*This is going to be a very long chapter. So buckle up!*
*Third person's POV*
"Katherine Potter?" Harry repeated. "Where is she?"
"Do you remember the story about how an evil wizard tried to take over the world and people—"
"And some good and brave people stood against him and fought his evil armies," Harry recited nodding. "I grew up listening that story. It was my favorite bedtime story."
"Well, she was one of the good and brave people," Remus said with a smile.
"You...you don't mean that...the story wasn't... really a story...it was true?"Harry asked confused.
"Yes it was," Sirius said. "The war probably started even before we were born."
"Oh... So, what happened to her?"
"We lost her in a battle," James said before anyone else could say anything. The others looked at him confused. "A fierce battle," he added.
"So...she was brave?" Harry whispered.
"Braver than anyone," James answered with a smile.
"I'm sorry you all lost her. You all seem close and happy," Harry said looking at everyone and at the picture. He felt bad he asked about her. His parents and uncles looked sad. It was the first time he saw sadness in their eyes.
"She was a good friend," Lily smiled.
"So, did she go to Hogwarts with you? Was she a Gryffindor too?" Harry asked.
"Well, she would've made an excellent Gryffindor," James grinned.
"Nah! She would've made a good Slytherin with that head," Sirius chuckled.
"Well, she could've been a wonderful Hufflepuff," Lily mumbled. "All that loyal and hard working."
"Considering her nerdiness or undying love for books, she could've been in Ravenclaw too," Remus chuckled.
"And then she would've ripped the thing out and burn it that put her in Ravenclaw," James laughed.
"So, she didn't go to Hogwarts then?" Harry asked.
"No," they all answered.
"But...how... When did you adopt her?" He asked confused.
"Well, she was a distant cousin of mine," James repeated the story like he told everyone. "So, when her parents died, mum and dad adopted her. She was... homeschooled."
"But," Harry frowned. "I've seen her in a picture in my room. I was in it too. But... Why don't I remember her?"
"You were a kid and she wasn't around much. She was always away. It was during the war," James replied without missing a beat.
"Oh... So, if she was fighting a war, then were you too?" He asked them. "You stood up against the dark wizard too?"
"We did," Sirius nodded. "We all did."
"But then I was pregnant with you and dad and I had to go into hiding because they were hunting down the good ones," Lily said.
Harry nodded. "So did Neville's parents," he frowned. "We both were born at the same time. So they must have gone into the hiding too."
"Yes, they did," Remus nodded.
"And Ron," Harry added.
"Yes," Lily nodded.
"It must have been hard," Harry whispered. "Thank you. For keeping us safe," he smiled.
The elders were taken aback. They weren't expecting this from Harry. He felt bad that they had to go through this.
"It's alright, pup. It's been a long time and everyone is happy," Sirius ruffled his hair.
"Alright then, come on, let's explore this beautiful and amazing new home," Remus said standing up.
Harry grinned and jumped to his feet.
"Moony," Sirius called.
"Harry, you go on, I'll be right behind you," Remus said and Harry nodded making his way to the stairs.
"I'll go with you," Sirius said.
"It's okay. You look tired. I'll take care of it," Remus replied.
"You know he'd ask questions," James said.
Sirius turned to James. "What was that? A fierce battle? I thought we were going to tell him the truth."
"It was the truth. It was a fierce battle," James said.
Sirius looked at him confused. "Yeah. But I thought we agreed to tell him the truth."
"He's a kid, Padfoot. And I'm not ready to tell him anything. He was already feeling bad for bringing her up," James replied.
"And he's too young to understand everything," Remus added.
Sirius sighed. "Fine. Just... Don't let him go to that room."
Remus nodded, walked out of the room and went upstairs.
He saw Harry examining a painting on the wall.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" He asked.
Harry looked at him. "It looks real! I thought it was a photograph. Wow, the artist must is very talented."
It was a painting of James, Sirius and Remus, sitting on a park bench.
"And it's funny," Harry chuckled. "Looks a bit like 'The Three Wise Monkeys'."
In the picture, James had his hands over his ears, Remus on his mouth and Sirius sitting lazily with his hands on his crotch.
"Hear no evil, speak no evil...but Sirius—"
"Oh, yeah," Remus chuckled. He cannot tell a ten year old that Sirius is conveying a new monkey which meant 'Do no evil'. "He didn't want to do the 'See no evil'. He considers himself a rule breaker."
Harry laughed and ran his fingers over the painting.
"The artist was pretty talented," Remus smiled looking at it.
Harry frowned when his eyes fell on the signature in the corner. "Katherine Potter?"
"Yes," Remus smiled.
"She did this?!" Harry asked surprised.
Remus nodded.
"Wow," Harry whispered.
"Come on. We've got a lot to see," Remus said walking.
Harry saw there were more landscape paintings hung on the wall. "Did she do all these too?" He asked.
"No. It was Euphemia. She was quite an artist," Remus replied. "Landscapes weren't Kitty's forte. Not that she was bad. She actually liked to draw people."
"Remus?"
"Yes, Harry."
"Could you please tell me more about her?"
Remus stopped in his tracks and looked at him. He thought for a moment. "On one condition."
"Yes?"
"You have to promise me something."
"What?" Harry asked confused.
Remus knelt down to meet his eye level. "This might sound weird. But, do not talk about her to your friends or anyone at Hogwarts especially."
"What? Why?" Harry asked confused.
"Umm...the thing is... I shouldn't be telling you this," Remus groaned.
"It's okay. It will be out little secret," Harry whispered.
Remus chuckled. "Okay. When we fought the evil wizard and his armies, we did everything in secret. No one knew us. It was supposed to be secret."
"Why?"
"Just like we said, there were many people supporting him and they killed the ones who did not. So, when we started fighting them back, we were their main targets. Even now, there are people out there who support him."
"But he's gone!"
"Yes. And there are people who still try to continue his work."
Harry nodded. "But...but why shouldn't I mention her to—"
"Because... We... Some of us turned a bit rebellious in the end. We didn't want to play by rules. And that angered the officials. But they didn't know who we were because we maintained more secrecy. But unfortunately, we were a little reckless at a point and her cover was blown. It was a mess."
"But... But you were helping the people. You were saving lives! Why would that anger anyone?"
"Because, people usually tend to hate things that are not under their control. You would understand it someday. Being a rebel, when her cover was blown, she turned more rebellious."
"And people didn't like it."
"Yes. Made more enemies. It's always a sensitive topic. So..."
"I shouldn't mention anything. Is that why we have high security here?"
"Right," Remus smiled.
"But...when I go to Hogwarts—"
"Hogwarts is the most safest place. You will be under Dumbledore. He's the greatest wizard of all time."
"I will keep that in mind," Harry smiled. He stopped in his tracks and looked at the door on his left. "K.P" he read the name plate on the door.
"It was her room," Remus said and continued walking.
Harry out his hand on the door knob.
"It is locked. And you are not supposed to go in," Remus said without turning back. "That room is off limits."
Harry scowled. He wanted to see how it looks like and what's in it. 'Why is it locked?' he thought. He grew more curious. 'I'd go in. One day,' he told himself.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
"Are you done exploring the whole manor? It was quick," James raised his eyebrows as Remus and Harry entered the living room.
"Just half of it. I'm tired," Harry slumped down on the couch. "This place is huge. And there are countless rooms. Why do you have a million bedrooms?! And there's a studio where Gramma worked, and Grampa's lab, two libraries... Hey, dad, I've seen your playroom. You've got some quite interesting toys! And...those large halls..." Harry sighed.
James laughed. "Well, you haven't seen the Telly room yet."
"We have a telly?!" Harry asked excited.
"You know the rules about telly," Remus said.
Harry groaned and nodded. "But, you know what the best part is?" He asked.
"What?"
"I can fly... Everyday?"
"Lily makes rules," Remus said.
Harry groaned. "Where is mum?"
"Taking a nap. I better take one too. I'm tired," James got to his feet.
Remus chuckled. "Where's Padfoot?" He asked.
"In the garage. He said he wanted to something with his baby," James replied.
Remus face palmed. "He's doing ridiculous things."
"Will he be doing magic?" Harry asked.
Remus nodded.
"I want to see it!" Harry got to his feet and ran out.
"Alright then," James nodded.
"Have a gooooood nap," Remus chuckled.
"Shut up, Moony," James mumbled and disapparated.
Remus chuckled and got to his feet and disapparated too. He stood before the door with the letters 'K.P' on it. "Alohomora," he muttered under his breath and the door was unlocked.
He slowly walked in and closed the door behind him. He looked around. The room was all the same, as mesmerizing as it was, when she was here. He sat on the couch. And all the memories came rushing back.
*xxxxxx Flashback 15 April 1979 xxxxxx*
He was running and as he arrived at the end of an alley, a jet of red light flew past his ear.
"Stupefy!" He heard Kitty yell.
"AVADA KEDAVRA!"
A great green flash filled the alley.
"KITTTTTYYYY! Noooo! STUPEFY!" Remus yelled pointing his wand at the death eater as he ran towards her. "PROTEGO!"
"REDUCTO!" Kitty yelled, blasting the ground beneath the death eater. He screamed in pain as he fell.
"Stupefy!" Remus shouted and stunned him.
"Missed your tiny dick," Kitty growled at the death eater. "I need a little practice on my aim."
"Are you alright?" Remus asked helping her up.
"You?" She asked.
"Not even a scratch," he replied. He pointed his wand at the death eater and thick ropes shot out of the wand and bound him. "Let's go."
They were walking back to others and Kitty stopped in her tracks. So did Remus.
"Do you hear that?" She asked.
"Yeah," Remus frowned looking at the fallen house.
"I'll get it," She said and ran into the fallen house. She waved her wand at the debris, making a way for her.
Remus waited for us anxiously, with the unconscious death eater. "Alright there? Do you want me to come?" He called for her.
After few minutes she came out running, covered in blood, holding something in her hands.
"What —" Remus could not finish asking as she ran past him without another word.
He quickly followed her.
"JAMES! JAMES! BLACK! BLACK!" she screamed looking for them as she reached their group.
"Pryde?!" Sirius ran over to her.
"What the hell?" James looked at her bewildered.
"Save her! Please save her! She isn't breathing!" She thrusted a bloodied dog into Sirius' hands. "This one too," she put a pup into James' hands. She was holding another pup.
"Alright. Alright. Calm down. Lily?" James called for Lily.
Lily came running. "Oh my God! Are you alright? What happened?" She asked bewildered.
"Save them please," Kitty whispered.
Lily looked at the dogs and got to work.
Sirius looked at her confused and amused. She was covered in blood and soot. Her T-shirt was singed at places. And her eyes were full of pain and tears for injured dogs. She was stroking the shaking pup in her hands. It started yelping and howling all of a sudden.
"What's wrong?" She looked at Sirius. "What is it trying to say?"
Sirius blinked and looked at her shocked. "I... I don't know. Maybe it wants it's mother."
She looked at him as if he had four heads. "I thought you spoke dog!"
"Yeah. When I am one," he retorted.
"Alright. Calm down! What is it?" She lifted the pup to her eye level and stared into it's eyes.
"So, do you speak dog now?" Sirius scoffed.
"Will you two shut up!" Lily snapped at them. "A broken bones and a deep cut. She will be alright."
"What's going on?" Remus walked over to them.
"Pryde is trying to speak dog," Sirius told him.
Remus looked at Kitty, who was holding a pup at her eye level and staring at it. He found it more interesting when the pup was staring back into her eyes intently and funnily it seemed to be talking to her.
"It's brother," Kitty said at last.
"What?" Remus asked.
"It's brother," she said hastily. "He's still in the house. I'll go get him," she thrusted the pup in Remus' hands and without another word darted off.
Sirius, Remus, James and Lily looked at each other gobsmacked.
"Did...did she just... Can she really talk dog?" James asked shocked.
"Only one way to find out," Sirius got to his feet to follow her.
"Careful, she almost died today," Remus said.
Sirius followed Kitty into the house.
"You can speak dog?" He asked her.
"What?"
"How did you know there was another dog here?"
She looked at him and blinked. "The pup told me."
"The pup told you?" Sirius raised his eyebrows.
"Oh my God! I can speak dog!"
"So you are a what now? A canine mouth?"
Kitty gave him a 'what kind of an idiot are you?' look. "Will you shut up and search for the pup?"
Sirius looked around and transformed into Padfoot, sniffing around.
Kitty started moving things and searching.
"Sirius," she whispered.
Padfoot froze and turned to her. She was kneeling on the ground. He turned back to himself and walked over to her. 'This is bad. She doesn't call me Sirius. She never does...unless.' He heard a sob.
She was clutching a lifeless puppy in her hands.
"Hey," he knelt beside her.
"I think we're late," she said biting her lip so hard to not cry.
"We did what we could," he said looking into her teary dark eyes.
She shook her head, "No." She looked a way from him. "No," she shook her head again. "It was my fault. I should have looked clearly before. I... I shouldn't have come here. I shouldn't have chased that bastard. Because of me he blasted this house off. What should I say to the mother and to his brothers?"
"Hey. Hey. Listen. This is not your fault. You were chasing a death eater. This is not your fault. You did everything you could," Sirius put an arm around her to calm her down.
"He is so cute," Kitty whispered. "He must have suffered a lot before he died."
"Pryde, listen. Let's go out, shall we? We need to put this house back together. And give him a proper burial?" Sirius was so moved he didn't even know what he was saying.
"No. We need to give him to his mother or...or she might think he went missing and would search for him. If she knows he's gone, she'd mourn and maybe get over it after a years."
Sirius' mind was in chaos. She looked so sensitive and vulnerable. "Okay," was all he could say.
She got to her feet with the lifeless puppy and slowly walked out. "I'll wait for you."
Sirius quickly waved his wand bringing back the house to normal, restoring everything. In a few minutes, the house was back, better than it was before.
He walked out and saw her sitting on the pavement, running her fingers softly on the lifeless puppy and humming. He sighed. "You're not as strong as you pretend to be, Pryde. You surprise me every time," he muttered under his breath.
She wiped her eyes as he approached. "Are you done?" She asked.
He nodded, conjured a tissue and gave it to her.
"Let's go then," she got to her feet.
They walked silently to the group. Sirius kept looking at her. 'What are you going to do when you found out few people died?' he thought to himself.
When they approached the group, the mother dog and the two pups came running over to her, barking and yelping.
"What happened?" Remus asked walking over to them.
Sirius shook his head.
Kitty knelt down and put the lifeless pup on the ground. "I'm sorry," she whispered choking a sob.
The dogs howled in pain. The scene was so painful and also dramatic.
"I'm really sorry," she whispered again.
The dogs were nuzzling and trying to wake their dead brother.
"What the bloody hell is going on here?" Marlene walked over to them. "Oh no. The family is searching for their dogs," she said.
"Amber!" A little boy came running over to them. "No! Dad!" He screamed when he saw what was happening.
"Moony, take her away from here, will you? And it's best no to tell her that people died," Sirius said.
Remus nodded his head and took Kitty to a secluded place. They both sat on a bench.
"What's their breed?" She asked.
"English Springer spaniel. Are you alright?"
She shrugged. "Did anyone die?"
He hesitated for a moment. "No. Just injured."
"Good."
"You almost died today."
"But I didn't."
"You'll be the death of me," Remus sighed.
*Sirius' POV*
The village was restored. Muggles were obliviated. The severely injured were taken to Mungo's.
The sun was slowly sinking and the sky was in shades of tangerine and fiery red.
I saw her staring at the sinking sun. Somehow she managed to clean herself up. Her face and clothes were blood and dirt free.
Her skin looked beautiful in the tangerine sun rays. Except for her tear blotched face.
I walked over to her. "Alright there, Pryde?"
She took a deep breath and shrugged.
"Still thinking about the dogs? They'll be alright," I sat beside her.
She didn't answer. She just stared into space.
"What is it, Pryde?" I asked calmly.
She clenched her jaw. 'Merlin's beard it's sexy when she does that jaw thing,'
She turned to me. "How many people died?"
"Moony," I groaned. "He told you."
"No. You confirmed now. How many?"
"Three."
She sighed. "I want this to be over, Black. The tortures, bloodshed, deaths... People are living in fear. That's not right. Wars need to end," she mumbled.
"Life is never fair, Pryde," I said as a matter of fact. She turned and looked into my eyes. "And wars, they never end," I continued. "Anything might come to an end. But wars and trouble...they never end. They always come around. But the important thing is, people like us are born too. To stand up, to fight, to save and to avenge. It's just a cycle. We always don't get what we want. But it is always about what we do with what we have. Play our part in this game life throws us."
We both stared at each other for few moments.
"Padfoot, Kitty! We're done," Moony called.
We both joined the others.
"You both go home," Prongs told Lily and Kitty. "We've got some work to do."
Lily nodded and they both apparated.
"There was another attack in Wimbourne. A muggleborn family was killed," Frank said.
"It's getting worse," Prongs said running his hand through this hair. "Let's go," he turned to us and we all apparated to my flat.
We cleaned up and waited for Wormtail to arrive.
Remus turned on the telly.
"It's been a long time we've been to the cinemas," Prongs said.
"How about next weekend?" Moony asked.
"Wait! Go back!" Prongs yelled and Remus changed the channel.
"Maggie Smith!" We three said at once.
"You are married, Prongs. You should not drool over other women!" Moony said.
"Merlin's pants, she's one beautiful woman!" I said.
"How about a play? The Night and Day is running at the Phoenix theatre," Moony said. "And she's in it."
"Really?"
"Yes," he grinned.
"Night and Day it is," Prongs said.
"I wonder if Death on the Nile is still running," Moony said.
"It is," I replied.
"Is it just me or does Maggie remind us of our Minnie?" Prongs asked.
"Well, that crossed my mind," Moony said.
"Mine too," I said.
We talked about Maggie Smith for a while and Wormtail arrived after about an hour, carrying a large package full of chocolates.
"Don't touch," he warned. "You three. This is for her."
"Oh, come on Wormtail!" I groaned.
"This is for you," he threw a small package at us.
"We love you, Wormy," We three said in unison.
We took everything we need and apparated to the manor.
"Where is she?" Prongs asked Lily.
"I suggested she take a long, hot bath," she grinned. "So, her room is empty."
"Alright then. We'll get to work," I said.
*Third person's POV*
Lily and Kitty apparated home.
"You alright?" Lily asked.
"Tired," Kitty replied.
"You don't have to tell that. Your face screams for rest. You know what? Why don't you take a hot bath?"
"I don't have a bathtub."
"But I do," Lily grinned.
"Lily, it's yours and James. And I don't want to think what you both did in—"
"Shut up!"
Kitty laughed.
"We don't do anything in the bathtub," Lily mumbled. "Well, haven't done anything lately."
"Well, no thanks. My mind is a creative bitch. And it already started," Kitty shook her head to clear everything out.
Lily laughed. "Alright, you could use the one in my old room."
"You have one in your old room? And are you sure did nothing in that?"
"No, you perv!"
They both laughed.
"I'll give you some scented bath bombs and you could even take a short nap. But don't drown."
"Aww... You're being so nice to me."
"Yes, because I can't look at that screaming face and body anymore. You're working hard and killing yourself."
Kitty rolled her eyes.
"Oh, I even have a potion to remove unwanted thingys on your body. Just a few drops in the bath, rest for 10 minutes and voila! You have a silky smooth skin for two months," Lily wiggled her eyebrows.
"Sounds awesome. But Lily, I'm not getting laid or going on a date. I don't even have a boyfriend!" Kitty scoffed.
"Katherine Pryde, sometimes you should things for yourself and not others," Lily raised her eyebrows.
"I'm in," Kitty nodded.
Lily grinned from ear to ear. "Come on, then," she hopped into the manor. "And do not dip your head in the water unless you want to be bald for two months," she warned.
"I'll keep that in mind," Kitty replied.
"Lily, bath bombs aren't invented for another 10years!"
"Not in the Wizarding world," she shrugged.
In ten minutes, Kitty was all set. Lily gave her the potion and the bath bombs.
"Drain the first batch of water completely before you drown in a real bath," she said and walked out.
Kitty lighted the candles, turned off the lights, turned on some music and drifted off.
She was in the tub for Merlin knows how long. She got out of shower. "I smell delicious. Oh, I would have sex with me," she mumbled to herself.
She came out to find out that her clothes were replaced with a dress, cute ear studs, kitten heels and a note.
"Wear this. We're having guests," she read it.
"I smell delicious and why are we having guests?" She groaned.
She took the dress. It was knee length, dark chocolate brown with few gold and light brown patterns, a deep V neck and tulip sleeves. Perfect at the bust and free down the waist. It was ultra soft.
"You gotta be kidding me," Kitty mumbled. "Thank Godric, my fat won't be showing. She knows better," she smiled.
She then dried her hair, put on the dress, studs, the heels, left her feathery hair to fall freely over her shoulders, pulled on the garter to hold her wand.
Witches have these special garters to hold their wand when they're wearing gowns or dresses.
"What were you thinking, Lily! This neck is too low. My cleave's on a show," she groaned.
She then walked out of the room. She was on her way to her room when she heard a loud bang and the all the lights went off.
"Brilliant," she muttered under her breath. She pulled out her wand. "Lumos," she muttered and the tip of her wand lit up. She slowly made her way to the stairs.
The house was eerily calm.
"Weird," she frowned. "Lily? James?" She called slowly.
No response.
She tried to mind link them but it was of no use.
"Euphemia? Fleamont?" She called again looking around. "Tinky?"
No response.
She was at the foot of the stairs. She slowly made her way to the living room.
"Guys?"she called again. "Sirius Orion Black, if this is another stupid joke of yours, I'm gonna make sure things go really black. This isn't funny. I will—"
She stopped dead in her tracks. Her mouth wide open and her eyes threatening to jump out of their sockets when she saw it.
The ceiling of the living room was filled with thousands of twinkling stars. Like the stars in the night sky.
"Stars?!" She whispered. They were just a few feet above her.
She felt like she was walking in the space. In a galaxy.
"Nox," she whispered to turn off her wand light.
Now that the light was gone, she felt she was in the space.
"Perfect," she grinned. Cool breeze was brushing against her skin.
She walked around, looking up at the beautiful ceiling, and touched a star.
It was cold as ice.
*Sirius POV*
"It's beautiful," she grinned. She was so immersed and lost in the beauty, she didn't notice or maybe ignored, Wormtail squeaking. She ignored that her leg hit the couch.
She looked beautiful.
I got to my feet.
"Padfoot sit," Moony pulled me. "Let's see what she's going to do."
"Really? She'd spend eternity staring at the ceiling. Wait," I said and slowly walked over to her.
She was standing under a bright star, her hand outstretched, touching it.
"Wow," she breathed.
"Sirius," I whispered in her ear.
She jumped startled and pointed her wand at me.
"The brightest star in the sky," I continued as if nothing had happened. I flicked my wand and they shone more brighter, illuminating the room. "And on the Earth," I smirked as I ran my fingers through my hair.
We heard collective groans.
She rolled her eyes. "Really, Black?"
"Padfoot, you idiot," Remus scrambled out from behind the couch.
"Show off," Lily groaned and Prongs laughed.
Pryde was looking at us all confused.
"Pryde, you might want to close your mouth unless you want a spider to crawl in," I smirked.
"Eww.. shut up, Black. What is this anyway?"
"Do you like it?" Moony asked.
"Like it? I love it!" She grinned looking back at the ceiling. "It's beautiful."
Moony waved his wand and the stars above her moved closer and to her. They slowly fell on her, like snow, kissing her hair, her face, her neck, her arms and slowly disappeared after touching the floor.
"Oh my goodness," she laughed catching few stars in her palms. "What's this—"
She didn't finish. She stood open mouthed, staring at the ceiling as we all waved our wands.
The remaining stars swirled around and aligned to form 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY' in a large heart.
We let the moment sink in.
Prongs waved his wand and the lights came back.
She just stood there, staring at us, shocked and surprised.
She looked around as everyone cheered.
Mum and dad, the Lupins, Mrs. Pettigrew and the Order.
Lily was grinning from ear to ear. She hugged her. "Happy birthday."
"Thanks. But... But...how did you..."
Prongs hugged her. "Happy birthday."
"Thank you.
"Well, it was Padfoot who did some digging," he chuckled.
She looked at me and raised her eyebrows.
I winked at her.
Moony hugged her and lifted her up. "Happy birthday."
She chuckled. "Thank you. You're getting stronger."
"Alright," I pulled her into a tight hug. "Happy birthday, Pryde," I said. I tried hard not to get intoxicated by her smell. She was smelling different. Delicious. Thanks, Lily.
"Thank you, Black. And how did you know?" She asked breaking off the hug.
"I have my ways," I winked. She rolled her eyes.
I turned on some music.
Everyone wished her one after the other.
Her eyes were glistening and she was grinning broadly.
"Well, your eyes say you're missing someone," we heard a voice and I recognized it.
Everyone fell silent.
Her back was facing him but she chuckled. "Regulus Black," she turned to face him.
He was leaning on the doorway, smirking.
"Aren't you supposed to be at school?" She asked.
"Well," he walked over to her. "Easter holidays," he shrugged. He pulled her into a hug. "Happy birthday, K," he smiled.
K? Did he just call her K?
"Thank you. I thought you were busy with school work," she smiled back.
"Well, not today," he shrugged.
The awkward silence was still hanging in the room.
"Mr. Potter, Mrs. Potter," he walked over to mum and dad, and shook their hands.
"Regulus, good to see you," Dad smiled.
"You must be hungry," Mum smiled.
"Famished. My brother told me your food is the best in the whole world. So, I've been saving a lot of space," he smiled.
Everyone was still in shock.
People were unsure why a Black was in the house of Blood traitors. And talking to them politely. It doesn't happen every day.
"Alright then. Now that everyone is here, time for dinner!" Mum clapped to ease up the tension and ushered everyone to the dining room.
"So, you made up with your brother?" Frank asked.
I nodded.
"And... They are close?" Alice asked surprised.
I laughed. "Yeah. Quite close."
"How did that even happen?" Gideon asked shocked.
"Pryde has her ways," I smirked.
"Are you serious?!" I heard Pryde exclaim looking at the shape of her own Time Turner.
"No, I am!" I said and everyone groaned.
"Sirius, that pun is ancient," Regulus rolled his eyes.
"Says the one who dresses ancient," I smirked.
"You're both going to have black eyes if you don't stop," Pryde mumbled.
"Ah, that won't be necessary," Dumbledore walked in.
She then cut the cake and the feast began.
Everyone were seated around the large table. Dumbledore, Moody, dad and Lyall were cracking jokes and laughing their hearts out.
Mum, Hope and Mrs. Pettigrew were all smiling and chuckling.
Alice, Dorcas, Emmeline, Lily were all talking animatedly.
Frank, Fabian, Gideon, Sturgis, Caradoc, Peter were talking and laughing.
On my left, Pryde and Regulus were talking in hushed voices.
I turned to my right, to Moony and Prongs. Surprisingly, they were quiet and looked at me the same time. They were observing everyone and taking in everything. We stared at each other.
Suddenly, Pryde slid her hand into mine, under the table, and squeezed it. I turned to her.
She smiled. Looked at everyone, then me and then at Prongs and Moony.
"We'll be fine," she said calmly so only we could hear her. "This is what we want," she said looking around.
Prongs and Moony smiled.
I squeezed her hand.
Assurance.
That we'll be together and we'll make it through.
All we want is everyone to be happy and safe.
We know it's not easy. There would be loss. Sacrifices.
But everything should pass. Even the darkness.
We will keep giving because we are holding onto something,- the light and the good in the world. And it is worth fighting for.
Pryde came like a hope of light we've been trying to find in the darkness.
"Thank you," I smiled at her.
"Why?" She asked confused. "I thought I was the one who should be thanking you," she smiled.
I just smiled. "Eat."
We then continued dinner. Regulus was chatty than ever.
"If you kids are planning on any pranks, you will be grounded," mum said sternly when we were walking into the dance hall, leaving all the elders to themselves.
We all nodded in unison.
The music was loud. People were drinking, dancing, laughing and making out.
My eyes searched for her.
She was talking to a certain Gideon Prewett. He was trying to make her laugh.
Well, Marlene wasn't here. So he must be hitting on Pryde. Lately, Marlene and Gideon are spending too much time together. If she saw this, she'd definitely try to kill Pryde.
"You know, you could always go talk to her," Reg muttered in my ear.
"What? Who?" I asked.
He raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
"What are you talking about?" I scoffed.
"Your eyes keep darting towards her every ten seconds," he scoffed.
"No they're not! I was just..."
"Checking her out?" He smirked.
I scoffed.
"So, are you sure you're not into her?"
"No! Can you even hear yourself? Bloody Merlin!"
"Ok then," he got to his feet and walked over to her.
I heard Moony and Prongs cackle.
"What?" I snapped at them.
"Nothing, mate. Prongs and I were just talking about how sharp our ears are," Moony grinned innocently.
I scowled at them.
*Regulus' POV*
"I hope he realizes that she is madly in love with him and fall in love with her too, and would never treat her like he does to the rest of the girls," I muttered under my breath and walked over to her. "Why is this Prewett trying hard to hit on her?"
"Hey, I've been looking for you," I said as I approached them.
"Regulus," she smiled. "Getting bored?"
"Well, I wouldn't be if you danced with me," I smiled.
She chuckled. "Sure. But I must warn you. I'm not a good dancer."
"Rubbish. You're a great dancer," Prewett said.
"Would you mind if I borrow her?" I asked him.
"All yours. I'll go get a drink," he said and walked away.
"Would you like to dance with me?" I stretched out my hand.
"Sure, my Lord," she chuckled taking my hand.
"You look lovely by the way," I said.
"Thank you, Reg," she grinned.
"I twirled her around and put my hand around her waist. Her back is now facing Sirius and I saw him staring at us. I smirked.
"Well, there is a certain bloke glaring daggers at us right now," I whispered in her ear.
"What?" She asked confused.
"You know who," I chuckled.
She rolled her eyes. "You must be out of your senses. He doesn't even care. Like... I'm not his type and you know it."
"Okay. Don't turn. Right now he's staring at us," I twirled her around so she could see him.
"Nah! he might be wondering how you Regulus Black, and I, Pryde, got too close. Like.. you are a rule abiding pureblood and an ideal son that tries to be... reserved or something... Like... living upto your family's name..sort of, is getting along with a girl who is not a pureblood... hugging and dancing and whispering to each other and also breaking many rules of your family," she smiled. "The ancient and Noble house of Black," she added dramatically.
"Ah, I know my brother. You are wrong this time, K."
She rolled her eyes again. "He calls me Pryde. I call him Black. Not at all on first name basis," she shook her head.
"That is because you like calling each other with last names! It doesn't matter," I laughed. "You know, it was him who told me about your birthday and invited me. Well, he likes you."
She smiled. "But the problem is, I love him, Reg." She paused and looked over my shoulder. "But this is good you know... The one sided love. Well," she chuckled. "I should be stupid enough to even think that he acknowledges me... Oi! Enough with my sad drama. Tell me, how are things at home?"
'Nice try, K,' I thought. "Well, father increased the defences and enchantments. I think he doesn't appreciate how things are going on right now. You know, father won't say. But he is a little worried now. I think, somewhere deep down, he regrets the decision."
"I know. He is worried. Is he...is.." she hesitated.
"Go on."
"Is he okay? His health?" She asked worried.
I frowned. "Why do you ask?"
"I... It's just... casually."
"K, what is it?" I pulled her closer and looked her in the eye.
"Not now," she pleaded.
"It's okay. You can tell me. Please. His health is good right now. But why do you ask?"
She looked around and pulled me closer. She wrapped her arms around my shoulders so she could whisper.
"I don't exactly know. But, when you died in 1979, your father died too. After a while. Reasons are unknown. But, I think it might be a heart break. One son disowned and the other one gone because of their beliefs or their support to Voldemort."
I stiffened at the name. She clutched me tight.
"Fear of the name increases fear of the person. He is just a wizard. An evil one. You are not. And I strongly believe it was heart break and stress. And your mother. She needs to control herself and her rantings. No offence."
"None taken."
"It does no good. None at all. It is bad for your father too. I think you need to take them out or some vacation or something. And I... I probably should have few words with your father. I know your mother rules. Even Kreacher isn't loyal to your father as he is to your mother.
Honey...I'm sorry...please. At shaking. Honey..." She rubbed my shoulders.
That's when I realized that I was shaking and my eyes were blurry.
"Let's go out, come," she slid her arm around my waist and walked me out.
*Sirius' POV*
Reg swaggered oevr to her and asked her for a dance and she said yes.
He took her to the dance floor and said something, and she grinned.
Then out his hand around her waist and twirled her around, leaning closer and whispered something in her ear and smirked at me.
Damn this music! I can't hear anything.
"They look pretty close," Gideon commented.
"Yeah."
"How do they know each other?" He asked.
"They met somewhere during my family vacation I guess," I said the first thing that came into my mind. "And they met again in Hogsmeade."
"Oh. He looks happy."
"Yeah," I smiled. I always wanted him to be happy. "I'll go get a drink."
I walked away and found Moony in a corner trying to dissolve into nothingness.
"Where's Prongs?" I asked.
He jerked his head to the dance floor. Prongs and Lily were dancing and making out.
"Marlene isn't here," he commented.
"Yeah. Why would she come to her birthday?" I scoffed.
He looked at Reg and Pryde. They were now too close. Her hands were around his neck. Moony chuckled.
"What?" I asked irritated.
"Nothing. Firewhiskey?"
"Yeah."
He waved his wand to get a bottle.
I looked at them. Something was wrong. He was shaking. Pryde slid her arm around him and was walking towards the exit. For a brief moment our eyes met. I frowned. She shook her head and walked out.
"What's wrong?" Moony asked.
"I'll be back," I said and followed them.
*Third person's POV*
Kitty and Regulus walked out of the house.
"Let's walk," Kitty said.
"They might have killed him. Because of me," he mumbled.
"No. No one knows about you. Listen, it was health. No offence but inbreeding ain't good. You get loads of health issues."
He nodded.
"I'm sorry I ruined your mood," she said.
"No," he chuckled.
They both walked in silence and stared at the star lit sky.
"So," he turned to her. "Why didn't you tell us about your birthday?"
She sighed. "Well, I never liked my birthday."
"What? Why?"
"It sounds silly," she chuckled.
"I won't laugh," he smiled.
"Ummm...uh...it's because I don't like getting old."
Regulus stared at her for a moment and burst out laughing.
"You told me you wouldn't laugh," she frowned.
"No. Really, K? You don't like it because you don't like getting old?"
"Stop laughing," she pouted.
"But I don't think that's the only reason," he said calmly.
She did not reply. She just stared at the sky.
"Why do you like the night sky so much?" He asked.
"Because it's...calm and beautiful," she mumbled.
"Did anything bad happen?" He asked holding her hand.
"Besides my mum giving birth to me? No," she laughed.
He frowned. "Why would you say that?"
She smiled. "Nothing."
"You can talk to me."
She looked at him and smiled. "Nothing. Let's just say... I'm the Sirius Black of my family. Unworthy, rebellious, stubborn, arrogant...blah blah blah..."
"I'd agree with everything but you and Sirius are not unworthy."
"We are to our family," she shrugged.
"Damn. I shouldn't have asked you this. Now I ruined your day."
She chuckled. "You did not."
"Wait. I have something for you," he grinned and took out a neatly packed small box from his pocket and gave it to her.
"Regulus! You didn't have—"
"Oh, come on! Open it!" He cut her off.
She carefully removed the packing and opened the box. In lay two large rings. A bronze and a silver.
"Rings?" She asked him puzzled.
"Oh, they're not just normal rings. Go on, try them," he grinned. "I did something with those. Put one on each hand. Or on the same. It doesn't matter."
Kitty took out the rings and put each on her middle fingers. They automatically adjusted to her size and fit perfectly. There were engraved with some weird markings.
"They're heavy," she mumbled.
"They are supposed to be," he smiled. "Now, run your thumb along the markings of the bronze ring and clench your fist tight. Real tight."
She did. And in few seconds, she felt something crawling around her fingers. Identical rings were forming around her fingers. In the next five seconds, she understood what it was.
"Are you serious?! You gotta be kidding me!" She laughed.
"Well, you need it," he laughed.
"A knuckle duster, Regulus? Really?"
"You always get into fights," he shrugged. "We don't want any fractured knuckles, do we?" "Wow! Brilliant!" She beamed.
Regulus grinned. "Now the silver one. Run your thumb over the markings twice. But do not clench your fist."
She did and it turned out to be a small, sharp double edged knife.
"Wow," she breathed.
"That's not a normal knife. It can cut through all ropes and untie any knots, open locks, could harm anyone if stabbed."
"Sirius has a pocket knife."
"This is exactly like that. But always on your finger so you wouldn't lose. You are clumsy," Regulus grinned. "Run your thumb over the markings in the opposite direction and they will retract."
She did and they retracted.
"Wow! They're beautiful. Thank you," she hugged him. "I'm impressed," she ruffled his hair.
He laughed. "Thank you, my Lady. Come on, let's go in. I'd like to have another glass of that awesome mead." He got to her feet and helped her up.
"I don't think I should drink too much today. I always get emotional when I'm drunk," she chuckled as they walked in.
Little did they know that a large black dog was behind a bush evesdropping on their conversation.
*Sirius POV*
'I don't like getting old'. How old is she anyway?
'I'm the Sirius Black of my family.' Well, that sucks.
Damn I missed the actual thing Reggie was worried about.
I turned back to myself and joined the party.
"I should be leaving," Reg said after a while.
Almost all the guests were gone.
"See you at school," he told Pryde.
He bid the hosts goodbye and I walked him out of the house.
"Reg?"
"Hmm?"
"Is everything alright?"
"Yes. Why do you ask?"
"At home?"
He looked at me intently. "Yes. It's fine."
"See, if you need help or want to talk to someone... I'm always here. For you."
He smiled and hugged me. "I know, Si. Thank you."
"Reg. Umm...how's things with..."
He took a deep breath. "Hard. Messy."
"Do you have anything to do about Wimbourne and Caerphilly?"
"I did not harm or kill anyone. I wouldn't."
"That's all I need. Be safe."
He nodded.
He reached the apparation point and disapparated.
I walked back into the house. All the guests were gone by now.
Mum, dad, Prongs, Moony, Lily and Pryde were in the living room. They were all laughing.
"What happened?" I asked.
"I asked her why she never told us about her birthday," dad said.
"Oh, come on!" Pryde groaned.
"And the reason was she doesn't like getting old," Prongs laughed. "How old are you ayway?"
"Older than you guys," she retorted.
"Okay, let's get all your presents to your room and you could open them there," Prongs got to his feet and the others followed.
"You guys," Pryde said. "Ugh... I'm not really good at these... But... Thank you for everything you did today. I'm so happy."
"Oh shut up! We're family!" Prongs scoffed. He waved his wand lifting up the presents.
"Where's Peter?" Lily asked.
"He passed out," Moony replied.
"Kitty, dear," mum called her.
"Yes, Euphemia."
"May we have a word with you?"
"Sure!"
We all left the room.
*Third person's POV*
"Come here, dear," Fleamont called her.
Kitty was now totally nervous.
Though they were smiling, she thought something was wrong. Many thoughts came into her mind. Her was pounding.
She sat on the carpet before them.
Euphemia took out a small red box and gave it to her.
"Oh, no. You didn't have to. I —"
"Take it, dear," she smiled.
Kitty took it and slowly opened it. In lay a beautiful, delicate gold chain with a small pendant. It had the Potter's crest on it.
"Oh, no," I put the box into her hands. "No. I can't...I shouldn't..."
Fleamont chuckled. "Dear, you can. You should."
"No. No. No... That's...that's very expensive and...and I ..."
"Dear dear," Euphemia chuckled. "I've never seen you stutter like this before.
"Umm... Mrs. Potter... Euphemia —"
"Mum. Or maa if that's what you like to call," she smiled.
"No. It's," she paused. "What?" Kitty looked at her confused and shocked. She wasn't understanding anything.
"Well, we've been waiting to tell you this for a very long time. But we were waiting for the right moment," Fleamont smiled.
Kitty still looked confused.
"You are a part of our family," Fleamont said.
Kitty opened and closed her mouth. 'Am I too drunk?' she thought.
"You mean a lot to us," Euphemia said. "You saved our lives. You saved us from a dangerous situation. Our colleague was infected with dragon pox last month. If you hadn't come here and asked me to quit my job, Fleamont and I would be in our death beds now. You came here to save my family. All of them. My boys. You are brave and kind. We know you miss your family. I'm sorry we can't do anything about it."
"Well, I've got nothing to lose there anyway," she blurted out.
Euphemia smiled and looked her in the eyes.
"Well, my...mother," Kitty mumbled looking at the carpet. "Brother...a little bit...but they're happy. Things are little different without me. But they're okay. She's got her problems...but I think they're fine. Better, to be honest," she muttered.
Euphemia squeezed her hands and Fleamont patted on her shoulder.
"We all love you. You should always remember that," Fleamont said.
"We are your family," Euphemia smiled.
"And I do love having another daughter," Fleamont chuckled. He took out some papers from his pocket and gave them to Kitty.
She opened them and read everything on it. Her eyes went blurry. She could feel herself shaking.
"You are now officially a Potter. Katherine Potter," Fleamont said proudly.
Kitty sat there in silence. Tears were streaming down her face. She didn't know what to say. 'Did they...did they officially adopt me?' she thought.
"I..." She spoke at last. "Are you sure? I... I donno what to say..." Her voice broke. "James...James might not like it. He —"
"It was James' idea. We loved it," Euphemia laughed.
"James and Lily did most of the paperwork," Fleamont said with a proud smile.
"He? They did?" Kitty asked surprised.
"And you? Are you sure? You know nothing about me. You've already done a lot for me. Taking care of me. My health—"
"We love you, dear," Fleamont cut her off.
Kitty felt her heart thump faster. She always craved for a proper father's love. Looking at Fleamont, hearing him say all those words, she just wanted to cry her heart out.
"We are in our right minds of that's what you're asking," Euphemia laughed.
"You...need not to... I..." Kitty couldn't say anything. She didn't know what to say.
Euphemia pulled her up and hugged her tight.
"Thank you. This means a lot to me," Kitty sobbed.
"There there...this is a happy moment," Fleamont patted on her shoulder. Kitty hugged him too.
"Thank you," she paused. "Mum and dad."
Euphemia and Fleamont grinned.
"Now, you can have this," Euphemia took the chain and put it around her neck and clasped it.
"Time for a toast," Fleamont beamed. "Tinky!"
With a crack, Tinky appeared with three glasses of firewhiskey.
"Tinky is happy, miss. Another Potter! Tinky likes miss Kitty!" Tinky squeaked.
"Thank you Tinky," Kitty smiled.
"To the new Potter," Fleamont raised his glass. "To family."
"To family," Euphemia and Kitty said and they all gulped down the firewhiskey.
"Now, your brother must be waiting for you. Go on," Euphemia smiled.
Kitty smiled. She thanked them again and got to get feet.
"Miss!" Tinky called her.
"Yes, Tinky?"
"This is Miss' present! Tinky made it," the little elf gave her a package. "Happy birthday, miss," Tinky grinned from ear to ear.
"Thank you, Tinky," Kitty beamed.
She then said goodnight and walked to her room.
She was stiy in disbelief. Her fingers ran over her neck and the chain.
"Am I too drunk or am I dreaming?" She muttered under her breath.
She opened the door and cheers filled the room.
Kitty ran straight to James' arms and hugged him tight.
"Thank you," she sobbed. "Are you sure?"
James laughed. "Yes we are. Welcome to the family officially, Katherine Potter," he hugged her tight.
"Ah, another Potter," Lily chuckled.
Kitty hugged her tight. "Thank you."
"Stop sobbing. I can't keep conjuring tissues for you," Lily laughed as she gave Kitty a tissue.
"Congratulations," Remus hugged her.
"Now... Should I start calling you Potter then?" Sirius smirked leaning against the wall. "Not Pryde anymore?"
"You better. I should get used to my name now," Kitty replied.
"Nah! I'll call you Pryde. It has a ring to it," he said. "Pryde (growled). Pryde (snarled). Pryde (sneered)... Pryde... See?"
They all laughed.
"Time for toast," Sirius said taking out five bottles of firewhiskey.
"To the new Potter. To family. To us," James raised his bottle and they all did.
"Ah, Merlin! I'm pregnant!" Kitty groaned putting her hand on her stomach.
They all choked on their drinks.
"What?!" They asked her in unison.
"With...food and drink," she laughed.
"Godric! You gave me a heart attack," Lily laughed.
"Alright, open your presents!" Moony said.
They all settled down and Kitty opened her presents one by one.
She got joke products, funky jewellery, magical dream catchers, foe glass and many interesting things.
"This is mine," James gave her a package. She opened it. There were several big, advanced spell books with illustrations.
"Oh my God! Thank you," Kitty's eyes lit up.
"Practice all those," he said sternly and smiled.
"This is mine," Remus gave her a package.
"Oh Remus!" She gasped. He gave her a large box of paints and pencils. "Thank you," she grinned.
"This is Peter's," He gave her Peter's package.
"Oh no!" She grinned. "My favourite Muggle and wizard chocolates. And Oreo! Unlimited food!"
"This is mine," Sirius gave her a box.
She opened it. "It's empty, Black."
"Put your hand in," he scoffed.
"If there is a spider or anything, it is going to end up in your pants," she said.
"You'd run out of the room before I say spider," he scoffed.
Kitty put her hand in the box reluctantly. She felt something. "I feel something! It's...soft...furry..." She pulled it out.
Her face was lit up like fairy lights. It was a really large, brown teddy bear.
"Like it?" Sirius asked.
"I love it," she hugged the bear. And jumped startled when it hugged back. "You charmed it!" She looked at Sirius surprised. He grinned.
"Oh God! You guys... You're making me cry," she said looking at them.
"Don't," Lily warned. "I can't conjure tissues for you. Why don't you carry a hanky?"
"Because I'm lazy? Hey! I never had a problem before. I mean... I'm not a crier," Kitty said.
They chuckled.
"Alright then. Let's call it a day," Remus yawned.
They all agreed and slowly walked out of the room.
Lily hugged Kitty. "I hope you liked the dress. That's my present," she smiled.
"Good gracious! I love it. This colour is sooooo sexy," Kitty grinned.
"Well, you are too," Lily smirked. "Someone has been looking at you all evening."
"Oh shut up. Don't embarrass me," Kitty mumbled looking around. Their ears were sharp.
"Good night, Potter," Lily said and walked out, leaving James and Kitty in the room.
He was leaning on the door and smiling at her.
"What?" She asked.
"Nothing."
"Thank you, James," she smiled walking over to him.
He shook his head. "Nah! I should thank you. I owe you my life."
"Oh shut up!"
"So, let's stop this thank you business now," he smiled.
"This is the most happiest day of my life."
"Good night, Potter," James pulled her into a hug. "I always wondered what would it be like to have a sister."
"Oh, it's a pain in the arse. Good night, brother," she said and ruffled his hair.
"Oi! It's already messy!"
"Still cute."
James shook his head and disapparated.
Kitty turned closed the door and looked around.
"Wow!" She breathed. "It's totally like a dream."
She quickly changed into her pajamas and got onto her bed, hugging the teddy bear.
"So...what's should I call you?" She looked at it.
*xxxx End of flash back xxxx*
Remus felt someone prodding on his shoulder and snapped his eyes open.
"Fell asleep?" Sirius asked.
Remus sighed. "I'm tired. I'll go back to my room," he got to his feet. "Where's Harry?"
"I told him to take some rest. He's in his room."
Remus nodded, looked around the room and walked out, closing the door.
Sirius stood there and looked around and at the ceiling. A smile crept on his lips.
He sat on the bed and closed his eyes thinking about that night.
*xxx Flashback 15 April 1979 xxx*
CRACK
"Pryde!"
Kitty gasped. "Black!" She growled. "I told you—"
"Can it," he waved his arm dismissively.
"You changed already?"
"You did too," she said looking at his shorts and t-shirt.
He shrugged. "What are you upto?"
"Thinking a name for him," Kitty jerked her head at the bear.
"It's a him?"
She nodded. "What's up with you? Not sleepy?"
"I want to ask you something."
"Shoot."
"Why was Reg upset?"
She looked at him intently. "Oh that? Nothing."
"Come on, Pryde!"
Kitty sighed and leaned into he headboard. "Sit."
"Scoot," he said and sat on the bed.
"No shoes on the bed!" She said hastily.
"You know I never get on the bed with shoes on," he retorted. "None of us do."
"My mistake," Kitty sighed.
"So what was it about?"
"Your parents. Well, your father."
"What about him?"
"Well, maybe he's having a change of heart about their beliefs and all..."
"Why would he?! They're all blood purists!"
"Maybe he isn't okay with all killings...maybe blood traitors and halfbloods... I don't know. He increased the defences and enchantments at Grimmauld place."
"He did?"
She nodded.
"But...that won't upset him," he frowned.
"Well, we were talking and I asked about your father's health."
"What about his health?"
Kitty sighed. "I mean... actually...your father died in 1979 sometime after Reg went missing... It was said that in the end, Orion might've regretted his choice and support... Scared and.. I mean...the elder son was disowned and the younger one gone...he was kind of heart broken and all..."
Sirius scoffed. "Heart broken? He probably doesn't doesn't even know what a heart is. Pryde, we grew up listening all their hatred for muggleborns and blood traitors. We were raised to hate them. He can't have change of heart all if a sudden."
"Black," Kitty looked at him. "Sometimes people change. I mean... Maybe your father is looking out for Regulus. You know, now all his supporters are getting caught and the actions are more violent... And, he might have been totally heart broken when Reg went missing all of a sudden."
"He always loved Reg," Sirius shrugged. "That's all?"
She nodded. "Well, that and... I told him that inbreeding isn't good at all."
"Oh that?" Sirius shook his head. "It's frustrating and disgusting. Marrying cousins and all..."
She laughed. "In south India...like the place I come from, people marry their cousins and uncles... Not a big deal."
"What?!" He looked at her bewildered.
"I mean. Not like this shit tho. Cousins can marry if their last name isn't same. Not just that... Uh...like...
Rule 1. You are a Black. So you cannot marry another Black.
2. Ummm... Okay... My mother has two sisters and two brothers. I can marry my uncles' sons. But I cannot marry my aunts' sons. You know...maternal aunts are like your mothers and their kids are like your siblings.
And my dad has one sister and one brother. I can marry my aunt's son, not that she has any. But I cannot marry my uncle's son. Because paternal uncle is like your father and their kids are like your siblings. You see where I'm getting at?
"No. It is utterly confusing."
She chuckled. "And rule 3. You can marry your maternal uncle. Or maybe paternal aunt, well I've never seen that. I just saw people marrying maternal uncles. But most of them don't support it. They say it's inbreeding and kids won't be healthy and all.
Well, the point is, you can't marry the person who carries the same last name. And some rules apply if the person is a distant relative... The realtions are kind of confusing, even for me. But some way or the other... people are related. My mum and dad are kinda distant cousins through marriage. They found out that later though.. I guess. Did you understand what I said?"
"It is completely ridiculous and still confusing. I think I drank too much," he shook his head.
She laughed and he joined in.
"Well, those rings are cool," he said pointing at her fingers.
"Oh, these? Regulus gave me," she grinned.
He raised his eyebrows.
"Oh, it's not what you think it is," she shook her head. "See..." She stretched her hands, ran her thumb over the markings and clenched her fist. Slowly it transformed to a knuckle duster.
"Wow," he exclaimed.
"Oh you should see this," she grinned and ran her thumb over the markings twice, and a double sharp edged knife came out.
"Brilliant!" He smiled.
"I know right," she grinned. She ran her thumbs over the markings to retract them.
*Sirius' POV*
I looked at her. "Are you happy?" I asked.
She wasn't expecting this question. It surprised her. "More than ever," she smiled.
"Then why do I feel like you are not a hundred percent sure about it?"
"No, I am. It's just my tired face," she chuckled. "Hey, would you do me a favour?"
I nodded.
"Could you please do that... Stars thing again?" She looked at her ceiling.
I smiled.
Her eyes, for a second, darted to my lips. She smiled.
'Damn you, Pryde. Why do I feel like I want to kiss you right now and do everything you ask? Am I too drunk?' I thought.
"But mind you, it wouldn't be as perfect and impressive as before. It was a collective work," I said.
"I'd love it no matter what," she replied.
I took out my wand and started waving and muttering spells under my breath.
After a few moments the ceiling started to change.
She gasped and stood up, staring at the ceiling.
Slowly, the dark sky appeared. I continued muttering spells and then stars appeared. After a few moments, her ceiling looked like the night sky filled with bright stars. I turned off the bed lamp. The room was now illuminated with the light from the stars.
She just stood on the bed, staring at the ceiling and touching the stars.
I grabbed a chocolate frog from the table.
I heard her giggle and looked at her. The next moment she shrieked. The chocolate frog jumped on her butt.
"Woah! Don't move!" I said as I quickly caught and shoved in my mouth.
"Why do you eat those in the dark? You have other chocolates," she grumbled.
"It's a chocolate, Pryde. Not a real frog!"
"Yeah but it hops like a real one."
"What's with you and little things?" I chuckled.
"They're unpredictable. Give me a dragon or a lion, I'd try not to blink. But these little things are the real pain," she shook her head. "Oh, this is beautiful," she said looking up. "You know, when I was a kid, I wanted to become an astronomer. I used to read every article about astronomy. Always updated. I love astronomy. But I was not a fan of physics. So, I just pushed the idea away," she shrugged.
"I love astronomy too. After all, we were named after stars. We were all taught about the constellations, stars and planets and everything."
She smiled. "Believe me. I never understood how they made or see the constellations and signs. I never understood. How do you join them?Every time I look at the sky, I see twinkling stars. It's maddening."
"Nah! Not that hard. It's easy," I shrugged.
"For you."
"I'll teach you signs. Now, see there," I waved my wand making few stars brighter. "That's Aries. The first house."
"My zodiac. The fire sign," she smiled.
"Yeah. Sign of the aggressive and impatient," I smirked.
"Ha ha ha...funny."
"That's Taurus."
"Seriously? There are hundreds of stars and how can you make that pattern."
"Ah, you need some better eye to see," I winked.
I slowly started making patterns to show all constellations. She made faces when she got confused which made me laugh.
"And that's Scorpio. The eighth house."
"A water sign," she nodded. "Mars rules, right?"
I nodded. "Both Aries and Scorpio. Pluto too rules Scorpio."
"You are a Scorpio."
"Yeah. An explosive match. Fire and water. They say Aries and Scorpio have the wildest and aggressive sexual compatibility," I smirked.
She rolled her eyes and shook her head.
I continued explaining the rest.
She groaned at the end. "I should take this class few more times...for few years..to get them right."
"Nothing comes on the first try."
She nodded.
"Pryde?"
"Hmmm?"
"Why didn't you tell us about your birthday?"
She looked at me puzzled. "Like I said, I hate getting old."
"Okay. But I am asking you the real reason?"
"There is no other reason," she chuckled.
"Did something happen?"
"Nothing, Black."
"Then why don't you look me in the eye when you say that?"
She didn't look at me. She kept staring at the ceiling.
"And why is your heart beat so fast?" I asked.
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. "You are not supposed to have those super sensitive ears. I am a little bit drunk and you shouldn't be asking such questions because I blabber a lot."
I didn't say anything. We both sat in silence for few minutes.
She sighed. "Alright. What do I have to lose? You've seen things in my head already," she shrugged and looked at me. The moment I looked back at her, she turned her head away.
"Well, I was never the good child. Maybe I was. And then I'm not. I think first I was curious and secretive. Then I was more secretive, rebellious... arrogant, stupid, more rebellious, adventurous... sympathetic...all the bad things. Never a proper girl... I... I understood I was unloved, unwanted, unnoticed, invisible when I was too young...after my brother was born. They loved him. Always. So, things just went haywire. Wrong friends who used me, betrayed me... Percentage fell from 90s to 60s. Life was shit. Parents and grandparents were well known to people and people are assoholes. And I was always a trouble magnet. My father had few plans for me and I always thought they sucked. Our relationship was the shittiest shit. One day he asked if I'd done any remarkable to celebrate a birthday."
"You don't have to do anything remarkable to celebrate a birthday."
"And then I thought he was right. He doesn't wish me on birthdays. It wasn't a big deal when nothing is good in life. Every birthday just reminds me that I've endured shit for another year. So, to me, my birthday is like every other normal day. I never liked to celebrate it."
"That's stupid."
"Told you my reasons are always stupid," she smiled. A big fake smile. "And I will stop talking now. I shouldn't have said anything in the first place."
"We all have our ghosts. So, you are the Sirius Black of your family?" I chuckled.
"Yeah," she chuckled. "What a pair we are," she shook her head. "We should drink to that."
"You had enough drinks already."
"Merlin's pants. Sirius Black is talking rules about drinking," she laughed.
"You look drunk and exhausted."
She smiled.
"Did I tell you that you looked beautiful tonight?"
She blinked. "You did...now. And, thanks for a wonderful evening and night," she smiled.
I chuckled.
"That came out wrong," she nodded. "I will shut up."
We both sat in silence for Merlin knows how long, staring at the ceiling.
I woke up in the middle of the night when I felt someone stirring and mumbling beside me. I opened my eyes. It was her. We fell asleep watching the stars.
She was mumbling in her sleep and...crying.
"Why?" "I don't deserve this."
I wiped her tears. She looked pretty when she cried.
I slid out of the bed and looked for her dreamless sleep potion. Luckily it was on her small desk. I forced some potion into her mouth. I got onto the bed, pulled her closer, wrapping my arm around her.
'Why do I feel comfortable around her lately? Why do I feel like I need to know her? Why do I feel like I want to be close to her and also stay away from her? Before, I wanted to strangle her. But now I want to hug her and cuddle her? And kiss her? She is not the type...or anything like the girls I've dated before. But why do I find her interesting? Why do I feel like I should be with her?
Is that because of sympathy? Do I pity her because she's like me? No. She might've had worse things.
She was hurt. A lot.
She pretends to be a strong and arrogant bitch but she's loving, caring and sensitive.
She laughs to hide things.
She shows her anger when she's duelling death eaters.
She's in pain. She can't even sleep peacefully without taking a potion.
She pretends to be happy. But seems to be crying out loud inside.
She doesn't want to look or be vulnerable. So she acts arrogant and rebellious. But sometimes she can't help being vulnerable. Like when she sees hurt and lifeless dogs.
Why does she sound like someone I know all my life? Like myself...
She says she's the Sirius Black of her family.
And I know what that means.
Why do I feel like I want to care for her?
All these feelings, they're not because we owe my life... our lives to her.
Are they because she is almost like me and I know how it feels like to be me?
Damaged goods. What a pair!'
I looked at her. Sleeping peacefully in my arms now.
'Oh, I haven't told her about that night yet. The night she drank the contaminated potion.
I wonder why she's been single for all these years. She always chose the wrong blokes and ended up getting hurt. Or she doesn't want to have anymore drama in her life. No. She said she's in love with someone from here. Who might that be?
Me? But never showed any signs that she's interested in me. Would I be interested in her if she did? Would I want to be with her? Would I date her?
Would she be interested in going out with me at all?
Why does my heart feel different when we're too close?
Is that love? No way. I'm not a person who falls in love. That's mental!
Ugh... Pryde you're making me go crazy!
No. I feel this way because I've been single lately and I need to find a girlfriend. I will. Soon. This should stop!'
I slowly slid out of the bed. I can't sleep here. Not when my head is a mess. I looked at her one last time. She's kind of cute when she's sleeping.
"Oh, I'm going to regret this. She will kill me," I groaned. But nevertheless, I did it. I leaned on her and kissed her on the forehead.
And there it was. My heart pounding hard, threatening to jump out.
"Oh, I hate you, Pryde. For making me feel this way," I mumbled. "Goodnight, Katherine Potter."
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*And that guys... How Katherine Pryde became Katherine Potter.
Yes. She didn't die that day!
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