Strength {Sirius Black}

5. FILTH!

| CHAPTER FIVE |

FILTH!

SIRIUS WAS MORE THAN ANXIOUS when his Godson went off to his Ministry hearing. The boy had been expelled from Hogwarts for using magic, underage and in front of a muggle, however, the fact that it was to save their lives, Dumbledore had managed to get the boy a hearing, hoping that he could tell his side of the story and go back to finish his education at the school of witchcraft and wizardry.

Sirius wanted nothing more but to go with him, however, even he knew it wasn't a good idea. Wizards were still on a look out for him and if they did find him, there was no doubt in his mind that he would get killed by dementors. Usually, he'd just say 'fuck it' and go anyways, but he just couldn't risk it. Not when Harry needed him and certainly not when Echo Bennett was back in the country. 

He might not admit it to, but the woman being back had definitely brightened his mood up. It was getting far too tiring to sit around in his old home (one with not that many great memories of his childhood) and even though the Weasley's were now staying there, along with Remus and now Harry, Echo's presence was the only one that put him to ease. So, when she strolled into the kitchen as he sat at the head of the table, his head in his hands and anxious thoughts swarming his mind, his mind felt slightly easier, especially when he felt her hand softly touching his shoulder.

Moving his head up to look at her, he watched her worry filled eyes exploring his face. Her hair was still braided but pushed out of her face and tied in a high ponytail, brushing against her shoulder blades.

"He's going to be okay," She told him, squeezing his shoulder reassuringly. 

"I know," Sirius sighed sadly, "I just wanted to be there for him."

Echo sent him a small smile before she finally sat down besides him, letting her fingers travel from his shoulder down to his palm, causing goosebumps to appear under his jacket, "I know you did, but he understands why you're not there," She assured him, squeezing his fingers as he opened his palm, letting hers melt into it.

"You always know what to say, don't you?" He chuckled softly, his grey eyes sparkling as he looked at her with pure adoration. 

Echo smirked proudly, "Of course I do," She puffed her chest out jokingly, "I know exactly what's going in that noggin of yours."

Sirius couldn't help but grin. It had been one of the most genuine smiles he had shown recently. His grey eyes stayed glued to Echo's face, inspecting every little inch of it as if he was trying to memorise her just in case she disappeared from him again. Their fingers were still locked and it seemed that neither of them wanted to let go or move away, they only did so when they heard a loud bang upstairs, one that was almost instantly followed by Molly Weasley yelling at the twins.

Sirius' eyes widened in fear, "Oh no..." He mumbled, finally tearing his eyes away from the woman besides him to the door.

Echo furrowed her brows in confusion, "What?" She questioned, but before Sirius could answer her another scream filled Grimmauld Place. The voice sounded familiar and caused a shiver to run down Echo's spine.

"Filth!" It yelled, "Filth! Stains of dishonour!"

Echo looked back at Sirius, spotting the bearded man already standing up and rushing towards the door, cursing under his breath. Without hesitation, Echo rushed after him, taking two stairs at a time before she almost bumped into his back at the top of the stairs. Her dark brown eyes widened in shock. Right in front of her, past Sirius' shoulder was a portrait of Walburga Black. Her face was contorted with anger, her eyes wild as she continued to scream insults whilst Sirius closed the dark curtains around the painting, hiding it from view. It took several more minutes before Walburga finally stopped yelling, leaving the house eerily silent.

"Well..." Echo mumbled quietly, "I certainly haven't missed that woman."