Dumbledore's Pirate Ship

Sirius had never imagined that he would be intimidated by someone so much younger than himself.

But he had to admit that, in that instant, he had clearly felt the immense pressure coming from Jon. It was pressure rooted in sheer strength. He could not defeat this person, just as he had once felt when facing Dumbledore.

So he also understood that not just anyone could strike a deal with his family's ancestors.

That person had to possess bloodline and strength enough to win over even his ancestors.

Like Voldemort, who possessed Slytherin blood, and the man before him, who possessed Hufflepuff blood.

"I'll give you time to think it over. But if you remain stubbornly obsessed, I'll adjust the plan going forward." Looking at the silent Sirius before him, Jon had already lost his patience. "You can refuse the way out I've offered you, but if you go against the plan I've laid out, do you know what the consequences will be?"

He turned, and his figure vanished from the room. The many portraits in the room all cast disappointed looks at Sirius, and several even disappeared directly from their frames.

But one person did not leave.

Nor did she start cursing as she usually did.

"Sirius."

She spoke in a gentle tone, like that of a mother.

"I want to talk to you, from the perspective of a mother, and from the perspective of a Pureblood Family that has endured for many years. I know you may hate your identity, but some things are responsibilities you must take on.

We need you to face it—me, your father, and your dead brother. Perhaps I never said much to you. As a mother, perhaps I failed in my duty. But, Sirius, we are all here."

Sirius raised his head to