Chapter 6
A week had passed since the family’s discussion, and the Black Manor felt unusually still. Orion sat in his study, as always, with Red curled up at his feet, the fire softly crackling in the hearth. The pain in his joints had been relentless that morning, and while he had managed to keep up his usual routine, it was becoming harder each day. The arrival of the wheelchair was fast approaching, and while he had mentally prepared for it, there remained a lingering sense of defeat he couldn’t shake.
He had always prided himself on his strength—the authority he commanded in the Wizengamot, his ability to maintain order in the household, and his leadership of the Black family. The thought of being seen in a wheelchair rattled him, making him feel like he would be viewed as weak, no longer the powerful figure he had once been.
As the thoughts clouded his mind again, there was a knock at the door. Before Orion could respond, Sirius poked his head in, a mischievous grin already spreading across his face.
"Father," Sirius said, stepping in, "I’ve got a surprise for you."
Orion raised an eyebrow, wary but curious. "A surprise?"
"Yep," Sirius said, his grin widening. "Regulus and I worked together on this. We figured if you’re going to need a wheelchair, it’s going to be nothing short of the best."
Before Orion could respond, Sirius gestured behind him. Two figures entered—the second being a Ministry delivery wizard, and between them floated the most impressive wheelchair Orion had ever seen.
The wheelchair was sleek and sophisticated, custom-made with a high-quality, lightweight metal frame that gleamed. The seat and backrest were padded with plush, dark leather, designed for maximum comfort and support. Intricate silver embroidery along the edges gave it an air of elegance. The wheels, enchanted to glide smoothly across any surface, were charmed to allow Orion to move effortlessly over uneven ground or even stairs.
Sirius stepped forward, grinning like a schoolboy at Christmas. "We made sure to get the best, Father. The charms adjust to your weight, making it easier to move. The leather’s enchanted for comfort, and the frame is nearly indestructible. Oh, and if you don’t feel like using your hands, you can control it with magic or voice commands."
Regulus, standing a little more reserved but still proud, nodded. "We wanted to make sure you'd be comfortable. It’s not just functional—it’s fit for a Black."
Orion was silent for a long moment, staring at the wheelchair. He wasn’t sure what to say. The care and effort his sons had put into this were overwhelming. He had dreaded this moment—the reality of it—but now, seeing this masterpiece before him, the weight didn’t seem as heavy.
Sirius shifted and glanced at Regulus before stepping forward again. "Father, we know this isn’t what you wanted. But if you have to use a wheelchair, then at least this way, you're still you. This won’t take away from who you are."
Regulus added quietly, "You’ll still be the man who leads our family."
Orion’s throat tightened as emotion swirled within him. He glanced down at Red, who had stood up and was now watching intently, sensing the shift in the room. Taking a deep breath, Orion nodded slowly, pushing aside his pride.
"Thank you," Orion said, his voice hoarse but sincere. "Both of you. This means more to me than you know."
Sirius grinned, stepping back. "Want to give it a try?"
Orion hesitated for a moment before nodding. He set his cane aside and gestured for Red to stay close. Slowly, with Sirius and Regulus watching, he stood and eased himself into the wheelchair. The soft leather conformed perfectly to his body, and for the first time in weeks, he felt an immediate sense of relief as the pressure was lifted from his legs and joints.
Sirius moved forward, adjusting the arms and showing him how to operate the controls. "You can move it like this," he said, demonstrating the simplest manual function. "Or, you can just say 'move forward,' and it’ll glide on its own."
Orion, still unsure, muttered, "Move forward."
The chair responded immediately, gliding smoothly across the floor. There was no jerking, no discomfort—just a fluid, graceful movement that made him feel like he was in control again. Red padded beside him, matching the pace of the chair without missing a beat.
Orion exhaled, a mix of relief and acceptance washing over him. This wasn’t the defeat he had feared. It was different, yes, but it didn’t strip away his identity. In fact, this chair—a gift from his sons—was a reminder that he wasn’t in this alone.
He glanced back at Sirius and Regulus, who were watching him expectantly.
"I must admit," Orion said, a smile tugging at the corner of his mouth, "this is… impressive."
Sirius laughed, the sound filling the room with warmth. "Told you! We don’t do things halfway."
Regulus smiled softly, his quiet pride evident. "We’ll make sure everything stays in perfect condition. You won’t have to worry about a thing."
As they stood together, the Black family felt a shift. The wheelchair, which had once symbolized Orion’s greatest fear, was now a testament to the strength of their bond. No matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together—with grace, determination, and the unbreakable loyalty that defined them.
For the first time in what felt like forever, Orion felt at peace. This wasn’t the end of his power or his influence. It was simply a new chapter. And as Red leaned into his side, offering silent support, Orion knew he would rise to meet it—just as he always had.
The days following the adjustment to his new wheelchair had been surprisingly peaceful for Orion. With each passing day, he became more confident in maneuvering through the grand halls of Black Manor, and Red, always attentive, never strayed far from his side. Orion had grown accustomed to using the chair, his service dog guiding him along with a gentle nudge whenever necessary. The family, too, had embraced the change with subtle care, and the atmosphere at home had grown warmer, the shift almost imperceptible but comforting.
One bright afternoon, Walburga invited the family to a lunch outside in the garden. The air was crisp, the flowers in full bloom, and the scent of fresh earth mingled with the warmth of the sun. Orion wheeled himself out to the garden, feeling an unusual lightness in his chest as he approached the table under the canopy of green. Red, as usual, trotted alongside, alert and focused on his handler, a constant, quiet support.
Sirius and Regulus were already arranging the dishes, their movements a reflection of the growing sense of collaboration between them. Walburga, standing by the table, fussed over the finer details of the setup, and despite the usual formalities of their family meals, there was a softer, more open air to the gathering today.
"Father, you'll be pleased with the quiche," Sirius said, offering a wide grin as he helped his father settle into his seat. "Reg and I made sure it was just the way you like it."
Regulus rolled his eyes in good-natured annoyance. "And Sirius insisted on adding fresh herbs from the garden," he added with a sigh.
Orion chuckled, his fingers lightly brushing Red's head as the dog curled up beside him. "I'm sure it's perfect," he said with a small smile. His sons' energy felt different now—more considerate, more in tune with the changes around them.
As the meal began, Walburga caught Orion's gaze, her expression warm with approval. "It's good to see you out here, enjoying the day," she remarked, her tone quiet but filled with pride. "You’ve adjusted so well to everything."
Orion took a moment before replying, his voice thick with gratitude. "It’s not been easy, but it’s made all the difference having you all here, supporting me. I don't think I could’ve done it without you."
The conversation flowed easily, the laughter more genuine than it had been in a long time. For a while, Orion allowed himself to relax, to let go of the worries that had gnawed at him in the previous days. With Red faithfully at his side, resting quietly but ever watchful, he felt a sense of normalcy he hadn’t expected to find so soon.
After the meal, as the family began to relax, Sirius leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful look on his face. "We’ve been thinking of making some changes around the manor—ramps, some adjustments to key areas—to make things easier for you."
Orion raised an eyebrow, his heart swelling with appreciation. "You don’t need to go to all that trouble."
Regulus was quick to counter. "We want to, Father. It’s not just about convenience. We want to make sure you’re comfortable and independent."
"And it’ll make it easier for us to help you when you need it," Walburga added, her tone both practical and supportive.
Orion surveyed his family, feeling a deep, unspoken sense of unity. "I appreciate it more than I can put into words," he said, his voice rough with emotion. "Knowing you're all here, supporting me, means everything."
As the afternoon wore on, Sirius and Regulus excused themselves, already discussing the specifics of the planned changes. Walburga, however, stayed behind, pouring tea for Orion, her quiet presence a comfort.
"You've been through a lot, Orion," she said softly, handing him a cup. "But I'm proud of how you’re handling everything."
Orion took the cup, his fingers tracing the fine china. He looked out at the garden, the world feeling still and peaceful for the first time in weeks. "It’s been a challenge, but I’m learning. I’m learning to accept the help. And with my family, with Red by my side, I’m finding strength I didn’t know I had."
Walburga reached across the table, her hand covering his in a gesture of solidarity. "We’re all here for you. Whatever comes, we’ll face it together."
Orion smiled faintly, his heart full. "Thank you, Walburga. Your support means more than I can say."
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over the garden, the Black family lingered in their peaceful bubble. The changes in their lives were undeniable, but the love they shared was constant.
For Orion, the wheelchair had once seemed a symbol of his limitations, but now, with Red by his side and his family’s unwavering support, it was a tool for independence. It wasn’t the end of his power, but the beginning of a new chapter, one he would face with courage and the steadfast loyalty of those he loved.
As the final rays of sunlight faded, Orion felt a deep, resonating peace. Life had changed, but in the company of his family and with Red by his side, he knew he would rise to meet whatever came next.