Breaking Black (A Sirius Black Love Story)

Chapter 99

November 1, 1981

A small smile played on my lips as I stared at the picture on my desk. It had been a long night shift; more people than usual were setting off fireworks in front of Muggles and misusing magic to celebrating Halloween. I was exhausted, but the picture I kept staring at kept me in a great mood.

In the picture, Sirius was holding Cassie, bouncing her on his knee while she giggled, her dark hair flying up with every bounce. Sirius beamed up at me from within the frame. Merlin, he loves that little girl! I couldn't wait to tell him the good news about our new baby, the news that would probably make him so happy he could almost forget about the war for one day. I was only waiting to get the notice that I could go home.

Finally, Mafalda walked into the office and I shot up from my seat. She looked nervous as she approached me, and she was still wearing her coat, as if she were ready to leave rather than pick up the day shift.

"Thank goodness you're here!" I gushed. "I can't wait to go home and see Sirius and my little girl!"

Mafalda looked horrified for some reason. She helped me sit back in my seat.

"Lexi..." she began. "I'm not working today. No one is working today anymore... The department has also asked that you stay in the office for a few more hours. You are not to leave."

"What?" I frowned. "Why would they want that?"

Mafalda looked like she was about to cry.

"You mean you really haven't heard anything? They told me they deferred all owls from your office, but you really haven't heard anything about last night? Or this morning?"

"No..." I whispered. "I've been working a sixteen-hour shift since ten last night... What's going on?"

"I was instructed not to tell you," Mafalda cried. Tears started welling up in her warm brown eyes. "Lexi, please, stay in this office. Everything will make sense soon... I'm so sorry."

"What happens if I leave? They can't hold me here!" I gulped.

Mafalda rushed forward and hugged me. My heart started to beat faster from fear.

"Don't, Alexandra, it will only make it worse. Stay in this office and wait, don't try to talk to anyone," Mafalda instructed. "You're a good person, I know you are. The things that they're saying... It will all work out. Again, I am so sorry."

Mafalda shakily ended the hug and composed herself. She left without another word. I heard the audible sound of her locking the office door behind her. I was alone in the room with no idea what was going on. It felt like I was in a prison.

I wished I still had the enchanted mirror from Sirius, so I could ask him what everyone was hiding. I had a feeling whatever happened was big news. I also had a feeling it was bad. I didn't attempt to send a Patronus message to anyone, Mafalda's instructions were clear.

I sat at my desk for what felt like hours. Every second twisted my stomach in knots, a feeling of dread washing over me. I was nauseous, but I wasn't sure if it was due to the pregnancy or due to the anticipation.

Suddenly, there was a knock at the door and I jumped at the sound. I didn't feel the need to invite them in, and they unlocked the door and entered themselves. Two wizards from the Department of Magical Law Enforcement entered, followed by none other than Alastor Moody. The appearance of a friendly face made me feel better, but Mad-Eye's face was grim.

"Mrs. Black, good morning," Moody said curtly, not a single edge of politeness to his voice. "We need you to come with us. You are being questioned by the Wizengamot in fifteen minutes for association to murder."