Style // Sirius Black

Chapter XV

Family is something that people are born into, but it's not always something determined by blood. Some are fortunate to be taken into a loving and supportive family, while others aren't as lucky. Some are born into a world of hate and abuse, leaving them lacking certain aspects of life. The people who didn't find luck in their biological or adoptive family usually long for that idea of a found family. A group of people who became a family that they never had.

Sometimes, people aren't able to find either or are fortunate enough to get both. Finding a good group of friends is essential, especially for children and teenagers. Having those people outside of your flesh and blood with an outside point of view. Of course, it's not necessary to live, but having a friend group you can call family benefits those involved exponentially.

But still, having someone that is family to you that loves you unconditionally is something that you can't find anywhere else. When people think of parents, they think of support and love. While some are like that, others fall short. Some have children strictly because it will produce an heir to a family name or appease a different part of their life. Of course, it's not common for people to only reproduce for the sake of an heir, but it does happen. It's more common in the Wizarding World than most would believe, even if it's not the course this story follows.

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'Lyra

I'm over the moon that you're spending the rest of the holidays here with me. My mother has prepared the absolute best for you and is ecstatic I'm bringing home a pureblood girl. She's aware of your parentage, but I've convinced her that she had nothing to worry about. Deatheaters are showing up from around the globe now, but I promise they won't lay a hand on you. I swear it.

I can't promise you'll enjoy the person I am at home, but I assure you it's for the best not to comment on it. The plan requires us to be on our guard at all times, no matter where we are. The only security we'll be able to get is in my chambers.

The things that I will say at my home are not my beliefs. It is all a part of the act. I also cannot account for everyone who will be there, but as I said before, nothing will hurt you. I fear you may run scared afterwards, though, but I implore you not to.

I have sent clothing for you to wear to the house, afterwards, my mother will tailor your wardrobe. She's particular about what can and cannot be worn in the home. After all, image is the most important thing to her.

I'll see you tonight, darling.

Regulus'

Lyra smiled at the boy's words before setting his letter aside and tearing open the deep olive green wrapping of the package he had sent. The dress was velvet and would fit her body like a glove. It had long sleeves and an off-the-shoulder cut. The neckline was done in a see-through black fabric that reached her collarbones, a lace flower pattern covering it. The length would fall right to just past her mid-thigh, and she wondered if it was appropriate to wear stockings underneath it. After all, it was the middle of December and freezing.

Underneath the dress was a trench coat that Lyra was positive cost more than she was worth. She ran her hand over the heavy poplin fabric before grazing over the solid gold buttons. It had ornate golden snake decals on its lapels and both the breast and lower pockets. The wrist cuffs had identical additions, all of them adding a solid five pounds to the coat. Lyra noticed that the buttons were actually smaller versions of the Black family crest, the Toujours Pur, or 'Always Pure.' Lyra recalled that the Black family was French and thanked whatever god there was that she had learned the language all those years ago.

The sound of laughing and carolling rang from below Lyra, reminding her that it was indeed Christmas day. The blonde slid from her bed and grabbed her satin bathrobe, tugging it tightly around her. Though her beige jumper was undoubtedly warm, pairing with her fleece pyjama pants, the vicious winter tended to bite through them both. An additional layer wouldn't hurt, especially if the carollers had a longer routine planned.