Chapter 8
Estelle has started reading a new book from the restricted section of the library all about Basilisks and how to kill them. Not looking the animal in eye is obviously vital but Estelle is learning the best places to attach the creature. Surprisingly the Basilisks eyes is the number one place or the throat. The creature also has very rare venom that she thinks Regulus would enjoy having in his potions kit. While reading she does not notice Dorcas sitting across from her in the hidden corner of the library. Jumping in surprise when Dorcas snatches the book from her hands and puts it face down, she glares at the Ravenclaw shushing her from the noise. Nerds.
‘Why are you reading on a Saturday?’
‘Because I want to’ Dorcas just sighs
‘Honestly you and Regulus need to be studied because reading stuffy old books on the weekend is not normal’ She says pointing to Regulus on the another corner of the library seeming oblivious to their presence like Estelle was mere moments ago.
‘What do you recommend we do then?’
‘Well since you have asked there is a party tonight!’
‘Shhh’ The Ravenclaw turns Dorcas not seeming to notice or care continues ‘It’s a Gryffindor party so its invite only but no worries as you got invited by Sirius and Regulus got invited by James.’
‘Who did you get invited by?’ Dorcas blushes slightly in response and starts playing with her hair nervously. ‘Marlene’ She whispers for the first time since being in the library.
‘So, you two are a thing then?’ smiling in excitement for her friend
‘Well, I don’t know we’ looking around she lowers her voice ‘don’t tell anyone but we kissed at the last party and have kinda become friends with benefits.’ Rising her eyebrows in surprise Estelle matches Dorcas’s whispered tone ‘I thought you wanted to be in a relationship’
‘Yeah, but like I will take what I can get.’ Lost in thought slightly she seems to brush the thought away and stands up ‘but you will go to the party, right?’
‘Yeah, I’ll go’
‘Great wish me luck while I convince your brother.’
Watching the teen saunter off too Regulus she slips out of the library deciding to finish her reading in her dorm.
……
If Estelle thought Gryffindor’s were loud when they were sober them being drunk reaches a new level of pure chaos. Immediately from first glance she sees people – including her brother and Potter – dancing on the tables making her worried about a risk of concussions. There is a massive bar on the left that is around double the size of the last parties that the Slytherins naturally gravitate towards.
While sipping on her very strong drink she looks more closely at the party’s arrangement. The entire common room is of course decorated with an obnoxious amount of red where if not for the darker lighting she would already have a headache from. Most of the students are also dressed head to toe in red or gold juxtaposing the trios black and green outfits. She spots Lupin smoking in the far corner looking as broody as ever and Evans chatting away with another student, she does not recognise in the couch area.
A girl with bright blonde hair and blue eyes smiling lovingly at Dorcas blocks her view. Looking slightly to her right she also notices her brother and Potters presence in the Gryffindor wall they have formed.
‘I hope it’s soda in those cups.’ Her btother says narrowing his eyes at his younger siblings.
‘Is yours?’ Regulus counters returning the glare.
‘Oh, come off its Sirius with all the stuff you did their age you can’t say anything.’
‘Marlene! These are my innocent baby siblings don’t expose me!’ James chokes on his drink in response earning a worried glance from Sirius and an amused one from Regulus.
‘Well, if they’re so innocent like you say then you wouldn’t mind playing never have I ever.’ The girl proposes already gathering more Gryffindor’s to join. Shrugging in acceptance the trio join the Gryffindor’s forming a circle in the couch area.
Looking around she of course recognises Potter, Sirius, Lupin, Pettigrew, McKinnon and Evans but is clueless to the other two attendees within the circle. One being the girl she spotted earlier with Evans who has a large afro, soft brown eyes and striking dimples that appear when she smiles. The other mysterious student is a boy with spikey brown hair that matches is bushy brown eyebrows and brown eyes.
Marlene quickly explains the quite simple rules of never have I ever drinking edition and instructs Evans to ask the first question.
‘Alright, never have I ever kissed someone in a different house.’ Obviously not taking a drink herself, she glances around the circle to who is. Not surprisingly Regulus, Dorcas, Potter and McKinnon drink but she also notices Lupin taking a small sip. This does not go unnoticed by Sirius who has a quite dramatic reaction.
‘Moony what when?’
‘In fourth year with a Hufflepuff.’ The boy replies calmly. Although Lupin taking a sip has successfully distracted him from noticing Regulus taking a sip which her brother seems grateful for.
‘ok Mary your go.’ Lily says allowing Estelle to finally put a name to the girl’s face.
‘Never Have I ever, cheated on an exam.’ All of the Gryffindor’s bar Lupin and Evans take a sip leaving the Slytherins a bit surprised.
‘and here I thought Gryffindor’s were supposed to be the optimum of good.’ Dorcas jokes
‘Ok my go’ Pettigrew says excitedly a mischievous glint in his eye ‘never have I ever stolen something.’ Only three people take a sip this time; herself, Lupin and the mystery man.’
‘Estelle! What did you steel.’
‘Yeah, aren’t you rich why would you need to steel anything.’ Rolling her eyes at McKinnon’s comment she answers her brother question.
‘It was nothing crazy I just stole a pair of shoes from a muggle store because I didn’t have muggle money on me.’ That was a lie obviously watch she actually stole was a lot more expensive and rarer, but they do need to know that just yet.
The game continues and Estelle learns the boy’s name is Benjy and he stole broom polish once by accident. She sadly stays very sober throughout the game but is surprised to learn that:
- Practically all of Sirius’s friends have snuck out of Hogwarts
- McKinnon and Mary once blew up their potions causing them to smell like Bitter root for a week.
- Lupin has broken his leg
- Evans has walked in on her parents
Finally, McKinnon asks a question she can finally drink to as she can speak three or more languages. Regulus, Sirius, James and Dorcas also drink which is not surprising as they are all purebloods.
As the game ends Pettigrew suddenly gets very excited once again and runs up to his dorm coming back down with what Estelle knows as Veritaserum. Surprised the mousy boy has the potion she looks at him quizzingly.
‘Now we can play truth or dare the wizarding way!’ People groan and cheer in response, but Estelle goes quiet suddenly very nervous about these games. Looking to her right she sees Regulus having a similar reaction. McKinnon looks directly at Sirius and asks him truth or dare, seeming not worried about the truth potion he choices truth.
‘Why did you never mention Estelle to us before she joined Hogwarts?’ Her question surprises her and Sirius himself although Estelle is slightly curious about his answer.
‘She left when I was six, so I frankly did not know her that well and Mother acted like she died or didn’t even exist to begin with, so I learnt to stop talking about Estelle because there was no point.’ McKinnon nods in understanding but Sirius ignores the girl’s reaction turning to her with a guilty expression. Estelle reassures her brother with a small smile, and he continues the game asking Evans truth or dare.
Although Estelle doesn’t really listen focusing on the fact that her Mother made it seem like she died for over half her life. Estelle just does not understand how a mother, the person who is supposed to love you the most can just throw her away not batting an eye. It’s like the women’s heart is frozen over or just doesn’t exist entirely. It makes her feel even worse for her brothers who had to deal with the heartless witch.
Estelle zones back in just in time for her to hear Regulus’s response to his question – Have you ever slept with someone and if so, who? Asked by Pettigrew
‘Yes, I have.’ Regulus answers making Sirius’s face twist in disgust ‘The person was Barty Crouch Jr.’ he finishes surprising Estelle; she looks over to Potter to see if he knew of this. The boy looks a mixture of annoyed and relaxed at his answer but obviously did know of his boyfriends past as he doesn’t seem surprised. Regulus turns to her now and asks truth or dare. Sighing she says truth not wanting to get up.
‘What did you actually steal?’ Shocked that Regulus new she way lying earlier she glares at her brother not liking being called out.
‘I stole a baby dragon.’ Everyone gasps in surprise at her confession even Regulus raises his eyebrows in response.
‘You own a dragon?’
‘Well, I don’t own her, but we are friends.’
‘Your friends with a dragon!’ Sirius exclaims
‘Yes’, she says immediately feeling the effects from the truth serum finally finish.
‘How?’
‘That is none of your business.’ She responds standing ‘Im ready to go Regulus, Dorcas?’
Regulus stands in response but Dorcas seeming very comfortable with McKinnon basically on top of her doesn’t move. Nodding as a good by the two leave the common room and sneak back to their dorms.
……
The weekend is sadly over but it being Monday means its mail day which she always looks forward to. Waiting patiently, she smiles at the owl that lands on her shoulder with a letter from her grandmother. After the owl is given a piece of bread and flies off Estelle gracefully opens the letter.
Dear Estelle Black
Your news surrounding the Dark Lords true identity makes me dislike the imposter even more and my presence these holidays seem even more vital. I am even tempted to take you and your brothers out of that house and yes brothers’ plural. As, if Sirius left the family because he did not want to follow the wizard, I do not see that as traitorous. A discussion with my son and his priorities seems long overdue.
Although these temptations cannot come to fruition as we have to play this smart. If Regulus is condemned to be a Death Eater than we are sadly too late. Additionally, if we want to kill Tom then we must have someone on the inside to get information. Therefore, you need to focus on your cousins and not your parents. Convincing Narcissa and Bellatrix to help you fight Tom and any other future death eaters in your year is vital.
On a different note, congratulations on forming a full patronous especially in times like these clear communication like that is always smart to have.
Love, your Grandmother
Estelle smiles fondly at her grandmother’s advice although regrets not telling her about Pandora’s prophecy. In truth Estelle still doesn’t know what to do with the information, the line ‘The ones you love are also the ones you fear’ making her hesitate every time she is about to tell her brothers. Estelle at this moment only loves three people; Sirius, Regulus and her grandmother and she doesn’t think she could ever fear them. It makes her look around her friend group and remind her that she must not get too close to these people.
Her grandmother’s letter confirms the sad reality of Regulus’s position and how he is truly stuck being a death eater. Thank fully she doesn’t have to stress about Sirius’s reaction anymore.
Becoming close with Narcissa seems like the correct choice for now as she seems less invested in the cause than Bellatrix from what she has gathered. Both being the youngest sibling will hopefully draw them naturally together. Although her brother’s assumption that she will get along with Bellatrix the most makes her hopeful that she can also convince the witch to switch sides. But she will have to act carefully to not expose her plans before they even begin.
Estelle came to Hogwarts to rebuild her family and become as powerful as she can be and if killing Tom Riddle is a part of that then so be it.
……
She is fighting the bewitched wall again in the abandoned classroom. Estelle has been training for almost an hour now in hopes the Bloody Baron will appear once more. After the wall turns red, she slumps on the floor in exhaustion. After catching her breath Estelle sighs in disappointment giving up on the ghost’s presence. Although as she stands to leave, she spots the ghost entering the room in her peripheral vision.
‘Miss Black what a pleasant surprise.’ Smiling up at the ghost she derives a way to ask her question without seeming odd.
‘You’re to kind.’
‘How have you been recently, fitting in well I hope.’
‘Oh yes everyone has been very nice, filling me in on everything and anything about Hogwarts.’
‘Oh, really and what have you learned?’
‘I have been learning about the myths around the school such as the so-called cursed seat in the divination classroom, the giant squid in the black lake, the chamber of secrets and the idea that the relics from Hogwarts founders are all cursed.’ She says hoping the Baron will give her more insight on the chamber of secrets.
‘Well, you have defiantly learnt a lot, but I can tell you now that some of those so-called myths are in fact true.’
‘Really? like what.’ She asks in hopeful anticipation
‘I know that Salazar Slytherins locket was stolen as well has Helga Hufflepuffs chalice. Us ghosts do not know why.’ Interested but slightly disappointed by the information Estelle stays quiet in hopes the Baron will continue.
‘Do not ask Helena Ravenclaw about the diadem as apparently she was tricked and some boy defiled it, touchy subject.’
‘Boy what boy?’
‘You would have to ask her; all she says is the boy is evil and has a strange name and then goes and hides. She is not very social to say the least.’ Estelle didn’t realise how much of a gossip the Baron was, but she is finding the information intriguing.
‘Is that the only myth that is true?’
‘Well, the Chamber of secrets is a controversial one, personally I think it to be true. I wouldn’t put it past Salazar to make such a horrid place.’
‘Why did he make it?’
‘To get rid of all the muggleborns of course. Although I do not think he thought through his plan about using a Basilisk as the creature can easily kill a pureblood.’ ‘Anyways your bests be getting off to lunch now, I will see you around.’ The ghost says leaving Estelle once again alone in the classroom.
She files the information even though she doesn’t know how it can help her now but maybe it will in the future.
…..
Her first term at Hogwarts is almost over somehow and Estelle wonders where the time has gone. She is sitting with her brothers at their second last family therapy session for the term and she smiles at their progress.
The boys are now laughing while they discuss the last quidditch game Slytherin vs Ravenclaw and how Regulus kept tricking the opposing team’s seeker. She thinks back on the first session where the boys refused to even look at each other and now they are enjoying each other’s company. Estelle just hopes this will continue after the holidays.
“Estelle?’ Sirius says trying to get her attention
‘Oh yes sorry.’
‘I need to tell you guys something.’ Sirius says changing the tone of the room ‘I have a boyfriend and we have been dating for a little while now and I’m sorry I didn’t tell you guys sooner it’s just he is one of my friends so I don’t know how my other friends will react. It’s a whole thing.’ He rushes out
Looking to her left she notices Regulus look slightly guilty as well as isn’t he doing the exact same thing as Sirius? ‘Who is it?’
‘Remus and no one know but you guys.’ This does not surprise Estelle as at the party Sirius was almost on top of the boy, but Regulus’s confession does.
‘I also have a boyfriend.’
‘What! Do not tell me it is Crouch.’ Sirius exclaims with obvious distaste for the boy.
‘No, he is a Gryffindor.’
‘ooo really do I know him?’ Estelle mentally prepares for Regulus’s answer and Sirius’s reaction.
‘Sirius, you can’t be mad ok because you did the exact same thing with him ok.’ Sirius nods but is evidently confused by his scrunched eyebrows.
‘James, Im dating James.’
Estelle is alarmed at Sirius’s quietness as she assumed an eruption of emotion not whatever this is. His eyes tell a different story as a tirade of emotions flicker through like they do not know which one to react with.
‘How long’ he whispers
‘Five months’ Sucking in a breath Sirius nods ‘That explains a lot.’
‘Are you ok with it?’
‘I am going to kill Potter for not telling me he is dating my younger brother, but he makes you happy, yes?’
‘Very much, I think I love him. Don’t tell him that though.’
‘Just so you know I already integrated him and soon will do the same for Lupin.’ Sirius whips his head in her direction almost like remembering Estelle’s presence again.
‘You knew!’
‘I figured it out, honestly Sirius I’m surprised you didn’t notice, James acts like a complete fool when he’s around Regulus.’
‘Ok, this is fine, Im not mad ok it would be hypocritical if I was, but I am going to murder Potter.’ Sirius asserts standing up and walking out when he finishes. Regulus seeming alarmed looks at Estelle for direction to which she just shrugs and decides to follow Sirius because well drama.
Sirius not seeming to notice their presence stomps up to the Gryffindor common room in pure rage. When they make it to the dorm Sirius slams the door open surprising up the teenage boys who seemed to be relaxing in their dorm.
‘Potter. Up. Now!’ Potter stands quickly worriedly eying Estelle and Regulus. Remus also stands seeming confused to what is happening. Closing the door behind her she leans on one of the beds ready for the show.
‘HOW DARE YOU DEFILE MY LITTLE BROTHER WITHOUT MY KNOWLEDGE!’ Regulus cringes at the words but Estelle tries to stifle her laughter. ‘YOU SHOULD BE IMPRISONED YOU SHOULD BE PUNISHED HE IS MY LITTLE BROTHER’ Potter seems to be utterly spooked by Sirius’s words not knowing what to say or do, Estelle doesn’t even know if the poor sod is breathing. ‘AND YOU LIED YOU SAID YOU LOVED LILY EVANS, WHAT HAPPENED TO THAT HUH. I SWEAR TO MERLIN IF YOU ARE STRINGING MY LITTLE BROTHER ALONG, I WILL RING YOUR NECK.’ Potter seems to be snapped out of his trance and starts to step towards Sirius in a panic.
‘No of course not Padfoot I would never do that I only see Lily as a friend. I only said that so you guys would get off my back about having a crush.’ Sirius seems to calm at his words ‘Regulus is my everything ok, trust me when I say it is him, I want, always and forever.’ Estelle is shocked by the boy’s earnest confession but also impressed he was able to calm Sirius down with such ease. Regulus on the other hand seems to be trying not to cry at James’s words.
‘Shouldn’t you tell James something Sirius you know while were sharing secrets.’ James lights up at her choice in wording and Sirius just turns in shock finally noticing his sibling’s presence.
‘Oh yeah right, well Moony and I are kinda um dating.’
‘We will be talking later.’ She declares glaring at the teenager. Although the boy doesn’t seem surprised by her words in fact seems prepared for a fight. Bloody Gryffindor’s.
Sirius still seems to be staring at James trying to gauge the boy’s reaction. Although the teen just smiles ‘I happy for you guys.’ Sirius sags in relief and the pair hug each other for way too long in Estelle’s opinion. Coughing slightly to get the boys attention she for the first-time notices Pettigrew’s presence in the corner making her feel a bit uneasy, oddly.
‘We should get going.’ She directs at Regulus who nods although James holds onto Regulus’s wrist before the boy can exit the room.
‘Goodnight.’ James says kissing Regulus’s cheek as a goodbye and whispering something in Regulus’s ear that seems private. Sirius makes a fake gagging noise which makes the pair split and finally they exit the room. It being much later they are extra cautious about getting caught but safely make it back to the Slytherin common room.
Throughout the entire walk back Regulus seems to be on cloud nine. Estelle has never seen Regulus smile so brightly and seem so relaxed, but she is happy to see it. Hoping his found happiness will be enough to get him through the holidays.