Veronica woke up in a cold sweat, panting heavily as she forced her tight fists to unclench the bunched-up bedsheets and come to her own face. She was hot and drenched in moisture.
The nightmares weren't getting any worse, but they certainly weren't improving.
She stumbled out of the bed and into the hall, her eyes still adjusting to the light as she felt up the wall to the stairs. Her throat was dry and burning, along with her mouth. Filling a tall glass with cold water from the kitchen she leaned against the counter top and sip slowly as she tried to recall the dream.
The field by Aunt Julia's, razed to the ground by blue flames the encircles the entire plantation house.
Her son is crying, but she can't find him. No matter how far she runs, his screams just seem to get further and further away, and she can't even begin to catch up.
He's gone.
The first time she had the dream, she was inconsolable. She screamed and held her face as Sirius rushed in, wand at the ready only to find his house guest wailing and rocking in her bed.
But now, it was easier for her to collect herself.
"Up again?"
She jumped and nearly choked on the water as Kreature lurked into the kitchen, eyeing her with a mix of disdain and curiosity.
"Yes." She nodded. "Up again."
"No screaming this time." The house elf noted.
"No." She sighed, closing her eyes. "No screaming this time, Kreature."
She finished off the glass and Kreature insisted on taking it from her, despite the sink only being a few steps away. She thanked him quietly and looked around. She was entirely too awake to go back to bed on, even if it was three a.m.
So much had happened over the summer, and it seemed as if the tides were turning in their favor. Lucius Malfoy, who had been the only unmasked Deatheater in the Department of Mysteries who wasn't already on the run, was sent to Azkaban for his crimes.
She smiled when she read that.
Finally, an ounce of justice had been served. Perhaps just a sample of what would come. As much as she wanted to feel sorry for Narcissa Malfoy, she couldn't. Sure, she and Narcissa were more alike than Veronica would ever admit, but the blonde witch would have turned herself and her baby over to the Dark Lord in a heartbeat.
Veronica flicked on the light in what might have been a study at one point and eyed the large painted target on the wall. The throwing knives sat on a pushed aside desk expectantly and Veronica took them up smoothly. She balanced on in her palm carefully before gripping it by the handle and throwing it at the wall.
Thunk
Not a bullseye, she frowned with dissatisfaction, but close.
She kept at it for hours, even alternating arms to try and give herself an edge. She could barely make it within the circular target with her left hand, but with every session she found herself improving.
"I thought I heard someone in here."
Sirius leaned on the doorframe and smiled when Veronica didn't even bother to look at him before throwing the knife.
"Did I wake you?" Veronica grunted as she pulled the tips from the wall and moved back to her place.
"Not at all." Sirius lied, "I couldn't sleep either."
Veronica grunted in acknowledgment and threw another knife.
"Was it the same dream, or a new one this time?" Sirius asked moving to the desk and hoisting himself on top to sit.
"The same dream" She muttered. "You?"
"Not a dream this time." Sirius chuckled. "I just had to use the loo, and I heard the knives hitting the wall."
"You should go back to bed then," Veronica insisted. "Get some rest."
Sirius shook his head and watched her throw the last knife "Mind if I give it a go?"
She nodded and handed him the knives handle first.
"It's your house." She smirked. "Do as you please."
There was a roar of flame in the living room and the two housemates looked at each other before grabbing up their wants and creeping slowly into the living room.
"Albus." Sirius breathed, "What's the matter?"
"Why must something be the matter for me to visit?" The old wizard stood in the middle of the room brightly.
"Decide to pop over for a chat at 5 in the morning, did you?" Veronica laughed slightly. "Seriously Albus, what's going on?"
"I am in need of your help, Veronica" He stated plainly. "May we sit?"
They nodded and Sirius turned to Kreature who lurked in the corner. "Make us breakfast."
Kreature sneered at him with amused disgust until Veronica turned and looked at him over her shoulder.
"Kreature." She said sternly. "Please make the three of us some tea and toast, we have a guest."
Kreature eyed her carefully and she narrowed her eyes at him until he bowed lowly and shambled off.
"He never listens to me," Sirius grumbled.
"Because you talk to him like a spoiled child," Veronica said bluntly. "He respects me."
"And he doesn't respect me?"
"Clearly not."
Dumbledore chuckled at the exchange and leaned back in his chair. "Veronica, you have cause to congratulate Severus, he's finally got the job he wanted."
"You're giving him the defense post?" Veronica smiled. "That's wonderful news, he'll be so pleased."
"The reason for this transfer is because I am looking to line up someone else for the position of Potions Master, one Horace Slughorn."
"Slughorn?" Sirius laughed. "I remember him! Dotty old man, is he still around?"
"He's been in hiding, actually." Dumbledore nodded. "From the Dark Lord. And I intend to offer him some protection at Hogwarts."
"How kind of you." Veronica nodded. "But what does that have to do with me?"
"I need someone to protect him," Albus suggested. "Someone with inside knowledge of Horcruxes, and I know I can trust."
"Me?" Veronica scoffed. "I don't think I'm really fit to protect anyone."
"You proved yourself quite well in the Department of Mysteries." Albus's eyes twinkled. "You're brave, selfless, and a capable witch. You said you wanted to help our cause, and here is your chance."
Veronica thought on this before taking a breath and nodding. "alright, I'll do it."
"Excellent." Albus clapped his hands, "I knew I could count on you."
"What about me, Albus." Sirius cut in, "you haven't anything for me to do, have you?"
"In fact, I just might." Albus shook a finger at him. "With Severus back in the field, you're our man in the shadows. The one behind the curtain. And you have something we could not access anywhere else, the house of a family of dark witches and wizards."
Albus looked around the room with a smile. "The Black family was closer than anyone to the Dark Lord, perhaps they left some information or clues behind in this house. Something you might have overlooked due to familiarity."
"The books." Veronica blinked. "Sirius, your father's old study! Perhaps he wrote something down, or hid things away."
Sirius thought on this a moment, not altogether pleased with still remaining in the house. But all the same, he accepted his task.
Veronica glanced at Albus and contained a gasp.
"Albus!" She swallowed hard, "Your hand!"
"Oh," Dumbledore looked down at his own ashen black hand and nodded sadly. "I thought this might happen, do not worry. It is an effect of the Horcrux."
"Can't you take it off?"
"I could." He agreed. "But I have a plan, my dear. I can not reveal it yet, but you must trust me."
Veronica nodded slowly. "I trust you, Albus, when will I be going to Hogwarts?"
"You will leave with me tonight to approach Slughorn, and then to Hogwarts. I will give you a day to pack, I'm sorry for the short notice."
"Not a problem." Veronica shrugged. "It's not like I have much to bring anyway."
After Dumbledore left, Kreature brought breakfast and coffee. Sirius didn't speak very much throughout the day until Veronica caught him passing her door while she packed.
"Sirius?"
He paused and doubled back, peering in on her.
"Can we talk?"
He nodded and entered with a smile. "What's up?"
"Will you be okay here all on your own?" Veronica asked.
"Sure, I will!" Sirius laughed jollily. "I'm a grown man, I can care for myself"
"Sirius," Veronica eyed him. "You know what I meant. If you ever feel like you need to talk, or even just see someone, you can owl me and I'll come to visit when I can."
"That's very sweet of you." He sighed. "But I wouldn't dream of distracting you from your duty."
"All the same." Veronica rounded the bed and cupped his cheek. "I'm only an owl away, okay?"
Sirius rolled his eyes with a smile but nodded gratefully. "I'll keep that in mind. I'll leave you to finish packing."
He slipped out of the room and let out a sigh once he was out of earshot.
Alone again.