Growing up Pureblooded

Good Enough for the Queen

That same afternoon, Abraxas called Sirius over to Malfoy Manor for a talk. Sirius wasn't sure what the old man wanted to say, but Clytemnestra encouraged him to go, though Sirius would rather have spent the time with Aries. He arrived promptly at three and Dobby led him into Abraxas's study. He sat down in his favorite chair, and Abraxas offered him tea. "Good afternoon, Sirius," Abraxas said. "We have much to discuss." "Indeed we have, Mr Malfoy," Sirius said coldly. Abraxas winced. "In the first place," he said gruffly, "I want to express my regret over the way I acted yesterday. I was quite surprised, and in my shock may have said some...inappropriate things."

Sirius raised an eyebrow, but said nothing. "I have thought it over," Abraxas went on, "and I have decided that I shall forgive you and Aries for your deception. I believe you meant well, and though you ought to have told us sooner, I suppose we ought to be grateful that you told us when you did." "Thank you, Mr Malfoy," Sirius replied. "I am very sorry that we've found ourselves in this situation. I never wanted to lie to you."

"I understand that, Sirius." Abraxas replied. "My primary concern is that Aries not lose his grandfather," Sirius continued. "He cares about you very much, and he has lost far too many people that he cares about." "As have I, my boy," Abraxas said quietly, but Sirius didn't hear him. "I understand that our own friendship may have been irreparably damaged," he went on, "but I do hope that you and Aries will continue to be close." "So do I, Sirius," Abraxas said. "I likewise hope that our own friendship may not be so utterly broken as you seem to think. I should like very much for things to continue as they were."

Sirius smiled. "So should I, Mr Malfoy." "Please, Sirius," the old wizard replied. "Call me...Abraxas." "As you wish," Sirius said, ignoring the moisture in his eyes. Abraxas set down his tea. "Well, now that's settled, we have important matters to discuss, do we not? Riddle may have been temporarily defeated, but his Horcruxes remain." Sirius told Abraxas about Aries's visions, and about the prophecy. "I see," Abraxas replied ruminatively when he had finished. "It would seem young Aries is indeed destined for great things. We shall have to do everything we can to help him along the way. After the term is finished, I think we should begin our search for the Horcruxes."

Sirius nodded. "I agree. Aries and Draco should also continue their training. If Aries is going to face Riddle, you know Draco will be there at his side, and I don't want either of them to be caught unprepared." Abraxas coughed. "Speaking of that, don't you think it would be right, since Draco is so devoted to Aries, to do something to make their relationship official?" "I understand they've already done that on their own," Sirius said with a chuckle. "They became blood brothers after Draco learned the truth." Abraxas nodded approvingly. "That's good news. Blood brotherhood is very powerful magic indeed." He paused. "However, Sirius, I was thinking of something more...legal."

Sirius furrowed his brow. "What do you mean?" "Draco needs a father, Sirius," Abraxas replied. "As much as I care about the boy, I have learnt that I am constitutionally incapable of filling that role in his life. You, however, have proven yourself to be an excellent father." He paused. "I think you should marry Narcissa." Sirius spurted tea all over his robes. "I beg your pardon?" "It makes perfect sense, Sirius." The older wizard casually bit into a biscuit. "Draco looks up to you, he always has done. And you've grown quite close to Narcissa." "I killed Lucius!" Sirius protested. "Exactly," Abraxas said somberly. "Therefore it is your responsibility to take care of his widow and orphan. Where's your Gryffindor chivalry?" "It's not that," Sirius protested. "I'll take care of them both to my dying day."

"Then why won't you give them some legal assurance of that?" Abraxas asked. Sirius sputtered for a bit. "I think Draco's angry with me," he said eventually. "I think Draco is confused," Abraxas replied. "He looks up to you almost as a father, but not only are you the one who deprived him of his actual father, you are a more distant relation than he had previously believed - only his mother's cousin." "Precisely," Sirius said, as if that settled everything. "I'm Narcissa's cousin. We can't possibly get married."

Abraxas looked at him in amusement. "What was your mother's maiden name, Mr Black?" "That's beside the point!" Sirius protested. "I think not," Abraxas replied with a chuckle. "You will be continuing in a fine family tradition. Besides, if it was good enough for Queen Victoria..." "She was a Muggle," Sirius grumbled. "And you're a pureblood wizard, so you have even less reason to object." Abraxas looked triumphant. "Marry Narcissa and adopt Draco. Narcissa's position will be legally secure, and Draco will have a father once again. You know it's a marvelous idea." Sirius hesitated. He had to admit that the idea had its merits, and he was very fond of both Cissy and Draco. "Let me talk to Cissy and see what she thinks," he said with a sigh.