p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"A few days later Sirius sat on the terrace reading the Daily Prophet. Lucius had accompanied Andromeda to collect some things for her and Teddy from her house. Mercuria was working in her studio. Sirius looked up when Regulus, Gavin and Marius joined him. "What's up?". Gavin explained, "We've been doing a lot of thinking lately. Since it seems impossible to stop Cygnus by legal means, we must arm ourselves against him. To do that, we need your help". Sirius folded up the journal and put it aside. "You have my undivided attention". Regulus said, "Brother, you lived through many dangerous and strange situations, and you mastered extremely ambitious magic like the creation of the Marauder's Map. We believe you can teach us quite a lot. We are wizards with just average skills and knowledge. Therefore, we want to ask for your help. Teach us what you know". Sirius didn't know what to reply. He tilted his head and his long dark hair fell in front of his face, covering it like a curtain. His questioners waited in silence. Finally, he threw back his head, looked at them one after the other and said in an agitated voice: "In my life there have been many events that are very unusual even for a wizard. No one but my wife knows about them, and that's the way I want to keep it. Only this much: if my life had been ordinary, neither Gavin nor Marius would be here, and I wouldn't either. As to your request: Let me guess, I would bet that you want to learn how to become an Animagus. What do you say? Am I right?". Hesitantly, the three nodded. "An Animagus is not directly illegal. If it is registered. But of course, you don't want to register yours. So why do you think you should become an Animagus?"./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"Regulus leaned forward. "Sirius, as we said before. We have no idea, what Cygnus plans next. But he was so bent on becoming an Animagus that he will surely pursue the matter. We want to be prepared as best we can when he strikes next. Just like you and James Potter braced yourselves against the Dark Lord. You became an Animagus because you thought it might help you in your fight against Voldemort, right?". Sirius smiled. "No, we learned to transform because we wanted to support a friend who was a werewolf. Only as Animaghi could we stay by his side when he turned into the beast. Besides, it was sheer coincidence and lots of luck that we came up with this solution". He explained, "James and I had to do detention once again, with Professor McGonagall, who was giving Transfiguration classes. As punishment work, we had to assort essays of former students, one in Professor McGonagall's office, the other in the classroom. While we were browsing through the writs, she was reading in an ancient, thick book from the forbidden section of the library. Once, when she left the room for a short while, I took the book from her drawer to see what it was about. When I realised that she had been reading a chapter on Animaghi, I copied it. Perhaps she was in the process of becoming an Animagus herself at the time. James and I decided that we should give it a try. It's quite a lengthy procedure. What were your grades in Transfiguration and Potions, and have you been practising these since your school days?". Regulus said, "I had an 'O' in both. Since then, of course, I transformed a thing or two, just like everybody else does. But not very often. I have not brewed a potion since my school days". Gavin nodded, "same goes for me". Marius said, "I had an 'O' in Potions and an 'E' in Transfiguration. I brew potions all the time. I need them for my work as a healer. I'm quite good at it". He smiled shyly. Sirius patted him on the shoulder. "I'm sure you are. Very good, my son. Very good indeed". Then he asked, "And what is your Patronus?". Regulus said, "Mine is a lion". Gavin and Marius shook their heads. "You don't have a Patronus?", asked Sirius surprised. "That wasn't taught at Defence against the Dark Arts, when I was at Hogwarts," Gavin said. "Nor at Beauxbatons", added Marius./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6".Sirius leaned back and rocked his chair against the wall. "Ok. I'll give it some thought. But before I tell you my decision, Gavin and Marius need to learn how to cast the Patronus Charm". "Why?". asked Regulus surprised. "First, because it's useful. You assume that in the not too far future you might have to defend yourself against the Dark Arts. The Patronus Charm is an essential part of such a defence. Summoning a Patronus is quite demanding, but not nearly as difficult and tedious as transforming into an Animagus. Let me see, whether you can perform some rather advanced magic. Furthermore, a person's Animagus shape is the same as his Patronus. In case one of you has a rat as his Patronus, I will not allow you to become an Animagus. And that's my last word". For a moment they looked at him agape. Then Marius called out, "So you agree to help us with the Animagus?". Sirius raised his hand. "Wait a minute. I didn't say that. I'll have to think about it. But as I said, first you must learn to cast a Patronus. I suggest we get started right away. Regulus and I will show you what to do". Sirius pushed himself off the wall, got up and jumped down the steps onto the lawn. The others followed excited. The two brothers positioned themselves side by side, raised their wands and shouted, "Expecto Patronum". A giant dog and a lion burst from the tips of their wands and their silvery shapes trotted side by side across the lawn until they dissolved./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"Sirius explained: "As I said, the Patronus Charm is fairly advanced magic and not all wizards master it. Some can at least cast a non-corporeal Patronus. But of course, a corporeal Patronus, such as we have shown you, is what you want to conjure up. First you must concentrate on a very happy moment in your life. Search in your memory for an incident of real bliss, because only if this thought is strong enough the charm will be successful. The incantation is 'Expecto Patronum'. Have you grasped everything so far? Would you like to give it a try?". Gavin and Marius nodded. Regulus stood next to his friend and after only a few attempts Gavin succeeded to summon a corporeal Patronus. Regulus clapped his hands enthusiastically as a squirrel erupted from Gavin's wand and darted off down the lawn. "That was fast. Wow. Great job". Sirius and Marius applauded. "So, how's it going with you, Marius?", asked Regulus. Marius shook his head. "Not yet". Despite the zeal he showed in waving his wand and shouting "Expecto Patronum", so far, he had only been able to cast a faint, thin plume of smoke. Sirius noticed that his son's shoulders tightened and that he looked miserable. His hand that held the wand began to tremble. "Hey, you two. Why don't you visit Mercuria and tell her about Gavin's Patronus? She's in her workshop", Sirius shouted to Regulus and Gavin. They nodded and returned into the house./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"Sirius turned towards Marius and asked, "Would you like to try again?". Marius nodded. But the more he tried, the shakier he became. Finally, he turned to Sirius and sobbed, "I just can't do it. I'm not a great wizard like you or Cygnus. All I ever wanted was that you liked me. That you're happy and proud that I am your son. But I'm just a goner. All I am good at is healing people, but I cannot do advanced magic. Cygnus was right when he said, I don't belong here. You probably already regret that Mercuria invited me to live with you. Last year I've met my mother. She wasn't a mighty witch. Just a lonely woman. She blamed me for her misfortune. And I don't understand what a great wizard like you ever saw in her. As long as I can remember, you were my hero, famous Sirius Black, one of the most powerful wizards of them all. The most wonderful man in the world and my Daddy who took me with him and who cared for me when I was just a little boy. I never forgot you though some day you stopped visiting me and I blamed myself for having done something to drive you away. Later I learned that you have been in Azkaban and that it wasn't my fault that you stayed away. Mercuria told me so many stories about you. When she wrote that you wanted me to move in with you, I just couldn't believe it. When I came here, I desperately hoped that you'd like me. But I was also afraid that I wouldn't be good enough and that you would find me insignificant. I'm sure you despise me and want to get rid of me. That is why you sent me to work in London. I'm nothing special, not like your other sons". Marius sobbed and turned to run away. Completely overwhelmed by this outburst, Sirius held him back, took the young man in his arms and whispered, "Nothing special? You are my firstborn, and I am immensely proud of you and of what you have achieved. I heard that you are a great healer, my son". Marius looked up. "Really?". Sirius nodded and took him by the hand. "Come with me for a moment. I want to tell you something". He led his son towards the stairs to the terrace, where they sat down side by side. Sirius lit a cigarette and told Marius how he had accidentally run into him at the Leaky Cauldron. How he had known immediately that Marius was his son. How he had made enquiries and finally had borrowed Mercuria's time-turner to make arrangements so that Marius could grow up with Mercuria. "I knew then that I was going to prison. And before that, I tried to find a loving home for you. Ever since the end of the war, I've wanted you to come home. But Mercuria forbade me to get in contact with you. She insisted that you finished your studies first. I couldn't very well oppose her. You know how persistent she can be". Marius chuckled. "Yes, I know. You couldn't find anyone better to care for me. Oh, Daddy, I'm so happy". He wrapped his arms around his father and beamed with joy. While Sirius stroked his head, he looked up at the terrace. Mercuria, Regulus and Gavin were standing at the balustrade and smiled down at him./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"Sirius said, "I have one favour to ask. Call me Sirius, not Daddy. It's okay for the little ones. But we're both adults and thus at eye level. Being called "Daddy" by a grown-up man sounds weird". Marius laughed happily. "All right. Come on, let's have another go. I have a good feeling now". They returned to the lawn. Marius drew his wand and nodded resolutely at Sirius. Then he closed his eyes, concentrated, and called out, "Expecto Patronum". Blinding and dazzling, a bright, giant eagle erupted from his wand and took to the sky. Marius beamed. Applause rang out from the terrace. They turned and waved to Mercuria, who clapped her hands enthusiastically. Marius asked, "Do you think I'll ever find one like her?". Sirius smiled. "Honestly, I don't think so. She's absolutely unique. But I am sure that one day you will meet a girl and fall in love. Don't waste your time searching for a phantom. By the way, I didn't find her, she found me. One more thing, don't tell Mercuria that I used her time-turner, ok?". As they climbed up onto the terrace, Marius, Regulus and Gavin cheered and congratulated each other enthusiastically. "Say Sirius, how did we do?". He gave a satisfied nod. "Very well". "Now, what do you say to our plan?". Sirius turned to his wife. "Curey. These three here want to become Animaghi. Think about it and let me know how you assess this idea". Regulus asked, "You're asking your wife what to do? Sorry, Mercuria, but I do find this weird". Sirius put his arm around his wife's shoulder. "I've done an awful lot of stupid things in my life, many of which could have ended in a disaster. Mercuria has straightened out many of them. I trust her judgment implicitly". He kissed her. She caressed his cheek and turned away. As she entered the living room, she said, "I will think about it and give you my opinion tonight"./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"At night in bed, Mercuria said, "Please explain to me how a wizard becomes an Animagus". Sirius described the complex procedure to her. She leaned back in her pillow, closed her eyes, and thought about what he had said. Sirius waited. Eventually she said, "I think it would be worth a try. There is still time enough to prepare. I am very confident that Cygnus will not give up. There is no turning back for him. Being an Animagus has certain advantages. But whom do I tell this? No one knows this better than you do. I would suggest that you teach them some additional skills though". Sirius glanced at her expectantly. "You should show them how to drive motorbikes and cars for example". "Why?". "Because the best hiding place for a wizard is the Muggle world. You've experienced this yourself first hand and told Cygnus about it. He might consider your story as a model to seek refuge there. As long as he does not use magic, he remains undetectable to you and your kind. Besides, I am convinced that it would be wise to master a means of mobility which can be used in both worlds. You've been motorcycling since you left Hogwarts. So, you know the various advantages it has compared to flying a broomstick. Furthermore, it makes it easy to switch from one world to the other. Remember that years ago we talked about mobility in the Wizarding World? As far as I know, you use the Floo Network, portkeys, and you can apparate. But all three methods have the disadvantage that they bring you from one fixed point to another. For flexible mobility, you only have the broomstick and a hippogriff now and then". She chuckled before she continued, "I think it's essential to increase your options, and a motorbike and a car are good choices". "Well, a wizard can drive a car by magic without ever having learned how to operate it. Riding a motorcycle is another match. Well, I think it's a good suggestion. I will persuade the boys to have a go at it". Sirius mused. "Tomorrow I will travel to London and purchase the ingredients we need for the Animagus transformation. There are numerous factors that affect the procedure, which means that it may take quite some time for a wizard to learn how to transform. Hence, we should start as soon as possible. I had everything we need in the house, but after I found out about Cygnus, I destroyed a lot of ingredients and potions. I will also obtain some medical plants which Marius might need. We should set up an infirmary here. Who knows what else will happen". "I'll join you. I would like to buy some clothes for the boys. They are growing so fast that I can't keep up with the shopping. And here in the village I don't find what I have in mind"./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"As decided, Sirius and Mercuria apparated to London the next morning. They parted and while Mercuria went to shop in the Muggle outlets, Sirius walked down Diagon Alley. Next to Hogwarts, this was the only place in the country where he felt like being a wizard without reservations. Having lived among Muggles for several years, both worlds for him had become so closely intertwined that he usually did not distinguish between them and switched from one to the other without being aware. But as he now strolled past the Wizarding shops, he felt more at ease than he had in a long time and thought that one should return to one's roots from time to time. Some of the few passers-by eyed him curiously and nodded at him. At the turnoff to Knockturn Alley, he cautiously checked around. There were no pedestrians in this part of the street. Sirius pulled the hood of his cloak low over his face and turned off Diagon Alley. None of the seedy figures loitering in the alley took any notice of him as he stealthily sneaked past them and stopped in front of the house at the far end of the street. He tapped his wand against a wooden door. At eye level, a flap opened, and someone peered through it. A croaky voice asked, "What do you need?". Sirius passed a note and a purse through the flap. His invisible interlocutor took both and the flap closed again. After some time, he heard footsteps inside. The flap reopened and someone passed a small package through it. Sirius pocketed it and returned to Diagon Alley. There he sought out the pharmacy. Again he handed in a note and the employee gathered the ingredients he requested. The parcel he handed out to Sirius was considerably larger than the one he already carried in his cloak. He tucked it under his arm and left. Following a sudden impulse, he headed towards Flourish and Blotts. His visit to Diagon Alley had reminded him of his duty to teach the little ones about the Wizarding World. It was his responsibility to give the boys the best possible start. He had left their upbringing to Mercuria far too long. In many ways she had been very successful. His sons were sociable, enthusiastic, respectful of others. They had self-confidence and a natural curiosity which allowed them to easily learn new things. On top they were clever and astute. But of course, their mother could not teach them magic. So it was up to him to prepare them for the challenges that would wait for them at Hogwarts one day. He resolved to pay more attention to their education from now on. Procyon and Asterion were old enough to have classes. Above all they must learn to read and write although Sirius was not sure whether they did not master these basic skills already, because Mercuria had playfully taught them many things that other children only learned at school. Sirius smiled because if they did, it was all the better. He bought some children's books with stories and fairy tales for the older ones and some picture books for the little ones. Spontaneously, he added some first level schoolbooks to his purchases. Smiling, he remembered that at the age of eight he had secretly pinched his father's wand and performed magic for the first time. By then he already knew numerous spells that he had picked up from his parents and memorised. When his father had found out about him, he had given him an old wand and had not paid any further attention to his son's attempts at magic. After all, it was impossible to determine who used magic in a wizard's household, so he had continued his experiments unnoticed by the Ministry. He planned to act in a similar way with his sons. He would not give his boys a wand, although if they listened to the adults attentively, overheard some spells and perhaps even came across a wand which was left carelessly lying around, he would not discourage them from using it. When he left the shop, he decided to hire a private teacher as soon as possible. Sirius shook his head. This whole story with Cygnus had distracted him from the fact that as a father he was responsible for his children. Throughout his childhood, he had vowed to be a better father than Orion Black had been. Now he was called upon and ready to rise to the occasion. /span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"In the Leaky Cauldron he waited for Mercuria, who finally entered loaded with bags and packages. Exhausted, she dropped into a chair. "It's unbelievable what's going on in the city. It's not even the weekend. Well, I did get what I wanted, anyway. What about you?". Sirius nodded and then told her about his plans regarding a tutor. "That's a splendid idea. I had already considered sending Procyon and Asterion to a Muggle Primary School. But in view of the situation with Cygnus, I'd feel bad if they had to go to the village each day. I'd rather have a private tutor. It should be someone who knows the Muggle world as well and can teach them things like Mathematics, Geography and so on. Will you arrange to find someone?". Before they returned home, they had dinner in a fancy restaurant, and both agreed that they should go out more often./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"Regulus leaned forward. "Sirius, as we said before. We have no idea, what Cygnus plans next. But he was so bent on becoming an Animagus that he will surely pursue the matter. We want to be prepared as best we can when he strikes next. Just like you and James Potter braced yourselves against the Dark Lord. You became an Animagus because you thought it might help you in your fight against Voldemort, right?". Sirius smiled. "No, we learned to transform because we wanted to support a friend who was a werewolf. Only as Animaghi could we stay by his side when he turned into the beast. Besides, it was sheer coincidence and lots of luck that we came up with this solution". He explained, "James and I had to do detention once again, with Professor McGonagall, who was giving Transfiguration classes. As punishment work, we had to assort essays of former students, one in Professor McGonagall's office, the other in the classroom. While we were browsing through the writs, she was reading in an ancient, thick book from the forbidden section of the library. Once, when she left the room for a short while, I took the book from her drawer to see what it was about. When I realised that she had been reading a chapter on Animaghi, I copied it. Perhaps she was in the process of becoming an Animagus herself at the time. James and I decided that we should give it a try. It's quite a lengthy procedure. What were your grades in Transfiguration and Potions, and have you been practising these since your school days?". Regulus said, "I had an 'O' in both. Since then, of course, I transformed a thing or two, just like everybody else does. But not very often. I have not brewed a potion since my school days". Gavin nodded, "same goes for me". Marius said, "I had an 'O' in Potions and an 'E' in Transfiguration. I brew potions all the time. I need them for my work as a healer. I'm quite good at it". He smiled shyly. Sirius patted him on the shoulder. "I'm sure you are. Very good, my son. Very good indeed". Then he asked, "And what is your Patronus?". Regulus said, "Mine is a lion". Gavin and Marius shook their heads. "You don't have a Patronus?", asked Sirius surprised. "That wasn't taught at Defence against the Dark Arts, when I was at Hogwarts," Gavin said. "Nor at Beauxbatons", added Marius./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6".Sirius leaned back and rocked his chair against the wall. "Ok. I'll give it some thought. But before I tell you my decision, Gavin and Marius need to learn how to cast the Patronus Charm". "Why?". asked Regulus surprised. "First, because it's useful. You assume that in the not too far future you might have to defend yourself against the Dark Arts. The Patronus Charm is an essential part of such a defence. Summoning a Patronus is quite demanding, but not nearly as difficult and tedious as transforming into an Animagus. Let me see, whether you can perform some rather advanced magic. Furthermore, a person's Animagus shape is the same as his Patronus. In case one of you has a rat as his Patronus, I will not allow you to become an Animagus. And that's my last word". For a moment they looked at him agape. Then Marius called out, "So you agree to help us with the Animagus?". Sirius raised his hand. "Wait a minute. I didn't say that. I'll have to think about it. But as I said, first you must learn to cast a Patronus. I suggest we get started right away. Regulus and I will show you what to do". Sirius pushed himself off the wall, got up and jumped down the steps onto the lawn. The others followed excited. The two brothers positioned themselves side by side, raised their wands and shouted, "Expecto Patronum". A giant dog and a lion burst from the tips of their wands and their silvery shapes trotted side by side across the lawn until they dissolved./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"Sirius explained: "As I said, the Patronus Charm is fairly advanced magic and not all wizards master it. Some can at least cast a non-corporeal Patronus. But of course, a corporeal Patronus, such as we have shown you, is what you want to conjure up. First you must concentrate on a very happy moment in your life. Search in your memory for an incident of real bliss, because only if this thought is strong enough the charm will be successful. The incantation is 'Expecto Patronum'. Have you grasped everything so far? Would you like to give it a try?". Gavin and Marius nodded. Regulus stood next to his friend and after only a few attempts Gavin succeeded to summon a corporeal Patronus. Regulus clapped his hands enthusiastically as a squirrel erupted from Gavin's wand and darted off down the lawn. "That was fast. Wow. Great job". Sirius and Marius applauded. "So, how's it going with you, Marius?", asked Regulus. Marius shook his head. "Not yet". Despite the zeal he showed in waving his wand and shouting "Expecto Patronum", so far, he had only been able to cast a faint, thin plume of smoke. Sirius noticed that his son's shoulders tightened and that he looked miserable. His hand that held the wand began to tremble. "Hey, you two. Why don't you visit Mercuria and tell her about Gavin's Patronus? She's in her workshop", Sirius shouted to Regulus and Gavin. They nodded and returned into the house./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"Sirius turned towards Marius and asked, "Would you like to try again?". Marius nodded. But the more he tried, the shakier he became. Finally, he turned to Sirius and sobbed, "I just can't do it. I'm not a great wizard like you or Cygnus. All I ever wanted was that you liked me. That you're happy and proud that I am your son. But I'm just a goner. All I am good at is healing people, but I cannot do advanced magic. Cygnus was right when he said, I don't belong here. You probably already regret that Mercuria invited me to live with you. Last year I've met my mother. She wasn't a mighty witch. Just a lonely woman. She blamed me for her misfortune. And I don't understand what a great wizard like you ever saw in her. As long as I can remember, you were my hero, famous Sirius Black, one of the most powerful wizards of them all. The most wonderful man in the world and my Daddy who took me with him and who cared for me when I was just a little boy. I never forgot you though some day you stopped visiting me and I blamed myself for having done something to drive you away. Later I learned that you have been in Azkaban and that it wasn't my fault that you stayed away. Mercuria told me so many stories about you. When she wrote that you wanted me to move in with you, I just couldn't believe it. When I came here, I desperately hoped that you'd like me. But I was also afraid that I wouldn't be good enough and that you would find me insignificant. I'm sure you despise me and want to get rid of me. That is why you sent me to work in London. I'm nothing special, not like your other sons". Marius sobbed and turned to run away. Completely overwhelmed by this outburst, Sirius held him back, took the young man in his arms and whispered, "Nothing special? You are my firstborn, and I am immensely proud of you and of what you have achieved. I heard that you are a great healer, my son". Marius looked up. "Really?". Sirius nodded and took him by the hand. "Come with me for a moment. I want to tell you something". He led his son towards the stairs to the terrace, where they sat down side by side. Sirius lit a cigarette and told Marius how he had accidentally run into him at the Leaky Cauldron. How he had known immediately that Marius was his son. How he had made enquiries and finally had borrowed Mercuria's time-turner to make arrangements so that Marius could grow up with Mercuria. "I knew then that I was going to prison. And before that, I tried to find a loving home for you. Ever since the end of the war, I've wanted you to come home. But Mercuria forbade me to get in contact with you. She insisted that you finished your studies first. I couldn't very well oppose her. You know how persistent she can be". Marius chuckled. "Yes, I know. You couldn't find anyone better to care for me. Oh, Daddy, I'm so happy". He wrapped his arms around his father and beamed with joy. While Sirius stroked his head, he looked up at the terrace. Mercuria, Regulus and Gavin were standing at the balustrade and smiled down at him./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"Sirius said, "I have one favour to ask. Call me Sirius, not Daddy. It's okay for the little ones. But we're both adults and thus at eye level. Being called "Daddy" by a grown-up man sounds weird". Marius laughed happily. "All right. Come on, let's have another go. I have a good feeling now". They returned to the lawn. Marius drew his wand and nodded resolutely at Sirius. Then he closed his eyes, concentrated, and called out, "Expecto Patronum". Blinding and dazzling, a bright, giant eagle erupted from his wand and took to the sky. Marius beamed. Applause rang out from the terrace. They turned and waved to Mercuria, who clapped her hands enthusiastically. Marius asked, "Do you think I'll ever find one like her?". Sirius smiled. "Honestly, I don't think so. She's absolutely unique. But I am sure that one day you will meet a girl and fall in love. Don't waste your time searching for a phantom. By the way, I didn't find her, she found me. One more thing, don't tell Mercuria that I used her time-turner, ok?". As they climbed up onto the terrace, Marius, Regulus and Gavin cheered and congratulated each other enthusiastically. "Say Sirius, how did we do?". He gave a satisfied nod. "Very well". "Now, what do you say to our plan?". Sirius turned to his wife. "Curey. These three here want to become Animaghi. Think about it and let me know how you assess this idea". Regulus asked, "You're asking your wife what to do? Sorry, Mercuria, but I do find this weird". Sirius put his arm around his wife's shoulder. "I've done an awful lot of stupid things in my life, many of which could have ended in a disaster. Mercuria has straightened out many of them. I trust her judgment implicitly". He kissed her. She caressed his cheek and turned away. As she entered the living room, she said, "I will think about it and give you my opinion tonight"./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"At night in bed, Mercuria said, "Please explain to me how a wizard becomes an Animagus". Sirius described the complex procedure to her. She leaned back in her pillow, closed her eyes, and thought about what he had said. Sirius waited. Eventually she said, "I think it would be worth a try. There is still time enough to prepare. I am very confident that Cygnus will not give up. There is no turning back for him. Being an Animagus has certain advantages. But whom do I tell this? No one knows this better than you do. I would suggest that you teach them some additional skills though". Sirius glanced at her expectantly. "You should show them how to drive motorbikes and cars for example". "Why?". "Because the best hiding place for a wizard is the Muggle world. You've experienced this yourself first hand and told Cygnus about it. He might consider your story as a model to seek refuge there. As long as he does not use magic, he remains undetectable to you and your kind. Besides, I am convinced that it would be wise to master a means of mobility which can be used in both worlds. You've been motorcycling since you left Hogwarts. So, you know the various advantages it has compared to flying a broomstick. Furthermore, it makes it easy to switch from one world to the other. Remember that years ago we talked about mobility in the Wizarding World? As far as I know, you use the Floo Network, portkeys, and you can apparate. But all three methods have the disadvantage that they bring you from one fixed point to another. For flexible mobility, you only have the broomstick and a hippogriff now and then". She chuckled before she continued, "I think it's essential to increase your options, and a motorbike and a car are good choices". "Well, a wizard can drive a car by magic without ever having learned how to operate it. Riding a motorcycle is another match. Well, I think it's a good suggestion. I will persuade the boys to have a go at it". Sirius mused. "Tomorrow I will travel to London and purchase the ingredients we need for the Animagus transformation. There are numerous factors that affect the procedure, which means that it may take quite some time for a wizard to learn how to transform. Hence, we should start as soon as possible. I had everything we need in the house, but after I found out about Cygnus, I destroyed a lot of ingredients and potions. I will also obtain some medical plants which Marius might need. We should set up an infirmary here. Who knows what else will happen". "I'll join you. I would like to buy some clothes for the boys. They are growing so fast that I can't keep up with the shopping. And here in the village I don't find what I have in mind"./span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"As decided, Sirius and Mercuria apparated to London the next morning. They parted and while Mercuria went to shop in the Muggle outlets, Sirius walked down Diagon Alley. Next to Hogwarts, this was the only place in the country where he felt like being a wizard without reservations. Having lived among Muggles for several years, both worlds for him had become so closely intertwined that he usually did not distinguish between them and switched from one to the other without being aware. But as he now strolled past the Wizarding shops, he felt more at ease than he had in a long time and thought that one should return to one's roots from time to time. Some of the few passers-by eyed him curiously and nodded at him. At the turnoff to Knockturn Alley, he cautiously checked around. There were no pedestrians in this part of the street. Sirius pulled the hood of his cloak low over his face and turned off Diagon Alley. None of the seedy figures loitering in the alley took any notice of him as he stealthily sneaked past them and stopped in front of the house at the far end of the street. He tapped his wand against a wooden door. At eye level, a flap opened, and someone peered through it. A croaky voice asked, "What do you need?". Sirius passed a note and a purse through the flap. His invisible interlocutor took both and the flap closed again. After some time, he heard footsteps inside. The flap reopened and someone passed a small package through it. Sirius pocketed it and returned to Diagon Alley. There he sought out the pharmacy. Again he handed in a note and the employee gathered the ingredients he requested. The parcel he handed out to Sirius was considerably larger than the one he already carried in his cloak. He tucked it under his arm and left. Following a sudden impulse, he headed towards Flourish and Blotts. His visit to Diagon Alley had reminded him of his duty to teach the little ones about the Wizarding World. It was his responsibility to give the boys the best possible start. He had left their upbringing to Mercuria far too long. In many ways she had been very successful. His sons were sociable, enthusiastic, respectful of others. They had self-confidence and a natural curiosity which allowed them to easily learn new things. On top they were clever and astute. But of course, their mother could not teach them magic. So it was up to him to prepare them for the challenges that would wait for them at Hogwarts one day. He resolved to pay more attention to their education from now on. Procyon and Asterion were old enough to have classes. Above all they must learn to read and write although Sirius was not sure whether they did not master these basic skills already, because Mercuria had playfully taught them many things that other children only learned at school. Sirius smiled because if they did, it was all the better. He bought some children's books with stories and fairy tales for the older ones and some picture books for the little ones. Spontaneously, he added some first level schoolbooks to his purchases. Smiling, he remembered that at the age of eight he had secretly pinched his father's wand and performed magic for the first time. By then he already knew numerous spells that he had picked up from his parents and memorised. When his father had found out about him, he had given him an old wand and had not paid any further attention to his son's attempts at magic. After all, it was impossible to determine who used magic in a wizard's household, so he had continued his experiments unnoticed by the Ministry. He planned to act in a similar way with his sons. He would not give his boys a wand, although if they listened to the adults attentively, overheard some spells and perhaps even came across a wand which was left carelessly lying around, he would not discourage them from using it. When he left the shop, he decided to hire a private teacher as soon as possible. Sirius shook his head. This whole story with Cygnus had distracted him from the fact that as a father he was responsible for his children. Throughout his childhood, he had vowed to be a better father than Orion Black had been. Now he was called upon and ready to rise to the occasion. /span/p
p class="Normal tm5"span class="tm6"In the Leaky Cauldron he waited for Mercuria, who finally entered loaded with bags and packages. Exhausted, she dropped into a chair. "It's unbelievable what's going on in the city. It's not even the weekend. Well, I did get what I wanted, anyway. What about you?". Sirius nodded and then told her about his plans regarding a tutor. "That's a splendid idea. I had already considered sending Procyon and Asterion to a Muggle Primary School. But in view of the situation with Cygnus, I'd feel bad if they had to go to the village each day. I'd rather have a private tutor. It should be someone who knows the Muggle world as well and can teach them things like Mathematics, Geography and so on. Will you arrange to find someone?". Before they returned home, they had dinner in a fancy restaurant, and both agreed that they should go out more often./span/p