Black as Night (Sirius Black)

Not Listening When You Say Goodbye

Rhiannon had shaken her head a little sadly. "Severus has been meeting with my father more over the last couple months, and my father hasn't really requested to see me. It appears now that the Dark Lord enjoyed our festive Death Eater wedding and his post-reception revel, he's relegated me to the sidelines as Severus's little wife for a bit. Just wants him to keep tabs on me and make sure I don't run away and take my 'celestial gifts' with me."

"Post-reception revel? That sounds disturbing."

"I'm sure it was. And rather pathetic, since so many Death Eaters are currently in Azkaban after the scuffle at the Ministry. Thank goodness Lucius Malfoy was one of the ones locked away; if he hadn't been I'm sure he would have gotten my father to reconsider exempting Severus and I from the after-party. His wife was a lovely wedding host though, in his absence. I sometimes feel like she's a little sad and done with it all, your cousin. I probably should try to be her friend, with Lucius gone."

Sirius had made a face and promptly expressed his anger with the idea of Rhiannon being friends with both Colleen and Narcissa Malfoy. He didn't take well to double agents and didn't like the reminder that he was so close to them nowadays. Sirius had appreciated the confirmation that Lucius was locked up, however. Perhaps he could risk another venture to Hogwarts for a Quidditch game or two. Rhiannon had departed soon after that, with the directive to wrestle Draco's motivations and plans out of her husband as best she could.

"Well, Sirius, I believe congratulations are in order."

Sirius jumped and sent boiling water splashing from the kettle to the floor. The mess was promptly dried with a light blue zap from an expert wand, and Sirius raised his gaze to meet the steely eyes of Albus Dumbledore.

"I hope you'll pardon me for letting myself in— I arrived as the good doctor was leaving."

Sirius was a bit dumbfounded and found himself unable to speak or even react. This was his first time encountering the wizard since those first few moments after being rescued from the veil. He felt a slight twitch as Padfoot's instincts encouraged him to transform and attack, the last image of Harry on the Quidditch field forming in his mind— determined, strong, stoic— but only because he was forced to be.

"And for what might you be congratulating me?" Sirius replied tersely.

"Your new family, of course. And your seemingly successful use of the little charm we created at Grimmauld Place nearly two years ago. Time certainly flies, doesn't it? Of course if the activation of the charm hadn't announced your presence at Harry's house, Minerva's news that a rather angry black dog tried to attack Mundungus at the abode certainly would have. A rather risky venture, Sirius, wouldn't you agree?"

"You should know by now, Albus, that risk is simply part of who I am. You would do well to remember. Force my hand or my temper further regarding Harry, and I can assure you my risks may encroach on your plans a little more than you would prefer." Sirius was surprised at the ominous threat that seemed to spring forward out of nowhere.

"Ah, I can sense the beast is getting a bit restless in his cage. Understandable, and precisely the reason for my visit. Tell me, would you be interested in an assignment?" Dumbledore's eyes twinkled like Father Christmas promising the delivery of a child's most desired gift.

Sirius felt like Padfoot did when he wanted to pant and wag his tail, but he settled for an eager nod.

"Yes, absolutely. When do I start?"

Dumbledore chuckled. "Don't you want to know the nature of said assignment first?"

Sirius shrugged. "I'm content to work out the details later."