Thank you for r/r's!

Hermione DB- Sorry for not putting you as Bill's girlfriend I will try and add it somewhere. I want to join the 'fuzzy hug for Remus' club! Thank you for Sirius comments; I hope he's proud. I think I'm going to cry now!

Gaul- Thank you for reading, I'm glad you're enjoying my fic! I love new readers!

Padfoot1979- (love the name by the way) Thank you for your comments, I'm glad you approve! I think half of your question will be answered in this chapter so hope you like!

Wintermoon- Thank you for the pumpkin pasties they were absolutely delicious. Do you make them yourself? Thank you for reviewing, though how you always manage to be the first to do so I'll never know.

Right ok, we can start now…..

Family Ties

Sirius didn't need to be told to rise early; in fact he never went to sleep. He felt so anxious and excited about visiting his sister that he couldn't possibly sleep. He tossed and turned all night long, his head full of thought. He couldn't wait to arrive at the Martin house and greet his younger sibling; but on the other hand he was dreading it.

What would he say?

How would she react?

What if she didn't want to know - didn't even care that she had an older brother?

The idea of Ebony rejecting him was more than Sirius could bare; but he had to know.

He had to at least try.

Sirius turned his mind to happier thought of his sister.

What did she look like?

He could easily envision the Ebony that he had known all those years ago; she had been small, chubby and pink in complexion. He prayed that she would not have changed too much, although hopefully she would be somewhat taller. Remembering photographs he had seen of his mother at seventeen, Sirius imagined that Ebony would look quite similar, on the short side but slim and beautiful with a full face. She had certainly inherited her mother's dark hair, which he pictured cascading down the length of her back.

He could picture her perfectly.

'For God's sake! Padfoot!'

Sirius was pulled from his train of thought by an angry cry from Remus. He looked up from his place on the floor and saw his friend staring wearily down upon him from his bed.

'Will you stop fidgeting! I would like some sleep!'

'Sorry Moony.' Sirius replied as he rolled over onto his side.

But it was no use, he could not possibly sleep. He tip-toed quietly out of the bed room and made his way down the creaky staircase and into the living room. Settling down upon the settee he returned to his quiet thoughts.

Trying to evoke his picture of Ebony, Sirius was sadly disappointed to find that his mind had now wandered to Mr Martin. He stood there, a man in his early fifties, six feet tall with dark grey hair. He was a broad set man with an irritatingly happy smile. He seemed to laugh at Sirius, the horrible, mocking laugh of a man who had benefited from another's misfortunes. Sirius held the memory in contempt. He wanted very much to reach into his mind and strangle this annoying figure, the man Ebony would call 'Dad'.

'Just a few more hours,' Sirius told himself. 'Just a few more hours and you can wrap your hands around…'

 'Well you've done it now.'

Remus had just entered the room, fully dressed and wearing a very annoyed expression.

'I can't get back to sleep.'

'Sorry Moony.' Sirius apologised again, glad this time that his friend had interrupted his over-active imagination.

'Never mind.' Remus said softly. 'Listen, Padfoot, I've been thinking.'

Something about the look on his friend's face told Sirius that he was about to hear something that he wouldn't like.

Remus carried on, 'I don't think it's a good idea for you to just turn up on Mr Martin's doorstep today, it just doesn't seem fair. He should be warned.'

Sirius threw his head back in disbelief, his fists clenched around clumps of dark hair.

'You promised me,' he growled as he stared up at the ceiling. He couldn't believe what he was hearing.

How could Remus turn his back on him now?

After everything they had discussed and that long night of sickening anxiety, how could his friend let him down?

Remus sat down by his friend, determined to state his case.

'Please try to understand,' he begged, unsure if Sirius was paying him any attention.

He spoke again  in a soft tone. 'We can't just spring this on him, or Ebony for that matter.'

Sirius turned to face his friend and looked him directly in the eye. 'I am going to see her today, I will not wait,' he said firmly.

'I'm not asking you to. What I propose is that I go to the Martin's today and explain our situation, hopefully even plan a meeting.'

Remus stood up and walked towards the door. Before leaving the room he stopped and said 'I'm, not saying don't come, just not as yourself.'

Alone in the room once again Sirius sat for a long time contemplating Remus's suggestion. He had to admit it did make sense. He could meet Ebony today in canine form. He would be able to see his sister and learn more about her family without putting anyone on the spot. He would be present during any discussions and would have no opportunity to display his famous temper. In the back of his mind he was also relieved that he could delay the awkward, formal meeting; he would be able to learn about his sister first and then later prepare how to introduce himself properly. Sirius would be safe as a dog, no one had learned of his animagus form since his release. Dumbledore thought it would be best kept as a secret, the Ministry would not approve of anyone giving potential murderers tips on breaking out of Azkaban.

Remus returned in an hour and said. 'I think we ought to be leaving now. I thought we'd take the Knight Bus, I can't stomach that bike again.'

The mere though of having to ride on Sirius's flying motorcycle had turned Lupin's face a deathly shade of pale. Seeing his friend's apparent fear, Sirius gave a short bark-like laugh. Taking a deep breath he clasped his hands together, so firmly that the knuckles turned white. He closed his eyes tightly as though trying to empty his mind and then slowly got to his feet.

The two men silently pulled on their winter cloaks and walked down to the end of the Lupin's drive-way. Remus stuck out his wand hand and as if from out of nowhere a giant purple bus screeched to a halt before them.

The doors of the bus flew open and a spotty young man with large ears stood upon the steps.

'Welcome to the Knight Bus, emergency transport for the stranded witch or wizard.'

The conductor, Stan Shunpike, spoke in the squeaky voice of an adolescent yet he looked to be about the age of twenty three.

'Hold on a minute,' he continued eyeing the two friends suspiciously. 'You don't look too stranded to me. Is this your house?'

'No, no' Remus lied. 'We got lost, ended up here by accident.'

'I see,' said Stan unsurely. 'Hop aboard then. Where you off to?'

Sirius began to scramble in his pocket for the address but Remus seemed to know it off by heart.

Once the men had paid their fares and settled themselves down Remus began to speak.

'Don't worry Padfoot. I know you must be nervous. I'm sure everything will be ok.'

For the rest of the journey Sirius remained silent and perfectly still. Remus turned to speak to him on several occasions but never quite found the heart to disturb his friend. Sirius was undoubtedly lost within his mind, it seemed wrong to snap him back to reality when he had so many important matters to deal with.

It took forty minutes for the Knight Bus to arrive at the Martin's house. When it finally did Sirius completely pale and on the verge of falling from the bus . His dark eyes were wide with fear, his hands clasped nervously in his pockets.

He could see the house from here; it stood in solitude within its large grassy grounds. It wasn't a large manor house like the Black's but an over-sized cottage with a thatched roof and tiny, leaded windows. In the front garden stood several bare trees and empty flower beds, Sirius imagined that it would be a beautiful place in summer when in full bloom. A long swing-chair stood by the front door which looked like it had not long since been covered in ivy. Bright blue shutters hung by the windows and a tiny bird house hung between the upper windows. Out of the back of the house Sirius could see a dapple grey pony drinking from a tin basin and a large wire cage filled with Gibbigribs, a bird-like creature with the ears of a rabbit. It broke his heart to admit it, but he could see that Ebony would be very happy here, the wonderland house looked perfect for a small girl.

'Right,' Sirius muttered as Lupin placed a brotherly hand upon his shoulder.

'It's up to you Padfoot, it's your call.'

Giving the house one last look of mingled hatred and approval, Sirius transformed quickly into his animagus form. Remus's hand hovered in the air that had once been filled by his friend's shoulder.

Lupin set of towards the house. With every step he took he felt every ounce of confidence that he possessed fade to nothing. He dreaded the moment when his fist would meet that front door, summoning those within to the terrible news that their lives were about to be turned upside down. He half wanted to change his mind and run back home, but he couldn't. He looked down at the shaggy, black dog that padded along so happily behind him and knew that he could never break his promise.

Not allowing his mind to engage in any further debate, Remus strode down the Martin's garden path and knocked sharply upon the wooden door.

In a matter of seconds a short, thin figure emerged from the front room and made its way towards the door, Remus could see the person's silhouette commencing from the rippled glass panel in the door. He couldn't see properly who it was but his heart stopped all the same. Something in his soul was praying that it wouldn't be one of the Martin's; that they had moved home long ago.

Sirius evidently thought no such thing. He sat by Lupin's feet with a distinct look of glee upon his canine face. His wagging tail pounded upon the gravely footpath, his dark eyes wide with anticipation.

With a soft click the front door began to open very slowly. The occupant was obviously wary of intruders. While Remus lost all feeling in his limbs, Sirius looked as though he was trying very hard not to jump up and push the door open himself.

Before the person within the house was even visible, a croaky voice came from beyond the door.

'Mr Lupin. I thought you'd be coming.'

Tilting his head Remus could see Mr Martin peering between the gap in the door.

'Mr Martin, I'm sorry to intrude. May we come in?' Remus asked politely.

'We?' The man inquired.

Scolding himself for his mistake, Remus replied. 'Myself and my dog.'

Mr Martin pushed the door ajar and walked back inside the house without further enquiry.

Remus followed him along a narrow passageway and into a room at the back of the house with Sirius close to his feet.

The two friends found themselves inside the Martin's kitchen where Mr Martin had already seated himself.

This was the first opportunity Sirius had to take a look at his sister's carer and what he saw shocked him.

This man was certainly not who he had been expecting to see. He wasn't the tall, broad, smiling figure that he had imagined. In fact, Mr Martin was quite the opposite. He was a short, skeletally thin man who looked to be in his early seventies. His face was weary and heavily lined. His head was thinly covered in fine, white hair and his hands were bony with fingers that seemed capable of little movement. Sirius felt a pang of guilt as he looked at the frail figure before him. He had despised and resented this man; looking at him now it seemed unthinkable that he could have been jealous of such a sickly looking character. Remus had said that Mr Martin was old but Sirius had merely thought he had meant older than Ebony's real parents, not old enough to be her grandparents.

Remus sat down opposite Mr Martin at the large, pine dining table. The old man sat hunched over the table with his head bowed, unconvincingly trying to conceal the saddened look upon his face. He folded his arms tightly around his chest, holding his navy cardigan closely to his body. Remus felt extremely unsettled as he watched the old man, his health had obviously deteriorated since their last meeting.

'Mr Martin.' Lupin began.

'Theodore,' the man corrected quietly.

Remus smiled warmly as Martin made eye contact. He was determined to remain friendly and not distress his host.

'Theodore. Would you prefer if we talked with your wife present.'

Mr Martin's eyes wandered sadly to his knees, his silvery eyes filled with sorrow.

'Mrs Martin passed on four years ago.'

Sirius, who had settled under the table beside Lupin's feet, pricked up his ears.

Dead?

Ebony had lost her mother, her second mother, when she had been only thirteen. He wished he had been there. He wished with all of his heart that he could have been of help, comforted his sister.

Remus too seemed shocked by the news. 'I'm sorry Theodore, truly I am.'

'Don't worry about it,' Theodore said waving a long, spindly hand. 'Ebony was a tower of strength to me, she pulled me through. We pulled each other through.'

If both Sirius and Remus had felt just one twinge of guilt since meeting Mr Martin it was now. Ebony was clearly the old man's world, the only family he had left. Remus wanted to get up and leave but Sirius remained hopeful of a compromise.

'That's why you're here, isn't it?' continued Martin's croaky voice. 'I read about Black's release in the Prophet, of course I expected one of you to come.'

Remus leant across the table and placed a warm hand upon Theodore Martin's arm.

'Nobody is going to take her away from you, I promise.'

Mr Martin looked thoughtfully at Remus, his pale eyes full of disbelief.

'What then?'

Remus inhaled deeply and began to relay Sirius's wishes.

'My friend didn't ask for his sister to be taken away Mr Martin, but he does accept that you too have a place in her life. I know that he is extremely appreciative of all you have done for her. He simply asks to spend time with her, to rebuild their relationship.'

Theodore eyed his guest suspiciously. 'He won't take her away?'

'No' Remus replied, ignoring Sirius who was now biting on his leg in disapproval.

'Have you told Ebony about her family? Is she too expecting Sirius to come?'

Martin rested his head upon a weak, pale palm.

'Had too,' he replied. 'She always knew she was adopted, my dear wife insisted upon it. We told her that her real mum and dad died, didn't seem much point in upsetting her with anymore detail than that. When I heard that Black was back among us I had to tell her the truth, I knew he wouldn't stay away. She was shocked at first, Sirius Black has always been a dirty word amongst us wizards; but when she knew everything she came around. She seemed interested at first but said she wouldn't go looking for him, though I think she only said that so as not to upset me. She said if he came she'd see him but I could read her like a book; I know that after I pass over she'll want to find him.'

From beneath the wooden table Sirius felt his heart begin to race, Ebony wanted to meet him. She didn't resent him for his imprisonment, she was interested in seeing him. He found himself fighting the urge to transform back into his regular form and shout 'Look it's me, where is she?'

That was a good question; where was she?'

As if reading his friend's mind Remus posed that very question.

'She's just gone out to the green-grocers.' Theodore replied. 'She should be back soon. Best leave the discussion until she gets back, eh?'

Remus nodded in agreement and resigned to making general enquiries.

'Does Ebony attend Beauxbatons Academy? You told me you wanted to send her there.'

Theodore nodded slowly. 'Not many people had heard of her brother in France. I knew there would be no chance of her being recognised, from the photo's I have seen of him in the Prophet they do look extraordinary alike.'

Before Remus could respond a clatter sounded from the adjoining hallway and the front door opened. Sirius leapt to his feet banging his head on the underside of the table.

This was it, it had to be her.

Anxiously digging his claws into the carpet Sirius fixed his eyes upon the doorway, hoping and praying that the sound from the hallway had been Ebony returning from the shop. His heart thumped in his chest, his breathing quickened and became so loud that it earned him a sharp kick in the ribs from Remus. If he had been sitting there in human form his hands would have been shaking with anticipation.

Suddenly a voice called out from the front door. A soft, cheery, female voice.

'It's just me father, I managed to get everything on the list.'

The fur on the back of Sirius's neck prickled, a tingle ran down his spine. That was unmistakably the voice of Ebony Black, she sounded exactly like her mother.

The footsteps that approached the large kitchen suddenly came to a stop.

Ebony stood in the doorway of the room, her arms full with paper bags.

She was everything Sirius had imagined her to be. Short and slim with long, flowing raven hair. He didn't think he had ever seen such a beautiful face, except his mothers; the two women were so alike they could have been twins, except for their eyes. Latia had very dark eyes whereas her daughters were pale and dazzling.

Sirius desperately wanted to transform. He wanted to hug this stunning young girl.he wanted to make amends- but he couldn't. He knew he couldn't, he would have to wait. At the very least he wanted to approach her, but he found he was glued to the spot. His head filled with a million and one thoughts and feelings yet his body registered completely numb.

'Oh, I'm sorry to interrupt you father, I didn't realise you had guests.' Ebony apologised looking towards Lupin.

'That's alright Ebony dear.' Mr Martin said weakly. 'This is Mr Remus Lupin; he is actually here to speak to you.'

Ebony looked astonished as she surveyed Remus, seemingly wondering how this man knew her; she certainly hadn't seen him before.

'I'll just unpack the groceries and I'll be there in a minute,' she replied, smiling politely at Remus.

Finding his feet Sirius followed his sister to the far side of the kitchen, where she greeted him with a pat on the head.

'Oh, hello,' she smiled, playfully tickling the black dog's chin. 'Aren't you a sweetie?'

Sirius barked happily and returned the compliment by licking Ebony's hand affectionately. He looked up into her large, shiny eyes with pride; she was not only beautiful but polite and friendly. As much as he hated to admit it, the Martin's had obviously brought her up well. He continued to follow Ebony's every move, which luckily she seemed to find endearing. After finishing her work in the kitchen she sat down at the dining table between her father and Remus.

Remus wore an expression of deep worry, only outmatched by Mr Martin who now looked as though he were going to faint. The old man's hands clutched the edge of the table tightly as he introduced his guest properly.

'Mr Lupin' Theodore said slowly 'Is a friend of Sirius Black...your brother.'

Ebony, who had been playing with the dog at her feet, suddenly looked up. Her almond shaped eyes narrowed as she asked her father 'I don't have to leave, do I?'

When Theodore didn't answer Remus stepped in.

'He doesn't want to take you away Ebony; he just wants to meet you.'

Ebony's dark skin seemed to pale, giving her the same worried expression that her two companions wore.

'I won't leave my father,' she muttered to herself, trying to block out what she was hearing by twiddling with Sirius's ears. Her brother barked and licked her palm, desperately wanting her to smile at the news of his return.

'Nobody is asking you too.' Remus said softly as he looked into her eyes. 'Sirius just wants to meet you, spend a little time with you.'

Ebony didn't know what to say. Although her father had told her to expect such a visit she was in shock. She had taken Theodore's warning half-heartedly and truthfully did not know how she felt.

'Would it help if I told you about him?' Remus asked, coaxing the girl into his way of thinking.

She nodded without thinking, without really hearing. All she could think of was her father. She couldn't leave him, he couldn't cope- she didn't even want to.

She loved this man dearly; he was the only family she knew. Of course she had wondered, even dreamed of her real family, usually during moments of hardship at the Martin home. Since learning of her brother's existence she had resisted from building her hopes, but now the moment had arrived when she would have to make a choice.

Should she meet Sirius Black?

She did not want to risk upsetting her father; but could she live with herself if she turned the opportunity down? If she refused to meet her brother now she may never get another chance. Her father was a very ill man and she had learned the hard way that her elders were not immortal. The only thing that had pulled her through the pain of her mother's death was the love of her father. Once her father passed away she would have nobody; as much as she hated to admit it her father was not indestructible and the time may come when she would need her brother. She should at least give him a chance.

'When you were born,' Remus began, a faraway expression in his eyes, 'Sirius did everything for you, me and his best friend used to joke about it, he acted more like a father than a brother. Your mother went through a difficult period after your birth; even before her death it was Sirius who raised you.'

'What about my birth father, why didn't he look after me?' Ebony asked with interest.

Remus could have kicked himself; he was being careless with the facts. If he told Ebony the full truth of her birth now then the girl would undoubtedly refuse to be pulled into the tangled lives of the Black's. Sirius trusted him to do this properly, not ruin his chances completely. Thinking quickly, Remus replied.

'Mr Black was an Auror. Around the time of your birth You-Know-Who was very powerful, your father had very little time to spend at home.'

Ebony accepted Remus's explanation without dispute, leaving him free to carry on with his story.

'He was devoted to you, Sirius, you were all the family he had. When he was taken to Azkaban it came as a complete shock but, and I am ashamed to say it, I believed him to be guilty. It was a known fact that one of our number was spying for the Death Eaters. I took you in for a time, but I knew that it would be better for you to be brought up away from the hatred your brother had attracted. The sister of a mass murderer would never be allowed to lead a normal life. I gave personal approval for the Martin's to adopt you. I knew you'd be safe here.'

Ebony now seemed lost in thought. There were so many things she had often wondered but never dared asked, now all of her questions were being answered at once.

When she had been told that she'd lived with her brother she automatically assumed that she had been a burden. It did not seem feasible that a young man should want to look after a young child. She imagined that she had been handed out to baby sitters whilst he had gotten on with his own life. She imagined being left on the doorsteps of countless old women who looked after her out of pity and scolded her brother behind his back. She never once considered that he had been pleased to look after her, that he had loved her like his own and forsaken his own happiness.

Ebony had also wondered how she had come to live with the Martin's. She thought perhaps, that she had lived in an orphanage not unlike a dog's home where countless couples would parade up and down the long corridors before selecting the fittest, prettiest and most well-behaved child they could find. Orphans, to her, were unwanted, unloved children whose parent's gave them up to strangers because they could not stand to have such children in their presence. Ebony now realised that this was not the case, she had been surrounded by loving people since birth. She was had never been hard done by, she was extremely lucky; not only did she have one, but two families who had held her very dear.

'Sirius doesn't want to take me away?' Ebony asked Remus.

'He wants whatever you want.' Remus replied confidently.

Ebony looked to her father and promised 'Nobody will take me away father.'

The old man smiled, reassured by his daughters promise. 'Have you anything you want to say to Mr Lupin?' he asked, already knowing what was coming next.

'Yes.' Ebony replied with a grin. 'When can we meet?'

Before Remus could reply, a great, black dog jumped upon the young girls lap with such a force that she was almost knocked backwards. She laughed loudly as Sirius licked at her face and then began to bounce around the room excitedly.

Mr Martin watched the dog's behaviour with astonishment but Remus hardly noticed. He was too busy marvelling at Ebony's laugh which sounded exactly like a bark.