Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

All The Stars In The Sky	By : lemonsqueeze13 Category: Harry Potter > General > General Views: 5428 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 2
- 3
- 4
The collective staff of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry had, as with every year at this time, congregated within the staff meeting quarters. The room was a cozy sunroom on the ground floor of the castle, a single wall had been substituted with a large window going from ceiling to floor, providing a view of the sprawling green fields leading to the quidditch pitch and stands. The furniture also reflected the warm and inviting atmosphere, comfy overstuffed chairs, sofas, and settees of varying colours and designs, punctuated by a medley of tables and stands. The cold stone flooring almost completely hidden by the many ornamental rugs draped everywhere. A large elaborate chandelier hung from the ceiling with lit ever-burning candles covered by untarnished lamp glass coverings, giving the whole room a dim gold glow.
The majority of the attending staff lounged around the room, catching each other up on their summer excursions, research findings, political debates, even the ongoing school gossip was avidly passed around. Dumbledore, casually sat on a large, plush, velvet, high back armchair. His favourite seat for the last two and a half decades or so, ever since he discovered and usurped it from dear departed Galatea Merrythought. A bronze goblet with his half finished drink, iced lemon tea, resting firmly in his grip.
He always looked forward to the start of year meetings, every year after the first month of school had finished, all the teachers would gather together to discuss anything of even minor import. It gave Albus, and certainly the rest, the opportunity to gauge overall student performance and satisfaction. Important decisions were made here: who was to be next prefect, who was next to take on the mantle for the new quidditch captaincies, what were the odds on the new teams, who were the students to look out for scholastic achievement. The many dynamics between houses, years, and even individual students were oft brought up as points of discussion.
For Dumbledore this room served as a model for how the wizarding world at large functioned and the issues they were concerned with. It was akin to that quaint contraptions muggles used to judge how ill they were; a thermotither perhaps? In other words, a measure for the current societal temperature. And from what Albus had been seeing for the past two to three years, a fever seemed to be slowly creeping up.
Tensions had been escalating recently. There had been significant… belligerence being expressed from the more ‘traditional’ faction in the Wizengamot, and the same behaviour has been demonstrated by their younger representatives at Hogwarts.
It wasn’t anything too blatant, but the undercurrent was apparent to those who cared to pay attention. Attempts at laws restricting rights for those not in the traditionalist corner, muggleborn presence and rights in particular were becoming a strong point of contention. There were also the alarming occurrences of public disturbances caused by dissatisfied young purebloods getting into arguments with their half-blood and muggleborn peers, often devolving into violent confrontations with wands and harmful curses being so carelessly bandied about.
The auror department had been both busy and ineffectual in their responses to these exchanges.
This climate had also been mirrored within Hogwarts, instances of bullying, the occasional duel between classes. Suffice it to say both dear Poppy and Argus had their hands full as of late.
Surprisingly however, the beginning of this year proved to be a lot less troubling in that aspect. Since the semester had commenced there had been fewer instances of those sorts of situations arising, it was telling from Poppy’s more relaxed demeanor, fewer serious injuries to deal with as well.
And more so than anything Albus wanted to figure out exactly why this was, he was expecting it to go the other way. It was a rare thing for his predictions to be disproved, and it was not a welcome feeling to not be in the know. He was in the highest reaches of power and influence, so anything that he was not aware of was worrying. Therefore, to ease said worry it was time to begin the meeting proper.
Setting aside his emptied goblet on the table adjacent to his chair, Dumbledore stood up, walked forward to the center of the room, crossed his fingers in front of himself as his arms hung relaxed. Putting on a gentle smile, he waited for the din of the room to settle, making eye contact with each member of faculty as they all gave him their attention.
“Good evening dear friends. I trust everyone here has had an eventful return this term, and would appreciate the opportunity to continue their own fascinating conversations. However, I do feel it best to proceed with our major announcements, so that they may be set aside and we are able to return to mingling. So please if anybody has something to share, we welcome you.” Kind smile in place, Albus stayed in place as he waited for anyone to come up.
Silvanus Kettleburn decided to kick things off; ironic considering his missing leg. Kettleburn had been the Care of Magical Creatures professor since Albus’s time as Transfigurations professor under Armando Dippet’s tenure as headmaster. He was never the quiet sort, quite the opposite in fact. He’d been put on probation no less than fifty three times thus far, thankfully slowing down in his fervor to get himself dismissed after he lost his first limb – left arm – round about twenty years ago. It had not however, stopped him from losing his right leg a year and a half prior, after an accident involving a bowtruckle and a particularly feisty fire crab.
“Right you lot, got a quick announcement on my part. I’ve decided that this’ll be my final year at Hogwarts.” This elicited a round of shocked exclamations from everyone. Albus lost his smile for a moment as his eyebrows shot up in surprise.
“I must say I am deeply surprised at your decision Silvanus, I felt that you had good few decades left in you yet my old friend.”
“Well Dumbledore, I’d very much like to enjoy my last remaining appendages while I’m still able. And as much as I want to continue here, I don’t doubt that I’ll be as useful as a flobberworm if things keep going the way the are. I’d just like to say it’s been as exciting as a ride on hippogriff being here with ye all, and I’ll sorely miss ye all when the time comes.” Everyone began with their own quiet well wishes, as Kettleburn nodded with a small smile and sat back down in his seat.
“Silvanus, while I am sad to lose you, I shall endeavor to find solace in the hope that you gain fulfillment wherever your adventure may take you next. It will be an extremely difficult task to find someone who could fill your shoe my friend.” Albus quipped with a small grin at the end, as Kettleburn broke out into a loud guffaw.
“I wouldn’t worry too much Dumbledore, I’ve asked an old friend to be my replacement for next year, at least to give ye time to find a more permanent replacement. I know how hard it can be to fill any position at such short notice. He’ll owl ye later.” Kettleburn added. Albus was quite touched at his long time colleague’s consideration, and just smiled gratefully.
Minerva McGonagall was the next to step up. Dumbledore had brought her in fifteen years ago, at the young age of twenty-one after his initial replacement had decided to pursue other avenues. Albus was admittedly quite fond of her, it was always clear to him even during her years as a student, the passion she had for the subject, and that coupled with her palpable talent in it made her an uncontested hire when she applied for the position.
Even as a child she’d had a stern countenance, but those who knew her were more than aware of her often quite soft manner, even bordering on malleable depending on the situation. But Merlin help you if you decide to confront her on any topic she has put her own determination behind, that is not a fight many would win. That was why he just very recently installed her as the deputy headmistress.
“I’d like to announce, officially, the introduction of the Wizarding Traditions and Festivities Society. I’ve spoken to both Charity Burbage our Muggle Studies professor, as well as professor Slughorn, in order to help manage and promote the club. It is our intention to include students from all walks of life, in an effort to not only bring back so much of our culture I feel we have sorely lacked in recent years, but to also foster union between the many types of magicals in school by giving them a common point to come together on.” McGonagall, nodded thankfully to her two colleagues before promptly sitting back down and focusing her attention to Dumbledore.
Albus once more felt blindsided. He was certainly not expecting this at all, but acquiesced and gave her an agreeing nod. “Thank you professor McGonagall. You are of course allowed to commence a club at your own discretion as is your right as a professor, pending continuation for next year after an evaluation on its success.
Albus sat aside for the rest of the announcements, nothing of overt importance was discussed beyond the first two, and he found himself drifting constantly towards Minerva.
Hogwarts gave professors and staff alike the ability to establish extracurricular clubs at their discretion, and were often able to continue them depending on their popularity with students and value to the institution. Quidditch and the Gobstones club were both first introduced just like this, and have been maintained since. Of course, many many clubs had been installed and demolished over the years. Everything from alchemy to wandlore had been attempted but none had survived over the course of a few years. Dueling was an ever popular choice for resurrection, every decade someone would try to bring it back before it inevitably failed within weeks, due to waning participation or more often than not someone getting grievously injured and the club has to be discontinued.
Dumbledore’s friend, charms master, and dueling champion Filius Flitwick had tried to reintroduce it a number of decades in the past. But was immediately saddened to find that many of the wizarding families had discouraged their children from attending anything beyond the required curriculum taught by him, who in turn had influenced the majority of the student body to follow suit; due to his heritage and their prejudice. Filius had decided to wash his hands of the affair and said never again.
That is until two years ago. Predictably someone had again decided they would champion professional dueling in Hogwarts. What was surprising though was that Filius Flitwick himself was the one to take up his wand. And even more surprising was that as of today the club was not only still running in its third year, but it was flourishing and churning out many competent duelists, who were even taking part in national and international tournaments. Why, just this past summer a sixth year Slytherin and member of the Hogwarts dueling club, Mr. Antonin Dolohov had won the United Kingdom under 20 division tournament held annually in Swansea.
Albus had no doubt that under Filius’s tutelage many a witch and wizard would find new passion in the martial art of dueling, no, what Albus did doubt was the student’s and parent’s willingness to participate in something taught by a half-goblin, regardless of his achievements in the field. But somehow, Filius got over his disappointment and reluctance. And now even the more dubious families had been lauding Filius’s dueling instruction.
This had Albus confused initially. Flitwick was not someone so eager to be spurned twice, and the darker members of society weren’t so welcoming or progressive to change their attitudes towards him without reason either. Like all tough puzzles however, Dumbledore pieced it all together.
It all had to do with Ara Black.
It took keeping a closer eye on Filius for a good portion of the previous year – who he spoke to, who he spoke about, who he tended lavish praise or otherwise tout. It was a combination of his observing the dynamics within the dueling sessions and a well motivated ghost of Cuthbert Binns – chap really didn’t favour goblins – that eventually revealed the young Black heir’s identity as Flitwick’s guiding wand.
Oh, he was certainly subtle and very cautious about how he handled himself around others, he was never seen being too chummy with the Charms professor and was well represented in all the different factions in Hogwarts. He had done his best to seen as quite capable in the arena, but not overwhelmingly so – despite how potent his magic could feel at times, and the ease with which he practiced the art. He’d done his best, but he still has much experience left to gather; between portraits, ghosts, and the average gossipmonger, there was very little you could hide from the ears in Hogwarts. Albus had very little doubt that Minerva’s newest declaration would also once again involve young Mr. Black’s presence in some capacity.
This felt unsettling. Ara is after all the favoured son of a notoriously dark and violent family, that over history have had magic and ideals that fall in line with the dogma of many Dark Lords. There’s no outright proof of any nefariousness, but those who choose to veil themselves in secrecy and influence others are rarely altruistic. At the very least he can be considered circumspect. It was all reminiscent of a very particular student from the past.
The discussions had begun to wind down; the staff session was coming to a close. Rising from his comfortable perch once again, Dumbledore made his way through the milling crowd offering them his pleasantries as he approached his target. “Horace, I am planning on retiring for the night, perhaps you could join for a final drink. I’m afraid that we’ve not had the opportunity to speak this evening, and I would very much like to.”
Horace Slughorn turned away from his conversation with Poppy Pomphrey. Infirmary potions stocking. Raising his eyebrow in irritation and wary caution as to what the Headmaster could want, Slughorn downed the last of his drink and set the tumbler aside. Bidding Pomphrey a goodnight, both men made their way out towards the Headmaster’s office.
“What is this about Albus? It is rather early for me to be leaving a social gathering.” Said Slughorn seriously, Dumbledore couldn’t help but smile at the man’s earnestness.
“I wanted an update on the Slytherin council, so felt it best that we speak in a more private setting.”
“Oh. Quite right. Well ask away, what would you like to know?” Dumbledore held in a sigh at this, it was always the same with Horace, in effect ‘you’re free to ask me questions, but what I choose to answer is entirely up to me’. Classic Slytherin tactic; come off as accommodating in order to find out what someone wants, and then use that as leverage later down the line.
“Might I suggest informing me of any major changes that have happened? I couldn’t help but notice that Slytherin as a whole appears to be… less tense.”
“Definitely, it was becoming a little stifling down in the dungeons. Ms. Black is of course still there, however Mr. Malfoy has been encouraged to vacate the position. I’m not entirely unhappy at that outcome if I’m truthful.”
“I had guessed as much from Mr. Dolohov’s visit to the infirmary. My question would then be, who is capable of taking on a champion duelist working alongside a competent partner.” Slughorn looked supremely uncomfortable at this question if his slightly constipated expression was any indication. Under normal circumstances Horace would be reticent in sharing this information. But with the advent of the current political climate, he was much more forthcoming.
It also helped that they both were aware who was leading this pureblood movement. Being who he is, Slughorn had a standing invitation to almost any social event. And even if Tom Riddle was concerned about keeping his identity a secret at all, Horace had recognized him immediately. And he was terrified of the man. Albus knew there was something Tom, while still at Hogwarts, had said or done to Horace that had him so scared, something very important, but Slughorn was locked up tighter than a Gringotts vault if that topic ever came up.
“Albus I… I’m not sure how to say this. The… person who fought those two boys, he did so single handedly. His second was entirely inconsequential. And when I say fought, I entirely mean it. That was no simple duel.” Dumbledore leaned in a little closer at this. That was no mean feat.
“The speed and ferocity of the battle was frightening Albus, they were chucking about dangerous spells like nothing, I didn’t even know what happened until it was all over and done. Those two boys were only a step away from trying to murder him, but he returned it tenfold. I have no idea why and how he managed to keep his talent hidden.” Horace’s expression shifted from scared to awed. Dumbledore had a sinking feeling he knew who this person was.
“And since he has come to be the council representative, he has already cowed his more vocal opposition. It has also helped his standing immensely that whoever he has put down so far have been the least pleasant members of the house.” Dumbledore could hear the evident respect that Slughorn held in his voice for this person.
“I think Mr. Ara Black has been doing a splendid job so far.” And there it was, that name again. Dumbledore leaned all the way back in his chair and closed his eyes, he didn’t bother hiding his sigh this time. The Blacks have managed to grasp their power base, Slytherin is now theirs. Ara Black holds close to a quarter of the school in his hands. Along with how he’s got his fingers dipped in any cauldron he can reach, he’s certain to try and expand his influence.
Sitting in contemplation, Dumbledore wasn’t yet sure if this was a good or a bad thing. The reputation of his family precedes him, he’s certainly powerful and ambitious – not to mention his support base is equally capable in the young Ms. Blacks. And he himself has shown how ruthless and totalitarian he can be if needed.
Yet in that same instance, he seemingly holds none of his own family’s prejudice, freely associating with anyone and everyone. His escapades with a few young ladies in the school are clear indicators of this. And while he has certain traditional proclivities, he is very inclusive, and encourages all wizards and witches to participate in the community. Minerva's new extracurricular society was proof.
Ara Black was a confusing puzzle for Albus. And he wasn’t sure how to react until he had a clearer understanding of who Ara Black really was.
“He’s a good boy Albus” Dumbledore was brought out by Slughorn’s almost reassuring voice.
“Don’t think too hard on this, I honestly believe that he’s trying to do right by us. He’s a good boy Albus.” Slughorn pressed. Dumbledore gave a wane smile.
“I would very much like that Horace. His motivations seem pure, yet his methods are anything but. I certainly mean no offense by this, but we have been… misdirected before. I would just prefer all my facts straight before I cast my final decision.” Slughorn scowled slightly at this. Whether he was angry at him for bringing up the topic of Tom Riddle again, at Tom Riddle himself, or angry from being embarrassed at himself, Albus wasn’t sure. They both sat in an uncomfortable silence for a few minutes, before they finally retired to their respective quarters for the night.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rita Skeeter, hated being unremarkable, unnecessary, and unknown. It was her ambition to be recognizable to each and every wizard. To be needed by them, to have loyal followers tripping over themselves to hear her so much as sniff. She knew exactly what she wanted, only problem was she had no idea how to achieve it.
It had already been a month into her career at Hogwarts and barely anybody even knew that she existed. Aside from the Slytherin prefects, her head of house, and the transfigurations professor – turns out she was gifted in the subject, bears some thought – there was only that sad, sallow, sour-faced, Snape fellow who paid her any attention. And the latter only because they were the only two half-bloods in Slytherin in their year. So it was either hang out together or be completely alone.
Granted things were getting better slowly, she’d started making a few more friends in Slytherin among her year mates and seniors, as well as others from different houses she shares classes with. Rita had been terrified that first night in the dungeons, especially after that whole speech about ‘knowing her place’, and then somehow this one boy demolishes that blonde prissy princess and suddenly begins running her house like he built it with his own wand. And if his magic skill and status weren’t intimidating enough, he had that mentally unstable cackling pervert of a cousin as his attack dog. Poor Selena Selwyn still flinches whenever she’s around Bellatrix Black.
Rita Skeeter may not like them much, but she could certainly admit that the Black siblings had what she wanted. Respect and recognition. So she’d taken it upon herself to follow them around and snoop, hopefully she’d pick up the skills she wanted by association. Rita had tried just getting to know the youngest girl Narcissa first, they were in the same dorms and classes together after all, but the uppity, self-important brat deemed her too low-brow to mingle with her. The bitch.
That’s where Rita found herself, squatting behind a suit of armour round the corner from the stairs leading down to the sixth floor. Every Wednesday night and Saturday morning all four Blacks would leave the dungeons, go fetch that annoyingly boisterous fellow Sirius from Gryffindor and disappear for a few hours. Was it some sort of secret pureblood meeting? Were they sneaking out to Hogsmeade to buy sweets? Rita didn’t know, but she had to find out. Who knows? Maybe she could use that as leverage and have Ara teach her how to be like him. All this had sounded great in her head earlier, but she’d now been sitting here on her bum for the last two hours without seeing hide nor hair of them. They’d simply vanished into the walls before she’d managed to get up here.
Rita was just about to give up for the night, when she heard voices once more pouring down from the hallway behind her hideaway. Quietly standing up on her knees, she gingerly peeked out from behind the knight’s knee to see the members of the Black family suddenly having a casual conversation in the corridor. What could they be talking about? How'd they manage to just appear? Maybe it had to do with the magic portal they used to get in and out of the castle!
“Bloody finally! I never thought we’d get done. Why do our training sessions have to be so bloody brutal? Why can’t we just practice tickling jinxes on each other once in a while? Would it kill you to not try to kill me every week?” Sirius loudly complained as he rotated his shoulder, wincing lightly as he came down on a sore spot.
Training? Kill!? Where the Blacks being trained somewhere as assassins? Rita gasped.
“Be appreciative Sirius. It’s not everyday we get to learn the caliber of magic we are right now, and it’s even harder to find someone who can competently teach it.” Narcissa huffed out, turning a shy smile up to Ara who gently palmed her head at the compliment. Sirius sulked a little at the attention she was getting.
Wait, Ara Black is their assassin teacher! Rita came to another assumption.
“She’s right on the mark with that Siri, especially with a spell like Satelles. It could save your life when someone inevitably decides to cast the killing curse on you, little shit that you are.” Andromeda offered her… observation to Sirius. Taking the insult in stride, obviously being used to it Sirius defiantly stares back, arms crossed in an effort to look intimidating. Causing Andromeda to narrow her eyes at his impertinence.
“Oh yeah? Like who? Plus it’s easy for you to say, You’ve been doing magic much much much longer than I have you old hag. It’s like three different spells mashed into one!”
“Well for starters Sirius, I’m pretty sure Andi’s about to take a shot if you keep running your mouth. So unless you want a surprise quiz on the spell I’d let it go. Just like your manners at the dinner table Sirius, let it go.” Ara chimed in with his attempt at mollifying both parties, Narcissa and Bellatrix found it incredibly funny.
“And it’s really not that difficult Sirius, you just stab your wand down hard to break of chunks of the ground, pull back your wand and transfigure the broken chunks of floor into whatever shield you want, and then cast a halo overhead to make the shields orbit around you and intercept any unforgivable your way. Satelles nice and easy. Easier than conjuration at least.” All four of them rolled their eyes at Ara, it was most definitely NOT nice and easy.
Unforgivables!? The Blacks had just confirmed that they were being trained to take lives! Rita was once more jumping to her own conclusions.
“And you!” Andromeda rounded on to Ara, putting and accusing finger on his chest. “What is wrong with you? Why haven’t you fixed whatever’s happening with Pandora?” Narrowing her eyes further, nostrils flaring in irritation. The three other Black children groaned in disappointment, this conversation had been going on almost daily for the past month.
“I know that you’re doing your best impression of a Chinese Fireball, but there’s no reason to squint your eyes to look oriental. That’s pretty insensitive of you.” He tried to wave off the question but Andromeda wasn’t having it.
“What. Happened.” She hissed out. Ara sighed and rubbed the back of his neck.
“I don’t know what to tell you Andi.”
“Fine. Then you just listen. You two are my best friends. I expect my best friends to get along. I don’t care to know what started this, all I care about is that you finish it. Narcissa, Sirius come. We’re leaving.” Grabbing both their hands in a firm grip, she began dragging them back to their respective dorms.
“NO DRAGON! LET ME GO! I’VE NO GOLD TO OFFER YOU. CHECK WITH MY MOTHER, AND IF YOU DON’T LIKE WHAT SHE HAS, EAT HER! PLEASE! EAT MY MOTHER YOU FIRE BREATHING MONSTROSITY!” Sirius bellowed, Narcissa let out a squeak as she tried to keep pace, and Andromeda continued her march.
Seeing them heading her way, Rita quickly jumped to her feet and ran down the stairs as silently as possible. All the while thinking.' The Black family of assassins are holding secret meetings and training sessions, using a magic portal to take them in and out of Hogwarts. Also Ara Black is their leader and is having issues with one of his follower’s friends. Who could either be catching on to their nefarious activities or is involved in a possible love affair with him!' Somehow, she’d gotten really sidetracked from her original purpose.
Ara could only give a bemused frown at their retreating backs.
“What is your problem with the girl anyway? You don’t usually avoid every other slag in the castle now do you lover boy?” Bellatrix spoke up for the first time. Normally she’d sit back and let it play out, but Andromeda’s constant badgering was getting to her as well. Ara turned his head around and gave her a blank stare over his shoulder.
“Is that envy I sense Bella? You don’t normally comment on the other girls I make love to.” Bellatrix gave him a disgusted grimace.
“Ugh. That’s positively disgusting! We do not ‘make love’ you scratch my itch when I want it, and you get yours scratched by whatever little slut you’re seeing for the week. It’s mutual masturbation as far as I’m concerned.”
“Right. I’m the disgusting one. Whatever. Never you mind about Pandora, I guess I’ll actually have to do something before Andromeda decides to eat me, and probably Sirius too.”
“As long as Andi stops her incessant complaining I don’t care.” Bellatrix took this opportunity to vacate the area and leave Ara standing alone.
Sensing that no one was around he sank down to the floor, leaned his head and shoulders on the wall and let out a forceful sigh. The subject of Pandora brought on a lot of unwelcome memories for Ara. It was bad enough that he sometimes saw Hermione’s face on Bellatrix’s, and normally he welcomed that in the bedroom, but it had been happening a lot outside of it. He’d been hit with more than a few avoidable curses because he’d been momentarily distracted by an as of yet unborn Hermione Granger banishing transfigured knives at him. But those were just quick flashes.
Pandora Stern posed a more problematic issue. She was Luna Lovegood’s mother. The same Luna Lovegood that Harry Potter was romantically involved with for more than a few years. And Pandora Stern was a virtual carbon copy of her own daughter’s personality; albeit, without the influence of Xenophilius - so no Nargles.
After the war and Harry’s failed relationship with Ginny, he’d gone on an extended spree of affair after affair with any pretty witch who so much as walked past him. It was a combination of relief of not having to deal with anymore Voldemort, a real need of physical intimacy since he’d received very little growing up sans Molly and Hermione, and not a little entitlement – ' I’d won the war at great cost to myself and my loved ones, surely I deserved a reward of some kind. '
This had gone on for about a year until Harry ran into Luna again. Luna Lovegood was someone Harry counted as a true lifelong friend. She’d fought with him at the ministry; she’d supported him through Sirius’ loss; she, at great personal risk, had supported his stance against Voldemort through the Quibbler. But most importantly she’d shown him that he wasn’t alone. There was someone else who’d gone through the same sort of life as he had and survived. Lost parents, loneliness, bullying, being vilified and attacked by your own peers, being forgotten by your own friends. They’d shared all these life experiences, and it showed; because there was nobody, Hermione and Ron included, that could help him get out of a funk easier than Luna Lovegood.
One day at the Burrow Luna asked him out; Harry never looked back. It was the easiest relationship Harry ever had. They understood each other and what they needed, she accepted him with his demons, and he had grown fond of her eccentricities. They just fit. For the first time in both of their lives, they’d fallen in love. And in his grief Harry had thrown that away. He’d left her alone again. Ara didn’t know if things would have turned out any different had Luna been there after everything, as it was she’d been working at her Mastery in Magizoology and Ara doubted she’d even gotten Harry’s owl before he’d decided to stuff it.
So now, whenever he looked into those shimmering silver eyes, or heard the melodic lilt of her voice; all Ara could see was Luna’s betrayed face. It killed him inside. And Pandora’s such a sweet girl, whip smart too, just like his Luna used to be. In Ravenclaw, surrounded by a very small group of friends, so very loyal to her passions, not to mention unapologetic with her candor.
His attraction to her was immense, but every time he thought about being with her all that went through his head that somehow, someway he was betraying his memory of Luna. Because If he wants Luna to live, he can’t be the one to be with her mother.
Dropping his face in his hands and roughly scrubbing his eyes. He can’t keep avoiding her, Pandora was his friend too. Also his relationship with Andromeda was clearly suffering as well.
“Bollocks. I’m just gonna have to suck it up.” Getting back up, he started following Bella’s path down to the dungeon.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dorea Black lounged languidly in the Grimmauld Place parlour, steaming cup of Darjeeling in hand, and a soft smile on her lips. She was absentmindedly staring out the window. It was charmed to show whatever scenery someone wished to see, so right now, instead of the empty street outside the manor, Dorea was staring across the Black Lake. It was where Charlus had asked her for her hand in their final week at Hogwarts. She dearly missed her husband, but she thanked him for giving him her son Ara more than anything else. Unconsciously her hand drifted to the flower brooch Ara had conjured for her and she began to gently stroke it with her thumb. It always reminded her of her child and never failed to calm her.
Dorea was forced out of her reverie as the telltale bark of an owl sounded from outside the window. The charm temporarily wore off as she opened the window to let the bird in. She read the missive while guiding the owl to a perch, it would leave in its own time, an amused smirk grew on her lips as she finished.
“Kreacher.” An elf hobbled into the room from beyond the entrance, holding a tray of biscuits to accompany the tea.
“Yes mistress?” Collecting the tray and setting it aside, Dorea parked herself back in her seat.
“Please call everyone who is home down.” Nodding in affirmation, the elf snapped his fingers and vanished. Minutes later everybody started filtering in. Arcturus had made his way over to the biscuits, while Melania and Dorea were locked in casual dialogue. Walburga thundered her way into the parlour, each step having purpose.
“What is it you want Dorea? Not everyone has the time to serve your whims.” Walburga announced her presence into the room, Orion quietly trailing behind her as he also found his way to the biscuits. Cygnus and Druella, as always, weren’t here. Tea with the Rowle family she believed. Dorea lazily pointed to the letter sitting on the table nearest to her niece.
“It seems your son has finally deigned to write to us.”
Walburga immediately perked, and snatched the letter off the table as she began to furiously read it. Orion had to read it over her shoulder. Judging by his perturbed expression, and her seething one they clearly were not pleased. Arcturus made his way over and pulled it put of her shivering hands, and began reading it aloud.
“Dear whoever is reading this letter. It’s me Sirius, everybody was telling me to write home so I am, they were also adamant I update you on what’s happened. So I’m in Gryffindor, do what you will with that information. Not exactly sure how easy this might be for you all to swallow, but Ara told me he already spoke to you about this possibility. Anyway, school’s fun, we’ve all kept up with our training. See you at Yule, remember I really like those new two-tone dragon skin boots I saw at Twilfit’s. Your favourite, Sirius.” Arcturus chuckled and handed the letter to his son.
“That insolent whelp! I’ll have him dragged back here this instant, hex him till he can’t stand the sight of red and then send him back next year to get properly sorted into Slytherin where he belongs!” Walburga ranted. Dorea and Melania shared a look and Dorea responded.
“You know Walburga, it really doesn’t do to start drinking so early in the day. If you feel the need to become a lush, at least be respectful about it and conduct your impropriety at a more acceptable hour.”
“I am no drunk!”
“Well then darling, you’ve certainly managed to fool us. I’ve only ever seen people who are deep into the bottle behave like you do. Constantly shouting about something or other, and failing to remember the rest.” Melania jumped in.
“My memory is absolutely fine.” Walburga retorted, unable to comment on the shouting.
“I think they’re referring to what Ara said before they left for Hogwarts. He had categorically warned us that Sirius was going to end up in Gryffindor.” Orion added in his two knuts, his attention still mostly on the letter.
“Well Orion, Ara is not his parent, that’s us. So how we choose to raise him is how he should be raised and how he should behave. And don’t get me started on Ara, the boy fully encouraged this, if he had just kept his nose out of our business, Sirius would have been content to just toe the line. It’s all just some elaborate plan of his to spite me.” Melania and Orion immediately cringed at her bringing up Ara. It never sat well with the other two if a single bad word was said about him. Arcturus tore himself away from his snack as he sent Walburga a look that said ‘Did you really just say that?’ Dorea instantly cut into her tirade.
“Oh please do shut up Walburga! First of all, had it not been for the rest of us I doubt either of your sons would have lived past infancy. And you should know far better than to bring up my son in my presence, do not forget what I’m capable of, lest you find that the next head mounted on that wall is your own. Let me also remind you of what ‘that boy’ said about your son. Sirius is unafraid and unashamed of being exactly who he is, and because of that he can only go into the house that stands for bravery, because if a child can grow up to be exactly who he is in a house run like Sirius’ they’ve got conviction and courage in spades. And more so than anyone here, he is pure, because he refuses to be anything but purely himself.” Walburga was about to fire off another stream of abuse, but Arcturus cut that out.
“Toujours Pur, Walburga. That’s what he was implying about your son. That Sirius follows our motto more accurately than any of us.” Arcturus clarified for her. This stopped her in her tracks, leading her to really think about what they had told her. Walburga sat down and was left to stew in her own thoughts for a minute as everyone returned to their own conversations.
She was just about to get up and leave, before suddenly remembering that she too had something to share with the room.
“Oh I forgot to mention, Druella informed me last night that the Lestranges will be holding the Summer Gala this year. I just received the invitation. It was rather unusual.” This piqued Melania’s curiosity
“Really dear? How so? We don’t exactly expect too much from the Lestranges. It’s usually impressive enough for them if they don’t require us to perform blood sacrifice rituals as a way of confirming our attendance.” This chagrined Walburga a little, she was very good friends with Renata Lestrange, but she chose to move past it.
“No nothing of that sort. It’s just that they’ve decided to hold the event on behalf of their guest of honour.” She explained. This garnered everyone’s interest.
“That is unusual, who exactly is this guest of honour?” Dorea probed.
“Heir Thomas Slytherin.”
- 2
- 3
- 4
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

All The Stars In The Sky