Regulus Black was waiting. Ever since the press briefing at the Wizengamot courtroom, most families had remained quiet. But Regulus knew that silence was only temporary—those families with witches imprisoned in Azkaban were not going to stay indifferent forever.
After all, they couldn't get those women out. So rather than let them grow old and die in Azkaban, they might as well ensure that the family line continued through them.
Although none of those families had contacted Regulus directly, they had all submitted requests to visit their relatives in Azkaban.
Naturally, the individuals concerned had to give their consent. But it didn't take long before owls began delivering letters.
The first came from the Lestrange family—Bellatrix Lestrange's in-laws. It was a letter of gratitude.
To Mr. Regulus Black,
The Lestrange family expresses deep admiration for Bellatrix's resolve. To sacrifice her life for the continuation of her family is a truly noble act.
Although, according to your explanation, this child has no ties to the Lestrange family and is purely of Black lineage, Bellatrix remained, at least nominally, a member of our family. Until her death, she bore the Lestrange name.
We have no intention of contesting custody of the child with the Black family. We only ask that you understand Rodolphus's feelings. Even if the child shares no blood relation with him, she was still born of his wife. His only request from within Azkaban is to see the child once.
Your kindness will not go unrewarded. The Lestrange family will stand by your side, and the gates of our home will always be open to Jupiter Black. You and the child are welcome to visit anytime.
P.S.Enclosed are the belongings Bellatrix left behind at the Lestrange estate. This inheritance rightfully belongs to Jupiter Black.
Yours sincerely,Rita Lestrange
Along with the letter came a small parcel containing property transfer documents and a jewelry box. The documents indicated that all of Bellatrix's personal assets had been transferred to Jupiter Black by the Lestrange family. The jewelry box contained items she wore during her lifetime, including some given to her by her husband after marriage.
Looking at these items, Regulus couldn't help but sigh. Jupiter Black truly was a fortunate child—still just a baby, yet already a little heiress.
As for taking the child to Azkaban to meet her so-called father… it looked like Regulus would have to ask Dumbledore for leave again.
These days, Regulus Black could practically be considered a regular visitor at Azkaban. He didn't live there, of course, but his frequent visits made the Auror guards feel like he was there to inspect them. Even the head of the Auror Department wasn't this diligent.
Aside from delivering over a decade's worth of newspapers to Sirius, Regulus never did anything out of line. After that incident on the rooftop with Judy Fox—where a romantic moment resulted in a significant loss of Dementors—he hadn't set foot on the roof since.
Regulus greeted the guards politely. Judy Fox, who accompanied him, held little Jupiter in her arms, while Jacob, their servant, carried a hefty bundle of newspapers.
Once their belongings were inspected, the guards allowed them to enter.
"You stay here. Give the newspapers to the Aurors—they'll pass them on to Sirius," Regulus instructed Jacob.
"Yes, master. I shall obey," Jacob replied.
The fierce-looking Jacob, who resembled a typical villain, acted so submissively that it made Regulus seem like the true bad guy.
After all, if a man who looked that sinister was merely a subordinate, what did that say about the boss?
"Aren't you going to see Sirius today? You brought Jupiter all the way here—why not let them meet?" Judy Fox asked, playing with the baby's hand as she addressed Regulus.
"No. Every time we meet, he just scolds me. What right does he have to do that? If he wants to see Jupiter, he can come out himself. If he loves being in Azkaban so much, then let him enjoy it."
Over the past year, Regulus had made frequent trips to the Ministry of Magic. Aside from legal efforts to reclaim the Black family's assets, he had been investigating Sirius's case—hoping to secure a retrial and his eventual release.
This is something everyone could see—those who knew Regulus Black all deeply respected him. To him, nothing was more important than family.
Many within the Ministry of Magic admired his spirit, but as a bureaucratic institution, it still adhered to its red tape. Delays would happen when they were meant to happen. Even if they acknowledged his dedication and values, everything still had to be done by the book—sometimes with a little added difficulty. Trying to get something out of the Ministry wasn't easy.
As for Sirius's case from years ago, his uncooperative attitude back then resulted in a lack of solid evidence and no way to mount a defense. Because of that, Regulus and Sirius had numerous arguments through the iron bars of Azkaban's cells. Eventually, Regulus only brought newspapers to him and stopped visiting face-to-face altogether.
Even when bringing little Jupiter, Regulus had never considered letting them meet. Jupiter only needed him—her uncle. The other uncle, locked away in prison, could rot for all he cared.
Inside a visitation room, Rodolphus Lestrange entered with a gaunt face. Dressed in prison garb, the moment he laid eyes on little Jupiter, he quickened his pace toward her.
Four iron chains connecting his hands and feet were each held by a different Auror. Once Rodolphus entered the room, the chains were locked into the wall behind him. The length of the chains was precisely measured, allowing him to move no more than one meter within the seating area. He couldn't even reach halfway across the table in front of him. On the other side of the table sat Regulus Black and the others.
Once the chains were secured, two Aurors stood behind him and two at his sides, wands drawn and held at the ready, pressed close to the walls. This positioning ensured they could act immediately if necessary—especially toward the prisoner.
"This is Bellatrix's child, isn't it?"Rodolphus reached out, wanting to touch the baby's face, but his hand could only reach halfway across the table.
"Yes, her name is Jupiter Black. There's no blood relation, but nominally, you are her father,"Regulus replied. After a moment of thought, he pushed the child toward the other side of the table, allowing Rodolphus to hold her.
This act instantly made the four Aurors tense. Though all prisoners in Azkaban had their magic sealed by special spells, placing an infant in the arms of a convict still carried immense risk. What if he crushed her on impulse?Clearly not your own child, huh, Regulus Black?
Rodolphus Lestrange carefully cradled the infant in his arms. Overcome with emotion, he couldn't hold back his tears. He and Bellatrix had been married for many years, constantly busy and working tirelessly for their master, never having time to have a child of their own. Now, holding his wife's child in his arms, Rodolphus was deeply moved.
"It seems you really like Jupiter. Since you're her nominal father, how about giving her a middle name?"Regulus Black proposed, a suggestion that made Rodolphus's heart race.
Yes! As the child's nominal father—just like a godfather—he could give her a middle name. It would symbolize a bond beyond blood.
"Alright! Yes! But... what middle name should I give?"Rodolphus was clearly unprepared for this, and panic showed on his face.
"It could be a variation of your name, or an abbreviation of the Lestrange surname."Regulus completely understood his reaction. It was like watching someone unexpectedly become a father—overjoyed but flustered, thrilled yet anxious. Even though the child wasn't his, Rodolphus still found himself at a loss.
"Can I use the Lestrange surname as the middle name? Please?"Of course not. That would be ridiculous. Regulus would never agree to let the full surname be used.
"How about 'Jupiter Tranché Black'? What do you think?"
Want to read the chapters in Advance? Join my Patreon
https://patreon.com/Glimmer09