Heiress ?

Selene's P.O.V:

Everyone turned their gazes from Papa to me, their eyes brimming with curiosity and anticipation. But Papa focused on me, his expression a blend of contemplation and something I couldn't quite decipher.

"Papa, what happened? Why are you looking at me like that?" I ventured, seeking clarity. He blinked slowly as though emerging from a deep reverie.

"Nothing, Princess," he replied softly. "You remind me of your Mama and your Aunt Lily, who was like a sister to me in every way but blood."

Intrigued, I leaned in closer. "Papa, tell me about Mama and Aunt Lily," I urged.

"Well, if that's what you want," he said reluctantly before the conversation took a turn.

"First, though, Son, why don't you explain how she is yours and James' daughter?" Great Grandpa Arctus interjected, his voice steady yet curious.

Papa inhaled deeply, his expression shifting from nostalgia to a more sombre tone. "You remember when I was just sixteen and I ran away from home. At that time, James, Remus, and I discovered that I and James were mates, and he was submissive. Father, Grandfather, please forgive my foolishness—I ran away, and even after Regulus passed, I never came back to see you or attend his funeral because Dumbledore had confined me to my apartment," he confessed, a wave of guilt washing over him.

"No, Son, that was not your fault," Grandpa Orion said, his voice laced with regret. "When your mother punishes you, I never raise my voice, even though you are my son and heir. I'm truly sorry for that." Sadness flickered in his eyes, heavy with unspoken burdens.

"I'm also sorry, Sirius," Great Grandpa Arcturus added, sorrow shadowing his face. "Along with your grandmother, we never spoke up to stop Walburga, even though we were aware of what she did to you." Great Grandma Irma nodded in agreement, her expression one of shared remorse.

"It's okay, Papa, Grandfather, and Grandmother. I should have been more patient," he said, trying to soothe the atmosphere. "Now that we've cleared the air, I should continue with the story." With that, we all nodded in agreement, though I was silent, absorbed in the unfolding narrative.

"When we graduated, we formed a bond, and I had every intention of sharing the news with you. However, by then, everyone had assumed that James and Lily were dating due to their close brother-sister relationship. In the presence of Remus, who served as our witness, we exchanged vows, with Lily officiating our ceremony. Yet, the others were led to believe that James and Lily were the ones bonded," Papa began. Still, his explanation was abruptly cut off by a man who appeared to be in his late sixties or early seventies, reminiscent of Grandpa Orion.

"Charles, what brings you here?" Grandpa Orion inquired, surprise evident in his voice.

"Why, Orion, I'm here to apologise to my son Sirius for the wrongs I committed concerning my son's murder and to see my granddaughter, whom Albus has kept away from me," the man said, revealing himself as Charles Potter, my Mama's father and my grandfather.

"I am deeply sorry, Sirius. I should have realised that you would never be capable of such a thing, yet I wronged you," he continued, his voice laden with regret.

"It's all right, Dad. No one is truly at fault here. The blame rests heavily on Albus. As Chief Warlock, he should have ensured a trial for me and not allowed my daughter to be raised in a Muggle household," Papa replied softly, a mix of sadness and anger in his tone.

"Thank you, Sirius. But what do you mean by your daughter?" Granddad questioned, his brows furrowing with concern. Great-grandfather Arcturus and Grandpa Orion quickly filled him in on the day's revelations.