𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑹𝒊𝒔𝒆 𝑶𝒇 𝑳𝒂𝒅𝒚 𝑩𝒍𝒂𝒄𝒌 ~ 𝑊𝑎𝑙𝑏𝑢𝑟𝑔𝑎 𝐵𝑙𝑎𝑐𝑘

chapter seven

December 1941,

Christmas came very quickly in Walburga's eyes. She spent very long days at Hogwarts. She did nothing but think about Sirius and it was difficult for her to behave properly. Fortunately, at the castle, she has more freedom, and even if Orion was on her back, no one made any comments except for stupid smiles stuck on their faces sometimes.

She came back the day before. She wanted to stay longer at school in order to do her homework and be quiet once at the manor. Walburga lets herself be prepared by Amara, Lizbeth's replacement and this time, she has not become friends with her. She does not speak to her like that, she is sure that the servant will not end up like her friend.

"You are magnificent Lady Walburga," says Amara.

Walburga gets up, approaches the full-length mirror and inspects her outfit. A black dress, black shoes, an extravagant hairstyle, dark makeup and above all, this new ridiculous necklace offered by Orion. Even uglier and heavier than the last one.

"The guests should be arriving soon," the redhead continues.

Walburga nods as Prunella enters the room and crushes her nose on the floor as she bends down. She waits for Amara to leave the room to slump a little and she smiles at the house elf.

"Mistress Walburga is very pretty," the creature says. "I'm coming to take you downstairs. Lord Black is waiting for you."

"Merry Christmas Prunella," Walburga smiles. "Let's go, I'm ready."

She follows the elf and lifts her dress to go down the stairs. She follows the voices coming from the living room and plasters a smile on her face before facing the guests. A smile that freezes when she discovers Sirius. Her heart races immediately and she tries to keep her composure.

"Walburga," her mother hisses. "Is there a problem?"

"No, mother, forgive me," she says. "I just didn't expect to receive the Freylior. I'm sorry. Good morning and Merry Christmas."

Walburga bends and then straightens up, trying not to look at Sirius although she dreams of running into his arms. She looks at her cousin who approaches and kisses her hand with a charming smile.

"You are breathtaking," says Orion.

"You are very elegant," she replies. "What is going on? Why are the Freylior here?"

"Patience," he says. "Your father will surely share all this at dessert."

"All this?"

Orion glares at her and she falls silent. She does not have to answer and she sits at the table. Her brothers sit across from her and Sirius on her right. Orion takes her left and she feels oppressed. The employees hurry to serve and disappear.

"How is school going?" asks her aunt.

"Very well," replies Walburga. "I am learning a lot and .."

"You won't need to learn," her father interrupts. "The Dark Lord doesn't care about learning. The important thing is that you know how to use dark magic."

Walburga nods, holding back her words that she might regret and she feels a hand take hers under the table. She then relaxes and intertwines her fingers with Sirius's. She dreads this meal. Walburga fears that they will discover the truth about her relationship with Sirius. And a fear takes hold of her. Is that exactly the reason for his presence here? Are they going to kill him? Her face pales and her mother notices it directly. She snaps her fingers at her daughter to get her attention.

"What's going on?" the woman asks. "You look like a ghost. Go and put your face under water right now."

"Can I go with her?";Sirius says. "I would like to relieve myself, but I don't know where your toilet is."