Daughter of the Stars

15 December 1995

Grimmauld Place

Alhena sagged against Sirius, the picture of exhaustion. Harry’s vision/nightmare had ripped her from the depths of sleep, despite all her wards. She hoped Arthur would be alright.

“Sister, sleep. You’re practically dead on your feet.” Sirius held Alhena to his chest.

Alhena shook her head. “Can’t. I’m too worried to sleep. And there are several different spirits trying to tell me something, but I can’t focus well enough to make out what.”

“Do you have enough energy to let them become visible?” Remus sighed from across the room. He’d ended up caving and using the Black Library to research natural necromancers and their abilities. “I could note down what they’re saying.”

“That’s easier than letting them use me as a conduit, actually. Give me a minute.” Alhena’s magic seeped into the room, and several spirits became visible: Elladora Black, Isla Hitchens née Black, and Carina Gaunt-Haydon.

“Ladies,” Remus spoke as he bowed in deference to tradition, “may I ask what you are trying to tell Alhena?”

The spirits traded looks before Carina stepped forward. “Lupin, we found Orion.”

Sirius straightened up at that, but didn’t say anything.

Carina continued speaking. “He’s in the Black property that belonged to Pollux Black and Irma Black née Crabbe, in the cellar specifically. You need Black blood within two generations to get past the wards.”

Alhena let out a small hiss. “That immediately disqualifies most of the people I know. The only ones I know of with the necessary skillset that fit the criteria, right now, are Dora, Andromeda, Narcissa, Bill, and Vela Blake, the granddaughter of Marius Black. Sirius – he’s a wanted fugitive – doesn’t count.” Alhena devolved into Parseltongue swearing, before switching back to English. “I could go myself, of course, but I’m far too worried about Arthur, and I’m dead on my feet.”

Dora walked in, took one look at the visible spirits, and froze. “What’s going on?” Bill was just behind her.

“They found Father. Problem is, you need Black blood within two generations to get in, so Kingsley and practically everyone I know in the house is out, except for you and Bill. Vela Blake is in Greece on business and I am not bothering her, and I’d rather not call an impromptu family meeting, thanks very much,” Alhena grumbled.

Bill sighed. “Where is he?”

“Black Country House, in Cambridgeshire,” Carina answered Bill’s question. “He’s under a modified Draught of Living Death, and hasn’t really physically aged since 1979.”

“Screw it, it’s six in the morning, Yule is 6 days away, Arthur is in hospital, and I’m sleep deprived,” Alhena muttered. “I’ll have Kreacher pop you there, I’m pretty sure I can bribe Wiggenweld out of Snape. Nobody would pass up Sal and Linfred’s potions notes, I’m sure.”

Kreacher popped into the kitchen. “What can Kreacher be doing for Mistress Alhena?”

“Kreacher, can you please take Bill and Dora to the Black Country House, to the cellar, and assist them if necessary?” Alhena’s voice, although authoritative, was tired.

“I can be doing that, Mistress Alhena.” Kreacher nodded, before grasping hold of Dora and Bill’s robes, and popped them away.

Alhena summoned her notebooks, and duplicated the ones with Salazar and Linfred’s potions notes, before wrapping the copies in potions-themed wrapping paper with a wave of her hand. She cheekily added a note.

‘Professor Severus Snape, Lord Prince,

How fast can you get me a vial or three of extra-strength Wiggenweld?

I offer (copies of) Salazar Slytherin and Linfred de Stinchcombe’s potions notes, as incentive. Consider it an early Yule/Christmas gift.

I hope no dunderheads blow up cauldrons in your beloved potions lab today.

Heir Alhena Black’

With the note folded and tucked into a fold in the wrapping paper, Alhena used the shadows to carefully place the gift on Severus’ desk, right next to the red Everlasting Ink she’d gotten him as a gag gift for his last birthday.

Then she decided to go to bed, sleeping difficulties or not.

Grimmauld Place

Alhena woke up in the late afternoon to tapping on the window. She waved a hand to open the window, and blearily glared at the parcel and letter that was dropped on her face without ceremony. She sat up, taking in the spidery handwriting on the envelope, before opening it.

‘Heir Black,

Even one of these notebooks are invaluable, and so both are worth an incalculable amount to a lowly potions master. For that, you get five vials of extra-strength Wiggenweld and my potions notes from fifth through seventh year.  

Apparently, the castle does take the wishes of Founders’ Heirs into account, because today’s Slytherin-Gryffindor classes were surprisingly – and blessedly – explosion- and melting-free. Thank you.

Hope the mutt doesn’t drive you insane – and that your father recovers swiftly.

Professor Severus Snape, Lord Prince’

Alhena chuckled as she put the letter aside, and opened the parcel. The promised five vials of Wiggenweld and notes were there, and she quickly put the notes in her trunk before all but skipping downstairs. “Ha. Took ten hours.”

“Damn, sister, you got lucky as hell. He’s in St. Mungo’s. Want to go over?” Sirius’ eyes were shining. “Molly said something about visiting Arthur.”

“Sure, two birds with one stone. Why not? Let me just go change into better clothes, and grab the general level 10 antivenom I’ve had in my trunk since forever.” Alhena turned around to go back upstairs.

“What do you have general level 10 antivenom for?” Dora called after her.

“Basilisks, just in case.” Alhena responded over her shoulder.

St. Mungo’s

Fifteen minutes later saw the whole group heading to St. Mungo’s, with Alhena holding an illusory magic shield around them. She was pretty much annoyed at the general state of St. Mungo’s, and did her best impression of Melania Black née Macmillan. Once the Weasleys, plus Dora, Mad-Eye and Harry were on their way to the Dai Llewelyn Ward, Alhena stepped forward. “Good evening. I’d like to know where Lord Orion Black is.”

“Name? His status is restricted to family only.” The receptionist gave Alhena a sceptical look.

“Alhena Black-Peverell, Heir Black.” She gained some pleasure from the brief look of panic on the receptionist’s face, before a privacy ward flared up.

“Ah, Heir Black. Third floor, Rhea Slytherin Ward. He’s being attended by Healer Tonks.”

“Thank you.” Alhena made her way to the ward, where she was faced by another receptionist. “Heir Black here to see Lord Black.”

“Go with Healer Tonks, Heir Black.” The receptionist gestured towards Andromeda.

Andromeda nodded at Alhena. “We haven’t had much luck figuring out what exactly he’s affected by, but we can tell that it’s based on the Draught of Living Death. It will certainly take several weeks before we have a suitable strength of Wiggenweld.”

“I obtained five vials of extra-strength Wiggenweld from Potions Master Snape. Would that be sufficient?” Alhena arched an eyebrow.

Andromeda’s eyes went wide. “Oh, Morgana, it certainly would. You, Heir Black, are a godsend.”

“Alhena, please, Healer Tonks. It’s ridiculous to stand on ceremony with family.” The younger woman smiled.

“Andromeda, then.” She led the way to Orion’s room. “Do you have the potion?”

Alhena passed the vials over, before settling into the visitor’s chair. She watched Andromeda administer the Wiggenweld, playing with her ring.

It took fifteen minutes for Orion to start looking more lifelike, and thirty for him to even start moving. It took a full hour for him to regain consciousness, and quite suddenly too. Silver eyes snapped open, and focused on Andromeda. “What year is it? Where am I?”

“It’s the 15^th of December 1995, and you’re in the Rhea Slytherin Ward at St. Mungo’s. You’ve been potioned for over 16 years, Lord Black.” Andromeda spoke calmly, trying to keep Orion as calm as possible.

“The family?” Orion’s gaze fixed on Alhena now.

“Melania died in 1983, Pollux and Irma died in 1990, Arcturus died in 1991, and Cassiopeia died in 1992. From their generation, only Marius Black and Callidora Longbottom née Black are still alive. Lucretia died in 1982, Walburga and Druella died in 1985, and Cygnus died in 1992. From your generation, there is only yourself and Marius’ children, Rigel, and Altair Blake. James and Lily died in 1981, Bellatrix is in Azkaban, and may not be a Black much longer with how my temper is responding to the situation with the Lestranges, and Sirius is a wanted fugitive despite not having had a trial, and I’m aiming to change that. Septimus and Cedrella’s youngest, Arthur, is currently in the Dai Llewelyn ward. Altair Blake has a daughter, Vela Blake, and she’s an Auror. Rigel Blake has twins on the way. Narcissa’s marriage with Lucius is stable. Narcissa and Lucius have a son, Draco, who is the quintessential Malfoy, James and Lily’s son, Harry, is alive and well and visiting Arthur with the Weasleys. Andromeda has a daughter, whose first name I will shorten to Dora out of respect and mild fear, who is currently visiting Arthur as well. And I’m here, so I’m alive and well, if annoyed.” Alhena rattled off calmly.

Orion seemed to study his daughter’s face. “Carina?”

“Found. Victim of Jamie Holmwood. It was his sister – Allegra Holmwood – that actually left me in St. Mungo’s, and she’s probably the only reason I’m alive. He killed Allegra for that.” Alhena’s eyes were lit with her fury.

“My friends?” Orion sighed.

“Thomas has died and been resurrected, Abraxas, Algernon, Everard, and Irma died in the 80s, and Benjamin, Corvus and Fenrir are alive.” Alhena spoke softly.

Orion surprised both women by pulling Alhena into a hug. “I’m glad you’re alright.”

Alhena smiled, hugging Orion back. She didn’t bother speaking, content to hug her father and just feel his magic swirling around them. His thoughts were chaotic, but that didn’t bother her, since she wasn’t focused on them.

Orion muttered into her ear, “Did Walburga create a portrait like she said she would?”

“Unfortunately, yes. I want to take my wand and hit it with concentrated Fiendfyre, but I’m not sure if you want to do it instead. I’d give Siri the honour, if you don’t want it.”

“Burn it. I can do without her screaming.” Orion had an annoyed look on his face.

“I shall suffer in necromantic solitude then,” Alhena snarked. “But I’ll give Siri the honour.” She summoned her patronus, smiling a little. “Brother mine, you can burn the harridan’s portrait. If Fiendfyre isn’t your thing, I’m sure I have a vial of basilisk venom somewhere in my trunk – and don’t ask why or how. Or give Kreacher the honour.” She watched it fly off, snickering a little.

Andromeda laughed from the doorway. “Well, Lord Black, as much as you want to get up and leave, you do not have a clean bill of health yet. Would you consent to a medical scan?”

“Yes.” Orion gestured for Andromeda to continue as Alhena stepped to the side.

Andromeda cast the spell, and read the results. “Nothing that cannot be fixed in the comfort of home. You may go.”

“I’ll have to take you through the wards, since a certain meddlesome old bastard has it under the Fidelius. Ignore the Weasley brood present, it’s more convenient for all of us. Oh, and watch out for the twins, they’re menaces. Geniuses, but menaces.” Alhena laughed. “Brief political update, the Malfoy-Weasley blood feud is a thing of the past as of August.”

Andromeda just shook her head, placing Orion’s clothes on the bed. “I’ll leave you be.”

Orion stood and went to get changed. When he came back into the room, his robes were tidy, but had obviously been transfigured. “Shall we?”

Alhena smirked. “There’s an apparation spot just down the hall, or I could shadow-step. Your decision, Father.”

Orion gave Alhena a look. “Shadow-step, just so I can say I have done so.”

Alhena grasped his elbow, before shadow-stepping right to the top stair of Grimmauld.

Grimmauld Place

“Did that satisfy your curiosity?”

“It did. That was frigid.” Orion laughed a little, smiling as Alhena opened the door.

“Well, looks like the Fiendfyre is up to me…” She took in Walburga’s portrait, which had gone pale as Orion closed the door behind them. “Sirius, would you care to do the honours or be a witness?”

Soon, a gaggle of redheads and a certain grim animagus were standing in the hallway, causing Alhena to laugh and shake her head. “Ah well, the more the merrier.” She took out her wand, looking Walburga’s portrait in the eye. “Fiendfyre.” The cursed fire sprang from her wand and it took all of her willpower to keep it localised to the screaming portrait, but soon it was a pile of ashes on the floor, and there was a scorch mark on the wall. “Ah well, an excuse to redecorate.” Alhena gave Sirius a look, before making her merry way down to the kitchen.

“Dumbledore said he wasn’t hosting meetings in Grimmauld anymore, and that it was not secure,” Remus said as soon as Alhena entered.

“Good, he’s out of my house, then.” Alhena wasn’t even affected. “I wonder if it’s too soon to reset the Fidelius?”

“I think that would be a good idea,” Kingsley said quietly. “Because we all have things to discuss, and it doesn’t need to get out.”

“One small problem, none of us know how to take down a Fidelius,” Charlie muttered.

“Casting a secondary Fidelius, with enough power, can override a pre-existing one,” Bill had a tumbler of Firewhiskey.

“There’s a variant of the Fidelius that would just require altering the Blood-Lock ward that’s already on the house,” Alhena was muttering distractedly, squinting somewhere to her right. “But Father will have to do it, because he set the ward. Sorry, that was Rigel, Phineas Nigellus’ grandfather.”

Orion had an intrigued look on his face, but seemingly shelved his questions for later. “I know that specific variant, and it’s tied into the wards already, but was deactivated in 1976. Is there anyone in particular you want to keep out?”

“Dumbledore, Bellatrix, Mundungus Fletcher… Alright, everyone not currently in the house that isn’t related to the Blacks, except for Snape, and Hermione Granger.” Alhena sighed. “And, Sirius, you’ve been out of Hogwarts for over 17 years, please act like it for once and leave schoolyard rivalries in the schoolyard. For Circe’s sake, your godson has gotten over his in September, follow his example.”

Sirius’ face contorted as if he had been forced to suck on a lemon, and most of the teenagers giggled. Orion just shook his head as he started altering the wards. Watching his oldest and youngest bicker – with their 20-year-age gap – was certainly a source of amusement. Several tense minutes later, the new Fidelius flared to life, and everyone in the room visibly relaxed, which didn’t pass Alhena’s notice. “What in the name of Circe is going on?”

Surprisingly, it was Molly that spoke up, wringing her hands. “Ever since August, we’ve been thinking. And practically all of us are considering defecting, with the exceptions of people like Doge, Diggle, and Vance. Even Alastor has said that he’s willing to – at the very least – go neutral. And that started when Dumbledore showed up after the trial, ranting about how there’s no way that they could’ve gotten off without his help, not without doing something drastic. And it got me thinking over all the time I’ve known Alhena and Harry. When the three youngest boys decided to save them from Lily’s horrid sister in the summer of 1992, I noticed that they were too thin, and that Alhena was incredibly wary of anyone at her back. Dumbledore just brushed it off as them being picky eaters, while I’ve heard from Ron that Alhena is known for eating practically anything as long as the presentation or appearance doesn’t put her off.”

She broke off, giving Sirius an opportunity to explain some details to Orion. And it was this silence that Hermione entered into, and she beelined for Ron. “Sorry about your dad.”

“It’s alright, Mione. The healers said he’ll get better, and they’ve received a generous donation in the form of a Level 10 antivenom, so he might be out by Christmas,” Ron spoke fervently as he hugged her back.

Orion chuckled as Hermione turned to Alhena, causing her to freeze before she dropped into a clumsy curtsy, which caused him to laugh. “No need to stand on ceremony, Miss Granger. A supportive friend of my daughter’s is an ally of my house.”

Hermione’s cheeks were red. “Call me Hermione, please.”

“I’m Orion to all of you, in private. There are three living Blacks in the house and numerous portraits.” Orion smiled as he turned back to let Sirius finish his more detailed explanation, and Alhena quietly caught Hermione up. When that was complete, it was Kingsley that spoke next.

“I went digging through the Hall of Records based on a hunch I’d gotten, deciding to see what I could find on Sirius. And I found exactly seven documents: Notice of birth, notice of starting Hogwarts, OWL results, NEWT results, record of acceptance into the Hit Wizard training program, record of graduating the Hit Wizard training program, and lastly a signed form for a transfer to Azkaban, no trial or anything. The last was signed by Dumbledore, Bagnold and Crouch Senior.” Kingsley ran a hand over his head. “He knew Sirius wasn’t the secret keeper, and threw him in Azkaban without a trial. I decided to tip off Amelia – Madam Bones – anonymously. A trial is possible between now and Yule.”

Orion’s eyes had darkened with rage, even as Alhena had gone perfectly still. She was so still she appeared statuesque, but the air around her turned colder and colder as her hair turned darker and darker shades of red. But Ginny quietly speaking up broke through Alhena’s haze of fury. “Since the quartet had their resort, the twins and I, and surprisingly, Neville, have been thinking. None of us can go dark, but neutral is attainable. I mean, why didn’t the wards pick up on the fact that I was possessed in my first year? Or how the Ravenclaws relentlessly bully Luna because she’s odd? Or how many times people have been tripped up and nearly fell down the staircases? Hell, I’ve heard some girls in my dorm talk about love-potioning some of the hotter boys, and while the usage is commonplace, it disgusts me.”

Bill spoke up next. “When I was in Egypt last year, after the Quidditch World Cup, something I’d overheard Alhena say in her sleep during that last week kept looping through my mind: ‘A fork in the path lies ahead. The path to the right is a smooth, easy path that sees you holding to the beliefs you’ve always held, never changing, and ultimately leading to ruin. The path to the left is a rough, harsh, and rocky path that sees you questioning yourself and your beliefs, changing in many ways, but it ultimately will be filled with rewards. Which will you choose?’ It got me thinking, because it’s so specific and yet so vague, but I later realised it was a vision or prophecy of sorts. I spent a lot of time doing soul-searching last year, and seeing her inheritance test was what made me realise it was time to choose.”

Hermione tilted her head. “There’s symbolism in the prophecy, but I can’t recall what it is.”

“Righthand vs Lefthand path,” Severus’ voice sounded from the doorway, “which is a heavily symbolic reference to Light vs Dark. The Lefthand Path, in Western magic, is a title associated with breaking rules, mastering oneself, seeking godhood, and anarchy, among many others, and as such it symbolises the Dark. Righthand is the opposite, and as such symbolises the Light.”

Ron had his head tilted to the side. “But we don’t necessarily have to turn to the Dark, do we?”

Alhena chuckled. “Ron, my friend, of course we don’t. Just because it’s in the symbolism, doesn’t mean it has to be reality. You can do the soul-searching and the changing and the questioning, but you don’t have to pledge yourself to the Dark.”

Harry arched an eyebrow at Ron. “Tasseography, mid-September, one of Alhena’s remedial sessions in the common room. You interpreted one of hers as Right vs Left, Light vs Dark, choice imminent.”

“And that’s another one for the Ron is a Seer and doesn’t know it bingo. Alhena, here’s your five Galleons.” Hermione dropped the gold coins in her best friend’s palm. “How do you even know?”

“Darling, third year Divination, first class, intro to Tasseography. Ron’s reading of Harry’s cup. Direct prediction of the Tournament. Don’t knock Divination as a whole just because of Trelawney,” Alhena said sagely. “You’ve heard me predict the Parkinsons’ reaction, our entire resorting, and the bloody resurrection. Harry has told you about how I knew they changed the venue of the hearing. Circe, you’ve seen me accidentally do Divination in Runes when I zone out in the middle of taking notes. Not all Seers are Trelawney, darling.”

Hermione nodded embarrassedly, and the teens laughed a little.

Charlie spoke up, sighing. “I got a letter from Percy last night. He said something utterly cryptic: ‘Hope you get out of OP, vigilante justice not tolerated by AB. CL calling for retrial of RCL and RFL pre-Yule, no mention of BL, supported by AL. DE/KoW retrials Dec 27 to end Feb. LM supporting AB in trial for SOB. Potter seat def. to UA sect, old seats (Peverell, Slytherin) reactivated, both N sect, Black seat moved back to D sect, Haydon seat moved to D sect. Weasley seat active, UA sect. APWBD losing allies, will turn to brute force to stop change. DoM saying that D safer than L, changes coming. Please consider defecting or going N.’ It was simply signed with his name.”

“OP is the Order. AB is Amelia Bones. CL would be Lord Corvus Lestrange, RCL and RFL are Rodolphus and Rabastan. BL is Bellatrix. AL is Augusta Longbottom. DE and KoW are Death Eaters and Knights of Walpurgis, respectively. LM is Lucius Malfoy. SOB is Sirius. APWBD is Dumbledore,” Alhena rolled her eyes as she said that, before continuing. “Def is defected, UA is Unallied. N, D and L are Neutral, Dark and Light. DoM is the Department of Mysteries.”

The rest of the quartet just shook their heads when everyone turned to them in disbelief. “She does that.”

“How?” Sirius was flabbergasted.

“Similar method to what happens with my sketchbook. Intent is imbued in the words themselves, so if you know what to look for, it’s easy to decipher.” Alhena shrugged. “Interesting that practically everyone is defecting, isn’t it?”

“Why would the Potter seat defect to Unallied?” Harry was frowning.

“Unallied is typically the default. The seat won’t return to the floor unless the line completely ends, and while the Gaunt and Potter seats are largely independent from the Peverell one, they will be reabsorbed before they return to the floor.” Orion had a small frown of concentration. “Alhena is Lady Peverell-Slytherin-Haydon. Peverell and Slytherin are Most Ancient and Most Noble, 5 votes each, while Haydon is Noble, 1 vote. That the seats shifted indicates that they were being sat without permission.”

“Why did Haydon move to the Dark sect then?” Harry’s frown wasn’t abating.

Alhena summoned her Wizengamot, Traditions and Dark Sect folder. “Ah, let’s see…” She flipped through the pages. “Peverell, Slytherin and Gaunt shift between Unallied, Neutral and Dark, Potter and Haydon between all factions, and Black between Dark and Unallied. The House of Haydon is a cadet branch of the extinct Ancient House of Byrne, and an ally of the House of Black and the House of Dagworth-Granger. Cadet branches typically start out in the same faction as their parent houses, and the House of Byrne was a Dark house. Dagworth-Granger is Unallied since great-great-grandfather Phineas’ day, which was when Hector Dagworth-Granger died. Ah, here’s what I was looking for. Mother declared Father my proxy until I finish my NEWTs, or until I join the Wizengamot, whichever happens first. Father is still Lord Black, so the Haydon seat shifted to the Dark sect.”

“You’re chaotic.” Hermione shook her head.

“This is actually three self-updating folders in one, and two of them update regularly. Of course, it’s chaotic,” Alhena retorted. “Mione, mind if I steal you off to Gringotts tomorrow?”

“Why?” Hermione arched an eyebrow.

“Remember September First? My 250 Galleon bet on your ancestry?” Alhena arched an eyebrow. “Oh, and, I want to strike Bellatrix off the Black Family tree already. I meant to do that over the summer, and then got distracted by the library.”

This set Orion off, and he tried his best to smother his laughter. “The library, the only thing that could ever get between Carina and her plans.”

Remus just shook his head as Sirius started guffawing. “Lily too. The only times she didn’t enact vengeance on us Marauders was when she was in the library.”

“Are you-”

“-seriously-”

“-telling us-”

“-you’re one of-”

“-THE MARAUDERS?” Fred and George nearly yelled the last part in unison.

Harry snorted. “Moony, Wormtail, Padfoot and Prongs. Remus Lupin, Peter Pettigrew, Sirius Black and James Potter.”

The twins fainted, sending Alhena into laughter. “Okay, brother, pay up.”

Sirius tossed her a bag of Galleons. “Seer and cheater.”

“Don’t bet so high then,” Alhena retorted as she caught the bag.

Orion cast a Tempus. 22:58. “Okay, it’s late. Maybe we should reconvene in the morning?”

“A wise idea.” Alhena stood up.