Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter or anything what you can recognize from the books. I do however own the plot of this story but I don't have profits because of it unless you count improving my English as a profit.
Prewiev: A very Mirzam!chapter. The meeting of Hogwarts' Board of Governors where Mirzam acts like a pure-blood bitch to keep Molly Weasley away from her sons and on the side manages to persuade the Board (remaining members of it who don't come from Black family, that's it) into talking about the werewolf kids. After the meeting of the Board and Dumbledore younger members of the Black family plus Pollux have a picnic in the park from where everything wents to hell and Mirzam finds out something which puts her on an emotional rollercoaster. Regulus meets Mirzam's grandmother and he isn't very impresed with her.
Read, enjoy and review (because I love to read your criticism and as long as you are logged in or I have your email I'm answering to your questions).
Chapter fifteen: 22nd May 1982.
Mirzam survived the room not without a bit of worry. Sirius's left arm draped around her shoulders tightened in reassuring manner but it didn't made her feel better. Today they had to battle for the children attacked by the werewolves.
In the corner she spotted Walburga who was talking animatedly to Lucretia, Ignatius was standing by Lucretia's side. Narcissa Malfoy was talking with Amos Diggory, their conversation seemed as animated as the other.
Narcissa was quite intriguing person, at least for Mirzam, with her sudden gratitude for saving her life and remaining dignity but the family was watching Narcissa closely and for safety measure Orion and Mirzam oblivated Narcissa's memories concerning Tom Riddle's diary. But even altering her memories didn't change Narcissa's sudden need to befriend with Mirzam and to tell the truth as long as Narcissa seemed to not notice Mirzam's blood status both women were getting along just fine.
About a six feet away from Narcissa and Amos Diggory was standing Melania Black who was watching other occupants of the room closely. Brian McLaggen was talking with Thomas Smith, a haughty-looking man. Somewhere behind them was standing Molly Weasley, dressed in ridiculous and most tasteless red dress-robe which was clashing with her red hair so badly that Mirzam felt tempted to cast Aguamenti on her just to make sure that the woman wasn't on fire. Somewhere behind Molly Weasley was standing Mirzam's and Sirius's former boss, Bartemius 'I-Will-Send-Everyone-To-Azkaban-Without-A-Trial' Crouch, apparently Sirius managed to persuade Yaxley to hand his post to Crouch.
Suddenly Crouch cleared his throat and said, "Since we are all here perhaps we should start the meeting. Please take your seats."
Mirzam sat down on the chair with golden plaque which had 'Black' engraved on it. Sirius sat down on her left side on the chair which had the plaque with the name 'Lestrange' on it. On her right Walburga sat down on the chair with 'Crabbe' plaque. Lucretia sat down next to Walburga on the chair appointed for 'Umbridge'. On her right in 'Prewett' seat sat down Ignatius. Next to him in 'McMillan' seat sat down Melania. On Sirius's left in 'Malfoy' seat sat down Narcissa who gave Mirzam small, reassuring smile. On Narcissa's left in the seat with the name 'Diggory' sat down Amos Diggory. Crouch sat down on his left side in the seat named 'Yaxley'. Next to Crouch on the seat named 'McLaggen' sat down McLaggen who had 'Smith' seat next to him. The seat between Smith and Melania, named 'Longbottom' was occupied by Molly Weasley.
"Now, first thing which we should establish would be the Head of the Hogwarts Board of Governor," said Crouch. "Candidates, please."
"Molly Weasley," said Molly Weasley and Mirzam barely managed to resist a snort.
"Thomas Smith," added Smith.
"Brian McLaggen," called McLaggen.
"Bartemius Crouch," said calmly Crouch.
"Amos Diggory," said Diggory.
"Mirzam Black," said Narcissa surly.
"Mirzam Black," Sirius repeated after her.
"Sirius Black," Mirzam said quickly.
"Mirzam Black," Walburga said firmly.
"Mirzam Black," added Lucretia.
"Mirzam Black," added Ignatius.
"Mirzam Black," said Melania firmly.
"Six votes in favour of Mirzam Black. Once again," said Crouch. "Who is in favour of Mirzam Black, raise your hands.
All members of Black family even Mirzam, albeit slowly, raised their hands. Diggory followed suit and so did Crouch and Smith. Only hands which remained down belonged to McLaggen and Weasley.
"Ten to two," Crouch stated. "Mirzam Black is new Head of Hogwarts Board of Governors. Mrs Black please proceed with the meeting."
Mirzam took a deep breath before she said, "I, Mirzam Mira Black, open the first meeting of Hogwarts Board of Governors in 1982 year. The meeting is supposed to establish the budget of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy for school year 1982/83. The budget of Orphaned Muggle-borns and Muggle-raised Children Scholarship for year 1982/83. The third reason for the meeting is 'Werewolves of Hogwarts' case. Mr Diggory please proceed with the matter of the budget of Hogwarts School of Witchraft and Wizardy."
"Basically we have the same budget as last year," started Diggory. "Hogwarts staff currently employees nineteen members. Thirteen teachers plus Headmaster, a Librarian, Nurse, Caretaker, Keeper of the Keys and Grounds. Our operating budget is fifty-five thousand Galeons. Seven thousand eight hundred divided between thirteen teachers which give us six hundred Galeons per teacher for a year. Extra money for Headmasters, one thousand five hundred. Total costs of Nurse, Caretaker, Keeper of the Keys and Librarian, two thousand one hundred eighty galleons. Supplies cost thirty-seven thousand two hundred galleons put together. Orphans funds three thousand five hundred twenty galleons. That leaves us with two thousand eight hundred galleons to spare."
"Why don't we use it as a wage for the Hogwarts Board of Governors?" asked Mrs Weasley curiously.
"Mrs Weasley," said Mirzam icily. "As far as I remember being a member of Hogwarts Board of Governors is a honour and should be treated as such. We don't get paid for being here and if someone doesn't understand it then that person shouldn't be a member of this board."
"It was only a suggestion," said Mrs Weasley defensively.
"Utterly stupid suggestion which proves only the fact that you are obviously unprepared for being here," said Mirzam sternly. "Now coming back to the matter of our meeting. The budget I think doesn't need fixing and we can use the money we got left for a new project."
"And that would be," Smith cut in.
"Two weeks ago seven children under the age of Hogwarts attendance were attacked by werewolves…" Mirzam stated.
"Phew," Smith snorted.
"Mister Smith I didn't finished explaining," Mirzam said calmly. "Will you calmly keep what you think to yourself until I'm done?" she send her best death glare at him.
Smith nodded sheepishly.
"As I said before someone decided to rudely interrupt me," Mirzam started sternly. "Seven children under the age of Hogwarts attendance were bitten by a werewolf. It would be proper to allow this children … Mr McLaggen try to act your age," Mirzam snarled when she saw that McLaggen started making faces. "It would be proper to allow this children proper education. We are extremely lucky to have amongst the teaching staff First Class Potion Master, Severus Snape who is one of very few people in the world who are able to prepare Wolfsbane Potion which allows changed werewolf to keep its mind after the transformation. I suggest a higher raise and separate budget for ingredients of Wolfsbane Potion would persuade him into preparing the potion each month as long as these eight children continue their education at Hogwarts."
"Pardon me for interrupting Madam Black," said Crouch quickly. "You said yourself that seven children will need the potion."
"Actually eight," Mirzam said. "But if the costs for preparing the potion and the ingredients is too high I trust that parents who managed to accumulate more than ten thousand galleons in their vaults, counting together houses and money per year will be able of paying for preparing the potion and the ingredients as long as their children will attend Hogwarts. Which rules out four children for which potions will be paid by their parents: Percy Weasley, Nymphadora Tonks, Draco Malfoy and Remmy Black since their parents can afford paying for their potion and Mr Snape's work. Which leaves us with Cedric Diggory, Luna Lovegood, Samuel McMillan and Harry Hopkins. I trust that seven hundred galleons for each of them will allow them a year worth supply of Wolfsbane potion."
"That's outrageous!" Mrs Weasley bellowed. "Seven hundreds galleons per year is my husband's year worth wage."
"Perhaps if you started working you would maintain at least another seven hundred gallons per year," added Narcissa sourly. "The Blacks and the Tonks can afford the potion because both of them are working. Even I know that my husband's inheritance won't cover all costs that's why I intend to find a job after summer holidays."
"Point taken, Mrs Malfoy," Crouch muttered. "Madam Black would you present the matter to Headmaster Dumbledore before our next meeting at the end of school year?" he asked politely.
"I will," Mirzam nodded. "Dismissed," she sighed. "We will meet again at 26th June, Saturday."
McLaggen, Smith and Crouch left the room quickly and when the door closed behind them Sirius snickered, "That went well, don't you think?"
"I hate you," she muttered. "We already established that you should take this position."
"That would be my fault, Mimi," Narcissa said sheepishly.
"Why we have to pay for the potion?" asked Mrs Weasley angrily, she was still sitting in her seat.
"Because you are rich and with being rich comes certain responsibilities," said Narcissa lividly.
"Agreed," Walburga muttered. "So Mimi, will you go to Dumbledore today?" she asked brightly.
"I should," Mirzam said as she stood up. "Up for accompanying me, Sior?" she turned to her husband.
"Always," Sirius winked at her.
"We should be going now," said Lucretia. "Mum, Wally are you going with us?"
"Sure," Melania and Walburga replied in unison and they left the room together with Lucretia and Ignatius.
Sirius, Mirzam, Narcissa and Mrs Weasley remained in the room. Mrs Weasley looked uncomfortable.
'Here we go,' Mirzam snorted mentally. 'Betrothal proposition.'
"Mrs Black I had been wondering if…" Mrs Weasley started.
"What?" Mirzam asked sharply.
"I have been wondering if it would be possible to arrange a betrothal contract between my daughter Ginevra and your son Homam?" Mrs Weasley finished sheepishly.
"No," said Mirzam sternly. "It wouldn't be possible because neither I nor my husband believe in such nonsense as arranged marriage and sooner hell will froze over before I will allow my son to be betrothed to anyone before he is of age. Especially if I don't approve marriage between a member of old and respected pure-blood family and blood traitor scum which bought their way into the elite by the tragedy of another old and respected pure-blood family," she added and send her best death glare at the woman before she added. "Sior, Cissy lets go to Dumbledore."
She left the room as quickly as possible with Sirius and Narcissa tagging behind her. They caught up with her at the end of the corridor.
"It was bloody brilliant, Mimi," Sirius snickered as he sneaked his left arm around Mirzam's waist.
"I don't know who taught you how to act like a proud pure-blood matron but whomever it was did great job. You were fantastic," Narcissa giggled and she wound her right arm around Mirzam's shoulders.
"Wait till she finds out that I'm a Muggle-born," Mirzam snickered. "Merlin it would be priceless."
"So now we are scaring Dumbledore and later we are coming back for lunch," Sirius snickered.
Severus Snape wasn't happy with his boss, Headmaster Albus Dumbledore, not really. Dumbledore demanded a meeting between him and all four heads of the Houses on 22nd May, Saturday so instead of spending the day with the Black family at plotting the fall of one Lord Voldemort or spending the time with his …brothers and nephews… Severus was stuck at the meeting with Headmaster. The only though which made him feel a bit better was that McGonagall seemed to be just as happy as he was.
"…there is also the Board of Governors to consider," Dumbledore's voice snapped him out of his thoughts. "They are supposed to meet today to talk about our budget. I expect that the Head of the Board of Governors will visit me today."
Suddenly loud knocking on the door were heard and everybody turned around to look at it.
"Come in," Dumbledore called out calmly.
The door opened and three people walked inside. On the left was Narcissa, her long blonde hair were pulled back into a French braid. She was wearing long but fitting light blue robe which collar was hiding her – still bruised – neck, on the top of her robe she had thrown silver cloak with Malfoy crest on it. Next to her was Mirzam, she too was wearing dress robe like Narcissa, long and very fitting crimson robe with long sleeves, belted by a thick leather black belt with Auror badge holding it. But unlike Narcissa's collar Mirzam's collar was normal, her bruised neck was covered by a thick necklace made from black pearls. On the top of her robe she was wearing black cloak with Black family crest on it. Sirius who was standing on her left was wearing Aurors uniform and had the same cloak as Mirzam's thrown on it. From their postures was reeking power and Severus barely managed to resist a snicker, Dumbledore was in deep troubles.
"Headmaster Dumbledore," said Mirzam politely. "Headmistress McGonagall. Professor Sprout. Professor Flitwick. Professor Snape," she gave a small nod for each of them. "We came here to address a very important matter which came out at today's meeting of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardy Board of Governors. We just left the meeting and we ask you for your time, all of you since the matter of the meeting will involve all four houses."
"Of course Ms Verascez," mumbled Dumbledore.
"Madam Black," McGonagall corrected him quickly.
"Please do sit down, Madam Black," Severus said politely and stood up from his chair making the chair available for Mirzam who accepted it with a small nod and whispered 'Thank you.'
"So what brings Board of Governors here?" asked Dumbledore curiously. "I assume that you are the Head of Board of Governors Madam Black."
"Indeed, Headmaster," Mirzam said politely. "I assume that you heard about werewolves attacks from last full moon?" she asked calmly.
Dumbledore nodded.
"Since the victims of the attacks are children under the age of attendance the Board of Governor decided to ensure that all eight werewolf children will receive proper education in the school which is responsible for their education," said Mirzam firmly. "Of course we are aware that a certain security measures need to be taken to ensure that non-werewolf students will be safe. My husband," Sirius gave a small nod, "informed me that you, professor Dumbledore allowed Remus Lupin to attend Hogwarts even if Remus was a werewolf."
"Remus's father was an old friend of mine," started Dumbledore but Sirius quickly cut him off.
"This children will attend Hogwarts, Professor," Sirius said coldly. "I call you on wizarding debt, Headmaster. Every werewolf child which expresses his or her wants to attend your school will attend your school. You owe me it for endangering my godson's life which lead to his death. Like my wife said certain security measures will be taken care of to ensure that other students won't get hurt."
"Such as?" Severus asked lividly, playing his role of vile Potion Master.
"Wolfsbane Potion for every full moon in the year. The Board of Governors and certain families will pay for the potion, preparing it and will ensure that the Potion Master will have either money for or the ingredients themselves," said Sirius firmly. "That's why I want to apologise Professor Snape, for all animosity between each other in last eleven years."
"Why should I accept your apology Black?" Severus snarled.
"If one of the children who were bitten was yours would you do it? For all of them, out of pure decency?" Sirius asked calmly.
"I don't do decent," Severus muttered even if he knew that he would be making the potion regardless his protests, which were more for Dumbledore than his own mind.
"Then do it to erase your sins, Severus," Mirzam whispered as she grabbed his hand and stared at him pleadingly. "Do it for the ones you love."
"How much?" Severus asked sourly.
"Seven hundred galleons per child for every year the child gets its potion. Paid respectively by the Board of Governors and the families who can afford the potion," whispered Mirzam.
"Very well," Severus mumbled. "You are lucky to have this eyes, otherwise I would be hard pressed to do it."
"Thank you," Mirzam whispered as she let go of his hand and straightened in her chair. "I trust that Shrieking Shack will keep its purpose like it did for Remus Lupin, am I right?"
"Indeed, Madam Black," said McGonagall sternly. "Madam Pomfrey will be informed immediately. Thank you for your visit. I trust that we will be seeing each other in the future."
"I'm certain that we will, Headmistress McGonagall," Mirzam said with a small nod.
"Then we will discuss this matter on the eve of next meeting of Hogwarts' Board of Governors, Madam Black," said McGonagall.
"Which means that we will meet at 25th June, Friday. I trust that evening would be good," said Mirzam politely.
"Six o'clock in the evening?" asked McGonagall. "Your house, perhaps."
"Will do, Headmistress," Mirzam gave her small smile and she stood up and extended her hand to shake McGonagall's.
Mirzam, Sirius and Narcissa after quick but polite goodbyes left the room.
"Finally something good come from that boy," Severus heard Phineas Niggelus voice. "But that girl, Merlin if I wasn't dead…"
This time Severus didn't resisted a snort. He didn't felt like telling the portrait that Mirzam Black was a Muggle-born witch which suddenly turned into the matron of Black family. After all Wally taught her well.
"And then Mirzam says 'No. It wouldn't be possible because neither I nor my husband believe in such nonsense as arranged marriage and sooner hell will froze over before I will allow my son to be betrothed to anyone before he is of age. Especially if I don't approve marriage between a member of old and respected pure-blood family and blood traitor scum which bought their way into the elite by the tragedy of another old and respected pure-blood family.' Merlin you should have seen how red Weasley turned at that," Narcissa giggled as she was telling the rest of the family about the meeting of Hogwarts' Board of Governors.
Regulus laughed at that wholeheartedly. Mirzam certainly had a nerve no one suspected her to have. On Regulus's right Pollux was snickering silently.
"I can see it," he mumbled finally. "Mimi, all dressed up in all Black family regalia and that red-headed devil turning even redder."
"I was inspired," Mirzam snickered, she was back to her usual clothes, jeans and turtleneck, all jewellery beside her wedding ring was gone.
"Indeed," Sirius snickered. "Merlin, for a moment I thought that all women in the family found themselves in you. Mum certainly did."
"Pity that we didn't saw it," Regulus snickered. "So who is up for a walk to the park?"
"You will excuse me, I have a little headache from staring at Molly Weasley today," said his mother.
"And we are supposed to visit my family," said grandma Melania.
"Paperwork," Cassiopeia mumbled.
"I will need to go to the library," said Orion. "Someone has to rescue the Lupins before they will die there."
"Family meeting too," said Ignatius. "Lucy is coming with me."
"Same there, Dora is coming with us," said Ted.
"So I guess that it would be just the six of us plus kids," said Severus suddenly, how he got there Regulus had no idea.
"Dumbledore let you out early?" Sirius asked curiously.
"I told him that I was going to sulk for the rest of the day at my place," Severus replied. "He bought it. Mimi, you were brilliant today."
"Thanks," Mirzam snickered. "Hey, what about a picnic in Regent's Park?" she called out.
"Brilliant idea," Sirius agreed quickly. "But someone needs to change clothes before leaving."
"Cissy feel free to ride my wardrobe," Mirzam said.
"Same there for you Severus," Sirius added. "I'm not asking you Reggie since I know that you are wearing my clothes."
"You bought me a stupid suit, Sior!" Regulus growled playfully. "That's hardly Muggle clothes.
About half of hour later they left the house. Regulus had a very hard time to resist snickering at Narcissa's choice of clothes. She was wearing red gypsy skirt, a thing Regulus never saw Mirzam in even if it would look on her great because of her jet-black hair, Cissy was also wearing a sleeveless brown turtleneck and on the top of her head she had big straw hat with red bow.
Mirzam changed her clothes too, she remained in her white sleeveless turtleneck but she changed her jeans to white gypsy skirt. Her hair were very short and were tied by white velvet band.
Sirius put on his blue jeans which had more holes in them than actual fabric, he also wore sleeveless black shirt.
Severus was lesser exhibitionist than Sirius and managed to get his hand at black t-shirt with the Beatles name on it and a pair of black jeans which actually looked like trousers not like something which was eaten by moths.
Regulus remained in his, technically Sirius's, black t-shirt with white sentence 'I don't tease, I promise' and his own blue jeans.
But the most hilarious sight was grandfather Pollux in red t-shirt which claimed in white capital letters, 'Stubborn git and proud of it!' and white jeans, both things came from Sirius's wardrobe.
When they found themselves in Regent's Park Sirius found them a secluded corner where they set two blankets and the basket with food. Then grandpa Pollux produced a football ball and dared Sirius, Regulus and Severus into a small football match while Mirzam and Narcissa remained with the kids on the blanket.
Two hours later after losing their third match to Sirius and Severus who practically levelled him and grandpa Pollux with the ground with disastrous result 15:2 for Sirius and Severus, Regulus claimed that he had enough and went to lick his wounded ego to the blanket.
In overall it was funny day, quite refreshing and comfortable. It was almost hilarious to watch Sirius and Severus plotting how to win three football matches in a row. Who knew that these two could work together so well.
Nothing had happened till they were about to reach the gates of the park when Mirzam accidentally walked into a young woman in green dress. Then both women froze and that's when everything went to hell.
Mirzam was laughing at the joke which Pollux just said and she didn't saw the woman in front of her. She walked into her and quickly stepped away. But the apology for not paying attention to her surroundings froze on her lips when she saw into whom she walked.
The woman was about her high, maybe an inch and half smaller than Mirzam. Her face was heart-shaped like Mirzam's. Her jet-black hair were long and had the same curly look like Mirzam's. Her high-cheekbones were pronounced just in the same manner as hers were. But her almond-shaped eyes unlike Mirzam's, were green.
Merlin's balls. It was Gemma. Her supposedly deceased sister.
The woman was watching Mirzam as much intently as Mirzam was watching her. A faint line appeared on her forehead before she whispered, "Mirzam? Mirzam Mira Verascez?"
"Gemma?" Mirzam whispered. "Gemma Francesca Verascez?"
"Oh, Merlin, Mimi," the woman whispered. "It's really you," she squealed and before Mirzam knew what had happened she was enveloped into a bear hug. "Mum and Dad are going to faint when I tell them."
Mum … Dad … Gemma? Since when the earth started spinning backwards and her supposedly dead family was in fact alive. Merlin, Sirius, do something.
"Could you stop trying to strangle my wife, missy?" Sirius asked sharply and Mirzam felt that he pried Gemma's hands away from her.
"Wife?" Gemma mumbled. "You lucky girl. You got married," she squealed again. Then she turned her head to the left and saw the boys. "And you have kiddies," she cooed and ran to the pram where Homam, Remus and Draco were sitting. "They are so cuteee… What are their names?"
"Homam and Remus, the closest two to you, missy," replied Regulus.
"It's Gemma," Gemma said quickly.
"Regulus," Regulus replied. "Mimi's brother-in-law. Nice to meet you Gemma," he said and he extended his hand to greet her.
"Narcissa," said Narcissa and she extended her hand to greet Gemma. "Their cousin."
"Severus," Severus greeted her. "Another brother-in-law."
"Pollux Black. Grandfather of these four," he waved at Sirius, Regulus, Severus and Narcissa.
Suddenly a black-haired girl with two long braids slammed into Gemma mumbling, "Gemma you meanie, you were supposed to watch after us not ran away."
"Oh, shut up Kuma," Gemma muttered. "I saw my sister."
"We are your sisters," the girl named Kuma muttered as she pointed somewhere behind her.
Mirzam glanced in that direction and gasped. About thirty feet behind Gemma and, was it Kuma, were standing four girls with jet-black hair pulled into two pigtails. Three of them looked like they were around the age of six, the fourth looked no older than four years.
"Mimi was my sister before you came along," Gemma replied sharply before she turned around to face Mirzam. "This meanie here," she patted the girl who was standing next to her, "is name Kuma Elisa. That lot," she pointed at four girls, "from our right to left is named respectively, "Spica Charlotte, Aludra Anna, Almilam Samantha and Sadachbia Jane. Aged respectively nine, three times six and four. They are OUR younger sisters, Mimi."
Sisters? Now the earth really started spinning backwards. Her supposedly dead parents not only were alive but they also managed to produce five other girls beside her and Gemma, after they were supposedly dead.
"No," Mirzam mumbled. "It's impossible."
"Mimi," Gemma said cautiously.
"I…" Mirzam mumbled and before she knew what she had done she disappareted.
She apparated straight into hers and Sirius's bedroom at Grimmauld Place and fell on the bed. It wasn't possible. It was … cruel. No, her parents couldn't abandon her like that and then produce another five girls.
Suddenly everything came back to her, all her childhood. The years she spent in her basement, the beatings, the taunts from other children in orphanage. Why it had to be her? Why they abandoned her? Why?
She wasn't aware of her tears until she drew a breath for her second sob. She was strong, she grew up in an orphanage, she was an Auror. She won't be weak, she won't let them get to her. No.
She rolled on her stomach and hid her face in the coverlet. She was wrong, no one had that much strength.
As soon as Mirzam disapparated Sirius followed her and after a moment of hesitance Severus disapparated too. After they vanished Narcissa grabbed the pram and disappareted with the boys, she was followed by Pollux. So that left Regulus, who couldn't apparate even if his life depended from it, and six Verascez sisters.
"Bugger," he mumbled nervously.
"Why she disapparated?" Gemma Verascez asked tentatively.
"Whoa?" Regulus mumbled. "Why you are familiar with this word?"
"Because I'm a witch, silly," Gemma rolled her eyes. "I'm transferring from Beauxbatons to Hogwarts because our parents moved back to London."
"A witch?" Regulus mumbled in shock.
"It was scientifically proven that when in Muggle family older child happens to be a witch or wizard the possibility that its younger sibling will be witch or wizard too is about ninety-five percent. Mirzam was a witch, so am I and this five little devils would be witches too," said Gemma quickly.
"I bet that your grandmother loves it," Regulus snorted.
"You meet her?" Gemma asked curiously.
"I didn't," Regulus replied. "My mother did, plus I heard a lot about her from Mirzam. Mimi doesn't have a very high opinion about her."
"Why?" Gemma asked.
"Tell your grandmother that you are a witch and you will find out," Regulus replied sharply.
"I was about to visit her. She lives on the other side of the park. Mum and dad send us to them," she said.
"Where do you live?" Regulus asked curiously.
"Our parents bought a house at 13 Grimmauld Place in London. It's a bit lingered but mum will change it into the prettiest house around in a matter of two weeks," Gemma replied.
13 Grimmauld Place? Mirzam isn't going to like it when she finds out.
"So where are you going?" Regulus asked curiously.
"Circus Road," replied Gemma. "Wanna go with us?"
"I might. It's not that I have other things to do today," Regulus shrugged.
"Good then you will help me mind these devils," Gemma pointed at the quartet.
The girl named Sadachbia ran to him and indicated that she wanted to be picked up. Normally he wouldn't pick up a random kid but after few weeks with Hommy and Remmy and lately Draco he got used to it. He gently picked her up and sat her on his shoulders. As soon as Sadie was secure on his shoulders two of the other three girls ran to him and grabbed his hand each. Kuma and third girl held on Gemma's hands.
"So Reggie?" Gemma asked after a few minutes of silent walk. "Tell me about Hogwarts. You attended it, didn't you?"
"What you want to know?" he asked quietly.
"Everything," Gemma replied.
"It would be better if Sevie was here, he teaches at Hogwarts," he mumbled.
"Oh? What does he teach?" Gemma asked.
"Potions," Regulus replied. "He is also the head of Slytherin House."
"Are there other houses?" Kuma asked curiously.
"Besides Slytherin there are Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw and Gryffindor," Regulus answered.
"Which one you were in? Which one was Mimi?" Gemma asked curiously.
"I was in Slytherin. Ambitious, cunning, power-hungry, pure-blood. No other place to go. Mimi was in Ravenclaw for these with wit and learning since the cleverest would always be the best. Though my brother and I keep arguing that Mimi is either a house-misplaced Gryffindor or Slytherin. Of course Sirius was in Gryffindor, bravest and boldest, daring, with great nerve and chivalrous. That's him," Regulus replied.
"What about Hufflepuff?" asked Gemma.
"Never knew one," Regulus sighed. "At least not very well. Hufflepuff is well … a Hufflepuff. Keen of justice and very loyal hard workers."
"What's a pure-blood?" asked Kuma.
"Pure-blood is a term which describes a witch or wizard who was born in wizarding family and as far as it can be determined has no non-magical ancestors. Then there is half-blood which actually describes most of wizards and witches, there are many combinations here, wizarding parent of all blood status plus other Muggle parent for example, same with Muggle-born parent or half-blood parent. Then there are Muggle-borns born in Muggle families without wizarding ancestry at all. You lot are Muggle-borns, Kuma," Regulus explained.
"Oh," Kuma mumbled. "Is it bad? Being Muggle-born, I mean?"
"No, not really," Regulus answered. "For most, normal, people of course. There are some nasty people who think that being Muggle-born is being worse than a pure-blood. But that's rubbish."
"How old is your family, Regulus?" Gemma asked curiously.
"Very old," Regulus replied. "Actually ancient, our ancestry can be traced back to middle ages."
"Wow," Gemma mumbled. "That's a lot of family history to learn."
"My father is the best source," Regulus added with small snicker. "He knows practically every legend which runs in the family."
"So when Mimi married your brother?" Gemma changed the subject.
"At 1st April, this year," Regulus answered.
"But those boys look like they are around two years old," Gemma said sceptically.
"Ever heard a phrase 'a child out of wedlock'?" Regulus snickered.
"Bet that grandmother loved it, she is very religious," Gemma snickered.
"Or so I heard," Regulus mumbled. "Times were dark here, Gemma, Mimi and Sior decided that it would be safer for the kids if they didn't got married. Now everything cooled off and everything seems to be going just fine."
"Where Mimi works?" Gemma asked.
"She is an Auror, so is Sior," Regulus answered.
"Who is taking care of the kids when they are at work?" Kuma asked curiously.
"My parents, I, my grandparents, various aunts and uncles, depends," Regulus replied.
"So they live in the same house as the rest of the family," Gemma said.
"Well, not exactly rest but the most of… definitely," Regulus explained.
"Oh, where do you live?" Kuma asked. "Can we visit?"
"Grimmauld Place," Regulus mumbled. "House under number 12. As for visiting I will need to ask mum and Mimi first. They could use a little warning. Especially Mimi."
"So we are next door neighbourhoods," said Kuma.
"So it would seem," Regulus mumbled. "Oh, look Circus Road. Where your grandmother lives?"
"Under number three," Gemma pointed at one of the houses.
The house looked like any other house in the neighbourhood but Regulus knew better. It wasn't a house of a happy family. Inside it lived devil reincarnated if what Mirzam was telling about her was truth.
"You are going with us," said Sadachbia suddenly who during the walk remained silent.
"Do I even have a choice to say no?" Regulus snickered.
"No!" Verascez sisters giggled in unison.
That's how Regulus found himself at the front stairs to the house under the number three. Gemma knocked on the door loudly and after a minute the door were opened by an old lady. If the lines on her face was any indication Regulus would give her at least eighty years. Her white hair was pulled into impossibly tight topknot. Her face was heart-shaped just like Mirzam's or other Verascez sisters were and her cheekbones were very pronounced. Her lips were drawn into a tight line. But what really surprised Regulus were woman's eyes, almond-shaped and violet, but unlike Mirzam's eyes they didn't hold warmth, they were piercingly cold. The woman was dressed in pale pink tail-coat.
"I'm not buying anything you are offering and neither I'm helping any orphanage or whatever," she snarled at them.
"I'm sorry," Gemma said calmly. "I mistook the house for the one which belongs to my grandparents. I apologise for inconvenience Madam."
"What are their names?" the woman asked sharply.
"Patrick and Patricia Smith," Gemma replied quickly at the same time as Kuma said, "Benedicta and Benedict Roberts."
"And you are?" the woman asked sharply, her gaze stopped on Regulus, who knew very well that he looked like a member of a rock band, and stayed there.
"Gemma, Kuma, Spica, Aludra, Almilam and Sadachbia Verascez," said Kuma quickly. "This is Regulus Black who is chaperoning us around London."
"What are your parents names?" the woman asked sharply.
"Hubert and Elizabeth Verascez. Mum's maiden name was Roberts," replied Kuma.
"They died in a car crash," said woman sternly. "Pity that that wretch Mirzam didn't died with them.
"No, we didn't," Gemma said sharply. "And don't call my sister a wretch."
"She is worth ten times more than you," Regulus snorted.
"How do you know that gypsy?" the woman snarled at him.
"She is my sister-in-law so I know her quite well. I came here to find out if she wasn't exaggerating when she referred to her grandmother as a cold-hearted bitch. She wasn't," Regulus replied coldly. "Hey Gemma, do you want me to walk you back home?"
"Gladly," Gemma mumbled and she hooked her right arm on Regulus's left. "Girls we are going back to home," she ordered and she pulled Regulus by the arm.
By the time they reached the end of the street she was positively fuming.
"What a hag," she muttered angrily. "If mum invites her over I'm hiding at your house."
As hard as she tried Walburga couldn't fell asleep because of the noise which was coming from the house under the number thirteen. It seemed like someone was moving into that house. After three hours of tossing and turning she finally gave up and decided to make herself a big mug of tea before retiring to the library where the noise seemed to be less annoyig. She was halfway through the corridor when someone knocked on the door. It surprised her greatly since most of the family members either unceremoniously apparated into the hall or used the fireplace in the kitchen. But curiosity won the battle with surprise and Walburga went to answer the door.
When she opened the door she was surprised to find Mirzam standing on the stairs. She had few more lines on her face and her eyes were green but it was definitely Mirzam.
"Good afternoon," said Mirzam. "My name is Elizabeth Verascez, Betty for short. I'm very sorry for the noise but my family is just moving into the house under number thirteen. I hope that the noise isn't very bad."
"Walburga Black," Walburga mumbled and she extended her hand to greet the woman. "Do you, by any chance, happen to have a twenty-two years old daughter named Mirzam?" she asked curiously.
The woman paled drastically and she mumbled, "We used to have daughter name Mirzam. But … this is very long story, Madam Black."
"Please do come in," Walburga smiled at her and stepped aside to let her inside. "Would you like a cup of tea? I was about to make myself one."
The woman nodded slowly and she stepped inside. Walburga lead her to the kitchen where she prepared them both in muggle way a big cup of tea and put the rest of the cake from yesterday on desert plates in front of the woman. After she put the sugar-bowl and freshly sliced lemon on the table she sat down on the other side of the table to the woman and prompted her to continue.
"My husband was a dentist long time ago. Ten years ago he was asked by the police to help them in catching a certain Mafioso. And so he did. The police assured us that his involvement in the case will remain unknown to anyone. But someone revealed the information and his cronies destroyed our house after we sent Mirzam to her boarding school in Scotland. Next day the police helped us to arrange a car accident where my husband, I and our second daughter, Gemma were supposed to be killed. I really didn't wanted to leave Mirzam behind but … she was spending at least ten months of the year at her school and I knew how much she loved being there. I didn't had a heart to remove her from it. At her school she was safe and for summer holidays I knew that my mother would take her in, they were the best friends," said the woman tearfully.
Walburga barely managed to resist a snort. If this woman knew how much her mother loved her daughter she would get a heart attack.
"So that's why we left Mimi behind. It was hard, really hard. But it was for her safety, Madam Black. It breaks my heart that I haven't seen her for last ten years and as much as I would want to see her I don't even know where she lives. Where she works? Did she got married? Does she has any kids?" said the woman with a heavy sigh.
Suddenly there was a loud crush upstairs and Walburga flinched.
"Honey be calm," Sirius called out.
"I'm calm!" Mirzam growled. "I'm bloody calm! The house is still standing!"
"I know that you are upset…" Sirius started, their voices got nearer.
"Upset?" Mirzam bellowed. "Are you daft? I'm furious. Pissed off. Mad. Enraged. I'm not upset."
Her footsteps got closer to the kitchen, it seemed like she was in the hall.
"I know that you are pissed off but please be reasonable," Sirius called after her.
Mirzam marched into the kitchen angrily and she turned around before she saw the woman as she called out, "I'm reasonable! I'm not planning a murder on anyone Sirius!"
"But you are an inch away from blowing the house apart with your anger, Mimi," Sirius said as he walked into the kitchen and stopped in front of Mirzam.
"I just want the truth, Sirius!" Mirzam snarled. "I want to know why for the countless time Gemma was more important to them than I! I want to know why I had to grow up in orphanage when my fucking parents were in fact alive! You don't know how it is when you want to cry but you have no tears left to cry! You don't know what being an orphan means! I had been lied to all my life and I want the truth! I want to know why they didn't cared for me enough to take me with them!"
"Would you go with them?" Sirius asked quietly, he lowered his head and looked down at his shoes. "Would you rather grew up elsewhere … giving up everything which you have here?" he mumbled.
"What you mean?" Mirzam asked, she seemed to be a bit calmer now.
"I mean that if you grew up with your parents…" he paused. "I know that I sound like a selfish jerk and maybe I'm one," he raised his head to look at Mirzam. "But would you give us up? Would you give up what we have? Would go with your parents knowing how your life would look like in ten years?"
Mirzam said nothing and she lowered her head before she mumbled, "I love you Sirius. I really do. You mean the world to me. You were the only constant in my life. You were my strength… but yes, I would give it up, everything we have if I had a chance to grow up with my parents. I'm sorry."
"I understand it," Sirius whispered. "Believe me I do," he added and he hugged her tightly. "But you need to be calm, Mimi. If you let your emotions control your actions you will do more harm than good. I'm sure that at least one member of the lot remained behind and they are tagging after your sisters so we will find out where they live and we will confront them. Together. I meant our marriage vows, Mimi."
"I'm sorry for being such a hag, Sior," Mirzam whispered.
"You aren't a hag. You are pissed off and that's different," Sirius chuckled. "When was the last time when I told you that you are cute when you are angry?"
"Long time ago," Mirzam sighed.
"Come I will make you a strong tea with Firewhiskey and together we will wait for whomever went after your sisters?" Sirius pulled away from Mirzam and smiled at her.
"Make it double, Sior," Mirzam sighed. "I need it."
Sirius lead her by the hand to the counter behind the back of Walburga's visitor who turned around in her seat to see them more clearly.
"I'm sorry," Mirzam mumbled.
"Mirzam Mira Black from Verascez family if you don't stop apologising in an instant I will turn you into a frog," Sirius groaned and then he gave Mirzam a glare as he added, "I meant it, Mimi."
"Oh, yeah," Mirzam snickered. "You will turn me into a frog only because it would give you an excuse to kiss me."
"I don't need to change you into a frog to kiss you, Mimi," Sirius said wolfishly and he stole a quick kiss from Mirzam.
"Nuhm," Mirzam mumbled. "Come back here you tease," she giggled and she wounded her arms around Sirius's neck.
"I don't tease," Sirius grinned wolfishly. "I promise. That's different."
"Just shut up and kiss me, silly," Mirzam mumbled and she leaned to kiss him.
They kissed quite passionately even for a newlywed couple.
"Did we christened kitchen table?" Sirius asked wolfishly.
Walburga sighed before she said sternly, "I don't know if you did and frankly I don't want to know. And you would be so kind to restrain yourself in the presence of a guest."
At that the pair looked at Walburga and her guest. Upon seeing the woman Mirzam paled drastically and gripped Sirius's arm tightly and mumbled, "Of all places in the world…"
"Mimi…" the woman whispered as she stood up.
"Don't call me Mimi," Mirzam said icily.
Orion chose to come back home from the library on foot, after all the day was quite nice. The sun was shining brightly and east wind was very gentle. The Lupins promised to come back to Grimmauld Place for supper and hopefully by then Wally's headache will be gone.
He was almost reaching the house when he saw two men who were carrying an enormous sofa. One was impossibly skinny kid and the other was a big-bellied man. They looked like they needed a hand.
"Do you need a hand, gentlemen?" he asked politely.
"If you would be so kind, sir. We need someone to hold the door," said the man with a huge belly.
"Let the kid do it. I will take his place," Orion said and he pointed at skinny kid who was barely holding his end of the sofa.
He quickly approached him and grabbed his end of the furniture. The sofa indeed was heavy but he was used to much heavier stuff.
"Go on kid," Orion mumbled. "Where to?"
"The living-room on your left, sir. First door," said big-bellied man.
Together they carried the sofa into the room and set it on the floor.
Big-bellied man sighed heavily and he whipped the sweat from his forehead with the back of his hand before he said, "Houses here are terrible. High, with narrow staircase and not enough room to manoeuvre."
"Not all," Orion snickered, to the contrary 12 Grimmauld Place was everything but not what the man just said. "The neighbour house while high has very wide staircases and a lot of room to manoeuvre."
"You mean number 11 sir?" asked the man. "Been there, it's even worse than this one."
"I mean number 12," Orion snickered.
"There isn't such a house sir," said the boy timidly. "I grew up in the neighbourhood and between eleven and thirteen there wasn't a house at all."
"Weird," Orion snickered. "I lived at Grimmauld Place for last twenty-four years and since I remember between the houses eleven and thirteen was standing number twelve. But maybe I need to get my eyesight fixed."
"If number twelve was standing between eleven and thirteen then it would mean that magic exist," big-bellied man mumbled.
"There is no such a thing like magic," Orion chuckled.
"All right gentlemen," said a male voice from the doorway. "You are needed in the kitchen."
"All right, sir," both men said quickly and they rushed out of the room.
"I didn't saw you with the crew sir," the man said sceptically.
"I was passing by and saw that your workers needed a hand with the sofa," Orion said simply.
"Hubert Verascez," the man said as he extended his hand.
"Orion Black, nice to meet you Mr Verascez," Orion shook offered hand tightly. "So you bought the house from Lockawers family?"
"You knew them?" asked Mr Verascez curiously.
"You can say so," Orion sighed. "They had more children than my whole family with all members combined and I happen to have quite a big family. Joe never worked as far as I remember. This house was a wedding present from Diana's parents, they were rich folk. Joe spend all inheritance she got after them on alcohol and it seems that they needed more money."
"It sounds like you live nearby," said Mr Verascez.
"Actually next door," Orion waved in the direction of number twelve.
"Under number eleven?" asked Mr Verascez.
"Twelve," Orion corrected automatically.
"Magic," said Mr Verascez with a small smile. "You are a wizard, sir."
"No, I'm not," Orion snickered.
"Then why you have a wand sticking out from your left pocket?" asked Mr Verascez. "I know all these secrecy decrees my daughter is a witch, actually two daughters and their younger sisters seem to be witches too."
Then something clicked in Orion's brain. The man was named Verascez and he had two witches for daughters. Wasn't Mirzam's maiden name Verascez?
"Does one of them happens to be named, Mirzam?" Orion asked tentatively.
"That would be the oldest," said Mr Verascez. "How do you know her name?"
"Well, she married my oldest son," Orion replied simply.
"Mimi?" Mr Verascez mumbled.
"That's how we call her," Orion confirmed.
"Dear Merlin, Mimi. Betty will never believe me. Mimi got married…" Mr Verascez mumbled. "When?"
"Quite recently. I don't know exactly when since I was unable to attend the wedding but my wife will know for sure," Orion replied truthfully.
"I need to tell Betty," said Mr Verascez. "She went to apologise to the neighbourhoods for the noise."
"In which direction she went?" Orion asked.
"To the right," Mr Verascez replied.
"Ah, so there is a very big chance that she is speaking with my wife right now. Let's go," Orion motioned at the man to follow him.
They quickly left the house under number thirteen and entered the Black family house. The hall seemed empty. Suddenly Orion saw white shape running upstairs which was quickly followed by Sirius who managed to call out, "Hey dad!" before he vanished from Orion's sight.
"That would be Mimi's husband and judging by his speed that white blur which appeared before him was Mimi," Orion said to Mr Verascez. "I guess that it's not the best time to approach her now."
As soon as this words left his mouth Walburga peeked her head from the kitchen stairs and upon seeing Orion sighed, "Ori. Good that you are here. Mirzam's family…"
"Moved next door," Orion finished for her. "Judging by her reaction she isn't very excited."
"You can say so," Walburga sighed. "She is pissed off like a female dragon which just laid eggs. Sirius is the only one who can approach her now. Oh, Mrs Verascez, that's my husband, Orion," Walburga turned to someone who was standing behind her.
"And the man next to him would be mine husband, Mrs Black, Hubert," said the woman as she stepped out from behind Walburga.
"Quite a meeting," Orion chuckled as he shook Mrs Verascez's hand.
"Now it would be good time for the girls to come back home. Gemma would be excited about Mirzam," said Mr Verascez as he shook Walrbuga's hand.
"You have more daughters than Mirzam and Gemma?" asked Walburga curiously.
"Five more," answered Mrs Verascez. "Aged nine, three times six and four. Gemma is seventeen, she is transferring to Hogwarts."
"Oh, what are their names?" asked Walbruga curiously.
"Kuma, Spcia, Almilam, Aludra and Sadachbia," answered Mrs Verascez.
"Quite starry," Walburga chuckled.
"You are the one to talk, oh Walburga mother of Sirius and Regulus and a wife of Orion," Orion snickered.
"Sirius, Severus and Regulus," Walburga corrected him sharply. "I might not give birth to Severus but he is as good as mine. Do you know who took Homam and Remus?"
"No idea," Orion replied. "Perhaps they are at my father's house if your father went with the kids to the park."
"Come on, tell me," Gemma teased him. "Which position?"
"Guess," Regulus snickered.
"You are too skinny for a Keeper and you don't look like beater material. I say…" she paused. "Chaser."
"Seeker," Regulus snickered. "Six years in the team, same as Mimi, but she was year above me."
"You used to compete," Gemma giggled.
"Compete?" Regulus laughed. "She used to bring me to ground level, Gemma. She could have gone professional if she didn't decided to be an Auror."
"So what are you doing, Reggie?" asked Gemma curiously.
"Kidding around," Regulus replied. "Seriously," he added after Gemmas slapped his arm playfully. "I have a free style job."
"What kind of?" she continued prodding.
"I think if I told you then I would have to kill you, Gemma. It's a secret," Regulus said teasingly.
"Oh, secret," Gemma giggled. "I love secrets."
"Hey Cissy. Finally gathered courage to come back to Grimmauld?" Regulus called out when he spotted Narcissa with the pram with Homam and Remus.
"Stop kidding, Reggie," Narcissa berated him, albeit not very seriously. "I have to meet my father today and I need to hand Hommy and Remmy back to Mimi. Draco is over at your grandparents, I will pick him up on my way back."
"Go ahead Cissy. We will take them home," Regulus snickered.
"You look like you are quite busy right now," Narcissa commented, she was referring to Sadie who was still sitting on his shoulders and Spica whom he was carrying on his right hip.
"Gemma has a free hand," Regulus said quickly.
"Fine then. Tell your mother that I should be back for lunch tomorrow," she said simply as she let go of the pram. "It was nice to meet you, girls," she called out and she wandered in the direction of the back alley.
"Who is Cissy?" Kuma asked curiously. "Your sister?"
"My cousin," Regulus corrected her. "I don't have sisters. Only two older brothers."
"Sisters are cool," Kuma stated.
"Brothers are cooler," Regulus said teasingly.
"They are not," Kuma huffed.
"They are," Regulus argued playfully.
"Not."
"Are."
"Not."
"Are."
"Not."
"Are."
"Not."
"Not."
"Are," Kuma huffed.
"Hah," Regulus snickered. "I won."
"Can you please stop arguing like little kids?" Gemma asked patiently.
"I didn't started," Regulus snickered. "She did."
They entered Grimmauld Place from Grimmauld Lane. Regulus spotted a huge truck in front of the house under number thirteen.
"They are still bringing in the stuff," Gemma muttered.
"Let's go to our house. I'm sure that it will be calmer there," Regulus suggested.
After she reached the landing between the ground floor and the first floor she apparated out to the last room she knew that Sirius would be looking for her. His old bedroom. The room looked quite grim and had this awful stench of a room in which windows weren't open for ages. Since she didn't wanted to die from stench she approached the window and pushed it up.
She sighed contently when she felt the gentle breeze which entered the room and glanced down at the street. There on the pavement between the houses under number thirteen and twelve was standing small group. She immediately recognised Regulus, Gemma and her sons, then she realised that the other kids were her little sisters. The girls were pointing at the house and were telling something to Regulus who was nodding eagerly. He seemed quite content to be with that merry bunch. If Mirzam didn't knew better she would say that in front of her was a young man with his kids.
"Mirzam," the voice she didn't expected to hear again and more important, didn't wanted to hear again called out from the doorway.
"What do you want?" she asked sharply as she turned around to face her mother.
Violet eyes meet green for a moment but Mirzam looked away at the poster of a bikini-clad blonde. Amazing how Sirius's taste in girls changed over the years.
"I want to explain…" started her mother.
"There is nothing to explain," Mirzam growled and she looked back at her mother.
"Mimi," her mother pleaded.
"Don't call me Mimi!" Mirzam snarled. "Only people who call me Mimi is my family and you aren't my family."
"I'm your mother," she whined.
"No, you aren't my mother," Mirzam barked angrily. "If you were my mother you would never leave me with Benedicta Roberts. If you were my mother you would never abandon me. If you were my mother I wouldn't have to chose between abusive, cold-hearted bitch who tried to kill me three times in the span of five years and an orphanage. If you were my mother then I wouldn't have to work for twenty hours a day for seven days in the week to buy myself course books and clothes. If you were my mother then you would be there for me. You aren't my mother, I never had one."
"Mimi…" her mother whispered.
"I told you to not call me Mimi. You don't have the right," Mirzam growled.
"But you were best friends. You and mum…" she mumbled nervously.
"Best friends?" Mirzam snorted. "Best friends?! Here," she raised her skirt as put her left leg on the bed and pointed at four barely visible scars where bones pierced the skin, "this two," she pointed at the two topmost scars, "came when she run me with her car. The other two," she pointed at two lower scars, "I got when she pushed me down the stairs, I got three broken ribs, punctured lungs and severe brain concussion," she put her leg down and turned around as she pulled up the lower part of her turtleneck and pointed with her left hand at the scar which was there since she was nine and half as she said, "There is a screw which holds my backbone together, the little piece of metal to which I owe the fact that I'm still walking," she pulled the turtleneck down to cover the scar and she turned around to face her mother, "The doctors put it there when your dear old mum pushed me out of the window at the second floor. Other scars are too old to see but if you looked closely in very strong light you would see several scars where the belt buckle broke the skin. And why do you think I was so painfully thin when you took me back after Gemma recovered? Did you bought that shit from your mummy dearest that I didn't wanted to eat?" she growled. "The thing is that you don't know me, you never did."
"But why…" she mumbled.
"Dunno?" Mirzam snorted. "Maybe your God obsessed mother couldn't stand the fact that her granddaughter was spawn of Satan, a witch. You never cared about me, not when Gemma was concerned. I don't blame Gimmy, it wasn't her fault that she got sick but I blame you for not caring enough and I pity," she paused. "Yes, I pity your other daughters because I know that if one of them got sick you will abandon the others."
"You don't know what having a sick child means…" her mother started.
"I know what having a sick child means!" Mirzam bellowed. "My son is a werewolf. Each month he is going through very painful transformation from human into a werewolf and backwards. But the fact that he is a werewolf doesn't means that I treat my other, healthy son as a scum. I love and care for both of them with the same level of devotion and I pay attention to the needs of them both, so does my husband and my in-laws. That's what good parents do, they treat all their kids equally. You and your husband never cared for me so stop trying to fuck up with my life because I won't let you!" she barked. "Get out!"
Her mother didn't moved even for an inch.
"Get out!" Mirzam growled through gritted teeth and when her mother didn't reacted Mirzam pulled out her wand from her right shoe and pointed it straight at her mother's heart. "Get out before I will decide to use some very painful curse and I assure you I will feel no remorse because of it."
That seemed to prompt older woman to move and she slowly left the room.
Awaiting criticism - like always. I'm replying as long as you leave me your email or you log in while reviewing.
(Sniffy builds a fort behind the couch and hides there) As promised last time, this chapter was very Mirzamish and I know I'm evil. Since someone approached me about certain subject concerning Mirzam let me state it here, for once - Mirzam isn't and won't be pregnant with Sirius's child, or any child at all for a very long time (I won't give you exact date but the earliest child of theirs is going to be born after Voldemort kicks the bucket - I'm quite adamant of this subject plus I have something in store for Mimi).
Why Mimi? Because her full name is Mirzam Mira. Same with Regulus Arcturus or Sirius Orion. Though Severus Tobias Orionis ... come to think about it he will kill someone before someone calls him how it went Setor? For me it sounds like a pesticide.
Back to Mirzam, since whole chapter is about her and her family. The appearence of Verascez family might seem far fetched - you have no idea how many times I used delate button on that part but in the end I decided to let it be. Mirzam must deal with the ghost of her past - and they are all coming back to haunt her (though that's not main part of the story - it will be going through next few chapters, you know a little thing here, a little thing there). She needs to get stronger and you know that old proverb, 'what doesn't kill us makes us stronger'. Plus right now Mirzam worked up pretty high steam and I need her on this steam in next chapter, we are going to fuck ... err ... play with the werewolves and pissed of Mirzam is the last thing Fernir Greyback needs (really, she is the last person he needs, literally).
As for the Verascez family, I left to you judgining them. I know that I wouldn't do what they had done to Mirzam, this one I'm sure. Actually they are really sad people, especially Betty and I really don't envy Benedicta next chapter or anyone following her actions.
As for Mirzam the Head of (insert annoying and long title here everyone knows) I planed it to be Sirius but then Narcissa said Mirzam Black... and here I'm. Though Mirzam would work better as Head of HBoG, can you really say no to these violet eyes (cough)Severus(cough)? Mirzam can be calm and controled and when the right time comes she can be pissed of fight on the steam she managed to work up.
Regulus and Verascez sisters... well he had been around one and she is literally the tip of proverbial iceberg. Plus the family was quite cruel to leave poor defencless improved squib Reggie Black on his own against Verascez sisters. Kill me I don't know why I gave Mirzam five other sisters besides Gemma. I knew that Gemma was supposed to be a witch and that around Gemma was supposed to be a little girl who constantly gets into troubles (Sadie) and bigger girl who talks too much (Kuma), I really don't have a reason for Almilam's, Aludra's and Spica's presence - though there is one, quite big one ... brought together with Homam and Remus, minus Gemma since she is of age, Verascez sisters and little Black brothers give seven children in total and I pretty much assure you that Sirius and Mirzam will think twice ... or rather two hundred times before they will decided to have a child on their own. And since the Weasley family rarely will make an appearance in this story (and even if they will they won't be very much welcomed ) I was in need of a quite big family who can cause a lot of trouble in relatively short time.
Next chapter: Mirzam is still furious. The family looks for Riddle's diary. Finally Remus gets around and he and Dora get into big trouble which lead them into even bigger trouble. Mirzam gives Oscar winning performance in male role - yes, you read correctly, male role. Sirius finally admits something to Remus because he couldn't keep his mouth shut in presence of most werewolves in UK and Remus is shocked. Mirzam meets with her grandmother again and this time Mirzam wins the match against older woman. The problem with werewolves coninues (and trust me it will continue at last to the chapter after next and a lot farther).
Chapter teaser (because I feel like it and I love to torture you).
"What about that semi stuff?" Remus demanded.
Mirzam sighed, from the moment Remus stated that he was coming with them that discussion was hanging in the air. She pulled down the collar of her turtleneck and cocked her head to the right side letting Remus see the scares on left side of her throat, they were more visible here.
"That is a scratch of werewolf nails," she said calmly. "Plus a small bite of the teeth. Ravensworthy wasn't fully transformed werewolf when he attacked me, it was after the full moon. But the virus managed to pass."
"She won't be a werewolf," Sirius said suddenly. "I'm not and I seriously doubt that Mirzam will be a werewolf."
"What you mean?" asked Remus tentatively.
Sirius pulled up the left leg of his jeans and pointed at barely visible from this distance scars before he said, "First full moon after Shrieking Shack incident. You were alone. I knew that you needed help so I came there and … you … I don't have a bloody clue how it happened … but you bit me, after the full moon. I was worried sick that perhaps I was a werewolf too but beside developing appetite for rare meat and extreme overprotection on these I cared for nothing happened. That condition is called semi-lycanthropism, the virus affects the behaviour and eating habits of its victims, no transformation involved so start breathing Moony, I'm not a werewolf."
Remus gasped which proved that he was holding his breath and he asked quietly, "Why you didn't told me?"
"There was no need too," Sirius shrugged. "I know you better than anyone else, Moony. I knew that if I told you that you will be feeling guilty and you will keep apologising to me until you actually turned blue. I don't hold it against you, rare meat is actually better than overcooked one and I was ALWAYS overprotective of the ones I loved and cared for," Sirius pointed out.
"You knew it?" Remus turned to face Mirzam.
"Since I recovered from the attack," said blankly. "He told me what I may experience. He was right of course, I act like an overprotective bitch and rare steaks are great."
"I didn't told you that you act as overprotective bitch," Sirius said defensively.
"No, you didn't," Mirzam snickered. "I KNOW that I'm acting like overprotective bitch. I was always overprotective, that's why I'm an Auror, but that attack brought that overprotection to a new dimension. Plus I was quite bitchy lately."
"Pity that I can't become an Auror now," Dora sighed sleepily.
"Actually it isn't stupid idea," Sirius mumbled. "I will need to see Madam Bones about it. A werewolf trained as an Auror will be great improvement for safety measures."
"General public won't agree with you, Padfoot," Remus muttered.
"Fuck general public, Moony," Sirius snorted.