Poppy's POV
Lily and I hadn't talked much longer before we both fell asleep and, naturally, we were still the first ones up in the morning. After we had showered, we lounged around quietly, treating ourselves to a chocolate breakfast whilst we waited for the others to wake up. It didn't take too much longer before they were up and we went down to breakfast together, seeing the guys down there and sitting with them. I don't know what they had done but they all seemed in high spirits before they wandered off to the quidditch pitch for training, Alice and Frank disappeared themselves, so Lily and I went and did some work. I didn't bring James up again for which I think Lily was thankful, mulling things over in my head instead.
The last week of school flew by. I had been for my lesson with Dumbledore who was pushing me as hard as ever, but I felt confident in protecting myself which would be important if we were going to dinner at the Blacks. At the end, Dumbledore had told me that I needed to be on my guard around them as they had been very vocal in support of blood purity and as such had taken the side of darkness in what was fast becoming a war. I tried not to show my fear, but it felt deep rooted in me. I instead needed to use it to focus me on my training, remembering I had been told I could use my magic to protect my friends. Thankfully Dumbledore didn't end on that note, instead asking me about Helios who had been apparently conversing with Fawkes during my training, the both of them watching us with apparent interest. It would seem that Helios was in fact part Phoenix and part Thunderbird (I think James would be very smug when he found out) but what that meant in terms of his magic was unknown. It would be interesting to see how he grew at any rate.
Friday quickly came round and before I knew it, we were on the train back to London. James and Lily were busy doing train patrols and sorting the prefects out, but they joined us for the last portion of the journey, and it was nice to sit with everybody and relax, talking about our plans. As we got closer to London, Sirius pulled me from our compartment, leading me to a much quieter part of the train.
"How do you feel about going to dinner with my parents?" he asked after casting a quick spell to make sure we weren't overheard. He wrapped his arms around me but was looking carefully down at me and I knew he was watching my eyes for my feelings.
"It's totally up to you Sirius" I told him softly, knowing it would need to be him that made the final decision. He sighed and I could tell he was thinking about it.
"I'm worried about declining the invitation more than taking you to meet them" he admitted after a moment, taking me by surprise. His tone had me slightly worried and I knew he would be able to tell. "Dumbledore's really okay with you going?" he questioned again, and I nodded.
"I told you he was. He just said I needed to be on my guard is all" I reminded him. He nodded, considering it.
"Maybe we should go then. I'd rather know what they were up to than guess" he told me quietly and he must have seen my confusion. "Poppy they're up to something. We've had no contact for two years and then an invite comes not just for me but for you as well? No, it's too suspicious" he said, running a hand through his hair. "But like I said, I'd rather go than decline" he finished with a sigh.
"Then we'll go. We don't have to be long" I reminded him, and he shrugged.
"And you're definitely okay?" he asked, and I nodded. I glanced around quickly before summoning my magic and using it to push a wedge between Sirius and I with a grin, seeing him look confused as he was forcibly pushed back from me.
"I've got this" I told him, and he shook his head although I could see he was grinning as I removed the block, and he came back to me.
"None of that when we're there please" he said, trying to be serious but it was ruined by his grin.
"I know I know. I'm just reminding you that I'll be alright" I replied, and he nodded before kissing me, pulling me tight.
"Reckon Sara and Phil will let you stay at mine afterwards?" he asked when we broke away. "I just…I think I'll want you close afterwards" he told me softly.
"Well, I'll ask but I think it will be okay. As long as I'm back early as it's Christmas Eve the next day" I reminded him, and he nodded. The train started to slow, Sirius giving me one last kiss before we headed back to our friends. Helios had nuzzled up to James in my absence, making me smile as I saw him stroking him as he talked to Lily, the pair looking like they were having a very in-depth conversation. I felt Sirius nudge me and knew what he was going to say but ignored him, instead sitting down and tuning back into the conversation around us. I was going to miss everybody over the break.
Christmas so far had been great. It was just Sara and I to start with as everybody else was at work, but she took me shopping and we just hung out which was really nice. I told her about everything that had happened since September, in more detail as I obviously had written home to let them know, and she had been astounded as I was. She loved Helios though who was getting bigger every day, worrying me as to how big he was going to get; he was a matter of weeks old and he was already the size of a magpie. I also told her about my invite to the Blacks which had made her frown, but she agreed I could go and letting me stay at the Potters afterwards as well. She did say she would help me get ready though, remembering what they were like and telling me I would need to make a good impression, regardless of my personal thoughts about them. She thought it would make me safer if I looked the part, reminding me that mum was a pure-blood and that her legacy lived on through me. On the 22nd Phil came over and it was nice to see him again, Sara quickly informing him of my dinner invite and he had reacted the same as her, although he seemed more reluctant to let me go. However, Sara talked him round and so, on the 23rd I found myself watching the clock as Sarah helped me get ready. I had gone for a black dress, long sleeved which covered a lot of my body but hugged me in the right places at least. She had then insisted on me wearing mum's jewellery, hiding the necklace mum had given me and instead given me the most absurdly sized emerald necklace to wear. It looked horribly expensive, but she reminded me that money talked in pure blood circles. Honestly, I didn't even want to think about how much all the jewellery I was wearing came to. At quarter to seven I heard the floo go and knew that would be Sirius, but Sara kept me with her faffing, not letting me go downstairs until she was sure I was completely perfect. Thankfully at ten to I was ready and made my way carefully down the stairs, having to be careful because of my heels and I heard Phil and Sirius come out of the kitchen. Sirius gave me his trademark crooked smile when he saw me, making my heart flutter as I took in his appearance; he had gone for a very smart suit with formal dress robes. He had, however gone for a very Gryffindor red tie which I knew was his way of rebelling against his parents.
"You look beautiful" he told me, and I forgot where we were as I allowed him to kiss me. Thankfully he kept it short, but I blushed nonetheless when I saw both Sara and Phil had been watching us with a smile.
"Remember to let us know when you're back at the Potters" Sara told me anxiously and I nodded as Helios appeared in a burst of light, making Phil and Sirius jump. He'd just learnt this new magic trick and used it often now instead of flying or walking down the stairs from my room. He chirruped at me before flying over and landing on Sirius's shoulder, nuzzling him.
"Merlin you've grown" Sirius told him as he gave him a quick stroke and he made a happy sound at that before flying back and perching on the banister, looking at me.
"I told you. I'm going to the Black's and then the Potter's" I reminded him, and he bobbed his head once in acknowledgement. I had a feeling, however, that he was going to follow me but tried not to think about it; that would be difficult to explain to the Blacks.
"Any problems let us know" Phil told me and I nodded, letting go of Sirius's hand to give him a hug. He held me tightly before Sara hugged me and Sirius checked his watch.
"We better move Poppy. We definitely don't want to be late" he said quietly with a frown and I nodded, heading back to him. Phil and Sara just smiled, the latter still looking worried as we left through the front door and walked down the street a bit. "Don't leave my side at any point please" he told me as I steered him to an apparition point and I nodded, feeling worried. Just before we disapparated he turned to me and sighed, evidently on account of my eyes which were probably golden.
"Let me know if you want to go and we'll just leave okay?" he asked and I nodded before he kissed me, much longer than our previous one.
"Are you going to be okay?" I asked and he shrugged. "Well, I've got some very nice, new underwear on under this" I told him with a grin, seeing him grin in return.
"You're such a tease" he told me, kissing me again and deepening it, hands running over my body. "And you feel far too good in this dress" he murmured as we pulled away.
"All for you. But after we get through this" I reminded him and he nodded, straightening slightly as he offered me his arm. I gripped it tightly, taking a breath before he disapparated us and a second later we were in a square of sorts, surrounded by houses.
"Are we in London?" I asked him and he nodded as he took my hand, holding it tightly as he guided us across, and I saw a house slowly start to appear. It looked foreboding and I swallowed nervously, feeling my heart rate increase. I took a breath as we walked up the stairs and focused on dimming the shine surrounding Sirius and me. I think he felt it as he looked at me, hand frozen in mid-air as he was about to knock. I smiled at him and he knocked now, and I could feel his tension. After a moment the door opened, and I looked in surprise as we were greeted by a house elf.
"Master Black" it croaked, not looking very happy at seeing Sirius.
"Kreacher" Sirius nodded as the house elf stood to the side bowing and letting us in. I could hear the faint sound of music and we hadn't gone far when Sirius stopped. "Kreacher?" he asked, and the house elf appeared in front of us.
"Yes, master Black?" he questioned, not meeting Sirius's eye.
"Is this a full family dinner?" Sirius asked, putting me on edge.
"Of course, master Black" Kreacher replied, turning and leading us down the corridor. I heard Sirius curse under his breath, turning to me.
"Shit Poppy I'm so sorry. We shouldn't have come. I thought it was just my parents but it's not. It's the Black family. All of them" he told me, and I felt my heart rate increase if it were possible. "Do not leave my side. At all. Okay?" he asked seriously, and I nodded. "Did Helios follow you?" he asked me. I didn't want to use my magic in this house but quickly reached out and could feel him outside. I nodded, not quite trusting my voice but for some reason this relaxed Sirius. He squeezed my hand as Kreacher came back into view, evidently waiting for us. Sirius led the way as Kreacher led us up a flight of stairs to where the music was louder, and I could hear the buzz of conversation. I took a deep breath as we went into the room, seeing that we were the youngest by quite a way. Everybody turned to us as we came in and I could feel the tension as a couple came towards us and by their looks, I guessed these were Sirius's parents.
"Mother, father" Sirius said, his voice tight. His parents very clearly gave him the once over before they both nodded.
"Sirius. How are you?" his dad asked, holding out a hand, Sirius briefly dropping my hand to shake it, quickly retaking it when he had done so.
"Very well thank you" he replied curtly.
"Your tie is awfully red" his mother commented, no greeting.
"Wonderful isn't it?" was his reply and I tensed slightly at his tone; sounding happy that they had noticed so early on. Both of their eyes flicked now to me and I could see Mrs Black run her eyes over me, stopping on the emerald around my neck. "Mother, father this is Poppy" he introduced. They both nodded at me, his dad looking at me curiously.
"It's…nice to meet you" his dad said, evidently struggling to find the right word and I felt Sirius bristle next to me.
"You too" I replied politely, thankful my voice came out steady.
"Is that an heirloom?" his mother asked me, eyes on the emerald.
"It is, yes" I told her, seeing her meet my eyes and I could see the curiosity.
"Father I believe you know Poppy's guardian. Sara Marais, or you would have known her as Sara Vernier" he told him, and I saw a small smirk on his face. His father's eyes widened.
"Your mother is Marie Carré" Sirius's father stated, taking me by surprise and I saw even Mrs Black look surprised although she quickly covered it.
"Yes" I told him, and he smiled for some reason.
"You look just like her" he told me, and I felt Sirius's grip on my hand tighten.
"Thank you" I said with a small smile. He was looking at me curiously still when Mrs Black put a hand on his arm.
"Sirius please make sure you introduce her to everybody" she told him before guiding Mr Black away seemingly reluctantly and I was aware everybody had been watching our exchange. At the Blacks movement, however, conversation started up again as Regulus came over to us.
"Good evening brother" he greeted Sirius with a smirk. "Evening Poppy" he greeted me individually.
"Regulus" Sirius said, his voice tight.
"Good evening Regulus" I replied politely, seeing him too look at me curiously.
"Isn't it nice to know she got through round one?" he asked, eyes going back to Sirius. Sirius growled, making Regulus laugh before he wandered off and I saw somebody else make their way towards us. This made Sirius relax and I turned to see him smiling.
"Uncle Alphard" he greeted, the man smiling as he drew Sirius in for a hug.
"Sirius my boy. It's so good to see you" he told him, holding his arms to look at him properly. "You do look well. You've grown up so much. But where's your hair gone?" he asked with a grin, making Sirius laugh and I relaxed somewhat seeing Sirius look happy.
"Decided it was time for a change" he told him, running a hand through it before retaking my hand. "Uncle Alphard this is my girlfriend Poppy" he said, and I could hear the pride in his voice which made me blush. "Poppy this is my favourite family member, my uncle Alphard" he introduced us, his uncle extending a hand to me. I shook it, seeing him smile.
"Wonderful to meet you Poppy" he told me, sounding genuine and I smiled at him.
"It's lovely to meet you too" I replied politely.
"Well, aren't you two a good-looking young couple. I think your cousins are going to be jealous" he told Sirius who rolled his eyes before I saw them dart around the room. Alphard took a step towards us, so we were all stood relatively close. "Keep her close to you tonight" he murmured before stepping back and I felt the worry come surging back. Sirius nodded, the smile had disappeared by now. "Why don't I do the rounds with you?" Alphard suggested loudly, giving me a reassuring smile as he gestured to our right. Sirius gave another nod and I saw him compose himself, a mask of neutrality as he guided to me a group of three people.
"Good evening Sirius" the elder woman greeted him with a curt nod, and I saw Sirius barely incline his head.
"Aunt Druella" he replied. "This is Poppy. Poppy, my aunt Druella" he introduced us politely. She didn't smile at me, just looked at me, giving me the smallest of nod in acknowledgement. "And this is my cousin Narcissa and her husband Lucius" he introduced the shockingly blond man and the dark haired, thin woman. Both inclined their heads to me as well and I gave them a small smile, trying not to appear too nervous.
"We are both pleased to meet you Poppy" Lucius said, his voice creepily soft as he apparently spoke for him and his wife.
"It's nice to meet you too" I told him, not wishing to be rude but I felt Sirius step closer to me so as much of our bodies were touching as possible.
"Sirius, it's…nice to see you" Narcissa turned her eyes to her cousin who nodded at her. It would seem nobody was much pleased to see Sirius and I saw his point about being suspicious as to why we were invited.
"How are you getting on with your studies?" his aunt Druella asked, eyes on Sirius but I saw her glance at me regularly.
"Very well thank you" he told her; her gaze now locked on mine.
"They're going very well, thank you" I told her, and she nodded, eyes flicking down to the emerald around my neck.
"Which subjects do you study Poppy?" she asked, her voice sharp like a whip.
"Transfiguration, Potions, Charms, Herbology, Defence against the Dark Arts and Ancient Runes" I rattled off quickly. She barely batted an eyelid at this.
"A very impressive list Poppy" Alphard told me, reminding me he was still with us.
"Indeed. Most…academic" Lucius chimed in as I turned to see his eyes still fixed on me as well. "What is it you wish to do when you finish?" he asked me and for some reason this made Sirius tense next to me.
"I'm not too sure if I'm honest" I told him, hesitating before weighing up whether I should utter the line Sara insisted I say. "First of all, I will need to ensure that the estates are running properly so I will probably have to spend some time on that before considering a job" I said with as much confidence as I could muster. None of the people we were with could disguise their surprise at this and I could even feel Sirius's surprise.
"Your parents wish you to take over their running?" Druella asked me, the first to recover.
"My parents died four years ago. When I finish school, everything will be officially transferred to me" I told her, feeling Sirius give my hand a squeeze. She nodded, apparently having finished talking to me but her eyes still lingered on me, watching me with curiosity.
"It's commendable, you taking so much interest in your parents estates" Lucius said, eyes sliding to Sirius as though he were making a point. "It is important to keep the family traditions alive, is it not?" he asked. I wasn't sure what the right response was so settled on a brief nod.
"Sirius, we should move on" Alphard told him, evidently feeling this had turned into a dangerous topic.
"Of course. If you'll excuse us" Sirius said, voice icy as he didn't wait for a reply but turned to guide me to the other side of the room. Beside him, I heard Alphard chuckle.
"I'm not sure why I was worried. Your young lady seems more than capable of handling herself" I heard him say to Sirius and I turned to see Sirius grin at me, squeezing my hand as though proud. The next group he was leading us to seemed to me the most threatening, three very brooding figures staring at us as we approached.
"Good evening Sirius" the elder man greeted us, and I had a feeling this would be Druella's husband.
"Uncle Cygnus" Sirius greeted him as he held out a hand and Sirius briefly shook it before re-taking my hand. "This is Poppy. Poppy, this is my uncle Cygnus" he introduced us politely. He looked at me for a moment before extending a hand to me which I shook, and he gave me a nod. "And this is my cousin Bellatrix and her husband Rodolphus" the woman looked like Narcissa although her features were much darker. She barely inclined her head at me, and her husband treated me much the same.
"It's good to meet you Poppy" Cygnus told me before his eyes darted to Sirius. "How did you two meet?" he asked him politely.
"Poppy and I are both in Gryffindor" he said, and I saw Bellatrix and Rodolphus take a step back from us. Sirius tensed next to me, clearly unhappy about this; he had told me his whole family had been Slytherin's. It wasn't much of a surprise given the darkness and décor of the house. Thankfully, at that moment we heard a chime and I turned to where I thought the sound came from.
"Dinner is served" Mr Black announced and people immediately drifted off. Sirius held me back as they went, Alphard giving us a smile as he left us.
"You, are amazing" Sirius told me, giving me a quick kiss. "'I'll need to ensure the estates are running properly'" he mimicked me with a grin making me blush. "Honestly, by the time we go down to dinner everybody will know you have your own estates. Not that you need to, but you fit right in. Although keep an eye on that emerald. My family have paid far too much attention to it" he told me with a grin, giving me another kiss. "Come on before they send Kreacher looking for us" he told me and I nodded, feeling a little more relaxed. Now to just get through dinner.
At dinner, Sirius and I had been seated in the middle of the table, opposite Mr and Mrs Black and I had Regulus on my other side. Sirius was right, everybody knew I had my own estates now and his parents quizzed me about this as we ate. I knew everybody was listening to our conversation but tried not to think about it. They seemed very intrigued by my mum's pureblood ancestry and I so far had managed to avoid the fact that my dad was a muggle as I didn't want to think about how that would go down in this circle. All of them were purebloods and it was evident that they all agreed with this supposed Lord Voldemort and his views on blood purity. Sirius kept his hand on my leg throughout dinner, staying very quiet himself as it became obvious, I was their main focus tonight. My heart went out to Sirius; he was here with his parents who didn't seem to care that he was here at all, despite not having seen him in two whole years. Only his uncle Alphard seemed to care, dragging Sirius into conversation often and I could see he really cared for his uncle.
"So, Poppy" Mr Black asked as desert was whisked away and fire whiskey and pots of tea appeared in their place. "Regulus tells us you have…abilities" he said. I tensed as did Sirius who quickly closed his conversation with Alphard, turning to us instead. I saw his dad's eyes flicker to him before resting back on me, looking curious still.
"I'm not sure what Regulus has told you but it's nothing special" I said quickly, hearing Regulus chuckle beside me. Mr Black's eyes turned to him and I also turned to him, seeing him shrug, lounged back in his chair in a way very similar to Sirius before he looked at me.
"I just told them what I heard" he said simply.
"What did you hear?" Mr Black asked him, voice sharp and Regulus sat up slightly straighter.
"That Poppy's an Etoileige so she has special abilities. Like speed" he repeated quickly as though being interrogated. Mr Black's eyes flicked back to me and I felt Sirius squeeze my leg.
"This is quite personal father" Sirius told him, but Mr Black ignored him, still looking at me. There was a beat of silence and I realised I would have to speak and also play this massively down.
"Regulus is right" I said, and I saw Mr Black nod at Regulus who I could see relax now out of the corner of my eye. "I am an Etoileige and I am…slightly faster than the average person" was all I told him.
"And your eyes?" he asked, Sirius's grip on my leg now very tight.
"They change, yes. Dependant on my emotion. It's not a common trait" I told him. He said nothing else but as I glanced down the table, I could see the interest on the faces of the others.
"Regulus. Take Poppy and show her the family tree whilst we speak to your brother please" Mr Black said after a moment. I felt my heart rate increase, remembering what both Sirius and Alphard had both said to me. Regulus was already standing, waiting patiently for me. "Poppy would you mind allowing us to speak to Sirius for a brief moment?" Mr Black asked me directly with a small smile. I swallowed nervously but shook my head, Sirius however wasn't prepared to let me go just yet.
"Stop being dramatic brother. We're hardly going to do anything to her whilst she's here as a guest" Regulus drawled and I could hear Sirius's rumbling growl in his chest.
"If you need me, use your magic" Sirius told me, so quietly I was sure nobody else heard. I nodded at him before getting up, following Regulus out of the room and I could feel everybody's eyes on me. Regulus said nothing as he led me literally to the room next door which was as dark as the rest of the house with a sofa and a huge tapestry over one wall.
"You've surprised me tonight" Regulus told me and I turned to see him surveying me with apparent interest.
"Oh?" I asked and he nodded.
"Mmm. You've managed to hold your own" he said, and I couldn't help but smile.
"What were you expecting?" I asked and he laughed at this, the difference on his face startling as he looked so much like Sirius in that moment.
"I'm not sure to be honest. I just thought you'd be as head strong and reckless as my brother, but you've definitely got a Slytherin side to you" he told me with a grin, again much like Sirius. "You've played them all very well" he said, nodding his head to next door and I couldn't help but feel a little smug at this.
"I think that's a compliment?" I asked him, finding myself oddly relaxing in his company.
"Oh, it is" he assured me with a grin, gesturing for me to sit down. We both sat either side of the fire in armchairs as I scanned the tapestry, seeing that Sirius was no longer on it. "I know you've impressed dad" he told me after a minute, and I turned back to him to see he had been watching me. "Mum just wants to get her hands on your emerald" he added with a grin, eyes darting to it. "Again, you've played them all well" he said.
"Well, sometimes you just have to play the part, don't you?" I asked him and he laughed again, nodding.
"And you play it very well" he complimented me with a seemingly more genuine smile. When he wasn't smirking or using a drawling 'better than you' voice, he really was so much like Sirius, just younger. It made me sad to think how Sirius had become so estranged from his family, wondering if Regulus really understood why Sirius had left in the first place. "Tell me, is Sirius truly happy with the Potter's?" he asked. I studied him for a moment, but he seemed genuinely curious.
"Very" I admitted, and he nodded, a small frown appearing on his face.
"Poppy?" he asked quietly, looking at me closely. "You're not a pureblood, are you?" he asked. I faltered with this, not sure what to say. "I won't say anything" his voice was almost a whisper and for a second I forgot where we were and what was going on around us. He just seemed like a normal boy, who came from a normal family and I found myself replying with a shake of my head. He nodded, as though unsurprised by this. "When you leave tonight Poppy, don't come back" he told me, and I blinked in surprise. He glanced at the door before he edged forward, sitting on the very edge of his seat. He hesitated and I too moved, copying his actions so we were very close together. "They know more then they're letting on about you. They…they want you" he whispered, hand going to his left arm, gripping it tightly. I didn't know what to say or what to believe. Was all this a ploy? Was this whole thing planned? Was Regulus playing me right now? He must have sensed this as a moment later I felt him take my hand, taking me completely by surprise. "Please, I'm not tricking you. Please believe me" he said, squeezing my hand. "Stay away from us. We're…we're not good for you. Sirius was right to get out when he did" his voice was barely a whisper. I could only stare at him in surprise, his eyes never leaving mine. "They're trying to recruit you. They know you have powerful magic. You have to trust me, please" he insisted. Just then we heard a door bang open and we both jumped, Regulus quickly dropping my hand and sitting back in his chair, the difference on his face remarkable as he surveyed the room with a bored expression. A second later the door to the room we were in burst open and Sirius was stood there.
"We're going" he told me, and I nodded, standing, seeing Regulus to do the same.
"A pleasure as always brother" he drawled as though nothing had just happened. Sirius glared at him, motioning me to him. "I'll see you at school Poppy" Regulus said, inclining his head at me slightly. I didn't know what to do so nodded at him, hurrying over to Sirius who quickly took my hand and rushed me down the corridor and out into the cold air, not saying anything but quickly disapparating us.