Chapter XIII

Angry Storms and brewing tides

Bill Weasley felt a bit out of place as he settled into one of the rather opulently decorated sittingAs night dawned on, the Black Family separated at last and Kinsley was happy to arrive home. Meeting so many people had been exhausting and although she actually looked forward to getting to know them better, she was happy to get away. Yet there had been one person she hadn't been expecting to meet and that had been William Weasley the future Lord Weasley.

Bill turned out to be a rather kind individual, and she quickly noticed the intelligence behind his rebellious appearance. Yet speaking to him was quickly setting her mind to ease, and she was very happy that he extended the opportunity to communicate. He would be helping her with the rather large problem, and she was really happy to have help.

"You're late coming home," came a soft voice that had Kinsley looking up in surprise yet swiftly spotting her mother sitting at the table a cup of tea in hand.

"The meeting when longer than we thought it would." She answered earning a small nod from the imposing woman. "Went well,"

"That's good," Amelia murmured yet there was something in her voice that had Kinsley frowning slightly in confusion. "We can talk more about it tomorrow, yes? You should head off to bed."

"Uh, okay," she whispered before walking around the table and out of the room. Yet before she could start going up the steps, she hesitated a moment.

Going back to the kitchen, she swiftly noticed her mothers bowed appearance, head laying in her hands. She hesitated, not quite sure what to do but something was urging her to do something. Nervously walking over, she hesitated again before slowly wrapping her arms around the older woman's shoulders.

Amelia jumped as she felt slightly shaking arms wrap around her shoulders before realising just who was giving her a hug. Eyes wide, she cupped her hands over the smaller ones.

"Good night," the teen whispered ever so softly. "It's — nice to be home,"

With that, the arms slipped away leaving Amelia in shock. By the time she turned, however, the teen had gone up the stairs, and she couldn't stop the smile from spreading onto her lips.

Arriving in her room, Kinsley gratefully pulled off her formal clothes and hurriedly jumped into the comfortable pyjamas she loved. Climbing under the sheets, she took a deep breath before shutting her eyes.

Meeting the members of the Black Family Cassiopeia approved of had been surprising, terrifying and yet turned into a nice affair. Cedrella Weasley was a kind woman yet wasn't as overbearing as her daughter-in-law. Learning that the younger Mrs Weasley wanted nothing to do with the Black Family had been a shock and hurt, to say the least. She now understood that the Black Family didn't have the best of names in the magical world. A good portion of the Black Family sided with the Dark when Voldemort had come to power. Some even become Death Eaters or married their children into those darker families.

For instance the three Black Sisters, Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black was in Azkaban after attacking the Longbottom Family. The attack left the then Lord and Lady Longbottom in the permanent ward at St Mungo's with a severe brain injury that they probably would never heal from and leaving Neville parentless. She had seen how affected Aunt Callidora had been when she mentioned the events even if it was ever so briefly.

Seems there was conflict even in the Black Family, members tearing each other limb from limb.

Bellatrix Lestrange attacked the grandchildren of Callidora Longbottom, with them Barty Crouch Jr, Aunt Charis' grandson.

She was also married to one of the Lestrange brothers. Both of whom resided in Azkaban with her for the same charges and identified as marked Death Eaters.

Narcissa Malfoy was married to Lucius Malfoy, etc. Countless members supported the dark side and blood supremacy without really joining the cause however then came her own father. According to all reports the man was one of Voldemort's highest ranking Death Eaters and had betrayed not only her adoptive parents but her birth mother as well. The man who was both her godfather and father was said to have then murdered 12 other people. He did this by blowing up a muggle street after being cornered by her adoptive parent's other friend, Peter Pettigrew.

Yet something didn't feel right about the entire situation, something wasn't fitting like it should and there were a lot of questions she had. Thanks smelled fishy about this entire thing, and she needed to find out what it was before it was too late.

Shaking her head, she pushed those thoughts away. Right now the most pressing item she had to deal with was the item her mother knew nothing about and could know nothing about until later. Her bound with Hermione and Ron was a dangerous one right now, and she really hoped Bill would be able to help. Learning that at least the Future Lord Weasley would ally with the Black Family was warming and meant the Black Family would be heading in a different direction.

As a yawn ripped through her lips, she drew a sigh. She'd reflect on things another time. For now, she was tired and wanted to sleep.

...

Ministry Cleaning!

Seems like Ministry Employees have been going through stressful times these past few weeks. Department by Department employees have been facing questioning either voluntarily or a panel of their pears with Veratisarum.

What brought this on is still unknown, however, the number of employees that have been dismissed has been staggering. What brought this on is still unknown, however, the number of employees that have been dismissed has been staggering.

Dolores Umbridge, Undersecretary for the Ministry of Magic has been dismissed from her position and placed under arrest awaiting trial.

Umbridge is a half-blood witch; her father was a wizard and her mother a muggle and was sorted into Slytherin during her time at Hogwarts. Joining the Ministry at 17 years of age, she quickly rose to influential positions yet first begun an internship in the Improper Use of Magic Office. This led to a connection to our next person of interest, Mafalda Hopkirk.

Mafalda Hopkirk was an assistant in the Improper Use of Magic Office at the Ministry and has worked in the department since her debut in the Ministry at the age of 19. She has been released from her duties and placed under arrest awaiting trial.

Our next person of interest is another high Ranking Ministry of Magic Employee, Albert Runcorn yet the most interesting individual is none other than former Head of Department of Magical Law Enforcement yet demoted to the Head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, Bartemius Crouch Senior.

His son died not long after in Azkaban holding cell as well as his wife who many said died of a broken heart. With the death of his son, the public turned on this high ranked official, Crouch lost his popularity and chance to become Minister for Magic. He was shunted sideways to the Department of International Magical Cooperation, with Cornelius Fudge succeeding Milicent Bagnold as Minister instead.

It seems something has again come up against Barty Crouch Sr. as he has been relieved of his duties and placed under arrest pending trial.

Seems the Ministry has been hard at work doing its best to weed out the weeds of our government and make it a strong fighting the fight against prejudice.

Putting the paper down, Kinsley couldn't help but be surprised. The Ministry was being cleaned up it seems, and she had a feeling it was being led by her mother.

Looking up at her Aunt Cassy she found the woman's gaze firmly affixed upon her and raised a curious eyebrow.

"I have convinced your mother that as future Lady Black you need to have some insight on how things work in the Wizengamot as you will be claiming those seats when the time comes. Against her better judgement, she has agreed to allow you to attend these trials. They will be starting next week." Cassiopeia declared making Kinsley's eyes widen in surprise and a bit of excitement. "You will dress appropriately as the Heir to the Black Family; you won't be hidden for long, and this is a controlled exposed. Amelia has requested we allow Kinglsey to escort you as a protective detail and you won't be alone. William has also been requested to attend. Even though the Weasley Family is not very highly ranked in the Wizengamot it does have a seat.

The heir box is hidden from the press, but your identities won't be published in any newspaper and there are wards in place preventing other lords and ladies of speaking of your presence after the trial."

Here her aunt to a sip of her tea before levelling her with a stern expression.

"I expect you to be on your best behaviour and to keep your lessons in mind." this made Kinsley grimace ever so slightly, yet she gave a nod. She'd probably be too nervous to even do anything other than sit and perhaps speak with Bill when the chance arose. "On the same note, it is however normal to introduce various heirs to the other people in the box. I do not know who will be there; I do not know what will happen, however, I will be at your side during the entire trial."

"I understand Aunty Cassy." she agreed before looking back down at the parchment. "I still have a hard time believing he sentenced his own son to a life in Azkaban?"

"Barty was not the most loving of fathers, didn't show much acceptance. The sentencing of his son brought great pain on the Crouch Family, of course; the boy was mixed in with the group, and we note quite sure what kind of involvement he did have. Now Dolores Umbridge, that is one toad I'm glad to be rid of."

That made Kinsley look up in surprise. She'd never heard her aunt speak in such a way about a person. Although looking down at the picture of the woman, Kinsley had to agree, she didn't look very pleasant.

"What she do?" she asked curiously.

"Clearly more than we know of considering she's on awaiting trial. However, the woman was not liked at all during her time in the Ministry. She's a witch and I've never enjoyed being in her presence. I can also safely inform you that neither has Arcturus." Cassiopeia remarked making Kinsley frown.

"Aunt Cassy, you don't speak very often of Great Grandfather Arcturus -" She began earning a weak smile from the witch.

"Your great-grandfather hasn't been heard from in about five years dear. He locked himself up in Black Castle up in Scotland, and we only know he's alive because the goblins haven't summoned us for a will reading. To be quite honest the last time, the man was even seen in public was the day you were born."

"What?" Kinsley asked shock taking over her features as that piece of information revealed itself.

"Oh yes, everybody was shocked. Sirius had invited me to the birth, as well as a select few others such as Andromeda. I'll speak to you about her in a moment. However, none of us expected Arcturus to arrive. At the time he looked in good health, especially for his age. He was 79 when you were born and had outlived his brother, sister, his son and second child as well as his daughter-in-law and Regulus."

"Wow,"

"Indeed, he looked as imposing as ever when he did appear. He was dressed in a black three-piece suit, walking stick in hand. When Sirius came out of the delivery room with you in his arms he was shocked to find his grandfather there. Arcturus requested to hold you and although hesitant he agreed. You were the only Great Grandchild he did hold." Here the older woman lets a chuckle leave her lips as she fell into her memories."He handed Sirius his walking stick and carefully took you into his arms. The moment he held you, your eyes opened and gazed up into his own with such innocence it was adorable. You held his gaze, though, and I watched as a smile formed on the old dinosaur lips. He declared that Sirius had spawned a strong witch that would make their family proud before giving his blessing for you to be the heir of the Black Family."

"He gave his blessing?" Kinsley asked confused by the statement.

"You being the firstborn meant nothing because of your gender. If the current Lord of the Black Family wouldn't have wanted you as future Lady of the Black family then he would have never given his blessing. However, that is mute as Arcturus did give his blessing. To continue, however, he seemed almost giddy at the fact that he now had a great-granddaughter. When he learned of your kidnapping his furry held no bounds until he secluded himself into the Black Castle and hid away from civilization."

"My disappearance made him seclude himself?" She asked. "Why would he do that?"

"He believed you would be a new era for the Black family. He had been tired of seeing our family destroy itself and hoped to reshape it into a brighter star. He believed those dreams destroyed and to be honest, I'm uncertain if he is even aware that you have been found." Cassiopeia explained, before drawing a sigh.

Silence fell upon the duo as Kinsley took in all the information she had just learned. To think her Great Grandfather was alive. The man had been alive during the US Stock market Crash, during World War 2, the Blitz and that meant during the war against Grindelwald.

"How hard is it to get to Castle Black?" She whispered startling her aunt from her memories.

"Not very difficult however it's the wards that have stopped anybody from entering the premises since he secluded himself inside. I'm uncertain if they would allow you entrance." The older witch remarked while Kinsley looked down at the heir ring on her finger.

"I'm the recognized Heir to the Black Family, would that make a difference?" she asked before looking up at her aunt who seemed to look a bit hesitant.

"I - can't be certain, however, it would give you a better chance."

"Can we try?"

...

The wind howled fiercely around them as Kinsley looked up at the imposing castle before her. Unlike Château Black, the Black Castle of Scotland was darker and more imposing. It held less elegance and was aimed more towards the style Hogwarts had taken on. The large forest that surrounded the property gave it a defence against introducers to a certain degree. According to Cassiopeia, the grounds hosted an impressive selection of magical creatures as well.

Currently, they were standing feet away from the wards, something Kinsley had sensed thanks to the heir ring upon her finger. For some reason, it seemed to hum on her finger.

With her stomach a bundle of nerves, she stepped forward and took a deep breath before making to step through the wards. She felt a small bit of resistance until it faded, and she had passed through. Turning to face her aunt she watched as the older witch tried yet failed to step foot past.

"Go ahead dear, I'll wait behind," Cassiopeia ordered her and although hesitant she gave a nod before setting foot for the castle.

Approaching the forbidding fortress, however, made a shiver run down her spine, yet she tried her best to bring her Gryffindor courage to the surface. Walking up the steps, she arrived at the double doors. As she moved to knock however the door creaked open. Hesitating a moment, she nervously stepped in.

The castle interior was dark, darker than the outside weather. She found no lit candles, nothing to illuminate the space. As the door shut behind her, it cut the stormy weather out and silence reigned strong.

"Who is you?" came a soft squeaky voice that had her spinning around to find a small house elf standing feet away from her. The creature was young, remarkably young and dressed in the Black house elf uniform.

"Um - I'm Kinsley, Kinsley Black," she answered and for a moment the elf looked at her before its eyes widen and its ears seemed to perk up in happiness.

"Little Miss Kinsley!" The elf squeaked excitedly. "Binky be recognizing your magic Little Miss Kinsley. Binky be happy to be seeing yous again!"

Just as suddenly as the happiness appeared though did the sadness return and the elves ears dropped to its side.

"Little Miss Kinsley was taken, and Binky could find Little Miss Kinsley."

"Its okay Binky, I was only just found. I'm sure you did everything you could to help find me." She hurried to assure remembering her experience with Dobby and how hard the elf took bad news. "Listen Binky, I was told that my Great Grandfather lives here still and hasn't come out for many years. Aunt Cassy, I mean it Cassiopeia is quite worried about him. Is he - still here?" She asked hesitantly.

"Yes, Master is still in Black Castle. Master does not leave castle very often and does not meet with people outside of castle," Binky answered making Kinsley smile.

"That's good, could you perhaps lead me to him? Or perhaps lead him to me? Do you think he'll believe you if you tell him I'm here?" she asked curiously."

"Binky not sure, but Binky be trying." Binky declared happily.

"Who are you," came a firm voice that had both Binky and Kinsley stilling for a moment before Kinsley turned.

Standing at the second level of the large stone staircase was an elderly man. Dressed in robes, a walking stick in hand, he was mostly shrouded in darkness. Still, from her position, she could still make out the silver-white hair and beard that glittered slightly in the darkness.

"How did you enter this property?" The man continued before finally stepping into the light of one of the few candles present.

The man was old, thought Kinsley, and pale. He did look unhealthy, he looked remarkably thin as though he only ate the minimum about of food to survive.

No, she thought, he looks like a person whose given up on life.

"I repeat myself, girl, how did you enter this property and who are you?" he questioned, voice as cold as ice yet Kinsley allowed her courage to grow as she held his icy gaze with her own fierce one.

"I came onto this property with this," she answered revealing the Black family heir ring upon her hand. "As for who I am, I am Kinsley Black, daughter of Sirius Black and Amelia Bones."

The pain that flashes through the man's eyes was impossible to miss yet it was swiftly pushed aside by the furry that brew up inside. With swift motions that Kinsley could hardly believe he possessed, the man raised his wand towards her.

Her own reflex kicked into gear, wand falling into her hand from its holster as she flung up her strongest shield deflecting the curse sent her way.

"Master, master please she's speaking truth!" Binky exclaimed for her spot at her master's side. "Binky knows, Binky knows. Magic same!"

"I am no fool!" The man roared anger blazing so strong that his spells hit with more power than Kinsley was used to. "My great-granddaughter is gone, dead! How you came to enter this castle I don't know but I will kill you myself for even daring to impersonate that child!"

"Magic same Master! Tis Kinsley Black, tis heir to the Black Family. Ring not accept if she be not heir!" Binky cried yet the man was not hearing her or chose to ignore her. Either way, Kinsley knew only something drastic would change the man's mind.

"I was kidnapped!" She yelled out while placing more power behind the shield as it began to quiver from the onslaught of spells being sent her way. "I don't know by who and I don't know why! My gender was changed into that of a boy, and I was adopted! When they were killed, I was sent to my adoptive mothers family! They didn't like me, thought I was a freak! They raised me for the past eleven years until this summer my magic fought against whatever was making me a boy and I returned to girl form!"

The further she got into her brief story the slower the spells seemed to come, of course, that could also be because of age. The man was well into his 90's after all, and she could feel the power radiating off every spell that he sent her way.

"They tried killing me, using a gun but my magic finally exploded erasing the leftover results of the transformation! The DMLE was informed of the large magical explosion and came to the house! The muggle police had already arrived with paramedics and were bringing me out of the house to the hospital. My mother was part of that squad, Amelia Bones! It didn't take long for the truth to come out and my true parentage to break free! I swear I am Kinsley Black!" She shouted before noticing a crack in her shield forming. "Damn it! How else could I have gotten through the wards if I wasn't the damn heir to the Black Family! I bear the ring you damn idiot! Stop trying to kill me and just listen!"

Anger growing, her magic seemed to roar within her, yet she clamped down on it as quickly as she could. The last thing she needed was some sort of ability showing up now. Plus right now she needed to focus on not getting hexed and proving to her Great Grandfather that she was actually his great-granddaughter.

"I would have died if I wouldn't have been the chosen heir to the Black Family! I wouldn't have even been allowed to pass through the wards! Stop shooting spells at me and actually listen, you old fossil!" She shouted inpatients shinning through and before she could do much more her ring finger seemed to buzz. Without further instruction another barrier formed around her own shielding its cracking surface with a glowing purple mass that had the current Lord Black halting his movements.

Silence filled the hall. Kinsley was so focused on the newly formed shield she didn't see the anger leave her Great Grandfathers figure.

"This is so weird," she mumbled, turning her gaze from the purple shield to the little strand of purple magic connecting it to the heir ring upon her finger.

"Family magic," came a whispered voice that had her attention flying back up. "I've not seen the heir ring produce it for a very long time."

"So um - you believe me now?" She asked, unsure what was going to happen now. "Of course you can also talk with Aunt Cassy, who's waiting outside if you want,"

"Cassy?" The man questioned confusion on his face before realization fell into place and his eyes grew wide. "Cassiopeia!"

"Binky be fetching Miss Cassiopeia?" The elf questioned lightly and after a barely visible nod, the elf disappeared.

Frowning at the shield still in place, Kinsley straightened before lowering her wand. Without much fuss, the shield blinked out of existence and her own shield crumbled away leaving her feeling slightly vulnerable.

Yet the silence was quickly broken as Binky returned with a pop, Cassiopeia with her. The elder witch looked a bit pale but one look around the room, taking in the broken items around she rounded on Arcturus.

"Paranoia grew did it?" She questioned, no amusement in her voice yet her eyebrow arched showing her displeasure. "Or did your anger cloud your old eyes?"

Author note:

Yes, I know according to Rowling, Arcturus Black is dead in real Harry Potter World. Of course so is Cassiopeia. Tweaking real facts about a fake world is all part of the Fanfiction world.

I hope you all like it and we shall see where the story goes from here. We'll see further Amelia/Kinsley bonding time soon I promise but if there is something I know its the Black Family is dramatic. Haha!