What year did her grandmother—whom she'd never met—die? Had she bypassed her grandmother to seize the Black family? What was going on?
Gemini paced the parlor for a while. Finally summoned Kreacher. Better ask first.
"Master, the Mistress's condition hasn't been good lately. Since the Master died, magical society was in chaos. Young Master never formally took over the Black family. After Young Master's incident last year, the Mistress's condition kept deteriorating. When news came that Master Sirius was arrested to Azkaban, the Mistress got even worse." Kreacher said worriedly. Kept looking at Gemini hopefully. "Will Master return to the old house to see the Mistress?"
Gemini covered her forehead. Her grandmother was indeed still alive at this time. But honestly, she didn't really want to meet Walburga. After all, since she could remember, the grandmother she knew was that hysterical portrait. Made Gemini resist instinctively.
But in this situation, not going seemed impossible. She'd bypassed her father and grandmother to take over the Black family. Not visiting would be inexcusable.
"Then I'll trouble you, Kreacher. Go inquire about a suitable time. I'll visit Grandmother." Gemini made up her mind. Decided decisively.
Kreacher visibly brightened. "Yes, Master! Kreacher will go now!"
Watching where Kreacher disappeared, Gemini sighed helplessly. Why was this world so troublesome? Really too difficult.
Soon, the magical construction team Gemini contacted arrived. Modified the fireplace according to Gemini's requirements. Changed the second floor room layout. Dug a cellar according to Gemini's needs as Gemini's workshop.
After paying, Gemini twitched her mouth looking at her wallet. Why did she, the dignified Black family head, always encounter money shortages?! To open the Floo Network, Gemini gave an extra tip. Commissioned the construction team to run the procedures. She didn't have time to go to the Ministry herself.
Shortly after the construction team left, a clerk from Madam Malkin's arrived with fabrics and catalogs. Looked at this house in a Muggle neighborhood with wonder. You know, the places she'd served before were all pure-blood wizard manors. First time coming to such a place.
All doubts vanished when seeing Gemini. The clothes Gemini wore were brought from her own world. Exquisite, intricate embroidery and fabric made the Malkin's clerk stare. You know, their shop didn't have such patterns.
"Let me see the catalog. Recent new styles? Don't try fooling me with outdated goods." Gemini gestured for the clerk to sit. Said unhurriedly.
The clerk showed a big smile. "Of course new styles. Before coming, we knew we'd be serving the new Black family head. How could we provide wrong service?"
Speaking, the clerk opened the catalog on the table. Also took out a huge book. Inside were various types and colors of fabric samples.
Gemini casually opened the catalog. Looked at those robes too old-fashioned for her with disdain. To Gemini, these were styles from decades ago. Of course nothing would suit her taste.
But to blend into this world, couldn't be too unconventional. Gemini chose for a long time. Finally selected a simple dress. Pure black gown with various ruffles. Gemini described what she wanted. Remove those lace edges. Add hollow lace fabric as decoration. Selected several crushed diamonds to embed on the dress. Finally requested adding a layer of starlight tulle outside.
The clerk took out a brush. Kept modifying according to Gemini's requirements. Must say, worthy of being a Malkin's clerk. Quickly drew the picture. Gemini looked satisfied at the dress exactly as she imagined. Fit her aesthetics without being too removed from the era.
The clerk's face flushed with excitement. Discussed with Gemini—Malkin's would gift her this dress. But wanted Gemini's permission to sell this type of dress after she attended the banquet. Gemini had no objections. Looked like she could be a fashion designer in this era!
After choosing fabrics, the clerk said the dress would be ready in 3 days. Left happily.
Just after seeing off the clerk, Kreacher returned with a Portkey. Told Gemini Walburga was free to see her anytime. Just activate this Portkey. She'd appear at Number 12, Grimmauld Place, the Black ancestral home.
After Gemini took the Portkey, Kreacher bowed and disappeared. He still had to care for Walburga. Gemini sighed. Looked like she needed to find another house-elf.
When the sun set, an owl brought Gemini's Floo Network permit. A small bucket that could hang on the fireplace. Could also hold Floo powder.
Gemini casually hung the bucket. Started dinner with the two children. These two one-year-olds were at the age of learning to feed themselves. With a house-elf around, Gemini let them make a mess. Occasionally used food from her plate to tease the children. Until she accidentally made Dudley cry. Made Harry cry along. Only then did Gemini guiltily put down her utensils. Called loudly for Flicker to help.
Finally coaxed both troublemakers and washed them clean. Gemini curled up on the sofa. Didn't want to move. Children were so troublesome. Really wanted to go home.
Flicker dimmed the house lights. Those two brats needed sleep. Gemini lay on the sofa. Stared at the dim ceiling. Surrounding houses kept transmitting various family sounds. Some laughing, exchanging the day's news. Mothers loudly scolding children. Sounds big and small disrupted Gemini's thoughts. Lively but not noisy. A mundane warmth never experienced before.
A flash of fire lit the first floor room. Fawkes appeared on the table with a letter. Sang softly to Gemini. Placed a letter with scorch marks on the table. Disappeared in a flash of fire.
Gemini gathered energy, got up from the sofa. Picked up the letter and read. This was from Dumbledore. Intelligence on the Malfoy family from the past 3 years.
After reading the letter, Gemini finally knew why the Malfoys were different from her world's history.
Here, after his father died, Lucius followed Abraxas Malfoy's guidance. Secretly pledged to Dumbledore. No one knew what Abraxas told Lucius. Just that since then, the Malfoy family became quiet. No longer active as before. Gradually faded from public view.
Until Voldemort started ravaging magical society, Lucius appeared publicly. Secretly helped those hunted by Voldemort. After Voldemort disappeared, the Malfoys had countless witnesses. They were just forced. So no interrogation.
Gemini held the letter, looked at plants swaying in the wind outside. Fingers tapped the table lightly. Looked like the Malfoys' change lay with Draco's grandfather. Don't know if this world's Abraxas knew something. Or wanted to leave his son a way out. Must say, he succeeded.
So looked like this world's Malfoys could still be trusted. Gemini relaxed. Just didn't know if the diary was still in Lucius's hands. Supposedly Voldemort's coming-of-age gift to him. So should still be there?
Uneventful night. Next morning, Gemini tidied her personal belongings. Barely found a presentable gift. An accessory bought during cosmic wandering. Absolutely rare. Possibly the only one in this world. Perfect as a gift.
Changed into the most formal outfit she brought. Gemini saw the time reached 9 AM. Only then greeted Flicker. Activated that Portkey.
When Gemini's feet touched solid ground, she'd appeared in a familiar yet strange corridor. Familiar—she'd walked this corridor many times. Strange—everything here was brand new. Not the old condition in her memory.
Along the corridor forward, Kreacher was already bowing at the parlor door. Gemini nodded to Kreacher. Followed Kreacher's guidance into the parlor.
The parlor windows were open. Excellent sunlight shone through. Clean, tidy carpet. Shining silver decorations. And that dignified but weak old lady.
Gemini stared at Walburga. They looked at each other.
Gemini gently placed her gift on the table. Slightly bowed. "Good morning, Grandmother."
Walburga's hand suddenly gripped the armrest. "So your father is Sirius?"
Gemini nodded. "Yes, Grandmother. Speaking of which, this is the first formal meeting. After all, before, I only saw your portrait."
Walburga showed a mocking smile. "Looks like my portrait was made successfully. Must not be easy to face."
Gemini looked over in surprise. "You did that deliberately?"
Walburga nodded. "Sit and talk, child. I'm very glad the Black family has successors."
Gemini obediently sat opposite Walburga. This lady didn't seem like what Sirius said.
"You must think I'm rigid, stubborn, and arrogant, right? After all, that son of mine hasn't said much good about me." Walburga smiled.
Gemini could only nod awkwardly. "Actually, I don't know much about Father either. Never really met him."
"Can you tell me?" Walburga asked.
Gemini naturally had no objections. Explained her background.
"Of course, whether I exist in this world is uncertain." Gemini finished. Picked up the tea Kreacher placed beside her, took a sip. Talked so much, mouth dry.
Walburga stared blankly outside. There was a garden created by magic. After all, due to Muggle rapid expansion, the area around Number 12, Grimmauld Place had long been Muggle land.
"So my son really was wronged. That fool. Still as irresponsible as ever." Walburga murmured. "He abandoned his responsibilities again. Chose self-exile. So selfish."
Hearing this, Gemini couldn't help nodding in agreement. Don't look at her being raised by Gryffindors—she was a proper Slytherin. Regarding her father's actions, in the original world she couldn't say anything. But this world, she felt she could do something. Like disciplining Father?
"You agree with me?" Walburga looked at Gemini somewhat surprised. "I thought..."
Gemini smiled. "I'm a Slytherin. I know what you mean. I never agreed with his actions. Like abandoning the family that raised him. Throwing responsibility to his weak brother and old mother. Then for his ridiculous redemption guilt, abandoning his godson for over ten years. Leaving him alone and helpless. He's not a good son. Not a good godfather either. Perhaps to the Potters, he's a good brother, good friend. But as his family, I must say—having such family really sucks."
Walburga couldn't help laughing. Laughed until she coughed. Gemini quickly stepped forward, gently patted her back. Let her catch her breath.
"I really didn't expect that rebellious wretch could produce a daughter like you. Smart, strong, knows when to act. You have everything you should. You'll be a good family head." Walburga looked at Gemini satisfied. "Originally I thought some blind branch member wanted to seize the Black family. Just the summoned Kreacher made me realize—absolutely impossible to be those branch bloodlines. Kreacher's family only serves Black family members. Since that day I kept guessing your origins. I even thought you were Orion's illegitimate daughter left outside. If I hadn't firmly believed Orion couldn't do such a thing. Until you appeared before me, I realized you also carry my bloodline."
Gemini gently stroked Walburga's back. Didn't speak.
"Will you restore the Blacks to their original glory?" Walburga looked outside.
Gemini followed her gaze. "Of course. The Black family has always been pure and glorious."
"Then as your grandmother, I acknowledge you as master of the Black family." Walburga said softly.
The entire house suddenly brightened. Like celebrating their new master. All objects trembled lightly. Stopped after a while.
On the tapestry with the family name, Sirius's burned-off name returned. A straight line extended from his name. Gemini Black's name was also written. Just the birth date marked with a question mark.
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