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2025-01-23
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Nothing Matters

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Chapter 1: I have my sentence now at last I know, just how you felt
 Walburga Black is going to die. That's the words of the mudblood (doctor) ringing in her head, that she's going to die. It's a cruel joke that she got this mudblood disease called cancer. Specifically breast cancer. The lumps found in her breasts, the cheeky remarks Orion would say every time she undressed before him.She was going to die.The mudblood doctor gave her pamphlets telling her all she needed about knowing the disease and how she have to prepare her family. Oh only if she knew.Walburga 's oldest son Sirius the blood traitor moved out when he turned sixteen after a huge fight broke between them. A curses here and there but this time they pushed him and he ran towards her.Walburga knew she wasn't a good person, she knew no one in her family will miss her except for Kreacher, the elf has if not devoted himself to her.Her brothers whom she promised that she'll be there for them when they grow up feel like strangers.Her nieces whom she promised them that they'll never follow the same path as her and her siblings yet their's has become worse.Her second son Regulus who followed her until he became a former shell of himself and with her begging he's now normal but not quite."Well excuse me."A posh voice, firm but proper welcomed Walburga back to reality as she looked at the girl. She had a very long neck, Druella's neck fails in comparison to her. Her blonde hair, not as snowy like Lucius and Narcissa but a bit darker. "Is there a place you are going to?"she asked. The girl reminded her of some one maybe a former Hogwarts learner.She looked at her and Walburga continued walking in the summer sun of July.Rude. Petunia Evans thought as she watched Sirius and Regulus 's mother walking away she was about to call her after a few pamphlets fell to the ground, the title of the pamphlet catching her guard.

How to support your love one who is suffering from Breast Cancer

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How does one begin to have a conversation with his estranged brother?That's the dilemma that faces Sirius Black who's sitting across his brother Regulus who has changed drastically over the years.How would he know, it's been 5 years since he left Grimmauld and cut ties with his family leaving his brother behind.He doesn't know that he deserves the title ‘brother’ to Regulus. That already belongs to Barty and Evan. Just how the title of Sirius’s 'brother' went to James, Remus and Peter, though having a problem with the latter but that's alright.He notices that his cheeks have colour, both of them losing the “sick Victorian child” look, his hair a bit full yet still short while Sirius grew his. Maybe at the length of his mother .“So how are you?” Sirius cringed at the question yet that's one of the ways he knows how to communicate with his family except for Andi, they have been talking since he was disowned.“Fine.” Regulus answers, curtly and sharp, just how mother taught him. “My flower shop has been doing well.”he continues.Oh I almost forgot about that.Regulus opened a flower shop down Diagon Ally, the purpose was not only to sell magical flowers in Magical Britain, but also he has expanded to the Muggle world.“I heard you have expanded to London… you never liked the busy city so what changed?” Sirius asks, looking at Regulus with suspicion.“If you think that I'll be murdering muggles to spread the pureblood agenda then surely you must be mistaken.”Regulus replies, cutting all the civility he promised Pandora and Dorcas to show at Sirius but it's hard.“Well you can't blame me since you are if not mother's pride and joy.”Sirius answers, looking directly at Regulus’ eyes, stormy grey looking at a darker shade of grey, for the first time in his life Sirius can proudly say that his…Regulus changed and he's mad at himself for not witnessing his change.Regulus throws a cutting curse, the one his mother would use at the drawing room while he and his father watched. It was the day after Sirius left and was the first time he saw Walburga break down, tears falling as she tries to break another antique, another family heirloom, he spared a glance at his father but the man did not react at all. It was like another day for him. Almost like he was not there in the room.Orion however was taking a trip back to the past. That time he was at Regulus' place watching Walburga breakdown immediately after Alphard was disowned by his uncle, Cygnus stood still watched his sister throwing curse after curse until she can't anymore. He felt sorry for her.Regulus looked at Sirius and he left him there.Sirius berated himself for letting Regulus slip.He decided to call the only person who would understand.“Hey Lily, I think I fucked up.”

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“SIRIUS BLACK WHAT DID YOU DO!?”screamed Lily Evans, who frightened a boy while talking to Sirius. She felt all those hours, coaching him not to fight Regulus however she feels like she got slapped in the face.

“I was mad okay?!”Sirius screamed back at Lily. It was rare for the muggleborn to lose her cool. Even though Sirius knew Lily was losing it everytime he and the Marauders did something stupid.

The pair were fighting in the flat where Lily, Mary and Petunia resided. The flat had two bedrooms, which Mary and Lily shared while Petunia has one by herself and the women shared their rent equally. Mary worked at Gringotts while Lily and Petunia worked at the Ministry.

“So your reaction was to attack him? Sirius you know that … you know what the cut he gave you was justified.”

“Thank you Evans, it is fun to see you stand by his side.” That is a bit too far.

Before Lily exploded James entered the flat saving Sirius for the berate that Lily Evans was baking.

“Well this looks like a bad time.”said James, trying to diffuse the argument but it made Lily annoyed, she knew that James was a lost cause due to the brotherhood between him and Sirius.

“Don't worry Prongs, Lily's just mad that I broke someone else's heart.”Sirius concluded, not wanting to fight Lily because James wouldn't like that, he and Sirius were inseparable, but he always had a soft spot for Lily

“Well aren't you the serial heart breaker.”said James, fixing his large circular glasses.

Lily looked at Sirius, frustrated that Sirius and Regulus have not fixed their relationship. She knows first hand that if you do not do that you may live a life with regrets.

Petunia looked paler than ever, thinner than ever. Lily nearly thought that it was some sort of shapeshifter taking the place of her sister.

“I'm not going to die, you know that right?”her sister asked, voice still firm and proper, the words Lily Evans would use to describe her sister. “No, you would tell Death to go back were they came from because you are no leaving yet.” The sisters laughed at the joke knowing that's true. Petunia Evans would fight Death in order for her no to die.

“Did you know that I was jealous of you?”Petunia asked, feeling that the curse has made her a bit of a chatterbox, “I envied the fact that everyone was drawn to you, the fact that you were better than me in every aspect, and the only way to point out my frustrations was to push you away?”

Lily looked at her sister for the first time, seeing her more than the stuck up girl that replaced her sister, but as her girl who felt insecure about her self since her name was associated with Lily Evans, the brightest witch of her time, she felt sorry for her sister and for her self.

“Petunia I'm sorry…”

“No, it's alright, it's just I was a bit too closed off huh?”Petunia cut her off and looked up to the lights of St. Mungo's. One day Petunia 's pride will one day kill her but for now, age wants to find comfort in the silence with Lily. That would be enough.

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“So you have cancer?”asked Tom Riddle, the man sitting opposite of Walburga, his brown eyes filled pity. This is what Walburga didn't want, the pittines, Blacks don't do pity, they never did. If you asked Walburga what ever happened that she and Tom Riddle can have civilized conversation, she might tell you the honest truth, she didn't know and it doesn't help the fact that she has somewhat befriended Myrtle Warren, the mudblood who may wave warmed Orion's heart and maybe hers. “Yes, Tom they call it Breast Cancer , I haven't known about the rest.” “So you are telling me that you ran away like a coward not knowing what treatments they will give you?”Tom asked her in a condescending tone. She did not like it one bit, Blacks weren't cowards even when she knows that only Sirius, Andromeda, Regulus and Alphard weren't the cowards of the family, the rest were, including her. “I may have accepted that I will be dying and there's nothing wrong with it.” Tom looked at Walburga and wondered, how can one of the accomplished witch in his age was dumb, dumber than their other classmates. Slytherin 's balls even Hagrid would have found information and tried to stay alive. The pair sat silently, lost in their world's, Tom widened his eyes as he realised that Walburga really wanted to die.  Myrtle entered the room abruptly, scaring the pair out of their words, “Well and what is the somber atmosphere, Tom you look pale, Walburga what on Earth happened to you”she asked rapidly. “Hello Warren, Walburga here wants to die.”Tom answers Myrtle, Walburga nearly shouted at Tom but then realised that she hasn't made Tom swear in secrecy. “So shall we prepare a list of things you will be doing before you die?” Myrtle asked, in her sarcastic tone she uses everytime in pureblood parties. Walburga surprised everyone by agreeing, “Yes Myrtle start that list.”   Petunia Evans looked at the big house where Alphard Black resides. She wasnt sure that was the correct house so nothing would hurt her. She tapped on the wards to let the owner know that he has a visitor. “Bloody hell I wonder who could it be?”an old man walked to the gates, wondering who could it be tapping the wards, a young woman stood there, wearing a ministry uniform. “Hello madame, look if it's about my family I'm not…” “Are you Alphard Black?”asked Petunia, just to make sure. “Yes…who are you?” “Petunia Evans, Ministry of magic worker, I am here to talk about your family, will you let me in? Alphard looked at the young woman, wondering what happened to them. Did they die? “Yes you may.”Alphard led Petunia to the foyer sitting down at the chairs, an elf, Rudi appeared. “Would you like tea?”he asked. “Thank you Mr.Black but no I must decline since I'm here on grave news.” Grave news, don't tell him that someone died,please let it not be that . “Are you aware of the Non-magical diseases?”Petunia asked carefully, she had to thread carefully, and to make sure that the ministry file was not lying when it reported that Alphard was in fact studying Medicine . And the fact that she had to check the university of Mr.Black was in fact doing his second year in Medicine. “Yes.” Alphard answers, looking at Petunia in the eyes, trying to break her occlumency walls. “You do know that is rude?”Petunia asked after she felt a strong sense of legilimancy protruding her walls. It was no secret that the Blacks were powerful in mind magic. “Apologies.”said Alphard, having the look of shame on his face as it turns red. “I found this from your sister, and she may not have that much time to live.”Petunia said delicately as she gave Alphard the pamphlets. What is breast cancer? Four words , four words were enough to shock Alphard Black. Cancer?! Out of all the ways he thought that Walburga with go out on, a Muggle disease was not on his cards. However he can't think of the way Walburga having cancer was ironic. To see one of the living members who lived and breathed blood purity, who would sing the family motto, Tou jours pur everytime they have met a Muggle.The person who disowned her own son due to his ideas had cancer. “Oh.” In all honesty there was nothing Alphard will say, he politely asked Petunia to come back tomorrow morning. As he watched Petunia leave, he cannot help but to rewind the words said by her . He can't help but to blame at the way he screamed in anger, wondering why after all these years without contact, the family managed to worm their way back into his life . Better start preparing the funeral.  “...so that's what happened.”Regulus concluded as he told Dorcas, Evan, Barty and Pandora what happened with Sirius.They were at Bella, Andi, Cissa , a shop that Regulus has named after his favourite cousins, a shop that not only sells flowers but also all thing Astronomy. “That twat I'm going to kill him.”said Barty, always looking for reason to fight with Sirius. “Don't worry, I left his cheek bleeding.” “Regulus why?”asked Pandora. “Atta Boy!”praised Evan and Dorcas. “Well in his own words that I am pushing the pureblood agenda.” Which is utter nonsense considering the fact that he and Walburga are not in talking terms right now, but Sirius doesn't know that. “He still believe that you are doing that?”asked Pandora, who was one of the group who knows that Regulus is putting on a show until they were alone. Crying about Sirius. “Well there is nothing I can say so let's get back to our jobs.”

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Walburga Black happens to be a prideful person. She never ask for help or favors. She was the first child to Pollux Black and Irma Crabbe- Black, and she took pride to that , she is the older sister to Alphard and Cygnus . She was made to be the perfect pureblood daughter, naive, the perfect wife and the one to give birth to heirs however Walburga was different. First she was her father's daughter, she was known around the circle as "unladylike Black" and how Irma and Pollux should have made her a boy. Pollux however did not take to kindly about what was said about his daughter, he would curse them and their future bloodline. Walburga cannot help but to think that her father was overbearing. When Alphard was born, Pollux took Walburga to a mudblood park, which at the time Walburga found it very odd that her father took her there, she thought he was going to teach her how to make the mudbloods feel pain. For a young girl, Walburga was very good with curses. "Burga I am sure you have heard that your brother has arrived."began her father after making sure that the mudbloods have not taken notice about the pair's rather eccentric outfits. "Yes father, mother was in pain."said Walburga after seeing her mother holding her bump screaming from the top of her lungs, to her and Kreacher, the family house elf stay with her for three days. Atleast Kreacher allowed her to have fun, run wild in the house. "Yes and you know the rules of the family, yes?" Walburga did not like the tone of her father's voice, it was sickening, almost like he might have eaten Sweets. "Yes, why?"she asks.  "Since Alphard is born and I am the Lord of the family, that makes him the next Lord of the family." Walburga felt her world being ripped apart, as if she eaten a sour lemon. Her dream of being called Lady Black have shattered. She started breathing faster and Pollux rushed to help his daughter.  Seeing his sweet, fierce and loyal Walburga break shattered a piece of him inside. He would have loved seeing Walburga becoming the Lady of the noble and ancient house of Black, finally breaking the circle of having male heirs as the head of the family. Walburga silently cried as her father tried to comfort her but it was a lost cause. For the first time ever, the father and the daughter held hatred for their family traditions. "Promise me Burga that you will never hold hatred towards Alphard?"her father asked. "Never."promised Walburga.   Growing up Alphard, Walburga and Cygnus were if not very close. So close that in every family gathering you may see the trio have fun. Whether is causing cause and never getting caught or teasing each other about their friends, they were very , very close. "So Wally, I heard that Riddle turned down Druella."began Alphard, hoping to rule up his siblings. "Al, you and I both know that I am not Friends with Riddle, never was not will be. However I can assure you that Cygnus here must be very happy." Cygnus turned into a shade of red as he has to listen to the relentless teasing if his siblings, "I am not happy." Walburga and Alphard laughed and soon later Cygnus joined them it was a lovely for them to lay down near the Black Lake. The sun was warm, hugging the siblings as they talked about everything, their disgust of having to go to the Slug Club, Walburga's weird companionship with Euphemia and talking about the family's latest affairs. "Well we have to go back to our classes."said Walburga, a bit saddened by the time ending and going back to the boring classes. They can probably write their O.W.L.S and N.E.W.T.S with their eyes closed. The siblings shared their goodbyes and Walburga hoped that she and her little brothers will continue having little meetings into adulthood.   Walburga took one final look at Myrtle 's handwritten note, it had her wishes to accomplish. Tom and Myrtle call it a bucket list, "a list to do before you kick the bucket." Myrtle 's words ,well she just hope's that the list will be finished before she passes away.  WALBURGA'S BUCKET LIST 1. MET A FAMOUS MUGGLE CELEBRITY 2. DONATE A GOOD CAUSE3. HAVE A FAMILY DINNER 4. SKYDIVING 5. GO ON A DATE6. GO TO A CONCERT 7. FIND HAPPINESS AND PEACE  She can't help but to judge the list. Myrtle might have gave her a list that she highly doubts she can finish however she can't brush off seeing Myrtle 's happiness and maybe for one in her lifetime she can try to be selfless, behave like a Gryffindor.

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Orion Black knew that there was something special about Walburga. Yes their marriage may have stopped some members of the family from speaking to them but he never cared about them. He only cared about Walburga.Their family however might have had a impact on the both of them,  mostly Walburga. Orion loved his sons however his love fails in comparison to Walburga's. She could hang the moon to them if they asked , however due to ideologies changing, their sons have distanced themselves from them.So what if Orion envied Walburga's relationship between the boys, could you even blame him."Orion I have returned. Where is Kreacher?"asked his wife , coming from where Walburga knows where, her eyes were unusually puffy and reddened, Orion took note and will ask later as he sees Walburga being uncharacteristically happy. Her cheeks being sharper than ever."And which poor soul did you crucio'd?"Orion asked. Walburga really loves Orion however that include his sometimes not intelligent questions."I heard from Myrtle that there is a new restaurant opening in Godric's Hollow, and I have booked a table for us."Walburga answers while walking towards their room.Orion looked at Walburga as if she grew two horns, "And what is the special occasion?""What, can't a witch and her husband go to dinner without having to do so celebrating an occasion."Walburga huffed as she looked for a dress. Orion did not say anything further and decided that it has been a long time they had dinner outside Grimmauld.Walburga took out a simple long green dress, her hair was in a ponytail and decided to wear the Black matriarch necklace. A silver chain having a emerald cut centre piece. Orion wore a simple black suit, his tie having a small emerald at the centre. Orion looked at Walburga as she took his breath away. After all these years, she still looked beautiful."Should we leave?"asked Walburga.Orion took out his Polaroid camera, one of the first things Myrtle Warren brought for him after they wanted to explore the Mudblood world. He was fascinated by the small box, producing pictures faster than the magical camera.Walburga found herself blushing due to Orion's actions, "Well we have to leave before we become late."Orion put his Polaroid down and held out his hand,"Shall we go Lady Black?"Walburga smirked at Orion and touched the portkey disguised as a plate.Whitin a few moments, the Blacks arrived at the restaurant, having a fae leading them to their table."This is nice.""It is.""Do not worry, the restaurant breathes in magic so what ever you are thinking, you will get your food."said the Fae, leaving them away.The pair looked at each other, longing evident in their grey eyes .So they talked, about it everything. Well not everything, Walburga doesn't have it in her to tell Orion that she might die. This would be one of the rare moments that she is selfish. Across the restaurant, Andromeda Tonks sees her aunt and uncle laughing which is an unusual thing to see."Nice to see them happy."her husband, Ted Tonks remarked."Yeah it is very nice."Andromeda adds, feeling very confused. Aunt Walburga looked different. Very different."Well we better be on our way then. I fear Dora might have led her babysitter to jump out the window.""Let's go Andi." After eating and drinking fire whiskey, Walburga and Orion went outside, walking to Grimmauld, after learning that the restaurant is not that far from Grimmauld. People passing by can't help but to feel envy for the old couple, they seem like they have it all but little did they know.Walburga kissed Orion after spotting his star on the clear sky.

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It was really ironic, seeing Walburga having cancer, seeing one of the most prideful purebloods Alphard knew have a muggle disease however it was seen a mile ago.Alphard decided to research about the cancer, however he was stuck. It has been years he last saw Walburga so he really didn't know where the disease stretched, but knowing Walburga, she wouldn't tell the others, again, Walburga Black was too prideful and it would be humiliating seeing her suffer from a muggle disease.So when he saw Petunia walking towards him he felt a sharp pang in his heart. Those pains where as frequent as his thoughts on his family."So did she go back to the hospital?"he asked."No that was the last time."Alphard felt twice more of his age, so Walburga was willing to die, well he couldn't be surprised about that."Do you want to meet them?"Petunia asked, seeing a little bit of Lily in Mr. Black, she could help but to feel sorry about the siblings."Well they disowned me so why bother going to them?"Petunia sensed that there was more to the casual tone that Mr. Black spoke to. She might sense the all too familiar feeling of resentment."Well , I will be taking my leave then. Mr. Black promise me one thing."Petunia said as she prepares to leave."Yes?""Promise me that you will try to reconnect with your family, even if some of them are lost causes."Alphard froze at the statement Petunia made, she looked straight at him, tears wanting to fall, telling him a tale that he lived through, filled with regrets and the what ifs. For the rare moments in his life he felt seen. He had to hear about his nieces and nephews falling apart, the same way he did with his siblings, sensing that every siblings in the Black family is set for tragedy.
He felt cold for the first time after seeing his father blasts his head. Walburga's tears running down her face and Cygnus cradling their sister. He sees the faces of his nieces and nephews and hears Andromeda holding Bellatrix 's hand .
"I'll try."Petunia can see the toll of Walburga being sick having an effect on Mr. Black , she looked at him one last time and left his estate.

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WALBURGA'S BUCKET LIST 
MET A FAMOUS MUGGLE CELEBRITY 
DONATE TO A GOOD CAUSE 
HAVE A FAMILY DINNER 
SKYDIVING 
GO ON A DATE
GO ON A CONCERT 
FIND HAPPINESS AND PEACE 
"Well at least you done one thing, I never thought you would take the list seriously."said Myrtle as she wandlessly organised the books at The Moaning Library (Walburga still asked herself on why Myrtle choose the moaning, seeing the fact that families come here to buy books.)"Well Tom did tell you that I'll be dying.""So you aren't looking for the treatment options?""Myrtle we both know that only you, Orion and Tom would bother coming to my funeral."Myrtle stopped on walking, her mouth hanging as she looked at Walburga."Walburga don't say that!"Walburga couldn't help but to be shocked by Myrtle 's words, it was rare for the soft spoken witch to scream but Tom would differ as he was the victim of her outbursts."It's really the truth."Myrtle couldn't believe on what she was hearing, she really choose to be friends with two of the people who where allergic to acknowledge their emotional intelligence."How about Orion? What about your boys? What about your girls? ""Myrtle we have established that they would never care about me...""But what if they do care...""They don't Myrtle end of discussion."The two older women looked at each other and for the first time in all of this, Walburga felt tired."I will see you tomorrow."Myrtle watched Walburga walk away from her, feeling sorry for her friend and anger for her stubbornness. Walburga was outside as she bumped into a person."Well you should watch where you are going." Walburga reprimanded the person even though she is as fault."Well I'm not surprised that you are not apologising for that."Walburga slowly looked at the figure until she saw a mole near her eye. Euphemia Potter was looking at her.Walburga felt her face reddened and without a minute to spare, she dissaperated to Grimmauld.Euphemia looked at the empty space where Walburga was standing a few moments ago.Well at least I'll tell Sirius that his mother is a bit under the weather, sheet thought as she continued to do whatever she wanted at Diagon Ally.Orion and Cygnus heard a violent pop as they stood to take stance. Walburga walked towards the drawing room and startled by the sight of her little brother standing alongside her husband, wands in hand, looking to throw cursed."Burga what happened?"asked Cygnus, caught off guard as he saw his sister."Nothing, just nothing."Orion looked at Cygnus as the other man registered that this was one of the moments his sister behaved like that.The men put their wands at their respective wand holders, and continued their conversation.Walburga, still surprised about seeing her little brother hasn't noticed the foul smell coming from her breasts."Dear Slytherin what is that awful smell?"asked Cygnus as he pinched his nose, Orion looked at Walburga and noticed that her breasts are leaking."Walburga, darling can you fetch that potion you used. "Walburga perfectly understood Orion's message as she rushed to the bathroom, seeing her chest blotted with the awful smell coming from her breasts.She knew a simple cleaning charm won't help her so she took a cloth, wetting it , wandlessly taking off her clothes as she wiped of smelly milk.After hours if wiping, the smell was gone, and her brother went back to his, albeit a small mansion gave by their father as he wanted him and Druella have their own house.Guess I have to go back there then.

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Dear Regulus  I miss you
Your loving brother Sirius 
 Sirius looked at the letter he written to Regulus a few years ago. After he was offed at the Black Family tree, after him and his mother Walburga were fighting, after leaving a tearful Regulus all alone in that house . He can still hear Walburga's screams as he left to the Potter's. Still can feel Euphemia and James's hugs around them, still feels the empty piece in his heart, left by his family. "Sirius, are you alright?"Sirius was brought back to the present as Remus Lupin snapped his fingers at his friend's face. He could see that the lunch with Regulus is still on his mind . "Don't worry about me Moony, I'm doing great." "Sirius I do know how you look like when you lie, tell me what is going on?" Remus asked. He knew how Sirius looked like when he lied, he pretends that he's fine, forcing the "swagger " version of himself, smirking till you see the dim in his eyes , it flickers fast unless you see it. "Well I have been thinking about the lunch with Regulus, and maybe I should have assumed that he's only operating in London for some hidden agenda."Sirius said with a heavy sigh. Remus saw that one of his best friends was looked old. "Well maybe you should have not jumped at Regulus like that, maybe he just missed his brother." Sirius looked at Remus at that statement and realised that maybe he misses his little brother so much. The constant chaos they caused at the family dinner, the late night conversations they had, him insisting that Kreacher 's favourite happens to be Regulus. Maybe he wants that. He doesn't address that there's also a part that misses his parents, he doesn't want to address it. Maybe he never will. "Well I'll try to met him again." "Sirius you do know that it's alright to..."Remus started. "No, Remus."Sirius coldly stopped him. The two men sat silently and lost in their world.  "So I'll see you this coming full moon right?"Remus asked. "Would miss it for the world Moony."  Walburga stared at the hospital for far too long, almost the building mocking her for her cowardness, for not entering it. "I finally caught up on you."s voice spoke up, startling Walburga. The woman with the long neck looked at her. "I wondered where you ran off to?" "I am a woman who is busy." Walburga answers, not with the sharp bite she usually has, feeling drained. "The name is Petunia Evans." "Walburga Black." "So you are Sirius 's mother right?"Petunia asked, already knowing how, she reads files on wizards and witches for a living. Walburga stared at Petunia, panicking that Sirius could know about her condition. No she doesn't want Alphard and the boys to reconcile with pity. She wants to do it on her own terms. "Oh don't worry I haven't told anyone." Walburga knew how to spot a lie and Petunia was lying, she decided not to press her. "Well aren't you entering?" "Not now." Well this is hard. Walburga had a random burst of courage and decided to enter the building, almost unlike of her. "You used imperious on me?!"she shrieked. "Well it seemed that you need a little bit of encouragement, I'll wait for you." Walburga felt ashamed of herself , having been fooled by Petunia. She could have been a Slytherin. "Walburga Black!"a voice shouted. Walburga looked at the direction of the voice, he was wearing a white coat. "Follow me." Walburga looked at Petunia, still standing outside, gesturing to her to follow the mudblood doctor. "So how long have you know you have cancer?"The doctor asked. Walburga moved shifted in the chair, wanting to look comfortable. "Three weeks ago."Walburga answered. "And you haven't noticed anything wrong before those three weeks?" "My husband would tease me about the lumps."Walburga said. The doctor looked at her with the look nobody wanted to be looked at, pity. "Well where I come from we have beliefs." Walburga said, not wanting to scare the mudblood doctor by saying, oh witches exist and we want to remove your kind  ,that would go well. "Oh." The doctor looked at Walburga with understanding, he also grew up somewhere like that. He understood. "Well Walburga we ran some tests with the clinic and I have grave news." Well that's what Walburga came for, the grave news. The news that she will tell Myrtle and Riddle to prepare for the funeral. "Oh what is it."Walburga said, faking sadness and curiosity. "You have stage 3 cancer specifically stage 3B ." "Is it ... um what is that word?" "Fatal?" Walburga nods. "Well no, there are other options including chemotherapy..." Walburga didn't let the doctor finish, "Thank you sir I'll shall take my leave." "Wait a minute why aren't you distraught?" Walburga stared at him, feeling her age settling down. "I have nothing to live for." "But your family, what about them?"The doctor asked, being worried for the strange woman who is in his care. "My sons hate me, well one of them loathes me. My brother left and my nieces can barely look at each other and I fear my husband's sanity is slowly slipping away. So maybe my death will bring them happiness." The doctor looked shocked by Walburga's statement. Out of all his patients, this one was strange . Never he met someone who was ready to look at death's eye. "I feel like I haven't tried anything. I am a horrible mother and a worse sister. I am not there emotionally with my husband and..." Tears fell as Walburga cried. It was a long time ago since she last cried. The doctor passed tissues to her. "Maybe you weren't the best person to be around but you can change that you know? You can change that Mrs. Black, and God will know you tried." Walburga looked at the doctor, tears falling as he holds her hands in his, maybe this God was their version of Merlin. "Do you think so?" Walburga hated how her voice asked with child like hopefulness. "Yes Mrs. Black, yes." Walburga stood up, wiping away her tears, and went to the door, before she walked out the doctor called out to her, "Mrs. Black, I hope you reconcile with your family." "I hope so too doctor, I hope so too." The doctor looked at Walburga as she closed the door, finally making peace that this particular patient will be leaving in a few years time. He really hopes that she finds peace with her family before leaving. Petunia noticed the somber look at Walburga, "I can give you a ride?" "As long as the ministry doesn't find that you used an unforgivable." "Mrs. Black we both know that the Ministry is just a circus and besides I used a wand that it illegal." Walburga looked at her shocked, she has to admit, Petunia Evans has that spark. "Where you at Slytherin?" Petunia laughed and walked to her blue convertible car, "Come on, let's go to an ice cream shop." Walburga looked at her, and decided to follow her.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

So here they go again. This time Regulus has his wand on top of the table at Sirius 's apartment. Sirius was sitting at the loveseat watching Regulus. "Are you not going to sit down? I'm afraid that I'll be a terrible host."said Sirius, filling in the silence in the room. Regulus sat down silently and looked directly at Sirius. "So what are we going to talk about?" "That I am sorry, sorry for leaving you, for disregarding your feelings."said Sirius. That was atleast a good starting point. "And why am I not surprised?"Regulus looked at Sirius, frustrated at how after all this time, Sirius wanted them to reconcile later, not while he wrote letters to him. "Look Reg..." Regulus stood up violently, "Do not call me that. You lost that right when you ripped my letter apart, you and your Marauders laughing at me. When you said that they are your brothers not me."he cuts Sirius coldly. "Look that was not one of my brightest moments and I acknowledge that I was an idiot at that time but I was hurt, Regulus. I was hurt by the fact that I left you there, without listening your side, without acting like an arse. I'm sorry." Regulus walked towards the window, the warm spring air hitting his face, as his eyes darted to the ground, he saw a blonde woman and a raven haired woman chasing each other. Hmm. That's odd. He walked towards the table not looking at Sirius, it was hard seeing your brother reject you near a lot of people. It would have been better if it was private, leaving people to spectate. "You do know that you have hurt me countless times, don't you Sirius?" For the first time Regulus looked at Sirius for the first time in years, without masking their emotions, he sees the tiredness, the longing, the hurt and most of all , regret. "I do know that"Sirius answers. "Do you know that Narcissa, ruined every picture I had of you because I missed you?" Sirius shakes his head. "Do you know that mother made the drawing room a wreck?" That surprised Sirius. "You really thought that mother and father were really heartless monsters?" Regulus said as he watched Sirius widen his eyes. He drew out a humour less laugh. "I fear I am not the right person to ask about that, we both know that Sirius." The thought of his parents being affected by his departure was scary. He did not want to address the feeling that grew in his heart, he felt that he might not be ready to address it. "I'll take time to come around, I'm not ready to forgive you." Sirius understood what Regulus had said. He too was not ready to reply to Regulus 's letters, a pang of guilt hits his heart.  "I'll take my leave good bye."Regulus left Sirius 's apartment, leaving the owner in his head.   Across the apartment, Petunia Evans thought it would be lovely for Walburga to have ice cream after a visit to the hospital. She didn't dare ask about what the doctor said, she already knew that Walburga will reject the treatment options. "Which ice cream favor you want?" Walburga hasn't noticed Petunia 's question, still convinced that this is all a dream. "Vanilla." Petunia ordered the ice creams and decided that they should sit outside the gelato. "Let me look at the list." Walburga took out the list and gave the list to Petunia.  "Well we can donate some money to some hospices." Walburga was caught off guard by the word Petunia just said. "Hos.pieces?" Petunia laughed at Walburga's pronouncing the word. She wiped a fake tear from her eye and looked at her, Walburga however was pouting. "A hospice. Where a person goes when they are very sick to even stay at a hospital, and they get cared for until they die." Oh, now Walburga felt sorry for those people. Since when I care about people? Their ice creams arrived and the two women ate them. Well one of them because Walburga doesn't have it in her to throw away all those etiquette lessons. "Can we , give them..." "Oh, you really want to donate?"Petunia kindly asked. Walburga nodded. "Well we'll go to Gringotts to convert then. Go to a concert? Which singer happens to be your favourite? I never pegged you to be the music loving person." Walburga clearly remembers the time where Narcissa forced her to go to her routine, watching Andromeda and her daughter play at the nearby park. She was annoyed by Narcissa 's actions but she would go and accompany her, seeing the longing from her eyes, Walburga only felt sorry for herself and her niece. "I want to go to that shop, over there." Walburga watched Narcissa point to a shop that happened to display Black round plates with a little bit of colour at the middle. "Do you have mudblood money on you?" "Yes, I do." Narcissa dragged Walburga to the shop. Inside was filled with the black plates, lining up the wall. They reminded her of the elf heads at Grimmauld. "Hullo and welcome to Barnaby's records, how can I help you?"The women were greeted by a young man, who could pass by being a Black. Sharp and high cheekbones and a mole near his right eye. "Well we were wondering about these little black plates." The boy looked at the two women weirdly, wondering where they even come from. "Oh you mean the records, you can get them here and more, what genre do you listen to?" The two women looked at the boy weirdly, not knowing how to answer him. The boy gestures at them,"Don't worry, by looking at you I'll tell what genre is your favourite."  Narcissa and Walburga looked at the boy weirdly as he walked around the shop, picking records that suit the women's taste. "And here they are. It was a bit difficult to choose for you."he pointed at Walburga,"but I believe that the selection I made will suit you." He pointed at Narcissa, "you might like ABBA with some touches of rock, maybe No Doubt." He gave Narcissa the records, the name of ABBA and No Doubt, Walburga was about to read until he pointed at her, "You however, you were difficult but I pulled out." He gave Walburga some of the records, "I picked some Fleetwood Mac , Red Hot Chilli Peppers and David Bowie." Walburga's eyes widened as she hears the name, Sirius used to talk about this David Bowie, her son was fascinated by him. "Do one of you have a record player?"he asked. The two women shaked their heads. The boy walked towards the counter as he puts a white record player at the top. "This is a record player, you just."he shows the women how to operate the record player, writing them instructions.  "Is there anything else before you pay?" "Well I would like those little box records there with a... Walkman."Walburga said as she didn't want Orion to know about her own mudblood things. "Yes, let me take these and replace them." The boy took the records from Walburga's hands and replaced them with the little box. "These are cassettes and this is a cassette player or a Walkman."the boy showed her how to use it and take care of it. Narcissa payed for the items and promised that if the records stopped playing he should call her.    "Yes, if it's possible, can we see David Bowie?" Petunia stilled as she hears Walburga's words, since when she listens to Bowie? Since when one of the most prideful pureblood witches listen to David Bowie? "I will try, so you listen to Bowie?" Petunia teases Walburga, her face turning to red as she stood up, sensing that Walburga might hit her with a curse near people. And that is how Petunia get chased by Walburga, laughing at Walburga's attempts to catch her. The two women's laughter were of children. Walburga momentarily forgot about her problems. "Before you die here, I really have to go." Oh, but Walburga was having fun, Petunia walked towards her, whispering in her ears, "I fear you would like to get me by using magic." Walburga blushed at Petunia 's words as they decided to walk towards her car.  "So, who do you want to listen to while I drive you back to Grimmauld?" Walburga looked at Petunia and said. "How about Queen bitch?" She took out her David Bowie cassette, the album Hunky Dory being her favourite as they drives off to Grimmauld.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Walburga looked at the hospice she just donated money to, she first went to Gringotts, as she asked to change the currency, which got her the eyes of many who worked there, including the family's account holder. She felt happy, wishing that the people may get better. So one item down on her list. WALBURGA'S BUCKET LIST  1. MET A FAMOUS MUGGLE CELEBRITY  
2. DONATE A GOOD CAUSE
 3. HAVE A FAMILY DINNER  
4. SKYDIVING 
 
5. GO ON A DATE
 6. GO TO A CONCERT  7. FIND HAPPINESS AND PEACE  Walburga looked at the list as she decided to cross out the skydiving bit, she highly doubted that she'll do it, what Myrtle doesn't want wouldn't kill her.  She puts the ear buds of her Walkman and decided to listen to Red Hot Chilli Peppers, maybe that boy at the record store had known which artists Walburga will listen repeatedly. Maybe he was a wizard. As she passed down the streets of London she unfortunately bumped into someone again. This time she decided to be a little bit polite. "Sorry for not looking."she winced as she said that, still not used to believing that she can say the words, sorry. That word is not found at the Black family dictionary. "It's alright." That voice sounded familiar to her, she cannot pinpoint exactly but she knows she heard it before. It isn't when her grey eyes found another pair of grey eyes starring at her. The ever famous Black mole near the right eye. "Alphard?" Alphard froze as he saw Walburga, it has been years since he last saw his sister, not believing that he saw her different but exactly the same. "Walburga."Alphard saying her name like he forbade himself from saying it. It has been years. "How are you?" "Fine."The estranged siblings, not knowing how to interact with each other without throwing curses and screaming at each other starred each other in the eyes, seeing nothing but pain, anger and most importantly, longing. Oh how they both wished that they were close like they used to. "How's Cygnus?" Alphard asked, missing his little brother. "He is now a grandfather." Walburga answered, not wanting to know that after he left, she continued to disown other members of the family. Oh, Alphard wished that he didn't enslave himself by not keeping up with his siblings. Atleast he would know. "Well, congratulations." Walburga wondered what ever happened to them. They were inseparable. Until Alphard threw his chance at being the Lord of the Black family, which made their father mad. Alphard stood up and before he sped away, she called out to him, "This coming Thursday,we are having a family dinner, you can come through, we didn't kick you out of the wards. You can come with someone" Alphard looked at Walburga with shock, not believing what his sister has just said. "I'll come." Walburga, being excited that her brother will be coming to dinner , ran away, without telling Alphard goodbye. Alphard watched Walburga run to Merlin knows where, a chuckle coming out in him, filled with fondness as he continued his walk. "I just invited Alphard to the family dinner" Myrtle and Tom, stopped at what they were doing. The trio were at Myrtle 's library office. "You invited who?!""You met Alphard?!" Walburga was uncharacteristically quiet, that was strange from their friend. "I bumped into him and I invited him." "Does he know...""No he doesn't." Myrtle and Tom looked at each other, still not believing that Walburga met Alphard, and the fact that he doesn't know that Andromeda and Sirius were disowned. The daily prophet made it a big spectacle, and the fact that it was one of the rare times that the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black were under public scrutiny, it amused Tom for a while until he got some of the reporters following him around, asking did he saw Walburga burn off her son and niece's heads off the tree. "So this upcoming Thursday?" Walburga nodded. Myrtle sighed, "So you will be inviting Regulus, Sirius and Andromeda, I'm not counting Narcissa and Bellatrix since those two will come by hell and water, and Druella wouldn't pass on that "wonderful drink Myrtle brings" and Cygnus wants to spend time with you." Tom and Walburga chuckled at the thought of Druella drinking mudblood wine, losing her self in it, not knowing that it was the cheapest wine bought in pounds. "Yes, but I would like if you two came." Myrtle and Tom looked at their friend, still shocked that she wants them to be at a very private family dinner. "Please."Walburga hated how the word sounded like as it came out. Well this was a shocker. Walburga Black saying please, that was a first. Myrtle and Tom looked at her, seeing the vulnerableness in their friend's face. "We will come." Tom looked at Walburga, taking her hand with Myrtle's, "Of course we will come to support you." Walburga hugged her ... friends, still shocked that she can call them that without recoiling to the thought. She felt happy, not one of those dissapearing happiness, like a permanent happiness that will stay for a while until reality comes crashing down.

----- CHAPTER BREAK -----

Alphard looked at the letter that just came from the owl, still shocked that he met Walburga and she invited him to the dinner. Alphard You are invited to the family dinner on this Thursday at 7 o clock sharp, you may bring a companion.  YoursWalburga  Alphard decided the only companion he knows happened to be Petunia. "And she decided to invite you ?""Yes, she did."Alphard couldn't help but to notice the fondness from Petunia 's voice, maybe the pair knew each other."That's great, maybe she really wants you with them.""Yes, I can't wait to see Sirius and Regulus. I wonder how are they doing" Petunia nearly dropped the phone as she realised that Alphard doesn't know what was the aftermath of his disowning. Not knowing that Walburga disowned Sirius and Andromeda. "Petunia are you there?""Sorry must be the connection, what did you say?""I asked that are you free on Thursday?" Well she can't have Walburga think that she told her estranged brother about everything. "Sorry I can't, I promised Lily I'll look after her son." Oh, Alphard can't help to be disappointed. "It's alright.""Good bye Alphie." Alphard was caught off guard as Petunia dropped his nickname, as if she guessed how much he wanted to hear that name from his siblings. Walburga and Cygnus watched as Kreacher brought Alphard's cake, as they sang about how old he was getting, the grey hairs already attacking him and how he was going to become the next Lord Black. Alphard however had tears in his eyes, not knowing how to tell his siblings that he doesn't want the title. He decided to carry the giggling Andromeda from her mother and decided that she should help him blow the candles. Happy birthday Alphie, the cake wrote in green, mocking him on how he was going to betray his family. He blew the candles, much to the baby's delight and had the cake cut itself. As the family settled, with his father sitting at the head of the table, he stood up, old age taking its roots on him as he started, "Alphard you have grown so you know what this means." Alphard looked at his siblings, Cygnus, who looked happy as he entertained his daughters, pulling every trick that he and Walburga has taught him, Druella,who is seen playing with her bump, he guesses that Cygnus was destined to be a father to daughters. He looked at Lucretia, who decided to visit the family, as she played with Sirius. He looked over at Orion and Walburga, love evident in their eyes, it was odd to see his sister and his cousin marry but he knew that there was nothing he can do. He stood up, looking up at the Black Signet ring laying on the table, taunting him. "I Alphard Black, refuse to claim my lordship." Everything stopped. Time stood still. Cygnus put all the children under the bubble charm, instructing Kreacher to take them to his house. Druella dissaperated, knowing the risks of doing that while pregnant. His father dropped his staff, and pulled his wand. Spells broke out, Alphard trying to defend himself, trying not to use dark spells unless he had no choice, Walburga's screams, dear Merlin he always hated to hear her scream. He hit his father with a binding spell buying himself time to leave. "WALBURGA BURN HIM OFF!"his father screamed. "But father..."her tears were falling."Burn. Him. Off."he said coldly. Walburga took her wand, walking towards the family tree, seeing her brother's painted face , a single tear was falling in the portrait. She took her wand, facing it towards the portrait, blasting the face off. Alphard felt a little piece of him inside die as he saw Walburga blast his face off. He dissaperated. Walburga walked to the drawing room, destroying the room, her brother just left.And she cried, she cried until there were no more tears left, not knowing that for the next few years, she would find herself inside the drawing room, destroying it again and again.  Narcissa looked at the letter from her Aunt, inviting her to Grimmauld for dinner, maybe ...no, her aunt couldn't never invite her. Bella will lose her mind. Still she can't help but to hope that her aunt saw her longing eyes, maybe just maybe. She decided to play her record player, choosing No Doubt. Lucius was away for Ministry work and Draco was visiting his grandfather. Don't speak I know what you thinking  Narcissa wished that her family wasn't a tragedy. Regulus was quite surprised by the invitation from his mother. Not knowing how to react he decided to call Sirius. "Did you receive it?"Sirius sighed, "Yes, I did.""Will you come?" The please was however heard by Sirius."Yes." The two brothers, not knowing what to say to each other dropped their call. Andromeda and Ted Tonks were staring at each other, still shocked by Walburga's invitation, Dora was visiting Ted's parents. "Do you think we should go?"her husband asked.Andromeda was quiet."Do you think we should go?""I just want to hear your answer.""Well, I just want to close that part of my life.""That's your language of saying that you miss your sisters."Andromeda was quiet, knowing that her husband was right."Andi,"he holds her hands,"I know it will be painful but, I promise you that I'll be at your side."Andromeda looked at her husband, tears in her eyes and decided to hug him. Orion looked at Walburga, as the pair found themselves at a Muggle shop. "So we are cooking dinner for our family?"Walburga nodded."And you say that there will be surprises?"Walburga nodded again.Orion looked at her, "Walburga tell me what's going on." Walburga pretended that she didn't hear her husband plead with her. Not now Orion, not now. Orion looked at her, sensing that he may not get his answers. The two continued with their shopping.

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