Chapter six
It seemed too surreal to her sitting at the table, it was a few days to Christmas, the decorations were up (all of them green and silver) the tree had been perfectly trimmed and stood in the corner of the dining room. The Christmas Eve party had been planned and everything seemed ok. But as their mother left them to finish eating with their father so that she could go into town, the paper arrived and the atmosphere changed. Kreacher carried the same silver tray and held it above his head for their father. Orion took the paper and shook it open, going straight for the investment banking section.
Sirius put his knife and fork together and looked at Regulus who was staring at the large bold picture of a broken muggle bridge. It stood out boldly on the front page. Their father closed the paper and muttered "Gold is up, silver down, Knut is doing badly- these times are careless" Elladora didn't know what he was talking about "father can I have a look at the paper?" asked Regulus
Orion smiled "I love that your taking an interest in politics so young my boy" Orion smiled slyly. Sirius's eyes stayed down as the paper was passed to Regulus "don't forget to finish your breakfast" their father stood and left the room closing the door
Sirius snatched the paper from Regulus "want to read another article about that murderer whose killing all those muggle borns?" he sneered crumpling it up
"It's interesting to me!" shouted Regulus grabbing the paper from Sirius and holding it closely to his chest "you wouldn't understand you're so wrapped up in your little Hogwarts life!"
"Jealous that I have friends and you don't?" snapped Sirius
"Friends, who probably don't exist or our dumb enough to talk to you!" snarled Regulus
Sirius jumped to his feet "Don't insult my friends, ever in front of me!" he pointed a threatening finger at Regulus.
Regulus jumped to his feet also and stared right at Sirius "I will say and do as I please" he barked "you're not the boss of me anymore! Dad says so!"
"You're such a daddy's boy now aren't you? The perfect little Slytherin loving, pure blood hungry prince!"
"Better to be accepted then an embarrassment-"
"Say that again I dare you!"
"Alright-"
"SHUT UP!" Elladora banged her fists on the table. The brothers turned and looked at her "you're both as bad as each other! Idiots the pair of you" she walked round the table and stood between them
"We are nothing alike" said Regulus "I want to do our family proud-"
"We all want to do what's best for ourselves" Elladora stood shorter than Regulus, but her attitude was twice as big as his "Sirius and you are trying what you think is best for yourself"
"Elladora leave it, he won't understand the way we-" began Sirius
"Don't" Elladora turned to him "I will not pick sides between my brothers, so shake hands and get over it for my sake...or trust me I'll kick both your buts!" she then stormed from the room, and left them too it.
The door was open only a few inches but from where she was standing she could see his hands straightening something on the wall by the door. That something that had never been there before, until now.
She edged down the hall towards his door. The sign said 'Sirius's Room' in golden letters. Elladora peered round the gap and saw Sirius measuring the straightness of a photo frame using his thumb. His left eye was closed so he didn't see her as she slipped round the door. Her eyes widened.
Sirius's room had been red for years, but now the decor had completely changed, the once red hangings were now gold and covered in red stars. The walls which had shown Wizard bands now had muggle automobiles called motorcycles and pictures of women posing in very little clothing. None of the pictures were moving. "Mum and dad are going to kill you" said Elladora plainly
Sirius jumped out of his skin "jeese knock would you, I could have been ma-" he stopped mid sentence and she wondered what he was going to say "I don't care what mum and dad think"
"She'll rip them down" Elladora said walking forward still peering round "where did you get them all from?"
"My friends mum is muggle-born, I asked him to get me some stuff that would make mum and dad tick" he grinned his grey eyes sparkling "I know I shouldn't but I can't help winding them up-plus the sticking charm will keep them up for years"
Elladora sighed there would be no telling him. She turned her attention to the photo frame, and saw four smiling young faces "is that them?" she smiled peering closer
"yep-James Potter, my best mate" he pointed to a scruffy black haired boy with glasses "Peter Pettigrew" a small boy with blonde hair, he was rounder faced than the others "and Remus Lupin" the smile on Sirius's face was huge, and his finger lingered over his friend's smiling tired face.
"They must be something special, for a smile that big" she teased
Sirius went red in the face "we're just good friends" he said in a mumbled tone.
"Well hopefully I'll get to meet them in the flesh one day" she said wrapping her arm round his waist. He hugged her back, then staring at the photo still he said "Ella, do you know anything about Animagi?"
Elladora wrinkled her nose "I've read some stuff in a few books in the library, why?"
"Homework assignment" he muttered "what type of books?"
Elladora didn't believe him "everything from the basics to the advanced books on how to learn"
"We have those types of books?" he looked excited
"Yes..." Elladora remembered even where they were situated "but I haven't read those books I'm not allowed" she remembered that from the red bum cheek she had.
"Right" he had a dream like expression on his face "thanks Ella" he kissed her forehead and leaving her standing there left the room.
Elladora poked her head around the library door and saw Sirius standing on the floating rug four rows back he was scanning the shelves.
"You are nowhere near them" she announced loudly from below him.
Sirius looked down "are you going to tell me?"
Elladora gave him a small smile and headed towards the back of the room where there were two glass cabinets containing books. She opened one of the doors and rolled the ladder across from the wall and climbed up. "What exactly do you want to know?" she asked as Sirius stood at the bottom of the ladder
"What do the books say?" he darted around the question
"well, we have books that teach out about Animagi forms, then which Animagi form you would take, and there are the others..." her hand hovered over three large black books that had gold faded writing
"Are there any that give you instructions on becoming an Animagi?" he asked
Elladora looked at those three books again "they'll know it was me" she whispered
"I'll tell them it was me" he said impatiently "just pass the books down" he held out his hands
Elladora took them carefully down from the shelf and passed them to Sirius "be careful with them and bring them back when you done with your homework"
"Homework?" asked Sirius perplexed
Elladora raised her eyebrows
"Oh-yeah homework" Sirius left the library without even saying thank you.
August 30th 1971
A
Sirius goes back to Hogwarts tomorrow. Part of me thinks it's good, he's decorated his room with all this muggle stuff and he's been sneaking secret books out the library, he's going to get in a lot of trouble soon. He'll be safe at Hogwarts. Plus he and Reg are at each other's throats they might get along better when Sirius comes home for Christmas, he says he'll come back this year. I've been talking to Reg too; he says that he's just keeping mum and dad happy by taking the paper clippings. It keeps him in their good books, but he's never worried about that before. I think been the heir is having a bad effect on him. I'm also scared about what's going to happen when they're both at Hogwarts.
E
September 1st 1971
E
Everything will be fine, keep your chin up and keep smiling
Love
A
February 28th 1972
"Do you like them?" asked Elladora nervously "I wasn't sure on sizes since you've grown-" she was cut off as Regulus hugged her
"Their great" he took the long robes that were bright orange and had a cannon ball whizzing across the chest past two double 'C's' "wait until Si-"
He was about to say Sirius, but of course he corrected himself at once and pretended like he'd never mentioned his brother's name. Ever since Sirius had returned to Hogwarts last September and had not returned home for Christmas or half-term which Reg's birthday fell this year. Regulus refused to speak his name.
Elladora on the other hand, loved Sirius and Regulus so she acted like nothing had happened "yes Sirius would like these, but he's got his own set, maybe he'll play for the school team one day, I can't wait to see that" Regulus was scowling "but I also can't wait to see you playing too, I bet you'd be a great-" she pondered what position Reg would play
"Seeker" he smiled "and these will help me get into practice" he flourished them around just as their parents entered the room
"Happy Birthday son" said their father clapping Regulus on the shoulder "your mother and I have a gift for you"
Walburga kissed Regulus's cheek and handed him a wooden box.
Regulus took the box and smiled; he opened it up and pulled out a large silver ring that supported the Black Family Crest.
"It was time you had it" Orion said boomingly "you can wear it on a chain until your fingers are wide enough, but I expect you to wear it when you attend Hogwarts"
Regulus was staring at the ring, he looked scared as he admired it "I will" he said putting it back into the box "I promise"
June 31st 1972
Walburga tried not to run, but she was bursting with excitement to get to the dining room before her husband left for work. She held the letter tightly and pushed the door opened quickly. Orion was still reading the paper while the children sat eating their breakfast. Orion raised an eyebrow at her while she caught her breath. Walking briskly around the table she handed the letter to Regulus.
Elladora smiled when she saw the Hogwarts seal. Orion was also smiling encouragingly "take it" he ordered
Regulus took the letter and opened it quickly like a present "Dear Mr Regulus Arcturus Black we are pleased to inform you that you have been accepted at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry" Regulus smiled "I'm going to be a wizard" he announced
"Yes you are" declared Walburga "the best in the family, as soon as your brother-" she said it like he wasn't her son anymore "returns, the three of you will go and get your new supplies, only the best for my son" that's what she said when Sirius got his letter too.
August 2nd 1972
"Do you have to wear that hideous thing?" said Sirius swatting at the Black Family Ring around Regulus neck. The ring spun round before Regulus caught it.
"Yes I like it" he said tucking it into his robes
"Come on you two, we're together in Diagon Alley, it's the summer holidays and we get to look at all the shops" said Elladora, but when they entered the Alley, it was quite and everyone was walking in big groups, holding their children and staying with friends. A few people stared at the three children as they passed one man even asked "where are ya parents? You shouldn't be alone bad time these"
But the children ignored him and walked down the street they passed boarded up shops and broken windows. "Maybe we should get Reg's wand first?" Elladora shuddered as they passed the wall where two years previously they had seen only a hand full of Ministry posters, now the wall was over flowing.
They hurried on faster this time and made it to Ollivander's door. They pushed the door open and felt that it was warmer inside then outside, the bell tinkled again as the door closed. It almost felt like normal until they saw the Mr Ollivander who not hiding among his wands but was sat on a plain wooden stool behind the counter. He looked up at the children and smiled "good day young ones" he said pleasantly "ah-" he pointed at Sirius "twelve and a half inches, a single Demiguise hair at the core, ash wood"
Sirius smiled and took out his wand "you remembered" he said surprised
"I remember every wand I have ever sold Master Black" he said in a distant voice now "and I will remember the one that I will sell today to your brother?"
Regulus stepped forward and Ollivander looked him over "hhmmm yes if I remember correctly" and he bustled off into the back room. He came back carrying a long green box "ten and a half inches Runespoor fang, Holly" he said removing the wand from the box "this was too dark for your brother, but I have a suspicion…"
Regulus took the wand and yellow and green sparks shoot from the end as soon as his fingers touched the wood.
"I have to admit sometimes I am a little disappointed when my suspicions are proved correct" Ollivander went back behind the desk and wrapped the wand up quickly "that will be twelve sickels please"
Regulus handed over the coins "I don't understand sir" he said quietly "why are you disappointed?"
Elladora strained to hear but Sirius looked like he was trying not to
"Because Master Black" explained Ollivander "this wand is not only designed for protecting but for the dark arts"
Regulus's eyes widened "cool" he sighed excitedly
"Hurry up Reg we have to get other stuff" said Sirius, was there a trace of anger there?
"Ok!" barked Regulus he took the wand and tucked it under his arm "thank you goodbye"
"Bye" smiled Elladora pleasantly turning to leave the shop
"I shall see you very soon Miss Black" Ollivander replied just as the door swung closed
Elladora looked back over her shoulder through the glass in the door, Mr Ollivander smiled back at her, his smile was filled with a secret knowing.
They headed to the robe shop next, Sirius had grown four inches and now his robes were too short. Regulus needed his first set of robes for Hogwarts anyway. They entered the little shop and found a women sat patiently on a stool by a mirror while her son-obviously because they looked alike- stood on the stool while another women hemmed the bottom of his robes.
"I'll be with you a minute" said the women several pins floated in the air next to her ear she kept plucking them from their orbit around her ear and slid them into the black fabric.
"Sirius!" cried the boy on the stool he'd spied them all in the mirror
"James!" beamed Sirius he looked like a happy little puppy.
"Mum this is my friend Sirius Black from school" the boy James said cheerfully, he pushed his glasses up his nose with his sleeve then winched as he pricked himself.
James's mother turned she had blue eyes and black hair like her son.
"Hello" she smiled pleasantly
"Right you're all done" said the seamstress pulling the robe gently over the boy's head, he instantly jumped off the stool "that'll be seventeen galleons, half price on a third set if you want three..." James's mother stood up, she was an elegant women "yes I better, he gets the edges frayed so easily..." the women laughed as they went to the counter
"I knew I'd see one of you today mate" James grinned at Sirius, his dark brown eyes with a glint of mischief "but I'm glad it's you!"
"Yeah" Sirius replied, he hadn't looked this happy in a long time
Regulus's cleared his throat
"ah-James this is my brother and sister" said Sirius he was still grinning though "Reg, Ella this is James Potter- best Quidditch player Hogwarts has ever seen" Sirius put his arm around James's neck and ruffled his already messy hair
"You play for Gryffindor?" asked Regulus he folded his arms across his chest
"Yeah" grinned James did he ever stop smiling "seeker, have been since the start of second year"
"You must be good" said Regulus he looked competitive
Sirius picked up his tone "he'd give you a run for your money Reg" he joked, Regulus's eyes flashed angrily "but then again I'll help deflate his head when I try out this year too"
"Ooohhh you didn't say you were trying out?" said Elladora she did have a suspicion he was going to
"That's because-" began James Potter, but Sirius elbowed him in the ribs
"I wanted to get really good before trying out sis, hey maybe I'll make the team and then when you get into Hogwarts you can see me play" he smiled, but it wasn't an honest smile.
"Well when I try out in second year, you'll both get your buts whooped" said Regulus big-headedly
"You can only try out for places that are open Reg" said Sirius putting his arm around James's neck in a boyish fashion
"What'd you mean?" asked Regulus raising an eyebrow
"James is the seeker on the team, and he's the best" James shoved Sirius when he said this but didn't object
"Well..." said Regulus getting ready for an argument, he didn't like the fact that Sirius thought James was better than Regulus, and Regulus was Sirius's brother or that Reg might try for the Gryffindor team.
Elladora decided it was time to intervene but she was saved the trouble by James's mum "right James Henry Potter" she said flatting his messy hair that Sirius had ruffled "we've got to get to the bank, say goodbye to your friends"
"Hey mum, can Sirius come over before we go back to Hogwarts, to practice Quidditch and stuff?" James looked pleadingly at her
Mrs Potter knew already that James wouldn't let the subject drop so she turned to the Black children "of course, why don't you check with your parents and owl James later" her smiled was so warm that Elladora couldn't help but smile back, this was what a mother should be like.
"Ok I will straight away when I get home" said Sirius "bye and thank you"
James grinned on the way out the door
"Right what can I do for you?" asked the shop owner approaching them
"Um we need fitting for two sets of robes each" said Sirius "a first year student and a third"
"Which house?" asked the women already going to a rack of black robes and selecting four.
"Gryffindor" answered Sirius
"Right up on the stools please boys" another stool scuttled out from under the mirror and the fitting began.
"We still have ten galleons left, do you want to get an ice-cream from Floreans Fortescue's?" asked Regulus eyeing the shop
"Yes please" said Elladora they entered the shop and took one of the booths in the window next to a plump woman
Mr Florean came up to the table "and what would you three like today?"
"What's the special today?" asked Sirius discarding the menu
"French Vanilla and Swiss white chocolate with triple chocolate warm sauce" said Mr Florean dreamily
Sirius looked at Regulus and Elladora who both nodded
"Three specials please" he said
"Nine galleons" Sirius handed over the money and then flipped the last coin into the tip jar on the counter "he scores" he murmured
The women in the booth opposite stood up and said "well say hello if you wish, but do hurry Peter" next thing they knew a boy with blonde hair and chubby cheeks even though he wasn't that fat stood before them "hi Sirius" he said
Sirius looked up "Wormtail!" he exclaimed and they did the oddest handshake ever, Elladora didn't even see the whole thing by the time they were finished "I just met James at the robe shop, and now you!"
"James is here, oh man I got my robes last week" moaned Peter, his eyes were light blue and looked slightly water like in the reflection of the light, he also had a sort of pointed face even though his cheeks were round and rosy "I'm glad I saw you though, are you coming to James's next week?"
Sirius grinned "he just asked me today, but I'm sure my mum will say yes" said Sirius, Elladora noticed his tune was light-hearted, not a tone he used to describe their family. Then it hit Elladora, he was scared to talk about his family.
"Cool well I'll see you another time" said Peter "oh I'm sorry this is rude of me- I'm Peter Pettigrew Sirius and James's friend" he held out his hand to Regulus
Regulus shook it cautiously "I'm Regulus, this is Elladora we're Sirius's siblings"
"Oh the famous Elladora, Sirius always bangs on about you" said Peter smiling at Elladora "and he mentioned your starting Hogwarts this year Reg"
"It's Regulus" growled Reg
"Ok" said Peter awkwardly, he turned to Sirius "my mum's waiting, but I'll see you next week"
"Goodbye Peter" said Sirius, just as Mr Florean put their ice-creams on the table and Peter left with his mother.
Regulus only ate half his ice-cream claiming he wasn't as hungry as he thought, Elladora knew however he didn't think much of Sirius's friends, but it got much worse especially when they were about to go home.
They were all loaded up with packages and were heading to the Leaky Cauldron where Kreacher- who had been at Aunt Druella's all day cleaning silverware- would meet them to take them home.
On the way up the street though a man and his son brushed pass them and Sirius gasped "Remus!" he dropped one of his packages and the boy reached forward and caught it smiling "I-I- I was hoping to see you here" said Sirius
"Well we've been putting off coming to get my Hogwarts stuff" said Remus; he was a tall boy, thin with light brown hair and brown eyes. Remus put the package back into Sirius's arms
"Hey I'll catch up with you two" said Sirius turning round
Elladora glared at Sirius, he was happy to introduce them to his other friends, but not this one "it's ok we'll just wait-" Regulus however was getting impatient "no let Sirius catch up-"
"Well its ok" said Remus he looked ill now that Elladora paid attention to his face "I have to go, only got a certain time limit"
"Oh yeah, I forgot" said Sirius he looked sympathetic "well next week we're all going to James come, it will do you some good"
"Ok, I'll see how it goes and owl you Friday" said Remus, he patted Sirius on the shoulder "Bye Padfoot" and he went to his dad's side who was peering down one of the side streets. Sirius seemed a little lost and hopeless but turned back around, but now he was dragging his feet.
Elladora was confused, there seemed to be something between that boy and Sirius and to her it seemed a little odd.
"Did you like them?" asked Sirius as they sat on the bench in the garden watching Regulus fly round on his broom in a bad mood
"I hardly got two words in with the last one" said Elladora folding her arms
"Sorry, he's not well, hasn't been for a while now" said Sirius quietly "but what about James and Peter?"
"Peter seems polite and James very big-headed- but in a nice way" she added
"Good, once you get to know them then you'll like them too" said Sirius he put his arm around her shoulders and she hugged him back
The backdoor opened and Kreacher came out carrying a letter that must have just arrived by owl "Mistress" he said miserably, Kreacher had been bitter ever since Blitz and Tula were beheaded- um I mean relieved of duty. Kreacher at first was happy, number one house elf award to him but now he had to do everything and that made him mad.
"Thank you" said Elladora plainly
Sirius glared at the house-elf as he left
"It's from Andromeda" whispered Elladora excitedly "she says..."
E
I thought I better let you know, Ted and I are going to have a baby, I'm due in September I know I should have told you sooner but, I was worried about letting everyone know, I only just got the courage to write to my mother...
"Aaaahhhhh" exclaimed Elladora happily. Sirius leapt with fright and Regulus landed quickly rushing over to see if she was hurt "what is it?" he demanded "Andromeda's going to have a baby!" she said happily "she's due at the end of next month"
"That means she's already seven or eight months gone" said Sirius
"She says she didn't want to tell anyone" Elladora couldn't help be excited "I'm going to write back straight away" she dashed inside and up to her room
Unfortunately she had forgotten one important thing. Kreacher.