I do not own Harry Potter Character's
PLEASE READ and SORRY FOR THIS AUTHOR'S NOTE
I know some of you might be a little confused because of Hermione's lack of emotional reaction over her time travel. I have dropped some hints of what she felt in Chapter Six though I did not elaborate. I know I somehow depicted Hermione as a strong woman in this fic because I believe an intelligent woman is also great in hiding and sorting her emotion. Do not worry guys, everything that is written here are intended for future purposes. Thank you to all the reviews. I made this Chapter very long because our Midterm exam just ended and I felt you guys just needed a treat. ^_^
THANK YOU FOR READING AND PLEASE REVIEW
P.S REGULUS IS BACK!
x-x
Chapter Eight – Meeting Again
August 30, 1986
1:00 pm
Black Manor
Regulus is having a migraine. He is currently sitting in the Family Study at the Black Manor, located in Buckinghamshire, England, where his grandfather Artucrus Black III resides. He is surrounded by extremely old and bickering relatives who are not giving each other a chance to finish their arguments. His grandfather's Pollux and Artucrus Black, as well as, his Uncles Cygnus and Alphard Black are sitting in a long family table where his father is sitting at the head, while he was sitting at his right side.
"Why are you allowing this Orion? Why did you support the revival of Fleamont House? You're only giving the Potters more reason to regain their seat!" Cygnus exclaim in outrage. His pungent and flabby face is creased as if he was suffering a stomached.
"Cygnus, relax. I believe there is no harm done in supporting the revival of the House. The whole wizarding world is going frenzy over news of revival of Fleamont house. Why not go along with the public sentiment and harvest some good publicity." Said by Alphard. In contrast with his brother, the oldest son of Pollux is pretty lean and fit.
"Oh shut up Alphard! If only I do not know how you are so chummy with those blood traitors. I always knew you should not babysit any of my children! Look what happened to Andromeda! And now Sirius!" said Cygnus.
Regulus groaned. When his father receives an invitation from his grandfather Artucrus to come over the Black Manor, they already expected that it would be about the public support given by his father over the Fleamont. What they did not anticipate is the participation of the Patriarchs of the Famliy.
"Don't blame to me Cygnus your apparent failure of parenting. You have no right to question my authority for I am the head of the Ancillary Branch of House of Black. Besides, Sirius is my favorite nephew and he runs away not to the Potters but to our relative Dorea Black who is our aunt by the way if your memory failed you. If you're throwing tantrum that I didn't recognize Andromeda to be still part of the Family, that is still not my fault. Because Andromeda runaway with a muggleborn. But, if only you have said that you still care about your daughter, I should have also acknowledged her, after all, she still bears the blood of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Black." Alphard said with apparent sarcasm. Cygnus stood up and draw his wand and Alphard do the same. "I dare you to try Cygnus. I never recall you winning any of our duels.
"Don't you dare mock me! As if I still want that ungrateful child! And also, don't treat me like I'm imbecile! Do you think I would not wonder how 'that girl' able to survived after running away and hide with 'that' mudblood? She would not be able to get a job, and if she had, it would be lower than a house elf work. Yes dear brother. It's curious isn't it? Unless… she got helped. However, who would have helped a disowned pureblood in wizarding world? Alas! Someone just did! And I remember it done very recently. So perhaps it wasn't the first?" Cygnus smirked at Alphard.
"SILENCE!" Pollux Black shouted. "Lower your wands!" The two wizards hesitantly obeyed their father. "The matter about 'your daughter' Cygnus has long been settled. It would not be brought up again in this table AGAIN!" bellowed by Pollux while beating the table. "I urged my brother to call a family meeting in order to have clarification over the standing of House of Black because of our Head recent movements. Both of you GROW UP!"
Regulus just cracked. He wasn't able to contain his laughter with just last statement. His father throws him a reprimanding look and he immediately pretends coughing.
"Allow me to explain Father?" Regulus asked.
"Proceed." Orion replied.
Regulus leaned closer to the table and placed his right hand over it. "Gentlemen, I know the recent events have been confusing to you. We, Most Noble and Ancient House of Black, have been steering the Wizarding Politics for over a millennia. But we didn't do it alone with our sheer power. We have built alliances with many families in order to strengthen our standing. I assure you that we still remain true to our family motto, however, this past few years you know how public sentiment became important. And in the public, we are painted as some a dark family. We were not revered but feared. We were not respected but merely tolerated. During my study to our Business history, our business dealings overseas especially in Europe had declined. The importations of potion ingredients in South Africa have been difficult. So, I wondered. Then, I found out that we have remained constant in our business dealings. We're frigid to make new contacts. Further investigation appears that new resources are more available in Asia than South Africa. However, the wizards there do not trust our family reputation. Then, with the recent event I got the idea. Uncle Alphard is correct and you have seen how the wizarding world join the bandwagon of Revival of the Fleamont House. The Potters clearly used the media well at their favor. So, why not we also take this opportunity to gain the public sentiments without being obvious about it? Why not use also the media to our own advantage without the need the bribe them? And lastly, why not gain some new alliances when it would greatly benefit our Family?"
"I can't help but be persuaded with your idea grandson. I am just a little concern what would happen to our old alliances?" Pollux said.
"Worry not grandfather. Our 'current' alliances with other Purebloods remain steadfast. Although we did support the Revival of the Fleamont House, we did not grant the 'seat'. That assured our allies. Also, we have gained more than the Potters had. The Revival of Fleamont House only divided the Potters wealth. You know that even if the Potters do not have a seat to Wizengmot, they still possess great deal of influence over the Ministry and Public. I believe that is the reason why great grandfather Sirius allowed the marriage between Aunt Dorea into the Potters Family. Now, it is time that we exploit it to the fullest. I am pleased to inform you that just in this morning some of the Light Families who aligned themselves to the Potters had expressed their intention to have audience with us. Not all the plans will happen outright but as the Heir, I assure you that everything had been put into place. Everything is already set in motion." Regulus explained.
Artucrus was not all convinced. "Sorry Regulus. But I doubt Dorea would ever be helpful to us. She is Black indeed, but she also inherited the stubborn and rebellious streak that a Black has. How will you convince her?" Artucrus said.
"With all due respect grandfather but who said we're going to convince her?" Regulus grinned. "I said we are going to exploit the connection of Black family to the Potters but I didn't mean that we literally made them ally. I say. Let the public draw their own conclusion to the point that the Potters would not be able to publicly deny anything."
Cygnus laughter filled the room. "That is very cunning nephew. A true Slytherin in the family!"
"Indeed. You have taught well your son Orion." Artucrus agreed.
Orion Black grinned over Regulus. "What can I say? I am also very impressed."
Regulus beamed with his father compliment. Although he is not entirely happy to be the Heir, well since he already is, he will do his best to do his obligation right.
"Well. That is very convincing and BRILLANT indeed." Said Pollux. "Then, I would like to bring another matter at hand." Regulus maternal grandfather turned to his father. "I would also like to know what our house standing over Lord Voldemort cause. My son Cygnus belatedly informed me that you already talked to the man. Since it's already been several weeks ago, I believe we have waited long enough."
Everyone in the table went silent and waited to the reply of Regulus father. He too is curious of what happen to the private conversation with his father and Lord Voldemort.
"Before I answer that question, roll your sleeves first." Said Orion.
"What?! For what reason?" Cygnus inquired. Regulus frowned but still rolled his sleeves and he saw his grandfather Artucrus and Pollux do the same alongside his Uncle Alphard.
"Just roll it Cygnus." Pollux ordered his son. Cygnus signed and rolled his sleeves.
He heard his grandfather Artucrus gasped. His Uncle arm bears a very odd marking the same with his grandfather Pollux. It is some kind of skull that eats a snake.
"I see. So you already let yourself be marked Cygnus. You recognize this father?" Orion asked.
Artucrus went pale. "I can't say." The old man whispered.
Regulus frowned. What's the big deal with the tattoo? "What its significance Fa-?" his question was interrupted by his Uncle Alphard yell.
"You fool!" Alphard stood and grab the collar of his brother. "You let yourself be a slave to that man! Where is your bloody honor?" Cygnus swatted the arm of his older brother.
"You dare to question my honor! I have aligned myself to a noble cause. I'm not like you who let those pests ruin our bloods! This is the proof that I have decided to do something to save our world!" Cygnus shouted.
"You're a Deatheater! A true Black would never let himself bow to other wizard!" Alphard bellowed.
Regulus clasped his head. It felt like it's going to cracked! His migraine intensified. A familiar voice echoed on his head. 'You have a fair idea who are the Deatheaters are…' "Arghhed." He groaned still holding his head. He heard the two voice stop shouting in the background.
"Are you okay son?" he heard his father voice near him and felt his father hands on his shoulders.
"I… My head hurts for some reason." He said and sweats build in his forehead.
"I didn't know you're not feeling well. We are going to Diagon Alley to procure some potion after you felt better but if not, I will bring you to St Mongus." Regulus just nodded.
"Dusky!" Artucrus called and an old elf appeared. "Escort young Regulus to the room next to mine."
"Grandfather, there is no need." Regulus said. "It is just a mild headache. I'm feeling alright already."
"Are you certain?" His grandfather asked in concern.
"Yes."
"Very well. You may stay." His grandfather relented and dismissed the elf. "Now you two." The old man address the two older Black who still standing. "Sit down and anyone who will throw hex in this table or grab anyone's collar will be dealt severely!"
"My apologies brother." Pollux said while glaring at his two sons. "I would like to clarify that my son association has my full knowledge and approval."
Alphard widened his eyes in disbelief. "You too father?"
"Yes son." Pollux answered in affirmative and showed his arms in full view. Then, directed his attention to Orion. "I have done this when you're not still the Head Orion. I have long supported the Lord ever since I met him 20 years ago. As you might have heard, He is indeed the Heir of Salazar Slytherin. I assure you that this information is true and correct." Regulus was surprise for the information. Lord Voldemort is the Heir of Salazar Slytherin! He can't believe his ears.
"My father is right. I have witness it myself when the Lord talked to a snake. He is also a very great wizard and his magical prowess is comparable or even exceeds Dumbledore." Cygnus supplied.
Everyone waited his father's reply. "It is true that I already talk to Lord Voldemort. However, I cannot tell you the details of our conversation for I have made an unbreakable vow." Regulus was stunned in this. Now he is very sure how confidential the conversation is that it needs to be made under unbreakable vow. "But as I said to Lord Voldemort, I would not prohibit any of my families if they decided to join his group. I would not also forbid you to make any financial assistance as long as it is from your own vault. Lastly, we both agreed that no one in the member of the house of black shall be recruited against their will."
"So you have decided to have a passive stance in the matter? You are playing on a dangerous water Orion." Pollux said.
"I am choosing the best stance of the House. If I completely supported the Lord, I believe it would not help the House at all." His Uncle Cygnus was about to object but father raised his hand. "You have heard earlier the plans articulated by my son. This is only to insure that our House would be able to exploit every possibility." Orion said.
"How about you? Not as the Head but as your own person?" Pollux further asked.
"I will also join the group… After all the living Black is marked."
x-x
Same day around 2:30 pm
Diagon Alley
Hermione is with Sirius, James and Charlus Potter. They are currently in Gringgots in order to draw some of her blood in order to add it in the Fleamont registry and obtain her own key to her vault. His cousin Charlus is currently talking to a grumpy goblin. Also, she needs to procure again some school materials for Hogwarts. Yes, again. Cousin Dorea and her had previously shopped for her school supplies but because she is already a sixth year in her own time, she automatically grab the books intended for six years. It is not only this afternoon after their lunch that she realized her mistake which she find odd. She is an incoming 5th year in this time. This is because she was born September of 1960 so technically she is still just 15 years old and turning 16. So as per Hogwarts rule, she is still 5th year. She grated upon realizing this. Again, she might be the oldest witch in her year. Or course, James and Sirius did not let her forget this as they seem to make her remember it every moment. The two already are already feeling close to her when technically they just met yesterday! They are also acting as if they're some kind of older brother. Well that is in the case of James as Sirius seems to make her lack of response to his constant flirting a challenged. She also cringed when she heard Sirius talking to James about sending her a prank marriage proposal when she is already in Hogwarts. And now, the boys glued themselves to her and even tag along with her and cousin Charlus to Gringgots. She is mentally relieved that she was sorted to Ravenclaw, thus, she will not have the constant company of the two Marauders in Hogwarts. The process is Tedious but she ultimately got her key and was able to withdraw some galleons. They were just coming out of the bank when a man blocked their path.
"Boss. Sorry to interrupt but there is an urgent matter that needs your immediate attention. Code Merlin." Said the man.
She saw the calm face of Charlus grimaced. "How many?"
"The Bones Patriach and Matriach and -" the man eyes turned to them. Charlus followed the gaze.
"Children, I need to go to the Ministry. James and Sirius, I trust that you can assist your cousin in purchasing her school books?" Charlus gave the boys a warning look.
"No problem Uncle. Everything is under control." Sirius grinned.
"Yes Father. You can go to Ministry for Merlin. We promise you that dear Hermione will be return to the house at one piece." James said seriously but she is sure he is just acting.
"We will protect her Honor Uncle. No man can come 3 feet near our fair maiden!" Sirius further said.
Charlus was unconvinced. "Stay out of trouble or no Quiditch at all." The two boys gasped and horror then Charlus left with a very satisfied grinned.
"He is not serious right?" James asked her.
"Of course not! I am Sirius!" Sirius said with a satisfied grin.
Both Hermione and James groaned.
"What? I am Sirius being seriously Sirius because I am always Sirius!
Hermione whacked him and James head locked Sirius.
"Awwe, Awwe, Awwe!" Sirius complained while he is being drag by James. "Hey it tickles, hahahahhaha, and it hurts! Let ggghahahahah – go James! Help! Hermy help!" Hermione pretended she didn't hear anything.
They passed the Quidditch store and James released his friend. The two boys gawk over the window when the saw a new version of cleansweep broom. Hermione rolled her eyes and clean her throat.
"Hermione, hmmm, we just remember something very important. We need to get some new cle—cauldron for the Potion Class. Right James? Sirius said.
"Ye—eah! Sirius is right. It is very important cauldron. Sluggy is very firm that we purchase it as soon as possible." James nodded.
Hermione stop herself to roll her eyes again. "But…" she said innocently and looked at the grounds. She pretended to fidget. "I.. I thought you're going to accompany me at the book store. You even promise Cousin Charlus."
The two boys looked at each other both quite guilty. "hmm. Okay. Will accompany you to the store." She pretended to beamed and follow the two boys to the bookstore.
She scanned the bookshelves and runs her hand to the books. She picked the books she needed. Then, she came across an old version of Hogwarts History. She immediately grabs the book and read it. She only intended to read the preface but of course being her she forgot that and become consumed reading the book. She only stops when someone tapped her shoulder. She turned and found James.
"Hmm. Hermione aren't you done yet?" the boy inquired. Hermione blushed. He looked at the time and discovered half an hour has passed! "Oh take your time!" Immediately said by James. "I am just going to tell you that we badly needed to purchase the cauldron so were off to the Potion Shop. See you there after 15 minutes. Thanks Mione bye!"
By that, James left straightaway with Sirius. They didn't even wait for her reply! Hermione proceeded to the counter and paid all her books. She waited the 15 minutes to pass and proceed to the Potion shop. She entered the store only to find out that the two boys are nowhere to be seen.
"May I help you?" an old man asked her.
"Oh. Hmmm. Did two boys around 16 years old already arrived here?" she asked.
"Sorry Miss I have not 'seen' anyone with your description for I am only interested to those who wants to buy my merchandise. Are you purchasing something?" the old man glared at her.
"Ohh… I will scan the stall first." She said. The man grunted and left her. She proceeded in the inner side of the store and look at the every label of the bottles. Sleeping draught, Pepper –up potion version 2… she mentally read the potions at the shelves.
"Do you have any more stocked of Healing Draught? Give me 5 bottles and two glassed flask that you have displayed over the window."
Hermione heard a man's voice. She creeps towards the voice and saw Sirius standing while examining other bottles in the shelves. She put a silencing charm in her feet and walked towards the boy. She stands very close to him then whispered near his nape.
" . .Sirius?" she said very slowly giving emphasis to every word.
Sirius abruptly turned causing her to be off balance and fell to the floor. She shrieked and closes her eyes bracing the impact but she didn't felt any. Instead, warm hands were over her waist supporting her and a crashing sound in the backround.
She opened her eyes and found Black holding her. But, it was not Sirius that she found. She gasped in horror when she realizes it was REGULUS BLACK!
x-x
Regulus never drops his guard down. He is always aware of his surrounding especially after this past few weeks when his father and grandfather Pollux mentored him into dueling. That is why, he was so surprised when this girl who is currently in his arms were able to get close without him noticing! They both stared at each other with equally stunned face. Their position lasted for almost 10 seconds before he realized that he is technically hugging the girl. He abruptly loosens his grip and assists the girl to regain her balance who automatically made a step back, making a distance between them. Then, an awkward atmosphere immediately followed.
The girl blushed. "Ahmm… Sorry I startled you. I thought you are someone else."
Déjà vu? He clutches his head. The girl looks familiar to him but he cannot place where he had met her. "Have we met before?" he asked.
That question somehow caught her off guard. "I… I… don't think so? I mean, I'm new here so there's no way we have met before." She said and gave him an awkward smile. He can't help but eyed her suspiciously. "I am really sorry sneaking behind you. So… I will leave you in your own-hmm- devices." the girl supplied and step towards the exit.
"What happened here!" a shout startled them. Both of them turned and saw the fuming old man looking at the broken glasses of potions.
"She broke them." He said immediately while pointing to the girl near the exit.
The girl gasped. "I did not!
He raised his eyebrows.
"Well, I might be the proximate cause but it is not entirely my fault! We're both guilty." The girl said.
He scoffed. "You're the immediate and direct cause of the accident. Do not put the blame on me who just happen to stand here."
"I do not care who is at fault here! Either way one or both of you need to pay them!" The old man said then asked the girl. "Who are you because if you can't pay up, I am sending your parents the bill."
"What! You're not even going to let me explain?"
Regulus signed. His migraine seems to return. "Mr. Winnman my procurement and do add the broken vials to my bills. All of them." he asked.
The old man beamed at him and handed to him the vials of potions and two glass flask which are placed in a bag. He shrunk it and put it to his pocket.
"That is 50 galleons for the 5 vials of healing draught, 4 galleons for the flask and the 10 galleons for the broken potions. You must understand Young Lord Black, there 10 vials broken in the floor and-"
He gestured the man to stop and given the man 154 galleons.
"I am very pleased to do business with you Young Lord Black." The man grinned.
He nodded and headed towards the door. The girl looked at him incredulously but he just dismissed her presence.
"Amm, Mr. Black?" she walks towards him.
"Halt." He said. He finite the potion bag and drink one bottle of healing draught. "You do not have to repay me. Albeit, do yourself a favor and stop mistaking people with someone else."
"What-!" She huffed. "Don't be ridiculous! I will pa- Are you alright?!"
The girl's worried voice lingered in the background but Regulus clutched his head as his headache intensified. Don't be ridiculous… Don't be ridiculous… 'Are you alright?' Don't be ridiculous… The voice keeps ringing back in his head. "Arghhh!" He groaned and leaned himself at the door.
"Mr. Black? Are you alright?" the girl called him then he felt her hand in his forehead. "Regulus?"
Regulus opened his eyes, grasps the girls hand and spun her between him and the door. "Who are you really? I am sure I have met you before." He glowered over her.
"Get off her!" he heard a familiar voice. "Stupefy!"
He docked missing the hex. He immediately turned and thrown a cursed. "Expelliamus!"
The man side stepped. "Regulus?" the man said in disbelief. Regulus focused his eyesight to the strangers face and his anger increased.
"Brother." He spat. His brother, Sirius Orion Black, is standing before him. He cannot help but feel angry towards his brother. His brother who abandon him and their family for another. What is so special about this day that he seems to meet all his relatives!
"Reggy." The man whispered and begun to walk towards him.
"Stop calling me that!" Sirius stopped. Regulus took a deep breath and tried calming down. The headache is still present but he pulled himself together. He looks at his brother again who is now standing with the girl who he just pinned in the door earlier. He looked at them in understanding. "You mistake me with Sirius?" he asked the girl who nodded. The scene seems very familiar to him but he brushed it off. "You know just forget it and don't stop me this time" He said and started walking away from the two.
"What is happening here?" Regulus heard someone inquired and lifted his face finding his father standing in front of him.
"Father. There is nothing to worry about just a little misunderstanding." He said and forced himself to straighten up.
"He is not feeling well." The girl said. He gave her a menacing glare but the girl didn't look at him. The girl walks near them alongside with a very awkward Sirius. She bows to his Father as a sign of respect. "Lord Black I apologized for causing this misunderstanding. I am Hermione Helen Prince Fleamont and this is Sirius Orion Black who's my chaperoned today. I have caused a great discomfort to your son when I mistake him of Sirius and also made a little accident. But I believe that is not the most important right now. I noticed your son is not feeling well and I discovered that he is burning up."
Orion Black immediately cast a standard examining spell. "Fool. Let's go back home and call a healer." The head of the Black Family said then address the girl, he never stray his gaze to the man standing next to Hermione. "I cannot say that I am delighted in finally meeting you here Lady Fleamont. Nonetheless, I excuse anything that happens today. I though hope we meet in better circumstances in the future." Regulus father said.
"As I do hope Lord Black." The Fleamont girl bow again to bid her farewell. Regulus also bows towards her as a proper heir.
Regulus and his father then walk to the apparating point. His father put hands in Regulus shoulders. "How do you find the Lady?"
Regulus sneered. "Insufferable and I hope that I do not meet her again!"
Orion Black chuckled and Regulus felt the pull of apparition.
x-x
I do hope all the scene is not so chummy.