Chapter Twenty-Six
Verdict
"Well ladies, what is your verdict?" Regulas Black spoke from the doorway. "Is my brother doomed to watch his family from the afterlife or is he going back to live out his life and be a parent?"
Atropos only sighed as she turned to look at her only witness. "Regulas, you were supposed to wait until you were called but of course you would not follow the rules. When do you Blacks ever follow the rules?" She turned back to look at Sirius before speaking. "Sisters, I am sorry that my person busted in on your turn, Lachesis. However, if you are in agreement, we can move on to Mr. Black here."
Lachesis and Clotho were silent for a moment before speaking as one, "That will be fine. Very well Mr. Black please proceed. Why should we allow your brother to return to the land of the living?"
"Why would you ladies still need even more testimony?" Regulas said with a laugh in his voice. Atropos just looked at him until he began talking, "Fine. My brother may not be the best person in the world, but he is there for his family when they need him to be. Despite not holding to most of our family's values, he did hold on to this one: Family first and Family Always. If you would allow him to return, he could pass on that lesson not only to his own children but James's son and my son as well."
"What son?" Sirius interrupted suddenly. "I did not know that you had a child."
"Not many knew. I had a muggle lover. A beautiful woman by the name of Clara Barton. I watched her give birth to my son from the afterlife and later married a gentleman who adopted my son and give him his name, Thomas." Regulas stated before continuing to talk to the Fates. "So, ladies if you do not send him back, Sirius will not have a chance to share his knowledge with future generations. He needs this chance to contribute to society since his life was cut short by not only death but also his illegal incarceration by the Ministry." Regulas bowed to the Fates before giving Sirius a hug and walking into the door behind him.
Sirius looked surprised as his brother left the room before turning to the Fates with a questioning look upon his face. Clotho, Lachesis, Atropos looked at Sirius before talking to each other in a quiet mummer. After a few minutes, the three fates separated and stated to speak. "Sirius Orion Black," Clotho began, "we have heard from several different people in your life. We have decided to send you back to the land of the living. Please take better care of your life and those in your life.