Chapter 317 : Sins of the past, Hope for the future
Phineas and his companions didn't remain at Nicolas Manor for long.
Once matters were settled at Hope's School Beauxbatons, they returned to England.
Ultimately, Hope decided to complete her final year of education . Phineas couldn't refuse her. Since Hogwarts didn't accept transfer students, Phineas arranged for her to study under a special provision. While Beauxbat ons wasn't involved in the conflict among the four Houses. It was just that Phineas's dormitory was in Slytherin, and so Hope also joined Slytherin by default.
With a few days remaining before the term began, Phineas sent Hope to stay at Lisa Manor. Sirius knew nothing about her yet, so Phineas certainly wouldn't bring her straight to him and say, "This is your daughter—the one born to you by that schoolmate you once scorned."
If he did that, Sirius would at the very least yell at him. If not outright hex him.
---
Number Twelve, Grimmauld Place
The ancient Black family home.
"You're back?"
Sirius was lounging on a sofa in the upstairs sitting room, newspaper in hand. At the sound of footsteps, he raised his eyes briefly and said coolly.
He wasn't the least surprised to see Phineas. The Fidelius Charm protecting Number Twelve was ironclad—few even knew of its existence. At present, only Harry and Phineas could access it, and Harry was sleeping upstairs.
Thanks to Phineas, Voldemort had been defeated. While not entirely gone, he was no longer a threat to Harry.
So now, instead of returning to the Dursleys during the holidays, Harry stayed at Number Twelve Grimmauld Place with Sirius.
"Yeah, I'm back," Phineas replied calmly as he sat down beside Sirius.
"Sirius, I need to talk to you."
Sirius folded the newspaper and looked at Phineas seriously.
He knew his brother well. If Phineas initiated a serious talk, it meant the matter was significant.
"When I got engaged," Phineas began, "I teased you about finding a girlfriend. Your expression intrigued me. So, I had someone look into your past at Hogwarts."
Sirius's expression shifted, as if he already knew what Phineas would say next.
Undeterred, Phineas went on.
"We found Hayley Jones. From what I understand, she spent one night with you before dropping out. Whatever happened that night caused her to leave Hogwarts—and disappear."
Sirius's eyes went glassy, his expression distant with regret and memories.
"I don't know what happened that night," Phineas continued, "but I found Hayley and learned about her life since."
Sirius's eyes sharpened. He leaned forward slightly and asked, voice low and hoarse,
"Is she… doing all right?"
Phineas nodded.
"Fairly. After she left Hogwarts, her family relocated—first away from London, and then to France a year later. She met a man named Klaus Mikaelson. They married and had a daughter: Hope. But Hope isn't Klaus's. She was born the year Hayley disappeared from England."
Sirius's breath hitched at the words, a flicker of hope lighting his eyes but just as quickly, he forced himself to steady. His voice was low, controlled.
"And their lives… are they good now?"
Phineas's lips curled, slow and deliberate, as if savoring the moment.
"Oh, quite eventful. Hayley and Klaus? Dead, both of them—two years back. Hope was shipped off to Beauxbatons, all alone. Then, just recently…" He paused, tilting his head. "The Bryant heir snatched her right from the school. Nasty business, really."
Sirius stiffened, emotions warring on his face. He stood abruptly, heading for the door.
"Where are you going?" Phineas asked with a slight smile.
Sirius paused, glanced over his shoulder, and replied,
"That girl might be my daughter, I'm going to save her."
Phineas's tone turned serious.
"Bryant—the man who kidnapped her—has rather... unique appetites. Most girls don't survive a night in his company."
Sirius froze mid-stride, fists clenched. After a moment, he turned back, eyes blazing.
"Then I'll fight them."
Phineas rose and stepped beside him.
"You care so much. Yet, why didn't you search for them before? With the Black family's influence, tracking someone isn't hard. You seem very certain Hope is yours. Did Hayley drop out because she was pregnant with your child? Why didn't you go after her then?"
A series of questions—each one striking deeper.
Sirius exhaled and sat back down.
"I was young. Reckless. Hayley wanted to break up with me after I nearly killed Snape. I couldn't accept it. So, I asked her to meet me that night. We… ended up in the Room of Requirement."
There was remorse in his voice.
"I thought she'd cry, scream, hit me. But she didn't. She just gathered her things, eyes full of tears, and walked out without a word. The next day, she was gone."
He sighed heavily.
"I wanted to go after her, but I'd been disowned. I was staying with James. I had no means to care for her. I could've returned to my family, but they'd never accept her—not with her bloodline. And so... I let it go."
Phineas frowned.
"If you weren't my brother, I'd punch you. You could've had a daughter. The Black family could've had a future. What a waste."
Sirius gave a bitter smile.
"It's too late now."
"No," Phineas said, voice firm. "It's not."
He continued,
"I found Hope. I used your blood and hair to confirm it—she's your daughter. A true Black. I dealt with Bryant. She's safe. But because of what happened, she can't remain in France. I've arranged for her to study at Hogwarts."
Sirius's head snapped up.
"You… did all that?"
Phineas nodded with a small smile.
"She's a remarkable girl. But before I allow her to meet you, I need to know where you stand. She may resent you. Her mother gave up magic and struggled in the Muggle world, without even a diploma. All because of your impulsiveness."
Sirius lowered his gaze.
"I know. I failed them both. I'm sorry."
Phineas clapped his shoulder.
"I don't care how awkward things get. But she's the future of our family. She's at Lisa Manor now. Go to her. Figure out how to be a father."
With that, he yawned and headed upstairs.
"I'm off to rest. That trip to France was exhausting."
Sirius sat silently, emotions swirling in his eyes.
As the evening deepened, candlelight illuminated the old Black house. Sirius remained motionless, deep in thought.
---
"...Sirius?"
Harry entered the room, confused by his godfather's stillness.
Kreacher appeared beside Harry and bowed.
"Master Harry, Master Phineas says Master Sirius is thinking and should not be disturbed. He also said your sister, Miss Hope, will soon be living here."
Kreacher beamed.
"Kreacher is very pleased. The Black family welcomes a new heir. As Master Sirius's daughter, Miss Hope must be a fine pure-blood witch."
Harry blinked at the news, then followed Kreacher downstairs.
Phineas was already at the basement table, finishing his dinner.
"Phineas? You're back!"
Phineas smiled.
"Got in this afternoon. You were sleeping, so I didn't disturb you. Sit—eat. The elves cooked well tonight."
Harry sat down and reached for bread.
"Where's Puff? She's always with you."
Phineas replied,
"She's with Hope right now. You know who she is—Sirius's daughter. He didn't know until recently. I've just introduced them. Puff's keeping her company. She'll move here soon, and she'll be attending Hogwarts too. If anything happens, feel free to go to her. I doubt she'll hold anything against you."
Harry nodded slowly.
He was happy for Sirius, but unsure where he stood now. After all, he was just Sirius's godson. No blood ties.
(According to family records, Dorea Black, Sirius's great-aunt, married Charles Potter—so there is a distant link. But not close enough to matter here.)
(Interestingly, several other families—like the Flints and Longbottoms—are also tied to the Blacks through marriage.)
Seeing Harry's hesitation, Phineas reassured him,
"Don't worry. Hope's here because she's a Black. She's my niece. You're Sirius's godson—and my friend. That won't change."
Harry relaxed and asked,
"So... what kind of person is Hope?"
Phineas smiled faintly.
"She's very kind."
There was warmth in his voice that even he didn't notice—but Harry did.
Phineas calling Hope kind eased Harry's worries. He'd been afraid she might hate him, might even make him leave the Black family.
And then what? The Dursleys' house was never home. The Potter cottage was gone, destroyed by Voldemort years ago. Grimmauld Place was all he had. If Hope turned him away, he had nowhere else to go.
But Phineas's words changed that. For the first time, Harry actually looked forward to meeting her.
---
Two days later, Sirius returned to Number Twelve Grimmauld Place—accompanied by a striking young witch.
Harry didn't need to ask. He knew.
It was Hope.
Phineas had told her the address himself. After all, he was the Secret Keeper.