A/N Arcturus kicks butt in this chapter!

I do not own Harry Potter. Sadness!

Please leave Reviews. I live for them. Things are heating up.

Chapter 25 Toujours Pur

When this is all over, we'll be a proper family. You'll see.

~Sirius Black~

Sirius wasn't able to visit his grandfather until after dinner. He hadn't shared the secret of the second trunk yet with his mates. The trunk had a notice-me-not ward hiding the second exit from view.

Arcturus came into the study shortly after he arrived and said, "I see you told your friends about the trunk. You didn't even wait twenty-four hours." He frowned at Sirius. "Poor impulse control seems to be a genetic trait inherited from your stupendously stupid mother. Be very careful Sirius. You're becoming predictable." Sirius chuckled, "I seem to remember a time when you accused me of being reckless." Nodding, "So predictable is a step up I think."

The older man sat back and said, "So, what did they think?" He asked curiously, "Of the trunk?"

Sirius beamed, "It's brilliant of course. Remus will use it on the full moons. You should have seen Severus go nutters over the potion lab." He nodded, "It will make an excellent base of operations." He scratched his chin a bit sheepishly, "I wasn't really expecting to reveal it so soon. But… Things are changing faster than I expected." He then told him about the decision for all of them to pursue Animagus forms. His grandfather said he would consider meeting with them on Thursdays to share Animagus training with Siri. Siri's response was to say the least, excited. It would be much more enjoyable learning with James, Severus and Lily.

Arcturus frowned, "Speaking of changes…" He nodded towards the Pensieve he had already set out, "I want you to see my memory of the meeting I had with Pollux and Cygnus Friday."

Sirius nodded, "You said it didn't go well?"

Arcturus shook his head, "As well as I expected it to go. A good deal worse however in that I underestimated Voldemort's influence in our family. I'm fairly certain Cygnus is working for him. And Pollux…" He shook his head, "A source of funding at the very least." He motioned to the Pensieve, "After you?"

Sirius nodded and placed his finger in the bowl, being swept up into a memory was never pleasant. That falling swooping feeling in the pit of your stomach into a chaotic swirl of colors. He found himself in Arcturus's study.

The Lord of the manor was writing a letter when Mimsy popped in. "Yours guests have arrived Master Lord Black sir." Arcturus nodded, "Thank you Mimsy. You may show them in…" He held up a hand, "One moment. Monitor them after they leave Mimsy. Try to be discreet. If you can't hear without being seen, please do not take the risk. Do you understand?"

Mimsy nodded and her ears bobbed happily, "I's understands! Master wants to knows if Masters brother and masters brothers son say anything bad after meetings. Not to listen if not safe. Mimsy will do this master."

"That was smart." Sirius complimented his grandfather.

"I have my moments." Lord Black quipped

Arcturus nodded. "Thank you Mimsy. You are a good elf. Now show in our guests and serve refreshments. Stay close." Mimsy nodded. "Yes, master." She then popped away. A few moments later she ushered in two distinguished-looking men.

Pollux, Arcturus's youngest brother, was tall, broad-shouldered, and would be considered dashing but he was missing a chin. Seriously his chin was the smallest part of his face. It gave him a weak apathetic cast to his features. His hair was snow-white but used to be raven black. He had a goatee that had a curl and flipped up on the end, and Sirius suspected he had grown it to hide the lack of a chin, and he sported a massive handlebar mustache. He looked like one of those muggle cartoon villains who kicked poor widows out of their house, Sirius thought. Pollux looked apprehensive but it was hard to tell since he tried to spend as little time in his Uncle's company as possible.

Cygnus looked much more relaxed and confident, except he was graced with a chin and was clean-shaven. His hair was still black with a widow's peak that actually looked good on him. Sirius remembered that he had been quite popular with the witches in his day. Cygnus was his mother's brother and that thought alone made him want to kick his grandfather in the shin for even allowing such a union in the first place. He was drawn from his musings about the downsides of inbreeding to the scene playing out before him.

Both men were wearing dark robes, carrying themselves with a grace that looked like it came naturally, but was actually due to years of Pureblood indoctrination and training. They were not unique among their peers. Privileged, spoiled, and always looking for the easy way, the path of least resistance, and the path that would gain them more privilege, gold, and most of all, power. They also lacked imagination so wouldn't even see what was about to hit them.

Arcturus remained sitting and merely nodded as the two men filed in, and waited longer as Mimsy served both men their drinks. Ogden's finest for both.

"So. We have some important family business to discuss and it couldn't wait for the annual family meeting." Arcturus was never one for small talk. Both Pollux and Cygnus shared an exasperated look.

Pollux equally as abrupt as Arcturus interrupted, "Yes, Yes, brother. It's only our time you are wasting. How about dispelling with the pretense? You want to discuss the marriage contracts and I understand… But really brother. It's Cygnus's concern. Don't you think he should have a say in who his daughters marry? You aren't going to really assert prerogative are you?"

Arcturus glared at Pollux. "You forget your place brother. As the head of our family, it is MY prerogative to assert. Look what happens when I don't assert it!" Getting a little animated, "You foist your insane daughter on my son and they both end up in St. Mungo's." He gave the two men speculative glares that quelled any arguments. "Toujours Pur," he purred, "Was never about blood."

Now…" continuing calmly, "I have a list of things I want to discuss, and among them are the marriage contracts that you are forging for Bellatrix, Narcissa, and Andromeda. But marriage contracts aside, they are not the most important reason I called you here. I wouldn't need to call you here for such frivolity." He scoffed.

Cygnus grinned, "It's about your grandson then? Sorting himself into Gryffindor? Are you disinheriting him? I've always said Regulus would make a much more pliable heir!" He glanced at his father who was glaring at him for talking out of turn.

Arcturus was glaring too. He stood up and walked to the window as the sun was just beginning to set over the mountain range. It got dark here early in the winter. "There are many topics that we could cover. We could discuss Bella's punishment, and why she was punished in the first place. We could discuss this new Dark Lord. Voldemort?" He watched brother and nephew with an almost predatory glare. "We could talk about bribes and poisonings. We could discuss plots and murders." He shrugged nonchalantly, "There are a lot of things we could talk about."

Cygnus was standing now, his face red with rage. "How dare you! You are talking like a blood-traitor!"

The family magic pulsed dangerously. The lights flicked, candle flame rose, and Cygnus took a step back in fear. Arcturus grinned, "The thing about being the Head of an Ancient and Noble House, young man…" He looked to be enjoying himself now, "...is that you get to set the rules. My house. My rules."

Cygnus suddenly couldn't breathe. The family magic had manifested to protect its head, and a massive ethereal silver snake had his throat in a vice and was cutting off his air. Seconds passed as magic disciplined one of its own, driving the wizard to his knees, his face turning an alarming shade of purple.

"Understand?" Arcturus's voice was soft as silk.

Cygnus got the message clearly nodding emphatically, or as much as the snake would allow. And Arcturus quieted the family magic with a wave of his hand and the family totem disappeared in a cold flash of light, releasing the wizard who knelt gasping for air.

"Impressive display grandfather." Sirius chuckled, "And a bit terrifying. Glad you're on my side."

His grandfather shrugged, "It's a risky thing attacking a Head of House in their seat of power. Unless they are a poor lord. Magic was just reminding them to mind their manners."

Pollux held up a placating hand, "Sit down Cygnus." Cygnus looked like he might refuse but the display of family magic was enough to intimidate him. Arcturus hadn't even drawn his wand. "Now Arcturus. What is this about?" Pollux was a diplomat. A poor one perhaps.

Arcturus retook his seat and sat back studying both men. "Are either of you Death Eaters?" He held up his hand as they both stiffened and looked ready to deny it to the hilt. "Please remember, you can't lie to your Head of House without him knowing. Without MAGIC knowing." He let that sink in.

Pollux stared at Arcturus for a moment, sighed, and shook his head, "Not I brother. Although I do support his cause. And I expect that I will be asked to… Contribute more than money." He glanced at Cygnus, who looked mutinous.

"I fail to see why you would care Uncle. Lord Voldemort's ideology mirrors our own." He proclaimed.

Arcturus snorted derisively. "If his ideology is Pure-Blood Supremacy then I am afraid his philosophy does not 'mirror' our own, as you say." Arcturus shrugged, "I have little faith in my ability to convince you, but I will tell you what I know about this Dark Lord Pretender."

Cygnus went to stand again in anger and Pollux grabbed him by the back of his robes and shoved him back in his seat.

Sirius who had been watching with Arcturus off to the side snickered. "Don't see that every day."

Arcturus continued explaining the truth about the quote-unquote Dark Lord.

"A half-blood? Mother was a squib?" Cygnus looked disbelieving, but Pollux looked resigned. Cygnus glanced at his father, seeing the truth written in his expression. "You knew? And you didn't say anything?" He blinked and sat back in his chair. "I can't believe you knew?"

Pollux shrugged, "I went to school with Tom Riddle. Of course, I knew." He grimaced a bit, "But...He is still the only remaining Heir of Slytherin."

Arcturus laughed. "No, he isn't. But that's okay. Keep holding on to your delusions." Arcturus sighed, "Regardless, the house of Black will cut all ties to the one called Voldemort. The survival of our house depends on it."

He didn't wait for them to object, taking advantage of their shock to plow on to the other items of business. "Now Bellatrix will be released on a probationary status and may have her wand returned to her. This summer I will have a project for her to test if she has learned her lesson."

Pollux and his son were about to comment again but Lord Black was on a roll. "And speaking of the lovely Black sisters, Narcissa may be the perfect match for Lucious Malfoy, but Narcissa can do much better. I'm tempted to forbid it. Unless the family renounces their attachment to Voldemort, I don't see how it is in the Black family's interest to tie ourselves to a family that kisses the robes of a half-blood while espousing Blood purity, and enjoys a side hobby of muggle baiting. No, down that road lies ruin."

Pollux sat back watching Arcturus in disbelief. "Since when have you cared about Muggles? Are you trying to tell me that you don't believe that Muggles are inferior to wizards?"

Arcturus shook his head sadly, "I have never believed that we are better. As I seem to be talking to a bunch of deaf people let me say it louder. Wizards are NOT superior to muggles or anyone else for that matter."

Pollux stared harder, "Did someone confund you? Have you lost your mind?"

Arcturus laughed, "No and no." He took a breath and continued on as if discussing yesterday's weather. "Now. As for Andromeda, she has eloped. And I wholeheartedly approve!" He rifled through a pile of correspondence, "Here we are. One formal request to marry and of course, I approved it." He handed the letter to Pollux who glanced at it and sighed before handing it to his fuming son.

"I have already provided her with a dowry. She will be quite the powerhouse in our family. When she returns she will take up residence at Grimmauld place, ownership will revert to her once Walburga and Orion pass. She has already agreed to become caretaker for Walburga, as the woman is quite disturbed and will need twenty-four-hour care. Between her and Ted, both healers they will be able to keep her comfortable in the London house and well cared for. A perfect solution for everyone I think."

Cygnus was barely coherent enough to read the letter and the blows just kept coming. "That ungrateful Bi.."

With a wave of his hand, Cygnus was silenced and Arcturus shook his finger at him. "My house. Remember?" He then just blew on through their objections and mutinous murderous stares and He gave the horror-struck father and son a commiserating look, "It is for the best. Though I suppose it may be a bridge too far to insist on muggle-born marriages for all your daughters Cygnus."

Sirius started laughing then. In fact, he laughed so hard Arcturus had to end the memory. They came out of the pensieve and Sirius was still laughing. "Oh please, please make Bella marry a muggle-born!" He frowned, "A very powerful muggle-born, otherwise, it just won't be fair." Then he started laughing again and Arcturus finally joined him,

When they had calmed down a bit, Sirius said, "Well now I know where I get my love of pranks from."

Arcturus blinked, "I don't understand. I didn't prank anyone."

Which only made Sirius laugh harder. "Those are the best kind!." Then he blinked, "You aren't really going to make them marry muggle-borns? That would be cruel to muggle-borns."

Arcturus shrugged, "I have decided to take on the responsibility of arranging their betrothal contracts. It still makes me shudder to think that Cygnus was arranging for Andromeda to marry LeStrange. She'd be in Azkaban for murder within a day." He nodded, "I'd no sooner mess with Andi than I would mess with my own sister Thea."

Sirius then asked, "What did Mimsy find out?"

Arcturus frowned, "They decided their best course of action was to plot both of our murders. Regulus, they think, would be easier to manipulate."

Sirius growled, "They obviously don't know my brother very well."

They discussed the upcoming ball and as Arcturus had predicted, Siri wanted his friends to come with him. They decided to give the idea some thought rather than dismissing it out of hand.

Arcturus was sure that he would hear from Abraxas before the ball. "His howler will arrive five minutes after the news hits his ears, perhaps inclined to disinvite him from the ball for the affront." He shrugged. "We were always going to be going up against them. But I did leave room for negotiation for Narcissa and Lucious, and Abraxas is too much a Slytherin to not attempt to turn the situation around to his advantage."

Sirius nodded, "I wonder what is more important to them? Voldemort or Black gold?"

Arcturus folded his arms, "They will choose Voldemort."

Sirius nodded, "Probably." But as he was learning from this second go around in life, anything was possible. Even he House of Malfoy turning against Voldemort. He considered the chances and shook his head, "Not in a million years."

He could almost hear Fate snickering in the background.