'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 58 – City of Light – and Darkness
Stepping into the lobby of l'Hotel d'Artois provided visitors with a quite memorable sensory introduction to Paris. The smell of fresh-baked baguettes wafted from the kitchens and snippets of conversation in the street breezed in through the open windows. Visually, the décor was elegant as befitting its five-wand rating, yet it was comfortable enough to dispel any intimidation of its formidable reputation. Gauzy white curtains fluttered beneath heavy, deep blue damask draperies, held back by thick, braided golden rope. Seating was tastefully arranged in small groupings of loveseats and matching wingback chairs in shades of cream, gold and blue, with cherry side tables and tall brass lamps with soft linen shades. The design had its utilitarian features, as well: dark marble flooring gleamed, uncovered, in front of the massive fireplace to allow for the soot that accompanied Floo travel. Even with industrial strength magical cleaning spells, the deep, lush pile of the rich blue carpet would surely suffer from the constant traffic.
As the Gryffindor students emerged from the ancient hearth, each was greeted warmly by Hal and Margaret. Stepping back from the rest of his companions, Sirius let out a low whistle as he pivoted around, taking in the full splendor of the lobby. "Quite the place," he commented to Remus.
Remus smiled. "Wait until you see the rooms."
"You've been here before?" Sirius' expression more than registered his surprise.
"I have. My great aunt was quite well-to-do and she always stayed in a suite here whenever she came up to Paris from Neuilly. She invited my family to stay with her on several occasions." Remus grimaced. "She always traveled with her two Maltese dogs: Babette and Gigi. Ghastly things they were. Always put up a huge racket whenever they came into contact with me."
"The wolf."
"Naturally. When it came down to a choice between those dogs and her family, the dogs always won out. When she figured out that it was me the little wretches were afraid of, we stopped receiving invitations to join her on holiday. Eventually, when dear old auntie died, she left everything to those two spoilt animals. Imagine: an entire fortune left to two dogs!" Remus shook his head and smiled ruefully.
"And I thought my family was crazy!" Sirius snorted then stopped suddenly, his face taking on a look that had always meant trouble. "Although, maybe we're not so different after all. If I hadn't been disowned and had followed the Pureblood straight and narrow, my parents would have left their fortune to a dog, too!"
Remus and Sirius were still chuckling when the Potters and both girls rejoined them. "This can't be good," Kate said, coming to stand next to Sirius, who affected an insulted look.
"I assure you, Katie-girl; Remus and I were having a perfectly innocent conversation" Sirius grinned over at his friend.
"About dogs," Remus finished, snickering.
"Do we want to know?" Kate asked Lily who shook her head as Margaret Potter shepherded them toward the lifts.
"Come, children," she called. "Our apartment is waiting for us."
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The oversized lift opened into what turned out to be the parlor of a spacious apartment located on the top floor of the hotel. Equipped with an eat-in kitchen, the living space also boasted four bedrooms, with fully appointed bathrooms – en suite – a private study and, off the living room, a balcony affording breathtaking views of Paris.
"Wow," Lily breathed, walking toward the French doors and pushing them open to take in the view before her. "Ooo – they have a lovely porch swing!" James winked at Sirius and strode out onto the balcony to check out Lily's discovery.
"This is beautiful," Kate commented, running her hand over the sumptuous upholstery of the sofa.
"That it is," Hal agreed. "A former colleague of mine – and a very old friend – retired a few years ago from the MLE here in Paris. His daughter and her family live in Ireland, now so he and his wife spend most of the year over there with the grandchildren. He was only too happy to let us use the apartment."
"Lovely man," Margaret commented, crossing the room to call to James and Lily. When they reappeared, she motioned them to follow her into a short hallway that opened up into a large, circular area. "The bedrooms are here – and there are four of them. Hal and I are here," she pointed to a set of double doors to her right. "Over there are three additional rooms." Margaret gestured to the opposite side of the room where three large doors were situated along the semi-circular shape of the wall. "One for you ladies, one for the gentlemen – and a spare…"
"…that we can assign to James when his snoring becomes too much for Moony and me to take," finished Sirius, waggling his eyebrows at his friend, and stepping back quickly to avoid a playful punch to the shoulder.
With an indulgent smile at the two wizards, Margaret turned to Kate and Lily. "Come, girls; while they're otherwise occupied, you can have first choice of rooms!"
Remus stepped toward them. "I'd best come along and represent the wizards of the group," he said with a smile. "…or perhaps just choose the best bed in the second best bedroom!"
"Oi, Remus!" James and Sirius stopped their banter when they heard his last comment and moved to follow him, but were restrained by a gentle hand on each of their shoulders.
"Let's chat for a bit," Hal said, turning them in the direction of the hallway and gesturing toward the balcony. Once there, the boys waited curiously while James' father closed the doors behind him. "Right. Now, you both might think that I'm way too old to remember what it was like to be your age – and to be totally taken by the charms of a beautiful young witch." He paused and smiled at them. "You would be wrong, however. You would also be mistaken if you thought that I was blissfully unaware of the … shall we say, change of room assignments? … that went on in Brighton…."
James and Sirius both flushed scarlet and James cleared his throat nervously. "Dad, I'm sorry…"
Hal held up his hand for silence. "As I said, I remember what it felt like to be young and in love." He looked sharply at the wizards in front of him. "But that does not absolve you – either of you – from behaving in a responsible and respectful manner. If similar arrangements were to occur over the next few days, I would ask that you be as discreet as you were at the beach house. You needn't look so surprised; I'm not insensitive to the fact that this is probably your last chance for some privacy before you're back in your respective dormitories at school. And that you've all been through quite a bit this year. I also know that neither of you are promiscuous nor are you allowing raging hormones to rule your behavior. That said, however, I would ask you to also remember that there is a fifth person present for this part of your holiday; someone who is not paired off with an attractive young witch. Remus endures more than his fair share of segregation given his condition; he deserves better from his friends, true?"
Sirius and James exchanged a look before Sirius spoke. "Mr. Potter, we didn't mean any disrespect to you or to Mrs. Potter - and we certainly don't want Remus to feel like a fifth wheel around us – or to be shunted off on his own to make things easier for us. We've only just gotten everything worked out and I don't want anything to wedge in between us again." James nodded, cheeks still flushed.
Hal smiled. "I think if you follow his lead, you'll be fine. Oh – and your mother is not as observing as I, nor, I don't believe, as liberal in her thinking. While I don't endorse holding secrets, this is probably one situation – and conversation – that should remain between us three, yes?"
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After a tour of the three remaining bedrooms, Lily and Kate discovered that they were all fairly similar in size and design and so selected the one furthest to the right as it was the last they'd viewed. Remus then claimed the furthest to the left for himself and his mates, watching as Margaret stood in the doorway and conjured a third bed near the large window. He then stepped inside, leaving the women to their devices, assuring Margaret – with thanks - that he could easily make up his own bed without assistance. The girls restored their trunks to their standard size and soon, with Margaret's help, had unpacked and made up both queen-sized beds with fresh linens and quilts. Deciding that some iced tea was in order before working out the plans for the rest of the day, they made their way across the parlor toward the kitchen, thinking the men might have also had a similar idea. As they crossed the parlor, however, Lily caught sight of the trio out on the balcony.
"That's odd," she commented, taking down tall glasses from the cupboard. "I wonder what they're talking about that requires closed doors."
Margaret tapped her wand against the kettle to set the water boiling and began spooning loose tea into a large, stainless steel pot. "Nothing to worry about, I'm sure," she replied distractedly, restoring a large shopping bag to its full size and rummaging about for a fresh lemon. "But, since they're occupied – and we have a few minutes while the tea steeps - let's sit down and have a little chat about sleeping arrangements, shall we?"
Kate and Lily both paled considerably and dropped automatically into the wooden chairs that surrounded the kitchen table. Margaret took her own seat and smiled gently at the two girls. "Now, then; first of all, please know that I'm not angry or disappointed in either of you for … well, for pairing off with Sirius and James when we were in Brighton a few weeks ago. I'd be less than honest with you if I said I'd never been in a similar situation myself when I wasn't very much older than the two of you are now. Mr. Potter, however, would likely be a bit taken aback if he knew. He's a bit more old-fashioned than I, so it's a good job he was unaware of things."
As Lily seemed to be having a very difficult time finding her tongue, Kate swallowed hard. "Mrs. Potter, please know that we weren't intending to be disrespectful and, really, Sirius and I just wanted to – we weren't having - that is to say, we really just …" she trailed off.
"Slept?" Margaret supplied, looking from one to the other.
"Yes," Kate supplied, glancing over at Lily, who nodded, looking miserable.
"Then I won't embarrass us further with conversations about taking appropriate precautions and carefully thinking over the rules your own parents may have in place for you," Margaret smiled. "I will ask, however, that you remember that you, Sirius and James are not the only young people on this trip. Any decisions you make should take Remus' feelings into consideration. Now, enough said about that, I should think." She rose and moved over to the tea, waving her wand over the top to vanish the tea leaves and apply a cooling charm to the brew. An additional spell sliced the lemon and floated the fruit gently into the tea. "There. Why don't you go and tell the boys that we've iced tea and biscuits going and they should come along before I finish them all!"
The balcony doors opened as Kate and Lily approached them. "Mrs. Potter said that tea's ready," Kate said as the three wizards stepped inside.
"We'll be right there," James said, heading toward the bedroom area. "We'll just go wash up and get Remus."
Lily took Kate's arm. "We'd better freshen up, as well. Be right back," she called over her shoulder to James' parents. The young witch wanted nothing more than to splash some cold water on her face and collect herself before sitting down to tea with Margaret Potter. Although the older woman had been gracious and kind, the subject matter had left Lily feeling embarrassed and a little ill at ease.
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Remus waited until Margaret had left and he heard the door of what would be the girls' room close before he re-entered the sitting area. Glancing around, he made his way to the middle bedroom and slipped inside. Walking over to one of the large beds, he removed his trunk from his pocket, placed it carefully on the floor and murmured the incantation that returned it to normal size. Quietly, he began unpacking its contents, placing his clothing in the wardrobe and his toiletries in the bathroom. As he worked, his thoughts turned to his friends and the feelings that had so obviously deepened between the two couples. He was glad his friends were happy – glad that James had finally won the only witch he'd ever seriously fancied; and very happy that Sirius and Kate had overcome their challenges and were officially a couple. Remus didn't mind leaving them their privacy in the least. He knew that they would all be together – and busy – while in Paris; having some space to himself would be a nice respite from the dormitory life that had begun earlier than usual this year. Besides, there was Dorcas, whose company he enjoyed enormously and whom he sadly missed over the holiday. It was true that he cared deeply for the young witch – and she for him. But, after all, she didn't know what caring for him truly meant. Remus sighed, thinking of the full moon that was still two weeks away. Ultimately, it would always be his "partner"; there were too many risks inherent in the pursuit of another. Maybe I do envy them a bit. Feeling himself slipping toward maudlin thoughts, Remus quickly finished unpacking then grabbed a book and headed out to the sitting area to wait for his friends. Buck up, Lupin, he told himself sternly. This is Paris and you're here with your friends – your best mates. You've missed far too much time with them as it is these past months. Time to focus on enjoying these next few days – not dwelling on things you definitely cannot change.
It wasn't long before the low murmur of voices signaled the arrival of Sirius and James. When Remus turned to greet them, he noted that rather than the happy-go-lucky wizards of earlier in the day, the two friends seemed quite distracted. Tossing a quick greeting in his direction, the two boys only stopped when confronted with three closed doors and no idea which belonged to them. Remus had been following their progress.
"It's the one on the left," he said, his confusion intact when they simply opened the door and went inside.
Moments later, Lily came through, dragging Kate behind her and with only a wave in his general direction, they, too, disappeared into their room. Curious.
He rose, intending to join James and Sirius, but the door to their room opened before he had gotten very far.
"Moony! Where's your trunk, mate?" James asked, glancing back over his shoulder into the room as if the item had materialized once he'd turned his back.
"Yeah, where's all your gear?" Sirius chimed in. "Don't tell me that our favorite Prefect is skiving off unpacking….."
Remus smiled then inclined his head toward the middle door. "My trunk is in there – all nice and empty."
Sirius took a step toward his friend. "Remus, why aren't you staying in with us? I mean, we're ok now and …"
Remus shook his head adamantly. "Padfoot, this doesn't have anything to do with what happened before. That is all over and done with; you know this. I chose a room to myself because – well, I thought you and the girls would like some time to yourselves. And, to be truthful, it would be nice to have a room of my own for a few days. You know – I can read all night if I want to without worrying about disturbing you lot. And, of course, there's James' snoring to be considered. I usually enjoy an entire summer without listening to that racket!"
James spoke up. "Listen, despite that unbelievably tired comment about my snoring – which isn't true, by the way – we really don't want you off on your own while we're here. We spent enough time – well – at odds with each other this past year. I think it's possible for Sirius and I to survive for a few nights without the presence of Lily and Kate in our rooms. We manage for the entire school year, after all."
"James, really; I would enjoy the solitude. I plan to stay where I am even if you and Padfoot do wind up sharing that room," Remus insisted. "Besides, with everything that's planned over the next few days, I don't imagine we'll be spending much time in our rooms, do you?"
"I suppose you're right," Sirius allowed. "What are the plans, anyway?"
The sound of a door opening drew their attention and the boys were soon joined by Kate and Lily, the latter looking much less harassed than she had earlier.
"I suspect that we'll find out the particulars over tea," Kate said. "For which we are decidedly late."
"Let's go," James said, grabbing Lily's hand.
"What was the big meeting out on the balcony earlier?" the redhead asked as they walked toward the hallway.
Both James and Sirius blushed. "Dad just wanted to talk to Sirius and me for a minute," James replied.
"Is there something wrong?" Kate asked.
"No!" Sirius remembered Hal's suggestion that they keep their conversation between themselves and he desperately wanted to just drop the whole thing before he blurted it all out. He needn't have worried.
"Dad knew that you both stayed with us down in Brighton," James said in a rush. "He's ok with it – I'm NOT going to go into details about the conversation, so you can just forget – wait, why are you laughing?"
Lily and Kate were hanging onto each other, tears of mirth rolling down their cheeks. Gasped words and fragments of sentences were all they could muster.
"Old fashioned …" Kate wheezed.
"Not….aware," Lily choked out.
"What ARE the two of you on about?" Sirius demanded, folding his arms across his chest and waiting while the two young witches brought themselves under some semblance of control.
"Your mother had a similar conversation with us," Lily said, finally. "She's not angry, but said that your father was completely unaware of what went on in Brighton – and good thing, as he's so old-fashioned!"
James and Sirius let out matching whoops then shared Hal's observation about Margaret with their friends. The five of them lapsed into another round of laughter before James sobered up suddenly and looked at the others with a grimace on his face. "It was bad enough that Dad knew what we were doing – but Mum?"
"Oh, James – really. She hinted to us that she'd had a similar experience when she was younger," Lily said, watching the color drain from James' face. He put his hands up in front of him as if warding off a stampeding Hippogriff.
"Not another word," he said hoarsely. "She's my mother. I won't be able to look her in the eye as it is. Come on," he grabbed Lily's hand again and took off toward the hallway.
"Shall we?" Sirius asked, reaching for Kate's hand. She took it and, with a mischievous grin, grabbed Remus' hand as well.
"Why settle for one handsome wizard when a girl can have tea and biscuits with two?"
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Tea turned out to be a merry affair and even James managed to choke down a half dozen chocolate biscuits without incident. Of course, it took two glasses of iced tea and a half hour before he could actually look at his mother with out blushing scarlet, but he came around eventually. For her part, Margaret chatted happily away about Paris – both Wizard and Muggle – and the various shops and galleries that were in the vicinity of the hotel.
"I shall understand, however, if you younger gentlemen would prefer to spend time doing something other than shopping," she added with a smile. "You all want to visit a friend in hospital, I understand."
The students nodded. "Tomorrow, if possible; before she leaves," Kate offered.
Hal reached for another biscuit. "I don't see any problem with your visit taking place tomorrow morning. Margaret and I can accompany you to hospital and wait while you see Miss Bullstrode. Perhaps we can all do a bit of shopping and sight-seeing afterward."
While the others agreed and as the conversation about their agenda continued, Sirius listened and more than got the message. The Potters were along because of Dumbledore's concerns for their safety – or his at any rate. There was no way that the five students would be left to their own devices in Paris without some degree of supervision. Sirius had known this going in, of course, but the reminder underscored the difference between the time they'd spent in Brighton and this end-of-holiday sojourn to Paris. He thought of his Uncle Alphard and the reply he'd received to his owl requesting a visit. Sirius dug into the pocket of his jeans and pulled out a folded piece of parchment.
"Mr. Potter, my Uncle Alphard owns an apartment in the Hôtel des Maréchaux," he held out the parchment to Hal as he spoke. "I owled him before we left Hogwarts and asked if I could come and see him while we're here. He's getting older now – over one hundred, actually. I haven't seen him in awhile and I'd liked to, very much. Uncle Alphard was kicked out of the family, too – as you can tell from his reply." Sirius nodded at Hal. "Go ahead. You can read it."
Hal opened the parchment and found himself smiling as his eyes scanned the few sentences that were written there.
'Dear Sirius,
Well, my dear great-nephew, it would seem that you've finally managed to escape the perpetual purity of the House of Black. My congratulations to you, my boy! And, with your liberation comes the ability to visit with another ex-patriot: me. It is with great delight that I await your arrival. You are most welcome at any time and for as long as you would like. I've noted my address at the end of this parchment. Muggle Paris is a magical place to live (imagine your dear father's reaction to that statement!). You and any of your friends are more than welcome any time you choose to visit. Send an owl with the date and time most convenient for you and we will make our plans.
Affectionately, your –
Uncle Alphard'
"You have his sense of humor," Margaret remarked, smiling at Sirius. "Hal, Sirius' uncle lives quite close-by, doesn't he?"
"Quite. It is on the opposite side of the Arc de Triomphe, once you've gone through into Muggle Paris," her husband replied. "Sirius, do you have an idea of when you'd like to see him?"
"It's short notice, but if he agrees, I'd like to see him this evening – if you don't mind, that is," Sirius added. "I don't want to bollo-, I mean mess up your plans."
Hal hid a grin. "I think that you should send an owl to your uncle and see if he's agreeable. I had thought the rest of us would go to a little restaurant down the street from our hotel. It's run by a lovely – and very talented – couple who studied at the Cordon Bleu." He paused and reached for his wife's hand. "Margaret and I first visited the place on our honeymoon." Hal kissed the back of her hand. "We can walk down to the restaurant together then I'll see you to your uncle's and come back. How does that sound?"
Sirius felt himself bristle at the escort but remained silent; there was no point in protesting something he knew he couldn't change. And, recalling the incident with Bellatrix and Edgar Bones' son, the young wizard reluctantly accepted that the protection was not without merit. "That sounds fine, sir. Thank you."
"I'll ring downstairs and ask them to send up one of the hotel's owls."
Margaret rose and began gathering the remains of their tea and immediately, Lily jumped up to help, waving Kate off determinedly. "You can't spend the next few days doing penance, you know," Kate whispered to her friend. "You'll never enjoy a moment of Paris if you do!" Lily rolled her eyes and balanced plates and silver as she trotted dutifully into the kitchen behind the older witch.
Kate looked around to find James and Remus heading into the study to explore the ceiling to floor bookshelves installed there. A soft breeze fluttered the sheer panels hanging on either side of the balcony doors and Kate decided to claim the swing until everyone gathered to prepare for dinner. It wasn't long before the gentle motion of the swing had Kate nodding off in a light doze – one that was interrupted awhile later by the sound of boots crossing the stone floor.
"Off you go; and be sure to wait for a reply, please," Sirius' soft voice filtered through Kate's sleepy brain and she turned to see him at the balcony wall, sending a beautiful white owl off into the clear sky.
"Do you suppose he'll be available?" Kate asked, sitting up to make room for Sirius to sit beside her. He dropped down close to Kate, leaning over and kissing her cheek before settling back against the deep cushions.
"Dunno. I hope so. He's the only family member I've got that's worth anything – well, besides my cousin Andi."
"What about Regulus? I thought things had gotten better with him, no?"
Sirius turned to look at her. "We'll see what happens when he comes back to Hogwarts next Sunday, eh? They've had enough time to encourage him back onto the straight and narrow since I left."
"He might surprise you," Kate observed, looking over at the balcony as the sound of rustling wings drew her attention. The hotel owl had returned.
Sirius rose and removed the scroll from its leg. He stroked the snowy head briefly then opened the message. A moment later, he was smiling broadly.
"Brilliant! Uncle Alphard is available for dinner – and suggests that I bring along anything I might need if I want to stay over until tomorrow," Sirius said. "Do you mind that I'm going alone? Without you, I mean?"
"A little," Kate confessed truthfully. "But only because I'll miss your company."
Sirius sat next to her again and took her hand in both of his. "I want you to meet him, Katie – before we leave Paris to go back to school. You'll like him."
Kate squeezed his fingers. "I already do."
He leaned over and kissed her cheek gently. "I'm going to go in and let James' parents know I've heard back from Uncle Alphard."
"I'll walk in with you," Kate rose. "I imagine we're all going to be leaving soon."
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A little over an hour later, the group stepped off the lift and into the lobby. Given it was still early, most guests were in their suites preparing for whatever evening engagements they had made, leaving little activity in the public area of the hotel or in the street beyond. As they stepped out onto the cobblestoned streets, Kate felt Sirius slip his hand into hers, entwining their fingers tightly. She smiled at him before looking around her.
"It's so beautiful," she said, taking in the ancient buildings with their elaborate decorative detail.
"And historic," Lily put in. "Hotel d'Artois, for example, is named for Mathilde d'Artois, mother-in-law of King Philip V. She was tried for sorcery in 1316 because she was thought to be using magic to reconcile her daughter with Philip after they'd had a severe falling-out. She was also suspected of using magic against Louis X to secure the throne for her son-in-law. They acquitted her in 1317."
James looked down at Lily and shook his head. "How did you manage to find out about all of that? We've practically just arrived!"
"I found it in a book in the study while I was waiting for you to finish your attempt to tame that hair!" Lily reached over and attempted to ruffle James' always unruly mop, but he caught her hand and lowered it, still clasped in his own. Squeezing it gently, he continued to walk along without releasing her. Lily smiled and moved a bit closer to him.
"Ah, here we are!" Hal stopped in front of a whitewashed stone building from which emanated soft laughter, the tinkle of cutlery against fine china and the mouth watering aromas of roasting meat, garlic and fresh bread. "Margaret, why don't you go on in and get everyone settled? I'll be right back."
"Have fun with your uncle," James called as, with waves in his direction they all disappeared inside the restaurant.
"Ready?" Hal put his hand on Sirius' shoulder.
The pair retraced their steps and soon found themselves on the magical side of the soaring Arc du Triomphe. "Same principal as Platform 9 ¾, you know," Hal said. "Just focus on the stone wall of the Arc and walk straight through to the other side." He finished with a smile, turned and followed his own directions, stepping into the seemingly solid wall and disappearing through it. Sirius shifted his knapsack more securely over his shoulder and followed; a moment later, the two were reunited beneath the archway. They walked quickly along Place de l'Etoile until they were standing before the prestigious Hôtel des Maréchaux.
"Here we are," Hal said. "Your uncle is on the second floor, yes?"
Sirius nodded. "You don't need to go in with me, Mr. Potter. I've been here before; I know my way."
"Good enough. Now, I know you've brought your things with you in the event you decide to stay the night. If something happens and you want to come back to the apartment, you can send an owl. Otherwise, I'll be back for you tomorrow morning at 9, yes?"
"Yes," Sirius nodded. As Hal started back in the direction he'd come, Sirius reached out and put a hand on his arm. Hal turned and looked at the young wizard quizzically. "Thank you. For this – and everything you and Mrs. Potter have done for me. It's more than my own parents have done – would have done."
Hal's impulse was to do what he would have done with his own son – reach out to him, but there was something about the quiet dignity with which Sirius spoke that stopped him. Hal realized that the wizard before him was more man than boy now – his parents had seen to that. Yet, there was something childlike that periodically surfaced in Sirius' voice and manner – another gift from the Blacks. Hal compromised and covered Sirius' hand with his own. "You're very welcome, son, but remember – you are part of our family and this is how family treats one another, after all." With a smile and a brief increase of pressure on Sirius' hand, Hal resumed his walk. Sirius watched him through the far wall of the archway before walking quickly up the steps and inside the building.
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"Master Black, come in; your uncle is waiting for you in the study." Madame Rousseau, housekeeper for Alphard Black for over twenty years, greeted Sirius with a smile as she ushered him into the entrance gallery of her employer's luxurious apartment. Tall, rail thin and with iron gray hair pulled back and twisted into a rather severe French twist, Marie Rousseau was viewed with trepidation by those who did not know her well. The staff who made the household tick along fluidly respected Marie, knowing her to be a fair and considerate manager – but one who ruled the household with only one goal in mind – the contentment and well being of Alphard Black. Disowned by his family, Alphard had but two relatives for whom he had any regard whatsoever: a great niece, Andromeda, who had no interest in the Dark beliefs of her family – and this one, his great nephew, Sirius, for whom he had particularly great affection. Marie, too, had grown fond of the young man and was happy to hear that he would be visiting.
"Madame Marie," Sirius smiled, leaning forward and kissing her cheek. "How have you been?"
"Quite well, young man," she replied in heavily accented – but perfect – English. "Come."
The two made their way along the corridor, with its gleaming inlaid wood flooring and very high walls, all painted a soft white. The corridor ended at a cross-running hallway beyond which stood a pair of wide windows which stood ceiling to floor and led to a large balcony. They drew level with the last door on the left and Marie gave Sirius a smile before leaning forward to open it.
"Go right on in. Let me take your bag and put it in the guest room, yes? I'll be back in a moment with tea," Marie said, closing the door behind him once Sirius had given her his knapsack and stepped forward.
"Sirius, my boy! Come in, come in!" Alphard Black's voice boomed from the far end of the room and turning, Sirius saw his great uncle rise from the depths of a huge, overstuffed chair to the right of the open window. He was just as Sirius remembered him. Long white, wavy hair flowed just past his shoulders and his long, thick white beard fell to just above his waist and, like Dumbledore's, was secured with a pencil thin ribbon, from which dangled a golden star. That was where the resemblance ended, however, as Alphard Black was a fair head and a half taller than Dumbledore and did not wear traditional wizard garb unless he ventured beyond the magical portal embedded in the arch. This didn't mean that the elderly wizard dressed in a conservative fashion. Today, he was dressed in a pair of bell-bottomed denims with a white linen, tunic styled shirt, embroidered with symbols that Sirius recognized as runes. A pair of brown sandals completed his outfit and Sirius' face broke out in a wide smile.
"Uncle Alphard," he said moving forward and into the tight embrace of the older man. He felt the same sense of home with this man that he felt with the Potters. How could I ever have thought that I belonged in Grimmauld Place?
"Sit down, my boy," Alphard broke the embrace and gestured toward a matching chair beside his. "You've brought your things with you to stay the night, I trust?" At the younger wizard's nod, he continued. "Excellent. Marie will have dinner ready for us before we finish our cup of tea, I'll wager. I'm looking forward to our visit."
"As am I, Uncle," Sirius responded. "It's so good to see you."
"You've had a hard time." It wasn't a question.
"I'm a disappointment to them," Sirius said quietly. He knew immediately what his uncle was referring to. "I don't believe in the things they believe in and they hate me for it."
"Do you consider that you've failed in some way?" Alphard leaned forward.
"Never! I don't want to be like them; I'm not like them! It's just…it's hard not to be accepted by the people who should accept you."
"I understand. But you have the Potters," Alphard said, smiling. "They're good people."
Sirius returned the smile. "The best," he agreed. "They've taken me in; they've told me that they think of me as a son."
"And you think of them as family, as well?"
"Yes, sir," Sirius said firmly.
"Excellent! They recognize and prize in you all of the qualities your parents and the rest of them despise. You are a fine young man; a powerful wizard. You believe in all of the right things and are not seduced by the power of the Dark magic that most of our relations embrace. I am exceedingly proud of you, my boy. I - ," Alphard broke off as the door opened and Marie entered pushing a tea cart on which rested a sterling tea service and two generously sized mugs.
"Merci, Marie," Alphard said.
"I wish you would use the proper china service," Marie admonished. "These tankards are unseemly and do not match the elegant silver."
"Well, then, I shall not force you to use them, my dear. You may use the proper china to your heart's content. We are men, Marie; none of that dainty, two-swallows per cup nonsense for us. Isn't that right, my boy?" Alphard winked at his great-nephew.
"Absolutely! And not just for tea, eh?" Sirius mimicked his great-uncle's wink.
Alphard threw back his head and laughed heartily. "You see, Marie? He's like me, he is! The right kind of Black!"
"Merlin help us, yes, I see!" the Frenchwoman shook her head but her tone was affectionate. "Now, dinner will be ready for you in fifteen minutes. See that you are in the dining room at that time or I shall not be pleased with either of 'the right kind of Blacks'!"
This time, Sirius joined Alphard in a bout of hearty laughter as Alphard poured out and the two hurriedly drank their tea.
Later, over dinner, the conversation turned solemn again and, at Alphard's gentle questioning, Sirius recounted what had happened with Walburga both over Christmas and, latterly, in the summer. The older man paled as he listened to Sirius' story and when the younger wizard was finished, he was silent for a very long time. Finally, he spoke.
"Sirius, what happened to you should never happen to anyone. Children should not suffer at the hands of their parents. I trust that you have no plan to return to Grimmauld Place."
"None. I'll never go back," Sirius' voice was adamant.
"My boy, it is imperative that you remain as far away from your parents as possible – particularly your mother," Alphard's expression and tone were as devoid of good humor as Sirius had ever seen.
He nodded. "I know."
"Even the incidental meeting, such as King's Cross must be avoided. Walburga is an extremely unstable witch," Alphard was insistent.
The penny dropped. "You know about her 'visit' to Paris," Sirius said slowly, surprise evident on his face.
Alphard nodded. "An old acquaintance of mine is a Healer who specializes in mental maladies. Very similar to Muggle psychiatrists. Oh, he's reduced his practice to well below half-time now, but he's still called upon to consult in more unusual cases."
"Such as my mother's."
"Yes, but he was not involved beyond a chance run-in with the Healer who was treating her. He overheard a bit of conversation and recognized the name. He is, of course, bound by oath to remain mum about patients' cases." Here Alphard paused, toying with the hem of his napkin for awhile, seemingly involved in some sort of internal debate. Finally, he broke his silence. "Whatever he heard, however, was distressing enough for him to share only the most abbreviated summary of the Healer's opinion."
"And what did he say?" Sirius wasn't certain that he wanted to hear any of the details, yet he couldn't seem to stop himself asking. It was like watching a bludger heading toward a mate on the Quidditch pitch. You knew it would be awful, you didn't want to look, but you just couldn't make yourself look away.
"Walburga is more than unstable, Sirius," came the soft reply. "She is a powerful witch who is also deeply disturbed. The combination makes her highly dangerous – as you have already experienced."
Sirius swallowed audibly. "And they can do nothing to help her, can they?"
"Oh, yes; there are certain treatments but they are quite drastic and I'm afraid that Walburga would not consent," Alphard shook his head. "To be completely fair, I'm not certain that I would have agreed, either."
"What were they?"
"A combination of dramatic memory modification and potion-induced behavior alteration. She would have had removed all memories of perceived transgressions against her. Then, healers would have administered potions designed to alter her reactions to certain people and situations that triggered the more … negative aspects of her personality. As was explained to me, Walburga would have had limited emotional reactions to people around her."
"And I would be correct in the assumption that I am one of the 'certain people' who would have disappeared from her memory; correct?" Sirius' expression was grim.
"Yes, son. You and I both were specifically mentioned as triggering a significantly negative response in her."
"Well, she certainly wouldn't have wanted to rob herself of the ability to hate me, would she?" Alphard remained silent; neither wizard required an answer to Sirius' question.
"Uncle Alphard, did they do anything at all for her?"
The old wizard shook his head. "She had one or two conversations – 'sessions', I believe they're called. The Healers quickly realized that unless Walburga agreed to the treatment they recommended, they could do nothing for her. They cautioned your father about the consequences of taking her home without treatment…"
"…which, basically, means that nothing will change," Sirius interjected bitterly.
Alphard reached over and covered Sirius' hand with his own. "Which is why you need to remain away from her."
Sirius nodded. "Well, that should prove easy enough. Nothing can get to me at school; Dumbledore will see to that. I've got Mr. Potter – Head of the MLE – protecting me in Paris, except that Mother's back in London now, so it should be all right anyway. And, of course, nothing will happen to me here, with you." The younger wizard smiled. "Mr. Potter called you an 'extremely powerful wizard'."
Alphard did not return Sirius' cheerful expression. "Harold Potter would not have allowed you to come here – nor would Albus Dumbledore – if I were not. Your own power is tremendous, but not yet fully developed. I daresay that in the end, you will surpass me handily."
Sirius flushed with pleasure at his great-uncle's observation.
"You must remember this conversation, son – especially when you are tempted to act recklessly and take unnecessary chances. There are those, after all, who would wish to ensure that you do not have the time to reach your full potential. Do not give them an opportunity to achieve that goal." Alphard patted Sirius' hand then picked up his wine goblet and took a healthy swallow.
Sirius watched his great-uncle quietly, but his mind was whirling with questions. Finally – and true to form – he could keep still now longer. "Is this why you invited me to dinner and to stay tonight? To warn me about my mother?"
"Not entirely; you already knew how dangerous Walburga could be, didn't you?" At Sirius' nod, he continued, "there are others in the Black family who would wish us harm. Surely, Bellatrix has not changed her stripes – nor will she. And Narcissa has taken up with a Malfoy – another arrogant, dangerous family. She is vain and stupid and she and Lucius – that peacock – will make a fine pair. But, the peacock has fallen in with vipers, my boy; his power has impressed them greatly. While he preens his feathers, the Dark ones position him to attract others to their cause. It won't be long before these scattered disappearances escalate into something more – and those who have chosen a Darker path will be revealed to us in most unpleasant ways. Some will be those we've held close to us and would have never suspected. Remember that Dark followers prey on the weak, the outcasts – always. I want you to always remember who you are in here," Alphard reached over and put his hand over Sirius' heart, "for that will never allow you to be swayed from your beliefs. That will give you your greatest protection. These are things I wanted to say to you." He withdrew his hand and finally smiled again. "And, of course, you are delightful company."
Sirius smiled. "So are you, Uncle."
Alphard inclined his head. "Thank you."
"Are you in danger, as well?" Sirius truly loved the elderly wizard – always had – and was most distressed to think that anything could happen to him.
Alphard paused and appeared to be weighing his answer carefully. After some time had passed, he nodded. "Yes, but we are all in danger, son."
"But not all are in danger of my mother, Uncle," Sirius replied. "That is a threat unique to us, I think. I know why she hates me as she does. Is it just that you don't conform to 'Toujours Pur' that makes her hate you?"
"No, indeed," Alphard replied. "Your mother hates me as she does because I've validated your belief that they are wrong about 'Toujours Pur'. And, of course, because I love you. In many ways, you are like the son I did not have." Alphard cleared his throat roughly and rose then, making a great task of straightening the chair cover.
Sirius felt the prickle of tears behind his eyes and swallowed against a throat that had suddenly gotten quite tight. He waited until he had brought himself under some degree of control before he rose, moving over to where his great-uncle stood. He embraced the old wizard lightly, feeling Alphard return the gesture. A moment later, the embrace ended and Sirius took a step back.
"You are my family – more like a grandfather than an uncle. I love you, too," the young wizard said quietly.
Fortunately, a knock on the door provided sufficient distraction to allow the two wizards to compose themselves. Marie entered the dining room, her sharp eyes taking in the discomfiture of the pair standing at the head of the table. "I've just put chocolate cake and coffee in the parlor, M. Black. Perhaps you and Master Black would like to take your dessert there so that the staff can restore order in here, oui?"
"Of course, Marie. We were finished here anyway," Alphard responded, putting his arm around Sirius' shoulders. "Shall we, my boy?"
Sirius nodded.
"Excellent! And perhaps while we enjoy Marie's excellent cake, you can tell me all about this beautiful young witch of yours." Sirius' eyes widened in surprise and looked up at his great-uncle, who simply laughed and steered him out of the room.
Over dessert, Sirius did, indeed, tell Alphard all about Kate and the elder wizard was touched at the tenderness in Sirius' eyes as he spoke. "She is very special to you, this one," he said when Sirius had finished.
"Very special, Uncle. She would very much like to meet you," Sirius replied.
"Well, then, let us send an owl to Mr. Potter and suggest that Miss Morgan accompany him in the morning. Perhaps we can all have breakfast together before you depart."
Sirius readily agreed and the owl was dispatched at once. Just as Sirius was cleaning his teeth before bed, his great-uncle knocked on his door to tell him that Mr. Potter had replied, suggesting that Alphard join all of them for breakfast in their apartment so that he could meet all of Sirius' friends. The two Black wizards grinned and agreed that this was, indeed, a much better plan and Alphard hurried off to send a confirmation to the Potters.
Later, as Sirius lay in bed, he thought about all that Alphard had told him and, despite the Darkness that was permeating their world, the young wizard decided that his life was better now than it had been in some time – all due to the love of people who chose to be his family – and one elderly wizard who shared both his blood and his beliefs.
