CHAPTER 28
THE TEMPEST
February 23, 1971 (Wednesday)
POISONING CASE SHROUDED IN MYSTERY
by Andy Smudgley
Heir Apparent Black Remains Unconscious
Tectonic Shifts in Wizengamot Politics
Since the announcement of the terrifying attempt on the life of the Heir Apparent Turais Black he case has been shrouded in mystery. The Aurors were clearly mystified as well as they were unable to provide any details regarding the potential culprits, murder intentions, or even which poison was used for the past two weeks. The lack of progress on the high-profile case has troubled many parents who are worried that their children's safety was at risk.
Turais Rigel Orion Black, aged twelve, is the eldest grandson of Lord Arcturus Black. Despite his tender age, he has already exhibited immense potential and is considered one of the rising stars in the Wizarding World. In addition to being a published, two-time featured author in "Potions" and co-inventor of the Wolfsbane Potion, Mr Black is widely anticipated to be awarded the Order of Merlin for his contribution to the field of Potions in the near future.
In a surprisingly move yesterday, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore has publicly addressed the issue in the Wizengamot chamber and urged parents to remain calm. He restated that Hogwarts remained one of the most well-protected and safe locations in Wizarding Britain and the world. However, he has refused to answer any questions and left the chamber immediately after his address.
Some members questioned the claim and pointed towards the death of a third-year Muggleborn and current resident ghost at Hogwarts, "Moaning" Myrtle Warren, in 1943 (see page 8 for more information). Others questioned the Headmaster's refusal to transfer Mr Black to St. Mungo's Hospital where better support could be provided and accused him of endangering the Black Heir's health.
Turais Black's poisoning has not only raised tension between the Dark families and the Chief Warlock, but also caused a rift in the Malfoy-Black alliance. Anonymous sources have stated that the Black alliance has severe mistrust against the Malfoy-led coalition as they believed they played an important role in the attack on the Black Heir.
"The current thinking is that some of Malfoy's allies have broken faith with the Black alliance by attacking one of their best and brightest," the anonymous staffer revealed. "They are nervous to lose them as allies, but they are also furious with the situation at hand. There is generally a lot of confusion right now."
This rift was visualized when Lord Black and Lord Malfoy entered the chamber separately for the first time since their alliance has formed. Regardless, it seems as though Lord Black is at a crossroad...
'Back so soon, young Master? I was not expecting you.'
'I swear I was not trying to get myself killed. I'm not trying to abuse my powers as Master of Death. But still, I can't believe I fell for that. It was Polyjuice Potion, wasn't it? And to think I was the one who pulled this trick on Draco Malfoy last time around… you'd think I would recognize it...'
'Do you choose to return then?'
'Of course! Wait... am I completely healed when I return?'
'Yes, you will return to a completely undamaged body. The extensive damage your body has sustained is more difficult to heal that a simple Killing Curse.'
'What does that mean? How is death by poisoning different from death by the Killing Curse?'
'The Killing Curse involves the severance of a person's soul from its mortal vesicle. The body of a person is left untouched. Death by poisoning involves the violent destruction of a person's body and magic that culminates in the detachment of the soul from an irreparable vesicle.'
'Brilliant, I really don't want to stay in the infirmary for any longer than strictly necessary.'
'Very well. But please remember this. Due to the extensive damage to your body, you will find that a few days have passed to order for your body to heal itself. On that note, take care.'
February 24, 1971 (Thursday)
Warm hands were on his cheeks, as a familiar voice called quietly and rhythmically like a hymn, "Turais - Turais, it's time to wake up now. Wake up." The voice echoed and reverberated melodiously inside his skull. "Wake up… Turais…"
"No… no…" He wanted to sleep for a long, long, long time.
"That's right, Turais. Wake up now… wake up…" The voice was filled with warmth, light, and safety. Orion . He reached out to his senses. Softness. Warmth. Smooth. Was he in his dormitory? Was he in the infirmary? Was he in his bed at home? Everything was so bright.
"Turais!" This time, Orion's voice boomed in his head so loudly that he felt himself flinch. "If you don't wake up right now, you are going to be in so much trouble!" He tried to squirm away from the painful noise and hide in the blinding white light…
Turais opened his eyes and immediately shut them again. "So bright…" he mumbled. He felt two pairs of hands squeezing both his hands painfully, crushing his bones together unnaturally, and soft breaths caressing the skin.
"Water…" Turais's lips and throat felt as dry as a desert. He felt something metal pressed against his lips and he parted his lips slightly as the cool, refreshing liquid flow messily into his mouth and down his chin. He felt a soft cloth wiping his chin gently.
"Send for the Headmaster," Turais heard someone say in an echoing and distorted voice.
'Madame Roland?'
He attempted to open his eyes again. This time slower as he creaked them open inch by inch. Stopping to adapt to the brightness of the environment. Eventually, he could focus on the high stone ceiling completed with gothic arches.
'The Hospital Wing.'
He tried to tilt his head to observe his surroundings but found himself quite immobile. His body felt like it was run over by the Hogwarts Express more than once. Every bone and every joint in his body ached and burned. Ignoring the discomfort, he turned his gaze from the ceiling to his right and found his brothers. Their grip were firm and desperate, as though they were drowning in a stormy ocean who spotted a floating log. Their pale grey eyes were surrounded by blood-red streaks and wet with tears. He wanted to give them a large hug but he realized that his entire body failed to respond to any of his movements. With all his effort, he gave their hands a light squeeze and their shoulders dropped in relief by the tiniest fraction.
"You might be feeling a bit distressed with your lack of mobility, Mr Black," Turais turned his attention to the school nurse. Madame Roland continued, "Your body has barely recovered from the effects of the poison and you are under a medically-induced Stasis to prevent further aggravation. But there is no impediment of your ability to speak."
Turais nodded but then quickly realized that he barely managed any movement. He gave her a quick quirk of his lips and Madame Roland nodded understandingly. He panned his gaze past Madame Roland and two other persons in Healer's robes, to the person who has awakened him.
There, he saw the swirling greys, like a dissipating winter storm, which barely clouded the haunted emotions welled below. He took in the dark circles around his eyes that contrasted sharply against the bloodless face that was tense with constraint. He then look at the strained smile formed by the tight muscles and lines that never reached his eyes. He looked calm and peaceful, except for the quivering mustache that covered his trembling upper lip and the rough, unshaven jaw that has never marred his face in the past twelve years.
Meeting his father's eyes once again, Turais suddenly felt an incessant throb in his heart and a suffocating weight on his chest as though a tsunami of cement was mercilessly crushing the last breath out of his lungs.
Turais felt the burning prick of tears in the back of his eyes as he realized how silly he was - to have thought that since he could not die, he could promise Orion that he would stay safe without a guilty conscience - to have thought he could afford to be reckless as to think that death was of no consequences - to have thought that his family would not be affected by the news of his apparent demise. He never had a family to live for or worry about when he did something stupid - yes, he had life-long friends, a wife - yet it was somehow different to grow up alongside brothers whom he has shared everything with and a father who loved him selflessly.
Guilt, shame, embarrassment, and anger came roaring into his mind of how he underestimated Nott and overlooked the oblivious signs that he should've caught. He thought back to the fateful decision where he slighted Nott at the Malfoy - the time when he shamed Nott in front of the entire House to climb up the social hierarchy - how he ignored Andromeda's advice to notify others instead of thinking he could handle the situation on his own - to the sight of Nott grinning with malevolent glee when he thought his enemy was taking his final breaths in excruciating pain and agony…
It was because of his choices, his decisions, and this was his deserved fate.
Turais felt like he was falling even though he was comfortably lying on a bed. His brain was whirling in panic and fear… and pain. He blinked and his heart pounded as he realized he was suffocating.
"Damn it, Turais! Breathe," Orion held his face in both his hands. Turais focused on the warmth that enveloped his cheeks as he remembered to breathe. He sucked in a wheezing breath. A second breath. A third.
"I'm sorry, father," Turais blurted out as hot tears inadvertently rolled down his cheeks. "I should've known better. I should not have picked a fight against Nott. Or Yaxley. Or Dolohov. You were right, I can't keep myself safe. I broke my promise. I made all of you worry. I knew they were up to something -"
"It's alright, son, you're safe. That's all that matters right now," Orion said softly, caressing his cheekbones with his thumbs steadily.
"No, it's not alright, father! Do not excuse my behaviour, I don't deserve it!" Turais shouted thickly. "You told me the most important thing to you was my happiness and my health. But you, Siri and Reggie being happy is what makes me happy. And I made you all worried and I almost died . I -" His voice sounded incredibly small to his ears. Unable to even turn his head, Turais opted for the second best option and closed his eyes as he tried to hold his tearing heart together. Tears continued to stream out of his blinking eyes. He felt painful squeezes on his hands but he didn't care.
"Turais! Son! Listen to me. Yes, we were worried. Yes, you almost died. But it wasn't your fault -"
Turais shook his head and shouted. "No! I deserve it! I slighted Nott in the first place! Why did I need to do that?"
"No, son -"
"There were other choices, I could've done it a different way! I could've -"
"LISTEN!" Orion roared.
Turais' words died in his throat at his commanding tone but Orion has already softened his expression. "Yes, you and Nott had a long, patchy relationship. Yes, you might have embarrassed him in front of everyone. But that does not mean you are responsible for his actions. And that definitely does not mean he has a right to harm you in any way. Do you understand?"
At Turais' silence, Orion asked again, "Do you understand?"
Turais could not bring himself to acknowledge his father's words.
"If I may interrupt," Sybril Quinn spoke gently. Turais snapped up to the woman violently as he just noticed her presence. If Orion's immediate flinch was any indication, his father was equally as oblivious. Her melodious voice acted as much-needed balm to soothe his burning chest. "I would like to run some diagnostics on Mr Black since he is now conscious."
Orion quickly cleared his throat and shifted his posture. However, "Of course, Sybril. Thank you," Orion said quickly.
"I will be right by the door, Turais. It will be quick," Turais heard Orion said as two pairs of hands slacked their grip on his hands as the silent Sirius and Orion walked away with their father. Turais could now register the stinging sensation in both hands as the blood moved normally once again. He could also feel the pain and tremors.
Madame Roland rolled the privacy curtains away as the two familiar private Healers, Sybril Quinn and Oberion Proudmore, approached his bedside. Sybril Quinn was a lady with greying hair and a grandmotherly disposition. She has been the Healer who delivered Turais, as well as Orion before him. Oberion Proudmore, on the other hand, joined when it became apparently that Orion's household would be expecting their third child. But a decade was no short time either, so they were both near and dear to Turais' heart.
"Hello, Turais. We are going to conduct the regular battery of diagnostic tests. As always, Please alert us to any discomfort during any part of the procedure."
Turais nodded at them. "Thank you, Sybril. Oberion."
They began to cast diagnostic and monitoring charms on him as Madame Roland returned to his bedside. Turais spoke up to ask his burning questions, "Madame Roland, how long was I…"
'Dead? Unconscious? Breathing? Not breathing?'
"Mr Black, you were unconscious and barely breathing for almost two weeks. You seemed to be in a sort of stasis, but in a state deeper than the sleep induced by the most potent Draught of Living Death. I can't explain it any better because I've never seen this in my entire life, but..." Madame Roland explained as she placed her tray of potions on his bedside but then trailed off as she turned to give him her full attention.
"But… we were expecting the worst. Despite having signs of innate magical healing, they was no evidence that you would ever regain consciousness until today… you were closer to death than anyone has ever been… barely alive by any definition. It was really a miracle," Madame Roland finished softly.
Two weeks... He was unconscious for two weeks because of his negligence. He had no one to blame just himself. Guilt and shame continued to weigh heavily on his mind, but he would have to address those emotions later. First, he needed to make sense of everything.
"Why... why was I not transferred to St. Mungo's?" asked Turais.
The three Healers stiffed and then shared a look between themselves.
After holding a silent conversation, the male Healer cleared his throat and broached the subject gently, "The three of us has communicated our wish to transfer you to St. Mungo's where you could receive a more holistic Healing support. However... Headmaster Dumbledore was quite adamant that you stay put in case the Portkey transport triggered any latent effects of your condition. And your grandfather consented, so..."
Turais frowned. Granted, there were several injuries and curses that would be aggravated by Portkey transport, but Turais has never heard of an adverse reaction between poisoning cases and Portkeys. Even if what Dumbledore said was applicable to his case, there were protocols in place for alternative transportation. Something about this explanation was not sitting right with Turais, but then he was immediately distracted by a numbing sensation throughout his four limbs.
All the muscles in his body suddenly stiffened, then relaxed. Turais gasped.
"Sorry, Turais," Sybil said softly as she quickly lifted the Diagnostic Charm. "It seems like there is still some residual effects of the poison on your peripheral nerves."
"It's... okay..." Turais breathed out. "It... it just felt... odd -" Suddenly, the privacy screen were torn open as Orion barged in.
"Is he okay?" Orion asked frantically as he grasped for Turais' hand. "I heard a gasp and -"
"Turais is fine, Orion. Breathe," Sybril said calmly as she patted the man on the shoulder. "I was just doing the standard Diagnostics on Turais and caused a bit of discomfort. But it is nothing to be concerned about -"
"He just woke up after ten days at the brink of death, Sybril," Orion snarled as he tightened his grip. "I get to be concerned. He's my son, not yours. "
Sybril's hand froze and Orion's eyes widened as he realized the hurtful words he just spat out. "I... I will wait outside."
Without a word, a flushed Orion released Turais' hand and darted out of the enclosed space.
"I... I would like to apologize on my father's behalf, Sybril," Turais said apologetically as Sybril drew the screens together once more. "He... he was just worried and... "
"Don't worry, Turais," Sybril said with a comforting smile. "I've known Orion my whole life. I've watched him grow up and I know his temperament like the back of my hand. He's probably hiding in an alcove somewhere sulking right now."
A smile crept past Turais' consciousness and went on full display on his face. "You'll have to tell me this story sometime," said Turais.
"I have many stories that you'd love to know," Sybril said with a twinkle in her eye. "Perhaps I will divulge one when you recover." Turais smiled appreciatively.
"And… can you... Madame Roland… keep whatever our conversations private, patient confidentiality and such?"
Madame Roland nodded, "Of course, Turais. You have my words. But if you don't mind me saying, it was very heartwarming to see how much you and your family care for each other."
Turais gave her a quick smile as she continued on her task again. "I know they do. I am very fortunate."
She gave him another smile and they were silent for the remainder of the check-up. By the time Madame Roland removed the screens, Turais saw a group gathered. Besides his family, Arcturus and Melania, as well as Professor Dumbledore and Professor Slughorn were also present.
"Besides the observed residual effects in his peripheral nerves, I am delighted to say Mr Black here has a clean bill of health," Madame Roland declared. "But I would have to restrict Mr Black to bed rest and Stasis for at least three more days to ensure that his condition is truly stabilized."
"So he will make full recovery? There will be no lasting or hidden damages? No effects on his magic? No curses?" Arcturus asked incredulously.
"Lord Black, your grandson is in peak condition," Madame Roland said in affirmation. The two private Healers also signed off their approval. All the adults released a breath of relief.
"What was the poison? I know it was in the treacle tart," Turais asked.
Dumbledore glanced at his brothers and Orion caught his gaze. "Mother, I think Sirius and Regulus are tired from all this excitement. They should go for a nap."
"I'm not tired -" Sirius started to protest until he met both Orion and Arcturus' gazes. He visibly faltered and turned towards his bedridden brother, "Turais, I'll see you real soon, okay? Don't be scared."
"I'm not scared," Turais said with a smile. Sirius nodded as he walked towards his grandmother. Regulus also gave Turais a quick hug before running after his brother and Melania as they headed to the guest room suites. After the doors have closed, Dumbledore gathered the attention of the group.
"Professor Slughorn has just finished his analysis an hour ago and I wished to break the news to everyone -" Dumbledore stated calmly.
"Well, then tell us, Headmaster. Skip the exposition," Orion snapped. Arcturus seemed a split second from the same outburst as well.
"Horace has determined it to be a poison known as Solanum Diabolus -" everyone in the room gasped. " - also known as the Devil's Nightshade, in the treacle tart that Mr Black ingested."
"What!" Orion shouted as he quickly held Turais' hand tightly once again as though he needed the physical contact to reassure himself that his son was safe.
"The Devil's Nightshade? How did anyone get their hands on that poison?" Arcturus asked sharply with a sense of urgency that Turais has never heard.
"What's the Devil's Nightshade?" Turais asked. The name sounded ominous. He has heard of a lot of poisons that contains nightshade, but never this one.
"If the Elixir of Life forms one end of the spectrum, the Devil's Nightshade forms the other," his father explained darkly, his jaw clenched.
"Yes. It is an extremely powerful, poisonous substance that is brewed with multiple species of poisonous nightshades, each lethal and illegal in their own right, to create a poison with such complexity that makes its determination extremely difficult," Dumbledore explained. "Horace has only determined it for he has exhausted all tests for all known poisonous substances, leaving only this option."
The unanswered question on how Turais managed to survive hung imperiously over them.
"How could that poison have escaped the detection of your wards, Headmaster?" Arcturus accused.
"Lord Black. I assure you that the wards are all in perfect order," Dumbledore said.
"But this poison must have come from somewhere if it didn't originate from the castle!" Orion said. "Or else, it must have been some inherent loophole built into the wards since its creation. I demand a thorough search of the castle for any secret passages."
"Of course you would be well-acquainted with those aspects of Warding, School Governor -"
Orion's eyes flashed dangerously as he leaned forward in an offensive stance. Arcturus immediately placed a firm grip on Orion's wrist before addressing Dumbledore icily, "What are you implying, Headmaster?"
"Nothing at all, Lord Black. But to your point, School Governor, my staff has already conducted two thorough searches since the incident occurred..." Dumbledore said calmly, "...and we have discovered three of such passages and, have since, permanently blocked them already."
Turais surmised that those were the three hidden passages that were inaccessible in his previous lifetime, including the one which Nott had knowledge of. At the same time, he was relieved that the four passages that he had knowledge of were still functional.
"That is a severe security flaw and you will be held responsible, Headmaster," Orion said. "I will bring this to the attention of the Board of Governors."
"I expected no less," Dumbledore said soothingly. "Therefore, I have taken the liberty to send forth the discovery of these passages to the Board. Ah - I see this is news to you. Perhaps your mail must have been turned up at your residence. But rest assured that some of the members have already expressed gratitude to my swift and decisive actions. Some have also accepted my explanation that the Warding in Hogwarts is so ancient and complex that the Head of Hogwarts cannot be held responsible for every loophole in it."
Orion seethed with rage. Turais knew that Dumbledore had just revealed that he still enjoyed the support of some School Governors. Since any decisions from the Board must be made unanimously, this effectively ended any of Orion's threats to wield his office as a weapon.
Arcturus stepped and asked, "Have you confirmed who the culprit is?"
"Unfortunately not," Dumbledore said. "Mr Fawley and Mr Steward claimed that Ms Stahl gave the gift to your son as a Valentine's Day gift. Is that true, Mr Black?"
Turais nodded.
"When did you converse with her?"
"Around two in the afternoon. I remember it was soon after I… um… ate in the library," Turais said. None of the adults seemed preoccupied with that implication, of course, as murder took precedent.
"However, Ms Stahl had been escorted by Mr Avery to the Hospital Wing and remained here for the entire day of the incident. She has accidentally ingested a Zonko's joke product known as Manegro Minstrels which contained the Manegro potion and caused her hair to grow uncontrollably. Madame Roland could attest to that and she has her magical signature on the diagnostic record to prove her alibi," Dumbledore looked at Madame Roland, who nodded to confirm.
"But, I'm not sure if it was actually Jane," Tuais said slowly as he thought back to when he saw "Jane" in the library. "I suspect Nott has Polyjuiced himself as Jane to approach me."
"Polyjuice Potion?" Dumbledore asked sharply. "And Mr Nott? That is a serious accusation - the act of murder and identity theft."
Turais' irritation flared. "Headmaster, I did not poison myself with this Devil's Nightshade poison to wrongfully accuse someone. I have my reasons." Turais was also surprised by the dripping venom in his voice.
Dumbledore flinched at his tone as the Black family stared fiercely at the old man's insinuation.
"When we conversing in the library, I have observed her black hair turn red before she fled," Turais continued on, ignoring Dumbledore's expression. He didn't have time to deal with a person who was determined to slow-walk each and every decision just because he was from a Dark family. "However, I didn't recognize the hint then and I even commented that she was blushing so hard her hair turned red. You can confirm with my friends, Jonathan Steward and Alexander Fawley. They even made fun of me for being tactless." Turais laughed at the thought, though it was mirthless laughter. "I suspect Nott because he has red hair and we did not have the best of relations ever."
"But what is his motive for killing you, Mr Black?"
"I don't know, Headmaster, but the entire House knows we hate each other. I don't know how to prove his involvement but I know he must've had a hand in this."
Dumbledore hummed as he considered the information. Then he turned his attention to the Potions professor. "Horace, I know the seventh-year students just finished their end-of-term project on brewing three potions simultaneously. And I am aware that one of the potions is the Polyjuice Potion. Would the stealing of Polyjuice Potion by a seventh-year have been possible?"
"Well... I suppose so… Albus. I made sure to vanish the potions after I finished inspecting their cauldrons and took a sample as they are all restricted potions. But I'm afraid I might not notice if someone deliberately stole a swig just before the inspection or even before the potion was completed to smuggle it out of the classroom." Professor Slughorn spoke weakly.
"But Mr Nott is not in NEWT Potions class. He did not pass his Potions OWL two years ago," Dumbledore spoke.
"How about Dolohov?" Turais asked. Now he finally knew what they were plotting this entire year. Something that even his abilities won't save him. Of course, no one physically human could survive the Devil's Nightshade if it was as lethal as Dumbledore has stated. He died from it almost instantly too. It was only because he was the Master of Death that he was able to return to his body.
"Mr Dolohov is in NEWT Potions. Mr Black, are you suggesting that Mr Dolohov is implicated in this as well?"
"Yes, Headmaster. On my second day back, my family came to school because I fainted. And when they left, I returned to the common room to find Nott and Dolohov in a conversation. Afterwards, Dolohov approached me and threatened me."
"He threatened you?" Dumbledore's eyes widened.
"Yes, I have my memories. You can see it in the Pensieve if you need to," Turais said fiercely. However, Turais feared that all evidence would be circumstantial and would never be traced firmly back to the pair in a way that guaranteed arrest and conviction of their crimes.
The hospital door creaked open as Professor McGonagall appeared. "Headmaster, the Aurors are outside."
"Thank you, Minerva," Dumbledore turned to Turais. "Mr Black, are you feeling well enough to speak with the Aurors?"
Turais nodded as his father gave him an encouraging squeeze. A pair of Aurors walked in while Professor McGonagall went to retrieve the Pensieve. Turais recognized both men, they were Aurors Sayre and Moody.
"Auror Sayre and Auror Moody, I would say it's a pleasure but I'm afraid the situation is quite dire," Dumbledore spoke. "Mr Black here has awaken and would like to speak to you about his accusations."
Turais told the Aurors, in full detail, his suspicions regarding their hidden activities and threats, his full history with either students, and finally, extracted his memories of those events to all the adults in the room once Professor McGonagall retrieved the Pensieve.
In chronological order, they watched Turais' memories - his first encounter with Nott at the Malfoy ball - Nott's bullying in first year - their duel in the hallway - Dolohov's threat at the start of term - Nott and Dolohov's secret rendezvous before Professor McGonagall walked in on them - the Polyjuiced fake Jane and her hair turning red before she hastily dashed out of sight - the memory of him wondering what to do with the tart and subsequent poisoning as he saw Nott's satisfied expression.
After they emerged from the Pensieve, Orion was grasping Turais tighter than ever as the Aurors shared a grim expression with the rest of the staff. And then, they confirmed Turais' fears.
"I would have to agree with Mr Black that the two students are worth investigating based on his memories and their past history," Auror Sayre said slowly as he looked directly at Arcturus. "Unfortunately, for this particular case. These evidence are all purely circumstantial. Lord Black, I'm sure you agree with me that there are no legal grounds to bring Nott or Dolohov to court. Also, cases built solely around memories will not hold in court. And even if, for the sake of argument, we do submit the memories, we cannot prove that the memories have not been altered. Neither could we sufficiently prove that they have committed the poisoning, nor their usage of the Polyjuice Potion, nor their theft and purchase of Polyjuice Potion, nor their involvement with procuring the actual poison. I am sorry, Mr Black, but there is nothing we can do unless more evidence present themselves."
"I have feared this much, Auror Sayre," Turais grimaced. "But thank you for listening nonetheless. At least I lived to present my case."
Arcturus and Orion were all thrumming with frustration. However, they all knew clearly that there was no way to indisputably link the crimes to those students.
"What can we do?" Orion asked finally. "I cannot allow my son, who was attacked by a fellow student last year and then poisoned by two suspected students, to continue studying in such an unsafe environment… I am forced to withdraw my son from Hogwarts, Headmaster."
"No, father. I must stay," Turais spoke fiercely.
"Turais, I cannot protect you from the distance and clearly Hogwarts is too dangerous for you to stay any longer!" Orion said fiercely.
If Turais, a son of the School Governor, was to withdraw from Hogwarts, and if his family was to spread an unfavourable word on Dumbledore's incompetence to other families, it would result in a large wave of panicked families withdrawing their own children from Hogwarts. As much as he hated to admit it, but Dumbledore was currently the only person Voldemort feared. The students would be much safer at Hogwarts than anywhere else as he would never dare attack Dumbledore in his own domain. He must think of a way to convince his father to allow him to stay - and this meant eliminating the two threats.
"Headmaster, who knows about my revival?" Turais turned his attention from Orion to Dumbledore.
"No one beyond these walls," Dumbledore confirmed. Auror Sayre shot Turais a knowing glance. He must have thought of a similar plan as the one Turais was about to suggest and spoke up. "Headmaster, then hold off the announce of Turais' recent change in his health condition. We have a chance to smoke out the two culprits into admission and we must strike while we have the element of surprise."
"Aside from us and the Healers, no one knows of his awakening. We could spread a false rumour to suggest that Mr Black has passed away to convince them that they have succeeded. With their defenses lowered, we have a higher chance to trick them into admitting their crimes," Moody also added.
"However, if we announce that I am on the mend but still defenseless instead of declaring that I am dead, the two of them will have to come and finish the job. We just have to pretend that I am unguarded, then they will take their chance and we can catch them in the act," Turais recommended instead.
"No! I am not letting you become bait for some murderous lunatics to try and kill you a second time!" Orion protested.
"Father, I will be well-protected. All the protection will just be hidden from plain sight and they will spring into action. Is it correct, Auror Moody?"
Moody gave him an approving smile, the second one he has ever received and turned to the Headmaster. "Headmaster, if you could approve the involvement of a large Auror task force for this mission to lure two highly dangerous and capable murderers and rid the danger posed to the entire student population?"
Dumbledore sensed that he was caught in an indefensible position as he had to ensure the safety of all students.
"You cannot be serious, Headmaster! You are going to risk my son's life to catch two dangerous murderers? I will present my case to the Board of Governors for your removal!" Orion fumed angrily.
"Father, this must be done! As you said, there are two dangerous murderers who clearly have no issue with the amount of casualties that may result from their actions to accomplish their goal. You saw my memory. You saw how I offered the treacle tart to the entire House and Nott made no move to prevent anyone to eat the tart. It was a miracle that no one ate a piece before I collapsed. Jonty and Alex could have eaten the tart too, and I thank Herates that they both refused and it was all thanks to a particularly tasty shepherd's pie. Are you not alarmed and chilled by all this? They are a threat and they must be removed!"
Turais knew that Orion was being irrational over the fear of losing his son after such a near miss. But he didn't know Turais was once a trained Auror. Suddenly, an excellent thought came to his mind.
"Actually, one of the Aurors can take a Polyjuice Potion to pose as myself so I will not be directly in harm's way," Turais said placatingly while sending a cursory glance at the Aurors.
"Yes, that would be an excellent idea, Mr Black," Auror Sayre said affirmingly.
Orion fell silent for a moment. Turais knew his father understood that he could not stop Dumbledore or the Aurors from acting and his assent was merely symbolic. However, after a while, he gave a quick nod.
"Thank you for your cooperation, School Governor Black. I also approve the Aurors' operation for the capture of the culprits of Mr Black's poisoning and attempted murder. The Hogwarts staff will be in full cooperation with the Aurors," Dumbledore announced.
Orion clutched Turais' hand tightly but he refused to look at his eldest son. Turais knew his father was barely containing his rage. But this has to be done and he has to recognize that...
Right?
March 2, 1971 (Tuesday)
The few days after his reawakening was a head-spinning affair. In between Turais' slips into unconsciousness, he witnessed the tactical planning of the Aurors on their approach to capture Nott and Dolohov in addition to Orion's attentive care. However, Turais could tell that Orion was still holding a grudge over their unfinished conversation since he first awoken.
But for the first time, he did not find the courage inside him to broach the subject. Apparently, neither did Orion. They were usually so transparent with each other that this seemed to break every single unspoken rules between them. But Turais knew that the subject of his involvement in his our poisoning was a sore point for the two of them and... for once... he felt that he could not bear to think of the possibility of losing Orion's trust and love for him due to his reckless behaviour if he came clean with his actions. He would rather have this tense yet cordial relationship with his father than risk having no interaction.
The plans were finalized two afternoons ago when they decided to execute the plan today, four days after Turais woke up from the poisoning, due to the enormity of the threat that the two culprits posed to the students. At breakfast, Dumbledore would announce to the entire school of Turais' improving condition without apparent reason. The entire school knew that Turais has been poisoned but the news that Professor Slughorn has determined the poison's identity was not revealed. Of course, Professor Slughorn's apparent inability to identify the poison was plausible due to the obscurity and difficulty of detecting said poison.
In the afternoon, the Hospital Wing would deliberately be vacated due to a planned emergency that would cause Madame Rolande and the Healers to be called away. Of course, Nott and Dolohov would be notified of this information discreetly so they could be prompted to act. However, upon arrival and after sufficient evidence has been collected, they would be sorely disappointed and surprised that the Turais Black that they tried to attack was posed by a Polyjuiced Auror Moody while the rest of the Auror team would appear and apprehend them. The irony of this plan did not escape him and Turais desperately wanted to finish this and put this behind him.
However, the hardest part of the plan was not waiting.
On Sunday, Turais was finally released from his Stasis. Relishing in his new-found freedom, he could not resist checking on his friends. But what he saw... and his argument with Orion...
February 28, 1971 (Sunday)
Two days earlier...
Summoning his Cloak of Invisibility, which Turais knew was in his highly-secured trunk so no one would know it was removed, he donned it and snuck out secretly when his family returned to their duties to keep up the appearance and respond to the intense interest that their family, friends, and colleagues have had upon hearing the news of the young prodigy's dire condition. For extra measures, Turais cast various Disillusionment Charms, all Auror-grade spells for tracking missions, before heading to the Slytherin common room.
He waited in the nearby hallway and waited. A short while later, he heard thunderous footsteps before a large group of second-year Slytherin students came into view. Turais was surprised that all twenty-one students in his year were presently huddled in one giant group, barring his two best friends.
" - still can't believe we lost against Ravenclaw!" Urquhart moaned. "I believe Steward now. This year is actually cursed."
"Stop being superstitious, you wanker!" Flint retorted. "We lost because Black was not the bloody Seeker. Simple as that."
That was by far the nicest thing Turais has ever heard Flint say about him. Fortunately, someone else noticed it too.
"That's almost, if not outright, a compliment from you, Flint," Ingrid Summerbee said.
"Shut up, Summerbee. Not everything about your dream husband is perfect," Flint growled as the group walked back Turais' position. After a tense moment, he spoke up again. "But I still can't believe Malfoy poisoned Black."
"What do you mean?" Ingrid piqued up in obvious interest. Turais, also intrigued, trailed after them to continue eavesdropping on their conversation.
"Well..." Flint stopped walking as he glanced at both sides of the corridor. Then, he directed everyone down to a nearby abandoned classroom. Turais barely made it through the door just as Flint as closing it. "Let me ask you, what is Malfoy's specialty?"
"Are you suggesting that..." Elliot Bletchley, a fellow second-year boy, said hesitantly, "... that Malfoy had a hand in poisoning Black?"
Flint nodded darkly. "We all know that Malfoy's family magic specializes in dark potions. And we know his father had something to do with poisoning that mudblood Minister. So it's not far-fetched to assume he has something to do with Black's demise."
"But why would he do that?" Matthew Lowe blurted out. Flint smacked the boy's head.
"Are you thick? The Blacks are the Malfoys' biggest political enemy besides Dumbledore and the entire Ministry," Flint said. "Of course they would do it! They have everything to gain if the Black alliance crumbles. The Dark and Grey families would not join the Light families in any fantasy, so they will have to align with Malfoy."
"But will poisoning Turais do that?" Ingrid asked worriedly.
"Yes, Summerbee," Flint said. "Your future hubby is the linchpin in all this mess and a big, fat obstacle for Malfoy. You were here for the past two weeks. Can't you see the shift in House dynamics already?" Everyone nodded. "And I don't like this one single bit. Black better get well soon and bring his annoying arse back here. I don't know how much of this high-handed oppression I can handle."
"What do you mean, Flint? I thought you hated his guts," Katheryn Vengal, another secret admirer of Turais, scoffed. "You always looked like you were about to strangle him yourself."
Flint panned his gaze around his peers. "Listen, I am going to say this once for those of you whose family does not have a family seat in the Wizengamot. My family is aligned with the Malfoys so I'm obligated to be antagonistic towards him just as Steward is obligated to play nice with him. He's also a pretentious, attention-seeking, and self-righteous arsehole. But I have no love, whatsoever, for what has happened in this common room in the past week.
"And... we've all seen what happened to those who spoke up and those ... 'Undesirables'. And I know that none of you were excited to see that. So you can guess where I stand on Black's return," Flint finished.
The second-years looked at each other nervously. After a while, they all nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, after this week, Black seems more than reasonable," Albert Runcorn said.
"And he doesn't tell me what to think and what to do..." Bletchley said guility. "... I know we've said terrible things about wishing he was dead or maimed in a ditch somewhere..." he threw a loaded look at Flint and the boy actually looked embarrassed. "... but now I really rather have him around..."
Flint said grimly. "No matter what happens, as second-years, we are near the bottom of the Slytherin hierarchy. So must stick together and protect each other until Black... until things change... hopefully, for the better."
The second-years were enjoying a companionable silence until suddenly, the classroom door swung wide open. Then, Avery Jr. stepped through with a dangerous smirk. Everyone looked up in alarm and froze. "I hope I am not interrupting something important."
Flint cowered as he took a step back and dipped his head. "O...of course not, Ave... Heir Avery. Do... you wish to speak to us?"
"No. I was just wondering why my delightful group of second-years went unaccounted for despite being the first to leave the stadium," Avery said calmly. "I just want what is best for you. You do remember that as Slytherins, we have the noble and arduous task of safeguarding the sanctity of our tradition and blood purity in the face of the festering disease that plagues the minds of other Houses. I would be disappointed with any of our brood was led astray. Am I clear?"
"Clear as crystal," Flint said shakily. Avery glared at the rest of the group and they also nodded quickly. Satisfied, Avery stepped out of the room.
"All of you should return to the common room at once. It would not do if someone thinks you are up to something undesirable," Avery called out as he walked away without a backward glance.
All the second-years released their shuddering breaths.
"That was absolutely petrifying," Katheryn gasped.
Turais agreed. What exactly happened during his absence?
"We best head back now," Rivers mumbled as he shook Flint's shoulder. "We don't want to get on Avery's bad side."
After the second-years returned to the common room, Turais returned to the corridors and waited as more Slytherins walked past him.
He caught snippets of the various changes that happened in the last week through their conversation.
" - can't even talk to my boyfriend now because he's a Muggleborn -"
" - Allison is a pureblood but I can't talk to her because she's Gryffindor -"
" - I'm glad Malfoy is finally doing the right thing. Black was a nuisance -"
" - not worth the risk, did you see what happened to that first-year? Absolutely horrifying -"
" - my father said there's political in-fighting between Malfoy and Blacks' alliances -"
" - I think Dumbledore poisoned Black -"
" - that's ridiculous -"
" - Why didn't they kick that blood-traitor Black out of the Group -"
" - apparently, because of some stupid Charter rules that said if he remained in Hogwarts, he cannot be removed -"
" - I hope he comes back, these few days were terrifying -"
" - rather have a Muggle-lover as leader than this blood purity terrorism -"
" - hush, that's a dangerous thing to say! -"
" - do you think Dumbledore knows about the Charter so he refused to move Black to St. Mungo's? -"
Turais gathered that a lot has changed for the worse in this House, but he knew he must concentrate on apprehending Nott and Dolohov as this was his priority.
After most of the House passed by, he finally spotted his two best friends walking solemnly down the hallway towards him in the company of his other friends, Alice, Jane, and Gerald.
"Are you okay, Alex?" Alice asked, full of concern, as she handed a batch of sandwiches over to him. Alex did not take them. "You haven't eaten anything today. You need to eat to keep up your strength."
"No, thanks," Alex's voice croaked. It sounded dry and scratchy. Turais' heart squeezed as he imagined what could've caused it.
"No, Alex. You will collapse. The last time I saw you eat anything solid was three days ago." Jane said urgently.
"No, Jane. Please don't… just leave me alone…" Alex sounded lifeless.
"Yeah, drop it, Jane. Don't force Alex," Jonty said. He looked better than Alex... but only slightly. Dark circles showed beneath his eyes and his skin was a shade of pasty white. The usual mischievous glint in his eyes was absent. Turais wondered how much sleep he had gotten in the past few days.
"Jonty, you know that he can't go on like this. And you are almost as bad!" Jane took the sandwiches from Alice and them into Alex's hands once more.
"Yeah… Alex… we can't bear to see you like this…" Gerald said hesitantly as he eyed them guardedly, as though the two Slytherins would lash out at any point.
"Yeah, Alex. Turais wouldn't -" Jane said.
"Turais is dying!" Alex screamed at Jane, his desperate voice rung in the dark, dungeon hallways. "He's never going to wake up again! The last time I saw him was last Thursday. He was so pale… barely breathing. His pulse was so weak, it's like… it's like he's already dead ." Alex crumbled to the ground and started to weep. His head rested on the cold walls uncomfortably as his body shook. Jonty and Jane sat down beside him as they soothingly patted his shoulders back while Alice and Gerald looked on with concern. No one knew to say or do. "They wouldn't even let us visit him now, he must be getting worse…"
"Alex, you must eat. What if he wakes up just to find all of us weak and tired and sick? He wouldn't want that? Would he?" Jane asked softly.
"He's never going to forgive me. I… I… pushed him to eat the treacle tart but I didn't eat it myself. I told him that it was the least he could do. I killed him. I killed him…" Alex's sobbing turned into a messy cry. "I took Turais away from Sirius and Regulus and his father when he gave me a family, a home… this is how I repay them… "
"Me too. I should have listened to Turais when he told me not to snoop. Nott must have sought revenge on me too. Why did I not listen to him? Why was I so stupid?!" Jonty shouted and his voice was thick with emotions. Tears were threatening to spill from his red-rimmed eyes as he blinked them away furiously. "I even said his love for treacle tart was well-known to everyone. Of course someone would put poison in a treacle tart to poison Turais. That boy would eat any treacle tart in front of him... "
"No! We've talked about this too many times. It's not your fault!" Jane said firmly, though tears were glistening in her eyes. "You wouldn't have known. He thought it was me. He thought Jane gave him the tart, that's why he never suspected it. Someone deliberately exploited his trust in our friendship to poison him."
"Nott! I told you, Jane. It's Nott!" Alex shouted. "Andr - someone told me that it was Nott and Dolohov!"
"But there's no way to prove it, Alex. I know we never got along with Nott and Dolohov. But many Slytherins don't like what he stands for either. Even our own roommates Flint and Urquart hated his guts," Jonty said. "Anyone could have poisoned him. Heck, Avery could be in on it as well! And we might never be able to prove that they did it -"
"I'm so useless. Turais was right. He was all paranoid since Yaxley last year. And all I did was make fun about it," Alex grieved. "Hell, I even joked that no one has tried to kill him yet… he'll hate me if he ever wakes up.
"I have so much to tell him, to explain to him, to apologize, to say sorry, to have him forgive me… He can't die, he just can't …." Alex's voice broke as a wave of new tears rolled down his cheek. Suddenly, his eyes gleamed with tears and determination. "I have to find him…" Alex said softly but with a new sense of determination.
"No, Alex. You have done nothing wrong. It's not your fault, mate," Gerald said, putting a hand on his shoulder.
"No, you don't know anything about me," Alex said venomously as he shook off his hand roughly, then his face crumbled once again. "I goaded Dolohov. I taunted him. I went up against him. He must've took revenge on me… on us... to hurt us through Turais… if I didn't try to be bold and save Aigel... I need to tell him it's all my fault..."
"No Alex, you heard Professor Dumbledore. He is in a critical condition. You can't go!" Alice spoke.
"Then when do I go? When he is actually dead? When he can't hear me anymore? Or should I talk to the picture on my bedside table while reminding myself that his father and brothers are never going to smile like that again?!" Alex shouted as the seven members of the Slytherin Quidditch team appeared in the same hallway, Wilkins spotted Jane and snarled.
"I told you to never show up here again, Gryffindor mudblood !" Wilkins waves his bat menacingly as he approached the group. "I knew you were trouble! I just don't know why Black ever bothered with you and your kind -"
"Shut up, Wilkins," Alex said. Wilkins stopped walking and flicked his eyes towards Alex at his seething tone. "I know you just lost the match but you will not insult my friend."
Wilkins hesitated, but only for a split second as he was about to spew out some profanities again. But before he could utter another word, Emma Blishwick spoke up, "Cap, don't you need to debrief us about the match?"
Wilkins turned around to narrow his eyes at the replacement Seeker, who did not cower from his gaze to her credit, and spat, "We have a lot to talk about, Blishwick."
He turned to look back at Jane. Turais was surprised to see the glistening moisture in the sixth-year's eyes as he jabbed his bat menacingly at Jane.
"Black is the most bloody talented Seeker I have seen in my entire life. If he…if he dies… if I ever find out you or whoever it was that poisoned him, I will make sure my father personally oversees the damned Dementor's Kiss being administered. Mark my words."
He strolled down the corridor and slammed his shoulder against Jane as he marched past the group. Except Natalia, the rest of the team followed silently and avoided any eye contact. After they disappeared into the doorway, Alex hissed towards the group again.
"Please forgive Michael," Natalia said quietly. "He has been very distraught about the entire situation. He cares really deeply for Turais so -"
"Arkenstone!" Wilkins' voice reverberated in the hallway out of view. Natalia gave them an apologetic look before catching up to the rest of the team.
"It's Nott ! I'm going to kill him!" Alex's sapphire eyes flashed red.
"Now, now. Alex, that's your anger speaking," Alice said as she eyed him worriedly. "You don't mean it -"
"What if I do? " Alex hissed maliciously at his friends. Turais saw a murderous glint that he has never thought could appear in his best friend's eyes as the Slytherin common room door appeared once more. This time, the two faces that Turais hated the most in school appeared. "YOU BASTARD!"
Jonty threw his arms around Alex's shoulder to stop him from throwing himself at the two seventh-years while Alice, Jane, and Gerald tried to contain him by holding down his four limbs onto the ground.
"So I've heard from Wilkins that the halfie and mudblood were wallowing in sadness together," Dolohov's unrepenting voice rang throughout the hallway.
"I know you poisoned him. You've stooped so low that you pretended to be a mudblood to trick him into eating the tart because he was a good person and trusting like that! You will not succeed!" Alex yelled.
"Oh, I have, already -" Dolohov admitted airily while Nott tensed beside him.
"I knew it!" Alex shouted while the other second-years' hands slackened at the blatant admission. However, the fight seemed to have left Alex as he remained rooted at his spot.
"And more than once as well," Dolohov revealed. "Remember his visit to the infirmary on the first day of class?"
"Dolohov!" Nott interrupted nervously.
'Hold on a second,' Turais' mind reeled. 'Did I faint because Dolohov poisoned me? Was that a trial run to see if I was susceptible to poisoning?'
Suddenly, everything Dolohov said to him made sense.
'"There are some things that no magical abilities can save our hides from," Dolohov once told him,' Turais recalled.
Dolohov knew Turais was a formidable opponent with great magical skills. He knew not to engage Turais through a duel, so naturally, he would turn to the possibility of poisoning Turais instead. Dolohov must have snuck something relatively harmless and untraceable, such as a weak Sleeping Draught, into Turais' food to see if his magic protected him from poisoning attempts as well. And clearly it didn't, therefore buoyed by the prospects, Dolohov planned to murder Turais in cold-blood.
"Stop being a coward, Nott," Dolohov said calmly. "For the record, what I meant was I succeeded in performing a particularly pesky Transfiguration Spell assigned on the first day of classes. Don't let your mind jump to conclusions -"
"I will kill you for what you've done to Turais!" Alex's face contorted in pure rage and fury.
"I'll like to see you try, worthless half-blood. You better double-check your pumpkin juice, someone might just accidentally slip something into it. But maybe you'll drink it even if you knew anyways… so you can join your boyf-" Dolohov leered dangerously.
"Alex! No!"
"Do not defame him with your filthy mouth!" Alex roared and tore himself from his friends. Nott scampered to shelter behind Dolohov while Dolohov lazily drew his wand and blast Alex with a Body-Binding Spell.
Alex's limbs immediately snapped together as his momentum caused his rigid body to tip forward. A sickening crunch sounded when Alex's nose broke upon impact. Dolohov walked up and hovered over his unmoving body.
"A new world order is coming. Black and his creature and mudblood-loving ways will die with him. You'll join him soon enough, but before then, I will enjoy watching you despair as the world burns," said Dolohov as he stepped on Alex's back to walk over him. The others cowered in the distance, horrified and rooted at their spots. A cold terrifying laughter rang in the hallway as they turned around the corner and out of sight.
Turais tore his gaze from the two seventh-year boys back to Alex's vibrating body. His limbs were now lying limply by his sides as he sobbed into the floor. The curse was lifted but he made no indication of moving. His friends quickly scrambled over as soon as the two seventh-yeah disappeared and flipped him over as the muffled sobs blared out into a messy gurgle.
"Alex, we need to get you to the Hospital Wing. Your nose is broken," Jonty said as he tried to lift Alex's slack body.
"What do we do? Who's going to stand up to them now? They are murdering children in cold-blood now, what will they do when they graduate?" Alex asked nasally as he stared at Jane. His entire face was smeared with blood from his broken nose.
None of them spoke as the uncomfortable truth hung over them menacingly. A chill went down all of their spines, but this time, it was not due to the drafty air of the Slytherin dungeons.
Turais forced himself to leave the scene. He would have to extract a promise from the staff and Aurors to look out for his friends and, especially, for Alex and to stop them from doing anything stupid and reckless. This trip reinforced one idea - Nott and Dolohov must be apprehended at all cost.
He slipped back into the guest suite and finished canceling his charms. Just as he was about to take off his Cloak of Invisibility, he heard the door open once more. Orion has returned. Turais breathed a sigh of relief as he arrived from his little expedition just in time.
"Are you going to stand there for the rest of the day, Turais?" Orion asked as he stared straight at where Turais stood invisibly. Turais froze.
Orion sighed and drew his wand. "Accio Invisibility Cloak."
The Cloak did not budge for no Summoning Charm could summon a Deathly Hallow.
"Are you really forcing me to walk over and tear that piece of cloth off you?" Orion asked again calmly. He was not too distracted by the fact that the Cloak did not get Summoned; perhaps he thought Turais was just clutching the Cloak very tightly.
Recognizing defeat, Turais heaved his Cloak off and appeared in the full view of his father. "How did you know -"
"You really think I would not have placed an Undetectable Tracking Charm on you or a Monitoring Spell on every inch of this room and the Hospital Wing after all that ?" Orion said, his voice tired. "I'm a failure of a father, but I'm not that useless, son."
Turais mentally berated himself for not checking himself and the room for latent spells, but at the same time he knew Orion had every right to ensure his son's safety, especially when Turais was the one constantly walking into trouble.
"You're not a failure, father. How many times do I have to tell you that to convince you that?" Turais said fiercely.
"If I'm not a failure, then tell me why my eldest son keeps getting himself in life-threatening situations! Why does my son not come to me when he discovers an attack on his life!" Orion's voice slowly turned into a shout. "First, Nott; then, Yaxley; now, poisoned by one of the deadliest substances known to wizards… what am I doing wrong? What can I do to keep you safe? Why are you putting yourself in harm's way?" By the end, Orion sounded absolutely furious, more furious than Turais has ever seen his father act.
"I… I…" Turais was at a loss for words.
'I need to do this? I can't help it that others are trying to kill me? But I am deliberately and actively confronting them…'
But he knew the Orion did not care about any of those things. His family was most important to him; everything else just fell to the wayside. Turais struggled to find an answer that would resonate with his father.
"I…"
"Turais, remember what I told you the summer before you left for Hogwarts - how I told you to keep your head down and out of trouble?"
Turais nodded.
"I truly meant it, more than I think you realize…" Orion said tiredly.
"When I was in Hogwarts, there was this secret group who called themselves the Knights of Walpurgis - yes, Turais - the very same group that is currently gathering strength against the Ministry had their humble origins in Hogwarts. The core members of this group were all two or three years my senior. Besides forming their little secret group, they were all eventually members of the Group of Seven. They had a strong hold over House affairs for all those years. No one dared to even breathe without their permission for terrible, terrible things happened to all those who went against them. Therefore I pretended… I pretended to be mediocre student who did not excel in anything. A completely average wizard was an invisible one.
"The mediocre, unremarkable Heir Black - the person who was utterly undeserving of his prestigious title - of course, they did not say that to my face, but I knew it all the same. So I hid," Orion's sorrowful eyes turned to Turais. "I'm a coward… I hid… I withdrew myself from everyone and everything in Slytherin, so much that the Knights would not want me even if they wanted a Black in their midst. But I succeeded, they never approached me and I went through the years being undesirable… but also unharmed.
"But then there you were... the shining, prodigal Heir Black and a Parselmouth - the paragon of all pureblood Heirs - and the son of the most undesirable Heir Black in our family history…" Orion trailed off. "You might have thought I was just another pureblood father who spoiled and doted on his Heir unconditionally for all these years. Yes, I would have loved you regardless of all that - but you are also my pride, you are everything that I wasn't able to be. You are the Heir that the family deserves - not me.
"You're the only thing I've ever succeeded in doing for myself…for my family. The world is yours if you wish for it, but only if you can live until you can reach for it. I feel like I am always so close to losing you… the day I heard from Dumbledore that you were poisoned… I felt like my world has imploded..."
Tears started to roll slowly down his father's cheeks.
"Father, I -"
Orion walked towards him and clutched his robes tightly.
"Turais, can you promise me to stay out of trouble? Don't engage with anyone remotely dangerous… quit the Group… quit the Quidditch Team if that will keep you safe… I can't lose you… I can't..." His tearful gaze searched his son's eyes for the answer he seeked.
"Father, I… I…" Turais tore his gaze away from those scrutinizing, grey eyes. "I… can't promise you that… I'm sorry -"
Orion released Turais and stepped back from his son, as though touching his son burned every inch of his skin. Turais' heart clenched at the sight of his father's obvious gesture to get away from him. Turais swallowed thickly trying to keep the bitter taste from his mouth.
"Why?!" Orion demanded harshly. His gaze hardened to an unyielding steel. "You just told me a few days ago that my happiness is the most important thing to you! You being safe, healthy, and happy are my only conditions! Is that too much to ask for a father?"
'No, it wasn't. But… why can't I just promise him…? The world won't be safe…'
"Why can't you do that for me?!" Orion screamed.
"Because the world -" Turais matched his father's volume, desperately trying to make his father understand, as angry tears pricked his eyes and threatened to spill.
'No, I will not cry in front of Orion for this. I am doing the right thing. I am right!'
"You know I don't care about the world!" Orion hollered, his voice mired with pain, pleading, and frustrated anger. Turais' heart fragmented from the desperation in his father's tone. "I care about you , I care about our family ! I care -"
"But there will be no family if the world is destroyed!" cried Turais loudly.
"You don't know if the world will end!"
"What if I do?!"
Orion stared at Turais angrily, but Turais has detected a shift in his gaze. His eyes now shone with a new sense of determination that paled the swirl of emotions that were just present seconds ago.
"You know what? I don't even know why I'm arguing with you, Turais," Orion calmed his voice and breathed deeply. "You might not act your age, but you are still twelve and I am your father. I am withdrawing you from Hogwarts after this -"
"No, father, you cannot -" Turais said, his heart dropped at the return of this conversation. He walked forward to grab his father's robe as he turned to head for the door.
"Yes I can, and I will!" Orion kept walking despite Turais' desperate tugs.
"Father, please reconsider -"
"No -"
"Father! Please!" Turais begged as he kneeled down to drag his father's robe down and stall his movements. Orion turned around to look down at his son, the tears on his cheeks have dried now, leaving only faint trails at ran down his face.
"I am going to Dumbledore right now !" Orion said harshly as Turais thrashed under his punishing grip. Turais' mind was blank with ways to argue against Orion's actions -
"FATHER, I WILL LEAVE THE FAMILY IF YOU INSIST!" Turais screamed. He regretted the words as he soon as it spilled out of his mouth. Orion's face contorted into shock as he realized what his son just suggested.
"TURAIS RIGEL ORION BLACK! HOW DARE YOU… How dare you…" Orion swung his wand and pointed at his kneeling son. For the first time in his life, Turais felt genuinely terrified that his father would harm him. The blood drained from his face in horror.
"... how dare you…" Orion's wand was shaking violently along the rest of his body. "...how dare …" He dropped onto his knees and his wand clattered onto the floor uselessly. "...how dare …"
Turais started to reach across to his kneeling father. "I'm sorry, father -"
As soon as Turais' hand touched his robe, Orion's gaze snapped back at him. Hegrabbed his son's forearm painfully and dragged them both onto their feet as he shouted, "GET OUT! LEAVE! I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU!"
"I'm sor -" Turais winced but he pulled backwards away from the door while Orion leaned forward to it with all his might.
"LEAVE!" Orion reached the door and turned the door handle to the empty hallway.
"No, fa -" Turais struggled to tug his arm from Orion's firm grip to no avail. Orion swung the door open and twisted Turais' arm painfully as he dragged him towards the doorway. In desperation, Turais used a non-verbal wandless spell.
"Repulso! "
Orion's hand immediately retracted from Turais' forearm as Turais scrambled back further into the room. Orion turned to face Turais and his eyes were now filled with burning betrayal as his teeth grounded against each other tightly.
"YOU USED MAGIC AGAINST YOUR OWN FATHER!"
"Father, I sorry -" Turais' mind was blank in panic as his body shook violently.
"I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU!"
"Father, please don't," Turais begged.
"I DON'T WANT A SON LIKE YOU!"
At those words, Turais felt his spirit shatter. Even though he could have easily deflected the tendrils of Orion's magic approaching him, he allowed it to sweep him off his feet and throw him out of the guest suite into the opposing wall. Then, the door slammed shut on Turais' face as he laid motionless on the cold, hard stone floor. He messed up completely. He knew he has irreversibly hurt his father but he did not know how to fix this situation. Maybe he would be in a better mood after an hour… maybe they can talk it out then…
But when he returned, his father was not present. The only sign that the conversation occurred was the black, shimmering Cloak of Invisibility that pooled uselessly where Turais discarded it.
March 2, 1971 (Tuesday)
Turais looked at the empty room, void of all evidence that Orion was ever here. There was no sign that his father has spent days locking himself in his room crying and worrying about his son, who laid unconscious and closer to death than anyone has ever been; there was no sign that his father has spent hours putting up a brave smile while his heart shrivelled dead as his two younger sons panicked and cried about their bed-ridden brother; there was no sign of his father's tears of joy when he returned to his room with his three sons, all alive and safe, as he felt his heart beat once again.
Instead, Turais saw the absence of his father and his brothers … the loss of warmth, love, happiness…
The dormant feeling of isolation and loneliness that he has not felt for many years, so long that it was almost unrecognizable...
No, waiting was not the hardest part.