Growing Pains
Chapter 2
January 14th, 1977
"And this, Fabian, is a wand. A special wand for my little wizard. It comes from your family." I babbled in a baby voice to my son, his eyes wide with wonder, hands automatically gravitating to the wand. The handle was ornate and delicate, runes engraved into the zircon, a silver snake curling around the deep-set emerald that rested at the intersection of the handle and the wand. A small circle of willow rested at the base of the ebony wand. "It has a phoenix core. It's a fussy wand, just like you are a fussy baby, isn't that right, my beautiful little snowdrop."
"Sirius, are you sure about this? He's so young, and that wand is known to drive people insane. Maybe you should wait until he is older."
"Remus. The whole world is at war. There is no guarantee that either of us will survive the war. I want to see my son hold his wand, even if it is only once. I need to see this milestone for myself. The only thing I know is the risk, but it is one I have to take."
"Do you want the wand, Fabian?" I asked, turning the handle towards his hand. Fabian quickly reached out to the handle, eyes reflecting the emerald and zircon, grasping the wand tightly in his tiny hand, not even managing to get a solid grip, yet the second the wand made contact with his skin, the light turned golden. Fabian's eyes widened as he looked directly at the light, enamoured by the beauty surrounding him.
---
November 4th 1978
"Sirius?" A voice spoke from behind me, causing me to whip my head to whip around in shock.
"Regulus. What are you doing in here?"
"More like: what are you doing in here. Mother would kill you herself if she knew you were in here." He responded, "Are you looking for anything in particular? Maybe for your son?"
"You don't get to talk about him, Death Eater." I snapped back, venom in each word.
"I've already met him. Your son, Fabian Black, is the youngest Hogwarts student in history. And a damn good wizard. He even managed to get a wand from McGonigall. Impressive work. My question is, how does my nephew, aged two, as I found out from Phineas Nigellus five days ago, have a wand?" Regulus asked, walking toward me, causing me to draw my wand, "Especially the wand of Salazar Slytherin."
"You don't get to judge me, Regulus. You are a Death Eater; you have no moral superiority over me. You have no right to see my son, no right to question the decisions I made. Fabian is my child. He will never know who you are."
---
April 3rd 1979
"Moony, I wanted to ask you something," Fabian shuffled in my arms, turning towards Remus, "Oh, sorry, what I meant to say was, we wanted to ask you something."
"Moony, stay here?" Fabian asked cutely, eyes wide and full of hope.
"What? Padfoot, are you serious? You want me to move in with you? And Fabian would be okay with it?" Remus replied, teary-eyed, "I would love to move in with you, my love." Fabian shuffled in my arms, trying to get out, "And you too, snowdrop." Remus plucked Fabian out of my arms and into his own, curling into his chest.
"Moony, stay!" Fabian exclaimed happily, clapping his hands as I wrapped my arms around Remus' waist.
"That's right, little Snowdrop. Moony will always stay with you and your daddy," Remus giggled as we hugged, Fabian happily bouncing as we did.
"Did you ask yet?" James shouted from the kitchen.
"Moony, stay!" Fabian yelled in response as I pulled back from the hug.
"Oh, congratulations, Padfoot! I'm so happy for you guys!" Lily squealed, slowly walking into the room, holding her back.
"Food is ready!" James interrupted, causing Fabian to run out of Remus' arms and into the kitchen.
"Is Peter coming?" I asked Lily quietly, walking hand in hand with Remus into the kitchen.
"Dumbledore asked to see him," Lilly responded solemnly, "Seemed like a quick visit."
"I'll save a plate for him. Lily is eating for five at this point," James joked, earning himself a playful slap from Lily, "Joking, joking."
"Don't kill him yet, Lils. I need to know the baby's name first." Peter shouted the second he apparated into the kitchen.
"Harry."
---
December 12th 1980
"Sirius, it's not personal. Dumbledore said..."
"Prongs, you don't need to explain yourself or your decisions to me. I understand. I'm too obvious to be a secret keeper. Peter will be a good choice, unsuspected by most people, if not everyone."
"Still, I'm sorry, brother."
"As long as you still visit me, Remus, and Fabian, I'm fine. If you are safe, that is what I care about."
"Daddy, Daddy!" I learnt something new!" Fabian shouted, running into the room, wand grasped tightly in his hand. Fabian didn't look anywhere except my arms, which he swiftly ran into.
"You did Snowdrop?" I gasped in fake surprise, "Can you show me?"
" Accio chess." A chessboard quickly flew across the room and into Fabian's hand.
"Wow, Snowdrop!" I laughed as Fabian bounced around happily, "That's incredible, baby boy. Did Moony show you that?" I asked, wrapping my son up in my arms.
"Nuh uh! Aunt Minerva showed me."
"Well, isn't that awesome, Fabian!" James added, smiling down at Fabian.
"Uncle Prongs! Is Auntie Lily here?" Fabian asked, rushing from my arms and into James'.
"She's with your baby cousin, Harry," James replied.
"Can we see them?" Fabian asked, looking up.
"Soon," I smiled, "Soon."
---
January 12th 1981
Dear Nix,
Happy birthday, my darling! I'm sorry I can't be there for you on your special day.
This picture book holds every memory of me and your father that we hold dear. One day, when this is all over, and we can see each other again, I'll tell you every story shown. I'll even tell you how your daddy got the nickname Padfoot.
We love you, Nix
Your Godparents,
Uncle Prongs and Auntie Lily
P.S.- Harry says hello to his favourite cousin.
---
June 1st, 1981
Prongs,
I hope this letter reaches you; Dumbledore promised it would. When Nix was born, you took up the job of being his godfather. In doing so, you made a promise. To both me and Fabian, to protect him when I couldn't.
There are things you should know, things Fabian isn't of an age to understand. If I'm not there to tell him, I need you, his beloved Uncle Prongs, to be the one to tell my Snowdrop.
His mother, Adrianna, is a Gaunt. I was forced by my mother and father to begin a relationship with a powerful, pureblood witch before I left for your house. We met her in Knockturn Alley. Our families watched us together. I wasn't meant to get her pregnant. I love Fabian wholeheartedly, but he was here too early. I wasn't meant to have a child. I was young, immature, and stupid. Fabian is my miracle, but he should know his mother, not the lies people think they know about her and her family.
Fabian is a powerful wizard. Keep him safe, as I would for Harry. I don't know how this war will turn out. I need to know, if neither myself nor Remus survives this, someone is there to protect my Snowdrop.
I love you, brother.
Padfoot.
P.S. I'm going to propose to Remus on our anniversary. I'll show you the ring the day before.
---
July 7th, 1981
Padfoot,
I got your letter. I would protect Fabian, you know that. But you will make it, Sirius. Both you and Remus will be able to be Fabian's parents together.
You and Remus getting married is a great idea. He would be insane to reject you. 'I NEED to see the ring' was Lily's response when she read the letter. I am happy for you, brother.
I'm ready to attend a wedding- good robes and everything. Lily is too! She's already busy getting Harry prepared to be quiet during the ceremony.
I'm excited to see you, brother, on your big day.
I love you, brother.
Prongs
P.S. Tell Fabian Uncle Prongs, Auntie Lily and Harry says hello and miss him dearly.
---
September 11th, 1981
"Daddy, Aunt Minerva is here!" Fabian shouted through the house, running to the fireplace.
"Professor?" I quickly exited the kitchen, clothes covered in flour, to greet the elderly witch, "Is everything alright? Is James alright? Lily? Harry? Is Remus safe?"
"Fabian shouldn't be here for this, Sirius," Minerva said quietly, sorrow sewn onto her face. Her face was solemn as she looked down at Fabian.
"Who?" I asked, my heart breaking, ignoring her request to send Fabian away, holding him tighter to my chest.
"The Prewetts. Aurors saw Dolahov. He..." She paused mid-sentence, looking down at Fabian again, "He had Adrianna's necklace on him."
"How do you know that?" I snapped, head whipping up from Fabian's eyes to meet Minerva's.
"It was dropped on Fabian's body." She replied bluntly.
"Dolahov. The man who... dropped his mother's necklace onto the body of the man who shares his name?"
"Mama necklace?" Fabian asked, eyes glistening with delight, unflinching when he met my tear-filled eyes.
"Mad-eye brought it back to the ministry. He and the Aurors checked it for curses, hexes, anything they could think of and found nothing. I thought you would want it." Minerva reached into her long black robes, pulling out a green pouch, arm extending towards me.
"I can't keep this." I sighed, rejecting the pouch and pulling Fabian closer to my side.
"Then for your son." She reassured, "Sirius, you can't hide his mother for his entire life. He should know who she is, even if you don't want to remember it yourself."
"Not yet. Fabian is too young. It's more complicated than you think it is. Fabian doesn't need that confusion in his life."
"He doesn't, or you don't?"
---
August 31st, 1981
Padfoot,
Harry says hello! Lily says she hates you, and I am happy Harry can ride that broom. A quidditch playing in the making! A seeker, I hope.
We miss you. Harry misses his godfather, and I miss my tiny nephew, who I hear has a Patronus. A black dog. I wonder who that could be...
We got photos from Minerva again. The ring looks beautiful. Moonstone. A bit on the nose, but Remus will love it.
You must send photos of the big event, get Fabian to do it if you have to.
Dumbledore says I will see each other soon.
Your brother,
Prongs
P.S.- If Remus says no, I'll kill him.
---
October 30th, 1981
Prongs,
I'm going to do it! Remus has no clue what's coming, and by a minor miracle, neither does Fabian. Our family will be complete! (At least when Peter finds someone).
I miss Harry, too. We all do. If Dumbledore says I will see you, I know it's true. The man is a genius. If Lily hates me now, wait until next year- I'll get him a snitch. A real one, the one you beat Regulus to. That was the best day of my life. The only better day will be when Remus says yes.
October 31st will be our seventh anniversary, so it makes sense for us to have a magical day.
I have a camera ready for the big moment. Wish me luck!
My best man: Prongs.
Your brother,
Padfoot
---
November 1st, 1981
Nix,
I won't be there when you read this letter. No apology will ever make up for that. I had to go. Someone needs to be caught.
When you grow up, people may be angry at your name, me, and Uncle Regulus, but you cannot think of that. You have to be strong.
Remus will take care of you now. It might be hard to understand, but I know you will be safe with him.
Be strong, my Snowdrop. You will be the best Hogwarts student. Don't listen to the rumours and lies they will try and tell you. Be brave like a Gryffindor, kind like a Hufflepuff, ambitious like a Slytherin and intelligent like a Ravenclaw.
No matter what you do, I will always be proud of you.
I'll come back to you, my Snowdrop. My beautiful boy.
Your father
Sirius Black
P.S. Be good for Moony.