LAST TIME
Arcturus nodded, smiling slightly at Harry. "I would need a few days, Dumbledore. To prepare my home and…" He felt a sharp sting. "And hold Sirius' funeral. Alongside Lily and James Potter's."
"I understand. Take as long as you need. I'll help wherever I can, Arcturus. I promise."
"Thank you," Arcturus looked down as Harry laid his head against his chest and yawned.
He smiled, a flame of hope igniting in his chest.
'For Sirius. And for Dorea.'
Ch.4 The Black's Resolve
Gray clouds veiled the sky, smothering the warmth of the sun. Wizards and witches in dark robes stood over the lawn of drying grass, a somber silence in the air.
Arcturus dragged his heavy legs past the three marble caskets, his fingers clutching the wooden ledge of the podium. His eyes roamed over the crowd before settling on the three floating caskets, a pang twisting in his chest.
"Wizards and witches. Today, we stand here to mourn the sacrifice of three people, who, in their wake, left a new dawn for our world. A world, which will be forever grateful to them." Arcturus crumpled the small sheet of paper in his hand and gazed at the sea of witches and wizards who had gathered, stretching as far as he could see. "But I stand here, only as a proud grandfather and a proud uncle."
The young faces filled with laughter and mischief rose in his mind like a tide.
"I have known Sirius and James since the day they were born. I still remember holding them in my arms for the first time." A smile curved on his lips. "When they were younger, they were both the most mischievous rascals I had ever met. Since the day they went to Hogwarts, not a single week went by when either Dorea or I didn't receive a letter from Minerva about their latest antics."
As a ripple of laughter spread through the crowd, he met McGonagall's eyes, who furiously wiped away her tears.
"But I am proud to say they didn't just grow up—they became men of courage and heart, far greater than I could have ever imagined," Arcturus said. "Men who stood in the face of adversary and opposed the darkness that was plaguing our world, managing to defeat it. Saying anything less would be a disservice to them."
As the crowd nodded, his gaze flicked to the casket at the end of the row.
"I can go on all day about the two of them. But first, a few words about Lady Potter… Lily, as she insisted everyone call her." Arcturus steepled his fingers. "I am ashamed to say I didn't know her well. We met twice, the first at her wedding. But in those moments, she left an impression—fierce, passionate, and sharp as a blade. I only wish I could've known her better, or at least as well as I knew James."
Arcturus closed his eyes and hung his head, feeling the ache well in his heart. "James, I knew him as a toddler and as a boy. He was one of the kindest, bravest souls I had known. He was Dorea's pride, joy, and pain, all in one." He chuckled. "I still remember when he had glared up at me in the eye when he was this tall—" Arcturus' hand hovered below his hips. "—Barely five or six and asked me angrily why I hadn't written to his mother all month and made her upset."
Fond laughter spread through the crowd, and for a brief moment, Arcturus smiled.
"But that was who James was. Loyal to a fault and a person who would challenge a dragon to save and protect someone he loved. And he did."
He turned to the caskets, and his throat tightened. The words he wanted to say felt like stones pressing against his tongue.
"And he was much like his brother in that regard. My grandson— Sirius," Arcturus said. "James and Sirius weren't born as brothers but both died as one. It is only fitting that he be with them today and forevermore."
Arcturus took a deep breath. The murmurs drifted to his ears, sad and mournful, like the sky above.
"We all know what a man Sirius was. A lion born in the family of snakes, much to the pain of his mother." A twinge of anger shot through him, but he buried it, glancing back at the crowd. "He challenged everything the House of Black stood for. Rebelled against every tradition, even."
Arcturus closed his eyes, Walburga's screeches and Sirius' screams echoing in his mind. He crushed the memories and forced himself to look at the audience again, a sad smile curving on his lips.
"Sirius, he… he was the best of me in many ways. But above all, he was loyal to those he considered family. Even if those he did weren't by the ties of blood." His gaze flicked to the man seated in the corner, wearing a rough, black coat. "He died saving that family, and he gave it all he had as he lived. And I am sure he'll do it again. They all would. Because it was who they were."
Arcturus looked around, meeting the eyes of those assembled.
"All three were heroes beyond measure," he said. "Halloween night may be a bright memory for some, but it took so much. From us. From my family. From the world. It took away three of the brightest souls of magic in their generation. James, Lily, and Sirius… they will all be dearly missed, and I hope if they are hearing me, especially Sirius, I want them to know that they were dearly loved and will always be. Thank you."
He stepped away from the podium, watching as a woman rose from her seat and strode forward, a man following her, a tray in his hand.
"Lord Black, as the Minister of Magic, I would wish to felicitate our heroes, giving them something as a token of our appreciation." Minister Bagnold bowed toward the caskets. "Please accept it on their behalf."
Arcturus gave a jerky nod, and Bagnold gestured to the assistant.
"First, to Auror Sirius Orion Black, we present posthumously, The Order of Merlin, Second Class for his excellent services in stopping the dark lord's right hand, and his services to the wizarding world."
Arcturus's hands felt like lead as he accepted the heavy silver plate from Bagnold. Loud bangs filled the air as the Aurors raised their wands, shooting red sparks into the sky and bringing their wands to their chests, stamping their foot on the ground.
Stebbins, the head auror, marched forward, laying a golden symbol of crossed wands upon Sirius' casket, and thumped his fist to his chest before stepping back.
"To Auror James Charlus Potter, we present posthumously, The Order of Merlin, First Class for his role in stopping the terror of wizarding Britain, and his services to the wizarding world during his time as an Auror."
Bagnold was handed a gold plate with James' name inscribed on it, and she presented it to Arcturus. While the Aurors saluted again, Bagnold gave him a brief smile and took it back, handing it to her assistant.
"It'll go to the Potter vaults for little Harry Potter, who's the next of their kin," Bagnold said quietly.
Arcturus nodded, shifting his cane.
"Third, to Lily Potter, we present posthumously, The Order of Merlin, First Class for her role in stopping the dark lord."
This time, no Aurors fired off sparks in the air as Arcturus accepted the award, before handing it to Bagnold's assistant. Soft applause rang through the ground, and he stepped back, letting it wash over him.
'All this is for you, Sirius. And your friends. I couldn't be prouder as a grandfather. And Charlus and Dorea would have been the same for James.'
He turned to the tall man in black robes who stood next to the casket, a staff in his hand, and gave a nod. The staff banged upon the floor, and flames erupted over the caskets, turning them to marble, which sank into the ground, white tombstones rising from it.
Arcturus' heart dropped as he read the golden words that gleamed on the first tombstone.
Sirius Black
Born 3rd November 1959
Died 31st October 1981
The legacy of a man lives on in those he loved.
"My condolences for your loss, Lord Black." Another voice droned, and Arcturus shook a hand, bowing his head. "Sirius and James were two of the greatest fellas I knew. I am truly sad that they're gone."
"Thank you," Arcturus said, and the man and his wife walked away, leaving him standing to the side, a dull ache welling in his bones.
In the distance, he saw people gather around the ruins of a cottage, prevented from going in by a small group of Aurors who were herding them away.
'The Potter Cottage.' His grip on his cane tightened. 'None of them truly care about Sirius or James or Lily. Just the spectacle of the century and the site where it took place. No one cares about their sacrifice.'
"Arcturus? Are you alright?"
His head snapped around to see Dumbledore's worried eyes staring at him. His long, silver beard fluttered in the breeze, stark against the black robes. Arcturus's gaze drifted past Dumbledore's shoulder to see a red-eyed Minerva.
"I'm as well as I should be," Arcturus said. "Though, thank you for the words you said about all of them earlier. Both of you."
"They were under our care for seven prominent years of their lives." Dumbledore gazed in the distance. "It only seems like yesterday I saw all of them walk into Hogwarts. Wide-eyed, innocent children, waiting to be sorted into houses."
Arcturus nodded, a slight smile flickering on his lips before he glanced around. "I presume you haven't brought Harry with you."
"He's in Filius' care, whom he seemed most delighted to be with, once Filius brought out the charms." Dumbledore's lips curved and he waved his wand, a slight ripple of magic passing around them. "When do you think you'll be picking him?"
"Tomorrow afternoon. The house is ready. I have had Melody prepare everything that he would need."
"He's a sweet child," McGonagall sniffed. "One who didn't deserve what happened to him. I can only imagine how hard it would be to grow up without his parents."
"I'm certain Arcturus will take good care of him and raise him as his own," Dumbledore's gaze drifted beyond Arcturus' shoulder, toward the tombstones. "Like Sirius or James would have, had they been here."
He nodded, feeling the sting of loss cut through his chest. "I will. He's the product of their legacies. And the last hope for my house. I'll raise him as my own."
The headmaster's eyes twinkled. "Both of you will have a family in each other, Arcturus. I have faith in you. And if you ever need any help, we are just an owl away."
"Thank you. I suppose I'll see you tomorrow."
"Harry will be most delighted to meet you," Dumbledore said. "He remembers you. Or well, at least enough that he thought the portrait of Headmaster Phineas was you. And you do look much like your grandfather."
"So it would seem," Arcturus muttered. "Good day, to you both."
As both professors walked away, a woman in a neat, black dress approached, shifting a sleeping toddler in her arms. The boy's platinum blonde hair rested over her shoulder as she stroked it, her gray eyes boring into Arcturus.
"Grandfather," she greeted.
"Narcissa, it has been a while." Arcturus moved his gaze to the child. "And this must be your son."
"His name's Draco," she said in a curt voice.
Arcturus glanced around for a moment before turning back to her. "I see Lucius isn't here. One would've thought he would respect his wife's house enough to attend the funeral of its heir."
"He respects me more than you respected my wishes once." She scowled. "Tell me, grandfather. With Sirius and Regulus gone, what is left of the great house of Black? The house for whose bloated pride I sacrificed it all."
Arcturus felt her words bite into his skin and grimaced. "Enough is left, Narcissa. The House of Black will endure as it always has."
"It doesn't seem like that to me." Narcissa's eyes shimmered with anger. "I could've carried the house forward had you just stood up for me when I begged you to."
"The decision to marry you to Lucius was that of your father, not mine."
"No, you were just the one with the power to change that decision," Narcissa snapped.
Draco stirred on her shoulder and she rocked him, stroking his hair, as she glared at Arcturus.
"I couldn't back out of another contract after what your sister did," he said in a soft voice. "She dishonored her contract with Augusta Longbottom's son of all people. I couldn't let it happen again."
"So I paid for her mistakes. Not Bellatrix, not Andromeda herself, but me."
Arcturus looked away, grimacing as a knife twisted in his heart. "What would you have me do, Narcissa?"
"Apologizing might be a wonderful place to start." She sneered. "But that would mean admitting your mistake, wouldn't it? That you let your house slip through your fingers, something, in your words, a lord should never do."
Arcturus narrowed his eyes, his heart pounding in his ears. "Where did you hear that? The only ones I said it to—"
"Were Sirius and Andromeda. Maybe even Regulus." She scoffed. "The eldest grandchildren you had. Your heirs, and one single backup, just in case. Both your heirs are dead, and you blasted Andromeda off the tree with your own wand in front of Augusta Longbottom and the whole family. Which now leaves me. The eldest heiress of House Black."
"There has never been a female head of the house."
Narcissa's lips curled into a smile as she stroked Draco's hair. "Thankfully, I have him now for that. My son, Draco, the next heir of the great house of Black. And through him, Lucius."
Arcturus's hands clenched at his sides, his knuckles white as fury stormed through him. "I would never let any spawn of Abraxas Malfoy lay a hand on my House."
"Oh, but you already did, grandfather. You let the Malfoys lay their hands on your house when you let my father dictate my marriage." Her eyes burned, her grip against Draco tightening. "You'll now spend the rest of your life wishing you had heard my pleas when I had begged you to void the contract between Lucius and me. Wishing you had signed the parchment I gave you."
She twisted and stormed away, leaving Arcturus standing in the nearly empty graveyard, his heart pounding in his chest and blood roaring in his ears.
'I can't let that happen.' His fist clenched. 'Bloody Cygnus and bloody Walburga. A whole generation dropped the quaffle on the family. Cygnus with his associations, Walburga with her madness. No, I will not make the same mistake again.'
Arcturus turned and walked toward the graves, staring at the golden engraving on Sirius' tombstone that shone in the light of the small candles around.
'The legacy of a man lives on those he loved.' Arcturus knelt by the grave. 'Your legacy would live on in your godson. So would Charlus and Dorea's, and Lily and James'. And I will make sure of it.'
He conjured a ring of bright golden and red flowers and laid it upon Sirius' grave. 'Something you'll forever like. Red and gold.'
He glanced at the graves of Lily and James', which were piled with flowers, bouquets, photos, mementos, and candles, nearly hiding their tombstones. Arcturus flicked his wand, and another two rings of flowers appeared over them, a slight smile curving his lips.
"Now you're all together, connected forevermore by the thing that brought you together," Arcturus whispered. "And I promise to take care of the rest. To take care of your son."
He ran his fingers over the mud, slowly standing up, leaning heavily on his cane. Looking up, he caught the sight of a man standing in the distance, shifting on his feet, throwing occasional glances at him.
He walked around the grave and strode toward him. The man's eyes widened and he shuffled forward, raising a tired, slightly trembling hand to shake his.
"L-lord Black." He licked his lips. "My name's—"
"Remus Lupin. Sirius' werewolf friend. I am aware," Arcturus said, glancing at his coarse black robes. "I was expecting you to speak today. You were a close friend to all of them."
Remus squirmed, his guilt twisting on his face. "I— I'm not a person most people even want around them, sir. Let alone speak. I wanted to speak about them, believe me."
"No one stopped you though, did they? And yet you didn't speak." Arcturus frowned. "Sirius would've wanted you to speak. So would James."
Remus nodded, looking away as a tear rolled down his cheek. "I— I am sorry, Lord Black." He shifted on his feet, drawing a deep breath and turning back to him. "I— I came here for something else, sir. A thing that Sirius and James would want me to do. But I need your help to do it, sir."
Arcturus pursed his lips and raised an eyebrow.
"It is about Harry— James and Lily's son. He was also Sirius's godson."
Harry's beaming face and his toothless smile rose in Arcturus' mind, and he felt his heart clench. "What about him?"
Remus gulped. "Lord Black, I suspect… Well, I would mean that— Professor Dumbledore knows something about Harry and where he is. I asked him and Professor McGonagall, and they both knew, but they refused to tell me."
Arcturus suppressed a sigh of relief and instead gave him a frown. "And?"
"Sirius was Harry's godfather. Had he been alive—" Remus flinched. "He would've raised Harry like his own. He loved him to bits. We all did."
'What is he getting at here?' Arcturus shifted his cane, tapping it against the ground.
"What I mean is, sir, that Sirius would've wanted what was best for Harry," Remus breathed. "While I cannot raise him, I wish to at least check on him to see how he's doing."
"So, what do you want me to do?"
"I— sir, if you could, I would like your help in finding him. I don't have the resources, or the pull, or anything like you do. I think all of us— Lily, James, Sirius, and myself will rest easier, knowing Harry's well and with a good family."
"Something tells me that Albus Dumbledore wouldn't place a child with someone unfit. Especially the hero of the wizarding world."
"I know." Remus grimaced. "But I still wish to see him once. Maybe get in touch with him, and give him something to remember his parents by. I… I knew both his parents well. James was like the brother I never had and Lily… she was always there for me. Please, Lord Black. You're my only hope, sir."
"I will see what I can do," Arcturus felt a twist in his gut. "If I have something, I'll write to you."
Remus' face lit up, and he grasped Arcturus' hand. "Thank you. Thank you, sir."
"You're quite welcome." Arcturus pulled his fingers out of Remus' grip and patted his shoulder. "I'll see what I can get."
"That's all I ask, sir. I will wait for your letter," Remus said. "Thank you."
With a crack, Remus apparated away, and Arcturus sighed, curling and uncurling his fingers which Remus had squeezed. He turned around, taking a glance around at the empty graveyard, save for a sole figure kneeling at Sirius' grave.
As Arcturus squinted and quietly moved closer, his heart clenched, the breath leaving his lungs, followed by a surge of rage and grief that burned through his veins.
'Andromeda.'
Memories of Augusta Longbottom's curses, the dark ink and faces spread across the newspapers, and the humiliation and betrayal rose in his mind. With a scowl, he twisted on his heel and apparated away, leaving the crack of magic lingering in the air.
Great iron gates loomed in front of him, casting a small shadow at his feet. The sun hung high in the sky, its warmth seeping through his robes. Arcturus touched his wand to the symbol etched at the center of the gate, feeling the magic brush over his skin, and stepped back.
A tall, broad figure lumbered forward, a bunch of keys jingling in his hand. Beady black eyes stared down at him before the keys turned, the gates clicking open.
"Mr. Black, sir." Hagrid pulled the gates open. "How are you doing?"
"As well as I can, Hagrid. I'm here to meet the headmaster." Arcturus walked into the grounds, following Hagrid as the gates closed behind him.
"I suspect you know where to find his office," Hagrid said heavily. "I remember all those times you and your sister were here."
"Every year, Hagrid. Every year." Arcturus chuckled as they walked through the grounds, down the winding cobblestone road. "It's been a while, hasn't it? Yet, I wish it was the same reasons I was here today."
"Sirius and James were good men," Hagrid rumbled. "Some of the best I've met. Came down to my cabin every once in a while. So did Lily and her friends. At the end of their schooling, Lily even came in with James. Both were very good people. It's a shame we lost them."
Arcturus nodded, trudging toward the doors of the castle.
"Professor Dumbledore will be in his office," Hagrid led him through an empty corridor, the chatter of students drifting from afar as they climbed the stairs. The stairs moved on their own, and within moments, the gargoyle guarding the headmaster's office stood in front of them. "Good day, Mr. Black. Oh, and chocolate frogs."
The gargoyle turned, revealing the set of moving stairs, and Arcturus stepped on it, moving up, until he arrived at the door to the headmaster's office. He knocked and pushed it open, entering the room.
Fawkes stared at him from the perch, cooing in greeting before settling back, nibbling at its dish full of fruits. Arcturus's eyes darted around the office, and he walked forward, settling on a seat across the Headmaster's empty chair.
"Ah, Arcturus." A voice called from above, and Dumbledore walked down the gallery above, a tome in his hands. "I was wondering when you would come." He raised his wand, and a silvery phoenix flew from it, before he settled on his chair, smiling at Arcturus. "Harry'll be with us in a few minutes. He is quite the bundle of joy around here for most of the time."
"Most?"
"He misses his parents, as is natural," Dumbledore leaned back in his chair. "Last night he even woke up, crying for Lily and James."
Arcturus grimaced, running his thumb over the head of his cane. "That's going to be a problem, I suppose."
"I'm certain that you'll manage, old friend," Dumbledore said, opening a drawer in his desk and pulling out a roll of parchment. "Onto other matters, I've taken care of the legal procedures for Harry's guardianship. As of today, you'll be appointed as Harry's guardian until he is an adult."
Arcturus accepted the parchment, eyeing it for a moment. "What about adoption? Adopting Harry as my own."
"To continue your house, it will be necessary," Dumbledore pushed his spectacles up his nose. "I'll see what I can do. Though there'll always be one problem for Harry."
"Blood and magic. It'll never be that of a Black." Arcturus said. "I'll find a way around it."
Dumbledore gave him a nod, his eyes flicking to the door over his shoulder as it swung open and McGonagall entered, Harry in her arms.
The toddler's face lit up as he found Fawkes, who squawked and disappeared in a flash of fire.
"Magic birdy?" Harry's face fell, as Dumbledore chortled, his eyes twinkling.
"Your bird's still afraid of him, I see."
"Oh, you have no idea. While we were at the funeral yesterday, Harry was with Filius, who was showing him pictures. When the picture of a phoenix came, Harry decided to show Filius the real bird, so to speak. Poor Fawkes got quite the shock of his life when he was pulled from the skies and through a window of the charms classroom."
Arcturus' eyebrows rose. "That's quite some accidental magic. I didn't remember Cygnus or Orion performing any magic when they were this young."
Dumbledore nodded, running his fingers over his beard. "Perenelle said the same. Harry has developed magic far earlier than most children, that too, by quite a stretch."
Arcturus felt a tug at his robes and looked down to see Harry clutching his robes. "Gra-pa! Upsie!"
He smiled and scooped the child up in his arms, who beamed and clapped. "Hello, Harry. You know, you are going to come home with me today."
"To mama?" Harry's wide emerald eyes stared at him, the hope in them crushing Arcturus' heart. "Dada?"
"No," Arcturus hesitated. "You're going to stay with me, Harry. With Grandpa Arcturus."
Harry turned his head to look at Dumbledore, then Minerva, who nodded.
"Gra-pa's ho?"
"Yes, Grandpa's home," Arcturus smiled. "Would you like that, Harry?"
Harry nodded and beamed, and Arcturus stood, lifting him in his arms. "Albus, can I use your floo?"
"Of course," Dumbledore's gaze lingered on Harry. "Arcturus, if you need anything, any help, we're here."
"We'll be there in a heartbeat if needed," McGonagall added.
"I appreciate it." Arcturus looked down at Harry. "Harry, say bye to them."
Harry pressed his fist to his lips and threw his arm out, before waving, a wide smile on his lips. Arcturus threw a pinch of floo powder into the flames and stepped into them with Harry.
"Black Manor."
AND… DONE! Hope you all liked the chapter!
The Black Sisters' stories aren't what most expected them to be. I rather enjoy a different take on things, as usual.
And no, before someone asks, Narcissa isn't mistreated or anything by Lucius. She's just bitter and angry that she was bound to someone she didn't love while her sister got to run off and break everything apart. And those clever enough would've spotted what's coming next already from the dialogue between them.
If you want to know what happens next, the next FOUR chapters are up on pat-reon. You'll find a lot of stuff on there, ranging from early access to all my stories, several short pieces, side stories, lore pieces, and even polls. So if you want to (and can), please support me as an author. Your small support will mean a lot to me.
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Perseus013: That's for me to know and you to find out.
FrozenColt: Technically, this is the new story, lol. Agent Potter just took a chapter more to end, thus shaking the schedule up a bit. But technically, Black Dawn is Agent Potter's replacement on the list of main fics.
Ariadne Venegas: Your guesses are near in some places and far in others. I can only encourage you to continue it ;) But, to answer some of it, I will just say that I'm taking my own approach to this character as a whole.
Chronos: In a very technical way, Daphne is an OC, my friend. You know nothing about her from canon. She's just used by each author as their own.
BJJPanda: Melody is her own character. As for her speech, storywise the reason is that she learned to speak properly in English from her mistress. For me, it is way more convenient to have her speak properly as I find the elf speech rather jarring at times. And broken English messes with my process of writing.
Jtapp1228: We'll take the time leap, but not so soon. There are still some things to sort out, some characters to come, and most importantly, plot to be built.
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