Growing up Pureblooded

People Should Fit In Boxes

"Mum, you can't blame Aries for what happened," Draco said. "If it weren't for him, you might have been killed." "I know," Narcissa said with a sigh. "But if it weren't for him, I should never have lost Lucius or been kidnapped in the first place." "You can't think that way, Mum!" Draco insisted. "Aries is my best friend." Narcissa looked at him sadly. "But how can you be sure of that, dear? If he and Sirius were lying about so much, who knows what else they might have been lying about?" "I understand, Mum," Draco said quietly. "I really do. I felt the same way when I learned the truth. I'm still confused about a lot of things. But I know I can trust Aries. He's my brother." "He's not even your cousin," Narcissa said. "He's my second cousin once removed!" Draco retorted hotly. "Besides, after I learned the truth, we became blood brothers."

His mother smiled at him and put a hand on his shoulder. "I'm glad you still have your friend, Draco," she said. "I don't really blame Aries. He was only a small child when it all happened." She sighed. "I do wish Sirius had told me." "He saved my life," Draco said quietly. "I don't know why. What am I to him?" Sirius came into the room without knocking. "I told you," he said. "You're my favorite nephew. I care about you just as much as I care about Aries." "Didn't anyone ever tell you that it's polite to knock?" Narcissa asked coldly. Sirius shrugged. "It's my house." He looked down at Draco. "Do you mind giving me and your mum just a moment, Draco?" he asked.

Draco got up and went, grasping his mother's hand briefly before leaving the room. Sirius shut the door. "Cissy, I'm sorry," he said. "I would have told you, but I had to keep Aries' secret." "I understand," Narcissa replied quietly. "But I trusted you, Sirius. I told you all my darkest secrets, my fears. I thought we were being completely honest with one another." "We were," Sirius protested.

Narcissa shook her head. "We weren't. You were keeping a very large secret, one you shared with Aunt Cassie and Aunt Clytemnestra, but not with me." "I'm sorry," Sirius repeated. "How can I make it up to you?" Narcissa snorted. "Make it up to me? What makes you think you can do that?" "Please, Narcissa," Sirius said. "There must be something I can do." Narcissa sighed. "I don't know," she said at length. "But at least you can promise never to keep a secret from me again."

Sirius hesitated. "I want to promise that," he said. "But I can't. What if something comes up, and Aries' or Draco's lives are at stake?" Surprisingly, Narcissa smiled. "Thank you, Sirius," she said. "For what?" Sirius asked, a quizzical expression on his face. "For taking me seriously," she said. "Lucius would have promised without a moment's hesitation, but I should have known he would do it again, if necessary. You were honest with me, and I appreciate that." "I'll always be honest with you," Sirius said. "I can promise you that much. If I can't tell you something for some reason, I'll tell you, but I shan't lie to you."

Narcissa nodded. "Thank you, Sirius," she said. They sat quietly for a few minutes before Sirius spoke again. "I'm worried about Draco," he said. "I really do love the boy, but he must be so angry with me. He's been so distant." "Draco likes to know where he stands with everyone in his life," Narcissa explained. "He wants people to fit in nice boxes." She chuckled. "He told me that he and Aries became blood brothers after he learned the truth." Sirius looked shocked, "Really? I didn't know that."

Narcissa nodded. "It's the sort of thing he would come up with. I'm sure he felt a bit lost once he found out that he and Aries weren't first cousins. Becoming blood brothers was his way of re-establishing their bond." She paused. "He's always had a special connection with you. You've not just been his best friend's father, but his beloved uncle. That's gone now, and on top of it, you saved him from the man he was supposed to admire above all others. It's all very confusing for him. He needs to figure out how he's supposed to relate to you." "I'd do anything for you two, Cissy," Sirius said. "I know that," Narcissa replied. "And so does Draco. We just need a bit of time."