He had called to them using the Map- choosing to meet with them at the very same pub he sat in now. Venturing so far into Knockturn Alley was both a test and an assurance to them both that they would not be seen by their cursed family in the presence of a Black, specifically one whose falling out with the House of Potter had reached front page news but a few years ago.
The twins had been wary at first but gradually warmed up to the idea; to him. It helped, of course, that he revealed that he was indeed Padfoot, the joint record holder for the most amount of detentions and points lost at Hogwarts for three centuries.
"Speak of the little shits and they doth appear," Sirius muttered, his grey eyes flicking toward the ginger terrors as they approached his corner.
"You know…" Fred began.
"That isn't quite how it goes," George finished, the pair sliding into the booth.
"Like I care," Sirius said smoothly, swirling his bottle. "My version is much more fitting for the pair of you."
"I'm insulted…"
"I know Fred; you'd think after everything we've done…"
"That we do, brother, that we do…"
Sirius rolled his eyes at the twins' commentary. They did it much too often and when they put their minds to it, could be extremely unnerving. This occasion, however, they were using it to be annoying and to display some humor; Sirius supposed they were good for that. Besides, the Death Eater circles could do with cheering up; a splash of color here, a few pranks there… Much better for the moral fibre of the group. He shook his head; he'd allowed his intoxicated thoughts to get away with him.
"Were you seen when you unexpectedly decided to stalk me?" he drawled, wondering yet again why he had given them pendants that allowed them to find him should they need him.
"Now I really am insulted," the two mumbled.
Sirius smirked bitterly; so much like he and James had been, it almost hurt… "I suppose there is a reason you are here, Twin One, Twin Two?"
"Of course," Fred scoffed.
"We could be spending this night planning pranks on Snape." George sniffed. "We didn't have…"
"…to come here and give you the…"
"…little titbit of information we've found."
The Black Heir rolled his eyes. "Just tell me. It won't be long before someone notices your disappearance."
"Well, we were out for an innocent midnight stroll," George began…
"Couldn't sleep and all that," Fred inputted.
"When we overhead a wonderful little conversation between Dumbles and Snape."
Sirius raised an eyebrow. "Go on."
"From what we heard," Fred said. "It sounded as though…"
"A beautiful little object is being…"
"…hidden at Hogwarts. And that the plan is…"
"…to draw in the Dark Lord and try to trap him, using dear…"
"…little, saint, Saeviour Potter's Gryffindor, reckless stupidity and ingrained need to fight the evil of this world…"
"…against him," George finished, before leaning in and saying in a much lower tone. "Such a beautiful object is also known as a stone made by one Nicholas Flamel." George leaned back. "Snape is completely against the idea."
"Thinks Potter will get himself killed, as well as others…"
"…and really doesn't fancy the idea of an inquiry from the Ministry."
A malicious grin grew on Sirius's face at the thought. "Well, we must prepare for the return of the Dark Lord then, mustn't we?"
The twins glanced at each other, similar grins forming on their faces.
"Oh this will be fun," they said together.
Sirius rapped the table thoughtfully. "Keep an eye and ear out, anything and everything is to be reported back to me in the usual way. If you see an opening to help the Dark Lord that won't get you compromised, take it. This could very well be the moment we've all been waiting for."
The twins nodded curtly.
Absently, Sirius casted a tempus charm; 01:02am. "You'd best return to the castle." He stood up. "I shall go about stirring up the old circles." He gave a short, mock bow. "Until next time."
One of the few remaining Blacks swept out of the pub, his intoxication all but forgotten as he expertly flipped a galleon towards the bar attendant.
Long strides carried him to the nearest Floo Service and handful of green powder to Malfoy Manor. Skipping out of the fireplace, into the blonde Lord's study he sung out,
"Oh Lucy!" A grin appeared on his face. "Have I got news for you!"
And didn't he just.
....
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