Chapter 4: 4
1971, 21 December.
Polaris Black stared intently at his chessboard, calculating all the possible moves that could guarantee his victory against… well, himself since he was playing against himself. His grandfather had told him, 'Practice makes 'perfect'.
Although he didn't exactly understand the saying since one can't exactly be perfect, isn't it impossible for one to be 'perfect'? What even is perfect? Isn't its version of 'perfect' different for everyone? Everyone has different looks on life, don't they, so they can't all have the same definition of perfect? It could mean something very different to each individual person.
Reg wasn't too fond of magical chess, he had told Polaris it wasn't interesting, but Polaris knew the truth. He just won't play with him since he had beaten him in every game. They had played against each other after Polaris had learned how to play. Polaris couldn't help but feel smug about it. It was obvious he was the superior sibling.
It is currently 1 pm in the afternoon, on a Saturday. Polaris invited Corvus Avery over, so he decided to wait in the lounge. Regulus just happened to be here himself, surprisingly.
Regulus and Polaris were lounging in the lounge room while Polaris was lying on the floor, directing his attention towards the chessboard lying flat on the floor. Reg was lazed on the couch not too far away from him.
It's actually the Yule holidays now, so Sirius could have been here for his Holidays, but Walburga had refused for him to be home, 'so I think he's at Hogwarts, and of course, mother is still distraught that he was sorted into Gryffindor, you'd think she'd be over it by now'.
It's not even a punishment for Sirius. He was sure he jumped for joy when their mother told him not to come home. Still, Polaris wouldn't know since he had yet to respond to the very few letters he had sent...
Polaris hadn't received a letter back for the first letter he had written. He simply assumed just maybe Sirius didn't get it, so he wrote 3 more after that, which also never got a response back either. It was infuriating how hard it is to write a letter. Even if it's just two sentences, it would be something!
Were his new friends just so great that he didn't think to communicate with his brothers? Then again, his brother had been happy to leave, expressing it with his actions and his words. He had said he was happy to be out of the house, away from 'them'. Sirius had said 'them'. Who was this 'them'? Polaris had just assumed he had meant their mother and father, but what if that 'them' included Regulus and himself?
What a Sirius thing to do… deciding not to respond to letters.
Regulus himself didn't get any responses back. He just called Sirius a selfish git after giving up. Apparently, in Regulus's eyes, 'Sirius don't care about us,' Polaris remembered Regulus saying.
Usually, Polaris would have defended Sirius, but that time, he had nothing to say but frown unhappily.
"Hey", Polaris heard lax a voice say. He looked towards the door to see Corvus, then grinned.
"Hey, I didn't hear you floo in," Polaris said as he lifted himself off the ground.
"Well, of course, you didn't. I'm not called stealthy for no reason," Corvus said as he puffed his chest out. Regulus scoffed at the exchange before heading towards to door to leave.
"Corvus," his brother said neutrally towards Corvus as a greeting, "Regulus," Corvus said back automatically. With that, Reg walked out of the room.
Polaris grabbed Corvus's arm in a loose grip and dragged him along out the door, "Where are we going?" Corvus asked.
"To my bedroom, I want to show you this new book grandfather got me," Polaris answered, leaving his chess board behind.
Corvus scrunched his face and stopped taking his arm out of my clutch. Polaris looked back, confused.
"A book? Seriously!? Why can you not be a bookworm!" Corvus said in annoyance folding his arms defiantly. Polaris rolled his eyes.
"What's wrong with books".
"Everything! They have big words, and they go on and on and on for ages. I already get enough of that during my lessons," he said dramatically, flapping his arms around.
Polaris pushed Corvus's arms down back to his side as they stood in the hallway, "Well, you just need to find the right books to read then… maybe ones to fit your… mentality? Well, if big words are a problem."
"Why did you say mentality like that? Was that an insult?".
Polaris snorted a laugh out, "No, of course not. I was just unsure of the word to use".
"Then-" Polaris cut him off by grabbing his arm again, but this time they were heading in a different direction.
"Where are we going now?!" Corvus blurted out. Polaris glanced over my shoulder, "You don't want to read, so we'll be going to the library".
Corvus gave him a blank stare trying to comprehend how what he had just said made any sense.
"What? You just said I don't want to read, and you decided that going to the library is the best course of action? Is that what I heard, For Merlin's sake!".
Polaris was sat on one of the many sofas that filled the grand library, reading a novel. It wasn't the best, but it was interesting to some degree.
It was about how a boy turned werewolf must learn to survive without anyone to aid in his unfortunate life. I suppose it's about finding your true self, with the whole world against you.
'I think if mother knew this was on the shelves, she'd intended it.' I snorted at the thought.
"Can't we play quidditch? Or even just go flying if you really don't want to play quidditch- oh! I know a game we could play with the brooms. My cousin learned about it in Hogwarts, and he got me to play it with him a few days ago because Aura didn't want to."
Corvus walked towards the table he was sat in front of and then slouched into the sofa across him, with a glum face after getting no response back.
"Is that book any good?" Corvus asked as he lazily pointed to the book in Polaris's hands.
Polaris tilted my head at that question and pondered, "Well, it's not bad. Personally, I doubt you'd like it. It's not gruesome enough for you to enjoy, and it has so-called 'big' words. It's more so inspirational from what I've read so far".
Corvus rolled his eyes as Polaris went back to reading.
"Did your brother really get into Gryffindor?" Polaris heard Corvus speak again. He closed the book and placed it on the table.
"Yeah, quite unfortunate. You should have seen how angry my mother was. She literally broke one of our new murals."
He snorted, "My cousin got into Slytherin. I don't think Aunt Relia would care if he didn't get into Slytherin, though, since she was a Ravenclaw and all. Although Uncle Amos would probably have fit over it."
"It would do no good if the heir to the house of Avery was sorted into any other house than Slytherin, Uncle Amos said", Corvus mimicked in a way Polaris presumed he was imitating his uncle and laughed.
"You should have seen how my mother was! Now that I think back on it, it was kind of funny. I would hate to be my brother. She didn't even let him come back home for Yule!" Polaris spoke, a grin on his face, "Really? I thought he was up in his room," Corvus said, and Polaris shook his head.
"No, even so, he's probably glad he doesn't have to come back home, making the break away from her screeching even longer."
Corvus laughed, "You should hear uncle Amos when he's mad! He does more of the screeching in the house, Aunt Rena is laxer, but if you really do something that gets on her nerves, you'll really see that bad side of her"
They talked back and forth for a little while before Polaris spoke again.
Polaris smiled while he took the book from the table and proceeded to place it in its rightful place. "Let's play exploding snap", Polaris called out to Corvus as he headed towards the door of the library.
"Alright," Corvus said, happy to follow along.
As they walked towards his bedroom, Corvus started talking again.
"Oh, I didn't even tell you! I got a kitten!" Corvus proceeded to blurt out.
"What?! How come I wasn't told before? When did you get it?" Polaris asked as he looked to his side, giving Corvus a surprised look.
Corvus has always been ranting about wanting a cat. He never understood his obsession with cats.
'I suppose it started when his oldest Cousin Aura got an owl when she started Hogwarts two years ago. I definitely wouldn't want a cat.'
"I got her during my stay in France. My grandmother got her for me. You have no idea how long I had tried to convince my uncle and aunt to get me one. My Uncle was really angry when she got her for me. For some reason, they think I'm not responsible enough, but anyway, she's great! I can't wait to have her with me at Hogwarts".
'Well, that's because you aren't'.
Polaris gave him a deadpan expression; they were not even close to being accepted into Hogwarts… they were still only 7.
'I'll actually be surprised if the cat survives that long…'
They finally reached his bedroom; Polaris took out the cards, and we settled down to play.
Corvus sat across from him on the rug.
"I knew you've always wanted a cat, but I didn't think you'd get one until Hogwarts, to be honest," Polaris said, shrugging his shoulders while he started to shuffle the cards.
"She's awesome! I named her Nela. She's a hansa Himalayan cat. She's mostly a creamy white colour around her torso and then, like the rest, is a dark shade of brown like where her snout is and her feet, oh and her feet. It was the best part of the trip. My grandmother Marie and uncle just argued the whole time we stayed over at her manor, though," Corvus went on.
'I knew Corvus's father's family didn't exactly get along with his mother's side of the family. I don't even understand why they took him to France if they disliked his grandmother so much.'
"Argued about what?" Polaris asked while he held the cards.
"Oh, you know… me, I guess? My grandmother wanted me to live with her when my parents died, but my uncle got custody of me. It's really annoying. I feel like an object sometimes when they argue. It's like my uncle only wanted custody of me because I look like my father, and my grandmother only wants custody because I have my mother's personality or something. It's like they're fighting over a toy," Corvus said as he placed another card down, "I wish my parents were still alive," he murmured quite sadly as he fidgeted with the fur of the rug.
Polaris leaned forward and patted his shoulder awkwardly.
Polaris didn't exactly know what to say to that.
'Was it bad I had the urge to change the topic, but that would be insensitive, wouldn't it? I'm just not exactly good at stuff like that, I remember one time I saw my brother Sirius crying, and I spun on my heel, turning the opposite direction and pretending to see nothing. What was I supposed to do? Pat his back and tell him to stop crying?'
Corvus knew how Polaris wasn't good with stuff like that, he wasn't exactly what you'd call a 'comforter' that was Hadrianus's job, but it was hard to confine in him since he and his parents moved back to Germany earlier in the year.
Changing the subject, Corvus spoke once again, brightening the mood, which Polaris greatly appreciated, not the topic but the change of topic.
"So, what pet do you think you'll want for Hogwarts?" Corvus asked curiously, another card placed down. Polaris didn't answer as he placed a card as well.
"Surely a cat as well?" Corvus continued, and again, no answer. He looked up at Polaris, "Your cat and mine could be best friends!" Corvus started again.
"…"
"What?!" Corvus practically yelled, seeing the look Polaris was giving him.
"Oh… nothing," Polaris murmured, moving his gaze away from Corvus's direction.
"Cor, I'm not going to get a cat", he continued.
"But then my-" Polaris cut him off before he continued knowing exactly what he was thinking.
"I don't care how lonely your cat gets; I'm still not getting a cat", Polaris refused.
"Why not! They're invigorating and give nice cuddles!".
'Cuddles? Yeah, I would rather not have fur all over me.'
Polaris tapped his chin in thought, staring at the ceiling as though it had all the answers in the world, before looking back towards Cor.
"Well, where to start. I don't hate cats, obviously, but to be honest, I rather someone else have a cat than myself. I wouldn't want to put myself through that. Sorry to tell it to you, but cats are known for plotting to kill people… well, I don't know for sure if it's a known fact, but I read it in a biography book on some half-blood. I think his name was Christoph Selpher.
He discussed his learnings and workings in his study on domestic animals… anyways, I don't think your cat is going to kill you, well I don't know for sure; I think if I met it, I could tell". Polaris stopped talking when he met Corvus's concerned gaze.
"Not 'it' but 'her' and you… you read biographies?! That's like the lamest thing you could do, I knew you read like everything, but I didn't think they'd be included in the mix".
Polaris flushed at his statement, "What? I found it interesting. Are you trying to say you shouldn't do things that interest you?" Polaris fired back before yelling snap when the cards were the same. Cor groaned in defeat before we continued.
"Well, obviously not, I guess… but you can't blame me. I mean, you just basically said my cat is at home right now, possibly plotting a way to kill me!" Corvus emphasised the killing part.
"Well, I guess so… anyways, they also kill birds. I happen to like birds; you know, I might even get an owl. They're actually useful".
"Don't owls kill birds?" Corvus asked, dumbfounded.
"…"
Corvus smirked at his silence. 'Damn him…'
"Well, I suppose but not as much as cats would. Besides, it's rare for owls would do such. They mostly prey on small animals, especially rodents. Very few of their species' actually hunt birds or even fish".
"Of course, you know that", Corvus muttered.
Polaris smirked, "Oh? And you didn't? It is basic knowledge," he drawled.
"It's basic knowledge", Corvus mimicked, dramatically moving his head along.
Polaris threw the cards at Corvus, only for him to start laughing.
"I don't sound like that," Polaris said to his friend piercing his lips in annoyance as Corvus laughed.
"Right, and everyone reads at least like 5 books a week", Corvus droned out to spite his friend.
'Was that supposed to be sarcasm? I'm not too sure. I do read roughly around 5 books a week, but surely most people do that as well, right? I mean, what else is there to do?'
"We can play that game you were talking about earlier after this", Polaris then answered.
Corvus's face scrunched up in response, "Game? Oh! The one that I said my cousin got me to play with him, yes! I didn't think you'd actually say yes. It's going to be brilliant. okay, so this is how it works…" Corvus continued.
They never actually finished the game, seeing as Corvus was more interested in explaining the game before they headed out. Polaris already knew a great place to do it, seeing as Sirius had dragged him there before.
1972, 5 July.
His heart pounded as he stood on the first-floor drawing-room, trying to get his head around everything that happened this very morning, very early morning. Today was just supposed to be a day of... I don't know? Being happy, seeing as his Cousin Narcissa was set to be getting married.
Polaris stared straight ahead, taking in what was before him, the family tapestry that was hung up for all to see once you entered the room. It was large... and old.
It had, of course, contained many generations, protected by their strong family magic, each ancestor and relative name embroidered in perfect calligraphy on the tapestry, each one named after a star, which has and always will be a tradition of the house of Black.
He has always wondered why it became so.
'Why were we named after stars? What was the purpose? Was it just a random thought, ''you know what, let's name every offspring after a star, that'll be cool''? I'm curious does it have a deeper meaning than that?'
His eyes darted all over the piece before him until his eyes landed on his name, Polaris Black. Which was the most recent, seeing as he was the youngest member of the house of Black at the moment. Even though he was already 8 years old. There has yet to be a newly born member of the House of Black.
The names stood out in black stitching, filtering out the Slytherin green background.
Regulus himself was in the very same room as Polaris, seeing as something major had just occurred. Though he looked saddened, he was sat on the floor against the wall, doing just as Polaris was, staring at the tapestry.
'I wasn't exactly sure what to feel. I was lost to what to feel, was I annoyed, was I angry, that I wasn't sure of yet.'
Polaris could hear the loud voices arguing from the room on the other side of this room. The door was closed. Supposedly the heated moment allowed for them to forget to cast a silencing charm. In all honesty, his parents never exactly bothered with using the charm.
"You can't do this!" Sirius yelled in anger, "She did nothing wrong!" he yelled again. It was hard to ignore the shouting when it was so clear and sounding.
"Don't you dare talk back to me! She is a disgrace to our Noble Blood!" Polaris heard his mother shout back.
He moved closer to the tapestry and glanced at the spot where his Cousin Andromeda used to reside, a subtle frown on his face as he slowly reached his hand up and gently brushed his fingertips over the scorched mark that used to read 'Andromeda Black'.
"It's not fair!" Sirius screamed from the top of his lung, making Regulus wince at the sound from where he was seated.
All Regulus could do was think, 'when will Sirius finally understand that nothing in this life is 'fair'. Maybe he never will understand, brave and reckless he certainly is, but there has to be some common sense in that thick Gryffindor skull of his'.
Regulus stood from his stop, a sullen look on his face. He felt a headache coming. Maybe it was from the smell of freshly burnt silk lingering in the air. It made his stomach churn, remembering how easily he watched mother blast the name off so fast as though she was banishing something as simple as a doxy of the wall.
Regulus felt sick to know that across London, In another Black residence, his Uncle Cygnus, Andromeda's father, was doing the very same thing their mother had just done without a second thought.
Regulus thought it redundant, considering that the tapestries were all magically linked, but of course, his uncle was most likely making a point to his daughters, just as his mother and father had done to himself and his older and younger brother, making a very clear point.
It was a very clear message: Don't marry 'mudbloods' and for the love of Merlin, don't even think of breeding with the likes of them.
As Polaris stood there staring at the scorched spot, he heard his brother yell again.
"Yo- You can't simply throw her out of our family for falling in love!" Sirius started to yell again.
"What if it were Regulus, Polaris, or even me that fell in love with-" Sirius didn't get to finish that sentence. There were no more sounds of yelling except for the aggressive scruffle sounds. Polaris knew exactly what was going on behind those doors.
It felt like his heart was ready to jump out of his chest. Polaris closed his eyes tightly, trying to think of happy thoughts.
Despite disagreeing with the way Sirius thought was the best way to go about it, he couldn't help but agree with him. Of course, they had been raised with blood standards that were expected to be preserved-
Unless your name was Sirius Black-
But blasting Cousin Andromeda off the family tree… seemed a bit excessive. It scared Polaris to think he as well could also be easily blasted off the tree, thrown away, without a care in the world. Then again, his cousin really shouldn't have rebelled like that. Why mingle with one with filthy blood? Now he was confused.
Was his family right to disown her? Right, of course, they were… it was not natural-
Regulus stood staring at the floor in frustration. Growing up in Number Twelve Grimmauld Place had been somewhat uncomfortable, if he had to say the least. Mother and Father aren't exactly affectionate. Their father would have his rare moments where he'd surprise them with little affection, though mother never did. Well, if father's shows of affections were rare… then mothers were ultra-rare, unless your Polaris Black, then he gets a bit more. He is the favourite child, which was obvious.
Regulus hated living like this. Maybe it's Sirius's fault for not being the perfect heir mother and father wanted. When they were younger, Sirius was the 'wonderful' heir to the house of Black, except when he did have his disruptive moments. In that case, they had him… the wonderful 'spare'… the middle child, always over shined by the 'brave' Sirius Black, overlooked when the 'promising' son, Polaris Black, was there.
Regulus clenched his fists while he watched his younger brother stare at the tapestry. He didn't even know what to think of Sirius anymore. He remembered Sirius's words, the words he believed, the words he told him before they left the house to take him to the platform for his first year at Hogwarts.
'Look for my owl. I'll be writing to you every week. I'll be doing the same for Polaris as well, of course," Sirius told him with his signature grin, something very out of place for a Black.
'We're going to have a great time at Hogwarts once you arrive. I swear I'll make it the most memorable experience of your life!'
He never exactly saw any letters from Sirius come in. Even his younger brother Polaris hadn't gotten one. He only remembers his mother sending him a howler after finding out the result of his sorting.
The door finally opened from the next room. Sirius walked out, wiping blood from his mouth, looking wrathful but sufficiently subdued when it came to speaking to his parents. There was nothing to be done to spare Andromeda from being disowned. What was done was done.
Sirius slammed the large wooden doors behind himself, striding further into the room, drawing his sibling's attention.
Polaris stared at Sirius's wounded frame. He stood tall there, looking at Reg and himself, glancing at each one of them. They stood there in awkward silence before Sirius spoke.
"She's still our cousin, do you hear me?" he said firmly. It sounded like a demand... it sounded like he was begging- hoping. His eyes carried so many emotions, from anger to hopefulness and uncertainty.
'I didn't know what to think of it. She wasn't our cousin anymore from what mother said. I watched mother blast her name off the tapestry, I saw the hate seething from mother's eyes, I saw the disappointment oozing from father.'
Polaris managed to bite his tongue to prevent himself from saying anything at all, knowing it would just have his eldest brother angry at him, and he didn't want that.
Sirius walked over to the tapestry standing beside his youngest brother and gently touched where their Cousin Andromeda once was.
"I don't give a shit what some wall says. Dromeda is still family. A stupid piece of burnt fabric isn't going to change that. It's not going to tell me who my family is- who 'our' family is".
Polaris looked up and stared at his elder brother's sullen face.
"You agree with me, right?" Sirius whispered as he glanced at his brothers once again, unaware that his lip had started to bleed once more.
Regulus frowned at the sight, wondering how Sirius was able to endure such pain.
"She's a blood traitor," Polaris said as a matter of fact, and Sirius's gaze snapped to his. Polaris found himself taking a step back as Sirius began walking towards him, "Is that all you take from this all?! That's she's a bloody BLOOD TRAITOR? Polaris, our family, just threw her out, like some piece of rubbish! They don't see her as family. To them, she's a stranger… and why is that? Because she fell in love, Polaris- love!"
Polaris didn't respond… 'Sometimes what we want isn't what we need, right?'
As the silence took over, Sirius turned around, facing the tapestry once more, lost for words at the silence.
Polaris shoved his hand into his pocket, taking out a handkerchief with his initials, P.R.B and pushed it upward for Sirius to take, "Your lip is bleeding", Polaris whispered.
Sirius sighed and took it from his hand, "Thanks," he whispered back.
"Sirius? Why- why can't you just for once in your life… just shut up and look down like you're supposed to?" Regulus spoke, drawing the attention of Sirius and Polaris.
"At this rate… she'll blast you off", Regulus whispered.
Polaris shook as he heard what his brother had said…
'Mother wouldn't go that far, would she? That was just how Sirius was. She knows it.'
"You can't let her do it," Regulus said firmly as Polaris watched the exchange.
Regulus was scared. He didn't want Sirius to be blasted off… he didn't want to be left in Sirius's place if so, and he didn't want to admit it. He couldn't.
"Just… Just stay quiet for the next couple of years, and then you'll be out of here," Regulus spoke out again.
"I'm not a coward", Sirius spat out as he walked towards Regulus and stood there in front of him.
Polaris watched as Regulus flinched at the statement. Regulus felt as though Sirius was calling him a coward. Perhaps he was. What of it? He wished to prosper, not collapse.
He composed himself, "Why does it always come down to bravery?" Regulus asked bitterly.
Polaris didn't know what else to do but just watched their exchange awkwardly and unsurely.
'I don't want my brothers to fight.'
"Why does it always come down to saving your own arse?" Sirius snapped back.
Sirius ran his hand through his wavy hair, trying to calm himself down.
"Fine then, she's not your cousin anymore. Am I still your brother? Because I know Andromeda is still on 'my' family tree. Fuck that one," he said, snarling at the tapestry when he looked at it.
Swearing and anger aside, Regulus knew Sirius was hurting. Andromeda had been the perfect pureblood daughter, right up until the moment that she was not, now she was gone.
"You'll always be my brother", Regulus whispered the promise.
"Not unless he shapes up!" They heard their mother say as she walked out of the doors that Sirius slammed shut, glaring her dark brown eyes down at her eldest son with a hate that Polaris had never seen before.
Sirius turned and glared back at his mother with his sharp grey eyes. Then without a word, Polaris watched as Sirius spat at the tapestry and walked past mother to get out of the room.
There, their father himself walked out but with a glass of firewhiskey in his hand as though someone had put it there with a permanent sticking charm, looking annoyed and fatigued.
His father made eye contact with him and sighed, "Polaris go to your room", he said tiredly.
"But-"
"Must I repeat myself?" the man's voice was loud and steady.
Polaris found himself clenching his teeth before releasing a sigh, "Yes, father", he muttered.
As he headed out, his mother stopped him and ran her long fingers through his hair, then placed a peck on his forehead, sending cold chills down his spine. It was strange for Walburga to do so.
"I just know you won't disgrace our family just as that girl did", she whispered mostly to herself, maybe trying to reinsure herself. He wasn't sure of it yet.
Polaris left the room after, with his head down, taking long strides towards the stairs that would lead him to his room, not even bothering to look at the many frames that were hung on the walls of the hallway he walked through.
Regulus was now left alone with his mother once his father himself walked away, taking a sip of his firewhiskey.
"You, my sweet boy", Walburga said as she looked at her middle child's face with a small smile, causing Regulus to be weary.
"One day, you will be the head of this glorious house, and it will be your job to keep filth away from our family, do you understand me? Toujour pur, Regulus," Walburga said as she grabbed his jaw in her hand, making him look her in the eyes as she spoke.
Regulus tried not to scrunch his face at the statement. He was not meant to be Lord Black. That spot was meant for Sirius. He was the second- the spare, "But…" Regulus trailed, "I'm not the heir".
"Sirius will be the Head of-" Regulus's heart started to race just as he was cut off.
"You", Walburga hissed, narrowing her eyes, "… You will be the Head of the Noble and Ancient House of Black, do you understand me?" she asked again. Her fingernails dug into his jawline; he could feel a bruise beginning to form on the outer layer of his pale skin.
Regulus swallowed nervously, and not wanting to upset her, he answered her, "Yes, Mother".
"I will not allow what we purebloods have worked for, centuries of purity all gone, no! I will not let that happen, Regulus," her voice raised as she slowly removed her grip on his jaw.
"Toujour pur, Regulus", She repeated.
"Toujour pur, Mother", Regulus whispered despite his objections.
"There's my good boy", Walburga grinned as she adjusted his clothing.
"Now go get ready for the Wedding, now dear," she said, patting him on the shoulder affectionately as though she had not assaulted Sirius with those very hands.
"Your Uncle Cygnus isn't going to let one nasty blood-traitor ruin Narcissa's big day", she spoke out on her way out of the drawing-room, leaving Regulus to get lost in his thoughts.
For some reason, Regulus felt alone and empty. His right hand grabbed his shirt where his heart was beating, wondering if he was truly alone. Did Sirius hate him? No, he wouldn't, would he? What about Polaris? Does Polaris think of him as a coward for wanting Sirius to change?
⪧⪦⪧⪦ ⪧⪦⪧⪦
"Polaris."
Hearing the voice, Polaris turned to his bedroom door, which was now opened as opposed to closed. He had been lying down in bed, not bothered enough to get ready for the wedding. He sat up on the edge of his bed, looking at his father, who was still standing at the door, under the arch.
"You should be preparing for the wedding." His father stated.
"Father… is it really that bad that Andromeda married a mudblood?" Polaris questioned the man, who had sighed deeply in response as his hands began to massage his temples.
"Polaris," his father said in a reprimanding tone, and Polaris huffed in annoyance, "But it's like what Sirius said! I don't get it. What's the big deal?! So what if she married someone? What even is marriage? It's so… it's so stupid! Mother is always saying something about mudbloods, yet at the same time, she says nothing, absolutely nothing. It makes it hard for me to make sense of why… why things are like this- are you angry with me?" Polaris said hesitantly.
His father didn't respond immediately. Rather he moved from the door, closing it behind him as he sat beside Polaris, who made no move to look up at his father as he sat on his left side. "I'm not angry. You're eight, of course, you curious about it. I understand how you may feel, seeing as your mother isn't great at getting her opinions across. She has her thoughts and opinions and expects you and your brothers to understand without really explaining… what is it you think of them? What is it you know of them?"
Polaris looked to his father, pondering the question, "What do I think of them? I don't know… I never really met them? Mother says their vile creatures who only know destruction… she says they are filth that purges the world with their stain. We're pure because of our old blood, while their blood has no purity whatsoever." Polaris responded, looking at his father expectantly as he found himself fidgeting with his fingers, waiting for a response.
As his father opened his mouth to answer, his door slammed open, and the only that left Orion Black's mouth was, "Merlin help us all." It was barely audible that Polaris didn't really hear what his father said, but he didn't really care as he stared at his mother, who was standing there.
"What nonsense are you asking your father, Polaris!" she screeched at him, "If you had such inquires, you should ask me." She stated superiorly.
"It doesn't matter who he asks, Walburga. All that matters is he wishes to have a better understanding. Was there such need for you to eavesdrop?!" Orion snapped as he stopped up, his hand running through his hair, hoping he wouldn't start to grey any time soon.
"Why did you not ask me, Polaris!" she demanded. His heart raced in his chest as he looked toward his father and then at his mother.
"Speak already! You better not be taking after that disgrace!" she shouted at him. There was no need for Polaris to ask who that disgrace was.
"Why would I!" he shouted back in frustration. She always did this!
"All you do is shout! Just because you shout doesn't make things clear. Father actually has conversations. You just shout!" his heart sank as he saw her take out her wand.
Within a second, her wand shot out of her hand and was in his father's hand. He held it tightly, ignoring the way Walburga scowled.
"You're bloody impossible! Just get out and gather yourself. You're allowing what Andromeda did to overwhelm you- Polaris, just get ready. When your mother is calm, she'll explain it all to you, seeing as she likes to explain things."
Just like that, his father dragged his mother out, leaving him to get ready and have to face her again later. Surprisingly she acted like it hadn't even happened. He expected her to yell at him or get annoyed at him for little things because she was just that petty when she wanted to be. He's seen the way she was with his brothers. It was just how she was. He still loved her, though. She was his mother.
After the wedding of his cousin Narcissa and her husband Lucius Malfoy, his mother explained it to him and even had some of the other guests join in on the conversation, one being Lord Malfoy, Abraxas Malfoy and a few other lords and purebloods.
All in all, putting all their opinions and supposed facts together, they made sense in some way ad was enough for Polaris to just nod at whatever his mother had to say about mudbloods infecting their world. Though in the end, Polaris found himself not caring at all and just agreed, not wanting to hear his mother go on and on about something stupid and boring.
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