Born from the Ashes (A Harry Potter Fanfic)

Chapter 3

Sirius Black sat in his dark, damp cell in Azkaban. He had been having the same thoughts on repeat for the last decade: revenge, my mother would be proud, and Alya Black.

His baby girl would be going to Hogwarts next year. He wondered what her life looked like. He had hoped Andromeda had found her and taken her in. Maybe even Remus, though with how they left things he doubted that. 

He wondered if she had his posh Londoner accent, if she were raised by Mooney she probably sounded more Welsh. He tried to picture her if she was tall, if she let her hair grow out, or liked to keep it short. Did she have his curls of her mother's wavey locks? 

Most of all he wondered if she was happy. Harry and Alya were all alone because of his impulsive nature and now here he sat in Azkaban rotting as the world moved on without him. 

He heard the door down the hall open. It was too early for meals, though the inconsistency of meals was half of the fun for the guards, making the inmates lose any sense of time. Even so, they were fed no more than an hour ago, not that he was complaining he was still starving. 

Instead of stopping at the first cell, the footsteps continued, drawing nearer and nearer. 

He lifted his head looking through the bars as a man stood before him, "Well, if it isn't little Lucy Malfoy! Finally stopped believing that shit about the imperious curse did they? Are we cell mates now?" 

"Sirius. I have been sent by the ministry to inform you of the proceedings of the Wizengamot this morning." Lucius spoke. 

Sirius didn't respond waiting for the boot to drop. 

"This morning your daughter, Heiress Alya Claire Black, appealed to the court on your behalf. They have voted to give you a trial by truth serum, should you consent, in one week's time."

Sirius' heart fell to his stomach. 

Please, Merlin let this not be an illusion.

"W-what?" Sirius whispered. 

"I assume you consent so I shall see you in a week for your trial. Should you be found innocent you will be released and compensated for the pain you and your family have endured." With that Lord Malfoy made a quick exit, not wanting to stay any more in the dreadful place. 

The joy fueling Sirius was like a yule feast for the dementors that night.

"How did it go?" Walburga asked taking her granddaughter's coat as she exited the floo. 

"Exactly as planned, did you expect anything less of me? The trial will take place in a weeks time," Alya announced, smiling at Walburga's childlike squeal of excitement. 

"I do worry for you, dearest. Making an enemy of Dumbledore is unwise." Walburga had always been a doting grandmother to Alya, giving her anything her heart desired. It did help that the little heiress was perfect in everything she did, never eliciting a reason for Lady Black to revert to her old ways. 

"He won't act right away. The light families will jump to his defense and Dumbledore will take it in stride trying to recruit my father once more." She explained before seating herself in the drawing room. 

She had redecorated the Black ancestral home a few years ago. While keeping the wealthy dark academia aesthetic, she brightened the place slightly with plants and pillows making the gorgeous house less like a horror movie set. It suited her better while still staying try to the Ancient and Noble House of Black. 

Walburga surprisingly let her do as she liked, her only rule was not to touch Regulus' old room. Walburga was actually very docile when it came to Alya. Alya had a way of taking charge that made people want to please her, her grandmama was not immune to this either. 

"I just worry for you, dearest, you know that," Walburga said pouring a cup of tea for herself and Alya. She put a splash of milk in her granddaughter's just as she liked before handing it to her. 

"I know, grandmama. Would you mind sending an owl to Severus Snape, he's a potions master and my father will require many to rectify the ailments inflicted upon him in that godless place." Alya asked delicately sipping her tea.

"You will have to get over this thing with owls, dearest. You need to eventually send your own letters." Walburga smirked at the distaste on Alya's face. 

"Those dreadful creatures... How is it that in a world of unending magical possibility, our best form of communication is nature's slowest and more temperamental birds?" Alya grumbled dramatically hissing as the tea was too hot. 

"What would you suggest instead?" 

"Give me until the end of my first year at Hogwarts, I'll get back to you," Alya answered arrogantly. 

They heard the floo network activate and stood to greet their guest. Out from the fireplace stepped Draco and Narcissa Malfoy, finely dressed and elegant as always. 

"Merry meet, cousin!" Draco cheered as he raced up to hug Alya. Little Draco idolized his cousin, Alya. Ever since they were young he would follow her around like a little baby duck. He was much like his father in that he seamlessly fell in line, recognizing the potential Alya had to change the world early on. 

"Merry meet, Dragon. Merry meet, Aunt Cissy. To what do we owe the pleasure of your visit?"Alya asked. 

"We heard about the proceedings this morning and we wanted to congratulate you," Narcissa said, smiling at the adorable little girl. 

"Please join us for supper. We would love nothing more." Walburga announced, the slight smile on her face making clear her sincerity. 

"We would love to, thank you." Cissy smiled back.

They sat around the table and Draco talked animatedly about the announcement of the Nimbus 2000 release happening next August. Lucius had joined the table right after the appetizers were served, informing them that he had gone to Azkaban to see Sirius. 

After stating this Alya set right to work, "After supper, make a list naming all of the concerns you observed about my father's current health. Weight problems, teeth, hair, anything you can remember. I have sent for Severus Snape to craft a few potions to help my father upon his return." 

"Of course, my lady." 

They all froze, wide-eyed at Lucius' response. Even Lucius himself seemed shocked when he called his ten-year-old niece, 'my lady'. 

"I'm sure he won't be the last to title you as such. It does suit you, little lady." Walburga teased causing the awkward air to dissipate. 

The dinner continued without incident as Draco continued to inform Alya about the latest quidich news.