𝐑𝐞𝐠𝐮𝐥𝐮𝐬 𝐁𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐨𝐧𝐞-𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐭𝐬

Shielding the Black Heir 4

### Part 4: Shielding the Heir Black

Sirius Black stepped off the Hogwarts Express, his chest tight with a mixture of defiance and dread. His first year at Hogwarts had been everything he’d dreamed—freedom, friends, and the chance to be someone other than a perfect Black heir. But he knew what awaited him at Grimmauld Place: disapproval, disdain, and likely disownment for being sorted into Gryffindor.

“Well,” he muttered under his breath as he adjusted his trunk. “Let’s get this over with.”

The familiar gloomy exterior of Grimmauld Place loomed before him as he approached the front door. To his surprise, Kreacher greeted him with a curt bow and ushered him inside with none of his usual mutterings. Sirius barely had time to wonder about this strange behavior before he heard a shriek of joy.

“Sirius!”

He barely had time to brace himself before a small figure barreled into him. His baby sister, Regula, clung to him tightly, her black curls bouncing as she looked up at him with wide, delighted eyes.

“Regula!” Sirius exclaimed, his heart warming as he hugged her back. “Merlin, I missed you, kiddo. You’ve grown so much!”

Regula beamed. “You’ve been gone forever! And so much has changed! I have so much to tell you!”

Sirius ruffled her hair affectionately, but before he could ask what she meant, a voice called from the parlor.

“Regula, darling, let your brother breathe.”

Sirius froze. That wasn’t his mother’s voice. It was soft, melodic, and unmistakably male. He turned slowly, his eyes widening as he took in the scene before him. His father, Orion Black, was seated on a couch, looking more relaxed than Sirius had ever seen him. Beside him stood a tall man with striking features, dark maroon hair, and an air of authority that made Sirius’s hackles rise.

“Father?” Sirius asked hesitantly. “What’s going on?”

Orion’s face lit up with a rare smile. “Welcome home, Sirius. I’m glad to see you.”

Sirius blinked. That wasn’t the reception he’d expected. His gaze shifted to the stranger, who was watching him with a faintly amused expression.

“And who is…?” Sirius gestured awkwardly.

The man stepped forward, offering a hand. “Marvolo Gaunt Slytherin, your father’s husband. A pleasure to finally meet you, Sirius.”

Sirius’s jaw dropped. “Husband?”

Orion’s smile didn’t falter. “Your mother and I have divorced. It was for the best, for both of us. Marvolo and I married a few months ago.”

Sirius’s gaze darted between his father and Marvolo, his mind struggling to catch up. “Wait… you’re married? And Mother… she’s… okay with this?”

“I wouldn’t say she’s thrilled,” Orion admitted, his tone dry. “But it’s not her concern anymore.”

Regula tugged on Sirius’s sleeve, grinning up at him. “That’s not even the best part! Tell him, Papa!”

Orion’s expression softened as he placed a hand on his slightly rounded stomach. “You’re going to have new siblings, Sirius. Plural.”

Sirius stared, utterly gobsmacked. “Siblings? Plural? As in, more than one? And you…” He pointed at his father’s stomach, his voice rising in disbelief. “You’re the one pregnant?”

Marvolo chuckled, the sound rich and self-satisfied. “Indeed. Orion and I are starting a new chapter for the Black and Slytherin families. Isn’t it exciting?”

Sirius’s mouth opened and closed several times as he tried to form a coherent response. Finally, he settled on glaring at Marvolo. “What have you done to my father?”

“Oh, Sirius,” Orion said with a laugh, placing a calming hand on his son’s arm. “This was my choice. Marvolo has been nothing but kind and supportive. I’m happy, Sirius. Truly.”

Regula nodded enthusiastically. “Papa smiles all the time now. And the new babies are going to be so cute! You’ll see.”

Sirius rubbed a hand over his face, trying to process everything. His father was married to a man. His father was pregnant. He was going to have more siblings. And somehow, his baby sister seemed completely on board with all of it.

“This is… a lot,” Sirius muttered, sinking into a nearby chair.

Marvolo’s smirk returned. “You’ll adjust, Sirius. Change can be difficult, but it’s often for the best.”

Sirius shot him a withering glare. “Don’t think I’m going to make this easy for you.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” Marvolo replied smoothly.

Orion sighed, though there was a hint of amusement in his eyes. “Let’s all try to get along, shall we? We’re family now.”

Regula climbed onto Sirius’s lap, wrapping her arms around him. “I’m so glad you’re home, Sirius. Everything’s going to be okay. You’ll see.”

Sirius held her close, his mind still racing. He wasn’t sure how he felt about any of this, but one thing was certain: life at Grimmauld Place was never going to be boring.