When Eliza and Hermione got in front of Grimmauld Place, Eliza's eyes were sparkling as Hermione's never seen before. It looked like her usual sly appearance suddenly transformed into the most inoffensive.
When she stepped inside, Eliza's soft smile widened at the sight of her father singing carols as loud as his mother was screaming.
"Shut up old hag!" He screamed when he walked downstairs to welcome the new guests. "Eliza!"
Eliza chuckled and hugged her father, leaving her luggage in the hall. Hermione rolled her eyes and waved at Sirius (to which he also responded with a wave).
The sight of the father and the daughter being so close to each other was quite heart warming for the short ginger woman who just walked out of the kitchen. Remus followed Mrs. Weasley and smiled brightly at the sight.
"Let's get you settled in and then you two can have the bonding time you so desperately want." The brown haired man announced, flicking his wand so her luggage automatically flew to her room.
Everyone was already gathered in the Black mansion. Sirius was happy from more than one cause and he was singing continuously as if he's been enchanted. Eliza was in her room unpacking when she heard a soft knock on her door.
It was Tonks and she looked annoyed.
"Can you tell Sirius to keep it down a bit? His mother is screaming enough already." She moaned as she walked and sat on the bed.
"You look tired." Eliza stated, her eyes scanning Tonks from head to toe. "Have you been guarding for long? Or is it because Mr. Weasley's been attacked?"
Tonks chuckled, "You kids are just too curious and smart for your safety."
"Hermione told me that Harry saw it all happen in his dream." Eliza continued, "How could that happen? I know they are connected somehow but can it go so far as to know what each other's doing?"
Tonks blinked, her mind working quickly for a response. Eliza wasn't in the Order but she seemed very informed.
"I'm not sure. Whatever it is, it's very helpful at the moment. It saved Arthur's life."
The green eyed witch sighed and sat next to Tonks, "But this happened spontaneously. What will happen when Voldemort realizes what's happening and he uses it in his favor?"
That seemed to trigger something in Tonks's head because she changed the subject completely to what she wanted for Christmas.
Later on, Eliza went searching for her father. She found him in Buckbeak's room, feeding him dead rats for lunch.
"Your pet looks content with this new lifestyle." She started bemusedly.
Sirius glanced at her over his shoulder grinning, "Yours doesn't. I saw Furvus running around, hissing at everything."
Eliza shrugged, "Maybe because you and Remus use him as a messenger so often."
Sirius rolled his eyes, placing the bucket of rats aside and pushing her into the hall. They walked downstairs in silence and he ruffled her hair out of nowhere.
"I'm really happy we're spending Christmas together, Liz." He admitted .
"Obviously. Your singing is so loud that I'm surprised the Dementors haven't heard you yet," She joked causing Sirius to glare at her playfully from the side.
"Ha Ha Ha. Tell this joke to my mother, she will be delighted. Her sense of humor is just like the bottom of an overused cauldron." He sneered but Eliza chuckled anyway.
"Every time she sees me she starts mumbling about 'that cursed woman'."
Sirius glanced at her from the corner of his eyes and wrapped an arm loosely around her shoulder, "At least she's not screaming."
Mr. Weasley was still in Saint Mungo’s by the time Christmas came around. Eliza bought presents for everyone and Furvus was strong enough to carry them all.
"You're quite full of surprises, aren't you?" She asked her kitten bemusedly.
Furvus blinked innocently at his master as a response. Eliza rolled her eyes and walked downstairs, into the drawing room where the tapestry of the Black family was. No one was there so she turned around, going for the kitchen. Eliza stopped by the door and listened to whatever was happening behind the closed doors. It sounded a lot like Mrs. Weasley was crying while Remus was doing his best to comfort her. Feeling like she shouldn't interrupt, she went back into her room.
There, at the foot of her bed, guarded by Furvus was a pile of presents. She bent in front of them and took the first one. It was from Hermione and surprisingly enough, it wasn't anything to do with magic - it was the complete collection of Sherlock Holmes and Eliza was speechless. Harry bought her a quill that looked rather expensive and a miniature of a Horntail. Eliza chuckled, remembering that she told Harry once that she quite liked dangerous creatures. Ron gave her a bunch of Chocolate Frogs which Furvus was eyeing from the side. Fred and George gave her products of their own which Eliza slid under the bed for safety purposes. Mrs. Weasley gave her a jumper with her name knitted on the front.
Now, those were the normal presents per say. Tonks gave Eliza a book about Defense against the Dark Arts and clothes for Furvus. Remus gave her what looked like a muggle camera and clothes for Furvus and Sirius have her a book about Animagi and clothes for Furvus. Eliza raised an eyebrow at her innocent looking kitten.
"They're taking care of their messenger, it seems," She trailed, getting on the bed and signing for Furvus to jump next to her.
The black kitten only meowed before he jumped back down to check out his new clothes. They did look quite adorable on him, especially the Christmas suit.
Lunch went on with joyful laughter and Furvus was the sole reason girls were in such good moods.
"He looks adorable!" Ginny exclaimed, patting Furvus on the head.
"It does look cute on him." Hermione said but it was obvious she was fawning over the black kitten just as much as Ginny was.
After lunch, the lot left for Saint Mungo's to visit Mr. Weasley. Eliza walked upstairs but not before taking a peek at Mrs. Black's portrait in the hall.
"What?!" Se snapped, her eyes scrunched in a very ugly expression.
"You're not screaming." Eliza said bluntly.
The old witch scowled, "The scum's out. Those filthy wizards, traitors of out kind, getting all content with mud-blood. Black was one of the most noble pure-blooded families and he-he-"
Eliza was sure Mrs. Black would've vexed her own son if she could. Fortunately, she was dead and paintings couldn't affect the real world...hopefully. The woman glowered at her niece with every ounce of hatred she could muster.
"My mother- um- you call Ophelia the cursed woman but she was a pure-blooded witch." Eliza started out of nowhere, her green eyes darkening.
"I know." She said, glancing around before she smirked, "Her blood was cursed and so is yours. You walk around, proud that you carry the Black name but he didn't tell you, did he? The blood running through your veins is-"
"I think that's enough mommy dear!" Sirius screamed, forcing the curtains closed.
He sighed and turned to his daughter, "You haven't found the right person to question, Liz. Your grandmother is ready to say anything to make you angry."
"Yes, well," She couldn't mutter a coherent sentence.
Once inside her room, the Slytherin pride all around gave her a nauseous feeling. Sirius paced around before he sat on the edge of the bed and looked at the pile of kitten clothes on the desk.
“How is it? Liked your presents?” Sirius asked with a bright smile on his face.
Eliza raised an eyebrow and bit her lip,“Dad, you gave me an ancient magical book about animagi.”677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcBz8aRd6ZS
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Sirius nodded eagerly, staring at her with those big eyes of his, “We used it when we became animagi so it’s not that ancient,” He glowered at her at that certain part about age. “I’m ageing quite well, as you can see.” 677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1fQtvfKkwe
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“Maybe but you're still acting like a kid.” She started walking in front of her father, “Harry's relying on you and whatever you say, he takes it very seriously."677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGIBgd9WvlO
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Sirius looked offended, “And what's that supposed to mean? I am not reliable enough to give my godson advice?" 677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ7RqCteDU2
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She shook her head, playing with her sweater, “That's not what I mean. Harry is not James and I am not you or mom. Maybe you should think about that." Eliza continued in a serious tone.677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUitoaOVW3E
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Sirius frowned and jumped on his feet really fast, “Do you not trust me, Eliza?"677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipnKqzkkQ7
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"I do trust you. Everyone trusts you but try to see us as we are. Sometimes, I see you looking at Harry as if he's your best friend. Well, he's not. Also, I'm not mom but sometimes I see you watching me very closely.” She said softly yet firmly.
He hummed and glanced at the door before turning to his daughter, "I'm only taking care of you."
"Are you? Because I feel like you're trying to find out if I'm hiding something from you." The brunette continued.
"Liz, you're not Ophelia and I know that. Sometimes, I do look at you and remember her. She was an incredible woman,"
"And very secretive," Eliza added quickly. "I know that. Her secrets got her in trouble but I don't have any. I tell you everything." She admitted, looking into her father's dark eyes.
Sirius stared at her for a few minutes before he smiled and hugged her, "I know."
It was after midnight when Willy tapped on her window grumpily. Eliza frowned and let the owl enter. He had something wrapped around his leg and was more than happy to get rid of it.
Eliza opened the small present and found a ring. Next to it was a letter...677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwGkRWnjAS9
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“This ring has been in your family for generations. Don’t lose it but don’t wear it either. Keep it for when the day will come.” She read out loud before looking for a signature. It didn’t have any.
With one glance at Willy, she opened the window and the owl left. Reading the letter again, Eliza hoped it wasn't from the platinum blond man.
As the start of the new term was drawing closer, Eliza started to feel a knot tie inside her stomach. Snape came around and left before Eliza could have a word with him.
When they got back to Hogwarts, the crowd was so big that Eliza got snatched without the rest noticing. Malfoy dragged her to the side, into an emptier hall and looked down at her with a mix of fear and annoyance.
“He’s calling the others, Eliza.” He whispered.
She was more taken aback by the fact that he used her first name than anything else. Of course, she got a sudden chill but she didn’t look worried in the least.
“Soon enough, he will come looking for you.” He continued, leaning closer.
“How do you know that?” She asked in that smartass manner that pretty much characterized her. “Oh, wait. You don’t.”
“My father does,” He hissed, glaring at her for being so stubborn, “This Christmas I spent the holidays with Death Eaters planning their next move. My father, in case you forgot, is the one in charge right now.”
She rolled her eyes, “Thanks for clarifying the obvious.”
He bit the inside of his cheek, angrier than when he entered the castle.
“You know what? Fine. Let’s say he will come for me sooner or later but you will be summoned very soon too and let’s see what happens then.” She finished, hearing him scoff while she spun on her heels and walked away.
Draco stayed behind, leaning against the wall rubbing his head. He could still visualize the moment his father realized that Eliza was in Hogwarts.
"Why didn’t you tell me?!” Lucius Malfoy was mad and it wasn’t every day when his son was the cause.
“Why does it matter? She’s just a mud blood!” The son screamed at his father yet couldn’t look him in the eye.
Lucius looked ready to blow fire through his eyes and nose, “She’s not a mud blood, Draco. She is the daughter of Ophelia Molley, a pure blooded witch, descendant of Salazar Slytherin.” The older man explained.
“Dear, you will be late for the train,” His mother, Narcissa nudged her son towards the fireplace.
Draco let his mother led him away, still hearing Lucius mumble under his breath.
“I thought Ophelia Molley was adopted by muggles...” He mumbled to himself, surprising his mother with the interest he had for that woman.
“Where did you hear this?” She questioned but the blond looked to the side, “It doesn’t matter, anyway. Ophelia is not your concern, Eliza is. I will tell you more when the time comes but until then, be careful.”
She kissed his cheek and smiled softly, watching him use the Floo Network to get to platform nine and three quarters.
There was something that got imprinted in his mind, though: descendant of Salazar Slytherin.
Eliza spent Monday with a dreadful look. She looked like she was ready to pass out and Harry was curious why until he remembered she had lessons with Snape. Right after dinner, she got up and Harry followed closely.
"Where are you going?" She asked him curiously.
"Dumbledore wants me to take Occlumency lessons with Snape." He whispered back.
Eliza stopped right before entering the dungeons and blinked. If Harry had Occlumency then her lessons were over. That mere thought made her feel like the knot in her stomach loosened up.
"How many times?" She asked hopefully.
"Once a week." He answered grumpily. "It'll look like I'm taking remedial Potions."
"You'd need that, though." Eliza mumbled, not feeling sorry at all for what she said.
In the end, Harry continued down towards Snape's office while Eliza turned around and went into the common room.
"Hey, Liz! Merry Christmas! Did you get my card?" Seamus asked while half trying to do Umbridge's homework.
Eliza frowned, "With whose owl?"
Seamus looked genuinely confused, "Yours. It appeared at my window before I could take my cousin's. I gave it to him."
Eliza felt the knot tighten. The only thing Willy got her was the letter and ring from a former Death Eater. She swallowed anxiously and looked down at her hands.
"Willy gives my mail to Snape." She said bluntly.
Seamus frowned, "Snape? Why?"
Eliza remembered her dream with her mother. She could still see it before her eyes. For me to be your Secret Keeper, you need to follow exactly what I say. I'll be waiting. Well, Willy seemed perfectly capable back then.
"Well, then it's lucky that I didn't send you my present!" Dean said, holding something in his hand. "Here."
Eliza's eyes widened at the spherical, black and white football ball. It was simple and nothing out of ordinary but in her eyes, it looked beautiful.
"Thank you!" She yelped before hugging him tightly. Dean blushed and patted her awkwardly.
"What about my card then? Did Snape get it instead?" He asked, visibly getting red in embarrassment.
Dean raised an eyebrow and leaned against the armchair Seamus was sitting on, "What exactly did you write in that card, mate?"
"Nothing." He said quickly and went back to his homework.
Dean didn't pass the chance to make fun of his best friend and Eliza asked Neville to help her with some Herbology terms. Overall, it felt nice to be back at Hogwarts.
The next morning, Eliza entered the Great Hall yawning. She first searched for her friends at the table and found them in the front, reading the newspaper.
"What's wrong? Something about Dumbledore again?" She asked before she poured herself some tea.
Harry was looking down at his breakfast while Ron and Hermione were staring straight at her.
"What?" Eliza asked in confusion.
Hermione gave her the Daily Prophet and pointed at the headline. MASS BREAKOUT FROM AZKABAN. MINISTRY FEAR BLACK IS 'RALLYING POINT' FOR OLD DEATH EATERS. Then her eyes went lower, finding the pictures of the escapees. Right there, at the bottom was the fierce black and white picture of Belatrix Lestrange. Her face was the same as the one in her dreams and she looked ready to wreak havoc even in Azkaban.
The trio watched Eliza carefully as she read the article. Her chin tensed and she looked stiff but nothing else. When she was done, she put the newspaper aside and looked at the staff table. Snape wasn't there so she got up and calmly walked out of the Great Hall.
"Do you think she's mad?" Ron asked right after she left.
Hermione shook her head, "She's probably having mixed feelings."
"Belatrix is her aunt. How would you feel if your crazy aunt just escaped prison?" Harry mumbled, being careful not to draw attention with what he said.
"Do you think she's going to risk it and tell Si-Snuffles about it?" Ron asked, his eyes falling on the ten black and white pictures again.
"No. No, she's going to Snape." Harry stated firmly. "They've been having training every night. That's why she couldn't come to the DA meetings." He continued, seeing how Eliza's secret could help him and the rest.
"You mean she's been having Occlumency too?" Ron asked, confused.
Harry shook his head, "Dark Arts. Snape's not going easy on her either. You saw just how tired and scratched she was last term."
Eliza turned up for their next lessons but avoided the trio, especially Harry. She didn't go see Snape but went to hide in a corner and calm down. She was angry and Umbridge's face was not helping at all. Harry's Occlumency lessons were every time Snape felt like it while her training ceased but didn't stop.
This time, Eliza made an effort and went to every DA meeting. Neville was doing extraordinary and the rest weren't bad either. Yet, the difference in Eliza's behavior seemed to force her partners to work harder because she was very fast and her attacks were sharp and well calculated.
"I guess you've been really well trained." Dean mumbled after he got pushed by her.
That wasn't Snape's opinion who seemed to be in a bitter mood almost every day.
"Don't act on emotions, Black. If you control yourself, you can control your hand as well. Try again."
Training with Snape was getting rougher and she got many new bruises all over her arms and legs. However, it was definitely a long way from the DA meetings. While Harry was teaching his fellow colleagues jinxes and counter-curses, Snape was more interested in using the deadly curses. 677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiVGJmwFtx
That night she barely made it in the dormitory. She was incredibly tired and fell face first on the bed. 677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsvjCgWJwF0
Furvus looked up at her with those big green eyes and meowed before he squirmed and ran to get something. He was still small but managed to bring an antique book to her feet. She grabbed it and chuckled when she saw the title: The Art of Transfiguration.677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcERwCjrVyj
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“You want me to become an animagus, like dad?” She asked the cat grumpily. 677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdAhoeGKIH
Furvus nodded and meowed again, nudging her foot. 677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ8Z7Fqm149
“You want me to be a cat?” She asked bemusedly and Furvus meowed again.677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1Uux1nHQil
She shook her head disapprovingly and placed the book aside. Furvus jumped on the bed and glanced between her and the book stubbornly.677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡknbL6h8mYk
That night was the first in almost a year when she dreamed it again.677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtcxt0ifClq
“I’m not the kid from Hogwarts anymore. You should have chosen your family, us! But instead, you chose Potter and his little group,” The blonde snarled at the green eyed woman. He was furious and he was looking at her with the same disappointing glint as the day she was murdered.677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2Bb9zVhzj
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“Is that really what you want to be Lucius? When we first met, you were just like me. Our families were the ones who forced us into the darkness. Maybe they trained you too well, maybe you have been brainwashed but not me.” Ophelia addressed this younger version of Lucius.677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI429yVInPv
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“Maybe. Or maybe he changed you, Sirius Black. He will get you killed sooner or later.” Lucius added calmly, making Ophelia feel even worse.677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5v26o4zgT
The room changed and Eliza found herself back in her mother's house in Ireland. She was watching from the secret compartment Lizzy was hiding in. She could watch everything but something was definitely different. Besides, she was quite big compared to the four years old Eliza. 677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTddlzZjy9b
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Unlike the last time, when everyone disapparated, Voldemort turned towards the dresser and stared at it with those icy eyes.677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX1pxa4JJFK
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“We will soon be reunited." He hissed before he laughed loudly. 677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV5QpisDGW
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She opened her eyes and expected to see the eyes of Voldemort but instead, Furvus’ green eyes popped in front of her. The black cat caressed her cheek softly with his paw, making Eliza smile softly at the kind gesture. Once Furvus felt that his owner calmed down, he went back to his place on the window sill and fell asleep.677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbXAvUUh0cz
Eliza entered the Great Hall expecting to have a silent breakfast. Those words Voldemort hissed were making her feel very anxious. He didn't say anything about how he will find her; he said they will be reunited soon which meant he found her. 677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaY8BUauL2C
Draco was right, she thought. 677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBr7yjGZiDc
Eliza didn't even go to Hogsmeade when time came and chose to train by herself somewhere in the Forest. She closed her eyes and thought about what Snape told her. Don't act on emotions, Black. If you control yourself, you can control your hand as well. Then she remembered Voldemort's laugh and she felt anger engulf her body. How could she ignore it when he was making it so difficult to?677Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyBqEFJ5Sh
