Growing up Pureblooded

Unpleasant Return

     Sirius and the boys prepared to return to England at the end of August with a heavy heart. Neither Aries nor Draco could ever remember having such a marvelous summer, and Sirius had begun to settle comfortably into his new role as Aries father. None of them looked forward to rejoining the perpetual intrigue that was daily life in the Houses of Black and Malfoy. Nonetheless, when the first of September came around, all three gather in the entrance hall with their trunks, bade Arcturus and Melania farewell and Portkeyed back to Windermere Court. Marius, Clytemnestra and Cassiopeia greeted them. "Welcome home boys," Cassiopeia said. "I am looking forward to our first lessons of the year on Monday. I trust I shall find that you have been diligent in your wandwork over the past month." "Yes, Aunt Cassie," Aries and Draco replied in unison. They had both become quite competent at a number of basic spells, though Aries was still far stronger when he cast in Parseltongue. He was sorely tempted to use only Parseltongue, because it was so much easier, but since Aries hoped to keep his newfound talent from Aunt Cassie's notice, he forced himself to learn the normal way. "You're mother told me that she wanted you to come home right away, Draco," Clytemnestra said. "You may use the fireplace in the parlor. We shall send Mopsy over with your things presently. "Thank you Aunt Clytemnestra," Draco said, and waved to Aries and Sirius. "See you tomorrow, Aries, Uncle Sirius." "Bye Draco," Aries said. Sirius patted the blonde boy on his shoulder, and Draco ran off into the parlor. 

     "As for you two," Marius said, "Pollux has been asking for you. The Healers say he's taken a serious turn for the worse. It won't be long now until the end." Aries and Sirius changed into their best robes and Flooed over to Grimmauld Place. Kreacher escorted them up to the master bedroom, where Pollux lay motionless in the center of the large four-poster bed. Irma sat quietly by his side, looking as though she had not slept in days. "Hello Sirius dear," Irma said. "Hello Aries. It was good of you to come." She glanced at her husband's gently sleeping form. "He was asking for you earlier today, but he drifts in and out. I don't know when he will wake up again." "That's all right Grandmamma," Sirius replied, his face unusually solemn. "We'll wait here for a while. Why don't you rest a bit?" Irma nodded and rose from her chair. "Kreacher, prepare the bed in Mistress Ursula's old room. I shall sleep there for the time being. Prepare Master Sirius's old room for him, and Master Regulus's for Aries." "Yes Mistress," the house elf croaked, and scampered off to do her bidding. Irma placed her icy hand on Aries' cheek. He'll be so pleased to know your here, Aries," she said, "You great-grandfather may have a strange way for showing it, but he cares for you very much." Aries nodded, trying not to cry. He didn't know how to respond. It was strange for a boy whose parents had been murdered when he was one, but Aries had never really experienced death, not that he truly remembered. Irma dabbed at her eyes with her handkerchief. "I was twelve when Pollux and I married," she said. "He was thirteen, It's strange, I've spent the better part of six decades devoutly wishing for the bastard to leave me alone. Now when it seems the old fool's finally preparing to do just that, I find I want nothing more than for him to stay." She burst into tears. "Oh, Poll!? She cried. "Whatever shall I do without you?" Sirius pulled his grandmother into his arms and let her cry on his shoulder. "It'll be all right, Grandmamma," he whispered soothingly. "Aries and I will take care of you. Everything will be fine." Irma only cried harder into Sirius's best dress robes. Aries stood there and fidgeted nervously.