To Kill You With A Kiss
~Chapter 6~
...
"Wake up, Orion!" whispered Harry softly.
Orion Black peeked sleepily out from under the silver sheets, his long dark curls a complete mess. "Elias? 'S up?"
Merlin, how he looks like Sirius! I wonder if he can transform into a ragged black dog as well?
"It's my first Hogsmeade weekend, and I was wondering if you'd come with me. I need someone to show me the wonders of the magical village, and I'm afraid Abraxas is.. indisposed."
Orion glanced over at Abraxas, who was moaning under his blankets, and giggled. "Hung over?"
"Just a bit, yes. Slughorn's party last night was a little much for him. He's going to need to sleep in today."
"Looks like it. Hey, Elias, got any money for the shops in Hogsmeade? I'll give you some if you don't - my parents keep sending me owls with pouches of money. Got to keep up that Black style you know - otherwise, how would people be able to tell at a glance that we are superior?"
Harry laughed. "Thanks, but I've got a bag of galleons right here. Let's go explore Hogsmeade, shall we, Mr. Black?"
Orion sat up in bed, his dark eyes twinkling. "We shall, Mr. Black. Let's go to Honeydukes first for some nourishment, and then we can browse the latest fashions for elegant young wizards at Gladrags. And then perhaps Zonko's for a bit of a laugh, and the Three Broomsticks... Let's go out and paint the town Black! Do you want to have breakfast here first, or shall we just skip it? We might as well go straight for Honeydukes' Cockroach Clusters, don't you think? They are pretty nutritious, right?"
"Don't mention Cockroach Clusters..." murmured an indistinct voice from under Abraxas' covers. "I'm going to be sick, I think."
Orion dressed rapidly while Harry positioned a cauldron by Abraxas' bed and patted him gently on the head.
"I think the rest of the noble Black clan has already left for Hogsmeade," mused Orion as they headed up the stairs. "Cygnus and Druella are probably sitting at Madam Puddifoot's already, gazing into each other's eyes. And there can be no question of where Alphard is. My eccentric cousin adores the strange magical devices at Dervish & Banges; he is always hoping against hope that they will find him a time turner one day." He chuckled. "As if such a thing could ever really exist! Could you imagine what a mess it would be if people could travel back and forth in time?"
Harry could feel his heart beating faster. "That would be strange, wouldn't it?" He could almost hear Hermione's voice in his head: Awful things have happened when wizards have meddled with time.
Well, it seems that someone's already meddled with this time. Tom Riddle engaged to Walburga Black! Somehow, I have to get things back to the way they are supposed to be.
Harry and Orion stepped out into the glorious golden autumn day together and began walking the familiar path towards Hogsmeade. Somewhere in Hogsmeade, Tom Riddle is probably meeting his fiancee at this very moment. Perhaps Walburga is gazing into his silver eyes and feeling her heart flutter. Perhaps his lips are meeting hers in a passionate kiss that will trap her unborn son forever behind the veil that separates the unreal from the real... I have failed to rescue Sirius before, but I will not fail him this time.
Walburga must marry Orion, not Tom; otherwise Sirius will never be born. Or will he? What if Walburga married Tom, had a son, and named him Sirius? Would he still be the Sirius I know? No, impossible - he would be an entirely different Sirius, another person altogether. A different Sirius? No, I want my godfather, the rash and tempestuous animagus and former Marauder Sirius Black exactly how he was, fur and all! Come on, Orion, we have an unborn puppy dog to rescue, you and I... But how do I convince you that you are destined to steal your professor's fiancee?
"That's the Shrieking Shack over there," explained Orion cheerfully. "The most haunted house in Britain. There are all kinds of horrible howls and screams coming from over there; no one dares step near the place. Set one foot in there, and you might never come back."
Harry glanced at the familiar dilapidated house, shrouded in gloom and shadows. The most haunted house in Britain? This desolate old house will hide many secrets, but ghosts will not be among them. Wait a minute - How can there be shrieks in the Shrieking Shack in this time? I thought the ghostly howls will come from the Marauders when they are in their animal forms? So what could be shrieking in there now?
"You are not scared of ghosts?" At his side, Orion seemed a little disappointed in his lack of terror.
Harry shrugged. "Nah. Probably just some unregistered animagus romping around in there."
"What?" Orion stared wildly at him. "How... how do you know? Merlin, Elias, how did you find out about that? It's not possible. No one knows..."
Aha! Do you have a little secret, Orion? A little furry problem, perhaps, like you future son? Harry smiled at his agitated companion. "Oh, it was just a hunch. Don't worry, Orion, I won't tell a soul. Er... Just out of curiosity, what's your animagus form? Dog?"
"Black bear." Orion's voice was shaking, and he looked like he was going to be sick. "Please don't tell anyone. My parents will freak out."
"Of course not. Your secret is safe with me. I don't see what's so terrible about being an animagus, anyway. I've known others like you. My father - he was an animagus, too. That's one of the few things I know about him. I don't think he told a lot of people either, just his closest friends." Like your unborn son.
"Are you-?" Orion glanced at him uncertainly.
"What? An animagus?" Harry shook his head. "No, I'm afraid not. That would have been fun, though, wouldn't it? We could have chased each other around the Shrieking Shack!"
The delighted grin that spread over Orion's face made his seem more like Sirius than ever. "Really? That would have been something! It gets a little lonely in the Shrieking Shack sometimes, but it's a good place to hide when I can't resist transforming." He sighed wistfully. "Are you sure you can't transform? Maybe if you focus really hard? Maybe after a good breakfast?"
Harry laughed. "Afraid not. Trust me, after I learned that my father had been an animagus, I spent a whole summer trying till I was blue in the face." He glanced down the winding path that led to Hogsmeade. No one else was within earshot. "I do have a different sort of secret, though. I suppose it's only fair that I tell you my secret, since I accidentally discovered yours."
"You have a secret, too?" Orion lit up. "Wait, are you the secret love child of Phineas Nigellus Black and a Veela princess, like Abraxas is saying?"
Harry sighed. "Don't be absurd, Orion. Have you ever seen the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black? Do you really think a Veela princess would fall for that old curmudgeon?"
Orion considered for a moment. "No, I suppose not. What's your secret, then? Were you involved in espionage during the war in Europe? Secret missions among the Transylvanian vampires, that sort of thing?"
"No, no espionage." Harry hesitated. I want to tell him something, but not too much. "Sometimes I know things about the future, about things that will happen years from now."
"You do?" Orion's dark gaze studied him intently. "You are a Seer?"
"I suppose so. I don't know everything about the future, of course, but I see some things very clearly, some things that won't happen for years and years."
"Like what?"
Harry drew a deep breath. "Well, like your sons, for example. You will have two sons, who will both attend Hogwarts. They will be handsome and clever, and both of them will be excellent Quidditch players. I expect you will teach them how to play when they are very young."
"Really?" A smile spread over Orion's face. He looked dreamily into the distance. "I think I would like that, playing Quidditch with the little tykes... What will their names be?"
"Regulus and Sirius."
"Regulus and Sirius? I like those names. They are good Black family names. I have an uncle named Regulus, and my grandfather's name was Sirius. Perhaps there is something to your vision of the future, Elias. But what about their mother? My wife? Who is she?"
Harry cleared his throat. "Well... that's the thing, you see... Your wife..."
Orion looked at him, panic-stricken. "I won't marry a Muggle, will I? My parents will kill me!"
Harry smiled. "Oh, no, she is no Muggle. Far from it. She is a witch from an ancient pure-blood family. Very pretty too." When she is young, at least.
"Really?" Orion's eyes glittered. "I like where this is going. Tell me her name, so I can meet her right away."
Oh, you have already met her, Orion. "Well, there is a slight problem, Orion. You see, in my vision, you will marry your cousin Walburga Black."
"Walburga?" Orion stood for a moment, frozen to the spot. A slight flush crept over his face. "Walburga Black? Seriously? Walburga will marry me? Have you seen her, Elias? I mean, she is prettier than Araminta even. She can have her pick of any pure-blood wizard in the country, and you say she will choose me?" His dark eyes were shining now. "I have always admired her, of course, but I have never considered... But there's nothing wrong with marrying your cousin, is there? It is not common, but wizarding law does allow it. And we do have a great deal in common."
I swear he is falling in love as he speaks!
Suddenly, Orion's face clouded over. "Wait, how could I forget? Walburga is already engaged! To Professor Riddle!"
Harry nodded. "Yes, she is engaged to Tom Riddle. They are meeting each other in Hogsmeade today. And yet, in my vision, I saw her so clearly with you. I have no doubt that you are destined for each other."
Orion glanced toward the village. "They are meeting each other in Hogsmeade? She's here? Today? With him?"
Harry nodded. "That's right. We will probably see them there."
"And... and then, what?" Orion looked doubtfully at him. "There is no way we can intrude on their date in Hogsmeade, is there?"
"Perhaps fate will intervene on your behalf, Orion. You and Walburga are meant for each other. Come on, where's that black bear courage?"
Orion laughed. "Black bear courage, huh? I'm no coward, but - stealing Professor Riddle's fiancee? You are insane, Elias, you know that? But I don't suppose there is much point in fighting against destiny, is there? All right, let's go and and see if we can find them, and then... Well, we'll just see what happens next. You... you really think she will fall for my ...er... bearish charm?"
I hope she will, Orion... Oh, I really hope she will.
"Of course." Merlin, I wish I had my invisibility cloak with me; then we'd be able to sneak closer without them seeing us.
"What are you looking for?" Orion looked curiously at Harry, who was checking the pockets of his robes one last time, although he knew perfectly well that his invisibility cloak was safe in his future school trunk, fifty years from now.
"I wish I had my invisibility cloak," muttered Harry. "I had one once, but I left it behind when I came here."
"Did you?" Orion grinned. "Well, I suppose we'll have to use mine, then." He produced something sheer, the color of moonlight, from his pocket. "Christmas present from my cousin Alphard. Comes in very handy when I have to sneak off to the Shrieking Shack."
...
Tom and Walburga were seated together at a secluded lace-covered table at the back of Madam Puddifoot's. Madam Puddifoot herself, very much younger and slimmer than Harry remembered her, had just served them tea in dainty little china cups. Harry noted with a sinking heart that Walburga was indeed every bit as devastatingly beautiful as Araminta. Night-black curls framed an almost preternaturally lovely face. Her large black eyes glittered, and her skin was the most delicate ivory. She was dressed all in black, but there was a hint of refinement in the cut of her dress that suggested sophistication rather than mourning. A large diamond ring sparkled on the small hand that rested in Tom's on the table.
Harry could feel Orion draw his breath sharply under the cloak. "Merlin, she is lovely, isn't she!"
Tom lifted Walburga's alabaster hand to his lips and kissed it. His hand. His hand that holds hers so tenderly... That's the same hand that lingered on the pillow of my bed last night. When I rested my cheek against the pillow a moment later, it was still warm from his touch.
Tom dropped Walburga's hand; a slight flush swept across his handsome face now.
"What's the matter, Tom?" Her voice was rich and smooth as velvet.
"Nothing. I just... remembered something..." Tom's voice trailed off.
"Something important?" She looked deeply into his eyes.
"No, it was nothing, really. Nothing at all..." He reached for her hand and caressed it slowly, ran his fingers gently over her palm, before raising her hand to his lips again.
"Merlin! Will you stop doing that? That's my future wife you are seducing, Tom!" breathed Orion indignantly under the cloak.
"It's wonderful to see you again, Tom." Walburga leaned forward a little. "It has been far too long."
"Far too long, indeed, my love." Tom laced his fingers into Walburga's on the table. "I wish there was a way we could see each other more often."
Harry recalled Walburga's future portrait at Number 12 Grimmauld Place, screaming vile curses at him every time he passed. Careful what you wish for, Tom!
"Tom! You are hurting me!" Walburga withdrew her hand rapidly from Tom's. "Why did you clench your hand like that?"
"I.. I don't know. Just this strange thought... So sorry, my love."
"You wish we could see each other more often?" Walburga stirred some sugar into her tea and took a small sip. She grimaced slightly, as if its sweetness offended her. "Well then, what are we waiting for? As soon as we are married, I can move into your rooms at Hogwarts, and we can be together always." She reached across the table and traced Tom's lips with her finger. "We had talked about a springtime wedding, but why wait? The sooner we are married, the sooner we can become one. In all ways, my love."
"Put your wand back, Orion!" hissed Harry softly.
Tom looked taken aback. "A wedding now? But what about all the things that need to be arranged? Surely, they will take some time? I... I want the day to be perfect, my love. Wouldn't May be much better? Or June? Think of the ceremony, the catering, the musicians, your dress..."
"You forget the most important part, Tom." Walburga put her hand on his arm.
"The most important part?"
"Our wedding night."
Oh, this is absurd. Who can possible imagine the Dark Lord as a bridegroom, carrying his blushing bride into their bedchamber on their wedding night? He is not meant to be a gallant suitor, an attentive husband. Someone's dark lover, perhaps, that I could imagine; for he is, after all, so very handsome. I could see him folding someone in a fierce embrace, tearing wildly at someone's clothes in frantic desire, his eyes dark with lust...
"Are you all right, Tom? You look flushed."
"It's a little stuffy in here. I think I need some air."
Walburga got up. "Why don't you pay the bill and walk me to my lodging? Perhaps the walk will do you some good."
"Yes, I think that will be a good idea." Tom helped her into her coat and found her gloves for her.
Walburga looked up at him with a slight smile. "The landlady said she had errands to run; she will be out most of the afternoon. Perhaps you can come up to my room for a while?" She glanced around the tea shop. "What on earth was that? That odd sound - like a wild animal?"
Tom shook his head. "I have no idea. I heard it too - it sounded almost like a bear." He cupped Walburga's face in his hands and kissed her softly on the lips. "I'm sure it was nothing, my love. Nothing at all..."
...
Half an hour later, a young couple emerged from the small bed and breakfast at the end of High Street in Hogsmeade. They seemed so distraught and preoccupied that they did not appear to notice that they bumped, rather roughly, into something or someone right outside the front door, although there was nothing to be seen there.
"I'm so sorry Walburga... I'm just distracted today. I tried, I really did."
"Tried? And why do you have to try so hard? There are many men who would gladly give their lives for one chance at... Oh, enough of this! Here, take this!" Walburga pulled her glove off and tore the diamond ring from her finger. She tossed it at her companion, hard.
Tom Riddle turned on his heel and walked away without another word.
Walburga turned at the slight sound by her side. "Cousin Orion? Where did you spring from?"
"Oh, I happened to be walking by. It's such a lovely morning for a stroll. Forgive me for staring at you, Walburga; I did not mean to be rude. Your breathtaking beauty made me forget my manners for a moment. If I didn't know better, I could have sworn that you must have Veela blood in your veins. But I know that cannot possibly be true; ours in one of the few remaining wizarding families whose bloodline has remained pure and unadulterated. If you will permit me, you seem to have dropped your glove."
Orion retrieved the fallen glove hastily from the dusty street. Somehow, the small black glove found its way to his lips before he handed it back to Walburga.
Walburga looked at him and smiled, ever so slightly, before accepting the glove.