Chapter five
The trunk was packed and sat closed on the bed. The strong silver clips were locked securing the items of magic, the many spell books and robes all inside the black leather trunk. The name on the trunk was blazed in silver scrawling words 'Sirius Black' Elladora ran her fingers over the name carefully tracing each word. She looked around the room; it would soon be empty until Christmas. She stifled the tears in her eyes; Sirius wouldn't want her to cry.
"It's going to be wired isn't it?" Regulus came into the room; his hair was damp from his bath "just the two of us in the house"
"Yes" said Elladora quietly "it will be"
Regulus took her hand "come on, you're getting upset" he led her out the room "everything with be fine"
"I hope so" said Elladora as they left Sirius's room.
They walked down the hallway towards the stairs, they heard the footsteps before Sirius's head appeared, he smiled at them but then saw their depressed faces "hey come here" he held out his hands and Elladora ran at him burying her face in his chest, Regulus came up behind her and didn't join the hug- boys honestly. Elladora reached out and grabbed his shirt pulling him into the hug "this could be the last time we hug Sirius together" she sniffed
"No it won't be" Sirius said prising her off him "I'm coming back, remember? Bella's wedding it's during half-term"
"That's months away!" protested Elladora "I don't want you to go"
Regulus looked at Sirius with the same grey eyes as Elladora, he wasn't admitting to what he was feeling though.
"Reg give us a min" Sirius said, Regulus nodded and disappeared into his room closing the door
Sirius sat down on the top step, and patted the empty space next to him. Elladora sat down her lip trembling "I have to go" said Sirius kindly
"No you don't, you could stay here and be tutored" she looked pleading
"You know that I don't want to do that, and you don't want me to do that" he bumped her shoulder fondly "just imagine all the things I could tell you when I come home" he grinned
Elladora looked at his smiling face and knew what she had to do; she would have to lie "yeah you're right" she smiled "all about Slytherin house and your new friends"
Sirius's face flickered to a different emotion before he shrugged and said "yeah, it will be great, before you know it you'll be right there with me"
Elladora nodded and rested her head on his shoulder
"I know you're going to miss me" he murmured "I remember when you were a baby, and I had to come home from Uncle Alphard's because you wouldn't stop screaming all night, mum realised it was because I wasn't there" he put his arm around her and tucked her hair behind her ear "but you've got Reg and I'm only a letter away, nothing's going to change, I promise"
Elladora nodded and smiled "we'll be fine" she reassured herself "you come out now Reg" the bedroom door opened to show Regulus sat peaking round the door he stood up.
Elladora and Sirius stood also "remember that saying, Uncle Alphard used for us?"
The others nodded.
"united we stand, divided we fall" said Sirius "as long as we know that each other's safe and stick together, then nothing can hurt us or separate us. And even when I'm not here you and Reg can stand together, keep each other safe. You promise me that okay?"
"Promise" they both smiled at each other
They apparated straight onto the platform, associating with muggles was below disgusting it was repulsive to their parents. Once the tight sensation left Elladora's lungs she breathed out as her eyes widened, they were standing on platform 9 ¾ this was spectacular.
Kreacher cracked into existence with Sirius trunk; he bowed low to the ground his long ears twitching with the deafening noise. He vanished again like he'd never been there.
Elladora held her mother's hand and gazed around the platform her grey eyes falling upon the brilliant scarlet steam train that was blowing a billow of steam onto the platform. She watched the surrounding wizards and witches hugging and kissing their children goodbye. Orion stood up straight hands clasped behind his back his black hair was combed back perfectly over his head; he removed the gold pocket watch from his green coat pocket.
"It's time" he said closing the lid and stowing it away he faced Sirius "now we expect to hear from you" he said gruffly pulling Sirius's coat jacket tighter, Elladora saw the way Sirius pulled at the collar after their farther turned away "we'd like to hear about your sorting" he shook Sirius hand toughly
Sirius stepped to their mother "goodbye mother" he said kissing her cheek gently
"We will miss you" said Walburga she kept a straight face, but fussed with his long hair "say goodbye to your brother and sister"
Sirius took Regulus's elbow and led him away from their parents, Elladora could see them talking quietly, Regulus looked like he was ready to cry, but he wouldn't not in public.
A family obscured their vision, the parents looked like they were in a dream staring round excitedly, two girls followed one with red hair and the other blonde both looking curious.
"Mudbloods" hissed her farther, glaring sharply at them
Walburga placed her hand firmly on his elbow "not now" she thrust her chin in the opposite direction "look over there" Orion turned his head slowly like he was glancing round "Eileen Prince"
Orion gave half a smirk "that must be her little half-blood" he nodded at the hook nosed boy who was standing staring into the distance
Sirius and Regulus walked back to their parents, where Sirius hugged Elladora "whatever happens know that I'm a letter away" he whispered into her ear "Reg will take care of you"
"Bye Siruy" she used his old nick name and she kissed his cheek
The whistle sounded from the station conductor "Bye" smiled Sirius and he grabbed his trunk and disappeared through an open carriage door, then reappeared as the train began to move. Elladora and Regulus waved as the scarlet train vanished around the corner, taking their beloved brother to Hogwarts.
They returned home and the house felt slightly empty but it didn't stay empty for long, soon Aunt Walburga and Bella turned up with four seamstresses.
"It is time for your dressing fitting" Bella took Elladora's hand and led her to the dining room where the seamstresses set up a large stool that rose another four inches when she stepped onto it. One of the dressmakers removed her current dress and pulled the poufy white flower girl dress over head. It itched and felt constricting around her underarms.
"The green goes lovely on her" Aunt Druella stood with her arms crossed over her bloating stomach hiding the unsuccessful results of her new diet "green goes well on any Black; I believe it to be a Slytherin trait"
"Sirius will then look handsome in his new robes" her mother was beaming with pride and joy "this evening he will join his ancestors in the greatest and noblest of houses"
Aunt Druella did not say anything, for her eyes told her secret, she had no sons, not one she could be as proud as their mother.
Bella stood pouting "Elladora stop fidgeting!" she snapped "or you will get stabbed with a pin"
Bellatrix walked round the stall inspecting the dress, Elladora stuck her tongue out at her cousin as she went past, her back to Elladora.
But then something happened her tongue seemed to stay stuck in mid air "if I ever see you do that again, I'll hex it off" her mother stood with her wand elevated in the air. Elladora nodded and her tongue was released.
She looked down keeping quiet and saw one of the seamstresses shaking her head in disgust.
They leaned over the dark wooden banister as far as they could without falling over. Elladora and Regulus heard the voice "GRYFFINDOR!" oh no their mothers voice as usual "A GRYFFINDOR! THERE MUST BE SOME MISTAKE?"
"THERE IS NO MISTAKE!" roared their father "THE LETTER CLEARLY SAYS-"
"LIKE YOU EVER TOOK NOTICE OF WHAT THAT CROOKED NOSED IDIOT SAID!" interrupted Walburga from bellow them. "I WANT HIM RESORTED, THE HAT IS LYING!"
"THE HAT NEVER LIES!" yelled Orion. The voices suddenly increased and the thump that echoed above them said that the dining room door had opened and hit the wall.
"ORION DO NOT TURN YOUR BACK ON ME!" screamed their mother, her voice booming into the hallway "WHERE ARE YOU GOING? WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING!"
"THERE IS NOTHING WE CAN DO ACCEPT FOR ONE THING!" their father's voice was dying away "HAVE A DRINK AND CALL OUR LAWYER!"
The kitchen door closed.
Elladora and Regulus looked at each other and mimed the words "lawyer?" then Regulus sneezed and covered his mouth. But that gave the game away as they heard their mothers heeled shoes on the bottom step. They looked down as she looked up. Walburga's face was blotchy and her eyes looked dangerous "ear wigging is punishable" she hissed
Regulus yanked Elladora way from the rail and they pressed themselves as far as possible to the wall not even daring to breath.
"Are you sure about this Sir?" asked the wheezy cotton wool haired man "writing your heir from your will, it can result in devastating effects"
"I am quite sure thank you Watson" said their father he sat with his hand in Walburga's and Elladora on his knee.
"Plus Regulus is just as suitable" their mother smiled politely, too politely.
Mr. Watson didn't seem convinced but picked up one of the many papers that sat in front of him "so I shall read the will" he cleared his throat "I leave all of my worldly precessions, including my house, my Gringots vault and all its treasures to my heir, Mr Regulus Arcturus Black. I also leave my wife and daughter in his care, depending on the day and year of my death" Watson looked up at Regulus who was staring blankly at him "this will in testimony will make you a very rich little boy" he smiled and showed his missing teeth "now to your daughter-"
"What about her?" Walburga's said harshly
Watson rose an eyebrow at her "she will be the next heir after her brother will she not?"
Orion and Walburga looked at each other "but by the time Regulus becomes heir, Elladora will have been married off, so maybe it best to leave it to the next male heir"
"And who would that be?" asked Watson his quill poised over the sheet of parchment.
Walburga crossed her ankles "my brother Cygnus" she said "but he has his own fortune and three daughters, his eldest dowry has cost him a small vault on its own. Maybe we should leave it blank?" she nudged Orion gently with her foot
"Blank" he confirmed "until a next heir is born" he patted Elladora's leg, she was deep in thought however, Sirius was no longer the heir so he was no longer meaningful to them, because he'd been placed in Gryffindor. So now everything hung on nine year old Regulus, who looked scared to her. But she was also scared because she wasn't important to her parents because she wasn't allowed to precede Regulus.
"I must insist you put a name down" Watson was arguing "even if it is temporary until another Black boy is born"
Walburga looked like she'd been slapped in the face, Orion however was deep in thought also "put Elladora's name down" he kissed Elladora's temple "for once my son has sons and she is married the will can be changed"
Walburga wasn't protesting but the outrage in her eyes proved that she wasn't finished.
"Excellent" smiled Watson; he looked younger when he smiled "I have also taken the liberty of removing your brother Alphard from the wills. But I do need a signature from your children" he dipped the quill into the ink pot "you first Master Black"
Regulus stepped forward and took the quill. He placed it to the paper and signed his signature on the line.
"Thank you very much" Watson sprinkled some sand on the paper so that the ink would dry "you next my dear" he held the quill out for Elladora who slipped off her father's knee and took the golden eagle feather "best handwriting" said her mother through her teeth.
Elladora stopped her eyes from rolling as she gently placed the quill to the paper and inscribed her own name.
"Thank you, thank you" said Watson "I shall be on my way now" he gathered up the papers and put them into his briefcase "I will have copies sent to you by express owl as soon as they have been drawn up"
Orion and Watson shook hands and he went out the front door.
"I still say she shouldn't be down" said Walburga over dinner "there has never been a female heir"
"What about Elladora's name sake?" demanded Orion he wasn't angry for once, but then he hadn't touched a drop of whisky all day "she out lived her brothers"
"Exactly!" said Walburga, she paid no attention to the two children sat between her and her husband
"Demand away dear" said Orion, he set down his knife and fork "but Elladora the first's older brother Phinues had children- four boys and a girl, there is hope"
Walburga was never one to admit defeat, but she knew when there was nothing left to say, so she stayed quiet and finished her dinner, hating the fact that her son Sirius was a thousand miles away sleeping in a four poster bed in Gryffindor bloody tower!
September 31st 1970
Dear Sirius
It was good to see you at the wedding even though everyone seemed to be upset. Reg thinks it's horrible what they did lying about which house you were in. Bella soon set them all straight though didn't she? What a cow, you know she added more netting to my dress deliberately so that I had to stand most of the time. Thank Merlin, Andromeda and Narcissa had to wear similar ones, Bella didn't plan on those two, to complain did she? Regulus says hello, and says that he's going to beat you at Quidditch when you come home for Christmas. I still think you're the best though. But Dromeda let me ride her broom the other day with her, it was so much fun, so dad said I can start flying lessons too so that I can be ready for them at school- I know I was shocked too. But anyway how is school going? Made any friends? What are your lessons like? Missing you loads
Love Elladora
October 2nd 1970
Dear Ella
Lessons hear are slightly boring but transfiguration is great, I'm really good at it. I've made three really good friends, James Potter (he's amazing at Quidditch, we're going to try for the team next year together) Peter Pettigrew (he's so good at pulling pranks) and Remus Lupin (he's a great buddy and really smart always helps me with homework). Schools going good, I'll write and tell you what day I'm coming home, can't wait to see you and Reg. Tell Reg he's going down at Christmas just like always.
Miss you too, love Sirius
October 17th 1970
Dear SAB
What the hell was mum going on about today?! She was shouting into a red envelope how many howlers has she sent you now? I've managed to keep Elladora from knowing, she was upstairs with her nose in a book again so she didn't hear. But please mate, tell me what's going on?
RAB
October 20th 1970
RAB
This is the tenth howler she's sent this year, it's embarrassing but I can handle it. Plus my head of house said she might start removing them from my post. Don't let Elladora find out what's been going on; I don't want her to worry. But mate I'm not coming home at Christmas I can't stand our family anymore. Take care of her and yourself.
SAB
October 22nd 1970
Sirius
WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON? You're not coming home! Why? What are you and Regulus keeping from me? I'm not four this isn't fair I want to know what's going on! Plus Reg's been acting strange! Sirius I want you here!
Ella
October 22nd 1970
SAB
She figured it out for herself it wasn't me. Plus mum helped by winding her up. Sorry bro.
RAB
October 23rd 1970
RAB
Do your bloody job that I told you to do! And do it now!
SAB
October 25th 1970
Ella
I'm sorry but I can't get away, I'm swamped with work and need to camp in the library here. Sorry I really want to be with you and Regulus but I can't. Not this year.
Merry Christmas
Sirius
October 31st 1970
Sirius
HAPPY BIRTHDAY! Hope you love your presents, miss you loads and hope you have a great Halloween
Ella and Reg
December 25th 1970
Dear Sirius
Happy Christmas! We missed you loads this morning, but we hope our presents arrived in time. I know mum and dad's was terrible a bag of coins and some pureblood books (if you want to send them back then I don't mind reading them so that the spines are used) but I hope you like my gift, I wanted to make sure you had something from home, I hope your broom will keep you entertained (even though first years shouldn't have brooms) Regulus hopes you love his gifts too. I helped wrap them so that they didn't look rubbish. He thanks you for the joke shop stuff; he set the dungbomb off under the table and blamed Narcissa for it. Thanks so much for the books and little snow globe of Hogwarts and Hogsemead I've put it by our picture.
Thinking of you
Ella.
January 3rd 1971
SAB
Hope you had a good New Year bro. Elladora's fine before you ask, I took good care of her over the holidays. But you'll never guess what happened-sorry about the ink mark, Elladora wants to tell you herself what happened. Good luck with your exams at Easter. Probably will speak to you before then
RAB
January 3rd 1971
Sirius
You'll never believe what's happened! Andromeda's run away from home, she's been writing to me though, she's living with her new fiancée. He's the reason she left see, he's a muggle born, Auntie Druella and Uncle Cygnus went off it when they found the letter- they thought it had something to do to with me, dad punished me even though they knew I wasn't lying. But I'm ok, don't fret. But good for Dromeda hey? Well I think so. Can't wait for the summer now so that I can give you a massive hug, I've grown two inches. But Sirius you need to talk to Reg he's been doing strange things again, like sneaking the newspaper away. I don't know what he's doing he won't let me in his room, says it's his secret cave and that I'm not allowed in.
Love Elladora.
May 31st 1971
SAB
STOP GETTING INVOLVED IN MY PRIVATE LIFE. MERLIN WHY ARE YOU AND ELLADORA SO NOSEY?!
RAB
June 4th 1971
Sirius
What did you say to him? He's ignoring me now, I told you to be gentle about it. But how did your exams go? Did you pass everything? You better or that will give mum and dad another reason to flip. See you in three weeks
Love Elladora
June 30th 1971
Mother and Father
Passed all my exams, and will be returning home on July 21st at platform 9 ¾ I will enjoy seeing you all again.
Sirius
July 20th 1971
Can't wait to see you tomorrow!
Love Ella and Reg
June 20th 1971
A
Sirius comes home tomorrow I can't wait to see him. I bet he's really excited about coming home. Reg has cheered up now that Sirius is on his way back. But he's still been strange; I bet he lets Sirius into his room. How are you and Ted and how was the wedding? I bet you looked beautiful. Send me as many pictures as possible. Enjoy your honeymoon and I'll talk to you when I get back.
E
July 16th 1971
E
The wedding was great, and I've enclosed some pictures. Italy was amazing and I've also added some pictures from there in too. Ted sends his love and says he can't wait to meet you over the holidays. Are you sure you, Sirius and Regulus can get away without been found out? I really don't want to risk you been caught. Give the boys my love as well.
A
August 1st 1971
A
Thanks for having us at your house, tell Ted he cooks really well. I really wish that we didn't have to sneak around; I want you and Ted to be part of the family. But nothing can be perfect in this family. Regulus and Sirius have fallen out again; they've been fighting ever since Sirius broke into Reg's room. I don't know where he learned to pick a lock. Reg was furious he went red in the face, especially when Sirius saw all those newspaper clippings on his wall. Why is he so interested in he-who-must-not be named? I don't even understand why everyone's scared of him, who is he? Will you tell me Sirius, Regulus and Mum won't? Miss you again
E
August 5th 1971
E
You're a bit young to understand everything, but I will give it my best shot. He-who –must-not-be-named, is an evil dark wizard, and he does horrible things to other wizards and muggles. He has followers called Death Eaters, Bella and Rudolphus joined them before I left. That's where they met the Carrow's son, and then came to the proposed marriage. But I love Ted; I know you can tell that. Elladora you must be careful, you don't want Regulus falling into the wrong crowd. Try and talk him out of reading about you-know-who.
A
August 8th 1971
A
I'll try
E