47

Orion Speaks His Mind

June 27

Grimmauld Place:

Orion Black rarely spent all morning going over accounts and writing correspondence, he usually left that sort of thing to Walburga, who enjoyed it. But this morning he decided to peruse the accounts himself and see what was coming in and how the expenses were doing. Everything looked shipshape, and he had come across a letter from Sirius as well in the pile of mail on the desk blotter, which he read and then realized that Sirius was due to graduate from the Academy this year.

Normally, an Auror took three years to be fully trained, but because of the war, the Academy instructors had speeded things up so they could beef up the current Auror force, since so many of them were getting picked off by Voldemort's people. Orion had been surprised, pleasantly so, that his eldest son had managed to stick it out for this long, since discipline was not Siri's strong suit. At all.

He hadn't spoken to his eldest son since the night Sirius had run away to the Potters, though Regulus had seen him at the Potters' wedding and said he looked the same as always. Orion had been quite irritated at that. It would seem that Sirius had repudiated his family and was celebrating the fact. It hurt to think that his son no longer cared about his parents, who had done their best to raise him and given him every advantage they could. Was it all for nothing? Where did we go wrong? Siri was always a mischievous rebel, but I used to be able to talk to him. To reason with him. Until that night, when he just . . .turned on all of us. And he doesn't seem to regret it in the slightest.

Orion did. Now that he looked back on the events of that night, he felt he might have handled it differently. He knew Walburga felt Sirius' absence keenly, though she never mentioned it. Sirius' defection cut her deeply, Orion knew because sometimes he would wake to find her weeping into her pillow and then he would hold her and stroke her hair. He knew she was crying over Sirius and it made him feel helpless.

Except now that Sirius was graduating the Academy, along with his best mate James, Orion had the opportunity to speak to his wayward son. All Academy cadets had a sponsor to present them with their Auror pin and certificate. They were not allowed to choose one, that was the province of the Director of the Academy. Orion, as a senior Auror and Sirius' father, was going to request that he be Sirius' sponsor. The Director, Magnus Askevar, was an old chum of his, and Orion knew it would be granted. And afterwards, he would speak his mind to his son.

That settled, he stretched his arms over his head and called for his elf to come and give him a glass of Rhenish red.

Regulus had finished school two days ago and had come home, but there was another one he rarely saw. Lately, Reg had been visiting his old pal Severus, and staying out till all hours. Orion didn't like that too much, but Regulus was of age and was no longer under Orion's command. Maybe I'm just getting old. I'm sure I did the same when I was that age. I just can't—or don't want to—remember it. He's probably going out with that girl he met at school, Cindy Graves, and doesn't want to discuss it with his dear old dad.

He worried less about Regulus getting into some scrape than he did Sirius because his younger son was unusually mature for his age. Regulus had always been quiet and shy, and not one to go looking for trouble. He had also been a rather obedient child, eager to please, and that was why Walla seemed to favor him, because she felt Regulus respected her more, since he listened and obeyed the rules. Sirius on the other hand . . .made her rip her hair out.

But Orion knew she still loved her eldest, and the things Sirius had said to her that night had been very insensitive and cruel. Yet another thing he needed to tell his son. Sirius owed his mother an apology. Written if not in person.

He then began to write a letter to his old friend Magnus, requesting that he be his son's sponsor.

SSLSJPPP

Auror Academy

Isle of Wight:

James and Sirius stood at attention in their trainee gray robes and shirts and ties among their fifty fellow trainees upon the parade ground. It was boiling hot that day and Sirius fought to keep from scratching under his collar. He couldn't believe that he had made it through the strict advanced training program and was now finished with the Academy and its bloody rules and regulations. Finally he could get out in the world and start kicking some arse. He glanced sidelong at James and whispered out of the corner of his mouth, "Oi, Prongs! Are you going to come down to the pub and raise a pint with me after this is over? We can get pissed and not have to worry about some sneaky sergeant catching us out. What do you say? Longbottom already said he'd buy us a round." He was sure James would say yes.

Instead his friend shook his head. "Sorry, Siri. You and Longbottom can drink a pint in my honor."

"Why?"

"Because as soon as this is over, I'm going to go home to my wife and celebrate in my own fashion . . .if you get what I mean." He winked.

"Oh. Have fun then, old boy," Sirius said, giving him a wicked smirk before facing forward again.

The Director, a tall man with white hair and blue eyes called Magnus Askevar—or Ask-Me-Not—since he never gave anyone a straight answer, was standing in front of the podium, requesting that each sponsor step forward and acknowledge the cadet they had been assigned.

James was surprised to have Kingsley Shacklebolt as his sponsor. The tall black wizard was as dedicated an Auror as James had ever seen, James admired him greatly. "Hello, King. Nice to see you again."

"Nice to see you as well, James. You made it through boot camp, but now comes the hard part—making it through this ceremony!" Shacklebolt winked, then he reached forward and pinned the Auror crest upon the right side of James' robe. Then he clasped the other's shoulder lightly and said, "James Emerson Potter, be thou true to the cause."

"I will," James promised. Then he chuckled at Shacklebolt's wit.

Sirius wondered who was his sponsor, since no one had made their way over to him. Until he looked up and there in front of him was Orion. Sirius just gaped at him. "Dad?"

"The same. Surely you didn't think I would miss the ceremony?" Orion chided. He leaned over and pinned the Auror pin to his son's robes. "Sirius, we need to have a long talk later." He gave his son a clap on the shoulder. "I'm proud of you, son. You stuck it out and I really didn't think you would."

"Thanks! Uh . . .where should we meet?"

Orion thought swiftly. When he was a cadet here, they used to meet privately behind the complex down by the large rock at the beach. . .He suggested that as a meeting place.

"Are Mother and Reg here too?" Sirius asked, somewhat uneasily. He could just imagine his mother embarrassing him in front of his class. He knew the Potters were there, he had seen Liana and Charles and Petunia in the crowd of guests.

Orion shook his head. "No, it's just me. We'll discuss everything later." Then he turned about, standing next to his son.

"When I call your candidate's name, I would like his or her sponsor to come forward and receive the certificate of merit they are entitled to by finishing this intensive course of training . . ." the Director ordered.

Sirius brushed a droplet of sweat from his eyes and wished this were over. Then he thought maybe that wasn't such a good idea. He was positive Orion hadn't shown up for a mere chat.

SSLSJPPP

After the ceremony, Sirius headed back to the barracks to change out of his detested formal uniform and into some casual clothing, as well as gathering up his belongings. He had been greeted warmly by all the Potters and then excused himself to go and change. He wished suddenly that Orion had not showed up, even though he had told Sirius he was proud of him and acted as his sponsor. He had a feeling his father was going to lecture him, and that was the last thing he wanted to sit through. He thought about just ducking out of the meeting, but what conscience he had wouldn't allow it.

He found Orion right where the other wizard had told him to meet, by the large rock near the beach. The hush and slap of the waves and cry of the seabirds made Sirius relax a fraction. The elder Black was pacing up and down, and his dark hair now a few gray streaks in it, Sirius noted in some shock. When had his father gotten gray hair?

Orion turned and then beckoned to Sirius. "Walk with me, son."

Sirius obeyed, waiting for the inevitable, but Orion and he walked in silence for several minutes.

Finally, the elder Black turned and halted, gesturing. A large wooden bench sprang up and he sat down on it. "I always thought they could use a bench here. Have a seat."

Sirius did. He resisted the urge to squirm like a misbehaving schoolboy, he was an adult, about to get reassigned to Magical Law Enforcement.

Orion drew in a breath, then said, calmly, "I came here so I could see you finish the Academy, I think it's a great achievement, but also because I feel we left things unsaid and need to clear the air, so to speak."

Sirius flushed. "Things unsaid, Dad? Both you and Mum said plenty that night."

"As did you," Orion reminded him sharply. "You accused your mother and me of being supporters of You-Know-Who because we were in Slytherin. I don't know where you ever got that idea. You know perfectly well what I do for a living and how much I detest dark wizards. And your mother despises them as well."

"But she acts just like them," Sirius objected. "With all her insistence on blood purity and the family Name and all that rot!"

"She doesn't! Being proud of one's family and one's heritage is not the same as saying you want every Muggle and Muggleborn on the planet wiped out. Yes, I am aware that your mother harbors a superiority complex towards half-bloods and Muggleborns, but that does not mean she condones what Riddle is doing. Matter of fact son, you've inherited more than a bit of that attitude from her."

"What? How can you say that, Dad?"

"How can I say that? You spent half your time in school pranking and making a half-blood's life a misery because you thought he wasn't "worthy" to be friends with a Gryffindor girl. You continually accuse anyone in Slytherin of aspiring to become a dark wizard."

"Because it's true! You-Know-Who came from there and so did almost all the dark wizards we've had. You can't deny that."

"Nor will I. What I can deny is your blind assumption that the rest of Slytherin will automatically follow his footsteps. You-Know-Who and his followers were in the minority, and always have been. Members of Slytherin have left school and gone on to become good members of the community—"

"Like Abraxus and Lucius Malfoy?"

"Stop it! Like me. Like a dozen others I could name who are Healers, solicitors, men of business who brought us out of the dark ages and into the modern era. Slytherin ambition built the Hogwarts Express, otherwise you'd still be getting to school by a thestral drawn carriage from King's Cross station. Ah, didn't know that, did you? Yes, it's easy to paint us all with the same brush, but don't ever forget that there are dark wizards from every House, including Gryffindor! You aren't some bastion of purity. Albus Dumbledore isn't God, not even close."

"He's a great wizard."

"Yes, he's got a strong talent, and politically he's a force to be reckoned with, but he's just as manipulative as any Slytherin when it comes to getting what he wants. Don't let his grandfather act fool you. He's shrewd and sly, and clever enough to make people think he's pure as the driven snow."

"He never has a cross word for any student."

Orion snorted. "And you think that means he has your best interests at heart? Don't be naïve, Sirius! He's a politician, he always has a hidden agenda. I've met landlords like him. They'll smile and act sorry while they evict you from your house and convince you it's for your own good to live in the street."

"He's the only wizard You-Know-Who has ever feared!"

"Oh? Then tell me this—if that's true, why isn't he out there kicking the bastard's arse? I live in the real world, Sirius, I know when something smells rotten." Orion shook his head. "But I didn't come here to debate the merits of Dumbledore, I came here to talk to you about your behavior and the impact it had on your family. Your mother—"

"Mum never gave a damn about me," Sirius interrupted. "All she ever cared about was Reg."

"You're wrong, son. Your mother loves you just as much as she does Regulus and what you said to her that night wounded her deeply."

"Dad, please! Mum's tough as dragonhide."

"Not where her sons are concerned. She wept over you many nights." Orion argued. "Sirius, it's time for you to grow up."

"Grow up? Dad, I'm of age, in case you hadn't noticed."

"That's as may be, but you still act like you were fifteen. Quiet and let me finish!" He held up a hand. "This war is getting intense and there are times when I fear for the safety of all of you. If something should happen to me, I don't want my family to be divided by mistrust and jealousy. Understand? Now, I am asking you to act like the adult you claim you are and mend things with your mother and with Regulus. Quit holding onto this schoolboy grudge with your brother. He's your blood, and there is nothing more important than your family. Nothing! I want you to come home to Grimmauld Place, it's where you belong, not as a guest at Potter Manor."

"I don't want to live there. It's not my home anymore."

"Fine. Then rent a flat. Your friend James is married now, he needs to spend time with his wife, not his best mate. You've overstayed your welcome, Sirius, and now it's time to pack up and come home. We miss you, son." Orion's voice had gone soft at that last phrase.

Sirius stared at him and was astonished to see what looked like a tear in Orion's eye. But his father never cried. Never! "You really want me to come back?"

"I wouldn't be here if I didn't." Orion said simply. "Now, are you going to bend that stiff neck of yours—another thing you've inherited from your mother—or do I have to drag you kicking and screaming over my shoulder?"

"You think you can take me, old man?" Sirius challenged playfully. "I'm a lot bigger now than when I was eight."

Orion smirked. "I don't think. I know, you insolent puppy. We'll go a few rounds after you come home, just so you can see."

"All right. I'll drop by for a visit," Sirius conceded.

"That's my good soldier," Orion said, then he caught his son in a fierce embrace.

Sirius clung to him. He swallowed hard. "I missed you too, Dad." He hadn't

realized that fact until he said it aloud, but it was so. Charles was a decent man,

but he was no substitute for Orion.

Orion released him, and together they walked up the beach, enjoying the sun and the sand and each other's company.

SSLSPPJP

Sev and Lily's home

That same afternoon:

CRASH!

Severus whirled about from the table, where he had been cutting a cheese and lettuce sandwich into quarters for his little sister, to see the little imp had somehow climbed on top of his bookshelf and knocked down a glass figurine Lily had placed there. It was now broken all over the floor.

"Uh oh."

Severus scowled, for the first time he was not amused at Jessa's precociousness. "Merlin, Jessa! Look what you've done!" He strode over to where the little girl was clinging like a monkey and waved his wand to clean up the glass shards before picking up his sister. "How many times do I have to tell you—no touching!"

She started to cry. "I sorry, Sevvy! I not mean to!"

"Oh, yes you did," he said, for once not swayed by her pitiful act. "I told you three times to quit trying to touch that unicorn and you didn't listen." He hardened his heart at the tears rolling down her porcelain cheeks. "So now you get to sit in time out." Meanwhile, a part of his brain was yelling What time out? You don't have a time out over here!

He snapped his fingers and Transfigured a napkin into a small stool suitable for a naughty toddler.

Jess howled and began to fight with him, struggling to get out of his arms. "No, Sevvy! No time out! No!"

Severus fought to hold onto her and avoid getting a fist in his eye or kicked in the ribs. He couldn't believe how wild his little sister had become. "Jessamyn Marsh, you stop this!"

He managed at last to set the little girl down on the stool, but Jess tried to get up, so he had to hold her there. "Three minutes and then—ow! You little bugger, you bit me!" He jerked away instinctively, examining his hand, which bore two deep red marks, luckily she had not broken the skin.

Quick as a wink, Jess was off the stool and running to hide behind the sofa.

"Bad Sevvy!"

Shaking his hand, Severus went after her. "I'm bad? Little brat, come here!"

She had almost wriggled behind the sofa when he caught her and hauled her out. At the end of his patience with her stubbornness, he gave her a smart swat on the bottom. "That's for biting me, young lady!"

Jess shrieked, more from shock than pain. Then she cried, "You no 'mack me, Sevvy! I tell Mummy!" She began howling for Eileen.

Severus bit back a laugh. "Go ahead. What's she going to do to me?" He carried her back to the detested stool.

"She gonna 'mack you butt, Sevvy!" Jess declared, and started bawling again.

Severus winced, thinking he had gone too far. This was the first time he had ever attempted to discipline her, for Jess usually did not test him this way. "You stay there for three minutes," he ordered, feeling like a monster. He was sure the child hated him now. But he could hardly keep ignoring her behavior, especially not when she bit him. Telling himself she deserved it didn't help, he still felt awful.

Lily walked in the den, having been outside weeding the garden. "Sev, what on earth is going on?"

Severus threw her a help-me glance. "Lily, she's turned into a little brat. I caught her climbing on the bookcase again and she broke a figurine, so I put her in time out and she bit me! So I . . .I smacked her bottom. I didn't want to . . .but . . .what could I do?"

Lily took his hand, ignoring the woeful toddler's howls. "Sev, it looks like she hurt you more than you hurt her, judging by the marks."

"She caught me by surprise. Mum warned me she was starting to act out, but I never expected this." He shook his head. "Now she probably hates me."

"Nonsense, Severus! That child loves you and a little swat on the behind and a time out isn't going to change that. I'm sure Eileen's done that plenty of times and Jess still loves her."

"I know, but that's different. I shouldn't have smacked her. I just reacted . . .I . . . I don't want to be my father, Lily."

"Severus, you could never be that! A swat and a beating are two different things. In two minutes she'll have forgotten all about it. Trust me."

Severus doubted it. He had never forgotten all the beatings Tobias had given him.

He turned and walked over to the sofa, wondering if all parents felt like this when they punished their children. He stared at his bitten hand, regretting his flare of temper.

Abruptly, Jess stopped crying and he heard Lily speaking to her softly.

Suddenly, a small dark-haired whirlwind threw herself against his legs.

"Jess!" he cried, picking her up and holding her close. She smelled like baby powder and strawberry jam.

"Sevvy hand hurted?" she asked, looking down at the crescent shaped bite mark along his palm.

'Yes, because you bit it."

Her face crumpled. "I sorry, Sevvy!" Two huge tears splashed onto his hand.

"Hey. Don't cry."

"I no bited no more, Sevvy."

"Good. Then I won't need to punish you," he sighed in relief, happy that she had learned her lesson. For now.

"'Kay. I love my Sevvy."

He hugged her tighter, his heart filled to overflowing with love. "Ah, Jess. You're going to drive your Sevvy to drink, you know that?" She giggled when he tickled her.

"Well?" Lily came in, holding the plate with Jess' sandwich on it. "Does she hate you?"

"No." Her husband answered. "You were right."

"Told you so."

"Don't be so smug, little oracle. Our children are going to drive us insane, you know."

"Of course they will. It's what kids do, Sev. But don't worry, you'll handle it just fine."

"I don't know about that."

She came forward then and set the plate down on the coffee table. "I do, Sev. You'll make a wonderful father. Don't let your dad's ghost haunt you."

Severus still looked dubious. She gestured to the toddler on his lap. "If you want proof, Severus, look there. If you were a nasty bloke like Tobias, that baby wouldn't want a thing to do with you. But Jess loves you, Sev. And so will your own. Always."

She leaned down and kissed him on the mouth.

"Lily tissed Sevvy!" Jess squealed, laughing.

Lily ruffled her hair. "That's 'cause I love Sevvy, ladybug."

"Me too! I tiss Sevvy!" She planted a wet kiss on his hurt palm. "All better!"

Severus smiled at her. "Merlin help the man that falls in love with you, Jessamyn!"

"You can say that again. Especially with her big brother threatening to hex and dismember him every time he looks at her funny," Lily snickered.

"Hey, that's what big brothers are for. To chase away all the riffraff." He turned Jess around and said, "Here, have a cheese sandwich." He pointed to the plate in front of them.

She picked up the sandwich in her hand and bit into it. "Mmm." Then she held it out to Severus. "I share wif Sevvy."

"Thanks, but I—"

She shoved the sandwich into his mouth.

Once he had chewed and swallowed it he said, "Like I said before, Merlin help the poor man!"

While inwardly he prayed that Jess would grow up in a world where all she had to worry about was her boyfriend surviving her older brother, and not the world of darkness Voldemort planned to unleash upon everything.

Hope you all liked this part. I felt Orion needed to get out more and I just love how Jess is with Severus.