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"You know, there's something I've been wondering," Tonks said slowly, interrupting the argument taking place. "This is far from the loudest explosion we've had this summer, but I can't help but notice that Sirius's old mum hasn't had anything to say about it."

This distracted even Severus.

"How have we not noticed this earlier?" Moody demanded. "After all the trouble she caused last summer, and throughout the year, and we've only just realised she's been silent?"

"I wonder why, though," Tonks said. "She wouldn't just stop her bigoted screeching for no reason."

"Maybe it's got something to do with Kreacher being missing?" Ron suggested.

Arthur cleared his throat, a little awkward. "Ah, actually, no. I have no idea where Kreacher is, but I can explain why Mrs Black hasn't been bothering us."

All eyes turned to him expectantly.

"Did you get her off the wall?" Ginny asked eagerly.

"Unfortunately not," he replied. "I sort of... blackmailed her."

"Blackmailed her?" Kingsley said. "How do you blackmail a portrait?"

Arthur smiled, a little sheepish. "By hanging a portrait of someone she dislikes directly across from her."

At their looks, he elaborated.

"I found a portrait of Sirius in an upstairs room, and asked for his assistance. He agreed to be as annoying as possible until his mother was willing to do absolutely anything just to make him stop talking."

"So, what, she promised to stop screaming at everyone and you took Sirius away?" Bill asked.

"More like if she stays silent, the portrait of Sirius stays Silenced." Arthur grinned. "Every now and then I go and unSilence him, just to remind her who is in charge."

There was a beat of silence.

"Oh, Dad, that's evil," Fred said, admiration shining in his eyes.

Dear Order, Chapter 20