Authorâs note: I use Grammarly to fix my mistakes, but there could still be some so sorry for that. Also, I am getting back into writing and am hoping to have a few more works out soon! Please reblog, like, or comment feedback is appreciated.
Warnings: None? Sirius being a d*ck? Maybe language, but I donât think so.
Regulus wasnât sure how much time had passed as he stroked his niece's hair. He was mad at his brother for basically throwing away the only good thing that had ever come from the Black family. Sirius was too blinded by the past to see what was right in front of him. As children, Sirius often told Regulus that he was their family's favorite and that it bothered him, but if he knew what it was like to be less loved then how can he love Harry more than Ali? He understood that Harry was Sirius's Godson, but couldnât he love Ali and Harry equally? If Sirius made the effort maybe Ali and the other children could even be friends. His heart ached from the emotional battle that Ali was going through right now. Even if Sirius didnât see it, he and Remus did. Aliâs light was dimmer than before and when she was lighting up again after finding out Sirius never came for her, Sirius just had to go and snuffed it out.
Carefully sliding out from under Ali and placing a pillow under her head Regulus left the room. He shut the door behind him casting a locking spell so she wouldnât be bothered. He needed to speak with Remus first before doing anything. They needed to decide what to do about Ali. As much as Regulus wanted to spend time with her before she went back to school he didnât want her to be this upset anymore. He walked into the study to find Remus and Nymphadora sitting near the fireplace.
âHow is she?â Nymphadora blurted the question as soon as she saw her cousin. Remus had owled her after Ali had gone to her room. The older sister in her wanted to go up to Sirius and give him a piece of her mind, but she knew that it wouldnât do any good.
âSheâs asleep for now. All the fighting has exhausted her. I honestly donât know what to do. I want her here, this is her home, but if Sirius doesnât stop acting like the brut that he is it is going to hurt her more. Speaking of Sirius, where is he? Itâs quiet.â Regulus flopped down on the chair across from Remus and Nymphadora raking a hand through his hair. His worry for Ali was causing him a headache. On one hand, he wanted to send Ali to stay at the Malfoy Manor for the remainder of summer, but on the other, he wanted to hold her close and have her stay in her home where she belonged.
âSirius left with Harry after you went upstairs. He hasnât been home since. The Weasleys stepped out to Diagon Alley to get the kids stuff for school.â Remus replied. He was secretly thankful that the house was mainly empty. This way at least Ali could come down if she felt like it without the chance of someone bothering her. Remus was having the same thoughts as Regulus about keeping Ali at home virus's sending her to the Manor. He just wanted his niece to be happy. The hope that he had of Sirius and Ali having the father/daughter relationship was gone. If only Remus could get Sirius to open his eyes to the pain he was causing to the girl, but Sirius was nothing if not stubborn.
âI think I am going to write to Cissa and see if she can keep Ali for the rest of summer. If thatâs what it takes for her to be happy then so be it. We can see her off at the -â
âI donât want to leave,â Aliâs voice interrupted. âI want to stay here with you. Please donât make me leave. I can handle it, I promise.â
Ali knew that she and Regulus were going to have to talk about the fact that she called him dad, but that was a private conversation. Right now she needed to convince the adults in the room that she didnât need to leave. She could take Sirius. Yes the words that he had said hurt her and the actions he did tonight furthered that hurt in her heart, but she was done. She didnât owe him anything, and it was clear she knew that he didnât want to be her father. She had meant what she said to Regulus. He was her father in all the ways that counted. He loved her unconditionally, was always there for her, and protected her.
She went and sat on the couch in between Nymphadora and Remus who wrapped an arm around her pulling her close to his chest. âIt might be best if you went and stayed for the rest of the summer at the Manor, Al. This isnât good for you mentally. We all can see how drained you are.â
âNo, this is my home. I can handle it. I have you all plus the older Weasleys and Fleur. You'll protect me and if I need to get away for a little bit Iâll owl Blaise or Draco to go to Diagon Alley or something. I want to spend time with you. Times are hard right now and you never know when you are going to lose someone and I would like to have as much time with each of you just in case.â
Regulus leaned forward taking Aliâs hand in his, âNothing, and I mean nothing is going to happen to us. I love you more than you could ever imagine and if you want to stay here you can.â Ali smiles brightly at that before Regulus cut her off, âbut you have to tell me, Remus, or Severus, if anything happens. And you have to come out of your room. I am not having you locking yourself away again. Got it?â
Ali pounced on Regulus, hugging his neck tight. She was excited to spend some more time with her family. She had meant what she said about never knowing when something was going to happen. Wizards had been disappearing all over London and she was genuinely scared something was going to happen to her loved ones. She was going to make it a point to take plenty of photos and make enough memories to last a lifetime the next couple of weeks.
Regulus held his niece tight, fighting back the tears when she whispered, âThanks, Dad,â into his ear. He had been called a lot of things in his life, but this was one title he was going to wear proudly.
Remusâs voice interrupted the moment, âwait for a second, why are you going to owl Blaise? We have an agreement, young lady, no boys till you're thirty!â
Aliâs giggle was music to those in the room with her, and for the first time that summer they all saw Ali smile at home the brightest she had since everyone arrived.
The rest of the day was eventful which was something that everyone was thankful for. Nymphadora left shortly after spending some time with Ali since she had something to attend to with Moody, so that left Regulus, Ali, and Remus to watch the Star Wars movies in Aliâs room. Kreacher brought them snacks while they made a fort on the floor. Ali was incredibly content laying on the mounds of pillows in between her Uncles. When she was younger they would have movie nights like this once a month until she started Hogwarts. Even then she and her friends carried on the tradition in the boy's dorm since Draco was often present at the ones hosted at home. She wished that she could have Draco over now, but knew that if she brought him here then everyone in the house would throw a fit about it, maybe it was something to bring up to Regulus later.
Molly called them all down for dinner shortly after the second film ended. Leaving the mess on the floor the trio made their way downstairs with Ali trailing behind her Uncles. She could feel her nerves spike the closer she got to the dining room. She thought about excusing herself stating she wasnât hungry, but the loud growl in her stomach gave her hunger away. Everyone had already sat down beside Harry and Sirius when they got into the room. Regulus pulled the seat out next to him for his niece. Fleur shot her a smile when she sat down by her uncle with Charlie on her other side. At least she was sitting near someone who didnât hate her.
Chatter and the sounds of forks on plates filled the room as everyone got their fill of Mollyâs meatballs and onion sauce. Everyone broke off into separate conversations. Remus, Regulus, and Arthur talking about the Ministry, the younger Weasleys, and Hermione talking about Quidditch, Bill and Fleur about their upcoming wedding, and Charlie and Ali talking about his work in Romania. âWhat are you planning on doing after you leave Hogwarts?â
Ali shot a glance over at Remus who was doing a terrible job of disguising his eavesdropping on the duo. âI am thinking about becoming a professor. I like creatures obviously so I was thinking something along those lines, but I also like Herbology. So maybe that. I just know I want to teach.â
Charlie shot her a grin. âHave you thought about where? I know Hogwarts has Sprout for Herbology and Hagrid was doing Care of Magical Creatures, but you still have three more years of school so maybe theyâll need someone by the time you're done.â
Ali shrugged her shoulders. In all honesty, she wanted to leave England and travel for a bit but knew that if she brought it up now it would be a fight or something so she bit her tongue. âMaybe.â
The noise came to a halt when the door slammed open in the living room. Everyone hopped to their feet, wands at the ready. It felt like hours had passed before the intruder walked through the door. âSirius! Harry! Merlin, you scared us all.â
âSorry, itâs raining hard and we were in a rush to get back home.â Sirius shrugged like it wasnât a big deal. Everyone retook their seats beside Milly who served Harry and Sirius. Ali tried her hardest to keep from looking at the latest duo that entered, not wanting to cause any more trouble or to give Sirius a reason to lash out at her.
Dinner passed rather quickly, conversations flowed in their small groups. Charlie had gone with Fleur and Bill on a scouting mission shortly after eating, while Fred and George worked on new products for their shop. Ali was in her head thinking about asking to go to meet Pansy in the coming days to look at a new book shop. Pansy wasnât much of a reader but was always looking for an excuse to get out of her house. She was startled when she felt a hand on her shoulder. Looking up Molly was smiling softly at her while handing her a letter in a dark blue envelope. She instantly knew who the letter was from since only one person used that kind of envelope when writing her.
âThis came for you, dear, when you were with your uncles. I didn't want to bother you then I almost forgot just now.â
âThank you, Mrs. Weasley.â Ali smiled at the kind woman. Despite her feelings towards most of the Weasley children, their parents were quite nice.
Molly patted her cheek before walking off. Ali started to rip the top off when she got Regulusâs eye and he winked at her. He knew who the letter was from having met the boy a few times already. Her cheeks flushed and continued to do so while reading it.
I hope you are surviving the dreadfulness that is upon you right now with all the people in your house. Yes, Draco told me what was going on yesterday when I finally threatened to out his crush if he didnât explain why we hadnât been seeing you a lot this summer. I have to say I am quite hurt that you didnât tell me yourself. Best friends I thought. Just joking, but seriously you could have told me about him and I wouldn't have said a word to anyone.
I miss you, Supernova. Weâve only got to see each other once this summer and we both know when school starts you will have a book shoved in front of your face in the first three minutes. Could we get together sometime this week? It has been awful at home and if I have to hear Draco's voice one more time without you there to tell him off for being annoying I may throw myself off the astronomy tower.
Your uncle may not agree, but you could come to stay at mine for a night. Mother agreed to it as long as Regulus does and we have separate rooms. If you can't, maybe I can come to you? I donât really care what the redheads have to say about me being there so donât worry about that. We have much to catch up on; like the fact that you got Headgirl and also didnât write and tell me. I had to find that little tidbit out from Parkinson's. Donât worry weâll catch up whether that's soon or on the train.
Ali felt a pang of guilt hit her square in the chest. She hadnât meant to forget to fill Blaise in on her life but it had been so crazy recently she hadnât got to write anyone much. In all the truth no one knew that she had gotten Headgirl. She had gotten the letter from Flitwich a few days after the Weasleyâs arrived and completely forgot. Although she told her Uncles she didnât want to go anywhere spending some time with Blaise sounded nice. Deciding to just rip the bandaid off she looked up to find Regulus and Remus looking at her with amused smiles on their faces.
âWhatâs you got there, Ali?â Remus asked, causing her cheeks to flame red. She wasnât scared to say that she wanted to hang out with a boy. She did it all the time whether it was Blaise, Theo, or Draco; it was more to do with the fact that she was about to ask to spend the night at a boys' house. Even if they were going to be in separate rooms and they had fallen asleep cuddled together weeks prior at the Malfoys, something none of her Uncles knew, it was going to be a little fight to get Remus to agree as he made the âno dating till youâre thirtyâ rule when she was five and asked for a boyfriend for Christmas.
Looking around she noticed all attention was on her even if the other adults in the room were making it seem like they werenât listening while the children openly gawked. âUhm,â she was cut off by Severus stepping into the room. Great, now she had to face all three Uncles. Where were Dora and Cissa when she needed them?
Severus hugged her quickly before taking a place by Regulus. âWho's the letter from Ali?â He asked her letting her know there was no getting out of it and that she was going to have to spill the beans.
âItâs from Blaise,â A look of amusement passed Regulusâs face, making her think that he knew what was in the letter already while Remus looked like he was going to snatch the letter out of her hands and read it himself if she didnât hurry up.
âAnd what possibly could it say to have your cheeks looking like the inside of Gryffindor common room?â Regulus teased further.
She coughed trying to get her nerves resealed. âHe was saying that we need to catch up before school starts, and invited me to come and stay with him and Mrs. Zabini for a night this week.â
Remus grunted while Regulus smiled. Ali had to hide a giggle as she noticed all the other mouths in the room had dropped to the floor. Ali knew that except for Hermione and Harry the Weasleyâs never stayed or had anyone else with them.
âCan I, please? His mother said we would have separate rooms and she will be there as well as the house-elves. We only got to see one another once this summer. He said if I canât he could come here, but honestly, I think the first option is better. Please?â She pulled out her best puppy eyes and pouty lip. She was not above begging for it but didnât want to do so with everyone staring at her.
Regulus looked over at Remus. Ali could see the silent conversation going on between them. Regulusâs head inclined slightly toward Ali which she hoped to Merlin was a good thing. Remus looked back at his niece with a look in his eye she couldnât read. âRosalynn said youâll have separate rooms?â Ali nodded her head so fast she almost gave herself whiplash. âAnd youâll stay in them?â Once again she nodded, although she knew that they more than likely would be in the family room till late hours in the night. He looked back at Regulus, âyou have no problems with her going?â
âNo, I already knew about it. Rosalynn wrote about two days ago. If she wants to go, that's fine. You know Rosalynn will look after her as she does Blaise. And the Heavens know that boy would jump in front of the Knight Bus for Ali.â Regulus chuckled at Ali's shocked expression.
âY-you knew? Why didnât you say anything?â Ali struggled to get the words out.
âRosalynn said Blaise wanted to ask you. She was just giving me a heads up, knowing how Remus is with boys and you. You know we talked quite often, Als.â Regulus winked at her.
âYou may go,â Remus stated. She was shocked she didnât have to put up more of a fight.
âWHAT?â Sirius shrieked. He knew that Regulus would let her go to the Death Eaters house, but Remus? He thought he could count on his âfriendâ to at least say no. âYouâre letting her go to the Death Eaters house? AGAIN? Who's also a boy and staying the night? Are you mad?â
Remus looked at Sirius with disdain, âNo I am not. She is a good girl and Blaise has been her friend for years. Rosalynn loves her as much as we do and would never let anything happen. And for God's sake quit calling everyone a Death Eater.â
âSirius, you have no say in what she does. You gave that up last night. Ali is a good girl who makes good choices. Not only that but she also deserves a little something since she got Headgirl this year, donât you think?â Regulus smirked as he saw the Granger girl's face fall.
âYou got Headgirl?â Hermione whispered to Ali with disbelief lacing her voice.
âYeah, I did. Draco got Headboy I believe, but it may be Theo. I havenât asked yet.â
âWhy do you and Draco get Head of Houses? Why not Hermione and -â Ali cut her dear Godbrother off.
âAnd who? You? Ron? Why would any of you get Head of Houses with all the trouble you bring in? Sneaking out, stealing things, picking fights. We do have the highest marks in most classes as well as treat others equally unlike the likes of you.â
If looks could kill Ali would be dead three times over. In all honesty, she kinda felt bad for the younger Weasley boy seeing as all of his older brothers, bar Fred and George had been Headboy. But then she thought about the trouble he and his friends had caused her and her friends as well as others over the years. Harry preached about equality among the houses but she had witnessed many times when younger Slytherins were picked on by Gryiffndors. Hufflepuffs generally didn't have any problems with the other houses so long as everyone was being just. Ravenclaws tended to keep to themselves unless it really involved them. Whereas Slytherins preferred to stand up to those picking on other Slytherins especially the younger ones. Slytherins were always made out to be the bullies when in general if you got to know them people would notice that they are a lot more than what their parents used to be.
Ally had heard the stories of how mean James and Sirius were to those in Slytherin even if they never did anything to them. She believed in harmless fun could be had pulling pranks, but tricking someone into going to a place where a werewolf was was downright cruel. She had no doubts in her mind that James and Sirius were once good people like her Uncle Remus is now, but seeing as Sirius still acts like a child those doubts were becoming known.
âI just think that Slytherins shouldnât be Head of House when all you will do is favor your own, and treat everyone else like dirt,â Ron stated.
âRonald Weasley! How dare you say such a thing?!â Molly exclaimed.
âItâs alright Mrs. Weasey. I am used to hearing such things come from them and others in their house,â Ali looked Ron in the eyes, âYou seem to forget that Iâm a Ravenclaw, not a Slytherin. I do not favor anyone and will not when I start Head Girl duties but know this. I will give you as many detentions as you deserve if you are caught bullying, harassing, belittling, any of the other houses. You may think that Gryiffndors are the bravest of the houses and maybe you are in some ways, but you are cowardly in others. Maybe some Slytherins are as bad as you make them seem, but Harry,â she turned her head slightly to the side, âyou seem to forget just which house Peter Pettigrew was in when he was the one who betrayed your parents. And Regulus was in Slytherin but seems to be more loyal to his friends and family than that rat was.â
âIt seems that Alianova has given you all something to think about as you're getting ready for bed,â Molly stated looking at all the children present in the room. Her face grew red when she saw that none of them had moved a muscle. âNow.â
Harry, Hermione, Ron, and Ginny, jumped from their seats and booked it to the stairs scared of Mrs. Weasleyâs wrath. At some point, Charlie, Fluer, and Bill came back from scouting. Charlie ruffled Aliâs hair causing her to grin. âGood job, kid. Youâll make a great Head Girl.â Bill and Fleur nodded in agreement. âNothing happened while we were out. Weâll give a full debrief tomorrow, but we will be heading to bed as well. Good night everyone.â
Molly walked to Ali and pulled her up out of her chair before placing both hands on Aliâs pale cheeks. âDonât you worry, dear, I will be talking with all of them in the morning. You made a lot of valid points, and I for one am proud that you are Head Girl.â
She kissed her forehead before taking her husband to go to bed after waving her wand to get the kitchen clean once again. Arthur offered Ali a small smile before disappearing behind his wife. Sirius scoffed at the behavior which everyone heard but chose to ignore.
Ali turned to her three Uncles, waiting for the answer about going to her friends, and the scene that just played out in the kitchen.
âI am proud of you as well, Alianova. You have done excellent, and I know it is Remus and Regulus' decision about going to Blaisesâ, but I see no problem with it. I will stay in the guest room. Come get me if you need me. Good night, Ali.â He hugged her tightly, making Ali tear up slightly at the thought of Servus being proud of her. It also made her giddy at the thought of rubbing it in Dracoâs face since Severus is his Godfather and never said such a thing to him.
Remus followed after Servus, wrapping his niece in a bear hug around her shoulders. The height difference amusing Regulus to no end seeing as Ali only came about midway in Remusâs chest. âYou may go as long as itâs okay with Reg, and you stay in separate rooms. I am a little mad though that you didnât tell me yourself about getting Head Girl, but I am still incredibly proud of you. No one deserves this more than you do, not even Harry.â The last part was whispered in her ear. He kissed her forehead, before heading to his room.
With the three Blacks being the only ones left in the room. âI donât think you should go.â Siriusâs voice was venomous as he thought about his only child, his legacy, spending time with Death Eaters.
âItâs a good thing it doesnât matter what you think isnât it?â Regulus smirked at his older brother. He was not going to take this away from his child. âAli, you may go so long as you stay in your separate rooms whenever the two of you decide to go to sleep because I know from having all your mates over it will be late.â He walked to Ali cradling her freckled face in his hands. âI am so proud to call you my daughter. Even after all that you have been through in your life you have still managed to form your own beliefs and thoughts as well as stand up for them. You deserve Head Girl over anyone else, and hopefully, you get to share it with one of your friends.â
Ali dove into her Uncle's chest. Tears welling up into her eyes at the thought that he really did think of her as his own even if she already knew it. It was nice to hear out loud. âThank you for everything youâve done for me. I love you, dad.â She kissed his cheek before heading to her room to write Blaise.
Sirius felt his anger sore to new heights when he heard Ali call Regulus dad. He had enough courtesy to wait till she was out of earshot before grounding out, âWe need to talk, Regulus.â