Sirius followed the old woman as they entered the sitting room of the cottage, another house elf hurrying to a nearby table with a kettle and tea cups.

"Tea?"

"No thank you." Sirius replied quickly, earning a look from Moria. If Cornelia was insulted, she made no mention of it. Instead she smiled.

"I assumed this would happen sooner or later." Cornelia started, pouring a cup of tea for herself, swirling the spoon lightly. She chuckled softly. "It wouldn't surprise me given the situation."

"Situation?" Sirius managed and Cornelia sighed.

"You are here about my great-grandson's paternal lineage, correct?"

"Yes." Sirius answered and Moria glanced at Sirius, who seemed stiff, anxious. "Is...is he...I mean, is his father…"

"Your brother? Yes. Regulus Black is Aries's father. He died before he could be informed however."

Moria glanced at Sirius, watching as a myriad of emotions crossed his face. Surprise, happiness, and anger flashed across his face before settling on grief and he swallowed audibly.

"Cordelia and Regulus met during a gala. Your brother was...not the most popular boy at that moment, but he caught my granddaughter's interest and they became friendly with one another. Over the summer and the next school year they continued a secret relationship, brought in part of her parents' misgivings of him as well as his...involvement...in the war. When he died...she was devastated." Cornelia explained and Sirius's jaw clenched, but he kept quiet.

"She found out she was pregnant a few weeks into the new year. She raised Aries here until her death."

"Why was I never contacted?" He finally managed and Moria slid her hand into his. He squeezed her hand tightly in response.

"When Cordelia learned she was pregnant, it had only been a few weeks after Regulus's death. She may have been devastated, but she was not surprised given what your brother was involved with and believed your parents and family were at least partially responsible for his death. She didn't want them to be a part of Aries's life."

"I'm not my parents!"

"But you were involved in the war as well. She didn't know if you would survive, and if you did whether or not you would believe her claim. At best you would, but would be in constant danger, and the possibility of her son being connected to Regulus was there. At worst you wouldn't, and you might presume it was a trap set by Voldemort and his followers and that would possibly endanger her and her son. She did have every intention of informing you after the war was over...however..."

Sirius blinked and frowned, looking away, gripping Moria's hand tightly.

"After your arrest, her choices were limited to your mother. And Cordelia wanted nothing to do with her and didn't want her son influenced by her."

"Who would?" Sirius muttered tonelessly and was silent for a few minutes. "...Does he know?"

"He knows his father died. Does he know his father is your brother? No."

Sirius glared.

"He should have been told."

"He's still a child, even if he doesn't want to admit it. That burden-"

"Moria could have been there for him for the past few years. She would have been here if she had known sooner." Sirius spat out. Cornelia was quiet, stirring her cup of tea. "He wouldn't have been alone to shoulder that burden."

"It was not your decision."

"It wasn't yours either."

Cornelia huffed softly, before chuckling.

"I see where he gets it from."

"...Pardon?"

"You two are remarkably similar when arguing. If Regulus was anything like you, then that would explain it."

Sirius looked away, the muscles in his jaw tightening as Cornelia stood.

"Come along then."

"Where are we going?"

"Hogwarts. I think it is time for him to know, as overdue as it is." She replied simply. Sirius swallowed and Moria didn't mistake the tremor in his grip before they silently stood and followed the older woman to the fireplace.

It honestly felt surreal, sitting in Dumbledore's office. He half-expected that James would be marched in by Filch and the both of them getting lectured for something or another. Granted instead of McGonagall, Flitwick sat in a nearby chair, seeming perturbed.

"You're certain? You're certain Aries is Regulus Black's son?"

"Why do you make it sound like it's a bad thing." Sirius groused.

"I don't think it is a bad thing...but it will be a shock to him."

Sirius was quiet, shifting uncomfortably.

"It wouldn't do any good not telling him. I won't-"

"Headmaster?"

Sirius looked up to see Aries entering Dumbledore's office, looking confused as he shouldered his bag. He then noticed Flitwick and Cornelia, and frowned.

"Did I do something wrong?" Aries asked. Moria sighed and shook her head.

"It's nothing you did," she promised.

"...okay?" Aries replied, looking back at Flitwick, who offered a gentle smile.

"Please sit."

Aries did so, looking at the adults with confusion. Sirius swallowed as he stared at Aries and Aries shifted uncomfortably.

"So...why am I here?" He asked, looking at his great-grandmother who sighed.

"Aries, there have been some...things that have come up. I can't say I'm surprised, as I've always been expecting them at some point." Cornelia said.

"Things?"

"About your father." Sirius interjected. Aries's eyes narrowed.

"Why? He's dead, right? He left my Mum when she was pregnant with me, and died because of the war. He wasn't in my life at all." Aries responded, almost coldly. Moria noted Sirius flinching and sighed.

"Your mother never told you about him?" Moria asked gently, as though to make sure he didn't know. Aries suddenly looked uncomfortable.

"She…died when I was five. Got really sick and never really got over it." Aries said, and Moria frowned. "Look, why does my family matter all of a sudden? What do they have to do with it?" He asked defensively, gesturing to Sirius and Moria.

"Mr. Matlock-"

"Aries, it has everything to do with them." Cornelia said walking over and sitting in front of the teenager. His eyes narrowed.

"What are you talking about?"

"...I'm talking about fourteen years ago, and the story of your mother...and your father."

It was considerably silent when Cornelia began her tale about Cordelia and Regulus Black. Aries was quiet as he listened, a look of disbelief crossing his face. He seemed unable to, or more likely, unwilling to look at where Sirius stood. Listening to the tale was not easier the second time around and it was only Moria's grip on his hand that kept Sirius centered. There had been no doubt before, but now...watching as Aries listened to his great-grandmother…it was like a slap in the face. His brother, his baby brother had had a child. A son...and all this time he hadn't known. He seemed to be taking it better than Moria had about her family, at least but still...

Aries continued to stare at Cornelia when she finished.

"…You knew?" Aries finally said. Cornelia looked at her great-grandson; her face seemed to be in pain. "You knew…and you didn't tell me?" he added, his voice surprisingly monotone.

"It was your mother's wishes." Cornelia defended.

"And you didn't break that wish when I was ten and I asked you about him and I wanted to know about him? You couldn't grant me that?" Aries asked.

Scratch that, Sirius realized, his stomach plummeting. He wasn't taking it better. In fact, he was on the edge of fury.

"Aries…"

"I can understand Mum. She didn't like to talk about the past at all. And I was only a little kid when she died. And I doubt Professor Black knew. Hell, probably the only reason she figured it out is because her husband recognized his brother's features in me. But you raised me. And you knew this entire time." Aries said, the anger beginning to seep into his voice, "What were you going to do if Sirius Black hadn't escaped? Just keep your mouth shut my entire life, maybe telling me when you died?" Aries asked, his voice growing in anger.

"I followed your mother's wishes. Whether I agreed with her or not, she wished for you not to live with knowing your father-!"

"What? That he was Regulus Black? That he was a Deatheater? So what?!"

"Aries-"

"AT LEAST I WOULD HAVE KNOWN WHO I BLOODY WAS!" Aries finally yelled. Everyone jumped—sans Moria, Dumbledore, and Cornelia.

"Aries-" Flitwick began but Aries turned and stormed out of the office, the door slamming shut behind him. Sirius got up to go after him, however was stopped by Moria.

"He's not going to want to talk to either of us. Not right now." She said softly and Sirius cursed under his breath. Cornelia sighed, her breath sounding tired as she closed her eyes. Moria glanced back at the older woman. "Cornelia…"

"I see my error in my decision…a little late however." The older woman replied. Moria bit her lip and thought for a second glancing at her husband. Then an idea sprung into her head.

"Would it be too much to ask if for Winter break and some of the summer he can come visit us?" Moria asked. Sirius glanced at her and saw her looking at him with a look that clearly said 'you need this just as much as Aries does'. Cornelia smiled in gratitude.

"I don't think Aries would mind meeting and seeing his paternal family every now and then. In all honesty he's hated my son and daughter-in-law." Cornelia said. "I can't really blame him though. My granddaughter and her parents didn't get along in life…and that just transferred over to her child. A majority of those yelling matches he would have were with and about his grandparents." She said. "Such a temper…"

Every single person turned to look at Sirius who huffed and grumbled, but made no attempt to defend the silent accusation. He glanced at the door, unease settling into him like a knot in his belly.

How was he going to fix this?

Adele Gelson sat on a rock, overlooking the hills beyond the school, her chin rested on her knees, as her legs were pulled close to her. Although at first glance, it looked like the young girl was staring at the beautiful scenery, her mind was elsewhere. Inside it was chaos, but it wasn't too critical of chaos to her. At least she thought it wasn't.

Lowering her head to her knees, she felt so troubled by such a stupid thing. Tucking a strand of black hair behind her ear, she felt it whip back from the strong wind. Crying out in frustration, she ruffled her own hair into a mess, not caring who would see.

"What's up with you?"

Looking up suddenly, she turned to face a certain brown-headed boy, and an annoyed look clearly showed on her face. "What do you want, Aidan?" she asked and saw him roll his eyes. Mirroring him, she then faced away from him, glaring back into the scenery.

"Well Aries got called up to the Headmaster for something, so since I don't have my normal wizard chess opponent, I was on my way back to the Ravenclaw tower. What are you doing? It's a bit cold to be looking at scenery." Aidan replied, looking at his friend in confusion.

"Just wanted some alone time, that's all."

Feeling him sit next to her, she bumped his shoulder in a friendly way, and looked up to grin at him. However she saw concern on his face and her smile slowly faded.

"Well?"

"Okay…I…" She paused. The feeling of telling him, what she wanted to say, it caught in her throat. What if he hated her because of it? No he couldn't hate her just because of this silly thing. They were best friends; best friends since their first year together. But what if he thought it was stupid.

"I'm just...I want to go to the Yule Ball."

"Okay? You can do that, you know. You're old enough."

"With a date."

The two sat together, quiet, not really moving much either. Her eyes were screwed shut waiting for him to laugh at her.

"Well...okay? I kind of figured you would." She looked up at him, eyes wide in surprise. His expression was simply one of confusion and a bit of surprise, but he didn't seem to be angry.

"You're...not mad?"

"Well no? Should I be?"

"No! Yes! I mean…" She exhaled with a huff, "I don't know. I want to be asked by someone."

"Like a possible date in the future type of thing?"

"No. Not as a couple or anything...but it would be nice to be asked and not have to go stag." Adele said as she jumped off the rock and he followed.

"Well would you like to go with me?"

"Huh?"

"Well I haven't asked anyone yet, but I wouldn't mind having a date. Not for any romantic reasons, mind you. Just...would you like to go?"

"We won't look weird?"

"I doubt it. I'm sure Aries would be happy if you showed up too." Aidan asked. Adele looked at him.

"Aries will be busy with his date, whoever she is."

" bloke wouldn't even know what a bra looks like without me."

"I guess that tr-! Wait. What?" Adele said, looking at her friend. He suddenly realized his error and took a step away from her.

"Uh…nothing. Got to go!" he said scrambling up and taking off, Adele hot on his trail.

"WHAT DID YOU SAY?" She shrieked racing after him, him screaming in pure fright. They raced down the hallway, ignoring the other students as his life flashed before his eyes.

Suddenly Aries appeared from the entrance to Dumbledore's office and they slid to a stop as they saw an expression on his face they had never seen before. They looked at each other, and then hurried after Aries.

"Aries? Aries, mate what's wrong?" Aidan asked but the other boy didn't reply, just shaking his head as he stormed away. "Aries!"

Max turned the corner that moment with Harry, jumping back as Aries walked by. Her brow furrowed and she looked at the other two.

"What was that about?"

"Dunno. But we're going to find out." He said and he and Adele walked past them. Max bit her bottom lip and then glanced at Harry.

"Can I-"

"Go." He said and she hurried after the two.

After a few moments, she spotted Adele and Aidan heading towards the astronomy tower and she hurried after them and climbed the steps. She rounded the corner to see Aries pacing back and forth, Adele and Aidan looking at him in concern.

"Mate, you're not making any sense. What can't you believe?" Aidan asked.

"She didn't tell me!"

"Who didn't tell you what?"

"My great-grandmother. Regulus Black is my father." Aries snapped out, dragging a hand through his hair.

Aidan and Adele blinked.

"What? Like Sirius Black's brother?"

"Know any other Regulus Black, Aidan?" Aries snapped. Aidan kept his mouth shut as he glanced at Adele, before looking at Max. Aries's gaze snapped in her direction and he swallowed. Max's eyes were wide and Aries looked away, running his hand through his hair.

"That's what they called me up there for. To tell me. And the worst part? The worst part is that GranGran knew. She bloody knew who my dad was and she didn't tell me."

"Mate…" Aidan said softly.

"She never told me, and I don't think she ever planned on telling me." He said before letting out a sharp laugh of anger. "And she says it's because my mum asked her not to. Like that's a good excuse."

"Aries…"

"Don't." He snapped. "I don't want your pity."

"So...we're cousins?"

Aries looked over at Max who took a few steps forward.

"Yeah…yeah, I guess...but I..." He muttered, looking away. Slowly she walked up to him. The way he was clutching himself it seemed that all he was trying to do was to keep himself together…so he didn't break and fall into pieces…to hold onto the beliefs that he had had for years. "I don't know...I don't know what to do. What do I do…?" she heard and looked at him. He hadn't moved an inch.

"I...can't really answer that. I don't think it would be wise to forget, but that's just me…" she said, sitting next to him. She looked at Aidan and Adele for permission and they nodded. "I…I know that you think that you're alone in this…that you don't need any help…" she said. He was still, still as stone. "But…I can't not try and help. And yeah, I guess we're family...but we're friends first. So I want to help." She said as she sat next to him. He said nothing…instead leaned against her, still curled up. She smiled slightly. Aries sighed, almost tiredly.

"I don't want to go downstairs. Merlin knows what other people are thinking…"

"You didn't lose your head until you got here, so you should be good." Aidan joked, sobering at a withering look from Adele. "I mean it. No one noticed."

"...thanks. I just want to stay here for a little bit though." He said sullenly. She nodded, before sitting next to him.

"Mind if I sit here with you?" She asked. He shook his head and the group sat in silence, watching the students roam around the courtyard in silence.

"It could have gone better." Moria admitted as she changed into her sleepwear, glancing at Sirius. "But it could have gone worse."

"Yeah sure. He could have hit us with a hex." Sirius said dryly. Moria rolled her eyes, looking at her husband.

"You know what I mean."

Sirius huffed, and sat down on the edge of the bed, flopping down on it. She sat down, running a hand over her stomach.

"I still can't believe that she hid it so well."

"It's probably a good thing. Your mother died when he was five...knowing her she would have lived longer just to mess him up."

Sirius snorted, wrapping his arm loosely around her shoulder as she curled up to him. The room settled into uneasy silence.

"Would you have believed her?" Moria asked in the quiet of the room. Sirius looked at her. "If Cordelia had contacted you earlier before you were imprisoned, would you have believed her?"

He was silent for a moment.

"I don't know. A part of me wants to say yes...but with how the war was..."

Moria was quiet as Sirius sighed.

"I think you would have." She said after a moment.

"You think?"

"Yeah. Now, don't get me wrong, I don't think you would have believed her outright. I honestly think it would have taken you a little bit to consider going...but I think you would have eventually."

He was quiet, running a hand up and down Moria's arm.

"He looks so much like him. It's uncanny. And he's been alone all this time."

"Sirius…"

"The kid has been on his own for years, Moria. He had his great-grandmother, good for him, but there was only so much she could do."

"That's not your fault."

"Isn't it? I was locked away...and he grew up not knowing anything about his family...his full family. For all the faults and problems I had with Reg...I think he would have made a bloody good dad. But now? You saw how angry he was, Moria...he has to be angry at me."

"Why?"

"He found out his father is part of the infamous Black family."

"Well yeah...but I think it's more than that. He's just found out that his guardian was very much aware who his father was, and that there was a family attached to that. It's a lot to take in. I mean, you remember how I was when I found out about my mother, right?"

"Well yeah, but-"

"He's fourteen. Emotions are a little higher at that point, no matter how mature you are. He'll come around."

"What if he doesn't?"

Moria was quiet, before reaching up and kissing him lightly.

"I know he will." She said after a moment. He sighed, kissing her brow. "He just...he just needs time."

"I hope so."

Moria curled up to him, closing her eyes in the silence of the night, lulled to sleep by the steady beat of Sirius's heart.

Max hurried down the hall, avoiding the amount of people in the halls, which was difficult with the extra foreign students. She huffed and then let out a grunt as she ran into a student and cursed under her breath when the books fell on the ground. She bent down to collect them, stuffing parchment into some of the books.

"I really need to stop doing that." She grumbled.

"What are you doin' Lass?"

She jumped and looked up, offering a small sheepish wave as Moody hobbled towards her.

"Picking up books. I'm a bit of a klutz."

He huffed, his one eye spinning wildly, stooping down and and picking up her Potions book.

"Not like your parents, I say."

Max let out a weak laugh, brushing her hair back, reaching for the book.

"Not really. Thank you for grabbing th-"

Her hand brushed his finger and suddenly it felt like she was being pulled backwards.

Labored breathing, the stench of blood filling the air, and laughter that made the hair on the back of her neck stand on end. Someone screaming, demanding for something and then the dark world bled red.

"FRANK!"

Max jumped and tore her book out of Moody's hold, blinking several times as she stared at the older man, his magical eye roving around in its socket.

"You okay, lass?"

"I...fine...I'm fine." She muttered, swallowing roughly. "Sorry, I've got to go."

She collected her books and hurried away.

She didn't look back as she practically ran around the corner and didn't stop fast walking until she spotted Harry and hurried over to him. His face was crammed into a book.

"Harry?"

He jumped three feet in the air.

"Bloody hell, Max! You scared me to death!"

"I'm sure the world will mourn the loss." She said with a weak snort. "Anyway, what are you looking at? I don't think I've ever seen you with your nose crammed into a book before. Because if it's you, Hermione, you need to work on your polyjuice. No way he acts like that."

"Oh ha, ha." Harry groused before lifting the book. "It's about summoning spells. Professor Moody made a suggestion for that to use in the first task. I just need to figure out what to summon and...and…" he trailed off as he glanced at her, frowning at the expression on her face.

"What?"

"Harry...I don't think you should trust Professor Moody."

Harry stopped and looked at Max.

"Why?"

"Just...when he helped me up a little while ago...I...I saw something strange."

"Strange?"

"Pain...anger. Torture. Someone was being tortured."

"And you think Professor Moody has something to do with it?"

"Yes...no. I don't know. Just please. Be careful around him."

"Mum and Sirius trust him."

"I know...maybe I'm being silly. But please. Promise me."

"Alright, alright. I'll be careful." Harry said, nudging her. "But I don't think Dumbledore would have let Professor Moody here if he thought he tortured anyone recently."

She nudged him back, offering a smile though it felt fake.

She didn't know what that was all about...and honestly...she was scared to ask.

She knew Alastor Moody was a good man.

So why did she feel like he was hiding something?

The day of the first task started out rainy, which perfectly reflected Moria's mood that morning and, even though the weather had improved by the time she and Sirius had arrived at the stadium, she still couldn't quell the nerves.

"Love, I know you're nervous."

"I am not."

"Well then you must be having a contraction with how hard you're holding my hand."

She smacked him lightly on the arm and he grinned, though it didn't quite reach his eyes.

"He won't become a piece of coal." Sirius reassured her again. "He's smarter than that to put himself right in front of the dragon's mouth. He'll be just fine."

"I know that, it's just…he should be with Max and the others…not competing." She said as she sighed. "It's not fair he doesn't get to just be a kid like Max does. He's gone through so much..."

"He still is a kid and he's still just as happy a kid today as he was yesterday" Sirius told her. He stopped walking and turned to face her. "We did all we could to prepare him for this task: sent him books, told him about spells far advanced for his age, supported him, believed him…he'll be fine." He kissed her forehead before putting his hands on the sides of her bump. "Besides, think of what a piece of cake these two will be with all the experience you have."

She chuckled. "True…"

The trip to the contestants tents was quick, and spotting the contestants was just as easy;Fleur was lounging in her own area, her usually flawless face looking tense and greenish, while Cedric just paced and Krum stood in a hard posture, looking down at his feet. She spotted Harry in his area of the tent and he offered a meek wave.

"Hey…" Harry greeted weakly.

"How are you feeling?" She asked brushing his hair back. He shrugged.

"I'm nervous, excited...and kind of sick. Does that make sense?"

"Yup. Had that feeling many times." Moria lied, brushing his hair back again. He offered a weak smile.

"You'll do fine, Kid." Sirius said. "It's going to be easy."

"Just need to avoid being burnt alive by a dragon, right?" Harry offered weakly. Moria frowned

"Merlin, who made up a tournament like this?" She muttered

"Definitely a person who wasn't planning to compete." Sirius groused. "So how are you going to be doing that?"

"It's through a summoning charm and-"

Suddenly, Crouch entered the room saying it was time for the tournament to start and it was their cue to leave.

Moria sighed before getting up. "Just… do your best. We'll be watching. Don't get hurt and especially don't get killed."

Harry nodded and Moria ruffled his hair again before heading back to the stadium. He spotted Max and her group of friends in the student section and she waved at him with a grin. Well at least she seemed to be having fun. He glanced at her as Moria sighed when they finally reached their seats.

"He'll be fine." Sirius muttered, resting a hand on the small of her back. She offered a small smile.

"Yeah. He's Harry Potter. Of course he will be."

"That's my girl."

She smiled before focusing at the arena as the task started with Cedric, whose egg was being guarded by the Swedish Short-Snout, while Ludo Bagman commented on the game from what used to be the Quidditch field's entrance. It took Cedric about fifteen minutes to get the egg, only ending up with some mild burns on the side of his face.

"One down." Moria commented, biting her thumb lightly.

"Pretty impressive." Sirius said as the roar of cheers died down.

"Yeah, I guess." She replied and Sirius squeezed her hand

Then Fleur Delacour entered the field. She did amazingly well, quicker than Cedric. Though both of their times were crushed after Krum's turn.

"Harry is up next."

"...yeah."

Moria's hand reached for Sirius's right after Krum was done – Harry would be next. Sirius pulled her closer and she rested against his side. She saw as the dragon keepers, Charlie Weasley among them, subdued the Chinese Fireball and got it out of the field, only to bring the Hungarian Horntail in. Just looking at the dragon made Moria shudder and pale.

"You've got to be kidding me." She hissed. "That's the dragon?"

"Merlin and Morgana…"

"When I find out who did this, I am going to maim them." Moria hissed as Harry raised his wand, trying to remain completely still as the Horntail stared daggers into him. It felt like hours before Moria looked up at the sound of something whizzing through the air. Seconds later, she saw the Firebolt whiz into the arena. With a sudden gusto, Harry lunged for it and took off into the air, and Moria noted that the look of fear that had once been on his face, had completely vanished. The crowd began to cheer, the loudest roar being from the Gryffindor crowd who was hooting, yelling, and stamping their feet in glee.

"He's laughing...that little shit is laughing!" Moria laughed, pushing her hair back with a hand.

"Well that's a Potter for you." Sirius said with a laugh. "It's like a game for him!"
"I swear to God, he's having fun, why-" She stopped suddenly as the horned tail smacked Harry. Thankfully it seemed like it had merely been a clip, and he was righted before shooting through the air.

"He's fine." Sirius told Moria. "He's okay."

"I know, I know," Moria said. "He dodged it fast enough. But still-"

She saw as Harry flew higher, high enough for the tail to be unable to reach him, and dodged the jets of fire again and again. He was trying to convince the dragon to leave the nest, to go up there after him so he could get past it and reach the eggs. And finally the dragon did. Just as its paws lifted from the ground, Harry sped away, diving in the nest's direction and, next thing everyone knew, he was holding the egg.

The cheer that erupted out of the stands was deafening and Moria couldn't even hear herself laugh and then tugged on Sirius's arm.

"Come on. Let's go to Harry." She said and he nodded with a grin and the two rushed into the crowd, heading to the direction of the tents.