#can a portrait have an exsistential crisis

[thosebizzareserpents]

The Second Wizarding War was over and 12 Grimmuald Place was once again an empty shell.

When Harry and company returned to the house Walburga Black's portrait was on the floor the frame cracked and her face from the neck down had completely been "blacked out." It was as if she had clawed out her own face.

No sound came from the former matriarch of the Noble and Most Ancient House Black.  It was a eerie and ghastly sight.

"Didn't Sirius say a permanent sticking charm was placed on it?" Ron pointed.

Hermione turned the painting on the back and examined it.

"Let's get it out of here" said Harry.

"Agreed."

Ginny traced outlining of the frame. "Something feels different about the house."

She looked at the family tapestry and there was a letter on the table next to it.

Weeks earlier....

Several cloaked hooded figures stood in the entrance way of 12 Grimmauld Place.

Walburga Black's portrait screams and sobs echoed throughout the house. The house-elf Kreacher was no where in sight to comfort his mistress.

Portraits came from the near and far corners of Grimmuald Place. Whispers soon reached paintings of family members that were elsewhere in Britain.

She continued to bawl, clawing and tearing at her face.

"Hush girl! These are the consequences of your depraved actions!"

Phineas Nigellus Black bellowed. The former patriarch of the Black family held expression of contempt and disgust at his great-granddaughter.

Walburga's grandfather Pollux, father Cygnus II, youngest brother Cygnus III, and cousin/husband Orion stared in horror.

Walburga's mother Irma Crabbe and cousin Charis Black rushed to restrain her.

Phoebe and Elladora Black began to laugh hysterically and wail as well.

Her younger brother Alphard and cousin/sister-in-law Lucretia Black never took their eyes off her.

Melania Macmillan swept up her grandsons Sirius and Regulus in her arms, Ignatius Prewett shielded them from their mother's sight. A faint smile graced Melania lips.

Walburga's grandmother Violetta Bulstrode and great-grandmother Ursula held no emotion.

Magenta Tripe, Arcturus III, Lycoris, and Sirius II, and Dorea Black looked at her with contempt.

Walburga's sister in-law Druella Rosier gathered her own children. Narcissa hugged Andromeda tight silently crying into her. The eldest, Bellatrix broke free and ran towards Phoebe and Elladora laughing.

Lysandra Yaxley and Herbert Burke covered their ears, Belvina and Arcturus Black ll closed their eyes and turned away.

Hesper Gamp, Ella Max, Harfang Longbottom, Licorus, Callidora, and Regulus II Black shook their heads in commiseration.

Cedrella, Marius and Phineas Il began to sing.

" The stars shine brightest, boldly and beautifully bathed in a pure sky."

"House of Back has long forgotten themselves and became voids of misery and contrite."

The cloaked figure stepped forward and hit their fist against the wall.

Walburga's portrait fell flat on the floor with a simple thud.

"Enough out of you. Shut up."

Misapinoa Blishwick (née Black) portrait looked at the mysterious figures.

"Is that you dear niece?"

The person in question removed their hood.

It was revealed to be Iola Black. One of the earliest members of their family. The daughter of Cygnus I and Ella Max.

The youngest sibling of Sirius I, Phineas Nigellus, and Elladora Black.

In 1870 she had been blasted of the family tapestry by her older sister Elladora for marrying a muggle of African descent known as Bob Hitchens. Iola's husband was the only Muggle to ever step foot into the house.

"It is aunt Misa."

At her unveiling her sister Elladora screeched.

Phineas did you know she was here!?" Elladora's eyes bulged.

Her brother Phineas Nigellus inhaled deeply, and nodded towards Iola in acknowledgement, but remained silent to Ella's questions.

Iola's eldest brother Sirius looked at her curiously, smiled and gave a small wave. He had passed away at the age of eight before Iola was born. He was the first in the family to be named after the Dog Star.

She stood before the portraits of her relatives. Many gawked in bewilderment. Iola Black - now Iola Hitchens was very much alive and well.

"When I left the this place was in shambles now it's worse off. What a pity. "She feigned a look of hurt."

Ursula Black laughed. "Your sense of humor never failed to impress me. Nice to see you again Iola."

"Likewise," Iola winked at her former sister-in-law.

"Momma did you really you live here as a child?" Another person took off their hood.

" It wasn't his drab looking but yes once upon a time."

Misapinoa and her husband Jimbo greeted them warmly.

"Oh where are my manners. Aunt Misa, Uncle Jimbo, Ursula these are my children."

"Eridanus, Tucana, Vega, Pavo, and Alcyone.

"And this is my granddaughter Taygeta Zavijava one of my many grandchildren. I assume You've met her already Phineas?"

Phineas Nigellus slowly nodded. At Hogwarts his grand-niece used an alias. Known as "Tracey Davis" a student in Slytherin House.

The former patriarch of House Black and headmaster of Hogwarts cleared his throat.

"I'm a glad to see you survived the battle." The battle he was referring to was Battle of Hogwarts which had taken place weeks earlier.

"I bet you are." Taygeta rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue at her grand-uncle.

Phineas II, Sirius III, Lycoris, and Alphard sniggered.

Iola eldest's brother Sirius motion toward his youngest sister.

"Iola?"

"Yes?"

"Your children are metamorphagi like Lexi, Eddy and I?

Metamorphagi were wix who could morph at will. It was an inheritable trait among members of of the House of Black.

Lexi and Eddy were the siblings Alexia Walkin and Eduardus Limette Black.

Eduardus was the first and earliest member to be blasted of the family tapestry by his elder sister Phoebe.

Alexia and Eduardus stepped forward alongside Sirius I.

"Ah yes! Pavo and Alcyone are."

Elladora moved into the painting with Irma who quickly stepped aside. The latter was currently studying her daughter's portrait that laid on the floor.

She sneered and pointed a sharp finger at Iola.

"I knew you would eventually come groveling back. Elladora cackled. 

'Shameful Blood Traitors usually are full regrets" Phoebe chimed in.

"Have they gone mad?"

"Enough Phoebe it is over!" Licorus bellowed.

Aunt Ella!" Belvina huffed.

"God's don't you tire of ranting?"

Phineas Nigellus turned his back.

"What gives you the right to decide who is shameful? All of this started because you could not accept the inevitable Phoebe?" Alexia stood firm.

Misapinoa clicked her tongue.

Phineas Nigellus turned his back.

Eduardus strided across and grabbed Phoebe hand.

"Let go of me you filth blood traitor!"

"Let go traitor!"

"Let go Eduardus!

"She began to sob hysterically ."Let go Eddy"

"Phoebe stop."

Iola followed suit and calmly walked up to her older sister’s portrait.

Elladora whimpered and shrank back.

“Ella, I am free. Free of this elitist, hereditary bigoted institution. You and Phineas upheld and clung to it for decades and it has left this family as an empty void.” A true black hole."

Iola gently touch the scorched marks of the Black Family’s tapestry. “Regrets? My only regret is that the younger generations of this family suffered for it.”

artist Nicola Samori (image source)