CHAPTER FORTY-SIX
Back To The Old House
May 8th, 1982

         Daphne read the paper, her heart sunk a little as she read about the death of Walburga and Orion Black. She wasn't fond of them but she appreciated them a bit, and reading about their deaths was somehow hurtful. The cause was illness, apparently. But as for now, all she had to worry about was getting Sirius out.

"James?" Daphne called out as she walked out of the bathroom, taking a light blouse from the coat hanger. "Are you going to be fine on your own?"

"Of course," he replied with a playful grin. He held Harry in his arms, feeding him some breakfast he had made early in the morning. "We're going to be okay, Harry, eh? Are we not?"

Harry laughed, "Yes!" He babbled, clapping his hands together. "Daffy!"

"Oh, still not okay with saying Daphne?" She asked James as he gave her a small shrug. Truth was that James hadn't tried to teach him Daphne at all, he simply called her Daffy. "Alright, bye bye Harry! I'll see you tonight."

"Good luck, Daph," James said, offering her a smile as she smiled back. "If anything goes wrong, send me a patronus, yeah?"

"Okay," she answered. "Oh, have you read the paper? Sirius's parents passed away due to illness, they say."

"Oh," James scratched the back of his neck. "Well, Sirius will be happy then."

"Reckon he will?"

James shrugged, "He hated the lot of them so I reckon, yes."

"Right. I'll see you," Daphne said before leaving the flat.

A week ago, she had received the instructions and she intended on following them perfectly. First, she needed to go to the Ministry of Magic and ask for a certain John O'Malley. According to the letter, he would be the one taking her to Azkaban. Reaching the reception, she cleared her throat, catching the woman's attention.

"Hello, John O'Malley?"

The old woman gave her a glance, looking down at the agenda. Daphne watched as her red painted nail grazed the paper and stopped at Rosier — 10:00am.

"Are you here because you need to go to Azkaban?" She queried.

Daphne nodded, "Yes."

"Mmh, this way," she pointed on her right and Daphne perceived a long hallway with one door at the end.

Thanking the woman, she hurried to walk down the corridor and she felt herself getting anxious as she noticed how it got darker every time she took a step. With a groan, she grabbed her wand and murmured a soft lumos. The walls were black and it almost felt like dementors were trapped in it.

Bringing her knuckles to the door, she knocked and waited, "Ah, you must be Miss Rosier," the young bloke said, stepping on the side so she could walk in. "John O'Malley."

"Right," Daphne smiled, shaking his hand. "Daphne Rosier."

"Nice to meet you, Daphne," he replied, walking over to his desk. "So, I will be the one travelling with you to Azkaban. Is it okay?"

"Of course."

"Why are you going there?"

"Well, my cousin, Sirius Black—"

He gaped a little, "Heard of him. Isn't he the bloke who killed Muggles and his friend?"

"No, it was a misunderstanding, really," Daphne mumbled. "Anyways, I pleaded for his release so now I am going to get him out."

John put his hand on his heart, faking a dreamily sigh, "How touching."

Daphne couldn't help but roll her eyes, "Shove off."

"Ouh and she is feisty," he commented with a smirk and she ignored the blush on her cheeks. "I'm sorry. Come with me."

Daphne watched as he grabbed a random object and she assumed it was a Portkey to Azkaban. Wordlessly, she followed his lead and sometimes found herself almost grabbing his arm in scary moments.

As soon as he stopped, he motioned for her to grab the other side of the object and explained to her that they would Apparate to Azkaban. From there, she would have to trust him to talk with the guardian and lead her to her cousin.

With a loud pop, they disappeared from the Ministry and her feet touched the hard floor of the prison in only seconds. Daphne could feel the horrible feeling of being drained out of your emotions as soon as she was able to look around.

"If you see a dementor, don't look it in the eyes, alright?"

Daphne frowned, "I thought they didn't have eyes."

He rolled his eyes, "Well, they have a bloody face so it is the same!" Before she could say another word, he reached the guardian and offered him a smile. "Mikey."

Michael released an annoyed sigh, "Johnny. What can I do for you today?"

"I need to know the number of Sirius Black's cells. I have a paper here that says he is allowed to leave that shit hole," he explained.

Michael looked closer, an eyebrow arched in surprise, "Free of charge?" He asked and that was only now that Daphne noticed his American accent. "Well, he's a lucky dude."

"Right that."

"Cell 197."

John smiled, "Thank you, Mikey," He waited for Daphne to step forward and put a hand on her lower back in order to guide her through the prison. "So, what is our saviour doing in life?"

"Not much," Daphne admitted, though she hated the fact that she was unemployed. "I was a Death Eater before but then became a spy for the Order. You know, the group that helped for the war."

"I know, I know."

"Well, I was a spy. Never liked being a Death Eater anyway."

Turning her head, she noticed a familiar head, "Bellatrix?"

The woman looked up and Daphne jumped. Bellatrix didn't look the same anymore, her soft curls were harsh and full of knots.

"Ah," she said, finding the strength to rise on her feet. Her hands wrapped around the metal bars. "Cousin. Did they find you too?"

"Yes," Daphne lied, knowing she couldn't tell her she was freeing Sirius.

John seemed to have noticed her alarmed tone of voice and grabbed her hands to pin them behind her back, he then pushed her forwards ignoring Bellatrix Lestrange's calls for her cousin. When they were out of sight, Daphne released a breath.

"Thank you," she muttered.

He shrugged sheepishly, "Mad one that one, is she not?"

"She used to be—nicer."

John looked up, releasing Daphne, "197," he commented. "He should be in here."

Daphne stepped closer, her heart threatened to leave her chest, "Sirius?" Her voice called out for him as she squinted her eyes, trying to see if he was alive there. "It's Daphne."

Sirius stepped toward the light as Daphne let out a gasp of horror at his sight. His clothes were too big for him, they had holes in it as if he had fought before. His hair, just like Bellatrix, were full of knots and his skin so dirty.

"Daphne?"

"Yes, yes," she breathed out, reaching for his hand through the metal bars. "Give me your hand."

Siris did. His hand was so cold and his grip was weak but he was alive. Sirius couldn't believe he was holding Daphne's hand, it was so warm compared to his and her touch spread warmth all over his body.

"Oh, Merlin," he sighed in relief. "You're here," his voice broke a little and she felt her heart sink.

"Could you please open it?" Daphne turned to meet John's eyes as he hummed, reaching for a key. Three turns and he was out. "Thank you."

"No worries."

Daphne gave Sirius a hug as he collapsed in her arms, "We're going home, yeah?"

...

Sirius had never been so silent. Daphne was used to jokes and playful smirks but no sound came out. He travelled all the way back in utter silence. John tried to start a conversation but seeing he wasn't responsive, he gave up and talked with Daphne instead. At least, he was good company, Daphne thought.

"This is where I leave you both," John said as they reached the long and dark corridor. "Daphne, it was nice to meet you and good luck, Mr Black."

"Thank you again," Daphne replied with a smile. "Are you alright, Sirius?"

"I didn't think I'd make it out," he replied in total honesty. Panic seemed to submerge him as he turned to look at her. "Where's James? Is he–is he okay? And how's Harry?"

Daphne shushed him quietly, "They're fine, Sirius. I've been taking care of them both," she told him. "They're at my flat."

"Oh, did they come all the way to your flat to wait for me?"

Daphne grimaced, preparing herself to hear his sneaky remarks, "Actually, they've been living with me."

"With you?" He exclaimed loudly. "Bloody what?"

"He had nowhere to go and he was–is miserable. I'm helping him with Harry."

"Bullocks!"

"Just sod off, alright?" Daphne groaned, ignoring the way he snickered behind her.

By the time they reached her flat, Sirius seemed to have gained a little more colour and obviously was more chatty than he was when he got out of Azkaban. Despite the dirty skin and the shabby clothes, Sirius looked almost normal. Pushing the front door open, she let him come inside and James, who seemed to have been waiting in front of the door since this morning, gasped loudly.

"Oh, Merlin," James breathed out, relieved to see his best friend again. "Look at you, mate!"

Sirius grimaced, "I know. Shabby clothes and all that but the food was shite there."

"I can imagine," James replied softly. "Harry is asleep but you can see him when he wakes up," he added as Sirius nodded.

"Oh and Sirius?" Daphne queried as he walked to the bathroom. "Walburga and Orion passed away earlier yesterday. It said illness," she told him quietly, watching him closely to see his reaction but nothing bulged.

He cleared his throat, "Would it be okay if we go to Grimmauld Place?"

"Of course."

"Thanks. I'll be in the shower."

Daphne focused back on James, "Have you found him? Remus, I mean?"

James shook his head, his lips in a thin line as he ran a hand through his hair, "No, nothing. I tried, though. I even contacted Professor Dumbledore, he won't tell me."

Daphne groaned in frustration, "That old—" she stopped herself, falling back into the chair and softly sinking into it. "I don't get it. I mean, it's over. He told me that...so where is Remus?"

"I have no idea, Daph," he replied, standing up and reaching for a cup of tea. He handed it to her as she thanked him. "How is he?"

Daphne couldn't quite fathom the fact that James Potter was roaming freely in her flat. He knew the exact cupboards for every dish. He would spend his evenings reading on the couch while Daphne observed from afar.

Daphne shrugged, not really knowing how Sirius was, "He is the same Sirius as before. Cocky and playful," she answered honestly. "I think we'll really know when we'll go to Grimmauld."

"Right," James sighed.

Daphne snorted, knowing he was itching to ask questions, "James, you can ask."

"Right," he chuckled nervously. "How was it?"

"Morbid," she commented. "All I did was go to the Ministry, ask for a certain John O'Malley—a very kind man. He used a portkey and then we went to fetch Sirius."

"John O'Malley? Doesn't ring a bell."

Daphne shrugged, "He's Irish. I could tell by the accent."

"Oh."

"Azkaban is—it's terrifying. The atmosphere instantly shifts when your feet touch the floor for the first time. It really does feel like your soul is being drained out," Daphne explained. "I don't know how Sirius managed that."

"He's strong."

All Daphne did was agree with a low hum as she waited for Sirius to come back. When he did, his hair was still wet, he had taken the liberty to borrow James some clothes. He arched his eyebrows, clearly questioning himself on Daphne and James's relationship–or friendship, whatever they liked to call it. However, his face went still when he noticed his cousin shaking her head, begging him not to make a remark. Besides, Sirius knew better than to tease his best friend, knowing Lily had died only a few months ago.

Sirius could still be sad. He had been sad. The few first nights in Azkaban were painful as every time he tried to close his eyes, he would hear the same exact words coming from Daphne's Patronus. So, he decided to move on and pray to get out. Sirius never had been a fan of praying–his Mother, she would torture him to do so and he loathed her for that. But, he was grateful to know his prayers when the night fell and he was left with no source of light.

He took a random coat on the coat hanger, he didn't care if it was Daphne's or James's. He just did not want to be cold. Not anymore. He spent so many times disguised as Padfoot, just trying to feel warmth somehow–his fur helped.

"Are you going to be alright?" Daphne queried, following him as he walked through the streets of a packed London. "Are we taking the tube?"

Sirius shrugged, "Why not? I haven't seen people in a long time," he replied. "And, dear Daffy, keep your soft tone for James. I'll manage, alright?"

"Right," Daphne snorted sarcastically, walking down the stairs. "We haven't found Remus yet," she then added. "We are looking for him but Dumbledore won't say a thing."

"Typical Dumbledore, is it not?"

"Yes but–don't you miss him?" Daphne asked as she checked the board, seeing the tube was about to be here in a minute or so. "I'm sure he's alive," she added, knowing exactly what he was thinking about.

Sirius sighed, rubbing his eyes tiredly, "I can't have this discussion today, alright Daph? I just want to fetch some things then I will never step foot into this wicked house anymore."

Daphne hummed quietly, her footsteps tailing Sirius's as he paved the way through London. It felt as if he had done this walk a hundred times and parts of her wondered if he did come back sometimes. Quietly, they reached the house and Daphne watched as the house appeared in front of her. She always found it a bit tricky but beautiful the way they had set the wards, making the house invisible to Muggles.

Pushing the door, Daphne recognised the parlour, surrounded by the darkest wallpaper that they could find. An old floor lamp, all dusty hung above their heads and Sirius cursed under his breath. As they walked further into the house, a crispy yet familiar voice echoed throughout the house.

"Sirius Orion Black!"

Sirius sighed to himself, silently pointing at the huge portrait of Walburga on the wall, "Of course, the fucking portrait!" He muttered, walking up the stairs so he could stand in front of the portrait. "Hello, Mother. Aren't you happy to see me?"

"Your father and I read what you did in the newspaper. We are so proud of you," she cooed almost in a motherly way.

"Sorry mother but I have never been a Death Eater," he said. Her face went stoic and Daphne could already hear her scream. "And will never be."

"You–" she started. If she could have, she would have pointed her finger at Sirius despite it being a bad manner. Her mouth was wide open, her eyes were ready to pop out of their holes and the known vein on her forehead was starting to appear. "Blood-traitor! We rai–"

Her voice faded as Sirius grabbed her wrist and pulled her further into the house. The truth was she hadn't stepped foot into this house since her last year at Hogwarts where she took Evan and Regulus out. The house had changed. It was darker, much much darker. Papers were scattered on the floor of Walburga's office. All of them were written letters from Regulus when he used to be away, some of them were even Sirius's. The house was clearly a mess. From the kitchen, they could hear Kreacher mumbling words.

"Master Sirius has returned," he spoke up, his tone rather annoyed by the presence of him. After all, he did prefer Walburga and Regulus. "Miss Daphne wishes for something? Kreacher can cook for you."

Daphne smiled, "No, thank you, Kreacher."

"Why is Master Sirius here? The blood-traitor of the noble house of Black."

Sirius rolled his eyes, used to his behaviour, "Kreacher–go fetch me Regulus's favourite book, would you?"

"Master Regulus wouldn't want a blood-traitor to get it," he muttered under his breath. "Master Regulus said–"

Sirius's hand hit the wall loudly, "Who cares what Regulus said or my mother?" He shouted. "They're bloody dead, you idiot! So, I am your master now. Go fetch me that bloody book, for Merlin's sake."

Kreacher cussed under his breath, muttering insults as he walked away. Sirius told Daphne to roam around the house if she wished to and that he had to look for some things, and that he would be back. Her first instinct was to push the door open to Walburga's office, she always told them that it was forbidden for them to go inside and today curiosity got the best of her.

A pile of unsent letters caught her attention, some were destined to Sirius, others to Amalthea–her Mother. Curiously and quietly, she grabbed the first envelope and tore it open. The ink on the paper seemed old, then she read the date–January 8th, 1980.

Dear Amalthea,

Orion and I are so delighted to read about Daphne's engagement to Fabian Prewett. She deserves a pure-blood with good manners that will love her for who she is. We are truly saddened to have not been invited to the dinner–hopefully, she will reach out to me sooner or later.

Please tell her that she is free to owl us. The house has been awfully quiet since Regulus's death. Orion is sick and he doesn't have much time left. He hoped she would pay us a visit shortly, you do know how much Orion is fond of Daphne.

Again, congratulations to Daphne.

Love,

Walburga Black.

Then, she picked another letter. Her heart was heavier than when she walked in earlier. This one was destined for Sirius. It must have been really old because she could read Hogwarts on it, meaning she had tried to somehow reach for her son after he ignored them. Silently, she put it back down on the desk and joined Sirius back in the kitchen.

"Do you ever think you'll come back?" Daphne queried.

Sirius shrugged, "I don't know. I don't want to," he admitted quietly. "Especially with that mad portrait of hers shouting at every wizard considered blood-traitors."

Daphne snorted, "Right that."

"What did you find?"

"Oh, just some old letters," she said with a sad smile. "Most of them were for my mother. I don't know why she never sent them."

"Well, Aunt Amalthea and my mother are two very different women despite sharing the same blood," he said but Daphne knew that. But they were close, weren't they? "What did it say?"

Daphne shrugged softly, wincing a bit, "She was just sending her congratulations for my engagement to Fab," her finger automatically reached for the ring on her finger and started fidgeting it. "See, they've told me to take it off but–"

Sirius cut her off, his hand laying on her shoulder. He offered a smile and said, "You don't need to take it off, you know? Keep it as long as you need to."

"Right. Thank you."

"Thank you for pleading for my innocence," he then said. "I'd call you mental for that but you did pretty great, so thanks Daffy."

Reaching for his hair, she ruffled them, earning a groan from her cousin, "No problem, sweet cousin."

After an hour or so, the cousins stepped out of the house and Daphne noticed that Sirius didn't turn to look back at the old house, the one he had grown up in but also where he suffered the most. Patting his back gently, they walked home.

—————
authors note, new chapter and i love them 4everrrrrr