Estelle Black

She should have brought her Veritaserum, because why is this so hard. The three of them have been sitting in silence for the last 10 minutes while her brothers have been glaring at each other.

‘This is stupid’ She finally says in French done with the tense silence.

‘I couldn’t agree more.’ Sirius responds getting up to leave.

‘Sit Sirius that wasn’t an invitation to leave.’

Sirius sits done reluctantly now glaring at her.

‘Ok let’s try ok I will ask some questions and only the person I’m asking is allowed to speak until they have said they are done talking.’ The boys nod in response while Estelle thinks of her first question.

‘Regulus what was it like at Grimmauld when Sirius went to Hogwarts for his first year?’

Regulus seems a bit surprised by this question obviously never asked before.

‘Um lonely is probably the best word.’ Looking up at Estelle, she gives him an encouraging nod to continue.

‘In the beginning it was fine I suppose but then Sirius got sorted into Gryffindor and Sirius wasn’t there to get punished so I got the brute of it. Um yeah and after that mother got harsher with me and gave me no room for error and because I didn’t have Sirius, I just followed with what she said. It became a method of survival one I still use I suppose because if you just follow along then there is a smaller chance of getting hurt.’

The three are silent for a moment Estelle just staring at the wall trying to calm down her anger. Regulus though starts caving in on himself and playing with his rings. Looking to her right she notices Sirius wiping a tear away.

‘How do you feel about that Sirius?’

‘I don’t know.’ He says honestly trying to find the right words.
‘I didn’t know you got punished for me being in Gryffindor.’

‘Yeah, whenever you got a detention or a bad grade I got punished.’ Regulus answers still not looking up from his hands.

‘Reggie’ Sirius whispers
‘Please look at me.’

Regulus slowly lifts his head and sucks in a breath when he notices Sirius still crying softly.

‘je suis vraiment désolé’ Sirius says speaking French for the first time
‘If I had known I would have acted so differently. Why didn’t you tell me when I came back throughout the year.’

‘I didn’t want to burden you, you seemed so happy, and I didn’t want to ruin it.’

‘Oh’
‘Is that why you acted so cold when I mentioned my friends and being in Gryffindor it was because you got punished.’

‘Yes’
‘I hated that you found people that made you so happy and I hated that you were so happy without me. It felt like you found a new family, so I didn’t want to interfere.’

‘Reggie you are my family and will always be ok I am so sorry you felt like that. But you did not deserve to be punished ok that was wrong of her.’

‘I know that now.’

The boys at this point are basically hugging while they talk both in tears.

‘Well,’ she says
‘That was definitely a step in the right direction, anything you guys want to ask each other.’

The boys separate wiping away their tears in silence before Sirius asks.

‘Ok I have to ask this because depending on the answer I will continue these therapy things.’
‘Are the both of you blood purists and want to be or are death eaters?’

Regulus seems to hesitate before answering so Estelle steps in.

‘Personally, I’m not a blood purist as grandmother always taught me to never underestimate someone just because of their blood status. About the dark lord I obviously do not want that revolting tattoo on my arm so no I don’t want to join the death eaters.’

‘Ok, Reggie?’ Sirius says nodding his head in some understanding.

‘I’m not a blood purist I couldn’t care less about someone’s blood status. Although I don’t want to be a death eater most likely I will be forced to be one.’ Regulus states firmly

‘But why!’ Sirius exclaims back in English
‘You have a choice you can leave I did it Andy did it why can’t you!’

‘Because Sirius they need an heir!’
‘And you left so it has to be me ok, they won’t allow me to leave they will come looking ok I have to stay because I don’t have a choice!’ Regulus yells standing up and looking down at Sirius once again glaring at him.

Sirius seems to cave into himself in response copying Regulus’s past action.

‘Ok ok’ she says gently pulling Regulus down.

‘I think we have made some process which is great, but I think we should end it there. Ok we know we all care for each other and remember we are all still children and still learning.’

With that she forces the boys to hug which they do reluctantly but they both seem to sink into it. Regulus and her then go back to the Slytherin common room and Sirius goes to the Gryffindor one respectfully.

…..

It is taking everything out of Estelle to not roll her eyes at this man. This man who is somehow trusted to teach children. He can’t even keep his office clean. She can feel the dust around the room and it is making her itchy. All this man cares about is his reputation. Although this factor does come in handy when she needs Slughorn to grant her permission into extra reading. So, making sure her perfectly sweet pure blood mannered mask is up she focuses back into the conversation.

‘I am so happy to have you here Miss Black truly. I have heard wonderful things from the teachers at Beauxbatons. All about your amazing grades especially in defence against the dark arts and your amazing manors. A real delight.’

‘That’s truly wonderful to hear I loved all my teachers dearly.’ She says lying through her teeth.

The teachers at Beauxbatons were fine but it was her grandmother who taught her everything she knows now- what it truly means to be a witch.

‘I am so glad you are a Slytherin truly. Such a great mind.’

‘Why thank you I only worry…’ she drags purposely lowering her gaze and not finishing her sentence.

‘Worry what is there to worry about’ he rushes out.

‘Well, it’s just that I have already studied all of these topics at Beauxbatons as we do the course in a different order, so I’m worried I won’t be mentally fulfilled.’

Looking into Slughorn’s eyes she can tell she is almost there she just has to make it seem like his idea of course. Men love to think they are so smart and the ones in control. Especially this man.

‘I just wish there was another key to the library I could unlock somehow.’ She laughs pretending she doesn’t already know about the forbidden library section.

Slughorn stares at her in thought trying to tell her intentions. Seeing if she is truly innocent or if she knows what she is suggesting. Luckily for her and not so lucky for him she is only showing the emotions that she wants him to see. Therefore, he smiles and opens a draw in his desk pulling out a rectangular piece of paper.

‘Well, you are in luck Miss Black as I so happen have a pass here to the forbidden part of the library. Now use this with care as there can be some fearful books in there but I’m sure I can trust you to be able to handle yourself. But if you have any questions, just come and I will help you out.’ He rants placing the pass in her hand.

Estelle makes a quick exit after finally getting what she needed, leaving the idiotic fool that is Slughorn behind. Pocketing the pass she be-lines for the second teacher she wants to speak to today. Professor McGonagall.

Professor McGonagall might be the only teacher Estelle respects. The woman is strict and doesn’t seem to have a house bias like the other teachers. As, besides Slughorn the other professors always seem wary of Slytherins.

This meeting must go well as for Estelle to be the most powerful which her grandmother wants her to become, she needs the resources to do it. So, this will be a win win. One gaining the trust of Professor McGonagall and two becoming an animagus.

Knocking on the door she waits with bated breath until the professor says it’s ok to enter.

Walking in she changes her mask slightly wanting the professor to not underestimate her like Slughorn but still see her as the child she supposes she is.

‘Miss Black take a seat.’ The woman says obviously surprised by her presence.

‘Thank you’

‘And why are you here. You know you can always speak to Professor Slughorn if you have any questions. As he is your head of house.’ Her words not sounding accusing but just curious.

‘Yes, I know and well what I want to ask I’m afraid you’re the only real person who can help’

‘And what is it you want to ask’ seeming a bit annoyed at the roundabout answer.

‘Well at Beauxbatons it is common for students to become animagus’s if they are seen to show enough skill in transfiguration. I always got top marks in that class, so I was at the time excited to become an animagi.’

‘Right’ she drawls ‘and where do I come into this’

‘Yes, well as you’re the transfiguration teacher I was wondering if you could help me become an animagus.’

They sit in silence for a bit the professor processing her words. Waiting for the professor to say something Estelle notices the differences between Professor Slughorn and Professor McGonagall’s offices.

The obvious change is the decor colour but there is more than that. Estelle notices how McGonagall has picked out comfy chairs rather than stiff seats. Notices the tea station in the far corner with an array of cups likely for students when in distress. Finally notices how calm of an atmosphere the office holds compared to Slughorn’s empty office that only leaves you feeling slightly uncomfortable.

No wonder the Slytherins are known for turning evil when they get Slughorn as the caretaker compared to McGonagall. Who seems to actually care.

Just makes her hate Dumbledore more for allowing this.

The Professor leans back in her chair forcing Estelle to refocus. Like before the teacher studies her but once again in a very different tone. Instead of judging how this will benefit her, McGonagall seems to be studying her face to see if she can truly handle becoming an animagus. Making sure she is safe and not going above her limits.

Seemed to of made up her mind the teacher once again leans forward making Estelle copy the movement in anticipation.

‘Well, I do know of your past grades in the class Miss Black so I can understand you want to learn more. But becoming an animagus this young or any age is hard magic. Are you prepared for that?

‘Yes, definitely I know the process I know what I’m getting into.’

‘Oh well we will start slow I want you to do some reading beforehand.’ The woman states standing up and getting two books from her bookshelf.

Once again Estelle doesn’t stay much longer after she gets what she wants. Thanking the professor, she leaves quickly mentally scheduling a time where she can go through the books probably.

Heading to the Slytherin common rooms she bumps into someone becoming blinded by dark hair and the end of a broom.

‘Oh, I’m so sorry’ the girl says while Estelle is getting her hair out of her face.

‘Didn’t see you there’ Meadows says handing back the books Estelle dropped.

‘Oh, hi no its ok.’ She says kindly

‘I was just about to go flying’

‘Evidently’ she replies eying the broom

‘Yeah, try-outs are soon so I thought extra practise couldn’t hurt. Even though I was on the team last year.’

‘Mhm’

‘Hey do you fly?’

‘Kind of but it’s not my favourite activity.’

‘Well want to maybe join me?’

The question surprises Estelle as she doesn’t really know this girl. But deciding to stick with her plan to make some friends she agrees. Telling Meadows, she will meet her there in 10.

Meadows is an amazing flyer Estelle can already tell by just watching her from the grounds for a few minutes. The girl is clearly a chaser by the strong, clean throws she is performing, never missing the hoop as she practises. Also performing skilful drills making her gasp at some point when the girl goes upside down.

Deciding to finally join her, Estelle gets on her broom.

Estelle is not a flyer by any means, but she doesn’t mind the feeling of freedom she gets when on the broom. If she was a player, she would definitely be a seeker loving the minute movements a seeker needs rather than the brash movement the other players use.

She starts to speed up around the court staying out of Meadows’s way. Simply lapping the court over and over again and getting faster each time.

She starts to smile probably the first smile she has allowed herself since seeing her brothers for the first time. As, how can you not when the amazing gush of wind hits you. So fresh and so free. A true break from the calculated persona she puts on every other second of the day.

After reaching her max speed she decides to slow down. Once she comes to a stop, she notices Meadows has been watching her the entire time.

‘If your brother wasn’t the seeker, I would tell you to try out for it.’ She jokes

Flying closer to the girl and catching her breath she laughs a breathy laugh still at an optimum joy from her laps.

‘I would never try out, so he doesn’t have to worry.’

‘Lucky him’
‘How are your classes treating you?’

‘Oh, alright I guess pretty easy going.’

‘Yeah, I saw the books you dropped the animagus ones.’

‘Oh yeah Professor McGonagall thought I could do it as I have already learnt the stuff, we are doing in class.’ She says easily trying to make it seem like not a big deal.

‘Oh right’
‘I’m surprised you weren’t a Ravenclaw then’

‘Well, the hat chose Slytherin I suppose’

‘Yeah, that old thing’

‘I was worried it was going to give me flees honestly.’

‘Ha, I get that.’
‘You should meet Pandora; I think you two would really get along.’

‘Oh yeah what house is she in’

‘Ravenclaw, she has really blonde hair can’t miss her really. But she will find you don’t worry.’

‘Find me, interesting’

‘Interesting is the right word yes.’ Dorcas laughs
‘So, anyone caught your eye yet.’

‘Um no, not really one to date’

‘Oh, shame well no matter I have enough depressing love stories to keep you interested.’

‘Oh, really and who is at fault for these stories.’ She asks actually becoming interested in the conversation.

‘Ugh this girl in my grade she is a Gryffindor, yeah I know’ Dorcas says replying to the shocked looked Estelle gives her.

‘Anyway, we are partners in potions because Slughorn decided to split us all up randomly, so we got paired with people from other houses. Anyway, she is so pretty like I could get distracted by her smile for eternity and she is really smart. Even though she sometimes acts dumb which I don’t get she is actually so smart.’
‘Sorry I’m rambling’

‘It’s ok she seems….. nice’

‘Wow you really are like Regulus just no emotions.’

‘I resent that.’

‘But still funny as ever.’ Dorcas laughs
‘Anyways it’s getting late we should probably head in.’

‘Yeah ok’

Later that night after dinner Estelle sits on her bed and writes a letter to her grandmother detailing how her plan for greatness and family bonding is working.