"𝐓𝐇𝐄𝐘'𝐑𝐄 𝐃𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐘 𝐆𝐎𝐎𝐃," Raya told Cedric. "The shop was so packed I could barely move around without having to say excuse me every five seconds. Sometimes, I feel like we were just buying them candy on the train so they could plot their insane schemes. I feel like a proud mom — which is weird because I'm younger than them."

Cedric remained unconscious, his vitals holding steady.

It'd been over a year since he was hit with the killing curse, and his body was still healing from the effects. According to the Healers at St. Mungo's, his internal organs were now working at around 63%, but still going up slowly.

Raya stared at the silver bracelet on his wrist, the one reason he was alive. She didn't even want to think about what would've happened if he wasn't wearing it.

"You'd have loved to come see the store with us," Raya said softly. "Get better quickly, we need to show you the U-No-Poo constipation candy they came up with."

She squeezed Cedric's hand softly, getting up and leaving his room.

It was still pretty early in the morning, but visiting hours had started and there was no need for Raya to sneak in from the secret entrance on the roof.

"You okay?" Kayse asked her as she left St. Mungo's.

They were set to return to Hogwarts the next day, and there was still so much Raya had left to do. Kayse had offered to come with her while she went around to finish up all of her errands, and she'd gladly accepted his offer of company.

"I'm fine," she answered, lacing their fingers together. "He's getting better, slowly, but it's happening."

"That's good to hear," Kayse nodded. "Where to now?"

Raya whistled, waving down a goblin-taxi. She turned back to Kayse, "Now we've got to head to Newbrooke Manor. I wanted to clean some of it out, maybe donate some old things to charity. Rosie's been maintaining the place, but... I've been away too long."

Kayse smiled as they entered the taxi and took off. He was proud of Raya, for making it so far. Just a few months ago, she could barely say the name Newbrooke Manor without bursting into tears.

Of course, some days were better than others. They were lucky today was a good day.

They continued their conversation — Kayse doing his best to distract her as they approached Newbrooke Manor. He knew she was going to get cold feet the closer they got to her house, but he also knew that she was strong enough to start cleaning it out today.

Raya talked to him about Peleus the guardian dragon, the chariot races, and waking up at the asscrack of dawn with her siblings. She'd already told Kayse nearly everything that happened that summer, but she was growing nervous, and she needed to talk about something.

"So Percy and Annabeth won the second race?" Kayse asked. "That's adorable. Never even met them, but I ship them."

Raya laughed, "Yeah, they're really cute together. You should've seen how the entire Camp cheered when she gave him a little kiss on the cheek. Percy's been dying to meet you for like a year — since he found out you're both Knicks fans." She quickly raised a hand, "Please don't explain yourself, I'm already trying very hard to ignore that fact. They suck."

"Says the girl who's a self-proclaimed 'diehard Leafs fan'," Kayse rolled his eyes. "That's worse in so many ways."

"That's a whole different sport," Raya argued. "Don't turn this back around on me."

"Okay, okay, we both have a habit of supporting teams that are horrible," Kayse laughed. "But it's cool that Percy wants to meet me. We can head back to the U.S. during winter break if you want."

"Oh, that'd be so cool," Raya sighed wistfully. "It's been years since I've seen Camp in the winter. It always looks so pretty."

The goblin driver suddenly slammed on the brakes as he approached Godric's Hollow, stopping right outside the entrance to the little village.

"Godric's Hollow is right through there," the goblin announced. "Can't make it any further inside at this time of year because of parking and idling laws."

"Oh, right," Raya remembered. 

Because it was such a small village, there were laws that prevented non-residents from parking and idling in its streets during the summer, causing unnecessary traffic.

"Here's the fare," she handed the money to the goblin, following Kayse out of the car.

"Ready?" Kayse took her hand in his. He ushered her towards the little village, "Come on, love. We still need to get back to Grimmauld Place, Remus is leaving tomorrow for his Order mission."

"He's always leaving to do something for the Order," Raya rolled her eyes, but slowly stepped forward.

The two of them walked through the streets, laughing as kids flew around on toy brooms, as older couples sat outside and enjoyed the nice weather, and as young parents kept their eyes on their rowdy children.

"Hi, Alda," Raya greeted one of the older women, who waved back.

Even though she hadn't grown up here, she'd been around often enough to know a lot of the kids and adults in the village. It was a small wizarding community, so it was hard to not know each other.

"Raya!" A familiar voice called out.

Raya turned, grinning as Amora Phillips wrapped her into a hug.

"Oh Merlin," the older girl muttered. "I feel like it's been forever."

Raya nodded, knowing what she meant. Now that Amora was older, she was working overseas in Romania with Charlie Weasley. Raya always expected Amora to be some sort of scholar, but turns out that the other girl loved teaching people about dragons a little more.

"How're you doing?" Raya asked. "How's Charlie? You two making people love dragons a bit more?"

Amora grinned, "We're great! We've been working around Romania and a few other countries, and it's surprising how many people are terrified of dragons. We've got this little gig where Charlie shows off a baby dragon and how to handle it, while I teach the people more about it."

"That's great," Raya smiled, genuinely happy for her friend. She motioned towards Kayse, "This is Kayse, my boyfriend. You met him before, right?"

"Right, right," Amora nodded. "He came down to your house last year or something, I remember. Oh, and you're in Hogwarts too, right?"

"Yup," Kayse nodded. 

Amora smiled at the two of them, "It was really nice to see you guys. Raya, I'm — I'm sorry about your dad, and I'm sorry I couldn't be there for you. News tends to reach you slower when you're travelling around, but I'm here now. If you need anything, my door's always open."

Raya tried to swallow the lump in her throat. Even though her and Amora were distant friends, the girl was so willing to do anything for her. It made Raya's heart happy, knowing there were people who cared for her and loved her.

"Thanks, 'Mora," she gave her a hug. "I see why Fred had a crush on you."

Amora laughed, having forgotten about his little infatuation. "He was just being annoying. I'll see you later, guys."

"Bye!"

Raya and Kayse continued their trek to Newbrooke Manor, though Kayse could tell Raya was less nervous now. They passed the destroyed house of James and Lily Potter, small flowers now growing out of the rubble.

Raya placed a rock on the broken gate, a small symbol the townspeople often did in remembrance of that night. Kayse did the same.

"Here we are," Raya announced, reaching Newbrooke Manor.

The manor rose from the ground, it's brown and grey walls reflecting the Earth it rose out of. The roof slanted downwards, revealing the colourful birds that had nestled in and made it their home. The lot itself was large — the largest in Godric's Hollow — filled with greenery, and even a small pond near the side. The backyard of the Manor held a large Quidditch field, complete with stadium lights and stands — the children of the village often used the field, excited to play their games.

Raya led Kayse up the round driveway, and to the door. She hesitated, before opening the door and stepping inside the house.

As lively and wonderful Newbrooke Manor looked on the outside, it was that desolate and lonely on the inside.

The walls were filled with pictures of Newbrooke family members, newspaper clippings of their accomplishments, trophies that they earned once upon a time — but the house felt empty.

It was as if someone had ripped its soul out, and was now trying to pass it off as a home.

"Is this you?" Kayse asked, snapping Raya out of her thoughts.

She turned to him, seeing him looking at an old Wizard photograph.

The photograph showed a young Raya on her broom, her gaze focused as she flew in and out of the frame, chasing a toy Golden Snitch. It was attached to her father's trophy case.

"Yeah, that's me," she confirmed. "I think dad was the one who took the picture."

Raya didn't remember that day, but she'd seen the photograph hundreds of times. It was taken in the Newbrooke Manor Quidditch Pitch, which meant she must've been around five or six. She thought this was where her love for the Seeker position began.

"You had the same expression when you were searching for the Snitch that you do now," Kayse commented.

"What do you mean?" she asked.

In the picture, she looked grim and serious, more so considering she was only around six. Did she really still have that expression?

"The second Madame Hooch blows her whistle, you get this no-nonsense look on your face," Kayse explained. "Thomas and Cierra were actually the ones who pointed it out the first time. But it's funny, because you've always had that expression. I'm pretty sure the opposing Seeker thinks you're going to murder them if they get in your way."

"I might," Raya shrugged, continuing further into her house.

The furniture and floors were polished — no doubt, courtesy of Rosie. She looked around, seeing no garbage or items lying around that she didn't want.

"Let's go upstairs," she said to Kayse. "I think dad kept some boxes of his old stuff in the attic."

Raya made her way up the stairs, pulling out the trapdoor with a quick spell. She went up the rickety stairs, Kayse following close behind.

The attic was just as clean as the rest of the house, but there were lots of boxes and trunks laying around. Raya noticed a box labelled A.N., pulling it to the side.

"I think these are my dad's childhood things," she said quietly, hesitating.

Kayse sat in front of her, ready to support her if she needed it.

Slowly, Raya opened the box, blinking as she came across a bunch of items. There were elementary education trophies, along with old medals, and even jerseys that Alphanso must've worn in his youth. A lot of the items were signed, and Raya knew why.

"Dad said he wanted me to donate anything he'd autographed," Raya told Kayse. "Let me know if I miss something."

Together, the two of them began to search the box, separating the things he'd signed, and the things he hadn't. There were a lot of old jerseys and Quaffles he'd caught when he broke single-game records. He'd left it all to Raya, but had mentioned he kept an autograph on all the things he'd prefer she donated. Raya would respect his wishes, especially because she knew he only wanted to do good in the world.

As Raya pulled out old trophies and photographs, she smiled at the memories, sharing the stories of her father's life with Kayse.

There were at least twenty boxes and trunks that the two were going to have to go through, but there just wasn't enough time. By the time they'd finished separating the items of the eighth trunk, it was already dark outside.

Raya stood, stretching out her stiff limbs. She held a hand out for Kayse, helping him to his feet. The two of them inspected all the work they'd done.

"I'll get Rosie to donate everything soon," Raya said, motioning to the 'donation' pile. "We'll just have to sort everything else later on."

Kayse nodded, the two of them heading downstairs and to the second living room — where the Floo fireplace was. They traveled through the Floo, back to Grimmauld Place, and nearly gave Remus a heart attack.

"I thought you were guys were coming back by taxi," he muttered, holding a hand to his heart.

"It would've taken too long," Raya answered simply. 

"We spent hours sorting everything, and we still have so much left," Kayse told him. "I think we're going to have to go back for Christmas."

"I know," Raya sighed. "I was actually hoping to get you and Percy to meet."

"We've got time," Kayse answered simply. "C'mon now. I'm hungry, and something smells really good."

"That must be the apple pie Sirius baked," Remus answered.

Raya and Kayse both froze, the same thought on their mind. It was Kayse who spoke.

"Sirius can bake?" he asked incredulously. "Since when?"

"Since I was twelve," Sirius scowled, coming up the stairs. "Euphemia — that's Harry's grandmother — taught me how to bake all these things that she used to once upon a time, and I managed to get the hang of it pretty quick."

Raya stared at her uncle, unable to understand him. Just when she thought she was uncovering his true personality, he went ahead and exposed another crazy part of himself that changed her whole perspective on him.

"Well that's... unexpected," Kayse decided. "But since it's not your recipe, I'm hoping it'll taste good."

Sirius tilted his head, "Should I be offended?"

"Can we please eat?" Raya groaned. "Going through boxes of old items makes me very hungry."

The others followed Raya down to the basement, where Rosie had set out shawarmas — which was what Raya asked her to make that morning — and took out a slice of apple pie for everyone.

"Good, good, everyone is here," Rosie grinned a little maniacally. Raya was about to ask her house-elf what was wrong, but she got her answer as Rosie continued, "Food is hot, eat it now. Also, Mumpty is here because she has returned from Panama."

"Oh fuck," Kayse muttered, turning a little pale. 

He'd met Mumpty a few times when he previously visited Raya in Newbrooke Manor, and his interactions with her never went well. Sirius and Remus hadn't met her, but they'd heard enough horror stories to be terrified.

"She's not that bad," Raya muttered, taking her seat and eating.

It was true. After the death of Alphanso, Mumpty became a little secluded. Raya was pretty sure she'd thought she would die before him.

The others took their seat and ate the food, talking about their day. Remus had been over at Tonks' helping her with some Order assignment before he left for his mission tomorrow. Considering the fact that Tonks usually slept over at Grimmauld when she was working on an Order assignment, Raya had a feeling her Metamorphmaging powers were messing up even more, causing her to want to stay alone.

Sirius had gone for a walk towards the post office, and had about five people recognize him before he decided to return home and bake some apple pie.

Raya had to admit, the pie was really good.

The group dispersed after dinner. Raya made her way up the stairs, intent on getting some sleep before her return to Hogwarts, but was stopped by Kayse. 

He gave her a meaningful look, "We're returning to Hogwarts tomorrow. I think you and Sirius need to have a talk."

"I'm still mad at him," Raya shook her head.

"Are you mad or are you scared?" Kayse asked her. "If you were mad, you wouldn't have eaten that apple pie, you wouldn't have even been around him because you'd know you would start yelling."

"I'm not — why would I be scared?" she said defensively. "If anything, he's scared. He can come up to me, you know?"

"Yeah, he's fucking terrified," Kaye agreed. "The last time you spoke properly, you told him you wished he was dead. I — I'm not saying you have to forgive him or anything, but I think you should at least talk to him. That's all."

Raya bit her cheek, but she knew she had to do it. If she didn't talk to him now, she'd regret it later. 

Besides, she'd had a few months to calm down. She felt different over those few months, as if she'd grown more mature, into more of a leader.

"Fine," she muttered. "I'll go talk to him."

"Thank you," Kayse smiled, kissing her forehead. "I'll see you in your room, okay?"

Raya nodded as she head off to the Grand Library, where Sirius was searching the shelves. She paused, a part of her wanting to turn back around and just go to sleep.

Before she could, Sirius looked towards the doorway, finally noticing her.

"Hi," he muttered, looking a little nervous. "Do you — are you looking for something?"

Raya forced her emotions under control, stepping forward and adjusting the soundwaves to block them off the outside world. 

"I was looking for you," she said, trying not to let her voice shake. "I — I'm leaving for Hogwarts tomorrow, and — we need to talk, Sirius."

Sirius looked tense, and Raya knew she was giving off the same energy.

Nevertheless, he motioned towards the chairs, "I think it's gonna be a long conversation. Let's sit."

Raya nodded taking a seat on one of the couches, while Sirius sat across from her.

"Before — before you say something, I want to talk," Sirius said quickly. "I want to — I wanna explain myself, even though I know I was in the wrong. I just want to explain."

Raya nodded, mainly because she had no idea what she was going to say to him.

"I knew Regulus was gay for a long time," he blurted. "I think I suspected it ever since he was twelve or so, but I knew for sure around the time he turned fifteen, sixteen — before he took on the Dark Mark."

Raya, who'd never known her birth father that well, forgot about how she'd been scared to talk to Sirius or how she was mad at him. At that moment, she just wanted to know more.

"I think for a little while I tried to ignore it, not because I found him being gay weird," Sirius added, "but because I knew what my family would do if they ever found out. So the two of us just kind of skirted around that topic, especially when my family brought marriage up. I ran away from home when Reg was only fourteen, which made things worse for him — but I couldn't stay with my family anymore. I told Reg to come with me later on, but he refused. He was always a little terrified of our family's pureblood ideals, and I suppose he already felt like a traitor because of who he loved. He wasn't going to risk their wrath and follow me."

Sirius' eyes had a faraway look to them, as if remembering this was too hard for him. Raya had no doubt that it was torture.

"We never had any real communication, not until he turned seventeen," Sirius continued. "We'd see each other in the halls of Hogwarts, but I graduated and he left to join the Death Eaters, so even that stopped. Once he turned sixteen and joined the Death Eaters, my father became really sick. He and my mother moved up to Scotland to get him away from the fighting and give him some new scenery. Which meant Regulus was alone in Grimmauld Place. A patronus message arrived at my door one day, saying Regulus was in trouble. I came back to Grimmauld Place to help him, but instead he was in the library, cuddling a little bundle in his arms.

"My first thought was that something was wrong," Sirius said, "but I just didn't know what. Then Regulus saw me, and he became very still. He asked me what I was doing, why I was here, but all I could see was the little baby in his arms. A part of me wondered if You-Know-Who asked him to steal it from someone. I asked him that, and Regulus looked at me as if I'd slapped him. He asked how lowly I thought of him, to be willing to steal someone's baby. He — he was very hesitant, but at my prodding, he revealed it was his child. He didn't tell me who the mother was — of course, now I know you don't really have a mother — and refused to tell me anything else."

Raya leaned forward, eager to hear more.

"I asked him about the patronus, but Regulus had no idea what I was talking about," he continued. "I must've seen a dream, or imagined it. I — I realized then that I hadn't seen the type of man Regulus was growing into. He agreed to let me meet you weekly, as long as there were no other problems on either of our sides. Before... before his death, he often dropped you off at my house, asking me to watch you for a few hours as he went off to run some errands. I was happy he trusted me enough to watch you, but I never asked anything else because I didn't want to lose the 'normal' that we'd created. One night, he'd dropped you off at my house, looking extremely worried and nervous, almost as if he was preparing to never see you again. I only thought he had a hard mission ahead, but the next morning you were gone. Regulus often did that, dropped you off at some point in the day, only to pick you up and take you home while I was unaware. I — I assumed he'd taken you that day as well."

Sirius paused, as if talking about it hurt, "A week later, there was an article published 'Regulus Black: Prince of the Dark Army - Found Dead'. It had said he tried to desert them, but was murdered mere hours later. I searched the article for anything about you, but I couldn't find even a mention. I looked everywhere, searched through orphanages, but there was nothing at all. I couldn't even tell my friends, because Regulus had asked me not to — one of the last things he'd ever asked of me."

He looked up, finally meeting Raya's eyes, "I thought I failed him, and you, for all those years. And then, once I was free, searching for Peter, I saw your name — Raya. I searched for your records, seeing your last name, but then finding out you were adopted. I thought there was a chance you were Regulus' kid, but I shut it down. I wouldn't be getting hopeful. Even then, I couldn't resist heading down to watch you play Quidditch, or study your potions book while you sat in a tree — you were so similar to him. But I'd removed the possibility from my brain, unable to accept it. Besides, you were happy with your life, you didn't need me. But — but when that potion came back gold, I think I broke apart."

Raya bit her cheek, doing her best to listen attentively.

"I — I had so thoroughly erased the possibility of you being Reggie's daughter from my brain, that when it actually turned to be true, I didn't know how to respond," Sirius murmured. "I know I wasn't good to you, I know I put you aside — and I am so sorry. I don't know how to make it right, if I ever will be able to, but I'm just asking for a chance. Please, Raya."

Raya stared at him, soaking in his explanation and apology.

He portrayed Regulus in such a human way, a way that those Quidditch trophies and newspaper articles never could. He had done wrong, but he was willing to change — and that, Raya thought, was the most important thing.

"I forgive you," Raya told him. "Not for your explanation, but because I can tell that you meant your apology. I'm — I don't know how this relationship will work, but we'll start slow. We'll see how it goes, okay?"

Sirius nodded, for the first time since he'd left Azkaban, a flare of hope could be found in his eyes.

"We'll see how it goes," he agreed.

REY WRITES!

thanks for reading!!

thoughts?

comments?

questions?

headcanons?

theories?