Lady Black (Sirius Black's Daughter)

Big talks and big ... beings?

A few days later, I wrote to Dad. It simply wasn't done to let Harry walk around with such a negative image of him. Yes, I've had my ... arguments with my father in the past, but that doesn't mean I don't want him and Harry to become a family. Besides, the little Sprog doesn't need anymore stress on top of everything. It's bad enough to have to listen to Umbridge, let's not add worry about his guardian not being who Harry thought he was.

Dad didn't answer my letter. Instead he walked through my fireplace one day, looking as if he owns the place. Honestly, Daddy dearest could do to take it down a notch. Oh well.

"Dad, I didn't expect you to come by today." I spoke as way of greeting. He grinned and pulled me in for a hug.
"Nice seeing you too, Pup." He mumbled in my hair before he let go.

Charlie chose that moment to walk in. He had finally returned from Romania and had a few days off to compensate for the long hours he had to pull.
"Uhm, Mr. Black. How are you?" Charlie tried not to sound too startled, though his bedhair and generally crumpled appearance didn't grant him any favours. Dad seemed to want to make a comment but bit his tongue.

"Charles, good to see you. I'm good, thanks. I actually came to have a chat with my daughter and gdson if you don't mind?" Charlie got the, not so subtle, hint and asked whether he should go fetch Harry, then left to do so.

"What's going on, Dad? I get that you want to talk to Harry about what he saw in the pensieve, but I didn't realize there was something pressing that you needed to talk about with me." I queried curieusly. He flipped his head to the side in a doglike manner and frowned.

"Do you not have questions about Snivellous' memory?" He asked, confused. I shrugged.

"Not really. The man's a git. It's not like I care about what his childhood was like. It doesn't excuse anything now. Besides, I'm sure you'll telle me the exact same thing I told Harry."

"And what might that be?"

"That it was only one memory. That Snape got as good as he gave and that James grew up afterwards while Snape became a Deatheater. I don't need much more to decide whose side I'm on."

"So you're on ... our side?" I rolled my eyes at the question but nodded anyway.

" 'course, Dad." He smiled and wrapped an arm around my shoulders.

"I'm sorry about, well, everything. I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me and I'm sorry I wasn't understanding afterwards. But I'm here now and I'm trying to make it up." I snuggled my head onto his shoulder and closed my eyes.

"I know, Dad. I'm trying too. Just, you know I love you, right? It might not always seem like it, but I do." I heard him sniffing which I kinda found funny. My Dad, tough guy Marauder, was crying?

"I love you too, Pup."

We stayed quiet for a while. Soon enough, Harry arrived and Dad tried to explain the memory. Harry brought up the same things he had done before with me. Dad responded the way I had predicted and soon enough, all was well once again. A good thing too, because one of the most important events at this school was about to begin.

Yes, indeed. I'm talking about Quidditch. Don't think I overreact when I say it's very important. The entire school comes together at these matches and the spirits get high.

Today the match consisted of Ravenclaw vs Gryffindor. The Slytheryns and the Ravenclaws were all sporting blue and bronze, while Hufflepuff and Gryffindor were donned in red and gold. The cheering was thunderous when the names of the players got called. Though, I noticed, Harry wasn't as enthusiastic as usual. Then again, he wasn't allowed to play.

Before the match had a chance to really begin, the Slytherins started singing:

'Weasley cannot save a thing
He cannot block a single ring
...'

Poor Ron looked as if he was about to throw up. The game began but I soon got distracted when Hagrid approached Harry. I shot him a look and soon enough he beckoned me to come as well. I'd later come to regret ever shooting that look.

Hagrid lead us into the woods. He didn't say where he was leading us to nor did he explain why. He muttered something about hoping Umbridge didn't notice us going, which only worried me further. We ought to be carefull nowadays not to get caught. Dumbledore is gone which leaves us to Umbridge's mercy an seeing as she has none ... let's say we shouldn't get caught.

Aparently Hagrid was in need of Harry's help, and perhaps mine and 'Mione's. Yet, he still didn't tell us why. He picked up a crossbow along the way and told us about the centaurs who hadn't been playing nice lately. Which is all bad or whatever but not my immediate concern. Hagrid doesn't need us to negotiate with the centaurs. No, he needed us for something else, something bigger.

He needed our help with Grawp. Grawp is not a what but a who. A very large who. Turns out, he's Hagrid's Gigantic half-brother. He had been the cause of Hagrid's injuries. Apparently he like to fight. He doesn't speak much English either which only makes it harder for us to communicate with him.

Hagrid believes he'll be sacked soon now Dumbledore has left and Umbridge is in charge. He'd like us to look after his 'little' brother after he's gone. He wants us to teach him English and keep him company. I don't see how that'll help but Harry had already agreed.

We walked back towards the castle, only having a little hold up as we encountered some centaurs. Otherwise it went smoothly.

Upon arrival at the castle, a party was in full swing. Gryffindor had won so it seemed. At least something good came out of this day.