Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.
Warning: Some violence
Chapter 71
Reunions: "The Blacks"
"Orion, Walburga," Dumbledore greeted the Blacks courteously as the couple arrived in his office. "Come in," he gestured toward the guest chairs in front of his elaborate desk as he took his place behind it. "Please, sit down." Once they had been seated, the headmaster continued. "May I have tea or coffee brought up for you?"
With barely a glance at his wife, Orion responded for them both, "Tea would be fine, thank you."
Albus excused himself to floo the kitchens, waiting a few moments until a house elf stepped through with their refreshments. After relieving the elf of the tray and sending her on her way with a kind smile, Albus returned to his guests, placing the tray on a small table next to his desk and poured the fragrant tea into three cups. As he went through the familiar routine, Albus was struck anew by the changes so evident in Walburga Black. Handing her a delicate cup and saucer, he observed the sharper angles of her face, the tightness about her mouth and the overall pallor of her skin. While still a striking woman, Walburga's recent trials had clearly taken their toll.
Once he was seated behind his desk with his own cup and saucer, Albus opened the conversation. "You wanted to meet with me today; shall we begin?"
Walburga took a deep breath, but exhaled sharply when her husband began to speak. "I'll get right to it, then. Dumbledore, you are obviously aware of the events that occurred in our family at the end of last term and over the summer. Sirius has chosen a different path than his birthright and, as such, has renounced our family."
Dumbledore leaned forward, looking Orion directly in the eye. "I believe Sirius' choice was influenced by one particular event that occurred in your home and that the renunciation of your family was, shall we say, somewhat mutual?"
Orion colored slightly, but maintained a calm demeanor. Walburga, however, shifted in her chair, her expression reflecting her anger. "What occurs in our family is not your concern, Dumbledore. I will not tolerate your insinuations and believe you will find this meeting at a very swift conclusion if they continue."
Dumbledore returned her gaze. "Madam, I assure you that I would have made no independent reference to the unfortunate circumstances of your last encounter with Sirius had the topic not been introduced. I also assure you that I insinuate nothing. Let us speak plainly amongst ourselves. You used an Unforgiveable against your son and rendered sufficient damage as to ensure that Sirius required several days to recover. Whatever his behavior may have been, however provoking his actions, there is nothing that can condone your action. It is my understanding that you tried to put forth the theory that Sirius had somehow threatened you and that your actions were undertaken in self-defense. I believe that we know this to be inaccurate. Shall I continue?" Dumbledore looked at both Blacks over the top of his half moon glasses.
Orion shook his head. "There is no need." Turning toward his wife, he addressed Walburga directly. "We will not leave until we have completed our discussions. If, my dear, you find yourself unable to remain for the whole of our meeting, you may Floo back to London and I will join you at its conclusion."
Walburga's head had turned sharply in her husband's direction when Orion began to speak. Maintaining eye contact with him, her expression slowly changed and she nodded once then broke her gaze.
"No, Orion; I … appreciate your concern but I believe I shall remain."
Dumbledore recognized that the unspoken communication between Orion and Walburga Black had been brief, but effective. Walburga was a superb Occlumens, something that Orion had obviously turned to his own advantage to regain control of the situation at hand. Interesting.
Orion refilled his wife's teacup, then his own. "Sirius' defection from our family has caused great concern in many respects. Whatever you may believe, Dumbledore, I am not without regret at the manner in which these events unfolded. Despite his declaration to the contrary, Sirius is still my son. He was once very respectful of our traditions and his place in our family but certain outside influences played to the development of his more…independent tendencies and his outlook changed. His sorting into Gryffindor House opened further the door to views not in keeping with those of our family and heritage. I suppose I should have foreseen that it was only a matter of time until the rebellion was complete."
Dumbledore's tone was thoughtful. "Yours is not the only family who has experienced this. Children can sometimes choose a path quite different than that which is chosen for them."
Orion placed his cup on the tray and nodded. "Indeed. It is fortunate that we have Regulus, who has now stepped into the position of heir." With the barest of glances to his right, Orion continued. "This is the primary reason for our visit today."
The headmaster sat back in his chair, his expression bland but his mind alert. "But there's another purpose, yes? I recall that Walburga originally requested this meeting to speak directly with Sirius. Has that changed?"
Walburga nodded curtly. "I would like to speak with him, yes. And I should like that meeting to be exclusive to Sirius and me. After all, his father had such an opportunity; it is no less just that I should have the same consideration." Her tone was controlled but clearly determined.
Dumbledore shook his head. "I suspect you already know that this cannot happen. As before, Sirius has agreed to meet but has stipulated that it cannot occur without at least one other person present. I believe you can understand his position."
"We have discussed this, Walburga. Had Sirius agreed, it would have been with reluctance that I would have allowed it. He … upsets you so. As regards my own opportunity with Sirius, it was entirely by chance, as you know. I highly doubt it would have occurred privately had the boy been able to make a choice," Orion dismissed his wife's preferences, a decision that clearly did not sit well with her.
Dumbledore sought to return the conversation to the topic of the younger of the two brothers. "You were saying that you wish to discuss Regulus, I believe."
Orion leaned forward in his chair. "As we've said, Sirius was influenced greatly by individuals and events far outside the scope of our control and, as such, we have been forced to name Regulus as the heir to the Black family. Regulus is the last male descendent of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black and I can ill afford him to come under a similar influence. We no longer feel confident that his allegiances can be preserved while he is enrolled in this school and have made arrangements to have Regulus transferred elsewhere, effective immediately."
Although Dumbledore had fixed his full attention on Orion as he spoke, he could not help but note the look of complete triumph on Walburga's face now that her husband had finished. Nodding at them both, he responded quietly. "And may I know the identity of the school you've selected?"
Walburga spoke, "We have secured Regulus' place at Durmstrang, an institution which more closely reflects our own values and traditions. His education will be of the highest quality."
Orion cleared his throat. "You should know, Dumbledore, that I've spoken with solicitors regarding the contract in place with Hogwarts; it can be easily dissolved."
Dumbledore's gaze was benign. "Have you signed a contract with Durmstrang?"
"It is a mere formality," Orion replied. "His position has been secured."
"Ah, yes," Dumbledore smiled. "As I recall, the Headmaster requires a substantial and non-refundable down payment of the full tuition to hold a student's place. I don't recall having received a request for his Hogwarts transcript, however."
Orion's gaze narrowed. "I can assure you, Dumbledore; my son's transfer is definite."
Dumbledore waved his hand. "Of course, of course. We both want the same thing for young Regulus, after all: an excellent education in a safe and appropriate environment!"
"Then, we are agreed that you will do nothing to block the dissolution of the contract and facilitation of his transfer?" Walburga's eyes glittered as she contemplated victory.
Dumbledore smiled, "We are agreed that we want the best for your son, Walburga. To that end, I think it may be time to bring Sirius into our discussion."
The expressions of both Orion and Walburga changed and while the latter reflected predictable outrage, Orion's was a mixture of suspicion and resignation. He held up his hand when Walburga opened her mouth to, undoubtedly, protest this turn of events but Orion's gaze never left Dumbledore's face. "While I can't think of any material benefit Sirius might bring to this discussion, as it was also our goal to speak with him today, I have no objection to him joining us."
Dumbledore inclined his head and rose, making his way over to where Fawkes was perched. He spoke quietly to the beautiful bird and stroked its scarlet head before the phoenix spread its wings and flew through the open office window. As he returned to his desk, Dumbledore observed Orion looking curiously at the open window. Feeling the headmaster's gaze, he cleared his throat. "One doesn't see many phoenix."
Dumbledore nodded. "They are quite rare, I agree. Fawkes has been with me since I was a lad. Curious creatures, indeed, with extraordinarily long lives. Some believe they were the first true healers in our world and I've experienced that gift first hand, as has Sirius."
Orion's head snapped toward Dumbledore at that comment. "Sirius?"
"Yes," Dumbledore smiled benignly. "Fawkes took quite a liking to the boy. I found it quite prescient, given the fact that the phoenix represents new beginnings, born from fire. Fascinating, wouldn't you agree?"
"I fail to see the significance," Walburga snapped, eyes following Fawkes' progress as he returned to his perch.
"Pity," Dumbledore murmured just as they heard a soft knock on the office door. "Excuse me, won't you?"
Dumbledore strode purposefully toward the door and, upon opening it, he found Sirius, hand raised to knock a second time. Dropping his voice until he could barely be heard, Dumbledore leaned toward the boy. "It is as I suspected." Sirius nodded, searching the headmaster's face. "We shall proceed as planned," Dumbledore added, motioning him into the room. "Sirius! Come in," he finished, raising his voice slightly.
As Sirius entered the room, his eyes immediately fell on his parents sitting rigidly before the headmaster's desk. As he approached, neither turned in his direction – a fact that didn't surprise him at all. When he arrived at the chair Dumbledore had placed next to his own, Sirius noted that Orion looked directly at him, nodding as they made eye contact. Sirius inclined his head, then forced himself to look at the woman who had caused him more pain than he could have ever imagined existed and who had haunted his worst nightmares. It didn't surprise him that Walburga met his gaze with her usual expression of dislike bordering on hatred for her elder son; he was accustomed to that, after all. What truly shocked him was that the extreme level of anxiety he had felt with every thought of the woman was gone. Gone. Sirius turned and looked at the headmaster for a moment and was rewarded with a very small smile. Let's try it again, Sirius thought to himself, dropping onto his chair and raising his eyes to meet his mother's face. Her expression was hard and her eyes flashed her animosity and still he felt nothing of the fear that she'd cultivated in him for as long as he could remember. He returned his attention to Dumbledore and waited for him to speak.
"Thank you for joining us, Sirius," he began, ignoring the icy glance cast his way by Walburga. "As you know, your mother expressed a wish to meet with you and, as our meeting also addressed matters related to Regulus, your father came, as well." Sirius immediately recognized Dumbledore's ability to sidestep the potential fallout of alluding to the real reason for Orion's presence.
Sirius nodded and focused on Orion. "What's going on with Regulus?"
Walburga began to speak before Orion had the opportunity to reply. "Regulus is none of your concern, Sirius. Your decision to abandon your position – your family – removed your right to know anything that has to do with him."
Sirius maintained eye contact with his father and did not rise to the bait, a fact that was not lost on the older man. "Regulus has taken your place as heir, Sirius. We have begun to plan his future accordingly. We have decided to remove him from Hogwarts and enroll him at Durmstrang to complete the remainder of his formal education."
Although this probability had been voiced in his conversations with Alphard and, latterly with Dumbledore, Sirius still felt an odd dip in his stomach as he heard the news from his father.
"Does he know?"
"Not yet," Orion confirmed.
"I can't imagine that he'll be happy to hear it," Sirius offered. "He's made friends here and seems to be doing well. It's quite far away from everything he knows."
Walburga leaned forward in her chair, a terrible smile on her face. "He will be far away from you!"
"Walburga, enough; please," Orion's voice brooked no argument and Walburga's mouth snapped shut furiously.
Sirius glanced at Dumbledore and then looked at his father. "Look, I know that you're moving him to Durmstrang so he's not anywhere near me, but that's just punishing Regulus for everything I've done. That's not fair to him. He's nothing like me; he was sorted into the right house, he associates with the right people. I'm betting he won't give you any problem with any marriage contract you come up with on his behalf. He'll pay attention to Narcissa, Bellatrix and Lucius Malfoy; they'll keep him on the straight and narrow."
Orion's expression reflected his curiosity. "Why would this matter to you?"
Sirius leaned toward his father. "You'll make sure nothing happens to him if I tell you?" He looked pointedly at Walburga then back again, raising his eyebrows. Orion nodded. "You already know. You told me. Regulus was the one who packed up my trunk and owled you the night I left Grimmauld Place. The night she used the Cruciatus on me. It wasn't the first time he stuck his neck out for me, either. I reckon I owe him. If he leaves Hogwarts, he goes to Durmstrang knowing no one. Regulus needs to belong somewhere, he needs to know people, he needs to fit in. He has all of that here and, Merlin help him, he'll do whatever you want him to do. He won't rebel."
"Orion, I will not have this," Walburga interjected. "Sirius has never done anything without benefit to himself. He just admitted to you that his influence over Regulus resulted in the defiance of our orders, resulted in Regulus intervening on Sirius' behalf. He will continue to be a negative influence on Regulus and we will be left with nothing. No heir. No standing in the community. The Most Noble and Ancient House of Black will die out! You cannot permit this. Regulus must be sent as far away from this school – and this ingrate – as possible!" Eyes flashing and breath coming rapidly, Walburga grasped her husband's arm. "It is the only way to ensure the future of our family."
Orion had been silent as his wife spoke. He looked at Dumbledore who was seated with his hands folded atop his desk, then back to Sirius. "No," he said quietly. "The fact that Regulus has no acquaintance at Durmstrang works in his – and our – favor. The activities you were involved in last term and over the summer have created gossip that lingers still. It has complicated our efforts to secure an appropriate marriage contract for your brother. It is less likely that these stories have permeated the halls of Durmstrang. He will make friends with children from families with traditions such as ours. From those friendships will come other opportunities for him and for us. I'm afraid that this is my final word, Sirius."
Walburga released Orion's arm and sat back in her chair, expression triumphant.
Dumbledore was silent for a moment, then began to speak. "I wonder, Orion, if you recall our conversation at your home this past Christmas? You had owled requesting that the school's Healer and I attend to Sirius." He paused, watching Orion's face closely, waiting for him to confirm. The other man closed his eyes briefly, then nodded once. "Ah, good," the headmaster nodded. "I assume you recall that we had been summoned due to your unwillingness to bring the boy to St. Mungo's for examination and treatment. You said there would be too many questions about the nature of his injuries. Your family's reputation would be compromised. Do I remember it correctly?"
"I'm not sure where you're going with this, Dumbledore," Walburga commented, but her voice was slightly less certain, her expression less triumphant.
Dumbledore continued. "I again recall when Sirius left Grimmauld Place in June. As Sirius previously noted, Regulus saw to it that you, Orion, were summoned from … Paris, was it?... back to London after Sirius was forced to quit your home after having suffered the Cruciatus curse at your wand, Walburga. At that time, the issue was raised as to what inquiries should be made; the use of an Unforgivable curse carries certain…penalties, as I'm sure you're aware. These inquiries did not move forward, however, despite my better judgment. Do you know why?" Orion shook his head.
"Because Sirius refused report it."
Orion peered sharply at his elder son. "You were told of the circumstances surrounding these…."
Sirius finally spoke. "I understood that the family name was worth more than I was. You knew what she was capable of but you left me with her after you left for Paris. I will give you the fact that you learned from the mistake. I understand that you now make certain Regulus isn't left alone in the house with her." A sudden gasp from Walburga made Sirius pause. He looked at his father. "I guess the Kneazle's out of the bag on that decision, now."
"I do not require supervision when I am with my own son," Walburga's voice was indignant.
"Well, perhaps not that particular son," Sirius said, quietly. As Walburga audibly drew breath to respond, Sirius raised his hand and for the first time, addressed his mother directly. "I didn't say that to provoke you. I probably shouldn't have said it at all. But I can't deny the truth of what happened in the dining room that night. I won't deny it. Regulus knows what happened and the fact that steps have been taken … well, he also knows that he doesn't have to worry about what happened to me happening to him. That helps you in the long run, too: Regulus has no reason to rebel. Whatever else you think of me, know this. I would never try to influence him; I know the cost of rebellion and I do not wish it on anyone else, much less my own brother." Accept it, Sirius thought to himself. Just accept it. It's mostly the truth. As he awaited his mother's response, Sirius was careful to avoid her gaze; he'd experienced her skills in Occlumency in the past and had no desire to do so again.
Orion's voice cut through his thoughts. "Sirius," he said quietly. "Look at me." When Sirius complied, he continued. "If what you say is true and you would not try to influence your brother away from our traditions – from his rightful role in our family – why is it so important to you that Regulus remains here?"
Sirius chanced a glance at Walburga, who was watching him intently. Turning back to his father, he took a deep breath. Here we go. "I want to be sure that Regulus stays safe. I know the signs of not safe, don't I? I can't see them if he's at Durmstrang."
"It's not up to you to be Regulus' guardian," Walburga spat out, ignoring Orion's hand on her arm. "You're not his parent. You're not even his brother any longer. In case you've forgotten, you are no longer a part of this family."
"You took care of that, didn't you?" Sirius faced Walburga directly. "That night, after you used the Cruciatus on me and left me on the dining room floor; right before you took to your room with your brandy. You blasted me right off the tapestry – right out of the family."
Walburga half rose from her chair, her voice shrill, her expression wild. "You never deserved to carry our name! You have done nothing but bring shame and dishonor to our family! You'll never have the opportunity to harm your brother, our rightful heir! I will not allow you access to him; you'll never hurt us…." Orion rose and came around to the front of his wife's chair, blocking her view of their elder son. Placing his hands on her shoulders, he applied gentle pressure until her hands released the arms of the chair and, reluctantly, she resumed her seat.
For his part, Sirius clasped his hands tightly in his lap, allowing time for their trembling to cease. While he no longer felt the deep fear he'd always held for his mother, the sight of her reaction to his words brought back the memory of the night he'd finally left Grimmauld Place for good. It was a powerful memory that evoked powerful feelings and reinforced his commitment to the task at hand.
"I would never hurt Regulus," Sirius said after Orion was seated. "Never. But, I don't have as much faith in those who you've entrusted him to. Bellatrix. Malfoy. They are cruel and vicious and they don't care about the consequences of their actions. For all your care and concern about shame and dishonor – unfavorable opinions of you by those in high places; you should worry less about me and more about them…not that it would bother me, mind…but the consequences for Regulus should he be associated with them might cause you some concern."
"They honor our family, our traditions," Walburga began, but this time it was Sirius who cut her off.
"Their behavior appeals to you and your hatred of anyone whose blood isn't pure; there's no honor in that, Mother," he responded. "Bellatrix harasses the 11 year old son of a Ministry associate on the open street in Diagon Alley - terrifies him in front of scores of witnesses, and the only thing you can focus on is the fact that I disarmed her and gave the kid a chance to get away. While you applaud her defense of "Toujours Pur", her behavior focuses attention on the cruelty of your family. While that might not bother you very much, I suspect the Ministry won't be glad of it – or the attention it calls to any affiliation your lot might be planning to forge with them." Sirius paused and chanced a glance at Dumbledore who gave him a barely perceptible nod. He continued, "I'd be worried about how that sort of attention might reflect on Regulus if I were you. I might want someone to keep an eye out."
Orion shook his head. "High spirited pranks, however ill-considered, would hardly merit Ministry consideration," he said. "Bellatrix and Narcissa are family, after all and, while sometimes Bella can be overzealous in her enthusiasm, she knows that there are some lines that are not crossed." But his voice sounded less certain.
Sirius looked over at Walburga. "You wanted to meet with me today. Why?"
Walburga's eyes narrowed. "I wanted to remind you that you are no longer part of our family; that once your education is completed, there will be no further financial support. You will inherit nothing from us. Nothing! I also want to assure myself that you understand that you will be allowed no contact with your brother once he transfers to Durmstrang. We will ensure that the headmaster is aware of our wishes and is prepared to prevent any attempt you may make. From this point forward, you are dead to him and I can assure you that he will make no attempt to contact you. Are we clear on this?"
Sirius leaned forward. "You've made yourself very clear. Is there anything else?"
Walburga's smile was chilling as she shook her head. "Nothing."
Sirius nodded then turned to his father. "I have promised that I will not dissuade Regulus from pursuing the path you've set for him. I won't disrupt your plans and I have completely accepted that I am no longer considered a member of the family. As you can see, I'm not going to interfere with you; in fact, you never have to see me again. But I am not prepared to give up my relationship with my brother –"
"You have no say in this! Orion, I've had enough! Dumbledore, you will have our son report to this office immediately so that we can be on our way." Walburga's tone was imperious and as she concluded her comment, she made to rise when Sirius' voice stopped her.
"Father, if Regulus is removed from Hogwarts – if he's sent anywhere else, including home to complete his education – I will go to the Ministry with a report of what happened to me at Christmas and what Mother did to me that night in June. I will take a sworn oath and describe her use of an Unforgiveable Curse – repeatedly." The young wizard spoke calmly, but he found that he could not look at Walburga. He focused instead on Orion and was somewhat surprised to see his father's face pale as he listened to the words coming from his elder son. No sound came from Walburga.
"Dumbledore, this is your doing," Orion spluttered when he finally found his voice. "Sirius is too young, too inexperienced to come up with such a devious and far-fetched plan as this. I will not tolerate being blackmailed by my own son…."
"Expelliarmus!"
Both wizards turned in time to see Sirius, his own wand drawn, deftly catch Walburga's wand in his left hand. White faced, Sirius stared his mother down. "Not this time, Mother; not this time."
Dumbledore came around the corner of his desk and placed a hand on Sirius' shoulder. "Are you all right, Sirius?" At the young man's nod, the headmaster gently removed Walburga's wand from Sirius' hand and turned to Orion. "I'll ask you to take possession of this, I think." Orion nodded, wordlessly, pocketing the proffered wand and moving toward his wife who was staring at her son, breathing heavily, face distorted in anger. "Sit down, my dear," he murmured, his voice carrying a hint of the defeat etched on his face.
Dumbledore was speaking again. "I'm afraid that I cannot permit Regulus' transfer to Durmstrang. As you so clearly stated at the beginning of our conversation today, the contract between you and Hogwarts could be legally dissolved – yes, but in light of what has transpired here today, I believe that I could successfully prevent such an action, wouldn't you agree?" At Orion's nod, he continued. "Orion, I would strongly suggest that you pursue whatever remedy that might be available to you to help your wife. While Sirius will no longer be at risk of harm from her, you must ensure that Regulus will also be protected. As we have just seen, there are no guarantees in that regard."
Orion tore his gaze from his wife and looked at Dumbledore, nodding once. "Regulus will remain here." Orion peered closely at Sirius. "Whether or not you believe this, please know that I never anticipated that…when your mother expressed her desire to see you, it did not occur to me that she…" he paused for a moment. "I'm sorry."
Of all the shocking revelations of the meeting with his parents, it was Orion's apology that affected Sirius the most. While Orion might have professed his achievement of closure that long-ago day at Fortescue's, Sirius realized that this was the true closure – for them both. He nodded, then suddenly felt the walls of the headmaster's office begin to close in; he had to leave. He looked up at Dumbledore and saw that the older wizard recognized his discomfiture and nodded once.
Sirius looked once more at his father then made his way to the door. He never once looked at his mother. It was finally over.
