Breaking Black (A Sirius Black Love Story)

Chapter 95

July 31, 1980

Sirius won his bet against James. Two boys were born at the end of July. Alice and Frank had Neville Longbottom first, on July 30th, and Harry James Potter was born to Lily and James on July 31st.

James was the proudest father. Sirius and I were able to visit the new parents when Harry was three days old, and safely home in Godric's Hollow. James boasted about how strong Lily was and his perfect baby boy. I heard James whisper to Sirius that he better watch out for Cassie's sake. Little Harry Potter was going to be a heartbreaking stud.

Harry already resembled James. The newborn had his black, wild hair and facial features. Only Harry's eyes were Lily's. Upon meeting the boy, James and Lily announced some wonderful news: Sirius was Harry's godfather! Sirius immediately clung to Harry like his own son. He spoiled Harry every chance he could. Although Sirius loved Cassie with everything he had, I knew he wanted a son. From that day on, Sirius and I agreed we wouldn't try for another baby, but we wouldn't not try, in hopes of a surprise Sirius junior.

As for my own baby, Cassie was changing nearly every day. She was a healthy, happy, four-month-old baby. For hours, I would just sit and watch her as I did work for Felix's wand shop. And there was something about the way the handsome Sirius would lay on the ground and play peek-a-boo with Cassie that just made me want that surprise baby a little more. She brought out my favorite side of Sirius. He actually smiled around Cassie.

In fact, Sirius seemed different since I quit the Order. He was always depressed and had a grim expression on his face when he came home. I never wanted to ask about it. The war was only something I read about in the Daily Prophet. However, from what I gathered from hushed conversations between Sirius and James and snippets of information, something big happened in early July. There was a prophecy, and someone, an Order member, was in danger. Ominously, I had a feeling the people in trouble were James and Lily.

My suspicions were confirmed when I had an unexpected and unpleasant meeting with an old enemy from Hogwarts.

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I often took Cassie to visit Felix's grave. Felix became an uncle, and never knew it. For hours, on nice days, I would sit in the cemetery and talk to my brother about my life. It was well known throughout the community that I did this nearly every week. On a hot, August day, I sat with Cassie at the grave.

Innocently, Cassie slept on the blanket in the grass. When she would wake, she would watch insects or grab at the flowers. She had no idea her uncle, aunt, and cousin were murdered only two years ago. The pain had gotten easier for me, but it still weighed on my heart that Felix would never lovingly scold me again or give me some of his famous advice. I missed him more than anything.

We had been sitting in the cemetery for two hours, and it was nearing sundown. I started to pack up my things when a figure appeared. Out of instinct, I grabbed my wand, tightening my grip when I realized who the tall man was, clothed in black.

"Snape, you have one minute to leave before I call Alastor Moody and have you arrested. I'd kill you myself, but you've never been worth it," I growled.

Severus Snape stood before me, tall and thinner than the last time I saw him. His face was even bonier and weary. Black, greasy hair touched his shoulders and his eyes were red, like he'd been crying or low on sleep. In his hands, he held nothing. There was no wand, no weapon, he just held his hands open for me to see.

"Stryker, bold as always," Snape scoffed. "I'm surprised your mouth hasn't gotten you killed yet."

"It's Black now."