Regimentum ⪼ Sirius Black/OC

Gradatim vincimus

Chapter Eleven | Gradatim vincimus

[We conquer by degrees]

Vivian has been to Knockturn Alley before, many times. Her father would occasionally bring her along with him on his various trips to several of the storefronts along the main road. His ongoing search for books pertaining to dark magic had meant that a visit to Flourish and Blotts wouldn't have cut it. The sorts of books sold on those shelves hold no comparison to her father's collection. His interest in dark magic and occult tradition requires a more fitting destination. She's been here without her father a few times too, with Morrigan and Narcissus, but they hadn't gone very far before turning back. In all of these instances, the afternoon sun had lit their way, drifting down into the streets and illuminating the street. This time, though, the moon is their only light source, and the thin crescent is too shrouded by the thick clouds to be of much use.

"Are you cold?" Sirius asks in an undertone. He's walking close to her side with his hands shoved into his pockets. She knows that one of them is grasping his wand.

In a murmur, she responds, "No," but it isn't entirely true. The evening is brisker than she had anticipated, and she regrets having chosen this thin summer cloak. With summer slowly collapsing into autumn, the nights have grown steadily colder, ushering in the telltale signs of the change of seasons.

"I didn't think to bring a spare cloak," Sirius mutters as the pair makes their way around a darkened corner. He shifts closer to her as they do. His eyes flicker around the street as if he's expecting that one of the cloaked figures walking towards them will draw their wand on them. Nothing happens, though. The figures hasten past with only a cursory glance at the pair, seemingly intent on whatever business they are conducting at this hour.

Vivian huffs, "I'm fine, Sirius," and falls into silence. This is, admittedly, not what she had been expecting when Sirius had suggested that she come along on their next mission. Now she understands why the Marauders have been so glum about the assignments they've been given, though. So far, they've been into a couple of shops, but the shop owners have been very close-lipped about anything that doesn't directly involve their wares. They haven't discovered anything of import, any connections, any artifacts, or indeed, any other questionable customers. It's already close to midnight now and they're on their way to meet up with James, Lily, and Peter. Remus had left for Romania a few days ago, and he hadn't been sure when he'd be back.

"They should be somewhere around here," Vivian murmurs. Upon deciding to split up, they agreed to return to this street in an hour's time to regroup. Knockturn Alley is much more encompassing than it appears from its vantage point near Diagon Alley. Its many streets cut deep into a network of narrow corridors and alleyways. The main street is home to many shops, but there are many others the further in you go. It's easy to get lost here.

The thought obviously concerns Sirius, who reaches out to take Vivian's arm and pull her to a stop. Together, they pause nearby a flickering lamppost and sink into the shadows just beyond it.

"Hold on a minute," Sirius mutters, digging around in the pocket of his cloak. After some moments, he pulls out a thin, square mirror. It's dull reflection slices through the darkness just so.

Vivian tilts her head at it. It looks oddly familiar. She's sure she's seen it before.

"James," Sirius hisses into it, much to her confusion.

"What are you doing?" she demands in a whisper, feeling half amused but mostly baffled. She always knew Sirius was insane, but honestly, this takes it to a new level.

Sirius glances over at her and murmurs, "What does it look like I'm doing?" Then, without further explanation, he turns back to the mirror and hisses again, "James, answer me you prat."