shadows (h.g x fem oc) book 3

Chapter #5

---Flashback---

The Jackson household was filled with a sense of warmth and love as Isadora cradled her newborn daughter, Alexia, in her arms. She couldn't help but marvel at the tiny life she had brought into the world. It was a moment of pure joy, despite the challenges that lay ahead.

A soft knock on the door interrupted her thoughts, and Isadora called out, "Come in."

The door opened to reveal Lily and James Potter, holding their own bundle of joy in their arms. Baby Harry had the same mop of black hair as his father, and his eyes, oh his eyes were hundred percent like Lily's, sparkled with curiosity.

"Isadora," Lily said with a warm smile, "meet our son, Harry."

Isadora's eyes widened with delight. "Lily, James, he's absolutely precious." She couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance between baby Harry and her own daughter, Alexia. It was as if they shared a connection beyond their infancy.

As Lily and James approached the bed, Isadora gently shifted Alexia to make room for them. The two families came together, celebrating the births of their children and the unbreakable bond that connected them.

Just as they settled into a comfortable conversation, the door opened again, and Sirius Black entered the room, holding a small box wrapped in colourful paper. His eyes lit up with excitement as he spotted the babies in their mothers' arms.

"Isadora, Lily, James," Sirius greeted them warmly, "I couldn't resist bringing some gifts for the little ones."

He placed the box on the bed and carefully unwrapped it, revealing a collection of colourful toys and stuffed animals. Alexia's eyes widened with wonder as she reached out to touch the soft fur of a stuffed bear.

"Sirius, these are lovely," Isadora said, touched by his thoughtfulness.

Sirius grinned, his eyes twinkling mischievously. "I figured our young ones would need some entertainment, wouldn't they?"

The room was filled with laughter and happiness as the parents and babies chatted and shared stories of sleepless nights and newfound joys. It was a moment of hope and optimism in a world where darkness lurked, a reminder that love and family could conquer all.

---End of Flashback---

Hermione wandered through the dimly lit corridors of 12 Grimmauld Place, the ancestral home of the Black family. The air was thick with the weight of history, every creaking floorboard and faded tapestry a testament to the storied past of the ancient house. Despite its grandeur, there was an undeniable sense of darkness that lingered within its walls, a lingering reminder of the family's tainted legacy.

As she explored the house, Hermione couldn't help but feel a sense of unease creeping over her. The oppressive atmosphere seemed to press down on her from all sides, suffocating her with its silent judgment. She had never been fond of Grimmauld Place, with its grim facade and haunting memories, but she pushed aside her discomfort in her search for Alexia.

Turning a corner, Hermione's gaze fell upon the portrait of Walburga Black, its frame hanging prominently on the wall. The portrait's cold eyes bore into her with a palpable sense of disdain, its lips twisted into a sneer of contempt.

Hermione's heart sank as she realized she had stumbled upon the infamous matriarch of the Black family, a woman known for her staunch adherence to pure-blood ideals and her vehement disdain for anyone not of pure wizarding lineage.

"Ah, a Mudblood in my midst," the portrait hissed, its voice echoing off the walls with a chilling intensity. "What are you doing here, girl? You don't belong in this house."