➣ 𝘾𝙝𝙖𝙥𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝟓 “𝘼𝙣𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙜𝙞 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙐𝙣𝙘𝙡𝙚 𝙎𝙞𝙧𝙞𝙪𝙨”
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Second year; first term; September - December 1990
Remember how sad Nicolás was about not having close friends at Castelobruxo? Scratch that, he was most glad for it.
He knew starting a year with a class two years above his year would be complicated, but he probably underestimated how much more complicated alchemy could get.
Not only that, but something unparallel that happened in Castelobruxo and not in any other magical school in the world, was that they not only offered Apparition licenses for everyone from third year and up (unlike other schools who reserved this training for seventh years), they also offered the formation for becoming an Animagus.
Castelobruxo specialized in Herbology and Care of Magical Creatures, and there’s no better way to study animals, magical and not, than being able to become one yourself and coexist with them.
For the first term of the year, Nicolás and those who would go through with the Animagus training, would have to make extensive essays, each one of at least ten pages (because, unlike Hogwarts — according to his parents —, where they write in parchment and using quills, Castelobruxo was more welcoming to the changes in times, with students using paper sheets and pens).
What does it mean to be an Animagus and what are its implications? What is required to be an Animagus? What can go wrong with the transformation into an Animagus? These were among the endless questions that opened his essays.
Then, they would have classes on Saturday mornings, where their Animagus training instructor would talk about each of those questions, before assigning them to extend said information in their essays.
Alchemy was the most stimulating class. Each year was focused on one level of alchemy, granting students with a certificate of such.
In the first year, they received the Quicksilver Initiates. At this level, students learn the fundamentals of metal manipulation, including metallurgy, alloy creation, and shaping techniques. They may study the properties of different metals and learn how to extract and refine them from ores.
The second year was Aqua Vitae Apprentices, here, the students focus on potion-making, particularly the preparation of essential alchemical potions. They learn about potion ingredients, brewing techniques, and the magical properties of various substances. It also involved studying the symbolic and metaphysical aspects of alchemical potions.
With his unprecedented and successful project from last year, the alchemy master considered Nicolás able to continue straight to the third level: Ouroboros, while being in second year.
Here, students delve into the manipulation of durability and the cycle of life. They study topics such as transmutation, rejuvenation, and preservation. This level also involves the theoretical study of spells or rituals to extend lifespan, heal wounds, or enhance resilience.
One thing that happened entering October, came one night, while Nicolás was stargazing for his Astronomy class.
It’s not uncommon for him to search for Canis Major in the night sky, one of his favorite constellations, with one of his favorite stars: Sirius. His uncle, the father of his cousin, the husband of his aunt, the friend of his parents.
But just like everything beyond earthling life, Sirius was a mysterious topic for him, one that elicited many questions, and with very little clarity.
He can remember the man, with his black hair and astonishing grey eyes. The man who would carry him and Caelum at the same time, singing some Elvis or ABBA song for them to sleep. The man who, in the middle of a war, would turn their nursery into a mini stage for his own rock concerts, rendering AC/DC, Queen, or Guns N’ Roses just for the two babies, his son and his nephew.
Apart from that, all Nicolás remembers, is never seeing him again. There was one time, back when they had like six, when Caelum finally understood that his father would never be coming back home, and Nicolás would hold him at night, all night, through every single spasm and sob, sharing his pain.
And if he had learned anything from Professor Álvaro, the Centaur imparting Astronomy, it was that the movements in the heavens were like the movements of the very Earth. One may not understand them, but they reflect something for someone.
So now, seeing how weird Sirius was behaving up there in the sky, Nicolás had to ask what it could mean. Unfortunately for him, Mr. Álvaro had no answer. The Centaur simply suggesting him to go and talk with his Divination professor, Mss. Álvarez.
Something Nicolás loved, was that the woman worked, not only on the esoteric aspect fo the subject, but she actually mixed it with Arithmancy, working alongside Mr. Angulo, the Arithmancy professor.
The only conclusion at the end, was that the stars told him of something related to someone from the past making a sudden appearance, trying to solve unresolved business.
A few nights after this, he was reading old journals he carried, and he came across one entry that caught his attention.
“Caelum said he wishes he could talk about his father, at least to know what happened. Nobody here wants to talk about him, they say we shall ask when older.”
And so, he started to write letters. To Caelum, to his parents, and lastly, to Aunt María. All of them asked about Sirius.
Caelum's response was the first. He remembered his father the same as Nicolás did. He told Nicolás how his mother thought it necessary for him to know certain things about his father, given that, by his second name, people would start to whisper about him.
She told him how Sirius had betrayed the Potters, causing their deaths. And, in his words, “But she never seemed to be convinced of it. She kept muttering under her breath about how it made no sense, she thought I didn’t hear,” and, “As for how I feel, man, my father was sent to prison, the worse one on in this earth, without even a trial. If he’s guilty, then fuck him, but if he’s not, I just want to throw myself on the floor and cry.”
Then came the letters from his parents.
His father told him how he and Sirius met on the first day, in the Hogwarts Express, but Nicolás already knew everything about The Marauders. He told him how Sirius was sent without trial, accused of killing twelve muggles and their other friend Petter Pettigrew.
In his words, “Your mother, your aunt, and I had a very long fight trying to convince the Ministry to give him a trial, so we could hear his explanations, but they always refused, even Dumbledore refused to help us,” and, “That entire thing made it seem suspicious. They were incredibly adamant, not giving us any real justification as for the lack of a trial. Not even your Abu Pedro’s word as part of the Wizengamot had any weight to it.”
His mother, for her part, met Sirius after being sorted in Gryffindor, but didn’t really speak with him up until their third year, when he became obsessed with Aunt María.
And, in her words, “If you wanted my opinion, sincerely, I don’t believe it. There are many things that sound suspicious. First of all, they refused to give him a trial. They didn’t let us talk with him, even as we fought for it. María said he told her he needed to tell her something, but they never got the chance to do it. But even after that, when they refused to give me custody of Harry, Dumbledore was the one to take me out of it, even if legally speaking I was in my right.”
And at last, came, perhaps the most devastating letter, Aunt María’s.
Dear Nico,
Sorry for taking this long to write an answer, I believe you understand the reason behind that. Thank you for your flattering words.
There are so many things I want to discuss about Sirius, but every time I think about it, my mind becomes a mess. It’s hard to put it in words and make it sound coherent, but I’ll do my best.
I’m not going to talk about my relationship with Sirius. All I can say is that he was someone I admired. Someone I love, and that I think I have the privilege to have come to know deep to the core.
I was there for him when he ran from home, when his mother disowned him, burning him out of the family tree. I know he owes everything he is to his friends, his brothers.
Now, all that being said, to the thing that you wanted to know.
The day before the 31 of October, Sirius said he needed to talk with me. Busy with my work as an Auror, we couldn’t talk. When I found him, the Halloween night, he was on a destroyed street, there were many dead bodies lying around, but he was kneeling on the floor with his head in his hands, crying and screaming. When the other Aurors started to arrive, he started to laugh out loud. He grasped my robes, begging me to talk with him. He kept repeating he needed to talk with me as he was taken.
Peter’s body was never found. I know they say he was blown up, but let’s be honest, there should have still been pieces of his body. For a single and perfectly cut-off finger to be left, it's nothing short of suspicious. I don’t say this just because I always felt something wrong about him, but think logically about it. An explosion leaves a disaster behind; his finger was cut off with a knife.
They denied Sirius a trial, arguing he was too dangerous for one. Which was nonsense. If you take his wand, he’s no better than a muggle. Dumbledore kept arguing about it, I tried to make him see reason, so he could have a trial, but the man refused, urging the Minister to send him to Azkaban straight away.
The same thing happened with Harry’s custody. The logical legal path would have been to give him to Caro, his godmother. But once again, Dumbledore stood in the way. He kept saying how this was in Harry’s best interest. That he was going to be much more protected staying with a family of ignorant and hateful muggles rather than with a family with wizards and witches well-trained.
It didn’t matter that we, Caro and I, knew what kind of people the Dursleys were. Dumbledore wouldn’t hear reason.
The reason for all of this is very simple. Dumbledore is a strategist. And unfortunately, even if he has the greater good in mind, he sees people as nothing more than pawns on his chess game. Once they completed their tasks, or if they are interfering with his vision, he doesn’t waste a second sacrificing them. It happened with Sirius, one of his most faithful and dedicated followers, and it happened again with Harry.
Just remember that this is all my personal and emotionally-weighted thinking. You make your own assumptions.
I really don’t want to write more about him. But if you want to, we can talk when we go for Christmas.
With love,
Aunt María
As nobody really wanted to talk about it, Nicolás came up with a very interesting alternative: Legilimency. After sharing his worries about the message from the stars, the adult accepted for him to use Legilimency to see their memories with Sirius.
•─────⋅☾☽⋅─────•
Christmas 1990
The Christmas holidays had a different kind of energy, far from the usual seasonal joy. The holiday spirit was still in the air, but it played in the background to Nicolás and Caelum's mission.
While the family still held dear to its festive traditions and cherished the warmth of the season, Nicolás stayed true to his promise and had a heartfelt conversation with his parents and Aunt María.
An agreement was reached. They would take turns to pass under Nicolás’ Legilimency, one person per day. They knew it was going to be an emotional journey, and the weight it would carry on them. They understood that this journey would bring back memories, regrets, and emotions that had been kept hidden for a long time.
Their journey into their past began with Nicolás’ mother. As they entered a dimly lit room, their emotions intertwined.
Nicolás cast the Legilimency spell, “Legilimens,” and together, they ventured into his mother's mind.
The initial scenes were like excerpts from a cherished diary, capturing the budding love between María and Sirius. Carolina had silently witnessed this love being born, recognizing it even when María tried to deny it.
Carolina's memories revealed moments where she played a role in ensuring that Sirius and María could have intimate moments away from prying eyes. Hurried making-out sessions on a cupboard, retrieves to the kitchens, meetings in deserted classrooms.
Carolina went as far as secretly inviting Sirius into their home, creating a beautiful surprise for María. These were heartwarming moments that created precious memories for all of them.
The subsequent scenes depicted the tender moments of fatherhood that Sirius had the privilege of experiencing. These glimpses showed a side of Sirius that was rarely seen —a man who radiated uncontainable joy in the presence of his family.
One of the first scenes was the day Nicolás himself was born. Even if Nicolás wasn't his son, Sirius was a whirlwind of excitement, dancing with unbridled delight for the very first of his best friends becoming a father.
However, it was the memories of Caelum's birth that brought Nicolás to tears. The emotions pouring from Sirius were overwhelming. In that moment, Sirius had been in absolute bliss, as if a cascade of happiness flowed from him like a radiant light.
His joy was palpable. An overwhelming, profound elation that radiated through his body language and facial expressions.
Sirius' embrace, wrapping Caelum in a cocoon of warmth and boundless affection, transcended mere words. In those tender moments, Sirius held his son's dreams and hopes close, nurturing them with each reassuring breath.
Sirius' bedtime songs for his boys, Caelum and Nicolás, were more than just tunes. They were gentle lullabies, cradling them into sweet slumber. His voice became the cozy music that wrapped around them, letting them know they were loved and safe.
One cherished memory was when he dressed both little ones in tiny leather jackets. Sirius was a fun dad when it came to games and imagination. He even helped Caelum ride his mini toy broomstick —a gift from the Potters.
Their living room often turned into a mini-concert stage, with Sirius transforming into their personal rockstar. The boys would groove and clap to the beat of classic Elvis tunes, and renditions of any rock band Sirius chose, sharing the joy of music and togetherness.
As Nicolás returned to the present, emerging from the depths of these memories, he noticed his mother's quivering lips and her struggle to hold back tears. His own cheeks were damp, as the shared memories had revealed moments that showcased the beauty and sadness of their family's history.
When Nicolás decided to share these cherished memories with Caelum, they chose their favorite spot: their well-worn bench by the lake, a place full of memories of laughter and deep thoughts, as well as tears. But the calm of this familiar spot shattered as Nicolás explored Caelum's mind to share the memories.
As those memories surfaced, Caelum's composure began to crack, and a rush of emotions flooded out in just minutes. The flood of memories and their complicated feelings turned his world upside down, marked by heartbreaking and silent sobs that pierced the air.
In the aftermath of this emotional storm, they found comfort in each other's arms. The bench became a refuge for shared sorrow and consolation, with only Twiggle and Ember bearing witness to Caelum's heartfelt tears and Nicolás’ unwavering support.
Nicolás gently guided Caelum's head to rest on his shoulder, offering something to lean on. Caelum's sobs shook his body, making it tremble under the weight of his emotions. There were no words to ease the pain, no remedy to heal the wounds of the past. In that moment, all they could do was hold each other close, drawing strength from their shared sadness.
•─────⋅☾☽⋅─────•
The very next day, right after a relaxed lunch, it was Remus' turn. They found themselves deep within the heart of the reserve, inside the small cabin. The same one Remus used for his werewolf transformations during the full moon. A week had passed since his last transformation, and he was back to his usual strength and composure.
If delving into his mother's memories was an emotional challenge, Nicolás knew that venturing into his father's would be an even more intense journey. Remus Lupin carried a lifetime of experiences, including the pain and hardships that came with being a werewolf. The scars of his past ran deep, not only etched in his perfectly imperfect skin, and they were about to be revealed for exploration.
As Nicolás delved into his father's memories, scenes unraveled like pages from a storybook, offering glimpses of a young Remus Lupin's life. The very first memory that greeted him was of eleven-year-old boys —his father and his friends, The Marauders. It was the moment of their first meeting, a meeting that would shape their destinies.
In just minutes, Nicolás witnessed days when they evolved from mere housemates into inseparable roommates, forging a bond that went far beyond friendship. Nights were filled with relentless studying, interrupted by laughter, humor, and mischievous pranks.
Yet, as the memories continued, an undercurrent of fear began to seep into those days. It was the fear that Remus carried, knowing he was a werewolf, a secret he had guarded with all his might. This secret cast a shadow over his happiness and was a constant source of anxiety —the fear that his friends would discover his truth.
But what shone most brightly in these memories was the unwavering support and loyalty of his friends, especially Sirius. When the truth about Remus's condition came out, they didn't shy away in fear or judgment. Instead, they embraced him even more tightly, ready to face any challenge together.
Nicolás saw how Sirius, in particular, had been the first to stand up for Remus, throwing punches against anyone who dared to as much as look at him the wrong way.
The memories kept flowing, revealing countless moments. Among these precious memories were times when Sirius had begged Remus for help in perfecting his Quidditch skills, determined to make the Quidditch team.
They had braved life's storms side by side, finding comfort and strength in each other's company. Laughter had filled their days, and the bonds of friendship had grown even stronger through shared challenges and victories.
In the depths of Remus' memories, the bond between Sirius and Caelum shone brilliantly, illuminating a deep connection that had blossomed from the moment Caelum was born.
Remus dived into the memories of the days of María's pregnancy. He recalled how Sirius had wrestled with his own doubts and insecurities about becoming a parent, influenced by his tumultuous upbringing —not to mention his self-believed inability to protect his own younger brother— which had left him questioning his ability to ever be a good father.
Remus and James, however, had been unwavering pillars of support, offering encouragement and reassurance that Sirius could indeed rise to the occasion.
Their trust in Sirius had been well-founded. From the moment Caelum came into the world, Sirius gave himself completely to his son. The memories were filled with images of Sirius cradling the newborn, his eyes brimming with love and wonder.
The once-feared prankster from their school days had transformed into a devoted husband and a committed father.
Sirius' journey into parenthood was eye-opening, showing the power of love and responsibility. Remus saw firsthand how Sirius embraced fatherhood, showering Caelum with affection, guidance, and unwavering support.
As the memories continued, Nicolás was amazed by the many roles Sirius played in their lives. He was not just a father, but an awesome uncle as well. His love and dedication extended to Nicolás too.
Sirius was always there, making time from his duties with the Order of the Phoenix to be with Nicolás. He offered advice, played with him, and was a constant source of comfort. Sirius had a knack for entertaining Nicolás, whether it was reading bedtime stories or jamming out to Elvis Presley in Nicolás and Caelum's nursery.
These moments of shared joy and connection forged a special bond between uncle and nephew. Reclaiming them, Nicolás would cherish the memories of those times, the warmth of Sirius' smile, and the sparkle in his eyes as they laughed and played together.
Within this tapestry of memories, there were also moments of tension and doubt that tested the strength of their friendship. One such moment arose when Sirius, seeing Remus' frequent meetings with other werewolves, let doubt and suspicion cloud his judgment. He questioned Remus' loyalties, unaware that these meetings were under Dumbledore's orders, part of a strategy to gain werewolf support for the war.
These moments of doubt and hurt had left their marks, casting shadows over their friendship. But what ultimately prevailed was the enduring strength of their bond.
As the memories unfolded, revealing the rift that had grown between Remus and Sirius during their last months in the UK, Nicolás couldn't help but feel a pang in his chest.
In those final months, Remus not only endured the loss of James, Lily, and Harry, but also suffered the fracture of a friendship that had been a cornerstone of his life. It was a loss that left an indelible mark on his soul, as if a part of him had been deeply wounded.
Returning to the present moment, Nicolás and his father found themselves with tear-stained faces, their eyes reddened from the emotions they had experienced during their journey through memories.
Unable to contain himself, Nicolás embraced his father tightly. It was a silent acknowledgment of shared pain, memories, and love that bound them together. In that tender hug, Nicolás sought comfort and healing, as if he could mend the broken pieces of his father's being and offer strength with just a warm embrace.
After Nicolás and Caelum had spent an emotional hour sharing tears over the new memories, the weight of their emotions gradually began to lighten.
Feeling a renewed sense of calm, Nicolás went to the kitchen and returned with glasses of water for both, Caelum and himself.
The revelations about Sirius' true nature had left Nicolás and Caelum in a state of confusion and heartbreak. The image of Sirius they had known throughout their lives was completely different from the portrayal by the British Ministry. The idea of him being a crazed mass murderer felt like a disturbing distortion of reality, something they couldn't reconcile with their own experiences and newly discovered memories.
Sure, Sirius was always a bit dramatic and impulsive, but the idea of him committing such terrible acts seemed utterly inconceivable. They were left grappling with the stark contrast between the person they knew and loved, and the sinister image painted by the authorities.
In their hearts, they could only prepare themselves to see Sirius from the perspective of his lover, a viewpoint they hadn't expected and weren't entirely ready to confront. But then again, is anyone ever entirely ready for anything?
•─────⋅☾☽⋅─────•
On a peaceful Saturday afternoon, just a couple of days before Christmas, María met up with Nicolás and led him to her secret corner of the reserve.
The clearing they stumbled upon was like a hidden gem deep within the forest. It was a secluded haven surrounded by tall trees. In the heart of the clearing, nature had displayed a colorful show. Tall grass swayed gently in the breeze, creating a lush green carpet, while a variety of tall vibrant flowers in every hue and shape painted the landscape.
Here, a few fairies danced gracefully through the air, their delicate wings shimmering with iridescent colors that caught the dappled sunlight.
In María's memories, Nicolás embarked on a journey through her past with Sirius. It was a vivid and emotional tapestry, woven with moments that ranged from their very first meeting in a Potions class to their cherished outings in Hogsmeade.
Nicolás witnessed the deepening of their connection, the gradual evolution of their relationship from friends to something more.
As he delved deeper into these memories, he saw the moment when Sirius was introduced to her parents, showing the seriousness and depth of their bond. But it was the revelation of her pregnancy that added a new layer of complexity to their love story.
Nicolás could feel the love and devotion that radiated from Sirius, the unwavering commitment he held for María, evident in every gaze and touch they shared. It was as if love itself had taken tangible form in the intensity of his grey eyes, a love that could not be denied or extinguished by time or circumstances.
Within María's memories, Nicolás could see the profound solace and refuge that Sirius had found in her presence. It was a stark contrast to the tumultuous and sometimes heart-wrenching experiences he had endured within his own family.
In María, he had found not just a lover, but a sanctuary —a place where his bruised spirit could heal and find respite.
As Nicolás delved deeper, he could feel the overwhelming happiness that had washed over her when she discovered she, like her sister, was pregnant. It was a joyous moment, a testament to their love and commitment, even in the face of the challenges that came with being teenagers. The emotions were palpable in the expressions that played across their youthful faces —Sirius' happiness, tinged with a hint of fear, and María's radiant joy.
Together, they embarked on the beautiful journey of parenthood, their hearts filled with anticipation and dreams for their growing family. Nicolás could sense the nights they spent wrapped in each other's arms, pondering over the perfect name for their baby. Despite the shadows of Sirius' family history, a part of him still wanted to preserve a part of the tradition.
In the Black family, names tended to be inspired by the heavens —stars, constellations, planets, or other celestial entities. However, when it came to naming his child, Sirius had a different vision. He sought a name that would be unique, celestial, and full of meaning.
One contemplative night, under a sky adorned with shimmering stars that painted the heavens with their brilliance, inspiration struck Sirius. The name “Caelum” blossomed in his mind, meaning 'sky' and 'heaven' in Latin. It was the perfect name for his child, a name that promised to bring a piece of heaven to Earth through the gift of parenthood.
And indeed, Caelum, with his radiant presence, became a piece of heaven within Sirius' world, infusing his heart with immeasurable joy and love.
Nicolás bore witness to the profound emotions that surged through Sirius as he held his newborn son against his chest for the very first time. It was as if Nicolás could see Sirius' heart melting within him. Despite the turbulent times they lived in, the looming darkness of war, and the uncertainty of the future, Sirius found in this fragile moment an oasis of comfort.
Sirius wasn't just a father, he was a protector, a provider, and a warrior. Nicolás watched how, in a world overrun by chaos and war, Sirius threw himself into the Order with unwavering passion. He knew that this fight was the path to ensure that Caelum and Nicolás could have the childhood they deserved —a childhood filled with love, safety, and a taste of the world's wonders.
As Nicolás followed the trail of Sirius' radiant happiness, he witnessed each of Caelum's early milestones, from the first smile to his wobbly but triumphant first steps, and from the heartfelt words to joyous birthday celebrations.
Yet, after witnessing his profound love, the night of their wedding —a double one, as Carolina and Remus married at the same time—, Nicolás was not prepared for the heartbreaking scene that was about to unfold.
María arrived at a desolate street, its once-charming cobblestones now scarred by the aftermath of destruction. The pavement bore the indelible marks of fire, etched into its surface like a haunting, smoky constellation. In the dim streetlight, at one lonely end of this tableau, Sirius was kneeling, his body wracked by uncontrollable spasms.
As María approached her beloved, she became a silent witness to the profound torment etched into his every fiber. Her heart ached as she extended a comforting hand.
Sirius turned to her with tear-streaked cheeks, his eyes brimming with anguish and self-blame. Without hesitation, he sought refuge in her arms, his body wracked by sobs. His voice cracked as he whispered repeatedly of the grave mistake he had made.
He lamented how he had been so foolish, placing his trust where he shouldn't have.
María, confused, held him tightly, her soothing words a gentle murmur amidst the storm of his emotions. He insisted on talking with her urgently, his voice strained and desperate.
Their fragile moment was abruptly shattered by the arrival of other Aurors, followed closely by Dumbledore and the Minister for Magic. In mere moments, the Aurors pried Sirius away from María's embrace, disregarding his frantic protests and anguished cries —followed by laughter—, his desperation turning into frantic and almost maniac laughs.
Then, when she was told about Sirius's alleged betrayal, supposedly aiding in the death of the Potters, something inside her shattered. It made no sense; just that very morning, he had been excitedly discussing how he had the perfect plan to divert Voldemort's attention, ensuring that after that night, they would all flee to Colombia.
They planned to seek refuge in the reserve for a while, closely monitoring the war from afar. It was inconceivable to María that Sirius would betray the people he loved the most, the ones who had supported him after he escaped his family.
The situation grew even more perplexing as Dumbledore adamantly refused to grant them access to Harry or allow them to take custody of him, even with Carolina being his godmother. Two agonizing weeks unfolded, marked by a deluge of tears, anguished yelling, and futile demands, as their pleas fell on deaf ears. Finally, their family reached a breaking point, a collective realization that they could bear no more heartache.
In their despair, they packed their belongings, choosing to depart from the turmoil-ridden British wizarding world.
As Nicolás’ eyes snapped open with a gasp, a surge of guilt and sorrow welled up within him. He felt the need to apologize to his aunt for having put her through such emotional turmoil. Yet, as he opened his mouth to speak, María raised a trembling hand, asking for silence. Her eyes remained tightly closed, tears streaming down her cheeks, dampening her neck.
Without uttering another word, Nicolás stood up, softly apologizing as he turned to leave. He headed back to the cottage, using the hem of his shirt to wipe away the tears that had left their mark on his cheeks.
It's not hard to imagine how the conversation with Caelum unfolded.
Overwhelmed by emotions, Caelum clung to Nicolás as if their contact was the lifeline he needed. His face remained buried in Nicolás’ chest as they sought solace in each other's presence. They spent the entire afternoon in solitude, with only Ember and Twiggle as their companions.
•─────⋅☾☽⋅─────•
The Christmas night, though satisfying, carried a tinge of sadness compared to the previous year's celebrations.
As Nicolás and Caelum talked in the evening, a single idea took root in their minds. Their memories of Sirius, while emotionally charged, lacked the clarity they craved. The shared memories of their family left them in a state of uncertainty, longing for closure and understanding.
Considering Sirius was imprisoned in Azkaban, a place cut off from visitors, the two young wizards pondered the puzzle. It seemed like there were no conventional ways to reach him, given the fortress's isolation even from Aurors.
Yet, Caelum had a spark of inspiration, a simple but potentially effective idea. While they might not be able to physically visit Azkaban, it didn't mean they couldn't send a message. After all, owls did have a knack for finding people, even in the most remote and inaccessible places.
The long journey from Colombia to Azkaban wasn't to be taken lightly. In preparation for the task, they stocked Brownie up with plenty of snacks, and Nicolás offered some reassuring words. After a bit of convincing, Brownie agreed to undertake this mission. To facilitate communication, they attached a piece of parchment and a quill to Brownie's leg, ensuring that Sirius could write his response and send it back to them.