𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗘𝗥 𝗢𝗙 𝗔𝗭𝗞𝗔𝗕𝗔𝗡 [𝚎𝚍𝚒𝚝𝚎𝚍]

Chapter Fifty: Toujours Pur

‾‾‾‾‾‾‾ ･⋆✵⋆･ ‾‾‾‾‾‾‾

"Just come straight to my place." James said. Although he was discussing a serious subject, he had that perpetual smile on his face he'd had for a while now as he was a lot happier these days because, even though she wasn't exactly declaring her love to him, at least Lily had officially cut off all ties with Snape after the 'M-word' incident.

"I have something to do." Sirius said, finding James's mother hen-ness endearing.

"You can't go back there, Pads." James argued, sounding really concerned now and the smile slipping off his face. "Moony told me what actually happened during Christmas."

"Moony!" Sirius exclaimed dramatically. "I trusted you with that secret."

Remus shrugged. "Yeah, well . . . now we're even."

"You know I wouldn't go back to that place if I didn't have to." Sirius said and grinned at James, hoping he'd drop the subject already. "I'll be in and out in no time. Just like last summer."

"Do your parents even know you're coming?" Peter asked worriedly.

"Why would I tell them?" Sirius scoffed. "Father is coming to pick Regulus so I'll just tag along. Stay there for a few days then take the Knight Bus to your place, Prongs."

James sighed in defeat and took to looking out of the window, watching the rapidly diminishing outline of the Hogwarts castle, while Remus gave Sirius a look that said, You're making a horrible decision, mate.

Sirius looked away and pretended not to notice the look Remus gave him.

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Sirius hopped off the train to see his father standing amongst the crowd, too proud to wear Muggle clothes and dressed in his expensive robes.

And if Orion Black was surprised to see his eldest son walking towards him from where he was previously conversing with the Potters instead of leaving with them like he does very often, he didn't show it. He only gave Sirius and Regulus a curt nod and walked ahead of the two boys to the Appariation point.

Regulus didn't bother Sirius with questions or attempt small talk either. They just don't do that anymore.

‾‾‾‾‾‾‾ ･⋆✵⋆･ ‾‾‾‾‾‾‾

Sirius had been back in Grimmauld Place for three days now but wasn't having any luck in doing what he came here to do.

It was like the house had turned to a bloody fortress since he was here for Christmas last time and Kreacher's sole purpose of existence has became tailing him around the house and reporting everything single thing Sirius does back to his mother.

Dinner was always a pretty somber affair at Grimmauld Place, etiquette and whatnot, but it was more so today, thanks to the tension between Sirius and Walburga because he came uninvited to his own house. Ironic, isn't it?

"I got a letter from Druella today, Orion." said Walburga to her husband in the middle of the first course of their dinner, her voice sounding too loud in the silent room. "She said we've been invited to Narcissa's wedding next Saturday."

"That's lovely." nodded Orion but he sounded rather bored. "She's marrying Abraxas' son, am I right?"

"Yes." simpered Walburga as her fork and knife clanged against her plate elegantly, her posture straight.

"Very good match." Orion answered. "He's a good lad. Very nice family too."

"Yes." Walburga said again. Then she turned her haughty gaze on her eldest son. "Sirius. Take out your dressrobes so Kreacher can iron them for you."