Disclaimer: Most of the characters, places, spells, and enchantments are not mine.
A/N: This chapter is about nineteen pages typed in Word, so it's another long chapter. Enjoy!
It was their last night all together before Holiday break. James had already finished placing his last few belongings he needed into an overnight bag. He didn't want to lug his entire trunk back home, especially since he had enough cloaks and other clothes in his bedroom closet. He made sure he had his broom, the mirror from Peter, and some textbooks because as always the teachers didn't feel they were doing their job unless they assigned some homework.
Peter had taken the opposite approach; stuffing all his non-school robes into a bag which turned out wasn't large enough to hold it all in addition to his books. Peter ended up having to bring his entire trunk home.
Sirius had so far ignored the fact that he should start packing. Sirius had also stayed out of any break talk amongst their classmates. Unfortunately ignoring the inevitable, would not stop it from happening.
"Want to come to the kitchens with me?" James asked Remus who was engrossed in a book.
"Sure," Remus replied looking surprised at the offer.
Peter was taking a shower and Sirius they found entertaining Ally and two of her friends. He had all the girls' rapt attention, talking animatedly and waving his arms about. Whatever tale he was spinning must have been humorous because they all burst out giggling madly.
"Should we ask Sirius if he wants to come?" Remus asked.
"Nah…I'll bring him a bottle of pumpkin juice." James had been hoping to discuss Sirius with Remus and alleviate his worry about Sirius returning home. They exited the common room. The holiday spirit was in the air, even the Fat Lady was humming a popular Christmas carol.
"I'm worried-" James began, but he was cut off.
"You blokes trying to sneak somewhere without me?" Sirius called his head peaking out of the Portrait Hole.
"Blast it! He caught us Remus," James responded looking dejected.
"We'd thought you'd get the hint we didn't like you," Remus added solemnly.
Sirius had caught up to their spot in the hallway. "Well you're stuck with me now. Where're you going anyway?"
"Kitchens," James responded as they began to walk again.
"And Peter's not with you?" Sirius looked shocked by the question.
"Be nice. He's in the shower," Remus answered, but it was obvious he was trying to contain his laughter.
Though the subject that James had wanted to discuss was present, James wasn't about to abandon it.
"My parents for once aren't hosting the annual Potter family," James started. He wanted to least broach the Holiday break subject before directly asking Sirius anything.
"Who is then?" Remus asked.
"Frederick's parents. I should be allowed to bring friends. I know you can't come Sirius, but you'll be here all alone Remus. I believe all you need is to have your parents contact Dumbledore…"
"I'll think about it…" Remus looked away as he answered. James wasn't sure why the subject of Remus visiting his house always made Remus uncomfortable.
"The food will be worth it," James said and when that didn't perk Remus's interest. "It won't be healthy for you to be all alone for so long."
"I won't be the only one at Hogwarts. I'll be fine. Really."
"Remus is just waiting for an invitation to the Black family Christmas party," Sirius cut in with a smirk, "Admit it, Remus. The Potter's would be too boring for you."
"Your family also has a Christmas party each year?" James asked in surprise.
"Some pureblood family will…and the Black's must be in attendance to maintain social status."
"Just the type of people that will open up their doors for a half-blood…" Remus finished dryly, "I appreciate both your offers, but Professor Dumbledore and some of the staff always sit down for a Christmas Eve meal and that will be fine. I'm not used to extravagant parties anyway."
"Ok…" James relented, not completely convinced Remus would be fine. "So Sirius, are you all packed?"
"Not yet…" Sirius muttered.
"You should probably get on that…"
"I will. Thanks, mum."
"You don't seem very…" James didn't finish the sentence, faltering because he didn't want to sound too interfering.
"Excited?" Sirius offered gruffly. He smashed his hands roughly into his pockets of his robe. His motions were stiff and he kept his gaze forward.
"Yes," James said quietly.
"So what if I'm not – excited? My feelings on the matter are not important." Sirius had unconsciously picked up his pace, his words curt and definite.
"What if you just missed the train?"
"Missed the train?" Sirius echoed.
"James, I don't think Sirius should…"
James ignored Remus's interruption. This was no time to worry about obeying rules. "Slept late or forgot something important and had to double back to the room and all you saw were the carriages vanishing from sight."
Remus was frowning, sending a clear message about what he felt about the suggestion.
Sirius sighed. "They'd just come to the school and drag me home by my ears. This way is easier."
"Ah, but you have to admit the other way has more style."
"You're crazy," Sirius laughed. They were now at the portrait of the fruit bowl and Sirius tickled the pear. "I can't disobey a direct order…the repercussions…anyway lads what I want most is to enjoy tonight, so lets stay off any serious topics."
Sirius paused and repeated, "Serious topics!" His bark-like laughter filled the hallway and it sounded so genuine that James willed himself to believe that Sirius would be fine and that he had worried for nothing. "Get it? Sirius topics."
If they had known at the time how old that name joke would become, perhaps James and Remus would not have joined in laughing.
It wasn't until morning that Sirius packed; if you could even call what he did packing. He threw his books and one of his heavier cloaks into a satchel and placed the mirror in his robe pocket.
"That's all you're taking?" Peter asked.
"Yes, Peter," Sirius replied looking disdainfully at Peter's large trunk. "Do you think you forgot anything?"
Poor Peter didn't catch his sarcasm and began looking around the room in worry. A Prefect knocked on their door reminding them to make sure the luggage being brought home was tagged and to be down in the Great Hall in fifteen minutes.
James felt terrible about leaving Remus especially since he was looking peaky. There was obviously nothing to be done about it now, so they all said goodbye and wished him a 'Happy Christmas'.
At least Remus had promised to give considerable thought to going with James to his cousin's Christmas party. He was convinced Remus would be lonelier than he realized.
At the Great Hall, Bellatrix approached where they stood a few feet from the other Gryffindors.
"Sirius, have you seen Andromeda? She's been avoiding me."
"Imagine that," Sirius muttered under his breath.
"Well if you see her, tell her we're all going to your house today."
Sirius narrowed his eyes. "My house? Why?"
Bellatrix answered his question by laughing in a menacing way. "I suppose you'll be sitting with the blood traitor and the fat lump on the train?"
The moment Bellatrix had appeared James had discreetly grabbed hold of his wand and now he closed on it tightly, ready to use it; even with all the teachers everywhere watching the students distrustfully.
"Shut it!"
"Relax. I just wanted to offer you a seat in my compartment. Thought it might help your situation at home." Sirius didn't answer, but his fierce gaze said enough.
"No then? Shame."
Bellatrix left joining the Slytherins who all laughed mockingly in their direction.
James admitted he was surprised by Sirius's upbeat-ness all morning. That quickly changed when he became noticeably quieter and withdrawn during the carriage ride to the train station. Peter, on the other hand, wouldn't stop talking. James had never heard him string so many words together and instead of keeping James occupied it served only to annoy James and magnify Sirius's silence. Luckily at one point Darien stopped in for a chat. Darien had been sending hints to his parents since he made the Quidditch team to buy him a new broom. So they spent awhile discussing the positives and negatives of different broom models.
The train stopped and as the students piled out, Bellatrix appeared and grabbed Sirius before any of them could say a proper goodbye. The only thing that kept James from running after them was that he had the mirrors to check up on Sirius's well being. Alone now with Peter, James tracked down his luggage and helped Peter get his large trunk. He had to wait for the crowd to thin before being able to spot his mother, who was talking to Victoria's mother.
"Do you see your parents yet?" James asked Peter, who shook his head. "Come over with me to mine, until you spot them."
Victoria was already talking non-stop to Rosemary Potter and her mother. "Hello, James! Hello, Peter!" Victoria exclaimed, "Hogwarts is soooo great! I can't wait to go back."
James allowed his mother to give him a quick hug only because it had been so long since she had seen him. His mother even greeted Peter warmly having remembered meeting him at Hogsmeade over the summer.
"Will you be coming to visit us, Peter?" Rosemary Potter asked. James's parents were always up for entertaining folks. They enjoyed people.
"I hope so, Mrs. Potter…I'll check with my parents."
She turned to her only son. "Your friend, Sirius will still be joining us, right dear?"
"Yes, mum." Though in the back of his mind he realized so many things could still prevent Sirius from ever entering the Potter's manor. All he could hope was that his parents would not take it personally if Sirius was unable to visit.
"Sirius!" Victoria piped and turned conspiratorially to the older woman, "He's very handsome!"
"Well that isn't that big a surprise…no one can deny the Black's aren't a handsome family," Victoria's mother answered and concern washed over her face, "I didn't realize James was friends with the Black's son."
"I am! And he's my best mate," James answered his tone clearly indicating that no one say anything negative about the Black family at the moment. The part about Sirius being his best mate had just sort of popped out. James glanced at Peter who didn't look concerned, just very, very interested in the crowd.
"James Potter!" Rosemary Potter reprehended, "There's no need to be disrespectful."
James was not sorry at all. He was fed up as it was with having to explain his friendship to his own parents. He most certainly did not feel it was any of Mrs. Dekker's business who he was friends with. His mother apparently disagreed with him because she whispered some sort of explanation to the woman.
"I don't see my parents anywhere." Peter's voice slightly wavered bringing all their attention to him and safely away from Sirius.
"We'll wait with you until they show Peter," Rosemary Potter said kindly and Peter reddened slightly. The Dekker's left with Victoria promising James she would owl him later. Almost everyone had left by then and James was beginning to shiver from the cold. He was about to ask his mother to perform a warming charm, no matter how childish that was when a tall, thin woman dressed in bright orange robes, complete with an orange hat that had three live orange flowers attached to it.
"Peter! Peter! Heaven's there you are."
"Do you know her?" James whispered.
"She's – she's my Aunt, but my mum was supposed to pick me up."
"Terrible, terrible, oh you poor boy," she bustled over straight at Peter giving him a hug. Peter squirmed out of her grasp gasping for breath.
"Hello, I'm Rosemary Potter. James's mother. Peter and James are housemates."
"Oh, yes. Pleasure. I'm Peter's Aunt, Sophia," she extend her hand and James could see her fingernails were also bright orange. "Your parent's are in the hospital. The baby had a terrible fever, which is very worrisome, I'll say. You'll be sleeping over my house. I've cleaned out the guest room for you. It should only smell slightly of birds."
"They aren't coming home?"
"I doubt tonight, Peter. Your sister is very sick. You can visit tomorrow, but we all thought it was best you weren't around to bother your parents. Now let's get on, the food will be getting cold on the table and I loath reheated food."
"Bye, James," Peter called forlornly. Peter's Aunt picked up his trunk easily as if it weighed no more than a feather.
"Was I ever sick as a baby?" James asked his mother as they headed to the Muggle car the Ministry had obviously provided.
"No, James. It's highly unusual for a wizard infant to contract more than a sniffle. There are very few diseases that infant's natural magical defenses can't stop. It's not a good sign that a baby that age is so sick, but let's not worry needlessly. Are you hungry? The house-elf prepared all your favorite foods."
James smiled, but his warm feeling only stayed at the surface. With Sirius forced to go home to his evil parents, Peter's baby sister sick and Remus alone at Hogwarts, it appeared only James was going to find any enjoyment this holiday.
Sirius wished the day would end already. It had logged on and on forever. He felt bad for ignoring James on the train ride, but he couldn't bring himself to make small talk. The moment Sirius had stepped off the train; his cousin had materialized urging him away from his mates, so quickly that there wasn't anytime for goodbyes. The weight of the two-way mirror in his pocket was a small source of comfort.
A Muggle car was waiting for them running and inside his mother sat waiting, dressed entirely in black down to her scarf and gloves. She was frowning at her surroundings, her nose wrinkled as if she had smelled something rotten. Bellatrix shoved him beside Andromeda, who smiled sadly. The moment Bella shut the door, Mrs. Black was ordering instructions at the driver and they zoomed off in a much faster pace than the contraption was ever designed for.
"Stupid fools at the Ministry…having problems with the floo network the day Hogwarts is on break. Forcing us to use filthy Muggle inventions to get around."
Sirius did not expect his arrival at Grimmauld Place to be pleasant. He was not disappointed. The moment they stepped into the dark hall his mother started shouting and did not appear to want to stop shouting in the near future. It disoriented him and worried him at the same time.
"Stand up straight! Stop gaping at me! Your hair's grown too long! Don't tap your foot!"
After more ranting Andromeda and Bellatrix were instructed to go straight to the drawing room, while Sirius was sent to his room. Nothing strange with that instruction, but deep down he could tell something strange was going on. In his room Sirius took his mirror out and promptly hid it under his mattress. Only Kreacher would ever check under there and there was no reason for a hand mirror to look suspicious. It was at least safer than keeping it in his school robes.
Walburga Black opened the door to her son's room. At least she had stopped yelling for the moment. "Sirius, listen to me carefully. You will shower quickly, change into robes I have picked out, and then we will go down to your Father's study. You will be polite, courteous, and only speak when addressed. Frankly there should be no reason for you to speak at all."
"What's this for?" Sirius asked. He should have known he wouldn't get an answer with such a direct question.
"I don't know what has gotten into you. I have taught you better manners. All you do lately is question authority, it's no wonder I get detention notice owled to me every week. And don't think we haven't noticed that Potter brat's name is usually listed as an accomplice."
"Professor Adair has it in for me…"
"Talking without being addressed once again, Sirius. You will learn to obey that rule over the holiday, even if it kills you. I'll be back up here in twelve minutes, you better be presentable. And before I forget, hand me your wand."
"Yes, mother," Sirius muttered. He hated having to give up his wand, but he dared not complain. He was already being reprehended and he needed to keep his behavior in check if he had any hope of seeing any of his friends before school started up again.
Right on the dot, without knocking Sirius's mother entered the room just as he was buttoning the last silver clasp on his robe. His mother surveyed him silently and she actually permitted herself to smile slightly. "At least you look presentable. Follow me quickly now!"
Sirius had to jog in order to keep up with his mother's pace. They passed the drawing room where Regulus, Andromeda, and Bellatrix sat; all with their hands neatly clasped and backs stiff. Mrs. Black continued with her hurried pace straight to her husband's office. Sirius could hear multiple voices in the study and before he could give that anymore thought, his mother had shoved him through the door. Sirius tried to steady himself, but he ended up still stumbling into the room. It was not exactly the proper entrance of a pureblood heir.
He would have gasped out loud if it wasn't for his mother's firm grip on his shoulder. The room was filled with his aunts, uncles and even some cousins. It was rare to see such a large gathering of Black's at a non-celebratory function. Orion Black sat at this desk. It was clear he was head of the family and in charge. Sirius realized with a jolt that one day he would occupy the same spot. He couldn't imagine himself sitting so stiffly and holding his composure, using only words to express his point of view, keeping facial expressions and body language at a minimum.
His mother coughed behind him and Sirius realized he should have bowed about twenty-two seconds ago. He wasn't in the position to be defiant in any way, so Sirius bowed to his father as custom and to his left and right in acknowledgment of his elder family members.
Mr. Black motioned for his son to come deeper into the room. As Sirius obeyed he could already feel the clutches of family honor take hold. The truth was that it was much easier to be disobedient at Hogwarts, miles and miles away from family consequences.
"About time the heir showed up," a gruff voice of a large man Sirius vaguely recognized complained, "I don't have all day."
"Please, as if you do anything other than gamble away the family fortune," a younger man accused mockingly.
Next to the young man stood someone Sirius was surprised to see; his Uncle Alphard. The importance of this gathering grew in Sirius's mind; only something like that would convince his Uncle Alphard to get himself involved in family politics. Perhaps he had at least one ally in the group. He couldn't help, but notice how members of his family either plainly ignored his presence or threw him disdainful, distrustful glances. These were the same people who when he was younger used to shower him with gifts and attention, ignoring his younger brother, only because he was the family heir.
"As some of you are aware and as you all will be in a moment, the Black family is in a very pure, elite organization, and has been since it was first formed, of the name, Profecto Purus. I have been requested to bring the Black heir to the next meeting. I didn't find this a problem, until Cygnus Black, expressed his concern. He has requested a meeting to discuss if Sirius is suitable for such a position."
"Is the boy not to young?" Aunt Druella, Bella's mother asked, "I would suspect members need to be at least seventeen."
"There is no age requirement, but you are correct usually induction is at age seventeen," Mr. Black stated patiently, "This is not an induction meeting – only a first meeting with possible future candidates."
"Are there any requirements?" Cygnus Black, Bella's father, further questioned. His voice had an aristocratic quality, well-oiled, proper and bored.
"Yes, two. Pure blood and direct heir to the family you represent. Sirius fulfills both requirements."
"Those might be their requirements, but what of the more important points about your son that you are sweeping under the rug? What of his nature? He is hardly a model child. He's caused you behavioral difficulties his whole life. And the moment he stepped into Hogwarts he's caused irreversible damage to the family and to my daughters, who are all proper purebloods and had been carrying the Black name proudly." His Uncle turned pointing his finger at Sirius, "He is barely fit to attend a formal party and certainly not ready to face the purest elitist members of our race. Do you want a boy like that representing this family?"
His Uncle's words stung Sirius. No wonder Bellatrix was so awful to him if this was what she heard about him at home. Did every member of his family think of him like that? His mother and father had told him how his actions had affected the family name, but he never had fully believed it. Clearly though his relatives were holding him solely responsible for their fall from top status. It was silly. He was one Black.
"He's an embarrassment!" Aunt Lucretia exclaimed wrinkling her nose.
Arguments began to swirl around him – every word was spoken as if he wasn't there.
"Traitor to the bloodline!" Uncle Ignatius boomed.
No one held back because of possibly hurting his feelings. Sirius could barely keep up with what they were saying.
"…considers himself a proud, loyal Gryffindor. He cares more for his house loyalties than his family obligations…."
No stone in his life was left unturned as his twelve years of actions and choices were scrutinized. They brought up his detention records, his choice of friends, his disregard for rules and authority, and even the fact Regulus now wore the family ring with the family crest on it.
"He'll be the ruin of this family! The Black empire will crumble, will be destroyed because of a mixed up twelve year old."
Orion Black stayed quite calm through this assault. While Walburga looked ready to pounce on the next person who said something negative, even though if they had been alone she would have agreed if not said herself those biting words.
Mr. Black stood up. He waited until the room had quieted. "Sirius, has made many selfish decisions. No one will argue that, but he is only twelve. He is still at an impressionable age and I believe he can still be swayed. Are we to give up because a child is being a bit rebellious? I think the Black name can withstand this slight problem. Sirius may be mixed up, but he is still obedient."
"Obedient?" Cygnus Black laughed dryly, "Forgive me, but did Sirius not directly disobey your orders to be resorted into Slytherin? You cannot fault us for being wary of your claim of being able to control your son."
"What alternative do you suggest?" Alphard Black spoke loudly. "What of the consequence of going to the meeting without the heir? Sirius is our heir regardless of his choices and anyone's feelings. Profecto Purus will consider Sirius a child and thus judge his actions accordingly. If we allow other family's to see how this problem is causing our family to crumble, it is but our own fault when they treat us differently. The Black's need to stand strong, stand together, and show we still have faith in our bloodline. I am surprised you have so little faith in what the Black's have accomplished over the centuries that one little blunder will be our undoing. Let Sirius got to this meeting, it will only be beneficial to him and to the family. Cygnus, you are just wasting all our time because of envy. Envy that you were unable to produce any male heirs."
"How dare you?!" Aunt Druella exclaimed, "My daughters have done more for this family than either of the two male heirs!"
Murmurs filled the room. Most family members looked shocked and scandalized.
"So do I have the family's blessing to bring Sirius along?" Mr. Black asked after a few moments of complete silence.
"I reiterate that Sirius will be our downfall." Cygnus stared around the room and finally relented, "But I will not stand in your way.
"Thank you."
Aunt Druella and Uncle Cygnus were the first to leave. After that there was no more argument and Sirius's mother told family members to retire to the drawing room for tea.
The Black family had still given Sirius their blessing and that was that. All those harsh and unforgiving words had simply been forgotten as if they had never been spoken.
Sirius was excused to leave. As he closed the door he heard his mother and father whispering. He couldn't bring himself to even care what they were saying. His life was right now in their hands. His parents had not ordered him to join his family in the drawing room, so he walked past it quickly toward his room. It may have been a prison over the summer, but now it was a needed sanctuary. He had placed his foot on the first step –
"Sirius."
He turned quickly, his stomach already twisting in knots when he realized it was only his Uncle Alphard.
"Uncle Alphard! I was surprised to see you here."
"Good thing too. That meeting would have gone forever, and we all knew the outcome. Your father was going to take you. He did not need the family blessing; your father was only trying to placate his brother-in-law."
"So you want me to go?"
"Sirius, you will one day be head of this family. It is a fact you have to come to terms with. You need to learn to be able to deal with these types of people…"
He began to protest.
"I also will sleep better knowing perhaps there will be one person in that powerful pureblood organization that has some morals."
"You mean me?"
"Yes. You are young, but you will learn that sometimes you can make more waves and more changes subtlety. All your little rebellious acts, staying in Gryffindor, detentions, befriending Potter…just will make people angry, but will not change your parent's mind or anyone's elses about muggles and mudbloods."
"Can I go up to bed then?" Sirius asked quietly. When had his wishes to stay in Gryffindor and be allowed to be friends with who he wanted turned into a war against blood purist philosophies?
"Should you not be downstairs socializing? I am sure that is what your parents would want. And that is another thing you must learn. Do not let your dislike of people, especially your family be so apparent."
"I'm going up," Sirius answered defiantly feeling like his Uncle had betrayed him. "If my parents request my presence, they can come and get me."
Sirius ran up the remaining stairs. The silence that followed was positive; at least his Uncle wasn't following him up and forcing him downstairs.
In his room, Sirius found the mirror and spoke 'James' clearly into the mirror. No one answered, even after he tried a few times. He fell asleep with the mirror still in his hand.
Remus walked behind Professor McGonagall to the Whomping Willow. He was beginning to hate the tree as much as he hated the moon. They were both signs and reminders of his transformations. Madam Pomfrey had gone home for a few days and McGonagall acted very differently from what he had grown accustomed to. Madam Pomfrey had always fussed over him and as much as it had always irked him, now that she wasn't there, he found he missed it. The fussing had comforted and calmed him. He couldn't really blame Professor McGonagall, his own parents always went through the needed full moon precautions mechanically. And he knew why, they were frightened of him.
Professor McGonagall froze the tree. "Go on, Mr. Lupin."
Remus hurried through the opening and glanced back to see McGonagall gazing at him with a lost expression. He realized she hadn't meant to be cold; perhaps she didn't know the proper way to act around him. He braved a smile and continued down the tunnel. He'd never been comfortable in enclosed spaces, but he had been forced to swallow that fear his first full moon at Hogwarts.
Inside the Shrieking Shack, Remus took a seat on one of the tattered couches. He still remembered waking up that first night horrified by the damage the werewolf had inflicted on the furniture. The furniture had been musty and old to begin with, but it had certainly been intact.
He now had nothing to do, but wait for the sky to darken and the moon to rise. Remus remembered reading a children's story one time that described the moon as beautiful and romantic; he had never opened up that book again.
Remus took his clothes off, placing them with his wand under a loose plank. It would magically seal when he transformed. He turned his back to the window not wanting to gaze for a moment at the offending object in the sky. Goosebumps covered his arms and legs as moonlight filtered through the slits from the boarded windows. He shivered part in apprehension and part because of the chill in the air. He closed his eyes momentarily, praying that this time it would be less painful. Remus did this ritual every full moon even though so far his prayers had not been answered.
Then the changes began. He could feel the inner wolf charge out of him… taking control of his body….his bones creaked…muscles strained….it was all too much to handle, so he howled out in pain…
"Keep up with me, Sirius!"
Startled out of his thoughts, Sirius saw that his father was ahead of him by a good ten feet. Picking up his pace, he almost tripped. His mother would not be happy to see his new purple robes ripped or tattered. His father also wore the same robe, identical down to the delicate silver thread decoration. No one had told him where they were going, but Sirius could safely assume they were going to the meeting.
He also had no idea where they were. They could have left England or even Europe for all he knew. Since the portkey had brought them to this forestry area, all Sirius had seen for the longest time was dense trees. Now finally the trees had thinned, the path had steepened and the terrain had grown rockier.
Sirius had been thinking about his brother waking him up that morning It had been bad luck that of all days his mother have Regulus wake him Sirius had left the mirror out. And unfortunately Regulus had noticed the mirror. Not that Regulus knew what it was for or that it was significant, yet the fact he knew of its existence was troubling.
The wind whistled around them and Sirius was once again thankful for the warm over-cloak his mother had insisted he wear over the heavy purple robes. Even still the cold was almost unbearable and unforgiving, biting nastily at any exposed flesh. The snow covered ground steepened for the last time and a large cave loomed in the distance.
"Put you hood on."
Sirius took in the details of the outside of the cave carefully. Was this really the destination? Moss and ferns grew on top of the cave and other boulders and large rocks littered the area.
Mr. Black gripped Sirius's shoulder with painful pressure.
"Remember your manners. Remember who you are. And Merlin, do not speak without my permission."
"Yes, sir." His father let go and Sirius waited until his father's attention was on the entrance to rub his shoulder. Mr. Black was carefully examining a manmade grey cylinder. He nodded to himself slipping out of his pocket not his wand, but a pocket knife, slicing one of his fingers. Watching in slight shock, Sirius saw his father press the bleeding finger forcefully on the cylinder and it turned a deep royal red. Mr. Black crossed the entrance quickly, chucking the knife at Sirius who barely managed to catch it.
"Go on."
Apprehensively opening up the knife and Sirius nicked his finger without another thought. He wanted to get this all over as quickly as possible. He pressed his throbbing finger on the cool rock and it turned the same shade of red as before. He walked across the entrance to see his father smiling slightly.
"You've passed the first test, son. Blood purity. No one with tainted blood would ever be able to gain entrance into this cave. You're in for a treat. Few wizards ever see the headquarters of Profectus Purus."
They walked deeper into the cave. The temperature around them grew warmer and placed conveniently on the side wall was a cloak rack already holding an array of heavy winter cloaks. Sirius and his father added their cloaks to the rack and continued down the cave, the walls considerably narrowing. The cave path suddenly turned and went downward steeply. Wooden stairs had been constructed, though the way they squeaked and creaked under foot; Sirius didn't think they'd hold much longer. The narrow passageway led to a large carpeted room. A beautiful carefully carved wooden podium was placed at the back of the room and behind it hung on the walls various wizard family trees. Around the podium in a semi-circle were stone marble chairs. Wizards all wearing the same purple robes as Sirius and his father sat quietly, very few even whispering to a seated neighbor Sirius was pleasantly surprised to find the stone chairs comfortable and cushioned.
One of the purple robed wizards stood up, a silver sash hanging around his neck signifying his leadership. This wizard began the meeting by taking his hood off and half the members followed. Orion Black hissed to his son to keep his hood firmly on at all times.
The topics did not hold Sirius's interest for long and soon he began to study the room. The lightening in the room was dim and it was hard to identify any of the wizards, even the ones that were no longer hooded.
"Honored guests, I am about to introduce to you a wizard of vision. You are the first besides a few of his closest supporters to hear him speak. He goes by the name of Lord Voldemort and soon every wizard and witch will fear his name."
There was a series of loud noises as the torches on the side walls became lit casting an ominous glow. As Sirius turned back from watching the flames, he now saw a tall figure standing in front of the podium. The man was tall and wearing a silky hooded black robe. There was nothing physically attention-grabbing about him except on one of his sickly pale hands he wore a ring with a heavy black stone. The wizard moved his arms in a welcoming gesture and suddenly Sirius had an unexplainable fear of this man's power and strength.
"Good afternoon friends…brothers. It is a pleasure speaking to the purest bloodlines of our kind. I do not think I have to tell you that the pure wizard race is in trouble. BUT, it is not too late to stop it. Rumors have been circulating of an uprising – a dark uprising; they are true. Our way of life is being destroyed and our old traditions are being pushed aside." The speaker paced the area near the podium and he clasped his fist to emphasize his point. "Hogwarts now admits anyone with the faintest drop of magic in their blood. Curriculum deems the dark arts are an inappropriate subject. Do not your sons and daughters have a right to pursue any branch of magic they please? The mudbloods in the Ministry are trying to force laws through that protect muggles as well as their kind – while ignoring the important problems, such as our great loss of magical land and airspace. Hogsmeade is the only all magical village in all of England, but does the Ministry care? No! Being a pureblood used to have meaning – now mudbloods think themselves equal to us. The filthy mudblood scum will not stop at just tainting our bloodlines; they will take our jobs, take away our power and attack everything we prize. We need to drive them away! Instill fear back into their minds. Rid the schools and Ministry of their grime! I cannot do this alone. I need your support and we must act quickly. For now I ask you not to speak of me to those outside this room…only speak about what I represent and seek. It will be you and your sons who carry out this visionary future and it will be your families who will be honored above all when this is all over."
Ever soul in the room was memorized by the lone wizard's words. It was as if spell had been cast over them all, bringing new and powerful meaning to the mundane words. Even Sirius felt moved. Even Sirius wanted to stand up and do something for the cause. In the back of his mind though, through the hazy fog of the hypnotizing words, Sirius still understood the underlying message loud and clear. This man, this Lord Voldie-something, wanted to wipe the earth of Muggleborns and quite possible half-bloods. Sirius was friendly with people in both categories. No one else in the room looked concerned about the implications of the speech. The more he thought about it, the sicker Sirius began to feel. The rest of the audience were simply too infatuated with the idea of purifying and cleansing the wizard race to worry about how it was actually going to be done.
"Ah, but a moment if you will." The room silenced once more, all eyes back on the wizard in front of the room. Sirius watched the man in apprehension.
"Not everyone in this room is with me."
Faces turned looking suspiciously around, casting wary silent glances around. Wondering if a neighbor was an auror, perhaps?
Only one person in the room really had anything to worry about though.
Sirius tried to stay calm yet terrible thoughts keep turning in his mind. Only in his worst nightmares would this insane wizard be referring to him. He'd done nothing at all to bring attention to himself. Sirius was just a nameless pureblood heir. Yet regardless of these facts, Sirius could not ignore the wizard now standing in front of him.
With the 'Lord' so close Sirius noticed for the first time that his eyes had an unnatural reddish glow.
Orion Black sprang to his feet bowing slightly. Sirius could barely believe what he was seeing. His father never acted submissive to anyone!
"Forgive him, my Lord. My son is young and foolish. He does not mean to offend you. His housemates have fed him many lies…"
"Not Slytherin, then?" Sirius grimaced, waiting for the scornful glance. It never came, the voice had not been dismissive merely curious and interested.
"Regrettable, no."
"And what could Gryffindor possibly offer the Black heir that Slytherin could not?"
This 'Lord' must have known who he was and he was toying with him. Angry thoughts whirled through his mind and Sirius opened his mouth to retort yet no sound came out. Orion Black had cast a silencing charm on Sirius a few seconds before.
A strange sensation came over Sirius and suddenly the 'Lord' was laughing. It was an awful menacing laugh that there was no escape from.
"Friendship. Is that it?"
Sirius gaped at the wizard; eyes widening in surprise. How could he possible know that?
"My Lord…do not let him bother you…" Orion Black implored.
"Our side can offer this boy more power, glory and wealth than even his wildest dreams. Friendship will not hold against such an offer. The boy is no threat!"
And that was that. The 'Lord' turned away not giving Sirius a second glance. The supposedly irrevocable damage he had inflicted on the Black name had been completely dismissed; this wizard 'Lord' had more important things to concern himself with.
The 'Lord's last words to them all were, "May your bloodlines stay pure!" The man was encased in angry fiery flames and when the flames extinguished themselves, he had vanished. The meeting was over and Sirius stood when his father stood and nodded respectively to other members when his father nodded.
A few though stopped to say a few words and each time his father sent him a warning glance. Not that it was needed because Sirius could still not speak.
"How is your family?" Mr. Black asked a wizard from the distinguished Yaxley family.
"In good health," the man replied his eyes boring into Sirius. His son stood behind him smirking openly. The boy was hooded, but Sirius recognized him from Slytherin. "Shame about your son."
Orion Black stiffened. "It's the bloody Potters. They've always been meddlesome fools. Now their heir is directly responsible for poisoning my son's mind."
"Best be careful. Not that I don't agree with you, but the Potter's are well-liked. It would be best not to enact revenge until we have more supporters."
"Obviously. So you think this Lord is on to something?"
"We will see."
By the time they left the cave, it had grown dark outside. They had only the light of his father's wand to lead them along the path. At the point where they could use the portkey to get back home, Mr. Black stopped to address his son.
"Do not even think of telling the Potter brat anything. You will find yourself unable to speak to anyone other than an inducted member about anything concerning the meeting."
Sirius nodded. "Who was that man, father?" He was surprised to find his voice had been restored.
"Interested are you? Well he certainly took more notice in you than I would have liked."
"How do you know he is even really a lord?" It still startled him to remember his father who constantly spouted how noble and important the Blacks were had bowed down to this stranger.
"That is a stupid question, Sirius. Wizards do not go around claiming they are lords unless they are."
Dinner was waiting on the dinner table when they returned. Regulus pestered him with questions as they washed their hands in the upstairs bathroom.
"I can't talk about it with you!" Sirius answered cherishing the look of fury in his brother's face, "So stop asking! You're too young anyway to understand!"
"I'll be in Hogwarts next year. Then father will take me too!" Regulus cried out before stomping downstairs. It was too easy goading his brother sometimes.
Sirius found himself even enjoying dinner. The food was tasty and he was very hungry. He wondered when he could broach the subject of visiting Peter with his parents. As Sirius placed a tasty piece of chicken, he felt a vibration in his pocket. It was the mirror!
"May I use the bathroom, mother?" Sirius leapt to his feet the moment his mother gave him permission. He hoped he didn't look too eager. Locking the door hastily behind him, he gingerly took the mirror out.
"James?"
A/N: Thanks for reading and please take the time to review. I enjoy reading people's thoughts and numerous reviews are always a big incentive to write more quickly!
Just on a side note, Profecto Purus means 'truly pure' in Latin, I thought that name would fit for the group.
A lot of readers were asking about when they would learn about Remus's secret and it will be happening very soon after their return back to school. The next chapter will still take place during Christmas break, with possibly them returning at the end of it.
P.S. Did everyone see the trailer for OotP? I can't wait to see Snape's Worst Memory on screen and hopefully they won't botch that up too terribly.