Black Dawn Ch.5: The House of Black - I

Birdsong and the chirps of crickets drifted in the wind as the faint beams of the rising sun fell across the trimmed lawn and tall trees, their shadows creeping across the green grass, up the white-washed walls. The shadow of the swaying branches fell across the dining table as Arcturus sat on a chair with a sigh. 

“Melody? Tea.” He rubbed his face, glancing up the stairs, straining his ears.

A pop rang through the kitchen, and Arcturus whirled, putting his finger to his lips, shushing her. 

“You’ll wake him up,” he hissed. “Don’t pop around while he’s sleeping. Last night was bad enough after he woke up, screaming and crying. Let him sleep for as long as we can. Babies need sleep.”

“You need not be worrying, Lord Black.” Melody poured Arcturus a cup of tea, which floated toward him. “Little Master Harry is still asleep. New friend Bailey is with him.” Her tennis ball-shaped brown eyes sparkled. “She’s a good elf, Lord Black. She takes good care of Little Master.”

“I would hope so,” Arcturus muttered. “Dumbledore said that she used to work at St. Mungo’s children's ward, and she’s great with toddlers. Merlin knows I can’t run around after another child with these legs. The last time I did this was twenty years ago and swore to never run after another munchkin.”

A fierce yearning tugged at his heart and stings of grief lashed at him as he closed his eyes, the echoes of delighted little giggles ringing in his ears.

“Would you be liking some breakfast, Lord Black?” Melody’s voice broke through, and Arcturus blinked. “You’ll need your strength before Little Master wakes. And you must be visiting the Ministry in the evening.”

“The Ministry?” Arcturus frowned, and Melody snapped her fingers, a purple envelope appearing in front of him. 

He felt the breath leave his lungs as the neat golden script stared back at him. His finger trembled as he opened the flap and pulled out the parchment within, feeling his heart thump against his chest. “They’ve set a trial for Bellatrix. And Pettigrew.” 

Melody’s ears drooped, and she shuffled away as Arcturus dropped the parchment, taking a deep breath, his fists clenching. His heart pounded against his chest, blood drumming in his ears. The rage burned in his veins, and waves of guilt drowned him under the cries and echoes and the high childish cackles that Bellatrix always had.

He was pulled out as a small hand tugged at his robes, and he glanced down, to see Harry looking at him through sleepy eyes.

“Gra-pa.” He yawned, hugging his plush Phoenix toy tighter against his chest. “Upsie.” 

Arcturus felt his lips curve into a smile as he scooped him up in his arms, seating him on his lap. “Did you sleep well, Harry?”

Harry yawned and nodded against his chest, snuggling closer. Out of the corner of his eyes, Arcturus saw Bailey trot nearer, an uncertainty hanging in her eyes as she twiddled her thumbs.

“Master Harry needs to brush his teeth and get a bath,” she said, noticing Arcturus’ gaze. “If you allow, Lord Black.”

Arcturus glanced at Harry, who was fast asleep against his chest, and stroked his hair. “I think he’s back to sleeping.” He lifted him in his arms and stood. “Let him sleep some more. He was unable to sleep well last night, and it’s best if he gets his rest.”

Bailey’s ears drooped and she nodded, trotting back toward the nursery, where Arcturus followed, laying Harry gently in the crib. He smiled and placed the phoenix toy next to him before lifting the blue blanket and draping it over the toddler.

Harry stirred and hugged the Phoenix, drawing it closer to his chest. With a finger, Arcturus gently parted the hair away from Harry’s eyes. Glancing at Bailey, he put a finger to his lips before backing away, closing the door behind him. 

As he sat back down at the dining table, a plate of eggs and toast appeared next to his tea, the aroma of butter wafting in the air.

“Melody?” He whispered.

The kitchen door on the other side of the room was pulled open, and Melody ran out as fast as her little legs could carry her. Arcturus raised an eyebrow as she stopped near the table by grabbing onto its leg, swinging around before straightening her skirt and walking toward Arcturus at a measured pace.

“Yes, Lord Black?”

“You know, you don’t have to run. I can wait for a moment or two.”

“Mistress Melania always said you were low on patience in the morning, Lord Black.” A gleam entered Melody’s eyes. “I didn’t want another smashed plate with Little Master around now.”

“Don’t go all Melania on me, you blasted elf,” Arcturus scowled “I got enough of it from her.” 

“I would never, Lord Black,” Melody said, her smile widening.

“You’re too much like your mistress for your own good,” Arcturus grumbled. “Somewhere in the realm beyond, she’s giggling herself sick right now. I know it.”

Melody just beamed in response, clasping her hands behind her back. “How may I be helping you, Lord Black? Do you want something else for breakfast? I can cook you—”

“Ah, no. Breakfast’s fine,” Arcturus said. “But we need clothes and toys for Harry. We might’ve prepared the house, but he doesn’t have toys except for the phoenix that Dumbledore gave him, and his only clothes are the ones Minerva bought for him. We need to get him everything he needs. And maybe a haircut.”

“Of course, Lord Black.”

“Is Jiggles and Giggles still there?” Arcturus frowned. “We bought things there for Orion and Cygnus. It was right next to Hugh’s ice-cream parlor… which his son, Florean, runs now, if I remember well. It had way better-quality things than the others and when it comes to children, I only take what’s the best.”

“I will check, Lord Black. Little Master will only get the best things he needs.” Melody inclined her head. Then she snapped her fingers, and the tea and eggs steamed. “I’ll go to the Alley after you finish your breakfast. It is getting cold. And you don’t like cold food unless it is meant to be served cold, Lord Black.” 

“Very well,” Arcturus sighed, picking up the cutlery. “I’ll eat. I also need you to set up a meeting with the goblins. I’ll be adding Harry to the Black accounts and setting up another account for him. And—” His heart clenched, and he stared down at the eggs on the plates. “And I also need to close Sirius’ and Regulus’ accounts. I’ve waited long enough. If I’m going to raise Harry, I need to get the house in order. For both of us.”

Melody smiled at him, a spark of pride lighting up in her large eyes. “I will write to them, Lord Black. And even ask for the account ledger. Anything else?”

“No, I suppose that’d be enough for now,” Arcturus said. “Help the new elf with Harry when he wakes up and inform me too. He might want me there. I’m not sure if James had house-elves. If they didn’t, it is—”

A tinkling chime rang through the house, and Arcturus felt his wand vibrate under his sleeve. 

“I’ll have to take that.” Arcturus stood and Melody frowned disapprovingly at the plate of breakfast as he strode out into the parlor.

A face stared up at him from the green flames, ash lines creasing on her face.

“Grandfather,” Narcissa spoke in a strangled voice. “Can I come through? I need your help. Urgently.”

Arcturus raised an eyebrow. “What happened?”

“It is about Lucius,” Narcissa burst out. “They just arrested him! Aurors breached through our wards and marched him out of our house in broad daylight. Please, Grandfather. They said they’ll throw him in Azkaban!”

Arcturus sighed. “Come through, I’ll open the floo. And calm yourself, girl.”

Narcissa nodded and her face disappeared from the flames, embers of green scattering across the carpet, before the flames turned orange.

“Melody! Keep Harry in his room.” Arcturus pressed his hand to the runes carved on the brick above the fireplace, the letters glowing green. “Not even his sound should escape outside till Narcissa’s gone back. I don’t want her finding out that Harry’s here.”

Behind him, a cracking pop rang, before he heard the click of a lock. With a deep breath, he released his hand, and the flames burned with an emerald sheen. He drew his wand, transfiguring his night robe into dark, navy robes, the heaviness of the material settling on his shoulders.

The flames turned a bright emerald, and Narcissa appeared, crouching in the flames, before stepping through, her face distraught, and her blonde hair in disarray.

“Grandfather—”

“We can talk in the dining room, come.” He turned and strode away, out of the parlor, sitting back on his chair as Narcissa shifted on her feet by the side of the table. “Tea?”

“I’m not here for tea,” Narcissa eyed the breakfast. “Grandfather, they’re accusing Lucius of being a follower of the Dark Lord. They’re—”

“You and I both know that he was one, Narcissa,” Arcturus scoffed. “He ran in the same circles that Bellatrix and her husband did. They’re not accusing him of anything he didn’t do.”

“Lucius is not a dark wizard,” Narcissa sneered. “Nor is he a murderer or a torturer. He had to give his support to the madman to protect us. It was just money. Money with which he kept Draco and I safe.”

“Are you sure about that? I vividly remember him being arrested alongside Bellatrix for muggle-baiting last year. Of course, he bailed himself out with a bag of Galleons—”

“I will not have the father of my son labeled as a criminal,” Narcissa snapped. “I will not have Draco live with that for the rest of his life. My Draco will not be called the son of a Dark Wizard.”

“Even if Lucius was freed, Narcissa, he’ll always carry the mark of suspicion. Which’ll just make it worse for your son.” 

“Better be suspicion than proven, Grandfather. People will say what they wish to say.” Narcissa sniffed. “But that can be fought back against, ignored, or their opinions turned over time. Opinions can be changed, grandfather. Verdicts once they’re given, cannot.”

“I can give you a better option, Narcissa.” Arcturus leaned back in his chair and Narcissa quirked an eyebrow. “Let Lucius go. Let him go to Azkaban and you can take the Malfoy name and fortune for yourself. You’d have riches and a name to go with. You can take control of the house and be what you always desired. Be anything you desire. Your son too would be better off without Lucius.”

“How dare you? How dare you even suggest that, Grandfather?” Narcissa slammed her palms on the wooden table. Arcturus’ teacup rattled and warm tea spilled across his eggs and drenched his toast.

Arcturus scowled, wiping his hands clean with a napkin, and turning to Narcissa, who flinched as he rose to his feet.

“It was only two days ago that you stood by Sirius’ grave, taunting and cursing me,” Arcturus whispered. “Two days ago, when you declared you and your husband would take the House of Black for your son once I kicked the bucket. I’m still graciously entertaining you, because you are my blood, and helping you. And you only threaten me more. How dare you, Narcissa?”

“Grandfather, I—”

“I’m not done,” Arcturus barked. “You cursed me for allowing you to be wed to Lucius. You proclaimed I had caused you pain, punishing you for the deeds of your sister. Did you not?”

“Yes, but—”

“And yet you stand here, when I present a chance to you? A chance to correct all the things you felt were wrong. You could annul your marriage now. You could take the power and prestige, with an heir and raise him to be great. All your dreams that you dreamt as a girl are standing in front of you, Narcissa. And I can help you get it.”

“If I let Lucius be thrown in Azkaban,” Narcissa scoffed. 

“It is not a question of if Lucius is thrown in Azkaban. It is for how long he’s thrown in. Your husband, regardless of what you proclaim, did follow the bastard. He did the crimes in his name and enjoyed it. And now, his actions have come to bite him in the behind. And I’m glad for it.” 

“You don’t understand! I can’t let that happen. He’s still my husband.”

“That can be remedied,” Arcturus said. “I didn’t say anything when Cygnus married you off. But I can say now. I can annul your marriage, if you say so. And Narcissa, if you say so, I will throw all—”

“I won’t say so,” Narcissa screamed, her face reddening. “I took my vows, and I created a family with him. You cannot snatch it all away like you did for my decision to lead my own life. I won’t let you!”

“Then what do you want, Narcissa?” Arcturus sighed. “Because—”

“I despise that you took away my decision to marry someone I love. But I love Lucius now.” A tear streamed down her cheek. “And more than him, I love Draco. I love my family, Grandfather. And if I don’t save Lucius, my family will be torn asunder. I cannot allow that to happen. I cannot become you.”

Arcturus reeled, waves of indignation rising in his chest, as the flames of fury rose.

“Get out,” he said. “OUT!”

Narcissa sneered and turned on her heel, storming away. She stopped at the parlor door and looked over her shoulder, her eyes smoldering with anger.

“I’ll get Lucius out, old man. With or without your support. And if you stand in my way, I’ll take all that you hold dear. Your house, your pride. Everything.”

With that, she marched away, throwing a handful of floo powder in the flames and vanishing in an emerald haze. 

Arcturus stumbled back into his seat, taking heavy breaths, his heart pounding in his ears. 

“MELODY!” Arcturus barked and a pop rang through the room as the elf appeared, her eyes brimming with concern. “When you go to the alley, get me Ashurst. Tell him that I want him here by lunch.”

“Lord Black—” Melody hesitated. “Mr. Ashurst is no more.”

Arcturus felt a stone drop into his stomach. “What? When?”

“In August. The bad wizards burned his office with him inside.” Her ears drooped, and she hung her head. “I thought you knew.”

“Ashurst was the most trustworthy man I had,” Arcturus muttered, grabbing the arm of the chair tighter. He took deep breaths, before turning back to Melody. “We need a new damn attorney now. Someone good and someone we can trust. Malfoy is a slimy shit and Narcissa is a shark. They’ll use everything to get their hands on the House and the fortune. I can’t let it happen.”

“There’s someone we can trust, Lord Black. She’s very good.” Melody’s eyes gleamed. 

“Then I’ll write her a letter. Who’s she?”

“Miss Andy, of course. She—”

“Absolutely not!” Arcturus glowered at Melody, who winced. “The girl’s a disgrace to the Black name. She betrayed us once already.”

“But she’s family, Lord Black. Mistress Melania always said that it is family whom we should love and cherish for they’ll always be by your side, when times are most dire.”

“I am not bringing Andromeda back into the family.” Arcturus declared. “She turned our backs on us. Ran away after eloping and becoming pregnant. She’s a black mark against the family.”

Melody steeled herself, taking a couple of steps forward, her throat quivering. “Lord Black, I— Mistress Melania would want you to hear this— You don’t have much of a family left. And you’re burning away what’s left.”

“I have Harry. He’s Dorea’s grandson. Dorea and Charlus’, both of whom were more of a family than my own sons at times. He’ll suffice. He will be the next Lord Black.” Arcturus met Melody’s eyes. “He’s going to be my heir and when time comes, the sole inheritor of everything. He’ll carry the family forward.”

“And to support him, he’ll need a family too, Lord Black. Who’ll be with him to support him after you go?” Melody’s legs trembled as she clenched her tiny fists. “Miss Andy has a daughter. A good family. Little Master could have a sister. You had Miss Dorea. She was always there for you, Lord Black. Little Master will need someone too.”

“He’ll have me!” Arcturus roared.

“You’re not enough,” Melody screamed, her little body trembling, as silver tears slipped down her cheeks. “I saw you fall after Mistress Melania died. But Miss Dorea pulled you back. The Lord Black my mistress knew would’ve never allowed anyone to dictate him. He would’ve fought for his family!”

“I did!”

“No, Lord Black. You didn’t. You didn’t fight for Miss Andy or Miss Cissa. You let the outsiders dictate your actions. The Lord Black my mistress knew—”

“ENOUGH!” Arcturus swept his hand, and the plate and teacup shattered against the wall. He grabbed Melody by her dress and lifted her up. “Melody, you are testing my patience.”

“I’m doing what mistress Melania would’ve wanted. She told me to take care of you. And you’re burning bridges with your family. You could’ve helped Miss Cissa right now.”

“I tried to help her,” Arcturus growled. “She spat in my face and threatened me. I don’t respond to threats, Melody. I make them.”

“All you’re doing is threatening what’s left of your family, Lord Black. And burning what could be saved. You cannot save Miss Bella, and you burned your ties with miss Cissa. Only Miss Andy's remaining. Please, save it.”

Melody snapped her fingers and disappeared from his hands, leaving Arcturus alone in the room.

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AND… DONE! Hope you all liked the chapter!

So, yes. Narcissa is more complicated than expected and she's having a classic feud with the family. Arcturus isn't blameless either and he did drop the ball on the third generation, in more ways than one.

As for Melody, a house-elf having so much say in what Arcturus does, and the shouting match they endured, she is more than a house elf to him. I don't think I need to spell it out, but for the sake of clarity, Melody is the last link Arcturus has to his wife Melania. Melody was originally her elf and grew up with Melania, and even followed her to the Black home. Melody has also spent the last few years in Arcturus' company. She's loyal and she's intelligent to boot, more than Winky and Dobby. 

You can also see the difference where Arcturus talks to Bailey, v/s when he talks to Melody. Melody is about as close to Arcturus as a family member can be. And has been the one to keep him afloat for the past couple of years since Dorea died. While Melody wouldn't usually shout at Arcturus, she had to and was trembling with the defiance she showed.

The Next chapter can be read here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/black-dawn-ch-6-117215138?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link

A huge thanks to Mughil and Tulayb for betaing this chapter.

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