Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter

The Black Family's Thoughts

Sirius stared at his childhood home with more than a little disgust. He had been banned from accessing any of the Potter properties or money until Carina came of age, so with Godric's Hollow in ruins and his apartment trashed, this hellhole was the only place left to turn to.

At any other time, the dog animagus wouldn't have hesitated to room with a friend or a lover – hell, even the slums in Knockturn alley were preferable – but as the ministry had so kindly informed him, it was a requirement by law to supply a "stable" home and income if he wanted to keep Carina.

With the war at its end, the aurors were working overtime to capture the remaining disbanded Death Eaters (and getting paid hefty for it too), so there were no problems with the latter, but as for the former…

The newly (reluctantly, mind you) reinstated Black Lord squared his shoulders, as if preparing for battle (which he kind of was) and marched briskly towards the entrance of the manor, ready (not really) to get this over with.

Sirius knew that he needed this, as painful as the admissions was, he needed the money and properties and political clot that came with the title of Lord Black to have an indisputable claim over his goddaughter – but damn it all if he didn't want to just rip the Lordship ring from his finger and apparate to anywhere but here.

Do this for Carina.

He opened the door.

OOO

Settling into Black Manor went off with only a few minor difficulties. Most of which had come in the form of old-timers whom believed that just because they had left behind a shadow of themselves to "guide" the newer generations of Blacks; that they actually had a say in things.

(Sirius cursed the wizards and witches who had painted their portraits.)

All three-hundred and seven pain-in-Sirius's-rear that lined the halls of his childhood home had made their feelings about a blood-traitor holding the mantle of Lord Black known quite vocally.

Of course, not one to take anything lying down, Sirius had hotly told them all in shouts equally as loud that he wouldn't be here if he had any other choice and that they would have to deal with it since he was the last Black male now anyway.

That shut them up (except for Sirius's mother, of course. The old hag still shrieked at him consistently).

The portraits that resided in the manor of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black were by majority, Slytherins. Therefore, they were all quick to catch onto the fact that what their descendent (as reluctant as the claim may be by both sides) was saying was true.

There was literally no one else who was suitable left.

Regulus, the previous heir (even if he had originally just been the second child), had died in his teens under mysterious circumstances; and Walbugra still mourned the boy to this very day. To the point where it was beginning to get under the nerves' of everyone who had no choice but to listen to her bemoaning (which mainly compromised of the poor unfortunate souls whose only one sole portrait was located in Black Manor).

The next best suited candidate, Narcissa, was now unfortunately a Malfoy, and there was no way in all hell that they would let their house be absorbed into the Malfoy name. It would be the official end of the Black line. Things would be different if Narcissa had married a non-heir and her husband was eligible to take over their Most Ancient and Noble House, but the fact was, she hadn't. Lucius was the head of his house – and only his house, if the Blacks had anything to say about it.

Bellatrix – even if they ignored the fact that she was married to the head of the Lestrange family and therefore eliminated for the same reason as her younger sister (Narcissa) – was currently rotting in Azkaban, and was no doubt in a questionable state of mind (not that she hadn't been before, mind you, but she was just more likely to be so now).

Andromeda was simply out of the question. Not only had the girl turned traitor, but she had also married and produced an offspring with a mudblood. At least Sirius, for all his bold rants and taunts about loving muggles and constantly displaying his atrocious Gryffindor colors, had the decency to produce a pureblooded heiress.

Never mind that the child in question was actually the product of a similar marriage to Andromeda's, with only the couple's blood status's switched. Carina was, by magic and blood and technicalities, a pureblood. Not only that, but she a dominant Black pureblood. And that was all that mattered in the end.

The fact that she was also the last of the Noble House of Potter had been noted as well.

Deliberately ignoring that the Potters had been blood-traitors and muggle-lovers, the deceased Blacks were very pleased to have a descendent that was first in line for two old and powerful wizarding families. Especially since the girl would put the Black name before her Potter heritage. How could she not when she was to be raised in the Main Black Manor, with portraits of deceased Blacks seeing to her upbringing?

And even if Sirius refused to teach her the traditions of their family, perhaps even going as far as to forbid the animated remainders of his ancestors from speaking to the girl, as he could now do as Black Lord –

Who was left to teach her of the Potter traditions?

AN:

Okay, quick question: If I write a story about Harry going back in time and pretending to be Alphard Black's son – would any of you read it? Or are you adverse to the idea of interacting with Tom Riddle's era?

And this chapter is kind of fillery (I know), but it's here for two main reasons:

1. to give an insight to why Sirius and Carina are going to live in Black Manor.

2. to give an insight to what the Blacks think of this. Or well, their portraits, anyway.

Sorry it's been so long since I've updated. My muse has had a case of wanderlust lately, and has only recently returned from its journey.

Thank you for all the lovely reviews and PMs I've received. They made my day. I'll try to update sooner, but with everything going on in school and real life, I ask that you all bear with me.

On another note, I've decided to rewrite Angel of Death (again), one last time because I'm tired of her having to realize she's in an anime. This'll be the last time though (hopefully).