"We're all human, aren't we? Every human life is worth the same, and worth saving." —  J.K. Rowling,

THIRD POV:

Many would describe Arcturus Black as a quiet genius, charismatic, powerful— aloof, paranoid, cold.

He was many things... but blind he was not.

Although he knew the current Walburga in front of him wasn't his original daughter-in-law, he never acted upon himself to find out who she truly was until now.

Why now? Many would ask.

Well you see, Arcturus had been wanting to do it along time ago, back when she first "arrived" three years ago after the birth of Regulus.

However, he was dissuaded by his wife Melania who told him that they should wait and see.

And so they did.

But as time passed, their intial conversation quickly fleeted from their minds when they realized how in love the the fake Walburga and Orion were with each other.

Eventually the young couple gifted him a granddaughter.

He was happy for the pair, sure they loved their sons but Astraea was proof of their mutual growing love.

Everything was fine until it wasn't.

A fool he was not.

And despite hearing the story of when she met Death, he had his doubts and was concerned for his son's safety and his grandchildren.

Unlike his Hufflepuff wife, he was a true Slytherin and understood the saying to keep your friends close but keep your enemies closer.

And so he did.

He waited and waited... until he finally struck.

He had noticed Walburga having information she should not have known.

After the birth of Regulus, they had discussed what Death had shown her when she "died".

However there was one thing that bothered Arcturus.

Where did she get such detailed information, he knew she had died and was shown it; but whenever she spoke about the vision—

She sounded as if she —was there, as if she lived through it.

It made absolutely no sense whatsoever, but yet every time he looked into her eyes and past her sunny smile, he had the urge to recoil in surprise but he didn't.

Grief.

Sorrow.

Regret.

Happiness.

Weariness.

And repeat.

Just what had happened to the woman where grief seems to cling onto her like a second skin.

He questioned her intently, without even needing to tell her his intentions.

She simply sighed in quiet defeat and led him to her office pulling out a pensive.

He quietly watched her memories in complitation.

Death. Or rather the Master of Death.

A mere fairy tale he had read to his son in his youth, one where his own father had a house elf had read to him. One where most children had read or heard of the tale in a passing conversation.

Arcturus watched in pure disbelief watching the young black haired and emerald green eyed teen master the Deathly Hallows.

'Wait...', he paused looking at Corona, he learned was her real name.

"Wait one moment, you mean to tell me the only way to become the Master of Death... is to collect them all on accident." He asked her in disbelief.

Corona snorted, it was nice to finally tell someone the truth even though she was the one purposely withholding the truth.

Also it was nice to see the cool and collected former Head of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black loose his cool momentarily for something so silly.

"Well...yes, I suppose. Death explained that the Deathly Hallows was created because at the time he seeked for a companion, it was a pure coincidence the three Peverell brothers stumbled upon him and bested him in silly pathetic games.

—Although he does not like to admit, Death is a sore loser. Trust me dealing with him after losing he becomes cunning and ruthless. And not to mention petty." Corona rolled her eyes with an annoyed sigh before continuing.

"He thought of an ingenious plan to kill two birds with one stone, a muggle saying don't ask; pretended to congratulate the three brothers. As a "reward" for besting him - even momentarily - he gifted them their wants and desires.

And you know how the story goes, and in the end he collects their souls. The end."

Here she paused and let out a small whistful smile.

"However, the story continues even further. Death mentioned that while the person would find the Deathly Hallows on accident, it couldn't be said the same for the trinkets of death, whereas it is actively seeking for its true master."

"When I died and was informed of the new title bestowed on me, Death had said and I quote —

"You are the true master of death, because the true master does not seek to run away from Death. She accepts that people must die, and understands that there are far, far worse things in the living world than dying."

She looked up at Arcturus and gave him a kind, gentle, and true smile that Arcturus had to admit was as breathtaking as the one in her memories.

Arcturus let her collect her thoughts and emotions before asking her a simple question.

"What do you want to accomplish here?"

Corona paused. She thought of an answer, she had one when she first came.

To save the House of Black and defeat Voldemort-but- now she had other wants.

She wanted to see her children grow and guide them through life. She wanted to grow old and make memories with Orion. She wanted to help Abraxas raise Lucius, she wanted a lot of things... but in the end...

Would it even matter?

An hour later, Arcturus brought up something up that confused her.

"A silver shimmer around me you say?" She asked confused.

"Yes I noticed it around you during Melania's funeral, although it disappeared quickly right after." Arcturus replied just as intrigued.

"Must be—", she cut off by Orion who briskly walked in.

"Corona?!", he questioned in disbelief, in quiet anguish.

"How— oh we forgot to put a silencing charm up – I guess you heard Orion".

She looked up at her husband's betrayed eyes.

However there was another lingering emotion but it something else she couldn't figure out at the moment.

"Wal–Corona I think it's time we should talk—", he was cut off by his father who slowly got up from his seat and patted him shoulder and simply whispered "trust her" into his ear before walking out and closing the door.

Orion watched his wife across from him, taking note of her shaking leg. A habit she developed when she got extremely nervous.

"Orion I—", Corona stopped when Orion shook his head, she chewed her bottom lip nervously.

Before she could say anything else, Orion laid four black leather notebooks on her desk.

Corona glanced at the notebooks and her eyes widen in surprise, "You found them..."

"Yes I did Corona Lily Potter, I've known for months. I'm just hurt you told my father before me", Orion told her disappointed.

"Are you really... dying?", his voice cracked watching as Corona eyes immediately filled with tears.

And with one word Orion felt his world shatter.

"Yes."

***
A/N: The book is almost complete, ugh 😩 I grew so fond of this book too.

Orion has finally found out the truth and tension rises.