Chapter One, Start of a New Life

Madame Esther Thomas stood in the Ministère des Affaires Magiques de La France atrium with Aurors Daniel Durmont and Colette Moreau, checking her watch as they waited for the Portkey to arrive that carried the new French citizens Lord Black, Heiress Potter-Black, Lord, Lady, Heir and Master Lestrange. She was the Head of the Department of Citizen Registration, so she wanted to welcome them to their new life but she also had the Aurors with her as she'd already heard what the Ministry and Dumbledore had tried to plan and felt it her duty to warn them. Just as she finished organising her thoughts a bright light suddenly appeared causing the trio to shield their eyes, the light lasting all of a few seconds before vanishing; revealing the very people she had been anxiously waiting for.

"Bonjour. We'come to ze Ministère des Affaires Magiques de La France. I am Madame Esther Thomas, I am ze Head of the Department of Citizen Registration." Madame Thomas greeted with a thick French accent. "On my right is Auror Daniel Durmont and on my left is Auror Colette Moreau. We feel it is our duty to welcome you to your new life in France, but also to warn you that Monsieur Dumblydoor has tried to claim Lord Black as traitor, seal the late Lord and Lady Potter's wills, and around the time Miss Bellatrix was disowned she, along with Monsieur Barty Crouch Jr attacked Lord and Lady Longbottom." She added, after greetings had been exchanged as she explained why they were there.

"Do not fear we've passed on all relevant information we have to a... Madame Bones." Auror Durmont added, spotting the concerned looks they received.
"They cannot touch you 'Ere unless they want to start a war they will not win with France." Auror Colette Moreau added.
"Thank you." Sirius muttered, feeling rather drained, bouncing a grizzly Persephone in his arms.
"We shall not detain you for much longer, but if you need anything please do not hesitate to ask." Madame Thomas told them.
"Thank you Madame Thomas." Vinda said gratefully, bidding farewell the unlikely group headed towards the lift that will take them out of the Ministry, as you could not Apparate or Disapparate within the grounds of the Ministry.

"Trust Dumbledore and Crouch Sr." Rodolphus scoffed, knowing exactly who was behind the claims against Sirius and no doubt he and his brother. Despite them making sure they were seen heading into Gringotts so they had the perfect alibi.
"I can't believe we're free." Rabastan cheered happily, a wide smile on his young face as he rolled up his sleeve looking at his clear arm that had been tainted since he was seventeen.
"Trust Bella to do something like that out of rage." Sirius scoffed, rolling his eyes but as Persephone snuggled closer to his chest in her sleep, a smile took over his face as he pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead.
"Pity the disowning didn't render her a Squib when the family Magicks were taken away or better yet killed her." Rodolphus murmured darkly, keeping his voice low so only his family heard him.

"Right, hold onto me and I'll Apparate us to the gates, so I can allow you through the Wards." Sirius ordered, once they'd all clasped some part of his arms or shoulders Sirius Disapparated, with a little difficulty, vanishing from the square to the gates of Black Château.

***

Once the four Lestranges were adjusted from the Side-Apparition they couldn't help the gasps that escaped their lips at the beautiful sight before them; their Pureblood persona dropping, which they would come to realise they didn't have to keep it up around Persephone and Sirius. Showing more emotions than they had in decades. They knew the Blacks had to have everything pure and perfect like their motto but they never realised they went this far. Standing before them was a long avenue of trees leading to a majestic wrought iron gate is the first clue that a noble residence awaits. And noble is exactly what this property was, despite the striking simplicity that characterises it above all else.

The architecture was to die for and done to perfection. Having grown over the centuries, it now features a line of facades punctuated with multiple large arched balconied windows, and the designs that stood out around the doors and windows. A white gravel drive led up to the white marble steps; boxed in by gorgeously designed hedges and flowerbeds that they could just make out the shape of in the dimming winter light.
"Shocking huh?" Sirius mused, feeling rather amused with a grin on his face as he checked on his daughter, pressing another kiss to her forehead.
"I knew the Blacks liked everything perfect above even other Purebloods standards but this is... wow." Rabastan mused, shaking his head.

"The view here is amazing, as are the gardens." Vinda said in amazement, looking round with wide eyes as she took in the sight of the large château; pure white stone walls gleamed in the starry sky, but stood out against the dark as night roof tiles that bled into the night's sky.
"Wait till you see it during the daytime and the back gardens. There's a rose garden with a redwood gazebo, a small maze, large gardens and land as far as the eye can see and there's a patio just outside of the sunroom's living room." Sirius informed them, passing Persephone to Vinda for a moment so he could adjust the wards via the ward stone that was hidden in the tall wrought iron fence.

"Shh it's okay." Vinda soothed the precious little girl as they all watched Sirius slice his hand with his wand and dropped a few drops of blood onto the ward stone before they followed suit. Finally it was Persephone's turn which they grimaced at, pausing for the briefest of moments as they deliberated over who should do it. None of them wanted to hurt the babe but as she wasn't born into the Black family this was a must unfortunately.

"I'll do it." Falco braved, acting quickly he created the tiniest of cuts before healing it just as quickly but Persephone's cries still cut them each of them right down to the bone.
"It's okay baby. Padfoot's got you." Sirius soothed, scooping her out of Vinda's arms and holding her securely to his chest dancing as they walked to the property as they tried to calm the baby down.
"Pa'foo'!" Persephone whimpered against Sirius's neck.
"I know Princess, I know. I'm sorry." Sirius muttered heartbrokenly, he's always hated his daughter being sad but after the last twenty-four hours his overprotectiveness just skyrocketed. "Come on." Sirius added to the rest of their new family. "Tour now or in the morning?" He asked, quietly hoping it was the latter he was exhausted and emotionally drained from seeing the state of his brother and sister.

"In the morning." Vinda decided. "Tomorrow you, Falco, Batsy and Rodo can go and get everything we will need to redecorate. Or have you done yours and Persephone's rooms already?" She queried, looking around at the beautiful gardens; she couldn't wait to get out and make them even more stunning than they already were.
"Kreacher, Tally, Osrick, Tilly and the others have already redecorated everywhere, but if you don't like the style we can always redecorate." Sirius informed them as they entered the magnificent entrance hall. Just as the design of the château and the gardens suggested, the entrance hall was designed with nobility in mind, (but it had been made child friendly by Sirius himself a few months ago).

The walls were a crisp white with matching marble flooring, to the right of the double cherry wood front doors stood a large marble staircase that curved to the left and right leading to different parts of the château (right to the Family Wing, and left to the Guest Wing) and between the two was Sirius's study which contested greatly with the large library. The library held numerous navy coloured bookcases which took up most of the walls that were stocked up with all manner of books that had been collected over the years. Including the Black Family Grimoire that was hidden in a small bookcase behind the portrait that hung above the fireplace; the Blacks were nothing if not cautious, bordering on paranoid. Coffee coloured walls could just be seen, a large chandelier hung from the white ceiling. In the middle of the room were large, plush dusty blue fabric sofas and darker dusty blue armchairs surrounding a white wood square coffee table; mint green and navy blue cushions covered the chairs and sofas.

Two cream and brown Aztec rugs of medium size were placed strategically on the floor, the small landing on the stairs had dark beige velvet curtains covering the large windows. To the left stood bronze candelabras on either side of an ornate mirror bringing light to the hall that bounced off the freshly cleaned and gleaming marble. Standing beside the ornate mirror were two side tables of cherry wood in a French design holding large vases full of beautifully smelling roses and lilies that were freshly picked from the garden; filling the hall with a beautiful aroma. Tasteful paintings covered the walls of the view surrounding the estate, besides the staircase stood a large black grand piano where a brown leather armchair was beside it against the stairs, and a large fireplace stood opposite the piano. The entrance hall was rather large as it led off to the different rooms such as the family room, sun living room and dining room, the formal dining room, kitchen and the Grand Hall where balls were held.

"For reference Tally is the Head house-elf, Tilly is the Potter elf who will help with Persephone when I can't, but I want to be fully hands on with her. Kreacher is from my family and my elf but also the cook with Osrick and his team of three other elves. But like in all families they normally work together."
"Master Sirius it's good you and Mistress Sephy are safe. And the Lestranges too." The house-elves bowed (Kreacher and Osrick) or curtsied (Tally and Tilly).
"Thank you, it's been a long day and we all just wish to get to bed." Sirius sighed, running his free hand through his hair.

"Could you air out any rooms that haven't already been done." Sirius asked before he turned to the Lestranges beside him. "Would you like to see your rooms and then decide?"
"That would be perfect, thanks Siri." Rodo and Batsy said together offering him a cheeky smile filled with mischief, causing Sirius to let out a bark-like laugh and Persephone to giggle startling everyone as they hadn't known she was still awake; she'd been so quiet since she calmed down.
"Okay, we'll head to those rooms first and a tour will be held tomorrow after break-" Sirius informed, only to be cut off.
"Mama? Dada?" Persephone asked sadly, her emerald eyes filling with tears as she looked around trying to spot her parents that she would never see again.

"Oh sweetie." Vinda sighed holding back a sob as she went to comfort the baby as Sirius looked like he was barely holding it together as he danced with his daughter in his arms, but Batsy beat her to it; snatching Persephone into his arms he held her over his shoulder rubbing her back and humming lightly until her sobs subsided.
"Lead the way. I've got her." Rabastan nodded with his head, his hands preoccupied holding and soothing a crying Persephone who clutched her stuffed stag and dog close to her.

Nodding his head Sirius led the way upstairs, briefly glancing at the amazing artwork and past Black portraits that hung on the cream coloured walls which went well with the redwood floor that could briefly be seen under the red Aztec rug that covered the length of the hall, to the family wing past the four Lestranges' bedrooms and to Sirius and Persephone's bedroom were at the back is the Lord and Heir - or Heiress in this case - rooms, pausing outside a dark redwood door with a silver plate with Persephone's name written in elegant cursive writing was stapled to the door.

Pushing open the door the Lestranges were amazed at the decor, wondering when their friends had a chance to create such an amazing space for their beautiful daughter. The room was rather large and spacious and on either side of the room were two doors of matching dark Cherry wood as the main door - which they found out that the one on the left south-west wall led into a fully stocked walk-in closet for Persephone. The walls were a soft peach colour with a darker peach diamond-shaped tile floor that was heated with magic. The wood was painted a crisp, sharp white, and the large arched windows looked over a beautiful view of the emerald rolling hills.

The bathroom was also very large holding a large curved porcelain bath stood in the middle of the room with a sofa north of the bath opposite the door cushioned with mauve and beige cushions, a large heart shaped mirror hung on the soft lilac walls behind the sofa, which contrasted with the dark grey floor tiles. To the east of the door was a large white marble sink with grey counters, mirrors taking up the wall behind the sink. To the west of the door was a large shower, marble toilet, tall grey cupboards that were fully stocked and large windows that overlooked the grounds.

The bedroom itself had deep purple walls boarded with a black lace pattern, black velvet  curtains drawn over large windows hiding the view of the rose gardens. Dark, black counters and cot were matched with purple bedding and changing mat, a beige shaggy carpet covered the floor and the chandelier and candelabras were shielded with a white and black patterned lampshades. Above her cot hung her name in lilac cursive bordered by a black frame. On the opposite wall to the cot beside the main door was a large chest and bookcase holding her toys and books from Potter Manor and Potter cottages; finally, on the walls were many pictures of Lily and James with Persephone mixed in with Sirius, her grandparents and the Longbottoms with little Neville playing with Persephone.

"It's beautiful Sirius." Vinda said impressed. "Perfect for a Heiress of two Noble Houses, but how did the three of you get all of this done?"
"James and I would sneak away while Lily covered for us making out we were looking after Persephone but really we wanted her to have a room similar to the one she was used to. She's already lost so much we didn't want her to lose anymore." Sirius muttered sadly, accepting his daughter back so he could change her.
"She won't lose anymore. I swear this to you with our combined Family Magicks and Mother Magic." Falco swore, resting a hand comfortingly on the grieving young man's shoulder as a crack was heard and a warmth filled them as the three Family Magicks and Mother Magic held Lord Lestrange to his promise; that would come into play later on.

"Let us help you Sirius. You need to grieve as well, you're not alone now." Rodolphus asked. Throat tight with a slew of emotions he'd suppressed for what seemed like an age Sirius just nodded his head, clutching Persephone closer to him as he kissed her head.
"We'll have one of the House-elves show us to our rooms, but for now get Persephone and yourself ready for bed and rest." Rabastan added sternly as his father called for Kreacher.
"Thank you." Sirius whispered hoarsely.
"No thanks are necessary, Sirius. Rest." Vinda said reproachfully, patting his shoulder tenderly as she followed her sons and husband out of the nursery with muttering of 'good nights' thrown over their shoulders, too tired from the emotional rollercoaster of a day to hold much for decorum.

"I think we're going to be just fine, Princess." Sirius whispered to his dozing daughter, pressing another kiss to her head he readied her for bed with a Monitoring Charm around her to ease his nerves he left the nursery turning on the stag night-light and readied  himself for bed. "I love you Princess." Sirius whispered.

***

The next morning was rather chilly as Sirius rose with red blood-shot eyes with dark bags beneath. It had dawned on him as he lay his head down that without the Lestranges all he had was Persephone and vice versa. His brother and sister in all but blood were gone and he was left to deal with the aftermath of two power hungry fools, leaving him to spend many hours sobbing before Kreacher supplied him with a Dreamless Sleep Potion leaving him to take a Pepper-up in the morning to shake off that drowsy feeling; an after effect of crying and the sleep potion. What hurt him the most, and what he was mainly crying about, was his precious daughter. She had no idea what was going on or where her loving and doting parents had gone; as proven last night with the constant questions on their whereabouts the night before.

He knew it was going to be an uphill struggle but he hoped, with time, they would both heal from the trauma and grief. However, Sirius did not look forward to the conversation with Persephone when she was old enough to understand what had happened, but he would be damned if he didn't make sure Persephone knew how much James and Lily loved her. What was it that James had once said? Ah, yes, Sirius thought: 'He loved Persephone more than his own life!' 
Shaking his head of his morose thoughts, Sirius felt for Persephone through the charm he'd placed on her the night before and sighed in relief when he found out she was still sleeping soundly. Smiling darkly to himself as he climbed from the bed heading for his en-suite for a hot shower to wake and freshen himself up, Sirius promised retribution to all those that had wronged the last Potter and the last Black.

Which included Remus, who had tried - and succeeded - to coerce them into the fool's illegal private army, and had not only not thought of the consequences but had also not contacted him about Persephone or himself to see how they faired after yesterday. Well, Sirius washed his hands with his two so-called friends; Remus Lupin and Peter Pettigrew. Shaking his head once more before he let his temper get away with him, one of the downsides to being a Black (that and the Black Madness), he hurriedly finished in the shower dressing in dark trousers, a maroon shirt and a beige jacket before he hurried to his daughter's room.

"Good morning my Princess." Sirius cried in a cheery voice, entering the bedroom only to frown when he received only a weak smile and soft cry of his name from the subdued baby. "Oh my puppy." Sirius gasped hurrying to the cot, scooping Persephone into his arms he peppered her with kisses. "Sweet flower everything is going to be okay. I'll be your Dada from now on, although I'll never replace Dada James but I'll love you just as much as he and your Mama did." Sirius promised, even though she didn't understand half of what he said a smile appeared on his lips as she tugged on his heartstrings as she snuggled closer to his chest and refused to let go when he tried to dress her in a cute white and Hunter green outfit with matching shoes and bow for her hair.

Half an hour later Lord and Heiress finally joined the Lestranges for breakfast in the sunroom's dining room (Sirius thought the gardens may cheer her up).
"It'll get easier, Sirius, I promise." Falco promised, looking up from Le Cri de la Gargouille the newspaper for the French Wizarding community, upon their entrance. The newspaper translates to 'The Cry of the Gargoyle' and is a better equivalent to the Daily Prophet as it is held in higher standards and rarely - if ever- produces slander against the public.
"I hope so." Sirius sighed, placing Persephone in the high chair that was in the spot of the Heir or Heiress seat before taking his own place as Lord.

"It will." Vinda assured, waving her hands in a shooing manner towards Rabastan to the other side of the table before she took his place to feed the babe, following through with her promise to the Potters. Nodding his head Sirius poured himself a steaming mug of black coffee as he silently surveyed those around him, particularly Persephone who despite being rather subdued today was giggling softly at the faces Batsy and Rodo were pulling. He swore there and then that he would give his daughter the best childhood she could possibly have, not knowing the Lestranges had swore the same thing not an hour ago.

~ Headmaster's Office, Hogwarts, Scotland, England ~

Dumbledore let out a scream of rage as he threw things around his already trashed office. Cursing the Potters, Lestranges and Sirius Black in his mind. He had just been notified that his plans had been foiled and was being called into questioning for falsifying evidence against a Lord no less. They had ruined everything! Sirius was supposed to go to Azkaban along with the two youngest Lestranges who were supposed to attack the Longbottoms along with Bellatrix Le- No-Name and Barty Crouch Jr before joining the Black Lord in Azkaban at the highest level. And the elder Lestranges were supposed to have an unfortunate accident while his pawn and weapon was being abused by the Dursleys. But his plans had fallen through, years worth of plans down the drain. No! This could not happen! He would not let it happen and those responsible will pay dearly!

A smirk played across his lips as a dark plan formed in his mind. Ignoring and dismissing Fawkes' trill as nothing he started plotting and completely missed the Phoenix leaving never to return - to him anyways. He was Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore the greatest wizard alive and he would not be pushed aside as he watched his plans crumble.
"Yes. That will do and if the girl is worse off this time around so be it. Her parents really should have thought better than to cross me and to think that there would be no consequences." Dumbledore smirked, stroking his beard in thought as he sat in his throne-like chair, ignoring the cries of outrage from the previous Headmasters and Headmistresses.

"Oh shut up! I am the superior one here!" He shouted at them before going back to his schemes, ignoring the paperwork he had to complete for the school and once again missing someone leaving as they left to their third portrait to let their last remaining family know of the turbulence to come. For there was indeed a storm brewing on the horizon.