Sirius was six years old the first time he did accidental magic. His mother was supervising their punishment. She'd been getting more and more creative, exploring the elves' magic to their full potential. That was when Sirius's magic first manifested itself, producing a magnificent shield, though not around himself but around his siblings. They looked so small, huddling together under a table, clutching each others' hands, they looked so scared with their big watery eyes, so guilty at having made him late for his tutoring session and caused this. But it was just another Tuesday at Grimmauld Place, and he knew they were next. The shield made Walburga angrier though; the woman never did like relinquishing control. She raised her wand and was about to unleash some of her own spells at the twins when Regulus got up, left the shiny bubble of Sirius' protection and buried his face in their mother's belly.
"I'm sorry, mum, I'm so sorry. I love you and I promise it'll never happen again," he swore with fervour, and Walburga hugged him back tightly.
"Oh my sweet boy," she gushed, "you're the only one I did right."
She kissed her youngest son and pressed him back to her tightly while glaring at Sirius.
"Maybe you could learn a few things from your brother," she hissed while Sirius seethed. He brushed off Hermione when she tried grabbing his arm and stormed off to the drawing room.
The Black siblings had a strong bond. That's what Hermione told herself when Sirius went to Hogwarts and left her and Regulus behind. Reg and her might have been the actual twins, but anyone who looked at them always assumed they were triplets. Sirius and Reg had both inherited their father's face, while Hermione got his nose and lips. All three had their mother's misty grey eyes, her pale complexion, and unruly black curls. But despite the mere ten months separating their births, Sirius was now shipped off to boarding school while Regulus and Hermione stayed back.
Half of her was worried for her brother all alone in a castle full of strangers. The other half was worried for her twin and herself, stuck with their mother in the gloomy house that was the aptly named Grimmauld Place. She almost felt bad for wishing her brother had stayed behind. It was purely selfish of her of course. Sirius was the loudest of them, the rashest. Thus he took the brunt of most of the punishments. And even when it was somehow her fault, he shielded his younger siblings as much as he could, using his body if he had to.
This might sound like they lived on a battlefield or something. They didn't, not really, not in the way you might think. Did their mother beat them? No, never, she would make Kreacher do it. Then she would hug them, and heal their bruises herself. She wasn't insane, although Sirius might disagree with her on that. She would never let her noble, pureblooded, darling children actually come to harm. She just loved them very much and did her best to educate them, and make them into the best versions of themselves. She needed them to be worthy of their name. Was that truly insane? Her methods were her own, and Hermione knew that every blow on her body hurt her mother more than it hurt her.
And so, Hermione, like the heiress she was, stood on Platform 9 and ¾, swallowed back her tears, and elegantly waved her brother goodbye. Then she turned back around, grabbed her mother's hand, and let her apparate them back home.
The next morning, Hermione woke up at dawn to write her letter. She had seen her mother write a howler the night before, and she wanted Sirius to know he still had support in the family. She knew for a fact that her father disagreed with his wife, but the Blacks always presented a united front. He couldn't publicly disagree with his wife, not when she was making her disappointment known in such a bold and loud manner.
Dear Sirius,
I hope you read my letter first, or at least skim it. Mother is sending you a howler. Burn that thing or something before it explodes.
Now, onto more important matters. I am so proud of you, and I know for a fact Father is too. He was in your room yesterday, turning the bedding into red and gold. He made me promise not to tell Mother until the sticking charms hold. The first Lion in the family. There's nothing Father loves more than originality. He told me that courage was nothing to ever be ashamed of. I know he won't write to you, but I need you to know that.
Regulus wasn't even surprised, he said you always were reckless, it was only a matter of time before you proved it beyond a doubt.
The house seems so empty without you. I mean, obviously it's not, there's still four of us in here, plus Kreacher. Oh, before I forget, Kreacher's mum died yesterday. Mother thinks it's a sign, I am not quite sure of what exactly.
Anyway, as I was saying, I miss you very much. Please tell me everything you can about Hogwarts, is the castle really sentient? Father thinks it is. And is the library really as big as they say? Are the professors good? Like on a scale from Mr Smith to Mrs Fawley, how good are they? And is the food good? Kreacher says nothing is as good as his food, but I'd rather hear from you.
I can't wait for winter break, no letter will be enough. But write to me anyway, please.
Love always,
Hermione Lyra Black,
Daughter of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black.
Dear Hermione,
The howler exploded before I got to your letter unfortunately, but thanks for the warning anyway.
Hogwarts is awesome, though you'll see for yourself in just a year. You're gonna love Gryffindor Tower, it's so cosy and warm, and it has so much light. We're in the highest tower in the castle! James and I have a standing bet on who'll be the first of us to fly from our tower to the Astronomy one without getting caught. It's a bit tricky, since we're not allowed our own brooms yet, but I'm confident I'll win that bet.
I'm sharing a dorm with three other boys. You already know James Potter, Mother would have a fit, but he's the best. He never lets anyone talk about how dark my family is. Blacks don't really have the best reputation in Gryffindor, but I'll change that before the year is over. The other two are kinda quiet, but they're nice. And they can't avoid James forever, he refuses to leave anyone out. One's name is Peter Pettigrew, he's also a pureblood though from a much smaller family. And Remus Lupin is a half-blood.
The food here is better, tell Kreacher I said that. I'm not sure yet if the castle is sentient or not, but it's certainly a pain in my arse. The sodding stairs never stop moving, we got lost twice today, it's insane.
Of course you would ask about the professors and the library. You're gonna need to curb that swottiness if you want to survive in the lion's den.
Despite all that excitement, I still somehow miss you for a reason I can't quite fathom. I must have gotten used to your annoying constant chattering.
Sirius Black,
Heir of the most Ancient and Noble House of Black.
Dear Sirius,
I will not be telling Kreacher any of that.
There's not much going on here. Mr Smith is still coming to tutor us every day, despite all my protests. He's useless really.
But there is something that might interest you. I found Father's old album photos. I can't wait for you to see them, they're so embarrassing, it's hilarious. He used to wear a cumberbatch!
Reg says hi.
Love always,
Hermione Lyra Black,
Daughter of the most Ancient and Noble House of Black.
Dear Hermione,
The most awesome thing happened today. Remus punched Lucius Malfoy in the face! It was glorious! And a little bit scary. I didn't know the bloke had it in him! I swear, he just looks skinny and calm, always clutching a book, kinda like you. But then that slimy git Malfoy started talking shit as always and Remus just lost it. He's now the official hero of Gryffindor Tower and he has the gall to look embarrassed about it! I can't wait for you to meet him, he has now joined our ragged band of misfits. Peter brought us all snacks that same night to celebrate, although he still won't give up the secret of how he got them. And that was how the Marauders were born. That's us, James, Peter, Remus and I, we called ourselves the Marauders. Isn't that the coolest name ever?
You better hold on to that album photo, I don't think I've ever seen Father look any less than perfect.
Tell Reg he owes me ten galleons, I lasted two whole weeks before losing House points. The jerk bet me I wouldn't last a day.
Sirius Orion Black,
Marauder.
Dear Sirius,
You will find your ill gotten gains in the envelope. Spend it badly.
Love always,
Regulus Arcturus Black
Son of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black.
PS: "The Marauders" is the dorkiest thing I have ever heard.
Dear Hermione and Regulus,
I know I promised I'd be back for winter break, but the Potters invited all three of us to spend the holidays with James and I have already accepted. You know James is an only child, Remus as well, it just didn't seem right to leave them alone. I hope you can understand.
I will be sending your gifts in advance, I am sure you will love them. As you know, I am the best gift giver, along with the best prankster, and the Black with the best hair.
I will be expecting your letters of protest, and then your letters telling me what fight the aunts have gotten into this time.
Happy holidays,
I love you both.
Sirius Orion Black,
Marauder.
Dear Sirius,
As always, your gift was the worst. A mirror that insults my appearance? Really? It's not even as creative as Mother in that regard. I re-gifted it to Narcissa, with a note saying that the mirror only tells the truth. We'll see how long she keeps it.
Aunt Cassiopeia was here for once. Father thinks she was high. He didn't let me drink any of her tea. But she told the best jokes. And she cursed Aunt Druella, then Mother, then Uncle Cygnus. Then she passed out in the bathtub. It was hilarious! Unfortunately, Father insisted that Reg and I go to bed when she started getting worked up. I only know all of this because I found her in my bathroom in the morning, and then she told me everything in detail. She even left me a memory! Aunt Cassie is the best. I'll show you the memory when you come back for spring break.
I hope the Potters treated you well. We all missed you here.
Love always,
Hermione Lyra Black,
Daughter of the most Ancient and Noble House of Black.
Dear Hermione,
Your moleskin pouch was indeed the best gift I received this year, thank you.
The Potters were amazing. We ate so much chocolate. And they have an actual quidditch pitch on their grounds. We spent so much time playing. It's perfect training for next year. James wants to be a seeker, and I want to be a beater. There's just something so cathartic about beating the shit out of an angry ball. And Peter told the funniest dirty stories. And Mr Potter taught us how to play poker. And Mrs Potter let us decorate our own gingerbread house. And Remus taught me a few moves. I'm pretty sure I can beat up Bella now. Well, the muggle way at least. The magical way will have to wait for like a year I think.
Also before I forget, could you tell mum and dad I won't be coming home for spring break either? Final exams are right after it, and I need to stay in the castle to study. The library here is so much bigger, it just doesn't make sense to come home.
Sirius Orion Black,
Marauder.
Dear Sirius,
I asked Father about poker and he was delighted to teach me. I dare say I will give you a run for your money come summer break. Even Father says so.
Also, before I forget, please let me be there when Bella kicks your arse the muggle way.
I finally got mother to fire Mr Smith. Merlin, that man has to be the dullest person on Earth.
I miss you very much.
Hermione Lyra Black,
Daughter of the most Ancient and Noble House of Black.
Dear Sirius,
It's incredible how much your big ego used to fill this house. It's so empty now, and silent, I almost feel like it's haunted. I'm so bored out of my mind, I started talking to Phineas! He told me the most fascinating things about Hogwarts. He believes there are more than a hundred secret passages in the castle. Have you found any? He also said that no headmaster has ever been able to explore every single room in Hogwarts. It sounds so fascinating. And we also talked about ley lines and how they are connected to the enchantments of the grounds. Ley lines are basically like primal magic, or at least that's how he explained it. Or maybe they're remnants of it. But they make spells and enchantments stronger, and he said that the most powerful enchanters can harness their power without a wand. I wonder if Dumbledore can, I heard he's the only enchanter left in Britain. I'm so sad Hogwarts doesn't offer it as a class. It's not fair, Beauxbaton and Durmstrang both still offer it. But the good news is I have a lot of reading to do on that subject, it's a bit dizzying but fascinating nonetheless. Phineas is so obnoxious I forget how smart he is. I think without you here to annoy him he got bored too, if he's willing to talk to me.
I hope you're well. And I hope you're at least studying a little bit. I won't ask about fun, as that is your real middle name.
Love always,
Hermione Lyra Black,
Daughter of the most Ancient and Noble House of Black.
Dear Sirius,
I believe I bored you with my last letter. I promise to never again mention enchantments. Can I talk about creatures instead? Did you know that elves and goblins are distant cousins? And did you know that dragons are endangered creatures now? I can't believe we're still using their heartstrings in our wands, it's barbaric. And did you know that while transformed, no magic works on a werewolf? Which is fascinating, because dragons are also immune to all magic, except for their eyes. I wonder if it's the same for werewolves. I don't know if anyone has ever tried to curse their eyes. Do you think that means there's a relation between the two of them? Reg says I'm crazy, but father says it's possible. He got me a book on DNA, and it's a muggle book. It's so complicated, I don't understand much of it. But if it's right, and father says it is, it might give me a way to know for sure how close werewolves are to dragons, or any other animal really. I have so much reading ahead of me, I am giddy.
I still miss you very much.
Love always,
Hermione Lyra Black,
Daughter of the most Ancient and Noble House of Black.
Dear Sirius,
I promise to never bring up boring subjects in my letters again. Please answer me? I can only imagine the shenanigans you must be getting yourself into. I need written confirmation.
I miss you.
Love always,
Hermione Lyra Black,
Daughter of the most Ancient and Noble House of Black.
Dear Sirius,
The house is still so calm without you, and boring. I can't wait for summer break. Father promised to take us to Greece this year. It'll be wonderful!
I hope you're studying hard for your exams. And I hope you're taking care of yourself.
Love always,
Hermione Lyra Black,
Daughter of the most Ancient and Noble House of Black.
Dear Sirius,
I will see you in a week!
I can hardly wait. I will be there at the platform to greet you! Maybe I can meet your friends then? Seeing as you chose them, they're probably terrible people but I am willing to be the bigger person and welcome them into the family. And possibly yell at them for stealing away my brother. But mostly welcome them.
Your room is so beautiful now, I'm sure you'll love it. And I bribed Kreacher to make your favourite meal. You'll love being back home!
Love always,
Hermione Lyra Black,
Daughter of the most Ancient and Noble House of Black.
"I doubt it." Sirius mutters at the latest letter before dropping it in his moleskin pouch, along with the other unanswered letters. He doesn't even know why he bothers keeping them. He closes his trunk, and goes down to enjoy the feast, trying his best not to think about the summer ahead.