'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: None for this chapter

Chapter 31 – New Conspiracies

A whooshing sound and the appearance of emerald green flames signaled Ofelia's imminent arrival in Rosmerta's office. Thus alerted, Sirius was in place before the hearth when Ofelia stumbled out of it. He caught her and made certain she had her bearings before letting go and greeting her somewhat nervously. She was thirty minutes earlier than anticipated.

"You're early. Is everything ok?"

Ofelia nodded, glancing around the room. "I wanted a few moments to speak privately with you before we had to join the others. We are alone, yes? We cannot be overheard?"

Sirius glanced toward the open door, through which the raucous sounds of the pub crowd could be heard. He indicated that Ofelia should sit in one of the two chairs in the room while he walked over and closed the door. "There. That should help, anyway." He sat down opposite the young witch. "What's going on?"

Ofelia drew a deep breath and looked directly at Sirius. "I need to share something with you – something that is highly confidential. If this news were to fall into anyone else's hands, the results would be disastrous for more than just myself. Sirius, I know what happened with Arturo and Delilah – what I did – has cost me your trust, but I must ask you to keep this secret for me. And I must ask it before disclosing anything about it. Will you do that? Will you swear to me that you will not repeat anything that I will tell you?"

Sirius' eyes widened as he listened to both Ofelia's words as well as the impassioned tone in which they were spoken. "No more mysteries, then? You're going to tell me the truth, the things you've refused to talk about since I met you?"

Ofelia nodded.

Sirius extended his hand and indicated that she should clasp it in her own. "I swear that I will not divulge what you tell me here – unless you give me permission to do so." He shook her hand firmly then let it drop.

Ofelia looked at him quizzically. "Is there some sort of silent spell that's cast to secure the vow?"

Sirius smiled. "No. Remus showed it to me. His Mum's father is a Muggle and he taught it to him. Called it a "handshake agreement" and said that no honorable person would break it once they had promised." He paused, his face sincere. "I've been called many things, Ofelia – most of them by my family and none of those things are particularly kind. I am an honorable person, however and if I promise a friend that I will do something then I do it. I don't need magic to keep this promise to you – unless you would feel better doing something more formal."

Ofelia looked at the sincerity in his eyes and thought back to her conversations with Michael and later, with his friend Susan and the Healer, Hortense Jones. Muggles featured prominently in virtually every aspect of this new chapter in her life; it seemed appropriate to the girl that Sirius offered this particular gesture to seal their agreement…an agreement between friends.

Ofelia shook her head and returned his smile. "No, I think that this perfect for two friends to have between them." She paused, eyes again flickering toward the door then back again. Sirius recognized her unease and cast a quick silencing charm on the door.

Ofelia smiled her thanks. "Sirius, you will remember that I told you that I had my own reasons for delaying the owl to my father – and for initially trying to work through a plan on my own?"

He nodded.

"I will admit that my alternative plan was not particularly honorable, but please believe me when I tell you that any dishonor I might have contemplated was the result of my own panic at the circumstances in which I found myself," she continued, steadily holding his gaze.

"I understand, Ofelia. I know what it's like to come up with a plan out of sheer panic, after all."

"Sirius, I'm not going to beat about the bush any longer. I am pregnant. Approximately two months. Of course, the child is Michael's; we were together in November before my parents pulled me from Beauxbatons and transferred me here," the blonde paused to allow Sirius a moment to digest her news.

"Pregnant!" He ran his hand through his hair as his thoughts swirled. "Well, that certainly explains a lot." Sirius paused, his eyes narrowing. "I'm guessing that the one-week delay let you break the news to Michael and figure out if he was going to stay or do a runner on you." At her nod, he continued. "I'm also guessing that he's come through for you."

"Yes, he has."

"Even though it isn't relevant any longer, I'm betting that I was your alternative plan, am I right? If Michael hadn't come through for you, there would have been no owl to your father, would there? I would have stepped in, married you and taken responsibility for this pregnancy, isn't that right?" Although Sirius had suspected that Ofelia's delay somehow involved him, he wasn't certain that he had been prepared to learn the extent the young woman had been willing to manipulate the situation – and him.

"I told you that my actions were not wholly honorable, but I was so panic stricken at being pregnant and totally out of touch with Michael – not knowing how he would react – that I just …" she stopped speaking when Sirius held up his hand.

"As I said before, I know what it's like to form a bad plan based on desperation," Sirius said. "I won't lie to you; I don't appreciate having my life manipulated but given that your alternate plan isn't needed, it would be a big waste of time and effort to dwell on it. I just don't want to be used any more, right?"

Ofelia reached over and squeezed his hand. "I won't use you again; I promise you, Sirius. And I won't lie or hold anything back, either." She pulled her hand away but left it extended toward him. "Care to pretend we're both 'gentlemen' and shake on it?"

Sirius smiled – this time without any reserve – and clasped her hand in his. "Thank you. Ofelia, may I ask what you and Michael have come up with? I mean, you really can't expect to hide your condition until the baby's born, can you? It will become quite obvious – and fairly soon, I should think."

"Michael took me to see a friend of his, who found herself in a similar set of circumstances. She goes to University with Michael in London. Her parents knew about her situation – my parents will not, for as long as I can manage it – and took her to a Healer who knew how to conceal her condition through the use of a spell," she explained. "I saw the Healer this afternoon. She's very nice and she taught me the spell to use to conceal the pregnancy. I'll cast it each morning and remove it each evening – until the baby is born."

"How are you going to remove the spell in a dormitory with 3 other witches and expect them not to see it?" Sirius frowned. "It would seem to me that your secret isn't very safe unless you can move to a room by yourself."

Ofelia shook her head. "It would draw too much attention to move to a private room. Besides, you don't know how private we are over in Slytherin," she smiled slyly. "Everyone casts Imperturbable charms and locking spells on their bed curtains at night. I'll cast the spell after everyone has gone to bed and I've secured my own curtains. No one will bother me – or see me – until the following morning when I've recast the spell. Brilliant, isn't it?"

Sirius nodded. "That spell would be brilliant for some of the pranks we've done. Hey…"

Ofelia shook her head. "I am not teaching you this concealment spell, Sirius, so you can put that straight out of your mind right now!"

"And here I thought we were friends," he grinned. "Wait – Ofelia, what about Michael's family? What are the long term plans for you?"

For the first time, Ofelia looked uncertain. "Michael feels that his parents will be disappointed in him at first, but will come around quite well before too much time has passed. As far as school is concerned, the concealment charm will work right through the end of school. By then, I will know more about Michael's family and what plans we will be able to make."

Sirius nodded. It certainly seemed that they had taken everything into consideration and had allowed for any eventuality. Except …

"We haven't talked about the owl to your father," he said quietly. "Even though you've still got some things to settle, your future seems fairly certain. I think I have a right to expect mine to be settled as well."

Ofelia's eyes widened. "Oh, Sirius – of course! I'm sorry that I did not speak up sooner. If we have the time to send the owl before joining the others, we can go to the Owl Post and send it from here."

Sirius watched Ofelia's face blur as tears he could not control filled his eyes. He turned his head away from her and scrubbed his hands roughly over his face. "Sorry," he mumbled. "I've just waited so long to have this bloody contract over with that I …Merlin, you'd think I was a ruddy girl!" Realizing what he'd just said, he gave her a weak smile. "Sorry, again."

"It's fine," she said.

"Wait, what will you do if your father makes you leave? Won't that make it more difficult to keep your condition a secret until Michael's got some sort of arrangement with his family?" Sirius' face fell a bit; he was intent on finally having an open relationship with Kate that he'd wanted for so long and, in the meantime, had totally disregarded how badly that single owl message could work out for Ofelia.

"My message is going to tell my father that you, in fact, have been seeing other witches. If you're agreeable, I'll also add that you have no intention of changing your behavior. Rather than come home, however, I wish to spend the remainder of the year here, in the same House as Arturo, completing my 5th year. Once it's over, however, I will return home and would like to be re-enrolled in Beauxbatons. That was the agreement my mother forced my father into, you know: if you didn't mend your ways and the contract was voided, then I could go back to my old school with no further argument from my family," she explained.

"But with Michael in London, won't you hate to be in France?"

"Michael will transfer to university in Neuilly and continue his studies there. We will be fine – perhaps married – when he graduates. Besides, I will be 17 in May. Even if my father tries to stop me, I can still attend Beauxbatons if I choose. I will come into some money from my late grandmother on the 17th birthday. If need be, I will pay my own tuition to the school for the last two years of my education," Ofelia finished, defiance shining through her voice.

Sirius shook his head admiringly. "You've thought of everything," he said.

"Not everything," Ofelia's face was full of concern. "I haven't figured out a way to help you when my father contacts your family about my message. I am very afraid for what will happen to you, Sirius."

Privately, Sirius shared her concern, but he still felt that he could count on Dumbledore to intercede for him with his father. His mother was an entirely different story, but perhaps the intercession could – even briefly – extend to her, as well.

"Ofelia, if I say nothing about your situation, would you object if I went to Dumbledore this evening to tell him that we think we have successfully broken the marriage contract – or at least notified your father that I'm not husband material? I would ask him for any assistance he could give me with my parents, you see. Based on … well, given some recent history, I believe that the Headmaster would be able to help me a bit."

"I would not only agree with you, I would go with you, if you like," Ofelia offered. "It is the least I can do; you have done so much for me – despite some of my rather horrible behavior from time to time." She smiled.

"Ofelia, stand up, please," Sirius said, rising as well. With a very confused expression, the witch nonetheless did as he asked. "Right," he continued. "I am going to hug you now." And he did so, relieved to hear Ofelia's light laugh next to his ear. "Thank you," he whispered. "Very much." Sirius released her and stepped back.

"Thank you," she replied, glancing at the clock behind Rosmerta's desk. "Come, we should send the owl and meet the others. We've just enough time if we leave right now."

Sirius lifted the charms from the door and placed the Invisibility Cloak securely over Ofelia. As they walked through the crowded pub, the two were careful not to allow the girl to brush against any of the patrons. When they reached the door, Sirius looked back to see Rosmerta smiling at him from behind the bar. With a brief wave and a smile of thanks, Sirius opened the door and the two students walked into the afternoon air.

XXXXXXXX

"Right on time," Remus observed as the group watched Sirius – seemingly alone - approach them as they waited next to the elaborate sign post marking the edge of the village. Behind them, looming large in the distance was the castle, beckoning the students with windows already filled with the bright orange color of wall torches and candlelight.

"Everything alright, Pads?" James inquired as the black haired wizard as he fell into step with them.

"Never better," he said, sliding a glance to his left, where Ofelia walked in the shelter of the Invisibility Cloak. Sirius decided that she should walk on the outer edge of the group to avoid the appearance of any unexplained space between any of their members. "We've sent the owl to Ofelia's father," he added, his voice nearly a whisper. "I expect we'll hear something before too long."

"What do you suppose will happen?" Peter asked, anxiously.

"Don't know, Pete, but I'm going to see Dumbledore straight away and let him know what's happened."

James draped his arm around Sirius' shoulders. "Good on you, Pads! After Christmas, Dumbledore won't let anything like that happen again." He briefly tightened his hold then dropped his arm back by his side. "Want company?"

Sirius shook his head. "Got some. My soon to be ex-fiancée will be making the trip with me to the Headmaster's lair this afternoon."

Kate looked over at him with a warm smile. "Almost there, Sirius."

He nodded, his feelings quite evident in his eyes as he looked back at her. "Almost there, Katie."

XXXXXXXX

"Ice mice", Sirius said clearly as he and Ofelia stood before the gargoyles guarding Dumbledore's staircase. As the great stone figures moved and the staircase began spiraling upward, Sirius extended a hand to the blonde witch beside him. "Here, hold on to me. I wouldn't want you to slip or anything."

Ofelia rolled her eyes. "I'm not an invalid, you know," she whispered. When she did not take his hand, Sirius placed it on the small of her back instead. "You do realize that the engagement's over, right?"

Sirius rolled his eyes in return and was spared further commentary as they arrived at the great double doors leading to the Headmaster's office.

"Familiar territory?" Ofelia asked.

"Shut it, you," he replied, reaching forward to knock on the ancient wood. Before his knuckles could make the connection, however, the door swung inward.

"Mr. Black and Ms. Bullstrode! Come in, children; please come in and sit down," Albus Dumbledore's warm – and booming – voice greeted them.

The two students walked into the office and heard the doors click shut behind them.

The Headmaster was standing behind his desk, gesturing to two chairs before it.

"Tea? Lemon drops?" he offered.

Both students declined refreshment, stating that they would be heading down to the Great Hall for dinner immediately after their conversation.

"Ah, yes; quite a sensible decision, then. Now, what brings you to see me this evening?"

Sirius began. "Sir, you know quite well that Ofelia and I were forced into an engagement due to a marriage contract my parents worked up with the Bullstrodes."

Dumbledore nodded. "Yes, I am aware of that situation – as well as your determination to break the terms of the contract to provoke its dissolution. There was quite a plan in the offing to accomplish this; am I to understand that you have been successful?" Neither student missed the trademark twinkle in the old wizard's eye.

"Sir, if I may," Ofelia took up the story. "One of my father's chief concerns was Sirius' reputation as something of a … well,"

"…a ladies' man?" Dumbledore supplied, twinkle in full force.

"Yes, a 'ladies' man," Ofelia said, gratefully. "Well, we concocted a plan – that is, Sirius and I, of course – and his friends, to make sure that Sirius was caught in an embarrassing position with another witch."

"Caught by whom, exactly?"

"My brother, sir – and myself. And we did so – last Sunday. According to our plan an owl would then be sent to my father, announcing that Sirius' behavior had not improved and that would, in effect, sever the contract," she continued.

"And due to the success of your staged – rendezvous – this owl has been sent?" Sirius nodded. "Today, sir. This afternoon."

"That you waited almost a week to notify your father of Sirius' indiscretion seems a bit curious," here Dumbledore paused as he allowed his eyes to flicker over Ofelia as she sat in the chair. "But, no matter. Timing is not, as they say, everything. Tell me why you are here."

"My father may easily try to make me leave the school, which I do not wish to do. I wish to remain here to complete my 5th year in Slytherin with my brother. I would then resume study at Beauxbatons in September with my friends." Ofelia finished, looking at Sirius to take over. Dumbledore's curious scrutiny – no matter how kind or well meaning – was unsettling her.

"Ofelia is certain that her father will agree to allowing her to remain here as long as her brother is a student. The problem is with my family, sir," Sirius paused, looking directly at the Headmaster, whose eyes were, for once, decidedly not twinkling. "I am afraid that Ofelia's father will owl mine to notify them of the dissolution of the contract. I am concerned that my own family will force me to come home as a result. My parents – especially my mother – were very keen on this marriage, you see."

Dumbledore nodded, not breaking Sirius gaze. "While I cannot supersede the wishes of any parent, I had a very somber talk with your father after the holiday, Mr. Black. I made it very clear to him that I would not support further behavior such as that you experienced at home. If you are summoned home as a result of this situation, I will accompany you there. I believe I shall be able to convince them to reconsider their decision." He rose. "In any event, I find it most wise not to borrow trouble by worrying about things we cannot control. If an owl arrives with bad news – for either of you – I certainly hope that you will come to me and we can …ah, perhaps we will not have to wait any longer for their reactions." Dumbledore paused and went over to the window behind his desk, where two owls were waiting for admittance. As soon as the window opened wide enough to permit entrance, both birds flew over to the Headmaster's desk and perched on its far edge, facing the students.

Opposite Sirius was a bird he recognized all to well. A sleek, eagle owl with a disdainful expression and a truly nasty disposition, this owl was unmistakably his father's. Sirius reached for the outstretched leg to which a piece of rolled parchment was attached. As he drew away his hand, the bird flexed it's talons just enough to catch a piece of Sirius' hand. Immediately, blood dropped from the trio of puncture wounds to the priceless carpet below.

"Let me see your hand, please, Sirius," Dumbledore requested quietly. When Sirius complied, the Headmaster touched his wand tip to each wound and, without uttering a word, healed them in turn. The Black family owl made a noise of disgust and turned to fly back through the window. "I think not," Dumbledore said gravely to the bird. "I believe there will be a reply; if not from Sirius, then from me. I would be much obliged if you would wait for it." Clearly affronted, the majestic owl settled itself back onto the desk as requested.

"Ofelia?" Dumbledore gestured toward her owl, which appeared to have a much more agreeable disposition than it's flight companion. The large gray owl stood quietly with its leg extended outward toward the young witch. She stroked the owl, which leaned against her hand heavily as she did so. She detached her own parchment message and looked toward Dumbledore.

"I think you'd best go first, my dear," the Headmaster said, kindly. "You needn't read it aloud unless you are comfortable doing so."

Ofelia unrolled the parchment and glanced at its contents briefly before taking a deep breath. "Daughter: Your mother and I are very disappointed that young Black was unable to come to terms with the contract – and honor it. Disappointed, but unsurprised. The Blacks sought us out to strengthen certain – characteristics - that years of inbreeding have brought out in them." She glanced over at Sirius and murmured an apology. He shrugged in response. "You've met my family, Ofelia; you can't deny that what your father says is the truth." Ofelia nodded and continued, "Although your marriage would have brought a certain prestige – and social status amongst other Pureblood families – I am somewhat relieved that it will not take place. I am deeply angry that you were forced to endure any embarrassment due to young Black's promiscuity with school. As for your request to remain at Hogwarts for the remainder of the year, I am of two minds. The more quickly you return to London, the more quickly we can find a more suitable match for you – and put this sordid matter behind us all. For that reason, I am tempted to Floo to Scotland and fetch you home. On the other hand, you are an intelligent and talented witch and Hogwarts is a decent school. You will be with your brother, as you point out, as well as more upstanding offspring of honorable Pureblood families. Given those points, I am willing to grant your request to stay until the end of the year and return to London with us after we attend Arturo's graduation ceremony. I encourage you to stay away from the lesser element – Black and his friends, about whom Arturo has written us from time to time since your return. You have nothing to be ashamed of, darling; you tried your best, but Black was too boorish to recognize a redemptive opportunity when it was handed to him. Your mother sends her love and I remain – affectionately – Papa."

"So, you are to remain with us for the rest of the year; that is good news," Dumbledore said then turned to the silent young wizard in the other chair. "Sirius, do you wish Ofelia to leave before you read the contents of your message?"

Sirius looked at the Headmaster then turned to Ofelia. "Would you mind? It's not apt to be very pleasant and I'd avoid it if I could."

Ofelia noted the pallor of his skin and the silent plea in his eyes and nodded. "Of course. I understand that you would like your privacy." To Sirius' surprise, she leaned over and placed a small kiss on his cheek. "You've nothing to 'redeem' yourself for," she said quietly. "and you're not a boor. Please don't believe anything they've written to you in that letter."

Sirius looked at her with a mixture of gratitude and – apprehension? – etched on his face. He nodded once then looked back down at the rolled parchment in his hand. "I'll see you later – and thanks."

Ofelia rose and, with a very small smile at Dumbledore – and one final look at Sirius – she left the office.

"It would appear that you have lost a fiancée, but perhaps gained a friend, yes?" Dumbledore inquired, sitting in the chair Ofelia had just vacated and patting Sirius' arm. "A very fortunate young man you are to be so richly gifted."

Sirius looked at his Headmaster and nodded.

"Shall we get this over with?" Dumbledore asked, inclining his head toward the parchment.

"Let's do it," came the reply as Sirius straightened his shoulders and unfurled the paper.

"Sirius," the elder Black son began reading aloud. "I have received a very disturbing message from the Bullstrodes regarding their cancellation of your contract of marriage to young Ofelia. It seems that your sexual escapades were of greater importance to you than honoring a commitment made by this family. I am unsurprised. Your mother is, understandably, beside herself and wishes to speak with you immediately. I have just sent an owl to Dumbledore demanding that you Floo home at once to face both your mother and I and answer to your outrageous behavior – and what it has cost our family..." Sirius' hand had begun to tremble and his face had gone as white as the parchment that fell from his hand to the top of Dumbledore's desk. The Headmaster leaned forward and placed a comforting hand on Sirius's shoulder.

"May I see the message, son?" he asked kindly and Sirius again nodded in response.

Dumbledore picked up the parchment and scanned the few remaining lines. Other than vitriolic denouncements of Sirius' character and veiled threats that he was certain came directly from Walburga, the rest of the note contained nothing of any particular importance or interest. He sighed, considering what was undoubtedly going to be an unpleasant scene when staccato tapping drew both wizards' attention to the window once again.

"Ouranos," Sirius said quietly, recognizing Walburga's owl.

Dumbledore smiled wryly as he opened the window to allow the bird entry. It settled next to Prometheus, Orion's owl and waited as Dumbledore retrieved yet another parchment from the leg of a Black family owl. "Ironic name for your mother's familiar," he commented to Sirius. "You know the story of Ouranos, do you not?"

Sirius shook his head. "In Greek mythology, Ouranos – known today as Uranus – married Gaia, a woman of great ambition. Of the children she bore him, it was the two youngest sons – the Titans – who greatly displeased their father for their failure to embrace certain behaviors. Ouranos cast them into the Underworld in his displeasure and, once there, they managed to cause their mother pain, as well. She ultimately shaped a great flint-shaped sickle and asked their sons to castrate their father. Ultimately, the youngest – and more ambitious of the two boys – Cronus, was willing to carry out his mother's wishes. It is an interesting parallel to the Blacks, don't you agree?"

Sirius smiled at Dumbledore. "Interesting, but not quite accurate in our case. I believe that my mother will be the one doing the castrating; she has so many talents that lead in that direction, after all."

Dumbledore's smile dimmed at the bitterness in the boy's smile and words. "Let's see what your father has to say, shall we?"

He opened the parchment, addressed to him as it was, and began to read; "We will expect my son to travel to number 12 Grimmauld Place, via Floo network this evening at promptly 6 pm. We have matters of great family urgency to discuss with him. Orion Black."

Silently, Dumbledore rose and seated himself behind his desk. He picked up a quill, dipped it in a bottle of purple ink and pressed the point to the bottom of Orion's message.

With a smile and a nod to Sirius, he began to write,

"I am quite unwilling to disrupt Sirius' studies for an impromptu visit to London so early in the term. Such action can be of benefit to no one involved. I would, however, be more than willing to facilitate a meeting between you, Mrs. Black and young Sirius in my office on a date and time most convenient to all involved. Please provide me with a list of several such dates and times so that one may be selected and plans made. I remain –

Respectfully,

APWB Dumbledore

Headmaster,

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry"

He looked up at the young wizard seated in front of him as he reached for wax and his seal. Dumbledore dropped the boy a quick wink then quickly sealed the parchment and secured it to Ouranos' leg. "Safe journey," he said to the owl, and then turned to its companion. "Off you go, as well. I've said all I needed to say in the first message."

Once the pair had soared off into the night and Dumbledore had secured the window lock, he turned to Sirius. "You have nothing to fear, son. I want you to go to dinner with your friends – perhaps not with Ms. Morgan in quite so public a setting, just yet. Let us have the meeting with your parents over with first. For now, being together in your Common Room and less public areas would be advisable, yes?"

Sirius offered the most sincere smile he'd shown since the messages began arriving. "Thank you, sir. Thank you for everything."

Dumbledore waved him off. "I meant it when I said that I could not supersede a parent's directive. I can, however, work very hard to change minds. I am deeply committed to making sure that what happened to you over the holiday does not happen again. I believe that I saw and heard enough to be quite effective in changing their minds. It will not be pleasant when we all meet in my office. You must be strong. I assure you they will not hurt you."

Sirius extended his hand, which the Headmaster clasped warmly. "I trust you, sir. You let me know when this meeting will happen and I will do whatever you tell me to do."

To the boy's surprise, Dumbledore threw back his head and laughed heartily. "Oh, my dear boy, I shudder to think of the impact it would have on the cosmos should you be that obedient!" When Sirius chuckled sheepishly, he continued. "Nevertheless, if you are willing to put aside your glorious career of rebellion and pranks for the duration of the meeting, I will certainly be here to guide you! Now, I am going to have a word with Professor McGonagall and then make my way to dinner. I suggest that you join your friends, as well."

With one more smile of thanks, Sirius sprinted from the office, closing the door carefully behind him.

Dumbledore stared thoughtfully at the closed doors for several moments longer before kneeling before his fireplace, tossing in a pinch of green Floo powder, and asking McGonagall to join him for a brief chat before dinner.

Straightening up and turning back toward his desk, the Headmaster caught the gaze of Fawkes, his beautiful Phoenix, who was settled upon his perch. "Ah, Fawkes, I fear we have quite a task before us. Young Sirius is facing a very rough road indeed."