#belvinablack

He rudely walked past her nearly knocking her over and left her in the whiff of his cologne (he ALWAYS smelled so very good). Ursula could tell he was in a very bad mood now! She closed her eyes for a second and took a deep breath. Her husband was going to be a tough piece of work today. She decided to follow him downstairs, if only to prevent him from making a runner.

He continued to ramble. The usual. That he was so very busy. So much to work. That she should be eternally grateful to him for basically everything she was and had. Typical male airs, staging themselves as the great provider. And who exactly was the one being dramatic?

Now it was her turn not to listen to him anymore. When he had finally reached the door to the dining room on the ground floor and practically teared the door open, he came to an abrupt halt. Ursula nearly walked into him.

What followed was a sad display of pure ignorance. Phineas entered and took his place at the end of the table without a word. Arcturus and Belvina gazed upon him with expecting and excited faces. Even Cygnus started to brabble something sounding like “Dada“ and moved his arms and legs lively in his high chair. Phineas didn’t take any notice of them. Her heart sank. How could he be so cold and detached? He hadn‘t seen his younger children in months and he couldn‘t deign to properly greet them? He could have at least pretended to be pleased to see them. He had never been an affectionate father, but the way he ignored the children now made her sick. She knew he was still angry with her (or himself) but that was by no means an excuse to take it out on his children who had longed to have him home.Ursula would have to have a talk with him. A stern one. But not in front of the children.

She entered the room and took her own seat opposite to her husband. Instantly, she felt Arcturus‘s and Belvina‘s eyes on her and looked in their confused faces. She gave them a reassuring smile and nod. It was credit to their good education that they didn’t speak up. They began to eat in silence. Cygnus was of course very interested in the strange man sitting at the breakfast table and started gesturing towards his father with his newly learned verbal creations. The side effect was a long trace of spit coming out of his mouth and running down his front. No response from Phineas’s side but a disgusted look. Ursula gently pushed down the toddler‘s arms and shushed him calmly.

Arcturus and Belvina tried their best to contain their excitement and looked between their parents to get a hint of when they were allowed to say something to their father. Belvina was beaming at her beloved idol while Arcturus was shifting in his seat.

Then, suddenly, Phineas‘s voice cut through the room, loud and harsh: “Sit properly boy, for Merlin‘s sake, and control that incessant grin, girl!“

Ursula‘s eyes shot to her husband. Stunned. Then to her children.

Arcturus had lowered his eyes, sinking in to his chair, a sad expression creeping on his face.

Belvina looked heartbroken. Her bottom lip was quivering dangerously.

Cygnus got quiet at the loud voice, his eyes wide and big. He must have sensed the tense atmosphere, though, because he started crying vehemently.

At his outburst, Ursula put her cutlery down a bit too loudly. She shot Phineas a glare that was nothing short to ‘Glacius‘. Enough was enough. He had overstepped a line. And she was not going to tolerate that. It was one thing for him to treat her poorly, but not his innocent children. Later, she told herself. In the right moment. Not in front of the children.

Ursula rose from her chair and picked up Cygnus. She gently rocked him and patted his head. He calmed down a bit eventually.

“Children, if you have finished your breakfast, it‘s best for you to go upstairs.“ she said firmly.

Arcturus moved first, his gaze still lowered. Belvina remained seated defiantly. Instead, she looked at her mother and declared in a thin, shaky voice:

“Daddy is mean. I want that he goes back to Hogwarts!“

And then the table started to shake uncontrollably, the dishes and cutlery clattering loudly as it started to float. Uncontrolled magic.

Ursula‘s jaw dropped. She tried to quickly pull out her wand, but still had Cygnus in her arms, when out of the corner of her eye she saw Phineas act-

When he then spat at her that the only reason of him being home was business SHE was keeping him from, her anger flared up again. And something else. Woundedness. A dangerous combination. It took all of Ursula’s remaining strength to not start to pathetically cry in front of her husband. Her now shaking hand reached for the back of a chair, holding tightly. He walked over to her slowly, finally standing before her now, easily a foot taller than her, looking down on her. One of his favourite tactics. Make her feel small, the weaker sex. She didn’t recede an inch but continued glaring at him. She wanted to yell at him, scream out her anger, but what good would it do? Her weak moment minutes ago had done nothing to him. Ursula pursed her lips, holding back her words and emotions at the cost of great strength.

Phineas then voiced his expectations for the evening and the dinner, stressing it‘s apparent importance. At the mention of their future at stake, her expression changed. What was that supposed to mean? Furrowing her brows ever so slightly, she looked at him inquiringly, pressing… and worried? She noticed his change in tone and expression as well. Of course she did. She was about to risk another try to have him tell her what this was all about, when he abruptly changed the topic.

“I will speak to the girl.“ Followed by a row of accusations and questioning her abilities as a mother. It stung.

Again, she wanted to say something. Maybe that if he dared to traumatise Belvina even more, it would have severe consequences.

His next words, however, surprised her. He wanted the children present at dinner? That was highly unusual.

She stared at him, suddenly not knowing what to say, to think or to feel anymore. She simply nodded in defeat.

Without a further word, Phineas turned, cast a counter-spell at the door and exited, once again hiding in his study.

—————————————————————————

After Ursula had been able to move again, she immediately felt the need for space and solitude. She really had to check on the children, but trusted in her house elf to look after them for a short period of time. Her steps carried her to the drawing room, where she started pacing restlessly, trying to sort her thoughts. She considered just leaving Phineas. For good. Damned arranged marriage! If she had only known back then! When she had been an obedient girl to her parents’s will but with a tiny amount of proud anticipation of becoming the future Mrs. Black. She scoffed. If it wasn’t for her children, her good name and her fear of becoming an outcast of wizarding society (and the fact she still knew Phineas‘s different side and her certain feelings for him deep down) , she would be gone.

She finally managed to sit down on one of the sofas and made herself think through the dinner menu for tonight. Choices of dishes and drinks, the table setting, decorations and the silent question if the Burkes would bring their children as well (their son Herbert was a few years older than Arcturus) distracted her only for a short amount of time. She then occupied herself with her enchanted embroidery for a while but noticed her thoughts going back to Phineas‘s remark about their future. At stake? Was that the outcome of his meeting with the minister yesterday? Could that be the reason for his foul mood and malfunctioning synapses?

The sound of her husband’s heavy footsteps ascending the stairs in the hallway interrupted her thoughts. She listened carefully and internally braced herself for another confrontation with him but he went further up towards the children’s rooms, to speak to Belvina, without question. Her motherly instinct told Ursula to follow him so that her presence might soothe him into not speaking too harshly to her.

She was already out of the drawing room, when a thought crossed her mind. When Phineas was upstairs, he wasn’t in in his study. It was a rare opportunity. She had to find out the reason for his dreadful behaviour towards her and the children. And if he refused to talk to her… There had to be some notes, documents or letters of his business in the ministry somewhere. She didn’t think twice and found herself in his (unlocked) study only seconds later. Deep down she knew it was wrong. She was clearly overstepping by intruding into his business sphere, but she didn’t care. He certainly didn’t care for her personal space either.

There was a single, not yet sealed letter on his desk. Nothing else. She was a bit disappointed by that but decided to get what she could. It might have been irrelevant, but maybe not. Ursula looked over her shoulder to make sure she was alone and then made quick work with her wand to duplicate the letter.

Back in the drawing room, she ordered her house- elf to bring her a strong cup of tea and took the parchment out of it’s envelope.

It was Phineas response to one of those silly student requests (were they truely pestering him even in his absence?)

But what made her put down her tea cup a bit too hard, was the content of the letter.

Phineas accused of having an affair? She read out parts of his response loudly only to make way for her irritation.

She stared at one particular paragraph that had earned her full attention immediately:

“Obligation and amusement intertwined … at times???!!!“

Part of her wanted to laugh out loud, if the subject hadn’t been so tragical. Well, she had got quite the different impression on that one over the last 14 years.

But then she put one and one together and it seemed that she finally had the explanation for all of this misery that was her life right now at hand. His absence. Phineas distancing himself from her and the children. His rude behaviour towards his family, so much worse now than it had ever been. She had to admit she had had her fair share of suspicions and doubts over the years of their marriage. Every wife had. He didn’t love her and saw their marriage as a business contract. Of course, it had never been concrete. But putting all the pieces together, apparently, that had recently changed.

Too late she heard Phineas‘s footsteps outside, before he opened the door and stood in the room. He must had heard her mumbling about the content of the letter in her fury. And he was not amused by her perusing his personal correspondence.

Ursula tried her best to not appear caught out or, Merlin forbade, as knowing the greater picture now, instead she covered her words in sugary sweet sarcasm. Wasn‘t he the one having been caught out just yet anyways??? She lied and blamed the stupidity of the house elves for her access to the letter in the first place and made it very clear to him that a married couple shouldn’t have any secrets.

Ursula felt like, for once, she was the one having the upper hand. She still hadn’t forgotten their heated argument after breakfast and the anger and pain he had inflicted upon her by his behaviour. Her tone was more put together now, but still with a warning undertone when she confronted her husband with his assumed affair and that she blamed it for his absence, both physically and emotionally over the past months, as well as for his behaviour since his arrival. Telling him she wasn’t daft and had her suspicions, knowing very well that theirs was an arranged marriage and that he didn’t love her. She eventually got up from the sofa and walked over to him, coming to a halt only inches away from him, looking him in the eyes.

She demanded answers.

She didn’t get any, but cryptic excuses. There he was lecturing her again, about granting weight to rumors by responding to them instead of practice silence, once again questioning her judgement of things. That, as his wife, she should now better.

He then had the audacity to ask if she believed in those lies.

She was taken aback. A part of her was surprised (and relieved) that, apparently, he didn’t continue in the same tone and anger he had displayed during their earlier argument, that he had also calmed down a bit and let this conversation now even happen. He could have just taken the letter out of her hand, sneered at her and shut the door in her face. But there was also that other part of her: suddenly becoming pensive and melancholic. The true weight of the whole situation. And what it possibly meant for her.

She looked at him for a long time, scrutinising as to make sense of it all. Then she opted for honesty. Perhaps that was the key in this matter. She was sure that the affair, true or not, was the cause of all of this.

So Ursula told him: that she didn’t believe in the rumor, not truely at least. But that his behaviour had given her great doubt. What it had done to her. That it was a sensitive topic for her. About her fears of loosing everything (and him) (Merlin, she hoped she didn‘t make herself too vulnerable by admitting that!). That she only wished for him to treat her with the same respect and attentiveness she showed him.

Opening up hadn’t been easy. Had it been wise? Ursula instantly felt remorse that she had been weak before him again. Phineas said nothing, just looked at her.

She sighed and straightened her back. Apparently, it was a lost cause. Showing him the cold shoulder hadn’t worked. Neither had furious anger or her desperate try to find some evidence in order to call him out. And finally showing her feelings and being honest. He hadn’t told her what was bothering him before, and now that she had tried everything, had even taken things in her own hands and had found out something, he wouldn’t say a word about it either.

How had they reached this fatal point in their marriage?

Having had used all her resources and failed, Ursula took on the role she was used to again. Being a perfect wife.

“Well, I shouldn’t let my female antics get in the way of things, should I? I ought to stay silent and tolerant and trust in my husband’s abilities to handle the matter, as always. I‘m sure you are terribly busy and I should go to make the orders and oversee the preparations for the dinner tonight. Oh, and perhaps I should take care of Belvina. Put out another fire, as you have said earlier.“

*Ursula wanted to make it past him to the door, leaving him standing there, when she was suddenly stopped in her motions by the grip of his hand on her arm…*

So Phineas had managed to escape once again, not even giving her the chance to say something before he had entered the carriage. She assumed his intention had not been to have a leisure ride around London but that he was off to some business with someone. Ursula looked confusedly at the closed front door for a few blinks, before she returned her attention to her waiting children. She took Cygnus out of the pram and, while balancing the toddler on her hip, helped Belvina with her bonnet.

“Where is Daddy going?“ A pair of innocent grey eyes was looking up to her inquiringly. Ursula gave her daughter a weak smile.

“Your father is busy, little owlet. Arcturus dear, take your sister to the bathroom, I‘d like both of you to wash your hands thoroughly before lunch. Dinky!“

While brother and sister were heading towards the bathroom, Ursula ordered her personal house elf to prepare a light lunch for the children and handed Cygnus over to Dinky.

“Take him upstairs and change his nappy. Tell the kitchen to bring up some cucumber and salmon sandwiches for the children as well as some mashed vegetables for Master Cygnus for luncheon in 10 minutes. I myself will only have some tea.“

Dinky bowed and Ursula, now alone in the hallway, took of her cape and hat and closed her eyes for a second. She wasn’t feeling hungry at all after this already eventful morning (and she could hear her late mother’s strict voice in the back of her head telling her to skip lunch anyways when there was a dinner later in order to maintain a slim waist). Instead, she went to look out for Scrope, whom she found in Phineas‘s study, having started to polish the marble bust of his master that stood prominently on one of the shelves.

“Scrope!“

The old one-eared house elf shrieked upon hearing her strict tone and bowed immediately.

“Aah, yes, Mistress?“

“Where is Master Black going?“

Scrope looked up to her hesitantly before answering.

“Scrope is not allowed to share his master‘s personal schedule with anyone, Master has forbidden it and….“

“Scrope!“ Ursula interrupted the elf with a glare, her tone dominant and relentless, and crossed her arms looking down her nose. “You forget yourself. As the mistress of this house I demand an adequate answer. Now!“

“Of course, Mistress, Scrope lives to serve the noble house of Black. But since the Master has forbidden it, Scrope mustn’t tell…“ Ursula cleared her throat warningly. “Ah well, Scrope knows - ehem, the Master has told Scrope - ehem, Scrope thinks he can tell the Mistress that the Master has left for - the ministry.“ Almost immediately, the house elf reached for the golden paperweight on the desk and frantically started to beat himself with it muttering something like “Scrope has disobeyed his master. Bad Scrope!“ Ursula winced at the pathetic creature in front of her and turned on her heel to leave the study. She had always felt a strong dislike and disgust for the one-eared elf. At least, her assumption about her husband‘s whereabouts had been confirmed. Her satisfaction was short-lived because she felt an immediate anger arise due to the fact that, apparently, even Phineas‘s personal servant was better informed about his daily schedule than her, his wife. That was intolerable and she made a mental note to remember her husband of that later.

————————————————————————

Lunch was a dreary affair. Arcturus was silently and equally unenthusiasticly eating his sandwich, eyes down on his plate, only looking up to give Belvina a pitying look after she had asked Ursula the inevitable question.

“Mommy, when is Daddy coming back? He promised me to teach me how to use my magic!“

Ursula took a long sip of her tea, only to think of a diplomatic answer to that question, but before she could say anything, she was interrupted by a minor incident next to her, where Cygnus was seated in his high chair and had decided to spread the mashed vegetables he had vehemently refused to eat a minute ago over the table cloth with his fingers. Belvina giggled because of her mischievous little brother having vegetables everywhere and seemed to have forgotten her question. Ursula allowed herself a tired sigh and took the bowl out of reach for Cygnus‘s chubby hands, raising an eye brow towards the girl who went silent again instantly.

—————————————————————————

After lunch, Ursula sent Arcturus and Belvina to their rooms to practice their French vocabulary together for an hour before they would be allowed to play calmly. She then had to walk up and down the stairs in the hallway in order to get a very tired looking Cygnus to finally drift off to sleep for his afternoon nap after forty minutes. He calmed down better in her arms than in Dinky’s. She was his mother after all. As she passed the numerous portraits on the landing to the ground floor, she noticed that the portrait of Cygnus Black I, Phineas‘s deceased father, had been somehow replaced by a painting of the Black summer estate in the south of France. Although the circumstance was odd, Ursula didn’t really mind. She had never met her father-in-law in person with him long dead before her marriage to his son, but given the harsh and disdainful words his portrait had been uttering when it’s inhabitant had been awake and what Phineas had told her in some rare moment of confidence between them, that was all she had needed to know about the man.

—————————————————————————

The hours passed by as Ursula was sitting in the drawing room, quite grateful for a bit of silence and rest. She was working on her magical embroidery and thinking about the upcoming dinner. She had decided to keep Cygnus under Dinky‘s watchful eye in the nursery during the evening. A formal dinner table was hardly the place for a toddler and she was pretty sure Phineas wouldn’t want him there anyways even though he had asked for their children to be present. Phineas. Still no sign of him. Ursula looked over to the clock on the mantelpiece. It was almost half past four now and nearly time for her to inspect the dinner table, giving the last orders to the house elves, having the children properly dressed and going upstairs to get changed herself. What was taking him so long in the ministry? Although she knew he was probably very occupied conducting business, she couldn‘t help herself to start to worry a bit. And with that, the anger came back. Was it really to much to expect a husband to inform his wife of his daily schedule?

When she made her way downstairs to check what the servants had made of her instructions for the dinner table, as was expected of the lady of the house, the front door opened. Seeing her husband enter, Ursula swiftly walked towards him where he was taking of his hat and gloves, her steps faster than she had intended. Coming closer, she could immediately sense the tense aura surrounding him. He noticed her approaching him, and before she could say anything, she was cut off rudely by his unnerved tone:

“Not now woman, I implore you…“

There were words forming on the tip of her tongue. Telling him. Accusations. Complains. Lamentations. The usual. Nothing new in their marriage, especially these past months.

First of all, Phineas, I do not find it very respectful being referred to as ‘woman‘ like some fishmonger’s wife in Covent Garden. And speaking of respect. Is it really too much to ask of you to somehow inform me of your daily schedule while you are home? I shall think it proper and right for you to do so since I am your wife and lady of the house. It is a true disgrace that your house elf is apparently better informed where you are and why than I am. You might not believe it but I do start to worry when you leave the house and don’t return for an unknown number of hours. I had to stoop to ask Scrope about your whereabouts you are keeping from me. You could have just told me you had business in the ministry and I would have understood because you know perfectly well that I support you in everything, especially when it comes to your work, as I always have, but instead you decide to leave me in the dark on purpose and I wonder why!

Nothing of it came out of her mouth, though. Because having a closer look at her husband standing in front of her, she was suddenly very aware of the actual state of him. There he was, pinching the bridge of his nose, his eyes shut tightly, every muscle in his body tensed. Merlin, he looked dreadful. Tired. Unnerved. Deep in thoughts. Somehow… troubled. Ursula could read him too well. Something was off. She had known it since his arrival. All of her approaches had been useless, brushed off by him. Giving him another talking-to would be wrong now, even if she had any cause to do so given his recent treatment of her. No. That was not what he needed now. Instead of angry and accusatory, her voice was careful, almost gentle now.

“Are you alright, dear?“

No response. Ursula exhaled slowly and took another step closer to him. He didn’t move, his eyes still shut, his brows furrowed, his knuckles white from pinching his nose. Carefully, she put a hand on his upper arm. Then, she spoke again, softer and warmer.

“Phineas? Why don‘t you go upstairs and let me send you some tea and biscuits? Have a rest before the evening starts. It is well deserved as I can see. Don’t worry, I’m not going to ask any questions now.“

She then tenderly took his hat and his gloves out of his hand, her fingers brushing against his ever so slightly.

And Ursula had noticed everything. The way his eyes had been roaming over her body shaped by the tight corset. The blush that had creeped upon his cheeks. The way his breath had got heavier. And the obvious physical reaction in his neither regions under the fine fabric of his tailored breeches.

His words were hanging in the air, the sentence unfinished. Apparently she had made him speechless. She had to acknowledge that with a certain amount of satisfaction. Phineas Nigellus Black was NEVER at a loss of words and always had to have the last word. Now, as she watched him standing behind her in the mirror, she could see the wheels in his head turn. Or jam.

He was so close to her right now, she could feel his warmth, smell his cologne, but also the alcohol on his breath (which she normally detested) and hear him swallow hard. What she could also feel, was her own growing anticipation and the effects of having him so close behind her. Her own breath slightly faster, the restriction of the corset even tighter all of a sudden now.

For a moment, time stood still.

She saw him staring at her bare upper back in the mirror. Examining her like he would a Greek sculpture out of marble. The tension between them was almost unbearable. Yet, there was still the possibility for him to turn away from her, scoffing, telling her they had servants for a reason, scolding her for her cheap display.

Instead, Phineas removed his white evening gloves and placed them aside on her vanity. Ursula then could feel the slightest contact of his fingertips as he brushed aside a lock of hair that had come out of her updo. That alone caused her to shiver. Had he noticed? He cleared his throat again and then gingerly took the delicate silver clasp of the necklace. Closed it expertertly. He had done so before.

The touch of his warm fingers made Ursula hold her breath. She felt her pulse quicken. He had such beautiful hands. Always meticulously manicured, the skin soft. She had never known his touch to be crude, but always careful and gentle. He wasn’t a brute. Distant and closed, yes, but never crude. His fingers lingered, resting against her warm, soft skin longer than necessary after the simple task had long been completed. Ursula closed her eyes for a second, relishing the feeling.

It had been so long.

To her surprise, his finger then moved to her right shoulder, applying a tiny amount of pressure in order to direct her to turn around. She did so, immediately looking up to him. Again, she felt his eyes on her. On her lips, then lower, to her now heaving chest, captured by her cleavage pushing forward with every breath. It was a look of blatant desire and clear intention.

At that, Ursula felt a tug in her lower abdomen. Their eyes locked once again and she gazed at him imploringly. Waiting for him to lean in and kiss her. She longed for it. Forgotten were all the harsh words and condescending looks of disapproval from earlier. She would take any of that for one moment of this. With the man behind the facade. And because of the clear state of her husband’s arousal, her thoughts and hopes went even further.

Would he want to…. Was he going to… Now?

There was still an hour until the guests arrived. Arcturus was certainly still in the drawing room. Belvina dressing up her doll, bless her. And Cygnus being cared for and fed by the house elf. Phineas and her were alone. In their bedroom. With her not fully clothed, her hair not yet coiffured. Well, she couldn’t care less about her hair now!

She would have time to make herself presentable afterwards, anyways. More than enough time. Phineas was as …efficient in their marital affairs as he was in everything else. Usually a few minutes were sufficient for him to do his duty. Determined. She was used to the circumstance her enjoyment was more often secondary. She never spoke up. That was nothing for a proper wife to do.

But there had been different times. When he had had some alcohol, just as he had consumed the bloody stuff now. Then, he was prone to get more… passionate. And even if she despised his drinking habits (and the taste of alcohol on his lips) she couldn’t deny she much more enjoyed their encounters after him having had downed some drinks, because, peculiarly, his level of attention towards her own pleasure would rise significantly.

The memory came in a flash. Of the last time he had been like that with her. The soirée at Gaunt Manor. The black dress. The marks on her neck she had found the following day, just behind her ear and above the jugular vein. Magic had only been able to tone down his claims on her. It hadn’t been the only ’creative’ thing he had tried with her in his inebriated passion, though. And it had made her think where exactly he had got the inspiration from. Also, her husband had the tendency to fall asleep QUITE quickly afterwards. So perhaps it was more reasonable to postpone any sort of marital activities to later.

Phineas seemed to had come to the same conclusion because he regained his composure and drew away his eyes, only for them to land on the black evening dress, his tone now confident again if only slightly raspy.

“Our guests will arrive within the hour. I suggest, you finish readying yourself. Unless, there ist anything else you may be in need of assistance of.“

Oh, there was definitely something she could need his assistance of now!

But that was nothing she would ever voice in his presence. That sort of openness was deemed inappropriate for a lady of her standing. Nothing a wife would ask of her husband. The words of her mother creeped into her mind once again.

‘A wife has to be silent and obedient, Ursula. Your desires or wishes are not important. You must never mention them in front of your husband. It is unbecoming.‘

Phineas‘s voice reached her again, pulling her back to reality when he added in a slightly lower tone, without looking at her:

“ I am sure you shall be the envy of all.“

His compliment came unexpected. It was a poor substitute for what Ursula had silently hoped for, (he could have kissed her on the cheek or embraced her at least! Leaving her like that after practically undressing her with his eyes and showing his obvious desire for her, was simply cruel!), but for a man like him, it was still a praise of the highest order.

A bit stunned, she couldn’t find her voice at first. Then, trying her best to not sound too disappointed and needy, she donned a sincere smile and told him in a calm and meaningful tone:

“Thank you, Phineas.“

He simply nodded, then turned to leave.

For a while, Ursula stared at the closed door. Processing all the piled up emotions. She really had to get dressed now. And she had to check on the children as well.

After she had summoned Dinky, who helped her into the evening dress and pinned her mistress’s dark curls into an elegant, loose low bun, Ursula picked up her black long silk gloves and made her way to the nursery to kiss her youngest, who was already laying very sleepily and well-fed in his cot, goodnight. Ursula was grateful for his calm state, she wouldn’t have had the time nor the nerves to pick him up and rock him to sleep. With a swish of her wand, the enchanted mobile above his head started to move, tiny owls were spreading their wings and flying in slow circles.

One last loving look at her dear baby boy, a caress of his chubby cheek, then Ursula left the nursery, smiling.

But when she entered her daughter’s room, Ursula was regaled with a different scene altogether. The 4-year old was sitting on the floor, pressing her beloved doll against her chest. The girl’s big eyes red and swollen, tears still running down her cherubic face. The new velvet dress torn and ripped apart.

Before Ursula could have asked what in Salazar´s name she had done, Belvina started crying louder upon the sight of her mother.

“Daddy, sniff , daddy, sniff, daddy doesn’t like my new dress, and… and, I don’t want to wear it anymore, I wanted to take it off, but, sniff, I…. I couldn’t.“

Ursula took a deep breath, her brows furrowing in concern, before she walked over to Belvina and lowered herself to pat her back.

“Now, now, Belvina that is nonsense, your father hasn’t even seen your dress. I’m sure he will like it, it is so lovely.“

“No, he doesn’t, sniff!!“

An uneasy feeling overcame Ursula. It was clear that the girl wasn’t lying and making such a fuss over nothing. Something involving her father had had to have occurred. What sorrow had he caused now?

She decided to not dwell on it for too long. She would find out soon enough. And if Belvina’s words contained a grain of truth…

Time was running and Belvina had had to be presentable for their guests. Phineas would have been furious if not and blamed it on her, with her clearly failing in her duty as a mother. So all Ursula could have done, was damage control. As always.

“Hush little owlet, I am sure your father didn’t mean what he said. He has a lot on his mind because of the dinner, you know. It is very important to him and our guests are as well. Why don’t we make you beautiful again and go downstairs, mh? I can’t be the only lady next to your father and brother, can I? Come on, sometimes we have to pull ourselves together regardless of how we are feeling. Get up for me, will you?“

Belvina eyed her mother calculating, but nodded eventually, sniffing heavily one last time. Ursula took out her wand and casted ‘Reparo’ on the torn dress before she wiped away her daughters tears and kissed her on the forehead.

“There, that is my lovely girl! I expect you to behave now, love, and I want you to make me proud. Now, shall we put Miss Josephine to bed and go downstairs?“

Mother and daughter headed towards the ground floor; Belvina’s little hand in Ursula’s. The girl had cheered up a bit, beaming in awe at the shiny beads on her mother’s dress. Passing by the half closed door of the drawing room, Ursula called for Arcturus to join them. The boy looked even more gloomy than before, his head hanging low. He had had to be just nervous about playing in front of an audience later… Or so Ursula tried to fight her motherly alert. Arcturus was an introverted boy who preferred to settle things with himself. She had left him in Phineas‘s company earlier. A mistake, as it seemed. But then again the man was the boy’s father, for Merlin’s sake! He had to be capable of being around their offspring without being overly expectant and strict. It really made her furious and she could sense the familiar feeling of anger towards her husband rise again. She wouldn’t let him continue to take out whatever was troubling him on his children. Gone for good was the tender image of him during that intimate moment in their bedroom!

“Arcturus, I would very much like it if you minded your posture a bit during the evening and be polite when addressed by our guests. I know you are a responsible and well-mannered boy. And don’t worry about your piano play, I am positive you will excel later.“ No matter what your father has said to you.

The trio entered the salon on the ground floor. The grand room was already illuminated by candles and a roaring fire. A group of elegant plush chairs was arranged in front of the fireplace and family portraits adorned the papered walls. A house elf was quietly standing in one corner, carrying a silver tray with champagne in ornated glasses.

Ursula spotted her husband standing by the window. Much to her dismay, she also noticed a tumbler of golden liquor in his hand again. She had lost count on the amount of drinks he had already had. She pursed her lips. She was not going to comment on that now. Phineas turned his head after he had noticed the arrival of his wife and two of their children. He looked them up and down, lingering a second longer on his wife’s form clad in the black dress. Of course, Ursula was already well aware she was making a stunning appearance. The envy of them all…

He seemed to approve what he saw because no contrary remark left his mouth.

Ursula took a few steps towards him, taking Belvina with her, whose dark brows furrowed and her bottom lip protruded upon seeing her father. Behind her back, Arcturus moved to one corner of the room, trying to become one with the shadows.

Ursula gave her husband one stern and knowing look that could beat even the most potent veritaserum before turning to her daughter.

“Belvina, why don’t you show your father your new dress?“

When Ursula’s eyes darted back to Phineas, she failed to hide the provocative tone and the unmissable glare that accompanied her words:

“Your daughter has waited so long for a special occasion to finally wear it! And doesn’t she look lovely in it, dear? Goodness, but you must be still amazed by your son‘s talent on the keys!“

@phineasnigellusblack

Dear Phineas,

the whole affair concerning our son, Phineas, still troubles me deeply. I can only hope nothing more of that has reached your ear. I have asked Arcturus and Belvina if they had witnessed anything alarming about their brother, especially last summer.

Well, Arcturus couldn‘t tell me anything of importance, as you know, he prefers to be for himself and isn’t very close to Phineas, so therefore they hadn’t spend a lot of time together.

I‘m afraid I learned something of relevance from Belvina, though, and accidentally so, for she acted like she shouldn’t have told me. Apparently, she and Phineas had spent quite a lot of time outside playing with that non-magical boy I mentioned in my last letter. I strongly assure you that I was unaware of that circumstance, I had been quite occupied with Cygnus and recovering from his complicated birth. I was most certain that my punishment last time had been sufficient. I recognise my mistake in believing that and will be more aware from now on, especially when the children are outside.

Of course I told Belvina how wrong their actions were and that there will be consequences if it ever happens again. I strictly forbid her to talk to that boy as well.

Except that, I must assume that Phineas is somehow badly influenced by some of his classmates in Hogwarts. I‘m sure your talk with him will reinstall his memory of our family’s beliefs, though.

Ursula

P.S. Aurora, your niece, has been suspiciously quiet. I hope she isn’t plotting anything, just be cautious, dear!

Image source under the cut:

Dear Phineas,

the ceasing of your writing indicates you are very busy with your work, no doubt, and I don’t wish to interfere. I hope very much that the situation, regarding both our son and your niece, has somehow calmed down in the school.

The reason for my letter is of much sweeter nature, though. Belvina keeps asking about you and your return home and I try my best to assure her that you are working hard to ensure her academic future at Hogwarts. Yesterday she had been unusual quiet and spent the afternoon in her room and when I called her for dinner, I was presented with what you find attached. She insisted that I send it to you. I know your opinion of sentimentality, but her plea and the fact that she misses you so much, nearly broke my heart, so I did.

Do with it what you like, but as a mother, I ask you to remember your daughter, who adores you, more often.

Ursula

*attached to the letter is a drawing*

Ursula intensified the grip on Cygnus in her arms, still shocked, and braced herself for what was inevitably about to come. But unexpectedly, Phineas‘s voice was hoarse and strained instead of roaring and accusing when he said:

“Go to your room. Do not return until you have control of your senses.“

He stared at the table solemnly.

Ursula gave a quick nod in Arcturus‘s direction. The boy was already half the way out of the room, like a shadow, shoulders dropped and head hanging low. She then took Belvina by the arm, not violently but firm, and made her get up from her chair.

“Do as you have been told! We will talk about your behaviour towards your father and how to not speak to him later.“

She summoned Dinky, her house elf, and handed her Cygnus who had fortunately stopped his whining, but was now in a messy state, red-eyed an with tears and snot and spit all over his face.

“See to it that the children go to their rooms and take care of Master Cygnus.“

After the children and Dinky had left the dining room, Ursula pulled out her wand and aimed it at the door, casting an Imperturbable Charm and ‘Colloportus‘.

Undisturbed and muted. The right moment.

Her chest was heaving, her breath uneven and fast, her corset suddenly feeling tight and uncomfortable. She had to restrain herself forcefully to not cast an Unforgivable at her husband. She lowered her wand and put it back in her dress pocket. She tried to keep it together, but failed. Her composure broke and made way for something fierce. Pure and unrestrained. For a woman usually so composed and dignified like her, that was unusually rare. Part of her despised her husband for finally making her losing it. But at this point, Ursula didn’t care about her dignity and grace. Out of a sudden, she turned to Phineas, who still hadn’t moved and was still staring at the table, her voice raised and full of ire:

“And WHY exactly do you think THAT was necessary, Phineas Nigellus Black???“ She practically threw the words at him, her eyes wide and with an almost horrified expression in her anger, her hands clawed in the fabric of her skirt.

No answer. He didn’t even look at her.

Then, a thought flashed through her mind and made her emotions cool down as quickly as they had arisen. What if something had occurred that he was basically out of his mind since his return? She was well accustomed to his ignorant and cold behaviour, but in front of her was a different man altogether.

“What is the matter with you, Phineas? Tell me!“ she inquired, calmer now but her anger still not completely gone.

Phineas gestured erratically with his hands, interrupting her, a scowl on his face. To Ursula‘s great surprise, he actually agreed to having breakfast with his family downstairs, though she had the slight feeling he only did so to make her stop talking. His response had come too quickly.

He muttered something about the Burkes and the usual time for dinner. That was all Ursula needed to know. As the lady of the house, hosting a dinner party was her domain. And of course she excelled in it.

—————————————————————————

Ursula left the bedroom to let Phineas get dressed and, hopefully, wake up completely. She made her way to the nursery to pick up Cygnus who was exceptionally cheerful today and tried to pull at her hair and pearl necklace with his chubby fingers, and called for Belvina and Arcturus to inform them that breakfast was ready in half an hour.

When Ursula and the children were finally gathered in the dining room, the table had already been set by the house elves. Cygnus was placed in a high chair while Arcturus and Belvina took their usual seats. Ursula smiled at her children. “I have a surprise for you this morning. Your father has returned home last night. You were already asleep, but he is going to join us for breakfast now. I‘m sure he will be pleased to see you!“

Belvina‘s doll-like face lit up immediately, her eyes beaming with joy.

Even Arcturus, who was usually very quiet, looked up excitedly and asked: „Father is home? Where is he?“

That was a good question. Ursula got a bad feeling…and a suspicion.

“He is still upstairs getting dressed, I think. I might actually go up myself and inform him everything is ready.“ She stood and smoothed her dress. „Look after the children for a moment!“ she added with a short look in the direction of her personal house elf, Dinky.

—————————————————————————

When Ursula returned to the master bedroom, she was pleased to find her husband dressed and groomed. What did NOT please her, was the fact that he was about to order Scrope to bring his breakfast in his study. She felt frustration rising inside. Why had he have to be such a difficult man? The frustration made way for anger. He was clearly not only trying to avoid her company again. No. He was trying to avoid his children’s company. That was even worse. She took a deep breath and concealed her emotions.

“Leave us!“ she dismissed Scrope with a curt nod. The elf didn’t even dare to take a look at his master at her clipped tone before he bowed and vanished. She looked at her husband expectantly. She waited. Phineas stared back at her, somehow dumbfounded and slightly confused. She narrowed her eyes slightly . Her facade had to have slipped a bit, giving away a hint of her emotions because suddenly he attempted to say something. She took a step forward and hold up a hand. He stopped immediately.

„Spare me that, Phineas! If I remember correctly, you agreed to join me and the children for breakfast downstairs. Well, we are waiting. Arcturus and Belvina are waiting. I told them about your return and of course they are looking forward to seeing you, bless them. I can’t blame them for wanting to see their father in person and not as a mere ghost in the house. But I see you have changed your mind and prefer to hide in your study again.“ She shook her head and shot him a cold glare. „I am a very tolerant wife, Phineas, but when it comes to our children, I won‘t have you neglect them! You know they need a strong paternal figure!“ Ursula felt her composure slip. She turned on her heel, then looked back to him. Suddenly, there was a hint of sadness in her grey eyes before she controlled herself again. „I suggest you go tell them yourself, then. As their mother, I can‘t bear it anymore to see that disappointment in their faces when I‘m telling them you are too busy over and over again!“