sirius orion black

reformed rebel "how do you keep a straight face while telling all those lies?"

[siriusly-okay1]

theaudreynott​:

There was no reason for Audrey to have expected the evening to go the way it did. Nothing had been promised but a social party at the Black manor. She had not been expecting to have a conversation with the man of honor and even a good conversation at that. There was much said in murmurs about the damned Black heir, but it was always gossip to Audrey’s ears. She knew there might be others in the room that were suspicious of his return. 

Audrey tried to see people transparent as they were, but Sirius was hard as she did not know much about him before. Everything had been hearsay which wasn’t reliable. “A mechanic?” Audrey questioned, her mind suddenly surrounded with intrigue. “I find that interesting, but I don’t think it will make good conversation at a party like this. I will keep your secret though. And what sort of work is it that you do?”

She had danced with at least three people that night, two being her friends and one being a bachelor shoved her way. They had not been as interesting as Sirius though. “We shall,” she smiled around her words, bowing beautifully before stepping to the music. “When was it the last time you did something like this?”

“That I do now? Nothing -- I’m currently unemployed.” Sirius gives her a grin. “I hope to change that one day soon. I can’t mooch off my grandfather forever. Perhaps we can talk about the whole mechanic thing another time, I wouldn’t want to bring down the mood of the party.” 

Sirius falls into the steps his mother had been forcing on him since he was a boy. Despite having spent seven years away from this culture and this lifestyle, there are some things he would just never forget. His steps are right on time, and the nerves gradually fade as he finds his rhythm with the music. “At least seven years; although, even before leaving it’d been awhile since I’d let my mother drag me to one of these events.” He chuckles a bit, as if remembering a minor teenage rebellion instead of a disaster that left him blasted off the family tree. 

“And you? I imagine it was far more recently.” 

[siriusly-okay1]

date: june 21, Malfoy Manor location:  open to anyone

Sirius could think of plenty of places he’d rather be than Malfoy Manor on Midsummer. He hadn’t celebrated the holiday properly in ages, and he certainly didn’t celebrated with such unpleasant company since he was a boy. However, not appearing at this event would surely only end with Grandfather and Narcissa’s wrath raining down upon him. So even though he’s exhausted from the night before, he sips his glass and plays nice. He finds the food and, since this isn’t his party, has plenty of time to eat a few bites and stave off that hangover hunger. 

He’s found his way to the edge of the party, chatting here and there but mostly keeping to himself. He’s been doing more of that lately since April, when he’d filled up his social calendar with more events than he knew what to do with. He’s so lost in his head that he doesn’t hear someone approach, doesn’t notice them at all until they’re tapping on his shoulder. 

Sirius wheels around, startled, but offers a smile. “My apologies. I didn’t hear you come over.” 

[siriusly-okay1]

theyoungestblack​:

This was not common for Regulus to do and found the whole ordeal nerve wracking. He was sitting across from Sirius and when Regulus could bring himself to set his eyes on his brother, he could tell that much had changed. Sirius had grown into his face, the structure that more of a man than the boy Regulus remembered. Even when Regulus tried to press into the normalcy they were creating, he was reminded of the past with every blink. “Oh, and where is that? This is fairly close to me, but I do not go out much, though I’m sure you could have guessed that.”

Regulus clears his throat as a puncture in their conversation, glancing over the menu. It was a distraction for his eyes to go to and he tried not to look over the rim of the menu at Sirius. “I am,” Regulus replied amused, his eyes glancing up to meet Sirius. It was an attempt at conversation and he forgot that Sirius didn’t know much about the last few years. “I have work in Knockturn Alley with potions. I work on translating international potions for common use-do you have wine? A red, thank you.” Regulus was thankful for a waiter to come collect orders, feeling his heart stutter in his chest as such a casual conversation with Sirius. “Where are you thinking of living? Somewhere in London, I presume?”

Sirius shifts slightly and glances away. He’s not supposed to talk about that life, not supposed think of it fondly. He clears his throat and raises his eyes to meet Regulus’s. He’ll avoid being dishonest, where at all possible. “A muggle pub on the edges of London. I was living in this shoddy little place... Didn’t afford many luxuries, including in the surrounding neighborhood. Could always pop over here, but I’ve been making more muggle money than galleons recently,” Sirius explains. 

He places his order with the usual charming smile, glancing at Regulus as he orders a wine. So grown up. It’s hard for him to come to terms with. When Sirius had left they’d both been children. “That sound fascinating. Never a dull moment in that line of work I would hope?” Sirius knows he’ll end up at some Ministry job or something equally dull, whatever grandfather can pull the strings for. He sighs and leans back in the chair. “That’s the hope. I’ll probably choose some place within walking distance to Diagon or Horizont Alley, just to stay where it’s busy.” 

They’re both not talking about the elephant in the room, so Sirius decides to broach the subject first. “I’m sure you have questions.” 

[siriusly-okay1]

thevioletwilkes​:

Violet enjoyed Sirius’ company, if only because it was rather novel to spend a late morning brunch with the Black family heir, so recently returned to the family fold. She also wanted to irk Narcissa and she imagined that being seen in public with the woman’s cousin would do so easily. Still, the setting and the company were nice, even if Violet’s reasons for meeting were less than ideal.

The mimosa was good and she nodded as she set the glass back onto the table. “You have, I’m sure,” she agreed, her own lips curving upwards once more. “Oh, you are?” she inquired, her gaze narrowing. “Does being a good cousin mean ignoring all the awful things that they do then?” It was a question that was both genuine and rhetorical and Violet was not certain how he would take to it, if he took to it at all. “Nothing that’s fit for polite company,” she remarked. “There are simply rumors that the sister is not nearly as familial as one might think.”

Sirius nearly chokes on his water in an attempt to hold back laughter. He knows his family is awful, is still of the opinion that most of the people in this world are annoying and irritating. Hell, the man Violet is chasing after is high on his list of people he despises. He doesn’t find a way to respond that’s diplomatic enough though, so he just smiles politely and shrugs. “Don’t you know, Violet? I’m a Gryffindor -- loyalty is both my biggest strength and biggest fault.” He’s not supposed to refer to his house, but he doubts the specifics of this interaction will get back to his grandfather. 

“Interesting.” Sirius, truthfully, didn’t care all that much for these rumors and the gossip. He just thought it would be useful, in the long run, to know. “I am sorry for what happened,” he admits. “I feel torn, as happy as I want to see her it’s difficult not to acknowledge the less than reputable ways she went about it.” This is dangerous territory right here. He decides not to say anymore out of fear that his words find their way back to Narcissa. 

[siriusly-okay1]

opheliagreengrass​:

Ophelia was pleasantly surprised that she could talk about literature, especially muggle literature, with Sirius. She had never thought that he was a reader, although she realized that she had never thought much about him generally. But she had been wrong. “I think that most of his works end rather tragically, don’t you think? It’s rather fascinating, muggles obsession with tragedy. They write about it over and over again.”

She was glad, not for the first time, that her father wasn’t like the Black’s. Sure they had to behave like upstanding members of society but her father did know how to let loose when he wanted to, and he let her get away with anything. “Yes, i’ve noticed. They do it well, though,” She said. “Oh, it’s a wonderful place to work. I’m not the best employee, when it’s slow I often take a book and go hide among the stacks,” she laughed. “Just don’t tell anyone I don’t need to get fired.” Ophelia nodded her head. “There is nothing better than getting lost in a good book,” she agreed. Sirius Black liked to read. It was certainly a welcome surprise.

He seemed like a changed man, Ophelia noticed. Of course she hadn’t known him well when they were younger, but she had heard the rumors. “Well, I’m sure some of the stereotypes are probably true,” she said with a light laugh. She could only imagine what they said about people like them. “But yes. You are certainly right. There is always more beneath the surface.” What would people think of this new and improved Sirius Black? She was certainly intrigued about how the next big event went. “Well, I’m sure that you have plenty of people on your side now ready to show you the way.”

She nodded her head and looked down at her menu. “I like your honesty,” she said, not looking at him. “We need more of that around here. But I suggest a burger or a wrap. They tend to be really good here. A bit messy though, I suppose.”

“That’s true; I feel like most muggle novels end in tragedy. Or maybe I just had a penchant for choosing all the worst ones.” His smile meets his eyes, and he feels rather comfortable here. This talk of books is easy; there’s no need to lie about being a blood purists or apologize for his past actions. Sirius has been stacking up so many lies recently, a break from them feels like a blessing. 

Sirius smiles politely. “I would hope so. My grandfather’s been helping me along, reteaching me all the things that I’ve forgotten.” He doesn’t want to talk too much about himself, so he’s grateful as the conversation shifts to food. His eyes land on the burgers and wraps, and he quickly makes up his mind. “I don’t mind a bit of mess.” 

His honesty is only partial, and he feels grateful that he’s seemed to convince Ophelia that he’s a changed person. Sirius certainly feels changed; as if he’s had to start believing his own lies to make them convincing. “I think I’ll get the burger,” he announces, closing the menu with a light snap. 

“So what has been occupying your time lately? Aside from work.” He’ll stick to safe topics for as long as he can. He’ll attempt to pivot the conversation away from himself as well; the less talking he does, the less of a chance he has to slip up. This feeling of constantly walking on eggshells may be exhausting, but he’ll persists through it. 

[siriusly-okay1]

islxrosier​:

The two were oddly similar and it felt right that they would meet up to compare notes. The two had both only returned back into a society where something happened daily to affect the families within it. They themselves shared cousins who had enough drama to keep the entire wizarding world occupied yearly.

“Sirius, it’s perfect. Don’t be silly.” She returned the greeting just as she always had. A friendly kiss on both cheeks seemed perfectly satisfactory. Isla felt comfortable around Sirius, more herself, the two didn’t need posh dinners locations to enjoy their time.She looked around struggling to see how their seats were second best and if they were she could only imagine what the best seats in the house were like. As she took her seat opposite him she couldn’t help but jump right in with a question. “So tell me, how have you been?”

Sirius has always been more fond of Isla than some of the others in their world. She’s never asked anything of him, and for that he’s appreciative. There seems to be a constant demand on him for something. To relax and take it easy with pleasant company is such a treat. Barely a week back and he’s already looking for an escape. 

He lets out a sigh and thinks over her question for a moment. “Truthfully it’s been a difficult adjustment, returning to this life. I expected it would be hard between what my family wants for me and what I want for myself, but it’s gone better than I thought it would.” Sirius offers a small smile. “And how are you doing Isla? It’s been quite some time since we’ve had a proper chat.” 

[siriusly-okay1]

theyoungestblack​:

It was just a lunch. Regulus could flip the meeting however he would like in his mind, but at the end of the day it was just a meal with his brother. There had been plenty of those in the past, but this was different. There was no sight of mother or father and it was just them. He couldn’t remember the last time he was alone with his brother and though there would be other patrons around, it was just them. Regulus had debated going or sending an owl to come over to his apartment just to continue the conversation they had at grandfather’s. After much hesitation, Regulus assured himself that through the layers of distress, it was just Sirius. 

Regulus stepped into the place with a wary sense of perception. When he saw his brother, he proceeded to approach the table. “Sorry, I’m late. There is a bit reorganization back at the shop that needed some attention.” He pushed the chair out and seated himself down. “Neither have I. Always seemed too…much. It’s good to get out though.” Regulus busied himself with turning his attention to the menu. “I’m surprised you haven’t. Seems right up your alley.”

Sirius chuckles a bit. “Always found it to be a bit too much. There was a pub down from my apartment that I preferred to frequent,” he explains. Sirius decides to leave out that it’s a muggle pub that he spent so much time at. It was close to Lily and James too, which meant they were regulars there. Often getting drunk off their asses before stumbling home, beaming and having a great time while the other patrons wondered about the stranger trio who spoke about another world as if they’d lived there. 

He picks up the menu and browses through it for a moment before settling on a beer and a beef sandwich. He sets it aside and his grey eyes land on Regulus. He’s grown up so much these past few years, and Sirius wasn’t around to see it. What a shame, that he’d let his baby brother down like that. “You’re working now.” Grandfather had mentioned it, but Sirius hadn’t thought to pry out where. “Where at? I’m hoping I can find somewhere to land myself; I can only mooch off of Grandfather’s kindness for so long before I need to find a place to spread my wings,” Sirius jokes. 

[siriusly-okay1]

briars-thorns​:

“Mmm. Maybe don’t get rid of that jacket just yet.” Briar grinned, even if Sirius’s words had a bit of truth to them. He couldn’t be caught in something like that, at least not in front of proper society. Still, one needed things to wear for themselves, and Briar had always had a preference for things her parents would find simply abhorrent. 

“Oh, nevermind me. Narcissa simply wouldn’t have it if I didn’t help you.” Another in with the Black family couldn’t be a bad thing, and an afternoon with Sirius promised entertainment. Briar smiled as she looked at him, “Where to?”

Sirius probably wouldn’t, truth be told. He needed to hold onto some part of his past. Cling to it like a lifeline and remember who he is, under all the lies. “Maybe I’ll keep it tucked into the bottom of my luggage for now, away from grandfather’s prying eyes.” He lets a smile slip onto his lips. 

“I’ve convinced you that easily? I’ll be damned.” His grin broadens and he glances around the alley, wondering where the best place to start was. “Perhaps Twillfit and Tatting would be a good place to start.” He glances down at his outfit. It’s not awful, but it’s certainly not as posh as some of the attire around him. He sticks out, and Sirius needs to blend in. Thankfully they’re not too far from the storefront. He steps towards it and opens up the door. “After you.” 

[siriusly-okay1]

mxrlenemckitten​:

“But is it close? I keep smelling things that seem like they are one step to the left,” she said. “Though I suppose it might be a good thing that it isn’t entirely spot on. It means they aren’t literally bottling amortentia. I imagine that could become messy.”

The lone waiter came over and greeted Marlene with a smile before asking if she wanted the usual. She did. For Sirius’s benefit she added: “A Reuben with extra sauerkraut with a salad on the side. And a herbal tea. Surprise me.”

She surveyed Sirius for a moment, trying to decide if he was being genuine or not. Was there a message there that she was supposed to be picking up or if he was simply talking plainly. This subterfuge thing was difficult. 

“Do you think Regulus will come around?” she asked. She assumed his parents were quite set in their ways and wasn’t sure what he could do to win them around (Walburga in particular had always scared her). “Do you have a strategy for how you might rebuild those bridges? Has anyone started clamouring to get back into your good graces yet? I imagine there will be a few who will see the benefit in being your friend for their own gain.”

“Is it close?” Sirius repeats. He considers it for a moment. “Close but not nearly close enough. Does that help?” He suspect his words don’t help at all, and the teasing grin he gives her reveals that he knows it. He chuckles. “If they used the potion itself they’d have to be concerned with people slipping it into drinks. Clever little perfume; could use a bit of work though.” 

Sirius offers the waiter a smile as Marlene orders. “Sounds lovely. Thank you, Marlene.” This is the most at ease he’s felt since he’s returned home, yet it still doesn’t feel quite right. He’s waiting for the other shoe to drop, for her to suspect him or accuse him of betraying his friends (which he very well may have to). He can’t believe he agreed to have lunch with one of the few people that could actually bring this whole infiltration to a halt. 

He sighs and lets his head bow slightly to stare at his hands resting in his lap. He considers her question and the conversation he had with Regulus the day before. He’d left feeling hopeful, that maybe that particular bridge could be mended. He meets Marlene’s eyes again and offers a shrug. “I hope so. Our lunch conversation yesterday seemed productive.” Her words draw a laugh out of him and he shakes his head, watching the cafe customers for a moment before his eyes flit back to her. “No, not really. Isla Rosier and Ophelia Greengrass got in touch with me though.” 

“How have you been though? We didn’t have a chance to properly catch up at the gala.” 

[siriusly-okay1]

opheliagreengrass​:

“You don’t have to worry about me telling your grandfather anything, I’m guilty too,” Ophelia said with a laugh. She was grateful that her father let her read whatever she wanted without worrying about what other people would think. “Sometimes it feels good to be a little rebellious, even if it’s just reading a book. Books are power, you know?” She said. “That’s why muggles are constantly banning books. But then it backfires and makes everyone read them anyways.” She smiled. “Ah, yes. That’s a good one. A father and his daughters. I always felt bad for Lear in the end.”

“I’m sure your family wouldn’t want their heir working at Flourish and Blotts. But I love it there. I’m a bit of a book lover, obviously, and there’s something special about being amongst the books, you know?” She offered. She dreaded the day that she was married and had to quit the job and just throw herself to different society events and charities. It all sounded so boring and dreadful. “But it’s a nice place to work, and it keeps me busy.”

Ophelia looked sympathetically at him. She couldn’t imagine what it was like to be in his position. “I figured that I wasn’t,” She said. It was refreshing though, Sirius’s honesty. Most people just pretended that everything was perfect. “It must be different. The same people you knew seven years ago but everyone’s a little different, a little older. Things are always the same in our world but a little bit different, like you can’t quite put your finger on what’s different but you know it’s there,” she mused. 

Sirius had always been attracted to the dysfunction of the family. Perhaps he’d taken solace in knowing that it was a common occurrence, to be torn on what to do with family. It was such a tragic ending; he hoped he wouldn’t meet something similar. Blind and helpless and standing on the edge of a cliff. “It’s quite the tragic end,” Sirius agrees. 

He chuckles and gives a shake of his head. “No, they probably wouldn’t, if I had to take a guess. They like propriety and decorum, my family. Not much glory in Flourish and Blotts -- although it does sound like an amazing way to spend your time. I’ve always found benefits to being exceptionally well read.” Sirius wasn’t the biggest reader, often hiding his books away and preferring to play the charming, air-headed fool in the Marauders group. His own passion for reading had developed after he’d grown closer with Remus, often having to do something while the other studied. He found it enlightening and he learned a lot. 

“I don’t think I really knew them seven years ago,” Sirius admits truthfully. “I never allowed myself the chance to get to know these people -- my people. I was a believer in stereotypes and what I heard from my housemates.” He shrugs. “There’s more than meets the surface, as every day with my grandfather has been teaching me.” It’s not a complete lie. The more time Sirius spends with these people, the more difficult it has become to see them for only their sins. He offers a rueful smile. “I plan to be better this time.” 

He lets that sit for a moment before clearing his throat and picking up his menu. “Enough of that, I suppose. No reason to bring down the mood with my honesty. So what’s good here?” 

[siriusly-okay1]

nrcissablck‌:

It was nice to feel like someone was listening. Lucius certainly wasn’t at the moment. It was frustrating, but she would push through. She hadn’t gotten this far to let it all fall apart. “Me too,” she said. “I’m sure he’s just waiting for the right moment, you know?” She said. That was what she kept telling herself anyways. She nodded her head. “Of course, I will let you know when Lucius is free for dinner. The Minister keeps him so busy, but i’m sure that he can sneak away one of these nights.” 

Narcissa would never understand wanting to put all of this behind you, leaving the family name and wealth behind. The Black family and the name lead to so many different opportunities that Narcissa relished in. She would never understand Andromeda’s choice to leave it all behind to marry a muggleborn. Did Andromeda not have the ambition to want better for herself, rather than having worse? Narcissa couldn’t imagine being poor and having nothing. She enjoyed this life too much. She loved the clothes, the parties, the wealth. She didn’t think that there was anything wrong with that. It seemed that Sirius had finally come to his senses when he chose to return. “Good,” she said approvingly. It was starting to feel like she would have to help coach him back to his proper place in life, but it was a job that she was more than equipped to handle. “And you’re right. Nobody can deny a Black,” she agreed. Even if he was teasing, she hoped that he knew that he could have the world if he asked for it. “Of course,” she smiled.

“Me too,” she said, shaking her head. “I’m not sure what got into Rabastan. He’s nothing like Rodolphus,” she said with a shrug. She looked at him and then looked around, realizing that she had been taking up too much of his time. “I should let you get back to mingling and catching up,” She told him. “But let’s have lunch, yes? We need another place to catch up. Without so many prying eyes,” she told him. She spotted Lucius speaking with someone several feet away. She needed to get back to teasing him.

Sirius could probably use a bit of coaching. He was out of practice and already feeling it. So long now he’d been under the Potter’s wing, used to accepting people as they are and saying things frankly. He’s not sure how to do this song and dance again. It’ll be interesting, reacclimating to this life. However, he’s always been adaptable and brave enough to face the changes. 

“How about your flat, or wherever you’re staying nowadays?” He steps back from her, smiling at the few people who manage to catch his eye. “I’ll owl you to set up the details?” There are people beckoning for his attention, so with a final farewell he makes his way into the crowd to begin a night of reconciliation. 

[siriusly-okay1]

theaudreynott​:

A small quirk of a smile hinted at her features, shaking her head subtly. “It’s all yours. I’ve already had a plate of my own. Or two. I have a weak spot for sweet things. Maybe people will be talking about the chocolate tarts for the next couple of weeks.” Audrey was not normally a party person but at least the attention was all on the Black family at this party. It was much different than the events she had recently been to, but it wasn’t in her best interest to compare and contrast such simple things. Her face beamed at his agreement, glad to have served as an idle distraction to his cause. 

“How perfect. I’m surprised you don’t have a line out the door to dance or talk to you,” Audrey commented, accepting his hand and turning in the attention towards where groups were dancing. “Humor me. It’s your first event since being back in society. Surely there must be something. Or should we start rating how well this party is going?”

“I’m sure they’ll swoop back in to steal me away shortly.” It’s been ages since he’s properly danced with anyone. Sirius Black doesn’t often get nervous, but he can’t help but feel a bit of trepidation at dancing with someone again. At least it’s Audrey -- sweet and gentle and overall kind. At least from what he knows about her. He supposes she could have another edge, like so many others here tonight. 

Sirius chuckles a bit and offers her a smile. “I’ll let you in on a little secret. During my rebellious days I was working as a mechanic in a shop. Truly, I’ve been living a rather unglamorous life. I’m not sure why anyone would want to know about it.” Although it was a freer life, one that he undoubtedly would enjoy more than this one. 

As they step onto the dance floor, Sirius takes up the proper form and steadfastly ignores the eyes he can feel on him. “Shall we dance?”

[siriusly-okay1]

date: april 16 location: the fountain of fair fortune  closed to @theyoungestblack​

As Sirius entered the pub, he realized just how nervous he feels about the whole thing. It’s been ages since he’s had a proper conversation with Regulus, and even longer since he’s entered an establishment like this. He gets a few looks as he enters, likely people who hadn’t quite gotten used to the idea of him yet. There are plenty of people in their world who surely remember the way he ruled the school with the Marauders; there are more than a few victims of their pranks in pureblood society. Sirius decides to make eye contact with none of them and finds a quiet booth at the edge of everything. It’ll be perfect for the two brothers to talk, to finally air out the tension between them. 

Sirius is browsing through the menu at the table when Regulus approaches him. He looks up and offers a small smile, setting the menu aside. “You came.” He can’t help but feel relieved. “I half expected you to bail on me. Is this place any good? I’ve never been here before.” 

[siriusly-okay1]

date: april 20 location: augurey closed to @islxrosier​

Sirius has been pretty desperate to fill up his social calendar since he returned to pureblood society. Spending each and every day with his grandfather isn’t exactly the most pleasant experience, and he’s desperate for breaks by the end of every day. He needs to get his own place, but that will take time. He’ll need a job first, and without mending a few bridges he imagines that’ll be rather hard to land. So, to fill his days, he owls just about everyone he can think to owl, including Isla Rosier. It’s been awhile since they’ve spoken, but Sirius always found her to be far more tolerable than some of her counterparts. 

They agree to dinner at the Augurey. It’s casual enough that their families shouldn’t read too much into it. He arrives early to get them a good table, and leans back into his chair, just enjoying the music. Sirius spots Isla and gives her a small wave and a warm smile. When she’s close enough, he greets her. 

“You look lovely tonight. I hope you don’t mind the seating -- I couldn’t get a perfect spot so I settled for second best.” 

[thevioletwilkes]

location: opaleye cafe with: @siriusly-okay​

When Violet had offered to spend time with Sirius to catch him up on some of the things he’d missed, she’d meant it. Of course her schedule was much fuller than she’d originally anticipated and it had taken a couple of weeks to find an acceptable time. Still, a date had finally been decided upon and now Violet sat across from him at brunch, sipping on her mimosa as she considered just where to begin.

“Well, as I’m sure it’s become clear to you,” she remarked. “My own engagement was dissolved and your cousin seems pleased to have Lucius in her clutches.” Lips curved dangerously upwards and her eyes crinkled at the corners. “There are also quite a few rumors about the Dolohov siblings, but I’m sure that’s just idle gossip.”

[siriusly-okay1]

After hearing about the Wilkes-Malfoy-Black triangle, Sirius wondered if he should be getting involved with Violet at all. It was a risk to start associating with her; the last thing he wanted to do was offend his cousin. However, he figured a brunch couldn’t hurt, and he took her up on her offer. The cafe is pleasant, much nicer than the joints he’s been going to for the past seven years. 

He takes a sip of his water, passing on the alcohol for now. Sirius has cut back significantly on alcohol since he resumed his life as pureblood heir. He’s afraid of slipping up and letting his tongue get too loose. “Seems I’ve missed more than I anticipated,” he muses. He’s relaxed in his chair, as if he hasn’t spent the past seven years as a social pariah. “I’m afraid I can’t comment much on the situation with Lucius. I’m expected to be a good cousin now.” He tilts his head slightly. “What are those two up to now?” 

[siriusly-okay1]

mxrlenemckitten‌:

“Lawn clippings?” she wrinkled her nose. It wasn’t like she had any control over what she smelled like while wearing the perfume, bu she didn’t enjoy the idea of smelling like a gardener all the same. “It is supposed to smell like your amortentia but it feels wrong. “I keep smelling candy canes. I am starting to think it is the Bertie Bott’s of perfume.”

She crossed her knees under the table, not quite a lady, and settled into her seat. She didn’t bother with the menu. She already knew exactly what she wanted. 

“So, do you feel settled in yet? Everything back to how it was, what, seven years ago?”

Sirius chuckles and grins at Marlene. “Well, it’s certainly not working.” He knew his amorentia well enough after people trying to smuggle him love potions during school. He could pick it out almost anywhere, amongst nearly anything. It’d been a useful skill to have during sixth and seventh year. “My suspicion is that you’re right. Because I promise you -- I don’t get more than a whiff of what I’m supposed to.” 

He picked up the menu and started to glance through it before ultimately deciding to just mimic whatever Marlene gets. If she’s a regular, she must know what’s best here. Sirius would prefer to stick to what’s known than venture out into the unknown in every single way possible. 

“Oh exactly like it was. Regulus is still barely speaking with, my mother hates my guts, and my father wears this expression on his face that lets me know he has know idea how to handle me.” He grins. “It’s been going fantastic.” He sighs and relaxes back in the chair. “All the unpleasant things aside, I’m relieved and happy to be home. The bridges will be built in time, I just need to have a bit of patience.” How very un-Sirius of him. Patience. 

[siriusly-okay1]

nrcissablck‌:

“We’ve been together for a long time,” she said simply. It wasn’t unreasonable to her to expect to be engaged by the end of this year. She felt that she had been perfectly patient, but that patience was starting to wane. Especially with Violet around. She wanted to be engaged. She wanted to see Violet’s face the moment that she noticed an engagement ring on her finger. Narcissa was going to win this war.  “I’m ready to marry Lucius and spend the rest of our lives together.”

Narcissa felt a smirk form on her lips at Sirius’s words. Perhaps to some, it may be an insult, but she liked being compared to a diamond. She liked to think that she was the face of their family, Bellatrix didn’t seem to care for making nice, and Regulus was quiet and mysterious, but that didn’t do anything for the family. No, it had been Narcissa trying to repair their family’s reputation after Sirius and Andromeda abandoned them. “You know what? I agree,” she said. “But you know, you’re a Black too. You should get what you want.” Although she wasn’t sure what that was these days.

“Hm,” she said, looking him over. He certainly didn’t look like the black sheep of the family tonight. Who had tailored his robes? They looked impeccable and they certainly didn’t come straight off the rack. “I think that you’re going to prove that you’re not just the black sheep of the family. You look every part the Black that you were born to be,” she complimented him. Sirius running off and Andromeda had damaged their family’s reputation, that was for sure, but now Sirius was back to help repair it. She didn’t think for a moment that Andromeda may do the same, though. They would have to be happy with Sirius.

“Well,” Narcissa smiled. Gossip had always been her favorite thing to do. “Stay away from Rowan Fawley for one. Adrian Greengrass is forever pursuing her and I don’t think you’re looking to get in the way of that mess. She’s turned him down twice. It’s just a whole mess, really. Oh, and Rabastan? He broke his engagement with Audrey, the poor thing. I’m not really sure what that was about, really. Audrey’s a sweet girl.”

“I suppose you have.” Sirius doesn’t know enough about their relationship to substantially comment on it, so who’s he to disagree with what Narcissa wants? “I hope things come to fruition soon then, dear cousin. You shouldn’t be kept waiting, especially after waiting so long already.” He offers her another Sirius Black smile, charming and full of life, before letting it fade slightly. “You’ll have to keep me posted on that dinner arrangement.” 

Sirius doesn’t know what he wants these days. As the Black heir, he should be chasing after it, she’s right, but what’s there to chase after now that he’s left his life behind him? He needs to find a new goal, and quickly. Someone, something -- he needs to be seen as determined and goal-oriented. It’s one of the only ways to command the respect of these people. He needs to be as ambitious as every snake in this room. He keeps those thoughts tucked away though, determined not to let anyone know the truth. “Don’t worry, Narcissa. I still intend to get what I want. No one can deny a Black.” He keeps his tone light and teasing, fully aware of how cryptic that sounded. His smile softened as she complimented him. Despite his resentments towards his family and this life, it warms him to be welcomed back with open arms by Narcissa. “Thank you, Narcissa. That means a great deal.” His voice is soft and genuine. 

He chuckles as he’s caught up on the gossip, eyes scanning the room and seeking out each individual she mentions. They’re almost all here, which is good. He’ll need an edge when speaking with them and knowing the latest gossip certainly helps. It’ll be awhile before he’s caught up on everyone’s affairs, but he can certainly try. He tsks and turns his attention back to Narcissa. “I always liked Audrey. What a shame.” He doesn’t know who’s side of the engagement it’s more fashionable to be on, but he has a feeling Narcissa will correct him if he’s wrong.