Soon after came Sirius' birthday on 3rd November. They had another hilarious party in the common room.

James and Sirius had actually managed to sneak in a Firewhiskey, giving Remus the slip, but Lily confiscated it, her green eyes emitting sparks.

"I thought Potter had grown up," she fumed to Alice and Marlene during the party. "But he and Black are just as immature as ever. Firewhiskey! And taking first years to Hogsmeade! Why do you support two prats like that?"

"They're not prats," said Marlene.

"Oh, I forgot, you love Black," said Lily nastily. Marlene went away huffily.

"They're not bad, really, Lily. They are just too fond of jokes," said Alice. "And it's not right to tease Marlene about Sirius."

Alice followed Marlene.

--------------------

Two days later, Sirius got a letter from the family lawyer, saying that Alphard Black had passed away and as one of the inheritors of his property, would Sirius Black kindly attend the funeral on 14th November, 1976.

Sirius was sorry to hear of his favourite uncle's demise. He met Regulus in a corridor later that day.

"Did you hear of Uncle Alphard's death?" asked Sirius.

"Yes," said Regulus, averting his eyes.

"You're going for the funeral?"

"Mum says I needn't."

"What?" demanded Sirius; this wasn't like the conservative Black family at all.

"Because he was blasted off our family tree..."

"Why?" asked Sirius, wondering what he had missed.

"He supported Andy and Ted Tonks, that's why. He spoke up after you—after you left."

Sirius looked at his brother contemptuously. "Why didn't you speak up for her? You used to care about Andy too."

Regulus stayed silent, staring at his feet.

"Because you're a complete—" began Sirius.

"Regulus, are you talking with—ah—an undesirable?" came the delicate voice of Severus Snape.

The two Black brothers, who looked so similar, turned to look at the speaker.

"What does it matter to you who he talks to?" asked Sirius rudely.

"Be careful, Regulus...or else the thing you are hoping for two months later...might not happen," said Snape.

Regulus followed Snape out of sight.

"What will happen two months later?" shouted Sirius after his brother.

Snape turned and sneered at him. "You'll find out soon enough."

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Uncle Alphard had an impressive funeral worthy of the 'Always Pure' Black family. Every member of the family was there, even Regulus, dressed in spotless black. Andromeda stood with Ted Tonks at a remote corner, looking miserable and a little scared. Sirius joined them.

After they had performed the last rites, the family lawyer stood up.

"The will of Alphard Black," he read out from a piece of paper. "I, Alphard Black, second son of Arcturus Black, herewith leave all the money in my Gringotts vault number 711 to my nephew, Sirius Orion Black, first son of Orion Black."

Every person on the lawn turned to stare at Sirius, who was standing with his hands in his pockets, obviously as shocked as anyone else present there. Uncle Alphard had left the other belongings of his house to Andromeda.

Not over-enthusiastic about enduring the vicious glances of the elders of the family all day, Sirius left quickly with Andromeda and Ted to their home. After having lunch with them, he used Floo Powder on their fireplace to return to Hogwarts.

James, Peter and Remus looked up when he came in, grinning from ear to ear.

"What happened?"

"This Christmas, we're going to buy a motorbike," said Sirius.