Discovery

39.

"Oh no, what do you want now?" I said sarcastically.

"Got an attitude, haven't you?" he grinned. "I just wanted to give you your present, that's all."

Fred took a small box out of his pocket and held it out to me.

"What is it?" I took the box with slight hesitation. Even if Fred was my boyfriend, I didn't trust him not to prank me.

"That would ruin the surprise, now wouldn't it?" he smirked.

"How do I know this isn't going to turn my hair to snakes or make my fingers fall off?" I said with suspicion.

"Don't you trust me? Go on, open it. It's safe."

I took the lid off the box. Inside was a silver ring, with a smooth, marble-like gem.

"What's this?" I asked, picking the ring up.

"It's a ring, duh." Fred chuckled. "Well, it's more than a ring. George and I are thinking of making them, but this one is specially for you."

"Why's it so special?"

"Touch the gem and find out." Fred said.

I touched the gem, and it began to light up. Another light started shining from inside Fred's pocket.

He reached inside and took out another ring, identical to mine.

"Why does it glow?" I questioned.

"Just touch it when you need me, and I'll find you." he said. "Do you— do you like it? I mean if not, it's fine, I can—"

I jumped up and wrapped my arms around Fred's neck, hugging him tight.

"It's perfect," I whispered into his ear. "Thank you so much."

I placed the ring on my finger and put the box into my jacket pocket.

"Want to do something?" I suggested.

"Like what?" Fred said, raising his eyebrows.

"How about checking out this creepy place?"

"How exciting," muttered Fred, looking the opposite of excited.

"Come on, it'll be fun!" I pleaded. "I'm going, with you or without."

I headed down the stairs, through a hallway, and opened a door. I heard Fred's footsteps and knew he was following me.

The room was dismal, and looked as though it hadn't been used in years. The furniture was falling apart, and the wallpaper was peeling.

I looked around. On one wall, there was a large tapestry. I took a step closer. It read:

En Stirps Nobilis Et Gens Antiquissima Black.

"What's that mean?" Fred asked.

"I don't know," I replied. "I think it's Latin."

I looked at the tapestry. It went all around the wall, and it looked like a family tree.

"Wait a minute," said Fred, looking carefully at the wall. "This says Sirius Black..."

"It does?" I hurried over to where he was standing.

There was a burn mark over the face, but the name was still readable.

"This is the Black family tree," I breathed. "This is the house of the Black family."

"You mean— we're in the house of a— a murderer?" Fred whispered, looking nervous.

I realized Fred was never informed of Sirius's innocence.

"He's innocent, Fred, don't worry." I reassured him. "He was framed."

"Are you sure?" he said.

"He's Harry's godfather, for crying out loud. And if he wasn't innocent, why would we be here?"

While I gave Fred time to process this news, I continued reading the names of Sirius's relatives.

Walburga Black; 1925-1985.

Regulus Black; 1961-1979.

And then I went farther back.

Sirius II; 1877-1952.

Phineas Nigellus; 1847-1925.

But then, a certain name caught my eye.

Elladora; 1850-1931.

Was it a coincidence that I shared the same name as one of Sirius's great-great relatives?

"Fred, look at this," I motioned for him to come. "That name— it says Elladora— doesn't it?"

"Yeah, it does. Hey, isn't that your name?" he said.

"Yes, it is." I rolled my eyes. "Don't you think it's strange that my name is on the Black family tree?"

"Well, I'm sure Elladora is a popular name," he shrugged.

"No, it's not." I laughed. "Ella, sure. But Elladora? I've never met someone with that name besides me!"

"I dunno, El, I think you're making a bigger deal out of this than you need to." Fred replied. "I'm gonna go bother George now, so I'll catch up with you later." he kissed my forehead and left the room.