Chapter 8
Natasha couldn’t sleep. She always found herself antsy when Harry was away, but after the last 3 years of a boarding style school, she’d grown more used to it. Now though, knowing danger could be coming at any time, she found herself restless once more.
Sitting in the common room window, she couldn’t shake the feeling that something had gone wrong - that Harry and Newt were in some sort of trouble and she had no way to help.
That’s how Sirius found her - dressed in a purple t-shirt he knew was Clint’s, baggy around her torso, a pair of loose sweatpants and large wool socks on her feet - staring out towards their home made quiditch pitch.
“They’ll be back.” He promised, and she turned to look at him. Not for the first time, those eyes punched right through him, seeing everything whether he wanted them to or not. After spending so much time around James though, he was used to it.
“They’re in trouble.” Is what she finally says, and though it worries him, Sirius shrugs nonchalantly.
“Newt’s been dealing with trouble longer than any of us have been alive; including the super soldiers.” He settled down across from her in the window seat, gazing out as well. “During the first world war, Newt was part of a very special group of people who worked with dragons.”
He didn’t have to look at Natasha to know her brows were raised.
“They wanted to train the dragons to be rideable - a dragon battalion. Rumour has it, Newt was one of the few who not only survived, but thrived. An actual dragon rider. It was all very covert though you see, so few knew about it, but for a time I worked for the ministry, and Prongs and I, we had a habit of getting into things we shouldn’t - unearthing information we weren’t supposed to have. It made us very good at our jobs, but also a thorn in the side of our superiors.”
Natasha hummed, but the amusement was clear.
“Anyways, Newt Scamander has been dealing with wildly dangerous creatures for decades, and that includes everything that comes with that. Government officials; poachers; angry mother bears; but he’s always come out the other side.” Now he did turn to look at her. Natasha watched smoke grey go silver in the moonlight.
“He’s also got Harry with him, and he’s known for doing whatever needs to be done to protect those in his care.” He grinned then, mischievous. “Do you want to hear about the time he faced the last dark wizard and won?”
Natasha woke up, still in the window seat, Sirius asleep across from, and smiled. She hadn’t even realized sometime between the stories of Newt and his own school days that she’d drifted off, but she was grateful for it. As she was grateful for the blanket that had been laid out over both of them.
Careful to not disturb Sirius, she rose, stretching out, but the moment she looked back, she realized Sirius was awake and watching her. She didn’t say anything, but she didn’t have to because he stood as well, rolling out his neck with a groan and in a surprisingly quick motion, threw the blanket over her. She was stunned enough that she found herself draped in a blanket, Sirius’ laughter echoing through the room as he dashed away.
With a huff of laughter, Natasha untangled herself, then she took off her socks for better traction, tucking them into her pocket. They were so on.
>>>
In a fit of laughter, Sirius yielded, sprawled on the ground and the blanket looped around him. Natasha was also on the ground, but she was sitting cross legged, smiling down at the laughing man.
“How you managed that without magic astounds me.” Sirius finally managed, eyes bright, and Natasha smirked.
“Superior skill.” Was all she said, and Sirius snorted out a laugh as he untangled himself. Then the laughter slipped from his features. It had Natasha on immediate alert. She was up and on her feet when she realized just what Sirius had seen. It was an owl, and she recognized it as the Malfoy owl.
“It’s probably Draco writing to Harry.” She said calmly, and to her surprise, Sirius relaxed.
“Even if it is Narcissa, that’s alright.”
When Natasha glanced back at him, he gave a tired smile and shrugged.
“We spoke. At Harry’s birthday. We’ve written since. As I’m officially head of the family, and even as a Malfoy she’s still a Black.” Sirius admitted. “Does she write to you often?”
“No. Usually we arrange an afternoon for Harry and Draco to spend time together and speak then.”
She took the letter from the owl, running a gentle finger over its head.
Natasha-
Draco has been requesting Harry’s presence as of late.
Is there a day that suits you? I myself will not be present
as I have other obligations to attend with my
husband.
I hear you have the famed Newt Scamander staying in
residence. Perhaps you could ask him his opinion on
kneazles for me. Once again, Draco has asked, but
as far as I know, they tend to be most useful when there’s
a pest issue.
Astraea will wait for your response. She’s partial to
dried meats.
Sincerely,
Narcissa
Natasha read the note over before offering to Sirius. He took it immediately, not rising from his position on the floor as he read. Then his whole body stiffened.
“We need Remus. And - and everyone.” He jumped to his feet, offering the note back to Natasha when his fingers wanted to clench it in a tight fist.
“You think she’s referring to Pettigrew.” Natasha concluded, and Sirius gave a sharp nod.
“I know she is. Draco’s allergic to Kneazles.”
Natasha blinked at that.
“How do you know?”
“Just because I was outcast doesn’t mean I didn’t hear about my nephew.” Was all Sirius said, and didn’t give her anymore opportunity to ask because he strode off further into the house. Natasha looked back down at the note before grabbing a piece of paper and a pen.
Narcissa-
Thursday of next week would work best, but
I’ll confirm once he and Newt have returned
from their trip. I’ll be sure to ask the man of his
opinion on kneazles then as well.
Best,
Natasha
Then she offered Astraea one of the treats kept specially for her, and attached the letter to her leg. She watched her fly off before turning to follow Sirius further into the house.
With Loki and Pettigrew both as growing concerns, she worried about what kind of year this was going to be.