1950- 12, Grimmauld Place
''Come in.''
Orion Black heard his father's words and muttered under his breath. ''Let the mayhem begin.''
Lord Arcturus Sirius Black was a great wizard yet he was also a bit domineering. Well…very domineering when it came to those he loved. He showed no compunction about manipulating them into doing what he thought was best.
It was not one of his most charming attributes. And if Orion was to dwell on his faults, he would also have to admit that his dear father had an annoying belief in his own infallibility.
He knew he meant well and yearned to revive their family's name and bring back its past glory. He was admittedly obsessed with the Black Magical Gifts and dreamed of Black witches and wizards who were either Necromancers, Seers, Metamorphamagi, or…Natural Animagi.
His father was very charismatic, he oozed the aura of a leader but Orion wasn't appreciating his main traits at the moment.
Since his grandfather choose to pass his Lordship to his eldest son and spend the rest of his days appreciating the simple things in life with his grandmother Hester Gamp Black, Arcturus embraced his role wholeheartedly, and gone was the playful father he remembered from his early childhood.
He knew he loved him and his sister dearly, otherwise, his mother would've poisoned him years ago, but House Black always came first to him.
It was what brought this scuffle.
Arcturus glanced up from his work and his alert grey eyes surveyed him. Leaning back in his chair at his approach, he laced his fingers together and rested them above his desk.
"Orion."
Orion wanted to snort. At the age of fifty-one, Arcturus was as devious as ever. He swore that his father knew the reason behind this meeting, nevertheless still opted to fake ignorance.
Orion responded with a derisive half-smile and bowed slightly. "Father. I hope I'm not interrupting your work."
Arcturus made a faint scoffing sound. ''My work is endless son, something you'll learn when you'll take care of everything."
Orion took a seat and faced his father. Staring blankly into his too-sharp eyes, he started. "Father, is there no way out of this betrothal? You know Walburga, she's not the most pleasant of witches. I know I must take a wife and ensure the continuity of our name, but why her? Even though she's older, I can't help but notice how childish and annoying she is."
Arcturus sighed and his mouth twisted impatiently. Orion knew his father's feelings about the topic, but he couldn't help himself.
Not Walburga, Merlin's Mercy not her.
Arcturus replied grimly as he inspected his hands. ''Orion, you may feel that I'm heartless and uncaring but believe me, I'm doing all this for you …and the family."
Orion gritted his teeth in frustration.
His father must have seen his expression for he took a deep breath and continued. "I know that your cousin is not the best option, but she's a Black. I still hold hope that one day she'll see the wrong in her ways and come into her own. Then, there's your Uncle Pollux. You know about the grudge he holds. If we refuse his proposal, I'm not sure we'll be able to mend the rift that started with your great-grandfather Phineas."
Orion barely kept himself from yelling at the injustice. It wasn't his fault that his father felt the need to make it up to his uncle's family, that Phineas Nigellus favored his grandfather and ignited Cygnus' jealousy, a jealousy his son inherited.
His uncle Cygnus was a bitter and petty wizard. Anyone could see the greatness in his grandfather, Sirius Black II. It was only natural that Phineas would groom him to take the mantle after him.
The man was heartless; he banished Marius for being a squib and pestered Cassiopeia until she left. It had been years since anyone heard a word from her.
Even Dorea didn't have good relations with her family, being married to a Light wizard and a Potter at that.
Knowing that his efforts were futile, his chest closed around a deep stab of betrayal. He stood up slowly and looked into his father's darker eyes. ''I will rest for a bit, I believe I need some time alone."
His father heaved an exasperated sigh and he wanted so badly to mimic him. Supper this evening was going to be a heavy affair. It was a prelude to the official betrothal party.
With a slight bow, he left the office hurriedly and almost bumped into his mother.
"Orion…" Melania said gently, but he was not feeling talkative after the discussion he concluded a moment ago.
"Please Mother, not now." He begged her with his eyes to let him be.
Melania raised her hand and caressed his bristled jaw, her silver-blue eyes filled with kindness. "I know Orion, I know, son. I merely wanted to tell you that Alphard is waiting for you. Tally showed him to your room."
Orion took his mother's hand and kissed her fingers tenderly. She smiled faintly before her lips tightened.
Furrowing her brows and reminding him of the strong woman lurking behind her perfect facade, she said darkly. "I wish I can help. I swear to Merlin I will find a way to help you. Don't give up, you are a Black, and Blacks never go down without a fight."
As always, his mother never failed to make him feel better. He gazed into her compassionate eyes and leaned, kissing her forehead.
His features softened as he nodded. "I'd better not keep Alphard waiting. I wonder what prompted this visit.'' Orion wondered and Melania grinned.
"I hope he brings some delightful news. Sometimes I marvel at the fact that he's Walburga and Cygnus' brother, that young man is a delight."
Orion couldn't agree more. Alphard, who was two years his senior, was the closest thing he had to a brother.
Melania headed toward his father's office and he took the stairs languidly, trying to clear his mind before he confronted his cousin.
He didn't want to take his anger and resentment on him, nor did he want to burden him knowing what his life was like.
He was boundlessly pestered by Pollux to take a suitable wife and start producing children; he even suspected that his crafty uncle had his eyes on his older sister, Lucretia.
Thankfully Aphard harbored no such thoughts. He considered Lucretia an older sister and a dear friend.
He found him reclining on his bed, skimming through a potion journal.
His cousin was a prodigy in the subject, something he kept to himself fearing that his father would twist his talent and try to exploit the only thing he enjoyed, turning it into something he might loathe.
His mother swore that he inherited his uncle Regulus' genius in potions but he wasn't sure as his Uncle's talent was unrivaled.
Alphard aspired to take advantage of his skill and build a life for himself, far away from his family's perniciousness. Orion intended to help his cousin as much as he could for he could not stand his Uncle Pollux' behavior anymore.
He gave Alphard a fake sullen look and the latter responded with a sardonic lift of one brow, his grey eyes swirling with mirth. He was as always impeccably dressed. However, his thick black hair was wind-tousled, and he was rather in need of a shave.
"Orion," he started and he detected the hesitation in his voice.
Orion slumped into a chair and faced him. "No need for that look Alphard, we knew this was coming."
Alphard closed his journal slowly and pushed away from the plush cushions. "It doesn't make it better. I feel no shame in confessing that my dear sister is a nightmare, a harpy I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy."
Tensing, Orion looked down examining his hands. His nerves tingled with awareness as he gave free rein to the anger simmering under his skin.
It had been days since he felt restless as if something of great importance was on the verge of happening.
His gaze sharpened and he shook his head, fighting the urge to give himself fully to the creature inside.
"How is it going with your little experiment?" Alphard asked warily.
He shrugged, a careless gesture none other than his most trusted were allowed to witness. ''I feel closer every day. I reckon I should be thankful to Uncle Pollux and Walburga for the anger is what brought about this splendid surprise."
Alphard snorted. "I highly recommend the opposite. You know how greedy my father is. If what we suspect is true, he'll never let you go."
Orion countered, bitter with the awareness of his own limitations. "Do you still think there is a way out? We're just hours away from my eternal doom. Uncle Pollux will never give up on the opportunity of making your dear sister the next Lady Black."
"You never know. There's still hope Orion." Alphard said in a low voice.
Tally interrupted their conversation as she brought some tea and biscuits.
"Where's Kreacher?" Orion wondered.
Tally was his father's personal elf. She was grooming her son to become his own once he got married. She glanced at him uncertainly and her face turned sad. "Tally doesn't know why but Kreacher is not feeling well today."
Orion's brows furrowed. "Something ails him? Do you think we should ask Mother to take a look?"
Tally shook her head frantically. "No! Tally wouldn't dare bother Mistress Melania. Kreacher's body is fine, Tally took a look. It's his magic Master Orion, something is wrong but Kreacher will be fine in no time."
Orion sighed at the elf's stubbornness. Her long stay with his father must have rubbed on her.
"Alright. But if he doesn't recover soon, just tell Mother. You know she's good with Healing spells."
Tally nodded and popped away hurriedly.
Alphard snorted. "You're even kind to house elves. Why cousin, I believe Walburga will be thrilled."
"As if I care." He said grumpily, "The only thing I like about your sister is her absence from my life, no offense meant."
"And none is taken." Alphard winked as he began to stand. "I shall leave. I just wanted to make sure that you're ready or as ready as possible considering what awaits you. I'll pray for a miracle Ori, just don't give up."
Orion smiled reluctantly and followed Alphard to the fireplace. "Take care Alph and don't give up either. You know I'm always here for you."
Alphard clasped his shoulder and nodded before he left.
Orion dragged his feet back to the spot his cousin evacuated and looked at his hands, his frown twisting into a dark grin.
He raised his hand and muttered under his breath, detecting the moment the Privacy Wards enclosed his room. It wasn't that he didn't trust his parents, quite the opposite; he just needed to be certain before he announced his discovery.
He closed his eyes in concentration and unclasped all the shields he set around his core, making sure that no one learned of the depth of his power.
Pure Dark magic invaded his veins and he relished in the heady feeling of invincibility.
The bones of his left hand twisted as silky dark fur covered what was smooth skin just a moment ago. Razor-sharp claws replaced his well-groomed nails and he shivered from the strain.
Groaning he sagged against the headboard and everything went back to normal.
He felt drained, a recurrence that accompanied the partial transformation. But he wouldn't give up not now that he could almost taste his victory.
He knew he was on the verge of unveiling something great, something his father had always longed for, and he wouldn't let his bitterness hold him back.
Like his father, Orion wasn't the type to vaunt and run his mouth carelessly. He was partial to keeping his secrets, and his resources, close to his chest.
Only Alphard was aware of his possible gift and it was because he witnessed the first time his beast made an appearance.
Feeling exhausted, Orion closed his eyes. It would be good to rest for a while.
The tugging and twisting required to bring forth the magic nestled in the depth of his core, plus the turbulent thoughts that had consumed him for days, made him feel bone-weary.
Mayhap, like his mother and cousin said, everything would get better later.
Orion's sleep was restless and filled with strange illusions.
He dreamed of Avada Kedavra green eyes peering at him from under thick dark eyelashes with rapt attention. He saw himself running his hands through luscious, thick black locks, his fingers tingling from the feeling of the Dark magic coating the silky stands.
But most of all, his heart ached as he experienced a feeling of elation he had never known of before, the feeling of his magic buzzing with excitement and completion while it grazed against the unknown witch's.
He dreamed of himself disheveled and relaxed for once, his head lying on her lap as her soft fingers brushed tantalizingly and soothingly over his face.
Orion longed for that dream with utter desperation. He wanted to live that moment for real and find that overwhelming gratification.
However, a voice kept reminding him that it was but a dream, a chimera his desperate mind weaved in an attempt to give him a reprieve from his disappointing actuality.
Unfortunately, Tally chose that moment to sweep back into his room proudly holding a pair of expensive silk robes for him to choose from in preparation for the evening.
Orion forced his eyelids open and promptly regretted the action as the last of his dream became lost to him.
He sighed and inspected the new robes but instead of getting ready, he started pacing his room feeling like a caged griffin. The noose felt tight around his neck and for the first time since he recalled, Heir Orion Arcturus Black washelpless.
He didn't want to get engaged for Merlin's sake, certainly not to his vile cousin. Obviously, they were a mismatch.
Walburga was a spoiled brat with a nasty temper; he couldn't even entertain the idea of spending the rest of his life with her.
He couldn't help but think of all the witches who wanted to get a contract with him over the years. Since he was thirteen, beautiful and well endowed, magically and physically girls would have done anything short of murder to please him and secure the title of the nextLady Black.
He had been far too busy with his studies to consider offering for any of them. And now, through a combination of a well-set trap; playing on his father's guilt and good timing, he would end up wedded to a socially awkward creature with unsavory behavior and an obstinate temperament.
Sighing at his plight, he sat on the edge of his bed and started running his fingers through his hair.
Born as the Black Heir was a heavy burden, something he came to resent. He was the envy of every wizard in Magical Britain, but in times like these, he hated his legacy.
Why wasn't he the son of a poor family like the Weasleys or even a Halfblood? He would've been afforded this entire headache.
He remembered his mother's words when he started taking his Heir lessons. She advised him to endure and persevere and even gave him glimpses of his father's past struggles.
It seemed that the Black Title was a burden his family was saddled with for all eternity. He wondered when this curse would be lifted
His thoughts were interrupted by a loud pop and then a crash.
Incredulously he glanced up and his eyes widened as they found a girl curled on the carpet sobbing brokenly.
He shook his head in disbelief and his annoyance turned into puzzlement at the sight that greeted him.
Merlin's Mercy, it seemed he hadn't seen the last of this thrice-cursed day yet.
All Credits Go To: NinaMaya