It was just another ordinary summer day for Sirius Black. His parents and brother seemed intent on ignoring him and Kreacher, the house elf, found pleasure muttering obscenities at him under his breath. He had come home to a dark house and unloving family after an eventful sixth year spent with friends who really cared about him. With no one to talk to, Sirius locked himself in his room after breakfast, and then realized he had nothing to do besides homework and writing letters to his friends.

How pathetic, he thought bitterly, it's only my first day back and I'm already miserable. Deciding not to show how miserable he truly was, he decided to hold off on letter writing and chose to start his homework. Opening his transfiguration textbook with a sigh, he plopped himself into his chair and began to read.

He had been staring at the same page for roughly half an hour when a knock at the door startled him and his father's voice came through the door. "Sirius, can you come downstairs for a moment? Your mother and I wish to speak with you."

"Be down in a minute!" Sirius called. Why couldn't his father just speak to him like…well, like a father? Only a few more months left, he thought, and then I can get out of here.

In less than five months Sirius would be seventeen. He could move out of his parents' house, get a job, and follow his own desires without his family getting in the way. He would be free to become an auror, or professional Quidditch player, or anything else he chose. His parents had had his life planned since he was born, but after being sorted into Gryffindor they had given up on him.

Sirius had no idea what he was going to do after he graduated and was free of his family, but he did know that his options were unlimited. Despite what other people thought, he had managed to make all O's and E's on his OWLs and was doing rather well in the classes he chose to continue with.

Part of him wanted to become an auror, but the more logical part of him knew it was only to get back at his parents for all the dark magic they imposed on him as a child. He did know that he wanted to travel the world experiencing things no other pureblood would dream of. "Aha!" Sirius exclaimed. I can start thinking about my plans after Hogwarts this summer. It would definitely be more fun than studying. He then remembered that he had to meet his parents and rushed downstairs.

The moment Sirius entered the parlor he knew that whatever was about to happen did not bode well for him. The heavy curtains only allowed a small amount of light to enter the room, making him feel as if he were entering the shrieking shack. The many portraits on the walls followed him with their eyes, whispering to each other words Sirius could not make out. His parents were seated on the loveseat facing away from the window, and an armchair had been pulled up in front of them for Sirius to sit in.

"Oh yeah, this is definitely not good," Sirius muttered.

"What was that boy?" his father barked. "Nothing father, just wondering why you wanted to speak with me," he replied, putting on a dazzling smile that he knew would have no effect.

"Well sit down then. Your mother and I have some very important news for you."

Sirius did as he was told, then looked between his parents. Their facial features were schooled to look very matter-of-fact, but there was a sparkle of glee in their eyes. "Did someone die?" he blurted out. His parents looked befuddled.

"Why on earth would you think that?" his mother asked.

"I…never mind." Sirius replied. "Could you please tell me what's so important now?"

"Watch your tone boy," said his father, "and speak like a pureblood of standing. Not some common filth like the muggle-lovers that run that school of yours."

His mother interjected with a sharp look, "We are expecting guests tonight," she explained. "The Snape family will be coming here for dinner, and we want you to be on your best behavior." Seeing Sirius about to protest she went on, "There have been far too many letters sent home about your actions towards him. All of that ends, starting now."

Sirius was fuming. How could they tell him how to act around that greasy, slimy, pathetic excuse for a human being? They had never bothered to ask him for his side of the story when receiving those letters, just assumed it had been his fault. "Yes mother," he said through gritted teeth.

"Good, now go upstairs and get ready."

"But I thought you said they were coming for dinner! It's just past breakfast time!"

"They will be staying here for dinner, but we will all be going out for lunch together. So go upstairs and make sure you look presentable."

"Yes mother." Sirius slunk out of the room, still angry. Since when do my parents hang out with the Snapes? And why do we have to spend most of the whole day with them? Taking a deep breath, he decided that he could pretend to be civil for one day and marched up the stairs to get ready.

Twenty minutes later he was waiting downstairs, realizing that his parents never told him what time to be ready by. Throwing on a green robe and brushing his hair had only taken him about five minutes, and he had spent the next fifteen trying not to wrinkle his clothes. Not that it matters. It's not like Snivellus has even bathed recently. Smirking to himself, he threw himself on the couch, clothes be damned.

"Sirius Orion Black!" his mother screeched. "I thought I told you to look presentable!"

"But-but-I am!" he stuttered. He turned around to see his mom in a sparkling blue dress robe with heavy jewelry. Damn them. They didn't tell me this was a formal occasion.

His mother sighed heavily. "I knew I couldn't count on you to dress properly. Kreacher!" The aged house elf appeared and gave her a deep bow. "Bring me the package that came in last week. The one for Sirius," she ordered. Kreacher was gone and back in less than ten seconds. Amazing, since whenever Sirius gave him an order he took at least half an hour.

"Here," Walburga shoved the package into his arms, "put that on and do something about your hair!"

Sirius took the package to his room and inspected its contents. Inside was a rather remarkable silver dress robe. It seemed to be made of pure silk, with silver crystals sewn into the collar and sleeves. It was probably the most gorgeous thing he would ever wear. Meaning that this meeting with the Snapes was of paramount importance. "That's it!" he cried out. This is some sort of business deal. Thank Merlin; I wouldn't have survived if meeting the Snapes became a regular occurrence.

He carefully slipped the robes over his head and examined himself in the mirror. He looked stunning. As much as he hated complimenting his parents, his mother had excellent taste. Deciding not to let the look go to waste, he pulled his long hair back into a ponytail and secured it with a silver ribbon. He wished he had better shoes, but the ones he had on would have to do. Maybe if he got lucky there would be a dance at Hogwarts and he could show these robes to people who would actually appreciate it.

Walking downstairs was a challenge. The robes were a bit longer than he was used to, and he didn't want to get even a speck of dirt on them. The rest of his family was already waiting downstairs, and saw him lifting the hem of his robes up to avoid getting them dirty.

"For goodness sake, can't you do anything right?" his mother exclaimed. She then brought out another package, this one containing brand new dress shoes.

"Thank you mother," Sirius said in the dullest voice he could manage. He didn't want his parents to know he actually liked something they'd given him. The rest of his family—all decked out in their best attire—watched him pull on his new shoes and take a few test steps in them. They fit perfectly.

"Are you ready, your highness?" Regulus asked sarcastically. He wore green robes as formal as the ones Sirius wore, though not as nice. This would be the first time Sirius got something nicer than his brother.

"Don't start you two, we need to be going," his father said. Wow, they aren't encouraging Regulus' mockery. Who are these people and what have they done with my parents?

"We're going to the Hillsland Club in Essex; make sure you don't fall out of the floo this time Regulus." Is my mother is actually patronizing Regulus? These definitely aren't my parents!

One by one they shuffled into the fireplace. Sirius was the last to enter and therefore the last to arrive. His parents were already talking to the maître d' and his brother was sulking a few steps behind him. Since his family really hadn't been all that horrible today, he decided to attempt to help them look like the perfect purebloods they desperately wished they were.

"So…Reggie. Any idea why we're dressed for a wedding?" he asked. His brother snorted and rolled his eyes.

"You mean they haven't told you? I thought that was what your little meeting today was all about."

"I know we're meeting the Snapes! I just don't get why we have to get all dressed up for a family that doesn't even shower on a regular basis."

"Shut up you idiot, before you embarrass yourself and, more importantly, us. You really have no idea why we're here do you?"

"Alright Reggie, I'll play. Why exactly are we meeting the Snapes?"

"As much as I'd love to tell you, I think I'll wait for the adults to continue with their plan. Don't worry; I'll make sure to photograph the look on your face when you do find out."

"You're lucky we're in a public place, you slimy little snake. When we get home I'm gonna—"

"Sirius, Regulus! This way!" their father called out. Sirius looked up to see his parents and the maître d' waiting for them about ten feet away. He gave Regulus one last glare, then followed the others into the dining area.

The Snape family hadn't yet arrived. Apparently the meeting wasn't supposed to start for another thirty minutes. Ten minutes later, after the Black parents had taken to asking the children about their year at school, Sirius was wishing he could experience spontaneous combustion. Just then his parents stopped talking and began to stand. Sweet Merlin, my wish came true, he thought, I didn't mean it! I want to live till I'm a hundred! Or at least not die surrounded by people I hate.

"Vito, how good to see you again!" his father greeted. "And Eileen, I swear you look lovelier with each passing day." Oh thank God, it's just the Snapes. Oh wait; that isn't a good thing either!

Sirius and Regulus stood to greet the new family, who were fifteen minutes early themselves. "Sirius, Regulus, I would like you to meet Vito and Eileen Snape."

Vito was a tall man, a really, really tall man, with long black hair and a goatee. The next thing Sirius noticed about him were his eyes, they seemed to change colors every time he blinked. One moment they were green, the next blue, and then a hint of violet came through. Eileen was, as Orion had exclaimed, a lovely woman. She had silky black curls that went down past her shoulder, big green eyes, and was in great shape for a woman who had given birth.

Sirius greeted the two and then looked past them to the four other people he had not been introduced to. There were two boys, both almost as tall as their father, and two girls. All of them had lustrous black hair and green or blue eyes, except for one of the boys, who had obviously inherited Vito's unique eye color.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet you," Vito announced. Sirius noted that he had a strong accent, it sounded like the man was from Spain or Italy. Vito shook Sirius' hand warmly and patted him on the back. If Sirius hadn't known that pureblood Slytherins were good at hiding their true personalities, he would have thought the man was Mr. Congeniality.

"How do you do?" Eileen asked politely as Sirius, then Regulus, lightly kissed her hand. "I'm sure you have met some of my children from Hogwarts," she gestured to the four people standing behind her. I didn't know Snivellus had any siblings, Sirius mused.

"This is Francesco, our eldest," Vito exclaimed proudly. "Graziella is our second born, she's only two years older than you, Sirius, and Julia is our youngest. She's set to start Hogwarts this year. And I believe you've met Severus."

Sirius' jaw almost hit the floor. Even though he knew one of these children had to be Sev-no Snivellus, he had hardly expected it to be the good-looking son with the mysterious eyes. Looking more closely, he could see the bone structure and other physical attributes that proved it was Sever-Snivellus. However, gone were the greasy locks, obsidian eyes, and everything else that made the other boy undesirable to be around. Not that Sirius planned to be around him much.

"Nice to see you again," Sirius muttered under his breath, while Regulus gave the other Snape children more proper greetings.

"The pleasure is all mine," Severus mumbled, the look on his face making it very clear that he would rather be with anyone else.

"Now children, let's all get along!" Vito scolded. "If all works out, we'll be seeing a lot more of each other."

"Don't spoil the announcement Vito," Sirius' mother said, "let's all just have a nice luncheon, we can speak more of the arrangement at our home."

Before Sirius could ask what arrangement they were discussing, or why it was to remain a secret, the waiters appeared with the menus and everyone grabbed a seat. To Sirius' disgust, he was seated next to Severus.

The next few hours were long and painful. Neither Sirius nor Severus said much, but their parents kept up a lively conversation while stealing glances at the pair. I already promised not to start a fight, Sirius thought, there's no need for the constant supervision.

About two hours and six courses later the two families were ready to head over to the Black family home. They lined up in front of the floo: Orion and Walburga followed by Vito and Eileen, then Francesco and Graziella, Regulus, Julia, Sirius, and Severus. Just as Walburga was about to enter, she swatted Sirius on the back of his head.

"Let Severus go first!" she hissed, to the amusement of everyone else present.

Now that's more like my mother, Sirius thought. He grudgingly switched places with Severus, and stepped into the fireplace a few minutes later. Hopefully I'll be able escape everyone.

Unfortunately, thinking and using the floo at the same time was not a strong point for Sirius. So when he attempted to step out into the living room of Grimmauld Place, he ended up in a heap on the floor. Glancing up, he could see his father looking angry, his mother looking exasperated, and Vito and Eileen looking amused. He also noticed a very nice pair of legs right in front of him, which were connected to a very nice ass, which was connected to—oh bugger.

Severus Snape was standing right over him.

"Sirius, get up off the floor and take everyone to your room. We have matters to discuss in the parlor, so don't disturb us." His mother instructed.

Great, now he'll find out where I sleep.

After untangling his robes and making sure they he still looked impeccable, Sirius gestured with his head and led the group of teens to his room. He could only imagine what havoc the others would cause once they got upstairs.