Atlas Malfoy and how history repeats itself

Part 26

Breaking Sirius out is probably the easiest part of all of this. Saying goodbye is the worst bit about it all.
As Harry and Hermione talk, I say to Sirius, "I'm really glad I got to meet you. I mean, after being told I have to change my name, I think meeting someone like you is what I needed."
"You remind me of someone. Someone I lost a long time ago," He says, cupping my face in his hands.
"Is it Regulus?" I ask. He sadly nods and says, "Yes. And your power is something to be proud of. I know that I would be proud of my daughter if she embraced herself. If I had a daughter, too, that'd be easier."
"I have my O.W.L's in the summer." I say, trying to hold back tears. He raises his eyebrows and says, "Aren't you fourteen?"
"My father- Lucius Malfoy is the reason."
"Can I tell you a little secret, Atlas?" Sirius whispers, smiling. I nod and he continues, "I never liked your father. I always had a feeling deep down that your mother could have done so much better. And Remus managed to tell me about your boggart."
"I think it's probably not you anymore, uncle."
At the word uncle, he hugs me tight. His breathing is deep and he says, "You are my favourite young Black girl ever. I'd say your mother was, but she and I didn't end on the best of terms."
"She thinks you are innocent." I say, before I can stop myself. Sirius smiles and says, "This is why I miss her."

He talks with Harry for a while, leaving us with barely a minute to get back to where Ron is. My leg still sends sharp pains up my entire body, and it is getting worse. Ron splutters, "How are you there? I was talking to you- you should be-"
"Ron," I say getting into bed again, "Nobody can be in two places at once."

The next day, my leg feels so much better. I'm still walking with a limp, but I will be for a while. It's unclear how long for, but Madame Pomfrey seems to think it could be fixed by the end of the summer. I head to Lupin's office, just as he is finishing packing up.
"Hello Atlas. It is you, correct?" He says, smiling at me. I nod and say, "Yes, sir. I... I wanted to ask you why you helped me with my boggart."
"Well, Miss Black," He says, "I find it unethical to make my students fight their family. Even if the family is not real, even if they do not associate themselves with the family, I find it unethical either way. Also, Severus would like you to be made aware that your mother will get you into the house, but she cannot make your father speak to you."
"Sir." I say, feeling my hair match Sirius's. It's something I can't stop myself doing now I'm comfortable doing it. Sometimes things like this are unstoppable. Lupin waits for me to continue and I say, "Do you believe Bellatrix will get out of Azkaban?"
"Yes. I do, Atlas. I am sorry for you to be in this position." He says, without looking up. I nod and he adds, "Is there a reason you ask?"
I nod and say, "She would stay at my house. If He Who Must Not Be Named came back he would be at my house. I guess what I am trying to say is, the only way my father will stick up for me is if it is to prevent my death. I would... I would have to join the death eaters. Even if I did not get the dark mark, I would have to lie about my allegiance."
Lupin nods and says, "You are safe here."

And that is it. I just have to pray, Pray, that no more death eaters arrive at the school.