'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 12 – Confrontations & Resistance
Kate sat back in her chair and waited while Goldie cleared the remnants of dinner from the table.
"Thank you, Goldie," Felicity said, smiling at the house elf. "If you wouldn't mind, we'll take coffee in the study."
Goldie nodded enthusiastically, her overly large ears waggling with the effort.
"Kate?" Felicity rose and gestured toward the door. Kate sighed and rose, walking a few paces ahead of her mother as they made their way to her father's study.
As Felicity crossed the room and settled herself at her late husband's desk, Kate wondered if her mother thought she could channel some of Roderick's resolve by doing so. Noting that her mother was gesturing to the guest chair before the desk, Kate took her seat, folded her hands in her lap and waited for Felicity to speak.
"Kate," she began, stopping and fidgeting with her hands where they rested on top of the large desk. "Kate…"
Felicity was granted time to compose herself as the aroma of freshly made coffee preceded Goldie into the den. The house elf poured the steaming brew into two mugs then took her leave.
Kate took a sip of her coffee then looked directly at her mother. "How did the Blacks cause Dad's death?"
Felicity took a deep breath. After a moment, she started to speak. "You've heard your father's story – and mine – since you were a very little girl. You know that your father's family had roots here, in Wizarding Britain, but that they relocated to America generations ago."
Kate nodded. "But, what does that have to do with Sirius?"
"Kate, you are going to have to let me tell this story my own way and in my own time," Felicity admonished. "It's not an easy one to tell. Please." When she saw Kate settle back in her chair, she continued. "Thank you. Now, the early generations of the Morgans had very similar beliefs to those held by my own family – and the Blacks. Pureblooded families have always had a great regard for the old traditions and their esteem for the old ways gave them a respectability that, in turn, resulted in tremendous power. Your father's family here retained the old ways and, as a result, their power. The branch that broke off and settled abroad eventually became less committed to the old beliefs. They were less concerned with the purity of one's blood and more with character. The Blacks – and the Needhams, come to that – believed in the advancement of the Dark Arts – and the use of Dark Magic to control those who were identified as less than Pure. The various families of similar mind had always moved in the same circles. As those with beliefs similar to your father's grew in number, the Pureblooded families began to grow fearful that they would soon be outnumbered. Quietly, Purebloods began to plant seeds of discord within our world, spreading half-truths and outright lies that cast half-bloods – and less than half-bloods - in a suspicious light. Highly placed Pureblood families began working on the next level – those Purebloods who believed in the old traditions but who, perhaps, did not initially embrace the thought that those less Pure than themselves deserved to be 'winnowed out'." Felicity paused and tapped the side of her cup to re-heat the coffee inside. After taking a deep swallow, she took up her story again. "After working on their own, with little success, they brought a more subtle version of their campaign to the Ministry, working on contacts they had within those walls. With their own class, they'd succeeded in convincing some families in their entirety whilst splitting or fragmenting others. With the Ministry, their success was much greater. As the Ministry regime remained static, Purebloods who held positions within those halls grew restless – particularly those with great ambition and a thirst for power. Unlike your father, these were Purebloods who longed for social position. They were ripe for suggestion that half-bloods and Muggles were holding them back; the seeds took hold. Many of these Ministry employees held positions of moderate influence; some had the ear of members of the Wizengamot. The Pureblooded families had only to sit back and watch events unfold." Felicity paused again.
Kate had listened intently, but was quickly becoming impatient as her mother had still made no concrete connection between Sirius and her father's death. She shifted in her chair and exhaled loudly. "Mother, please," Kate said, her frustration clearly evident. "I really do appreciate the history lesson, but could you please get to the point? How on earth did Sirius' family contribute to Dad's death?"
Felicity put her cup and saucer on the table. "Alright," she said finally. As Kate continued to pointedly stare at her mother, Felicity's eyes closed and she appeared to gather her thoughts. Finally, she opened them, fixed her gaze back on her daughter and began to speak.
"After your father and I married, he continued his work within the Ministry. Naturally, my family felt protective of me, particularly when families such as the Blacks began infiltrating our government. Orion Black put considerable pressure on my parents to convince your father of the logic of Pureblood beliefs. Ultimately, he cornered him one evening at a Ministry reception. My parents spirited me away to chat with 'old friends' while Orion went to work on Roderick."
"He pressured Father to help turn others to the Dark?" Kate wanted to know.
Felicity nodded. "In a manner of speaking, yes. Your father was an Unspeakable; you know this." At Kate's confirming nod, she continued, "You also know that the work of the Unspeakables is fiercely protected from outside knowledge." Kate nodded again. "Orion Black – along with others, I'm sure – felt that the Unspeakables held the key to great power within the Ministry. All that was needed was to learn exactly what the Unspeakables did, then determine how it could be turned to his advantage. Needless to say, Roderick did not divulge any information – despite considerable pressure." Felicity paused, lifting her chin as she recalled the pride she had felt for her husband that night.
Kate's eyes widened. "What happened?"
Her voice hard, Felicity replied, "When they rejoined us, Black appeared far less self-possessed than he had earlier in the evening. I knew something had happened. Your father seemed agitated, as well - which for Roderick was a very unusual state of being. After once again drawing my father to one side and exchanging a few words, Orion took his leave. Eventually, over dinner, your father seemed to return to his usual good spirits. Once or twice during the evening, however, Black or his wife crossed our path and Roderick again became visibly tense. I asked him about it, but he brushed it off and asked me to dance."
Kate smiled. "Father was always good at protecting us, wasn't he? Never wanted us to see the darker side of things if he could help it. What happened with Grandfather Needham?"
Felicity's smile disappeared at the question. "My father's brief conversation with Orion Black was as unpleasant as the one Black had with Roderick. The following morning, after your father had left for the office, your grandfather came to visit me. He spent a great deal of time reminding me of our family's social standing and how precarious our position could become if we abdicated our responsibilities to our class." She shook her head slightly. "Looking back, I think that your grandfather had finally begun to realize that Black would stop at nothing to achieve his own end; as a result he was no longer exclusively concerned about himself and the family name. In addition to that, he needed to make sure that Orion Black did nothing to damage the family."
"Did you tell Father about Grandfather's visit?"
Felicity shook her head. "No. I told your grandfather that I had no interest in anything Black had discussed with either of them. At the time, I thought it was all silly political maneuvering and that my father was simply over-dramatizing the situation. He still wasn't pleased with my choice of husband, you see, and I felt that your grandfather was simply taking the opportunity to give me yet another reason why."
Kate nodded. "Please, go on."
Felicity sighed. "We were so young, your father and I. Young and in love. I think that your father's eyes were opened a bit after his confrontation with Black but as the months wore on and nothing further was heard from that corner, he relaxed a bit." Felicity paused again and smiled at Kate. "Of course, not long after that, I discovered that I was pregnant with you, so we had more pleasant diversions to occupy our time. Throughout my pregnancy, your grandfather became more attentive to your father and me. At the time, I put it down to his happiness at your pending arrival but, in hindsight, I wonder if it wasn't something more. I now feel that your grandfather may have been even more wary of Black and his cronies than he might have let on. He may well have feared that Black would not stop at using me to get through to your father."
"Surely, Father possessed no great power or influence at the Ministry," Kate reasoned. "Even as an Unspeakable, there was only so much that he …"
"As an Unspeakable, your father wielded enormous power. Everyone knew that Unspeakables were involved in the most complex and high level projects – most of which could significantly alter our world. If one were able to turn an Unspeakable, to convince them to reveal details of their work and then to influence the direction of that work, imagine the power one would hold!" Felicity interrupted her daughter, her voice rising as she spoke. "Kate, think! Orion Black and many like him had agendas that would elevate Purebloods above all others in our world. If those agendas were executed as the Purebloods wished, anyone who was not a Pureblood could have been subject to possible violent attack with no accountability or consequence. And that violence could easily extend to the Muggle world, as well."
Kate shivered. She knew that Sirius had a most unhappy home life and now she could better appreciate the circumstances – and why he was reluctant to discuss them. She turned her attention back to her own mother. "But the Purebloods must have backed off. You stayed here for such a long time."
Felicity nodded. "For whatever reason, the Ministry campaign appeared to wind down, although the basic movement itself continued at a different level. During the months leading up to your birth, there were sporadic reports of Muggle baiting, and random attacks on half-bloods. Nothing more than we'd ever seen, really, except they ranged further afield than they had in the past. Your father was no longer subjected to pressure from Black or any of that crowd and so things eventually went back to normal." Here, the older woman paused and gave Kate a warm smile. "Well, for awhile anyway. After you were born, we rather redefined 'normal', but in quite a wonderful way."
Kate felt her cheeks flush with pleasure at her mother's words, but she was anxious that Felicity continue the story. A moment later, as if Felicity had read her mind, she did so.
"I taught you at home whilst you were still small: you learned to read and write as well as manage some basic maths, but when you turned seven, it was time for you to go to day school to learn with other witches and wizards your own age. Things went along well for a couple of years then, one day, when I arrived at school to fetch you home, I noticed a man standing at the edge of the schoolyard. He didn't approach you or attempt to attract your attention in any way; he simply watched as you played with your friends and waited for me to arrive. When I reached you, I took my eye off him long enough to greet you and when I turned back in his direction again, he was gone. There was something familiar about him, something I couldn't quite place at the time. I felt anxious, however, and mentioned it to your father later that evening. I half expected him to wave off my concerns as an overactive imagination, but he did not. Roderick announced that he would be collecting you from school from there on in and if the man appeared again, at least he would get a look at him."
Kate nodded, thoughtfully. "I remember that suddenly it was Father who was coming for me each day, but he told me that he was working a bit later each day and he thought this would give us more time together."
"Mmm. Well, he wouldn't have wanted to frighten you, would he? I also suspect that his answer was more truth than excuse, you know," Felicity replied. "He never felt that he was able to spend quite as much time with you as he would have liked."
"Did the man ever come back?"
"Twice. The first time happened several months later; your father saw him as he approached the school, much as I had. Whilst the individual didn't seem to notice me until I'd reached you, he recognized Roderick virtually immediately. He turned and left the moment he saw him."
"Did Father recognize him?" Kate had a feeling she would not like the answer.
Felicity nodded. "Not then. But the second time, yes. You'd just turned ten and were all excited about attending your first party at the home of one of your classmates. Your father was going to deliver you to the party. When he arrived at school, he saw the man walking slowly across the schoolyard toward the place where you and your friends had gathered. Roderick's appearance again caused the man to flee, but not before he was recognized. It was Cygnus Black, Orion's brother and a leading supporter of the 'purification of our world'." Felicity closed her eyes and shivered at the memory. "Much to your disappointment, Roderick brought you home immediately."
"I remember being so angry with both of you over that," Kate said quietly. "I didn't understand why you wouldn't let me go to Rosalie's party. All Father said was that it wasn't possible any longer and that we were going home straight away." She looked over at her mother and shook her head. "I didn't take the news very well at all, did I? I think I stayed in my room for all but meals for the entire weekend."
Felicity nodded. "How could we have told you the truth? You would have been frightened, and rightfully so. Your father had not been completely truthful with me regarding the advances Black and his crowd had made within the Ministry since their campaign began. "Muggle baiting" had become second only to Quidditch in sporting popularity. Wizards who married Muggles or Muggle-borns were included in their cruelty and the laws were quietly amended to make prosecution of perpetrators very difficult indeed. Truth be told, the 'purification' beliefs had permeated corners of the MLE division and most of these cases were not given a great deal of priority attention. It appeared that the Purebloods were becoming more organized and that their cause, as it were, was gaining more followers. Most frightening was the growing rumor of a powerful, Dark wizard whom the Pureblood families believed could be the figure head needed to champion the campaign for purity in our world. The following week, Roderick met with my father and told him about Cygnus Black and his visits to your school. They both felt that these three visits were not the only ones that had been made and, in the end, your father decided that we could no longer safely remain in England. He began to make plans for our departure."
"But you stayed here for almost a year after that," Kate said. "If things were so dire, why did you wait?"
Felicity sighed. "No one knew exactly what all of this meant: Cygnus Black loitering in schoolyards, rumored Dark wizards rising to restore our world to proper Pureblood order. Were other Unspeakables experiencing the same things? Was your father singled out for some particular reason? No one could say. We decided it was best to avoid the appearance of urgent flight. Roderick quietly contacted his parents in Salem and told them that he was moving back to the States with his family and cautioned them against mentioning their return to anyone in the short term. After much debate, Roderick decided that we should not tell my parents of our relocation until the very last moment – and, even then, we would not disclose our destination. Your father finished all projects assigned to him then resigned his position with the Ministry the day before your 11th birthday."
"And then he met with Grandfather and Grandmother Needham," Kate supplied.
Felicity nodded. "While your grandfather had come to the realization that Orion Black and his group had become virtual vigilantes for the purification cause, he still could not quite believe that they would physically harm any Pureblood – particularly children. His response was that the Blacks were simply using scare tactics to get to Roderick. They hinted that by running, Roderick was simply casting himself – and his family – in a bad light. Your father assured him that his reputation in the British Wizarding community was worth far less consideration than the safety of his family. That silenced them for a bit, anyway. Of course, they found their voices again when they demanded to know where we were going and your father refused to tell them. After an hour of arguing, Roderick announced that if they didn't know their whereabouts, they would be safe from any more of Black's scare tactics and left. We took a Muggle airplane to Boston the following morning."
"How did Sirius' family cause Dad's death?" Kate asked quietly.
"We lived in Salem for 4 years, as you know. Your father worked for the American Ministry's branch in Boston. He no longer wished to work as an Unspeakable as he considered it far too dangerous an occupation for a wizard with a family. Instead, he became Head of Special Investigations for the MLE. That division had a partnership arrangement with the Muggle FBI office in Boston."
"The Muggle FBI knew about our world?" Kate's voice rose in surprise.
Felicity nodded. "Oh, yes. Of course, that knowledge wasn't shared with anyone outside their offices; local Muggle law enforcement had no idea, nor did the local Muggle government. There are places where Wizards and Muggles work together quite well – when both sides are accepting and tolerant of each other's world. When disappearances and unexplained attacks began happening in the States, your father immediately recognized that they mirrored incidents that had happened here 4 years before. When the FBI and Roderick began a joint investigation, the name Rosier surfaced, followed by Cygnus Black."
"The man who had been watching me at school; Sirius' uncle," Kate interjected.
"The same. I'll never forget your father's face when he came home the night Cygnus Black had been identified as being part of the violence happening to American Muggles," Felicity's pale face tightened as the memory was made fresh by the retelling of those days. "He knew that the rumored Dark wizard was no rumor; indeed, it had been proven that the man was slowly amassing power on an impressive scale. What your father didn't know for certain was whether these American attacks were ordered by the Dark wizard or carried out by others in hopes of impressing him."
"Which was it?" Kate's voice was barely a whisper.
"It appears that the Rosier family – as well as the Blacks – were acting independently in hopes of impressing this new wizard. The FBI located Cygnus Black and passed on his address to your father in the MLE. Roderick sent a team to the location and brought him into headquarters for questioning in two particularly vile Muggle attacks. Black didn't have much to say until Veritaserum was administered. He then began to speak of the new Dark wizard's commitment to the restoration of a Wizard world governed exclusively by Purebloods, one that would extend beyond the borders of Britain and into the Wizard communities elsewhere in the world. His followers were growing in number and would soon gain sufficient strength to make his plans reality. Until that happened, Black and Rosier had decided to show him their loyalty by bringing their purification efforts to the States. Boston was an easy choice given its proximity to Salem and the thriving Wizard community in the area. Based on Black's rambling, the MLE located and apprehended Rosier, who – again under Veritaserum – confessed to the Muggle attacks. He was deported back to England, tried for violent crimes abroad and sent to Azkaban," Felicity told her.
"And Cygnus Black?"
"They had no choice but to let him go. After all, Rosier had confessed to the Muggle attacks; all Black had done was play the sycophant for this new Dark wizard, extolling his virtues … and, of course, disclosing Rosier as complicit in the attacks. Rosier was quite undone about that, according to your father. He'd given Black a split lip before the MLE could bring him under control. Black would soon face worse and he knew it. Purebloods look after their own – they don't turn them in. The moment Cygnus Black came back to Britain, he would certainly face the consequences," Felicity said.
"And did he?"
"In a way. The FBI followed him for several days after his release, based on your father's thought that Black might have converted operatives in Boston to help him in his schemes. One night, Black disappeared. Your father sent a team of MLE and FBI agents who scoured the area but couldn't find him. Toward midnight, the FBI received a call reporting two injured men in an alley near the outskirts of the city. The joint team responded and found Black, eyes glazed, barely alive, suffering the after-effects of multiple curses. There was nothing they could do. He died shortly after their arrival," Felicity's voice was barely audible.
"You said there were two men," Kate reminded her, feeling her stomach clench as she spoke.
Felicity began to cry softly. "The other man was your father. The Killing curse had been cast. The MLE concluded that Black and your father had dueled. Based on the scene, the agents said it appeared that Black waited until your father's back was turned before he cast the Killing curse." She paused in an effort to bring herself under control.
Kate felt tears fill her own eyes. Sirius' uncle killed my father. She was silent for some time, thinking about all she had heard. Something didn't feel right. Suddenly it occurred to her. "Mother, when he was found, Black was barely alive; how could he gather sufficient magic to cast the Killing Curse when he was that badly hurt? Isn't it possible that Cygnus Black and Father were killed by someone else?"
Felicity's face paled further. "After everything you've just heard, how can you suggest such a thing? Black had reason to harm your father. They were found together. There was evidence of a duel. The report shows that Black waited until your father's back was turned and then cast an Unforgiveable. What more do you need?"
Kate took a deep breath. Hearing her mother describe the events leading to her father's death had shaken her; that much was true. She was, however, her father's daughter and as such had inherited his objectivity and the gift of his analytical mind. Despite her sadness at hearing the detail of her father's death, she couldn't shake the feeling that her mother – and perhaps those who informed her – had gotten those details wrong. Kate was taken away from her thoughts by the sound of her mother's voice.
"At his core, this boy Sirius is a Black and you cannot convince me that he is any different than the rest of his family. They embrace Dark Magic and will stop at nothing to ensure their complete power and dominance. I forbid you to have anything further to do with this boy, Kate. That is my final word," Felicity made to rise from her chair.
"Mother, wait - please," Kate cried out and was glad to see Felicity resume her seat. "You don't even know him. Sirius is different from his family. He doesn't believe in all the Pureblood nonsense they preach. He's dreadfully unhappy at home; he didn't want to leave school to go home for Christmas, but his family made him go back to London. He's been miserable ever since his mother forbade him to stay at Hogwarts. Please. You must listen to me. He's a good person, really he is."
Felicity's face softened slightly at her daughter's impassioned defense of her friend, but she shook her head. "I'm sorry, darling, but I cannot allow it. The Blacks have enormous influence over many powerful people; their influence absolutely extends to their children. I want you to stay away from him, Kathryn. I understand that you are in the same House and may share some of the same classes, but that is to be the extent of your association with him. I'm afraid I cannot relent in this."
Kate wiped her eyes roughly and stood. "We also share the same friends and I will not sacrifice any of my friends for these ridiculous ideas you have about Sirius. And I'm afraid that I cannot relent in that decision." And with that, Kate left the room, making her way up the staircase to her own bedroom with a sinking feeling in her stomach that her mother had not yet had the final word.
XXXXXXXX
Sirius could hear the faint rumblings of conversation from the parlor as his parents reviewed the events of the evening over drinks. He and Regulus had been excused to their respective rooms once their guests had departed – Regulus with a far different send-off than Sirius' own. The Blacks had briefly detained their elder son, advising him that they would send Kreacher for him after they had discussed his behavior at dinner – and his expected behavior from this point forward.
Sirius sat on the edge of his bed; he had debated changing into Muggle jeans and a t-shirt, but decided that he'd probably pushed the envelope enough for one evening and therefore remained in his dress robes. A frown marred his features as Sirius' mind wandered back over the evening. He knew he'd danced around the edges of his parents' temper when he'd made his comments about Slytherin. Thank Merlin that toad, Eduard, had totally misunderstood his intentions. Sirius knew that he hadn't been that lucky with his parents. Despite the gravity of his situation, Sirius couldn't help smirking. It had almost been worth it to see his mother forced to salute Eduard's reaction; it was almost as if Sirius had forced her to agree with him. As amusing as it had been, however, Sirius knew he would answer for the indiscretion. He couldn't wait to get back to school and tell the other Marauders about that little episode. Kate would think it was funny, too. The smirk slid from Sirius' face. Kate. Ofelia would be at Hogwarts after the holiday – and he was supposed to be "getting to know her", according to his parents. Sirius rose and began to pace the floor. Kate wasn't optional for him any longer. Sirius already keenly felt her absence and he'd barely left school. He wasn't interested in Ofelia; he was interested in Kate. He might not completely understand his feelings, but Sirius did know that he needed Kate in his life. The question was, could he keep her with the dratted Ofelia lurking about? Sirius stopped in front of the hearth, his hands clenched by his sides as his mind raced. I'll tell Kate the truth, he thought to himself. I'll tell her that my damned parents have forced me to do this. I'll tell her that … Sirius leaned heavily against the mantel. I'll tell her what? That my home life is a fuckin' nightmare? That my parents treat the house elves better than they treat me? That my mother wishes Regulus had been an only child? No. She doesn't need to know all that. I don't want her to know all that. I'll figure it out.
A knock at the door interrupted Sirius' thoughts. He ran his fingers through his hair in frustration, calling, "Come in!"
The door opened wide enough for Kreacher to push his head into the room. "Master and Mistress wish to see you," he said.
It's show time, Sirius thought as he followed the house elf into the hallway.
