For the burial:

For the play date:

Chapter Six, Farewells and Introductions

The next day when Morgause was down for her afternoon nap, Sirius decided it was time to speak with Remus, so he agreed to meet in the parlour of Potter Manor as Mia and Monty had decided to hold the burial to put Lily and James to rest. If nothing else, if Sirius couldn't forgive it, couldn't move past Remus's actions, the man deserved to say his goodbyes to his best friends.

"Do you need me to be here, Siri?" Dorea asked her great nephew, she was rather concerned for him. The past few days have been a lot to deal with and he's been hurt far too much by those who should love, care and support him. She didn't let her niece, Walburga, get away with it - not that she ever listened, too pigheaded like her father and Dorea's eldest brother Pollux - so she certainly wouldn't let Remus get away with it either; especially as he threw away eleven years of friendship and a seven year loving relationship.

She knew despite Sirius's strong façade that he was hurting terribly. Remus had also thrown away Morgause when he cast Sirius aside, which she knew hurt and angered Sirius more than anything ever had. If only one thing could be said about James and Sirius was that they were fiercely overprotective of Morgause and loved her more than there were stars in the sky. Although, there was a part of her that hoped that Remus had been cursed by Dumbledore as well instead of the alternative; if that made her a terrible person than she didn't care she was born a Black and they had been fiercely protective of their family before Pollux and Walburga's greedy ways almost destroyed this family.

"Thank you Auntie," said Sirius with a grateful smile and a soft squeeze to her hands drawing her from her thoughts, "but I'll be okay. Could - do you mind listening out for Morgan please? In case we're not done before she wakes up."
"Of course, Siri." Dorea assured him with a loving smile, resting her palm on his cheek. "Do tell Mr Lupin that if he ever hurts you again he'll have me to deal with today and your Aunt Cassiopeia tomorrow before the burial, and she's dedicated her entire life to learning every branch of magic in every culture. She says she also has a surprise for us." Dorea told him with tears in her eyes after Sirius had agreed with a laugh.

"What is it?" He asked, hope started to shine in his molten eyes making them blinding.
"It's Reggie. She's healed him. He's coming with her tomorrow." Dorea explained tearfully. She and her dear husband Charlus had never been blessed with children of their own, but they loved each niece, nephew, great nieces and nephews, and now great-great nieces and nephew (Nymphadora, Morgause and Draco) with all their heart and soul. Despite never getting to meet Nymphadora, after her nephew Cygnus stupidly cast Andromeda from the family despite Arcturus not agreeing or even casting her out himself as Lord; Andromeda was hurt and didn't want anything to do with the rest of the family. But they hoped she would come around.

"He...he's alright?" Sirius asked with tears budding in his eyes. He had taken his little brother with him to this very manor when he ran away at sixteen after his mother had beat and cursed him to within an inch of his life - more like Regulus had to help him - and he had sworn to protect Reggie and convinced him to stay with him.  But then Regulus had wanted to gain info against Voldemort and was passing info to James and Sirius, until he had been injured when he was getting the locket.

If Sirius hadn't ordered Kreacher to protect Regulus no matter what happens or what Regulus says then he would've been lost to them.
"He's okay." Dorea confirmed with a happy smile, relieved she could give Sirius some good news. Perhaps they shall receive more good news during Bella's trial the following week. A relieved laugh left Sirius's lips as he hugged his aunt tightly.
"Are we interrupting?" Mia teased, it warmed her heart to see Sirius so happy. Aunt and nephew pulled apart, turning towards the door where Mia stood with a nervous Remus who couldn't make eye contact with anyone for very long.

"Reggie is okay, Mia! Aunt Cassie healed him!" Sirius cried elated.
"I'm glad Siri dear, you deserve some good news." Mia smiled happily at him. "Rea, let's check on my darling granddaughter before Monty and Charlie do something to wake her up."
"They better not wake her up!" Sirius warned. "If they do then I'll prank them!"
"We shall let them know, Siri." Dorea laughed. "But don't worry we won't let them wake her. Otherwise they'll be sleeping on the sofa again."
"For longer this time." Mia added with a wicked grin as the two women left the parlour leaving Remus and Sirius to talk.

"Your tea's already for you." Sirius said cordially, sitting in an armchair opposite the sofa with no sign of the smile anywhere on his face as Remus hesitantly sat on the sofa with a wince not liking the rift between them.
"I'm so, so sorry, Sirius." Remus apologised sadly. "I got checked out at Gringotts like you asked, and there were a few Compulsions on me." Remus pulled out a sheet of parchment that showed Dumbledore had in fact cursed him the day before Morgause's first birthday. The day that Remus had started doubting Sirius and had declined the invitation to Morgause's first birthday tea party.

"I know I've caused you and Morgause a lot of pain and I'm incredibly sorry for it. I want to make up for everything as even though I was under compulsions, I still hurt you whether I was mentally conscious or not." Remus said quickly as Sirius read over everything. He expected Sirius to curse and rage but he didn't despite the clear anger on his face. It would seem being a Dad was good for Sirius. Letting out a deep breath, Sirius set the parchment on the low coffee table before turning to Remus.

"I can't exactly hold it against you as Dumbledore had put a compulsion on me to leave my daughter with Hagrid to go after Pettigrew when I originally was going to bring her here and alert Amelia Bones. It activated as soon as I touched the garden gate for a second time and only broke once I was in my cell. However, that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt Remus, so I think we should work on being friends again for now and go from there." Sirius explained. At that revelation Remus's face fell in disappointment for a moment before a look of understanding took hold.

"I understand." Remus nodded. "It'll probably be for the best and we could become stronger after learning to be friends without a war hanging over our heads." They lapsed into silence for a while each man lost in thought as they drank their hot beverage until Remus broke it once more.
"How is Morgause? And what was Mrs P talking about?" He asked curiously.
"Well, when my pup was taken to Gringotts they not only found out Dumbledore had dosed her in potions and spells but had locked away half of her magic, but that she also had three mates.

You know Monty and Uncle Charlie, they're overprotective and denied it and ended up sleeping on the sofa in their rooms. So did Lyle I'm told; not that I wouldn't have been the same." Sirius laughed while looking around for either Mia, Dorea or Roxanne. "As for how she is," Sirius sighed, running a hand down his face as Remus growled, Moony at the forefront at the treatment dealt to his cub, and at Remus's inaction compulsions or not. "She kept asking for me, James and Lily completely distressed over why we weren't there.

Then, when I came home and she heard me the minute I exit the fireplace...she Apparated, Remus." At that moment Remus had taken a sip of his tea and ended up choking his eyes streaming as he coughed trying to dislodge the tea from his windpipe.
"S-she w-what?" Remus coughed, accepting the pats to the back as Sirius helped dislodge the tea.
"Hadley, could we have some water for Remus please?" Sirius requested, and a moment later a young male House-elf with sea foam green eyes and dressed in black slacks, a crisp silver shirt with the Black family crest upon the left breast pocket, black trousers and mini navy dress shoes (House Black's colours) Apparated before them with a glass of ice water.

"Thank you." Sirius and Remus thanked the little elf, Remus's voice slightly hoarse from the coughing and choking fit.
"Of course Master Black. Hadley is happy to help kind master." Hadley squeaked excitedly, before he bowed and disappeared with a loud pop.
"Sirius please tell me I heard you wrong." Remus begged. "That Morgause didn't Apparate."
"She did. She also has two Familiars so far with a possible third one, a Runespoor hatchling and a Nemean Lion cub." Sirius revealed, grinning as Remus groaned, throwing his head back.

"Monty took her to the Sanctuary and all of the creatures loved her. She...she can see the Thestrals though - which I don't want to think about the reason for that just now she's only fifteen months old - she called the calf cute and kissed its head." Sirius sobered up as he explained and so did Remus.
"Dear Merlin, three mates, two very rare Familiars and a possible third one, all of the creatures loved her and she can Apparate. We or more likely you, have your work cut out for you, Padfoot." Remus laughed. "When can I see her?"

"Later. After her nap."
"Thank you." Remus sighed with relief. "I'm glad Regulus is okay, Siri."
"As am I." Sirius agreed, slumming back against the sofa. "But it looks like I'll get Bella back too. How she was before her parents and my mother cursed her and now Dumbledore on top of that." He thought back to how they were when they were children. Bella, the eldest, and he one of the youngest - when Regulus was a newborn - were the loudest out of the five of them and were inseparable. They were always up to mischief, pranking the others or the adults, or they were off exploring whatever grounds they were on despite the large age gap between them.

He didn't want to get his hopes up but he hoped it was true, then he and Regulus could help bridge the gap between the three sisters: Bellatrix, Andromeda and Narcissa. A relationship that his Uncle Cygnus, Aunt Druella and his mother had destroyed. Either way he would have to wait and see, but he'll raise House Black from the ashes and make it something his daughter could be proud of.

* * *

The day of the burial everyone dawned bright and early as it was way past time that James and Lily were laid to rest so their souls could return to Lord Death and their magics to Lady Hecate or otherwise known as Mother Magic. Despite the Potters - as the only descendants of the Peverells (via Ignotus Peverell's granddaughter Iolanthe when she married Hardwin Potter) - not fearing Lord Death or death at all, instead they looked forward to seeing their family lost to them when their time came. It didn't mean saying goodbye to their only son and his wife hurt any less for Mia and Monty and the others.

All throughout Potter manor and the path leading towards the Potter mausoleum at the very back of the grounds, were black candles infused with the fragrance of lavender and with Rainbow Moonstone and Rose Quartz crystal chips to lead the souls to Lord Death's realm.

The candles are also to help the remaining family deal with the grief and loss while also enhancing focus. Whilst the colour of the candles (which Mia and Dorea with the help of Roxanne made) symbolise loss, darkness and sadness, the fragrance was chosen from freshly cut lavender grown on the grounds so it had absorbed the ambient magic of the grounds to help them reflect on their memories with Lily and James and to help them feel calm.

The Rose Quartz was added for loving support,  whilst the Rainbow Moonstone provided inner peace to support in times of grief. The candles that were only put out by the House-elves at six am would then last for the remainder of the day burning continuously for fifteen hours.

At breakfast the happy reunion of Regulus and Cassiopeia was a sombre affair that even Morgause seemed to realise as she barely touched her food despite Lyle, Roxanne's and Sirius's best efforts.
"Come on baby, one more bite for Dadfoot?" Sirius asked, holding out the spoon but Morgause shook her head with tears in her emerald-silver eyes.
"How about taking another bite for Uncle Reggie?" Regulus asked with a soft smile. When Sirius had introduced them earlier she had immediately clung to him babbling happily to him.

This time however, Morgause shook her head, and then again when Remus (Uncle Moony asked).
"Here. Put this on her, Sirius." Monty said, handing over a slim platinum bracelet with a small opal in the middle. "It's a dampener, just for today. We found out at Gringotts that not only does Morgan have Parseltongue given she can talk to her Runespoor Familiar and the abilities of the Lady of the Forest like Charlie and I, but also Parselmagic, Earth Magick, Death Magick (which hasn't been seen for two hundred years), the Magic Aura Sensing ability and Empathy."

"On top of her extremely large Magical Core." Charlus added.
"That too. So I made the bracelet last night to help her as she's probably feeling overwhelmed." Monty explained to the general shocked silence of those who didn't know - Remus, Regulus and Cassiopeia - as Sirius slipped the small bracelet onto Morgause's tiny wrist.
"Oh my poor baby girl." Sirius moaned, kissing her forehead.
"She'll be alright Sirius, I promise. That bracelet is only to help with today and will be ineffective tomorrow." Monty assured him.

"Thank you Monty." Sirius said gratefully, already noticing his daughter relaxing slightly as she grabbed her bottle of milk off of the tray of her high chair, Monty just smiled and waved off the thanks. They lulled into silence as they sipped their drinks as their minds filled with memories of Lily and James even if it was only twice (Cassiopeia who, due to work and travel, had only seen them at their binding ceremony and Morgause's birth).
"It's time." Mia intoned sombrely. At that they climbed to their feet following behind Mia and Monty towards the mausoleum.

Once they reached it, they saw more black candles with white lilies in between them. Not wanting Morgause to get upset, Monty waved his wand, before Sirius would enter with Morgause, and a moment later Lily and James were encased in white marble with black marble interlaced throughout, and the Deathly Hallows mark - the Peverell family crest - above the writing:

Here lies Heir James Luis Potter.
Born March 27th 1960. Died October 31st 1981. A Father, a Son, a Husband, a Nephew and a friend.
Departing this life as equals with Death.

Beside James's tomb was Lily's which read:

Here lies Lily Noelle Potter née Evans.
Born January 30th 1960. Died October 31st 1981.
A Mother, a Daughter, a Wife, and a friend.
L'amour au-dessus de la mort (Love above death).

After they entered there was a few moments of silence before each said a few words regarding Lily and James over their tombs as they laid lilies and pansies (James's favourite) besides their tomb as Monty and Charlus's attributes came on show.
"Mama. Dada." Morgause whimpered, her head buried in Sirius's neck.
"Shh. Shh baby." Sirius soothed, rubbing her back tenderly, trying to hold back his own tears. "Say bye to Mama and Dada, baby. They're going to have a long sleep, but they're...they're always with you." Regulus placed his hand on his brother's shoulder when he heard Sirius's voice break. Sirius smiled in thanks to his little brother while soothing Morgause as she started to cry.

"Bye-bye Mama. Dada. Lobe you." Morgause cried, clutching tightly to Sirius. "Dadfoot." She whimpered, trying to snuggle even closer.
"Shh, it's okay baby. I promise James, Lily that I will protect Morgause with my life and make sure she's loved." Sirius said sadly towards the tombs. They stayed in the mausoleum for another hour as they all uttered the rite so the souls of Lily and James could pass safely into Lord Death's realm and be welcomed by the Potter family long passed as well as Lily's grandparents. Despite having no active magic (as they're Squibs) Roxanne and Lyle still were able to perform the rite.

Upon finally leaving the mausoleum they - Sirius - received a shock when out of nowhere they heard the barking hoot of a Siberian snowy owl that was completely out of place in the Scottish Highlands. It, possibly a female given its large size, flew towards Sirius and Morgause who had perked up a little to lift her head smiling as the owl landed on Sirius's shoulder and rubbed her head comfortingly against Morgause's. The minute their heads touched a blinding golden light enveloped them, marking this owl as Morgause's third and final Familiar.
"Perhaps she felt Morgause needed her and flew here from wherever she had been previously." Remus remarked curiously.

"Whatever the case may be," Cassiopeia stated, watching with sharp molten eyes as the owl stared with jewel-bright amber eyes at the tiny Runespoor around Morgause's wrist and the Nemean Lion cub at Sirius's feet. The little cub had stuck close to Sirius and Morgause throughout the ceremony rubbing his head against Sirius's leg and purring. "We know that Mother Magic has truly blessed Morgause and she'll be extremely powerful. I look forwards to my lessons with her." Cassiopeia said elated, a twinkle in her molten eyes making them shine like platinum caught in sunlight.

"Calm down sister." Dorea chided with a laugh, but Cassiopeia just smiled at her little sister causing Dorea to groan. She now knew how cousin Arcturus felt and knew what he meant now. Cassiopeia's curiosity knew no bounds. However, despite her elder sister's curiosity Dorea knew she would never hurt little Morgause and would only teach her what was best for her, what would help her grow. Cassiopeia was really just a big softie who only showed it to family and then again only to certain family members.

* * *

A few days after the burial, Sirius decided, with support from everyone, to introduce Morgause to children her age to gain some social skills which she was unfortunately a little behind on due to Lily and James being in hiding. So, Sirius had sent out multiple letters to Arthur Weasley, Narcissa and Lucius, Lady Augusta and Lord Archie Longbottom, Madam Bones, Madam Melissa Wright, Lord Tiberius and his wife Lady Fiona Nott, and Lord and Lady Greengrass to invite over their children for a play date (obviously not all on the same day).

The first to come round for a play date were Neville Longbottom, who was Morgause's God-brother and who was only a day older than her, and Susan Bones on Thursday; and the trio got on like a house on fire. It was clear to see they were already becoming attached. On Friday, Daphne Greengrass and Fred and George Weasley (the only ones Molly allowed to visit which Arthur had no clues as to why).

Daphne was an outspoken twenty one month old baby but who adored Morgause much like a big sister would a little sister, even though Daphne was only five months older than Morgause. As for Fred and George, they were very playful and mischievous three year olds, keeping both girls laughing the majority of the day. Morgause adored them - which was cute to see - as she would follow them around which they happily let her do. Arthur told Sirius that it didn't happen with Ron and that he feared the others - including Molly - didn't give them a chance so he was glad to see his mischievous boys (as he affectionately called them) making friends.

Sunday, the day Sirius, Charlus, Monty, Lyle and Regulus hadn't been looking forward to had arrived. The play date between Morgause, Draco, Theo and Blaise which Sirius surmised was most likely planned by Mia, Dorea, Narcissa and Roxanne.
"Calm down cousin, they're not doing any harm." Narcissa laughed, taking a sip of her tea as they watched over the children. Seeing her only son happy and already developing a bond (and cutely being overprotective of Morgause) even when Morgause told them off when they got too much - was a balm to her soul.

It also had the added bonus of distracting her from Bella's trial that was going on at this very moment having been brought forward; whether this was a good or a bad thing they didn't know. Lucius, Monty and Mia were currently sat on the Wizengamot along with Tiberius Nott so they couldn't obviously be at the manor, so it was left to Narcissa, Fiona and Melissa to join Sirius, Regulus and Remus for the play date.

Charlus was down in the Duelling chamber to burn off excess energy, Dorea and Roxanne were in the garden, Lyle had done for a run around the grounds and Cassiopeia had gone to knock some sense into the stubborn mare known as Andromeda - her words not Narcissa's, not that it wasn't any less true of course.
"They are incredibly cute together." Fiona smiled, her golden eyes alight with happiness for her cub.
"And I love how protective these three opposing animals are over Morgause. Normally it wouldn't work, but as they're Morgause's Familiars it does. Any predator-prey instinct they would have generally for each other is nonexistent." Melissa said amused.

"That's true." Remus laughed. "Siri, stop scowling before the little flower thinks you're mad at her." He admonished.
"She's my baby girl, Remus!" Sirius refuted hotly. "I can't help but be overprotective."
"Yes, but they're all babies, Siri." Regulus argued carefully. "When they're teenagers that is when you can worry. It's also when we can threaten them to behave themselves and keep their hands off of my niece."
"Nope. No. Non. Nada." Sirius countered quickly, shaking his head so hard Narcissa feared he'd give himself a headache while she, Fiona and Melissa rolled their eyes at them.

"Dadfoot. Dadfoot." Morgause cried gleefully running towards him but having to pick herself up every few steps.
"What's the matter baby?" Sirius asked, concerned, putting her on his lap.
"Paddy pease." Morgause asked sweetly, head tilted cutely to the side.
"One Paddy coming up." Sirius cried dramatically, exciting the children even more as he put Morgause down and turned into Padfoot. Seeing Sirius play with the children as exuberant cries and giggles wrenched the air as he playfully barked as he chased them distracted everyone and before they knew it six pm had arrived and with it a Patronus landed in the middle of the family parlour.

The white-blue ball of light that was a Patronus turned into a timber wolf that spoke with Monty's voice: "Bella, Barty and the Lestrange brothers are all innocent. Bella was forced to join Voldemort by her parents and Walburga by the use of torture, and the Imperius Curse and the Confundus Charm. Barty was forced to join by Walburga using the same means as she did on Bella, and by Dumbledore using the Confundus Charm. The Lestrange brothers were forced to join by Dumbledore who used mind control and threatened their mother and father. Dumbledore then used the Imperius Curse and the Confundus Charm to make them attack Frank and Alice Longbottom.

They were cleared of all charges and are being transferred to Hibernia Magnus Memor Hospital for their recovery and to undo the conditioning. We shall be home soon, I'm sorry Narcissa, Reggie, Sirius. I've have also sent a Patronus to the others." As the Patronus disappeared the dam broke within Narcissa as a waterfall fell down her cheeks. Perhaps now they could all be a family again. A proper one this time.

A family she would help see come to fruition by helping Sirius and Lucius raise House Black and House Malfoy from the ashes of war much like Sirius and the Potters were raising House Potter and House Black from the ashes. Those who messed with a Black should know by now; you never mess with a Black.

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Author's note: DO NOT ask me to update in any way shape or form. There are other ways of telling me what you thought of this.

Morgause's familiars:

The Runespoor hatchling:

The Nemean Lion cub: