.
GREAT HALL
Peter had run away to the Gryffindor tower. James had enervated Remus and was now helping staff to take students to hospital wing. He expected Remus to do the same but Remus was just sitting there looking at ashes next to his seat.
James came to Remus asked what has happened.
Remus replied, "Somebody burned my bag along with all the books."
PRESENT DAY
ORDER HQs
Marauders, Severus and Regulus were sitting in the lounge drinking butter beers. Other members had left.
Walburgha Black's patronus came and said, "Sirius and Regulus come home right now. Your grandparents are back and want to talk to you."
Sirius stood up happily and said," Gran A and Gran P are back."
Regulus also smiled. Both brothers excused themselves and went away.
"I never thought Sirius had good relation with senior Blacks," Severus said.
"Well, his grandfather never really abandoned him. You do remember the howler he sent to Minnie 'We Blacks have the privilege to do whatever we want,' Howler ," replied James laghuing.
As boys started talking again, Lily entered the lounge.
Upon seeing Severus, she literally ran towards him and hugged him. Severus returned the hug with same enthusiasm. Tears started staining faces of both friends.
James, however, wasn't very enthusiastic with exchange. Remus elbowed him in the ribs and said," Behave."
James stuck out his tongue.
Remus chuckled and said," Very mature."
Just then, Joanne, Jessica and Alice entered the lounge.
Upon seeing Joanne, Severus at once let Lily go.
Severus stuttered," Lily…..Lily is my friend."
Joanne just smiled and said," I know."
All other people were looking at this exchange with amused expression.
"Severus, why are you telling this to Joanne?" James said with a smirk.
Severus' face turned slightly pink.
Remus, James and Jessica roared with laughter.
"Stop teasing him," said Lily but she was also laughing. Lily suddenly felt like some weight had been lifted from her shoulders and her life was now truly complete.
Joanne just smiled again and excused herself. Jessica also excused herself after a minute or two as they were supposed to attend family dinner.
Alice asked about Sirius and then left when she heard he most probably would not be back tonight.
James, Remus and Lily were teasing Severus, when Walburgha Black and Narcissa entered.
Lily saw how boys' faces lit up on seeing them.
"Mother, why are you here? Is everything ok?" asked Severus.
Walburgha gave them a sad smile and turned to James, "James, I would like to rest, if possible. Narcissa will explain everything to you."
James immediately took Walburgha to Master bedroom and left after she asked to be alone.
Meanwhile, in lounge Remus was literally staring at Narcissa. Narcissa was making small talk with Lily and said she will explain when James comes back.
Narcissa noticed Remus staring and asked him," Is everything ok?"
Now, it was Remus' turn to turn pink.
Remus replied," Sorry, I was just thinking, I didn't mean to stare at you."
Narcissa smiled, "Its ok," and turned to Lily.
Remus was captivated by Narcissa's smile. His eyes slightly widened and his face was open when Severus elbowed him to come to his senses.
Severus whispered to Remus," You do know she is about to get married to Lucius."
Remus felt irritated and said," Why does everyone keep telling me that?"
Severus replied," Then stop making it so obvious."
Remus was about to retort when James entered and asked in a serious tone," What happened, Narcissa? Why is mother so sad?"
Instead of giving them an instant answer, Narcissa laughed.
The all looked puzzled except for Remus who was again spellbound by Narcissa's laugh. Remus was sure that he wanted to spend his entire life making this blond witch laugh. James looked at Remus strangely.
Narcissa replied," Aunt Walburgha has been disowned by Grandfather Arcturus and Grandfather Pollux."
The expression on others' face made Narcissa laugh again.
"Why are you laughing about it ? She seemed so distraught over it," asked Lily.
"I am not happy. Its just not that big of a deal anymore. She will be restored when next Lord Black will take his title. Moreover, my amusement is very mild as compared to Sirius and Regulus when they heard that their mother had been disowned. You do remember that she blasted Sirius off the tree," replied Narcissa.
"And next Lord Black is Sirius?" questioned Severus.
"Yes," Narcissa replied happily.
"You really like Sirius unlike his other family members," James said with a smile.
"Ofcourse, I do. It may not have seemed like that to you but Sirius, Regulus and I were very close before Hogwarts," said Narcissa.
"Narcissa, if you don't mind me asking, what happened?" asked Remus
Narcissa expression turned sad and she replied," It's a long story."
"Well, we have time," replied Lily.
Narcissa sighed and began her story," You all know that Sirius is extremely talented. In fact, even in Black family Sirius is the most talented wizard since 11th century. Well, in 11th century our family had extremely talented wizard who was, you can say, Dark Lord at that time. But unlike current Dark Lord, Vega operated alone and wreaked havoc, however he pleased. Sirius has same magical core as Vega."
Lily asked," Same magical core? How do you know that? Sirius has same core as some Dark Lord?"
Narcissa replied," In Black family it is tradition to check magical core of child when he or she is born and it is then documented in the family archives. There is an ancient spell passed down in Black family to check magical core. The spell checks which kind of magical arts one will be proficient in and size of core. In simple words, as per my core I am skillful in Charms and Memory Arts. This spell, however, works only on Black family."
Narcissa paused a bit thinking something and said," The spell might work on you all since Aunt added you in Black Family tree. Do you want me to try and check your core?"
Narcissa could see that they looked kind of excited.
"Really, you can do that? Please check my core." Remus replied.
Narcissa got up and moved to Lily who was sitting closest to her. She wordlessly proceeded with difficult wand movements.
Narcissa was somewhat startled and looked at Lily, "Wow, for a muggleborn, you are really exceptional. Your magical core is big, even bigger than mine is. In addition, your core is aligned for Charms and Potions. It not that you will be bad in other things but you can become true expert in Charms and Potions."
Lily happily squealed and hugged Narcissa.
"Lily, leave Narcissa. We are waiting for our turn, "said Severus.
Lily just shrugged and said to Narcissa," You don't know how much this means to me. For someone who was made to feel that they don't belong neither in muggle world nor in wizarding world. "
Narcissa was well aware of the prejudice that Lily has faced. Infact she has been one of the people acting on those beliefs and even now, she knew she believed purebloods were superior. She just smiled and moved on to Severus and did the same spell.
"Severus, your core is almost same size as Lily. Your specialty is Potions and Mind Controlling Arts, same as Aunt Walburgha," said Narcissa with a smile.
"Mind controlling Arts?" questioned Remus.
"Well, its like this, everybody can cast an Imperius curse. But when Severus will cast it, it will be more efficient and more difficult to fight off," said Narcissa.
"Hmmm, so Severus can become expert in Occumelency and Legelimency, too," said Remus.
"Exactly, "replied Narcissa.
Narcissa moved on to Remus then.
"Remus, you can be expert in Defense against the Dark Arts and Magical Creatures. This is the first time I have seen core like yours, maybe because you are werewolf. Size of your core is a little smaller than Lily but due to your lycanthropy your spells have more power," said Narcissa.
Remus nodded.
"Now its my turn," James said excitedly.
Narcissa then performed the spell on James.
Narcissa expression changed swiftly from amused to surprised.
"What is it?" asked Lily concerned for her husband.
"James has the biggest magical core I have seen except for two people. James your core is special and you can be one of the best in history in Transfiguration," Narcissa replied.
James smile widened and he looked smugly at everybody.
"Thanks Narcissa for making his head bigger," chuckled Remus.
"What about Sirius and his brother Regulus?" asked Lily
"Oh. Regulus core is a little bigger than your Lily. His specialty is Dark Arts and Blood Magic," Narcissa replied.
Narcissa noticed the sudden discomfort this piece of knowledge has brought to the people sitting with her.
"Can you elaborate a little bit?", asked Severus. Severus was well aware that Regulus was talented wizard and only second to Sirius when it came to dueling.
Narcissa replied," Well, its not such a bad thing. You all are aware that whenever someone performs Dark Arts, their soul becomes tainted which gradually changes their physical appearance if they continue performing it."
All nodded in reply.
Narcissa continued," Well, that won't happen to Regulus. Regulus can go ahead performing all sorts of Dark Magic but that won't taint his soul or change his appearance. His core is considered most precious in Black Family. Uncle Orion had the same core."
"What about Sirius? You said he had same core as Black Dark Lord," asked James.
"James, I told you I had seen bigger core than yours in only two people if you recall," said Narcissa.
James nodded.
"Well one of them is Sirius and second one is Bellatrix. Bellatrix is extremely skilled in Transfiguration and Charms. Well, when it comes to Sirius he has abnormal core. It is not aligned to any specific art of magic but rather deliverance of magic, meaning that he can become expert in anything he wants. Idiot doesn't even have to work hard for that," said Narcissa with a smile.
"Well you don't have to tell us that. How did he beat us all in OWLS and NEWTs always seemed a mystery to me," said Severus is a slightly bitter tone.
"Oh come on Severus. You are still bitter about NEWTs and OWLs. It was a long time ago," said James.
"Well, it's a bit sour subject for people like us who studied very hard," said Lily.
Narcissa and James started laughing.
"Laugh all you want. But seriously Lily and I spend so much time pouring over books. Even you did James but Sirius only skimmed the book and there was his perfect OWLs and NEWTs," said Remus.
Narcissa laughed again and asked," So what did you all lose in? I remember you all getting almost perfect Os."
"Transfiguration and Charms," said Severus.
"Transfiguration," said Lily.
"Potions and Arthimancy," said Remus.
"Charms," said James.
"Well, there is another reason Sirius doesn't need to spend time memorizing books and scrolls. Sirius and I have photographic memory. We don't forget anything," continued Narcissa.
"Now that's just unfair," protested Remus, though in an amused tone.
Narcissa smile dropped. Everybody noticed the change Narcissa.
Narcissa said,"If you know everything about Sirius, you would never envy his magical talents or his photographic memory."
"Narcissa, please elaborate," said Lily.
Narcissa continued," Everybody sees Sirius as this perfect 'prince' of the wizarding world; extremely handsome and charming, extremely talented. I bet there isn't anybody who could compete with his looks or talent."
Remus said, " Hmm, I get what you are saying but in some classes Sirius wasn't always the one to get the spell first."
Severus said," And this is where I correct you. Sirius always got the spells correct in first try that is when he did the spell and was not wasting time doing other extra-curricular activities."
Remus was surprised and looked at James for support but saw that James wasn't surprised at all.
Lily trying to bring the humor in atmosphere again said," Well, I can attest to his 'charm.' Trust me there wasn't a single girl in Gryffindor who didn't have a crush on Sirius Black at some point of their school tenure. Even I sent him a Valentine Greeting in our 4th year."
Narcissa and Lily saw the expression on the three boys accompanying them at this revelation and started laughing.
James stuttered," Li…lily, you had crush on Padfoot in our 4th year."
Remus said," Well, if I remember correctly we had a great bonfire with all Valentine greetings, chocolates and candies Padfoot got."
James said in mock hurt tone," Well, it's a good thing Padfoot never bothered to read any Valentine or Love letters. Else I might have ended up with a broken heart."
"Oh don't be so dramatic James. It was just a stupid crush when I was 14. Now I love Sirius like a brother and best friend," Lily replied.
"Well, Lily you should be happy that Sirius isn't a girl, else I doubt you would have been Mrs Potter right now," joked Severus.
"Severus, I still feel like a third wheel sometimes when I am around Sirius and James," Lily said in an amused tone.
Remus grinned and said," Actually Lily, sorry to break it to you but you are a third wheel."
James pushed Remus and said," Oi."
Narcissa was watching the exchange fondly.
"Anyway, I want Narcissa to continue without any interference now. What do you mean by core is aligned for 'deliverance of magic'. I want to know everything about Padfoot. I mean Sirius," said James.
"By deliverance of magic, I mean his core is aligned to the most difficult magic that is almost impossible to completely master, 'wandless magic'.Well, then let me tell you from the beginning so you can truly understand Black family and their heir, Sirius," said Narcissa with a smile.
Next Chapter: Well, next chapter is history with Merlin, Morgana, Arthur Pendragon, his knights of Round Table…. Kabal's den of Magic…. Twelve Tribes of Israel…etc etc…I will try to make it fun…!
