"Poisson"

Alphard Black arrived two days late to the Black family holiday in Agde, having been caught up in a real estate deal that nearly fell apart. If the deal had fallen through, Walburga would have had his head. Because how else was she supposed to launder the money from selling their great uncle's highly illegal and cursed human skull collection? That was Alphard's job. Hiding the Black family money, making it seem like it didn't come from unsavory places or alert the authorities.

Alphard hated it. Sometimes, he thought about leaving the family behind. Let them figure out how not to be arrested and ensure their money appeared to be legally obtained. But every time he built up the courage to leave, one of his nieces or nephews would appear and made him stop plotting his disappearance with a large chunk of cash. They needed someone who wasn't certifiably corrupt to watch over them.

Entering the Black family holiday home, he noticed how eerily quiet it was. Clearly, the children were off at the beach or somewhere else. While they weren't as noisy as they should be given their age, Sirius and Regulus could always be faintly heard romping around and shushing each other. Pulling a carton of cigarettes out of his pocket, he lit one with his wand. He took a long drag, his eyes scanning around the house looking for any sign of life.

A creak sounded from above. Seconds later, his thirteen-year-old niece Andromeda peered her head down. A relieved smile broke out across her face when she saw him, taking the stairs two at a time to reach him. Alphard shoved the cigarette between his lips so he could open his arms for her. Andromeda barreled into his chest and he wrapped his arms around her, his one hand securing on the back of her head.

"Warm welcome, Andy," Alphard murmured around his cigarette.

Andromeda drew back, her face pulling. "Oh, Uncle Alphard, I'm so glad you're here!"

Alphard pulled the cigarette from his mouth, letting the smoke escape between his lips. His hand fell to his side, his fingers pressing the cigarette tightly. His eyebrows raised, knowing that something must have happened with one of his two small nephews who had a penchant for trouble. By the way the family talked, it was mostly all Sirius who caused the bulk of issues, Sirius was a good boy though. At just six years old, he was simply energetic and curious. Being curious in the Black family was frowned upon. That alone made Sirius a target.

"What happened?" Uncle Alphard asked, his jaw feathering.

"Uncle Orion saw Sirius playing on the beach with a few Muggle children who had wandered down our way," Andromeda explained.

Alphard sighed.

"He was locked in his room and the rest of the family left for the beach," Andromeda continued. "I said I had a headache and stayed behind but I can't get the door open. The house-elves wouldn't help either."

Alphard nodded his head, taking another drag of his cigarette. "How long has he been in there?"

Andromeda's eyes flickered to the clock hanging on the wall. "Almost five hours."

"Did they just lock him up?" Alphard asked, taking two steps to where the ash tray sat on the end table. "Or did they punish him another way?"

"Well, he wasn't allowed lunch," Andromeda added with a frown.

Alphard sighed again, making his way towards the kitchen. Andromeda hurried after him. He looked around for leftovers but there were none. So, Alphard pulled out some ham and cheese along with some mustard and got to making a sandwich.

"Grab some crisps," Alphard instructed. "He likes cheese and onion."

Alphard made two sandwiches for good measure. Although, he wouldn't allow his nephew to go without dinner too if that's what Walburga and Orion were planning. They called him soft. Alphard just thought he was a normal fucking human being.

"Can he have a fizzy drink?" Andromeda asked.

"Yes," Alphard replied. "Grab one for yourself too if you like."

"Thanks, Uncle Alphard!" Andromeda breathed.

Alphard packed away the sandwich supplies as a headache settled across his forehead. "Anything else happen with him or Reggie while you've been here that I should know about?"

Andromeda shook her head, appearing at Alphard's side. "No, Sirius was doing so well too. He was listening and following directions. He just, well, he wanted to play. Bella tattled on him."

Alphard rolled his eyes. Once upon a time, he had loved Bellatrix. She was such a bright girl. But over the years, Walburga had sunk her teeth into her and ripped her to shreds. The bright and kind girl become so wicked and cruel. It happened right in front of his eyes. Alphard had done nothing to stop it, realizing what was happening too late to intervene.

Clenching his jaw, Alphard grabbed the whisky off the counter and poured himself two-fingers worth. He downed it quick, baring his teeth and letting out a hiss.

"Why don't you run outside, Andy?" Alphard said, slamming the glass down on the counter. "I'll talk to Sirius and we'll be out in a few."

Andromeda frowned. "Can't I see him? I heard him crying earlier and tried talking to him through the door but I don't know if he could hear me. I don't want him to think I abandoned him."

Alphard stared at his niece. She was kindhearted, too nice to survive their horrid family. They'd eat her alive eventually.

"Let's go," Alphard said, picking up the plate and grabbing the crisps. "You take the drinks."

They made their way upstairs. If Sirius was still crying, he was being silent about it. He made his way to the end of the hall, Andromeda following dutifully behind him. Shoving the crisps between two fingers situated underneath the plate, Alphard tugged his wand from his pocket and dragged the tip across the wood in a familiar pattern. Walburga and Orion always used the same one whenever they punished the boys.

Pushing the door open, Alphard spotted his nephew immediately. He sat cross-legged on his bed with his head bowed. He didn't even bother to look up when the door opened. His hands were clasped in his lap, his knuckles nearly white.

"Sirius!" Andromeda breathed as she rushed towards the bed.

Sirius looked up finally, relief flooding his red and puffy face when he noticed who had arrived. He jumped up onto his bed, flinging himself at his cousin as the two fizzy drinks clanked together behind his back. Alphard shut the door behind him before he approached the bed.

"Sit down, Sirius," Alphard instructed as he sat by the footboard and placed the food in front of him on the mattress.

Sirius let go of Andromeda and plopped down on the bed. He eyed the food for a moment before his big gray eyes flickered to look up at his uncle.

"I'm sorry," Sirius said automatically.

"No need to apologize," Alphard replied, gesturing to the food. "You're not in trouble with me. Now eat. Andy said you didn't have lunch."

Sirius grabbed the sandwich, taking a big enough bite that Alphard was worried he'd choke. Andromeda slid onto the bed next to Sirius, her side pressed against his. Alphard ran his thumb nail along his brow as he watched Sirius closely.

"I know we're on holiday, but the rules that apply at home also apply here," Alphard started, dropping his hand into his lap. "You know the rules."

Sirius slowed in his chewing, his eyes staring at Alphard. He swallowed a big gulp.

"I don't understand why," his little voice said, sounding so innocent. "The Muggles seemed nice. They asked me if I wanted to play when they saw me looking and I said yes and it was a lot of fun until Bella tattled on me."

Alphard nodded. "I know it seems silly, but rules are rules."

Sirius frowned. "Cissy said they carry all sorts of nasty diseases."

Alphard sucked in a breath. "Well, we carry all sorts of nasty diseases too. Doesn't matter if you're a wizard or a Muggle. We all have germs and diseases."

Sirius picked up the bag of crisps and held it out for Andromeda to open. "Rules are stupid," he concluded.

Alphard chuckled. "Yes, well, some rules are very silly and some are very important. The fact of the matter is, Sirius, you're just a little kid–"

"I'm not little. I'm six and a half now," Sirius boasted as he accepted the bag of crisps.

Alphard smiled knowingly. "Yes, sorry. The fact of the matter is, you're just a big kid. Unfortunately, even big kids need to follow the rules that their parents set, no matter how silly or stupid they are to you. One day, when you're old like me, you can decide your own rules."

"Do you talk to Muggles?" Sirius asked.

Alphard's face remained stoic. "Yes, I do."

"Do Mum and Dad?" Sirius pressed, looking so innocent that Alphard's heart twisted.

"When they're forced to," Alphard replied cautiously.

Sirius popped a crisp in his mouth, chewing and looking thoughtful. "Well, why can't I follow your rules? I want to talk to Muggles like you."

Alphard sighed. "Because I'm not your father, Sirius."

Sirius' dark brows furrowed. "But you're my uncle. And I like you loads better than my dad."

While the competition wasn't steep, Alphard couldn't help the curve of his lips.

"Don't let anyone hear you say that besides Andy and me, all right?" Alphard pressed. "That'll get you into more trouble."

Sirius' face fell. "There are too many rules!" he protested. "I can't keep them all straight!"

Alphard nodded. "I suppose there are, but you must try, Sirius. Please? For me?"

A ghost of a smile twitched on Sirius' face. "Okay, Uncle Alphard. Only for you."

Alphard beamed. "Good boy. Now, eat and I'll take you down to the beach. We can find Cissy so you two can dig holes and I'll conjure you some fish. What kind do you want this year?"

The smile fell from Sirius' face. "I'm not allowed to leave the room until morning."

Alphard reached out, pressing his palm against Sirius' cheek. "You let me deal with your parents, all right? You won't get punished for it. If anyone will get in trouble, it'll be me. Now, eat so we can go."

While Sirius ate and chatted with Andromeda, Alphard picked up the dirty clothes off the floor and tidied up. He didn't want to give Walburga another opportunity to punish Sirius for some minor infraction. He called for Kreacher and ordered him to deep clean the room, making it spotless and tell no one that he was in there.

When Sirius was done eating, Alphard gathered the plate and the trash to take downstairs. Andromeda picked Sirius up in her arms to carry him downstairs. He laughed the entire way. Stopping in the kitchen, Alphard emptied his hands before he turned towards the kids. He gestured for Andromeda to put Sirius on his feet.

Sirius stepped closer, his back straight and his eyes wide. Alphard bent down, placing both of his hands on Sirius' shoulders.

"Remember, if anyone asks, I was very cross with you," Alphard started and Sirius couldn't help but smile. "Gave you the lecture of your life. You're a new kid, bound to a life of following the rules because you don't want me hollering at you again."

Sirius giggled. "Sure, Uncle Alphard."

It was a game Alphard played with him whenever he helped get Sirius out of trouble. Alphard didn't want Walburga to think him softer than he already was. He worried she'd limit his time with the children. That's the last thing he wanted. He loved them all so much. He just didn't want them to turn out wrong like so many of their other family members.

Alphard pressed his hands on either side of Sirius' face. "If you're uncertain about a rule, grab me or ask Andy. Andy is a very good rule follower."

"Promise," Sirius said earnestly.

Alphard pressed his lips to the top of Sirius' head. "I love you, Sirius."

"Love you too, Uncle Alphard," Sirius chirped.

Alphard pulled back, giving Sirius a tight smile. "All right, now it's my turn for your mother and father to be cross with me," he said, rising to his full height and pulling his cigarettes out. "I'm going to need a smoke for this."

Sirius and Andromeda laughed. Alphard didn't have the heart to tell them he wasn't joking with them. He led them outside, his eyes scanning the beach for his sister. He spotted her immediately with a drink in her hand and talking with Druella. Walburga caught sight of them, her face souring.

Alphard pressed a hand to Sirius' shoulder. "Go start digging your holes. I'll be right over."

Alphard sauntered over towards Walburga. Orion must have seen Sirius too because he was at Walburga's side in an instant. Alphard stopped short of them, holding up a hand before either one could say anything.

"Five hours is a long time for a six-year-old to be isolated," Alphard said. "And to go without lunch. I talked with him and he said he will never play with Muggles ever again."

Walburga's lips twisted. "He's not your concern, Alfie."

"He's my nephew," Alphard replied, his eyebrows raising.

Orion scoffed. "You have no authority over him, Alphard. Quite frankly, I'm tired of you undermining us with him. You can't keep bailing him out of trouble. He needs to be punished and actually learn from his punishments."

Alphard nodded, taking a drag of his cigarette. "As a reminder, Orion, we were brought up to respect and listen to our aunts and uncles," he started, his eyes flickering over to Walburga for a brief moment. "It wasn't just our parents that raised us but everyone in the family. We all have a vested interest in the next generation of Blacks. We're all just trying to do what's best by them."

Orion let out a bitter laugh. "You're very good at spinning things and slithering out of trouble, Alphard. But you don't have me fooled for a second."

Alphard titled his chin up. "If my efforts in the family aren't appreciated, then I can contact Zabini to withdraw the offer on the Lestrange property you inquired about. You know, the one where the price paid won't match the actual legal documentation."

Walburga huffed. "Your efforts are appreciated in this family, Alphard. Orion is just bitter his punishment didn't stick."

"Sirius is the heir and he needs to start acting like it," Orion seethed, his finger jabbing in Alphard's direction. "I'm tired of him not listening."

Alphard nodded, crossing his arms over his chest and holding the cigarette away from his body. "I think that will come with time, but he's six years old. He's not an adult nor is he even a teenager where he can remember all your rules."

"Spoken like a man who has no kids," Orion hissed.

Alphard gave his brother-in-law a closed mouth smile. "I think I learned a thing or two being around my nieces and nephews for the past x-number of years. I've seen the parenting wins and the parenting fails first hand."

"Uncle Alphard!" a childish voice rang.

Alphard turned around to see Regulus running towards him. Bending down, Alphard put his cigarette out in the sand before he opened his arms for the small child. Regulus dove into his arms and Alphard hoisted him up, straightening to his full height. The small child settled on his hip. Alphard held his head steady with his hand, holding him tight.

"I told Sirius I'd conjure fish for him," Alphard explained. "Want to help feed them?"

Regulus swung his legs. "Yeah!"

"Alphard," Orion said in a gruff tone.

Alphard turned around, raising his eyebrows. "Do we have a problem, Orion?"

"No, of course not," Walburga interrupted. "We appreciate everything you do for this family. Don't we, Orion?"

Orion snarled. "Yes."

Alphard smiled. "Excellent," he replied before he looked down at Regulus. "Now, how about those fish?"

Regulus cheered and Alphard made his way across the beach to where Sirius, Andromeda, and Narcissa dug holes. He set Regulus on his feet so the little boy could join.

"Give Reggie a shovel," Alphard commanded as he rolled up the sleeves to his collared shirt. "Tad bigger, Cissy. You want the fish to have some space to play, don't you?"

Narcissa dug her hole bigger in circumference. Alphard crouched down between Sirius and Regulus, watching the two boys closely.

"Little deeper around the edges, Sirius," Alphard instructed, pointing to a spot that needed dug out more.

"Here, let me help, Reggie," Andromeda said in a kind voice, helping to dig out the little boy's circle.

"When did you arrive, Uncle Alphard?" Narcissa asked.

Alphard smiled. "Oh, maybe a half hour ago. Took me a bit to mosey on down to the beach."

Alphard pressed a hand on the back of Sirius' head, making sure to keep close to him. He seemed to be the one who struggled the most with what was expected of him. Right behind him was Regulus, but Alphard knew Sirius often took the fall for his misdeeds.

Once the holes were deep enough, Narcissa took Regulus' hand and the two went running with swinging buckets to the sea. Andromeda dashed off after them, calling for Regulus not to go too far in. Alphard chuckled. Andromeda was always the mother hen between the four of them. Alphard glanced down at Sirius by his side who stabbed his shovel into his hole.

"Do you need a pail for water?" Alphard asked, his eyes searching Sirius' sullen face.

"No," Sirius replied.

"I can't help you if you don't talk to me," Alphard said, bending down further to catch Sirius' eye.

Sirius looked up at him, a frown etched deep into his little face. It looked wrong to see someone so little frown so big.

"Is there something wrong with me?" Sirius asked in a small voice.

Alphard shifted, plopping down into the sand in a more comfortable position. He cupped a hand around the back of Sirius' neck.

"There is nothing wrong with you," Alphard assured him, giving his neck a squeeze. "Who said there was?"

Sirius shrugged.

"Tell Uncle Alphard who he has to yell at," Alphard pressed, smiling at his nephew.

Sirius only looked miserable. "Bella."

Alphard's smile fell. Well, he supposed that was better than one of his parents saying it to him.

"What does Bella know, hmm?" Alphard asked, tugging Sirius arm until the small child was situated on his lap. "Bella is fifteen going on sixty-five."

Sirius wiggled, cuddling up against Alphard's chest. "She's Mum's favorite."

Alphard bent down, his lips lingering close to Sirius' ear. "Don't say anything to anyone but… you're my favorite."

Sirius pulled back, looking up at Alphard with his eyes shining with excitement. "Really?"

"Shh," Alphard hushed, placing a finger against his lips. "Nobody else can know or else they may be sad, all right? Do you solemnly swear that you'll tell no one?"

Sirius grinned, holding out his pinky finger. "I solemnly swear."

Alphard smiled at his nephew, his heart breaking for the child as he linked his pinky with Sirius'. Walburga was far rougher on her boys than Cygnus had been on his girls. That was all thanks to all the bloody heir talk surrounding Sirius. Alphard hated the pressure that was already piling on his shoulders.

"Guess what?" Sirius asked with his normal enthusiasm, seemingly not caring about Bellatrix any longer.

"Hmm?"

"My tooth is really, really wiggly," Sirius said, his mouth opening wide and his finger pointing to about three different teeth. "Andy said it should come out soon."

Alphard placed his hands on Sirius' face and tilted his head back. "Open wide, let me see."

Sirius obeyed and tried to stick his fingers in his mouth again.

Alphard shook his head, his chin tilting up but his gaze peering down. "Wiggle it with your tongue."

Sirius did. It was wiggly. Alphard could probably pluck it out easily.

"Want me to pull it?" Alphard asked.

Sirius snapped his mouth shut, his head shaking. "No!"

Alphard smiled. "All right, then do you want to go with me to grab some water?"

Sirius nodded, easing off Alphard's lap. He picked up a pail and swung it at his side, waiting for Alphard to join him. Alphard held out a hand and Sirius' small fingers slid around his palm. They went to join the other three children.

Of course, no adults supervised Regulus around the water. Narcissa kept a tight hold of his hand while Andromeda fretted beside them, ready to grab him in an instant. Sirius' hand slipped from his and the child bolted the rest of the way to his family.

Alphard watched the kids, regretting that he hadn't changed out of his Muggle suit before going down to the beach. He had been anxious to arrive in France to see the kids and his meeting with the lawyer ran longer than he thought it would. The last thing he wanted was to miss his Portkey. When he arrived and heard the news about Sirius, well, he didn't think to change his clothes.

Sirius let out a loud barking laugh as Alphard toed off his shoes. He bent down to discard his socks too. He watched the kids around the water as he stood with his hands on his hips. Letting out a sigh, he dared to look to his right to see Walburga and Cygnus talking with their heads together and frowns on their faces. No doubt wondering what to do about their soft little brother.

Turning his attention back to the children, he saw their pails were filled to the brim. Liquid sloshed out every time they moved. Alphard stepped forward between his nephews. He wrapped his arms around their waists and hoisted them up. The boys squealed.

"You're taking too long!" Alphard boomed in a playful tone. "I have fish I need to conjure."

Alphard remembered the boys being lighter before. He struggled to carry them back towards the holes, their bodies twisting in his arms. He plopped them down on their feet and noticed half the water was gone from the pails. The girls weren't far behind with their full buckets.

Alphard ran a hand down his face as the children filled their holes. They'd need to go back and forth a few times. Alphard thought about cheating and pulling out his wand but half the fun for the kids was running back and forth to grab water. Merlin, it'd be a long project.

The children ran off back to the sea but Sirius hung back, his little face grinning up at Alphard.

"Come on!" Sirius urged.

"I'm coming, kid," Alphard replied. "I'm old now."

"How old are you?" Sirius asked, his body bouncing with excitement.

Alphard bent down, his hands resting on his thighs. "Thirty-six."

Sirius' eyes widened. "That's so old!"

"Oi!" Alphard exclaimed, tussling Sirius' hair. "Be kind to your favorite uncle!"

Sirius only laughed as he dashed off. Alphard jogged to keep up with the kids, trying to instruct the boys on how not to lose more than half their water on the walk back. Andromeda and Narcissa were really carrying the team effort of water collection.

Back and forth. Back and forth. The children's enthusiasm never seemed to wane. Well, Narcissa's did. A whine of asking if there was enough water alerted him that he needed to help them cheat a tad. So, when they weren't looking, Alphard cast Aguamenti at each hole to fill them up a tad more so only one more trip was needed.

Then, Alphard went to work conjuring the fish, making sure they were bright and colorful. Digging through his magically expanded pocket, he pulled out the container of fish food he bought that morning so he wouldn't forget. It had become a tradition on Black family holidays to dig holes and conjure fish to take care of for the week.

Entrusting Andromeda with the fish food, she held it as the kids pinched more than enough food from the container to sprinkle into their little sand bowls. Before long, the children grew bored watching their fish. Andromeda and Narcissa ran off to collect seashells. Regulus skipped off to pester Walburga for a snack. But Sirius remained. Just sitting in the sand and watching his fish.

Alphard eased down next to him, resting a hand on his knee. "All right, Sirius?"

Sirius nodded, leaning into Alphard's side. His temple pressed against Alphard's arm.

"We should make one big hole so all the fish can play together," Sirius mused. "They don't like being separated."

Alphard nodded. "Well, maybe that can be our project for tomorrow."

Sirius agreed.

Alphard sat with Sirius for a good hour just watching the fish. The little boy stayed so still, as though he were attempting to be on his best behavior so he wouldn't be punished again.

When Walburga called the children into the house for dinner, Sirius looked up at Alphard with wide eyes.

"Stay close to me, all right?" Alphard said as he stood up.

"Okay," Sirius replied, chewing on his bottom lip.

Alphard bent down and slid his hands underneath Sirius' armpits. He hauled the child up in his arms. Sirius wrapped his limbs tightly around Alphard, something he did whenever he was anxious. As Alphard made his way towards the house, he felt Sirius stiffen in his arms. Walburga stood on the back deck with her arms crossed over her chest, her eyes narrowing at the pair of them.

Alphard only nodded in her direction before walking right by her and into the house. Alphard placed a comforting hand on the back of his head, determined to make sure the child had a better end to his holiday.

Hope you enjoyed this little one-shot. It ties into my larger series of stories. A list is in my profile. Don't forget to drop a review. They inspire me to keep writing.

Special thanks to prewettpotter for editing for me!