✧ —– The Christmas season was in full swing, meaning that the house at 12 Grimmauld Place was filled to overflowing with family. The air smelled of the feast that awaited the members of the Black household, and, despite the cheerful atmosphere, the talk was mostly of the war.
Sirius was devastatingly bored. He'd sneaked a snifter of brandy ( not that his father would really care, probably ) and was lurking near the stairwell, at the top of which Regulus was skulking around out of sight. It was just as well, really. Ever since he had been sorted into Gryffindor, Regulus had been having some problems with the family. He mostly tried to stay out of the limelight, but it was difficult. And with a family gathering this large, someone was bound to make some kind of comment.
With a sigh, Sirius leaned back against the banister and sipped his drink, making distracted small talk with anyone who wandered by. There were still a few family members not present yet, one of which was Sirius' favorite cousin and her husband. Bellatrix would undoubtedly make this party a little more interesting. Sirius might not wholly agree with everything she did, but he also couldn't deny that he loved hearing about her exploits, at least.
It took much self control not to glance up every time he heard the door open or the floo grate go active. But he managed -- he couldn't look too eager, of course. And inasmuch, he was caught off guard when said cousin approached his not-so-hidden hiding spot.
“Well, look who finally decided to show up,” he said casually, raising an eyebrow at her. “Is this what they call 'fashionably late?'”
