3 September 1995:
"You know brother, sometimes it baffles me how you can be so stubborn", Mia's voice echoed in the empty corridors of the castle on their way to Sirius' quarters.
Harry knew that the exasperated comment from his sister had more to do with her anxiety over the state of their new cousin than anything else. In the almost two days that has passed since the welcoming feast, Draco hadn't woken up yet. Sirius said that by noon of today he should be up. Harry wanted to be there when he came back from Hypnos' embrace but Hermione had suggested letting him become aware of his surroundings and changes before overcrowding him.
They arrived in front of a painting of a many times great grandfather of Sirius before Ron whispered the password, "Toujour Famille". Without saying a word the man in the painting nodded and opened the portrait to reveal Sirius' quarters. With a red sofa and two black leather chairs, Sirius quarters were a mesh of Gryffindor's common room and a rockstar's lounge. It totally encompassed what Sirius was all about, with a few flowers and feminine touch that gave away Aunt Cissa's presence.
The previous day had the siblings interacting with the Daughter of House Black, leading them to develop a closer bond with the witch. Narcissa was as poised and elegant as she was caring and motherly. For Harry, Aunt Cissa was what he always wanted Aunt Petunia to be, tender and warm.
Said woman was coming out of her son's room more relieved than they had ever seen her. "You arrived just in time. Draco is washing himself up before joining us. Siri, would you kindly take your feet out of the tea table. You know that piece cost more than a ministry head's annual salary."
"Cissy, I'm a grown man and Lord of an Ancient and Noble House, I do as I so please."
"And I am the Lady the Lord of said Ancient and Noble House begged to fulfill his duties. Therefore, no Siri, you will not do as you 'so please'. You will, however, do as I please. So get your feet off of my tea table so I can finish setting up tea for the children."
Sirius was about to rebut Aunt Cissa's statement clearly amused with the banter, when someone clears their throat. All the habitants in the room turned their gaze towards the hallway. Standing by the door, in pale contrast to his skin, a Black haired Draco. His expression was neutral but his eyes betrayed his curiosity. Harry took the moment to observe the new heir Black closely. It seemed the only things that remained the same about Draco were his grey eyes and pale skin. Other than that, all of his sharp and pointed features that made him appear like Lucius Malfoy's mini clone had vanished just like Malfoy's magic. In other words, Draco looked like an entirely different person. He was a replica of all Blacks that came before him, especially Sirius's younger brother, Regulus.
"Lord Black, I thank you for aiding my mother by annulling her marriage and naming me as the heir of House Black. Based on the House's new alignment, which Houses should I refrain from acquainting with? Furthermore, what do you wish for me to do in case Lord Malfoy attempts to contact me?" Spoke Draco with a monotone voice and an expressionless face.
"Sirius or Siri, nothing about Lord, Draco. Other than that, in class call me Professor B." The older man flashed a charming smile before turning his face to a more serious expression. "Trust that you and your mother's safety is one of my utmost concerns. Any letter old Lucy sends to a child of House Black has to go through me first. If he ever approaches you in person, please inform him that it will be discussed at the Wizengamot meeting." Draco's eyes widened and nodded solemnly. "As to acquainting with other Houses… as a Slytherin you must interact with your housemates outside your common room. The family magic will not punish you for this. "Acquaint" with non death eater Houses, their alignment is of no matter to me. And of course, know your cousins here are always by your side."
"The four of you are the new children of House Black. Your actions reflect the House intentions and reputation. This provides all of you protection and a certain irreverence. You must not rely on this fact however. This is why from now on every Saturday and Sunday you'll be receiving lessons from myself on House magic and history, culture, and the House of Lords." Aunt Cissa interjected while serving each of them a cup of tea.
"Can you also teach us about the House of Potter?" Asked Harry curious.
"Sirius will be in charge of yours and Draco's Lord training on the Yule holidays. We decided on teaching all of you the foundation of the Noble Houses and the Wizengamot to give Sirius time to adjust to being a professor. Since he is the only one who knows about the House of Potter's magic and history."
"Last year's Yule ball was a vague introduction of the type of festivities you will have to attend from now on. Your O.W.L.S. year is important, but we want all of you to be children, have fun and enjoy your years at Hogwarts. Especially to trust in us, the adults, to take care of the problems that should have never been your responsibility to begin with. We will inform you of every decision and answer honestly when you have questions or concerns." Sirius continued to explain.
"Does this impact the classes or careers we choose?" Hermione asked with trepidation.
Aunt Cissa watched her with concern from the single sofa chair and answered "It is customary for members of House Black to complete a mastery to enrich the House knowledge and connections. We were planning on having an in depth discussion with each of you individually and a magical assessment to provide you with all the more suited choices. Every Wixen has an affinity to a magical discipline. Learning from said discipline's pedagogy perspective is far more beneficial for the wixen."
Ron raised his voice shyly "Even if the discipline is for all intents and purposes useless?"
"There's no magical discipline that's useless, just those who do not know how to wield it. Ronald, what discipline are you interested in?"
"Divination, but I haven't seen anyone taking it seriously."
"Divination is a respectful magical field for those who have the gift. The department of mysteries have entire sub departments on said field. As well as most Ancient and Noble Houses rely on Divination masters when choosing alliances and business deals. You do not need to trouble yourself with the practical applications of your mastery just yet. Trust in your magic and your truth will show you the way."
~OoO~
Hello, I am alive and well! I know it took me so long to write this chapter. I would like to thank everyone who favorites and follow this story it reminds me there's people truly interested in it.
Love,
Liria