'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: Cruelty, mild violence.

Chapter 11 – Dinners & Announcements

Sirius took one final look at himself in the full-length mirror. He wore the formal dress robes dictated by his family custom: black velvet waistcoat and long coat worn over a pristine white linen shirt. His trousers were of black wool with a sharp crease; highly polished black leather shoes completed the outfit. I look the part – even if I don't feel it, Sirius thought to himself as he stepped out into the hallway, quietly closing the door behind him. As he made the turn toward the staircase, the sound of a door closing down the hall caught his attention.

"Regulus," Sirius greeted his younger brother before continuing on.

"Sirius, wait," Regulus quickened his pace as he saw his brother slow down then stop at the head of the staircase.

"We have to get downstairs," Sirius said to him. "You know how Mother is if we're late." He paused for a moment. "Haven't you learned how to tie one of those things yet?" Sirius gestured to his brother's tie, which was skewed to one side.

"Not without magic," Regulus replied, frowning.

"Here," Sirius released the tortured fabric then caught his brother's eye. "Come over to the mirror." Once the younger boy came to a stop in front of the huge mirror, Sirius positioned himself behind Regulus and brought his hands around to where the tie was hanging. "Watch me. Fold, twist, pull, tighten and flatten the ends. Got it?" Regulus nodded.

"Good. Let's go before … well, let's just go," Sirius said, taking his brother's elbow and urging him toward the stairs.

"Sirius, wait. I wanted to tell you something," Regulus said as he tried to keep pace with his longer-legged brother.

"Tell me while we walk," Sirius said, continuing down the stairs.

"I didn't tell her what happened," Regulus said.

Sirius stopped at that. "Didn't tell her what?" He knew exactly to whom Regulus was referring.

"I didn't tell her what happened at school. You know. Between you and me," Regulus said, watching his brother carefully.

Sirius' eyebrows rose. "If you didn't … wait, did you tell anyone else?"

Regulus flushed. "Severus asked me how I managed to get soaked through when I hadn't been outside all that long. I was angry with you, Sirius; I told him we'd fought."

Sirius let out a sharp sigh. "And Snape told Lucius who told Narcissa…"

"… who told Mother," Regulus nodded. "I'm sorry, Sirius."

"Yeah, well, if it hadn't been you, Snape would have found out from someone – and Mother would have been told in the end," Sirius said with finality. "No worries, Reg. I'm not mad at you. Now come on, before she sends that little toe rag, Kreacher, after us."

The two brothers descended the final flight of stairs, arriving in the front entrance hall just as the doorbell rang.

Walburga and Orion Black emerged from the parlor, adorned in their finest dress robes. Walburga took her place behind her two sons, resting her glittering fingers on their shoulders as her husband opened the door. Both Sirius and Regulus craned their necks to get an advance glimpse of their guests; slight pressure on their shoulders caused them to straighten their posture once again. They didn't have long to wait before the Bullstrodes stood before them. Four of them, contrary to Walburga's earlier statements; Eduard and Lucretia's younger child, their son, Percival. Sirius inwardly smirked. Poncey little thing. If I'm meant for Ofelia, Reg is in for a long night entertaining this one!

Eduard was unchanged from Sirius' last memory of him. A tall, slender man, Eduard Bullstrode oozed power and position – both of which he had in vast quantities. He had made his fortune abroad, masterminding numerous investment deals in which his own returns had been staggering – even on occasions when his partners had lost everything. Eduard had a reputation as someone with an uncanny ability to pull out of an opportunity at just the right moment – having realized the optimum return – leaving others to scramble to save their own stakes. While there had been much grumbling about Eduard's "luck", no one had ever been able to prove that his actions were unethical. Indeed, in the rare instances when someone attempted to do so, they were rarely heard from again; it was a powerful deterrent to more focused inquiries. Eduard became a particular favorite of Walburga's early on when a brief business sojourn to America resulted in significant losses to a wide range of Muggle investors. If there was anything Walburga respected, it was a wizard who knew how to take advantage of hapless Muggles. If that wizard happened to be a member of the family, Walburga's favor knew no bounds.

Eduard's wife was of medium height with a buxom figure and a taste for the finer things in life. Fortunately, her husband could more than indulge her. This evening, she was dressed in elaborate dress robes of deep forest green satin, her evening cloak trimmed in luxurious silver fox. Her blonde hair was swept into a chignon, held in place by a diamond and platinum clip. Diamonds hung from her ears, around her throat and adorned her fingers. While the effect would be gaudy on some women, Lucretia made it look elegant.

As the Bullstrodes surrendered their cloaks to Kreacher and turned to be embraced by the elder Blacks, Sirius had his first look at Ofelia. While she matched him in height; her coloring and physical characteristics, however, mirrored her mother. Even at the tender age of 16, one could clearly see the beautiful woman the young girl would become. Physically, Ofelia was gorgeous – and highly desirable – as long as one didn't spend a great deal of time looking into her eyes; they reflected the same icy shrewdness found in Eduard's gaze. Disconcerted by what he saw, Sirius looked away, studying the portrait of his grandmother hanging in the large hallway; as usual, she was frowning down at him.

Percival was, at 10, the unfortunate recipient of the worst of his parents' traits – both physical and in personality. He was of medium height for his age, but quite plump; it was obvious that he did not regularly indulge in any form of exercise. His expression could best be described as "put upon", as if dragged to the dinner party quite against his will. Sirius snorted to himself. I can relate.

"Welcome, Eduard, Lucretia and, of course, lovely little Ofelia," Walburga was murmuring. "And Percival; how handsome you've grown to be. We're so fortunate that your whole family could join us this evening. Let us settle in the parlor for drinks, shall we? Sirius and Regulus will certainly enjoy entertaining Ofelia and Percival before dinner," shooting Sirius a meaningful glance, Walburga shepherded the group into the parlor, followed closely by her husband. While Orion mixed drinks for the adults, Walburga discreetly slipped into the hallway to summon Kreacher and arrange for an additional place setting for Percival.

Walburga had just reentered the parlor and accepted a drink from her husband when Lucretia asked, "But where are your lovely nieces, Bellatrix and Narcissa? I was so looking forward to seeing them again."

Walburga cast a knowing glance at Orion, who spoke, "They sent an owl to us barely an hour ago with their regrets. At the last moment, they were called to attend a gathering with Lucius Malfoy and will be unable to join us. The girls expressed their keen disappointment at missing you, Lucretia. Perhaps there will be an opportunity to come together before the holidays are over."

Lucretia made a small noise of disappointment. "Well, I will comfort myself with the thought that their change in plan was quite unavoidable, then."

Orion glanced at his wife for a brief moment before murmuring, "Unavoidable, indeed."

Sirius found himself wondering what had caused Malfoy and his detestable cousins to miss the evening's festivities – but that thought was quickly chased away by the realization that he would now be able to avoid apologizing to the three gits in front of his family. The thought raised his spirits to the point that he favored Ofelia with a genuine smile that made her eyes widen and her cheeks flush prettily as she walked through the door he held open for her.

Once everyone was seated with their beverages (butter beer for the younger set), the Blacks and the Bullstrodes fell into a conversation that did not include the children. As Lucretia had said once settled, "You children can certainly find something amusing to talk about whilst we adults renew our acquaintance."

Thus assigned, the children situated themselves in one of the corners of the room and began to make their own acquaintances.

XXXXXXXX

Kate sat at the dinner table awaiting her mother's arrival for their evening meal. Goldie had set the table for two and had retreated into the kitchen to make sure all would be ready when Felicity finally arrived.

Kate rested her elbow on the table and propped her chin on her hand. Her mother had fled the room after her melodramatic outburst about Sirius' family and their supposed link to both their relocation to the States and her father's untimely death. There had been no opportunity for further discussion. A knock on her mother's closed bedroom door had yielded the promise of answers over dinner – provided, of course, that Felicity had recovered sufficiently to come downstairs to join her daughter at table.

Kate sighed and shifted in her chair. Her mother had always had a bend toward melodrama; it was one of the personality quirks that Kate found most frustrating. Felicity was from one of the oldest families in Wizarding Britain – a family with tremendous social standing in Pureblood circles and tremendous wealth in any circle. An only child, Felicity was the center of her parents' universe. Educated at Beauxbatons, Felicity was educated not only in magical studies, but also in the etiquette requirements of her class, as well. She was molded to take her rightful place in society; to marry from the Pureblood elite. Felicity was intended to move in the right circles, bear a minimum of two children to ensure the continuation of the line and socialize with families such as the Blacks, the Malfoys, the Bullstrodes and others of that ilk. Her parents did not foresee Roderick Morgan's entrance into their daughter's life.

Roderick Morgan, too, was from a Pureblood family but, unlike the Needhams, Blacks, Malfoys and others, they did not embrace the Dark Arts. He respected his family traditions, which went back to the very earliest records of Wizarding Britain, as well. The more recent generations of his family, however, hailed from Salem, Massachusetts, where his ancestors had relocated back in Puritan times. Roderick knew persecution – and its place in his family's history. Stories of long-dead family members caught up in the Salem witch trials had been told and re-told ever since he was old enough to listen and understand their meaning. Long a lover of history in general and his own genealogy in particular, Roderick didn't have to work too hard to persuade his parents to allow him to wander through Wizarding Britain with a group of friends for a time after his graduation. They made him a present of the trip, giving him an entire summer to explore. Roderick's parents were both respected Healers in Salem's largest Wizard hospital and the expense was easily absorbed. Roderick was still uncertain of his own future and it was hoped that he would "find himself" during his summer abroad. What Roderick "found" was Felicity Needham and his single summer vacation became a transatlantic relocation that lasted almost 13 years.

About a month after his arrival, Roderick's best mate had received an invitation to a "big society do" where he was promised free-flowing champagne, lobster and all other manner of delicacies; all because he agreed to escort a very lovely young witch who turned out to also be a member of the English aristocracy. The only catch was that he needed to find a date for her best friend, a lovely non-titled young witch by the name of Felicity Needham. After enduring a thirty-minute session of a mixture of badgering, humorous persuasion and, finally, threats to his person, Roderick agreed to trade his longed-for night in for dress robes and a formal party. It was a life-changing decision. From the moment Roderick saw Felicity he knew he was lost. Everything about her entranced him – from the red curls piled high on her head to her expressive eyes, from her voluptuous figure to her tinkling laugh and breathless voice – Roderick thought her the most perfect creature he'd ever seen. For her part, Felicity was similarly enamored. Their romance was well and truly born that evening and over the subsequent weeks, the two young people were inseparable.

Eventually, inevitably, Felicity invited Roderick home to meet her parents; Roderick had already expressed his desire to marry the young woman – a fact they decided to keep just between themselves for the time being. Once they knew how their respective families felt about the object of their affections, they could easily announce their intentions and begin making plans for their futures. Roderick Floo'd his parents to tell them of his plans to remain in England for the foreseeable future, citing Felicity as one of the primary reasons for his decision. His father, with some misgivings, gave the young man the names of several contacts he had within the Ministry, in hopes that Roderick's outstanding academic record might secure him some worthwhile employment. Roderick's parents then wished their son well and sat back, hopeful for his success, but also hoping that he would not keep himself away from home for a protracted period of time.

As luck would have it, Roderick secured a research position with the Ministry that paid him a salary sufficient for him to lease a modest flat not far from the Ministry offices. Within six months, he had been promoted to the position of Unspeakable, with a sizable salary increase – and a secure future. He and Felicity announced their marriage plans to her parents over dinner a week later. Roderick's good fortune came to an abrupt end.

The sophisticated, well-connected Pureblooded Needhams were quite certain that the Morgan's blood, while Pure, was not up to their aristocratic standards. With the natural snobbishness peculiar to their class and heritage, they considered Roderick's American citizenship another black mark against him. Despite Roderick's well laid-out genealogy that showed his impressive British ancestry, the Needhams were not moved. Even Felicity's impassioned pleading, followed by a veritable flood of tears, only slightly weakened her parents' resolve. It was a disappointed but determined Roderick Morgan who left the Needham's townhouse that evening. He had transferred his entire life from one country to another. He had found the woman of his dreams. He was not going to back down so easily. To his dismay, however, an assignment in Scotland pulled him away from London for a week. He sent an owl advising Felicity of his unexpected travel requirement and received a response that made him smile, "Don't worry, darling. I will continue my efforts to persuade Mother and Father. Ever yours – Felicity."

Indeed, Roderick's determination paled in comparison to that of his intended. If Felicity had learned anything during her life so far, it was how to bring her parents around to her way of thinking. When two days of melancholic drifting from room to room failed to achieve success, Felicity retired to her bed, refusing to join her parents for meals and accepting only water and digestive biscuits for nourishment. When her concerned parents came to her room to assess matters, Felicity greeted them with detached courtesy and little in the way of conversation. After a further three days of this behavior, the family Healer was summoned to examine her; when he finished, he grimly told the Needhams that their daughter was in grave danger of spiraling into a depression that potentially could not be reversed. Frantic, Mr. and Mrs. Needham promised their daughter whatever she desired if she would please come back to them. Unsurprisingly, Felicity's detached manner faded a bit upon hearing their promise and she promptly announced that she would quit her rooms and resume her life – as Mrs. Roderick Morgan. The Needhams had no choice but to agree, but Felicity soon realized that in winning the battle, she had most definitely lost the war.

Rather than the opulent, aristocratic event of the season, the Needhams advised the young couple that their wedding would be significantly less lavish – with a small wedding party and a limited guest list. In the end, slightly more than one year to the day that the couple first met, they were married in the home of the bride, with approximately 50 guests present. Roderick's parents were not unaware of the tension that existed between their son and his new bride's family, but in the face of his happiness, they refrained from probing questions. Two days later, extracting a promise that the newlyweds would come to Salem for an extended visit before too long, the Morgans kissed their son and new daughter warmly and Floo'd back to the States.

Kate smiled as she thought back over the story told her by her mother, father and paternal grandparents. It was only though the perspectives and diverse personalities of the individual storytellers that Kate was able to put together a cohesive story. Over the years, as she had gotten older, she was able to analyze and understand some of the more subtle nuances of the story, as well – an ability that became more important to her after her father's untimely death. The thought of her father's fate dropped the smile from her face as she recalled her mother's emotional flight to her room several hours before. As if on cue, a rustling sound brought Kate's attention to the doorway where her mother hesitated, watching her daughter closely.

"You looked very much lost in thought," Felicity said quietly.

Kate nodded. "I was waiting for you and my mind wandered." She stopped and gave her mother a wry look. "Are you really going to make me yell across the room to you all through dinner?"

Felicity shook her head and returned Kate's smile as she swiftly crossed the room and leaned down to kiss her daughter's cheek before taking her own seat at table. Picking up the small bell by her plate, Felicity shook it once and Goldie appeared in the next moment, placing covered dishes on the table before them.

When she had gone and the women had begun their meal, Kate cast a guarded look across the table at her mother. "Could we continue our earlier conversation once dinner is over?"

Felicity nodded and looked directly at Kate. "You may not wish to hear what I have to say, however. I, too, did some thinking after I went upstairs and have reached some conclusions with which you may not agree."

XXXXXXXX

Sirius pushed his asparagus around on his plate, his boredom reducing the conversation around him to a dull, droning sound. He wondered for the hundredth time exactly how long dinner was supposed to last; he longed to be back in his room and away from the cloying personalities gathered 'round the Black family table – particularly Ofelia, seated to his immediate left.

The 'cocktail hour' might have been enjoyable for the adults, but Sirius did not enjoy the time he was forced to spend under the cool scrutiny of Ofelia Bullstrode. At just 16, the girl already had all the characteristics of a good Slytherin 7th year and Sirius had never had much to do with Slytherin girls of any year. This one would certainly lead any wizard a merry chase. Unthinkingly, Sirius had allowed a small smile to cross his face and, regrettably, it was noticed by Walburga, seated directly across from him.

"Something has amused you, my son," she commented, her eyes glittering as she smiled tightly at him.

Sirius started slightly at the sound of her voice. Think! "Not amused, Mother," he said quietly, returning her gaze. "I was just thinking how much I enjoyed Tillie's cooking."

Walburga looked slightly disappointed. "I'm sure the house elves will appreciate your compliment," she returned. "Perhaps you can enlighten our guests with deeper conversation. Something a bit more stimulating than our dinner menu."

What now? Sirius groaned inwardly.

"How is the Quidditch season shaping up at Hogwarts this year, Sirius?" Eduard asked, leaning back in his chair and sipping from his sherry glass.

"It's coming along well," Sirius replied, adding, "Sir," at his mother's barely perceptible cough.

"Slytherin expected to take the Cup this year?" Percival queried, smirking at Regulus as he asked.

Sirius shrugged. "They're ahead by 10 points in the standings, but that can change at any time."

"Who is their most likely rival?" Percival pressed.

"That would be Gryffindor, I believe," Sirius clenched his hands where they rested on either side of his chair. He wondered if their elder son, Arturo, had put the Bullstrodes up to the line of conversation or if his mother was continuing her quest to bait him into bad behavior that she could punish him for later on.

"Don't you play for Gryffindor?" Ofelia asked. "It seems that my brother mentioned something about that when we last spoke."

"Yes, actually, I do. I'm a Beater for the Gryffindor team," Sirius responded.

"Well, then," Lucretia offered. "You should be well able to ensure a Slytherin victory, shouldn't you?" When Sirius didn't reply right away, the woman glanced around the table, smile faltering slightly. "Did I say something I oughtn't?"

"No, no, Lucretia. You've said nothing amiss." Walburga paused, fixing Sirius with a hard look. "Sirius, our guest has asked you a question; answer her, please."

Sirius took a deep breath before answering. "Actually, Mrs. Bullstrode, I'm not sure what you mean." There, that might buy me some time, he thought.

"Well, dear, I know so little about these things, of course, but it would seem that your sorting into Gryffindor was some type of freakish mistake. I mean, really, the Black family has brought honor to the great House of Salazar Slytherin for generations. Clearly, you could accidentally do something during the match that would not only ensure Slytherin the House Cup but could also restore you to the proper House; put this whole Gryffindor experience well behind you." Lucretia said, her smile back in full force.

Sirius closed his eyes for a moment and when he opened them, he was staring straight into the blue eyes of his mother. Walburga was watching him expectantly, a grim smile on her own face. I can't do this, Sirius thought to himself.

"My sorting wasn't a mistake, Mrs. Bullstrode," he said quietly, never taking his eyes off his mother. "The Sorting Hat doesn't make mistakes, as I've been told many times. I also can't cheat in the match for the House Cup. Slytherin is just going to have to win it outright – on their own."

Walburga's face was whiter than chalk by the time Sirius finished his answer. She drew breath and was about to speak when she was interrupted by loud laughter. Walburga turned to see Eduard's face red with merriment. "Bravo, Sirius! Make your fellow Purebloods work for something for a change! Good for you! If it's all handed to us, how will we be strong enough to stand together when it comes time to fight for our standard of life?" He shook his head. "No, I think Sirius has the right idea. Toughen up some of our pampered boys before the real fighting starts. Maybe the Sorting Hat had that in mind when he placed you in the House of our enemies!"

Sirius felt slightly ill as he listened to Eduard Bullstrode's pompous speech. The only benefit appeared to be the return of normal color to his mother's face as she gave Eduard a sincere smile and lifted her own glass of sherry in his direction in salute. "Point well made, Eduard and thank you," she said. "Orion, wasn't there something you wanted to say to us this evening?"

Sirius' father nodded, catching the eye of the other adults and smiling at them, as well. "As you know, when Ofelia was born, Eduard and Lucretia agreed that we would potentially seek an alliance between our two families through a potential liaison between our two children: your lovely daughter, Ofelia and our elder son, Sirius. Tonight's dinner was intended to revisit this potential alliance by introducing these two young people to each other," Orion paused to glance at the young people seated to his left. "While both are still young and have their education to complete, as the head of the Black family, I want to state that our interest still exists and that the next year should be spent allowing Sirius and Ofelia to get to know each other in preparation for their possible, formal union in one year's time."

Sirius' nausea worsened as he listened to his father's words. He didn't want to be committed to Ofelia – now or in 'one year's time'. While he still couldn't name what he felt for Kate, Sirius did know that she was the one he wanted to be with now.

"Papa," Ofelia spoke up, her voice trembling. "How am I to get to know him over the coming years if I am at Beauxbatons and he is at Hogwarts?"

"Ofelia, one moment, please," Eduard spoke to his daughter before turning his attention to his host. "Orion, I am impressed with what I have seen and heard from young Sirius this evening. He has the looks and, it appears, the cunning to bring fresh strength to our House. I am not completely satisfied, however, that the stories shared with us by my son, Arturo, are not completely true. Your elder son has something of a wild reputation at school. He is also reputed to be friendly with those whose blood is not as pure as our own. I must be assured that his ways will change and that he will be a suitable partner for my daughter before I agree not to pursue other … affiliations on her behalf for an entire year?"

Walburga leveled her gaze at her son. "I can assure you that our son will change his ways. We will personally see to it." Her tone was so chilling that Sirius shivered inadvertently.

Eduard looked at his wife with a small smile then looked back at Ofelia. "In answer to your question, darling, your mother and I have made arrangements for you to transfer to Hogwarts immediately following the Christmas holiday. You will have adequate time to spend with Sirius and get to know him more fully throughout the remainder of the year."

Ofelia clapped her hand over her mouth as her eyes filled with tears. "But Papa, my friends," she said, her voice trembling. "I do not wish to leave them."

"You will make new friends, Ofelia. You must do this for our family. It has been decided; no more talk now," Eduard replied softly.

The look Walburga gave Sirius was triumphant as the boy's heart dropped into his stomach and his mind was filled with one thought:

Kate.