✧HAPPY BIRTHDAY✧
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 As the days grew closer and closer to the 20th, Sirius found himself tenser. At the idea of needing to look at the calendar to see what date in July it had been.

Yet it was merely Aurora's birthday, one of which he spent the entire day writing a whole list of reminders and memories in the textbook. Which paired directly to the pocket watch.

However neither of which were near the exhausted Ms.Black, the poor girl had found herself awake at the crack of dawn to where she stood now, dancing around as it was an addition to her wedding party.

Her and Rabastan were laughing and dancing to the wonderful music around them, both talking of how everyone wanted another excuse to party, to be happy or to celebrate a joyous occasion.

Or even gift ridiculous things, but young Cassi asked that a donation be made for potion research rather than gifts to herself.

Causing Otto to swear her with another blessing.

Rabastan couldn't help but admit that she looked delectable, rather intoxicating as she strived on the dance floor in this very deep v neck dress that hugged her body just right. And once more was she sporting her blue colors. The small crown on her head had been added by her mother, who was getting very frustrated as her hair wouldn't come to terms this morning.

The man did not care what she wore, it was her rosy cheeks, her carefree spirit that he adored. Even now as she laughed along with him and his brother, or giggling as Bella held her oh so close to whisper something into her ear.

Probably propantiies or something in dark nature.

And yet, it was nerves that rendered the girl to this state. If it weren't for the hints that Rabastan had claimed on their wedding night, or the teasing between the two in-laws...Then perhaps Rory would push this off for a few more days, but it was leaking into the surface.

A week. Merlin save her soul if she waited any longer.

"Cissy, may I steal you for a quick moment?" She questioned, and although the girl held herself proudly, the elder of the two Black children could tell that something is amiss. 

"Of course, excuse me, darling." Lucius was more so a pushover, but he was too deeply invested in making money, producing heirs and his lovesick puppy dog eyes to ever say anything against the women.

Instead they left the ballroom arm and arm and Rory looked rather disheveled. "Oh Merlin what has Bella said now, it's alright you can tell me if—" Aurora gave a quick dismiss that it wasn't her that was the issue.

"I just...To consummate the marriage, my mother told me...Cissy it's keeping me up at night and I can tell he's eager. He's more than eager, he's acting like he's bloody starving." The only reaction the cousin had given in that moment was a strong and fitful laugh behind her polite hand.

And the miserable look that Aurora mustered still didn't end the giggling. 

"Darling, there is nothing to fear...Nothing at all." The women as already eight years or so older than the freshly entered adult, but the states of the confession didn't aid her at all. Merlin it took a terrible turn.

"The first time yes, it might feel uncomfortable...And the little clause of rites is tedious to think about...But once you two find yourselves together the days following the wedding, you'll come to laugh at your own worries soon enough. I had, and let me tell you I went to Bella for advice." The girl struggled at the thought of the highest-ranking Death Eater giving sexual pointers to her uneducated little sister?... It rendered the girl inaudible, letting Cissy take the lead.

"You're an avid reader, surely you've come across some little inclines on what the night might turn into?" Aurora's eyes widened and her cheeks turned ripe red. 

"I have the perfect one I'll owl it tomorrow...But if there is something you don't like performance-wise, voice it. There are things that can be uncomfortable, for both of you. It's alright to claim it as something you're not interested in." Now it finally felt like valid information being bestowed to the next generation of Black.

"What is your plan after the wedding Cassi? Your mother said you were going to school once more?" 

"Hm, she still voices her distastes, but Otto refused to allow me to say no to any of his invitations or scholarships. Starts in September." Although the blond women smiled politely at the idea of her furthering her education, the woman was a bit...Relieved.

The world would shun her as barren if she didn't produce an heir to the Malfoy line or even become pregnant before the young newlyweds. So seeing as how she is to partake in some rather dangerous experiments then it will give ample time for her and Lucius to—

"Raba said we shouldn't worry about children until later, and it made me thankful at the idea. Just because it's our first few months, is that wrong Cissy?" The soft shake of the women's head allowed her to put her hand onto the young girl.

"Of course not Cassi, do you want to be a mother so soon after being a wife? We aren't our elders, this new world is dangerous even in our position. Walburga cannot say anything more than comments from the moment you kiss Rabastan at the altar for the rest of eternity." The smile erupted on the girl's face and her question had been answered and her fears diminished.

Taking a strong breath of air did the two return to the ballroom, which was still festive and energetic as ever. 

"Rory love, is everything alright?" She hummed and kissed his chin as it was the only place she could reach at the moment.

"Have I told you Happy Birthday yet?" The giggle had him crack another smile, but it prompted her to nod. 

"Yes, about eight times. Never understood how you men could wear all those clothes, aren't you sweating?" She whispers, of course she would turn the conversation over to something as odd as this.

But he leaned close to her head and explained that there's a cooling charm enacted on the different layers. "Ah, so while my feet are sore and strained you are chilled to the bone?" He pouts in hearing that his little bird was in pain.

"I would be more than happy to give you a gentle food rub milady." She snorted, the eldest of her side of the Black family tree had snorted as his attempt at being naughty.

"Hold it for after the wedding then?" 

"Merlin it's days away Raba, don't tell me your feet are cold." She cheered, and tapped her nose in regression. "Of course not, waiting anxiously since your parents pushed the blessing. You know I had the ring in my pocket all through that party of yours. I thought it was going to burn me right through the fabric." The taunts continued from his little Ravenclaw...But even through that, another round of dancing...

But nowhere had he told her that they've been engaged since they were babes. Truthfully he hoped she never would find out...

Everything was utterly breathtaking, until Bella herself whispered off towards Rabastan that a 'special visitor' wished to see the birthday girl. Already her mind stilled that the Dark Lord had snuck in uninvited.

But she graciously took her fiancee's hand and was lead to a private room.

His ghostly smile was polite enough of a response to both his young followers bowing at his presence. "An honor my Lord, to what do I owe such a meeting on my birthday." The broken down toothy grin allowed a shiver, Rabastan knew of the likes of this favoritism he had for the Black gals...And Aurora surely fit that category, a strong female of the Blacks.

"That is just it, I wanted to grant you a happy birthday...A gift, for the young witch." The Dark Lord offered his arm out with his given robes flowing with each movement, Aurora looked to her cousin who rejoined them into the room.

But her attention was soon caught on by the bird settled on Rodolphus' wrist. Cassiopeia eyes sparked at the surprise to the little fellow, tamed and trained. A rather exquisite gift as it was her house's bird. 

"The youngest Potion mistress in the making, will you continue further after you receive your title...I hear you excelled right beside Snape." The name was a strike to the chest, her brother's strongest enemy and one of the many that she had seen the night of Rabastan's mission.

"Six points ahead of him my Lord, Cassiopeia took it with best interest to beat him." She cracked a grin and held his arm tighter to show a bit of affection.

"Always the one to complement your bride, the two of you have spoken of this then. Given your position in my circle Rabastan, it is fitting that your wife know the nature of your missions as well." Aurora looked more than just confused as she perked her lips and questioned that.

"My Lord?" 

"Your studies will come first Cassiopeia. Even then I wouldn't want our little Ravenclaw in the pit with us Slytherin...You will not be granted my mark...Yet." The young witch had to look sadden to the fact and bowed her head.

"I understand my Lord." His smirk was nothing but sick and twisted, the one that he had when torturing his victims, and finding peal sure in it.

"Eager, aren't you...So willing to fulfill." She forced another smile at the mention as to what he was hinting at her mother's vision.

"He's yours...Enjoy the rest of your night." She bows her head along with the rest of those in the room, but it was Rodolphus who followed close to the young couple.

"Very odd gift Cassiopeia. Especially from the Dark Lord." The eldest Lestrange stated, only for Bella to swat at her husband. 

"It's an honor, soon you'll join us, my dear." Smiling off to her family members was the only option as she was attempting to ignore how sick she felt in the pit of her stomach.

"His talons have been filed down, it's alright for you to hold him." She held out her arm in response to Rodolphus, and at his go-ahead had the bird fluttered to the offering arm the witch had given him. Cooing in regard to a new owner, it was as though the bird felt the tension dwindle in that very moment.

"Perhaps you would like a walk around the property before the night comes to an end?" She took his offer while the little fellow found placement at her shoulder.

"Now I suppose you aren't my little bird now." The kiss sound she had managed to make beside his ear had him chuckle. The Dark Lord giving gifts sounded strange, his brother had been entirely right.

"What did the dark Lord mean by your fulfillment? Have you been conspiring behind my back?" He teased, and she groaned. 

"Perhaps that is a conversation until after the wedding Raba? When we can talk without the public eye surrounding us?" She offered and he saw nothing wrong with that conversation waiting for another time.

"On a much lighter note love, Cissy has gotten a temporary style to stay in our manner...Just so when we return from our honeymoon we'll have a livable space whilst we're fixing it up." The girl smiled, but shrugged along...Causing him to remember specifically that she wasn't a very pricey women, nor her style to entirely luxury.

"Can we have two living rooms...One for show and one for...For just us?" He thought about what she was asking, part of him understood how unhomey the Black manner is. But this second living room would be perfect.

"Of course love, and the gazebo...A library?" She was indeed excited, her smile seemingly spoke in volumes that perhaps he had given her too much wine.

"I still wish I could pack for our honeymoon myself, mother always packs—" 

"Conservative?" Aurora pouted, knowing full well that she did not want to look like she's straight out of a muggle convent. But that was what it was going to go towards.

"Well then you won't mind if I rip it off and—" The bird on Aurora's shoulders cawed out in disagreement, having her remove her own hand from Rabastan's to cover her laughter.

"What is it little one? Is Raba being inappropriate?" She cooed, and the bird desperately wanted affection after days of being tempted with brute force and training. 

The bird was beautiful, a rare breed from what she could tell.

"Choosing the bird over myself, how fitting." He teased, and she nicked her head off for the bird to find entertainment elsewhere.

"Leave the fellow alone, m'sure he can find something in the meantime...while you continue telling me all about your obsessive kink on ripping my clothes." He didn't necessarily think it was in need of a label. But he would like nothing more than to just throw ether of their morals and perform right on the porch.

The other part of him wanted to be proper, to make the moment utterly perfect. To know what it was like for Rory to reach her full pleasure, and it made him grin to brainstorm through that.

"Er...I'll keep him in my study if you don't want him—" 

"Not at all, I was just thinking about how we'll be able to see each other rather than venturing off to ether house." She giggled at his ability to think of scenarios only now was quiet hilarious.

But then his gaze turned into admiration. "You truly are everything in one Rory..." Her smile slowly cracked at his compliment, but sudden realization washed over him. 

"...I just wish you were not destined to be a Death Eater." The back of his hand was caressing her cheek, and in response she took her own and interlocked them together.

"I am not looking forward to learning the inner workings, I've already been honest to you about never being one for horror...But if the Dark Lord commands it, there really isn't any room for debate. I will be careful, I promise that...And besides becoming a potion mistress takes a dedicating worth ethic if I want to make a name for myself." She added the last bit on a whim, and it worked to see hope return to his gaze.

"Perhaps I should look in a different direction for a career if—" Rabastan gritted his teeth in sight of hearing this. 

"No, you are not changing your dreams for him, or to be in the inner circle. You have already given up so much as it is Rory, do not fault yourself further." She nodded, but leaned up to his jaw.

"We've been missing from the party long enough, one more dance?... Sure Reg wouldn't mind watching...Hm, I don't have a name for him just yet." She let out a whistle for the fellow to return, and luckily he had. And it was a quick few seconds before her fiancee chuckled at the bird soaring in the air and landing so elegantly onto her arm.

"You'll still be my little Raven." 

"Then what does that make you then? My prince doesn't rightly match. And my little snake sounds awfully evil." His grin cracked as he lead her through the maze that the garden provided.

"Nor does little snake properly reflect what you possess." She was indeed a conniving little devil as she hurried along out of his hold and hurried back into public territory before he had any means of retaliation.

Or to see her blatant face of regret.

He caught up with her eventually, but both were subjected to put on their social mask. Though he did tempt her by whispering kitten in her ear throughout the remainder of the night...Or holding extra tight in punishment for that comment.

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The next accounted morning was quite uneventful, well...It was for Aurora in this case. Her mother was running around at full speed trying to get everything together and organized. There were a few parcels from a few of her friends from Salem that are congratulating her on turning of age (Because that is the legal age in America) as well as her upcoming wedding.

Walburga was merely spouting nonsense to the seamstresses and asking for alterations, countless of them. While Aurora laid on a small sofa placed in the audience of this comedic show taking place in front of her...All while sporting a light dressing gown without any undergarments.

"Cassiopeia dear, this isn't the time to be reading a book...You must pick one." The girl lowered her book for a moment and snickered. 

"Merlin mother I said the third one, and for one reason you're still focused on the first one." She spoke, and it rallied a fitful argument, only for Narcissa to come in and see the fire rallying up...The wedding was in three days in counting and the poor girl hadn't managed to secure her desired dress.

"Auntie, I am sure Cassi knows what Rabastan fancies himself, that is why she chose the lace you know...He had a few words to say about it during the Christmas party...isn't that right Cassi?" This had turned the poor girl's face bright red, as well as cast her eyes completely away from her mother.

Granted it followed a smirk, given what she was reading...The suggested novel filled with smut that Narcissa had gifted.

It took some pressure off on how to...Please a man.

"Is this true Cassi?" She nodded slowly, but the snap of her mother's fingers had the dressing maids set for the occasion as they readied for her true fitting, and so the young bride marked her book and went behind the dressing room...But it was rather nerve-wracking to hear her cousin and mother laughing off just as she hid behind the divider.

"Had you told me that sooner then we would've ruled out the rest!" They both heard the groan from behind the guarded wall, and a few minutes later Cassi had been. Gussied up. Her hair thrown into a bun at the moment as she had removed herself from the blockage and held herself quite high.

The silk. Fabric fit her perfectly, the entire upper layer teased her bare skin and hinted at the idea of a lack of a corset. The flower detailing surrounded her neckline and subjected a dip between her breasts.

The long arms continued with the elaborate detailing while it came together with the promised tight silk, which hugged her higher waist all the way to the floor, pooling at the bottom and behind...The small slit would allow her to walk.

However, she would perhaps change for the party into something different, it was yet to be decided. 

 "You were right darling! Oh, and a lovely braid to tame that long hair of yours..." The list continued on as the assistant to the matter drew up more and more examples of stock that she had, jewelers in contact. Even planning from two months ago still held accountable to be working until the last few minutes.

"I suspect that you gave Rabastan a talk? I had the fortunate pleasure of hearing their plan of escorts." Narcissa spoke, and it blessed her young cousin with a playful grin. 

"You best believe I did, tries to deny it with all these compliments but I think the mention of my threats made him afraid." The girl had returned to the mirror and attempt a better bun to see what height she would need, and Cissy left her in that bit while adding suggestions from the stylist.

"She is shaping to be a proper witch Auntie, you must be proud." The women was merely pouring the tea for the three of them, and it earned a earnest smile. 

"Hm, I am...Unlike the dreadful boy, I had the unfortunate prospect of brithing...No. She is of noble birth and will continue the line..." The monotoned devotion sounded forced as she tried to keep the note rather high after mentioning Sirius so openly in the same room as Cassi.

Luckily the girl did not hear.

"Auntie, please...You know how much his departure hurt her...Not so close to the wedding day. Please. Give it a rest just this once." With a small clearing of the throat did the women agree, and it was a downright blessing.

Nobody liked 12 Grimmauld Place, not even the residence as Aurora and Sirius so similarly vocalized their hatred of it. Regulus didn't particularly like the design, but it felt like home...

Granted he has never witnessed anything else other than this pureblood nonsense.

Had he met a family similar to the Potters or Lupins then perhaps it would've been a different feeling to this house.

Yet now the project of the Lestrange manner would give Aurora a project, especially when her mind was lingering every moment it was distracted.

Cissy didn't think ill of Rabastan, certainly more tamed as he was the youngest of the two brothers...Currently waiting for a portion in the ministry as directed by the Dark Lord, never the less it was a rather well-proclaimed position and he couldn't wait for a reply.

But the girl would be entering an entirely different world than what she was used to, and it was Cissy's job to teach her these following weeks after their honeymoon.

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JULY 20TH
2:19 AM

Aurora had a bit of a nightmare, and with everything that was being dealt with. It was safe to say that this would be her final chance to make an attempted difference before heading off of vacation, and although it was in the middle of the night she made the go ahead anyway.

Going to the charmed pocket watch did she enact it, and it was barely a moment until whomever was holding it to respond.

Her departure almost ended with her slipping, her mind had been so wired that she was damn well unaware of her already reaching the apparating zone.

She did not care how exhausted she felt, she was faring very very cold feet that she needed the one person she could rely on.

Sirius.

Wrapping her cloak further around her body, she was soon greeted by Dumbledore himself. "Ms.Black, it's—" 

"I don't have long." She whispered, coming into the house and standing idially in the hallway beside him.

"Of course, of course...What is troubling you?" She swallowed, closing her eyes tightly in damn worry. 

"The Dark Lord attended my birthday, gifting me a bird...Now I know he favors myths and legends, but is there anything you can think of to test if the bird is feeding him information." Dumbledore didn't expect that Tom would attend a birthday party to a soon to be wife of a member in his inner circle.

But it occurred never the less.

"I know it's odd for me to feel anxious about this Albus, but in Norse mythology the Raven was a sign of Odin's eyes and...And he gave this odd analogy that he would be watching me...Besides the managed delay of my entrance ritual ..." The ranting allowed Dumbledore a keen glimpse at the poor girl's racing mind, what troubles she has and will be faking in the near future.

When he had asked her plans she wasn't sure, and he had offered the Order in hopes that she would follow her brother. And she surprised them all with the offer of helping, standing the same properties of Sirius and dueling Moody with the same bloody flare and wit that they both possessed.

They were cut from the same tree, quite literally.

"Aurora it's alright, this delay gives us time. But if you take the mark I am worried on how much my word will aid you." She shook her head. "It won't do all that much, but don't tell Sirius...I cannot even begin to imagine the disgusted look on his face." He nodded, and a soft smile widened.

"Then the best thing you can do in your situation Aurora, is to remain at the bottom ranks, because what he values is the continuation of pureblood and he wouldn't risk such a young and vibrant women such as yourself. His favorite, for a measly mission. No. He'll save you for other work." The girl's breath was struggling, the night of her wedding she snuck out.

And as luck would have it, Sirius decided to bunk in the safe house as he was too tired to continue off home after reporting.

The commotion confused him and he decided to investigate, however seeing his sister in her pajamas, her long hair in a night braid and travel cloaks...it gave him an immediate remembrance of escaping to the Potters for the night.

"Rory? W-what are you—" She flinched to see her brother half awake, so Albus must have had the watch?

"I did not know Mr.Black was residing here for the night, he was tired and decided to linger I suppose." Sirius hummed and continued to rub his eyes and hopes to wake up further.

"H-how is everything Rory? Is...Did Rabast—" 

"No, I realized that I wouldn't be able to get away for a bit...And if you could tell Lils and James that I don't know if I'll be able to attend the wedding then—" That caught him off guard but defiantly woke him up.

"The labs I was meant to learn from had a small incident and are taking their time to remodel...Are you alright Siri?" Her voice was weak, tired, nervous and scared...All wrapped into one. But she managed to still project her own concern about him.

"Stay here Rory, please...You're of age, Alfie left more than enough. You can meet Nymphadora, see Andy...James and Lily will help if you want—And Remus, he'd be ecstatic to—" She held her hand up as she couldn't take it anymore.

"The contract stands, old and defining magic that I cannot even begin to crack. I am marrying Rabastan, Sirius. Do not ask me again...And do not ask me to leave my husband when the time comes." She stated, holding her shoulders back in order to stop herself from crying. A cue her brother knew well enough was to hold back the tears.

"They plan some large raid, I suspect a school of muggles if it were my guess Albus. The cut off of muggle-borns could hold potential in our world. Contacting the one who grants Hogwarts names of future students. It seems they might've been tilted or threatened to the other side." She concluded, and it was a very strong lead...Producing a smile on ether of the men before her.

Whichever one held the more prominent number in the area would most likely be the one that they are targeting.

"Rory you have to try for the wedding, please...Lily, she wants you to be the maid of honor." The girl coward her gaze, trying to attempt to make up a lie...Anything at all, and she sighed in defeat.

"Albus did you tell them to print the location?" He nodded, causing Sirius to tilt his head in confusion. "Aurora gave Alastor and I the idea to give the fake location off to the prophet, not that the real location would be revealed to anyone but the guest. It would be best to lead them off elsewhere." The girl had an idea for a moment and smiled slightly.

"I can say that there's an event at Salem, Siri it's perfect! It's completely female and I'll claim it's for two days if anything...Albus if you could send a—" The elder promised to do it at the prominent time with no room for hesitation in a response.

The girl was about to leave, but her brother pulled her back in for a hug. Force her hand as she was completely taken back by his tugging arm.

"You be careful little sister, do not take an ounce of shit...As within?" Her head had promptly found it's spot in the crook of his neck and hummed. "So without...Please don't do anything reckless tomorrow...As above?" With his nod of confirmation and a followed 'so below', she was allowed to leave a blessed note.

"You should be proud of your sister Sirius, always willing and knows her morals. That is difficult to come to these days, especially to your family." He stood in silence for a moment and shrugged, but never the less smiled, for the love of his sister was still as strong as ever.

"I am always proud of her, even if she should make a decision for herself for once, and not for what others want of her...Maybe then she wouldn't look like she carries the weight of the world on her shoulders." Albus hummed, his half-moon glass at a slight angle, giving Sirius the added feeling like he was back in the Headmaster's study for a scolding.

"But she does, and when she does manage to come to the safe house do not make any arguments. She is in a valuable position and we cannot afford for you to anger her to the path of—" Sirius saw the risks and promised in that very moment, however when Aurora returned to the house...Sitting on her bed with worry and wonder.

This was her last night in her bedroom alone, of course it would always be here for when she and Rabastan decide to visit but that would be unlikely because even he shares his inability to get comfortable here.

Everything was old, not fitting the posh antiques that went with being a Black. But she fancied herself antiques that were quirky yet functional and appealing to the eye.

But it was quite humorful that on this night that not only Aurora was awakened on her back looking up to her ceiling, but as was Sirius. 

Rabastan and...Remus. 

He too had been agonizingly waiting for the grain to run out as well, but didn't voice it when Padfoot was around.

All in good favor of keeping his own calm about the situation, and if he were to say something, hopefully it would be later, after the wedding.

But he felt uncomfortable, thinking that this time tomorrow night that Aurora would be-The poor werewolf was feeling the effects of the becoming moon and threatened to make him sick entirely and yet...It was Sirius who decided a shot would be sufficient enough to get him to sleep. 

A shot and a sleeping potion.

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Date Posted: 07-22-19

Time: 6:40

Words: 5226

Soooooo my flight got canceled :)))))))
I say stuck in Myrtle beach like it's a bad thing but honestly, I just want to get home to my own bed :(