A Broken Inheritance

Chapter 1: A Broken Inheritance

Without hesitation, Anastasia made a decision, her mind racing with plans. "I won't let you endure this any longer," she said, determination steeling her voice. She looked around, spotting an old, tattered blanket in the corner. She wrapped it around Sirius as best she could, trying to keep him warm. With a strength she didn't know she possessed, she helped Sirius to his feet, supporting his weight as he leaned heavily against her. "Hold on," she murmured, focusing on their destination.

As she struggled to move him, she heard footsteps from above. Her heart leapt into her throat. She glanced up, seeing the flicker of a light approaching the cellar. Desperation clawed at her as she realised she was out of time. With a surge of determination, she hoisted Sirius up, half-dragging, half-carrying him toward the stairs.

"Anastasia?" Regulus's voice called out from the top of the stairs, filled with a mixture of fear and confusion.

"Help me, Regulus," she hissed, her voice urgent. "We need to get him out of here."

Regulus appeared at the top of the stairs, his eyes widening at the sight of his brother's battered form.

"But- where?" Regulus' voice caught in his throat.

"Anywhere! Hurry before they come back." Anastasia struggled under Sirius' weight, stepping carefully towards the stairs.

Regulus took a step back, "We- we can't... What would Mother-"

"Regulus! Look at him. Do you think he'll make it through the night if we just leave him here to die?"

The brother hesitated once more but ultimately, rushed down to help, his earlier sombreness replaced by sheer determination. Together, they managed to carry Sirius up the stairs, their breaths laboured but in sync.

They made their way through the house, the fear of being caught propelling them forward. Anastasia's mind was a whirlwind of plans and worries, but for now, all that mattered was getting Sirius to safety.

As they reached the front door, Anastasia cast one last glance at the darkened hallway, a silent vow burning in her heart. She would protect Sirius, no matter the cost. And she would find a way to end this cycle of suffering, once and for all.

They finally reached the front door. Once out of the house, she would be able to apparate, Anastasia thought, just a couple more steps and Sirius would be safe. Regulus, still panting, stumbled down into the street with her under his brother's weight.

"Where are we taking him?" Regulus' voice merely a whisper.

"I'm taking him to the Potters." Anastasia replied as she put Sirius down to take out her wand. "You should stay here and make sure they don't notice that he's gone."

"Anastasia!" He replied in protest.

She interrupted him quickly, "We don't have time, Reg! Please go inside. I promise I'll take care of everything and come back. I'll be back very soon, I promise."

After a moment, Regulus nodded and took a step back, giving them the space to leave the premises. Anastasia tightened her grip on Sirius and focused her mind. The sensation of apparating was always disorienting, but she steeled herself, concentrating on the location of the Potter's home. She'd only been there once, before her parents passed, before the Potters became known blood traitors. Anastasia could only hope this memory was enough to get them there. With a crack, the world around them shifted.

***

The cold, dark streets of Grimmauld Place dissolved into the the well-tended gardens of Potter Manor. The abrupt shift in scenery should have been disorienting, but Anastasia barely registered it.