Through the Darkness | Draco Malfoy

One

Aries Arcturus Black was the youngest person ever to set foot in Azkaban. Or rather, to live in Azkaban her entire life, alongside her father, Sirius Black. She wasn't supposed to be there in the first place, but her unwavering attachment to her father led her into this dark chapter.

Eleven years ago, the Wizarding World was a peaceful place, free from war and daily death tolls.

"James-y!"

Sirius Black's loud knocking echoed through the quiet night as he banged on the door, determined to annoy whoever was inside. "You know I don't have all day, Prongs! Open up!" The banging grew louder with each passing second.

After a few minutes, the door flew open aggressively, revealing a very irritated James Potter, who looked ready to unleash his wrath. "Can you NOT?"

Sirius grinned, unfazed by his friend's anger. "Can't help it, mate. You're so boring sometimes. Anyway, where's my godson?" He barged in without waiting for an invitation. "Harry! Oh, hi Lily!"

James started to close the door but stopped upon seeing Wisteria Black, Sirius's wife, standing there with a smile. "Since when are you the serious father, James Potter?" she teased.

James's expression softened immediately. "Wisty! It's great to see you! Is that little Aries? Aw, look at you," he exclaimed, taking the little girl from Wisteria as they all gathered in the living room.

Seeing Sirius with Harry in his arms, James raised an eyebrow. "Padfoot, that's my son you're stealing."

Sirius scoffed, "I'm not stealing, just borrowing him. Just like you're borrowing my daughter."

Wisteria rolled her eyes and stood beside her sister, Lily. "They're going to make a scene again, aren't they?"

Whenever Sirius and James were in the same room with their children, it always turned into a competition over whose child was superior. Inevitably, this led to a disagreement, leaving them sulking and avoiding each other for a day—no longer, because they couldn't stand being apart for more than that.

Their arguments drove Lily mad. "James, Sirius, I swear to Merlin, if you two don't stop acting like children and just enjoy their company, you'll regret ever agreeing to bring these children into the world."

Wisteria nodded in agreement. "Well said, Lily. Now, we don't want to be late. Remember, we have a date, Sirius," she reminded, heading toward the door.

"Oh, I almost forgot." Sirius placed Harry in the baby fence and patted James on the shoulder. "Look after my daughter, will you?"

James nodded, putting Aries in the baby fence with Harry. "I will. You two have fun. Aries will be in good hands. And, Padfoot," he leaned in closer, "don't forget what I taught you about pleasing an Evans."

Sirius smirked. "I won't forget."

Wisteria shook her head in disbelief. "Oh, please. Sirius, we're leaving now. And Lily, just a heads-up, Aries sometimes turns into a puppy and can slip out of places like that baby fence, so keep an eye on her."

Lily nodded. "We'll watch her, don't worry."

Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Oh really? You're not watching her now." He gave them one last smile and left with Wisteria.

James and Lily turned toward the baby fence, only to find that Aries had already escaped. They knew this was going to be a challenge.

Lily sighed and picked up Aries. "James, darling, there are cookies on the plate over there. Could you bring a couple?"

James fetched the cookies and handed them to Lily. "I called Moony and Wormtail to come over, you know, to lighten the mood. But neither of them replied. Do you think they're okay?"