Chapter 12: Thicker than Water…

12 years ago…

July 25, 1965 Sunday, 7:03 AM

Gwen woke up as she felt somebody jump into her bed. "Wake up, Gwen! Wake up! We're going to Disney World today," Regulus squealed excitedly, bouncing on her bed.

Gwen immediately bolted up. "C'mon, let's go wake up Mummy and Daddy!"

They rushed out of the room and barged into their parents' room where Orion and Walburga were still asleep. Together they jumped unto the King size bed and began to giggle. "Wake up Mummy! Wake up Daddy!"

Walburga opened an eye and glanced at the clock by the door then closed her eyes again. "Go back to bed children, it's only 7 o'clock. Disney World doesn't open until 9 o'clock."

"But Mummy, we have to be the first ones there! Chris said the lines are much shorter if we get there early," Gwen protested.

Orion laughed as he sat up. "Alright, alright. Get ready and we'll go to Uncle Harry and Aunt Cassie's."

"Okay Daddy," Gwen and Regulus chorused happily and ran to their rooms to get ready.

"But Orion, you got home past midnight last night. You need your rest," Walburga protested.

"Nonsense. Today is for the children. Besides, being with them is relaxation enough," said Orion.

Walburga shook her head. "At least no one can say you don't care for your children," she said with resignation.

"You mean like Barty Crouch?" said Orion with scorn.

"What has young Barty done now?"

"You would think he doesn't even realize he has a son. He didn't even realize that it was his son's birthday until his wife sent their house elf, Twinkie, to remind him." Orion shook his head.
"Of course that didn't stop him from staying even later than myself. Though he did remember to get Twinkle to buy a present for the child," he added with disgust.

"Poor dear. What's the child's name?" Walburga said sympathetically.

Orion replied with a sardonic smile, "Barty Crouch Jr."

"You would think he would show more concern for his namesake," Walburga said disdainfully.

"Apparently not," Orion said dryly.

At that moment, Gwen and Regulus ran back into the room, bringing their conversation to an end.

"Are you ready to go, dears?" asked Walburga.

"Yes Mummy."

"Alright then, hold onto Mummy tightly, Regulus." Walburga picked up Regulus in her arms while Orion picked up Gwen and they Apparated to Davison Manor.

"Gwen!"

"Lee!"

The two ran and threw their arms around each other as if they hadn't seen each other for years instead of mere days.

'My twin,' they called each other.

They don't know how right they are, Walburga thought.
Sirius and Gwen had been born on the same day and had been joined at the hip from then on. Others had found it bit perplexing if not extraordinary that the two were so close and she herself hadn't been able to understand it until recently when it had been discovered that Sirius was actually the Blacks' son and therefore, Gwen's twin brother.
Then she had finally understood. Though others had been unaware, the two had been able to feel the connection.

For wasn't blood thicker then water?

Half an hour later, the Davisons had gathered their children and were ready to leave.

"Where's Diana, Aunt Cassie?" Gwen asked Cassiopeia Davison.

"Diana can't come with us so she's going to stay with her Aunt Dorea," Cassiopeia explained.
"Are you ready to leave?" she asked her other three children.

"Yes, Mummy," Sirius and Karen replied while Chris who was now nearly nine years old replied, "Yes, Mum."

Ten minutes later, the Blacks and the Davisons had successfully managed to arrive outside Disney World without losing any of the children.

"Alright, Lee hold unto Gwen's hand and Karen hold onto Regulus'. Don't let go, no matter what, and stay together," Cassiopeia instructed.
"And Chris, I want you to help us watch over them since you're the oldest."

"Okay, Mum," Chris replied importantly.

Sirius and Gwen ran ahead to Disney World entrance ahead and the adults called after them.
"That's the Disney World for Muggles," Orion said with distaste.
He pointed towards the dark alley next to the Muggle Disney World entrance, "This way, children."

"Why Disney built such a place for those Muggle filth…" Walburga muttered darkly.

"Mu-Muggles? Muggles are there?" asked Regulus.

"Yes. And if you wander alone, a Muggle might come and kidnap you so stay close to Mummy," said Walburga.

The children exchanged terrified glances but Chris, who was now old enough to know better, snickered.

"Really, Walburga. Must you encourage such tales amongst the children?" said Cassiopeia with exasperation.

Harrison began to chuckle and the others looked towards him. "The way Lee talks of his 'adventure' when he went to fetch Gwen's teddy, you would think that Muggles were Grindelwald back to power," he said.

The adults chuckled as well as they led the children down the alley.
Orion stepped up the empty trash bin at the end of the alley and tapped it with his wand.

The children watched with awe as the trash can moved aside to reveal the entrance which grew steadily bigger until it had expanded wide enough for three large men to walk through.

"I want to ride the Quidditch Fantasy!" Chris immediately yelled.

"Us too! Us too!" Sirius and Gwen chorused.

"Orion, you and Harrison take them on the ride," said Walburga. "Cassiopeia and I will take Regulus and Karen on a different ride."

"But Mummy, I want to ride the Quidditch Fantasy too," Regulus protested.

"You're still too young. Maybe next year," Walburga replied.

Walburga and Cassiopeia quickly dragged off a whining Regulus and Karen to the Flying Carousal.

Being children, Regulus and Karen quickly got over their distress and were laughing with delight in no time as they rode on the carousal.

Throughout the day, the children managed to ride all the top rides including Virtual Quidditch, Dragon Coaster, and Dragon Attack.

"We have time for one last one before we head home," said Harrison.

"Jaws," Chris said at once.

"I don't know, Chris, we should pick something the younger ones can enjoy as well," said Cassiopeia, eying Karen and Regulus.

"I want to go on this one, Mummy," Karen pouted.

"Me too. We didn't even get to go on the Quidditch Fantasy," Regulus said sullenly.

"Alright, you may go on this one," Cassiopeia said resignedly.

"Yea!" Regulus and Karen shouted joyfully.

"Come on, let's get on line," said Sirius excitedly. He and Gwen ran ahead, with Regulus and Karen following them.

Ten minutes later, the Blacks and the Davisons piled into the boat with the guide who would direct them through the water.

"Everyone must be seated at all times," the guide instructed.

Sirius and Gwen avidly watched the passing scenes as the boat began to move through the water.

"That over there is statue of…" the guide droned on, explaining the history and landmarks of the lake.

Gwen suddenly let out a shriek as she spotted the dark form swimming towards the boat.

"Shark!" she screamed with terror.

Regulus and Karen immediately burst into sobs as the shark jumped out of the water and Walburga and Cassiopeia hastily comforted them.

"Now what did I tell you, Honey? Didn't I tell you you're too young for this ride?" Cassiopeia said exasperatedly.

"Yes Mummy. I'll never disobey you again," Karen sobbed.

"I'm too young to die!" Regulus wailed.

"Now, now dear. You're not going to die," Walburga said as the others chuckled at his performance.

Even Chris was covering his eyes with his hands and Gwen had hidden her face against Sirius' shoulder. Sirius, on the other hand, sat perfectly still, holding tightly unto Gwen's hand.

The guide picked up a long metal wand-like object from a case and pointed it at the shark which was now swimming in circles around the boat.

BANG!

The children watched with astonishment and relief as a large hole was pierced into the shark and it slowly sank into the waters.

"Is it dead, Mummy?" Regulus sobbed.

"Yes, Dear. The bad shark won't scare Reggie anymore," Walburga murmured soothingly.

"It's just a shark, Regulus. Stop your tears immediately," Orion said sharply.

"Ye-yes, Fa-Father," Regulus stuttered, trying to hold his sobs in.

"Don't be so harsh on the boy, Orion! He was truly frightened," Walburga protested.

"Nevertheless, a boy shouldn't shed tears under any circumstances," Orion replied.

"You don't see Lee or Chris crying, do you?" he said to Regulus.

"Lee and Chris are older than Regulus. And Regulus is hardly more than a toddler; he's only three years old!"

"Four in less than a month! Regulus isn't a baby anymore, Walburga. You must stop babying him," Orion said irritably.

"Are you on that 'boys mustn't cry' issue of yours again, Orion?" Harrison said with a laugh. "Children have to grow up both laughing and crying."

"Young boys must learn to control their emotions if they are to become capable men. A true man is one who is able to laugh even if he longs to cry," Orion replied firmly.

Before anyone could reply, the boat reached land. To their surprise, Sirius immediately jumped up and bolted off the boat, pulling Gwen after him.

The adults quickly followed Sirius and heard him say to Gwen, with a sigh of relief, "Whew. I thought I was dead for sure."
He then looked up at the Heavens and solemnly said, "Thank you, Merlin."

"That's why I like him," Orion said approvingly as the others laughed at Sirius' words. "He bears his fear well. Who would have guessed how frightened he truly was?"

August 4, 1965 Wednesday, 2:07 AM

Walburga cautiously looked around before stepping into the dark and dinky bar. She quickly surveyed the tables until she spotted the hooded figure at the far corner and briskly walked toward the table.

"You wanted to see me, Walburga?" the hooded figure said.

"Yes. I want to ask you for a…favor," Walburga said hesitantly.

"What is it?" he asked.

"It's the Davisons…I want you to-I want you to-" she broke off.

"Yes?" he prompted.

"I want you to take care of them!" Walburga burst out.

He looked at her for a long moment. "Take care of them? Your best friends, Walburga. Are you sure you won't have any regrets?"

"I don't have room for such nonsense. I must have it done," Walburga said desperately.

"Very well. Place and date," he said.

"Nine o'clock. This Saturday. They'll be returning from a dinner party," Walburga said quickly, before she could have second thoughts.

August 7, 1965 Saturday, 9:45 PM

Several days had passed and the Davisons were returning home from a formal dinner. They Apparated to the dark alley by their home and began to walk home.

From the distance they saw Karen and Diana by the window, the latter being held up by the former. Karen waved merrily at them and Diana, following her older sister, began to wave her little hands as well.

Laughing, Harrison and Cassiopeia waved back.

"Dinner parties are enjoyable enough but the best part is coming home," Harrison said contentedly.

"Yes, it's so good to come home to our little darlings," Cassiopeia said lovingly.

They saw Karen leave the window and a few seconds later, the front door had opened and Karen was running towards them.

They were just about to call out when they saw the look of delight on Karen's face replaced by one of horror.

Before they had even turned around, a blinding flash of green light engulfed them and they were dead before they even hit the ground.

---

"Look Diana, Mummy and Daddy are here," Karen cooed, holding Diana up to the window.

Karen waved excitedly at them and Diana waved her little hands, imitating her.

Karen laughed affectionately and gently placed Diana in her crib in their room.
"I'll go out to meet Mummy and Daddy," she said happily.

Karen raced out of the house and was just about to call out to them when she spotted the figure come out of the shadows.
She watched in horror as the figure lifted his wand at her parents and a blinding flash of green light later, they had both crumpled to the ground.

Her scream frozen on her lips, Karen quickly hid behind a bush as the man looked around for witnesses. She stifled a sob as she saw him turn towards the house and face her direction. His face was now merely a shadow in the darkness but she had seen his face for a split second as the green flash that had killed her parents had illuminated his face.
She would never forget that face.

Satisfied that there had been no witnesses, the hooded figure Disapparated with a loud 'CRACK', leaving Karen alone in the darkness.

August 7, 1965 6: 20 PM

"Oh, Mummy, you look so beautiful!" gasped Karen in admiration, as she watched her mother preparing for the dinner party.

Cassiopeia smiled at her over the pearl necklace she was fastening.

"I want to be just like you when I grow up, Mummy," Karen said with round-eyed adoration.

"No, you'll be much more beautiful than Mummy," said Cassiopeia.

"Really?" Karen asked eagerly.

"Of course," Cassiopeia replied warmly.
She held a hand out to Karen. "Come on, dear. Let's go downstairs."

Taking her hand, she headed downstairs, skipping happily beside Cassiopeia. Once downstairs, she raced to Chris' room where he was playing with Sirius and James.

"Chris! Lee! Mummy and Daddy are leaving!" said Karen.

The three raced to the front door where their parents were waiting.

"Thanks for coming, Dorea," Cassiopeia said to her sister, who was holding Diana.

"It's my pleasure. Besides, you know James always enjoys coming over to play. Just go and enjoy yourselves," said Dorea.

"Bye Mummy! Bye Daddy!" the children chorused, kissing their parents goodbye.

"I want you to behave for Aunt Dorea, alright?" Cassiopeia instructed.

"I always behave. Right, Aunt Dorea?" Sirius said innocently.

"Of course you do, sweetheart," Dorea replied.

Sirius beamed and they laughed.

"Alright, you two should get going."

Harrison turned to the children with a grin. "Don't I have a beautiful wife, children?"

"Of course you do! The most beautiful," said Karen, nodding fervently.

"When I grow up, I'm going to choose a pretty wife like you, Dad," said Chris.

Harrison laughed. "You do that," he said, patting him on the head.

Sirius stepped forward and hugged Cassiopeia. "You look very pretty, Mummy," he said, looking up at her.
"You look like Gwen, Mummy."

Cassiopeia and Harrison exchanged a startled glance.

"Of course she doesn't. Gwen looks like her own Mum and Dad. Why would she look like our Mum?" Chris interjected.

"Well, come on. Let your parents leave," Dorea said hastily.

After Cassiopeia and Harrison had finally left the children headed back to play.

"Where are you going, Karen? We're going to play in Chris' room," said Sirius.

"No, I want to play with Diana," said Karen.

"Alright. Come to my room when you get bored," said Chris.

The boys then raced off to Chris' room where James was waiting. They had been playing for several hours when they heard a piercing shriek.

"Karen!"

The three boys raced out of their room as they followed the sound of her shriek which didn't cease.

"I think it's coming from outside!"

They ran to the door where they were met by Dorea. They raced out the door and stopped dead at the sight that met them.

Karen had thrown herself on the ground where two bodies lay.

"Oh no!" Dorea gasped.

"MUMMY! DADDY!"

"MUM! DAD!"

---

Over the next few days, the house began to fill as friends and relatives arrived for the funeral.

"Gwen!" Sirius burst into tears as he saw her and Gwen immediately rushed to him. She embraced him and the two began to cry together. When they had finally cried themselves out, they began to wander, looking for familiar faces.

"There you are, Lee!" Dorea exclaimed, rushing to him.
"Come along. We-we have to go to the funeral now," she said, rapidly blinking away her tears.

Dorea led them outside where the people were gathered dressed in their dress robes. They were joined by Gwen's family and Karen, Chris, and Diana.
Sirius cried silently during the service and Gwen comfortingly squeezed his hand.

After a long hour, the service was over and they began to prepare to bury the coffins.

Karen let out a sudden shriek as they began to pour the dirt back on top of the coffin, and she jumped into the hole, tightly clutching unto the top of the coffin.
"MUMMY! DADDY! NOOOOO!" she wailed.

"Karen-Karen, honey. Get out of there, please," Dorea pled.

Chris and Sirius reached into the hole and grabbed her arms but she broke free. By now, a large crowd had gathered around and everyone was looking at Karen with pity and sorrowfulness.

Regulus who had been holding unto his mother's hand broke free and jumped into the hole after her.
"Come out, Karen," he said, beginning to cry. "Let's go."

Still crying, Karen stood up and threw her arms around Regulus and the two children wailed as they held unto each other.

Many in the crowd also cried at the sight of the pair and it remained as tragedy that would be unforgotten for many years afterwards.

October 15, 1965 Friday, 8:20 PM

Dorea looked around at Chris and Sirius and tears filled in her eyes as she gathered them in her arms.

"Aunt Dorea? What's going to happen to us now?" Chris asked.

He was the only one old enough to comprehend what was going on and know that things would change.

Dorea hesitated, faced with the question she couldn't answer.
"Chris, you're going to go live with your Uncle Jeffrey," she told him.

"What about us? We're not going to go?" asked Sirius.

"Lee, you will go live with Uncle Orion and Aunt Walburga," Dorea replied.
"You like Uncle Orion and Auntie Walburga, don't you, Lee?"

Sirius nodded. "Will Gwen be there?" he asked.

Dorea nodded, smiling through her tears. "You'll always be with Gwen now. Won't that be nice?"

Sirius nodded. "But why can't we all live together?" he asked sadly.

"Because you need parents to look after you, honey. One day, when you're all grown up you can all live together," Dorea said soothingly.

"Aunt Dorea? Will we ever see Karen and Diana again?" asked Chris.

Her tears began to overflow and fall at Chris' words.
"Of course you will, dear," she said. "Of course you will."

October 18, 1965 Monday, 9:08 AM

Sirius held tightly unto Orion's hand as they stepped out of the fireplace at Grimmauld Place together.

Walburga, Gwen, and Regulus were waiting for them in the living room and Walburga greeted him with a warm smile. "Welcome to our home, Lee."

Regulus and Gwen who had been sitting on their mother's lap scrambled down and raced to Sirius, and each hugged him on one side.

"Am I going to live here now?" asked Sirius, his eyes wide with apprehension.

"Yes, from now on this will be your home."

---

That night Sirius was sobbing silently into his pillow when his door opened and Gwen came into his room. She slipped into the bed besides him and the two held tightly unto each other.

"I miss my mummy and daddy, Gwen," Sirius sobbed. "Why did they leave me? I want to go h-home…"

"Your mummy and daddy didn't leave you. They'll always be here," Gwen said solemnly, with wisdom far beyond her five years, placing her hand over his heart.
"They'll always being watching over you, even if you can't see them, and I'll always be right here," she said.

"Promise?" Sirius said with a sniffle.

"I promise," said Gwen.

Gwen kept her promise.