29 September, Hogwarts
Months last Friday means a full staff meeting about students' progress, troubles and especially 1st years' settlement. So all the Hogwarts professors are sitting in almost similar fashion like they say in previous meetings.
"Let's start the discussion about our students with first years, Minerva" the headmaster said cheerfully.
"My gryffindors settled nicely. And many of them are so enthusiastic and have a lot of potential," head lioness puffed about her cubs.
"Can you curb their little enthusiasm and tell Miss Granger to write the said length of the essay. I don't have time and patience to read that sad excuse of essays with extra 2fts," Snape drawled.
"She is just enthusiastic to learn," Minerva exclaimed.
"No, she is trying to prove that she is the best student out there and that she knows better," Snape said seriously.
"There's nothing wrong with that," Minerva flared.
"Yes, nothing is wrong with that, but the way she does, steals the opportunity of other students by trying to show that she knows everything, not to mention the way that is plain annoying and inconvenient. Her know-it-all attitude will create problems for her only," Severus snapped.
"Umm, Minerva I kind of agree with Severus. She is your best lion, no doubt but her competitive streak may create problems, I am sure no one here has missed the glare she shoots towards miss Prince-Black" Professor Sprout said slowly and softly as talking to enraged lioness protecting her cub, which is not far from analogy. Minerva's lips thinned in the straight line
"I'll talk to her," Minerva said solemnly.
"I am sure Minerva will deal with her cub, let's move on. Severus," the headmaster asked, diffusing the argument.
"My snakes have settled well,"
"Pomona,"
"Is no one going to complain about the slimy snakes' bullying," James Potter jumped in between the conversation.
"Do you have any proof against my snakes Potter," the black clad man scoffed.
"Who cares about proof Snape, everyone knows that snakes bully other students," James said as if he was saying a well-known irreversible fact.
"If you ever punish my snakes without any proof Potter, I'll make sure you lose this job also. Heard you got kicked out from the auror department," Severus taunted.
"Sni.."
"How about we continue this meeting, I have to attend the wizengamot session in an hour," Sirius cutted whatever Potter was about to say.
"Ah yes, Sirius, my boy, you are right. Wizengamot is a very tiring business. That's why I don't advise teaching with Lord duties. I am glad James doesn't have to do double jobs," Dumbledore said in his usual grandfather persona, subtly suggesting how his teachers should leave their lord's responsibility to him just like James Potter did.
"That's one way to say chief warlock Dumbledore," Sirius countered in the most neutral voice and poker face(people close to him know that face mean 'what you are talking is full of shit') making Dumbledore lose twinkles in his eyes, his jab wasn't lost to many, creating an uncomfortable moment for them. Dumbledore cleared his throat and asked to continue. If a certain cat lady noticed a very tiny smirk tugging at a black clad man she didn't say anything.
"Ah, my Badgers are all settled and doing well," professor Sprout said, dissipating that moment and continuing the meeting like normal.
"My new Ravens are also doing well. They are showing so much potential, especially Miss Prince-Black," professor Flitwick squeaked merrily, looking at professor Black who beamed in return.
"Yes, what a delightful kid you have Sirius, so intelligent yet so polite," Pomona squealed.
"Thank you," Sirius said solemnly, still smiling.
"Yes, she manages every spell within 5 tries. Also her assignment can compete with professional articles. I have never seen such great penmanship at such a young age. Even Severus has to give her essays straight 'O'," Minerva said looking at the potion professor at the last part making Severus scowl. The potion professor was famous for his hard demands. No one, even Slytherins in their entire career at Hogwarts would have gotten 'O' in his assignment from Severus in all of their assignments.
"Her essays are adequate," Severus Snape said as if he wanted to say anything but that, making many snort.
"Of course she is special. Afterall she is my child," Sirius gushed.
"I don't think you have much of a hand in this Mr. Black. as I clearly remember your assignments that seemed to be written the night before. I'm sure your better-half is behind this," Minerva said looking expectedly towards him.
"That was not a very subtle way to ask about my ah better-half Minnie. But I won't deny, he is the one who helps my daughter in her studies the most" Sirius replied to her, smirking.
"Worth the shot. But you have gotten married in a very quiet way as none of us knew you were married till we met your daughter. And don't call me Minnie" Minerva said, more stern at the last part.
"Ah yes, we got married abroad. It was an instantaneous and impulsive decision. So we got married in a small ceremony with only family and some friends only. Not that I regret any second of it," Sirius said smiling softly as if reminiscing his most beautiful memories.
"You didn't tell about your partner Sirius," Dumbledore asked, twinkling back in his baby blue eyes.
"I would love to tell you about him all day headmaster. But we have the wizengamot session soon. I'm sure you don't want to be late for that," Sirius said still smiling but that felt more like a mocking smirk now.
And that meeting continued with professors talking about new and old students.
* THE ABANDONED DAUGHTER *
Sirius was going to dungeon to his husband's quarter from the Hogwarts ground in his wizengamot plum robe (without bellowing it ofcourse, he doesn't know how his husband do that, that stupid smug wizard doesn't tell him). He had just apparated from the ministry where the wizengamot session was held to discuss the ministerial budget change. He wouldn't have known if he wouldn't have been Lord black that those millionaire Lords can fight over a thousand extra galleons for any department's budget. Of course elegantly, Lords can fight like cat and dog but elegantly and gracefully (this was another thing that still astonishes him).
Between his Lordship duties and professorship he gets very tired at the end of the day. His only consolidation is that the Prince family doesn't have any members apart from three to manage. He didn't know why he had ever thought that being a Lord is easy. Maybe because of that heirship training he was given, he thought that all Lords have to do is manage some accounts and sit in some boring meetings, but his myth was busted by none other than Lord Arcturus Black.
Flashback
(Sirius POV)
It all started 6 month after the famous Potter attack, I had searched every alley of London for my chiot, and failed miserably. I was sitting in the same muggle bar with the same company that means The Severus Snape. In those 6 months we have met many times, we had become sort of friends. Sirius snorted. Who am I kidding? Most of the time we spent fighting. The only reason we hadn't cursed each other was because we were in the muggle bar and I was halfway to be drunk when he used to come. But we met frequently, maybe because I had no one to talk to. I have lost all my friends, Peter through betrayal, well James also for the same reason but in a different way, you know what I mean, no, nevermind. And Remus, because our resident werewolf decided to be neutral and won't take anyone's side. In his eyes I and James were right in our own way. James because he didn't do something wrong, abandoning children because they are squib is a tradition all families follow as they're a big blight in the family's name, and I because I have right over her and should have been part of such a big decision. He also didn't believe me when I said my chiot is Magical. Because Albus Dumbledore doesn't make mistakes if he said Harriet Dorea Potter was squib that means she was squib, end of discussion.
Or maybe I started to like talking to Severus or Snape as he was at that time. Severus Snape has very dark humour, sarcastic strike miles long and sharp tongue that can slit throat. Talking to him is like drinking firewhisky, first time it'd burn your throat but with time it becomes addiction. In short, he is very entertaining with sarcastic remarks and dark rumour about everything. And if his ire is not directed towards you, his sharp tongue can make your day. And if it's directed at you, well, there's no wonder Hufflepuffs cry so easily. It was very different from my regular company which usually used to contain gryffindors, who say directly whatever they want to say or insults in some usual degrading words, instead of twisted words that Slytherin uses. And Merlin, his voice, like melted silky dark chocolate, I think that was the first thing that attracted me.
Ohh, I am not deluded enough to think, Severus was there because he had forgiven me or kindness of heart or some bullshit like that. Just because I Love the man doesn't mean I don't know how he holds grudges like a child holding his parents hand in a crowded area. Well, one can argue that I didn't apologise, which was true because no matter how much I hate it, but I am Black blood and we have ego the size of Everest. So I didn't. But, you can't judge me, yes I was one of them who made his life hell, but he had retaliated equally and painfully with his potions and especially created spells. Severus Snape is a snake, who waits for the right time to strike, then strikes until his prey dies in pain. Remember when I encouraged James to humiliate him in 5th year and send him to werewolf in 6th year. He retaliated by cursing me with sectumsempra, (which he later told me that he created along with that levicorpus) twice. That happened after the werewolf incident. James, Remus and Peter were very angry with me and we weren't in talking terms, so I was alone. I was going back to the tower after the detention with Filch and had stopped to freshen up in the 1st floor bathroom. He came silently behind me and cursed before I could even react, it was so painful like someone had put my whole body on fire. I don't know how much time had passed but pain receded then again my whole body was on fire. Then the pain receded and someone most likely Severus put something on my mouth. It was blood replenishing potion, I judged by its distinct coppery taste, then vanished all the blood and went outside like he didn't curse someone to death. I was laying there for hours then went to the tower. The pain was there for a week even though my whole body was as blemish free as before. I didn't tell anyone because at that time I had no one to tell and I somehow felt I deserved it, for endangering my best friend's life. So yeah that's how Severus Snape felt we were even then. Then we used to enjoy each other's suffering.
I actually don't know the real reason why he used to come but I think he started because he enjoyed my suffering or he was getting information I babbled while drunk. Who knows. Time has done great for us, so I won't sing the blues.
Okay I got distracted, so where was I, ah, yes. So that day as usual, I have sitting with him tired with my search cursing Dumbledore for snitching any possible help, suddenly he asked me
"Why don't you ask for help from Lord Black, if she is your daughter means she is a member of Black family?
"He won't help until I give him something in return, bloody Slytherin he is," I replied with a bite.
"What does it have any relation with Slytherin and for that matter why do you hate Slytherin," he spited, which didn't surprise me he not only was a Slytherin but also head of that house.
I remained silent and he didn't force me, another thing different from Gryffindor I had come to realize, Slytherins doesn't force you to tell anything and respect privacy. We remained silent for a few minutes.
"My parents wanted me to be a perfect heir since I was small, especially my mother," I started looking outside the window beside our table, absently swirling the scotch glass, reminiscing my painful memories . "I was the elder child of heir Black so I should be trained to become future Lord. I think that's the only thought behind my birth, to produce an heir for Black family as I haven't seen any love between them or longing for family. Not surprising, my mother doesn't have the heart to love anybody," I babbled, chuckling bitterly.
"I was a very active child, and didn't like to sit still even for a second, still do. My mother hated it, always punishing me for my lack of decorum in the house. My mother has not a single soft bone in her body. I have been listening how useless I am to how shameful it is that I am their son since I was 2 and my father, well he didn't care how his wife handles children, she was the lady she knows the best. The only time I used to see him was dinner, apart from that I have never seen my father.
I think I was 3 and a half years old when she 1st punished me with pain because I was playing in the mud with some elves. She didn't slap or spank me, no we're witches and wizards, we used magic so she cursed me with a Black curse. Trust me Black curses hexes jinxes hurt like hell. It only made me hate her and Black magic more. When I reached 4, my training started. Basic education, that of every child given. As I grew up my subjects also increased, at 6 I started learning about the glorious history of Black family. This includes how purebloods are better and how being the Black makes you special, royal. That muggles are most barbaric and stupid creatures and muggleborns are nothing but muggles who have stolen magic. Half-bloods are just slightly better than muggleborns. I didn't believe all that. Because they didn't give me any reason to justify it. It was like since they have said so I have to believe all the shit because they have said it.
She tried really hard to teach me to be a perfect heir. And I rebelled with the same feriousity. I have seen her lying and using any method to achieve what she wanted. I wasn't behaving according to her even with the punishment so she started taking my most loved things, starting with my favourite toy and ending with my brother. My baby brother, Reggie. She knew he was the only one in that house for whom I felt something. She used to say if I didn't behave, my brother would hate me. I always declined, my baby brother considered me his ideal he'd never hate me. But he did. As I was not behaving like a perfect ideal, she started her 'spare son' to be one. When I went and started Hogwarts and sorted in Gryffindor, which was more to spite her by the way, she instigated my brother to the point that when I returned, he hated me just like my mother. I had lost my family fully then, all because of her. I hate her from within my core Severus and hate any and everything she taught. My extended family to whom we were allowed to meet, which incidentally only contain my uncle Cygnus and his family, all of them consider me as the most failure Black ever born. That's why I don't think they'll help me," I finished, looking directly at his eyes.
He didn't react for a few moments, his face didn't show any expression except blankness. That's another thing different from gryffindors, Slytherin don't show emotions on their face. So it is very difficult to read them.
"That's totally your choice, but giving a shot is not a bad thing in my opinion as you are ready to do anything to find her," he said to me neutrally.
At that time I didn't reply, but thought I'd never be going to return to my family. But after a week, more like another unsuccessful week, I decided to try. I wrote a letter to my grandfather, who I came to know has accepted the lordship again due to lack of heir. I didn't think he'd reply but his reply came the next day for a meeting and the portkey. I still remember styling myself as a pureblood heir for the first time in many years for that meeting. You can't blame me, Lord Arcturus Black is terrifying. All Blacks know that. If presenting myself as a proper Black can elevate my case I'm all for it.
Black manor, where the portkey landed me, was like any Black property magnificent and exquisite. Standing in between the huge ground and made of black stones, the manor is site to behold. I won't deny that I was very terrified, who wouldn't. I have met the man a number of times that I can count on my one hand and last saw him when I was 8 I guess. The elf had taken me to the sitting room. I waited for like 5 minutes with some refreshments on the table and trust me that was the longest 5 minutes of my life. Then I saw my grandfather descending from the stairs. He had changed alot since last I saw him, his remaining black hair had turned grey and he had lost a lot of weight. He looked tired and…ill. I felt a strong pang, my infallible grandfather doesn't look as strong as earlier. Oh, he still has that strong frightening aura around him but it has laced with a… tiredness for lack of words.
"Thank you, for meeting me, grandfather, on such short notice," I stood up and said when he came in front of me and got a nod. I sat when permitted and grandfather sat opposite to me.
"I was surprised when your letter came, Sirius," he said, giving me a cup. "Afterall, you discarded your family quite vocally," he said and I winced. He looked at me with the same grey eyes and for a second I was again the 4 year old who had met Lord Arcturus Black for the first time.
"I-," I tried to say, but as I said I was 4 year again in front of him. All of my excuses seemed bad that time.
"You don't have to make excuses. I know why you ran away, or more like I have come to know that. I don't approve of your mother" he said looking at me, there was an understanding in those familiar grey eyes that melted something inside me.
"You don't," I asked disbelievingly. Walburga was the ideal daughter-in-law for the family, at least she said she was.
"Of course I don't. But that is not why you came here. So tell me the real reason Sirius," there's the calculating look returned in his eyes and also something that makes you spill all your secrets.
That's his way to tell me that 'don't beat the bush and tell me why have you come'. I took a slow sip, to arrange my words carefully.
"You know I have been friends with James Potter since the start of my Hogwarts." I started then stopped to look at him to see if he would comment like my charming mother but he didn't say anything and just nodded to continue. "So almost two years earlier, James had twins-,"
"Twins, newspaper didn't mention having another child other then what they called ahh boy-who-lived,"
"They wouldn't as they don't know ofcourse. Lady Potter gave birth to a boy and a girl. The girl…." and I continued to tell the whole story, from the birth of my chiot to her abundance. Grandfather listened to me silently asking questions in between. After I finished the story, we went silent, sipping our tea absently. I can felt that amazing political mind behind those grey eyes running with miles speed. That was so unnerving.
"What were you expecting from me, when you came Sirius," he asked looking directly at my eyes.
"I was hoping for little help finding her. She is Black after all and aren't family comes first for us," I answered repeating the kind of favorite phrase of the family. I know I was laying thick, but anything to get chiot back. My grandfather saw through that and smirked, it was a predatory smirk who had caught prey at the corner.
"I have an offer for you," he said, taking a sip. "You take the heirship of the family in return you can use every resource our family has," he said slowly. It took me 5 seconds to register what he had said.
"That can't be possible," I said, more like shouted. My grandfather just raised his eyebrows at my outburst making me blush.
"Grandfather, my mother disinherited me and blasted me from the tapestry," I said in a low voice.
"Didn't I said earlier that I don't agree with you mother," he replied "and she disinherited you not disowned, as for blasting you from tapestry that doesn't mean anything. It wasn't even original tapestry,"
"But why do you want me to be the next Lord, grandfather? I'm the most inadequate person for this," I asked bewildered and in slight suspicion.
"Why do you think that," he asked with raised eyebrows as if he was amused by my answers.
"I don't believe in blood purity crap, I shoved away family magic. I fought against dark for Merlin sake," I snapped.
Grandfather sighed. "Who you want to disillusioned with the belief of your rejection of family magic, I don't know but family magic is as part of you as your limb. You can't shove it away. As for your part in the war, we both know it was more for your loyalty towards Potter boy than dark or light. As for why our family wasn't part of it," then he added seeing I was denying that "I know some members of our family chose sides but that doesn't mean Black family has chosen sides. In the war any family chose any sides means the Lord of the family has to vocally side them. If I am not wrong Orion didn't neither did I,"
"That doesn't mean I am adequate to this, why are you asking me this? Is it because of Re…. lack of any perfect male in the family," I asked because Merlin that was so confusing. If my grandfather noticed my fumble over Reggie's name he didn't say anything, his death was sore subject for me at that time.
"That is one reason but the main reason I want you to be next Lord is because I find you perfect. I have always," he said looking at my eyes, he explained seeing my disbelief "I have always found you a better candidate for Lordship because of your strong character Sirius. You have always been a headstrong child. I have seen you fighting for your own beliefs and even with pressure or even punishment you never change them. You must have inherited that from Walburga, because Orion wasn't like that. He was malleable, used to agree with anything Walburga said. Your brother was like him. Black Lordship requires a headstrong character. Second is your loyalty and want of protecting anyone you consider your family,"
"But I don't have any loyalty towards Black family and their beliefs. Are you not listening when I said I don't believe in blood purity" I tried to talk out.
"I know you don't. And I'm not asking you to change that. There's so much more than that we believe. My offer exist, you accept the role as Lord Black and you have all the resources at your disposal to find your daughter," he said calmly.
"You seem desperate, grandfather. So much so that you are agreeing to be against your blood-purity. I know you are as blood-purist as they come," I asked suspiciously as anyone who knew him could tell he was as blood purist as they come.
He looked at me, there was so much pain in his eyes and he looked so old and weak. I have never considered even the possibility of my grandfather being weak and fragile but here the great Lord Arcturus Black looked so old and weak and broken. Oh, he still held himself high but his eyes were trying to convey everything. "My Lucretia came to me some months ago, told me that Lady Walburga Black had disowned her for marrying a light wizard. That pulled me from my isolation. You have to understand Sirius, after my Melania's death, I was heartbroken. I was not in the state to manage our family. That's why I gave all my responsibilities to your father. I knew Orion wouldn't be the best Lord, he wasn't strong enough, I found my grandson was. There was so much hope for you. Walburga took responsibility to teach you and mediate between us. I don't know what your mother told you or taught you, but you were.. are perfect. Headstrong, protective and loyal. No one has been able to contact me for the last 14 years. I was wallowing in my misery waiting for my death in lockdown, thinking my family had been taken care of. When Lucretia came I came to know how my family has been broken. That wretch of the woman has gall to disown whoever she thought has deceived her so-called family rule. Charis, Callidora, Cedrella Lucretia Alphard and you. My grandnieces were married with subpar contracts. My one grandniece and grandson have branded themselves like cattle and one has been disowned marrying a lower status man. Black family that has always been so sacred in the highest position of the food chain is now scorned.
I was in rage, took her lady status from her and put her in house arrest for the rest of life. I want my family to flourish like we always have but I neither have that much energy nor time. Our family requires a strong figure to lead or Black family will be doom soon," he told me and I didn't like the broken voice one bit.
I didn't know what to do, in one hand I have never care for my family name, Walburga has manage to make me hate it, but on the other have it still was mine, my family my daughter's family (the moment Potter had decided to give her away she stop being Potter, at least for me) but Walburga had not only tortured me but also broke the family. I even have never met all of these names grandfather has taken, Walburga always kept me and Reggie isolated. Apart from monthly dinners with her little brother Cygnus and his family we have not met anyone. If I went with this, I would have all the resources Black family has, which is such a great quantity of, and I could require all the resources I could get. Moreover it would going against Walburga, which in his honest opinion is the thing he used to live for. But…
"I have a condition if you want me to take heirship," I said firmly, to which he raised his eyebrows in question, "I won't change my views on your demands,"
He just smiled. I felt so good seeing his fond smile directed at me. "If you'd change your views on anyone's demand I won't have given you heirship. Learn more about Lordship and our family and form your own perspective. I'll help you in training but I won't force you anything," he said softly.
That's how my training to be next Lord Black started under mentorship of Lord Arcturus Black. I had my basic heir training under my father so he taught me rest with filling the gaps present in between knowledge. He was a real slave driver. Even with his broken heart due to loss of love of his life and destroyed family, no one can deny he was the force to be reckoned with. His estate management techniques was so efficient that in his life as Lord Black he had almost doubled the Black money, which was already huge to begin with. And Merlin his political lessons, there's no wonder that no one could eye a Black wrongly under his Lordship. When I started it was only for my daughter but as time passed his wish of returning Black family became my want. And my hate for Walburga increased for making me believe that Black family history only about narcissism and family magic means curses.
There's so much of it, that no wonder remaining Black feels proud being part of.
It took me 3 years of rigorous training till Arcturus deemed me ready for taking Lordship. In between those years I had never once stopped my search. I had hired goblins, on my grandfather's suggestion, for the search. Never once grandfather asked or even hinted at me to stop or reduce the money I have been spending for searching. Goblins' help is not cheap afterall. Unfortunately, no result came out in those years.
Of Course I have kept my contact with Severus, yes with time he had become Severus instead of Snape. In fact I have told him about my decision of becoming Lord Black day after my meeting with grandfather only. Relationship with him had progressed and we became real friends in the meantime. If I started to feel more than friendship for him, I didn't say anything to him.
But, the failure in search of my daughter was not the only bad thing going on in my life. My grandfather's health was also deteriorating as day passed. At some time he stopped any effort of healing himself. Said he'd make it till I became ready to return the Black family to its former glory, but he also didn't want to live after that and wanted to be with his Meliana.
The day before I was entering the wizengamot, we had decided to have my 1st family dinner as Lord Black and also made the remaining Black who was the new Lord now in face as I had exchanged only letters with them without my name written on it. That was the last family dinner I had with my grandfather.
I still can remember their faces as I descended to the sitting room. Andromeda, Narcissa, their parents Cygnus and Druella, and Aunt Lucratia were invited. Cygnus and his wife were sitting with Narcissa and Andromeda on another with aunt Lucretia. He was glaring daggers on his ex-daughter and I guess there would be blood shed if grandfather was not there. When I descended in those rare acromantula silk robes with Black insigma on my right breast (insigma on right represents Lord while on left represent member of the family) and Lordship ring glistening on my right hand, their jaws dropped. Most distinguished reaction was from my uncle, his expression turned from wide eyes and dropped jaw in shock to red face in anger. They looked at me then at grandfather for explanation.
"Thank you for waiting for me," I said calmly, forcing the nerves and panic under my strongest shields. I didn't want to ruin my 1st family dinner even a slightest. It was the final test kind of and I wanted to make my mentor happy with me.
"What is the meaning of this uncle," Cygnus hissed standing up looking towards my grandfather with accusing eyes
"Sit down uncle," I said firmly sitting up at the single high chair which to the previous meetings used my grandfather.
"I won't take any orders from an immature little bastard like you," he shouted then said looking at grandfather "Why this insolent, ill-mannered boy is wearing lordship ring uncle. Black family hasn't fallen so much that we have to be under protection. I would have taken the responsibility if you felt all the requirements of Black male,"
Grandfather just smiled, it wasn't a fond smile, more like he was laughing at some kind of hidden irony. "Pollux always thought that he would have better Lord,"
"Sit down uncle, or I'll banish you from Black state," I said sharply. all heads turned to me in astonishment and making my uncle to sit down.
"We have so much to discuss today. Uncle," I looked at him with a predatory look I guessed because he looked more startled "let's start with you as you are quite vocal about my gaining lordship,"
"You sh-" he was about to start his rant but cutted by me.
"Yes, you have made your point quite clearly that I shouldn't be Lord. But I am chosen by Lord Arcturus Black to be his successor and you'll accept his wish or I'll do what you and your beloved sister loves to do with other Black family members, yes disowning. Unlike you I have many reasons to do that." I shouldn't have loved his spluttering so much but Merlin I couldn't help. He was the one who helped his sister in every way to make their children's life miserable.
"You inso-"
"Lord Black, you'll address me as Lord Black. Let's start from the beginning. You and your sisters made your children isolated from the rest of the family except each other. We grew up without knowing how our aunt really is. You and your sister had made childhood by your unrealistic expectations.You made Lord Orion to disowned your daughter,"
"She ran away with that mudblood," he shrieked and that was so similar to his sister and I had to double take.
"Because you made the most trashy contracts ever for your daughters. Only Bellatrix's contract was fine by our family standard that too because that was made by father. If she wouldn't have ran, she would have become that Travers slave. You would have made the daughter of Black family follow some half witted wizard with lower standing than ours," I said and congratulated myself internally that not once I had raised my voice even though I was fuming after reading that particular contract. No one orders a Black, son or daughter.
"We have done no such thing. She would have been Lady Travers but no she became whore to mudblood putting my Narcissa's betrothal at risk," Cygnus shouted. I got so angry with that slur that I threw a low power bludgeon curse on his calf. His bone hadn't broken but he had bruised quite heavily. All the people looked at me with wide eyes but the fear that came in Cygnus's eye was the ice to my burn.
"Next time it'll be pointed at your heart and overpower if I hear any slur for any daughter of house of Black. No, so you have not let them have a clause that the lady would follow everything the Lord expects." all the eyes turned to him in disbelief that he could do something like this.
"That's the general clause present in many contracts have," he tried to fumbling excuse but stopped immediately seeing grandfather's glare.
"That's not a general clause we sign, you fool. Now let's come to Narcissa's contract. You in all wisdom let Malfoys have primacy over their marriage,"
"We have to save her betrothal that girl put at risk by running away. We had done what we had to do" hetried to make excuses.
"Cedrella Black ran to become Weasley, resulting in her disownment didn't affect a single thing for her sister. If you had disowned Andromeda, then why did you feel the need to cower at Malfoy feet. You put the primacy of other house over ours. Not the betrothal contract our family has ever made let any house to get primacy over us. You even know what you have done. If something happens between their relationship we have no say in that. We have no right over their child if Malfoy doesn't want to. Let's not forget her son doesn't have to take our name even if he gains Black Lordship. Black family will essentially die if that happens as they'd come under Malfoys. You most idiotic man ever you would have let Black family die with your half cooked schemes,"
I didn't need words to explain what I was saying. They understood if I hadn't taken up the lordship, it would have gone to Malfoy heir as there wasn't any male left after Walburga's whole family's disownment. I think that was her plan actually, to disown everyone who'd be eligible for the lordship so it would have gone to her children and her nieces children. But they haven't guessed the consequences of the primacy clause, like the wide disbelieving eyes of my uncle indicating. Dumb, greedy people.
"I'll come to your betrayal for the house later uncle. Now for the next thing to discuss, the people Walburga had disowned for her amusement has been reinstated, which means Longbottom and Crouches are our extended family. Also children of Marius Black, Castor and Lyra, are now part of our family," i declared.
"Sirius uncle Marius is squib," aunt Lucretia said slowly.
"I know, but that doesn't mean he doesn't make him any less of our blood. Nonetheless, his children are magical. Both of them have gotten education from the Australian institute of magic. Castor got married with a witch named Anna and has 2 children Rigel and Vega," I explained.
"You can't accept any blood in the family without discussing," Durella said heatedly.
"You'll find, aunt dearest that I can. And I will. Anyone having an ounce of Black blood is welcome in the family. And you'll accept them. I will have your shitty blood-purity to deteriorate our family any further. I don't care if that is you learnt from your parents and believe it wholeheartedly, and I don't expect you to change your views but you'll respect them and their different views," I said quite firmly, making them understand how serious [yes I'm Sirius ;) ] about it and it's non-negotiable.
All the faces turned to my grandfather who shrugged, (like actually shrugged seemed I was a very bad influence on him). They all turned to me defeated for the next order.
"Ohh, and also Castor will be Lord regent on my untimely death. He'll move here soon so you'll meet him. I think you'll find him quite likeable," I resisted the urge to smirk at their silent groan.
"Aunt Lucretia," I turned to her with a serious face. "I apologise for the problem you had to face due to my mother's action. No worry, that will never happen. You are and always will be part of Black family," I said solemnly and got a teary whispery thank you that actually made me feel accomplished. If I hadn't taken lordship I would have never known that these people can be so important for me.
"Andromeda," I turned to her. "I know father had disowned you, for a reason I admit, because you running away would have ruined the whole family reputation. You know this as well. But you also have done something any Black couldn't done for last 300 years, producing a metamorphmagus. I asked you in letters to think about returning to the family. So what is your decision," I asked. I was exchanging letters with all the remaining members of house sing under Lord Black so they knew lordship has been taken but didn't knew by whom.
"I would love to be part of Black family again, Sirius but I have a condition," I raised my eyebrows in question so she continued. "I don't want my daughter to be part of any betrothal . I want her marry because of love not for political or financial gain,"
I didn't have guts to tell my own choice that I love him. Like hell I could force anybody to marry of my choice. Not that I have tell them that.
"Okay, I promise no children of Black family will enter any betrothal. They'll marry if they want to marry and with whomever they want. But there will be contract to secure our assets as well as our son and daughter," I said.
"Narcissa," I turned to her and she looked at me weary. I could understand why, in between those 3 sisters I only was comfortable to talk with Andromeda, Bellatrix was very overbearing for me and Narcissa was to poise and regal, despite she was of my same age. So I have never shown any inclination to be friends with them even in Hogwarts. "I know your contract gives Malfoys more power over your relationship. But if at any point you feel the need of anything be it financial or protection even from your husband, Black family will back you. You are a part of it and we take care of our own. I hope there's no problem in your relationship and you don't need any help," I said as calmly as I could as I knew I don't have her trust. And between those 3 Black sister, I can beware of Narcissa the most because you don't know when you'd get stab. But like all Blacks family is everything for her.
"Yes, everything is fine between Lucius and me but thank you," she said elegantly.
"Now I couldn't anything for Bellatrix, as she declared rather loudly about her loyalty.
"Like you would have done anything that your master Dumbledore doesn't want," Cygnus sneered at me.
"I don't have any master, uncle. If you know me a little bit you'd know I don't follow. That reminds me, Black family will neutral in the wars but will be in dark sec in politics like usual. I can't do anything for Bellatrix because of simple reason that no one knew she was pregnant and any involvement of auror Longbottom is concealed very tightly. Well, she has taken her revenge," both the Black sisters looking at me, one bewildered and one with blank face but calculating eyes. I didn't say anything about that matter so it was understandablyat rest.
"Great now how about food?" I asked cheerfully.
We had our food with catching up about each others life(in case of me aunt Lucretia and sometimes Andromeda with remaining did small talk) and that's how my first family dinner has passed. Grandfather hugged me at night and said he was ridiculously proud of me and that made up all the uncomfortable and awkward moments.
Next day I entered the arena of politics that is wizengamot as Lord Black. Dumbledore's face when I did was something I still remember. His jaw actually dropped. Of course he tried to contact me after that session for a meeting, but I ignored his entire existence. Still do.
End of flashback
Sirius was making his way to his husband's quarter when a hand pulled him in an unused classroom. He unholster his to raise his attacker to see the glass wearing man.
"It's only me, Padfoot," James said, raising both of his hands, showing unarmed.
"What are doing Potter," he hissed, lowering his wand but not putting it back in the holster. James flinched how he addressed him.
"Padfoot, it's been 10 years I missed my best friend. You can't fight me over that small thing," James said slowly to make his friend understand.
"Small thing, you abandoned my daughter to Merlin knows where, without consulting me didn't even let me have her," Sirius shouted.
"Sirius she was my daughter first but you have to make tough decisions for your family," James said softly as if talking to a stubborn child, ignoring Sirius' scoff he continued "She was a squib. At that time you didn't believe Dumbledore's test but now even you can't deny, she didn't have magic to come to hogwarts."
"Did you perchance even visit her, making sure she is even alive to come to school," Sirius spat.
"She is perfectly fine," James said hurriedly trying to be sure but failing miserably.
"So you won't mind telling me her address. Since our splittence is known people won't question about Harriet," Sirius asked quite challengingly, making James losing his fake calmness.
"Harriet Harriet Harriet. It's about that little wretch again. It's always been about since the day she was born she had taken you away from me. Sirius you want a squib over our sacred friendship," James shouted.
"You were competing with a child," Sirius asked incredulously.
"That's not what I mean. I am not competing with anyone Sirius. But you're stuck in one place for so long. She was a squib and I can't let anyone besmirch my family reputation. Why is it so difficult for you to understand," James sighed.
"Let's make a deal. You give me Harriet and I'l give you our 'sacred friendship'" Sirius said little tauntingly
"You know I can't give you her. Please try to understand she is a close chapter for our family. Why are you adamant to destroy our peace? Apparently You already have a husband and daughter yourself" James asked bitterly at the last part, maybe because he didn't know about them, Sirius mused.
"Your peaceful world stood over Harriet's happiness. And I'll always choose her over your sacred friendship," Sirius said and turned to leave but turned around and said firmly"And you'll keep my husband and daughter out of this. I don't care what you feel about me but keep yourself and your old schemer far from my life and family." then left leaving his ex-best friend with crestfallen in the room.
* THE ABANDONED DAUGHTER *
Sirius left the room fuming at Potter's audacity, wand still at his hand, when he felt a hand at his wrist and reflexively he raised his wand at the person who held his wrist to see very familiar black eyes looking at him and little puzzled expression in very familiar yet beautiful face without a hint of wariness. Sirius lowered his wand, held the jaw and kissed him pouring all his love and passion he felt for the wizard. Tension and frustration he was feeling earlier seeped out of him as he kissed those soft lips that tasted like dark chocolate. When the need of oxygen became high they separated. The dark wizard looked at him with raised eyebrows and it baffled Sirius so much that even with a pink face and lustful eyes his husband didn't lose any composure and was so in control of his expression. He so loves everything about this wizard, he latched himself to his neck, kissing and sucking, making him moan.
"Let's relive some tension," Sirius suggested, still at the neck biting a sensitive point as the base of Severus' neck.
"Adhara is going to come for dinner," Black consort replied breathlessly.
"There are still a few hours for dinner," Sirius said, pulling the hazy wizards towards their room for a much needed tension relieving session.
._. ._. ._.
"So what has occured the wizengamot that my ass had to take the burn," the sarcastic potion master asked, not looking from the essays he was grading. Sirius smirked from the table he was setting.
"You loved every second of it," Severus look up with deadpan expression making Sirius' smirk widen then dropped."Potter," he said, anger still lingering, he continued at his husband's eyebrows raised in question "he wanted to reestablish our sacred friendship Apparently, I am overreacting as abandoning a child is a small thing."
"That ignoramus…" Severus' next words died as the portrait opened and their daughter entered in her full glory with pink skin and orange hair.
"What in Merlin's name," Severus cried but Sirius just laughed hysterically.
"Prank, my suspicion lies on certain red-head twins," Adhara said, looking not a bit put out.
"You know what that means," Sirius said cheerfully
"Prank wars," his daughter shouted equally cheerful and running towards her dad spread hand to embrace him. Severus just rolled his eyes at his husband's and daughter's actions.
And dinner passed with father daughter sharing ideas to prank Hogwarts. Severus didn't know when he became tolerant to pranks, but he accepted this side of his husband just like his husband accepted his broody, Moody side. Oh, don't misunderstand, he still gives detention to whomever gets caught, but he doesn't hate it now. His husband also manages not to overdo things (yes he understands that some pranks that he had done in school are pranks and more bullying). Severus just smiles softly, looking at his family, something he had never imagined to have.
* THE ABANDONED DAUGHTER *
Adhara left not 5 minutes ago and Severus was wrapping up all the work when he felt hands against his waist and lips at the nape of his neck.
"Let's retire to room, love. Houseelves will do this," he heard his husband's husky voice from his neck.
"You are insatiable Black," he said, his own voice turning husky.
"Only for you consort Black,"
Before something happened, a knock was heard and with that spell got broken.
"Must be your snake," Sirius said, getting apart from him "I'll be in the room," he said and left.
"Hmm," Severus said. 'It has to be important or whoever was on the other side will get detention till he graduates' he went to check on, musing.
He didn't know what he was expecting, but he definitely wasn't expecting the head lioness at his door at this time.
"Minerva, what are you doing here, at this time,"
"Severus, may I come in,"
"I thought I should congratulate however late I am," Minerva said, giving an expensive wine bottle to him. Severus frowned at the question, looking at her to elaborate.
"Seriously, Severus, you really expect that I won't notice your and your husbands from your expression. Come on, you have been my colleague for 10 years and my student for 7 years. I know you guys like the back of my hand. Now where is that idiotic gryffindor," she said smiling.
Severus looked at her few seconds then rolled his eyes and called his husband "Black, Black,"
Sirius came wiping his face wearing his pajama "What is it my lo- professor" he looked at McGonagall them at his husband bewildered.
"Yes Mr Black,"
"Minerva somehow managed to learn that we are together and came to congratulate us. She is just 6 years late," Severus Sid with his trademark smirk and Minerva huffed.
"How would I have known? It's not like you had invited me."
"Professor we-," Sirius started to say but cutted out.
"I don't need any explanation Mr Black. I am really happy for both of you. Really you two deserve each other," she said smiling then she added where her smile turned smirk "So Severus you wouldn't be showing any partiality towards your daughter now would you,"
Sirius scoffed "there are more chance of him finding faults in her work than he finds in gryffindors'"
Severus huffed and said"She doesn't need praise. She knows she is the best. She only require remarks so she could make herself better,"
"Well said, Mr Prince-Black. Now I let you guys rest," she started to leave but turned around and said "I still expect a celebratory dinner soon," then she left without waiting for their answers leaving both of them perlex about what had just happened.
"I never knew strict McG could be so cool," Sirius said, still bewildered "Let's go, we need rest after such a weird day," he said and both of them left to sleep.
* THE ABANDONED DAUGHTER *