"I was just wondering." Harry said with a smile.
"How do you even know that name?"
"First of all, those that were blasted off of the tapestry are back on it. Including Nympha…what a bad name, no one should call her that, ever."
"Most of us don't. She prefers Tonks. She really hates…" Said Remus.
"I know and can understand why."
"What did you mean Harry, about the tapestry?"
"Isla, your Great Uncle Phineas, your cousin Marius, Cedrella, Alphard, you and Andromeda are all showing on the tapestry as well as Ted Tonks, Bob Hitchens, Septimus Weasley and as I was saying about Nym…Tonks plus Ruby McKinnon and Violet. Also a Mercedes, but that could have been an oversight on my part."
"Why would Ruby show up? Who is Violet?"
"I could tell you, but I think it would be best if you looked at the tapestry. I think it will answer your questions."
Sirius quickly stood up and went straight to the tapestry room. Remus was close behind, followed by Harry and Ginny and the twins. Sirius was staring at his, Ruby' and Violet's names. He placed his right hand on the wall and his whole body was stiff and slightly shaking.
"We always told you to be more careful. James warned you that you'd end up a father."
"Shut up Remus." Sirius said as he turned around pale as can be and fainted."
"Sirius!" Harry yelled as he ran over to his Godfather.
"He'll be fine Harry. He's just fainted."
"But…"
"It would be a tremendous shock to any man to find out he's a father like this."
"Way to go Sirius." Said the twins mischievously but quietly.
"It's not what it looks like. Sirius wasn't just running around with women. I'm not saying that he didn't…he was young and stupid until he met Ruby. After meeting her, he changed. I really thing he feel in love with her. I believe she died. It's the only thing that makes sense. If she were alive Sirius wouldn't have spent much time in Azkaban if any depending on when she would have heard word about it. Besides once Sirius was released and Ruby was aware of it she would have searched Sirius out so she could tell him."
Sirius came to and sat up. He looked up at the tapestry and as his eyes fell on Ruby's name there was a longing in his eyes.
Harry placed his right hand on Sirius's left shoulder before softly saying, "Sirius who was or is she to you?"
"My everything. She knew the type of person I was. Ruby saw me with a different female every month. She didn't care, she never asked me to change. There was no one else for me…just Ruby. The night James and Lily were…murdered, I asked Ruby to marry me and she said yes. We got a little carried away, that was the only time we…I was so happy, I had to tell James and Lily the good news. It wasn't until I was right in front of the house at Godric's Hollow and Hagrid speaking to me when I realized the house was just rubble. I knew James and Lily were gone, Hagrid wouldn't let me take you, Harry. I gave him my motorcycle and went after Peter. The rest you know. I've always known that Ruby died at some point. She knew that I wasn't Secret Keeper, I wouldn't have spent much time in Azkaban if Ruby was alive."
"Sirius, it's going to be okay. I know it will take time but it will be okay." Harry said as he gently replaced his hand on Sirius's shoulder.
Sirius reached over with his right arm and put his hand on top of Harry's. A few minutes later Sirius stood up but only stared at the tapestry.
"Sirius, we will find Violet. I promise we will. I know it will take some time and it will be difficult, but we will find her." Said Remus
"If it's even possible to find Violet, she may not even know who I am."
"Sirius do you really think that Ruby wouldn't have found a way to let her daughter know?"
"Ruby may not have had a chance to tell Violet or anyone else. There is so much we don't know."
"Sirius…"
"Remus, I am not going to get my hopes up. I couldn't…"
"I get it Sirius. Let's not worry or think about the 'ifs' right now. I do think that you need a moment to yourself. Of course Harry can stay if…"
"That would be fine with me."
Remus ushered Ginny and the twins back into the living room. Ginny did not mind or complain about being ushered from the tapestry room. She had something to say about Violet but didn't want to say anything in front of Sirius.
"Moony?"
"Yes, Ginny."
"I didn't want to say anything in front of Sirius, incase I'm wrong. At the beginning of the school year the sorting hat sorted a Violet Black into Gryffindor. Harry thinks that the Violet at school is Sirius's daughter. I have a feeling that he just might be right. I just don't want to say anything to him if we are wrong…"
"Hmm…if you or Harry could talk to her, or ask her…"
"I'll do it. I think it should be a girl that brings this up to Violet."
"If she is who you and Harry think she is, let me know as soon as you can and I will let Sirius know. Not to worry, I will make sure that Sirius knows that it was you and Harry that found her."
An hour later Harry walked into the living room.
"How is he doing?" Asked Remus.
"About the same. He wants to be alone for a while."
"Are you sure it's safe to leave Sirius alone?" Asked George.
"Sirius will be all right alone George."
"I know he will be. Trust me. And if he's not all right we will know."
"What do you mean Harry?" Asked Remus.
"I placed a charm on Sirius and the tapestry room that will alert us if he's doing something stupid. I don't think that he would, but I thought that it would be a good idea to put in place a precaution. Just in case you know."
"Good thinking Harry."
"Thanks Moony."
"Harry what about your Aunt and cousin?" Asked Ginny.
"Oh yeah…I forgot they're supposed to come over tomorrow. Sirius is supposed to bring them, or at least he was supposed to."
"Let's wait and see how Sirius is doing in the morning. If need be Harry, you and I will go get your Aunt and cousin."
"Thank you Moony, I really appreciate it."
"Well, anyone hungry?" Asked Remus.
"Yes." Answered all four kids.
"Good. I am sure that Kreacher has made a feast."
As they walked into the kitchen Kreacher was nowhere in sight. The table was full of various types of food worthy of a Christmas dinner. They sat around the table, piled their plates full and started eating.
Once Harry finished eating he got up to check on Sirius. When Harry looked inside the tapestry room he say Sirius sitting on floor string at his own name as well as Ruby and Violets. A plate of food sat on the floor next to Sirius half full. Harry was satisfied with seeing signs that his Godfather was eating, no matter how little.
Harry returned to the kitchen to help put the rest of the food away and wash the dishes. To his surprise it all had already been done. Harry shrugged his shoulders and proceeded to the living room.
"Harry we took the liberty to clean up while you checked on Sirius." Remus said as Harry walked in.
"Thanks. And I know you are wondering, Sirius is the same as before." Harry said as he sat down on the couch next to Ginny.
A few minutes later Mrs. Weasley stepped out of the fireplace.
"Oh, hello Remus."
"Molly."
"Is everything all right? Where's Sirius?"
"He's in the tapestry room. He has had a tremendous shock." Replied Remus.
"What do you mean?"
"Do you remember Ruby McKinnon?"
"Yes. Ruby and Sirius were pretty close from what I remember. Arthur and I always though that Sirius was close to asking Ruby to marry him." Molly said wistfully.
"He did ask her marry him."
"He did? When?"
"October 31, 1981." Remus said grudgingly while keeping an eye on Harry.
"Oh…" Molly said softly.
"Ruby had said yes. Let's just say that they had their own celebration. Sirius left to tell James and Lily and probably figure out a way that all four of them could celebrate. When he arrived at their house and realized what had happened he became I am sure so full of grief and rage and took off to find Peter…"
"But how does that have anything to do with Sirius receiving a tremendous shock?"
"Evidently, Ruby gave birth to a child. Sirius is the father."
"Oh my."
"We have no other information. Sirius and I have concluded that Ruby died some time after giving birth. She would not have let Sirius stay in Azkaban for something he didn't do."
"How did you all even find out about the baby…or well the child?"
"As Sirius declared himself as the Head of the House of Black the family tree tapestry healed, it's the only word that seems to fit. Any way, a handful of people that had been blasted off years ago are now back on it. Andromeda and Ted Tonks's daughter appeared on it as well as Ruby and the child." Harry explained.
"You saw this happen?'
"Yes. It was really weird."
"Where is the child?'
"We don't know for sure where Sirius's daughter is. Harry and Ginny have a suspicion. When they go back to school Ginny is going to see if she can find out anything to confirm her and Harry's suspicion. Molly, just so you know, Ginny offered to do it."
"Will it be dangerous at all?" Asked Molly as she protectively wrapped Ginny in her arms.
"No mum. I only have to talk to one person. Don't worry. The girl I will be talking to is in Gryffindor."
"All right Ginny dear. Well, maybe I should take my children home…"
"Actually Molly, I think it would be best to have as many people here as possible. I think that you and Arthur should arrive here fairly early tomorrow. Sirius was supposed to assist Harry's Aunt and cousin getting here tomorrow. Sirius might not be able to. We don't know what Sirius had planned to bring them here."
"Very well. I'll have Bill and Percy come over tonight. Arthur and I will bring Ron in the morning." Molly said as she stepped in the fireplace.
A half-hour later Bill and Percy arrived. Harry showed them to their rooms. Bill followed Harry back down to the living room.
"Where's Percy?" Asked Fred.
"In his room. He said he was tired and doesn't understand why he had to come over tonight."
"What a…"
"George watch what you say. Oh, George and Fred you both better behave. Mum won't be happy if the two of you weren't on your best behavior while a guest here. She already gave Percy a stern warning which I am sure he did not like, being of age and all."
"What makes everyone so sure that Ron won't show up any moment?" Asked Ginny.
"Though the Burrow is reconnected to the floo network, anyone not of age cannot use it without a parent on someone of age but only if the one not of age is trying to leave. Ron has been trying to get over here for hours."
"Good!"
"Ginny!"
"Did mum tell what Ron did?"
"Yes. But still…"
"No buts about it. Sirius didn't get upset. He knew that I was wrapped up in my own blankets. Mum wasn't even bothered when she found out. Bill, the door was wide open for goodness sake. Any way, as if…"
"I see your point. As it is so late, we should all go to bed."
"I agree with Bill. Harry, Ginny, Fred and George go on up to your rooms and try to sleep. Harry's Aunt and cousin will be here sometime tomorrow morning."
"Thank you Remus."
Harry and Ginny headed up to their rooms without argument.
"Good night Harry."
"Good night Ginny." Harry said before kissing Ginny on the cheek.
Harry quickly walked into his room and shut the door. After he changed for bed he opened his door to see Ginny opening hers in her nightclothes. They smiled at each other before turning and going to their beds. Harry crawled in bed, but his glasses on the nightstand by his bed and got comfortable.
A half-hour later Harry could hear someone quietly walking around. A door close to his closed and the footsteps grew closer and louder. He became quite still when his own door closed.
"Harry I would like a word with you."
"Percy? Wha…can't it wait until tomorrow?"
"No it can't wait until tomorrow, it is really important and should dealt with immediately."
"All right." Harry said as he put his glasses on. "What do you want to talk to me about?"
"You staying away from my sister!"
"What?"
"She is too young and you should be more aware of your surroundings. You should have known someone climbed in bed with you last night. My mother should have taken Ginny home with her and not have left her here."
"Percy I was sound asleep. Ginny climbed up on my bed. She was wrapped up in her own blankets. Ginny is my friend at present time and unless your parents tell me otherwise I won't stop hanging out with her. Your mum didn't have a problem with what happened, why do you?"
"She's only twelve! I will not stand for her being in bed with an older boy or her being kissed by the same older boy."
"Percy I know Ginny is only twelve. I'm only thirteen, not that much older than Ginny. Big deal we were on the same bed, separated by our blankets and all I did was kiss Ginny on the check. Get over it and get out of my room."
"Well, we shall see what happens tomorrow. I'll get my parents to see reason. My father will not be happy about all this once he knows."
"What makes you think he doesn't know already?"
"Trust me he doesn't know yet otherwise my sister would not be here."
"Whatever Percy. I haven't done anything wrong nor have I over stepped any boundaries."
"Hmph."
"Get out of my room! Don't make me get up and remove you from my room."
"HA! As if you could, you are only a third year. You wouldn't know how too. I'm going anyway. Oh, keep your door shut."
"You don't tell me what to do in my Godfathers house. Oh, and don't push me Percy, you have no idea of what I am capable of."
"If you know what's good for you, you'll stay away from my sister."
"No I won't stay away from Ginny. And I know what's good for me."
"Just know that I will always be around. I will not let anyone do to Ginny what Sirius did to that poor Ruby girl."
"Sirius didn't do anything wrong by Ruby!"
"Then why did Ruby have his child when they were not marred? Why hasn't he found Ruby and the child and do the right thing?"
"Sirius asked Ruby to marry him and she said yes! It was the night that Voldemort murdered my parents you git! Sirius went to tell my parents the good news. Instead of sharing the best news of his life he found my parents house reduced to rubble and knew that my parents had been murdered. He knew that Peter Pettigrew betrayed them. Sirius was wrongly sent to Azkaban. Sirius and Remus both feel that Ruby died sometime after giving birth to a baby girl. If Ruby had been or is still alive she would have kept Sirius out of Azkaban and they would be together as they had planned!"
"He…"
"DON'T YOU DARE SAY ANYTHING MORE AGAINST MY GODFATHER, EVER! NOW GO TO BED AND LEAVE ME ALONE!"
"How dare you…"
"GET OUT OF MY ROOM! I DON'T WANT TO SEE YOU FOR THE NEXT TEN HOURS!" Harry screamed as loud as he could.
There was bright white flash of light and Percy was no longer in Harry's room. Harry sat straight up on his bed, bug-eyed and thoroughly shocked and confused. Suddenly his door flew open and there stood everyone except Percy and Kreacher.
"Harry what's wrong?" Asked Sirius
"Percy is what's wrong. He's being a major…there are no words to truly describe that…him…it! Keep him away from me for life!"
"Where is P…my brother?" Asked Bill.
"In his room. I have a strange feeling that we won't be seeing him until around noon."
"What do you mean?" Asked Remus.
"It was weird. After I yelled at him to get out of my room and that I didn't want to see him for the next ten hours…"
"What happened?" Asked Sirius.
"There was bright white flash of light and he was gone. I don't …then my door flew open and all of you are here."
No one could find a single word to say. They were just as shocked and confused as Harry.
"Well, at least I think Percy is in his room. I didn't specify where he should go. I only said for him to get out of my room and that I didn't want to see him for the next ten hours. So I am not completely sure that he's here or not. Maybe someone should go check his room and see. I was just so angry."
Bill took off up the stairs to the room Percy was staying in as Sirius walked further into Harry's room and sat on the edge of the bed.
"Why were you so angry at him?"
"He was saying a lot of shit about things that pissed me off."
"Like what?"
"I'd rather not say right now. I don't know if I can sleep or not but I would like to try."
"I understand. We'll talk when you wake up."
"Well, Percy is in up there in the room. He's ranting and raving about something, I just can't understand what he is saying." Bill said in an exasperated voice.
Everyone left Harry's room and returned to his or her room.
Harry woke up the next morning feeling worn out. He propped himself up on his right elbow, put on his glasses and looked at his clock which read 8am. It had only been about six hours since he screamed at Percy. Harry rolled over onto his back and tried to get some more sleep. At 9am Harry gave up and got out of bed. He grabbed some clothes and walked down the hall to the bathroom.
After showering and dressing Harry made his way down to the kitchen for breakfast.
"Good morning Harry." Said Bill and Remus.
"It may be morning but I wouldn't call it a good one." Said a grumpy Harry.
"Harry I want to let you know that Kreacher was able to bring some food up to Percy."
"Good to know. Though he was horrible last night, I don't want him to go without food. Have either of you figured out what I…how I…"
"We are still just as confused about what happened last night as you are." Said Bill.
"Oh, Harry when Kreacher returned from talking food up to Percy…well let me just say that Kreacher was not happy at all." Said Remus.
"Kreacher!"
"Morning Master Harry. What would you like Kreacher to fix you for breakfast?"
"What I usually have will be fine." Harry manages to say through his shock at seeing Kreacher so clean and wearing a brand new or at least freshly laundered gray uniform.
"If you are wondering about Sirius he left to go get your Aunt and cousin a few minutes ago."
"And my parents should be arriving any second."
Harry looked at Kreacher and wondered where he got the uniform.
"Um…Kreacher, where did you get the new uniform?"
"Kreacher always have it. No reason until now to wear it. Kreacher must be presentable at all times for the Head of House."
Harry smiled before asking, "Kreacher, what happened when you took food up to Percy?"
"The brat threw the tray of food at Kreacher. Kreacher didn't do anything to the brat. Kreacher not the one that banished him to his room so Kreacher not able to release the brat. Kreacher will never bring food to the brat again. Kreacher might reconsider if the brat becomes respectable."
Harry did his best not to laugh. Once he had a plate full of food it made it easier not too.
"By the sound of it I'd say that my parents and Ron have arrived."
Mr. and Mrs. Weasley walked into the kitchen with longing expressions on their faces as they saw and smelled the food.
"Where is Ron?"
"At home still asleep. Bill could you please…"
"I'll go right now mum. Do you want me to wait for him to wake up on his own? Or should I encourage him to get up?"
"Get Ron up and bring him here."
Bill grinned before he apparated out of Grimmuald Place.
"So where is everyone else?" Asked Arthur.
"Sirius should be back with Petunia and Dudley soon. No one else has yet come down."
"I assume that Ginny, Fred and George stayed up late last night. But Percy…is he all right? Is he ill?"
"He's frustrated but all right and well." Harry said.
"Why would he be frustrated?"
"Because he is stuck in his room until around noon."
"What? Why?"
"Last night before I went to room I kissed Ginny on the cheek. Percy saw and at some point he came into my room and told me to stay away from his sister. He doesn't agree with how you handled the situation the other night and that you should have taken Ginny home with you. He said that he won't stand for his sister climbing in bed with an older boy nor would he stand for the older boy kissing his sister. Percy went as far as to say that he'll always be around and he won't let anyone do to his sister what Sirius did to Ruby. He wouldn't listen to me about anything not even when I repeatedly yelled at him to get out of my room. I was really angry and screamed at him to get out of my room and that I didn't want to see him for the next ten hours. Then a bright white light flashed and Percy was no longer in my room. I'm sorry."
"No need to apologize Harry. You have done nothing wrong. Percy should not have said anything bad about Sirius."
"Oh, Kreacher was able to bring some food up to him and Percy threw the tray at Kreacher. And now Kreacher refuses to bring anything to Percy ever again."
"He what? I…is Kreacher all right?"
"Yes, well Kreacher refuses to bring Percy any food in the future unless Percy becomes respectable."
"I completely understand. I really don't know what to say. I do apologize for my son's behavior."
"You don't have to apologize for Percy Mrs. Weasley, he acted of his own accord."
"You're sweet Harry. I assure you that Arthur and I will be having a talk with Percy."
Bill finally arrived with Ron. As Ron started eating Ginny and the twins entered the kitchen. Harry gave up his chair to Ginny.
The kitchen was pretty crowded so Harry, Remus and Bill headed out of the kitchen and into the living room. A few minutes later they could hear a woman's voice along with Sirius's. Harry jumped up and stood nervously.
Sirius, Petunia and Dudley walked into the living room. Dudley walked straight up to Harry and gave him a hug.
"Harry. I…I am so sorry. I didn't…I should have…I would like a second chance. Though it may not have seemed like it, I've always loved you and always will. I promise to make it up to you or at least to try to make it up to you. I'm not sure if it is possible to make it…" Sobbed Petunia.
"I think it's possible to make it up to me. You've started to already by just being here. Vernon was cruel to you and Dudley and I know that now. Aunt Petunia, deep down I think that I've always known that you do. There were little things that I caught when he was not around. If we can figure out a way to be a proper family, which I think we can, it would be the perfect way to honor you sister, my mother's memory. In a way I get my mother through you, her sister and you get your sister through me, her son."
Tears were streaming down Petunia's face as she took the last few steps necessary to reach Harry. She wrapped her arms around her nephew and hugged him. As Harry returned the hug she began to sob even more.
"You are as sweet and kind as your mother always was."
"Aunt Petunia this is Remus Lupin. Standing over by the kitchen is Bill Weasley, behind him is his parents Molly and Arthur. In the kitchen are a few more Weasley children, Ron, Ginny the only girl and Fred and George. But don't worry about trying to get their names right they're a bit of jokesters and pranksters. And then there is Percy but he's up stairs in his room and I have no idea where Charlie is." Harry said while smiling.
Petunia could only smile.
"Sorry it's so cramped." Sirius said
"No, it's fine. I am sure we can figure something out." Petunia commented.
Around noon most of the adults were sitting in chairs or on the couch. The kids were sitting on the floor.
"If you all will excuse me and Arthur, we need to have a chat with Percy." Molly said as she and Arthur stood up to leave the living room.
Molly and Arthur made their way up to Percy's room. Molly was about to open the door when it flew open.
"Mum, dad. Good you are here. I need to talk to both of you. Ron and Ginny, especially Ginny, should not be hanging out with Harry or spending time with Sirius."
"Percy Ignatius Weasley what is the matter with you?" Molly asked in a huff.
"What do you mean, 'what is the matter with me'? Harry should have noticed that Ginny climbed in bed with him and he should not be kissing her. And Sirius…"
"How can any one notice anything when he or she is asleep Percy?" Arthur asked cutting across Percy.
"Any way Percy your sister didn't climb in bed with Harry, she climbed up on his bed next to him and fell asleep."
"Same thing."
"They had their own blankets!" Shrieked Molly
"He kissed…"
"Harry kissed Ginny on the cheek!" Molly said sternly.
"But he lives with Sirius, and Sirius is in a position to influence Harry."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Asked Arthur
"Just that Harry probably sees that it's okay to get a girl pregnant and turn his back on her. Why is it only obvious to me that's what Sirius did?"
"What makes you think that? I told you that he just barely found out about the child Ruby gave birth to. He did not turn his back on Ruby…he was in Azkaban since 1981 until he was finally released! He would not have known anything about the child. How could he? We don't know what happened to Ruby other than it being obvious that she died sometime after giving birth. If Ruby were alive Sirius would have been a free man years ago and they would be together!" Molly bellowed.
"You believe that story?"
"Of course I do, it's the truth! Your mother and I on several occasions saw Sirius and Ruby together and they were in love. I knew that he would propose to her. I am disgusted with your behavior, rudeness and lack of respect. You are a guest here." Said an enraged Arthur.
"You expect me to respect them after what Sirius did to Ruby? After what Harry did to me last night? What about that house elf? House elves have their own magic, he could have freed me!"
"You had no right to throw the tray of food at Kreacher. Kreacher was not the one that banished you to this room so therefore he could not have done so. Harry had every right to banish you to this room. No one here did anything to you and you disrespect them! I am amazed that they didn't send you packing." Molly said as her anger boiled.
"What about what was done to me?"
"You got what you deserved! Now you are going to go down stairs and apologize to Harry and Sirius." Molly insisted.
"I am of age, you can't tell me what to do."
"OH, YES I CAN! YOU ARE STILL IN SCHOOL AND YOU LIVE UNDER MY ROOF! UNTIL YOU ARE OUT OF SCHOOL AND HAVE YOUR OWN PLACE YOU WILL FOLLOW THE RULES OF YOUR PARENTS!"
"You have gone too far son. You will spend the rest of the holiday with Aunt Muriel. Of course we can go home first so that you can get some clothes." Said Arthur.
"Fine! I'd rather spend the holiday with Aunt Muriel. She will see reason like I do. She won't be blinded by Harry's past!"
Arthur grabbed Percy firmly by the arm and apparated for the Burrow. Molly apparated to Muriel's and explained everything to. As Molly apparated out of Muriel's, Arthur arrived with Percy. Arthur didn't stay long. By the look on Muriel's face he knew that Molly had informed her of why Percy would be spending the rest of the holiday with her. Arthur attempted to apparate out of Muriel's and to his displeasure could not. He quickly left the house and periodically would attempt to apparate until he found himself inside number twelve Grimmuald Place.
