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Chapter Text

 The summer after her fifth year is the worst for Lyra. Her godfather died in the DOM battle because of her. Voldemort sent her vision of torturing Sirius  and she went to the ministry with her friends in hope of saving him but instead she learnt that it was fake to lure her into the department of Mysteries to get the prophecy.   

The order came to rescue them and with them came Sirius to save her but instead in a duel with Bellatrix, he was sent into the Veil. She went forward to save him but it was too late. He died because she couldn't know if the vision was real or not. Hermione was so smug about being right that the vision was fake. 

 The train ride back to King's Cross was silent, no one mentioned about the DOM or Sirius. The order members informed Vernon about the death of Sirius, the glee in Vernon's eyes went unnoticed by everyone except her. She just wanted to run away from him. Last two years, he left her alone only because of Sirius. 

 Lyra sighed looking at the Clock beside her, 10 minutes to her birthday. What a great way to celebrate her birthday. Vernon came home drunk as he lost a contract and blamed it on her. When she stood without speaking anything he hit her on the face making her fall to the floor and proceeded to beat her till he was satisfied and left her room.

 The clock chimed at 12 making her snap out of her thoughts. She looked out of the window expecting at least today her friends will write her. They abandoned her again like last summer. She sent letters daily asking them what happened? Why they were not replying? but stopped after one week of no reply. 

 Remus sent her letter after a week saying Dumbledore told them not to send any letters to her as it is not safe if the Owls are tracked to her. They agreed without even protesting. Remus sent her a letter by muggle post so that Dumbledore or any order member won't see it and explained her how sorry he is for not sending it soon and Sirius' death is not her fault and she should not to blame her.

 She saw three Owls coming towards her window, she stood up wincing at the pain and opened the window the owls dropped the packages they are carrying on her bed and left. She didn't recognise any of those owls, so was it safe to open those packages. She sighed and sat on the bed looking at those packages.

 She recognised one as Remus' handwriting and opened it eagerly to see what he got for her. It was a photo frame of her and Sirius holding each other and laughing happily. The picture was taken during Yule break. Sirius was saying her about the pranks they used to play when they were in School. She hugged the frame close to her heart and put it beside her carefully. There was also a chain with dog shaped pendant. The dog is black with grey eyes just like Sirius, she clasped the chain around her neck immediately.

 The writing on the next package was a bit familiar but she couldn't place it. She opened the letter attached to it.

 Lyra
   I know we don't get along and I'm the one to blame for it. I'm sorry for everything I said to you over the years and I'm not sending this to you as any trick or something to trap you and bring you to the Dark Lord. I just wanted to befriend you and also make an ally between house of Potter and Malfoy. We purebloods are always trained from young age to make allies from friends and it is always useful but I also wanted to befriend you as just Lyra but that is not the reason I'm writing to you.

  Last week I went to visit Severus at Hogwarts as he is my godfather, no one knows that btw. When I went there Dumbledore was there talking to him about you. I was not able to listen properly but from what I heard, Dumbledore is willing to trade you to the Dark Lord for a treaty, they actually are planning a marriage treaty between you and the dark lord. I know this is shocking but please believe me this is for your best too.

  I'm not making any sense to you right? Can we please meet? I swear only you and me no one else, if you want you can bring anyone with you. I think you should not tell Weasley or Granger about this meeting though. They will inform the headmaster within a blink of eye. Please consider once about this, you won't regret it. If you are willing then meet me at room no 07 in Leaky Cauldron today 11 AM. 

   Happy 16th birthday, I hope you like my gift. 

  Draco Lucius Malfoy

  P.S The dark lord doesn't want to kill you and he even punished Aunt Bella for killing your godfather at ministry, they were just informed to get the prophecy, if anything hurt them a bit but not kill. Aunt Bella is now not allowed to any meetings for 3 months which is making her more mad than before and mother is always complaining about how unfair it is to her sister.

 Lyra is so confused after reading the letter. Is Malfoy really saying the truth? How can she believe him? Is Dumbledore really planning something like that? This must be a prank or something right? Is it safe going to meet him at Leaky? But he said to bring someone else with her. Maybe Remus will be willing to come with her. She quickly wrote a letter to Remus explaining the letter from Draco and asked him to meet her at the park at 10 AM. She sent the letter with Hedwig.

 She opened the gift from Malfoy. He sent her a bracelet which has a stag on top and the stag's eyes are glowing hazel. Her dad. Tears formed in her eyes, how did he know? She put the bracelet on the bedside table to wear it in the morning after shower. There are also some books on Transfiguration in the package. How did he know that she likes Transfiguration? No one except Sirius and Remus knows that it is her favourite subject. Sirius said her that it is her dad's and his favourite too. She placed the books beside the bracelet and looked at the last package.

 The third package is from Dumbledore, informing her that he will be coming to get her on 5th of August and the package was from Mrs Weasley for her birthday. He was hoping that she has a great birthday. Mrs Weasley sent her the usual cake and a small letter wishing her a happy birthday and see you soon on 5th. That's it. Ron and Hermione didn't even write. 

 Lyra just threw the cake on the table without any care and went to sleep as she has a meeting in the morning. She just hoped that Petunia will let her go if she finishes all her chores before 9.30. With that thought she went to sleep.

 Remus woke up to Hedwig pecking on his window. He rubbed his eyes tiredly and went to open the window. He removed the letter from her and gave her some water and owl treats. He was shocked when he finished reading the letter. So many questions running in his mind but decided to trust Malfoy jr. for once in his life and meet him, if anything happens he will save her with his life. 

 Far away at Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore was deep in his thoughts thinking about the saviour of the wizarding world and the Dark Lord Voldemort. After so much thinking, both minister and himself came with the idea of a peace treaty with Voldemort. The dark lord agreed to the treaty if he gets the hand of Lyra potter in marriage. Dumbledore was surprised that he agreed so easily but agreed to his condition. 

 The problem now is how to convince the girl. If she doesn't marry Tom then there is no chance in killing Tom. He has to convince her to marry him and become a spy for the order, in that way he will know all.of his secrets and kill Tom and become a hero just like he did with Gellert. He will pick her up from privet drive on 5th and take her to Weasleys then maybe she will listen to him as she will be with her friends finally. 

 The next morning Lyra woke up to her Aunt shouting outside the door to make breakfast. She got up as fast as she could still feeling pain from yesterday's 'punishment'. She went down without making any noice and started making breakfast. She made it in 30 mins and set it on the table. Petunia was the first at the table.

 "Aunt Petunia, I have some work at 10, can I go? I will be back before evening." She asked her aunt.

 Petunia looked at her with a glare and huffed. "You can go but don't bring any more freakish people with you."

 "Thank you Aunt Petunia." She sighed and went upstairs to her room. She went to shower and wore a knee length lilac coloured gown and the bracelet Malfoy have is on her left hand. She covered herself under invisiblity cloak and left the house without any sound. She removed the cloak in an alley far from the house and went to park. Remus was already there waiting for her. 

 "Remus!" She shouted and ran towards him. She winced when he hugged her tightly and prayed that he didn't notice. But due to him being a werewolf, he heard her wince. 

 "What happened cub?" He asked with concern.

 "Nothing Remus, I just fell walking down the stairs. I was a bit clumsy." She lied easily.

 "Don't lie to me Lyra. What happened?" Remus asked her seriously.

 Lyra sighed and looked at the ground. "My uncle lost a contract yesterday and he thinks it's my fault so.." She trailed off.

 Remus has to take deep breaths and close his eyes to control.his anger towards Vernon Dursley and Albus Dumbledore. He counted one to ten in his mind in 3 different languages to control his anger and opened his eyes. 

 "I have a pain potion, here." He handed her the potion.

 Lyra took the potion from Remus gratefully and drank the potion with a grimace. She gave the vial back to him. 

 "So, do you think Malfoy was honest?" Lyra asked him sitting on the bench beside him. 

 "I don't know Lyra. I just think we should give him a chance and see what he wants to say." Remus sighed.

 "Dumbledore is going to come on 5th to take me to Burrow. He didn't say that he is going to take me to Burrow but i got a letter from Mrs Weasley saying see you soon so I think that is where he will leave me for rest of the holidays." Lyra informed him.

 "Oh, atleast you will be with your friends." Remus smiled at her.

 "Friends." Lyra scoffed. "They are not my friends. They didn't write a bloody single letter to me in a whole month and didn't even wish me on my birthday. Even my rival Malfoy wished me and gave me a gift. They are not my friends. Last year I forgave them thinking they were genuinely sorry for not writing to me, but they did it again on Dumbledore's say, we are no friends anymore Remus. I just can't be friends with someone who will stop writing to me because Dumbledore said so. Even Neville and Luna wrote to me atleast once or twice a week." Lyra said with tears in her eyes.

 "Oh Lyra don't cry. You deserve better friends than them." Remus hugged her lightly as she is still sore.

 "Ron and Hermione were my first friends Remus." She laid her head over his shoulder and sighed. They say in silence for some time before she spoke again. "I'm sorry for crying over you." 

 "It's ok." He wiped her tears. "You said Malfoy have you a gift?" He asked raising an eyebrow.

 "Oh yes." She showed him the bracelet." It's beautiful, isn't it?"

 "It is. Just like James. How does he know?" He asked looking at the bracelet.

 "I don't know. He even sent me transfiguration books. Except you and Sirius no one knows that it is my favourite. They think DADA is my favourite because I have to fight a dark lord." She told him.

 "Maybe he observes you from distance?" He mused. "I think we should go and meet him." He said getting up. Lyra too stood up with him.

 Remus took hold of her arm and they went to a side by alley and he side-along apparated to a side by alley and went together they went to Leaky Cauldron. 

Chapter Text

 Draco was waiting for Lyra in the room he booked at Leaky Cauldron. So many thoughts were running through his mind. He couldn't believe Albus Dumbledore to do something like this to her. He always hated the man but he never thought that he is going to give up a young girl's life to the man who wanted to kill her only for his greater good. He knew that Dumbledore is not doing this to stop the war, No he is doing this to take down the Dark Lord and become a hero. The fame he got from defeating Grindelwald is not enough for him, so now he wants to kill the present dark lord to become more famous.

 Draco sighed looking at the time, it was almost 11, if Lyra decided to come, she would be here soon and he wanted her to come here and listen to him before taking any decisions. The dark lord was a bit insane when he was ressurected, but after performing a ritual that he never heard about, he became more sane and doesn't crucio his followers every step and doesn't even want to kill Lyra.

 Draco looked up when someone knocked on the door. He took a deep breath and went to open the door. He sighed internally with relief when he saw Lyra with Remus Lupin. He moved aside to allow them inside and closed the door. He made sure that the door is locked properly and placed silencing charms on it and turned towards them. Lupin was looking at him with a raised eyebrow.

 "Just locking and silencing spells." Draco explained it to him and took a seat.

 "But the underage magic?" Lyra looked at him confused. He can't use magic outside school while still underage right? She looked at Remus who was shaking his head. What? Did she miss something? 

 "Lyra this is Leaky Cauldron, so many wizards and witches stay here and the diagon alley is just few metres from here. So due to so many magical signatures they won't know if any underage wizard or witch does magic. Many purebloods practice magic at home as their houses or manors as the wards around them will ensure the ministry doesn't know." Draco explained her.

 Remus frowned looking at her. "I thought you knew this. You were using magic to clean the black house last summer right?"

 "What? We didn't use any magic. Mrs Weasley said that we are still underage, so we had to do the cleaning the muggle way. Ron was always complaining that he had to bend so much to clean the room and Ginny whined hours and hours that her precious hands are getting ugly and rough, even hermione used to nag me how unfair it is to not read the books in the black library and waste the time cleaning." She said to him.

 "You were at the Black house? Hope Walburga Black gave you people nice company." Draco snickered at her horrified look.

 "Oh, no. I hate her. She just made my life hell that one month. But compared to Mrs Weasley's yelling, Ron's complaints, Ginny's whining and Hermione's nagging she is a bit tolerable. I guess." She sighed. "But back to the point why didn't you or Siri tell me that I can practice magic there?" She questioned Remus.

 "As I said before we thought you knew that. Ron and Hermione used magic to clean the house before you came there. But after you arrived, Molly always used to distract me and Sirius away from you and once when we saw you dusting a book, I asked Molly why you were doing it with hands not magic. She said that you just wanted to see the titles of the books and that's the reason you were not using magic and you did everything till then with magic only." He said to her. 

 "Then why did Mrs Weasley took my wand from me when I came there?" Lyra asked him.

 "She did What?" Draco shouted. 

 "Why are you shouting? She just took my wand from me when we were cleaning saying she would give it back to me while returning to Hogwarts. I wanted to protest but she left before I can say anything and Hermione's lecture on how safe it would be with her made me give up." She looked confused again.

 "One should always have their wand with them in case of any danger." Remus explained her. "Why didn't you say anything to me or Sirius?"

 "I know that Remus. Sirius said that to me in my fourth year and that is why I fought the dementors before my fifth year, but they said I won't be in any danger there as it is the order headquarters and if anything happens the order will save me as I'm still a child." She rolled her eyes at that part. "And as I said Hermione lectured me for nearly an hour about the safety of my wand and she even said that I got in trouble because of using it." She scoffed. "Sometimes I wonder if she really has any brain for herself or she just says everything that is there in the book. I mean even a first year can say that if I didn't use my wand then I would have been dead." She paused as if she is thinking something. "Mrs Weasley said that the order knew that my wand is with her not me."

 "No one in the order will allow that to happen, even if you are underage and a child as Molly likes to put it." He rolled his eyes. "Everyone knows how important a wand is to a wizard or witch. The wand is another part of your body. It is your connection to your magic. There is wandless magic but still a wand is always to be treasured by everyone, why do you think Voldemort uses a wand when he is a prodigy in Wandless magic? It makes your magic more compatible and the spells powerful and it soothes your core. Even if you don't use the wand, it helps settling your core when it is with you. That is the reason Sirius gave you the hostler so that you can keep the wand with you all the time." Remus explained. 

 "Also, no one can keep your wand away from you until they won it in a duel over you. It is a crime to keep the wand away from its owner." Draco informed her.

 "Then why did she take my wand from me?" She asked them.

 "I really don't know the answer to it. I don't think we will ever know. If you go and ask her then she will start yelling nonsense and brings Albus into it. I just don't understand her blind trust in Albus." Remus frowned.

 "If you think Mrs Weasley has blind trust in the headmaster, then I don't know what you would call the trust Hermione has in him." She snorted.

 "Before going to the topic that we came here to discuss. What happened to the infamous golden trio? Looking at you speaking bad about them one will think the golden trio is broken." Draco asked looking at Lyra.

 "Golden trio?" Lyra asked him as if she is hearing it for the first time.

 "You, Weasley and Granger." Draco informed her.

 "I'm hearing that name for the first time and yes we are not friends anymore at least I'm not friends with them anymore." She said controlling her anger.

 "Well everyone in the school calls you that. There are even rumours that you three are in a threesome relationship with each other." Draco had to control his laughter at expression. "It's not like many believe it and I'm one of them after seeing you not so subtly trying to stay away from them the last year. I just thought you wanted to prepare for your OWLs but I think there is something else for your distance from them." 

 "Who the hell spreads such rumours?" She ignored the second part as she didn't want to discuss about it now. Draco took the hint well and didn't ask more about it and answered her question.

 "Well, you know there are so many people who loves to spread stupid rumours." Draco rolled his eyes thinking of when Pansy excitedly entered the common room one day to say him about this particular rumour. He just scoffed at her and left the common room to his dorm. 

 "Anyways, shall we talk about why we gathered here?" Draco asked both of them. Remus and Lyra looked at each other and then back to him and nodded.

 Draco took a deep breath and started explaining about what he knows about the peace treaty and marriage contract.

 "First, I will start from what I heard when I went to meet Sev."

**Flashback:**

 Draco stepped from the floo gracefully and called his godfather. When he got no response, he went to his private chambers but he was not there in his chambers. He thought to go back to his manor and come back later when he heard voices from the lab. He went to call his godfather but stopped when he saw who the other person was. 

 "Trust me Severus. This is the best way to end the war." Dumbledore said cheerfully. Draco was confused hearing the cheerfulness in Dumbledore's voice.

 "Really Albus? You think the brat is going to agree to this? She is just like her father. She thinks the world will bow at her feet. She will put up a big fight and will make you look like a fool in front of everyone. You should think once more about this maybe someone else who is not as arrogant as that girl. The dark lord will agree if you try nicely." Severus said sneering. Draco can understand that he is talking about Lyra Potter, but what are they talking about.

 "Severus, you should know that Lyra is not as arrogant as you think. She is not James. Also she is Lily's daughter too." Dumbledore chided him.

 "Really Albus, She is exactly like her father. There is no Lily in that girl. Lily never broke the rules like her, Lily never argued with professors, Lily never got anyone killed with her recklessness. If it isn't for that stupid girl, my Lily would have been alive and I would have made her see that she is better of with me than that stupid Potter." He said Potter with so much distaste.

 "I know Severus, that you love Lily but she loves Lyra and you don't want to disappoint her now do you?" Dumbledore tried to calm his anger.

 "Whatever Albus, I don't think that girl will ever agree to this marriage with the Dark Lord." Severus said looking angry. Draco just zoned out after Severus said that.

**Flashback ends**

  "I just left after I heard that you have to marry the Dark Lord to end this war. When I got back home, I went to my father to ask about this treaty. He said that Dumbledore wanted to make peace and the dark lord asked for you to marry him. The reason for you to marry him shocked me." Draco said them.

 "What is the reason?" Remus asked him impatiently.

 "Lyra is horcrux." At their faces of confusion, he explained what horcruxes are. "The dark lord never intended to make her a horcrux though. It was unintentional. The dark lord has many good intentions for the Wizarding World. He doesn't want to kill all the muggles and muggleborns. He wants the muggleborns to accept our world and stay here. He doesn't want our festivals to be changed for them. Dumbledore didn't like the plans however and started spreading lies. As he was a hero at that time for defeating Grindelwald everyone believed him. So the dark lord created a few horcruxes as he doesn't want to die without changing the Wizarding World. But during that process he went insane and came to kill you believing half prophecy and he really regrets making your life hell and wants to give you a nice life. He knows that Dumbledore will never allow you to be happy until the he is dead. Also the only way for the dark lord to die is after the horcrux in you is destroyed, the only way to destroy a horcrux is to kill you and he suspects that Dumbledore knows about the horcrux in you and is preparing you as a martyr." Draco finished with a scowl.

 Lyra was shocked by the turn of these events. She always used to think Voldemort wants to kill her and Dumbledore wants to save her but now it is reversed. Dumbledore wants her to die and Voldemort wants her to save her. But he is the person who killed her parents, how can she marry him? 'But he was insane at that time.' A voice whispered in her mind. 'He created horcruxes only to save the Wizarding World. He didn't know about the consequences as no one created more than two.' The same voice which weirdly sounded like Sirius supplied. 

 "But why marry?" She asked him.

 "Do you see any other way that it can be done?" Draco asked her back.

 Lyra thought about it but there was no other way, is it? If she married him then she will be his lady and only he will have any rights over her. Sirius explained her about the pure blood traditions last summer when she got away from the others at night. When her parents died, Sirius became her magical guardian as he is her godfather but as he went to Azkaban, Dumbledore became her magical guardian and sent her to Dursleys. The only way to remove Dumbledore as her magical guardian is marriage. 

 "You are right." She sighed.

 "Don't worry. My father was speaking about some marriage contract and that the dark lord will be meeting you in a week. Maybe on 6th August and he wants to talk to you about everything before you agree to marry him." Draco assured her.

 Remus who was as shocked as her understood what Draco was saying and got to the same conclusion as Lyra and sighed in defeat, the only way for Lyra to stay alive is by staying on dark lord's side. He will be there for her whatever her choice will be. He knows that James, Sirius will do same, he doesn't know what Lily would do but maybe she will also support her daughter. 

 "Thank you Draco for telling me about all this. If you wouldn't have said me all this today, I guess I would've said no to the contract." Lyra smiled at him.

 "It's nothing." He waved her off. "So did you like my presents?" 

 "Oh yes they are wonderful." She smiled at him and then looked at the bracelet on her hand.

 "Actually, the bracelet is not from me. The books are from me." He said to her sheepishly.

 "Then who is it from?" She asked him curiously. 

 "It was from my father. He once saw your dad and Sirius transform into animagi on full moon and also your patronus is a stag so he thought it would be nice gift for you." He smiled at her.

 "Oh, say thanks to Mr Malfoy for me." She smiled back at him.

 "We will take a leave then, thank you Draco for informing us about everything." Remus stood up and shook hands with Draco. 

 "As I said it's nothing. I made many mistakes in my past and my behaviour towards Lyra was not acceptable. I want to say sorry for that and can we start over again?" Draco asked holding his hand for her to shake.

 "Of course, Draco." Lyra shook her hand with his. 

 They left the room, Draco went back to manor while Lyra and Remus left to go to a restaurant at a Muggle place as they don't want any one recognising her. 

Chapter Text

 Remus dropped Lyra back at the park where they met in the morning after lunch and followed her disillusioned till she entered the house safely. He left home after that and sat heavily on the couch. This is too much for him. He always looked up to Dumbledore but now after what he learnt from Draco, can he trust him? Why is he doing all this? Is this all just for the greater good? He ran his hand through his hair and poured himself a glass of fire whiskey. 

 Dumbledore knew about the horcrux in Lyra and wanted her to die. Now he is understanding everything Dumbledore did. He left Lyra at Dursleys so that she will be grow up without love. She will become attached to the first person who will show her kindness and will die for them when the time comes. 

 Dumbledore knew about the abuse Lyra goes through and let it happen, because he wanted a person who he can mould into his weapon. Remus doubts whether he actually encouraged the Dursleys to abuse her. But he wouldn't sink that low right? 

 Dumbledore let James and Lily die, he should have let them go out of the country, but insisted on staying in the country. Did he setup them to die? James was pretty adamant on going out of the country for Lyra but Lily insisted on staying as Dumbledore said it is safe. Looking back he can see that after going into fidelius, James and Lily became a bit distant. At that time he just brushed it off thinking as Lyra came into their lives they have more responsibilities and doesn't have time for each other. But is there something else that he is missing there? Did something else happened that he didn't know? 

 He wished Sirius was there with him so that he can get answers to his questions. James and Sirius are his brothers in all but blood. 12 years he thought Sirius was the one to betray James. When he saw Peter's name on the map, he wanted hit himself and ran to the shrieking shack and found out the truth. But Snape had to spoil everything for them. He was happy that atleast Sirius was safe but then Molly started yelling at him all the time. Everytime she said something bad about Sirius, he just wanted to rip her apart. Then Snape who taunted him every meeting, that resulted in Sirius running off to ministry when he knew Lyra went there to show them that he is not weak and he can fight for his goddaughter. There during the fight he fell through the veil trying to save Lyra fighting with Bellatrix. He just wished he can go back in time and stop him from falling through the veil. 

 Dumbledore didn't even try giving Sirius a trial. He is the chief warlock but he didn't even try. He just fought with the minister and left the matter. Did he do that purposely so that Lyra would stay with her relatives if Sirius is still on run. Dumbledore will never answer to him. He just wishes that his brothers are still alive. James and Sirius. He closed his eyes and thought of the moments when they were happy together playing pranks.

 Far away in a manor a dark haired man is having the same thoughts as Remus about Dumbledore. Just few more days and he can meet Lyra and everything is going to be fine. Dumbledore will never come near her again, he will lose every right he has over her, just few more days. 

 The next five days Lyra spent doing chores that her uncle gave her without saying anything. She is so exhausted when 5th of August rolled over working from morning 5 to night 11 with only two pieces of bread and a glass of water. She packed her trunk and sat waiting for Dumbledore. The Dursleys left her alone that day. Finally the front bell rang at 8 pm. She heard her uncle shouting about freaks and went down with her trunk and owl cage. 

 "Ah Lyra dear ready to go?" Dumbledore asked with twinkling eyes. She just nodded without looking into his eyes. She started questioning him and his greater good from the day Draco said her about him. 

 Dumbledore nodded and they went to an alley nearby to apparate to the Burrow. He said her to hold his arm tightly and they disappeared into nothing. As usual the Burrow is chaotic, she sighed and walked along with Dumbledore. Mrs Weasley opened the door and hugged her tightly not noticing her wince when she touched her bruises. Lyra didn't hug her back.

 Remus appeared behind Mrs Weasley and pulled Lyra towards him. Lyra sighed and burrowed her face into his chest. He hugged her but carefully. He kissed her head. "I missed you." 

 Lyra mumbled miss you too into his chest, she met him just five days back but she still missed him but they had to separate when someone cleared their throat. Lyra was still leaning on Remus and looked at Ron and Hermione who are looking at her with smile.

 "Lyra, we missed you so much. We are so happy that you can come here." Hermione came forward to give her hug but Lyra didn't react just like she did with Mrs Weasley. "What happened Lyra?" Hermione frowned.

 "Well, apart from you two not writing to me whole summer nothing else happened." Lyra said with no emotion. "Anyway I have to talk to Remus." She turned around but stopped. "Privately." She added when she saw others following her. Remus took her to the twins' room where she will be staying this time. The twins are staying in the flat above their shop.

 Remus placed a silencing charm on the door and locked it. He also checked for listening charms in the room and was angry when he found four. He canceled them and sat down beside Lyra. "I know you don't want to talk to Ron and Hermione but what did others do?" Remus was really confused.

 "I'm not angry at all of them. I just didn't want to listen to their stupid excuses which are obviously 'Dumbledore said us not to write' 'It is not safe' 'What if death eaters track your mail'. They give such stupid excuses Remus. It's not like the never disobeyed Dumbledore. We broke so many rules at school. It won't be the first time." She sighed. "I don't want to stay here alone with them. Do something." 

 "I tried convincing Dumbledore to let you stay with me but Molly always starts yelling before I can even finish speaking. I tried but I'm sorry. Also, I got information from some birdie that you are going to go to Malfoy Manor in two days and stay there till you go to school. The dark lord wants his soon to be wife to stay near him and get to know her. He won't be marrying you till you come of age and till then he thinks of courting you." Remus informed her.

 "I have to marry a snake faced person." Lyra pouted at him.

 "So you don't have any problem in marrying the dark lord just his appearance?" Remus raised an eyebrow at her smirking at her red face. "Don't worry Lyra. I understand why you have no problem in marrying him."

 "You do?" Lyra looked at him with big eyes. "I don't know myself why I'm not taking this negatively.He killed my parents. I know he was insane at that time due to his soul being split up and all. He just wanted good for Wizarding World but still he is a murderer. He even killed Cedric. I mean Pettigrew killed cedric but on his orders. He even tried to kill me but still it's just I have this feeling that I will be more happy with him than here. It's like - I don't- " She sighed. "I don't know Remus but I want to trust Draco about what he said that I will be more safe with the dark lord than Dumbledore. I just feel bad for him, he just wanted to make our world nice but in the process he became something that made people fear and hate him. I don't know why but I want to give him a chance. I want to trust him. I want him to be in my life. Maybe it's the horcrux in my head which is making me feel such things towards him but I want to be happy, I want us to be happy. I want to live my life freely without any fear of him coming to kill me. I think he will give me a life which I always wanted even if he is the one to take it away from me." 

 Remus looked at her for sometime thinking over what she said. She blames him for killing her parents but she doesn't want to blame him. This is so complicated. "I know it is hard for you to look at him without remembering your parents death but as you said he is the only one who will give you a life that you want. After our meeting with Draco, I went to the werewolf packs who are on dark side and gathered as much information as I can. He changed a lot during this month, they said that he became sane once again. He is now working on getting the bills passed for a magical orphanage, equal creature rights, bring back wizarding festivals like Yule and Samhain, bring back all the subjects that are removed from Hogwarts and many more. The changes he wants to bring are very useful Lyra. He also plans on building a primary school for muggleborns and muggle raised and bring them into our world from young age not 11." 

 "They are nice plans Remus. This will benefit everyone and the creature rights is awesome. You can get a job again without anyone looking down at you." She hugged him. "I think in this one year, I can get to know him who is not insane. I think I can forget my past and live happily with him. Right?" 

 "Yes Lyra. I didn't want to trust him at first. I didn't want to foget that he killed your parents but I think it was war and people die on both sides, we can't change the past but the future is ours to make how we want it. I thinkk we can forgive him for what he did if he will give you the life he wants." Remus said quietly.

 Both of them were silent looking out the window into the dark lost in their own thoughts. A knock on the door interrupted the silence. Remus sighed looking at her. "I think we should go down. Albus will be informing you today about the peace treaty and marriage contract. He said to the order members yesterday and I had to control moony no to rip him apart when he said it was all for greater good." He ran a hand down his face and stood up. "Also most of them just said if he thinks it is right then it is right. I know that dark lord changed but they don't and still they want to give you away to him." He flicked his wand and the door opened.

 Molly came in as soon as it opened. "Lyra dear, headmaster is waiting for you. He wants to talk to you dear. I know you are angry that Ron and Hermione didn't send you any letters but you know it is not safe." Molly smiled sweetly at her but her smile fell when Lyra's face was still neutral. "Come on, we don't want him to be waiting, he is a busy man." Molly went forward towards her but Lyra moved towards Remus making her frown.

 "Let's go Molly. As you said we don't want Albus waiting, he is a busy man after all." He and Lyra went down together followed by a frowning Molly. Lyra sat in front of Dumbledore and before anyone can sit beside her, Remus sat on one side while the twins who came to visit Lyra sat on her other side. Everyone took their seats looked at Dumbledore to start the meeting.

 "My dear girl, I think you should forgive Ronal-" Lyra cut him off before he can finish the sentence. "Headmaster, if you just want to talk to me about how I should forgive them, I think I should go to bed as I'm not interested in it. So please if that is all I will leave." She said lookin him straight in the eye.

 Dumbledore opened his mouth for a moment before closing it and cleared his throat. "Yes there is something else that is of great importance. In the last month the minister and I decided to form a peace treaty between the light and the dark. Tom agreed to it but on one condition." Lyra just raised an eyebrow at him. "He wants to marry you." 

 "Headmaster you must be joking. How can you expect me to marry my parents murderer." Lyra shouted at him. She knew about that still she can't believe that Dumbledore is saying it casually as if talking about weather.

 "I know this is difficult for you my dear but it is for the greater good. You can stop the war if you marry him." Dumbledore explained her.

 "How can you be sure that he won't kill me as soon as I step in to his house?" Lyra asked him controlling her anger. She couldn't believe the nerve of this man.

 "You will be signing a contract with him which will not allow him to harm you and also others on the light side. You should see it in this way dear that if you marry him then everyone will be safe. No one will die like your parents or cedric or Sirius." Dumbledore said slowly.

 'How dare he bring her parents into this? Or Sirius? She knows that they are dead because of her, for her but there is no need to bring them into this.' She thought looking at him with controlled anger. She looked at others in the room. 

Mr Weasley just looked at her sadly saying he can't help her. Mrs Weasley was just nodding her head for whatever Dumbledore said and agreed that it is all for greater good. The other order members just agreed with Dumbledore or looked resigned that it is the only way. Snape was sneering at her thinking she will reject it just because she can. Bill, Charlie and the twins were concerned about her. Percy just thought the minister knows what he was doing and it is right. Hermione was giving her this is the best choice look. Ron and Ginny were same as Mrs Weasley. Remus placed hishand on her and squeezed it lightly.

 "Is there any other choice?" She asked looking at Dumbledore. She knew that there isn't any but she didn't want them to think that she is agreeing without any protests. Draco warned her to be careful with Dumbledore that he can change the plans if he gets to know that she is planning to join the dark lord and he will never kill him. Dumbledore shook his head as no. She sighed and nodded looking down. She has no problem in marrying the dark lord but she thought her friends will side with her and protest but they clearly are not doing anything.

 Dumbledore smiled at her happily and announced that Lucius Malfoy will be coming on 7th August at 11 AM to take her to Malfoy Manor as the dark lord wants to talk to her and wants her near him. He didn't even wait for her reply and left along with several other members. Her friends came to her and were happily talking about how the war will end and they can be happy. They apologised to her for not writing to her. Lyra just wants to be left alone, she is feeling betrayed. Her friends doesn't care about her. They only care about their happiness. They were only thinking about themselves not her. 

 She ate her dinner not talking to anyone and left to her room saying she is tired. The twins told her that they are always with her and will support her even if she wants to cancel this marriage and left to their flat. Lyra just lied on her bed and went to sleep to forget about everything that happened down.

 The next day passed in a blur for Lyra. Ron and Hermione didn't leave her alone all the day. Even Ginny joined them. They were going on and on about how sorry they were and how wonderful the treaty is. They were also telling her how she should not let her temper get the best of her and she should not make the dark lord angry as he can cancel the contract and they will be dead. She should not let Malfoy get best of her. She should even try to convince the dark lord to not get the stupid bills passed. Lyra just sat there listening to them and nodding her head when necessary. She sighed in relief when she retired to the bed and slept trying not to think about anyone.

 The next morning was the same those three giving her advices on how to be good. And when it was almost time for her to go Ron started complaining about bloody death eaters entering his home under his breath but Lyra still heard him. Hermione agreed with him but didn't say it out. They have a problem of letting the death eaters into their house but she should go and marry the lord of those death eaters without any complain.

 Lyra thought about what Draco said to her the other day and sighed. Yes, this is for her best. She will be happy with the dark lord. Atleast she thinks she will be as she wants to believe Draco and Remus.She hopes her parents and Sirius will not be angry at her for thinking that their murderer will make her life happy. Lyra was brought back from her thoughts by Hermione elbowing her ribs which were still a bit sore. She winced slightly which went unnoticed by the other girl.

 "Ms Potter, I hope you are ready to leave?" Lyra looked at Lucius Malfoy who spoke to her. He was looking at her with a bit of... Concern? No.she must be imagining. She nodded her head and pointed towards her trunk and owl cage. He shrunk them and placed in his pocket before turning towards her. She stood up and walked towards him.

 He held his hand for her to take it. She placed her hand in his slowly ignoring Ron's grumble about touching a stupid pure blood peacock. Lucius nodded at others and turned towards to the exit with Lyra following him. They apparated as soon as they reached the apparition point.

Chapter Text

Lyra and Lucius landed in front of some manor. Lucius opened the gates and led her in. "Welcome to Slytherin Manor Ms Potter." He told her opening the front door. She looked around the manor, she never saw any manor till now. "Draco said me that you liked my gift." He said while leading her inside. "Oh yeah. It's beautiful. Thank you so much Lord Malfoy." She smiled at him.

"Call me Lucius." He smiled back at her. She looked shocked at him. His smile increased a bit, he led her to a room which was big enough to fit the whole dursley house. She looked at the room with awe and missed the concerned look Lucius shot her.

"This is beautiful" It really is. The bed was big enough to fit 5 people like her. The walls were dark blue, there was a desk for her with a chair to study, a bookshelf beside it. There were 2 armchairs and a sofa facing the fireplace in her room. They were made of rosewood, while the doors were Sal wood, there were 2 doors in the room. One for bathroom and the other maybe her wardrobe, she noted to ask the dark lord to go for shopping as all she has are second hand clothes.

"I hope you like your room." Lyra smiled at him and nodded. "The dark lord himself decorated it for you." Lyra looked at him shocked. "Oh, yes he wanted the best for you. He changed the colours on the walls so many times before fixing on this one, he nearly took one hour to finalise the wood for the doors and furniture. The carpets and mattresses are all selected by the dark lord himself." Lyra was really shocked right now. The dark lord did this all for HER.

"Anyways, he is out meeting the minister and Dumbledore to talk about the treaty. If you want I can show you around the manor." He offered her, which she agreed immediately. She is going to stay here for the rest of her life. She should know about the place.

Lucius started from the wing she is staying, apparently this is the dark lord's personal wing and no one are allowed to enter without his permission. Lucius was able to enter only to show her the room. His room was opposite her room and there were only two rooms in this floor. He took her through the stairs and showed her the dark lord's study and the dark lord's private library, Hermione would die to read all these books, she thought about her ex-best friend bitterly but shook the thoughts about them. There were several other rooms the next floor which are not occupied and empty as Lucius said this wing is only for her and dark lord to stay.

The wing also has a master bedroom on the top floor, which is not used by the dark lord right now. According to Lucius he wants them to move in to the master bedroom after they get engaged or married. She blushed and went inside the room, it was plain, she went towards the glass door and opened it. From there she can see the gardens of the manor. They were beautiful just like the rest of the wing.

Lucius then showed her the 2 other wings where the other death eaters are staying as their houses were being watched by ministry when they escaped Azkaban the dark lord offered them his own manor to stay. Now as the ministry is letting them go free, the dark lord gave them an opportunity to stay here or go to their own manors, as they wish. She was deep in thought and bumped into someone.

"Ms Potter, are you alright?" Lucius asked her stepping beside her. She nodded and looked at the person she bumped into. "Lucius, don't you think you should call her my lady." He smirked at him before looking at her. "My Lady, Rodolphus Lestrange at your service." He bowed before her making her roll her eyes and laugh at his antics. He smiled at her.

"No need to call me My lady or Ms Potter. You can call me Lyra." She looked at both of them. Lucius smiled but Rodolphus just smirked and stood on her other side.

"I'll come with you to show you the rest of the manor. I can protect you from bumping into someone else. After all the dark lord doesn't want his lady to bump into everyone." He teased her. She laughed again at his antics but followed him with Lucius who just chuckled at him.

The last wing was just ballroom, dining room and kitchen where the elves were preparing food. The elves were actually better looking than the elves at Hogwarts. They were wearing a shirt with Slytherin crest on their left breast pocket and female elves were wearing a skirt while male were wearing pants. Rodolphus who saw her looking at the elves explained her that the dark lord respects all the creatures and every death eater must respect them too.

"But dobby?" She looked at Lucius who grimaced. "Dobby is my wife's personal elf and she was a Black. I think you know how Blacks treat their elves." Lyra thought of Kreacher and the elf heads she saw in the Black house.

"I guess the only Black who is sane and actually has a brain is Sirius and maybe Regulus for some extent." Rodolphus said beside her. They were now in the living room of the wing. Each wing has it's own living room. Lyra sat beside Rodolphus on the couch while Lucius sat opposite her.

Lyra felt her heart tighten at the mention of Sirius, she is still not over his death. She closed her eyes to stop the tears but no use as they started falling down. Rodolphus started apologising to her for mentioning Sirius while Lucius tried to calm her down. She shook her head and placed a hand on Rodolphus' arm.

"No need to apologise. I just don't want to believe that he is gone and every time I think about it, I just become like this." She wiped her tears with other hand and smiled at him. "I wish there is a way to bring him back." She sighed.

"I think we can research on the veil and see if there is a way to bring the person who fell through it back." Rodolphus mused to himself but Lyra heard him and looked at him with big eyes. "Really? There is a way to bring him back. Sirius can be back?" She asked eagerly.

"I don't know for sure but we can see the books in the library. The manor has a library for others in this wing. I think we forgot to show you that." Rodolphus smiled at her. She hugged him tightly as soon as he finished talking and thanked him for helping her. Rodolphus hugged her back patting lightly.

This was the scene when the Dark Lord entered the living room, Lyra hugging Rodolphus while Lucius was kneeling in front of the couch. Lucius was the first to notice his magic which was very angry seeing them like that and stood up, Lyra and Rodolphus jerked away when he stood and Rodolphus followed him as soon as he saw the dark lord. They bowed to him and stood beside the couch where Lyra was sitting.

Lyra was shocked when she saw the person in front of her that she didn't notice the angry magic in the room. In front of her is not a snake faced human hybrid but a handsome man who resembled the 16 year Tom Riddle she remembers from her second year. His face even though didn't change much but his eyes were red instead of brown. His skin colour was a bit pale than Tom Riddle making him The Dark Lord Voldemort. She was brought out of her thoughts when someone else entered the room.

"My Lord, Fenrir Greyback and his packs are transported to Riddle Manor this morning. The place is warded by the best Goblins. If one tries to enter the place to harm the people in there, they will be thrown out with simple hexes and if they don't get the message the power of the hexes increase till they die or someone from inside comes out to stop the wards to attack." The death eater who entered informed him and left when the dark lord dismissed him.

He sat in the arm chair opposite her, where Lucius sat a while back and looked at her. "Ms Potter, I hope you liked your room and the manor?" Lyra blinked at him for a moment before smiling at him. "Oh, yes. The manor is beautiful and my room is so nice. I really like it and the colour is my favourite. You really didn't have to do all that."

The dark lord waved his hand and gave her a small smile which may or may not have shocked the other two in the room but Lyra found it made him more nice-looking. "It's nothing. I wanted to do it." Lyra nodded and looked at the other two and frowned. "Why are standing? Come and sit."

Lucius and Rodolphus looked at the dark lord before going to sit. "Rodolphus, sit here." Lyra held his wrist when he went to sit with Lucius on the other couch. Rodolphus looked at the dark lord who looked at their hands with narrowed eyes. He sat beside her but kept some distance between them.

Rodolphus is not an idiot, he knows that the dark lord is only one step away from torturing him into insanity. He can clearly see in his eyes, how angry he is at their closeness. Lyra was still unaware about the angry magic and smiled at him happily before turning back to Voldemort.

She hesitated to speak as she looked at him. He was looking angry, she tensed when she saw him. What did she do? Is it wrong of her to ask his followers to sit with him? "Umm.." She started speaking gaining his attention. "I wanted to ask you if we can go to the library?" She asked him quietly.

The dark lord raised an eyebrow not understanding, "Rodolphus said there can be a way to bring Sirius back and I want to get him back as soon as possible. I love Sirius so much and I will do anything to bring him back from the veil." She looked very eager to go to the library. "Rodolphus said he will help me bringing Sirius back. So can we go? I know you want to talk about this.. I mean everything but can we talk later? Please" She looked at him with big eyes.

"You can go." The dark lord said giving into her puppy dog eyes. Lyra instantly stood and held Rodolphus' hand and dragged him out not noticing the eyes which were watching their joined hands.

"My Lord" Lucius said to gain his attention. "Can I leave too?" He didn't want to stay and be on the other end of his wand. The dark lord dismissed him and he almost ran out of the room. The dark lord sighed sitting in the armchair and thought about what just happened.

Just a month back, he wanted to kill her and now he is possessive about her. He didn't like when he saw Lyra hugging Rodolphus or holding his hand. He wanted that to him Lyra is touching not someone else. He knows that Rodolphus is one of his most trusted but he can't control the possessiveness or anger when he saw them close. Just what is happening to him? Lyra is going to be his, there is no need to worry but he can't help but worry that maybe Lyra will leave him if she likes someone else who is more good to her than him. As a dark lord he never felt such type of feelings towards anyone and now it is difficult to control all these. He needs a fire whiskey right now. With that thought he left to his study in his wing.

Remus was sitting in the order meeting once again listening to Dumbledore saying some nonsense. Dumbledore just came back from meeting the dark lord and the minister. They agreed that the dark will stop killing innocents and the light will allow them to use dark magic as they wish unless it harms anyone. No side should bring harm to the other side. The dark lord didn't speak about any of his bills, he wondered when he is going to blow them on Dumbledore's face. He would love to see the old man angry that majority of the wizarding population support the dark lord. He just wished Sirius is here with him, he could get a trail with the help of Dark Lord.

"Now about the marriage contract between Tom and Lyra. I already asked goblins to make one which would be beneficial to us. Lyra is still a child and I don't think she knows what is correct and what is wrong. As her magical guardian, it is my duty to protect her." Dumbledore smiled at everyone before continuing. "I already told the goblins all my clauses, Lyra will have free reign to all of Tom's vaults and properties while Tom needs permission to enter Lyra's vaults and properties. Tom cannot harm her even in self defense, while Lyra can. As Tom has 3 lordships- Slytherin, Gaunt and Peverell and Lyra has 2- Potter and Black, they need at least 5 children for each of the lordship. Godfathers and Godmothers for the children are to be decided by Lyra. " Dumbledore continued but Remus just zoned him out.

There is no way that the dark lord is going to sign this or Lyra for that matter. Lyra wants love, care and protection not money and properties. As for how many children, that is the couple's decision to make not Dumbledore's. Lyra likes a big family but not big enough to be called Weasley. He or Lyra don't have any problem with Weasleys but there is a limit to have children. As for attacking and harm, neither of them are going to raise their wand against each other, there is no use for that stupid clause. He should have to warn Lyra about this as soon as possible before Dumbledore tricks her into signing this. The meeting is finished and he left as soon as possible to write a letter to Lyra.

Chapter Text

Lyra didn't find anything about the veil in the books that she read in the guest library. It was almost a week that she arrived at Slytherin Manor. She met some other death eaters who didn't sneer or scowl at her and instead greeted her politely. Rodolphus was always on her side acting as a bodyguard even when she protested that she doesn't need one. Rabastan, Rodolphus' younger brother became her another bodyguard after she met him the nest day.

Draco is coming almost daily to the manor and won't stop teasing about the Lestrange brothers being her bodyguards. Lucius also visited with Draco but he spends more time with Marvolo, he asked her to call him Marvolo. They always discuss about some laws or ministry. Remus came once to visit her when Greyback was called. She told him about the veil and he was happy that they can bring Sirius back.

Lyra was sitting in the library with her head in her hands, Draco, Rodolphus and Rabastan were sitting around her but they were also a bit gloomy. They read so many books but none of them has a solution to bring the people back from the veil. Marvolo entered the library along with Lucius and the three stood up to bow while Lyra didn't notice him.

Marvolo gestured the others to leave and sat beside her. He knew that they are searching for a way to bring Sirius back. From what Lucius said they are not able to find any way till now. Lyra must be worried about it but how to make her cheerful. He is a dark lord and never did such a thing for the people around him.

"Lyra" She looked at him startled as she didn't notice him coming inside. She looked around to see that they are alone, traitors, they left her alone with the dark lord.

"I'm sorry, I didn't see you coming." He shook his head.

"It's fine." He looked at the books on the table in front of her. "I asked a person who works in the Department of Mysteries to research about the Veil and inform me. He will get the information in a day or two. You can rest assured that your godfather will be back to living before you go back to Hogwarts."

"Really? You promise?" She looked at him hopefully.

"I do." He gave her a small smile. "i got a contract from the Goblins, our marriage contract to be specific. It was very interesting to say the least."

Lyra turned away from him. "It's not me. I didn't even know about the clauses till Remus told me yesterday." She stopped when she saw him raise his hand.

"I know who did it and why. No need to explain. I just wanted to know if you want to make a new one now or after your godfather is back?" He asked shocking her. She looked at him for sometime while he just read one of the books that she was reading a while back. "If you are done staring, darling." Making her snap out of her shock and blush.

"Can we make one after Sirius is back?" She asked him in a slow voice and he nodded.

If Lyra didn't know any better, she would say that he is not Lord Voldemort that she knew from her first year. He cares for her, he takes her opinion for everything about them, he never orders her to do something, he doesn't look down his nose if she doesn't know something, he doesn't belittle her for everything, he makes sure she eats properly, he makes sure she is happy. In just one week, he cared for her more than most of the people in her life.

Lyra didn't know if she should be happy or sad. She is happy that she got someone who will care for her and will make sure she is happy but he is doing all these only because she is his horcrux, isn't it? If she isn't his horcrux then he would've tried one more time to kill her like before. He must be taking care of her only because she is a horcrux.

'If he only wanted her for being a horcrux then he won't try to make her happy, he can just lock her up in the dungeons or in her room. He won't care about her opinion, right?' A part of her mind whispered. 'He never asked his followers or even his snake her opinion on something. He must really care for you.'

Lyra thought about that voice which sounded exactly like Sirius, 'that makes sense but he never said to her about what he feels about her, how can she know if he is doing it for her or for his horcrux', she thought to herself.

'You came here just a week back and you are expecting him to propose your wedding and tell his feelings about you?' Her mind-remus raised an eyebrow at her.

'No, I think, I'm just overthinking and maybe you are right. It's just a week and I can't know what he thinks about me. I should take it slowly and see if our marriage can be a happy one. Maybe, he doesn't like me for me now and just as his horcrux but later he may like me as Lyra and not his horcrux. I don't know myself what I feel about him.' She thought to herself.

Lyra looked at Marvolo when he shook her. He looked, is that concern in his eyes? His ruby eyes looking deeply into her emerald eyes and she want to forget everything around and stay like that.

"Are you fine?" His voice made her snap out of her thoughts again. "I called you a couple of time but you didn't respond."

"Yeah, just thinking." She said with the blush that is like a permanent thing around him.

"Care to share your thoughts?" He asked leaning onto the couch a bit and turning completely towards her giving her his whole attention.

"Um-" She had to scratch her brain to think what to say and said the first thing that came to her mind. "I was thinking about my friends."

"What about them?" He asked confused.

"They didn't object when Dumbledore said I have to marry you. I mean you are the same person who tried to kill me 5 times till now and they didn't object. I know you changed as Draco told me but they don't know about that and still didn't say anything. It's like they don't care about me. They only care about the war. They think as I'm the chosen one, I should be the one marrying you." She huffed and he looked at her in amusement.

"Ronald doesn't even like if a death eater comes to his house and he wants me to marry their lord. I'm his best friend, he doesn't care at all. All he said when I was at the Burrow was that the war is over and everyone is safe. What about me? He didn't think twice that I'm going to stay with Lord Voldemort for the rest of my life. Yes, the contract won't let you kill me or pint your wand at me but you can harm me in other ways, death is not the worst."

"Hermione said I should control my anger around you until the marriage as they don't want the marriage to be cancelled. I sometimes do something stupid when I'm angry and they are afraid because of that you will cancel the marriage, she is not all worried that you can punish me or something for it, no the only she cares is about the marriage, end of the war, they are safe. They won't care if I die unless they are not in harm."

"And don't get me started on the fangirl Ginny. I don't get it what's her problem, one moment she is happy that the war is over and the other moment she is sad that I'm going to get married. What does she think? That I'll marry her if I won't marry you? I'm straight for Merlin's sake. I don't have anything against homosexual couples but I'm not into girls."

"They won't write to me all summer and when I go there all they do is irritate me to hell. They are sorry for not writing. They are not at all sorry. I can clearly see in Hermione's eyes that she doesn't care. She only apologised to me because Dumbledore wanted her to. They are not my friends, they are my keepers on Dumbledore's orders. I hate them. I hate them so much."

Tears were streaming down her cheeks as she finished and she was screaming. Marvolo didn't know how to calm her down. He slowly moved towards her and placed a hand on her shoulder and was rewarded with an armful of sobbing teenager. He held her in his arms as she cried and rubbed circles on her back which he saw Abraxas do it to his wife when they lost their baby before Lucius. She calmed down after sometime and looked at him embarrassed.

"No need to feel bad about it, Lyra. Everyone needs to get out their frustation at one point or the other." He gave her another small smile which was only directed towards her and no one else. She smiled back and kissed his cheek as thank you without even noticing she did it and the kiss was so fast just a peck. Her eyes widened and she pulled away and left to her room making some excuse all the while he was sitting there shocked.

Marvolo touched his cheek where she kissed and smiled, one of his true smiles. Well, now he knows it is not one-sided whatever it is between them. He knows it is too soon to say that he loves her as he wanted to kill her just before a month back. He might tell himself that he only did everything to her because she is a horcrux but deep down he knows that Nagini is also a horcrux but he never did much to her except keeping her safe.

One can say that Nagini is not a human and just a snake but he have to admit that whatever he feels towards her is not because of the horcrux, he started to feel something else towards her. He doesn't like it when she is too close to Rodolphus, Rabastan, Lucius or Draco even when he knows that they all treat her as their dark lady and not some random girl.

Chapter Text

Marvolo looked at the veil as he waited for Augustus to start the ritual. Augustus came to him last night saying about the ritual which can bring back the people who fell through the veil only if they fall by mistake and not thrown wantedly. They need blood of someone who pushed them unknowingly. Bellatrix was ecstatic when he called her and didn't even question him why he wants her blood.

Augustus started chanting in latin and veil started glowing. He looked at him and nodded. Marvolo went forward and poured the blood into the veil. The veil glowed red just the color of the blood and with a bright light a body was pushed out. Marvolo looked as Sirius Black adjusted his footing and looked around confused.

"I'll explain everything when we go to my manor." Marvolo said when he looked at him. "Your god daughter is waiting for you there." Sirius' eyes widened and he took Marvolo's hand without hesitation at the mention of Lyra. Marvolo nodded at Augustus and disapparated to his study. Sirius stumbled a bit as they landed and gestured him towards an armchair.

"Who are you?" Sirius said his voice hoarse.

"You'll know soon." Marvolo called an elf and said to call Lyra to his study. They sat in silence and Sirius observed his surroundings when the door opened and Lyra entered. She looked at the person sitting in front of Marvolo and had to blink twice to make sure that she is not dreaming.

"Sirius." She whispered and he nodded. She ran towards him smiling and hugged him tightly. She cried onto his shoulder as he hugged her back not wanting to let her go. Marvolo wanted to give them privacy and left to the library where Lyra's four bodyguards were there. Marvolo just waved his hand when they were about to stand up. He is not at all surprised to see the Lestrange and Malfoy men here as they are always with her.

"Black is here. She might spend the day with him." Marvolo said disappearing into the numerous shelves.

"Oh, Sirius. I missed you so much " Lyra was still hugging him tightly.

"Hush now pup. I'm here. Now tell me everything that happened and why are you wherever this is? What's happening? Who is that man?" Sirius asked her not giving a chance to speak. She chuckled wetly and looked at him.

"You are not going to like it but you have to listen to everything before going to conclusions. Got it?" She asked sternly and he nodded.

Lyra started with the day he died and how Dumbledore told her about the prophecy on that day. How her friends abandoned her again on his orders the whole summer. Then Draco's letter. The meeting with him. The Burrow and Dumbledore telling her about the treaty. Most of them agreeing with Dumbledore. Then finally Slytherin Manor. Sirius was quiet through out the whole story but soany emotions were passing inside his mind.

"Oh, pup. I'm so sorry for not protecting you. I should've been careful. I'm sorry." He apologized to her.

"It's not your fault, Siri. It's Dumbledore's." Lyra said sternly. "But, it's for the best. I mean, I like it here. Lucius, Draco, Rodolphus and Rabastan. They are nice to me because they want to be nice to me not because I'm the girl who lived or Marvolo's to be wife. They like me for me. They even helped me to get you back but it's Marvolo who got you back. I think I like him, I know it's stupid to like a person who tried killing you just a few months back but he is different. He is changed. He is nice. Am I going mad?" She looked at him nervously.

"No, you're not. It happens. He gave you a chance to escape the people who are using you. He gave you a chance to live freely without any expectations. He gave you a chance to do whatever you want. So it's obvious that you start liking him. I don't blame you and I guess even James wouldn't blame you if he's here. No, I'm sure he won't blame you. James wants you happy and if he was alive he would've surely killed Dumbledore for doing this to you even though you are happy. I don't know about Lily as she is like a bit of Molly and Hermione. But she would be happy I guess that her daughter is finally free." Sirius said to her making her smile.

"You know I missed this. Whenever I feel like I'm doing wrong or something. You were there to tell me that I'm not. I thought I lost your forever." She said kissing his cheek. "I'm so happy to have you back. So so so happy. I can't tell in words."

"I'm happy to be back to you. All these days in the veil. It felt like I'm there but not there. I heard some voices who were calling me but I wanted to be with you and Moony. I didn't want to go. I tried to find a way out. I couldn't but today I felt like someone is calling me and it was your voice. I was a bit apprehensive but followed it and here I am." Sirius chuckled.

"You heard my voice. But how? I wasn't there." Lyra's brow furrowed.

"We should ask the dark lord of yours, don't you think?" He teased her among her blush.

"He is not mine." She told him. "You really don't have any problem with this, right? I mean he killed mum and dad."

"I know it takes time to forget that he killed James but he is making you happy. That is all I want. James is gone, Lyra. I can't have him back. You are here and you should be my first priority now not him. Your happiness is important to me not to the source of it." He stroked her hair. "I know I was a prick during my school days taking my anger of my parents on other Slytherins but staying in Azkaban for 13 years makes a man change, don't you think?" He winked at her making her laugh.

"Are you hungry?" She asked him after sometime.

"Famished." He grumbled.

"Let's get you some food then. It's past lunch time already. Time goes so fast when I'm with you." She smiled and held his hand taking him to the dining room.

"What happened to your hand?" Sirius frowned looking at the scar 'I must not tell lies.'

"Nothing, it's nothing." She tried to take her hand away.

"It's not nothing Bambi. You have a scar which looks like it is from a blood quill. Who did this to you? Why didn't you tell me before?" Sirius asked making her look away from him.

"You were already going through so much. I didn't want to burden you more." She admitted making him sigh.

"Nothing is more important than you and it is you who is going through so much not me. Now tell me what happened." He looked at her firmly.

"Umbridge didn't like me sprouting lies about Voldemort being back so she gave me detentions and made me write lines." She sighed.

"Then she is going to die for hurting you." Sirius swore.

"I don't want you to go to Azkaban Siri." She said shaking her head.

"I won't be going to Azkaban this time Bambi. I know how to hurt her and kill her without anyone knowing it is me." He smiled and kissed her head.

"Come, let's go and meet the others." She said after he finished eating. She ate a little as she was so happy that she is full.

"Are you sure? I was on the opposite side of the war. I think Vold-" "Can you not say his name? I mean uh- well- it's just." Sirius chuckled at her stuttering.

"Of course. So as I was saying the dark lord only didn't kill me because of you." Sirius seemed to hesitate.

"No, they all like you. Everyone helped me to research in the veil to get you back. Rodolphus was do eager than others, I wonder why." She frowned but shrugged. "Come on." She tugged his hand and led him towards the library. Everyone looked up to see a beaming Lyra and Sirius along with her.

"Guys, this is my godfather and almost father figure, well almost cause he is still a kid sometimes." She snickered at his horrified gasp. "Sirius Orion Black."

"Oh, come on Lyra. We know him. You are saying as if we are seeing him for the first time." Draco rolled his eyes but he was smiling at her.

"I'm so happy. Come sit down." She sat with him on an empty couch. "Uh- Where is Marvolo?" She asked them.

"The dark lord disappeared into one of the shelves as soon as he entered." Rabastan informed her and she nodded and went in the direction pointed.

Lyra found him soon in the secluded area of the library. He was wearing reading glasses and was reading a book on dark arts and rituals. He looked so handsome in those glasses.

"Take a picture, it will last long." His voice startled her making her blush.

"Uh- Why are you here?" She asked him going to sit beside him in the couch.

"They feel a bit intimidated by me and don't talk much." He said amused. "So I thought to leave them alone so they can talk freely without fearing that their lord is beside them."

Lyra chuckled. "Of course they are afraid of you. You are the big bad dark lord." She said amused.

"What about you? Are you afraid of me too?" He asked looking into her eyes.

"Well, I used to hate you. Then admire your power at the DOM. I never saw someone so powerful, I was afraid when Dumbledore told me about the prophecy. How can I a sixteen year old girl defeat you? But now I feel safe?" She asked him more than said to him.

"Safe?" He asked confused.

"I don't know. It's like whenever I'm around you, the magic feels safe like home. I only felt like this with Sirius and Remus." She shrugged.

"Interesting." He said looking thoughtful. "It must be the horcrux bond. It recognizes my magic." He said not looking at her.

"Oh" She mumbled looking away from him. So, it's only because of the horcrux. Well, what can she expect? She thought to herself. She is just a horcrux to him nothing else. She shouldn't bring her hopes up. She should've known.

"So why are you here anyways?" He asked her bringing her out of her thoughts.

"I can go if you want." She said standing up.

"No, that's not what I meant." He held her wrist stopping her. "I thought you would spend all your time with Black that he is back now." He said to her.

"Yeah, I actually came here to thank you. I'm so happy that he is back." She smiled at him.

"Anything for you." He said to her. She looked at him not believing his words. Anything for the horcrux, she thought in her mind. "Did you write to your wolf?" He asked her.

"I forgot." She said slapping her forehead. He shook his head in amusement before calling an elf for parchment and quill. "Here " He gave those to her.

She thanked him and wrote a quick note to Remus telling him that Sirius is back and he should come soon to meet him. She let the ink dry and Marvolo called the elf again to take the note to the owlery.

"Is something bothering you?" He asked noticing her grim expression.

"No, it's nothing. I was just thinking that I have to go back to Hogwarts in two weeks." She grimaced. "I have to be with my 'friends' who will surely advise me how to be a nice fiance and wife. How I should follow Dumbledore's orders and do as he says." She shook her head. "I really thought they cared for me."

"I-" "Let's not talk about it. I'll start crying again." She shook her head.

"If it makes you happy then I'm going to be in the castle too." He said to her.

"What? Why?" She asked him surprised.

"You don't want me to be there." He raised an eyebrow at her.

"No, it's not that. I was just surprised." She said to him.

"Calm down, I was just joking." He chuckled. "I always wanted to be the DADA professor. Dumbledore gave me the job this year and I can be near you all the time so I agreed." He shrugged as if he didn't tell her that he agreed to a job only to be near her or may be near his horcrux. Stop thinking negatively, she thought to herself.

"That's great." She smiled. "I can tell them that you want to talk to me or something and escape them. They won't even stop me as they don't want me to anger you." She smiled even more.

Marvolo laughed this time. Lyra looked shocked as this was the first time she heard him more than a light chuckle. He looked even more handsome laughing like that. She just wants to forget the whole world and look at him while he laughed.

Chapter Text

Marvolo waited for Lyra to get ready so they can go to Gringotts so that they can finalize their marriage contract. Dumbledore is going to be there too. Sirius and Lucius are also coming with them. No one knows Sirius is back and he is waiting to see how Dumbledore reacts. He can't wait. 

"My lord." Lucius entered the living room. 

"Take a seat Lucius." Marvolo gestured to the arm chair. Sirius entered the room at that moment and took the seat beside Lucius as he gestured. 

"Is the contract ready Lucius?" Marvolo asked him. 

"Yes, my lord. No stupid clauses that Dumbledore wanted to force upon you two." Lucius sneered. 

"I can't believe those clauses. Who in their right mind would agree to such a contract? Not even my mother will make such one for me and she hates me so much." Sirius said shaking his head. 

"He is Dumbledore for you." Marvolo said dryly. 

"So, there are no clauses in this contract?" Sirius asked him. 

"There is one." Lucius said and Sirius looked at him then back to Marvolo. 

"Um- What is it?" He asked looking anxious. 

"We are going to be equals in everything." Marvolo said to him.

"That is the clause?" Sirius frowned confusedly. 

"People still think me as a madman who wants everyone at his feet. So, I want it written in the contract so that no one will ever think she is below me or is equal to them and can order her around." Marvolo said with a satisfied glint in his eyes. 

"That's- that's so thoughtful of you." Sirius breathed out. 

They fell into comfortable silence waiting for Lyra who came after 5 minutes. All three of them looked at her and smiled. 

"Ready?" Marvolo asked standing up and she nodded. The other two followed him and they flooed directly to the goblin king's office. They heard a choking noise and looked at Dumbledore who was staring at Sirius in shock. 

"Nice to meet you again Headmaster." Sirius greeted him smiling with full teeth. Lyra has to stop herself from laughing out loud by clutching Marvolo's arm tightly. He and Lucius just looked blankly at Dumbledore and took their seats. 

"So no clauses? Nothing at all?" The king asked surprised. 

"What? I made a contract with clauses all listed in it." Dumbledore said looking at the contract with narrowed eyes. 

"The contract you made is null and void Dumbledore. You are not the girl's magical guardian. It's Lord Black, so you can't make a contract for her." The king said looking down his nose at Dumbledore. 

"Sirius, my boy. The contract I made-" 

"I read it and is useless. My daughter won't follow such stupid rules of yours. She will live as she wants and will have children whenever she and her husband wants and how many it's their decision not yours or mine or anyone else's to make." Sirius said sternly. 

"You are making a big mistake-" 

"I know what I'm doing Dumbledore." Sirius cut him off again. 

"Are you sure Lord Slytherin that you don't want any clauses? Fidelity for example?" The king asked again. 

"I trust her enough." Marvolo answered instantly. "But if she wants, we can add for me." 

Lyra looked at him shocked that he said that. She can't believe that he just said he believes her when they barely know each other. She looked at the king when he asked her if she wants to add it for him. How can she do it to him when he is placing such trust on her? It's only fair if she shows the same trust towards him. 

"No." She shook her head and Dumbledore spoke again. 

"Lyra atleast you should see that it's necessary. He is the dark lord. You can't trust him not to sleep with others while married to you." Dumbledore said to her. "You know how much Bellatrix worships him. She won't hesitate to warm his bed if given chance. How many times do you think a man can ignore another woman? One day or other he can give up and sleep with her." 

Lyra looked at him and Dumbledore thought he has won. If she agreed for one clause then it's easy to make her agree to others as he will say he made them all for her safety. He smirked inwardly when she opened her mouth.

"No." She said again and turned towards the goblin king. Dumbledore looked at her shocked that she said no after everything he said. What did Tom do to her that she is believing him after only 2 weeks. May be bringing Sirius back made her believe him. He needs to change that and soon. 

Both of them signed the contract and Sirius signed as her guardian as she is not seventeen yet. Lyra smiled at Sirius and they thanked the Goblin before leaving the bank along with Dumbledore. 

"Uhm- Marvolo?" She called him quietly. 

"Yes?" He turned towards her as they are about to floo. 

"I need to go shopping." She was about to say more. 

"Of course. I forgot about it completely." Marvolo said shaking his head and turned towards the other two. "You two go ahead. We will go and buy her things that she need for next school year." 

"There is no need to trouble yourselves. Molly has already brought your books." Dumbledore said smiling. "Ronald and Hermione will give them to you on the train." 

"Tell her my thanks Albus. But I need some other things. Excuse us." Marvolo took her hand in his and led her out of the bank. 

"Sirius my boy. Do you think you can come with me to the burrow and give this good news to everyone?" Dumbledore said with twinkling eyes. 

"Sure. Why not." Sirius shrugged and nodded at Lucius who nodded back and left to Slytherin Manor. 

"Oh my god!! Sirius. You are alive." Molly shouted as soon as she saw him with Dumbledore. 

"Yes! I am. The dark lord brought me back for Lyra." Sirius said smirking when he saw that she paled at what he said. Dumbledore looked thoughtfully at him but didn't say much. They waited for everyone to come so that they can talk. Everyone were surprised to see Sirius Black, the infamous dead prisoner alive. 

"I know you must be shocked but Sirius came back from the veil. It seems Tom did some dark ritual to bring him back." Sirius rolled his eyes at Dumbledore and shook his head. "The reason I called you here is not Sirius though. It's about the contract." 

"What about it? Did You-know-who changed his mind?" Molly asked before anyone else can open their mouth. 

"The contract I made is null and they made another one with Sirius as Lyra's guardian. They removed all the clauses." Everyone looked at Sirius who looked at Dumbledore before shaking his head. 

"How can you do it Black?" Molly was the first one to shout. "She is just a child-"

"Yeah, a child who you all threw to the dark lord at the first chance of him leaving you all alone." Sirius sneered and Severus looked at him impressed.

"How dare you say such things about us?" Molly shouted.

"Then pray tell me who the fuck-" "Language!" "-decided it would be nice to hand over my daughter to the dark lord just like that. What would you have done if he just killed her? Huh?" He asked glaring at everyone of them making some of them look guilty as he was right. 

"Did you even give her a chance, no. You just said you are the saviour of the wizarding world and you should marry the man who killed your parents and the man who tried to kill you multiple times because you have to save us. Why should she save you when none of you saved her? Why should she sacrifice her happiness for you when all you cared about was yourself? Why should she do what you want and not what she wants? Who are you to decide her future? Who are you to tell her how her marriage life should be? You didn't give her any choice making her feel guilty saying that if she doesn't agree to the marriage then he will kill you all. Now, you are even making rules on how she should live with the person she marries? Who gave you permission to make stupid clauses for her married life? Who are you to decide how many children should she have? I don't think even James would make such clause for her daughter. Hell, he would have killed you for even suggesting that his daughter marries him. But then he will realize that the dark lord made her more happy than all of you combined in her whole life." He scoffed looking at her friends. 

"You! You have no right to call Lyra your friend when you just abandon her every time. Just because you helped her fighting doesn't mean you are some sort of best friends she will ever get. You should stick together even after the fight and should've helped her but no you left her in dark because Dumbledore said to. Last year, Cedric died and she was still in shock but you didn't write to her. This year, I fell through the veil and she must've been even more depressed but you left her again. I pity her for having such shitty friends. Draco is hundred no infinite times better than you. He helped her a lot more than you three did in all these five years." 

"Don't you dare compare us to that ferret!" Ron shouted at him.

"That ferret is loyal to his friend unlike you." Sirius shouted back. 

"He is a Slytherin." Ron shouted.

"What about the dark lord? Huh?" Sirius asked him. "He is heir to the Slytherin himself and still you didn't have any problem with your 'best friend' marrying him." 

"She is the girl-who-lived." Ron said as if that is the answer to everything.

"She is a normal girl just like everyone. She didn't ask to be the girl-who-lived." Sirius snapped at him. "Stay away from my daughter when you go back to Hogwarts. I already asked the ministry for resorting and the minister agreed. She won't be in Gryffindor anymore. Not with such friends." 

"You can't do that." Hermione said. "Hogwarts: A History says no one can be resorted." She said smugly.

"That stupid book is written by a human who is not the founder of Hogwarts. Most of it may be true but not everything. Books are written by humans only. And they can mistake one for another." He said to her rolling his eyes. "Also, a student can resort if he/she wants after an year if they feel like it. And the headmaster can't stop it. It's in the Hogwarts charter." Sirius said the last sentence looking at Dumbledore. 

"You are making a very big mistake Sirius." Dumbledore said gravely.

"Actually you made a mistake by making my daughter a weapon that you can sacrifice Dumbledore. I'm just taking advantage of that and making sure she is happy." Sirius said confidently. "And I swear I won't hesitate to kill anyone and I mean anyone who tries to steal that happiness from her." He said looking straight into Dumbledore's eyes. 

"Sirius-" "You would be first." Sirius said making her stop mid sentence. "Don't you ever think I didn't notice how you wanted your son to marry her and get all the Potter and Black fortune for yourself." He said making her gulp. 

"I would never. She is like a daughter to me." She said her voice dropping in her nervousness. 

"Swear on your magic then." Sirius challenged her. 

"Sirius, enough! You can't accuse Molly like that." Dumbledore said saving her from losing her magic. 

"Don't even think that you would get potter or black money for even one second. I already made sure that you can't harm her before I fell through the veil. I know about the marriage contract that you made between Lyra and Ronald illegally." There were gasps around the table. "I made sure to destroy it and also made sure you can't feed her any potions to fall in love with your son or to give you the money." 

"Y-You are lying." She tried to speak but Sirius just laughed. 

"I didn't want to hurt her by saying this before and I want it to stay like that. She has been already hurt enough." Sirius said looking at everyone. "I didn't say anything before doesn't mean I don't know or I didn't care. I was still a convict at that time and made sure to lay low while doing everything to protect her but now there is no need for that." He smirked. 

"I'm warning each and everyone sitting here that you touch one hair on her and I'll drag you through your hair and torture you until you are at the brink of insanity and then kill you painfully." He said with a dangerous glint in his eyes. "I'm still a Black and a dark wizard. I may have fought along light last war but I can acknowledge my family traits when it comes to safety of my family." 

"Now, I heard you brought my daughter's books?" He asked looking at Molly who nodded. "Very well, Kreacher!" 

"Master traitor is alive and is calling Kreacher." Kreacher sneered. 

"I can give you clothes and make sure no Black can take you in and most importantly your dear Bella." Sirius said and Kreacher's eyes widened. 

"Oh master forgive Kreacher. Kreacher will be good. Kreacher promises." Kreacher said bowing so low that his nose touched the ground.

"I want you to collect all of Lyra's things in this house and take them to my room in the Black Manor." Sirius ordered and Kreacher nodded before popping away. 

"That is slavery!" Hermione looked unimpressed at him. 

"Well, no one is asking your opinion Granger." Sirius said rolling his eyes. "I'm telling you again. Think about causing pain to my daughter and I will kill you." He said standing up and leaving the Burrow. 

Severus who listened to him silently saw him in a new light. Even though he still sees him as his bully. Sirius Black is a nice man and would do anything for the people he loves. Severus liked the dark aura that surrounded him when he was angry. It attracted him and he wants more of that. He stayed for a while and smirked when they started arguing with each other about what Black just said. Some are angry that he just threatened them while some felt he was right. Dumbledore soon dismissed them as it is going nowhere. He watched in fascination as Molly didn't even speak a single word the whole time as her family the elder ones are giving her death glares. He soon left to the Slytherin Manor to meet the new version of Sirius Black and make himself an acquaintance.

Chapter Text

"What do you need?" Marvolo asked as they exited the bank.

"But Dumbledore said Mrs Weasley already got my things." Lyra said to him.

"And you only need books?" He asked her. She shook her head and thought about it.

"I need parchments, quills and ink." She said and he nodded leading her to the store before buying the best parchments, quills and different colour of ink for her ignoring her protests. He also bought some books and journals to make notes.

"If you write different points in different colours based on the importance of them. It will be easier for you to read them at last minute. You can just memorize the important points at last moment." He said to her and paid for them.

"Thank you. You know I can pay." She said as they exited.

"I know but I don't want you to." He said giving her a small smile. She smiled brightly at him. "Now where to?"

"Uh- do you have owl treats at the manor?" She asked and he thought for a while.

"The elves take care of the food. So they must've seen your owl and already brought the treats for her." He answered and she nodded her head. "Next?"

"I need new robes for next year. I've grown an inch or two and the last I brought robes were in my third year." She said.

"Madam Malkin's or Twilfitt and Tatting's?" He asked her.

"Your wish." She shrugged and he led her to Madam Malkin's. She thought he would take her to Twilfitt but never mind.

"Hogwarts robes dearie?" Madam Malkin asked and she nodded. While she was being measure Marvolo looked around. "Done. Anything else?" She shook her head but Marvolo spoke for her instead.

"She needs some formal and informal dress robes. Along with travel cloaks." He said and she looked at him wide-eyed. "30 each will suffice for now. I guess darker colours but if you think she looks good in lighter colours you can add them too." Her eyes widened even more.

"But-" "Deliver them to Slytherin Manor." Marvolo said cutting her off. Madam Malkin's eyes widened. "Of course Lord Slytherin." She bowed to him and he nodded leading her outside.

"I don't need those many robes." She said to him.

"You do." He said firmly. "You even need a new wardrobe." He led her to Twilfitt and Tatting's. The workers bowed as soon as they saw Marvolo. They were eager to serve for him. A female worker led Lyra to take her measurements.

"She needs a whole new wardrobe. I hope you know my tastes and choices." Marvolo said looking as intimidating as a dark lord should be. The shopkeeper nodded.

"Of course, My Lord. We will make only the best for My Lady." He said bowing to Lyra.

"Very Well. Send it to the manor." Marvolo said before taking her hand in his. "Do you like anything?" He asked her and she looked around. Her eyes stopped on a blue dress with a single strap on right shoulder. It fits through the bodice before flaring out at the waist. There is a silver belt at the waist. Lyra didn't know why but she liked it so much. But looking at it she knew it costs too much, Marvolo is already spending too much on her. She looked away from the dress but he already saw the look. He motioned for it silently and the shopkeeper nodded. She looked at some simple dresses and then bought a simple black dress along with a few skirts of different colours and some shirts for them.

"Let's go." He said shrinking them and placing them in his pocket. "Let's go to the muggle world."

"What?" She looked at him with shocked eyes.

"We only bought you wizarding clothes. You need muggle clothes too." He said and led her towards Leaky Cauldron.

"I thought you are the dark lord. Who are you and what have you to done Marvolo?" She asked him making him chuckle.

"He just got his sanity back darling." He said placing his hand on the small of her back and leading her into the muggle world. This is the second time that he called her darling and she felt butterflies in her stomach at his touch.

"You already bought so much for me. There is no need for more." She tried to tell but he already called a taxi and made her sit inside.

"You lost so much because of me and I just want to give you everything I can." He said and she fell silent after that. What can she say to that?

Marvolo took her to some mall and made her try so many clothes. She really enjoyed it and was so shocked when he bought all of them which she tried. She thought it was done but he then led her to another store and bought her more. He bought her shirts, t-shirts, jumpers, jackets, tank tops, jeans, skirts, stockings and some one-pieces.

He then proceeded to buy nightwear and she blushed so hard when he asked her about inner wear. He let her buy them herself looking away and staying out of the sight. Oh Merlin! This is too much. How is she going to fit all of these in her trunk? She thought to herself.

"Footwear?" He asked and she nodded. By the end of two hours, she has nearly thirty pairs of different types of footwear.

"Do you like to wear makeup?" He asked her and she shook her head. "I'm glad. I don't understand what they are going to get wearing such heavy makeup."

"I like nail polish. I always had to paint my aunt's nails while she never let me use them." She said sadly.

"Let's get you them then." He said and led her to the nail-polish store. If she didn't stop him, he was going to buy every colour.

"Marvolo, I don't like all those colours. I don't even have dresses in all those colours." She said to him fondly. "Let's buy only some."

"Fine." He said letting her select. When she only selected five, he was about to buy every colour again and she gave up selecting nearly thirty to forty colours along with some glitters.

"Let's go to a restaurant and eat something." He said and she nodded eagerly.

"I'm so hungry. Let's go." She said and he let her drag him to a small but nice looking place. "I came here once when Uncle Vernon had to bring me because his boss' wife saw me and asked him to bring me along. That was the first time I ate something so good."

"If you don't mind me asking. Did they hurt you?" He asked already knowing the answer. She tensed and looked down at her plate of pasta before nodding. He clenched his hand around the fork and took deep breaths. He needs to control himself. "They will pay for what they did. Don't worry." He placed his other hand on hers and squeezed it gently.

"You will do that for me?" She asked him and he smiled at her.

"I'll do anything for you." He answered. This time, she didn't let her mind say that he is doing all this for his horcrux. She smiled at him and continued eating.

"Do you think we can get some pens. I sometimes feel difficult to write with quills." She said and he nodded. She shouldn't have asked him. She should know better than that. He bought almost all the pens in the shop with different colours.

"Thank you so much for today. I had so much fun and I bought so much. I don't know how they are all going to fit in my trunk." She said as they went back to Leaky Cauldron.

"You are a witch Lyra." He said amusedly and she blushed.

"I forget sometimes." She said shaking her head.

"Or else we can buy a new trunk for you like Moody's." He advised and her eyes brightened.

"I would like that." She said but her face fell. "You already spent so much on me."

"Everything I bought today doesn't even make a dent in my vault." He said before leading her to the trunk store. They bought a five compartment trunk instead of seven as she doesn't need seven. She was ok with three but he wanted a big one for her.

The first one is to put her books, parchments, quills and ink. The second one is for her wizarding clothing while third one is for muggle clothing. The fourth one is potion related items. The fifth one is empty at the moment and she can keep whatever remaining things in it.

"Marvolo, I don't think I need any potion related things. We didn't get the OWL results and Snape said he will take only the students who got an O." She said to him.

"You will get an O. You did well didn't you?" He asked and she nodded uncertainly.

"I think then we need the books too. Ronald would've already told Mrs Weasley that I won't get an O so she wouldn't have bought them." She said to him.

"What else do you think she wouldn't have bought?" He asked her.

"I don't know. Maybe we can come again for books?" She asked and he nodded.

"As you wish." He said to her.

"You don't need anything?" She asked him.

"I have a thing to do in Knockturn Alley. Borgin and Burkes." He said and looked at her. "Are you comfortable coming there?"

"You are with me. I don't think anything will happen to me." She said and he placed his hand on her back again and led her to Borgin and Burkes.

"My Lord. What an honor. Welcome to our store. My Lady." Borgin bowed to them. She just nodded.

"Borgin. I remember asking you to make a thing for me. Is it still with you?" Marvolo asked going to his dark lord persona.

"Of course, My Lord. I knew you would return and kept it safely." Borgin went inside the store as Lyra looked around curiously but nothing caught her eyes except for one necklace. She leaned forward to get a good look of it. "Oh, My Lady that is a cursed necklace. Anyone who touches it will die." Borgin said startling her. She looked at him and nodded.

Borgin gave a box to Marvolo who nodded curtly at him and led her out of the store. They went to a jewellery store from there and she was confused as to why they are here. Marvolo asked her to wait while he went and talked to someone. She sat there looking at Marvolo talking quietly to the person behind the counter.

"I want it before September first." The dark lord said firmly and the man nodded.

"Of course, My Lord. As you wish. But the design..." He trailed off.

"This one." The dark lord pointed at a snake which is chasing its tail. "The eyes should be emeralds." The man nodded again.

"Yes, my lord." The man bowed and the dark lord moved away from the counter towards Lyra.

"Everything's done. We are good to go." Marvolo said to her. She wanted to ask what he talked with the shopkeeper but didn't want to pry into his personal matters and kept quiet.

"What did you get at Borgin and Burke?" She asked him not able to stop herself.

"Borgin is famous for making cursed items. I ordered one before coming to kill you and your parents. So, I was not able to retrieve it from him." Marvolo said to her.

"What did you ask him to make?" She asked looking at his pocket where the item was.

"Oh, just a gift for an old friend who thought he can betray me and still live his life peacefully." He smirked and she gulped.

"W-Who?" She asked.

"Horace Slughorn. He used to be my potions professor. It was him who told me about the horcruxes. I got information that he is a secret member of Order. I shouldn't have left him alive with him knowing about my secret but I was his favourite student and I gave him leeway." Marvolo said with narrowed eyes.

"So, you think he told Dumbledore about them?" She asked him and he nodded. "But then why didn't Dumbledore try to find them all these years?"

"Because, he wanted me to return." Marvolo answered her.

"What? But why?" She asked shocked.

"Maybe because he wanted me to return and kill me and become the hero. Last time, it was you but this time he might wanted it to be him." Marvolo said placing his hand on her back.

"That means, he must know about me." She said and his face hardened.

"Let's not think much about it. I changed the location of all my horcruxes. He can't get them. He knows there is no use hurting any of us before destroying all of them." Marvolo said calmly. She bit her lip lightly but nodded.

"We didn't go to quidditch store. I need new seeker gloves and-"

"I already bought it for you. They are back at the manor. I wanted to give it to you the day you came to the manor but you were busy." He said and she looked at him apologetically.

"Can we eat an icecream before leaving?" She made puppy dog eyes at him and he gave in. "I want chocolate with almonds." She said and went to sit at a table. He smiled at her, only she can order the dark lord to get an ice cream. If anyone else said that to him, well they would be dead already. He bought two chocolate ice creams, one plain and other with almonds in it. Fortescue looked at him wide-eyed as the dark lord was buying ice cream but didn't say anything.

Chapter Text

Sirius entered the Black Manor after so many years. Grimmauld place was where he grew up but this was where his grandfather lived and he often visited until his grandfather died. His father was the one who used to bring him here while his mother hated his grandfather as he didn't give her enough powers to rule the Black house. She wanted power which she unfortunately never got. Sirius was glad that she didn't.

"Master Sirius. You are back." The head elf bowed as soon as he entered. "Kreacher brought some things earlier and placed them in your room. I's thought you would be coming so already made sure your room is clean."

"Very well. I won't be staying for long. But, I'll be back soon to stay here." Sirius said to him.

"Of course master. I would make sure the entire manor is proper by then." He bowed before disappearing.

Sirius walked to his room which is not the master bedroom as he didn't take the Black lordship yet. He is still debating whether to take it or just let Lyra have it when she gets married. But, if he wants to do something, he needs power which he will get only if he becomes the Lord to the ancient and noble house of Black. As a Black, he is still powerful but being Lord Black has its own benefits.

His own father, who cared nothing about the politics and ministry and who rarely attended the parties was more respected than his uncle Pollux, who is Bellatrix and Narcissa's father. Pollux tried everything and anything to be respected like his father but unfortunate for him, he is not the Lord Black.

Sirius always wanted to be like his father, powerful and respected but between his mother's madness and his love for James, his brother. He became something he never wanted to be. But now, he got the chance to become the person he always wanted to be. Lord Sirius Orion Black, he grinned.

Sirius went to the books, Kreacher placed on the table. He waved his wand over them and was furious when he found compulsions on them. Molly would pay for everything she did to his daughter. That woman is going to suffer the most. He removed the compulsions from the books and checked what books she brought for Lyra.

Sirius frowned while checking though. They didn't get their OWL results, why did Molly buy these books beforehand and only Charms, Transfiguration, DADA, Herbology and COMC. Where are potions books? Also, he thought Lyra was interested in Runes.

"Kreacher." Sirius called and he appeared beside him. "Go to Burrow and give Molly Weasley the money she spent on buying these books and make sure she is paid for everything she bought Lyra. I don't want Lyra to have anything that woman gave her with her own money." Sirius sneered.

"Yes master." Kreacher bowed before leaving.

He will pay even for the gifts she gave to Lyra on Christmas and Birthdays. He will burn everything that Molly gave to Lyra and make sure Lyra doesn't know he did that. He didn't want Lyra to know what Molly did. Lyra though her as a caring adult in her life but if she knows about the marriage contract, she would be devastated.

Sirius would never forgive Weasley and Granger. They were supposed to be her friends and they abandon her every time Dumbledore asks them to. He was just one step away from killing the weasel when he said she has to marry the dark lord because she is the girl-who-lived. There is no use thinking about it now, he should go back to Gringotts and then to Slytherin Manor. Rodolphus and Lucius would be worried more than his mother ever worried for him.

"Master Black, how can we help you?" A Goblin asked him.

"I'm here to claim my lordship. If I'm eligible to it." Sirius said respectfully.

"Of course, you are eligible Master Black. We were just waiting for you to come and take it. Else, it would have passed to your goddaughter's son." The Goblin said before leading him to Black account manager's office.

"Greetings Master Langlock." Sirius greeted him.

"Greetings Master Black. I'm assuming you are here to take your lordship." Langlock said and Sirius nodded. "Do take a seat then."

"Thanks for the help you provided last 2 years even if I was a fugitive." Sirius thanked him.

"We knew that you were innocent. Also, Gringotts is a neutral territory. We would've helped you even if you weren't innocent." Langlock informed him.

"Still, thanks for the help." Sirius said to him.

"Very well. You can even take temporary lordship of Potter house till Miss Potter is married and her husband is willing to take up the lordship as her husband." Langlock informed him.

"I should ask Lyra if she wants me to take it or not. She won't have any problem but I want to tell her before doing that. I don't want her to think I'm doing things behind her back." Sirius said to him and Langlock nodded understanding.

"I can give you the Potter lordship ring. You can ask her and then wear it. Or else can return it when you come here again. This way you don't have to come twice for it."  Langlock offered and Sirius agreed to the plan.

"I think that's a great idea. I'll do that." Sirius said and Langlock ordered a Goblin to get Potter and Black Lordship rings from the vaults.

"Do you want to cut off the access to any of the family members? Or add them to the family?" Langlock asked as they waited for the rings.

"I have to think about it before coming to any decision. I want to talk to them first." Sirius said to him and Langlock nodded.

"Very well, Lord Black. Here are your rings." Langlock placed two boxes one with Black crest and the other with Potter crest. Sirius opened the box with Black crest and took the ring out. He placed the ring on his ring finger of his right hand and immediately felt the power rush into him, the family magics settling into its place. He can feel the wards of each and every house of Blacks, he can feel the connections to every Black family member.

"Thank you Master Langlock. I wanted to talk about the Black Accounts. I hope you are the one who are managing it and won't let anyone without me saying. I can assure you that I won't be signing any letters without sealing it with my Lordship ring." Sirius informed him.

"I'll keep that in mind. Lady Malfoy tried to access the Black Vaults thinking her son is going to be next Lord Black but she was angry when she was informed that your goddaughter is next in line and as she is a female, the lordship goes to her children." Langlock told him.

"Narcissa is not who I'm worried about. She won't do something as cheap as forge my sign for money. Malfoys are rich enough that she doesn't have to steal." Sirius said and Langlock nodded understanding who he was referring.

"I'll take care of whoever comes saying your name, Lord Black. Do you want us to punish them or wants me to inform you so that you can take care of them?" Langlock asked him.

"I'll take care of them. I already have so many things about them to take care of. They hurt my goddaughter a lot. I want to punish them myself." Sirius said and Langlock agreed.

"Is there any way I can get a portkey to inside ministry without anyone knowing?" Sirius asked him and Langlock raised an eyebrow at him but Sirius didn't say anything else.

"Who do you want to meet?" Langlock asked him making him smirk.

"Dolores Umbridge." Sirius said and Langlock looked at him with a gleam.

"If you promise to make her suffer a lot Lord Black." Langlock said and waved his hand at the quill lying on his desk before pushing it towards him.

"You hate her too?" Sirius asked.

"She thinks she can order us Goblins around. We only stayed quiet as we don't want to disturb the relation between you wizards and we goblins." Langlock said to him.

"She hurt my goddaughter using a blood quill. I want to give her the same punishment but way more painful." Sirius said and thought for a moment. "I want to visit the Black Vaults."

"Of course Lord Black." Langlock nodded and called a Goblin to take him to the vaults.

Sirius placed his hand on the door of the vault and it pricked his finger lightly and instantly opened. He entered the vault where all of their family things were placed which were considered dark and dangerous. There was a risk of raids even if the Aurors can't enter the wards without the permission of Lord Black, they were still paranoid and stored them at Gringotts where Goblins protected things of their customers with their lives. Sirius smirked as he looked around the various torture devices. He will use them on others but, for Umbridge, he will use the same thing she used on Lyra but hundred times more painful than a normal blood quill.

Sirius didn't touch anything without casting a spell to check if he can touch them with his bare hands or not. He looked through various drawers and closets in the vault before finding the quill he was searching for. A blood quill with dark magic embedded into it very deeply. His face took an evil look as he twirled the quill in his hands.

Umbridge is going to regret the day she decided to torture his daughter. Yes, Lyra is his daughter even if he is not her biological father. He sees her as his own daughter and is sick of calling her his goddaughter all the time. He wrapped the blood quill in a piece of cloth in the vault which is used to stop people from detecting the dark magic that is emitted from the quill. Blacks always had a solution for almost everything maybe except getting their son out of Azkaban. He thought his father would at least try to get him out. Sirius wondered if he even tried or not? He should probably ask Lucius who would know. What stopped Lord Black from getting his son out of Azkaban? Sirius wondered as he exited the vault and went back to Langlock's office who was waiting for him.

"I hope you found what you were searching for." Langlock said and Sirius nodded. Wait, may be Langlock knows too if his father tried to get him out of Azkaban.

"Master Langlock, do you have any idea if my father tried to get me out of Azkaban all those years ago?" Sirius asked him.

"Ah, Lord Black tried to get you a trial just like every death eater but Dumbledore did everything in his power as a chief warlock to stop him from getting a trial for you." Langlock informed him.

"Dumbledore stopped him?" Sirius frowned. "Why would he do that?" Sirius mused out loud.

"I think you know the answer Lord Black." Langlock said looking at him pointedly and Sirius frowned before his eyes widened lightly.

"He wanted me to be away from Lyra." Sirius said and Langlock nodded. "I wouldn't have let her go to those muggles if was out."

"He sent you to Azkaban and became her magical guardian." Langlock informed him. "He placed her with her muggle relatives."

"Who didn't treat her well and made her yearn for love. She latched onto first people who showed her love and that happened to be those traitors Ronald and Hermione who would do anything Dumbledore says without asking any questions." Sirius said angrily. "He planned everything out. That bastard."

"Lord Black, Lord Voldemort won't let her suffer anymore. We can see it in his eyes already that he cares for her." Langlock assured him.

"I know it Master Langlock. I was a bit doubtful when I first knew but just in a couple of days, I knew he is going to take care of her better than all of us." Sirius said to him. "Anyways, thank you for your time Master Langlock. I'll take my leave now. Will the portkey work from here to ministry?"

"It will. And from there if you say the destination, it will take you there directly." Langlock said grinning and Sirius grinned back. Umbridge can't do anything. "You don't even have to worry, it is not traceable unless by us Goblins."

Sirius stood up from his chair and nodded at Langlock before turning invisible and activated the portkey. He disappeared from the Gringotts' office with a light pop and reappeared in an office which of full of cat portraits who were screeching and the room was in pink making him cringe.

Umbridge was not in her office, so he waited for her sitting on her chair and looked around the office with narrowed eyes. He looked at the various files and saw Arthur's name on one of it making him frown. He opened the file and saw that the woman was trying to sack him as he is a blood traitor and is going to accuse him of bribery. He glared at the file before making a copy and sent it to his room at Black Manor. He checked through all of the files and found so much information that made him more and more angry.

This woman was planning to deceive the dark lord and then make the Aurors capture the death eaters if they were alone and no one is there to see what's happening and the minister gave his permission signing the file. Nymphadora was one of the Auror along with Kingsley and he was sure they told Dumbledore but didn't say it to anyone or he did say hut only to selected few people.

Sirius knows the dark lord won't harm Lyra if he knows about it but Dumbledore doesn't know that and still didn't protest about this. He shouldn't be surprised though after what he learned about the man. He made copies of all the files and sent them to the manor. He looked up when the door opened and Umbridge walked wearing her usual pink attire and he looked at her disgustedly. He smirked at her shocked face and stunned her before she can say anything and made sure she was touching the portkey before taking her to the Black Manor dungeons.

Chapter Text

Lyra and Marvolo landed in front of the manor as he apparated them. He placed a hand on her back as he led her inside and she blushed a little at the contact but didn't say anything. She liked being close to him. She had so much fun shopping that day and she can't forget this day ever. He brought her so much and everything she asked. 

Even though she wondered lightly what he ordered at the jewelry store and for whom he ordered. She didn't like the thought of him buying something for another woman. Or even man, he can be bisexual if not gay as he is going to marry her. She never asked his opinion at that matter. He already knows that she is straight as she said when they talked on that day in the library when he promised to get Sirius back for her and that to soon.

"Marvolo?" She called and he looked at her while he opened the door with his other hand.

"Yes?" He said and she looked hesitant but decided to ask him anyways. He raised an eyebrow at her. "Is something the matter? Did you forget to buy something? Or don't you like something that we bought?"

"No, no. I like everything that we bought and I don't need anything else." She smiled at him.

"Then what is it?" He stopped walking.

"Uh- It's not some big thing." She said when he looked serious and he chuckled lightly.

"Ok, not a big thing. But what?" He asked her. 

"I just wanted to ask you something." She said and he sighed. 

"You know you can ask me anything. Why are you so hesitant? What is it you want to ask anyways?" He asked her. 

"Um- are you straight or bisexual?" She asked in a whisper that she had to wonder if he heard it or not.

"You wanted to ask that?" He asked looking at her skeptically.

"Um- Yes? You don't have to answer if you don't want to. I was just thinking- I mean, I just wondered-" She looked at him shrugging not knowing what to say and he chuckled again shaking his head and led her inside and her face fell when he didn't answer. Why didn't he answer? Doesn't he want her to know that he is bisexual, She thought to herself. 

"I'm straight and just like you I don't have anything against Homosexuality though." He said and she looked at him smiling. But, her smile fell as she thought about the jewelry store and he frowned. "What's wrong? Want to ask anything else?" 

"Nothing." She shook her head turning to look forward. 

"I don't mind. You have every right to ask me. We have to get to know each other. We even signed the marriage contract." He said but she didn't know if he would appreciate if she asked her what he ordered at jewelry store and for whom. 

"I- It's just." She started but closed her mouth again. 

"What?" He encouraged her and she opened her mouth to speak but saw Rodolphus pacing when they entered the living room. The dark lord raised an eyebrow at him who didn't see them yet as he was busy pacing. Lucius was also deeply thinking. Rabastan was looking amused but a bit worried too. Draco was not there and instead Snape was there sitting beside Lucius and looking at them blankly. He was the first one to see the dark lord and rose from his seat making the other three look at him and then Marvolo before they too stood up and bowed to him. 

"What happened?" Marvolo asked entering the room with Lyra at her side who was looking confused. 

"Um- where is Sirius?" She asked looking around the room. 

"He didn't come back." Rodolphus said and she looked at him confused again. 

"What do you mean by he didn't come back?" She asked him. 

"He didn't come with you Lucius?" Marvolo asked. 

"No, my lord. Dumbledore asked him to come with him as he wanted to give the order the good news of him returning." Lucius said and looked at Snape who raised an eyebrow at Lucius. "Tell them what happened there Severus." 

"Why don't you tell? You already know it." He said in a whisper but Marvolo heard it.

"Is there a problem Severus?" He asked him. 

"Nothing, my lord. The order meeting was eventful to say the least. Dumbledore announced that you brought him back and some people didn't like the fact as Dumbledore said you used some dark ritual to bring him back." Severus informed him.

"And?" The dark lord asked him.

"Dumbledore said Black made a new contract making people angry as there were no clauses in it. Black got angry at that and shouted at how they all threw his goddaughter to you to get their lives saved and didn't think about her at all. He said how they didn't have any right to decide anything after what they did to her. He said pretty much about how they expected her to do something for them when they won't even give her a choice to marry someone who she loves and then had the guts to even decide how her married life should be with you." Severus said and Marvolo nodded.

"That's it?" Lyra asked him and he shook his head. 

"He said more, scolded your friends. Then he said he is going to ask for your resort and Dumbledore can't stop him." Severus paused. 

"Resort?" The dark lord mused and Severus nodded. "What house do you think you will be in?" 

"Slytherin." She said without hesitating and everyone looked at her surprised. "The hat wanted me in Slytherin but Hagrid told me Slytherins were all evil and my parents were Gryffindors. I met Ron who said the same thing. Then, I met Draco who was not the nicest to me on our first meeting and he was sorted into Slytherin so I asked the hat to put me in any house other than Slytherin."

"And the hat listened?" Rabastan asked.

"I'm a Gryffindor, ain't I?" She asked him and he nodded. 

"Why don't you continue Severus?" The dark lord asked him. 

"Dumbledore warned that he is making a mistake and Black told him that it was him who made a mistake and he will make sure to use it for his advantage. He threatened to kill anyone who tries to hurt his goddaughter and left." Snape said and Lyra smiled. 

"I knew he loved me more than anything." Lyra said and Rodolphus smiled at her. 

"Everyone knew that Lyra." He said to her. 

"Wait, you said he left that means he should come back. When did he leave?" Lyra asked looking at Snape. 

"He left within an hour from there. Yet, he is not here." Rodolphus said to her and she looked worried. 

"For Merlin's sake. I told you, he asked Kreacher to take the books Molly Weasley brought for Potter to place in his room at Black Manor, so he must've gone there. He is not a kid and grown up wizard. A very powerful one at that. You should've seen the magic rolling off of him as he shouted at the order. It was dark, darker than I ever saw. The only person whose magic is more darker than his is the dark lord's. He can take care of himself." Snape said making all of them look at him blinking in shock except the dark lord. 

"I knew he had dark magic. You can feel it when you are near him or when he is not in control of himself. It only happened once though, when he came back from the veil. He is almost always in control of his magic." The dark lord informed them. "Even Orion's magic was not as dark as his." 

"I never noticed." Lucius mused to himself.

"You were too busy to notice Lucius." The dark lord said smirking lightly and he looked at him a bit shocked. 

"So, you think he is at Black Manor?" Lyra asked Snape who nodded. "But, what is he doing there for this long?" 

"You can ask him when he returns." Severus sighed getting irritated. All of them were being idiots. Black is  capable of taking care of himself. He shook his head and looked at the dark lord who was looking at him amused but didn't say anything. Severus wondered if he knew why he was here or not.

"Are you here on some work Severus?" The dark lord asked him and he couldn't tell if he was asking genuinely or to see if he will tell the truth.

"I just thought to come and see others. Nothing important, My Lord." Severus said and the dark lord nodded. 

"If you say so." The dark lord said to him and he looked a bit shocked. How did he even know why he was here? Severus thought to himself. "I'll be in my study if you need something." He said before standing up and leaving the room not waiting for any reply. He would've known if anything happened to Sirius. So there is no need to worry. But, it's not like they are going to listen to him, so he just let it go and went to his study. 

"I think Severus is right. He can take care of himself. So there is no need to worry." Lucius said to Lyra who looked uncertain but nodded her head at him and rubbed her face with her hands. "Why don't you tell us what you did the whole day with the dark lord?" 

"We just went to shopping. He brought me so much. Books, Quills, Parchments, Robes, a new wardrobe to be exact. He even took me to the muggle world to get muggle clothes and we had lunch in the muggle world. He had some work in Knockturn Alley and then he got me ice cream when I asked." She said smiling. She didn't notice their shocked looks that the dark lord did all those things. The dark lord went to the muggle world. The dark lord got her ice cream when she asked. 

"Oh, yeah. He even bought this 5 compartment trunk for me to place all my things separately. He said he even bought seeker related things for me before hand and wanted to give me when I came here but we were busy so wasn't able to give me on that day." She said excitedly looking at all of them. 

"Books, quills, parchment." Lucius said.

"A whole wardrobe." Rodolphus continued. 

"Muggle world." Rabastan continued next. 

"Ice cream and even a gift." Severus finished. 

"What are you talking?" Lyra asked looking at them confused. 

"We never thought the dark lord would do such common things." Rodolphus said to her. 

"I mean, he is the dark lord." Lucius said still a bit shocked. 

"I was shocked myself, to be honest." Lyra said to them. "The dark lord who is feared by the whole wizarding world went to shopping with me like a normal person. Even though, he went overboard at all the stores." 

"Well, something should be different about him. If he just buys what you want, what's the difference between him and us?" Rabastan chuckled. 

"Yeah, I mean I buy Draco more than he wants but not this much." Lucius shook his head.

"Well, you are not the dark lord Lucius." Severus said to him making Lucius roll his eyes. 

"Where is Draco, by the way?" Lyra asked Lucius. 

"He went to Blaise's as you were going to be out today. He will come tomorrow. He is going to be as shocked when he knows about the shopping trip." Lucius said.

"Don't go on telling everyone." Lyra huffed. 

"Even if we don't tell. Everyone would know. The shopkeepers at the Diagon and Knockturn would spread it like wild fire."  Rabastan said to her making her groan. 

"Why can't I have a normal life? Why does everyone have to know about every thing that is happening in my life?" She sighed. 

"What Potter? Don't want more fame?" Snape asked her making her glare at him.

"I never asked for it from the beginning Snape." She said irritated before standing up. "I'll wait in my room. Call me if Sirius comes back." 

The other three glared at Snape as she left who shrugged. "I just asked a question. I didn't mean any thing." He defended. Lucius sighed shaking his head. 

"Severus, I told you already. Lyra is not what you thought or what you still think she is." Lucius said to him. 

"She is a nice girl, Severus. You should look past your hatred for James Potter and you will see that she is not James Potter and to be honest, She is not even Lily Potter. She is Lyra, just Lyra. She accepted us without making any fuss that we are death eaters. She is ready to marry the dark lord for the light side. She has a big heart and so many people took advantage of that already on light side. You shouldn't listen to what Dumbledore said about her and know her yourself." Rodolphus said looking serious. 

"They are right. Open your eyes and see the truth Severus." Rabastan said to him. 

Severus looked at them not saying anything and they waited for him to say something, that he won't treat her badly anymore but he didn't and just looked away from them making them sigh but Severus was thinking about what they said and what he should do about Potter. Are they really saying the truth about her? Is she really not a brat that he thought she was? If she isn't, then why did Dumbledore tell him that she grew up pampered and is just like her father when she first came to Hogwarts. Did Dumbledore lie to him and manipulated him into hating her? Severus was still lost in his thoughts about what the three of them said about Lyra that he didn't notice a new person coming in to the room until he felt his magic making his eyes snap towards him. 

Sirius looked a bit exhausted but he was smiling so evilly and that smile would've sent chills down their spines if they weren't death eaters and aren't so evil themselves. He grinned when he saw them and flopped himself on to a nearby chair with a contended sigh. 

"Hey." He said to them making them snap out of their shock of seeing him like that and Rodolphus was the first one to burst.

Chapter Text

A/N: I don't know why but I just made Ron a bit more bad than I intended. If you don't like it then I'm sorry. I just don't know what was on my mind when I wrote this. Hope, you won't stop reading because of it.

Ron and Hermione were sitting in Ron's room as they thought what Sirius said and his warning. Hermione can't believe that he said that she is wrong. How dare he say that she is wrong? She is never wrong. She can never be wrong. She is Hermione Granger. And on top of that he warned them to stay away from Lyra. Lyra is their best friend, who the hell is he to say her to stay away from her best friend. 

She doesn't care what he says, Lyra isn't going to be resorted. She would make sure of it on the train back to Hogwarts. Lyra needs to be in Gryffindor. The dark lord needs to be defeated. Lyra is needed to do this sacrifice for the whole Wizarding World. Lyra needs to understand that everything is not about her and should also think about the wizarding world. 

Ron was thinking completely differently though. He was angry that Sirius compared him to the ferret face Malfoy. He is nothing like that death eater scum. He did nothing wrong and is Lyra's friend from her first year while the ferret was not even her friend. Lyra won't be friends with death eaters. 

"Ron, we have to do something." Hermione said and Ron looked at her nodding. 

"I think we should write to her and tell what Sirius said to us. She will surely get angry at him and tell him to stay in his limits." Ron said to her. 

"I think that will be nice. We can talk about the resorting in personal. We should make her understand that what Headmaster wants her to do is the right thing and she should think about everyone before her." Hermione said to him. 

"I think that is right thing to do." Ron said standing up and went to get parchment and quill giving it to Hermione. 

"Um Ron?" Hermione stopped writing suddenly and looked at him making him confused. 

"What is it?" Ron asked her. 

"Did you know about the marriage contract that your mum made for you and Lyra?" Hermione asked him. 

"Yeah, she said it a long ago." Ron shrugged. 

"But, you don't like her." Hermione said and Ron looked at her as if she is mad. 

"I will get the money and I will be rich. Why would I care about anything else?" Ron said to her. 

"Don't you care about anything else?" Hermione asked him. 

"Look Hermione. I'm a Weasley. We are poor and no one would love a poor guy like me. So, what the big deal of I wanted to marry her for money?" Ron asked her. 

"What if someone loves you?" Hermione asked him. 

"I will think about it at that time. But, why would someone love me. I'm nothing." Ron said rolling his eyes. 

"You shouldn't think so negatively about yourself." Hermione said to him softly. "You deserve to be loved by someone who sees the real you and not the poor you." Hermione smiled at him. 

"You really think so?" Ron asked her looking doubtful. 

"I know it Ron. You will find someone who loves you. Don't worry." Hermione said to him reassuringly. 

"If you say so." Ron shrugged and flopped on his bed. "Did you finish writing the letter?" He asked after a few moments of silence. 

"I'm going to tell her about how he threatened Molly without telling her about the contract." Hermione said instead and Ron hummed in agreement. 

"Also, tell how he praised the ferret. As if that ferret is ever going to be Lyra's friend." Ron said snorting loudly.

"He called me m-word. She won't be friends with such person. He even insulted her parents." Hermione said smugly. 

"Black knows nothing. He just lied to all of us and when Lyra is going to tell everyone the truth, he is going to be shocked and embarrassed." Ron Said laughing. 

"I want him to be humiliated in front of everyone for what he said to me. He even treated his elf like a slave. Lyra shouldn't spend more time with people like him anymore." Hermione said to Ron. 

"You are right Hermione dear. He is not a good influence on Lyra." Molly said entering the room. 

"We have to make sure they are separated when she comes back to Hogwarts." Ginny said coming along with her mother. 

"I agree." Ron nodded his head. 

"We will make her see that she needs to add the clauses to her marriage contract for her own safety. He will kill her if she doesn't." Hermione said. 

"The poor girl must be manipulated by all those dark wizards, so she agreed to cancel the one Albus made for her. She knows that Albus would never make something which causes harm to her." Molly said shaking her head. 

"Yes, the headmaster only wants to do good for everyone." Hermione said to her. 

"Did you finish?" Ron asked her and she nodded her head. "I'll go and give it to Pig." Ron stood up and took the parchment from her and went out of the room. 

"Hermione, Ron is a boy and may not be able to convince her properly but, I trust you to do it. Lyra needs to see the truth and kill her husband when they get married for the greater good." Molly said and Hermione nodded. 

"I know Mrs Weasley. I'll try everything to convince her. But, as headmaster said we shouldn't tell her about killing her husband till she gets married and has children to carry out the blood lines." Hermione said to her. 

"Yes, you are right. But, make sure she is not with them and is still supporting the order. We need her to kill You-know-who." Molly said. 

"We can't let that evil man take over the wizarding world." Ginny said to them. "He tried to kill me. Lyra has to kill him." 

"Don't worry Ginny. He is going to die but it will take some time." Molly smiled at her. 

"Did you hear that Gred?" George asked his twin brother who were in their room and were listening to their conversation through the ears that they made last year. Their mother took most of them but they know how to make new ones. 

"I did Forge." Fred nodded his head. 

"How can they be so selfish?" George asked him. 

"They only think about themselves and not Lyra." Fred shook his head. 

"We need to talk to Lyra." George said to him. 

"But, not through a letter. We need to talk to her directly." Fred said to him and he nodded. 

"We should ask Remus when he comes to the order meeting next time." George said. 

"That would do." Fred nodded. 

"What would do?" Arthur asked entering the room. 

"We were just-"

"-thinking if meeting Lyra." 

"I want to meet her too. We should've supported her and gave her a chance instead of pushing her like that. Sirius was right." Arthur shook his head. 

"It's not your fault dad." Fred said and Arthur sighed. 

"Still, she must be thinking we don't care about her or something." Arthur said to them. 

"Don't worry dad." 

"She knows that you-" 

"-wanted to help but couldn't." They said to him.

"Just tell me when you meet her." Arthur said and they nodded. 

"Of course." They said in unison making Arthur smile. 

"Are you going to stay here?" Arthur asked them and they shook their head in no. 

"We had some work." 

"So, we stayed." 

"We are leaving." They said to him. 

"Ok, take care boys. Do visit often and not for only order meetings." Arthur said and they smiled at him. 

"Sorry dad." 

"We just opened the shop." 

"So, we were so busy." 

"But we will come often from now on." They said to him and Arthur nodded leaving the room. 

The twins looked at each other and decided to visit their dad often from now on. They shouldn't forget that their dad is alone in this house now. Ron and Ginny are always mumma's kids and are not close to their dad like them. Their dad must be feeling alone without anyone in the house who will talk to him and spend time with him. Hermione would spend time but she is so dominating and only talks what she wants ignoring everything their father asks her about the Muggle world. 

"What happened?" Lyra was startled as she didn't notice Marvolo. 

"Where did you come from?" She asked placing a hand on her heart. 

"From my room." He said to her and she looked around to see that she in his private wing already and just a few steps away from her own room. "Is something wrong?" He asked and she shook her head. 

"No, nothing's wrong. I was just thinking." She answered grimly. Marvolo sighed and moved towards her and placed his finger on her chin and made her look at him. 

"You don't have to worry about anything yourself. You have me and even the others will do anything for you." He said and she looked into his eyes and saw that he is not lying. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. 

"I was coming to my room when an elf came to me to give me a letter. Hermione sent it." She said to him. 

"What did she say?" He asked her and she shook her head. 

"She is complaining about how Sirius threatened them and is not a nice person. I should stay away from him. She said he threatened to kill Mrs Weasley without any reason." Tears were forming in her eyes. "How can they lie to me like this? Snape told what happened and why he said all that and Hermione is saying all lies to make it look like it's Sirius' fault and not theirs that he said all those." 

"Don't cry darling. Don't waste your tears for them." Marvolo wiped his thumbs on her cheeks cupping her face. 

"She said he has no right to ask them to stay away from me as they are my best friends and he is nothing. They- What do they think of themselves? They ignore me all the summer and when I meet them they tell me that I have to marry a person who wants to kill me because I have to save them. Then, when someone stands up for me they say that I should stay away from my godfather. How dare they say he is nothing? How can they say he is dangerous and is not safe? He is my godfather. He did so much for me in just so short time. He cared for me more than they did to stand up for me against Dumbledore and the whole order." She said and started crying even more. He hugged her and she wrapped her arms around his middle tightly sobbing into his chest. 

"I hate them." She mumbled into his chest. "I hate them so much." 

"Hush, Lyra. They don't deserve such a nice person like you. They don't know what they are losing by doing what they are doing right now." Marvolo stroked her hair with one hand and rubbed circles on her back with the other one. She pulled away from him but still staying in his arms and looked at him. 

"Ron says that Sirius told Draco is a nice friend to me. He said he can't believe that Sirius can lie in front of everyone like that and I won't be friends with that ferret face." She said angrily. "Draco is more of a friend to me than them. He doesn't belittle me like Hermione does for everything. He doesn't try to be touchy with me like Ron does." 

"What do you mean by touchy?" Marvolo asked wiping her tears again with one hand and she looked at him shocked. She must've blurted it out without thinking what she is saying. "Darling, what is it?" Marvolo asked with a frown on his face. 

"It's nothing. I just don't like people touching me much, that's it." She said looking down and Marvolo instantly tried to move away from her and she held the front of his robes. "No! I didn't mean it like that. I just don't like his touch." 

"Did he do anything?" Marvolo asked looking a bit angry. She looked away from him again and tightened her hold on his robes. "Tell me, what did he do?" 

"Nothing. Just let it go." She shook her head. 

"Don't lie to me Lyra." Marvolo said firmly. 

"It's nothing. It's just my mind." She said to him. 

"Will you tell me or you want me to find out from him?" He asked her and her eyes widened. 

"It's really nothing. I'm just overthinking. Don't do anything. Dumbledore will then say you are breaking the treaty." She said to him. 

"Then tell me what is it?" Marvolo asked her and she sighed. He won't let it go. He is so stubborn and she knows it from the shopping they went before. She hesitated looking around. They are alone. No one can enter this part but she still wanted to make sure that no one are hearing.

"Shall we go inside?" He asked and she nodded. He placed his hand on her back and led her to his room. She looked around and saw that it was almost same to her room except the color was Green, Slytherin, she thought to herself. He led her to the couch and made her sit and sat beside her. "ok?" He asked her and she nodded. He looked at her expectantly but she just looked at her lap playing with her hands. 

"Ron, he sometimes- I don't know. I mean, he always places his hand around my shoulder when we sit beside each other but he won't do it with Hermione. I didn't notice it till last year and his touches became more and more after the Yule Ball. He even places his hand around my waist sometimes and it makes me uncomfortable. I told him and he just rolled his eyes but didn't let me go." She said before pausing lightly as Marvolo didn't say anything. His face was not showing any emotions and was stoic.  

"Last year, he started to pull me closer whenever he sits beside me and won't let me go. His hands will be on my waist or hips. I tried to remove his hand but he just tightens his grip. He even touched my butt sometimes but when I look at him, he acts as if nothing happened. Sometimes when he places his hand around my shoulder, it touches my-my breast and he doesn't even move his hand away." She said and he placed his hand on hers squeezing it gently. 

"Anything else?" He asked her and she shook her head. He seemed to be trying so hard to control himself and she didn't know if he is angry at her for letting him do all that or at Ron. 

"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have let him-" "No! It's not your fault. You tried and he didn't listen." He cut her off harshly and she flinched lightly. He took a deep breath and let it go before turning to her. 

"It's not your fault darling. He should know better than to touch a girl without her consent and I will make sure he knows that." Marvolo said stroking her cheek. 

"What will you do?" She asked afraid and he smirked. 

"Don't worry. I won't do anything to break this treaty." He said and leaned forward to kiss her forehead. She blushed and looked down at their hands on her lap and he smirked more but not the same evil smirk as before, she looks so cute when she is all flushed. "I want you to tell me if you feel uncomfortable, got it?" He asked and she nodded her head. "Words darling." 

"I will say." She said and he smiled at her. But, inside he was fuming at the red head who dared to touch his Lyra. He is going to suffer and soon. But, no one can track it back to him and nor his death eaters. He will make sure of that as he can't tell this to anyone. Lyra trusted him and he doesn't want to break her trust. He placed his hand around her shoulder and she leaned into his chest closing her eyes. He rubbed her back lightly as she fell asleep in his arms.

Chapter Text

"Where were you?" Rodolphus asked calmly but Sirius can see the anger in his eyes and looked at the other members in the room who were looking equally angry and worried too except Snape who was looking at him curiously. 

"Did I do something wrong, Rodolphus?" Sirius asked all his happy mood gone and now replaced by nervousness. He doesn't remember doing anything wrong or something which will make them angry. He bit his lip lightly furrowing his brows to think what he did to make these men so angry at him. "I don't remember doing anything that you are so angry." He said looking at Rodolphus who was glaring at him. 

"Why are you angry? And you too?" He asked the three men. He was completely different, Severus noted. He isn't the same man who threatened the Order members to stay away from his goddaughter. He is not the same dark wizard who is intimidating everyone in the room. He is not the Lord Black here.

"You are different." Severus commented making Sirius look at him in confusion and even surprise that Snape was talking to him normally without any menace in his tone and sneer on his face. 

"Different?" Sirius asked him. "I'm the same Sirius you saw this morning at Burrow."

"Exactly, my point." Rodolphus exclaimed making Sirius turn back to him again. "You were at the Burrow this morning." 

"Oh, you don't like me going there?" Sirius asked and smiled at him. "I'm fine Rodolphus. Don't worry. They can't do anything to me."

"You are only one and they are a group Sirius." Lucius rolled his eyes scoffing a little. "You can't do anything if they try to attack you." 

"But, they didn't and I'm fine." He smiled at Lucius reassuring him and Lucius did relax a little seeing him fine and smiling at him.

"The point is not that Sirius." Sirius turned his attention back to Rodolphus again and looked at him confused. 

"If that is not the point then why are you angry?" Sirius asked. "How can I know if you don't tell me Rodolphus?" 

"You left the Weasley's house almost an hour before lunch. Yes?" Rodolphus asked him.

"Yeah, I left as soon as I can after warning them to stay away from my Bambi. They have no right to talk to her or ask her anything after what they've done to her." Sirius huffed like a child. "How dare they think I would let them hurt my Bambi again and again?" 

"Can we talk about you and not your goddaughter for a moment?" Rodolphus asked and Sirius blushed slightly and you wouldn't have seen it if you weren't looking at him intently like Severus was doing. 

"Ah! I apologize." Sirius said scratching his neck. "Right, you were telling me the reason you are angry at me. I left the Burrow before lunch. You are right." 

"Then why are you back at dinner time?" Rodolphus asked narrowing his eyes lightly and Sirius looked at him for a few moments to make sure he heard him right. Why is he back at dinner time? What does he mean by that? He doesn't want him back? Did he think that Sirius will just stay with the order members?

"Um- I can go if you don't want me-" Rodolphus groaned stopping Sirius from speaking and Severus was amused. This was the same man who threatened a group of people the same morning about how he won't hesitate to kill them if they hurt his goddaughter and here he is so naive and innocent with his big puppy like eyes.

"I was asking where the fuck were you after leaving those damn Weasleys." Rodolphus shouted and Sirius heard a cough from the doorway and saw the dark lord standing there. He stopped them from standing up and entered the room. 

"Language, Rodolphus. I don't want Lyra hearing you speak like that." The dark lord reprimanded him and all the five of them looked at him wide-eyed. 

"I apologize, my lord." Rodolphus said and Marvolo nodded before looking back at Sirius. 

"I'm curious as to where you spent the whole afternoon and most of the evening Sirius. Care to share with us what you did." Marvolo sat beside him on the arm chair and Sirius looked at him forgetting that Rodolphus was angry at him.

"You won't believe what I found out." Sirius said angrily and Marvolo raised an eyebrow. 

"Do tell then." Marvolo said and Sirius nodded. 

"I went to Black Manor as I asked Kreacher to take the books Molly brought for Lyra there. I checked the books and found compulsions on those." Sirius growled. "I ordered Kreacher to pay that woman for everything she brought to my daughter even for the gifts." 

"She placed compulsions on them?" Marvolo asked with his eyes burning in rage. 

"I threw those books away." Sirius said and Marvolo nodded saying him to continue. "I threatened the order." 

"Severus said that." Lucius said and Sirius nodded. 

"I went to Gringotts to take Black lordship. Langlock, my account manager said I can even take the Potter lordship till Lyra is married to you." Sirius said and Marvolo nodded again. "Then...." He paused looking at the door. 

"Do you want to talk in privacy?" Marvolo asked and Sirius nodded. 

"I don't want Lyra hearing any of it." Sirius said. "I asked Langlock a portkey to the ministry. There is someone I wanted to punish for hurting my Bambi." 

"Let me guess, Dolores Umbridge." Severus said and Sirius smirked at him. 

"The same." Sirius said nodding. "The Goblins apparently don't like her either so Langlock was eager to provide me with one. I went to her office and she wasn't there. So, I waited and looked around till she came back." Sirius' jaw clenched in anger. 

"The ministry and the order are betraying you." Sirius said making Marvolo narrow his eyes. 

"What do you mean by that?" Rabastan asked confused and angry. 

"The ministry ordered the aurors to kill the death eaters if there is not going to be any evidence and then make it look like a natural death." Sirius spat. "The minister agreed to it and Nymphadora is one of those aurors assigned."

"Andromeda's daughter?" Lucius asked and Sirius nodded. 

"She is in the order which means Dumbledore is in it too." Severus said. 

"How dare they?" Marvolo growled out in anger. His magic was radiating off of him in dark waves making them want to fall onto their knees and bow to him. His face was blank but the tick in his jaw and the dark red of his eyes are enough for them to know that he is way beyond angry. 

"Marvolo." Lyra came into the room clutching her forehead in pain. He was up and at her side in a blink of everyone's eyes. "It hurts." She said as he removed her hand and there was blood oozing out of her scar. He slammed the strongest occlumency shields into place to stop her pain and tried to control his anger. She slumped into his arms unconscious as soon as he did that. 

"What happened?" Sirius asked too worried about his goddaughter to care about himself to be on the other side of the dark lord's wand. 

"She is a horcrux as you know and can feel my emotions when they are so high like before." He said lifting her in his arms. "I'm going to take her to her room. You can go and start dinner. I won't be joining today." He said and left the room before anyone can speak another word. 

"Is she going to be okay?" Sirius asked into the silent room. 

"Don't worry. The dark lord won't let anything happen to her." Lucius assured him and stood up from his seat going to Sirius and squeezed his shoulder lightly. "Let's go and eat dinner." 

"Yeah, I'm starving after everything." Sirius said standing up grinning. 

"Wait! You didn't say what you did to Umbridge." Rabastan asked him and Sirius shook his head. 

"She is in the dungeons of Black Manor writing lines." Sirius smiled and Rabastan looked confused. 

"Lines?" He asked. 

"Yup. Lines." He said smirking. "With a very special quill from the Black Vault." 

"Black Vault?" Lucius asked and joined him in smirking. "Perfect punishment for the pink toad." Sirius laughed at the name and went to the dining room along with others not noticing Rodolphus who went to his room instead. 

"Where is your brother?" Sirius asked once they sat in the dining room. 

"He was walking with us one moment and I don't know." Rabastan frowned. "Let's eat first and can look for him later. He must've forgot something or other." 

"If you are sure." Sirius said shrugging lightly and dig into his meal. He didn't tell them that he tortured the pink toad, as Lucius called her, before making her write those lines. The bitch won't die until he wanted her to die. 

"Does the dark lord know about the marriage contract between Lyra and Ron?" Sirius asked suddenly and the three men looked at him. 

"Lyra was there when Severus explained what happened and as you ordered no one to tell her about the contract, he didn't tell him." Lucius said and Sirius nodded. 

"Should we tell him?" Rabastan asked. 

"He deserves to know." Sirius said. 

"You are going to tell him, not me." Severus spat and Sirius chuckled. 

"Of course." Sirius agreed without any protest. They continued eating the rest of the dinner mostly is silence. Sirius decided to tell them that he will be leaving to the Black Manor later. He should go and talk to Rodolphus though. He was quite angry and then didn't even talk after he said what he did and where he went.

Marvolo decided to take Lyra to his room instead of hers and changed the direction. He opened the door with his magic and made sure to close and lock it behind even though no one is going to enter the whole wing. He looked at the bed which was a mess. She must've tossed in pain before coming to him. He felt the wards shift before when Sirius came back. He placed her on the bed even if he didn't want to let her go and went to the living room.

Marvolo placed her back on the bed again and adjusted the blankets to cover her. She whined in her sleep when he tried to move away from the bed. Her hand came up to reach him and he smiled at her. He sat beside her head and stroked her hair lightly.

Marvolo looked at the scar which still has blood and called an elf to bring something to clean her wounds. He didn't let the elf do it and took the cloth himself. He mumbled something in her sleep as he cleaned her scar.

"Hurts so much." He heard her and felt guilty for causing pain to her. He should've been careful. He knew she can feel his emotions as she did last year. But, the news of the order and the ministry breaking the treaty made him forget everything. If they are going to think that they can get away with cheating the dark lord then they are going to be in a very big surprise. He is going to call a death eater meeting the next day to order his death eaters to never go out alone.

"Ma'volo." Lyra stirred lightly as Marvolo finished cleaning her wound and blinked her eyes open.

"I'm here, darling." He said stroking her hair again and she sighed opening her eyes fully to look at him.

"Why are you so angry? Did Sirius do something to make you angry? You didn't hurt him, right? Please, don't hurt him. I apologize on his behalf and he will apologize too. Please-" He placed his hand over her mouth looking amused.

"Darling, you are rambling, I'm not angry at godfather and he didn't do anything. Infact, he brought us information. Very useful information." Marvolo said as Lyra blushed lightly. He moved his hand away to her hair again.

"What happened?" She asked again.

"The ministry and order are planning against me. They gave orders to the Aurors to kill my death eaters if they are alone and if there won't be any evidences." Marvolo said looking at the fireplace with fire in his own eyes.

"What?" She asked shocked. "But, that is breaking the treaty. Isn't it magically bound to make sure no one can hurt the others?"

"It is. But, only the minister, Dumbledore and me signed it." Marvolo said to her. "So, they can't order the Aurors to hurt my death eaters but, Umbridge can order it. They must've planned it long before the treaty was signed as they can't do it after."

"What's going to happen?" She asked sitting up beside him.

"I have to warn everyone to be careful. I can't let them get hurt again. We have to think of something soon." Marvolo said still looking at the fireplace in deep thoughts.

Lyra just looked at him seeing how handsome he looked with the light from the fireplace reflecting on his face before shaking her head. She laid her head on his shoulder and looked at the fireplace too. She knows he is protective of his death eaters, you can hear it in his voice. My death eaters, he always refers to them as such. She shouldn't be jealous, right? They are just his followers, not anything else.

Chapter Text

"My Lord." The death eaters chorused as soon as Marvolo entered the room looking angry. They were afraid if they had done something wrong and he is going to punish them when they saw his face. Everyone wished that he won't punish them and his wrath would be directed towards someone else in the room.

"My loyal people, do not fear. I'm not angry at you or want to punish anyone here for something that they've done." Marvolo started making almost everyone sigh in relief. "You must have known about the treaty between the so-called light lord, the minister of magic and me."

He got a positive response even though most of them responded gloomy and with dislike towards the so-called treaty. Marvolo rolled his eyes inwardly at some petty and childish followers of his, but his face was blank and emotionless. Marvolo was about to open his mouth and say something when the door opened and Sirius came in rushed. 

"Sirius?" Rodolphus looked at him confused and angry. What is he doing here? Does he have some death wish? The dark lord doesn't like people interrupting his meetings like this.

"It's important." Sirius looked at Marvolo who looked at Sirius for a few moments before walking towards him. Marvolo knew that Sirius won't come rushing like this unless it is really important and necessary. The death eaters were shocked when they saw their lord walking towards Black without saying anything or even getting angry for being interrupted. Rodolphus sighed in relief along with the other two beside him while Severus was surprised at what happened. 

"It better be really important Sirius Black!" Marvolo warned as soon as the door closed behind them and placing a privacy charm around them.

"I went back to Black Manor this morning and looked at the other files that I copied from Umbridge's office." Sirius said to him raising his hands in surrender. 

"What is so important in it?" Marvolo narrowed his eyes in anger. 

"Just listen to me." Sirius said rolling his eyes. "Let me speak, alright?" 

"Speak, then." Marvolo glared at him, if it wasn't for Lyra, he would've long ago tortured this man in front of him for his cheek. Marvolo crossed his arms over his chest and Sirius took a deep breath.

"You have a spy among your death eaters." Sirius said and moved away so that he won't get hurt if his magic explodes like last time. Even though, Marvolo's magic is not destructive, but dominating, Sirius is still afraid of it. Marvolo didn't react and just stared at him for a very long time. "I'm not lying. I don't know who he or she is, but the ministry did get information from someone in your ranks about some of your activities after they realized that you are really back. The man or woman must be someone from the outer ranks because they only knew about some activities and not all." 

"Calm down, Sirius." Marvolo raised a hand to stop his rambling. "I won't hurt you or anything."

"Merlin, I wasn't scared of you like this before. I don't know why I'm suddenly scared of you now." Sirius frowned shaking his head.

"You don't want to create trouble for your daughter so you don't want to upset me." Marvolo said to him. "Although, I can promise I won't hurt her ever."

"I know. I can see it." Sirius sighed. "I guess, it's just a father not wanting to make his daughter's life difficult."

"Very well." Marvolo nodded. "You should go back."

"What are you going to do?" Sirius asked him not leaving from there and Marvolo sighed lightly shocking Sirius at the action. 

"I already doubted that, but didn't know if it was just me being paranoid or real. But, you confirmed it for me now. I think I can't tell everyone about what you said now." Marvolo looked deep in thought as he pondered about what he should do now to save his death eaters from those ministry.

"Oh." Sirius looked at him surprised. Obviously, he must've suspected that he has a spy in his ranks. He is really an intelligent person. Sirius can see why Dumbledore used to be afraid of him in the past. He always used to think that Dumbledore is older than him, more intelligent, has more experience, so Dumbledore can easily defeat the so-called dark lord, but he was wrong and he is ready to admit it in front of everyone if Marvolo asks him to do it. Even though, Marvolo is younger than Dumbledore, he is more capable.

"Why don't you tell them that you don't trust those light siders completely and always want them to be on guard and if possible to be in groups?" Sirius suggested and Marvolo nodded. 

"That's a great idea." Marvolo complimented and went inside leaving Sirius dumbfounded that the dark lord praised him. Sirius shook his head and caught a glimpse of Rodolphus looking at him before the door closed. He sighed thinking how Rodolphus didn't talk to him after that evening as he left to Lestrange Manor and only returned today. It's been three days and Sirius didn't know why he was avoiding him like this.

"Siri?" Lyra called him as he entered the library deep in thoughts about Rodolphus. "What's wrong?"

"I don't know." Sirius sighed and she looked at him confused. 

"What do you mean?" She asked him. 

"Rodolphus is not talking to me. He is angry, well he was angry on that day when you went shopping with your Marvolo." Lyra blushed slightly and huffed at him, but didn't deny it. She is really going to be married to him in an year, Sirius remembered and sighed again. 

"Why is he angry?" Lyra asked him.

"I don't know?" Sirius said looking conflicted. "I mean, I went to Burrow and threatened everyone for you. Then, I didn't come back till late in the evening. I didn't inform them that I will be late, so he must be worried?"

"He is a mother-hen." Lyra agreed and Sirius chuckled. 

"But, what is there to be so angry at me that he is not talking to me and even avoiding me." Sirius said closing his eyes and leaning back on the chair. Lyra didn't know either as to why Rodolphus was behaving such way and was curious to know what's going on in the elder Lestrange's mind. She looked at Sirius who was looking hurt at Rodolphus' behavior and was a bit angry at Rodolphus for making her godfather angry. How can Rodolphus be so heartless to make her godfather sad? She is going to talk to him after the death eater meeting. 

"So? You are going to get OWL results tomorrow." Sirius said after some time and she nodded her head looking at him nervously. "No matter what, I will be proud of you. Also, you were having those dreams during that time, so it was hard on you to concentrate."

"But, I have to get proper grades to enter into the classes I want." She sighed. 

"Don't worry, you can self-study any of those subjects you don't get into. I can help you with that. Even your-" "Shut up Siri!" Lyra threw the book at him and he laughed loudly at her red face. 

"What happened?" Lucius came into the room at that time with others and Lyra looked for Rodolphus who didn't come, no surprise there. "Why did you throw the book at him?"

"Nothing. He was just being mean to me." Lyra crossed her arms on her chest glaring lightly at Sirius who was rubbing his head with a silly smile on his face. She huffed and turned away from him making him laugh and go near her to give a hug.

"I'm sorry for being mean, bambi." He kissed the top of her head before letting her go and Lucius smiled at the both of them.

"Please, stop reminding me that I don't have a daughter." Lucius said and Sirius smirked at him.

"Everyone are not as lucky as me." Sirius said cheekily only to receive another book to his head. "Merlin! Stop hitting me with those monsters."

"They are books." Lyra rolled her eyes.

"Their size is monstrous." Sirius said unhappily as he felt a bruise forming where his hair covered the forehead.

"Here." Severus gave him a jar with some salve shocking him and the others in the room. "The bruise will go away instantly."

"Uh- Thank you?" Sirius took it not knowing what else to do making Severus roll his eyes at the awkward male in front of him.

"Well, it won't go away if you just hold it." Severus said and Rabastan had to cough twice to stop his laughter.

"Let me help you." Rabastan took it from Sirius not letting him say anything and can feel the glare aimed at his back from none other than The Severus Snape. He applied the salve on the bruise and smiled at Sirius.

"Thanks. It doesn't hurt anymore." Sirius smiled touching the place where the bruise was supposed to be there and was hurting a little.

"I apologize for hurting you." Lucius said as he can feel Severus glare at him making him even more amused than before, but he was better than Rabastan to hide it.

"No problem." Sirius was a little confused as to what was going on and looked at Lyra who was even more confused than him and looked at him with a raised eyebrow. He shrugged at her as he didn't know what was going on.

"What's wrong?" Marvolo entered the room at that time and looked at them. Sirius was sitting on the arm rest of Lyra's arm chair and Rabastan was standing beside him, well between him and Severus looking amused and Lucius looked the same. There was a jar in Rabastan's hand which looked like bruise salve that Severus invented.

"Did anyone get hurt?" He was looking at Rabastan's hands with a raised eyebrow.

"Lucius hit Black with a book." Severus said looking unhappy and angry at Lucius.

Ah, Marvolo had to stop himself from smirking and shook his head in amusement. He went forward and took a seat beside Lyra's chair and raised an eyebrow when no one moved.

"Are you just going to stand there?" He asked and they hurried to take seats. Marvolo looked at Severus who was trying hard to not pull Rabastan away from Sirius and sit there in his place. But, he went to sit beside Lucius opposite Sirius instead as he can't make scene without a reason.

"So?" Sirius started making everyone look at him. "How are you going to find out the traitor?"

"We can't alert him so that he can escape." Lucius said looking angry that someone dared to betray his lord.

"Dumbledore seemed to have lost his trust in me. He never said anything to me." Severus said to them.

"You think he suspects you as a spy?" Rabastan asked him.

"We can't say anything." Severus wasn't sure. "Or may be he was testing me and when this traitor has given them more information than me, he knew I'm not loyal to him and stopped trusting me? He is just waiting for an opportunity to finish me or arrest me?"

"No." Marvolo denied. "He might not trust you completely, but he knows that he can still depend on you in dire situations like when he needs illegal potions or even poisons."

"That means he knows Snape is not a spy for him, but is still keeping him because he is a talented potion master." Sirius said and Severus looked at him with a half smile when Sirius praised his skills that didn't go unnoticed by other men except for Sirius.

"Exactly." Marvolo said and looked at Lyra who just stayed silent and listened to them. "Are you fine?" He asked her and she nodded.

"I just want to live in peace. You can do whatever you want and just leave me alone in all this battles and war. I don't care what is happening unless anyone of the people I care are injured." She said smiling at him and he smiled at her.

"As you wish." He agreed shocking the other men again. Merlin! Their lord is whipped. That too in such a short time? Rabastan exchanged glances with Lucius and Severus who were as amused as him when they came out of shock. If the said person wasn't the dark lord, then they would've made so much fun about him.

Sirius was feeling so happy when he came out of shock. His daughter is going to be safe no matter what and that means even if he have to die protecting her. Also, he doesn't have to worry about Molly trying to do something again as the dark lord won't let anyone come near her who doesn't have good intentions towards her.

Severus knew what was going on in Sirius' mind and he didn't like where his thoughts were going. He won't let this foolish yet so powerful man to die just because he loves his daughter so much.

"Stop looking at him like that." Lucius whispered nudging Severus a little with his leg. He looked away just in time for Sirius to look at them looking curious as to their closeness.

"Do you know what's going on between Lucius, Rabastan and Snape?" Lyra whispered to Marvolo and he looked at her surprised at such question and then remembered what happened before.

"Nothing." He said and turned away from her. Poor Lyra, she is going to be in a big shock when she will know the truth about what's going on. He doesn't want to spoil the fun for her. He will be watching from front seat when the truth will be revealed. He is going to have so much fun looking at the shock on her face. 

Chapter Text

"What!?" Hermione shouted when she saw her results in OWLs. She thought she would get O's in all her subjects, but she got only one O and that too only in Muggle Studies. How is that possible? She is the brightest witch of her age. She should get all O's. Something is wrong with her results. 

"What's wrong?" Ron peered over into her results and grinned. "Woah, you got an O? I didn't get any and instead got T's in a few." 

"I got only one O." Hermione glared at him. 

"Yeah. You got one at least." Ron rolled his eyes. Ginny sighed and left the room as soon as she knew that the two would start bickering again. Why can't they just shut up and kiss already? She can see that Hermione likes her brother, but never understood how she can like such a pig of her brother. 

"Ron-" The door closed behind Ginny stopping the voices and Ginny sighed in relief and went to the kitchen to tell her mum how Ron failed in some subjects. 

"Mum, the Owls are here with OWL results." Ginny said entering the kitchen. "Ron said he got T's in a few subjects and Hermione is angry that she got only a single O." 

"What? Ron failed a few subjects?" Molly asked looking at her with wide eyes that soon started to narrow in anger. Her face grew red in anger. Ginny tensed at that and wanted to save her brother from getting beaten. He did save her a few times before from her mum's wrath and it's now her turn to return the favor. 

"Mum, you have to see that it's all Potter's fault. She always drags Ron to stupid and dangerous missions and he has to play with his life to save that idiot girl. He has a lot on his plate and it might be difficult for him to concentrate on both studies and potter." Ginny said and Molly calmed down soon after listening to that.

"You are right. This is all that girl's fault that my Ronnie failed in his studies. Always distracting my Ronnie from studying and risking his life all the time." Molly said looking angry in behalf of his son.

"Mum?" Ron looked at her angry face and then Ginny questioningly.

"Oh, Ronnie. Don't worry. I'm not angry at you for failing. I know it's not your fault. It's all that girl's fault." Molly went to hug him and Rom sighed in relief. He was actually dreading on how to tell his mother about the part that he failed.

"Also, Hermione. The same goes for you. You are a brilliant witch, but the girl is always distracting you from your work. So, it might have been hard on you too and that's why you didn't get what you wanted. Don't overthink about it and think how to bring the girl back into line and make her do what Albus wants." Molly said to her.

"Ok." Hermione said reluctantly and sat beside Ron on the dining table. She was actually thinking about Lyra and her results. But, Molly is right. She should think about how to get her back in line. They need her to follow Dumbledore's path for them to win the war successfully.

"Shall we go to buy other supplies for you?" Molly asked them wanting them to cheer up. "I know, we went to shopping a few days ago, but we can go again and but anything else you want."

"Ok." Both Ron and Hermione agreed eagerly.

-

Sirius smiled at Lyra in encouragement as she looked at him nervously and then back at the letter. She didn't even pick it up after the owl dropped it in front of her. She shook her head and Sirius sighed and took the letter and looked at Marvolo who nodded saying him to go on.

"Merlin!" Sirius breathed out as he finished reading it.

"So?" Lucius asked at the same time as Draco. Draco has already seen his results and both the Malfoys were satisfies with his results. He got four O's and rest were EE or A.

"What happened?" Lyra asked Sirius. "Did I fail? Please, don't tell me that I failed. I didn't write that bad to fail. I-"

"Pup, you did so good. I'm so proud of you." Sirius stopped her rambling and her eyes widened in shock.

"What?" She breathed out and looked at him before snatching the letter from him.

"This is not mine." She shook her head and Sirius laughed lightly.

"I don't think there are other Lyra Potters at Hogwarts who are not you." Sirius said and she huffed not looking away from the parchment.

"Well, it's nice that you did good, but tell us your results." Draco said impatiently and Marvolo looked at him amused.

"Draco." Lucius said quietly and Draco understood.

"Sorry, My Lord." Draco said and Marvolo shook his head as nothing.

"I got an O* in Defense." Lyra said and Rabastan gasped.

"Last someone got an O* was our lord." He said and Lyra smiled looking up at them.

"I got O's in Transfiguration and Potions too." She said and Severus looked at her surprised.

"You did?" He asked without any judgement in his voice and she nodded.

"I told you that you were worrying for nothing." Sirius kissed the side of her head and she hugged him tightly.

"Thank you so much for believing in me, dad." She said not realising what she said but froze when Sirius' hand stopped stroking her hair. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to say, it just slipped-"

"Don't you want to call me dad?" He asked her and she looked at him as if he is mad.

"I want to call you that." She said.

"You don't know how long I've been waiting for you to call me dad." Sirius smiled and hugged her again. "I love you." He kissed the top of her head as tears formed in his eyes, but he blinked them away.

"I love you too dad." She said into his chest and he tightened his hold on her before letting go.

"Took you long." Remus smiled at her. "You don't know how disappointed he was in himself when you call him Sirius and not dad whenever you meet him."

"Why would he be disappointed in himself?" Lucius asked looking at Remus.

"Lyra used to call him dad when she was little. He made a mistake of leaving his daughter to go after the rat and she doesn't even know him as her godfather let alone as her dad. So, he blames himself for it. He is angry at himself for doing it. He lost his daughter because of that." Remus said to them.

"You will never lose me. I won't leave even if you say me to." Lyra said to Sirius who chuckled and wiped his tears.

"I would never let you go this time." He smiled at her.

"Wait, but James Potter was alive at that time. Why would Lyra call Sirius dad?" Rabastan asked confused.

"James was the one who made her call Sirius dad. James was her Da." Remus said to him. "Sirius blood adopted her and also her godfather. James loved Sirius so much that he shares everything with Sirius, well except Lily."

"I don't even want her." Sirius made a face and Lyra looked at him at that and he smiled shaking his head.

"What's wrong with her?" Severus asked and Sirius looked at Remus with a glare who smirked at him.

"I'm not into women." Sirius said and Severus' eyes widened slightly and his lips parted in surprise. Well, that makes things so easy for him. Marvolo smirked at him and Severus closed his mouth and looked away from Sirius.

"Oh, I didn't know." Lyra said surprised.

"I never told anyone except for James and Remus. I didn't tell them to be honest. James made me spill it when I rejected every girl he suggested that I go on date with as I was already 19 and still single." Sirius said chuckling. "You should've seen it. He was adamant that I date someone before I grow old and get wrinkles, then no one will date me or marry me."

"James wanted you to be happy and to find someone who will love you and care for you when he can't." Remus said and Sirius rolled his eyes.

"I don't need anyone to take care of me. I-"

"Yeah, tell us about it." Lucius and Rabastan cut him off and he glared at those two. "You need someone to remind you to eat, sleep, drink all the time. Sometimes, you would say yes and then go back to your work."

"Last night, I said him to not work anymore and sleep, but when I woke up a couple of hours later to check on him, he was still looking at his paperwork. He said he will sleep and yet he didn't." Rabastan said.

Severus didn't like how these two know about Sirius more than him. He needs to spend a little more time with Sirius to know him even more better than those two. He won't let anyone steal Sirius from him. Not even his best friend Lucius. He wants Sirius all for himself and he will get him. No one will stand between him and Sirius. He won't let anyone come between, not even his daughter. About her, he should start making amends with her of he wants to gain Sirius' like.

"I have to read all of them before something happens-"

"Nothing will happen and no one dares to steal your lordship." Lucius rolled his eyes.

"Are you sure about that Lucius?" Sirius raised an eyebrow. "You don't know Black family politics like I do. Your wife has her eye on the position from so long."

"But, you are heir to Orion Black and you took the lordship." Rabastan said looking confused.

"But, she is still a Black by birth and can take the lordship if I didn't in an year as it was left unclaimed for 17 years. I didn't take it after my dad died or after escaping Azkaban." Sirius said and Lucius frowned.

"But, we are talking about Blacks. Narcissa is a female. If you didn't take it then most probably it would've gone to Draco not Narcissa and Draco would've passed it to Lyra's son." Lucius said and Lyra looked at him shocked. Her son? Marvolo smiled at the thought, their son.

"Exactly, Lucius dear." Severus clenched his fists lightly when he heard that and glared at Lucius lightly. "We are talking about my family."

"I don't get it." Lucius said to him.

"Lucius, Blacks may be patriarchal but if the lordship lays unclaimed for 17 years then a female can claim it. It applies for every Patriarchal family." Marvolo said to him and Sirius nodded. "Also, if any one in the family thinks Sirius is not rightful Lord and wants to challenge him. He should know everything about the family and what's happening in the family for the past few years. The shares that the Blacks invested. The profits that they are earning or the losses that occured. Everything."

"Exactly. Narcissa knows about that. Her father taught her well in these aspects." Sirius said with a roll of his eyes. 

"That means, you can be stripped of your position of Lord Black if you don't know about the exact goings of Black family in the past few years?" Lucius asked and Sirius nodded. 

"I don't have anything against Draco, but I don't want it to get into hands of people like Narcissa or Bellatrix." Sirius sighed thinking for a moment before shaking his head. "I can't imagine either of them as Lady Black."

"Don't you dare lose to her, Sirius. I can't handle her as Lady Malfoy alone and I don't want to see how she starts to behave if she becomes Lady Black too." Draco shuddered lightly. 

"Yeah, I don't know what's going to happen. Narcissa visited the Black account manager as soon as I took my lordship." He sighed. 

"Wait! You started to check on your accounts and everything from two days. What were you doing before staying up late?" Rabastan asked.

"I was gathering information about any incidents that happened which are related to Blacks." Sirius said and Rabastan nodded. "Also, about Dumbledore and his order members."

"Why?" Severus asked this time and Sirius looked at him surprised that he asked him something and shrugged.

"Blackmail material?" Sirius smirked lightly.

"Did you find any?" Marvolo asked leaning forward slightly and Sirius smirked more.

"What do you think?" Sirius asked leaning back and relaxing in his seat. 

"I'm glad, Lord Black is not against me in this war." Marvolo smirked lightly before looking at Lyra. "So? Do you want to go to shopping for your books now?"

Lyra nodded her head and Marvolo stood up extending his hand to her and she blinked at the hand before taking it and raising to her feet and he led her outside and towards the floo. 

"When did the dark lord become a gentleman?" Draco asked shocked at what he saw. The others who were watching him change daily were not as shocked as him and just shrugged at his question.

Chapter Text

"So? What subjects are you taking?" Marvolo asked as they entered the bookstore. Lyra looked at him coming out of her shock and looked at her results. 

"I don't know. I mean, I was told to become an auror before, so I was said to take-" "Darling." Marvolo cut her off gently and she looked at him.

"I'm not asking what do you want to do after you graduate. I'm asking what subjects are you interested in taking." Marvolo said and she was about to say that she was saying the same when he spoke again. "You don't have to work after you graduate, if you don't want. But, if you are interested in doing something, then you can take the subjects that are needed for it as well as the subjects you are interested in."

"I don't know what to do after Hogwarts." She admitted and he hummed. 

"Let's first start with the subjects, you want to take." Marvolo said and she nodded. "Transfiguration, DADA, Potions and I guess Runes too?" He asked and she smiled nodding again. 

"And what else?" He thought. "Charms?"

"Yeah. But, I don't want COMC. I like Hagrid, but I'm not interested in magical creatures as much as him." She said and he nodded. 

"What about Arthimancy? Did you take it before?" He asked and she shook her head. 

"I actually took COMC and Divination as electives before. But, I liked Runes when I learned them in my fourth year during the tournament. So, I asked Sirius if I can take the OWL without taking the class and he said I can do it, but he asked me to write a letter to the ministry directly instead of McGonagall. I just did as he said without questioning, but I think he already doubted Dumbledore at that time. Don't you think?" She asked and he didn't say anything for a long moment. 

"He was never a member of an order whole-heartedly." Marvolo said surprising her and she looked confused. "He only joined the order for your dad who joined it for your mother."

"My mother?" She asked him.

"She is a muggle born and she is Dumbledore's-" "devotee, like Hermione?" Lyra cut him off and he smiled. If it was anyone else that dared to speak like that to him, well they would be lying on the ground under the crucio right now. 

"I don't know about your friend, Miss Granger much, but if she is a devotee of Dumbledore as you are saying, then yes, your mother is like her." Marvolo nodded picking all the books she needs and placing in the basket floating behind him. 

"How do you know about it?" Lyra asked curiously. 

"Severus said it to Lucius and they were in my manor at that time. They didn't know that I can listen to their conversation." He smirked and she looked at him wide-eyed.

"You eavesdropped on your followers' conversation?" She laughed and he just looked at her with a smile. Her laugh is so sweet and he loves it. 

"It's not eavesdropping, per say." He denied after she stopped laughing. "I was in the room beside and heard it."

"Don't lie, Marvolo." She turned around to face him and walked backwards. "You eavesdropped on their conversation. The big bad dark lord likes to eavesdrop on his followers' conversation, eh?"

"No, I didn't." He said firmly and she raised an eyebrow at him teasingly. "Just because, they didn't know I can hear them doesn't mean I eavesdropped darling."

"But, it does count as eavesdropping, Marvolo." She chuckled. "Now, tell me what else did you eavesdrop?"

"As I said, darling. It's not eavesdropping and I didn't hear anything else as they talked about something personal and I placed a silencing-" He stopped when Lyra bumped into someone as she was looking at him and didn't see the person behind her. His eyes turned red when the said person held her waist to support her and didn't let her go even when she tried to move away. 

"Lyra! It's so nice to see you." Ron hugged her tightly and his hands roamed on her back without staying in a single place. He didn't let her go when she tried to move away and hugged even tightly. "We missed you so much, Lyra. Even if it was just a few days. How is it going? You-know-who didn't try to kill you, did he? You should be careful and don't do anything stupid. We don't want him trying to kill us all again. We can live peacefully now and if you do anything stupid and spoil Dumbledore's plan, then it will be same as before. You have to do this for all of us. We did so much for you and this is your turn to return our favour."

"I think it is enough." Marvolo cut in sharply and pulled Lyra away from a shocked Ron. He placed his hand around Lyra's waist as he pulled her to his side. She looked at him wide-eyed as he never held her like this. Sure, he placed his hand on her back once or twice, but this is new. Also, Ron just touched her the same way and she wanted to move as far as possible from Ron, but she doesn't feel the same with Marvolo. She feels safe and moved towards him subconsciously making him smirk inwardly. 

"Who are you?" Ron asked angrily. Marvolo looked at him amused and looked at Lyra who was in shock and surprise.

"Didn't you tell them how I look, darling?" Marvolo asked her snapping her out of thoughts and she looked at him and then at Ron, who was looking at them with red face.

"Darling? He is calling you darling. What if you-know-who knows about it and cancels his marriage with you? How can you date such an old man? Did you forget about the peace treaty that Dumbledore worked so hard to save our wizarding world? Why are you letting him hold you so close and not saying anything? You, ungrateful bitch. How can you do this to us? We did so much for you and this is how you repay us?" Ron shouted at her and Hermione who was at the other aisle heard him and rushed there. Marvolo wanted to say something to him, but stopped when he saw the muggleborn girl coming and looked at Lyra who was looking curious to see if her other so-called best friend would also insult her the same way or not.

"Ron, what's wrong? Why are you shouting?" Hermione asked and then looked at Lyra who was standing with a man intimately.

"That bitch!" Ron cried in anger and Hermione looked away from the attractive man and at Ron. Lyra didn't like the way Hermione looked at her Marvolo and moved even closer to him. Marvolo smirked inwardly at that again. "She is whoring herself to this bastard. What if you-know-who knows about it and cancels the treaty? He will kill all of us because of her."

"What?" Hermione shouted in surprise and even jealousy. Why does everyone want Lyra and not her. Ron wants her and now even this handsome man wants Lyra. She is not even that beautiful. "How can you do this Lyra Potter? Don't you have shame at all? You are just sixteen, for merlin's sake. How can you sleep around like this? You don't care about us, do you? You always think about yourself and put us in danger. You only care about your happiness. I never thought you are such a shameless person."

"Ron, Hermione. What's wrong?" Molly came towards them with Ginny. Even though, Marvolo's younger self possessed Ginny, when she was in her first year, she never saw his face and doesn't know how he looks. So, just like Hermione, Ginny is instantly attracted to the man beside Lyra as soon as she saw him.

"Who are you?" Molly frowned at the man even though, she herself felt he is a rather good-looking man. But, unfortunately, she is quite old and he looks younger than her. He won't take interest in her even if she tried and so she didn't waste her energy like her daughter or Hermione. 

"I'm Tom. Lyra's good friend." Marvolo lied easily through his teeth as he didn't want unnecessary people to know about his identity. Not many people knew him as Lord Voldemort. Only his followers and dark-aligned people know him as such. The others still think he looks as a snake. 

"Good friend?" Ron frowned. "How come we never met then? Lyra didn't tell us about you either. Don't lie to us. You are sleeping with each other and now you are trying to cover it."

"The dark lord ordered me to take good care of his little wife whenever she goes out and even when she is in the manor. So, I always stayed with her when she was at the manor and we became close just like Lyra and Draco. And, I never saw you writing to her during these days, so you won't know me." Marvolo said and Lyra frowned lightly. Why is he lying? Why didn't he tell that he is the dark lord. 

"You call him dark lord. You must be one of those death eaters." Hermione said as Ron sneered at him.

"I'm an ally and very close to the dark lord. I'm not marked, but he trusts me with his life. You can say that we are almost same person." Marvolo said and Lyra stopped her chuckle at that. Obviously, the dark lord trusts him and they are really same person. She thought to herself. 

"Why are you holding her like that then?" Ron pointed to his hand on her waist. "Do you think you can fool us easily?" 

"You held her the same way before. So, is there anything between you two?" Marvolo asked in a dangerous voice. 

"No!" Lyra shouted before Ron can say anything and glared at Marvolo. "How can you say something like that? I see him as my brother, if anything."

"Calm down, darling." He patted her head with his other hand gently and turned to look at Ron who was looking at him with narrowed eyes. "See, when you a friend can hold her like this. Why can't I?"

"I'm her best friend." Ron said and Lyra snorted lightly making Ron glare at her. "What?"

"He is my best friend too," Lyra said to him in the same tone as Marvolo. 

"He is a death eater." Ginny said with her face scrunched in disgust. She didn't care that she wanted that man to herself just a few moments ago. 

"My husband is going to be the dark lord." Lyra rolled her eyes. "Your point?" 

"You are going dark, just after staying a few days at Malfoy Manor." Molly looked at her disappointedly. "We didn't expect this from you. I treated you as one of my own and is this how you repay me? I'm so disappointed and so would be Albus."

"Why should she care if you or Dumbledore is disappointed with her? You are not her parents or her family unlike Sirius Black. The only person she should care about right now is her godfather, who loves her as much as his own daughter. When he has no problem with her being close with me and the dark lord, why would she care about anyone else?" Marvolo asked them and Molly glared at him.

"Black is nothing but a-" "Don't you dare finish that sentence, Mrs Weasley. He is my dad and I don't like listening anyone insulting my dad in front of me. You are just Ron's mother and nothing else. You should learn to be in your limits and respect Lord Black if you don't want to get sued for defamation." Lyra said looking angry on behalf of her father. 

"You call that criminal, dad." Molly scowled at her. 

"Your father would be so disappointed." Hermione said and Lyra laughed at that. Only if they know. She would've believed their words if she was the same Lyra as before, but she changed a lot after knowing their true feelings towards her. 

"Why are you laughing?" Ginny asked her. 

"My father was the one who made me call Sirius, dad." She said still laughing lightly. "You can ask Remus about it and he can confirm."

"Lies!" Molly said, but stopped when Marvolo glared at her. 

"Don't you dare shout at our dark lady. The dark lord doesn't like it. I stayed quiet while your son and the girl were shouting only because our lady wanted to see how well her so-called best friends understand her. But, it is enough. I won't tolerate anyone insulting My Lady and neither would the dark lord. Peace treaty be damned, he won't let you live if you continue to insult her." He warned in a very dangerous tone making the four of them shiver and even Lyra shivered at his voice. 

"Let's go. The dark lord doesn't like to stay away from his lady for a long time." Marvolo pulled her to the shopkeeper and paid for the books he bought and asked him to give a brochure so that he can owl-order the remaining from his manor. He didn't want to stay in the same place as those scum anymore.

Lyra was in shock at what he called her. The dark lady, his lady, does he really mean it or did he just say it in front of them to shut them up? He will kill them just for insulting her? Would he really do that for her? She looked at him as they walked away from the shop in a new light. He really cares for her, doesn't he? She really started liking him more and more. But, she didn't understand one thing, why did he tell them that he is Tom and not Lord Voldemort? 

Chapter Text

Sirius almost jumped when an elf appeared beside him as soon as he flooed to Lestrange Manor. He huffed out a nervous breath and looked at the elf who was looking him up and down as if examining him. He raised an eyebrow at that. 

"You's Lord Black." The elf stated and Sirius nodded his head positively. "Master said no."

"Wait. I didn't even say anything." Sirius frowned at the elf. 

"Master not wanting to meet you." The elf said bowing low. "Yous should bes leaving."

"I won't leave. I won't leave until I talk to your master. Tell him I won't even eat if he won't talk to me." Sirius said stubbornly. "I won't even move from here."

"Lord Black sir, don't force mes to use magics to move yous out." The elf said a bit nervously. 

"You dare to kick me out?" Sirius narrowed his eyes at the elf in anger. 

"Yes." The elf nodded firmly. Sirius gritted his teeth. The elf is just like it's master, so stubborn. The master won't talk to him and the elf won't listen to him. This is too much. 

"Fine, just ask him why he won't talk to me and I'll leave. Tell him that I won't even disturb after knowing the reason." Sirius said and the elf thought for a while before popping away. Sirius sighed and went forward to take a seat on the couch. He still didn't know what he did wrong for Rodolphus to not talk to him. Yes, he understands that Rodolphus was worried about him when he didn't go back for so long that day, but that doesn't mean he stops talking to him for that small thing. 

"Why can't you understand a simple 'get out'?" A voice sounded from the doorway and Sirius looked at him lazily. 

"I have an understanding problem." Sirius said sarcastically. 

"Sirius, just get out. I don't want to talk to you." Rodolphus said angrily. 

"I'm not here to talk to you either. Just tell me what I did and I'll leave." Sirius said to him. "I won't disturb you. Why are you wasting your breath in sending me out? Just give me the answer and I'll leave after that."

"I don't have to answer-" "You have to answer." Sirius stood up angrily. "It concerns me, so you have to answer the damn question. I won't let you not answer it."

"Why do you care?" Rodolphus walked towards him and stood just an inch away making Sirius gulp slightly. 

"I thought we became good friends. You suddenly stop talking and start avoiding me." Sirius glared at him. "I want the reason."

"What if I don't have any reason?" Rodolphus asked and Sirius frowned. 

"Why won't you have any reason? You are avoiding me from the day I disappeared for a long time. I know you were worried, but if you are worried, you would scold me and want me to not do something like that. But, you are avoiding me." Sirius said to him. "You are angry at me. But, why?"

"I'm not." Rodolphus denied. 

"You think I'm a fool." Sirius snorted angrily. "Why else would you avoid me?"

"I said I'm not angry at you." Rodolphus said in a calm voice and came closer. Sirius took a step back and his legs hit the couch. He stumbled lightly, but Rodolphus placed his hands around Sirius' waist holding him in place. 

"I'm not angry at you Sirius." Rodolphus said in his ear and smirked when Sirius shivered lightly. His hands tightened around Sirius' waist. 

"What are you doing?" Sirius stuttered out. 

"Making sure you don't fall down." Rodolphus said and Sirius pushed him away. 

"I'm fine." Sirius said and turned away from him. He completely forgot why he was here in the first place and just wants to leave. "I'll go back. See you later." He hurried away and Rodolphus looked at his disappearing figure with a small smirk. 

Rodolphus knew it was childish of him to stop talking to Sirius and making him come to his house to talk, but this was the only way to see if Sirius cares about him as much as he cares about Sirius. 

The day when Sirius came back, he was so angry and wanted to scold him for a long time, but his innocent face and clueless look made his mouth shut. He could only say a few sentences and when Sirius was talking to the dark lord getting angry at everyone who tried to harm his daughter, his magic was so alluring and so dark. 

Rodolphus didn't expect it to be that dark when the dark lord said it, but feeling it against his skin when Sirius' magic leaked through, it was so seductive in a way. He wanted it more and more, but it will frighten Sirius, if he goes to him just like that and says it. What if Sirius just sees him as a house mate and nothing more? He left to his room to think about what to do and decided to stop talking to him and see if he cares.

Rodolphus was so happy that Sirius cares so much that he even came to his house to see what's wrong with him. But, he cares as a friend. He needs to do something soon before someone else decides to claim his Sirius as theirs. With Sirius' magic as attracting as that day, the order must've felt it too. What if someone else is also trying to catch his attention? 

"What are you thinking?" Rabastan asked him coming out of the floo. "Also, what did you say to Sirius? He was so out of the world."

"I said I wasn't angry at him." Rodolphus shrugged. 

"That's it?" Rabastan narrowed his eyes lightly and Rodolphus rolled his eyes. 

"What do you think?" Rodolphus asked him and Rabastan sighed. 

"Why is he in a trance then?" Rabastan asked him.

"How would I know?" Rodolphus said turning to the door to leave. 

"Are you going to stay here from now?" Rabastan followed him out. 

"No, I'll be back to the Slytherin Manor tonight." Rodolphus said entering his room. Rabastan didn't care about his privacy and entered behind him. 

"Why did you come here?" Rabastan asked him. "What happened?"

Rodolphus paused lightly thinking about whether he should tell his brother about his attraction towards Sirius or not. He didn't want to tell anyone before Sirius accepts him, but Rabastan is his brother and they were together in Azkaban going through the hell with the dementors. He sighed at last and decided to wait for sometime before saying it to him. 

"Nothing, just wanted to see the state of the manor. It's been 15 years after all." Rodolphus said and Rabastan didn't suspect anything and nodded. 

"Do you think the dark lord changed so much?" Rabastan asked and Rodolphus turned to look at him. Rabastan was lying on his bed looking at the ceiling. 

"Why do you think that?" Rodolphus asked and Rabastan frowned lightly. 

"He is so different to Lyra. I mean, he looks at her- I don't know how to say it." Rabastan turned his face to his brother. 

"Are you doubting our master?" Rodolphus raised an eyebrow and Rabastan shook his head. 

"It's just, it's nice to see him happy." Rabastan smiled at him. 

"It really is. I never saw him this happy before. Lyra is a nice girl." Rodolphus said to him. 

-

"My Lord?" Lucius looked at him afraid. The dark lord looks so angry. What happened when they went to buy books that he is so angry. 

"I won't be going to Hogwarts as Lord Slytherin. Arrange a meeting with minister and Dumbledore, tell them that I'm not interested in the position as DADA professor anymore." The dark lord said to him.

"My lord, Lyra's protection?" Lucius looked confused. Who will protect Lyra if the dark lord doesn't go to Hogwarts as DADA professor. 

"You didn't understand, Lucius. Lord Slytherin won't be going." The dark lord said again.

"Of course, My Lord." Lucius said to him. "If you don't mind, can I ask you why?" 

"No one knows that I'm Voldemort. Just now, I met Weasley and Granger, they insulted Lyra for being close to me and how she should be afraid if you-know-who sees us together." The dark lord rolled his eyes. "That gave me an idea."

"What idea, my lord?" Lucius asked curiously. The dark lord stood up from the chair and went to the window looking at the vast garden deep in thought. Lucius patiently waited for him to explain.

-

"Lyra, what happened?" Draco asked seeing her unhappy. 

"Weasley and Granger happened." She said angrily. She said what happened at the bookstore and Draco was angry at those two imbeciles on behalf of Lyra. How dare they insult his sister like that? She is not that Weaslette to whore herself. She is going to be the dark lady. He is going to curse them when he sees them next. 

"But, I don't understand why Marvolo introduced himself as Tom and not the dark lord." Lyra said bringing him out of his thoughts. "Why would he say that he is the dark lord's most trusted?" 

"May be, he is planning something?" Draco said to her and she scrunched her eyebrows in thought. 

"But, what?" She asked him again. 

"Did you try asking him?" Draco said and she nodded. 

"I asked him as soon as we came back, but he didn't say anything and smiled at me. He went to his study after that. Why won't he tell me? What is he hiding? I want to know." Lyra said like a child and Draco wanted to laugh, but stopped himself at the last moment. 

"Miss Potter." Severus entered the library and heard her whine like a child, but didn't think of her as the spoiled child like before. "Can I?" He gestured to the empty seats and she nodded at him. 

"Sev, do you know what's going on?" Draco asked him and Severus shook his head. 

"I don't know why the dark lord won't tell you, but I know one thing for sure." Severus said and Lyra looked at him with wide eyes. 

"What?" She asked impatiently. "Why won't he tell me? Don't tell me that he doesn't want me as his wife anymore, so he is not-"

"Lyra, don't talk nonsense." Draco rolled his eyes at her cutting her off. 

"What's going on?" Sirius entered the library after coming out of his trance. He didn't see where he was sitting and took a seat beside Severus on the small couch. "Why are you looking as if your puppy died?"

"Dad, Marvolo won't tell me..." She explained everything to him and Sirius frowned lightly before shaking his head with a slight chuckle. 

"Silly girl, he is just trying to protect you." Sirius said and Severus nodded his head.

"Exactly, I wanted to say the same thing. The dark lord cares about you more than he cares about anyone else. He must be planning something big." Severus said and Sirius looked at him slightly startled as he didn't notice him earlier. 

"But, they insulted me. He scolded them, I agree. But, if he tells them that he is the dark lord, then they won't think me so low, right?" Lyra said to them.

"Yes, you are right." Severus agreed, but before she can speak he said something else. "But, you said it yourself yesterday that you don't want to get involved in the war and want to be in peace."

"He is just trying to do that. If he tells them that he is the dark lord, then how do you think will they react?" Sirius asked her. 

"How?" Lyra asked confused. 

"Think Lyra." Draco said to her. "They reacted like this when you are with a death eater, how will they react when they know that the said death eater is the dark lord himself."

Lyra furrowed her brows and thought for a while before looking at the three of them understanding what they are saying. It would be disastrous. They would spread rumors about how she is now a dark lady going out with the dark lord for shopping and how she is so close to the dark lord. They might even say that she was with the dark lord from the start and only acting all these days. It might bring a bad effect over the peace treaty. Already, the death eaters are being targeted by the ministry, now the treaty might get cancelled and they will outright kill the death eaters. 

Chapter Text

Lyra looked surprised when Rodolphus entered the room for dinner and looked at Sirius who was frowning while looking at his plate. She remembered that he went to meet Rodolphus, but forgot to ask what happened as she was too lost in her own thoughts about why Marvolo didn't tell that he is the dark lord and just a death eater ally of the dark lord. She looked a bit guilty for forgetting to ask Sirius about it. 

"What happened?" Marvolo asked her and she shook her head at him. "Don't you like the food?" 

"No, it's good." She said looking back at her plate. 

"My Lady, it's been long that we talked. Care to join me for a walk?" Rodolphus asked when they finished eating. Severus looked a bit suspicious at Rodolphus. He got to know from Lucius that Sirius went to talk to him this morning and he came back a bit shocked according to Rabastan, but Rodolphus only said that he said he is not angry at Sirius. Also, Rodolphus is being a bit odd these few days. 

"Sirius, care to join me in my study for a few minutes?" The dark lord asked and Severus looked back at Sirius. Is there something that is not visible to his eyes?

"Of course." Sirius said and the dark lord stood up after patting once on Lyra's head. 

"Don't stay up late." Marvolo said to Lyra, who smiled and nodded before he left to his study. "Take your time, Sirius. No need to hurry." He said when he was at the door. 

"You should eat more." Rodolphus said when he saw Sirius standing. "The dark lord said he doesn't mind." 

"He is right." Severus said placing food in his plate. Sirius looked shocked at Severus who looked back at him blankly. 

"Uh- Thanks." Sirius smiled and Severus' eyes softened a little. "You should eat too." Sirius said when he saw Severus wasn't eating. Severus nodded once before turning to his plate. Rabastan raised an eyebrow lightly, but didn't say anything and went back to his food. 

"Shall we go?" Lyra asked Rodolphus who nodded. 

"We shall." Rodolphus said and Lyra stood up and Rodolphus was at her side as she went out. Rabastan soon left the room leaving Sirius and Severus alone. 

"What's wrong?" Severus asked when he saw a little far away look on Sirius' face. He is looking like this from the time Rodolphus entered the room. 

"I- Nothing." Sirius didn't say anything and ate quietly. He didn't know why he can't forget about how Rodolphus held him this morning when he went to Lestrange Manor to talk to him. His hand on his waist felt so warm and- Stop thinking about it, he scolded himself. 

"There is something." Severus said and Sirius looked at him. "I won't tell anyone." 

Sirius hesitated not knowing if he can tell this to Severus or not. Severus is being nice to him lately and also Severus didn't make any comments like before when they used to meet during order meetings. May be, Severus can help him make a decision. 

"It's just Rodolphus." Sirius sighed and Severus raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "When I went to Lestrange Manor this morning, he said he isn't angry at me. But, I didn't believe him and asked why he is avoiding me if he isn't angry. He came forward and stood so close-" 

Severus narrowed his eyes as he felt his thoughts from before were not his paranoia, but Rodolphus really likes Sirius. It's not easy to be a spy and Severus is working as a spy from a long time. He can see between the lines easily than others. He knew something is wrong and he is right. 

"I felt awkward and tried to move, but hit my leg to the couch. Rodolphus held me." Severus' fists clenched around the fork tightly. "He- Do you think- I mean-" Sirius sighed not knowing what to ask or how to ask it. 

"No." Severus said loudly and Sirius looked at him a bit surprised. "I apologize." 

"It's ok." Sirius said but looked confusedly. 

"You are just thinking too much. He is just helping you. Don't think too much about it. Ok?" Severus said and Sirius sighed. 

"Really? You think so?" Sirius asked and Severus nodded his head. 

"Yes. Also, you are forgetting that Rodolphus is married to your cousin." Severus said and Sirius was about to say about how no one will like her. "Even if he doesn't like her, he is still married." 

"You are right." Sirius said and sighed in relief. "I was afraid for a moment." 

"Why?" Severus asked him. "What's there to be afraid of?"

"I don't know. It's just I don't want to be in any sort of relation right now and I thought Rodolphus liked me or something. I don't want to spoil my friendships with others over relationships." Sirius said and looked at the plate in a deep thought. "I saw how it is to be in a relation when James married Evans." 

"Evans? Not Lily?" Severus asked surprised. "She is your best friend's wife."

"Not best friend." Sirius said and Severus looked at him shocked. "He is my brother." 

"Right." Severus said rolling his eyes. "So?"

"I don't like her." Sirius said. "She thinks so high of Dumbledore that she put James' life in danger for him. I started disliking Dumbledore from then, but I never said anything for James. He likes her so much, but I didn't know he was done with her after an year into their marriage. He only stayed because Evans got pregnant. James can never abandon his child even if has to be with her." 

"So, you never liked Dumbledore?" Severus asked him. 

"Not much. My dislike only grew as he locked me up in Azkaban without a trial and then in my own house when I escaped." Sirius rolled his eyes. "I mean, if he can lock me up. Don't you think he has the ability to get me a trial."

"You are right." Severus nodded. "I have to apologize for trying to get you kissed at that time." 

"You hate me. I understand." Sirius shrugged. 

"I don't hate you." Severus said and Sirius looked at him surprised. "Not anymore. I can see that you are not the same person as before." 

"I'm sorry about that." Sirius looked away from him and continued to eat his food slowly. 

"If you don't mind me asking..." Severus paused to see if Sirius will object or anything, but when he didn't Severus continued. "You said you don't want to be in a relation, but didn't say you are straight."

"I didn't think much of it, to be honest." Sirius looked surprised at himself for not thinking that before. "I was never in a relation before though. A few flings now and then, but they were always with opposite gender. Just fun. Never serious."

"Why?" Severus asked curiously. 

"I never found someone who likes me for me. They only like me because they think I'm good at quidditch. James' friend, so obviously a light wizard. Dumbledore's supporter, so good man. I can't keep my dark core secret from everyone and no one I went on a date seemed to like a wizard with dark core." Sirius said and sighed. "It's not my fault that my core is dark."

"Your magic is addicting if I'm being honest with myself. If only we weren't enemies back then...." Severus trailed off before clearing his throat. He stood up from his chair as he finished eating. "I'll take my leave. The dark lord is waiting for you. You shouldn't keep him waiting any longer." 

"Yeah." Sirius nodded coming out of his stupor. Did he hear right? Did Snape really say what he thought? But, he is Snape. He shook his head. He is not the same Snape. He said it himself that he doesn't hate him anymore. 

"What's wrong?" Marvolo's voice brought him out of thoughts and he looked up to see him standing in front looking amused. He looked around to see that he is in front of the man's study. 

"Nothing. I'm sorry." Sirius said and Marvolo didn't say anything for a moment before going inside and Sirius followed him. 

"I've changed my plans. I won't be going to Hogwarts to teach." Marvolo said and Sirius' eyes widened. 

"What do you mean by that? What about Lyra? It's not safe for her to be there alone. Draco and Snape are there, but Dumbledore can do anything without you to protect her." Sirius completely forgot about everything when he heard that. 

"You saw how they talked to Lyra just for going out with a death eater." Marvolo said and folded his hands on top of the desk. "I can protect her even if the treaty is cancelled, but there are so many children in the school, who are dark. I think you know how badly they are treated by the light wizards and witches. We can start a war, but it will be bloody and we will lose so many people. I was insane last time when I decided I wanted a war, but now I'm not the same."

"You are right. It's dangerous. I'm only thinking about Lyra, but there are so many other children under Dumbledore's thumb." Sirius said looking conflicted. "Then, what is your plan?"

"Lucius already sent my message to the ministry that Lord Slytherin doesn't want to teach anymore at the school. In my place, Thomas Idreld will be going to teach DADA." Marvolo smirked at him. 

"Who is Thomas?" Sirius frowned and Marvolo just continued to smirk at him. "Don't tell me, it's you."

"Ten points to Gryffindor, Mr Black." Marvolo laughed lightly. 

"Idreld?" Sirius looked confused before his eyes lit up. "Riddle, your surname was Riddle. Lyra said about your diary. Idreld is an anagram for Riddle. You are too genius." 

"I know." Marvolo said smugly and Sirius wanted to roll his eyes at the arrogant man, but he didn't have a death wish. Thank you. 

"You said Lord Slytherin won't be going to teach. Not, you. Too clever. When your identity will be revealed, no one can even say you lied." Sirius saluted in respect. "But, what about your appearance?"

"Only Dumbledore knows how I look." Marvolo said and waved his hand. "I already arranged for it. A Goblin is going to take care of his memories when he goes to Gringotts so that he will forget about me and Lord Voldemort being the same person." 

"You are forgetting that there is a spy among your death eaters." Sirius said and Marvolo paused slightly. 

"Don't worry. The mark is modified recently after you said about the traitor. He will start getting weak as he continues to have thoughts about betraying me. Also, he can't reveal his lord's identity in public." Marvolo said with a dangerous gleam in his eyes. 

"I'm really thankful that I joined you now." Sirius shuddered slightly. "Is anyone's magic as dark as you?"

"Severus." Marvolo said to him. 

"Really?" Sirius looked shocked. 

"He never let his full magic out in his whole life." Marvolo said looking in deep thought. "He doesn't know it himself about how his magic can almost compete with mine. He likes to be in shadow and prefers that. He doesn't even show his anger as in his view, it's waste of time and instead he can brew a new potion in that time." 

"If he never let his magic out, how do you know about it?" Sirius asked curiously. 

"I was there on his seventeenth birthday. He was trying to control his magic hard and still it was so dark and powerful. Can you imagine if it is completely released, how more powerful can it be?" Marvolo asked. 

"He said my magic is addicting." Sirius said and Marvolo chuckled. 

"He felt your magic on that day at Burrow for the first time and his magic sang along with yours. Sometimes, your magic finds you a better soulmate than you yourself. His magic is just suggesting that you can be a compatible person for him." Marvolo said and Sirius' eyes widened. 

"Soulmate?" Sirius said and Marvolo shook his head. 

"It's not compulsory. Depends on Severus if he really wants to be your partner and you too. IT's just his magic giving him a push towards yours. Your magic is also very dark. He said it himself that yours is the darkest after mine. One can't feel how dark their magic is, so he doesn't know how dark his own magic is. Else, he wouldn't have said that." Marvolo said. "Also, no one other than me knows about his core."

"So, everyone thinks mine is darkest after yours." Sirius said and Marvolo nodded. "Wow."

"It's not that bad." Marvolo said to him and Sirius didn't have to look at his face to know that he is amused.

Chapter Text

"You are going to sleep now?" Marvolo turned away from the door when he heard a voice and looked at Lyra who was looking at him with a raised eyebrow and crossed arms. 

"Yes, any problem?" He asked not understanding what's wrong. 

"Did you see the time?" She asked huffing at him. 

"You stopped me to ask the time." He said teasing her before casting a wandless tempus and was surprised to see that it's 3 in the morning. "Why aren't you sleeping? It's quite late-" 

"Exactly, my point." She cut him off. "It's quite late and you are sleeping now. Aren't you worried about your health at all?"

"Dearest, I-" "Don't give me excuses Marvolo. You are worried about the wizarding world and also the prejudice of people towards the dark witches and wizards, but that doesn't mean you have to be so reckless towards your own health. This is not acceptable. You have to take care of yourself." She said angrily. 

It's been almost 3 weeks that she is here at the Slytherin Manor and they are going back to Hogwarts in a week. She knew from Lucius that Marvolo will be going to Hogwarts as Thomas Idreld, the dark lord's most trusted. She didn't think much of it at first and was happy as long as Marvolo was at Hogwarts with her to protect her. Not that she can't do it herself, but she likes being protected by someone else. 

Anyways, Severus made her sit and explained how much their dark lord is working to make sure everything is going to be fine. He has to make sure that the ministry won't kill the death eaters. He has to make sure that the minister won't dare to betray him again. He has to make sure that Dumbledore truly forgets him as in Tom Marvolo Riddle. He has to make sure that everything is perfect for the upcoming year at Hogwarts as he knows how badly the previous DADA professors were and how they taught almost nothing. If it wasn't for Remus in her third year, then they can say that no one ever taught them any DADA at all. 

Lyra knew he is only bothering himself about being DADA professor was because of her. He also has to make sure that when he is at Hogwarts, he can still contact his followers without Dumbledore knowing and suspecting him of anything. He still has so much to do and yet he is coming to Hogwarts because of her, for her. She can see the dark circles under his eyes that he uses glamour to cover them. 

He only sleeps a few hours before he has to get up and start making plans about everything. Although, Lucius and other inner circle members are trying their best to help him. Marvolo doesn't like depending on anyone and likes to do work on his own. He does everything on his own. Lucius and others are quite worried about his health. Even though, he is immortal. He is still a human and can get sick. 

Marvolo laughed brining her out of her thoughts and she glared at him for laughing and not taking her serious. She pursued her lips tightly in anger and he shook his head and walked towards her and wrapped his arms around her in a hug shocking her. She stood there shocked for a while before slowly wrapping her arms around him. This is the first proper hug, he hugged her once when they were sitting and she was crying on his shoulder at that time, but that doesn't count as proper. 

"Dearest, you are the only one who can scold me or shout at me and can still be alive." He said and she realized what she did. She really scolded the dark lord. Her knees weakened at his words and if it wasn't for his arms around her and her holding him, she would've fallen down to the floor. 

"I'm just worried about your health." She still said stubbornly even if she is afraid. "You are not caring about yourself at all."

"I'm sorry." He said and her eyes widened. Did she hear him right? The dark lord of the Wizarding World just apologized to her? Is that right? 

"Wh-What did you say?" She looked at him pulling away from the hug. "I must've misheard you. You said sorry to me."

"I did and you didn't mishear anything." He said and sighed. "I know you and others are worried about me, but I have to make sure everything's fine."

"But, that doesn't mean that you work so hard that when everything's fine, you will be the only one who's not fine." Lyra said coming back to the topic again.

"Why wouldn't I be fine when I have such a cute betrothed waiting for me when I go to sleep." He said and she blushed. This is other thing about him. He loves to tease her. Neither she nor anyone in the manor expected that the dark lord would be such a man who will tease his soon-to-be wife and be so normal like any other wizard. 

"Marvolo, don't say those things to change my mind." She said a little unhappy. "I'm very serious. You can't neglect your health anymore like this."

"Ok, ok." He smiled helpless. "I give up."

"So, you won't overexert yourself anymore?" She asked him and he nodded his head. 

"I won't. I swear." He said and she nodded satisfied. 

"You stayed awake for so long to say this to me?" He asked and she nodded a little shyly. 

"You are so busy that I couldn't see you other than for a few meals for the past couple of weeks. So, I thought of waiting for you when you come back to sleep, but I didn't expect you to return so late." She said and he looked a bit guilty. 

"I apologize again, darling. If I had known that you are waiting for me, I would've come sooner." He said and she shook her head. 

"It doesn't matter as long as you won't stay up so late and take care of your health." She said and he nodded his head hugging her once more. 

Lyra finally relaxed into the hug completely. He is so warm and powerful. She just wanted to stay in those arms forever and never move away from them. But, sadly she has to go back to sleep in her room. She thought he will ask her to sleep in his room after that day where she fainted and blood came out of her scar. She did wake up in his room at that time and thought she can still sleep in the same room again. But, he never asked her again. She knows it's too soon, but she likes him a lot already. He is always so good to her even if he wanted to kill her before. She can really forget about everything in the past as long as he just takes care of her in the same way forever. 

"You should go back to sleep." Marvolo said moving away from her and she sighed inwardly missing his warmth already. "What happened?" 

"Nothing." She shook her head and looked into his eyes. "You won't get up from the bed until it's at least 10 in the morning. Got it?"

"As you order, My Lady." He bowed and her eyes widened again. 

"Stop teasing me." She huffed and turned away from him to go to her room. She can hear him chuckling as she closed her door on his face. 

"Good night, dearest." Marvolo said and she took a few deep breaths before saying the same to him. Even though she is glad that he said yes to her, she is still a little disappointed that he doesn't want her in his room. Doesn't he like her? What if he doesn't? She likes it here and with him. Surely, he won't kick her out right?

Why would he kick out his dearest or darling? Her mind supplied and she blushed lightly at that and nodded to herself. Of course, he won't kick her out. May be he is giving her some time and also she is still underage. They can't do anything until she is at least seventeen and that is almost one year away. She wished she is born early just so that she can be seventeen sooner and Marvolo will take the next step and directly marry her.

Sirius said that she will get married when she is Seventeen as it is the legal age to get married in the wizarding world. Talking about Sirius, he seems to get quite close to Severus. Yes, Severus as he apologized to her for being a bastard and gave her permission to call by his first name. He is not a bad man once you get to know him. Also, Draco says that he is a good man and also his godfather. She didn't know it before and was quite shocked when she heard about it. 

Ah, she should just stop thinking about everything and just sleep. Marvolo doesn't hate her and won't kick her out ever. That is enough for her and Sirius said they will marry in an year. That's it, she can make him like her slowly as time passes. They have so much time for him to fall in love with her. As long as she makes a horcrux too, she can live forever with him. 

It was something she thought about when she is free. She wants to live forever with a man like Marvolo and be happy forever. She doesn't want to leave this man and go to hell or heaven, whatever it is. She wants to be with him. She even said this to Sirius, who looked at her seriously with a blank expression on his face for a long time before hugging her and kissing the side of her head. 

"As long as you are happy. I'm always with you, Pup." He smiled and she was so relieved. She didn't want her dad to think she is placing Marvolo above anyone else. Sirius is her dad and she loves him a lot. But, everyone has their own places in her life and her dad understands that Marvolo is different from others. He is special in every way possible. 

Lyra knows that she is sounding like a love sick fool right now as she is saying that she wants to live with him forever only after spending three weeks with him in the Slytherin Manor and the last week, she didn't even see him more than twice at all. But, she can't help it. Heart works in it's own way and it worked in a complicated way. It fell in love with the dark lord who may never love her back as he is obviously the dark lord. 

But, she is still going to try her luck. She will try her best to make him fall in love with her. All this time, she thought she just likes him a lot. But, she can now clearly see that what she is feeling towards her betrothed is not as simple as like even if it's a lot. She is head over heels for the man who is supposed to be her enemy and wanted to kill her every time they met for the past five years. 

"Dearest, are you asleep?" Marvolo knocked on her door and she sat up on the bed looking surprised. She immediately ran to the door and opened it to see him standing there in his pajamas and smiling at her lightly. 

"What's wrong?" She asked and he held her hand and pulled her out as an answer. 

"I want you to sleep with me tonight." He said and her eyes widened even more. "Just sleep, I swear." 

Marvolo didn't wait for her answer and pulled her to his room. She didn't think he would do such thing as he clearly is a man of rules and ethics. For him to pull her, his betrothed into his room at this time of night is not believable at all. He led her to the bed and let her hand go. He went to the other side of the bed and sat on it. He looked at her with a raised eyebrow. 

"Aren't you going to sleep?" He asked and she wanted to say no, but damn it, she wants to sleep in his arms so badly that she immediately sat down and pulled her legs up before lying inside the blanket and looking at him with her big doe eyes. He chuckled and she smiled at him with a bright blush. He laid down beside her facing the ceiling. 

"Good night dearest." He said to her once more. His hand were folded beneath his head and eyes were closed. He looked handsome even when he is sleeping. 

"Good night Ma'volo." She said softly as she felt sleepy too and soon fell asleep beside him. 

Chapter Text

Lyra snuggled into her pillow in the morning and sighed at the warmth. It's so nice and warm here. She didn't want to get up at all from the bed. She never felt this comfortable before on the bed at Slytherin Manor or any other place to be precise. She sighed again and buried her face in the pillow. She felt the pillow move up and down making her frown. Why is the pillow moving. She hit the pillow lightly with her palm and froze. 

Wait! This isn't a pillow. Her eyes snapped open and she looked up into amused red eyes of The Dark Lord! She is using his chest as a pillow and even hit him just now. She tried to get up, but found an arm around waist keeping her in place. His other hand was stroking her face now and pushing her hair away from her face. 

"Good morning darling." He said kissing her forehead lightly. She came out of her shock of sleeping on his chest and blushed hard. 

"Marvolo, I'm sorry. I didn't know when I rolled in my sleep and ended on top of you. I always stay in my place when I sleep. I'm so sorry." She said not looking into his eyes and he chuckled lightly stroking her cheek. 

"I don't mind at all, dearest. If I get to see your face snuggled into my chest every morning like this, I will never mind if you end up on top of me after sleeping every night. You looked so cute just like a small kitten." He pinched her cheek lightly making her blush even more. 

"Stop it. I'm not a kitten." She protested and he smiled at her. "What is the time?"

"It's 8:30." He said and she frowned. 

"I think I told you to sleep till 10." She said and he sighed. 

"Dearest, I'm used to waking up early in the morning. But, I promised you to not get up from the bed till 10. So, I'm still laying here from 2 and half hours." He said and she looked at him as if he is not a human at all.

"You woke up at 6?" She asked and he nodded his head. "You slept at 3, Marvolo. How can you still wake up so early? You have to sleep some more. Close your eyes and go to sleep. I don't want to hear your stupid reasons or excuses. I want you to have at least 5-6 hours of sleep daily. We will increase that to 8 hours a day later on."

"Dearest, I woke up late from usual today. I wake up at 5 normally." He said and she furrowed her brows in deep thought. He placed his index finger on her brows and smoothed them out. "Dearest, I will try my best to sleep more as days pass, but you can't expect me to sleep more from day one. Please, let me get up from the bed for today. I still have so much work to do and I have to see who is capable to do it as you want me to reduce my workload."

"Fine, but you are going to come back to bed sharp at 11." Lyra ordered him and he kissed her forehead once more.

"As my lady wishes." He said before getting up with her sitting on his lap. She blushed and immediately got off his lap and sat beside him. She adjusted her dress lightly and started brushing her hair with her fingers. "Are you hungry?" He asked standing up stretching his muscles lightly. 

"Yes." She nodded. 

"Why don't you go and change. We will go to breakfast together." He said and she nodded again before jumping from the bed and rushing to her room. Marvolo chuckled looking at her rush out of his room just like a small kitten. He knows it's too soon but what can he say, he fell hard for her. She is the first person to make his heart beat faster just by looking into those mesmerizing eyes. She is the first person to make him realize that he can love too. He knows that he can care about others as he does care about his death eaters, but he never thought that as a child born due to love between his parents created by love potion, he can't love. But, Lyra is proving him wrong. He can love and is now in love the stupidly cute girl. 

"Let's go." Lyra said coming out of her room and he nodded placing his hand on the small of her back and leading her towards the dining room. "Marvolo, do you think Severus likes my dad?"

"You finally realized it, huh?" Marvolo chuckled again. She is the first person to make him laugh so many times. Before, he never laughed as many times in a whole month or even an year that he is laughing in a single day right now. 

"What? You know it and yet you didn't tell me about it." She looked at him hurt. "How can you do that to me?"

"I wanted you to see it with your own eyes. So, what do you think about them?" Marvolo asked her. 

"I don't know what to think about it. Dad seems to be close to Severus too. I really don't know what to think about it at all." Lyra said to him and he nodded. 

"Why don't you see it for some more time? If Sirius is uncomfortable or doesn't look happy at how things are going, I'll talk to Severus about it then. What do you say?" Marvolo asked and she nodded looking happy. 

"That's great." She beamed at him. 

"Dearest, what do you think about triads?" Marvolo asked and she looked at him confused as she never heard of such word before and Marvolo found her innocent betrothed is even more cuter than before. "Triads means three people are in a single relationship."

"Oh." She said with wide eyes before narrowing her eyes at him. "Why do you ask me that? Are you in love with someone else and want me to-"

"You think too much, darling." He cut her off. "I don't have anyone else in my life other than you. I just observed that not only Severus, but even Rodolphus is showing a bit of special interest towards Sirius."

"What?" She shouted suddenly and everyone in the dining room looked at the two of them.

"My Lord." They stood up and bowed as he entered. Marvolo nodded and let them sit as he sat with Lyra on his left. 

"We will discuss it later." Marvolo said and she nodded her head lost in her own thoughts about what he said. Is he for real? Rodolphus likes her dad too? How can that be? She didn't know what to do. Severus is nice to her now and Rodolphus was nice to her from the moment they met her in the manor. They both like her dad and looking back, her dad is close to both of them and she just noticed his closeness to Severus as it's a bit new. But, now she can see that Rodolphus is the same as Severus when it came to her dad.

What if her dad falls in love with one. The other will get hurt for sure. But, it's not like she can hurt her dad too. She can't even choose who would be best for her dad. She looked at both the men who were coincidentally or wantedly sitting on either side of her dad. They made sure he is eating properly. Is her dad so oblivious to what their feelings are towards him or is he avoiding them purposely? 

What about triad that Marvolo said to her? Are they going to be that? A triad? But looking at them glaring at each other over her dad's head. They know that both of them have same feelings towards her dad and are competing with each other to gain his interest. They can never be a triad that Marvolo suggested. They can't share her dad with each other. How is this going to work then? 

"Eat darling." Marvolo nudged her and placed a piece of toast near her mouth. She bit into it and started chewing it making him shake his head amused at her. "Stop thinking too much. They are grown up adults and you don't have to worry with me here."

"What are you going to do?" She asked him and he shook his head. 

"I said that we will talk later. You have to eat." He placed the remaining piece of the toast near her mouth. She bit into it again before taking it into her hands. 

"But, I'm just-" "Not now, Lyra." He said sternly and pointed to her plate. She pouted lightly and ate silently in her seat. He sighed as she sulked silently. He saw Sirius look at him curiously, but he was thankful when he didn't ask any questions about what's going on. He can't answer that his daughter is worried about his love life and wants to discuss about it. He glanced once at both Rodolphus and Severus warningly making them stiffen in surprise. He went back to his breakfast not saying anything else to anyone at the table. 

"Stop sulking and eat properly Lyra." Marvolo said again when she just pushed the food on her plate after finishing the toast in her hand. 

"No." She said and he sighed out a breath looking at her blankly. 

"I said that we will talk about it later. You have to eat. We will go to my study when you finish eating and we can talk there." Marvolo said and she wanted to protest. 

"My Lord, you have a meeting with the minister at 10." Lucius reminded him. 

"Cancel the stupid meeting, Lucius. I don't care." Marvolo muttered angrily. "It's not like they are following any rules of the treaty we made." 

"My Lord-" "Cancel it, Lucius!" Marvolo hissed and Lucius nodded hurriedly. Lyra looked alarmed at Marvolo who looked angry. "Eat!" He said to her and she quickly did as she was told. 

Lyra didn't know why he is angry all of a sudden. Is it because she said no to him or is it because she isn't eating properly? She didn't like this angry Marvolo and tried to finish her breakfast as soon as possible. She looked at him after she finished eating to see him already looking at her. He stood up from his chair and gave his hand to her. She placed her hand in his and stood up with him. 

"Make sure the stupid minister knows his place, Lucius." Marvolo said leaving the room. 

"He is not in a good mood." Sirius noted. "He was fine one moment and was angry the other moment."

"He has so much work to do. He might be stressed as he is also a human." Rabastan said but Sirius shook his head. 

"That doesn't look like stress. It's something else. He is bothered about something or someone. But whom or what?" Sirius said to the others. 

"You think he is bothered?" Severus asked and Sirius nodded. "May be about Lyra."

"Nah, if it's about her. He won't be here with us at all. He would be locking her in his room and take care of her." Sirius chuckled. "I should be angry that he is kidnapping my daughter, but I'm glad that he is very protective of her." 

"He is going to make sure she is more than fine." Rodolphus said to him. 

"What else could be bothering him?" Lucius asked them. "Is it about the Hogwarts or students or dark wizards and witches or ministry?"

"It can be anything." Rabastan said to him. "He is the dark lord. He won't even tell if he is really bothered about something."

"He won't tell it to Lyra either. He doesn't want her to be worried about anything." Draco spoke for the first time. 

"What is the meeting with the minister today about?" Sirius asked looking at Lucius. 

"We are going to talk about the Hogwarts curriculum, subjects and other things related to Hogwarts." Lucius said and Sirius stayed silent for a few moments. 

"He is worried about the education of the next generation. The subjects that are taught now at Hogwarts are nothing when compared what were taught in his generation. He is just bothered about it and he knows that the minister won't be alone in the meeting and Dumbledore is going to be with him. He knows he can't control himself when sees both of them together after he knew about their plan to kill his death eaters secretly. So, he isn't coming to the meeting and is worried that one more year of nonsense is going to be taught to the children at Hogwarts." Sirius explained. 

"You said it as if you read his mind." Rabastan looked at him amazed.

"Well, we can't be sure about it, but I guess it's what is bothering him. He mentioned about how stupid it is to be a student at Hogwarts now." Sirius shrugged. "He said he wants to make changes to Hogwarts as soon as possible, but with Dumbledore still as a headmaster it is going to be a long process." 

Chapter Text

"I'm sorry Marvolo." Lyra apologized as soon as they went to his study.

"No." He sighed standing near the window and linking his hands at his back. "I was just thinking something else and shouldn't have shouted at you." 

"What's wrong?" She asked and he stayed silent for a long time making her think that he won't answer her. 

"It's about Hogwarts and the younger generation. Dumbledore became the headmaster a few years after my graduation and he changed everything. It's hard to make everything back as before. But, there is a problem of safety of my death eaters. Then there is Fudge who clearly knows about the attacks along with Dumbledore. They signed the magically binding contract with me. The contract won't let them allow Umbridge to give permission to encourage those attacks. I've read it properly and there was no mistake in it. Then, how are they able to still know about these plans and yet still have magic." Marvolo's fist clenched tightly. 

"May be, they changed the contract at the last moment?" Lyra supplied.

"Impossible-" Marvolo stopped suddenly and turned around to look at her. "Changed the contract at last moment?" He mused walking towards his desk and took out the copy of the original contract. 

Lyra sat silently as he read the contract looking very serious. She felt he is too handsome and it's a waste that everyone thinks Lord Voldemort is a snake-like creature. She sighed in her heart as she watched him. Suddenly, his hands tightened as he held the contract and his pupils darkened in obvious anger. 

"Those bastards." Marvolo threw the contract away in anger. 

"Marvolo?" She looked at him shocked. What happened?

"Get out!" He said through clenched teeth. "I don't want to hurt you."

"Marvolo, I- We are going to get married in an year and I'm already your fiancé. I won't leave you alone when you are like this." She said to him. 

"Do as I say, Lyra." He said banging his fist on the table. Lyra hissed as she felt pain erupt through her scar. 

"Marvolo, please calm down." She walked towards him. 

"It's best if you just go." Marvolo said to her, but she just went towards him and hugged him around his waist. "Go before I do something which I might regret later, Lyra."

"I'm not leaving you alone when you are this angry and might harm yourself in your anger." She said clutching him even more tightly. "Marvolo, calm down. Ok? It's going to be ok. You just have to calm down and relax. Then you can think properly and plan something to get your revenge on the people who tricked you into this false treaty."

"I read the contract right before signing it. I read every single word. But the contract is now changed. Dumbledore is behind all this. He made this contract and I shouldn't have believed him. I should've checked the contract for spells. I was so stupid to believe he is genuine towards this treaty." Marvolo's fists were still clenched at his sides and Lyra had to bite her lip to stop wincing at the pain in her scar. 

"You are not stupid. You just didn't think about this possibility. You already had so many things going on in your mind. You have so many things to take care of, Marvolo. Your death eaters are finally going to get freedom. You don't have to fight a bloody war to bring the changes you always wanted to bring. You don't have to hurt children in the fights that always happen between the light and dark. You must be happy at that moment to even think about this thing. Don't blame yourself for everything. You are just a human like everyone of us. You can make mistakes too and it's ok to make mistakes. You will only learn by making mistakes and then correcting them." Lyra said to him and felt his body relax slightly as she said the last sentence. He moved backwards and she went with him. 

Marvolo sat on the chair and brought her down with him making her sit on his lap. She squeaked slightly in surprise and looked at him with wide eyes. His eyes were closed as he rested his head against the back of the chair and his hands held her waist holding her against his chest tightly. She can see his furrowed brows and placed her hand on his forehead smoothing the frown on his handsome face.

"You are doing everything you can for the better of the wizarding world, Marvolo." Lyra cupped his cheek and he opened his eyes to look at her. His eyes were the darkest red she has ever seen them. They were almost black. "It's ok to make a few mistakes while you go on. We are with you through everything. The ones who can't be with you are not worthy of your time and we all know what you do to them." She joked slightly and saw his eyes soften returning to their usual red. 

"I'm so lucky to have you as mine." Marvolo said and she blushed at that. He tightened his hold on her waist and she looked down at his chin suddenly feeling shy. Oh Merlin, did she just motivate the dark lord of the wizarding world? She can't believe herself that she did something as such. 

"Thank you." He said and she looked back at him confused. "For making me realize that I'm a human too."

"No, you are the dark lord." She teased and he laughed at that with her. "You look so good when you laugh."

"Oh, so I don't look good when I don't laugh, eh?" He asked and she stopped laughing. 

"No no, I didn't mean it that way-" "Then what did you mean?" He asked playfully and she panicked slightly not knowing what to answer him. He laughed again at her expression. "I was only kidding dearest." He kissed her forehead before moving his hand from her waist to cup her cheek. 

"You look adorable with this blush on your face." He stroked her cheekbone slightly and she looked away from him. "Don't look away from me darling." 

"Marvolo, stop it." She said trying to get up but his hold on her was too tight to move away. She looked at him as their faces were just inches away and his eyes landed on her lips before looking back into her eyes. She gulped slightly, but didn't move away from him. He took it as a confirmation and moved even more closer. Just a small move and their lips will touch. She closed her eyes and breathed out waiting for him to continue. 

"I love you." He said before placing his lips on hers. Her eyes snapped open in shock. She forgot to breathe and she forgot everything around her except those words replaying in her mind. He loves her? Her? Lyra Potter? Marvolo loves her. Is this real or is this all dream? This better not be a dream as she hates to wake up from such a nice dream.

Marvolo lightly bit her lip making her gasp and return to the present and his tongue took the chance to enter her mouth. Her hands found their way around his neck and he placed a hand around her neck while the other stayed around her waist. His thumb rubbing her nape causing her to shiver. Her eyes closed again as she followed his actions and clumsily kissed him back. He pulled away slowly after a long time and placed his forehead on hers. 

Both of them breathing heavily and clutching each other tightly. She still can't believe her ears. Did she hear him wrong or something? She didn't dare to open her eyes and wake up to think all of that was a dream. But she needs to face the reality and she slowly opened her eyes with all her Gryffindor bravery and courage. She found him looking at her with a soft expression on his face and his eyes showed so many emotions. 

Love was the strongest emotion in them and she wanted to think that it was towards her. He really loves her. Marvolo really really loves her. Oh Merlin, this is all not a dream. She felt tears form in her eyes and Marvolo moved away worried. Did he overstep and made her afraid? 

"Darling, I'm sorry, I couldn't control myself and-" "I love you too, Marvolo." She cut him off and hugged him tightly. "I'm so happy. These are happy tears. Don't worry." 

"Oh, Salazar. You scared me there dearest." He said stroking her nape making her sigh in content. They stayed like that in each other's arms for the rest of the morning. 

-

"When was the last time Narcissa visited Black Villa in France?" Sirius asked Lucius. They were all sitting in his room. Sirius, Severus and Rodolphus on the bed with each of them on either side of him. Lucius sat on the arm chair while Rabastan took the couch with Draco. 

"She went to France last month." Draco said before Lucius can answer. 

"She did?" Lucius asked surprised. He didn't know that. 

"Yeah, but I don't know whether she went to the Black villa or not though." Draco said to him. Sirius hummed as he looked intently at something in the file in his hands. 

"What's wrong?" Severus asked him and Sirius looked at him with some doubts in his eyes. 

"My uncle is alive. I thought he was dead long ago. But, someone are living in the villa there and if my guess is right, it's him." Sirius answered him before looking back at the file. 

"How can you be sure?" Rodolphus asked him. 

"I'm not completely sure, but I feel like it's him." Sirius said frowning lightly. "I mean, the villa is under Black family name, but it's a holiday house for Narcissa's family most of the time. It was frequently visited by them and they used to love staying there whenever they go to France. Grandfather thought of giving it to them as a gift as my uncle loved it so much. He didn't give it at last though."

"Why?" Draco asked curiously. "What happened?" 

"My uncle had a fight with my dad about the lordship. He thought I was unfit as I'm a Gryffindor and my dad didn't like someone insulting his son in his house, Gryffindor or not." Sirius said to him. "My dad stopped grandfather from giving the villa to them for that reason. Blacks love vengeance." 

"I can see that." Severus muttered under his breath and Sirius looked at him confused. Severus just shook his head saying nothing and Sirius looked back at Draco who was thinking something. 

"But that doesn't explain how you know he is alive." Rabastan asked still not understanding it. 

"Someone are living in the villa for the past 20 years. Also, mum often goes to France whenever something happens. Like, she left as soon as I said about Sirius was seen at Hogwarts." Draco said to him as he looked at the file Sirius forwarded to him. "She must be going to meet him and take his opinion about what to do and all." 

"Why is he living there making everyone think he is dead?" Rodolphus asked. 

"No one ever said that he is dead in the first place. It's just us thinking he might be dead as he didn't return from France one day after going there for almost 3 months. We didn't care in the first place to go and check if he was really dead or not." Lucius answered him. "Then, the dark lord's disappearance and everything else happened." 

"Right." Severus moved forward slightly and placed a file in the middle of the bed. "Narcissa was seen going to potions store in France multiple times according to this source. So, he might be ill and not in a condition to move. That's why Narcissa goes there instead. Also, as Sirius said it's his favorite place so he likes to stay there when he can't move and has to stay indoors." 

"Makes sense." Rodolphus agreed. 

"He must be planning something big." Sirius groaned. "Very very big." 

Chapter Text

"My Lord?" Lucius knocked on the door after coming back from his meeting with Fudge. He was shocked to see Lyra sleeping in Marvolo's lap while he sat at the desk reading some parchment.

"Lucius, I apologize for shouting at you this morning. I shouldn't have taken my anger on Fudge and others on you." Marvolo said shocking him even more. "How did the meeting go?"

"It was the usual." Lucius hesitated a bit looking at Lyra sleeping peacefully in his arms. "My Lord, there is something that you should know."

"Is it concerning Lyra, Lucius?" Marvolo left the parchment and placed his hands around her protectively.

"Dumbledore is planning to let the Weasleys adopt her." Lucius said to him. "Percy Weasley came to me when I was leaving and told me about this matter. He asked me to meet him tonight at Leaky Cauldron to tell me exactly what's going on."

"Weasleys?" Marvolo narrowed his eyes in anger. "I won't allow it. Also, Sirius is her father. Why does she need to be adopted by someone else again?"

"As Sirius didn't make a good impression in the last order meeting. Dumbledore might be afraid of losing his weapon and..." Lucius trailed off obviously sensing his lord's anger and not wanting it to be directed towards him. He didn't want to be on the other end of the dark lord.

"Call Sirius now." Marvolo ordered.

"Yes, My Lord." Lucius left and was back soon within a few moments.

"Is she fine?" Sirius asked when he saw his daughter sleeping in his arms.

"Yes." Marvolo nodded. "But that is not why I've called you now. Dumbledore is planning to let Weasleys adopt your daughter as you seem to be going dark according to him."

"He doesn't have any right to make it happen." Sirius said calmly. "He may try, but I'm not only her godfather, I'm her blood adopted father too. As long as I'm alive, he can't do anything without my permission."

"Dumbledore is not a fool to miss this point. He might've already thought about it and planned accordingly." Lucius said to him. "You can't underestimate Dumbledore so easily. He is Dumbledore for a reason."

"But I'm her legal guardian now. He can't decide anything for her." Sirius said before suddenly his eyes widened and looked at her with panic in his eyes. "I'm sorry but I have to wake her up now."

"What? Why?" Marvolo asked confused.

"I just need to confirm something." Sirius said to him. "Pup." He called her and went to Marvolo's side and shook her.

"Mmhmm." Lyra slowly opened her eyes and saw a panicking Sirius in front of her. Her sleep vanished in an instant and she sat up straight in Marvolo's lap. She looked at Sirius with worry and concern.

"What's wrong? What happened?" She asked and he took a deep breath before opening his mouth.

"Dursleys hurt you, right?" He asked and she frowned and held Marvolo's hand tightly and Marvolo glared at Sirius. "Right?" He asked again and she nodded her head.

"Sirius-" "One moment." Sirius said not caring about his life which is at the brink of death from the deathly glare she is receiving from the dark lord. "When I died, did he hurt you again?"

"Yes." She whispered.

"Did you wish for anything when he did that? Did you write to anyone? Your friends? When you were beaten and your blood was on the parchment?" Sirius asked dreading for the worst and she frowned some more before nodding.

"Yeah, my uncle was very happy to hear about your death. The order members told him about it and he took out the anger of 2 long years that he kept inside due to the fear that you will kill him." She shuddered remembering that night and Marvolo tightened his hold on her waist and rubbed her knuckles with his other hand.

"It's ok. He is not here and he won't touch you again." Marvolo promised with a dark threat behind his voice. "It's ok." He was still glaring at Sirius.

"Then?" Sirius pressed even if he just wants to go and kill that bastard right now. Marvolo pressed his lips tightly to not say the curse that he wished to use on the man in front of him.

"I wrote a letter to Ron, Hermione saying how he is using this opportunity to hurt me. There was my blood on it as I wasn't allowed to clean myself till the next morning. I thought they cared enough to come and get me after seeing the blood. I wanted to tell Remus, but I didn't want him to come and kill Vernon. I lost you, I can't lose him too." She said with tears forming in her eyes and he pulled her into a hug closing his eyes to control himself.

"Love, I know this is too much for you, but..." He stopped taking a deep breath and holding her tightly. "You wished to escape your relatives and wrote to Weasleys. Your blood was on the parchment. They are using it to their advantage and going to adopt you."

"What?" She asked shocked. "You are joking right? Please tell me that you are joking, Dad. Please dad. Please." She begged him pulling away and looking into his eyes.

"I'm sorry, pup." Sirius sighed cupping her cheeks. "It was your wish. You didn't know that this would happen but we can't do anything. We need to get that parchment from them and the only way is to kill and get it. They won't place it somewhere anyone can see it."

"I don't want to go there. I only want you to be my dad. I don't want them to be my parents. They took care of me, but I always think of them as my friend's parents. Mr Weasley is nice, but Mrs Weasley always tries to order me around and all. You saw her last year. I don't want her to be my mother, dad. She was like that when she wasn't and if she really becomes my mother, then I don't know if I can take it anymore." She said as tears flowed down her cheeks.

"I know, pup. I know. I don't like it either. I just want to go kill her and get the parchment from them. Arthur would understand, but I doubt he even knows about this." Sirius sighed wiping the tears away and kissing her forehead. "I'm going to meet the twins while Lucius is going to talk to Percy, who gave him this information. Don't worry, pup. I'll do everything to stop this from happening. I only told you because I didn't want you to be in dark about this matter. I don't like seeing you sad, but you had to know."

"I don't want to go." She said and he nodded.

"I know." He said and kissed her forehead again. "I want you to do something if everything goes wrong and Dumbledore succeeds."

"What?" She asked with innocent eyes. Sirius smirked slightly at that and explained everything to her. She looked shocked at her father. "You- I-"

"Puppy, I was raised by The Blacks, one of the darkest and dangerous families of the Wizarding World." Sirius said at her shocked expression. "Even if I don't want anything to do with them, I'm still a Black, one of them and I will inherit some of their traits, don't you think?"

"You are so different." She said admiring him so much. "Is this going to be alright?"

"Yes. Trust me, alright?" He asked and she nodded her head.

"Ok." She said and looked at Lucius who stood silent all this while and then at Marvolo who didn't look happy in the least.

"I'll talk to you after I come back. Don't think too much, alright?" He kissed the top of her head this time and she nodded her head. "Sorry." Sirius said to Marvolo who gave him a curt nod and he left the room.

"My Lord?" Lucius looked at him worried for Lyra.

"Go." Marvolo dismissed him and Lucius left giving a small smile to Lyra who returned an unsure one.

"Marvolo?" Lyra turned to look at him again and saw his blank face. "Are you angry?"

"Yes. I want to kill someone so badly. I want to torture them to death. I want to hear their screams as they beg for their life. I want to see their blood spilling everywhere in the room." He said through gritted teeth.

"Marvolo!" She exclaimed a bit shocked.

"It's not Sirius." He assured her. "He might've been rude to me, but I know he just wants to confirm everything. I understand."

"Is everything going to be fine?" She asked hiding her face in his chest. "I don't want to go there."

"Me neither." He murmured running his hand through her black hair slowly. "I won't let you go."

"But they will adopt me no matter what. Mrs Weasley won't let this chance go if it means Dumbledore can have me under his thumb again." She said sadly. "I thought she loved me, but I saw her real face last summer. She only does anything because Dumbledore told her to do it."

"I will kill them all when this is all over." Marvolo said as his magic enveloped her possessively. She shivered slightly and hugged him tightly.

-

"Sirius!" The twins looked at him surprised. They grinned and hugged him before he can realize what they were doing. "We weren't expecting you."

"Percy met Lucius today and said something." Sirius said not greeting them back. Most important thing is his pup's life for him.

"Perce?" Fred asked confused.

"Do you know?" He asked pulling away. "About adoption?"

"What adoption?" George asked looking at him with a frown. "Whose adoption?"

"I knew it." Sirius sighed before ruffling their hair with a small smile. "Sorry boys, I just had to confirm and I need your help."

"Anything for you, the almighty Padfoot." They bowed dramatically and Sirius chuckled before pushing them towards their office.

"We don't have time for all this dramatics, kiddos. We need to work fast. Lyra's life depends on it." He said seriously.

"What happened?" Fred asked him. Sirius told him about the adoption and his guess about the process of adoption. George narrowed his eyes slightly at that before cursing out loud.

"I heard mum scolding Ron two days ago for throwing away some parchment. Hermione had to retrieve it from the bin." George said to them. "I didn't think much about it and left the house not wanting to get her wrath turned towards me when she sees me still in the home."

"That must be it." Sirius said clenching his fist tightly. "Do you know where it is?"

"No." George shook his head. "I left as I said before seeing anything or hearing anything."

"Ok." Sirius nodded looking out the window. "I need your help. They are going to force Lyra no matter what. Dumbledore's plan of killing the dark lord is not going to succeed as he saw how Lyra is not obeying him and after what happened in the book store with your family..."

"We heard about it." Fred said.
"We wanted to kill them." George said angrily.
"How can they say all those to poor Lyra?" Fred fumed.
"We did leave nasty pranks though." George grinned evilly making Sirius smile.

"That's so good of you boys." Sirius praised then. "Anyways, as it's only one week from the start of the term. Dumbledore will enact this plan for Yule break."

"Yes." They nodded.

"So, the plan is...." Sirius explained everything to them and they nodded with matching  smirks.

"Of course. Anything for our little sister." They said and Sirius smiled at them.

"I appreciate your help." Sirius said to them before grinning and giving them few more prank ideas that they can test on those family of theirs. The twins eyes twinkled as they listened to every word coming out of Sirius' mouth with rapt attention and not even blinking for a long time.

Chapter Text

"Ok, you can do it." Lyra said to herself as she looked at the mirror. "Just a few hours and you can go back to Marvolo. Just a few hours. Draco will be there."

"Dearest, are you done?" Marvolo's voice came from the other side of the door and she took deep breaths. "Darling?"

"I'm not." She said to him and he sighed.

"Can I come in?" He asked and she nodded but hit her forehead thinking he couldn't see her.

"Yes yes. You can." She said and he opened the door slowly. He stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist and she leaned back on his chest closing her eyes in exhaustion.

"It's going to be fine, dearest. I already told my death eaters to make sure their children distract those three away from you so that you won't be bothered by their ridiculous excuses." Marvolo kissed the side of her head near her ear and she shivered slightly. "It's fine. You will be completely fine. Don't think too much. Your dad is already getting anxious enough. You don't want to make him even more worried, do you? He can already tell that something is wrong when you are not looking happy to go back to your first home."

"I can't do it, Marvolo. It might be my first home, but it's not my home anymore. This is my home. You and dad are my home." She hugged him tightly and he kissed her forehead lightly. "I'm so afraid of him. I was so happy all this time I was here. With you, my dad and all others. I just don't want to face him and remember all of that. I don't want that."

"Darling, if you don't want to go on the train, then you can come with me through floo. I'll talk to Dumbledore and tell him that you were not feeling well. You are going to be sorted to another house anyway today and you can stay with me in my quarters which are attached to Slytherin common room as I'm the heir. I'm sure you are going to be sorted into my house." Marvolo said making her chuckle at his confidence.

"What if I go to Ravenclaw?" She asked him playfully and he narrowed his eyes lightly at her. 

"Hmm, then I just have to make sure my quarters are near your common room so that you can come to me whenever you want without any problem." He answered and she laughed some more. 

"What if Hufflepuff?" She asked again. 

"Hufflepuff's common room is near the kitchen and I can arrange my quarters near them." He answered and she opened her mouth again but he swiftly cut her off with a kiss and she gasped at the suddenness. "I know what you are goin to ask but that's not going to happen, so don't even ask that."

"How can you be so sure?" She asked him. "I may stay in the same house." 

"I just know it just like everyone else in this manor knows." He kissed her nose and she looked down at his chest feeling shy. "So, want to come with me then?"

"Won't Dumbledore suspect you for manipulating me or something like that?" She asked and he sighed caressing her hair. "I don't want Dumbledore to make my life more difficult than it is already." 

"I'll come with you in the train." He said and she looked at him wide-eyed. "I can do it for you, dearest. Now, are you ready then?"

"Yes." She smiled at him so brightly and he chuckled and led her out to the living room where Sirius was waiting worried about her. He looked up when he heard footsteps and was at their side in an instant. Rodolphus sighed looking at him while Severus shook his head. They were trying to calm him down saying he is worrying for nothing and she is fine, but he was damn adamant that she is not fine and hiding something from him. He was blaming himself for not being a nice father. 

"Are you fine? Don't you want to go back? I can try and talk to someone and-" "Sirius, she is fine." Marvolo assured him as she smiled at him, but Sirius didn't look like he believed her or her smile and looked at Marvolo doubtfully. "You trust me, don't you?"

"I do." Sirius sighed and looked at her sadly. He spent so much time with her than he ever spent at Grimmauld place. Molly never let them be alone and spend time with each other. She just can't understand that he sees her as his daughter and nothing more. He just wanted to kill that woman every time she tried to take Lyra away, but he used to think that Holly loves her as a mother and had to stay quiet. 

"I'm going to miss you so much." Lyra said before he can say it and hugged him tightly. 

"Hush now, don't make your old man cry by crying like that." He said kissing her head and she sniffled lightly. "Don't cry bambi. Please."

"You promise that you will come to Hogsmeade every week?" She asked looking at him sternly and he chuckled. "It's not funny, dad."

"I'll come and visit you. Don't worry." He kissed her forehead and she snuggled into his side and she looked at the other men. 

Lyra looked at Lucius who was sitting with Draco who is not crying like her and buried more into Sirius' side. Lucius smiled at her assuring her that it is fine to cry. She smiled at him and then looked at Rabastan who didn't look happy just like her. Thank Merlin, she is not alone who is unhappy. Rodolphus was looking at her with a sad smile like his brother and she smiled back at him. Then, Severus is sitting with his usual blank face, but she is going to see him daily at school though. So, that doesn't count. 

"I hope you get sorted into my house, Lyra." Severus said and she rolled her eyes at him. 

"You two are so sure that I'm going to sort into your house." She huffed as Marvolo chuckled lightly. "I will get sorted into Ravenclaw, just see." 

"Hmm, we will see Bambi." Sirius said with a laugh and she pouted at him. 

"We should leave now, if we want to avoid the rush and Weasleys." Lucius said and Lyra stiffened slightly in Sirius' arms and he sighed slightly. 

"Can I talk to her alone for a moment?" He asked looking at her and they just left the room silently giving them space. "What's wrong pup?"

"Nothing dad." She just shook her head and he cupped her chin and tilted her face so that she can look into his eyes. 

"I'm not going to force you to tell me what's wrong as I would never force you to do anything. But just remember that I'm here for you if you need me. For anything. Ok?" Sirius asked and she nodded. "Even if you killed someone or want to kill someone. I'll be with you. I would never judge you nor stop you. I will only make sure that you are going to be fine when you do what you want. Alright?"

"I love you, Dad." She hugged him tightly. "I love you so much."

"I love you more, Bambi." He kissed her head and she cried into his chest again. "Now, don't cry again, pup. You know that I can't see you crying. It hurts this old man to see his little daughter cry." 

"You are not old." She hit him lightly on his chest and he laughed as he wiped her tears. "You are not even forty. How can you call yourself old, Dad? You are not even married yet." 

"Fine fine. Let's go. It's time to go." He changed the topic just like every time she brings up his dating life or marriage. She didn't know if he is not interested or he is hiding something from her. She decided to ask Remus about it, but she never got any chance to talk to him alone whenever he visited them. 

"Dad-" "We don't want to be late for your train." He hurriedly went out making the others look at him confused. "Shall we go?"

"Yeah." Lucius nodded and looked at Lyra who nodded too. "My Lord, we will leave-"

"I'm taking the train, Lucius." Marvolo said surprising everyone in the room except Lyra who fiddled with her fingers slightly in shame. Marvolo didn't let anyone look at her in question and answered their doubts himself. "I don't trust the youngest Weasleys and Granger to be in their limits even with everyone protecting Lyra, I want to be there for her myself when she is attacked by them."

"But My Lord, won't you be-""It's fine Rodolphus. I can manage for a day." Marvolo said and Lyra looked at him grateful. He didn't tell everyone about her problem and placed everything on himself. He's so good to her. She is so lucky to have someone like him. She smiled at him and he forwarded his hand to her so that she can apparate with him to the platform. She closed her eyes and buried her face in his chest so that she won't fall down after the uncomfortable journey of her life. 

"Alright?" He asked her and she nodded taking deep breaths. "Shall we go?" 

"Bambi, one second?" Sirius said and looked at Marvolo and she nodded moving aside so that they can talk. She looked at Sirius curiously as he placed a privacy charm around them and his face looked deadly calm. She still gets surprised whenever she sees Sirius talk so seriously. She can't imagine that this is the same Sirius who is her Dad, who loves her so much and can do anything for her. He is so different. He is so pureblood. She shook her head and turned her head towards Rodolphus who was looking at Sirius too. 

"Rodolphus." She went to his side and he snapped out of his thoughts and smiled at her. "I'm going to miss you." 

"Me too, My Lady." He tried to joke so that she can smile and she did. 

"Hey, won't you miss me? This is so unfair. The dark lady only likes my brother. Poor me." Rabastan said sighing sadly. "What should we do now, Lucius? She doesn't look like she's going to miss you." 

"We can't do anything, Rabastan. She is the dark lady, after all." Lucius said and she rolled her eyes at them. 

"Shut up, you two. I'm going to miss all of you." She said and Lucius chuckled while Rabastan pouted. 

"But you said you are going to miss Dolph only." Rabastan said crossing his arms and she glared at him. Rabastan smiled raising his hands in surrender. "Fine, fine. I was just trying to lift your mood up. That's all. We are going to miss you too, little lady." 

"I don't want to go back at all." She sighed leaning on Rodolphus. "Why can't I come back everyday after classes? Why should I stay there all the time?" 

"Exactly." Rodolphus scoffed. "This is so unfair."

"Stop it." Lucius rolled his eyes at both of them. "What are they talking so seriously?" He pointed towards the two men who were still talking under the silencing charm. 

"Marvolo looks serious." Lyra said worriedly. "Is he angry at Dad?" 

"He won't do anything to Sirius, Lyra. He knows that you would never forgive him if he did anything to your dad." Rabastan assured her. "He changed a lot. All because of you. Thank you for coming into our lord's life and making him a human again. It's good to see him enjoying his life just like everyone else." 

"Yes, it's all because of you. Thank you so much." Rodolphus said to her. 

"They are right. Don't even try to deny the fact, Lyra. Our lord listens only to you and everyone knows that. Severus talked to you that day about our lord working a lot and it was then that his schedule changed and he stopped working so much all the day." Lucius looked at her seriously. "I know it would never happen and I trust you, but please never leave him or break his trust on you, Lyra. We are not as old as our lord, but from whatever we heard from our fathers who grew up with our lord, we know that he never had a good life during his childhood and he never had someone who showed him love or what a family is. He created his own family with all of us death eaters, but that can never compare to what he can have with you. A true and real family that every child dreams when they are still young. He would never say that loud, but he is a human just like us, who can control his emotions better than us." 

"I swear, Lucius. On my life." Lyra said and they smiled at her. 

Chapter Text

Molly Weasley and the annoying trio that she calls her sweet, cute and innocent children arrived at the platform an hour ago waiting for the potter girl to come and make sure she sits with her children. She wanted to make sure that the girl won't make any of the other plans of Dumbledore to go down the line.

"Mum, how long?" Ginny sighed looking at her boyfriend who was waiting for her to board the train. "Mum!" She whined when her mother didn't reply to her.

"What are they doing?" Hermione and Molly were looking at something or someone so concentrated that they didn't hear Ginny at all.

"Look at her. Hugging all those death eater scum." Ron looked at where they were looking and sneered at her. He was glaring daggers at the Lestrange brothers who were standing beside her on each side. Draco locked his eyes with Ron and glared at him.

"Don't you dare try to hurt her." Draco mouthed in warning before looking away.

"That ferret death eater junior-" "Ronald!" Hermione hissed at him for shouting loudly. "People will hear you. Shut up!"

"What is Black doing with you-know-who's ally away from all of them? What are they talking about?" Molly asked ignoring everything else.

"What?" Hermione and Ginny searched for him and saw him standing with Black as Molly said. They frowned when they saw him talking to Black with a friendly expression. "They look like they are close to each other."

"They do." Ginny agreed with Hermione. "Why is he a death eater?" 

"Hmph." Hermione crossed her arms over her chest in anger glaring at Lyra as if this is all her fault somehow. "Is he going to come with Potter?" 

"No idea." Ginny narrowed her eyes when Sirius and the handsome man shook hands with each other before they went back to Lyra's side. They saw her hug Black tightly as he said something to her. Ginny rolled her eyes when she saw Black wiping Lyra's tears. "Drama queen." 

"Always wanting everyone's attention on her." Hermione scoffed. "Why can't she just be normal like us?" 

"Don't think too much about it. Just remember what Albus told you, alright?" Molly asked them and they nodded their heads reluctantly. 

"We have to get her away from that ferret." Ron said glaring at the blonde. "He dared to warn me about hurting her. As if. They are the ones who want to hurt her. We are only trying to protect her from them. We only want to do good for her and everyone else." 

"Leave it, Ron." Hermione consoled him and held his hand. He huffed and held her hand tightly making her smile in triumph as she locked eyes with Lyra. 

-

Lyra who felt someone watching her for a long time turned to lock eyes with her ex-best friend who was looking at her with victory in her eyes. Lyra frowned not understanding why she was giving her that look and saw the rest of the group with her who were either giving her disapproving looks or glaring at her with anger or disdain. She looked away from them when Sirius cupped her cheek and made her look back at him. 

"Ignore them, pup." Sirius said very seriously. "Do not. I repeat do not listen to them or their non-sense. If they ever, not that they can with your man not leaving your side outside the classes-" Lyra blushed and hit his chest lightly at that making him chuckled at her. "But still, if they ever get you alone and try to talk to you about the greater good bullshit, ignore them or try to escape to the nearest Slytherin or someone who is not pro-light. Got it?"

"Yes. You already told me this more than 20 times, dad." She said smiling at him. "I don't think they can ever get a chance to be alone with me as either Marvolo is going to be there with me or Draco or any other Slytherin." 

"That's right, but it's not bad to be cautious." Sirius shrugged and the whistle blew alerting the students to board on the train. 

"I don't want to go." Lyra said hugging him again. "Why do I have to go? Why can't I stay with you?"

"You can stay with me, Bambi. I told you I can get permission from ministry so that you can be homeschooled." Sirius said looking at Marvolo who was watching them silently. "I told you that you can stay with me, if you want. I can make it possible even now."

"What about Dumbledore?" She asked into his chest. 

"Screw him. I don't care about him, Bambi. I only care about you." He said angrily. "I only care about what you want." 

"I-I-" "Lyra, it's time." Marvolo interrupted her and Sirius glared at him. He almost convinced his daughter to not leave him. "Sirius, you can't do it. You know what's going to happen if she doesn't go back to Hogwarts. The treaty will be officially cancelled. We can't risk that, yet." 

"I don't care." Sirius said tightening his arms around Lyra who held him even more tightly. "I only care about my daughter and her happiness. All her life, she had to think about others. I want to give her a choice this time. To think about herself and put herself above others." 

"I know. I understand, but it's not safe for her either if the treaty is cancelled. She will be targeted too." Marvolo explained patiently. 

"She doesn't want to go." Sirius told him angrily. "You can't force her." 

"I'm not forcing her, Sirius." Marvolo glared at him. "You know it. I would never do that. Don't you dare-"

"My Lord" Lucius whispered lightly stopping him from saying anything else. "Your eyes are turning red. You need to calm down, My Lord." 

Marvolo closed his eyes trying to do just that when he felt the temperature drop around him suddenly and turned his head towards the creatures surrounding the station. He narrowed his eyes as the whole station was surrounded by dementors. There were screams around him and he saw that the dementors were only trying to get near his death eaters. 

"Bastards." He hissed making everyone around him shiver in fear. 

"My Lord, you can't." Rodolphus said to him even if he can get cursed for it. "No one knows that you are the dark lord. Not even the other death eaters. We can't risk it." 

"Fucking old fool." Marvolo held his wand tightly and controlled his urge to talk to the dementors and order them to leave. He saw that they got too close to some of the death eaters. 

"Dad, no." Lyra's shout made them all snap their heads towards the father and daughter. "Dad." 

Sirius was kneeling on the ground holding his head in pain. Lyra was kneeling beside him and holding his hand in panic. Sirius looked like he was going through something painful. Rodolphus and Rabastan knew that feeling. It was similar to what they went through when they were at Azkaban. What they didn't understand was why Sirius was going through it as there were no dementors close to them. They were surrounded, but they were quite far for Sirius to be affected by them. 

"Sirius!" Rodolphus helped Sirius stand up and immediately walked towards the floo not thinking about anything other than getting him out of this place as soon as possible. 

"Everyone to the floo or the apparition points!" Marvolo's voice boomed and everyone seemed to snap out of their fear. "Now!" That was all that they needed and they rushed to exit the place with their children. 

"Leave." He told to the others. 

"What about yo-" "I said leave, Lucius!" Marvolo ordered and Lucius nodded before taking Draco with him to the apparition point. Lyra followed Sirius and Rodolphus and only Rabastan was left with Marvolo. 

"Do you want to me to remind you that I'm still the dark lord, Rabastan?" Marvolo glared at him threateningly. 

"My Lord, I don't want to leave you alone." Rabastan said before realizing how wrong it sounded. "I know you are capable of handling everything yourself. I just want to help you, My Lord." 

"You-" Marvolo looked away from him not knowing whether he should laugh or scold this kid. Marvolo placed a ward around the platform to stop the dementors from coming near anyone. The few who were already inside the ward were reduced to dust within a few swishes of his wand. He waited till everyone left the platform leaving them alone with the dementors. He made sure his death eaters were safe, each and every one of them. The children who were stuck in the train were helped to the floo by Rabastan. 

"My-" Rabastan cleared his throat making Marvolo glance at him impatiently. 

"Did everyone leave?" Marvolo didn't notice a few kids cowering near the floo as the dementors tried to go near them. 

"There are few kids. They are orphans and they have no where to go. They are afraid that the orphanage matrons will beat them for going back instead of going to Hogwarts." Rabastan explained.

"Send them to the manor." Marvolo ordered. "Go with them."

"But-" "Go." Marvolo said with force. "I can handle it from here." 

"Yes, My-" Rabastan didn't finish as there were others near him and left with the kids. 

"We had a fucking deal." Marvolo hissed in parseltongue before pointing his wand at the nearest dementor and hissed something again making it blast into pieces. This caught the attention of the other dementors. They saw that the ward has disappeared and went near him who glared at them with his red eyes. "You were the ones who broke the deal first, you can't blame me for killing you all." 

If anyone stayed back, they would've witnessed the raw power that Marvolo emitted to turn every dementor into shreds without even lifting a single finger. The train shook due to his power and almost fell off the track. He heard a whimper and snapped towards the source. He saw a black kitten whimpering in a cage and sighed. He thought there was someone else on the platform. He waved his hand to let the kitten go who ran as soon as it was free. 

"You are going to regret this, Dumbledore." Marvolo promised to the silent platform. "You must be thinking I was going soft for laying down all these days. You are forgetting that I'm still the darkest of the dark lords that you've ever seen or will ever see in your life." 

"Marvolo!" Lyra shouted from the floo and ran towards him. "Are you fine? I'm so sorry for leaving you. I should've stayed with you. I couldn't think of anything after seeing my dad like that. Are you hurt? You are fine, right? Why didn't you come back with Rabastan? He said you were the only one who was left at the platform with all those dementors. What if they tried to get near you and tried to suck your soul- No, no, no. What am I talking? Stupid me. You are fine. Nothing happened to you. You are really stupid to not come back and stay here. That too all alone with all those dementors. What were you thinking?  Dad is still unconscious. Severus came to check on him and said that it might be due to the dementors aura. We don't know why he reacted such way. We can only get answers when he wakes up as Rodolphus said he might know what happened to him. Also, they said dad won't like it if we asked a healer instead of him. He is so pale and I'm so worried about him. Then, Rabastan comes to tell me that you are here alone. How can you be so reckless and not think about yourself? About me? What will happen to me if something happened to you? Do you know how worried everyone are at home?"

Lyra was cut off by a pair of lips making her gasp at the sudden kiss. She was pulled into a hard chest by a pair of strong hands that didn't look like they will let her go any sooner. She was kissed hard yet gentle. This was by far the most passionate kiss that they ever shared. She was panting hard when he pulled away from her and rested their foreheads together. 

"Home." He said as if it was some foreign word. 

Chapter Text

"You know something, don't you?" Severus asked as he looked at Sirius. Rodolphus knew that he was talking to him even if Severus wasn't looking at him. "What's wrong with him?"

"He was kept in high security cell and the dementors effect on him is more when compared to us." Rodolphus said looking at Sirius himself. "But, he shouldn't be effected like this after 3 years."

"Then why?" Severus finally looked at him. "Why did he react like this?"

"He didn't get any treatment for the aftereffects." Rodolphus sighed looking at Severus. "Also, there might be something else bothering him all this while stopping him from being happy."

"Molly fucking Weasley." Severus muttered clenching his fists before he stood up and left the room angrily. 

"Don't." Rodolphus warned him. "You don't want him to think that you murdered a person because of him."

"I'm going to make some potions." Severus snapped. "I'm not a fool to do such thing."

"Sorry." Rodolphus sighed. 

"Also, he won't be mad that the bitch died." Severus said looking into his eyes. "He is the one who killed the toad."

"The toad." Rodolphus chuckled slightly. 

"Inform me if he wakes up." Severus said before leaving the room. 

"Alright, Severus." Rodolphus said knowing fully well that Severus already left and couldn't listen. "I think we can manage if you want both of us, Sirius." Rodolphus smiled as he looked at Sirius. 

"How is he?" Marvolo asked entering the room with Lyra on his side holding his hand tightly as she looked at her dad sadly. 

"He is doing well. He should up in a couple of hours. There is nothing to worry, Lyra." Rodolphus smiled at her and she buried her face in Marvolo's side. 

"I'll take care of her. Just tell us if he wakes up." Marvolo said wrapping his arm around her. 

"Yes, My Lord." Rodolphus nodded his head. Marvolo apparated both of them to his room. 

"Why is it always my family?" She cried into his chest. "I just got my dad."

"They are going to regret it." Marvolo pulled away from her and cupped her cheeks. "This pretty face doesn't look good with tears. I'll make sure every person responsible for this is going to suffer even more."

"I want them all gone, Marvolo." Lyra said and he kissed her forehead with a small smile. 

"As my lady commands." Marvolo said wrapping his arms around her and she hugged him back tightly. 

"Marvolo, what is going to happen now?" Lyra asked after a few minutes. They were now sitting on the couch. She was tucked into his side as he rubbed her side in comfort. "What about Hogwarts?"

"You are not going back." Marvolo said firmly. "I was trying to be nice and solve everything as peacefully as possible. They've crossed the line today. They are clearly targeting my people publicly. They've declared war. They are going to get a war." 

"Are you going to be fine?" She asked worriedly. He smiled as he looked at her and she smiled back at him unsurely. 

-

"What just happened?" Hermione screeched as they landed at Burrow almost falling over each other. "Was it you-know-who?"

"No." Molly said calmly. "It's Albus. He was trying to clear a few death eaters."

"Why didn't you tell us?" Ron shouted at her. "What if something happened to us? Why did you tell us to be nice to Lyra if you knew we weren't going back to Hogwarts today?" 

"I thought you would get a chance to talk to her before all this happens and you can bring her here." Molly sighed. "That girl has to spoil everything. Why can't she do what we tell her to do?"

"What do you mean by bring her here?" Hermione asked with jealousy.

"We need to tell her about the adoption and make her believe that we have her best interests and we will take her in before those death eaters think of doing it and spoil her life." Molly explained to her. "Also, we will lie to her about how she can come to us if you-know-who tries to do something to her."

"But why?" Hermione asked almost stomping her foot in anger. 

"So that we can make her go back to him as he needs her to be. We need him to trust her and when he lets his guard down in front of her, then Albus can kill the bastard." Molly said with a grin.

"That's great, but how long is it going to be?" Ron asked her. "I don't like her, mum."

"No one does, Ronnie. But, Albus told that we need her to win the war." Molly said stroking his hair. "We will be rewarded accordingly after everything's done, Ronnie. Don't worry at all."

"Fine." Ron huffed crossing his arms over his chest. "When are we going back to Hogwarts then?"

"Albus said that he will make Minerva send letters as soon as it's done." Molly informed them before sighing again. "But he wanted Lyra to be with us. He wanted to lure you-know-who with her."

"Why would you-know-who fall into his trap?" Ginny asked her. 

"You-know-who is a possessive bastard." Hermione rolled her eyes. "Headmaster told me that he likes to collect antique things and he hates it when someone tries to take it away from him. He kills to get back what is his."

"Lyra was given to him, so he would come for her." Ginny nodded her head. "What if he doesn't think her as his thing?"

Fred and George who just entered the house heard Ginny say that and stopped at the door. They frowned not liking how Ginny is describing Lyra as some thing. She is a human just like all of them, how can Ginny say such. They were angry on behalf of their sister in all but blood. They controlled themselves to not kill their blood sister and listened to what else they were talking. 

"Enough, anyone might hear us. Arthur might've heard about what happened at the station and will be back to check on us." Molly stopped them and the twins sighed as they are late to hear their conversation. They didn't know what happened at the station and wanted to get their things that are still in their room. They thought Molly will be visiting Dumbledore, but they left thinking to return later in night when they are asleep as they didn't want to face these people at the moment. 

-

"What happened to him?" Remus looked worried as he stood beside Sirius who was still unconscious. "Did a dementor come close to him? How is Lyra? Where is she? What about Draco? Others?"

"Everyone's fine. He just fainted." Rodolphus answered him. "The dementors just effected him a bit more than everyone else."

"Why?" Remus frowned not liking where this was going. Sirius is finally happy, why can't he stay like that?

"You know it already." Rodolphus said looking into his eyes. "Don't you?"

"Why?" Remus said again, but Rodolphus knew he wasn't asking anyone but himself. "Why didn't I help him when I could."

"You couldn't." Severus said entering the room. "You were sent to Greyback every time you were seen getting close to Sirius. When you returned, you would be tired and exhausted. Sirius would try to stay away from you to not bother you more."

"He is never a bother to me." Remus said angrily. "Idiot."

"You know them. Blacks are so stubborn as much as Potters." Severus smirked slightly and Remus chuckled at that. 

"James and Sirius would fight with each other stubbornly for the first place." Remus agreed. 

"Mmm." Sirius stirred in his sleep and everyone waited for him to wake up, but instead he just turned on his side and continued to sleep. They looked at each other not knowing what's going on. "Lemme sleep. Turn the lights off." He muttered under his breath.

Remus was the first one to break the silence with a chuckle. The other two followed him and Sirius groaned in annoyance. He covered himself with the blanket and huffed angrily at the people who were making noises and disturbing his sleep. Why can't they go somewhere else and talk?

"Get lost, bastards." Sirius snarled from inside the blanket. 

"Sorry." Severus said moving the blanket away and stroking his hair slightly. He waved his wand to dim the lights and Sirius sighed in relief. 

"Now go." Sirius said to him and Severus hummed before looking at Rodolphus who was looking at his hand which was on Sirius' head. 

"Let's go." Rodolphus said with a half smile and left the room with Remus. 

"May be, we can manage." Severus muttered to himself as he left the room a few paces behind them. 

"Hmm?" Rodolphus turned to him and Severus shook his head at him. "Something wrong?"

"Nothing." Severus answered and Rodolphus nodded. 

"How is he?" Lucius asked them when they entered the living room. "Why are you here?" 

"He kicked us out. He wants to sleep and said we are disturbing him." Remus rolled his eyes. "Here we are worried about him and that man just wants to sleep not caring about anything else."

"He is fine, right?" Rabastan asked and Rodolphus nodded at him. He sighed in relief and relaxed into the arm chair. "Thank Salazar."

"How is Lyra? Where is she?" Remus asked sitting beside Rabastan who avoided to look at him for some reason. Severus narrowed his eyes slightly at him before a smirk formed on his lips. Interesting, he thought to himself. 

"She is fine. The dark lord is taking care of her. She is sad that something happened to Sirius again." Lucius said looking a bit confused at the smirk on Severus' face. Severus gave him a nod saying that he will explain it later. 

"The dementors didn't come close-" "The dark lord would've burned the whole station not caring about anyone if such thing happened." Rodolphus scoffed at the ridiculous question. 

"Yeah, right." Remus sighed in relief. They sat in silence for a long time deep in their own thoughts. Draco entered the silent room and looked at them confused. 

"What happened?" Draco asked them. 

"Nothing." Rodolphus shook his head. "What are the two Black sisters doing?"

"They didn't let me go till now. I had to distract them by talking about the dark lord and what he is going to do about the current situation. Bellatrix is very easy to distract, but mother won't leave my hand afraid that I'll leave and something happens to her ticket to Black family's vaults." Draco complained angrily. "How could you leave me alone with them?"

"I didn't have any choice." Lucius said apologetically. "I had to go to the ministry and make sure no one knew about the dark lord's identity. It is not safe for any of us."

"You could've taken me with you." Draco whined slightly, only slightly. 

"I thought they won't disturb you if I told them that you are resting." Lucius said to him. "Did they wake you up?"

"Not exactly. Mother sent an elf every 10 minutes to make sure I'm still alive. It was distracting." Draco huffed. 

"Calm down, Draco." Severus patted his shoulder. "Just stay here until night and leave when Narcissa falls asleep."

"Hello people." Sirius entered the room yawning slightly. 

"What are you doing here?"

"Why are you up from your bed?"

"Why are you not in your room/bed?"

"What were you thinking getting out of your bed?"

Everyone said at the same time. Sirius just rolled his eyes at them and winked at Draco who chuckled. He looked around and raised an eyebrow when he didn't find Lyra with them. 

"She is with the dark lord." Draco answered his question without asking. "She must be resting as everything that happened must've stresses her a lot." 

"Right." Sirius said looking at the vase beside Draco with determined eyes. He knew what he needs to do now. It was decided long ago. He turned around when someone entered the room behind and locked eyes with ruby red eyes of the dark lord who looked as determined if not more than him. 

"It is time, Sirius." Marvolo told him. 

Chapter Text

"Dad, how are you?" Lyra ran towards him. She was resting the whole day as Marvolo said he will wake her up if something happens. She slept trusting him even if she knew that he won't disturb her sleep for anything. "Are you ok? Are you hurt anywhere from yesterday? Are you in any sort of pain? Is it fine for you to come here to have breakfast-"

"Bambi, I'm perfectly fine and healthy." Sirius grinned at her and kissed her head. "I was just about to come and fetch you for breakfast."

"Are you really fine?" She asked worriedly. "You swear?"

"I do." Sirius sighed and hugged her tightly before letting her go. "I'm really really really fine, Bambi. I swear."

"Alright. I believe you." She nodded slowly. "I'm afraid."

"Of what?" Sirius frowned. He paused mid step towards the dining room. "What's wrong, pup?"

"Yesterday, the minister, Dumbledore and all of them tried to publicly attack our people." Sirius wasn't surprised to hear the word 'our people' from her as he knew she started referring everything related to Marvolo as her own. "This means war, Sirius. Marvolo is going to prepare for a war. I don't want anything to happen to him."

"Nothing is going to happen to him, pup." Sirius assured her.

"I want to fight with him." She said determinedly.

"I thought you didn't want to fight in the war at all. You wanted to be left out of all these." Sirius said cupping her cheek lightly. "Bambi, you don't have to do something that you don't like or don't want to do. No one are forcing you. We only want you to be happy and safe."

"I can't be happy even if I'm safe when something happens to you or Marvolo or anyone in this manor sitting at dining table right now." She said to him angrily. "I can't be happy knowing I didn't even do something to save you even if I know I could."

"Bambi." Sirius sighed and looked at her for a long moment. "I- We don't want you to be in danger at all."

"The feeling is mutual, dad." Lyra said to him choking slightly.

"Why don't you think again about this and we will talk again in a few days?" Sirius stroked her hair gently. "I won't tell anyone about this. Think it thoroughly and tell me what you have decided about fighting in the war."

"I love you and I love Marvolo too." She said and he sighed.

"Oh baby." Sirius let her cry into his chest. He knows the feeling of fear of losing someone you love. He lost his brother that he loved so dearly. "It's ok, I'm here. I'm not going to leave you again. I swear I'll do my best to not die in the war that is going to start soon."

"I'm so afraid." She sobbed into his chest. Sirius was glad that none of the others came out to see why they aren't coming to eat yet. He held her as she cried out her fears into his chest.

"Better?" He asked when her sobs reduced to occasional sniffles.

"I'm sorry for being a cry baby." She said and he just kissed her head lightly. "I want to do something and not just sit at home and do nothing."

"I understand." Sirius nodded. "As I said, think about it for a few more days. I'll think about it too. Alright?"

"Ok." She nodded her head and he smiled at her and kissed her forehead.

"Why don't you go back to your room and wash your face? I'll wait for you. We don't want anyone seeing you like this and thinking that you were crying." Sirius said and she nodded going back to her room.

"I don't want her to fight." A voice said from the shadows as soon as she left.

"I was wondering why you aren't out yet." Sirius chuckled as the man came into the light.

"I can't lose her." He said with determination in his voice. "I can't."

"I-" "Not after finally feeling loved by someone. I never knew what love is. This is a very foreign feeling to me, Sirius. I'm still trying to adapt to it and if something happens to her, then I don't know what I might do. I might turn back to the monster that I once was." He continued not letting Sirius speak anything.

"Can you say no to her?" Sirius asked him. "She is going to feel guilty if something happens to you and she is sitting home not at your side."

"We need to change our plans, Sirius." Marvolo said clenching his fists. "We can't declare a public war. I can't afford to lose her, not after everything we went through."

"What do you suggest?" Sirius asked feeling slightly afraid of the aura that is surrounding the man. It is the darkest and scariest magic of all times. Grindelwald might not even have half of this darkness within him. How did he not see this man's true potential and was foolish enough to join Dumbledore during the first war? He should've noticed it and even convinced James to join dark or at least stay neutral in the least.

"I don't have anything on my mind at the moment. We need a new plan that involves deaths of each and every order member no matter their age, gender or blood purity. I don't want any of them alive as long as they support Dumbledore or on ministry's side." Marvolo became the Lord Voldemort that everyone fears. "I-"

"What's wrong?" Sirius looked confused when he stopped and his whole aura calmed down instantly.

"She is coming. I'll go inside. Don't let her make rash decisions, Sirius." Marvolo said looking vulnerable as he met Sirius' eyes shocking him. This man can kill thousands of people without even lifting his wand and yet he is afraid to lose a small girl who he loves with his whole heart, if Sirius is not wrong.

"I swear." Sirius said and Marvolo nodded relieved before going inside.

"Shall we go?" Lyra held his arm bringing Sirius out of his thoughts.

"We shall." Sirius nodded and led her inside sighing in his heart. Both of them love each other so much already. They are afraid for each other and don't want the other to get hurt. Dumbledore, Sirius thought angrily.

-

"What happened?" Dumbledore frowned when Molly came to him the next day looking anxious.

"Albus, the blood is missing." Molly said and Dumbledore stood up from his chair angrily.

"What do you mean by missing? I thought you kept it safely at the burrow. How can it be missing?" Dumbledore roared at her.

"I don't know. I kept it in a highly warded drawer of my closet. No one, not even Arthur opens my closet and he wouldn't even go close to that drawer after seeing the number of wards that I've put." Molly said freaking out. "The twins are not even coming back to the Burrow as they are angry for what we did to that stupid Potter girl. Bill is as usual living with his girlfriend and Charlie didn't even visit once from a long time. You know Percy doesn't even stay for long time when he visits and he only stays in the living room if he visits."

"Then how can the blood go missing?" Dumbledore asked her getting angry by each second. "Do you know how precious that blood is to us? Do you know what we could've done with that blood? Do you even know what you lost, stupid woman?"

"Albus, how can you-" "Shut up!" Dumbledore shouted at her making her cower in fear at his tone. "You don't even know or understand what you did by losing the girl's blood."

"Why can't we call her and give her something to drink. Make her unconscious and then take some more." Molly suggested to him.

"Do you think it is that easy? Do you think Black is going to let her come near you again after knowing what your planning to do with her?" Dumbledore sneered at her.

"Albus, Black is not her father-" "Just because you say it doesn't mean he is not. Black blood adopted the girl when she was one day old and James Potter trusted Black to be the girl's father if something happens to him." Dumbledore snapped at her. "Do you even know the bond between the girl and Black? You should be thankful that he didn't kill you already for trying to think of harming the girl and looting her when she is married to your son."

"But-" "Don't you understand basic english, Molly?" Dumbledore asked exasperated. "Black is the girl's father, you like it or not."

"He is not-" "Don't make me do something that you won't like, Molly." Dumbledore cut her off angrily. "I'm already pissed off because of your stupidity of not able to keep a single thing safe."

"But Albus, I don't even know how it went missing." Molly said to him.

"Let's go and see if we can find anything around the drawer. Magical residue of the person who stole or something." Dumbledore said leaving towards the floo. Molly rushed to follow Dumbledore to Burrow through the floo.

"Albus, wait!" Molly said but it was too late as Arthur was standing in front of him in their bedroom looking at Dumbledore and then at Molly with shock and suspicion in his eyes.

"What are you doing here, Albus?" Arthur asked him. He wouldn't have thought much if Albus was at Burrow in the middle of the night, but he is in the master bedroom of Burrow and Arthur didn't think Dumbledore needs to come to this room at any time of the day.

"Arthur, I can explain." Molly tried to come forward, but he glared at her. He isn't talking to Molly from the day he knew about her plans regarding Lyra and Ron's marriage to steal from Lyra.

"Is this why you were eager to send me off today?" Arthur asked her angrily.

"Arthur, my boy-" "Don't, Albus." Arthur raised his hand to stop the man from saying anything else. "I guess I should be glad that I forgot an important file to take back to work. Else, I wouldn't have found what you do in my home on my bed after I leave for work everyday, Molly."

"Arthur, how can you-" "How can I what, Molly?" Arthur asked her. "Isn't this enough proof for me to say what I just said?"

"This is a misunderstanding." Dumbledore said to him. "You are just misunderstanding, my boy."

"Then pray tell me what you are doing here, Albus?" Arthur asked him and they couldn't think of anything to tell him at the moment. They can't even tell him about the blood of Lyra that they extracted secretly from the letters she sent. "I thought so."

"Arthur, please try to understand." Molly begged him. "I see Albus as my mentor and someone-"

"Molly, either you tell me the truth or don't speak at all." Arthur said harshly. "I trusted you to be loyal to me and as we still have two children studying at Hogwarts who are not yet off age, I wanted to try and talk to you. But I don't think it is going to be of any use."

"Arthur-" "I don't think I can even look at your face without feeling disgusted. I regret not listening to the children and for still thinking about giving you a chance to redeem yourself. I should've just filed for divorce the day I knew about your true face. I loved you, Molly. I loved the Molly Prewett who doesn't care about money and only wanted love. But this, you are just a gold digging woman now. You only care about money, money and money. You don't even care about our children. You don't even ask how they are when they come home for holidays. All you are worried about is why they left their jobs to come home and losing their salaries for taking leave. I'm done, Molly Weasley, soon to be Prewett." Arthur said leaving the room.

Neither Dumbledore nor Molly can stop him as he left and they just looked at each other in shock. Molly fainted as soon as her mind registered every single word that Arthur said to her. Dumbledore rolled his eyes at the woman at his feet and went to check the drawer where the blood was kept to check for any magic around it. 

Chapter Text

"Dad, did you-"
"-find what we-"
"-asked you to find?" The twins asked as soon as Arthur entered their shop. 

"Yes, the parchment is stored in Molly's cupboard with so many wards." Arthur said keeping the parchment on the table and looked at it with nothing but disgust. The disgust was not towards the person who wrote this letter rather it is towards the people who are at his house right now. "I'm going to burn it now."

"Go ahead." Fred nodded seeing how he is tense from the moment he entered. 

"What's wrong?" George asked him as soon as the parchment turned into ashes. 

"Nothing. I just decided it is best to divorce your mother." Arthur rubbed his forehead making them frown. It's not that they are not happy by his decision, but they know something must've happened for him to take this decision finally. They tried to convince him a lot and he didn't agree, but suddenly he is saying that he is going to divorce Molly, something must've happened that changed his decision.

"How did you find this?" Fred asked instead. 
"And how did you manage to bring without alerting her?" George asked him. 

They think Arthur's change of mind is something related to the parchment which is now turned into ashes on the table. He must've seen something or heard something when he was trying to find this particular parchment at Burrow. They wanted to know what upset their father to suddenly take this big but wise decision. 

"I started searching from our bedroom when you told me about it. I was hoping to not find it and Molly wouldn't go to such extremes for money. But, I became suspicious when I saw a vault in Molly's cupboard with so many wards. It took me a few days to remove the wards and take the parchment out. I just took it out this morning and left to ministry as usual. I remembered that I forgot to put the other parchment in the vault in place of the original parchment and went back. I was about to open the cupboard when Albus came in to the room." Arthur sighed. 

"Dumbledore came to the master bedroom at Burrow?" George frowned at that.

"He must've known about the missing parchment. Molly must've informed him as soon as she saw the empty vault. I didn't think she would check it so soon." Arthur explained. "But, I felt so disgusted knowing they are so heartless and would do something like using her blood to forcefully adopt Lyra and turn her life into hell."

"Dad-" "No, Fred." Arthur shook his head. "I understood how much Molly changed as soon as I found this parchment in our bedroom. I said a few things to Molly while leaving which I know aren't completely true as she would never do what I accused her of. But, she has become someone I couldn't recognize anymore."

"Don't blame yourself." George said to him placing his hand around his dad in support. 

"I don't know how she became into some like this. Why didn't I see it? I don't even know when she started changing into a money-minded person. May be, I was too busy at the ministry earning money that I didn't notice her change in behavior." Arthur shook his head. 

"Dad, it's not your fault. You only worked hard for us." Fred said to him. 

"I'm sorry for not noticing it earlier." Arthur still apologized. "You suffered because of-"

"No." They said sternly. 

"Don't you dare-"
"-blame yourself."
"You are the best dad." The twins said hugging him tightly. 

"I love you guys." Arthur said hugging them back. "I need to find an attorney to file for divorce. I can't live with her anymore."

"We can help-"
"-you in finding one." They smirked at each other before grinning at Arthur who chuckled at their antics.

"Alright then, I'll leave it up to you." Arthur said smiling at them. He felt really lucky to have such sons who are there for him even in the hardest times of his life. They love him, unlike Ron and Ginny who only care about their mother and money. "I won't force Ron or Ginny to be with me. They can choose to be Prewetts along with Molly, if they want."

"They will love it." Fred scoffed in anger at his younger siblings.

"They are just too much into Dumbledore's plans." Arthur told them. "We can't change them anymore. They are still my children, so I will continue to pay their fees at Hogwarts for the next few years till they are done with their final years. Molly will take care of their other needs. Even if they chose Molly over me, Prewett over Weasley, they are my blood."

"We can understand." George nodded while Fred looked unhappy about it, but knew he couldn't fight with his father about this matter. It was already hard for his dad to let them go, he can't completely abandon them. Their father is too soft-hearted to such thing. If it was Molly in his place, she wouldn't have thought twice before cutting all her relations with the children who didn't choose her. 

"Tell Sirius that it's done and not to worry about the adoption matter anymore." Arthur told them. "Also, ask him how Lyra and others are doing. It was a big messy situation yesterday. Hope everyone are fine."

"Did you know-"
"-the ministry is secretly-"
"-planning to attack death eaters-"
"Umbridge is captured by Sirius."
"Sirius saw it in her office-"
"-that she approved the secret mission-"
"-in proxy of Fudge who couldn't-"
"-sign it because of the treaty?" The twins asked and Arthur felt his disgust towards Dumbledore grow even more as he knows that this mission must be a plan of Dumbledore before he signed the treaty. The ministry doesn't have people who are as cunning and smart as Dumbledore in higher levels to think of such plan. 

"Dumbledore knows about it, doesn't he?" Arthur asked sneering slightly and they nodded. "Bastard."

"Do you think the dementors attack-"
"-yesterday was by ministry?" The twins frowned. 

"The dark lord won't-"
"-do such thing when Lyra-"
"-is going to be at the station."
"Don't you think?"
"From what we know through-"
"-Lyra, he treats her so well." The twins said thinking deeply. 

"It is done by Dumbledore." Arthur sighed. "I heard how the dementors particularly went towards people with dark mark."

"He is declaring war." The twins gasped. 

"He is." Arthur agreed. "I hope, this time the war won't be as bloody as last time. From what you said, the dark lord is not as insane as he was last time."

"He isn't." The twins shook their heads in negative.

"That's nice to hear." Arthur said relieved. "Hope everything goes fine and no innocent suffers in the war this time. Dumbledore doesn't realize how big mistake he is doing by declaring war as soon as he signed the treaty. The people who stayed neutral are going to support the dark lord once he comes into the public and starts gaining their attention as soon as they know how much he changed."

"He already gained a lot of supporters-"
"-by the help of Sirius."
"We are going to help him too."
"We are going to tell our friends-"
"-about the truth."
"Everyone should know what-"
"-type of person Dumbledore is."
"They shouldn't be fooled by-"
"-his grandfatherly smile anymore." The twins said determinedly. 

"I'll talk to a few colleagues of mine. They are not dark, but they aren't big fans of the ministry or Dumbledore either. They are quite irritated by Fudge to begin with. They might be easy to sway." Arthur mused. "I'll ask them to pass this to their friends and family. We are going to help the dark lord gain as many people as we can. Tell Bill, Charlie and Percy about this. We can't let Dumbledore win. Last time, neither of them won, but this time it won't be the same. We are going to do our best to support the right side."

"Yes." The twins agreed with Arthur. "We support the right lord."

"We do." Arthur smiled at them before leaving to the ministry. He met his colleagues and asked them for dinner after work. He is not a fool to talk about such matter at the ministry. They agreed and soon he went back to work to distract himself from what's happening at his home. 

The twins immediately started writing letters to Sirius and their brothers as soon as Arthur left. They wrote a letter to Sirius about the good news and then they wrote another 3 letters to their brothers asking them to come and meet them as soon as possible. They made sure that their brothers understand this matter is quite urgent and they have to come quickly to their shop to discuss about it. The twins sighed when the letters were sent and went back to their business. They can't slack down as they just opened their shop recently. 

-

"Good news?" Marvolo asked looking at the smile on Sirius' face when he entered his study. 

"Very good." Sirius said grinning at him showing all his teeth. 

"Do share." Marvolo said folding his arms on top of the table and looked at Sirius half-amused. He needs to think of a way to keep Lyra safe and also make sure Dumbledore knows not to mess with him and his death eaters. He can't warn Dumbledore without appearing in the middle of the battle field and Lyra won't let him go alone after the dementor incident. She knows he can handle it, but she loves him too much to let him go alone to face Dumbledore in the duel. 

"The twins wrote that Arthur found the parchment with Lyra's blood and they've burned the parchment successfully. Molly and Dumbledore can't do anything regarding Lyra's adoption matter now that the blood is gone. We can rest assured that one of our problems is solved." Sirius told him and Marvolo felt himself relax a little at the new information. 

It is very nice hearing a pleasant news once in a while. Last two weeks were filled with bad news or tensions for him and his death eaters. At least, one thing is solved now. Slowly, he intends to solve the rest of the things just like this. He is glad that Lyra won't be forced to go to the Weasleys now that the parchment is gone and Dumbledore won't be able to do anything to her now as long as she doesn't go near him. 

"What is our next plan?" Sirius asked him. 

"We are going to stay low for a while. We need a perfect plan to strike Dumbledore, we need to capture at least a few of his lackeys and show him that it is not good to go back on their word to us." Marvolo explained. "We can't publicly kidnap them, but everyone should know that we are the ones who captured them and we will not sit quietly anymore."

"How are we going to do such thing?" Sirius asked confused. "I mean if we lay low and don't go into public to capture them, then how is it possible for us to even capture them?"

"I'm planning on taking help of the Weasley twins. They are rather creative with their works, don't you think?" Marvolo asked with a rare smile. "I heard Lyra praise them about their pranks and everything. I also heard that you are one of the marauders who used to create chaos at Hogwarts with your pranks. Also, you are the one who give ideas to the twins with their new inventions at their shop."

"Yes to all of them." Sirius said nodding his head. "How do you want us to help you? I'm ready to do anything you want us do. The twins are going to help us too. They told me that they are going to gather more people to support the dark side. Their brothers will be helping them too. Even Arthur is going to join us and help us gain more people."

"Interesting." Marvolo said smiling some more. 

"Ah, before I forget, Arthur is going to divorce that bitch." Sirius smirked at him. 

"Oh, that is even more interesting to hear." Marvolo said smirking back. "Anyways, back to our plan. I need you to do something along with the twins."

"Anything." Sirius said looking forward to help the dark lord any way he can. The dark lord nodded before telling half of his plan and outlines of what he was planning to do. He isn't fully sure how they are going to execute it, but Sirius got the gist of it. "We are going to think a few ways about how to make it happen. Don't worry about it anymore. Leave it to us Marauders. Moony will be glad to help us in this, if I think about it. You should think about the rest half of the plan on what to do when we finally capture those people. We will come back with a perfect plan with your idea."

"I know I can trust you with this." Marvolo nodded before sending him away. Now, he needs to talk to his beloved followers and think about the rest of the plan. 

Chapter Text

"What's wrong?" Lyra looked at them suspiciously. "What are you guys trying to hide from me?"

"Nothing." Marvolo said without blinking. *I wouldn't hide anything from you. There is something I need to tell you though."

"What is it?" Lyra asked fearing the worst. She really has a bad feeling as she looked at Marvolo. "Why won't you tell me anything the last few days?"

"We haven't decided what to do in the past few days." Marvolo said calmly. "We have just come to a decision this morning."

"Regarding what?" Lyra asked impatiently.

"Hogwarts." Sirius said deeply thinking about something else.

"What about it?" Lyra asked glaring at them. "Just spit it out, will you?"

"I'm going to Hogwarts as the DADA Professor as planned before." Marvolo said to her.

"Wha-" "Before you say something else, we didn't want Dumbledore to get suspicious about me. So, I have to go if we don't want him to think Tom and Voldemort to be the same person." Marvolo explained to her.

"But-" "It's going to be fine." Sirius assured her. "He's only going to teach for a month before-"

"Before what?" Lyra asked him. "Just tell me everything, will you?"

"We are still unsure about everything, dearest. Just give me some more time before I can explain everything to you. You don't need to worry about my well being. I can handle myself well." Marvolo said calmly trying to assure her worried heart.

"Marvolo, how can you expect me to not worry when Dumbledore publicly announced war against us?" Lyra asked making him smile at the word 'us'. She glared more at that stupidly smile which made him even more irresistable. "What are you smiling for? If he knows that you are the dark lord, he is surely going to try everything to kill you."

"He won't." Marvolo said to her. "He knows that he can't kill me. Not yet."

"What?" Lyra frowned before understanding his words. Horcruxes. "He knows about them too. You said it yourself."

"Yes, but not their locations." Marvolo said to her. "Don't think too much, darling. Just relax. It's going to be fine for now. I will be back home before anything can even go wrong."

"I don't want you to go at all." Lyra said shaking her head.

"He will be really fine, pup. Don't worry. It's a fool proof plan." Sirius said hugging her shoulder. "Believe me."

"He will be in danger, dad." She said burying her face on his shoulder. "I don't want anything happening to him.

"We just need to decide on a few things and we will explain everything to you. Then, you will know that he will be fine." Sirius said kissing her head. "Trust us, Bambi. We won't be so careless like teenagers."

"You are going head first into danger just like I used to." Lyra pointed out grumpily. "Marvolo is going to be in danger every second while he is at Hogwarts."

"I won't be alone." Marvolo finally revealed making Sirius stiffen slightly in surprise. The shared an eye contact for a few moments before Lyra spoke again. 

"What do you mean by that?" Lyra asked confused. 

"We will tell you everything soon. We just don't want to drop the bomb on you suddenly about me going to Hogwarts on the last day." Marvolo told pulling her close to him. Sirius rolled his eyes at the possessive man and shook his head.

"I'll be in the library." Sirius said leaving the room to the two love birds. 

"Are you sure you don't want me, Sev?" A seductive voice asked as soon as Sirius entered the library. Sirius stopped mid step and frowned angrily. 

"Why should I even want you?" Severus asked coolly making Sirius frown even more. 

"You've been alone for too long, Sev." The voice purred making Sirius clench his fist tightly. He took a deep breath and slowly followed the voice to where they were standing. Severus was leaning lazily on the aisle behind him and his expression was slightly amused as he looked at some woman Sirius doesn't even know. She was too close to Severus than others were allowed to stand. Sirius narrowed his eyes at both of them. 

"That doesn't mean I would want you." Severus shrugged a single shoulder before his eyes met Sirius. Severus felt Sirius' magic as soon as he entered. He wanted to see what Sirius would do in this situation. 

"You need someone like me to relieve you of the stress that you must've been accumulating all these years. Don't you?" The woman touched his arm making him snap his eyes back to her. He looked at her coldly for even daring to touch him.

"No, he doesn't." Sirius snapped before Severus can even say a single word. Her hand was ripped away from him faster than Severus can comprehend what's happening. He wondered how Sirius was able to come to him so fast. 

"How dare you-" "I dare." Sirius scowled at her. "Scram! Before I make what I did to Umbridge a child's play."

The woman obviously know what happened to the bloody toad. She was tortured ruthlessly by a person and also was made to write with a blood quill that not only draws one's blood but also injects slow poison into their body. The poison will slowly start to make the person insane. She shuddered at the thought of Umbridge and looked at Sirius with wide and terrified eyes. 

"You are lying." She shouted. "I don't believe that you did-"

"He isn't." Severus spoke for him. "It's him."

"You- You are-" "I said to leave." Sirius said coldly still holding Severus' hand tightly in his. Severus had to stop from chuckling at how the woman ran away from the library with her tail between her legs. He looked at Sirius who was still glaring at the place the woman stood and had to stop himself again from smiling. Sirius' hand was tight around his forearm and he wondered if Sirius even knows that he is still holding the hand. 

"What's wrong?" Rodolphus entered at the moment and looked at both of them blankly. 

Sirius suddenly snapped out from wherever he was lost in his mind and looked at Rodolphus with wide eyes before looking at Severus who was looking at him calmly. He looked at their hands for a few moments before letting him go as if it burned. Severus was about to open his mouth when Sirius hurried out of the library bypassing Rodolphus easily who was almost blocking his exit.

"Did I say something wrong?" Rodolphus asked confused. 

"No." Severus said looking at his hand and back at Rodolphus. "Nothing."

"What happened?" Rodolphus asked sitting on the couch and Severus glared at the wall slightly before taking a seat beside him. 

"Something you wish never happens to you." Severus muttered under his breath. 

"You are worrying me, Sevvie." Rodolphus teased him. "Why are you so grumpy?"

"Why are you so friendly all of a sudden?" Severus asked instead of answering to the question. 

"I was just trying to be nice since we are going to be together with the same person forever." Rodolphus shrugged. "I'm trying to get used to the fact that I have share him with another person."

"How can you be so sure that he will be ours?" Severus asked frowning. "He doesn't even-"

"Calm down, Severus." Rodolphus chuckled. "He is worried about Lyra and he doesn't want to get entangled into a relationship at the moment. He thinks that getting into a relationship will make him ignore either Lyra or his partner or partners in our case."

"But, we will be there to support him too. We already do it." Severus said stubbornly. "Why can't he just accept us?"

"He might be cold to others, but you've seen him. He is afraid to lose people." Rodolphus sighed. "He lost too much in the past within few moments because he trusted the wrong person."

"We won't betray the dark lord ever." Severus said angrily.

"That is true, but Azkaban makes you weaker than you can think." Rodolphus said. "I knew that I was going to Azkaban when we got caught at the Longbottom Manor, I made myself ready as much as I can. I didn't let the dementors into my mind much. But, Sirius just lost his best friend, his other best friend betrayed him, he was in the middle of a fight when things changed rather fast. One moment he was in the middle of a street and the other moment he was in Azkaban. He didn't even have time to digest the fact that dementors started messing with his mind. You have to understand that he is just afraid of losing his kid just like all those years ago. He is guilty for making her suffer all these years even if he isn't to be blamed." 

"I never knew." Severus breathed out heavily. 

"You weren't there to understand. It's not your fault. Don't start blaming yourself now." Rodolphus patted his shoulder and gave him a small smile. 

"Can you tell me more about Azkaban and Dementors? I want to help him and even you guys." Severus said and Rodolphus shrugged before going into detail about their daily life everyday at Azkaban which wasn't much. They just sit there waiting for their lord to come back. Food everyday only once at noon. Dementors torturing them almost 3-4 times a day.

-

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Molly asked looking at Bill with a frown.

"Like what?" Bill asked casually. "I'm just looking at you like every time."

Molly took a deep breath to control herself and snapped her mouth shut. She looked at Bill for a few more moments before moving aside to let him into the house. Bill didn't even glance at her before going into the master bedroom directly without pausing to greet his siblings and Granger who are at the dining table, Ron was eating food like there was no tomorrow. Bill had to stop himself from rolling eyes and continued on his way.

"Where do you think are you going, young man?" Molly shouted running behind him to stop him. 

"My dad asked me to get his things from his old house." Bill said coldly making her stop in her tracks in shock. What did he just say? Molly thought confused. Arthur's things? Old house? 

"What do you mean by old house? Did he buy a new house? Where is he staying now? We want to go to the new house too. Why do we have to stay here while he goes to a new house?" Ron complained behind Molly. 

"I want to go too. I want a bigger room." Ginny demanded. 

"Dad is divorcing your mother." Bill told him as he packed Arthur's clothes into a bag making Molly snap out of her thoughts. 

"You-" Molly was pushed back by an invisible force when she went forward towards Bill. 

"Don't you dare come near me, woman." Bill glared at her. "I'm only here to get Dad's things. Don't try to do anything to me."

"I'm your mother." Molly yelled angrily and Bill just looked at her funnily. 

"I hope you acted like one too." Bill said quickly packing everything and went to leave when his younger siblings stopped him with multiple questions about the new house. They don't even care about the divorce. Greedy bastards, Bill thought angrily. 

"He is living with me in my flat." Bill lied as he didn't want Molly to pester Arthur by going to his place if she knows where he is staying. 

"Where is it?" Hermione asked making him look at her with a raised eyebrow. 

"Who do you think you are to question me little girl?" Bill scoffed at her before finally moving away from them and leaving the house to the twins' shop. His father is staying in the spare room here for now. He is still searching for a flat, but the Weasley siblings already planned to buy a big house for them to stay together with Arthur there. 

Chapter Text

"I never thought she was going to let you go." Sirius said sitting on the arm chair near the fire place with Marvolo. They are currently in the DADA professor quarters, Dumbledore was quite shocked to see Sirius as an assistant professor to Tom Idreld. Tom is right hand man of Voldemort and might have to leave his classes when the dark lord needs him. Sirius is going to take in his place at those times. 

"I promised to talk to her three times a day to make sure I'm still alive." Marvolo chuckled lightly. "You would think being the dark lord makes you scary, but you should've seen her when she was warning me with her finger pointed at me. She looked so serious that I was scared, the big bad dark lord was scared of the little girl who is going to be my wife in an year."

"Wife is a synonym of scary." Sirius joked making Marvolo laugh again. 

"Oh, is that why you got two men instead of a single woman?" Marvolo asked making Sirius freeze in his seat. His mouth shut with a click and he swallowed the lump that is forming in his throat. "You know I never thought I would see a day where Severus or Rodolphus are willing to bend down to others. They never take any shit from others, not even Bellatrix, the craziest woman ever could make Rodolphus do something he didn't want to. Also, they hate sharing, one would think with Rabastan being Rodolphus' younger brother and almost his son, he would learn sharing his things with Rabastan. But, if Rodolphus claims something as his or wants something to be his, hell freezes but he won't let anyone else claim it as theirs, not even Rabastan."

"I'm not a thing." Sirius said half-heartedly.

"You are not, but the possessiveness of a man or even a woman doesn't give a shit about that." Marvolo shrugged lightly. "I would cut off any man's fingers if they touch Lyra in a wrong way." 

"I know." Sirius nodded. "I'm glad that you would do that for her."

"It's not about me and Lyra, Sirius. It's about you." Marvolo sighed. "As I was saying, they are very possessive about theirs and I've seen how they look at you. I can feel it. It's the same as to how I feel about Lyra." 

"But-" "Let me finish, Sirius." Marvolo cut him off gently. "They don't like sharing and yet they are bending down for you. They know that you can't choose one of them. It's hard for them to accept that you like both of them, but they are trying for you."

"I don't want them to feel bad because of me." Sirius murmured. "They are going to get hurt because I can't choose."

"They aren't feeling bad, Sirius." Marvolo sighed. "They just want you to be happy. Content. You've never been given the choice to be happy. First your mother, then the war, Potter's death, Azkaban, even after you escaped, you couldn't be happy as you had to hide from ministry."

"They make me happy. I like being with them. I never thought I would say this about Severus, but he is really nice to me. He makes me feel so relaxed with his smooth voice whenever he is around. Rodolphus takes care of me the way I always wanted. Severus lets me speak my opinion instead of dismissing it and even considers my point. Rodolphus makes sure I'm comfortable while doing something. All these are just small things, but no one has ever done such things for me. My parents, friends, none of them knew the real me." Sirius sighed. "James tried to make me as comfortable as possible, he fucking tried his best, but it was war and he was hiding, he has a daughter to take care of and I loved him for what he did for me. He made sure I was happy even if it was only a tiny bit. Remus was dealing with his own demons and I don't blame him for not dealing with mine as well."

"What are you trying to say?" Marvolo asked leaning forward placing his forearms on his knees. 

"I don't know." Sirius admitted. "I don't know anything on how to take a step forward. I'm afraid I'm going to mess up things rather than making them right." 

"They won't mind." Marvolo said softly. 

"But, I don't want to fuck up." Sirius said looking like he is going to break. "I just don't know anything. This is all foreign to me. Someone making me their first priority. It's so foreign."

"I can understand." Marvolo said nodding his head. "Your friends made you as comfortable as possible, but you were not always their first priority due to different reasons. Your mother never cared about you the way you wanted her to and your father couldn't spend much time with you as he was busy being Lord Black and his duties keeping him away from home most of the time. Suddenly having, not one but two men, wanting to take care of you the way you always wanted is overwhelming."

"Exactly." Sirius sighed as someone finally understood him. "I didn't know how to phrase that. I understand why James and Remus never made me their first priority. They have their own lives, problems. I seriously would've been offended if they left everything to take care of me because I was lonely."

"Right." Marvolo chuckled shaking his head. "I can understand."

"Thank Merlin!! You are really a super duper genius, you know that?" Sirius said grinning slightly.

"Hmm, I've told a few times by one Lord Black." Marvolo smiled back at him. 

"I'm glad that I did." Sirius said relaxing. "But, I don't know what to do." 

"It's fine. Take it slow. But don't push them away." Marvolo said and Sirius nodded. 

"Am I doing the right thing?" Sirius asked looking nothing like the confident and arrogant Lord Sirius Black that he was while scolding the order members at Burrow. "I'm not taking the wrong choice, am I?"

"Of course not." Marvolo assured him. "As I said, just take it slow and you will see it yourself how much you mean to them and what they can do just to see you happy." 

"What about their own happiness?" Sirius asked frowning slightly making Marvolo smile at him. 

"They don't care about their happiness if it makes you happy. You are their source of happiness from the time they've claimed you as theirs." Marvolo told him. 

"But I'm not-" "Haven't you claimed both of them as yours too?" Marvolo raised an eyebrow at him. "Do you like it if someone else gets closer to either of them?"

"No." Sirius shook his head remembering how he reacted to see a woman close to Severus in the library back at Slytherin Manor. "I wanted to rip her hand away from Severus and even wanted to scold him for letting someone else touch him. I stopped myself in time to control my emotions."

"See, claiming one as yours doesn't mean you see them as a thing." Marvolo told him. "May be, there are people who do see other humans as things, but I know Rodolphus and Severus. They will only treat you with utmost respect and love."

"I'm still afraid of letting my feelings make decision for me." Sirius admitted.

"Never let your fear make decision either, Sirius. You will only regret in future if you do that." Marvolo advised him. There was a knock on the door and they looked at each other for a few moments before Sirius shook his head.

"I need some time before facing any of them. I want to clear my head before talking properly with them." Sirius pleaded. 

"Take your time." Marvolo patted his arm. "They won't rush you. If they do, come to me. I'll teach them a lesson."

"Thank you." Sirius said with a choked up voice. "I know it's messed up with you going to marry my daughter, but your care makes me wish my dad spent time with me to talk to me about such things."

"Orion loved you. That is all you should think. Don't think about the bad. He's already gone." Marvolo said soothingly.

"Alright, thank you for everything. Good night." Sirius went to his room before Severus enters as only Severus would come to their quarters at this time. 

"Good night, Sirius." Marvolo murmured and waited for Sirius' door to close before waving his hand and opening the doors to the quarters letting Severus in. 

"My lord, I hope I'm not disturbing your sleep." Severus says looking around trying to be as discreet as possible making Marvolo chuckle in amusement. 

"He is asleep." Marvolo said bluntly. "Come back tomorrow when it's not time for people to sleep."

"I-" "Just talk to him about things properly. He is afraid and you need to make him see that there's nothing to be afraid." Marvolo advised. 

"Afraid?" Severus frowned slightly. 

"He never had someone loving him like you two love him." Marvolo said and Severus nodded understanding his point. 

"I- We will talk to him." Severus said making Marvolo nod in satisfaction. 

"You better. Sirius is under my protection. I'm warning you, Severus." Marvolo stood up and Severus almost took a step back. "Hurt him and you will regret."

"I was your man from a longer time." Severus muttered slightly unhappy. The previous dark lord would've crucio'ed him for talking back, but this sane dark lord just chuckled and left to his own room. 

"You got to sort your priorities when you are going to marry someone, Severus. Their family is your family. Their problems are your problems. Their priorities are your priorities. Their worries are your worries. My girl loves her father and is worried about him. I'm only doing my best to make sure she won't have to worry too much about her father." Marvolo said while walking to his room. "Not that Sirius didn't warm his way into our big family as one of us."

"He did, didn't he?" Severus chuckled before nodding at the dark lord as a good night and leaving to the dungeons. "I should probably talk to Rodolphus about this. He would want to be a part of whatever we have to do to make Sirius trust us."

Severus didn't know when he got so comfortable in sharing his love interest with another man. He doesn't like sharing and everyone knew about it. Even the dark lord knows about it, the previous insane dark lord knew it too and never asked Severus to share something of his with others as he knew that Severus won't do it even if he was going to be punished for disobeying him. But, look at him now, he is ready to share Sirius' love with Rodolphus as long as it's going to make Sirius happy. His Sirius happy.

"Better write the letter before sleeping, Professor Snape." He said to himself bringing a parchment closer to himself as he sat at his desk and dipped the quill into an inkpot. Never in his life, did he think he would do this kind of thing. Falling in love is quite a surprise to even himself, but even sharing his love? He just hopes that they solve everything soon. It's quite hard to not give in to his urges whenever Sirius is nearby. 

"Rodolphus is going to be surprised to see a letter from me." He chuckled as he sealed the parchment and tapped it with his wand to send it to the elves who will deliver it for him. It's faster this way than sending it through an owl. 

Wait, why was Dumbledore so calm about Sirius' position. He was shocked, but other than that he didn't say a word. Is he planning something? Lyra didn't come back and he hoped Dumbledore won't use Sirius to lure her into some stupid trap. It looks like Dumbledore doesn't even trust him anymore as he hid about the new spy of the order among death eaters. 

"Let's call it a night and see what we can do about this old fool tomorrow." Severus groaned. "Dunderheads are going to return."

Chapter Text

"Why isn't Lyra back?" Hermione demanded Sirius the next morning when he was leaving the Great hall after breakfast. "Are you trying to lock her up like a prisoner? How dare you keep my best friend from getting educated and even steal her freedom like this? I'm going to complain against you to the ministry about you forcing my best friend."

"Are you done, Miss Granger?" Sirius asked blankly. "Ten points from Gryffindor for raising your voice against a professor. Ten points for delaying me from going to do my work. Ten points for shouting in the corridors. Ten points for disturbing other's peace. And finally, your badge will be taken away for a week as your punishment and detention for 2 weeks with Professor Snape."

"You can't-" "He can." Tom said walking to Sirius' side. "I'm the Deputy Headmaster this year and he is my assistant. His word is as effective as mine."

"You are doing this to me because I'm a muggleborn, aren't you?" Hermione asked going red in the face. "I will go to the ministry and tell them how mean you are to muggleborns and half-bloods."

"Girl, I'm a half blood and so is the dark lady. We don't have anything against half-bloods or even muggleborns." Tom rolled his eyes at her. "One of the dark lord's most trusted is also a half blood."

"You-" "Now, you are wasting time and it calls for more punishment. Don't you think, Sirius?" Tom asked looking at Sirius.

"You are right." Sirius nodded. "She is rather rude on top of that to her elders."

"Sirius, Tom, my boys." Dumbledore appeared from behind them suddenly and Sirius had to stop himself from smiling. "You shouldn't be so harsh on Miss Granger on the first day of your work. She is really a brilliant student and is just worried about her best friend, that's all. There is no need to take extreme measures for such a small thing. I think those points deductions and detentions are all uncalled for."

"If you only called us to teach DADA and do nothing else in the school, it would've been better if we stayed in our rooms for meals too." Tom murmured thoughtfully. "I guess, it's better to stay there and call for our elves during the meals."

"What are you saying, my boy?" Dumbledore looked at him  controlling his anger at the disrespect.

"I'm not your boy, Headmaster. I'm a Lord. You better remember that and Sirius is a Lord too." Tom said with a dark look. "As you think we are being harsh on students who are not respectful to us and are not even letting us decide how to deal with such students, it's better if we don't deal with them at all in the hallways. We will just stay in our rooms and teach our classes when we have to."

"Now, now, my bo-" "Lord Idreld." Tom gritted his teeth. "Not your boy."

"Lord Idreld, you are being too petty-" "You are the one who is getting involved in things you are not needed, Headmaster." Sirius snapped finally giving up to stay patient. "Miss Granger is a student who crossed her limits with me. I was patient with her to only take points and give punishment as I'm a teacher here. If you don't want me to do that, then I can take this to Wizengamot as Lord Black for being accused of things that I didn't do and also for everything she did to my daughter all these years along with Mr Weasley and his mother."

"I didn't do anything to Lyra. You are the one accusing me of things I didn't do." Hermione shouted at him.

"The Wizengamot will be the one to decide it, Miss Granger." Sirius sneered at her. "Let me tell you something, little girl. You shouldn't have tried to steal books from Black library even after my warning or made Lyra get them for you either. That alone will be enough to remove you from Hogwarts as it is considered as theft of my private property."

"Those books are not private property. You pure bloods are jealous of us muggle borns and hide all those precious books from us." Hermione sniffed angrily not feeling afraid of his threats.

"We pure bloods created spells that you muggleborns could never do. How could you even know about all those spells if not for us pure bloods writing those books you read every day? Some of us like to keep the books written by us within our families while some of us like to share it with everyone. You should learn to respect other people's opinions if you want others to respect yours." Sirius said looking at her with a serious expression.

"Alas, you never thought about anyone else other than your own feelings." Sirius muttered with distaste. "How would you feel if someone took your notes that you don't like to share, huh?"

"That's my book, how dare you take it from me?" Hermione shouted at him.

"You have the right to keep your notes to yourself, but we pure bloods don't?" Sirius asked raising an eyebrow at the girl with a humorless chuckle. "Whatever, meet you soon in Wizengamot."

"Sirius, isn't it too much to take her to the Wizengamot for just-" "Would you share the books you inherited from your ancestors with us, Headmaster?" Sirius asked loudly that everyone could hear what he was saying. He deliberately talked in a low voice giving them an out, but they are fools to try and prolong this further. He isn't going to stay calm anymore.

"How can Lord Black ask that?"
"Doesn't he know?"
"Why is he asking such a thing?"
"He is Lord Black and yet he is asking such a stupid question?"
"He is so stupid."

The students begin to whisper around them. By now, the whole Hogwarts was watching them instead of going to their classes. The professors were standing to the side not wanting to interfere. Severus stayed close to Sirius ready to defend him if there was a fight, not that Dumbledore or Granger would be foolish enough to start one in the middle of the hallway.

"Sirius, she is just a child and doesn't know how to adapt to a new world." Dumbledore tried to give her an out.

"Then she shouldn't have stolen the books even after my warning, Headmaster." Sirius dropped the bomb making others gasp and look at Hermione with various looks. She started to feel embarrassed by their looks and also angry at Sirius for shouting it to the world.

"I didn't steal them. I just took them to read." Hermione said as if it explains everything.

"After I said no, you didn't bother asking my permission again and not only entered the library in my house, but also took those books from the library thinking I wouldn't know. You even dare to raise your voice against me after all this." Sirius snorted.

"Sirius, she is just a child." Dumbledore said before Hermione can speak again and make matters worse.

"You didn't let that stop you from throwing my daughter into a peace treaty and sign a marriage contract, Headmaster." Sirius reminded him again. "My daughter is younger than Miss Granger by 10 months, if I'm not wrong. Yet, you arranged for her to be traded for peace with the dark side. Why would you think that Miss Granger being a child would stop me from taking her to Wizengamot for stealing my things?"

"Miss Granger will apologize to you and return those books in front of everyone. She understands her mistake and also I won't interfere in your way of dealing with students in the future. Please, don't spoil a kid's future for such a small thing." Dumbledore sighed sadly as if Sirius is being too childish and gave him a disappointed look.

"I don't see her feeling sorry at all." Tom murmured finally speaking again. "It's better if we take this matter to the ministry. What is the guarantee that she won't steal from others in the future?"

"I didn't steal anything." Hermione shouted looking affronted.

"Miss Granger, that is enough." Dumbledore almost snapped at her but controlled himself and looked at her sternly. "You will do as I said and also sign an agreement that you won't do such a thing again in the future. Understood?"

"But-" "It wasn't a request, Miss Granger." Dumbledore ordered and she shut her mouth with a click and glared at the two black haired wizards angrily.

"Fine." She gritted out.

"I don't want her in my class." Tom said making her look at him with wide eyes.

"I second that. Thieves are not allowed in my class as it is NEWT class and there are going to be many potions and ingredients that are rare." Severus drawled coming to stand on other side of Sirius making him stiffen. 

"Severus, my boy-" "We've already wasted time by starting the school later than every year and now Miss Granger is making everyone late on their first day too. I'll be going to my class, you give me your decision of whether Miss Granger is going to accept our terms or she wants to go to the Wizengamot for robbery." Tom said to cutting off Dumbledore. He gave a nod to Severus and turned to Sirius who walked with him to their office. 

"Everyone to their classes, now." McGonagall announced as the professors started making their way to their classrooms. 

"Why did you have to steal from Black's library?" Dumbledore glared at Hermione before going to his office leaving her alone. 

"Headmaster, please I can't miss the classes." Hermione jogged behind him, but he didn't care and stayed quiet till they reached hos office.

"You have no option, Hermione. You shouldn't have done things without consulting me or Molly. We need Sirius here if we want to lure Lyra and know about Voldemort's plans as he stopped conducting death eater meetings for some reason." Dumbledore sighed. "I could've made it easy for you if we went to Wizengamot, but then that means I'm not supporting Sirius in this. He wont' trust me anymore and won't be lured into our trap to get Lyra out of her hiding with Voldemort. We leave the girl for a few days with those dark people and she became dark just like them. She needs to be cleansed as soon as we get her with us and then we need to make her work for us by choice or by force. We can't risk it anymore to just trust her until she's married and give birth to the heirs of the families. We can't let her destroy our plans because she is not a true light witch like you. You need to sacrifice a few things for the greater good." 

"I think I have to do this for the greater good." She sighed and looked at him sadly. "I'm going to teach the bitch a lesson when she is with us. This is all because of her."

-

"What?" Lyra looked at Marvolo with shock and surprise on her face. "How did you do that?"

"It was Sirius mostly. Not me." He shrugged and relaxed back into the couch. "How are things over there? Did you like the new tutors? I can arrange new people if you don't like someone. Don't adjust because you don't want me to overwork or something. Your comfort is very important to me and I hope you won't hide anything from me if someone causes you any trouble."

"Speaking of trouble." She sighed heavily. "I met Bellatrix today."

"What? Why would you meet that woman? Did you go out of the manor? You promised not to step out of the manor." Marvolo frowned sitting up straighter.

"She was here to meet you." Lyra shrugged and looked at something else in the room. "She seems to think that you would sooner or later realize I'm not the one for you and go back to her."

"Lyra-" "What did she mean by going back to her?" Lyra asked focusing back on him. "You were a thing before?"

"No-" "Then why would she say that? How can she even say that you would choose her over me? What does she even think of herself?" Lyra asked getting angrier with every second.

"I don't -" "Did you know that she walked around the manor as if she is your fiancé and not me. She tried to talk to me as if I'm something beneath her." Lyra scoffed. "This is all because of you. You gave her this freedom to talk over other death eaters because she was a nice dueller back in time."

"How do you know?" Marvolo asked looking confused for a moment.

"Rodolphus told me everything about how you favored her over others all the time." Lyra said with narrowed eyes. "Do you perhaps like her, Marvolo?"

"You are just-" "Why would you be so nice to me if you like her?" Lyra asked before turning the mirror off and ignored his calls after that.

"Rodolphus, what did you do?" Marvolo grunted in anger before stalking towards Sirius' room.

Chapter Text

"Can you not just enter my room without knocking?" Sirius grumbled not even turning to look at the upset dark lord. "What did one of your stupid death eater do now, My Lord?"

"Rodolphus is going to die in my hands." Marvolo growled making Sirius sit up straight in the arm chair. Sirius looked at him with wide eyes and tried to understand if he is being serious at the moment. "I didn't mean it literally." Marvolo sighed and walked to the other arm chair. Sirius let out a breath that he didn't know he was holding till now. 

"What happened?" Sirius asked him. "What did he do?"

"He told Lyra that I favored Bellatrix over others back in time." Marvolo said as he looked into the fireplace. "I agree that I did favor her, but it was just because she was the only female death eater at that time and also better than more than half of the men. I just wanted to make sure she stays that way and be useful to me in the long run despite her obvious feelings towards me. I never encouraged her that I'm interested in her though."

"Ah." Sirius let out a chuckle. "My baby is so grown up."

"What?" Marvolo looked at him as if he is mad. "What are you talking?"

"If I'm not wrong, Lyra fought with you on this matter and didn't let you finish before ending the call." Sirius said to which Marvolo gave him a nod. "She is jealous, my baby grew up so fast."

"Jealous?" Marvolo tested the word on his lips as if it's a foreign word. "No one's ever been jealous for me."

"You will get used to it slowly." Sirius smiled at him. "You are going to have a real family soon. I'm not saying the death eaters aren't your family, just this kind of family that you are going to have is different."

"I still can't believe that." Marvolo said with a small smile playing on his lips. There was a knock on the main door of their quarters making Sirius groan. "I think someone is too eager to talk to you, Sirius."

"Please, I said I need time." Sirius said and Marvolo nodded. 

"I know, but how long are you going to hide here?" Marvolo asked him. Marvolo left the room not bothering to close the door or waiting for the answer. Sirius looked into the fireplace as he thought about the question. He doesn't know the answer to it, either. 

"Severus." Marvolo's voice brought Sirius out of his thoughts and peeked through the open door to see Severus' black robes and a part of his side profile. Sirius sighed again and waved his wand to close the door.

Severus looked at the closed door and back at Marvolo, who raised an eyebrow at him. Severus looked back at the door thinking how to make Sirius open up to him and Rodolphus. They need to talk to Sirius together. It won't be fair for Rodolphus to be left out. Wait, when did he start caring about Rodolphus and not just about Sirius' happiness? 

"If you are just going to stand there because your man doesn't want to talk to you. Don't bother knocking and disturbing me. Just enter the room and stand there." Marvolo scoffed at him before leaving to his room. 

"I was-" "No need." Marvolo said to him and left him alone on his own. 

Severus waited for a moment before going to knock on Sirius' door. He won't be talking about anything related to them for now. Rodolphus deserves to be there when they talk. He waited for a few moments before knocking again. He was about to knock for the third time when Sirius opened the door with a frown on his face that changed into realization when he saw him.

"Were you expecting someone else?" Severus asked as he understood Sirius' reaction. 

"No." Sirius shook his head. "Do you need something from me?"

"I just wanted to talk about something." Severus said to him. Sirius waited for him to say something, but he just looked at Sirius pointedly. "Won't you let me in?"

"Ah, sure." Sirius moved aside and Severus entered the room. He looked around to see if everything's fine in the room. 

"Is this room to your liking?" Severus asked and Sirius looked at him startled. He didn't expect the casual talk when he saw Severus knocking on his door. "Something wrong?"

"No." Sirius cleared his throat and went back to his seat. He moved the book to his lap and sat comfortably. "You can sit wherever you want."

"Thank you." Severus nodded. "You didn't answer me."

"Ah, yeah, it's nice." Sirius shrugged. "It's nice to have a room in the first place after- after Azkaban."

"You can talk to me or anyone else about it. We are here for you." Severus said.

"I'll keep it in mind." Sirius nodded not looking at him. "What did you want to talk about?"

"I just feel it's not safe for you here as much as it is for Lyra." Severus titled his head to the side and he glared at the fireplace. "The way Dumbledore looks at you is a bit disturbing. He gets this calculative look on his face every time he looks at you and an unknown satisfaction after he observes you for some time. I know I might be a bit paranoid as it's only one day that you are here, but I know him too well. I was with him for the past 15 years and I can catch little changes in his eyes with ease."

"I think we all know that he won't just sit quiet after Lyra is not sent back to Hogwarts by the dark lord. We even predicted that he would try using me as a bait for sure." Sirius said to him. 

"But, that doesn't mean, it is ok for us to see him look at you like that." Severus shook his head. "Anyways, you just be careful. Very careful."

"Alright." Sirius nodded his head. 

"I wanted to talk about something else too." Severus said making Sirius almost stiffen in his seat. "Is Lupin into men or women?"

"What?" Sirius choked out in shock. "What did you just ask me?"

"I was just asking if Lupin is into men or women?" Severus asked tilting his head to the side. Sirius narrowed his eyes at him suspiciously. 

"Why would you care about that? Does it matter either way?" Sirius scowled looking back at the fireplace. 

"It does." Severus said calmly and Sirius clenched his fists on his lap. Severus cleared his throat slightly to hide his chuckle. "It's just if he is into men-"

"Don't you dare." Sirius hissed at him. "Don't."

"What?" Severus asked looking as confused as he sounded. "I was just confirming if he is into men so that-"

"I said don't, Severus." Sirius snapped angrily. "Just get out from my room."

"Why are you angry?" Severus asked letting out a small smile. "Rabastan looked interested and Rodolphus wanted me to confirm it from you."

"I said- Wait, what?" Sirius asked looking confused for a moment. "Rabastan? Ah, oh, right. Rabastan looked interested in Remus. I thought you, no I mean, it's just...."

"Just what?" Severus pressed and Sirius huffed out. "I was interested in Lupin?"

"Yes- No, I didn't-" Sirius gulped looking away from Severus' amused eyes. "Stop it, will you?"

"Alright." Severus smiled before standing up and Sirius looked at him with wide eyes. 

"You are leaving?" He asked disheartened and Severus almost shook his head before stopping himself. He can't stay here and do nothing. 

"It's late and we have classes in the morning." Severus told him. Sirius nodded his head reluctantly before standing up with Severus. "Good night, Sirius."

"Good night." Sirius said back as he walked to the door. "Sleep well."

"You too." Severus smiled before leaving and fought hard to not turn back and go to Sirius. 

- 

"She isn't even answering my calls." Marvolo grumbled as he entered Sirius' room next night.

"Why don't you wait until weekend and go back to the manor or just write a letter." Sirius shrugged. "But, there are chances that she is still angry and throws your letter away without even reading it."

"Why can't you be positive?" Marvolo glared at him and Sirius raised an eyebrow at the frustrated dark lord. "Everyone is just frustrating me more and more."

"You are so cute when you are this frustrated." Sirius cooed at him. Marvolo's glare intensified making him snicker silently. "You love me too much to harm me."

"You are right, but I can make one of your men to come here." Marvolo challenged. Sirius scowled back at him and sat up straight on the arm chair. 

"I told you to just go and meet her on the weekend." Sirius shrugged. "Go with that plan."

"What if she doesn't talk to me?" Marvolo asked. Sirius looked at the man standing in front of him with a small smile. "Why are you smiling like that?"

"You are just like us." Sirius whispered more to himself. "I'm just happy, that's all. Don't worry about anything. Just go to the manor and talk to her. She won't be angry for long if she is anything like either James or me. But, if she is like her mother, then it might take some time for her to calm down. At last, she will calm down and talk to you." 

"I'm taking your word for this." Marvolo told him before leaving the room and Sirius shook his head with a chuckle. 

-

"Where is Lord Idreld?" Severus asked when they returned from breakfast.

"The dark lady wanted his presence for something." Sirius said with a mischievous smile.

"Right." Severus shook his head amused. "The dark lady."

"Yes." Sirius smirked at him. "She is angry at something her fiancé did."

"What did the dark lord do?" Severus asked him curiously.

"Just gave attention to one of my cousins back then." Sirius said vaguely and Severus understood what he was saying. "Are you going out?" 

Severus looked at him for a moment before nodding his head. He was actually planning on going to the manor and talking to Rodolphus about how to make Sirius comfortable with them and also open up to them. He looked at Sirius and thought about his plan again. He didn't know that the dark lord would be going back to the manor, Sirius would be all alone with Dumbledore around. He can't leave him here.

"Are you free?" Severus asked him. Sirius just shrugged his shoulders instead of saying yes or no. "Care to join me?"

"Where are we going?" Sirius asked and Severus chuckled at his answer. 

"You will know once we go there." Severus said to him and led him into the forbidden forest. "Do you like the muggle world?"

"I don't hate it." Sirius said and Severus nodded. "It's just they are a bit weird towards people like us. Petunia hates me even without knowing me just because I'm a wizard. I don't like such people and I experienced a lot of people acting such way towards me just because I was ignorant towards their technologies and such."

"They are biased." Severus agreed. "My father hated me for having magic. My mother didn't tell him that she was a witch when they got married."

"Oh." Sirius looked at him with wide eyes. "I'm sorry."

"It's not your fault." Severus smiled at him.

"No, for everything we did to you. I can understand how it would've been for you if one of your parents hated you. On top of that, we were being assholes towards you." Sirius said with guilt lacing his words. "We were young, which doesn't excuse our mistakes, but we were ignorant to everything and just went with what we thought was fun."

"It was in the past. I'm trying to move on from it. It would be better if you would do that too." Severus said giving him another small smile. "I'm not angry at you or your friends anymore for what happened in the past. If I'm not wrong, I was the one who started our fight in the first place by looking at you weirdly when you introduced yourself as a Black."

"That doesn't change anything." Sirius shook his head. Severus stayed silent and they walked silently into the forest. 

Chapter Text

"Lyra-" "Don't talk to me!" She snapped at him angrily and he looked at her shocked. Rodolphus coughed slightly to hide his amusement before leaving the room making some excuses. Lucius looked at him confused as he was about to enter the room when Rodolphus pulled him away along with him. 

"The dark lord is here to talk to his angry girlfriend." Rodolphus chuckled and Lucius raised an eyebrow silently. "I must've told the little lady about the dark lord's favoritism towards Bellatrix during the first war."

"Why would you do that?" Lucius asked him. 

"It just slipped out, I didn't realize it until later. I didn't think she would feel bad about something long ago either." Rodolphus said sheepishly. "I tried to explain it her, but she didn't listen to me at all."

"The dark lord is going to suffer, eh?" Lucius chuckled and shook his head. "I guess it's good they fight once in a while. Relations get stronger as the couple fights and gets back together. Don't you think?"

"I never had a proper one, so I don't know." Rodolphus said and Lucius rolled his eyes. 

"As if I had one." Lucius scoffed at him. 

-

"Darling, please don't be like this." Marvolo said trying to talk to her as she just turned her face away from him. If he goes to her other side, she turns back her face opposite. "Let me explain."

"I don't want to hear." Lyra scowled at him. 

"But, I'm not at fault here. You can't blame me." Marvolo said looking at her sincerely apologetic. "I never liked her. I swear."

"Then why would you let her do as she wished?" Lyra asked. 

"I don't know what Rodolphus-" "Not Rodolphus. He only said that you favored her because she was one of the best at that time. That's all." Lyra defended him. "And, don't you dare try to punish him for saying the truth." 

"I would never do such thing." Marvolo denied despite having such thoughts. "No." He shook his head when she looked at him incredulously. 

"As if." She huffed at him. 

"Alright, who told you and what did they tell you?" Marvolo asked her. "But, first thing, I don't like her, I never liked her. I didn't even sleep with her, didn't even think about such thing before."

"Really?" She asked blinking at him confused. "You never had such thoughts about her?"

"No, dearest. Never." He shook her head. "Believe me. I never had such thoughts about her."

"But-" She looked at her hands that he was holding and frowned slightly. Bellatrix is gorgeous even now after 14 years in Azkaban. She would've been downright hot back then. If Marvolo didn't have such thoughts about such a hot woman, then what does he even think about her? She is just a plain sixteen year. 

"What's wrong?" He asked holding her chin up. "What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing. Why would you favor her if you didn't like her?" She asked and he sighed. He kneeled in front of her and she didn't look surprised anymore as this isn't the first time that he is kneeling at her feet. He said she is going to be the only one to whom he will kneel. Ever. 

"Back then, there weren't any female death eaters. She was the first one and I wanted to show others that I don't look down at woman and encourage them equally, if not more. I was trying to attract other pureblood woman to join me. I wasn't in good condition either, so I'm ready to admit that I didn't think properly and just executed half baked plans." Marvolo explained to her. 

"That's all? Are you sure that is all?" Lyra asked and he nodded earnestly. 

"I swear, darling." Marvolo kissed the palm of her lovingly. "I don't like anyone else other than you. You are the only one with whom I want to spend the rest of my life."

"I-I'm sorry for being so childish." She said looking down at her lap and he nudged her chin up again. 

"None of that now, darling. I love you and I would want you to be angry at me, scold me, hit me, curse me or anything. I can take anything just don't feel bad and suffer all by yourself. Take it all out on me. If you are angry, scold me or punish me. If you are upset, I'll try to cheer you up to my best. If you are happy, I'm here to share it with you. If you are moody, I'll bear all your mood swings without any problem. I'm always here for you despite your behavior. I love you for all of you, not just the simple and nice you. I love the bad you, I love the angry you, upset you, sad you. I love you." Marvolo said and she felt tears form in her eyes at that. She threw herself in his arms at that and he caught her without any effort and turned slightly to lean on the leg of the couch and settled her on his lap as she hugged him tightly. 

"I love you too, Marvolo." She said and he kissed the top of her head. 

"I know." He said smugly and she chuckled wetly. "Thank you for loving me."

"I love you for all of you too." She said and he kissed her nose lovingly. 

"Are you not angry at me anymore?" He asked and she shook her head. "Thank Merlin, my heart couldn't take it anymore."

"I didn't know the big bad dark lord is so romantic and cheesy." She teased and he laughed. 

"Only for his dark lady, darling. Only for his dark lady." He said and she smiled even more at him. 

"I would be jealous if it was for someone else too." She warned and he laughed again. 

"Only you." He kissed her nose again. "Now, tell me who made you feel so insecure?"

"Marvolo, it doesn't matter-" "It does. To me, it does." He said seriously. "Someone hurt you and you want me to let them go? I know for a fact that Rodolphus isn't the one responsible for it."

"He isn't. I told you." She said and he nodded. 

"I know, I want to know who else filled your brain with nonsense." Marvolo asked her.

"No one." She shook her head not looking into his eyes anymore. 

"Darling, who is it?" Marvolo asked and she shook her head not wanting to tell him anymore. 

"Let's eat. I made it myself. Don't you want to taste the food I made?" Lyra said getting up from his lap and he sighed. He is going to find out who is filling her head with all this nonsense. Whoever they are, they will regret hurting his dearest. 

-

"Here we are." Severus stopped and Sirius looked around them and frowned. "This is where I come whenever I'm irritated with those dunderheads at school. I reach a point where they just irritate me too much and I can't take it. At night, the stars shine bright and I sit here and look at the sky for a long time and try not to think about anything but the small noises that are heard from the surroundings which are nothing but peaceful, the dark sky with bright stars and the tall trees surrounding me." 

"That's nice." Sirius said turning around in circle. "This is far enough for any wandering students to find you and disturb you." 

"Yes." Severus nodded. "Come and sit for a while with me." 

"Where?" Sirius asked and Severus looked at him funnily before waving his wand to transfigure a stone into a couch. "Right, magic. I forget it sometimes."

"Happens." Severus just shrugged and took a seat on the comfortable couch and gestured Sirius to do the same. "Just enjoy the peace. No need to talk to me."

"Why this place?" Sirius asked him not able to stay quiet. 

"I don't know. I just came here the first time I wanted to just get away from everything. I just found myself back here after that. I just walked into the forest until I was too tired and reached here. It was my first year as Professor here and the students were just 3 or 4 years younger than me. They were irritating, I was young and it was just too much after a couple of months. The dark lord is gone, Lily was gone, I'm stuck with Dumbledore, I just didn't know what I was doing anymore." Severus admitted his deepest secret to him that he never admitted to anyone. 

"That must've been hard on you, Severus." Sirius placed his hand on Severus' and squeezed it slightly. "Lily and you were best friends before we messed it up."

"I don't know. We would've gone our ways without your intervention too. I joined the dark lord and she is all Dumbledore. We would've fought and if not in Hogwarts, we would've fought after Hogwarts. I'm not sure if we would've stayed best friends." Severus said to him and Sirius nodded. 

"That is correct. She didn't like when James wanted to focus on his auror training instead of Dumbledore's order. They used to have fights most of the time. But, Lyra came and they couldn't go on their ways and James loved her so much to let her go. I don't know why he loved her, but he did." Sirius shrugged and Severus looked at him curiously. 

"Don't you like her?" Severus asked him. 

"It's not like that. I felt James changed too much to impress her, who wanted him to change the way he lives even after that. That was just too much and I didn't want him to do that, but I couldn't say that to him. He wasn't happy, I could see that. I thought he would realize that when they were fighting everyday, but Lily was pregnant and I don't know what I wanted anymore. James' daughter would be my daughter and I wouldn't want her to have parents who aren't happy with each other, but I didn't even want her to have parents who separated. James tried to adjust for Lyra, I adjusted for Lyra, but Lily wouldn't do that. She wanted more and more every time. Then, she died for Lyra. She is a good woman, I'm not saying she isn't good, but she just trusted Dumbledore so much and thought he wouldn't say or do anything wrong ever." Sirius said to him. "Maybe, she would've understood it after a few years, she is a talented witch. She just came into this new world and believed Dumbledore when he talked nicely on her first day here. That must be it. Lily would've realized James' love for her and changed her view of our world and didn't see it through Dumbledore colored glasses anymore."

"Anything could've happened. I knew that she supported Dumbledore just like Molly is doing now. I don't know if they were friends or not back then, but if she didn't change as you thought she might've changed, she would've been best friends with Molly." Severus said to him. 

"There's a chance for that too, but we don't know. We can't be sure. These are all just what ifs, nothing else." Sirius said and Severus nodded. 

"What if you never went to Azkaban? Nothing of this sort would've happened and Lyra wouldn't have met the dark lord-" "I guess, I don't want to think about it anymore." Sirius cut him off. "I used to think about that before falling through the veil. I thought I would've taken her away from this place and away from all these people who are hurting her. But, now I think everything that's happened is for our own good. Lyra found the best partner she could ever get. I wouldn't want to change this even if I'm given a choice where James was still alive. I don't think she would be this happy with anyone else. I don't want to change that. Ever."

"For anything?" Severus asked and he nodded. 

"Anything." Sirius agreed and looked at the dirt under his feet. He wouldn't have met Rodolphus and Severus under good circumstances, he wouldn't have them falling for him, he wouldn't have them fighting for him, he wouldn't have them all for himself. He doesn't want that. He wants to be selfish this time. He already died once and when he is given another life, he wants to live for his daughter and himself. 

No one else. Not even James. Sorry brother, I hope you forgive me for thinking like this, Sirius thought as he looked at the sky hoping and wishing James was seeing and hearing him and also forgiving him. As if his thoughts were true, a tiny water drop fell from the sky even where there were no clouds. A slow drizzle started after that and Sirius smiled at the sky. Love you too Prongs, Sirius thought as Severus pulled an umbrella over their heads and pulled him from the couch. 

Chapter Text

"Albus, what's going on? Everything is just so messed up. I don't know what we are doing anymore." Molly said as she looked at Hermione who sat with her head down. "That mutt made Hermione cry and you just scolded her-"

"Enough!" Dumbledore glared at her and she shut her mouth in annoyance for being cut off. "You don't speak a single word, Molly. You lost the only thing that would've made it possible to control Lyra and now even your eldest sons won't talk to you anymore, Arthur left you. What else do you have that you can give me to help me? Your youngest son is an idiot who knows nothing but eating, your daughter couldn't even be a nice friend to Lyra to make sure she is in control. You couldn't fill the proper role of her mother and now you have the guts to question me?"

"Albus, you can't say-" "I bloody well can say anything I want, woman. You are the reason half of my plans are going to trash. Your children and you just threw her to Voldemort-" Everyone flinched at the name. "-and didn't even care about her. Sirius wasn't wrong when he said how Malfoy is a better friend to her than your children and Hermione. I told you, I warned you to not appear eager to throw her to the dark side, but no, you had to spoil all of my plans and now acting as if you aren't at fault." Dumbledore spat at them in anger. 

"Hermione, I remember warning you clearly to not do anything stupid until the war is over. I promised to give you all the books from both Potter and Black families, but you idiot has to go behind my back and now I had to listen to Sirius lecturing me because of you in front of the whole damn school. Fucking know-it-all mudblood." Dumbledore scolded and Hermione flinched at that name. She never saw the headmaster this angry and it is scaring her more than anything. She wasn't even this scared before summer at the ministry when she went against the death eaters with that stupid bitch Lyra. This is all her fault, the headmaster is scolding her and is disappointed in her because of Lyra. 

"Don't you dare blame anything on Lyra." Dumbledore snapped as if reading her thoughts and glared at her. "It was your foolishness as a mudblood to think that the purebloods are idiots."

"They can't hide books from me just because-" Hermione screamed when she fell off the chair as Dumbledore threw a tome at her head. It hurts like hell. There is a bruise forming on her forehead already due to the large book. She looked at Molly who wasn't even looking at her. She thought Molly would help her, but she was just sitting there as if she can't see what's happening. Ron and Ginny just looked at their hands on their laps ignoring her. 

"You mudblood know your limits. Don't you dare think you know everything just because you are top of the year. If not for me changing your marks every time, you wouldn't even be in the top 10 students of the year." Dumbledore said and her eyes widened. She shook her head not believing his words. No, she is the brightest witch of her age. He is lying, he must be. She is the top of every year because she is intelligent. 

"You know nothing but writing things from a book. But, in real world you have to be practical. Every situation isn't going to be mentioned in a book, idiot." Dumbledore kicked her and she cried in pain. He stepped on her hand making her scream even more in pain. "You spoiled everything. I wanted you to be Lyra's best friend and no, you mudblood wanted more and more making everything fucked up."

"Headmaster, it hurts. Please." She begged trying to move her hand, but his foot stepped harder making her cry even more. 

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't just kill you and throw you out? Huh? Why should I still keep you around? Lyra isn't even talking to you and you even made an enemy out of her godfather by stealing from him. What is your use to me?" Dumbledore asked using even more force and heard a satisfied crack making him smile cruelly at her. "May be, I can just keep you to torture whenever I'm in a bad mood." 

"No, please." She begged him and he lifted his foot before kicking her face and breaking her nose. She screamed clutching her nose with her other hand and tried to crawl away from him. 

"Your parents don't even remember you. You don't have any friends who truly care about you if you go missing. I'm just going to keep you as my stress relief." Dumbledore announced and she tried to run. 

"Molly, if she leaves the room. Your daughter will take her place." Dumbledore said calmly.

Ginny reacted before Molly can even understand what he said and held Hermione by hair and threw her at Dumbledore's feet and looked at him obediently. She is too afraid to defend herself after seeing what he did to Hermione. She was angry when he scolded her mother for her inability of keeping Lyra in check, but then she saw what he did to Hermione and the anger was replaced by fear. 

"Ginny, what are you doing?" Hermione asked shocked as the redhead pulled her into the room. 

"Headmaster, I'm sorry for everything. I know I did a mistake. Tell me what I can do to repay for my mistakes." She begged him not wanting to go through the same punishment as Hermione. "I'll make sure Hermione won't escape if you want." 

"Ginny, you bitch. I'll kill you-" Hermione's face was pressed under Dumbledore's shoe before she can finish her sentence effectively stopping her screams and she just realized where she was. "Let me go. I'll complain to the ministry." She tried to say, but it came out as mumbles and Dumbledore chuckled. 

"You think the ministry would care about someone like you? A mudblood?" Dumbledore asked and Hermione knew he was right. He is the only one who treated her equally as purebloods or halfbloods, now that he hates her, who is she going to ask help? 

"Please, let me go." She begged him. "Please." 

"You better get used to this, whenever someone angers me, it only adds to your pain. Pray to every god you know that no one spoils anything for me in the future." Dumbledore said chuckling evilly and everyone in the room shivered at that. Hermione could only sob in regret for trusting the wrong man. She did a big mistake. 

-

"You are saying that Dumbledore tortured her? In front of you?" Sirius asked looking at the portrait where his great great grandfather was standing. "The Weasley girl really did that?"

"Yes, Dumbledore threatened her mother about making her daughter take the mudblood's place if she escapes and before the mother reacted, she dragged her back to the room by her hair and threw her at Dumbledore's feet." Phineas informed him and Sirius nodded. 

"Who knew that he is such a sadist?" Sirius murmured to himself. 

"Dumbledore is a man of great control, but lately all his plans are going south because of you and the Riddle boy." Sirius looked surprised at that as the dark lord said no one would remember him after the ritual at Gringotts. 

"The boy removed the memories of Dumbledore, not ours. He should be glad that he never entered the office till now and the other headmasters or the hat didn't see him yet. He should do something about the portraits and the hat soon before someone recognizes him. The ghosts must've recognized him, especially Bloody Baron, but he is a Slytherin and would never betray one of us, but the girl in the bathroom, Myrtle would out him before he could even blink." Phineas suggested and Sirius nodded his head noting it in his brain to tell the dark lord along with other things. 

"Narcissa is planning something. No, she already planned something with her father. They sent me a petition to challenge me as the Lord Black. They think I'm not capable of being Lord Black as I was in Azkaban all those years and didn't even get proper treatment. If that's not enough, I was dead and returned from the veil due to some ritual, the side effects of which are not known to anyone but the dark lord." Sirius sighed. "If it was a ministry challenge, I would've managed because I have so many people willing to help me who can ask their allies and such. But, they sent me a challenge through goblins." 

"Sirius, you are the only one who can be the perfect Lord to our Black family. Not even your father could surpass you in that aspect and he was the best Lord our family has seen. Narcissa is a fool to even think of challenging you with her father who is sick and couldn't even walk without help." Phineas spat in disgust.

"The goblins like me, but they can't be partial towards me in this." Sirius continued as if he didn't hear him at all. "What if Narcissa finds a loophole or something to remove me as Lord Black?"

"Sirius, first thing - Does being Lord Black change anything regarding your relation with your daughter?" Phineas asked and Sirius shook his head. "Second thing - Does the dark lord only care about your opinion because you are Lord Black?" 

"No, but-" "Let me finish." Phineas said to him and Sirius nodded his head. "Rodolphus and Severus love you because you are Lord Black?" 

"No." Sirius shook his head. 

"It doesn't matter if you lose the challenge then." Phineas pointed out. "Not that I think you will lose at all. I trust you to win this bloody challenge, Sirius." 

"Thanks." Sirius nodded feeling better. He shouldn't be worried about what if he loses, Phineas is right, nothing will happen even if he lost, so it's fine. 

-

"What's the matter? You look preoccupied these past few days." Marvolo asked Sirius one night when he saw Sirius locked up in his room again. 

"Nothing, just looking over some things related to Blacks. Don't worry." Sirius said with a tight smile and Marvolo raised an eyebrow at him. "It's really nothing."

"You can't fool me, Sirius." Marvolo said entering the room and sat opposite him. "I won't let this go until you tell me the truth."

"It's really nothing. There is a trial of sorts tomorrow at Gringotts to see if I'm a perfect fit for Lord Black or not." Sirius said when Marvolo just looked at him blankly. 

"Narcissa." Marvolo said through gritted teeth. 

"Yes. It's her and her father. I was right that my uncle was alive. They think I'm not fit to be Lord Black because of Azkaban." Sirius told him. "I'm just going through all the important things one last time..."

"I'll come with you-" "No, you have classes tomorrow, we don't want to give Dumbledore any chances." Sirius denied not even looking at him. 

"Severus has classes too and Rodolphus is Bellatrix's husband. Bella's father is on the other side, if they see Rodolphus with me, it won't do any good. They will just make a point about how I'm ruining marriages that a Lord shouldn't do." Sirius pointed out. "Remus doesn't know anything about all this, so he isn't an option either. Also, I don't want to worry my daughter by asking one of the people in the manor to come with me. She would surely know that something is wrong if they just disappear without any reason the whole day."

"Whole day?" Marvolo asked frowning. 

"Yes, the whole day. We don't know how long it will take. The goblins need to check everything from the start to the end and make sure I'm perfect for the Lord title." Sirius shrugged and Marvolo hated the Black sister even more. She is going to regret this. 

Chapter Text

"Greetings, Lord Langlock." Sirius said before taking the seat that was offered to him. "I want to go through something before we start this."

"Of course, you are free to ask anything before they are here." Langlock said to him. "You are still the head of your family and you have every right to make any decision regarding the family except disowning the members who challenged you at the moment."

"Right, about that. If I disown someone, can the new head of the house acknowledge them back as family if I'm not the head anymore?" Sirius asked him and Langlock took some time thinking about it. 

"It depends, Lord Black. If you disowned them for tarnishing the family name? Then, it's quite hard for others to acknowledge them back as there will be a vote where each and every family member, blood or not, is asked to state their opinion." Langlock told him. "But, if you disown them just because you hate them, it is quite easy for the new Lord Black to acknowledge them back as family."

"Bellatrix tarnished the name by going to Azkaban. A Lady going to Azkaban is not a common occurrence, is it? I think, we can use that to cut her off the family and if there's going to be a vote, I think I have many people on my side. Let's do that before Narcissa and my uncle are here." Sirius said eagerly and Langlock nodded. 

Langlock made sure the newcomers won't enter the room until the process is done and informed Sirius how to disown the person he wants. Sirius followed the instructions and felt something snap in his mind when he is done with the process. He sighed out in relief when he heard a scream from the other side of door. Bellatrix is here? He didn't think she would be here along with her sister and father. 

"Long time, no see." Sirius said opening the door and smiling at the three people waiting. 

"How dare you disown me from the family?" Bellatrix glared at him and wanted to attack him, but Narcissa held her back seeing the goblins ready to throw her out for fighting in their territory. 

"I'm still Lord Black. You weren't the one who sent the petition to me. I can remove you from the family and your sister can't even bring you back without consent from every Black family member. I think I still have many supporters in the family compared to you. Oh, before I forget, Andromeda is here with me." Sirius said just as Andromeda entered into everyone's vision. 

"Blood traitor." Her father sneered at her and she just rolled her eyes. 

"I see that you are still alive. I was happy when I heard about your death." Andromeda scoffed back at him and went to Sirius' side. "Guess what? I'm back in the family despite you trying to kick me out."

"I'm going to disown you again after-" "Don't bother. You won't be able to win in this. Sirius is the best. I think even Uncle Orion will agree." Andromeda said to them with a smirk. "You were always jealous of him, aren't you? Poor you, father and son both aren't letting you take the position that you wanted from so long. But, what can they even do? You don't deserve it in the first place." 

"Shut up!" Narcissa said angrily. 

"Have some decency, Cissy. You can't shout here as you wish. We are here on work, not to fight." Andromeda said to her. "The goblins value their image and if you start making trouble for them, they are going to kick you out."

"That is true." Langlock agreed with her and Narcissa glared at Andromeda with nothing but hate. 

"Let's go inside and start." Narcissa said to Langlock. 

"Miss Bellatrix wasn't listed as one of the supporters, she can't come inside." Langlock informed them. 

"I told you that my sister is going to be with me." Narcissa frowned at him. 

"Yes, you did mention that. But, she isn't a Black anymore. Her identity is changed now." Langlock pointed out. "She was a Black and Lestrange when you mentioned, but she is just a Lestrange now. I don't think she is going to be a Lestrange either. Lord Lestrange would be more than happy to dissolve the marriage contract now that she isn't even a Black anymore." 

"My sister doesn't need to be a Black to be with me, on my side." Narcissa argued. 

"Is this how you want to behave in here, Lady Malfoy?" Langlock asked her and she shut her mouth in frustration. "If you want to continue this kind of behavior, then you are free to leave. I'm glad to declare that Lord Black still continues to be the Lord as he knows how to behave properly with us. You do know that we are the judge in this situation and everything will be taken into consideration including your behavior towards the goblin nation."

"I didn't mean to disrespect you, Master Langlock. I just lost my composure for a moment. Forgive me." Narcissa said regaining her senses as to whom she is facing at the moment. It seems like the goblins are already in favor of Sirius. This can't happen. 

"Let's go inside." Langlock said curtly and she sulked slightly before pushing her father's wheelchair inside and looked at her sister one last time before the door closed on her face.

Sirius is going to regret disowning Bellatrix once she gets the family under her control. Her father isn't even eligible to be Lord Black with his weakness. If he tries to take the position from her, she can easily finish him off with a snap of her fingers, if it wasn't for the position, she wouldn't have cared about him for all these years. She needs his support to be the Lady Black. Despite being Lady Malfoy, Lucius never lets her do things as she wishes. He is still the one in control of the family and everything. 

"Alright, take your seats. Let's get started." Langlock said bringing Narcissa out of her thoughts and she took a seat beside her father's wheelchair. Sirius and Andromeda sat opposite while Langlock sat on the chair behind his desk with them on either side of his desk. 

"We are gathered here as Lady Narcissa Black Malfoy sent a petition to the Goblin nation worried about her maiden family as the current Lord of the family is not suitable for being in the position only deserved for mentally stable and sane people." Langlock said and Andromeda wanted to scoff at that, but controlled herself to not offend the Goblins. Narcissa looked at Sirius with a smirk as he just looked at her calmly. 

"Lord Sirius Orion Black is here to prove that he is the best fit for Lord Black and overthrow the challenge of Lady Narcissa Black Malfoy." Langlock continued as everyone remained silent. "Let's begin. Let's start with Lady Malfoy."

"As I said, Sirius Black-" "I have to interrupt you, Lady Malfoy. He is still Lord Black. I hope you address him as such." Langlock looked at her with disapproval all over his face. Narcissa panicked at that, she didn't even start and yet the Goblin supported Sirius twice already. This is not good. She looked at her father who shook his head and she gulped slightly. 

"Lord Black went to Azkaban in November 1981, he just turned 22 years old at that time. He spent 12 years approximately in Azkaban in the presence of deadly and dark creatures also known as Dementors. The dementors are known to suck your happiness out and leave you with dark and horrid memories. My sister Bellatrix spent 14 years in that prison and I can clearly say that she isn't sane in the least despite my love towards her. I won't lie or sugarcoat about her condition. She spent only 2 years after Sirius escaped the prison and on top of that she is 8 years older than Sirius when she was thrown into Azkaban along with him. If, Bellatrix, an older and more experienced woman couldn't manage to keep herself sane at such place, how can he be sane after escaping from there?" Narcissa put forward her first question. 

"Secondly, Siri-Lord Black was always known to be a rebel. He always went against what our family stood for, he fought with his parents, his uncles, aunts, cousins and even his own brother. He fought against us during the war. He would've killed us if the situation demanded. How can such person who went against the whole family be the Lord?" Narcissa asked confidently. 

"Thirdly, his own mother disowned him from the family and it must appear that the previous Lord Black didn't approve of that and still passed on his title to him. Can we trust a person who wasn't even trusted by his own mother, who gave birth to him?" 

"Lord Black, do you want to start answering now or do you want to wait until she is done with all her question?" Langlock questioned him. 

"Let her continue, Master Langlock. I'm not in a hurry. I have all day." Sirius said not at all bothered by anything. 

"The Black family always followed traditions and rituals. I agree that we are not living in 1500's or 1600's, but there are a few things that everyone in the family must follow. I never saw Lord Black perform any ritual while he was a teenager. If he doesn't follow traditions of the family, how is he going to teach the future heirs anything about the family? How is the family going to be one of the greatest in such conditions?" Narcissa looked aggrieved. 

"If going to Azkaban wasn't enough, Lord Black went through the veil at Department of Mysteries. No one knows what happens to people who go into it. What if Lord Black isn't even Lord Black and just someone impersonating him? How can we trust that it's actually him?" Narcissa asked looking at Langlock who nodded understanding her fear. 

"He fought against the dark lord before, now he is on the dark lord's side. He isn't someone who can be trusted to not give up the Black family one day just like that. He can switch sides and go back to fighting against the dark lord once more. He can go back to not caring about the family once more." She said and looked at Sirius with sadness all over her face. Sirius stopped himself from snickering and shook his head at that. 

"Lastly, he doesn't even plan on giving the family a heir. He is going to make the family extinct." Narcissa said to everyone in the room. 

"If that is all, I will start." Sirius said looking at Langlock who nodded. "Alright, first I want to make it clear that I'm Lord Sirius Orion Black and not someone else impersonating him. Master Langlock is my proof."

"Yes, that is correct. Lord Black put the Lordship ring of Black family in front of me. If he wasn't who he claims to be, the ring would've rejected him and he wouldn't have the finger where he is wearing the ring at the moment." Langlock pointed to the hand where the Black lordship ring was sitting on his index finger of left hand. 

"Thank you, Master Langlock." Sirius said feeling grateful. "As for being a rebel, someone who even can't be trusted by his own mother, someone who doesn't follow traditions or rituals, Andromeda will clear the misunderstanding."

"Lord Black was a rebel, I won't disagree with it. But, the previous Lady Black wasn't a good mother either. She forced Lord Black to rebel if he doesn't want to do something that isn't right. She wanted Lord Black to be her puppet. How can Lord Black be a puppet of anyone? Even if that person is his own mother. She is a pro-muggle hater. She wanted Lord Black to torture or kill muggleborns, do you think that is something a mother should teach her son? Walburga Black was a horrible woman and she never trusted anyone, not even herself. So, it is not an issue that she didn't trust her son and thought to disown him. The important thing is that the late Lord Orion Black didn't go forward with her wish and it says that he wasn't against Sirius' actions of going against his mother." Andromeda told in a calm voice. 

"But-" "Don't interrupt, Lady Malfoy. You weren't interrupted when you were speaking. Let them finish and you can only speak when it is your turn again." Langlock reprimanded her. 

"As for the traditions and rituals. Lord Black only stayed away from the rituals that involved torture of poor animals or humans. He did participate in important rituals back when he was a teenager. He stood up for himself at such young age and I, for one, think that it is what makes Lord Black the best Lords our family has ever seen." Andromeda finished and Sirius nodded in thanks. 

"Now for being not sane or stable. I went to a mind healer and they think I'm perfectly fit and fine. Except for not going near any dementors in the near future, I think everything's fine. I don't think being Lord Black involves going near them." Sirius said with a shrug. "Finally, I don't think switching from one side of the war to other side after knowing the reality of people isn't related at all with how I'm going to take care of the family. I always keep my family in mind before taking a decision. I switched to dark lord's side for my family and if the dark lord becomes a threat, I won't hesitate to switch to someone else, as long as my family is safe." 

"Well said, Lord Black. You've answered to each and every concern of Lady Malfoy. Your answers are perfect and if Lady Malfoy doesn't have any further questions or concerns about you being the Lord, I think we can end this here." Langlock said turning back to Narcissa who didn't know what to say anymore. She can't question his answers after the goblins approved them to be perfect. She looked at her father who was looking at Sirius with hate and contempt. 

"No questions." Narcissa admitted defeat and Sirius stood up after that along with Andromeda. 

"I didn't think it would be done so soon. Thank you for your time, Master Langlock and I'll be back in a few days when you are free to discuss a few more things." Sirius said to him. 

"Have a great day, Lord Black." Langlock said back to him. 

"You too." Sirius smiled and left the room. Bellatrix looked up eagerly and was stumped to see Sirius smiling along with Andromeda as they left.