Silhouette | J.Potter

Chapter 2

When the very long day was over, I went back to my new room with a well-fed Louis. I was used to quite when it was only my mother and me, but this was just odd. I slipped into my pyjamas, unpacking my belongings when I heard a knock on my door. I just wanted to cuddle my cat and cry. “Please, come in,” I called out a faux sweetness in my tone.

“Just thought I’d welcome you to the noble house of Black,” The older boy said, smirking, leaning against my door. I saw a bruised handprint on his wrist as if someone had held him forcefully. 

“Sorry if I’ve ruined your family relationship,” I said quickly, wanting to get it out of the way. He laughed without humour, shaking his head. 

“What happened to your wrist,” I asked, picking up Louis and holding him close to my chest.

“The Noble House of Black,” he repeated. I assumed my father was strict and cold-hearted, but this was awful, and I had willingly walked into it. I believe Sirius noticed my emotions when he said this, “Hogwarts is an escape,” I nodded.

“I don’t want to be rude, but my mum died just a few days ago, and I’ve wanted to cry for a while,” my brother looked conflicted.

“Do you want me to stay,” he asked.

“No, thank you. We’ve known each other for less than half a day,” he left quickly after that.

I didn’t want to bring Louis back to his full size. I wanted it to remain a secret in case I ever needed to escape. I lay in bed and curled around the cat. What in Merlin’s beard have my mother’s last wishes gotten me into.

~

I woke up to a house-elf calling my name. I jumped back. “Master Orion has requested I ready you for your first appearance as a member of the Black family,” I nodded. 

Cosmetics covered any minor imperfections on my face, a necklace with a “B” on it was clipped around my neck, and my unruly curly hair was plaited, and I tried not to hiss when the house-elf tugged at it too hard. I was dressed in black clothes that didn’t belong to me. Boots with small heals, a black dress that fell below my knees but clung to my hips and a cloak with a golden clasp. 

I walked downstairs. They were all waiting. Would I have to run away so soon for being late? The woman standing with my brothers, I assumed she was his wife. She looked at me with such distaste. I hurried down the stairs, and we were apparated to Diagon Alley.

It was so busy—so many scurrying people. When we split up to buy supplies, I felt relief wash over me. The adults were going one way, as I remained with my siblings. “So, do you like to read?” I asked the boys as we walked into a book shop called Flourish and Blotts, searching for school books that I had already read studying at home with my mother. “Nope, find it dull,” he said, smirking, an isle away from me. The thinner one poked his head out from a shelf a few isles ahead, “I enjoy reading,”

Suddenly three boys rushed into the shop and surrounded Sirius. His mood changed completely. His eyes lit up. “Hey, Pads,” a boy with dark, messy hair, circular glasses and hazel eyes said, wrapping his arm around Sirius. A tall boy with scars running across his face spoke up next, “Padfoot, Prongs just embarrassed Evans in front of her parents it was hilarious,” 

“Guys, a girl is staring at us,” the smallest whispered.

“Nothing new,” my brother said, turning to see who the girl was. I stepped out from my hiding space, awkwardly waving.

Sirius changed his posture slightly and sighed. “This is my half-sister, Iris,” these boys all turned and gawked at me.

 “Nice to meet you,” I add.