1968
Octavian Malfoy didn't like apparating much, it made his stomach lurch and he felt queasy for the next hour or two afterwards. It did however mean he never had to walk very far when he travelled with his mother. The six year old held onto Victoria's hand as they stood before a tall townhouse, waiting for the shifting bricks to settle into the Black family home emerging from between two houses. When the gate shot up from the ground, Victoria stepped forward and pushed it open.
With a brisk knock at the door, Victoria squeezed Octavian’s hand a little as they waited for just a moment before Kreacher greeted them, inviting them inside. The entrance hall to Grimmauld Place felt dark like the gas lamps had purposely been turned down. Dark green wallpaper and black paint on the wood finishes didn't help the oppressive feeling. It didn't feel like the same house.
"Mrs Malfoy." Regulus smiled as he came down the stairs. He wore black shorts and black shoes, a white shirt tucked in at his belt and a black waistcoat. "Octavian, a pleasure to see you."
"My polite boy." Walburga beamed as she stroked her hand through the black waves of Regulus's hair. She looked happy, much calmer and less tired than usual. "Victoria, you are an angel for this. I need the break and Regulus has been so excited, he loves the ponds, don't you Reg?"
"Yes, Mother." Regulus nodded with a smile, looking up at her like a rare vision that he had to capture just in case it disappeared in a flicker.
“Will you not be joining us?” Victoria asked, feeling a swell of relief at the apparent change in her. To let go of her now after spending most of their lives hand in hand felt like the most terrible tragedy.
“Not today,” Walburga said, moving past her youngest boy and reaching out for her friend who accepted her hands instantly. “I have been craving the time to put my feet up and you, my angel, have given it to me.”
“Well, I'm glad to give you something,” Victoria said sweetly, brushing her thumb across Walburga's knuckles. “You look well.”
“Do I?” Walburga blushed and looked away. “You're too kind.”
"And Sirius?" Victoria asked, giving Regulus a smile before glancing up the stairs. "Is he struggling with his laces?"
"No," Walburga said, her smile dropping as she brought her hands together. "Sirius is in his room, he won't be joining you today."
"Why not?" Victoria asked, a slight frown in her brow as Regulus walked past her to stand beside Octavian.
"Well, that's between me and him." Walburga pursed her lips in a pinched expression as she moved to stand like a centurion at the bottom of the stairs. "But you know what he's like. Sirius is not a well behaved boy."
“I know,” Victoria said, finding a place between sympathy and concern. She wanted more than anything to trust that Walburga would not morph into the very image of Pollux Black but she could not be sure. “Will he not bother you if he's here? You said you needed peace.”
“I am his mother,” Walburga said with a sigh, loosening her grip on the bannister. “If he is to bother anyone it is my duty to make sure that it is me.”
“You're too honourable.” Victoria offered a touch of her hand as turned to go towards the door. “I don't mind baring him.”
“You haven't the hand,” Walburga said, climbing a few steps. “Boys need a firm one when they get themselves into trouble, it's the only way they listen.”
Victoria stiffened as she looked to her son. “Do you have something to say?”
“Have I not said it?” Walburga retorted, continuing up the stairs and leaving Victoria to go without a goodbye.
YOU ARE READING
The Fearsome Name of Riddle
Fanfiction"I had to sit in this house and watch him destroy her. Do you really want to hear all of that?" ##### In the aftermath of the Battle of Hogwarts, an old photograph is found, revealing the life of a young witch that had been lost with the memories of...
