Albus knew that as soon as Harry was sent up stairs, the others would illuminate towards the events of the summer. But for his best interests to be preserved, he could not yet risk for the boy to sit in on Order meetings. He couldn't risk that he see him that evening either lest Harry demand answers precluding to his being kept in the dark. Albus thought he was being merciful, but once again he was trying to protect the boy form things he would face eventually.

And so the meeting began. Food and plates had been cleared off of the table and everyone was seated in pulsating anticipation. There was no word yet on the status of the weapon and as soon as this was mentioned, the front door to Number 12 creaked open and in stepped the Black clad Potions master.

"Took you long enough." Sneered Sirius from his corner in the kitchen.

"It may have escaped your notice Black, but it takes time to get from one place to another. Of course, one must first venture outside to afford that luxury. Or didn't you know?" replied the silky voice of one Severus Snape. If it weren't for the headmaster's stern gaze then a playground scuffle was sure to break out as soon as Sirius made to lunge at the cloaked man.

"Severus, thank you for joining us. What is there to report?"

With several barks from Moody, points of information from Moony, counters from Severus and shouting matched between Molly and Sirius, the meeting progressed in time but came to no fruition; yes information provided by the spy was corroborated by other members of the order but nothing new was learned. The frustration and he fear was palpable like a solid persistent thrum. When Dumbledore was about to close the meeting, a knock sounded and his eyes sparked that twinkle in amusement. The fact that the wizard went to open the door personally indicated to the rest of the group that he was waiting for this knock form whoever it may be and that they should follow.

The opened and not one but two figures stepped into the hallway. Several of the members that could see form their place but the kitchen doorway held up their hands in warning in regards to Mrs. Black's portrait. But the taller of the figures seemed to know even before they did and pulled the smaller by their side. With their hoods up and shoulders shaking from cold; summer nights in London were hardly kind, it was a mystery as to who they were.

The taller of two inhaled deeply and exhaled as the headmaster enveloped them into an embrace that they had not witnessed the old man make in – well – ever. Whoever they were, they were being honoured greatly, more greatly than any Order of Merlin could bestow. They murmured their greeting and when released, they made to move their hood.

Bejewelled fingers lifted the hood and the smaller of the figure followed to do the same. Molly gasped and stifled sobs. Moody barked his tell tale laugh and for the first time in his life, Severus was struck dumb. Albus, all the while was smiling.

"It isn't true." sobbed Molly as she took tentative steps towards the woman in the hood. "You're not real. You can't be." She touched her face softly and hugged the woman close, burying her face in the woman's shoulder. "You died."

"Well, I could leave if it would make you feel better Molly dear." The woman stated off handed as she patted Molly.

"Don't you dare joke, don't you dare."

"My apologies, I assure you are sincere."

You're apologies are as sincere as my cooking giving out food poisoning."

"Molly, you wound me." The woman left Molly in tears and went over to Moody hugged him as if she was about to walk through him. The collective gasp was heard when he hugged back so fiercely that she was lifted off the ground.

"Good to see you kid."

"I didn't practice constant vigilance for nothing you old sod."

"Aye."

She turned to Severus whose mouth was now no longer in its usual thin line, which was the equivalent of him gaping like a fish. She beamed at him and cupped his face. "Look at you." She said, then pushed his hair back from his face, "somebody went and got all handsome." Severus' action too defied logic when he pulled her in for an embrace.

"You look good for someone so dead."

"Why thank you Rus," she said with a wink "I'd like you all to meet m-" but she was cut off by Albus clearing his throat.

"Delaine, I was about to have that meeting."

"Of course Albus." The woman, Delaine, went over the young girl by the door and spoke to her in hushed tones. She then followed the headmaster to another side room off the kitchen. "Maybe later." She turned to Molly who fussed over how thin she was and how she should meet everyone.

She hung up her cloak and stepped into the kitchen like she owned it in her black slacks and purple blouse.

...

Again, form his corner in the kitchen, Sirius was puzzled. He heard Molly crying and Moody laughing and Severus hadn't said a word. Then he saw Albus walk past the kitchen with a young girl, probably no older than Harry, she looked oddly familiar. He turned the Remus and Tonks and they reciprocated his shrug. It wasn't until Molly came in fussing about the visitor that he slunk further into the shadows of the pantry where his lungs choked and his mind bubbled. The only frothy thought that emerged was one of realisation: She's alive...

Delaine, was just as they remembered her. Light brown hair that used to fall in waves down her back was now in a tight bun with chop stick-like pins holding it in place, dark blue eyes that almost looked violet and strong lined face that commanded respect. And she was alive.

"REMUS!" She ran over the ware wolf and smothered him in a teary hug.

"It can't be." He gasped out.

"Sorry old boy." She said, relinquishing her hold on him.

"This-this is Nympho-" To which Tonks sniffed loudly, "Sorry, this is Tonks."

"Pleasure to meet you Tonks." Delaine stretched her arm out for a handshake which Tonks shook enthusiastically.

She made her way around the room and greeted Kingsley and Arthur and when she came to young man by the sink, she melted. "Molly is this..?" To which Molly nodded. "Is this Bill?"

"I'm Bill" he stated in confusion. "Have me met?"

"Have me met?" she asked incredulously, "I'm you're godmother boy. Hell, I delivered your brother's Fred and George. Now come here and give me a hug; I haven't seen you since your mum saw me off for my first year." she laughed. It seemed that she hadn't even noticed Sirius in the corner and everyone in the room found it odd that she had not asked after him. But instead of commenting she asked them about their lives and their children.

"That's it." Remus snapped, "In danger of being impressed with your evasive skills, I as well, I'm sure, everyone else," his glinted towards the man sulking in the corner, "Would like to know where you have been and why you're here now. Don't get me wrong, I'm happy you're back, but why?"

"Would you hate me terribly if I said that I can't tell you?"

"Only a little bit."

"What if I said that I can't tell you yet?"

"Better." He grinned.

"So Molly dearest, when do I get to meet the rest of my god children?" Molly blushed, "I assume there are more." She teased, nudging Arthur in the ribs.

"They are upstairs, you can see them tomorrow. Are you staying? I'm sure we can find a room for you. Maybe your old-"

"No," she said all too quickly, "Thank you, I only dropped in to touch base. I was contacted by out illustrious headmaster after the events of summer and was activated for lack of a better term."

"Will you be joining me at Hogwarts?" asked Severus in mild interest and smirked when she picked up on his subtle intonation.

"That depends on the circumstances and whether or not I am able to." He gave a slight nod n acknowledgement.

"Say Del," started Moody, "Who was that with you when you arrived?"

"I can't say just yet. Sorry for all the secrets, believe me; I'm bursting to tell you but, desperate times and all."

"Speaking of desperate, are you going to join us Black or are you going to continue to sulk from your little hidey hole?" Severus called out. The words weren't even out of his mouth when Delaine gasped and latched onto his forearm in fear.

"He's here?"

"I assumed you knew and was just ignoring his existence." When she shook her head he was surprised, "I suppose some of your abilities have been dampened in you absence."

When Sirius stepped out of the shadows looking as gaunt as he did from when he was in Azkaban, Delaine's face contorted in rage and hurt. Severus took advantage of the situation and patted her hand on his arm and smirked when Sirius growled at him. Remus motioned for Tonks to leave the room, Arthur and Molly followed, as did Kingsley and Moody, but the latter only budged when Molly glared at him.

"Would you like to me stay Delaine?"

"No Severus, I'll be fine. Thank you." She released his arm and he stood with flourish, leaving the dog facing her at the table.

"Hi." He whispered in shock.

Everyone waited at the door that Severus closed behind him much. The group looked like the kids had when the Order was in session, trying to eavesdrop. "Tonks, you'd better get Albus before she kills him." said Molly with a quiver in her voice. Not wanting to see the rest of the show, Kingsley bid his goodbye and left Moody looking agitated – more than usual anyway.

...

"I've missed you." croaked Sirius. She stood and walked over to where he stood. At the sound of her heels clicking on the wooden floor, Severus tapped the door and it became transparent but still solid to the occupants.

"Was that really necessary Severus?" asked Remus.

"If she is going to tear him limb from limb, then I want to be there when it happens."

...

She stood nose to nose and tried to read him. He looked older than he was supposed to. Well, Azkaban will do that. She thought. His skin was pale, his eyes lacked light and he looked scared of her. Well he should be. "You look good De. Really good." He gulped. Odd, Sirius Black did not gulp. He inched closer to cup her face, the look in his eyes told her that he was genuinely happy to see her, but she couldn't see the hints of forgiveness in the pale irises.

"Stop." She commanded and he immediately recoiled. "How could you?" she hissed. "How could you?"

...

Albus' bemused expression at the group outside the kitchen door didn't go unnoticed and he had the young girl by his side looking dejected. Everyone flinched when Delaine screamed.

...

"HOW COULD YOU?"

"You'll have to elaborate love-"

"Don't you dare-don't you dare call me love. If I were, you would not have done what you did."

"I admit what I did was stupid. I was young, I didn't mean what I said."

"I was young too Black!" She spat his name in hate; she never called him Black. "I wanted to be just as stupid, but we had responsibilities. There was a war going on. What did you expect? That I would just run away with you? ANSWER ME!"

...

"Do you hear that?" asked Ginny from the upstairs rooms.

"Should we go and check?" asked Heroine.

"Nah, they're probably just hashing out details." intoned Ron, not looking up from his chess game with Harry.

...

"Hey! Maybe you didn't run away with me, but I sure as hell didn't expect you to run where did."

"I did what I had to. I had no choice."

"There is always a choice."

"And I made mine; I had to live with it – not you."

"I had to live without you."

...

"Hmm, I never expected him to be the sentimental type." Drawled Severus. He looked decidedly unruffled when Molly and Tonks shushed him. The aged Auror's eyes whizzed to the potions master and smirked, but then both his eyes narrowed on the girl beside Dumbledore and the shimmer that surrounded her. He too made a swift exit.

...

"Do you know what I had to go through? Do you know what I did for you? To keep you safe?"

"How many times do I have to say I'm sorry; I can't turn back time? I already forgave for all that."

"You forgave me? I don't need your forgiveness; you should be begging me for mine! And even if you could change the past, you wouldn't do anything any different, because people like you never change." He stepped closer to her, trying to make her understand.

"NO! Don't come any closer! DON'T YOU DARE TOUCH ME SIRIUS BLACK!" She huffed in anger and loosened the collar of her blouse. At the angle she was at, he could see a deep scar running from the back of her neck, round her collarbone and deeper. Where it ended didn't bare thinking about.

...

The continued screams roused the kids form upstairs and they skidded to a halt; Harry was only stopped from toppling forward by Dumbledore's back. "Oh, sorry Professor. We heard screaming." He looked around and saw that Moody and Kingsley was gone, Remus and Tonks were whispering in the corer by the door and Arthur, Molly, Severus, Dumbledore and a girl were staring at a door. "What's going on?" he asked as he narrowed his eyes as Snape smirking at the door clearly enjoying what he saw.

...

"HELP ME UNDERSTAND THEN." He didn't mean to shout, but thinking of all the years that he's been without her and all the time he's spent mourning her he just had to get the anger out. She was alive and she was still so beautiful.

"There is nothing I want to say to you."

"Then why are you here?" He didn't want to ask that because he didn't care; she back and that was all there was too it. God how he missed her?

"Because-"

"You wanted to see me, I know you did. Don't tell me that in your self-imposed exile you didn't catch any wind of my escape. You knew I would be here and you ignored me. You knew how I felt about you and LEFT ME!"

"LEFT YOU? LEFT YOU? I left to save you! You'd be dead long before the Auror's came to arrest you. There's always more than one life to save when you're involved." Still so beautiful he thought.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Take it however you like, you-" but she was cut off when he smashed his lips against hers. However brief it was, the kiss brought back many memories and many feelings that she had long since stopped feeling. She struggled against him, trying to push him away and hitting him. She had to stop the burning of her lips and tingles down her spine. He had no intention of letting her go. In her flailing she managed to make contact between her knuckles and his jaw. She pushed him to the wall and whipped out her wand so fast she was sure her arm had popped out of the socket. She stepped closer and before he knew what had happened, his face was smarting and a hand shaped bruise was forming on his cheek. "Never! Never without my permission!" She panted.

...

"Sirius!" Cried Harry as he tried to lunge for the door, only to be stopped by Snape. "Let me go, she'll kill him!"

"That's what I'm hoping for Potter. Kindly pipe down."

"Severus." warned the headmaster from the foot of the stairs. "Harry, that woman is an old acquaintance of his and a founding Order member. She and Sirius need to clear the air, as it were."

"So he's safe?"

"For now at least." Snarled the Potions master.

...

"There was a time when I didn't need it." He spat angrily.

"You disgust me."

"You don't mean that. You loved me. We had a life together."

"Exactly, loved, passed tense. I no longer feel anything but contempt for you Black."

"At least tell me what went wrong."

"Wrong? What went right?" she laughed.

"We were right. Very right. But you" he pointed a stiff finger at her, "You ruined it!"

"I almost regret saving your life now." She murmured.

...

"She saved his life?" Asked Ron nosily. He was promptly shushed and elbowed in the ribs by Ginny and smacked on the head by George.

...

Delaine turned her back to him and composed herself and took several fortifying breaths. She looked as if in deep thought and kept buttoning and unbuttoning her cuff. "Like I said, I have nothing to say to you. I do apologise though, I know how much you hate being called Black."

"Think nothing of it. Help me understand."

"I can't."

"Can't or won't?"

"Both. More won't, but still can't."

"Why?" he asked, getting angry, "Because Dumbledore said so?"

"Because I say so."

"How nice for you." His sneer would make Snape very proud, she thought.

"Hey! I don't owe you anything."

"Anything but an explanation. You were missing and presumed dead for sixteen years. I mourned you! I went to your funeral, I really didn't want to, but James and Lilly convinced me, did you know that? They wanted me to make my peace with you, even though you betrayed us. Does that mean nothing?"

"I also went to my funeral. I liked your speech, even if you were sunk-drunk through most of it. Tell me, did Moony ever get all your sick out of his coat?"

"Don't mock my grief." He warned.

"Or what?" he was standing impossible close to her now and he knew she had a dislike of being trapped.

"Move. I need space."

"I need answers."

"I need you to move."

"Delaine Nero don't you dare act the victim! Don't you dare."He whispered into her neck, "You'll be the death of me.", still holding fast to her wrists. Try as she might, she couldn't suppress the shudder that passed through her.

"I bloody well be if you don't LET ME GO!" She screamed in his ear. He jumped in fear, even though she was lighting a roaring fire in the pit of his stomach. He was infuriated now and pushed her away with more force than necessary. She hit the table and fell off of it. He gasped when her head hit the floor with a loud thud.

...

Both Severus and Harry were shaking; the former with anger and the latter with fear. Severus knew the dog had a temper but he didn't expect him to hurt Delaine, not ever. It reminded him too much of bad memories. His growl didn't go unnoticed. Harry on the other hand had never seen his godfather react like this and was worried for the woman, even more so when she didn't get up straight away.

...

Sirius kneeled down to help her up, but she twisted away from him and stood abruptly with her wand aimed at his head.

...

Harry sensed the beginnings of a curse and rushed into the door, but he stopped when the woman swayed dangerously. "SIRIUS!"

...

"De?" Asked Sirius cautiously. But she blinked and her eyes rolled back into her head. Then she fell forward and landed on the object of her hatred.

The girl was standing by Molly and rushed past Severus and into the room. "MUM!