'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 14 –Tactical Adjustments & Altered Plans
The rectangle of light slid across the stone floor, coming to rest on Sirius' face. It was morning and the young wizard was lying on the hard bench, his right arm pillowing his head. As the dozing boy became aware of the warmth on his face, he opened his eyes, slowly coming awake. Greeted with the brightness, Sirius instinctively brought his left hand up to shield his eyes and winced at the sharp pain that permeated his shoulder. The memory of his mother's visit the night before flashed through his mind and, with a grunt, Sirius sat up gingerly. His stomach gave a loud rumble and the boy glanced at his watch, stunned to see that it was half ten. Breakfast was long over. Sirius snorted. It wouldn't have mattered if I had awakened before dawn; there was no chance anyone would think to bring me breakfast this morning.
Mindful of his sore shoulder, Sirius rose and carefully stretched out the kinks in his back, his legs and his neck. Having no desire to provoke the now dull ache in his shoulder, he opted to leave his injured limb alone. He settled himself back on the bench, allowing his mind to travel back to the previous evening and his altercation with his mother. Altercation. That was definitely the proper description for what had happened in this room last night. Sirius absently rubbed his chest as he remembered the stinging hex Walburga had cast. He lifted his shirt and gazed down to find an angry red welt in the middle of his chest. The shoulder probably looks worse, Sirius decided, shivering and pulling his shirt back into place. I hate the cold, he thought, wrapping his robes more closely around his body. The action pulled at his shoulder slightly and Sirius hissed slightly as the pain flared momentarily. A healing charm would have been nice. But he knew Walburga wouldn't have done that for him last night. This was intended to teach him a lesson. Oh, Mother, if you only knew what I learned about you – about myself last night. Sirius' eyes closed and he leaned his head back against the wall behind the bench as he allowed the images of the night before to fill his mind. As he recalled the latter part of their confrontation, Sirius winced; she'd called him "weak" and she'd been right. In a moment of sheer and overpowering melancholy, he'd allowed his mother to see his emotions. He'd enabled her to see how much he longed for acceptance, longed to be cared about. Sirius' eyes snapped open. It would be the last time, he vowed silently. No one in this bloody hell-hole will ever see that side of me again. Having made the promise to himself, Sirius set forth devising a plan to keep it.
As Sirius contemplated his situation, he began to pace the small room. Sirius was not a static creature; movement - often driven by nervous energy – allowed him to focus. As he walked, his mind sorted through events, priorities and options. Above all else, Sirius Black was a survivor. He'd been surviving his parents' harsh treatment of him for several years, after all; surely, this was just the latest in that particular series of events. I'll get through this as well. Sirius smiled grimly. They will not win.
Sirius knew that there would be any number of spies lurking about at Hogwarts – all quite willing and able to report any transgressions to his parents. He would have no choice but to spend some time with Ofelia; he would have to figure out what to do about Kate so she wouldn't think the worst of him. Sirius ran his hand through his hair, remembering that first weekend in Hogsmeade, their 'Quidditch lesson' and the regrettable incident at Rosmerta's pub. The last thing he wanted was for Kate to think – yet again – that he was only playing with her feelings. Sirius stopped suddenly, eyes widening. That's it! The whole school thinks I'm a slag as it is. My reputation almost ruined things with Kate; might I be so lucky that they'd really ruin it with Ofelia? He began pacing again. I wouldn't have to do anything; once people see me with Ofelia, they'll be lining up to tell her what an arrogant, sex-obsessed git I am. She'll run crying to Papa before the snow melts! And I won't have to worry about the spies in Slytherin because they'll have nothing to report! Despite the numbing cold and his gnawing hunger, Sirius felt almost jovial as he worked through this dilemma. He sat down on the bench and was contemplating his plan a final time when it hit him: Malfoy and his gang – and Ofelia's brother would, indeed, have activities to report if Sirius allowed himself to be seen with Kate. The smile slipped from the young wizard's face. His father had been adamant: terminate his association with Kate immediately upon his return to school. No interactions. No communications. Nothing. Sirius drew a shaky breath. If I tried hard enough, I could be discreet and avoid being discovered with her. But even as the thought crossed his mind, he realized that this was likely impossible. He considered the consequences of being caught. A Howler from his mother. Highly likely. Walburga loved to reinforce her control. I can handle it; Merlin knows I've had them before and they don't last all that long. Sirius frowned. There would be retribution to endure at home, however. Sirius shuddered. Hexes, for certain. Another stay in these delightful and cozy accommodations; another certainty. He thought of Kate. Definitely worth it. And, he didn't have to hide his friendship with the other Marauders. He remembered Orion's statement from the previous evening. He could keep his friends while at school; until he left school and assumed his 'rightful place' in the world. Sirius snorted. Father would be gobsmacked to discover how different our definitions of 'rightful place' actually are, he thought.
Sirius felt a tingling in his nose and suddenly sneezed several times in rapid succession. He sniffled and then, with complete disregard for the garment, he dragged his velvet sleeve across his nose after the attack wound down. Merlin, I'm cold, Sirius thought to himself once again. He attempted to tuck his long legs beneath him on the bench and again pulled his robes around him as tightly as possible and leaned his head against the protruding side of the high back. I'm hungry, too, he drowsily thought as his stomach gave another loud rumble. As Sirius felt himself lose his battle to remain awake, his last thought was one of satisfaction that now, at the very least, he had his own plan to work around the one his parents had put in motion.
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"Mother, where is Sirius?" Regulus asked curiously as he slathered blackberry jam on a thick slice of toast.
"Your brother is being punished, Regulus," Orion spoke up, pouring another cup of steaming coffee and adding a generous measure of rich, sweet cream. "Sirius spent the night in the cellar where I hope he spent his time reconsidering his behavior."
Regulus swallowed audibly. "How long must he stay down there?" While anxious to remain in favor with his parents, Regulus couldn't help but feel some degree of sympathy for his older brother, alone in the dark and the cold.
"It is really no concern to you, darling," Walburga murmured as she turned to the society page of the Daily Prophet. "Your brother will remain where he is until he can appreciate his position in this family and is prepared to live up to our noble heritage." She glanced up briefly, smiling. "As you do, pet."
Regulus waited until his parents had returned to their respective newspapers before tipping the remaining slices of toast from his plate into his napkin. Once the food had been secured, he cleared his throat. "May I please be excused?"
This time, his mother didn't trouble herself to glance up, merely nodding and giving the boy a quiet, "Of course, Regulus," before returning to her reading.
Regulus carefully tucked the napkin under his robes and rose, walking slowly to the double doors that led from the dining room to the hallway. Once he was a safe distance from his parents, he broke into a run, dashing below three flights of stairs until he reached the cellar and entered, closing the door quietly behind him.
It took the child a moment or two for his eyes to accustom themselves to the dimness of the corridor in which he stood. The mossy damp smell assailed his nostrils and Regulus shivered involuntarily. Once he could truly see where he was going, the boy quickly walked the length of the corridor to the small room he knew lay immediately after his father's extensive wine cellar. As he drew level with the heavy door, he heard a groan from the other side.
"Sirius?" he whispered, waiting for a response. When none came, he tried again – louder this time. "Sirius? Are you there?"
The groan repeated itself, followed by an odd clicking that sounded like something hard moving across the stone floor. Almost immediately, that sound was replaced by shuffling steps that came to a halt very close to the door. "Reg, what are you doing down here? If they catch you, you'll be …" his response was cut short by another volley of sneezes.
"Are you ill?" his brother demanded.
"I wouldn't be a bit surprised," Sirius replied, employing his sleeve as a handkerchief again. "What are you doing out there?"
Regulus withdrew the linen napkin from his robes and looked up at the barred window at the top of the door. "I brought you some toast," he said quietly. "With blackberry jam. Probably ice cold by now, though."
From the other side of the door, Sirius smiled miserably, "Perfect. So am I. Can you reach the window? You can poke it through and I'll catch it."
Regulus huffed in disgust. "Yes, I can reach the window, you git. I'm not that much shorter than you are." Nevertheless, the younger boy stood on his toes and slid the toasted bread through the space between two of the bars. Presently, he heard a sigh from the other side.
"Even cold, this is good," Sirius said in a raspy voice. He swallowed the last of the toast gratefully. It hadn't even begun to fill his stomach, but at least it took the edge off the nausea that was beginning to creep up on him. "Thanks, Reg."
Regulus nodded then realized that his brother couldn't see him. "Yeah." He was quiet for a moment then spoke up again. "I didn't think that dinner went all that badly for you, Sirius. What happened that they put you down here?"
Sirius sighed. "Just another review of my bad attitude and poor behavior," he said quietly. "Nothing for you to worry about. You'll never be in here, that's for sure!"
"Do you hate me because they don't treat me like this?" Regulus' voice sounded very small through the door and Sirius felt a pang go through him, much the same as he'd felt last night when he'd asked his mother why he wasn't treated as Regulus was.
"Don't be stupid, Reg," he said gruffly. "I don't hate you. Do you think I want you to go through this shite, too? I don't." He paused and when no further comment was forthcoming from his brother, Sirius took a deep breath. "Oi, Reg, you should head back upstairs. If they find you here, you might just get a taste of this first-hand. You don't want that, right?"
"No. But Sirius, listen: can't you just put up with them for the rest of the holiday? It's only a few weeks and then you'll be back at school," Regulus reasoned.
Sirius smiled. "You worried about me, Reg? Don't be. I can take it. Listen, I'll try to stay out of everyone's way 'til we can go back to school, yeah? But don't worry; they'll probably leave me down here for the whole time. Bring me up for show Christmas morning to see all that glorious loot Father Christmas dropped off, eh? Quick magical photograph with the relatives then it's right back to the dungeons for the family scourge!" He chuckled darkly, waiting to hear something from Regulus. "Reg?" he called out, hoping it was his brother's voice he heard coming back through the ancient wood.
"Don't say those things," Regulus finally said. "I'm going to tell them you're sick and that you have to come back upstairs."
"NO!" Sirius cried hoarsely. "They can't know you've been down here, Regulus; have you gone MAD?!"
"But…"
"No, Reg; no. Listen, just head back upstairs and be sure you check the hallway for Kreacher. He'd betray either one of us for the promise of something shiny, the little toe rag. Just go back up, Reg. I'll be fine. Really. They'll probably come get me later on. Promise me you'll stay away," Sirius implored. He might be a Slytherin – and dead annoying most of the time – but the git was his brother and he didn't want him to experience this sort of discipline first hand. "Promise me!"
Regulus' eyebrows rose and he stepped back from the door. "Alright, Sirius; Merlin, I'll go back upstairs. I won't say anything, ok?"
Sirius sighed in relief. "Right."
"Right," Regulus echoed.
Sirius listened for the sound of footsteps moving down the hallway and, after a few moments, he did. Relieved, Sirius also realized he felt a pang of loneliness; for all his bravado in front of Regulus, Sirius had no idea when – or if – anyone would come for him. He shivered and settled himself back on the bench. There was a shiver of magic in the air around him and moments later, a huge black dog replaced the young wizard. Padfoot yawned widely; the thick fur coat was much warmer than any woolen robes.
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When Sirius next opened his eyes, he thought night had fallen. At some point during the night he had transformed back into his human form. Sirius sat up and scrubbed his face with his hands then looked up at the window. Not nighttime, after all; just the eerie, muted gray color peculiar to a heavy snowstorm. Sirius watched the snowflakes fly against the glass. Awake now, Sirius was reminded that it had been some time since his meager breakfast as his stomach contracted painfully.
The sound of a key turning in the lock rang through the small space.
"Master sent Kreacher to bring you upstairs," Kreacher said. "He is waiting for you in Master's study."
Sirius was too relieved to be free from the mind-numbing cold to feel any of his typical hostility to the house elf and he followed him dutifully into the hallway and up the staircase. As Sirius closed the door of the stairwell behind him, the light and warmth of the kitchen was so overwhelming that he felt his eyes fill with grateful tears. The smells of roasted turkey, thick, rich gravy and freshly baked bread filled his nostrils and re-fired the hunger in the pit of his stomach. A tug on the sleeve of his robes reminded him that he could not stop; he needed to follow Kreacher the rest of the way to his father's study.
When the pair reached the open study door, Sirius was feeling rather lightheaded, but gathered himself and walked resolutely toward his father's desk.
The older man looked up as he heard footfalls on the thick carpet.
"Sirius," he nodded toward one of the two leather chairs in front of his desk. "Sit down."
Sirius sank into the chair he had occupied during their last meeting and immediately sneezed loudly.
Orion looked sharply at his elder son. "I trust your experience has led you to reconsider your earlier position."
Sirius nodded, "Yes, sir."
Orion's eyebrows rose in frank surprise at the prompt affirmative response. "You understand that I want your word that you will devote yourself to getting to know Ofelia in preparation for a deeper relationship."
"Yes, sir."
"Is that all you have to say?" Orion asked.
"I'm cold and hungry and I'm tired. You win. I just want to be excused so I can take a hot bath and get warm," Sirius said.
Orion looked at his son for awhile longer then he spoke. "You may go and bathe, then dress properly for dinner. Your cousins are joining us this evening and you are expected to be at table promptly at 8."
Something at the back of Sirius' brain registered distaste and a small niggle of apprehension, but he was feeling too miserable to focus on it at that moment. He nodded and rose, anxious to quit his father's presence and sink into a hot tub.
"Sirius, I also expect you to conduct yourself appropriately this evening," Orion said as his elder son made his way to the door. Lest you forget, you have apologies to make this evening."
Sirius stopped just shy of the door. That was the thought that had eluded him, he realized. Sighing, he turned to his father and nodded. "Don't worry. I'll behave," he said and if his tone carried a trace of his typical sarcasm, Orion did not rise to the bait.
"Fine. Go, then and make yourself presentable," Orion responded and turned his attention to the paperwork on his desk. Grateful, Sirius stepped out into the corridor.
Rather than taking the stairs up to his own room, Sirius decided to visit the kitchen and fortify himself with some much-needed food. Merlin knew that dinner this evening would be a difficult affair, one that would undoubtedly rob him of his appetite.
A short time later, Sirius walked into his room with a sandwich composed of thick slabs of freshly roasted turkey between slices of still-warm bread. A tall glass of cold milk complimented his 'snack', which took him all of fifteen minutes to devour. His stomach satisfied, Sirius proceeded to his bathroom where he finally stripped off the dress robes and undergarments he had worn since the previous day. He moved over to the shower and opened up the taps, gratefully allowing the steaming water to wash over his chilled body. Sirius stood, motionless, for several long moments, enjoying the longed-for warmth then picked up a flannel and began to wash. Once clean, he shaved, dried his hair and body and donned fresh dress robes. Sirius glanced at the clock next to his bed: 7:45. He debated using the time to send an owl to James but, in the end, decided to pass. If caught, Sirius knew that he would receive a longer sentence in the cold, dank basement room. No matter how much he missed his friends, Sirius knew that he had to convince his father that he'd meant what he said to him earlier in the evening. He would do as he was ordered. Sirius smiled to himself. All I have to do is convince them I've changed. Once I'm back at school, I'll put my plan in motion and Ofelia won't be able to get away from me fast enough! With that pleasant thought in mind, Sirius took one more glance in the mirror then left his room, closing the door softly behind him.
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As he approached the dining room, Sirius heard the unmistakable sound of his cousin, Narcissa's, affected laughter. Bellatrix' low-pitched comment was not decipherable from his current location, but at hearing her voice, Sirius felt a twinge of discomfort knowing that she was present in the house. He took a deep breath and entered, immediately approaching his chair.
"Sirius, I was under the impression that you were … indisposed this evening," Narcissa commented, glancing at her aunt.
"Sorry to disappoint you, Cissy," Sirius replied. "I was specifically invited to dinner with you lot this evening."
"Sirius," his mother greeted him, inclining her head. "Your father informs me that you have had a change of heart and intend to fully cooperate with our plans for you. Is this so?"
Ignoring the frankly curious stares of his two older cousins, Sirius steeled himself and nodded. "Yes, it's true."
Walburga's glance lingered on his face for a moment, her eyes narrowed and Sirius had the distinct impression that she was evaluating the truth of his response. Apparently satisfied with the result of her scrutiny, Walburga turned her attention to the girls, seated next to each other on her left. "You both know Eduard Bullstrode and his family, of course?" At their affirming nods, she continued. "The Blacks have entered into an arrangement with them that involves a match between Sirius and their daughter, Ofelia."
A sly smile curled the corners of Bellatrix' lips. "You've an understanding with Ofelia Bullstrode? What about Kate Morgan? I thought the two of you were … involved."
Sirius felt his mother stiffen and was about to speak when Narcissa interrupted, "You two certainly seemed very close during the last Hogsmeade weekend."
"That's over," Walburga stated abruptly, eyes flashing. "Isn't that right, my son?"
Sirius took a deep breath. "Yes, that's over." Even though he knew this wasn't the truth, Sirius was taken aback by how deeply those words cut into him. He could only content himself with the knowledge that this denial of Kate was all part of his greater plan to keep her and eliminate any potential relationship with Ofelia.
"She'll be heartbroken, I'm sure," Narcissa murmured. "But she will find someone else to amuse her; there've been several Ravenclaw boys interested in her since she came to Hogwarts. Now that she's no longer involved with Sirius, perhaps they will finally pluck up enough courage to pursue her."
Sirius willed himself to remain still in his chair. It would not do for him to give tongue to any of the caustic comments running through his head. Remember the goal, he admonished himself. Remember the plan.
"Sirius, speaking of the last Hogsmeade weekend, it strikes me that there was a bit of unfinished business you need to address with your cousins," Walburga smiled grimly. "Some insult for which you've yet to apologize. I believe that you should remedy this situation before your father arrives and I am compelled to share the sordid details with him, as well."
Sirius' hands balled into fists where they rested in his lap. "I'm sorry for what I said to you," he said quietly, glancing only briefly at his cousins.
"…because you certainly didn't meant it," Bellatrix added, waiting for a confirmation from her younger cousin.
Sirius was spared further reply when his father entered the room, Regulus in tow. Sirius wondered how much his father had overheard, but his curiosity was satisfied a moment later when Orion spoke.
"Come now, Bella; your cousin has apologized to you. Let that be the end of the matter. I see no need to drag this out beyond what has already been said." Ignoring Walburga's angry glare, Orion took his seat. "Please ask that dinner be served, my dear," he spoke to his wife who nodded once and rang the brass bell that would summon the house elves from the kitchens.
The remainder of the meal passed without incident and the Black cousins departed quite late into the evening. Once they had gone, Sirius welcomed the chance to retire to his room – and the warm, comfortable bed that awaited him there. As he walked toward the doorway, however, Walburga reached out and caught him by the arm.
"I do not know what you have said to your father that compelled him to release you from your confinement but I am certain that you were less than honest with him. Note this well, my son: I will not be as gullible as your father. You will live up to what we have asked of you or the consequences will be extreme. Do we understand each other?"
Sirius narrowed his eyes and attempted to shake free of his mother's tight grasp. His actions only succeeded in driving her long nails deeper into his upper arm. He finally responded. "Yes, I understand you, Mother." Mercifully, Walburga released him. "I shall also expect the remainder of your holiday to pass without further unpleasantness."
Sirius nodded and walked swiftly out the door, up the stairs and into his room. He was undressed and under the covers in record time but, exhausted as he was, sleep was very slow in coming. Kate's face kept appearing before him and Sirius acknowledged just how much he missed her. I'm going to fight her on this, Kate, he promised himself. I'm not going to let anyone take you away from me; that's a promise I intend to keep… no matter what!
Buoyed by that thought, Sirius finally fell asleep.
