The polite knock at the door to the formal parlour had Sirius pausing mid-sentence

with a muttered apology to Miriam Granger and calling out for Penelope to enter.

Her blonde hair was braided into some complicated female thing Sirius had never
worked out and she was dressed in formal robes bearing the Black and Potter crests.
She smiled cheerfully. "The Tonks' and the Malfoys are both awaiting your presence
in your study, Lord Black."

"Right." Sirius grimaced.

It had already been a long morning in some respects; he'd performed the Judgement
ritual on the LeStranges in anticipation of the family meeting as soon as he had
flooed to Black Manor that morning. He had discussed it with Harry the night before
and his godson had been appropriately attentive, understanding the gravity of the
decisions that Sirius had made. It would serve as his politics lesson for the week.
Sirius wouldn't allow him to witness the ritual though or take part as the Heir as
he had known the likelihood of the LeStranges surviving Judgement was small and he
didn't want Harry involved with what was in reality an execution.

Harry and Remus had instead collected the Grangers in anticipation of meeting the
Tonks' once Sirius had accepted them back into the House of Black. Miriam and
Wallace wore good quality if plain muggle clothing while Hermione had formal dress
robes in a deep mauve colour that suited her colouring. Minerva had since arrived
too and had been delighted to be reintroduced to Hermione's parents, presenting
them with a long wished for apology about the various school incidents that helped
smooth everything over. They had all settled in the formal parlour for morning tea.

"Show time." Remus pointed out briskly with a grin that Sirius remembered from
their Marauder days.

"Good luck." Harry said with a cheeky grin all of his own. Sirius had learned the
subtle differences that separated Harry's features and expressions from James's or
even Lily's.

Sirius gave him a wink, set his tea down and got to his feet. He headed out of the
door and down the corridor. If it hadn't been for the Malfoys he would have had
Harry with him as his Heir but he'd talked it over with him and they'd decided it
was too risky. Draco and Harry were likely to set each other off and Sirius didn't
trust Lucius not to try and murder Harry in front of him no matter what protections
the Manor had for its Heir.

He stopped in front of the study door and took a deep breath. He opened the door,
strode into the room and closed the door behind him with a sharp bang that caught
the attention of his waiting cousins and their families.

He was amused to note that they were politely ignoring each other in the seating
area; the Tonks' sat to the far right and the Malfoys closer to the door. Sirius
ignored Narcissa's paling face and Lucius's dark look to walk forward and stand in
front of his desk.

"Hello, members of the House of Black." Sirius said formally. "Thank you for
answering the summons to the family meeting." Andy and Ted gave tentative smiles
while their daughter grinned at him happily; the Malfoys were a mix of disinterest
(Draco), horror (Narcissa) and glowering anger (Lucius).

"You're Lord Black?" Lucius questioned furiously.

Sirius held up his hand and displayed the ring. "And you're a prat and now we've
established that perhaps we can get to business." He heard a badly hidden snicker
from Nymphadora Tonks.

Draco bristled. "Father, are you"

Narcissa put a hand on his arm and silenced him with a look. "My apologies, Lord
Black, my husband and son are simply surprised. We had believed the new Lord Black
came from the line of Marius Black."

He could see the wheels turning in her eyes as she recalculated what was going to
happen.

"Simeon?" Sirius offered with a toothy smile. "Well, in that case you'll be pleased
to know that in the event of my unfortunate demise Simeon will take on the mantle
of Regent of the House of Black until my Heir is of age. Simeon sends his apologies
but he will be in the country later in the summer and will meet up with you all
then. He and I have, via correspondence, discussed our new agenda, the decisions
that I've made and will make today and are in agreement."

The shocked looks on their faces was priceless.

"Well, that deals with one of my announcements." Sirius said jauntily. "Let's see,
second announcement: Lord Harry James Potter is my confirmed Heir by blood, by
magic, by oath and by law. He wears the ring. He sends his apologies but he is
hosting our other guests for today's later events."

Draco was instantly outraged; his nostrils were flaring, cheeks bright red. Sirius
wondered if he was about to see someone combust without the use of flammables. He'd
have to show Harry the memory later in a pensieve, Sirius mused.

"By blood?" Narcissa challenged haughtily.

Sirius raised an eyebrow. "I thought you of all people with your love of genealogy
would have remembered that Harry's grandmother was a Black, Narcissa, Dorea Black
to be exact." He smiled again. "I'm also going to be adopting him later today.
Frankly, the family magic loves him. You remember the totem is a snake? Apparently
it can talk to Harry; they get on like a house on fire."

Lucius's lips thinned to almost nothing as did Narcissa's.

Sirius began to pace. "Now, to other business. I did think about telling you what
our new political agenda will be," he said gesticulating vaguely, "but I decided
actions speak louder than words. So" he stopped and regarded them solemnly. "I
have been reviewing our family's actions. Let me start with the LeStranges. Our
motto was and is 'Toujours Pur' Always Pure. It wasn't always about blood no
matter what my mad mother might have thought; it was always about the House of
Black remaining pure to itself, to its own ideals; never sullied by subjugating
themselves to others." He saw Lucius shift on the stuffed sofa the Malfoys were
sitting upon. "The House of LeStrange is not here at this family meeting because
they did not follow the motto of the House of Black."

"Why would they?" Draco piped up, crossing his arms with an irritated huff.
"They're the House of LeStrange."

Sirius glanced at Narcissa who was turning a lovely shade of red. "Well, well,
well. You haven't informed your son of the primacy rule between the Houses?"

"Primacy? Why should that matter here?" Draco spoke before his mother could and she
turned to him swiftly.
"Be quiet, Draco." Narcissa ordered. "You are not to say another word."

Sirius didn't miss how Draco glanced at his father who gave a sharp nod to follow
the order before subsiding.

"Perhaps you should explain about primacy, Narcissa, as clearly your son's
education is lacking." Sirius said mildly.

Narcissa glared at him. "He knows that primacy denotes the rank of a House in
relation to another."

"But you apparently have failed to inform him that the Ancient and Noble House of
Black has primacy over the House of LeStrange, which after all is simply an upstart
pureblood Belgian family that immigrated to England during the nineteenth century."
Sirius smiled again, all teeth and no humour. "Rodolphus LeStrange petitioned to
marry into the House of Black. He got Bellatrix. The marriage contract is quite
clear: the House of Black has primacy. LeStrange was contracted to honour that
primacy." His eyes flashed angrily. "He failed when he took the Mark of Voldemort."

The room flinched at the name.

"He failed when he allowed Bella to take the Mark of Voldemort." Sirius continued
blithely. "And he failed when he allowed his brother to take the Mark. On this
single issue alone I would have cause to declare them all oath-breakers but
additionally, Bella never produced the two children as contracted and now never
will."

He wet his lips and took a deep breath. "Additionally, the House of LeStrange
dishonoured our family name and brought our House into disrepute by their attack on
the Ancient and Noble House of Longbottom. They created a debt of honour between
our Houses. This morning, I summoned the family magic for Judgement against the
House of LeStrange."

He saw shock register around the room.

"Having forewarned the Warden at Azkaban, he confirmed post the ritual that all
three no longer have their magic." Sirius stated grimly. "Rodolphus and his brother
died within an hour."

"Bella?" Andromeda spoke up for the first time. "Do we know"

"Without magic but stable. Well, I say stable, nuttier than a fruitcake but alive."
Sirius informed her gently. Of course, he doubted Bella would remain alive for
long. Azkaban was hard enough when a body had magic to sustain it against the harsh
conditions there; without magic

The Malfoys were exchanging concerned looks.

Sirius ignored them. "Before the LeStranges died, I declared the marriage contract
broken and seized their vault for the repayment of the dowry. As restitution, all
monetary assets from the vault have been turned over to the House of Longbottom.
The House of Black has also assumed financial responsibility for the education of
the Longbottom Heir."

Draco made to speak and his mother glared at him.

"As a final act, I have cast Bella out of the House of Black. She is to be given no
sanctuary or aid. Any provided to her will be assumed to be breaking oath with the
House of Black." Sirius said. "It shouldn't really be a problem as Bella is locked
up but just so we're clear."

Andromeda and Narcissa nodded. Lucius was looking wonderfully uncomfortable.

"Andy," Sirius turned to his oldest cousin, "you never did have a head for politics
but what do you make of my actions so far in relation to our new agenda?"

Andromeda tossed her brown hair back over one shoulder and regarded him with
familiar grey eyes. "Well, from the appointments of your potential Regent and your
Heir, you're clearly ditching the pureblood and prejudiced mantra of the House of
Black. Lord Potter is a halfblood. Simeon is a pureblood but he is also the son of
a squib if I recall correctly. And I'm fairly certain, the young woman who showed
us in here from the floo is a muggleborn."

Sirius grinned at her. "She is."

"You're upholding the tradition and honour of the House of Black in stating that
our House bows to no-one including You-Know-Who." She continued. "That the family
magic found in favour of your ruling backs up the truth that it is an oath-breaker
to have been Marked by him." Her eyes flitted to her brother-in-law sat across from
her before returning to Sirius. "You've made restitution to a Light family not
too surprising given that the Potters and the Longbottoms have been allied for
years and not to make restitution would make things awkward given you're also the
Regent of the House of Potter. But the Longbottoms and the Potters also stand for
respect for wizarding culture and tradition, so it could also be a move to position
the House of Black for our own alliance."

Sirius nodded. He waved at Narcissa. "Anything to add, cousin?"

Narcissa threw a superior look at her older sister. "What you did with the family
magic to Bella and the LeStrangesit shows you're ruthless and you won't stand for
the House to be placed lower than any other. What you did to secure the position as
the Head of the House of Black, to clear your name and gain guardianship over the
Boy Who Lived was cunning. These are traits that the House of Black has been known
for and feared as a result." She tilted her blonde head. "They are not traits that
Albus Dumbledore would champion. I'd say you're repositioning us in neutral
territory rather than allying us with the Light."

"I have allied us with the House of Potter." Sirius stated calmly. "But you're
quite right that Albus Dumbledore is unlikely to appreciate my actions so far as
Lord Black."

Narcissa's eyes gleamed with sudden comprehension but she didn't speak further.

"He would approve of my next action though." Sirius pointed out, turning back to
Andromeda. "Andy, I wish to reinstate you to the House of Black, welcome your
husband and your daughter. Is this something that you would wish for?"

Andromeda glanced at Ted, her husband, and nodded. "We've discussed it, and as it
is you, I would agree but only with the reassurance that Nymphadora will not face
an arranged marriage."

"That's a fair point." Sirius said, noting how his cousin had winced at the full
version of her name. "You have my word: no arranged marriages. But," he held up his
hand before she could protest, "I will insist on a marriage contract to protect our
assets and honour."

"I can live with that, Mum." Nymphadora said. "Could we also make it a condition
that everyone calls me Tonks?"
"It'll have to be your full name for the oaths." Sirius pointed out with a grin.
"But, Cousin Nymphie, I'm sure you'll remember what I used to call you."

Her hair cycled from brown to red then purple before settling into black.

Sirius took out his wand and swept it over the desk. The Black ritual bowl and
knife appeared. He ushered Andromeda up to the front.

"Familius magicus." Sirius intoned and tapped the bowl. Silver mist erupted to
swirl in the hollow of the vessel once again. He cut his palm. "I, Sirius Orion
Black, Head of the House of Black, declare Andromeda Ursula Tonks reinstated as a
daughter of the House of Black by blood, by magic, and by this oath. So have I
sworn; so mote it be."

He could see Draco's open curiosity and knew it was possibly the first time he'd
seen family magic in action as the Malfoys did not have any.

Andromeda cut her palm with a grimace. "I, Andromeda Ursula Tonks, daughter of the
House of Black, accept my reinstatement and the duties that it entails, by blood,
by magic and by this oath. So have I sworn; so mote it be."

She motioned for her husband to take her place.

Sirius smiled warmly and held out his uncut hand for Ted to shake. "Welcome to the
mad house, Ted."

Ted smiled warmly. His rotund belly and appearance gave him a jolly air. "No middle
name for me. Parents didn't see the need for it."

Sirius nodded and held his still dripping palm over the bowl. "I, Sirius Orion
Black, Head of the House of Black, declare Theodore Tonks a son of the House of
Black by law, by magic, and by this oath. So have I sworn; so mote it be."

Ted took the knife from his wife. "I, Theodore Tonks, son of the Tonks family, son
of the House of Black, accept my place and the duties that it entails, by law, by
magic and by this oath. So have I sworn; so mote it be."

Nymphadora exchanged places with her father.

"I, Sirius Orion Black, Head of the House of Black, declare Nymphadora Janet Tonks
a daughter of the House of Black by blood, by magic, and by this oath. So have I
sworn; so mote it be." Sirius said again.

"I, Nymphadora Janet Tonks, daughter of the Tonks family, daughter of the House of
Black, accept my place and the duties that it entails, by blood, by magic and by
this oath. So have I sworn; so mote it be."

The magic swirled upwards then, swarming over the Tonks family for a long moment
before settling back into the bowl in the familiar totem. The snake bowed to Sirius
and disappeared.

"Excellent," Sirius said, waving his wand again so the ritual bowl and knife
vanished and two envelopes took their place, "I have some gifts."

The three new members of the House of Black smiled while the Malfoys glowered in
the background.

"Firstly, Andy and Ted, here is the details of your new vault at Gringotts. You've
received the dowry that would have been bestowed had the family agreed to the match
at the time. There is also the deed for the Summer property in Spain which I know
was always Andy's favourite. It is entailed to the House of Black though and will
return to me or my Heir on your death but it is yours for the rest of your lives."
Sirius handed over the envelope. "You'll need to speak to Remus about arranging a
portkey and the state of the property."

Andromeda took it and, in a surprise move, hugged Sirius. He patted her back
awkwardly as she sniffed and held back tears.

"Thank you." She said releasing him.

Sirius cleared his throat and picked up the last envelope. "NymTonks," he
corrected as she glared at him, "a trust vault has been set-up for you. Its value
is equivalent to that should you have been recognised as a Black from birth. You're
in paid employment as an Auror trainee now rather than continuing your education so
there will be no additional funds. However, you should find this is a nice nest-
egg."

Tonks hugged him too and took her envelope with a grin. "Thank you. You were always
my favourite cousin when I was a kid."

Sirius didn't point out that until his incarceration he'd been the only cousin who
had visited them when Tonks had been small. He turned to Andromeda. "A couple of
things, Andy; firstly, I'd like you to teach our Heir about wizarding etiquette.
He's lived among muggles and Dumbledore hasn't seen to this part of his education
it seems."

"I'd be honoured." Andromeda said.

"Excellent," Sirius said, relieved that he wouldn't have to do it, "secondly; I owe
a life debt to a Miss Hermione Granger. She's a muggleborn witch, very smart and
Harry's best friend."

He ignored the ruckus in the background as Draco snorted and Narcissa berated him.

"I've agreed with her parents that the House of Black will sponsor her"

"What?" Draco shouted, standing up. "I've heard enough, Mother, Father! If the
House of Black wants to ruin itself with muggleborns and halfbloods let it! We
Malfoys don't need them and are better"

Sirius raised an eyebrow as Narcissa silenced her son while Lucius dragged him back
down to the sofa and placed him in a body bind. Their faces were aflame and he knew
that they knew that Draco's little outburst was going to cost them.

"As I was saying," Sirius continued returning his attention to Andromeda, "I've
agreed the House of Black will sponsor her to repay the life debt. Obviously I'm
not appropriate"

"So you would like me to perform the duty?" Andromeda nodded. "I'd be happy to but
we should probably meet before the ritual."

"They're waiting for you in the formal parlour with Harry. Remus is also there and
will brief you on another ritual we'll be performing this afternoon." Sirius tapped
an ornament on his desk and there was a brief knock on the door before it opened to
reveal Penelope again. "Penelope, here, will show you the way. I'll see you after
my discussion with cousin Narcissa."
Andromeda and Tonks smiled at him, Ted nodded and they all left. The door closed
with a dull thud in their wake.

Sirius turned back to the Malfoys. Lucius was almost white with fear. Sirius knew
he knew that Sirius knew he wore the Mark and given what had happened to the
LeStranges, Lucius couldn't expect any other treatment. Narcissa was pale but
rallying. He would bet every last galleon he had that she was trying to think of a
way to wriggle out of the mess her husband and her son had created by their
behaviour and turn it to their advantage. Draco continued to look mutinous but
there was also fear flickering in his eyes, a questioning anxiety about why his
parents were so cowed and why they hadn't fought back, hadn't attacked Sirius.

He moved to stand before them again and folded his arms. "So, Narcissa, do you want
to list all the ways the House of Malfoy has broken oath with the House of Black or
shall I?"

Narcissa got to her feet. "What do you intend for us?" She asked bluntly.

Sirius tilted his head. "That's a good question. Here's another; what can you offer
me that would entice me to keep you alive?"

Draco's eyes widened dramatically.

"Yes, Draco," Sirius said, "I see you're starting to see the gravity of your
situation but let me clarify it for you completely."

"Sirius, please; he's a child." Narcissa said hurriedly.

"You should have thought about that before you brought him in here unprepared. You
know the protections this house and this room in particular offer me. If you
attempted to draw your wand on me, you'd be dead within a second. He's lucky that
the defensive magic didn't take issue with his insults. Let's see how he does
without the silencing charm now that he knows." Sirius said brusquely.

He turned back to Draco, who had paled at the realisation that Sirius was magically
protected as the Head of the House of Black, and waved his hand cancelling all
magic in the room except his own.

"The House of Malfoy which left France for England during their Revolution
petitioned to join the Ancient and Noble House of Black. The House of Black agreed
on several conditions, one of which was that the House of Malfoy honoured the
primacy of the House of Black," Sirius pointed at Draco, "that included ensuring
that any child knew their place in the pecking order and didn't stoop to insulting
the Head of the House of Black as you just did."

Draco flushed red but he'd apparently learned enough to remain silent of his own
accord.

"It also included not being branded with the Mark of a halfblood bastard like
Voldemort." Sirius snarled, turning to Lucius.

Lucius's eyes widened fractionally. "The Dark Lord is the Heir to Slytherin." He
blurted out.

"Through his mother who was a Gaunt, a witch with little more power than a squib,"
Sirius agreed, reciting the research Remus had done, "but his father was a muggle
who abandoned both of them. Or did it not occur to you to look up the genealogy of
Tom Riddle? How does it feel to know that you've been bowing and kissing the robes
of the son of a muggle? You who would place blood purity as the thing to be valued
above all others."

The shock adorning Lucius's face was hilarious.

"Who's Tom Riddle?" asked Draco unable to help himself.

"He's otherwise known as Voldemort." Sirius replied absently and missed Draco's
appalled look of horror. "And really, Lucius? Is this your defence for taking the
Mark? That it's OK because he was the heir to Slytherin?" His tone was scathing.
"The House of Black will not be subjugated to anyone, not even Merlin himself if he
turns up. Loyalty to the House comes before all others."

"Sirius," Narcissa said hurriedly, "you can hardly blame Lucius he simply
followed the rest of our family. Your father and mother both took the Mark as did
mine. Regulus took the Mark. The LeStranges took the Mark. Everyone took the Mark.
Your grandfather didn't expressly forbid it."

"Did you take the Mark?" Sirius asked pointedly looking at her arm.

Narcissa sniffed and rolled her sleeve up to reveal pale creamy skin. He cast a
spell for glamours but it came back negative and she looked at him triumphantly.

"Don't go celebrating all at once, Narcissa." Sirius warned her. "You may not wear
the Mark but you clearly failed at teaching your son to respect the House of Black
primacy."

Lucius stood up for the first time. "That was my fault." He said. "Narcissa bowed
to my wishes that I see to Draco's education."

"And Narcissa should have invoked primacy." Sirius countered heatedly,

understanding that Lucius was taking the blame in the hopes of salvaging his wife
and his son from the mess he had created; a wife and a son whom he expected would
get revenge for him somewhere down the line. "She was the Black."

"With respect, Sirius, who was I to turn to if Lucius objected?" Narcissa said
defensively. "My father was dead, Mother took herself off to France, and your
grandfather locked himself into the country estate and refused all visitors and
owls. There was no agreed Heir upon his death. The House of Black has been
disrepair and without guidance for years. Primacy seemed moot at the time I
acquiesced on the issue of education."

"Do you fear your husband that much that you felt you would need to seek the
intervention of the House of Black if you insisted on overseeing your child's
education?" Sirius asked.

"I do not fear Lucius," Narcissa retorted, "I did insist on Hogwarts and Lucius did
follow me in that regard so I would have stood my ground if I thought it necessary.
I did not. The House of Malfoy was gaining prominence unlike the House of Black
that was floundering. It was against the contract, yes, but at the time it seemed a
sensible decision. Even you must see that."

"So Lucius has been a good husband then?" Sirius asked as though the answer didn't
matter to him.

He could see Draco look bewildered at his father's continuing silence.

"Lucius has been an acceptable husband under the terms of our contract," Narcissa
said, without looking at either her husband or her son, "he has always treated me
with respect if not affection. We perhaps have not made the love match I hoped for
on my wedding day but the only complaint that I have is that we only had the one
child as contracted. I would have liked more children. However, I know that we both
love our one son very much, Sirius, and are united in ensuring his safety and
protection."

"Hmmm." Sirius paced a few steps and back again. "Take a seat." He ordered.

He perched on the front of his desk as Lucius and Narcissa sat back down either
side of Draco.

"Draco, I'm going to start with you." Sirius said. "I have two issues with you; one
is the issue of primacy. You've been brought up to be loyal to another House before
the House of Black and that's a problem for me. However, I recognise that this
isn't your fault."

Narcissa gave a relieved huff of breath as she placed a hand on Draco's shoulder.

"The second issue I have is that you have issues with my Heir and his friends,
specifically Hermione Granger who after today will be a daughter of this House."
Sirius said seriously. "For his part, Harry has said he is willing to agree a
truce. I'm not sure after your behaviour today that you would keep it."

Draco looked down unable to hold Sirius's gaze and Sirius knew he'd guessed
correctly; Draco would break any truce because he didn't want to declare one.

"So, what to do with you?" Sirius murmured. "I could claim you for the House of
Black, deny you any communication with your parents, and send you abroad to be
educated."

Narcissa looked as alarmed as Draco at that suggestion.

"I could bind your magic and send you to live in one of our properties as a squib."
Sirius continued, knowing he was scaring Draco and hoping it would work to keep him
in line in the future. "Or I could ask you to take an Unbreakable Vow of loyalty to
the House of Black and leave it at that."

Draco glanced up at the sudden offer of hope.

"Narcissa," Sirius moved on, giving Draco time to mull over the options, "I find
that you've broken your oath by allowing the primacy of the House of Black to be
disregarded by your husband and your son. However in mitigation I will agree that
you were left without guidance. As you haven't taken the Mark, in many respects I
could consider your transgression minor. As with Draco, I am therefore uncertain as
to what I shall do with you. I could cast you out. I could summon Judgement and see
what the family magic makes of your actions whether it would accept the
mitigation you offer. I could ask you to take an Unbreakable Vow."

He let her stew over his words as he shifted his attention to the final member of
the Malfoys.

"Lucius, I find that you've broken your oath by allowing the primacy of the House
of Black to be disregarded by your son, by ignoring the primacy of your wife within
your relationship in regards to your son's education and the number of children she
bore, by taking the Mark of Voldemort and subjugating yourself to the will of
Voldemort." Sirius said. "If that were the extent of your crimes you might be in
the same boat as your wife and child but I know the truth of how a Death Eater
qualifies for that Mark."

Draco sent a questioning look towards his father which Lucius ignored. Sirius
didn't.

"Has he never told you, Draco?" Sirius asked.

"Sirius, please" Narcissa tried to intervene again.

"To gain the Mark in the service of Voldemort requires a blood sacrifice a
murder." Sirius stated firmly.

Draco actually did look horrified as he stared at his father. "Youyou murdered
someone?"

"It was a war, Draco. People died." Lucius said coldly, his hand twisting atop the
cane he held. "Do you think people just believed Lord Black here was a mass
murderer without prior reason? He killed twenty-three of the Dark Lord's supporters
himself. I killed once in the service of the Dark Lord and did not kill again. He
has more blood on his hands."

"I think my official count was eighteen actually." Sirius corrected with a
humourless smile. "Twenty if you count the LeStranges."

Draco was aghast.

"However, the difference between you and I, Lucius," Sirius continued unperturbed,
"is that every Death Eater life I took, I took in defence of my life or others as a
Hit Wizard. You, on the other hand, took the life of an innocent who wasn't even
part of the fight. You targeted someone based on their blood status, tortured and
killed them, and so like the LeStranges you have brought dishonour to the House of
Black."

"There is no dishonour it was only a muggle!" Lucius retorted. He flushed red then
white as he realised he'd admitted to murder.

Draco looked relieved that it was a muggle as he'd clearly been brought up to
believe that wizards were better and muggles were no more than cattle, but his
expression changed to abashment at Sirius's hard look.

"A life is a life, Malfoy." Sirius said with icy anger.

"I didn't have a choice!" Lucius shot back.

Sirius glared at him. "Are you really going to try that idiotic Imperius defence on
me?"

Lucius glared right back at him. "I was under the Imperius curse when I was
captured at the Ministry the day after the Dark Lord was vanquished."

"But not when you killed the muggle." Sirius pointed out ruthlessly.

"I might as well have been!" Lucius protested. "I was taken by my father and my
father-in-law! I was surrounded by friends and business associates. I had about as
much choice in the matter as someone under the Imperius! After the muggle, I
claimed that if I was to truly exploit my position with the Ministry and the
Wizengamot to the Dark Lord's benefit, my wand had to remain clean of Dark magic. I
won't deny that I agreed with his politics and his agenda but I wanted nothing to
do with the killing."

"There were other choices, Lucius," Sirius said, "and I'm not sure I believe that
the muggle was your one and only. I'm not sure you were that clean."
"We don't all have your Gryffindor courage, Sirius!" Narcissa spoke up fiercely.
"Where were we supposed to go for help? The Great Albus Dumbledore?"

Her words were a sneer and on one level Sirius knew she was right. The war had
offered two sides and each was very unwelcoming to the other, fanatical in being as
different as possible from each other. He had no idea how the neutral families had
held out pulled between them.

"We would have ended up like Severus: a slave to two masters." Narcissa continued
unabated.

Her words had her son's mouth dropping open in surprise. Sirius wondered what had
surprised him that Severus had been a double agent or that Narcissa had expressed
the view that service to the Dark Lord was the equivalent of slavery. Evidently
much of Draco's worldview was taking a battering.

"Look, Sirius," Narcissa took a deep breath, calming herself, "you asked what we
could offer to entice you to keep us alive and to that I say that I meant every
word in our letter of reply to the announcement that there was a Lord Black. We
have political connections and wealth to aid and support the House of Black." She
smoothed the fall of her robes. "The two Houses you've mentioned to date are Light,
egalitarian about blood status but with a history of respect for wizarding
tradition. I believe you will probably make headway in gaining a number of neutral
families by showing an independence from Dumbledore. Many of the old Black
alliances will not resume though; they are committed to a pureblood agenda as you
know. However, we could provide the bridge for mutual areas of agreement and use
our wealth to support that. You need us alive to do that."

Sirius admired her spunk and political insight. She had always had a flair for it.
And she was right; it was the reason why Cornelius and he had agreed that it would
be better to have Lucius remain in the game rather than take him out.

"Your argument is sound, Narcissa," Sirius said, "but I think knowing I didn't
hesitate to kill off the LeStranges and Lucius will bring most of the old alliances
to heel. My reputation as a mass murderer may come in very handy, don't you think?
And for those that don't bow to the threatwell, Cornelius turns out to be quite
the player; the amount of dirt he had on everyone was truly impressive." He held
her gaze coldly. "What else do you have for me?"

There was a tense silence as Narcissa looked away unable to argue with him.

"I have something else that I will willingly provide if you can guarantee that the
House of Black will never be subjugated to the will of Dumbledore." Lucius sneered
the last name but otherwise his tone was civil if a touch tentative.

Sirius examined Lucius's expression and found it surprisingly sincere. "I won't
allow the Ancient and Noble House of Black or Potter to be subjugated to the House
of Dumbledore."

"And you would take a Vow to that?" Lucius pressed.

"I would." Sirius answered candidly.

Lucius nodded slowly. His hands tightened atop the cane as he debated internally
for another moment before sighing and conceding. "I believe the Dark Lord is
alive."

Narcissa's head snapped around to her husband so fast Sirius figured she would have
whiplash. "What?!" She looked torn between anger and terror.

"Why do you think that?" Sirius asked, refusing to show that he already knew.

"I won't say anything further until I have an assurance that you won't kill me."
Lucius said firmly. "My offer is information about the Dark Lord and espionage if
required when he returns."

Sirius considered his reply for a long moment. "You talk as though I should want
this information and your spying service but I don't see why. Dumbledore is the
leader of the Light. I'm sure if Voldepants is still alive and will return, he'll
lead the fight again. My priority will be to protect Harry and I'll take him abroad
rather than have that monster try for him again."

It was a bluff but he figured Lucius would fall for it. After all, Lucius had no
idea how much Sirius already knew.

"If you truly wish to protect the boy then you'll listen to my information." Lucius
retorted. He shifted on the sofa. "There is a prophecy, one that labels Potter as
the vanquisher of the Dark Lord. They are fated to fight, Black."

"What?!" It was Draco's turn to splutter with shock.

Lucius's chin came up sharply. "This is only some of the information I could give
you but I won't say another word until we come to an agreement."

Sirius simply smiled. "I already know about the prophecy, Lucius."

Lucius looked momentarily startled. "Then you know that you will need someone in
Voldemort's camp when he returns, and he will return."

"Sirius," Narcissa spoke up again, "I do not wish to have anything to do with the
Dark Lord and request the protection of the House of Black for myself and my son.
We will happily take Vows."

"Narcissa" Lucius began.

"I will not go through it again, Lucius." Narcissa snapped. "The Dark Lord is a
madman bent on the destruction of everyone who isn't him! Regulus saw the truth and
he paid with his life for it! I will not have the same happen to Draco!"

Draco watched his two parents argue with an open mouth; obviously it wasn't a
typical event.

Sirius made his decision and harrumphed to regain their attention. "Narcissa,
Draco: you will take an Unbreakable Vow of loyalty to the House of Black."

Narcissa tried to hide her relief but it played across her face regardless.

"I assume, Draco, that you know of the penalty of breaking the Vow?" Sirius asked
brusquely.

Draco nodded quickly.

"Good." Sirius turned back to Lucius. "I'll be honest with you, Lucius; my first
thought was to simply kill you as restitution for the life you took. However, my
advisors inform me that you have value politically, pretty much using the same
argument as your wife. On the other hand, I don't trust you and Narcissa would make
an excellent Regent for the House of Malfoy."
Lucius paled but he kept his gaze on Sirius.

He pushed off the desk and rocked back on his heels. "So what to do with you?" He
waited a beat before he laid out the offer. "You have to pay for the life you took.
So for that crime, you will donate a million galleons to the Ministry for a new
Department the Department of Muggle Affairs." He held up a hand when Narcissa
would have interrupted. "I, or rather my steward, will assume responsibility of
your vaults and investments for the next three years. You will not protest this in
any way and you will be thankful that I haven't had you thrown in Azkaban."

"Sirius" Narcissa said hurriedly while Draco gaped worriedly.

"Don't worry, Narcissa, I don't intend to impose spending limits per se," Sirius
said, his eyes flickering to her son where he did intend to set boundaries, "I'm
aware that you need to project a certain image. But every transaction will need
authorisation from me. You can all spend Friday morning with Remus at Gringotts
transferring everything to him and agreeing standard payments and funds. You may
pretend to everyone else that you are simply choosing to use Remus as your
steward."

Narcissa nodded her agreement and stared pointedly at Lucius who did the same with
reluctance.

"If you refrain from killing or assaulting anyone by the time my Heir comes of age,
and if you have made yourself useful, I may return your financial assets to you,
Lucius." Sirius said.

"Very well." Lucius agreed stiffly.

Sirius clapped his hands together. "Good. You will also, like your wife and son,
take an Unbreakable Vow of loyalty to the House of Black. After which, Lucius, I
will put you under familius magicus veritus while you give me the information you
offered." It was a type of truth spell, compelling any family member to reply to
the Head of the House with honesty. "If I hear anything in your answers that I
dislike, you will face Judgement."

Lucius scowled and nodded.

"Vows then." Sirius drew his wand and tapped the desk. A sheet of parchment
appeared. "Here are some I prepared earlier." He handed them over to Narcissa.

She raised one perfectly arched eyebrow at him. "These are very specific."

"You're free to refuse and I'll choose another option for you." Sirius said.

All three Malfoys squirmed under his hard gaze but nodded. Sirius tapped the
ornament on his desk with his wand again. After a few tense moments, there was a
sharp knock on the door and Remus entered the room.

He took in the sight of the huddled Malfoys and smiled at Sirius, his eyes gleaming
with amusement. "Vows?"

"If you could act as Bonder?" Sirius requested with a nod.

Remus drew his wand. "Mrs Malfoy, perhaps it would be best if you went first to
demonstrate the process to Draco. If you could stand beside Sirius and join hands
please."
Narcissa rose from the sofa, smoothed her blue robes and glided over to Sirius's
side. He held out his hand to her and she clasped it gently.

Remus placed his wand on their joined hands.

"Will you Narcissa Druella Malfoy be loyal to the House of Black, placing duty to
the House above all others, keeping the secrets of the House of Black unless
authorised and working to ensure its success?" Sirius began.

"I will." She replied.

A thin stream of fire shot out from the wand and bound their hands together.

"And will you be loyal to me, Sirius Orion Black, the Head of the House of Black,
keeping my secrets unless authorised and following my orders?" Sirius continued.

Narcissa nodded. "I will."

Another stream joined the first.

"And will you be loyal to the Heir to the House of Black, Lord Harry James Potter,
Head of the House of Potter, protecting him, keeping his secrets unless authorised
to speak of them, and following his orders in the absence of mine?"

"I will." Narcissa replied.

The bond was joined by a third stream of flame.

"I, Remus John Lupin, swear as your Bonder that I have witnessed the Vow undertaken
between you." Remus intoned. "So have you sworn; so mote it be." He gently hit
their joined hands with his wand and the bond of flame disappeared.

Sirius released his cousin and she returned to the sofa. "Draco."

Draco looked at both his parents questioningly as though asking if they were
serious about going through with it. They gave him sharp nods in return. He got to
his feet and shakily took Sirius's hand. He repeated the same vows in regards to
the House of Black and Sirius but Sirius changed the vow in respect to Harry,
understanding that too much enmity existed between his godson and Draco for a Vow
of loyalty to work especially with Draco's young age.

"And will you remain neutral in your dealings with the Heir to the House of Black,
Lord Harry James Potter, Head of the House of Potter, never attacking him unless in
defence, keeping his secrets unless authorised to speak of them, and following his
orders in the absence of mine in respect to the House of Black?"

Draco looked as though he'd swallowed a lemon but he nodded and made the vow. Once
Remus had confirmed the vow, Draco made his way back to the sofa where his mother
smoothed a hand through his hair in comfort.

Lucius took his place and willingly made the same vows as Narcissa. As soon as the
bond disappeared, Sirius drew his wand and pointed it at Lucius.

"Familius magicus veritus."

Immediately, Lucius was surrounded by the silver mist of the Black family magic.

"Why did you join Voldemort?" Sirius asked tersely.

Lucius struggled for a moment against the magic but he eventually sighed. "I agreed
with his plan to create a pureblood ruling elite and he was the heir to Slytherin."

"Why did you take his Mark?" Sirius continued, wanting to check how honest Lucius
had been with him previously.

"My father and father-in-law took me before the Dark Lord to be Marked. They
considered it an honour."

Sirius's eyebrows rose. "Did you want to be Marked?"

"Yes and no." Lucius looked furious as the words forced their way out of his mouth.
"I believed it to be an honour but had no wish to perform the initiation rite of
killing someone to earn it."

"You've admitted you killed a muggle. What other crimes did you perform in the
service of your Dark Lord?"

"I gave him refuge, kept Dark items for him banned by the Ministry, bribed Ministry
and Wizengamot officials on his behalf and attempted to steal a prophecy orb from
the Department of Mysteries." He battled against the magic once more before giving
way. "I tortured muggles captured by the Dark Lord when ordered and other Death
Eaters for failures."

He could live with Lucius torturing Death Eaters, Sirius mused, but the muggle
torture which he had expected was going to cost Lucius another chunk of
galleons. He moved onto the next question. "What do you know of the prophecy
involving Voldemort and Harry Potter?"

"The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches, born to those who
have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies" Lucius intoned. "This much
was overheard by Severus Snape and told to the Dark Lord immediately after its
pronouncement by Sybil Trelawney to Albus Dumbledore."

Sirius stiffened. Snape had been the Death Eater to overhear the prophecy! He
exchanged a furious and concerned look with Remus who looked like he wouldn't need
to be a werewolf to kill Snape.

"The Dark Lord did not initially believe the prophecy and I do not know what
changed his mind. I suspect that when reports from a spy within Dumbledore's ranks
informed him that the Potter child displayed magic on a regular basis, despite a
childhood binding, he determined to remove the threat." Lucius continued.

"Wormtail." Sirius snarled, finding another target for his anger. He turned and
paced away, collecting himself again and ignoring Draco's wide eyes and Remus's
growl. "You said you believed Voldmort was still alive; explain."

"I initially believed as others that he was dead," Lucius explained, "but Draco
informed me of a strange wraith drinking unicorn blood in the Forest during his
first year which raised my suspicions. Then, there was a report that Quirrell had
died and Draco told me that Potter had been in the infirmary for days. I began then
to suspect that he was still alive and working to return to power." He paused. "In
addition, my Mark has grown darker within the last few days. It is a sign that he
gains strength."

"Do you want him to return?" Sirius questioned harshly.

"No!" Lucius snarled. "I've worked hard to undo the damage to my reputation and my
House from the last war! I have power and influence now. I make the laws and have
been successful where he failed in promoting a pureblood agenda. Why would I want
to allow someone else to benefit from my work especially now I know the truth of
his origins?"

Sirius nodded. "If I don't offer you another choice and he returns as you say, what
will happen?"

"There will be no choice." Lucius stated grimly. "He will expect us to return to
his side. He will demand it and he will kill any who disobey." He glowered
defiantly at Sirius. "He will control us as surely as though he had us under the
Imperius curse" he paused momentarily, "unless there is another choice."

Sirius threw a look at Remus who nodded gravely. It was something to work with, at
least; Lucius didn't want to give up his own position. He was the Top Dog or he
had been until Sirius had reinstated the House of Black still would be within his
own alliances. But Voldemort would take that away and make him a servant again.
Lucius didn't want to bow down before someone else. Which meant Sirius had to be
careful; if he humiliated the man too much, he'd turn on Sirius and Harry
regardless of the Vow there were always ways and means of working within Vows.
But Sirius could use Lucius's desire for power to help protect Harry just as he was
using Cornelius's desire to remain Minister of Magic.

"Tell me about Tom Riddle's diary, Lucius." Sirius said, returning to perch against
his desk again, his arms folded.

Remus moved to sit beside him.

Lucius was once again attempting to fight the magic that swarmed over him but he
hefted another sigh eventually and gave in once more. "One night the Dark Lord
called together myself, Bella and Regulus. He told us that we were his most loyal
and favoured followers; all of us members of the House of Black, the only House
whose knowledge of the Dark Arts was equal to his own."

Sirius snorted at that. The House of Black collectively had probably forgotten more
Dark magic than Voldemort had ever learned.

"We were to be rewarded. He sent myself and Regulus to the outer chamber. Bella
exited holding some kind of cup but I was summoned before I could get a good look
at it." Lucius continued. "He gave me a diary and told me to guard it well. He told
me to send in Regulus and ordered Bella and I to leave; we followed the order. I
placed the diary in a safe location in Malfoy Manor and I know Bella placed the cup
in her vault."

Sirius waited impatiently as Lucius caught his breath, disturbed at hearing what
must have been the initial event that had led to Regulus's death.

"After I realised the Dark Lord might still be alive, I removed the diary from its
hiding place and opened it. The pages were blank. I felt a compulsion to write and
I introduced myself. The diary responded. It ordered me to tell it what had
happened since I had been given the diary. It proclaimed to be an echo of the Dark
Lord and held the key to returning him to life. It instructed me to give it to my
son who attended Hogwarts so it could get close to Potter. I convinced it that it
would be better to give it to another instead."

Remus's eyes flashed and for a worrying second Sirius thought he might actually
punch Lucius.

Draco was open-mouthed again, shock rippling across his pointy features.
"You gave the diary to Ginny Weasley." Sirius commented. "Why beyond that she was
expendable in your eyes?"

"Primarily because I was compelled. Secondly, her father was trying to get
legislation through that I disagreed with; the political embarrassment of his only
daughter being found in possession of a Dark object would likely derail it.
Thirdly, I knew through Draco that the Weasleys were close to Potter." Lucius said.
"And lastly, I believed it likely that her overbearing mother would find the cursed
thing before it ever made it to Hogwarts or that she herself would hand it to her
father."

"You intended for it to be found?" Remus asked surprised.

Sirius hurriedly repeated Remus's question knowing unless he asked the veritus
magic would not compel the truth.

"Yes," Lucius said sharply, "Draco attends Hogwarts. I had no wish for him to be
hurt. I tried to get Dumbledore replaced when it was clear that he wasn't doing
enough to stop the monster the Dark Lord had set loose."

Sirius and Remus exchanged a look of surprise.

"Are you sincere in your Vow?" Sirius asked as the final question.

"Yes." Lucius glared at Sirius. "I will not follow that bumbling old fool but I
will follow the House of Black, even one headed by you and Potter, rather than the
Dark Lord if it means I keep my magic and my life is spared."

Honesty was a beautiful thing, Sirius thought as he registered Lucius's selfish

motivations. He cancelled the veritus with a wave of his wand and Lucius sagged as
though tired.

Sirius pondered his words carefully.

"My first order, Lucius, is that you will make restitution to the House of Weasley.
I will approach them on your behalf with an offer to assume financial
responsibility for Ginny Weasley's remaining education up to and including a
Mastery, and pay any medical bills associated with healing the possession of the
diary." Sirius said firmly. "I will request this is a private restitution rather
than a public one given the sensitive nature of what occurred; I doubt Arthur
Weasley will argue. That will protect your political reputation. Similarly, the one
and a half million galleon donation for the new Department in restitution for the
death of the muggle and torture of others will be through me, protecting you from
the fallout of donating to a cause that would horrify your alliances."

Lucius bowed his head in relief.

"My second order to all three of you is that you will do nothing willingly to harm
me, my Heir, the associates and the allies of the House of Black." Sirius glanced
toward Draco. "I gave you some leeway in your Vow in regards Harry because you're
young and stupid."

Draco flushed.

"But realise this is an order; under the terms of the Vow that means you follow it
or lose your life. You therefore cannot harm Harry or Hermione with this order. You
cannot call them names or taunt them as that constitutes bullying behaviour that
harms them. Do you understand?"
Draco nodded rapidly.

"You will tell your Slytherin cohorts that you have been instructed by your parents
to follow my orders in this matter in order to ingratiate yourself with me in the
hopes of one day changing my mind as to who should be my Heir." Sirius said firmly.
"That will protect you from any fallout at school from your changed behaviour."

"Thank you, Sirius." Narcissa said.

"Draco," Sirius continued, "you are young and could yet learn a different path. If
you are loyal to the House of Black, you will be rewarded. You saw the generous
gifts that I gave to your cousin and aunt. If at the end of the year, you have
performed well, I will give you a reward. Do you understand?"

Draco darted a look at his parents and nodded swiftly to Sirius.

Sirius turned to Narcissa. "Is there an arrangement for your son?"

"With the House of Parkinson." Lucius answered. "The decision was mine not
Narcissa's."

"Then the arrangement is annulled." Sirius said firmly. "The House of Black will
let its children choose their own partner."

Draco's face lit up and Sirius figured he hadn't wanted the arrangement. It was a
small boon but perhaps it was enough to help Draco realise that there were benefits
of being in the House of Black.

"You will all keep what was discussed between us today a secret only to be
discussed with those in the room and my Heir Malfoy, you have leave to discuss
the dissolution of the marriage arrangement with the House of Parkinson. Finally,
your main order is this: you will help me and my Heir defeat Voldemort otherwise
known as Tom Riddle by assisting whenever I ask in the plan that I have in motion."
Sirius declared fiercely. "Understood?"

"Understood." Lucius had regained some of his usual arrogance. His eyes narrowed on
Sirius. "You were already aware that he was alive."

"Since I heard about how Harry sent his wraith packing again at the end of his
first year, yes." Sirius said. "But he will try and get a body, and try and regain
power. We're going to stop him."

"We will do everything we can to assist you." Narcissa said.

"Good. Narcissa; you will take part in a blessing ritual this afternoon for Harry."
Sirius said.

"Of course, my Lord Black." Narcissa bowed her head.

Sirius regarded them with an intent expression. "I am giving you this one chance:
work with me, help me protect Harry and you will be rewarded. Cross me, harm Harry
in any way and I will end you."

He examined their faces with satisfaction as they registered his final words,
turned and tapped the ornament. Penelope knocked softly on the door before opening
it.

"Please escort the Malfoys to one of the guest rooms on the first floor, Penelope,
so they can freshen up before lunch." Sirius requested.
The Malfoys got to their feet; Narcissa curtseyed and Draco awkwardly followed his
father in bowing his head briefly before they left. The door closed behind them and
Sirius let out a slow breath, rolling his shoulders to ease the tension that had
gathered there.

Remus gave a small cough. "You OK, Padfoot?"

"I feel dirty." Sirius admitted. "I feel like I'll take a million showers and will
never be clean again."

"Well, we have made a deal with the Devil." Remus murmured. "But politically this
will be easier. Lucius is the key to at least neutralising the pureblood
supremacists within the Wizengamot. If he died, even with Narcissa as a Regent,
they would likely choose some other leader who would make things much more
difficult."

He sighed. "I'm not looking forward to telling Harry about the prophecy and Snape."

"Do you think it's wise to tell him?" Remus demanded. "They already have a
difficult relationship."

"I don't know," Sirius said, "I don't want him blindsided with information that
others are holding secret like a Sword of Damocles over his head, Moony." He
sighed. "We'll discuss it with Minerva but not today; today should be about the
adoption and the blessing ritual."

"I won't argue with that." Remus said in heartfelt agreement. He peered at Sirius.
"Something else is bothering you."

"You mean apart from the fact that Lucius has just confirmed old Voldie is on his
way back to getting a body and we really need to work out where Peter went and what
he's likely to be doing?"

Remus simply gave him a look that said 'you don't fool me.'

Sirius grimaced and looked away from his friend. "Malfoy gleefully pointed out why
so many people were quick to believe I was a mass murderer by reminding me of how
many people I killed during the war."

"In self-defence." Remus pointed out.

"I don't even remember killing ten of them, Remus!" Sirius retorted.

"You were captured when you were undercover, tortured, and you were half-dead when
recovered." Remus said dryly. "The evidence for self-defence was rather
overwhelming."

"And what about the LeStranges?" Sirius said before he could help himself. "I knew
calling Judgement through the family magic would probably kill them. Bella probably
won't be alive this time next week."

"Yes, you did know," Remus acknowledged, "and that you feelregret makes you the
good guy."

"That's the problem, Moony," Sirius confessed, "I don't feel regret. I
feelrelieved that they won't be around anymore to hurt anyone else, or to help
Voldemort when he comes back if we can't stop it. A part of me still thinks I
should have just done the same to Lucius."
Remus placed a hand on his shoulder. "You did what you did to protect Harry. I'm
not going to tell you that doing it was the wrong thing to do." He squeezed
Sirius's shoulder. "I'll never tell you that protecting Harry is the wrong thing to
do, and Sirius; I'd kill to protect him too."

Sirius nodded slowly, letting Remus's words wash away the doubts that had plagued
him.

"Come on, we should get back. Hermione was in the middle of a discussion with
Andromeda about ritual magic and its place within wizarding culture when I got your
signal and Harry looked terrified at being left alone with them." Remus said
cheeringly. "We should go rescue him."

Yes. That's what it all came down to in the end. Rescuing Harry.

And Sirius could do that.

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