The Disgraced of the House of Black - A Multi-Character Fanfiction - Part One

115. Unnatural Hatred

Once he had ensured the door was firmly shut, Dumbledore turned to face them all again as he said, "And now, it is time for three of our number to recognize each other for what they are. Sirius and Amara...if you could resume your usual form."

Sirius gave one look at Dumbledore before he instantly obeyed, the large, black dog being replaced by a man. Amara took flight, landing by his side before transforming herself.

With a scream, Molly jumped to her feet, exclaiming, "Sirius Black!" Looking at Amara, she screamed again.

"Mum, shut up!" Ron said. "It's okay!"

Snape's expression had changed to one of mingled fury and horror.

"Them!" Snape cried. "What are they doing here?"

"I'd rather that question was shot at you," Amara snapped. "As I recall, you tried to kill me last time we met. For the second time."

"And I'll try again," Snape snarled, beginning to raise his wand as Sirius sprang forward, pulling Amara behind him protectively.

"Enough!" Althea shouted, looking between them incredulously. "I thought you were adults?"

"They are here at my invitation," Dumbledore replied cooly. "As you are, Severus. I trust the three of you. It is time for you to lay aside your old differences and trust each other. I will settle in the short term for a lack of open hostility. You will shake hands. You are on the same side now. Time is short and unless the few of us know the truth stand united, there is no hope for any of us."

Slowly, and with no real show of friendliness, Sirius stepped forward, shaking Snape's hand before almost instantly letting go.

"Amara?" Dumbledore said.

"No," she snapped, glaring at her brother icily. "I'll shake his hand when hell freezes over."

Looking between the two of them, Dumbledore asked, "Is there any point trying with you two?"

Neither Severus nor Amara spoke as they continued glaring at each other.

"Then I supposed that will do to be going on with," Dumbledore sighed. "Now, I have work for each of you. Fudge's attitude, though not unexpected, changes everything. Sirius, I need you to set off at once. You are to alert Remus Lupin, Arabella Figg, Mundungus Fletcher - the old crowd. Lie low at Lupin's for a while; I will contact you there."

"Remus is staying at my house," Eliana explained to Sirius.

"But-" Harry began.

"You'll see me very soon, Harry," Sirius promised, approaching him, "I promise you. But I must do what I can. You understand, don't you?"

"Yeah," Harry said hopelessly. "Yeah...I do."

Turning to Amara, Sirius said, "I'll see you soon, love."

Gently, she kissed him, resting her forehead against his own for a short moment before releasing him. She watched as he left, slinking down into the form of a dog before he disappeared.

"Severus," Dumbledore said, turning to him, "you know what I must ask you to do. If you are ready...if you are prepared..."

"I am," he replied.

"Then good luck," Dumbledore said, his voice curiously soft. Once he had gone, he turned to Amara. "Amara, I need you to stay here with Harry. In the morning, come to my office. I do not know if Voldemort is aware of your connection to Severus, but if he is, you need to be prepared."

Amara nodded.

Dumbledore was silent several minutes before he said, "I must go downstairs. I must see the Diggorys. Take the rest of your potion, Harry. I will see you all later."

It was silent for a long time.  At last, Mrs Weasley turned to Harry and said, "You've got to take the rest of your potion, Harry. You have a good long sleep. Try and think about something else for a while...think about what you're going to buy with your winnings!"

"I don't want that gold," Harry said firmly. "You have it. Anyone can have it. I shouldn't have won it. It should've been Cedric's."

Mrs Weasley set down his potion, sitting down next to him and embracing him. Amara averted her gaze, a hollowness forming in her throat. A sudden snapping sound broke apart the moment, causing all of them to look at Hermione who was standing by the window, holding something in her hand.

"Sorry," she whispered.

"Your potion, Harry," Amara said softly.

Once he had taken his and gone to sleep, Mrs Weasley got back to her feet with a weary sigh. She seemed oddly reluctant to look in Amara's direction.

As she took a seat at Harry's side, however, she said in a voice of hushed venom, "You're going to wake him up."

Amara said nothing, dignifying her comment with no more of a response than a simple look.

"Amara," Althea said, approaching her and ignoring the suspicious look Mrs Weasley was giving her.

Amara looked up, sniffling slightly.

"What is it, Althea?" Amara asked.

Althea didn't know what she had been trying to say, so instead she embraced her. Amara stood up, holding her closer as Althea began softly crying into her shoulder. Amara released a shuttering breath, blinking away her own tears.

"He's going to be okay," Amara whispered, trying to convince herself as much as her goddaughter. "It'll be okay."