Draco flicked through the pages, hoping to catch a glimpse of the name he had in mind. When he'd recounted the tale of his trip to Grimmauld Place, he'd remembered some finer details. Walburga Black wasn't the sort of person/portrait one could easily forget. She was his mother's aunt so that made her Sirius'and Regulus' mother. No one deserved that. She'd spoken to him and his father that day.
That was the first time he'd seen his father talk without even the slightest bit of ego. She was prejudiced enough to make Lucius look like a muggle lover. Walburga had asked Lucius about his mother, the 'blood traitors' and about someone called Bella. She seemed to hold a certain fondness for this Bella person and Draco had seen the way his father's face had contorted with envy.
That night he'd dared to ask his father's about Bella only to be harshly rebuffed. A few years later, he had asked his mother about her and Narcissa's expression had turned sad, like she was hurt.
Truthfully, Draco knew next to nothing about the Blacks. Only recently had he gotten to know Sirius, Regulus and Aunt Andromeda. His mother never spoke about her family. Merlin knows why. There was no family tree in the house either.
Now that he was older, he was only more curious to know about the darker details of this rather diabolical family. Which was why he was furiously going through the history of the Black family.
His mother was out with her sister and that's where he wanted her for a while. She would be quite upset if she came home to find him in Lucius' study.
Draco turned to next page and froze. A picture. It was small and old but he could still make out the faces. From the momentary flash, he could tell that the picture had been snapped hastily. There were four people in it. One was definitely a woman, two other men and one boy, no older than sixteen. He easily recognised his father at the left but he didn't know the bloke next to him. The woman and the boy seemed to look vaguely alike. She was fairly young with curly, almost frizzy black hair and heavily lidded eyes. She had sharp, cold features and a proud smirk on her face and looked around the same age as his father.
The boy on the other hand looked strangely familiar. When he looked closer, his eyes widened. No bloody way! That was Regulus!
The office door was thrown open and Draco hurriedly slammed the book shut and shoved the photo into his pocket. It wasn't his mother. "Up to something, mate?" It was Blaise Zabini, his annoying and impossibly clumsy best friend. The Italian had an overnight bag slung over his shoulder. "Bloody hell, Zabini! Don't you ever knock?" His voice lacked any spite though. "Hey, don't blame me. I told you I was coming over. Your mum wasn't there downstairs, you weren't in your room so I figured you'd be here." He almost regretted telling Blaise anything.
"Found anything?" Blaise was the one person Draco could confide in without afraid of being judged. He was one of the few Slytherins who wasn't a prejudiced snob. "I think so."
"Brilliant. You can tell me more about it While I kick your arse at chess."
"You mean get your arse kicked? Certainly." He'd ask Regulus about the photo the next day. "So how's your mum?"
"She's happy. Thinks she's finally met the one," Blaise replied. "Who knows? Maybe fourth time's a charm." Draco put the book back in the drawer and closed it.
"Dad, I don't think I need so many pairs of jeans. We're in our uniforms most of the time," Harry complained as Sirius tossed yet another pair into his trunk. "Nonsense, pup. Third year means Hogsmeade weekends. You're going to thank me later. I've signed the permission slip and kept it inside your transfiguration textbook. That way, you can give it to Minnie and be done with it. Okay?"
Harry nodded as he wrestled the Monster book into his trunk. "Did Dumbledore tell you anything about the new DADA teacher?" Since his back was facing Sirius, he didn't notice the smirk on the man's face. "No. I have absolutely no clue. None at all."
"Well I hope it's someone good. Last year we had a brilliant professor," Harry commented with a grin, playfully ducking away when Sirius came to ruffle his hair.
"Can we go back to that little picnic spot once more? Before I leave?" Sirius smiled fondly at the boy before nodding. "We still have five days left. Tomorrow's a Sunday, I don't have to work. We'll go tomorrow if you like. Just the two of us. Sound good?" He'd been so busy with the locket off late that he hadn't been able to spend much time with his pup. "Sounds perfect."
"You're going to miss me, aren't you?" Sirius teased. The boy picked up on the tone and grinned back. "Not at all. It's going to be quite a relief actually."
"Really?" Sirius played on.
"Yes, really. No one will order me to eat my vegetables, or tell me to go to bed or try and shove any nutrient potions down my throat. I'm free." The man clucked his tongue and shook his head. "Harry, surely you know that it's bad manners to sass your elders?"
"No, I really don't." Harry yelped when Sirius reached out and poked him in the side. "Still ticklish, I see. How very useful," the man commented casually.
"You better be alert tomorrow, pup. I might just push you into the water, torture you a bit; the usual stuff."
Harry rolled his eyes and threw a pillow at the man.
The next day, Draco found Regulus in the Black library, reading. The man had his legs on the table and appeared at ease. He stood outside for several moments, gathering the courage to ask him about the picture. A little voice in his head told him this was a rather sensitive topic.
"And the winner of the staring contest is Draco Malfoy!" He was jostled out of his thoughts. "You can come inside, you know, I don't bite. Although there is this poorly behaved book in here that does." Draco quirked a grin and went inside.
Bracing himself, Draco sank into one of the stuffed chairs. "I wanted to talk to you about something," He began, hoping this was the right thing to do. "I'm just curious to know, that's all. I found this in one of my father's books yesterday." He pulled the little picture out of his pocket and set it on the table.
Regulus picked it up and took a look at it. His brow furrowed slightly. He hadn't seen this picture in a long time. Bella and Rudolphous had decided to get married. It was something any rich, prejudiced and proud pureblood was supposed to do. Get married and carry on the family name. Even in the picture, Regulus looked miserable.
Of course, there had been no love between them. Just mutual interest: torture techniques, thirst for power and unswerving loyalty to Voldemort. All the ingredients that made a perfect death eater couple.
Unfortunately, he'd been present when they'd announced their engagement. The picture had been a joke, nothing more. Regulus only wished that Draco hadn't found it.
"That's you isn't it? In the corner?" Regulus could only nod. "Who are the others?"
"I'm sure you must have recognised your father. The woman is your mum's other sister Bellatrix Lestrange and the other man is Rudolphous Lestrange." Both of them were cruel, vicious and any other adjective that described evil.
"Sister?" Draco didn't know anything about this other sister. Bella was his mother's sister, his aunt?"
"Yeah. She'd decided to marry Rudolphous Lestrange, just to uphold pureblood principles." The distaste just rolled off his tongue. "It was just your average death eater gathering."
"And you?"
"I used to be one of them." This was news for Draco. He hadn't known that Regulus was a ex-death eater. But the man sitting before him was anything but that. "You didn't want that life." It wasn't a question. The truth was that Draco understood.
"No, I didn't. My mother thought it to was a fitting career, insane woman that she was." Regulus' voice contained no bitterness. It was neutral; like the past didn't bother him that much anymore.
"What about Sirius? Was he mad at you?"
"Sirius' reaction was different. The day I showed him my dark mark, he was shocked. He was more hurt than angry. He hadn't expected me to join the Death Eaters. He knew that it was our mother's idea but it was too late to do anything. I left Hogwarts after that."
"Within two years, I couldn't take it anymore and so I quit. Most Death Eaters thought I was dead. I kept a low profile for the next decade. Then, last year, when I found out about Sirius, I wanted to come back."
"Were you afraid that Sirius wouldn't forgive you?" Draco had no idea how he was brave enough to ask these questions but he trusted Regulus. "I was bloody terrified of that, mate. But he did forgive me. He was mad, yes, and he made that clear in no uncertain terms. But in the end, he forgave me."
Talk about family dynamics. "Wow." That was all Draco could say.
"Wow is correct, kiddo." Draco didn't ask anymore questions.
"So, are you done with your packing?" Regulus asked, tactfully switching topics. "Most of it."
Draco needed some advice and he wanted it badly. While he'd acted like it was no big deal, Draco was terrified of going back. By now, everyone knew about his father's imprisonment.
He didn't even want to think about what they were going to say. There was this part of him that didn't want to return to Hogwarts. Most of the Gryffindors would seize the opportunity to bully him. He could already imagine the taunts that would be hurled at him when he boarded the Hogwarts Express.
"Can I ask you something?" Draco asked, hoping that his voice didn't sound weak. Regulus looked at him with a raised eyebrow. "If this is about the birds and the be—"
"What? No!" Draco hoped he wasn't as red as a tomato. "That's not even close, Regulus. It's something else." Regulus smirked at him and sat back in his chair. "Okay then, shoot."
"School starts in a few days. I don't... I don't want to go back. It's going to be bloody horrible! Everyone's going to talk . I don't think I can stand that." He sounded frustrated, angry and afraid. For the last two years, his father's name had served him well. No one had dared to bully him or say anything at all.
Regulus watched the various emotions flit across the boy's face: anger, anxiety, annoyance and fear. He didn't really know what to say. While he was at Hogwarts, no one had the guts to say anything to him. He was the son of Orion Black after all. Once his father had died, he'd left the school. He'd worried about serving Voldemort that year.
And more importantly— advice, reassurance, comfort: all that was Sirius' forte. But the boy had trusted him and come to him. He wasn't going to turn him away without any help.
"Listen to me, kiddo. I can't promise you that things won't be tough. People will talk because that's what people do. You can't change them. What you can do is not let them get to you, because that's what they want. It's hard but you have to get past it." He reached out and grasped the boy's hands in his own. "You're not alone, okay? Me, your mum, Harry, Sirius—we're all right here."
"Besides, you're strong, mate. You'll be alright. I just know it."
Harry dragged himself out of the water and glared at Sirius. "That is so not fair. Magic is not allowed, Dad! I thought we agreed on not shoving each other into the water." He was dripping from head to toe. "We did? I just can't seem to remember agreeing to something so absurd. Are you sure you're okay?"
It was a miracle that Sirius managed to say all this with a straight face. It was the second time he'd caught the boy off guard and pushed him into the pool. Harry was no longer afraid of the water. Any unpleasant childhood memories had been completely replaced by newer, happier ones.
Sirius approached his pup and ran his hand through the boy's hair, wandlessly drying him off. "Better?" His son—never the sort to stay upset very long— grinned at him impishly. Then, quick as a flash, he pushed Sirius into the water. "I am now."
Sirius was too shocked for a minute. Then, he burst out laughing. Harry Potter, his innocent little troublemaker. "You cheeky rascal!" He stepped out and dried himself with a wave.
A year ago, Harry wouldn't have dared to do anything remotely close to this. This just showed how much the boy had grown to trust Sirius. "You know, I'll get my revenge, kiddo. Just you wait."
"I want to go to Florean's," Harry insisted. While Sirius wouldn't have allowed only ice cream for lunch, that day was a special occasion.
Half an hour later, Sirius wheeled his motorcycle into the shade and they went inside the ice cream parlour.
They were digging into their sundaes when Sirius spotted two people walking hand in hand, on the other side of the street just before they turned into another lane. One of them was Remus, he was sure of it. The unmistakable flash of bubblegum hair verified the other's identity. Nymphadora Tonks. Well, well.
Poor Remus was in for it.
So it seemed little Dora had finally asked her long time crush out. About damn time.
Remus has no idea what to expect when he'd received a letter from Sirius and another one from Regulus almost immediately. Both letters had been short and annoyingly vague. The common instruction was that he was supposed to come to Black Manor that evening for dinner. He couldn't understand why Regulus felt the need to write to him too.
While he and the younger Black were on better terms now, they weren't particularly friends.
Nevertheless, he stepped into his fireplace and flooed over to Sirius' house.
He was greeted by the two brothers who were leisurely lounging on the sofa. Harry was nowhere to be found. "Evening, mate," Sirius began, his mouth curling upward into an easy smile. "You're right on time. We have much to discuss."
Remus looked at the duo suspiciously. They were both grinning widely and he had no clue why. Dinner was pleasant enough. "So, you ready for your new job, Moony?"
"Yeah. I'm actually looking forward to it a lot." Remus didn't add that this was his first stable job in the last decade. "You like the food?" Sirius still had that grin on his face like he knew something and it was driving Remus crazy. He nodded his answer.
"How long have you been going out with my baby cousin?" The werewolf nearly choked on his wine and started coughing. Sirius helpfully banged him on the back, grinning like a madman.
"What? You know?" He finally managed to talk. "Oh don't be so surprised, mate. Did you really think I wouldn't find out? So, how long has this been going on?"
"Well, uh... since about a month before Dumbledore sent me on that mission," he admitted, smiling absently as he recalled that day. "So three months then." He smirked at the poor man.
"Remus and Dora sitting in a tree
K-I-S-S-I-N-G. First comes lov—"
"See? This is exactly why I didn't tell you," contrary to his words, Remus was struggling to hold back a smile. "Oh come off it, Moony. I knew it all along. Little Dora had a crush on you since the very first time you came with me to Andy's house. She was smitten."
That was true. Remus was sixteen when he'd been to their house the first time. Nymphadora had only been four years old back then. Sirius, James and Remus had all gone. The young girl had first given Sirius a big hug and he'd lifted her up and kissed her cheek. She'd also quickly taken a liking to the rather shy and quiet boy with brown hair and kind amber eyes.
"I'm happy for you, Moony" Sirius continued and Remus sensed the sincerity in his words. "I know you won't do anything to hurt her." Those nine words spoke volumes. They were a sign of absolute faith in his best mate but at the same time, they also promised retribution should he dare try anything.
Now, while Sirius and Dora hasn't seen each other in the last decade due to obvious reasons, it was no secret that Sirius was quite protective of the young woman. They had been quite close as youngsters. Andromeda and her family were under the forest protection of the House of Black.
"You have my word I won't." Sirius relaxed and cracked a small grin. "Well then that's settled. As you probably would have guessed by now, Harry is under strict orders to consistently and unfailingly tease you in my absence. I expect that he will carry out these orders with utmost efficiency."
Remus groaned and threw his head back. "You've corrupted that innocent child, Padfoot."
"And I'm proud of it."
The first of September arrived far too quickly for anyone's liking. Harry knew quite well that Draco was dreading this day more than anyone else. They were quite early. After last year's incident with the car, Sirius had felt the need to leave earlier for the station than necessary.
"Dad, you could have let me sleep a little more. We're way too early," Harry complained as he pushed his trolley into the wall.
A second later, he found himself on the familiar platform. Sirius and Regulus appeared next. "We're not that early, kiddo. Besides, I need to head straight to work after this."
They weren't the only ones who were before time. Draco and Narcissa were waiting for the scarlet engine as well. The blond boy looked uneasy and nervous. "You look like hell, Draco," Harry greeted cheerfully. He didn't appreciate the smack he received from the other boy for his enthusiasm. "Shut up, Potter," Draco snapped without any harshness in his voice.
"Aww, I love you too, Draco." Harry was in a great mood that morning. Although he was going back to Hogwarts, Sirius had promised to visit every now and then. Besides, he'd be coming back for Christmas.
Nothing could go wrong this year.
Harry slapped Draco on the shoulder encouragingly. "Just don't be a prat and you'll be fine."
He was steered away by Sirius to a side and braced himself for the dad-talk. "I have something for you," the man began and Harry's curiosity piqued. Sirius put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a small package. He unwrapped it and pulled out two mirrors.
"These are different from your average mirror, pup. You keep one and I'll hold onto the other. If you need to talk, just say my name and I'll appear in the mirror." Eyes wide with awe, Harry took the mirror from his Dad and turned it in his hands. "That's bloody brilliant," he whispered.
"I know. James and I used it for pranking. Now, if anything comes up, I want you to call me using this okay?" Harry nodded. "I promise."
"Good. Please, for goodness sake, stay out of trouble, Harry. I'm still far too young and handsome for grey hair." The boy smiled impishly. "Really? I think I see one right there." Sirius rolled his eyes and ruffled Harry's hair. "Brat. Also, look out for Draco. He may try and hide it but he's terrified about what everyone will have to say."
"I expect letters, Harry James. You had better write regularly or I swear to Merlin, I'll barge into your dorm and drag you home by your ear," Sirius' eyes were playful as he made the idle threat. "I will, Dad, I promise. And don't worry about Draco. I'll make sure no one bothers him."
"I expect nothing less, pup. Take care of yourself and have fun alright? Eat properly and don't even think of skipping any meals. I've asked Remus to keep an eye on you."
Harry nodded before throwing his arms around the man. Sirius hugged him with equal enthusiasm. "You'll be back before you know it, pup." Harry mumbled something against Sirius's shoulder, tightening his hold on the man. This was honestly was the first time he'd be going father from his home. While Black Manor was his home, it was Sirius who made it so. Sirius was his home.
"I'm going to miss you too, pup. I love you, kiddo. "
"Love you too."
Regulus looked at the blond boy in front of him and saw a younger version of himself. Draco wouldn't make the same mistakes as him. "I'll let you know when we can continue our lessons. They'll mostly take place over the weekend when you're free. You're going to write to your mum and to me, alright? I'll be expecting a letter at least once a week." The boy looked surprised at the request but he agreed, smiling a bit.
Regulus gave Draco a quick hug, "You'll be alright, mate. Keep your magic under control, alright?" Draco couldn't afford to lose his temper and lash out at the other students. Not glanced toward Narcissa who shot him a grateful smile and felt slightly embarrassed. When had he fallen into this role?
He let Draco go and allowed Narcissa to embrace her son. He went to Harry and clapped him on the back.
Finally it was time to leave. Sirius ruffled Harry's hair one last time and pressed a quick kiss to the lad's temple. "Off you go." The adults helped get the kids with their trunks and cages.
The clock struck eleven and the scarlet engine came to life. The train began pulling out of the station. Parents waved goodbye and the children waved back with equal fervour.
Harry Potter stuck his face to the window and waved enthusiastically at the only home he'd ever known.
Sirius was in a great mood when he stepped into the Auror department, Regulus in tow. A great mood that didn't last long.
All the aurors has gathered together and seemed to be discussing something very seriously. Serious instantly knew something was very wrong. "What's going on here?" He demanded.
All the Aurors turned at the sound of his voice. None of them said anything first. He quirked an eyebrow at the men and women. "Well?"
Kingsley was brave enough to step forward. "Sir," he began, sounding worryingly grave. "A situation came to our notice this morning. We don't how it happened but we're trying to find out."
Sirius said nothing. An pleasant knot formed in his stomach. Something was terribly wrong.
"Last night, a prisoner escaped from Azkaban."
Who's the prisoner?
How did this happen?
There's your update, dear readers. I'm so very sorry about the long wait but I've been impossibly busy. Let me know how you liked the chapter. The next update might take a while since my exams are going on right now. Don't hesitate to review.
The details regarding the prisoner will all be revealed in due course. I have plans for both Harry and Draco this year. Keep reading to find out more. I just couldn't let our dear Harry have a boring year, could I?
I also posted another story called 'Scars'. It takes place during fifth year when Sirius finds out about Umbridge's detentions. Take a look.
(Not) Sorry about the cliffhanger folks!