Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. This work is merely for leisure and not for any profit whatsoever.

Summary: London is a big city. In cities of such size, many small details pass by unnoticed by most of the crowd. Homes become invisible, shops are glanced over and ignored, strange events and people are written off as one-time occurrences, and anomalies are unknowingly brushed aside. SI/OC.

Stars in the Silence

Fortuna Major

.

It was dark. And cold. So very cold.

There was no light, no sound. Nothing save the feeling of water surrounding her and the taste of salt in her mouth.

Above, she could see that faint outline of a dog chasing something, disappearing from sight far too quickly.

Come back, she wanted to scream. Come back- Don't leave me, don't go where I can't follow-

She couldn't move-

Aquila opened her eyes to bright sunlight pouring through her windows, belatedly realising that she hadn't drawn her curtains properly before going to sleep. A quick tilt of her head and Aquila sighed.

It was just past ten in the morning.

Stretching and arching her back like a cat, Aquila quickly worked out the stiffness in her muscles and joints, before getting out of bed.

It took her barely ten minutes to go through the motions of her morning routine.

Dressed in a dark purple robe - that was getting a little short; she must have finally had her first growth spurt - Aquila deftly pinned several clumps black locks to the side of her head, leaving a few strands of hair hanging free to soften her face.

"Nightmare again, dear?" her vanity asked, passing her a bottle of hairspray. Picking it up and spraying a decent amount onto her hair, Aquila nodded, before returning the bottle.

"It's not very good for your complexation, dear," her vanity tutted, gently attaching jewelled pins into her hair.

Aquila dabbed a bit of concealer onto her face, blending it out to hide the dark circles under her eyes with precise, practiced strokes. "I know."

Her vanity sighed, withdrawing its appendages and returning them to rest along its side, "Beautiful as always, dear. Have a good day."

Walburga's voice rang out, carried into her room via a Sonorus and calling for Aquila and her brothers. A knock sounded at her door, and Sirius' head popped into her room, eyes glinting in excitement. "You're done. Let's go," Sirius chirped out, before he disappeared from sight, footsteps heading in the direction of Regulus' room.

Aquila allowed a slight smile to escape her at the sight. She was willing to bet that Sirius had been all but bouncing throughout his lessons in the morning.

It was ridiculously endearing how excited Sirius was acting for what basically was just a play-date.

Then again, this was the first time they were meeting another person their age just for the sake of, well, playing. They wouldn't be expected to put up fronts (well, mostly), to make allies or even stay out of their parents' way.

After all, if there was any child's reputation that matched hers in the pureblood circles, it was James Potter's.

Today was going to be a fun day, Aquila would make sure of it, and even the fact that they would be attending their cousin's engagement ball later in the evening wouldn't damper any of their spirits.

Snatching the small stack of parchments by her desk, Aquila quickly glanced through the notes Mipsy had taken for her classes that morning. 'Effects of the Solar and Lunar Cycles on Potions', shouldn't be too hard to understand. Aquila tucked it under her arm and walked out of her room.

Time to visit Great Aunt Dorea legitimately this time.

.

Stepping out of the Potter's fireplace, Aquila had a split second to register that the wall green rapidly heading towards her person was decidedly not the colour of Floo powder-induced flames before the goop landed squarely on her face.

Hysterical laughter rang through the room as Aquila calmly wiped the slime off her eyes, almost, but not quite, hiding a soft, mirthful giggle.

Silently promising vengeance, and also thanking herself for having the foresight of keeping her notes in the innermost pockets of her robes, Aquila threw a Look at the loudest source of the laughter - a bespectacled boy who was currently being dangled upside down.

It was enough to quell Sirius when he acted up. James Potter just continued laughing, utterly at ease, even as he floated several feet above the ground.

Her beloved twin looked even more ecstatic, despite being in a similar sorry state.

The fireplace roared again, and barely a moment passed before Regulus yelped in surprise as another sphere of slime slammed into his chest.

James and Sirius erupted into another tide of giggles when Regulus threw a baleful look at them. Evidently, Regulus had known about James' reputation as well.

"I'm really sorry about that, dear," an elderly woman sighed disapprovingly, although it did nothing to hide the amused shine in her eyes, and flicked her wand towards Aquila for a moment, before pointing it back towards James. "It seems like my son managed to slip under my nose again."

Feeling the odd sensation of the goop dissolving into air, Aquila dropped into a dainty curtsy. "It's alright, Lady Potter," she said. "There was no harm done, and to be honest, we had somewhat expected to be… welcomed in such a manner. But you have my most heartfelt thanks for the assistance, Lady Potter."

"It seems like James' reputation precedes him then," Lady Potter sighed. Elegantly swishing her wand, Lady Potter barely spared a glance as James dropped from where he was hovering. Although, given how easily the boy righted himself to land on his feet, Aquila had a feeling being suspended in midair by his mother's magic was less of a punishment than a game for James.

Well. The Potters were also equally known for pampering their only son.

"Welcome to Potter Manor, children. Unfortunately, Dorea was called away to Saint Mungo's, so it is likely that she'll only arrive after lunch." Lady Potter gave her son a look. It was decidedly warmer than anything they'd received from Walburga in recent years. "James, I trust that you will be a proper host to our guests?"

"Yes, Mum," the boy replied, grinning.

"Very well. Children, I will leave you to play for a few hours before I call you for lunch." Lady Potter smiled before leaving the room, and judging by how Regulus' grip tightened ever so slightly in her own, Aquila wasn't the only one feeling a tad bit jealous.

.

The room they entered was very obviously a playroom.

A very large, very tall, very expensive playroom.

It had shelves running all the way up to the ceiling, which was a good four meters tall at least, stuffed to the brim with an assortment of toys and knick-knacks.

"This is amazing." Aquila heard Sirius say, and judging by the wide grin on James' face, he'd heard that as well.

"It is isn't it?" James threw his arms out, "These are all from my parents! They're the best!"

They're definitely more obvious in their affections, Aquila thought as she scanned the dozens upon dozens of columns of shelves. As for whether they're the best...

Aquila knew that James had lived a pampered life, a spoilt life, even. Another version of him had grown up to be an arrogant bully, who constantly tormented others because of a superiority complex. So while that was a mark against Lord and Lady Potter's parenting skills, there was no denying that the same person had several of his own redeeming qualities.

It took a great deal of bravery and loyalty to look past a stigma, especially when it was so deeply rooted into society, stand against it and say 'no'. It took a lot more than that to risk your life for a cause that may not succeed, just because you knew it was the right thing to do.

James Potter had become a better man than most.

For that alone, Aquila would give him her respect, even though she knew there would be many disagreements to come. Whether he, as a boy, a teen or a man, would be able to keep it was another matter altogether.

But now though, all that mattered was that they had fun. And it seemed like she wasn't the only one to think so.

"Right! Exploding Snap for starters?"

.

"You know, for someone so famous, you're a lot shorter than I thought you'd be."

"We're the same height," Aquila deadpanned, lifting her head to stare at James.

"Yeah, but I'm younger. And don't girls grow faster than boys as kids? Why are you so tiny?"

"You realize that you're calling yourself tiny as well."

"I haven't hit my growth spurt yet." James waved a hand as he dismounted from his broom, before squinting, "Anyways what are you reading?"

"Potions and how they're affected by external factors," Aquila replied, expertly switching her notes around when James made to snatch them from her.

"Don't you want to join your brothers? I can find more spares." James gestured upwards where Sirius and Regulus were flying in circles. (Although it was closer to drifting since they were using practice brooms only. Practice brooms ran on a battery-esque system, making them cheaper and more importantly slower than their adult counterparts that pulled ambient magic directly from the surroundings. Practical for young, novice flyers.)

"No."

James' hand twitched. Aquila rolled up her notes and lightly whacked the offending limb when it shot out in another attempt. "Bad," Aquila deadpanned when he whined at her.

"Meany."

"Tough luck, now go and help Sirius. I don't think the broom's meant to be ridden upside down. And Regulus is much too amused to even want to help him."

"Fine," James sighed theatrically, "I could use some help though." He gave Aquila a side glance, holding out his broomstick.

Aquila raised an eyebrow. "James, there are only three broomsticks here - don't try to say otherwise, there are only three charging racks - and I've never ridden a broom before. That makes you the better flyer and more qualified to help Sirius."

"I'm fine!" Sirius piped up, still upside down. He was ignored.

"You're no fun, shorty," James declared, but there was a glint in his eyes as he mounted his broom.

"That tends to be the case when one uses logic well," Aquila smirked slightly. Looks like she'd made herself the target of James' next 'challenges', as the boy put it.

How cute.

.

Close to two hours after they'd started playing, James was in the midst of his seventh attempt at Steal-Aquila's-Notes when the playroom doors opened to reveal Aidan, who was looking far more relaxed than Aquila could ever recall.

Then again, Potter Manor was certainly more welcoming than Grimmauld Place, annoying inhabitants aside.

Aquila took the chance to store her notes in her inner coat pocket, smirking at James when he scowled at her. The boy hadn't managed to get his hands on her notes even once, and now that she was done studying he wouldn't get any more opportunities to try again any time soon.

Although James was certainly a tenacious little brat.

"Hello, kiddies! Mum sent me over to make sure that you didn't poison our guests, accident or not," Aidan announced as he walked towards them before ruffling both James' and Aquila's hair. The latter battered the limb away, the action accompanied by a small eye-roll, while the latter adopted a look on mortal offence on his face.

"Excuse me!" James exclaimed, dramatically placing a hand over his heart. "Have you no faith in me? In my mother?"

"You burnt down the stables and Aunt Euphemia gave you cake."

"I was five! That was a really good expression of accidental magic and you know it!"

"You burnt down the stables." Aidan deftly picked up Aquila, undoubtedly with the help of magic (because she was not that short), ignoring her protest with such ease that Aquila was sure he did this to James on a regular basis and deposited her next to her brothers.

Ignoring the two bickering Potters, Aquila hissed. "Not. A. Single. Word."

Sirius and Regulus smartly coughed into their robes while the two Potters continued bickering.

.

Aquila was almost sad when three o'clock finally arrived, signaling for the Blacks to leave.

Her brothers certainly were more obvious in their displeasure.

"Can't we stay for another hour?" Sirius asked, voice just shy of begging. Regulus stood behind him, eyes big and almost pouting. Aquila even sent a despondent look at Lady Potter when it seemed like the elderly witch was about to agree.

Unfortunately, it was not to be so. "You three will need to be at the Lestrange's Ball in three hours," Lady Potter chided gently, "You will need that time to rest and prepare dearies. But no worries, you three are always welcomed to visit again. I haven't seen my dear James so happy -"

"Mum!" James cut in, blushing slightly.

Lady Potter giggled, "Now, James. There's nothing wrong with being happy when you've made new friends. Now be a good host and say a proper farewell."

James' huffed, before he shuffled forwards. "I had fun, so thanks," he said. A few moments passed before he continued, smiling, "I'd like it if you three could come over again. Especially you, shorty!" James jabbed a finger at Aquila. "Don't think you'll get away from flying so easily! I'm going to one-up you next time."

The Blacks smirked, and Aquila replied, "You can try."

Good luck, Regulus mouthed, while Sirius threw a thumbs up.

.

A few hours later, any of the almost-bubbly emotions Aquila had when she left Potter Manor had all but evaporated. Any remnants completely vanished when she noticed Bellatrix sauntering up towards her direction.

"A word with you Aquila. Privately."

Aquila shared a glance with her twin and inclined her head slightly, receiving an equally small nod in reply. With just that silent exchange, the twins parted, Aquila moving to follow Bellatrix while Sirius disappeared into the crowd, presumably to find Regulus.

She spared a brief moment of concern for Regulus but squashed it down just as quickly. Sirius would look out for him. And despite how vocal Sirius was with his distaste for pureblood politics, Sirius had his own charm and was skilled with using it. Well, for a normal nine-year-old.

Sirius would look out for Regulus, she repeated to herself, staring at Bellatrix with faintly narrowed eyes. That left her free to deal with their eldest cousin.

Said cousin who was acting much more restrained than normal.

Considering her cousin's generally insufferable attitude, Aquila sincerely doubted that Bellatrix suddenly decided to play the role of the blushing maiden.

No, it was far more likely that Bellatrix was planning something. Several somethings in fact. And considering that she was well in her magical prime and hadn't gone insane - or perhaps more insane - due prolonged exposure to Dementors, Aquila was wary. As she followed Bellatrix down the hallway and the sounds of the Ball gradually faded away, Aquila became increasingly more twitchy.

I doubt Bellatrix has snapped yet and either way, she's not going to be stupid enough to kill me right now, Aquila reasoned to herself. Too many people saw us leave together. And it's equally unlikely that she managed to create a doppelganger. At any rate, even if she did, Sirius knows me well enough to realise it's an imposter. Probably.

Aquila continued her mental debate even as Bellatrix slowed to a stop and pushed open a door to reveal an empty room. Besides, Bellatrix is still a Black so killing me would only set the Family Magicks on her. Unlawful, unprovoked slaughter of a blood-kin and all that. Not to mention what Father would do to her as Head of House.

Mildly mollified by her internal musing, Aquila stepped into the room with a neutral look plastered on her face.

When Bellatrix drew her wand and lazily flicked it in her direction, Aquila merely raised an eyebrow.

"Why all the secrecy cousin?" Aquila asked dryly as a faint glow shimmered around them. "Some would think that you're trying to hide something."

"I told you; I wanted a private conversation." Bellatrix stalked towards her. "You never know who's or what's eavesdropping. You could do well to be more cautious, cousin."

Storm-grey eyes narrowed into slits. "Speak plainly Bellatrix; what do you want?" While the lack of physical harm was welcomed, Aquila really was not in the mood for any mind games, least of all Bellatrix's.

Bellatrix tutted, sending her a holier-than-thou look at her. "You really ought to be more patient. But I'll look the other way, for now, considering how… rough times are for you now."

Oh, she did not like where this was going at all.

"Do you know what's been on the pureblood grapevine recently?" Bellatrix continued, "Sweet, charming little miss perfect Aquila found the Family Grimoire, decided to play with it and broke an old heirloom." Dark eyes bored into her own, the colour just a shade too dark to be considered true Black eyes. Still, Aquila could see the infamous Black Madness just lurking deep within them. "And little miss perfect herself screwed up and fell out of favour with Mother-dearest. So much so that it sent the Main Branch all of a twitter."

How annoying, Aquila thought as she smiled blandly, her emotions straining against their binds. She just had to bring it up.

"I was careless and too full of myself. You were right. I messed up. I can only be thankful that it was merely a minor incident. Your concern is greatly appreciated, cousin."

Bellatrix narrowed her eyes before an equally bland smile spread across her lips, "Well, at least you've experienced your first bout of actual magic. That's something to celebrate, late as it is."

Aquila's smile turned sharp. "Indeed."

Bellatrix nearly rolled her eyes but instead chose to convey her irritation with a sigh. "You mustn't just rely on your Runes. They may be helpful, but you are part of the Main Branch. Learning the Familia Magicks should be your priority."

"I know my place, Bella. I don't need you to remind me of it."

Perhaps her jab was a tad too obvious, but her cousin's noblesse oblige was practically overflowing. It didn't help that Aquila barely had twenty hours of sleep that week. Less if she counted the nights that weren't plagued by nightmares.

Honestly, Aquila would take whatever satisfaction she could now, damn the consequences.

Bellatrix, surprisingly, didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she fixed Aquila with an assessing look. "Regardless, you have potential. Much more than my sisters and Sirius. They, vexing as it is for me to admit, aren't ambitious enough." Bellatrix strode up towards Aquila, bending her body forwards, pinning the younger Black with an intense stare. "They're not like you and me. You know why?"

Aquila raised an eyebrow, completely unimpressed with Bellatrix's antics.

"Ruthlessness ickle little eagle. They don't have the will to do anything to achieve their goal. But you. You have that look in your eyes. The look that says you'll do anything to get what you want." Bellatrix chuckled, looking at her with half-lidded eyes. "You have the same eyes as me, Ah. Qui. La."

Aquila was only just able to abort her knee-jerk reaction to snarl at Bellatrix for her comment.

She settled with throwing a scathing glare at the older Black.

It only served to further amuse Bellatrix. "Now don't be like that Aquila, can't you take a little teasing?" Bellatrix smirked at the incensed look Aquila flung at her. "But in all seriousness, that ambition, that drive… You could do great things with them, once you find a reason to excel. Once you find a cause to devote yourself to." A sharp smile was sent Aquila's way and her lips curled at the sheer reverence in Bellatrix's voice. "So choose wisely, and nurture your magic. The House showed the Grimoire to you; it is clear that you are worthy of being Heiress Black if you chose to contest that right from Sirius.

"Somehow," Bellatrix's half-lidded eyes were darkly amused, "I don't think you'll do that though. Regardless, you'd do well to learn a few spells; that'll help you regain your mother's favour."

Her mind spoken, Bellatrix straightened and turned towards the door, beckoning Aquila to follow. "Come; we should return before people start noticing our absence."

"The title of Heir Black," Aquila said evenly, "belongs to Sirius. I will not contest it. Nor will I allow anyone else to do so without just cause."

Bellatrix's eyes remained dark, even as she smirked over her shoulder. "Pity."

.

A/N: Oh would you look at that. It's November already. Sooo HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO SIRIUS, AQUILA AND THIS FIC. Let's all just ignore that it's been five months since I've updated alrighty? Alright? Yay.

But jokes aside, thank you so much for sticking with this fic for so long. I honestly can't believe that TWO YEARS HAVE PASSED SINCE I POSTED CHAPTER ONE OMG! So much has happened :D

As a thank you to you guys, when we hit 200 reviews (18 reviews away guys!) I'll be taking requests for both the Stars timeline and a Secrets AU/Extra/whatever! I'll be contacting 5 lucky reviewers to get the details, but feel free to share your ideas either way!

THANK YOU LOVELIES :D

Nariel