The Difference One Choice Makes
24th April 1979
Narcissa was sat holding Edward Potter in her lap close to the front of the seated guests watching as her Cousin Sirius got married to their 25-year-old colleague Amelia Bones who was one of the two remaining members of the Bones family famed for producing many powerful witches and wizards over the years.
Though the reputation of the Bones family was one of great admiration, some of the Purebloods of High Society looked down on the once Pureblood family who now produced Half-blood members owing to multiple instances of marrying Muggleborns and Half-bloods over the last century.
The neck length reddish blonde-haired, Auror had a 5'8 tall, curvy figure and was dressed in a floor-length, sleeveless white wedding gown with gold trim around her waist and the bottom of the gown along with a white veil completing her look.
She was stood opposite Sirius who was dressed in fine black suit style dress robes with both of his hands joined with Amelia's.
Having walked Amelia down the aisle her younger and last surviving Brother David Bones aged 23 who had reddish blonde hair like Amelia was sat down in the front rows feeling happy that his older, career-driven Sister had found someone to share her life with.
Serving as Sirius's best man James was stood behind Sirius along with Remus and Frank Longbottom while three of Amelia's closest school friends, Jennifer Davies nee Diggory, Melody Fawcett nee Hopper and Miriam Strout stood to the left of Amelia with Jennifer Davies serving as her Maid Of Honour.
Though Amelia had been a Bridesmaid for Narcissa's wedding to James she regretfully told Narcissa that she had already decided on her Maid Of Honour and Bridesmaids and apologised to Narcissa for not being able to include her.
Narcissa told her that it was okay but asked that she become Godmother to her Son Edward since Sirius was his Godfather which Amelia accepted.
Still, the shock of discovering that Amelia and Sirius were together let alone planning to get married came out of nowhere a month ago as Narcissa only found out when the couple told her and James over a few drinks in the Leaky Cauldron.
It turned out that since Amelia's older brother Edgar had been killed along with his wife and children as well as their parents, Sirius and Amelia had gotten closer over their shared grief of their own losses becoming each other's shoulders to lean on. Nothing really happened between the two beyond comforting conversations for the next few months before they finally accepted that they cared for each other deeply and got together in November 1978.
After another few minutes, Narcissa got to her feet unable to applaud her Cousin and his new Wife as they tied the knot due to her holding Edward in both of her hands.
After another minute or so Dorea Potter who was sat close to Narcissa turned to her.
"Here… I'll take him for a little bit, go and join the others" said Dorea kindly though she was a shadow of her former self still grieving for the loss of her husband.
Narcissa carefully handed Edward to Dorea before walking away from them towards the alter where Sirius and Amelia were receiving their congratulations from their wedding party and some of the other Guests who included friends, Hogwarts staff and Order members.
She placed both hands on Amelia's shoulders congratulating the bride and giving her a kiss on each cheek before turning to Sirius who had just received a one-armed hug and congratulations from Remus.
Once Remus let go of him Sirius turned to Narcissa who slowly wrapped him in a hug.
"Congratulations" said Narcissa softly as she kissed him on the cheek.
Sirius tightened his hold on her.
"Thanks Cissy" said Sirius.
He let go of Narcissa looking down at her with a wicked smile on his face.
"Now, where is my Godson, he needs some pictures with his Godparents at their wedding" said Sirius amusedly.
Narcissa folded her arms with a stern look on her face.
"He is with his Great Aunt" said Narcissa sternly.
Sirius glanced back at where the Photographer was getting people into position for some wedding photos.
"Well… he can come and have some photos with his Godfather, maybe I'll transform and let him sit on my back" said Sirius as he moved to walk past Narcissa who grabbed hold of his arm tightly.
"No Sirius… do you remember what happened when you pulled that little animagus stunt?" said Narcissa sternly as she squeezed his arm.
Thinking it would be funny if he transformed into his dog animagus form to tease his Godson Sirius did just that.
Safe to say the then 8-month-old Edward did not find it funny and started to cry in fear wondering where his Godfather had gone.
By the time Narcissa had run into the room to find out what was going on Sirius had just finished transforming back into his human form which caused Narcissa to figure out exactly what had happened.
Sirius winced slightly remembering how Narcissa had hit him with several stinging hexes all over his body after she had calmed Edward down.
In the end, Sirius relented and decided not to include now one-year-old Edward in the initial wedding photos unless it was Narcissa and James who chose to include him.
After several photos had been taken James did decide to include Edward in the large group photos taken outside of the church taking turns with Narcissa to hold their Son.
13th May 1979
Sirius slowly opened one of the large front doors leading into the main foyer of Black Manor. He and Amelia slowly stepped inside hand in hand and saw that the Manor was bathed in a few layers of dust and grime making it look uninhabitable as it had been abandoned since Cygnus Black's death in September 1978 while his Wife Druella had been revealed to be living in a remote cottage just outside Inverness which had been given to her by her Nephew Duncan Rosier.
After his Grandfather Arcturus Black III had told Sirius where Druella had gone after disappearing following Cygnus's death, Sirius had spent days debating whether to tell Narcissa or not with his Cousin still having her reservations about seeing her Mother again owing to their strained relationship.
In the end, he did tell Narcissa where she could find her Mother but as far as he could tell she had not visited her Mother as of yet.
"I thought your Aunt and Uncle had House Elves, this place is filthy" said Amelia looking around the foyer in slight disgust.
Sirius nodded.
"They did… probably banished them though" said Sirius.
Amelia turned to Sirius.
"Well… if this place is truly ours now, then calling for a House Elf should summon any Elf assigned to this place" said Amelia.
"If you say so… ELF!" Sirius calling out the last word with a sharp voice.
Seconds later a young female House Elf appeared in front of them.
"Master calls for June" said the House Elf dutifully.
Sirius straightened up.
"You are assigned to this house June, yet it is filthy, why have you not kept it clean?" said Sirius sternly.
"Former Mistress told June to go and serve Lord Black Master, June has served Lord Black since then" said June dutifully.
Sirius opened his mouth to question the House Elf again but Amelia squeezed his hand silencing him.
"Are there any other House Elves assigned to Black Manor, or is it just you June?" said Amelia in a kinder voice.
"Former Mistress had four Elves including June Mistress, but she only took one of us with her when she left, the rest of us went to serve Lord Black Mistress" said June.
Amelia nodded to the House Elf.
"Very well… have the other two Elves come here, then the three of you will start cleaning this place" said Amelia.
"Yes Mistress" said June before she disapparated.
Sirius and Amelia pulled their shrunken trunks and chests out of their pockets and restored them to their original size before Sirius turned to Amelia.
"Might as well have a look around" said Sirius.
The two spent the next several minutes walking around their new home checking out their large dining room, kitchen, ballroom, two sitting rooms, a large bathroom, two private study's, multiple single bed bedrooms and a private bathroom that was connected to their new bedroom.
As they walked through the door into their new bedroom Sirius surprised Amelia by grabbing her arms and forcing her backwards until her back was pressed against the wall.
Amelia took a few deep breaths as Sirius looked directly at her with a hungry look on his face.
"Your a bad man Sirius Black" said Amelia with several deep breaths.
"Good thing bad men excite you Amy" said Sirius huskily before kissing her for a few seconds.
Amelia saw him glance at the dusty four-poster bed with a wicked look in his eyes.
"We're not shagging on that bed until it gets cleaned" groaned Amelia forcefully as Sirius swiftly latched onto her neck kissing and sucking on it.
"Floor then" growled Sirius into her neck.
Amelia groaned and lowered her hand towards his belt.
15th May 1979
Sirius sat down on one of the settees in the large sitting room at Black Castle taking a glass of brandy which was offered to him by his Grandfathers House Elf.
Originally he had not wanted to come here at his Grandfather's invitation but Arcturus Black himself had insisted that Sirius attend telling him that it was for a necessary piece of Black family business that could not be avoided.
Arcturus Black sat down in the leather padded chair next to both settees with his own glass of brandy in his right hand.
Sirius remained silent feeling tense around his Grandfather and why he would have asked him to be here but he got his answer several seconds later.
The door to the sitting room opened and two people who Sirius had no intention of talking to walked into the room.
The now 50-year-old Orion Black entered the room first, followed by the 54-year-old Walburga Black, neither of whom looked pleased to see him especially the latter.
"Sirius" said Orion icily.
"What are you doing here?" spat Walburga.
Sirius glared at them.
"I wouldn't have come had I known you'd both be here" snarled Sirius.
"Get lost then you ungrateful bastard, go back to those blood traitors that you now call your family!" spat Walburga.
"SIT DOWN!" shouted Arcturus banging his clenched fist on the arm of his chair.
Walburga turned to Arcturus with a look of great anger on her face at being told what to do while Orion looked angry at his Father.
"You will not order me around" growled Walburga angrily.
"SIT DOWN WALBURGA!" shouted Arcturus.
Walburga scoffed and took a seat followed by Orion who fixed his Father with a bitter look objecting to the treatment of his Wife.
Arcturus saw this and glared at his Son.
"Do not start Orion, it is only the love I bear for you that makes me put up with your spiteful Wife, had she not been your Wife I would not give her the time of day" said Arcturus frostily.
Orion kept his mouth shut while Walburga scoffed before turning to Sirius.
"So… what is he doing here?" said Walburga bitterly while Sirius glared at her.
"Sirius is here at my invitation… and as your last surviving Son he will become Lord Black when myself and my Son are gone" said Arcturus.
Walburga growled.
"It should have been you who died instead of your Brother" spat Walburga.
Sirius sighed at the mention of Regulus's death in early 1977.
Sure he had been upset when he learned that Regulus had been killed but believing that it was because he wanted out of Voldemort's service which likely got him killed stopped Sirius from feeling too sorry for him.
"What you hope and wish for is of no concern of mine Woman… what's important is the continuation of our family line, and that is what we are here to discuss, which is where you come in Sirius, you will marry a suitable Wife from a proper family" said Arcturus.
Sirius of course had not informed any members of his family about his wedding but knew he had to come clean now.
"I already got married… three weeks ago" said Sirius.
Arcturus glared at his Grandson.
"You got married, without telling any of us first" said Arcturus bitterly noticing the identical looks of shock and anger on his Son and Daughter In Law's faces.
Sirius shrugged his shoulders.
"So" said Sirius lazily.
Arcturus took a deep breath calming himself down.
"Fine… who did you take for a Wife, and I hope it was someone from a worthy family" said Arcturus icily.
Sirius straightened up.
"Amelia Bones, she's an Auror at the DMLE" said Sirius proudly.
Arcturus frowned making his disapproval at Sirius marrying a Half-blood evident.
Like his father, Orion also looked disappointed and a little angry but he managed to keep his anger in check.
Walburga however had a different reaction.
"YOU MARRIED A HALF-BLOOD, HAVE YOU NO SHAME… SULLYING OUR PURE BLOOD WITH FILTHY HALF-BLOODS!" screeched Walburga.
Sirius turned to her with a defiant look on his face.
"Yes, I sullied our so-called pure blood and I'm proud of it" said Sirius defiantly.
"How dare you… mark my words, no spawn of yours will ever have any claim to even so much as a Knut from my Family!" snarled Walburga.
"GET OUT WOMAN!" shouted Arcturus.
Walburga suddenly turned to her Father In Law in shock.
"Get out now Walburga… get out or I'll throw you out myself" said Arcturus in a deathly voice.
Walburga growled before disapparating without standing up from her place on the settee.
Once she was gone Orion turned to Sirius with a sigh.
"You have disappointed me yet again Sirius" said Orion flatly.
"When don't I disappoint you?" said Sirius sarcastically.
"But… you are my last surviving son, as such you and your children will be the legacy of House Black, even if they will be Half-bloods" said Orion spitting the last word with distaste.
Sirius sighed before Orion bid them farewell and stood up walking out of the sitting room.
Once Orion was gone Sirius turned to Arcturus who had a slightly frosty look on his face.
"She might be a Half-blood… but at least she comes from a respectable family, if this is what it takes for our family line to continue I guess that will make up for the soiled blood" said Arcturus icily.
Sirius quickly finished his brandy as did Arcturus.
"Now get out" said Arcturus flatly.
Sirius put his glass down before standing up and walking out of the sitting room without another word to his Grandfather.
8th June 1979
James picked up a small moving photograph from the bedside table next to the large four-poster bed. The photo was of his 11-year-old self stood with his Parents which had been taken two weeks before he started his First Year at Hogwarts.
James who had now taken up the position of Lord Potter had brought his Wife and Son to Potter Manor earlier that day after they had moved out of their cottage.
The reason for their move between the two properties was the fact that Fleamont and Euphemia Potter had finally lost their battle with Dragon Pox two weeks prior. Euphemia was the first to succumb to the disease before Fleamont followed her three days later, holding both of their funerals on the same day and burying them both in the grounds of Potter Manor.
As James put the photograph back on the table he heard Narcissa calling out to him from one of the other rooms down the corridor.
He walked out of the main bedroom and down the corridor towards the nursery finding a slightly dishevelled Narcissa cradling a lively Edward along with her wand while his white crib was in pieces on the floor at her feet.
Narcissa looked up at him as she bounced Edward slightly against her chest and shoulder.
"Could you put his crib together… I can't do it unless he settles down" said Narcissa wearily.
James nodded and pulled his wand out pointing it at the disassembled crib.
It took him at least two minutes to reassemble the crib using magic before adding the bedding and blankets to the crib.
Narcissa spent a good few minutes gently singing to Edward which eventually made him settle down and slowly drift off to sleep while James watched on with a soft smile on his face at his Wife's gentle singing voice.
Once Edward was asleep Narcissa placed him in his crib pulling the blankets up to cover him from the neck down before using her wand to finish decorating her Son's nursery.
James leaned on his shoulder against the doorway watching as his Wife created what she would describe as perfection in their Son's nursery.
She might have loved James dearly and took great enjoyment at being an Auror but James knew that she loved and cherished her Son above everything else in the world.
Once she was done Narcissa wiped the slight sheen of sweat off of her forehead before turning to James.
"Make yourself useful why don't you?" said Narcissa teasingly with a hint of sarcasm.
James chuckled.
"Hey, I finished sorting out the bedroom" said James.
Narcissa folded her arms and pursed her lips.
"I see… did you unpack all of my clothes?" said Narcissa sternly.
"Dammit, I knew I forgot something" thought James which caused him to scowl slightly.
Narcissa smirked upon seeing James's reaction.
"I thought so, perhaps you should see to that" said Narcissa cheekily as she took a few steps towards the door.
"And what will you be doing?" said James as Narcissa moved to go past him.
Narcissa leaned closer to him.
"Making sure the library is organised… I need to put all of my books in their proper place" said Narcissa giving him a quick peck on the lips.
James pulled her closer to him causing her to smirk.
"Don't take too long" said James huskily making Narcissa flush with mild desire.
Narcissa kissed her Husband again before pulling away from him.
"Maybe I ought to make you wait" said Narcissa winking at him before walking down the corridor in the direction of the library.
17th January 1982
"I didn't think you would come" said Narcissa as she sipped from her mug of tea while gently rocking the crib which contained her six-month-old, blonde-haired, grey-eyed Daughter Euphemia Miriam Potter who was born on the 9th June 1981.
James had taken both Edward now aged four and their second child Harrison "Harry" James Potter aged eighteen months who was born on the 14th July 1980 to Black Manor to see Sirius and Amelia as well as their two children Jennifer Anna Black who was born in May 1980 and Eric Martin Black born in April 1982. James had taken their two Boys to see the Blacks so Narcissa could have some time alone with her guest at Potter Manor.
"I wasn't sure I would" said the now 28-year-old, long slightly curly brown-haired Andromeda Tonks nee Black who was sat opposite Narcissa with a wary look on her face as she sipped from her own tea.
The Tonks family had been back in Magical Britain for a few months now having finally decided to come back after Sirius sought them out. After returning to the country they had made their home in Andromeda's late Uncle Alphard's old House named "Alphards Retreat".
Narcissa put her tea down on the coffee table in front of her before taking a deep breath.
"I'm sorry Andi" said Narcissa sadly.
"Wow, an apology… haven't heard you utter one of those for years, are you sure you're actually Narcissa" said Andromeda sarcastically.
"Don't be such a bitch Andi" said Narcissa lazily.
Andromeda chuckled.
"Well… apology accepted, and I hope you will accept mine" said Andromeda softly.
Narcissa raised her eyebrow at her older Sister in slight confusion.
"You don't have anything to apologise for Andi" said Narcissa as she sipped her tea.
Andromeda sighed.
"Yes, I do… I shouldn't have left you with Father knowing what plans he had for you" said Andromeda regretfully.
"I wouldn't have gone with you back then… but everything worked itself out in the end" said Narcissa going back to gently rocking her Daughters crib.
Andromeda finished her tea before refilling her mug.
"I never thought you'd go out with Potter" said Andromeda testily.
Narcissa managed a small smile.
"James was there for me when I needed a friend the most… and I fell for him, and made him fall for me in the end" said Narcissa softly.
Andromeda glanced at the cot containing her Niece.
"And he changed your views on the world did he… about Muggleborns and pureblood racism?" said Andromeda testily before turning back to Narcissa.
Narcissa sighed.
"In a way yes, it was actually Aunt Dorea that helped me see things differently… James just did the rest" said Narcissa.
"So your not angry at me for marrying Ted?" said Andromeda.
Narcissa frowned and sipped her tea.
"No… I'm happy you found someone to love, I think we were both due that, look at Bella, she married two men against her will and now look at her, locked up in Azkaban for life" said Narcissa sadly.
Andromeda sighed not wanting to talk about their eldest Sister.
"Have you seen Mother?" said Narcissa testily.
Andromeda scoffed.
"No… and I don't plan too" said Andromeda frostily.
Narcissa sighed.
"She's different now… ever since Father died she's been different" said Narcissa.
Andromeda rolled her eyes.
"Even if that is true… I doubt she'd be happy to see me" said Andromeda sarcastically.
Narcissa decided not to push the tense subject further.
"How is your Daughter?" said Narcissa politely.
"Nymphadora… she's okay, she'll be nine in June… and off to Hogwarts in two years" said Andromeda with pride in her voice.
Narcissa matched her Sisters excitement as they continued to catch up with each other with Narcissa letting Andromeda hold and fuss over Euphemia.
18th July 1986
The now 86-year-old Horace Slughorn, wearing his favourite lavender dressing gown was sat down on one of the plush armchairs in his living room, enjoying a small box of sugared pineapple sent to him by one of his many successful former students when he heard a knock at the door.
He slowly got to his feet drawing his wand and slowly made his way over to his living room window to see who was outside.
As he looked out of the window for a moment he was greatly surprised to see the 29-year-old Lily Snape stood outside waiting patiently at his door.
He quickly made his way through the house to his front door and opened it.
As his eyes met hers his face widened into a smile at the sight of one of his favourite students.
"Lily, please come in" said Horace beckoning her inside with excitement in his voice.
Lily thanked him and walked past him into his house before wrapping him in a hug which he eagerly returned.
"You look well Professor" said Lily kindly.
Horace smiled at her.
"Please, call me Horace… it's been years since I was did any teaching" said Horace kindly as he led her through to the sitting room.
Lily sat down on his settee as Horace waved his wand in the direction of his kitchen making some tea for them.
He sat down in his seat once again as a tea tray floated into the sitting room setting itself down on the coffee table in front of the settee.
"I hear you and Severus got married, congratulations" said Horace kindly as he did not attend their wedding not wishing to show his face owing to the guilt he felt at not sharing Voldemort's secret.
Lily glanced at him and nodded as she poured two mugs of tea.
"Eight years in December… another five years and our girls will be off to Hogwarts" said Lily proudly.
She was making reference to her six-year-old twin Girls Eileen and Rose who were born on the 9th March 1980 while her Son Jerome was born two years later on the 15th July 1982.
"Ah the wonders of children… sometimes it makes me wonder if I should have found myself a lovely Wife and had some of my own" said Horace softly.
Lily handed a mug of tea to him.
"Severus is doing well… he took your old positions as Head of Slytherin House and Potions Master" said Lily softly.
Horace thanked her for the tea.
"And where are you living now… since he spends the entire school year at Hogwarts" said Horace curiously.
Lily sipped her tea.
"We have a cottage in Hogsmeade… Severus divides his nights between our cottage or his chambers in the castle if he's needed there for emergencies and such, but he always comes home for the weekends… and I got a job working at the apothocary in the village" said Lily.
"Well… give him my congratulations on his job… I always knew the two of you would do well" said Horace proudly.
The two spent the next ten to fifteen minutes catching up with each other before Horace finally asked the question that had been burning in his mind since she arrived.
"So… how did you know where to find me?" said Horace curiously.
Lily took a deep breath and clasped her hands together with a hint of nervousness.
"Dumbledore" said Lily flatly.
Upon hearing that name Horace finally understood why she had come to visit him out of the blue.
Dumbledore knew his secret and wanted it from him.
Horace sighed and looked at her with a regretful look on his face.
"I know why you're here… but I can't help you, it would ruin me if people knew the truth" said Horace sadly.
Lily took a deep breath and moved closer to him.
"Do you know why Dumbledore asked me to do this, why he asked me to come and see you?" said Lily.
Horace sighed.
"Because you know as well as he does… that if we don't stop Voldemort for good, then he'll come back even stronger one day" said Lily.
"Please don't say his name" said Horace quickly and nervously.
"We shouldn't fear his name Professor, he invented it to try and make himself seem more powerful" said Lily fiercely.
Horace sighed.
"I can't help you Lily" said Horace sadly.
Lily reached out and took his hand.
"Please Professor, tell us what happened all those years ago… help us stop him for good" said Lily in a slightly pleading sort of voice.
Horace looked down at where she was holding his hand for a moment before looking back into her striking green eyes which caused him to make his mind up.
"Please Lily… promise me that you won't think badly of me when you see it, you have no idea what he was like back then" said Horace regretfully as he slowly pulled his wand out of his dressing gown pocket and summoned a small phial from his kitchen.
Lily squeezed his hand.
"I promise" said Lily reassuringly.
Horace placed his wand against his temple and took a deep breath as he withdrew the memory Dumbledore wanted from him.
He had felt guilty about giving Tom Riddle the knowledge to cheat death for far too long and now was the time to rectify his mistake.
Lily kept hold of his hand as he put his memory into the phial and sealed it with a cork stopper.
"I should have told Dumbledore years ago… but I was too ashamed, ashamed of giving a student such dangerous knowledge" said Horace sadly looking down at his lap in shame after he gave the memory phial to her.
"You don't have to feel ashamed or guilty anymore Professor" said Lily softly.
Horace slowly looked up at her taking some joy in the forgiving smile on her face.
"Use that memory… use it to stop him for good" said Horace.
"We will, I promise… what will you do now?" said Lily softly.
Horace sighed as she let go of his hand.
"Enjoy my retirement… perhaps I will see some more of the world while I still have the chance" said Horace.
The two stood up where Lily wrapped him in a hug and kissed his cheek.
Managing a warm smile Horace brought his hands up to her back returning her hug.
"You were always my favourite student, that will never change" said Horace softly.
Lily smiled and remained in place for several moments before she finally let go of him.
"Goodbye Professor… please do try and stay in touch, our address is Number 9 Sickleworth Lane in Hogsmeade" said Lily softly.
"I will… goodbye" said Horace.
Lily gave him one last quick hug before walking out of his living room towards the door.