Shown Like the Sun

Chapter 16

She's the kind of the girl that makes the News of the World....

--The Beatles

***

"Fucking brilliant," Althea muttered, her eyes transfixed upon the grass at her feet. "Fucking brilliant."

I could've used this as leverage against the Parkers, she thought, aware of the rose bushes in her path. She sighed and turned--usually pacing in the rose garden cleared her head, but the sweet fragrance of the roses heightened in the midday heat and humidity did not quell her thoughts. They would have no reason to keep her from Hogwarts, but now...fucking brilliant!

"Owl Dumbledore," Sirius said quietly.

"It's too late," she replied, clasping her hands behind her back--the letter from Dumbledore still tightly held in them.

"Write to him about Prudence--"

Althea quickly turned to face Sirius. "He used her against me in his letter," she said, unclasping her hands. "'How could I miss this opportunity to be close to my daughter'--bollocks."

Sirius sat with one leg outstretched upon the ground and muttered something Althea could not comprehend.

"I could've used this as leverage...she could've returned to Hogwarts," she said and resumed pacing. "God, what have I done?"

"You've done nothing," he said. "If anyone is to blame, it's me. I remember my mother was keenly aware of what I did--well, most of it, at least. Prudence receives the Prophet, right?"

"Sirius, I wrote to them about your innocence. You have nothing--"

"It doesn't matter. They read her newspapers--they seem like the type to check up on her," he said and laughed hollowly. "According to the papers, I'm not the most suitable of fatherly influences."

Althea gasped and brought her hand to mouth. "You're right," she said and slapped the hand with letter against her thigh. "Why couldn't I see it before? God, I'm so bloody stupid!" she said and stomped her foot against the grass. "An ex-convict, a werewolf, Afina's lifestyle...I'm the bad influence," she said, placing her hand on her chest. "Who would want their daughter to associate with me?"

"Althea--"

"No, it's true," she said and started to pace again. "Just imagine if she discovered Northfield--discovered our set. It doesn't matter if I loathe them, but the Parkers have surely read the papers and have concluded that we're all alike: three last names and more money than we know what to do with--"

"No, they're afraid I'll break into Hogwarts again. That I'll abduct her. You made that agreement with the Parkers, I didn't...that's what they're afraid of."

"No, no," she said and soothingly massaged her upper arms, "they're afraid she'll end up in the News of the World." Althea's eyes widened. "I was in the News of the World."

Althea's mind quickly flashed to images of her briefly tabloid-documented escapades of the early eighties: drunkenly stumbling out of London clubs with Sophie, partying until the wee hours of the morning, and the infamous blurry pictures with John Harrington in his Aston Martin. Oh God, John Harrington, she thought--her face contorted into a mortified expression. That awful nickname we had for him: Champagne, Cocaine, and Cock. Althea vigorously rubbed her forehead. I will deny those were my legs--how could I be identified in those blurry photographs by my legs?

"My love, that's ridiculous--"

"It isn't," she interrupted and directed her gaze toward the house--Gran and Afina were still safely away in the sitting room. "They're afraid Prudence will be attracted to it. Do you even realize how many copies of Witch Weekly I must confiscate each week during class? What young girl wouldn't be caught up in a world of Tatler and Hello! magazines?"

Sirius shrugged as he twirled a blade of grass between his finger and thumb.

"Look at me," she said, extending her arms. "Look around me--this is not a home bought with a schoolteacher's wages--Northfield Hall, a house in London, I've never taken public transport--"

"You're a witch. You don't need to."

Althea frowned thoughtfully at Sirius. "It's not the point," she said and sat next to him. "I believe they're afraid I'll buy her affection...buy her back."

"Do you really believe," he began and slid his arm around her waist, "that Prudence would be attracted to that sort of thing?"

"No, but they're afraid she'll end up like me."

Althea rested her head on Sirius' shoulder and closed her eyes. She listened to the humming and buzzing about of the insects in her garden and the faint, gentle roar of the ocean. This isn't fair, she thought as Sirius' fingertips lightly stroked her bare back. I know he wrote you as well...under no terms are you to return to England...can't guarantee safety...unable to defend you if you're caught. Althea felt the muscles of her back tense. He's forcing you to stay away--as if you wanted to return--and he's forcing me to return. Our agreement...would he really send me back to Azkaban? Her first memory of that imposing fortress entered her mind--the thick bone-chilling mist, the perpetual dark grey sky, the black water sloshing against the boat, and the two dementors at her side. She shivered at the unnatural coldness she felt on this exceedingly warm day. Sirius shifted and Althea opened her eyes, which broke her from her memory.

"Auntie?" asked Afina as the footsteps on the gravel path grew louder.

Sirius quickly transformed and Althea stood. She smiled at Afina, who had stopped at the rosebush with the bright pink blossoms and buds.

"There's a special way to cut them," Althea said, walking toward Afina.

Afina frowned as she sniffed the large rose blossom. "You sounded like Gran."

"God forbid."

Afina sighed and swept a portion of her thick brown hair behind her ear. "Speaking of Gran, she requests your company."

Althea groaned. "When will it ever be on my terms?" she wondered aloud as Sirius' tail repeatedly hit her leg. She looked to Sirius as she said, "And what am I to do with you?"

"Don't worry," Afina answered, smiling as she knelt next to Sirius, "I'll keep him company."

Sirius barked and happily wagged his tail.

Althea narrowed her eyes at the pair. "Of course, you will," she muttered as Afina scratched Sirius behind the ears. Sirius' tail wagged frantically. Althea crouched next to him and in his ear, she whispered through gritted teeth, "Behave."

***

I don't care, Althea thought and threw her back against the couch. I don't bloody care. She sighed with exasperation and wondered how much longer Gran would talk about the missed fêtes, the polo matches, and the reminders to meet with her investors.

"It would have been excellent exposure and brought more on board for the charity ball," Gran said and Althea could not help but make a face. "You do remember the charity ball?"

"Yes, yes," she sighed, mesmerized by her ceiling. "In late October."

"Are you sure about the theme?"

"Who wouldn't love a fancy dress party?" she said, sure they had his conversation countless times before. "I'll dress as a witch."

"Oh, Althea Rosemary," Gran said and Althea faintly smiled at her disapproval. "You will do no such thing. Let the Muggles dress as witches and wizards."

"Of course," she murmured.

I'll have Afina design the most outrageous gown, she thought as Gran continued to ramble about more appropriate costume choices. How could Gran object to a sixteenth century witch's costume? I wasn't about to go to Gladrags and ask for the ugliest gown...although, they're all ugly there...I do have taste.

"Althea Rosemary, are you listening?"

Althea lifted her head and nodded.

"Good," she said and shuffled through papers in her lap. "You cannot forget your Muggle duty."

"Of course, I can't," she muttered, folding her arms. "I'm just not interested in that set."

"At least show some interest in them at the charity ball," Gran said as she unfolded a thick stack of papers. "Here, they are," she said, scanning the papers. "A documentary filmmaker has expressed interest in filming the gardens at Northfield."

"So?"

Gran leaned forward and handed the papers to Althea. Althea frowned as she looked at them. It's a bloody release form, she thought as she quickly tired of reading the legal stipulations. All this to film our gardens?

"It would include a small piece on the family."

Althea looked up at Gran. "Do I have to be in it?" she asked and wrinkled her nose.

"It was hoped."

Althea sighed as she handed Gran the papers. "You should do this sort of thing," she said--she was sure the filmmaker would bring up her wild past. "You care more about this stuff, anyway."

"He specifically asked for you, Althea Rosemary."

"Brilliant," she muttered, folding her arms. "Anyway, all the houses look the same on the inside--old drapery with even older paintings of dead relatives. He'll probably die of boredom or tweed before he films Northfield."

"Ours is to be the second house filmed--"

"Fantastic," she said and massaged her temple. "When is filming so I can prepare myself?"

And Obliviate the bastard from mentioning my past, she thought, her hand heavily hitting the sofa.

"Next summer."

"How many others are in on this project?"

"If you mean Sophie, yes Sophie is in on the project," she answered and frowned at Althea. "What was that owl post about? You are very distracted."

Althea was about to tell Gran of Dumbledore's letter when Afina's screams and laughter could be heard--along with Sirius' barking--approaching the sitting room door. Afina burst into the sitting room with Sirius at her heels. Oh dear God, Althea thought as Sirius brushed against the eighteenth century Bermuda cedar side table--his tail precariously close to the equally antique vase filled full of orange and pink roses. Althea quickly looked to Gran. She was rigid--obviously mortified by such a shocking display--and narrowed her eyes at Althea. Althea gulped.

"Afina--Afina, sweetie--please," Althea implored, sitting higher on the sofa.

However, Afina did not listen and leapt over Althea's feet--Sirius quickly followed her.

"Enough!"

In one swift movement, thick gold cords wrapped around Sirius' neck and transformed into a collar and leash. Sirius yelped--his eyes wide.

"Is this necessary?" Althea asked as Gran floated a growling Sirius--attempting to paw off the collar--toward the door.

"It is absolutely necessary," she replied and tied him to the doorknob. "Where did you find such an unruly dog?"

"He found me," she said, and she bit her lip to stifle her laughter as Sirius rolled onto his back.

Afina threw herself onto the sofa and heaved a pleasant sigh. "We didn't break anything, did we?" she asked, smoothing the hair away from her face.

"No," Althea said as Sirius growled. "I'm surprised she didn't do that to you as well."

Afina turned her head toward the door. "Oh, that's awful," she laughed.

"Althea Rosemary, the owl post?" Gran reminded.

"Oh, right," Althea murmured and cleared her throat. "I had quit Hogwarts."

Afina gasped.

Gran frowned. "You had an agreement."

"And I'd very much like that agreement to be over," she said and folded her arms. She gently hit her heel against the floor. "He wouldn't let me quit, resorted to blackmailing me with Prudence."

Afina placed her arm on Althea's shoulder.

Althea threw her head back and groaned. "I am not looking forward to another year in that drafty castle!"

"You never know," Afina said conspiratorially, "there could be another basilisk."

Althea quickly lifted her head. "I hope not!"

"I presume Dumbledore will take extra precautions to protect Hogwarts from--"

"Sirius," Althea interrupted, smiling slightly as Gran's eye twitched. "No, of course not. The entire year, dementors guarded Hogwarts, but nothing would stop him. He was right at home, it felt like bloody Azkaban."

Gran's blue eyes looked over her spectacles. "You will insist Dumbledore provides you with more protection," she demanded. "He cannot know that you are alive."

"As if Sirius would care," she said and realized where the conversation would lead. Sirius started to whine and to scratch at the doorknob. "He's probably in some cave somewhere, too preoccupied with staying a step ahead of the Ministry to investigate otherwise."

"He'll need all the friends he can get," Afina said, curling up on the sofa. "Remus--"

"Remus is busy searching for employment," she interrupted and looked to her sandaled feet. "Why would you both think...after almost thirteen years?" she wondered and shook her head. "Did you not see that prison photograph?"

"Unfortunately," Afina sneered. "He's started a trend among the young American wizards and witches. It's called 'Azkaban Chic', and it's in all the magazines. It's bloody wretched, if you ask me."

"He'll be so bloody pleased with himself," Althea said, attempting to fake disgust, but amused at Afina's loathing of tasteless fashion. "But be reasonable, you've seen that photograph. Could you imagine, night after night, staring up at the face of death?"

Afina jokingly gasped and laughed at the remark to shock Gran. Althea smirked as she stood. Not even a disapproving, 'Althea Rosemary', she thought as she untied the leash from the doorknob.

"Where are you going?" Afina asked as her giggling quieted.

"I reckon he'll stop if he's outside," she said and nodded toward the door.

"Indeed, take that blasted beast outside," Gran said, throwing up her hands, "before he ruins anything else."

Once outside the sitting room, Althea let go of the leash and Sirius raced through the entrance hall, behind the staircase, and to the hall that lead to the kitchen. He'll either bite her or hex her if he has the chance, she thought as she entered the kitchen.

Sirius strode to meet her. "Look at what that horrible woman did to me!" he said, pointing to the collar. "How utterly humiliating!"

Althea started to giggle and Sirius' nostrils flared. "Oh come on," she said, placing her palms on his chest. "I did that to you as well."

Sirius' eyes narrowed. "Once," he said, removing her hands from him, "and we were dead pissed!"

Sirius reached for the collar and growled as he wrestled with it. Althea stepped forward to help him, but Sirius refused with a murderous glare. Finally, after snarling a flurry of expletives, he removed the collar, and with a maniacal gleam of triumph, he threw them on the floor.

"Conflare!"

Sirius grinned as the collar and leash leapt from the floor and disintegrated.

"A bit much," she remarked, folding her arms. "Maybe you need a collar."

"What?" he questioned--red sparks flickered from his wand. "How dare--"

"How dare you wag your tail at Afina's request that you sleep in her bed," she interrupted, playfully narrowing her eyes. "Chasing her about the sitting room...shameful behavior from a grown man."

Sirius' head jolted back and floundered for words.

"Indeed," she replied, finding it very difficult to maintain her stern demeanor. "Wagging your tail in the rose garden--"

"It's a bloody reflex!"

"Right, Sirius."

"It is!" he pleaded and ran his fingers through his hair--his look was desperate. "She scratched me behind my ears--I can't help if others find me a loveable dog! I swear to you," he continued and took her hands in his, "it is a reflex. James never let me forget the time I wagged my tail at McGonagall."

Althea removed her hands and mockingly shuddered. "You'd get it anyway you could, didn't you?"

"Well, maybe I should," he said and leaned against the kitchen worktop, "because I obviously repulse you."

"What are you talking about?"

Sirius studied her for a moment and bit the inside of his cheek. "'Staring up at the face of death'?" he reminded and folded his arms. "Staring at the headboard, more like it. Do you prefer it that way because you don't have to look at me?"

Althea leaned against the kitchen worktop. "It was a joke," she said and rested her hands against the cool granite.

"At my expense."

Is he having a laugh, she wondered, cocking her head to side as she observed Sirius. The conversation with Gran and Afina was the first time Althea had remarked disparagingly about the loss of Sirius' good looks. He sullenly gazed at the floor.

"I'm sorry," she murmured, slipping off her sandal. "I didn't mean anything by it, you know that," she explained, her foot gently touching the top of his bare foot. "They have to believe that I want nothing to do with you. I can't tell them that we're back together--"

"Maybe you should," he interrupted, pulling his foot away.

"Oh right--"

"How long are you willing to lie, Althea?" he asked and lifted himself from the worktop. "Months, maybe? Years?"

I hadn't considered, she thought and brushed a curl behind her ear. So caught up in the renewed relationship, the electric experience of it, she had forgotten her life--their lives--would continue outside of Bermuda. How long could I refrain from Afina's matchmaking? I could always lie--that if Sirius saw a photograph in a newspaper or a magazine, he would find me...but how long would that last?

"I can't remain a dog at your side as she degrades you," he said--his voice full of palpable bitterness. "She speaks to you as if you were a child!"

"She's all I've got--"

"And she's treated you so bloody well, hasn't she?" he retorted and sneered with disgust.

"What would you have me do?" she asked as Sirius walked toward the screened door. "Tell her now?"

"Forget it," he said, resting his hand on the door. "I'm going for a walk."

Althea watched as the screened door violently swung back and forth.

"Fucking brilliant," she muttered, loudly tapping her nails against the worktop.