All characters are property of J.K.Rowlings, this writing is for my own
enjoyment.
Notes: This contains *SPOILERS* to OOP. This story begins during the end of Harry's fifth year, after the battle at the Ministry of Magic. Remus is contemplates a friend's death.
Chapter 1: Shadows
"Death borders upon our birth, and our cradle stands in the grave."~ Bishop Hall
Alpha and Omega, a circle, or a Celtic knot; although intricate, they all have a beginning and an end which meld together establishing the mystery of life and death, of rebirth and expiration. And so, we always are coming back to the end and starting over at the beginning. It is not Forever and Forever, but Everchanging Forever.
You like the seasons, have cycled, and winter has finally claimed your flesh. Mother Earth calling you back unto her womb. You slipped behind the veil into the shadows leaving a deep longing in my heart, and a black sadness gripping my soul. At night, when the human world sleeps beneath a curtain of twinkling stars and peaceful dreams, I hear your laughter, like a dog's bark, echoing in the night.
Like your names sake, Sirius, the dog- star, you were the brightest among us; quick witted and passionate; beautifully arrogant. You consumed life like a firecracker- loud, brilliant, crackles of colored light against a black night. And I, a mere candle, a single flame in the darkness, an erratic consistency in a world of paradox, why do I continue to burn? I should have been extinguished a hundred times before you and yet, I live in a world were death is black hood and a full moon.
Why me? Why do I continue to wake up each day, meet each new sunrise when you have passed into the shadows; when you have fallen behind the veil? You were Harry's stepfather, his link to James and Lily's last wish. It should have been me...
Crumpling to the floor, head in hand, Remus sobbed aloud this time, "It should have been me!"
Then, for the first time in a long while, Remus Lupin cried until his heart, ripped by sorrow, poured forth its fury. Muscles knotted his back, and his throat ripped like red marble. His sobs racked and convulsed his mind and body. Pale eyes spilt hot tears, eventually swelling from their own wet, salty heat. He cried until his heart was numb and until there were no more tears left to cry. Then collapsing onto his bed, he fell into an empty, dreamless sleep.
*****
It should have been raining. The sky should have cried and cracked with thunder, and everything should be miserably gray and wet, but instead, the afternoon of Sirius's memorial service was impeccably sunny. As they entered the Sacred Grove of Remembrance, birds chirped melodies of spring and bunnies frolicked beneath daffodils. Remus had to forcibly remind himself that the Wizard forest was not a place of death and misery, but a place of life, a reminder of rebirth.
"Hey there," Tonks gave him a little shake, "You okay?" She asked in her perpetually perky way.
"Fine." Remus answered a little too curtly.
"Oooookay," Tonks responded rolling her big brown eyes and walking away.
"Wait," Remus grabbed her arm, pulling her back to his side. "Sorry, just haven't pulled myself together this morning." He tried to smile as he ran his hand through his salty brown hair. "I'm not sure I'm ready for this."
"Understandable." Tonks returned his smile and looked back to the forest, ogling the beauty that surrounded them and then shivering. "I was hoping that it would be a long time before I ever had to see this place again."
They were surrounded by ancient Birch, Holly and Rowan trees, just to name a few of the thousands populated the Sacred Grove. Each tree marked the memory of a witch or wizard who was no longer with the living. The tall Ask and Oak trees with their leafy canopy created a natural cathedral as well as a sense of serine awe in the forest wanderer.
"The last time I was here, it was for my parents," he shoved his hands into the pockets of his worn gray trousers wishing for something to fumble with. "And before that, it was James and Lily."
Tonks, her face framed by locks of silky pink hair, put her arm around Remus. "Let's not think on that today. This isn't what Sirius would want us to do."
His pale blue eyes met hers full on, and she could see that they were brimming with tears, "I know." He answered quietly.
Tonks wasted no time in throwing her arms around him. And together they stood for a long time as Remus let the last of his tears soak into her collar. Being held in the arms of friendship rekindled his courage.
They had arrived at the Sacred Grove about an hour before the others, so that they might say their goodbyes privately. But now, as leaves rustled in the distance, Remus released Nymphadora from their embrace, wiping his face with a handkerchief from his waistcoat.
"I think I've got it together now," he said huskily, as he neatly returned the piece of cloth to his chest pocket.
"Ready to be a pillar of strength again?" Tonks laughed, brown eyes twinkling.
"Is that what you think I am? A dashed rumor. Don't you know I'm just a wolf in man's clothing?" His lips playfully turned up and he winked to her before walking away to meet the new comers.
Tonks felt wonderful as her pink hair blew in the spring breeze, her pale heart-shaped face dappled by fresh sunlight. She should feel sad about Sirius, and she sincerely did. But another part of her heart felt amazing good about Remus Lupin. It was horrible to admit, but Sirius's death created an opportunity for her to comfort Remus, building there friendship stronger than before. Happiness ignited within her and she suspected she might even be blushing. Touching her face, she felt it burn beneath her fingertips. Would this be a new beginning for her?
Lupin was shaking hands with Kinglsley Shacklebolt as Elphias Dodge and Emmeline Vance appeared on the horizon, followed by the entire Weasley family, Percey excluded, Hermoine and Harry in tow.
"Hello Harry," Lupin smiled slightly. "How are you?" He leaned in looking at him closely wondering if he'd ever get rid of the shock of how closely Harry resembled James.
Harry looked at him with apprehension, and shrugged his shoulders. "Fine, I guess." Then looking down, quickly walked off.
Remus sighed and looked after the young man as he walked off into the woods. Perhaps he should have hugged him, or given him a squeeze of the shoulder; that's what Sirius would have done. His gut knotted. He'd always been a teacher, a steady and reliable adult; would he now have to play the role of father?
"Hi there Professor," Ginny waved as she made her way down an earthen embankment. "Don't worry about Harry, he's still- you know," she bit her lip, "a bit sad. We all are I guess, but Harry more so."
Remus nodded. Something about the sincerity of the youngest Weasley made his heart warm. "Your parents doing okay? Has Percy come crawling home yet?"
"Not exactly. I think Dad has in mind to disinherit him." She laughed slightly at her own words, "I'm not sure he cares. I mean, he won't be out more than a few sickles when the Weasley fortune is divided."
Remus laughed at her wit and the pair walked to the newly planted Ash tree and joined the other witches and wizards already gathered there. After exchanging a few words with the Weasleys, Dumbledore and McGonagall arrived and the short ceremony commenced.
"Fellow witches and wizards, we are gathered here today to remember the life and deeds of a good man and a great wizard, Sirius Black..." Dumbledore had only begun reflecting on Sirius's days at Hogwart's when Remus, lost in his own memories was awakened by a new face.
Behind Shacklebolt and Dodge stood what appeared to be a muggle woman. No ordinary muggle woman, but a young, attractive woman with shoulder length black hair and a fitted black dress. He studied her intently; skin was a soft cameo, Pearls trimmed her ears and in her hand she cared a single white rose. Remus was mesmerized. Was this woman some lover of Sirius's that he'd never known of? He's never mentioned anyone one, but how else would Black have known an attractive muggle woman?
"Remus would you like to say a few words." Dumbledore asked again, but Lupin's eyes were still focused on the mystery female. And then, for an instant, she raised her eyes, which were similar to the deep blue of an ocean and in them reflected the afternoon sunlight. He was aghast at her beauty which kindled in him a long forgotten memory, if only...
"Hem, hem Remus?"
The second call of his name awakened him from his starry-eyed gaze. "Yes, Headmaster," he replied somewhat dizzily as he stepped out from the small circle that had formed around Dumbledore.
Breathing heavily, he looked up, this time making eye contact with Harry. "Sirius Black was my best friend." Harry offered back a halfhearted smile and Remus, like a well groomed teacher, turned his gaze slowly to each member of the small group, speaking from the sincerity of his heart.
"He was a man of honor and integrity. His bond was his word. His bravery and veracity were evident whether he faced a life sentence at Azkaban or when he put his life on the line two weeks ago in a struggle with Death Eaters to saved those he loved."
Mrs. Weasley sniffed loudly as she held Ginny tightly against her bosom.
"I loved Sirius. He and James Potter were like brothers to me."
Now it was Professor McGonagall that let out a little yelp that she muffled in a plaid hanky.
"And although they have both passed beyond the veil, their legacies have not." Remus looked intently at Harry, Ron and Hermione. "They fought for ideals that cannot be put asunder by death because they live on in each one of us. Sirius and James dwell in the memory of every witch and wizard who stands up against the dark powers; in each one of us standing here today and in each child borne into a safe world tomorrow."
"Long live the Order!" Shouted Shacklebolt in his deep voice.
"Long live the Order!" Replied the small crowd.
And as Lupin stepped back into the circle, he noticed there was one voice that he had not heard, one pair of lips that had remained motionless. As Arthur Weasley began his eulogy, Remus allowed his eyes to drift back to the woman in black. He wanted to dislike her, because she was here uninvited, but as his mind shielded itself from her outward beauty, his heart melted from her obvious misery.
Black lashes were coated with wetness and a single, crystalline tear ran down her pale cheek. Like a voyeur, he watched her though lowered lids, an intruder on her pain. Closing her eyes, she lifted the rose to her lips, letting the smooth petals glide along her swollen mouth. "Sirius," she whispered called in near silent wording.
"I think this would be an appropriate time to let the family say a few words." Dumbledore interjected after Arthur's speech. "Nyphmadora, would you or Thaleia like to go next."
Tonks eyes were glued open, resembling to brown sauces, only able to say the woman's name in awe, "Thaleia Lestrange?!"
"Go ahead cousin, I have nothing to say." The dark woman replied. And although Tonks entered the circle now, many eyes were still apprehensively darting back to the woman in black. The long forgotten cousin of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.
*****
Lupin and Tonks offered to escort the children and the Weasley back to Grimmald Place where a number of them had been request to meet for the reading of the Sirius's last will. On the way back Remus was able to pull Tonks aside for a brief interrogation.
Trying to act casual as they made their way back to the enchanted car, Remus kicked some pebbles as he asked, "Might I enquired who Thaleia Lestrange is?"
Tonks looked up, surprised, "She's my cousin, and Sirius's."
"I didn't see her name on the family tree."
"And you didn't see mine there either. If you look under Bellatrix's name you'll see a small scorched mark; that'll be her. She's Bella's only daughter."
Remus was confused. "Is she a squib or something?"
"Oh no, not at all. In fact, I always heard that she was gifted as Sirius was at spells." Tonks looked away and shook her pink head. "Quite a surprise seeing her here today."
"Is she a-" but he didn't say the word.
"She's not a Death Eater." Tonks replied fervently.
He breathed a sigh of relief. He felt guilty enough lusting after one of Sirius cousins at his funeral. If she was evil, he would have felt even worse.
Tonks wrinkled her brow, "When Bellatrix and Uncle R, the Lestranges, were sent to Azkaban, she kind of disappeared. My mum and I heard she was living as a muggle. I guess the rumors were true."
"Hmm..." He couldn't imagine a life so bad that someone would leave the wizarding world altogether to become a muggle. Certainly, this woman, with her dark hair and elegant features was an interesting creature. And for the first time in a long time, Remus felt an unusual emotion. He felt the warmth and curiosity of desire.
*****
"If everyone would have a seat please, everyone. Thank you, thank you," Nodded a grubby little man in a pinched plaid waistcoat, as Molly and Arthur filled the final chairs at the dinning room table at number twelve Grimmald Place. An air of tension filling the room.
"I am barrister Angus Scattlelocks. You, Harry Potter, Remus Lupin, Arthur and Molly Weasley, Hermoine Granger, Nymphador Tonks and Thaleia Lestrange," he hesitated and peered over his octagonal spectacles at the muggle-looking woman. The clearing his throat he continued, "You have all be invited here because Sirius Black has asked me that you be present for the reading of his last will and testament."
Placing a large mahogany box on the table he barked, "Let's begin. Nymphadora Tonks, cousin of Sirius Black, daughter of Andromeda Black- Tonks, you are bequeathed the Black family jewels." He slid the box over to her, where she bit her lips and looked questionably at Remus.
Tonks was the last girl on earth that would want fine jewelry, Remus thought. In sympathy, he shrugged his shoulders.
"Remus Lupin, you are bequeathed Black family Wizard Street stocks fund investments, which are worth- hem," He adjust his specticals, "Twenty thousand Galleons." The table let out a collective gasp. "And this letter."
Remus was speechless.
"Arthur and Molly Weasley, you have been asked to take on guardianship of Sirius God Son-"
"We accept!" Cried out Molly before the lawyer could finish his words and Arthur vehemently nodded yes.
"If you choose to accept you shall be reimbursed a thousand Galleons until Harry Portter reaches the age of twenty one years." Peering down his long nose, "I assume you still want to accept."
"Yes. If that's alright with Harry," Arthur replied looking at the young man for his approval.
"I'd like that very much," Harry answered smiling for the first time that day.
Molly returned his happiness with a silly, delighted smile.
"To Hermione Granger, Sirius Black has left Kretcher, the house elf."
Hermione's face twisted in confusion, especially since it had been Kretcher that had lied to Harry.
"Thaleia Lestange, cousin of Sirius Black, daughter of Bellatrix Black- Lestrange, as the most senior Sirius second cousins, you are bequeathed number twelve Grimmald Street."
This time no one gasped but stared questionably back forth, from Harry to the beautiful, black haired Thaleia Lestrange.
"Finally, to Harry Potter, Sirius Black has left this letter, and Black family fortune."
Harry nodded silently.
At this, the barrister removed his spectacles and cleaned them on his tweed robe. "I don't think you understand Mr. Potter. Your god father has just left a fortune which reaches far over a million Galleons."
Remus thought he could see Harry visibly pale. It was obviously a blessing and curse, the burden of such a fortune. He wished he was sitting beside Harry, instead of across from him so that he could give the young man some gesture of reassurance.
"That's all witches and wizards, and so I say good evening to you all." With that, Angus Scattlelocks rolled up his parchment and apparated out of the room.
But no else moved, because everyone was staring at Harry.
"Hello, did the meeting go well?" Dumbledore entered the silent room.
Remus looked first at Harry and then at Thaleia.
They nodded silently.
"Oh, and I apologize for not making earlier introductions, but we have a new member to the Order, but then I'm sure you've already been introduced to Thaleia Lestrange."
All eyes turned back to the graceful, dark woman who sat hands in lap trying to evade their suspicious looks. Then looking up and smiling coyly, she replied, " If you please just call me Leia."
***** Please read and review.
Notes: This contains *SPOILERS* to OOP. This story begins during the end of Harry's fifth year, after the battle at the Ministry of Magic. Remus is contemplates a friend's death.
Chapter 1: Shadows
"Death borders upon our birth, and our cradle stands in the grave."~ Bishop Hall
Alpha and Omega, a circle, or a Celtic knot; although intricate, they all have a beginning and an end which meld together establishing the mystery of life and death, of rebirth and expiration. And so, we always are coming back to the end and starting over at the beginning. It is not Forever and Forever, but Everchanging Forever.
You like the seasons, have cycled, and winter has finally claimed your flesh. Mother Earth calling you back unto her womb. You slipped behind the veil into the shadows leaving a deep longing in my heart, and a black sadness gripping my soul. At night, when the human world sleeps beneath a curtain of twinkling stars and peaceful dreams, I hear your laughter, like a dog's bark, echoing in the night.
Like your names sake, Sirius, the dog- star, you were the brightest among us; quick witted and passionate; beautifully arrogant. You consumed life like a firecracker- loud, brilliant, crackles of colored light against a black night. And I, a mere candle, a single flame in the darkness, an erratic consistency in a world of paradox, why do I continue to burn? I should have been extinguished a hundred times before you and yet, I live in a world were death is black hood and a full moon.
Why me? Why do I continue to wake up each day, meet each new sunrise when you have passed into the shadows; when you have fallen behind the veil? You were Harry's stepfather, his link to James and Lily's last wish. It should have been me...
Crumpling to the floor, head in hand, Remus sobbed aloud this time, "It should have been me!"
Then, for the first time in a long while, Remus Lupin cried until his heart, ripped by sorrow, poured forth its fury. Muscles knotted his back, and his throat ripped like red marble. His sobs racked and convulsed his mind and body. Pale eyes spilt hot tears, eventually swelling from their own wet, salty heat. He cried until his heart was numb and until there were no more tears left to cry. Then collapsing onto his bed, he fell into an empty, dreamless sleep.
*****
It should have been raining. The sky should have cried and cracked with thunder, and everything should be miserably gray and wet, but instead, the afternoon of Sirius's memorial service was impeccably sunny. As they entered the Sacred Grove of Remembrance, birds chirped melodies of spring and bunnies frolicked beneath daffodils. Remus had to forcibly remind himself that the Wizard forest was not a place of death and misery, but a place of life, a reminder of rebirth.
"Hey there," Tonks gave him a little shake, "You okay?" She asked in her perpetually perky way.
"Fine." Remus answered a little too curtly.
"Oooookay," Tonks responded rolling her big brown eyes and walking away.
"Wait," Remus grabbed her arm, pulling her back to his side. "Sorry, just haven't pulled myself together this morning." He tried to smile as he ran his hand through his salty brown hair. "I'm not sure I'm ready for this."
"Understandable." Tonks returned his smile and looked back to the forest, ogling the beauty that surrounded them and then shivering. "I was hoping that it would be a long time before I ever had to see this place again."
They were surrounded by ancient Birch, Holly and Rowan trees, just to name a few of the thousands populated the Sacred Grove. Each tree marked the memory of a witch or wizard who was no longer with the living. The tall Ask and Oak trees with their leafy canopy created a natural cathedral as well as a sense of serine awe in the forest wanderer.
"The last time I was here, it was for my parents," he shoved his hands into the pockets of his worn gray trousers wishing for something to fumble with. "And before that, it was James and Lily."
Tonks, her face framed by locks of silky pink hair, put her arm around Remus. "Let's not think on that today. This isn't what Sirius would want us to do."
His pale blue eyes met hers full on, and she could see that they were brimming with tears, "I know." He answered quietly.
Tonks wasted no time in throwing her arms around him. And together they stood for a long time as Remus let the last of his tears soak into her collar. Being held in the arms of friendship rekindled his courage.
They had arrived at the Sacred Grove about an hour before the others, so that they might say their goodbyes privately. But now, as leaves rustled in the distance, Remus released Nymphadora from their embrace, wiping his face with a handkerchief from his waistcoat.
"I think I've got it together now," he said huskily, as he neatly returned the piece of cloth to his chest pocket.
"Ready to be a pillar of strength again?" Tonks laughed, brown eyes twinkling.
"Is that what you think I am? A dashed rumor. Don't you know I'm just a wolf in man's clothing?" His lips playfully turned up and he winked to her before walking away to meet the new comers.
Tonks felt wonderful as her pink hair blew in the spring breeze, her pale heart-shaped face dappled by fresh sunlight. She should feel sad about Sirius, and she sincerely did. But another part of her heart felt amazing good about Remus Lupin. It was horrible to admit, but Sirius's death created an opportunity for her to comfort Remus, building there friendship stronger than before. Happiness ignited within her and she suspected she might even be blushing. Touching her face, she felt it burn beneath her fingertips. Would this be a new beginning for her?
Lupin was shaking hands with Kinglsley Shacklebolt as Elphias Dodge and Emmeline Vance appeared on the horizon, followed by the entire Weasley family, Percey excluded, Hermoine and Harry in tow.
"Hello Harry," Lupin smiled slightly. "How are you?" He leaned in looking at him closely wondering if he'd ever get rid of the shock of how closely Harry resembled James.
Harry looked at him with apprehension, and shrugged his shoulders. "Fine, I guess." Then looking down, quickly walked off.
Remus sighed and looked after the young man as he walked off into the woods. Perhaps he should have hugged him, or given him a squeeze of the shoulder; that's what Sirius would have done. His gut knotted. He'd always been a teacher, a steady and reliable adult; would he now have to play the role of father?
"Hi there Professor," Ginny waved as she made her way down an earthen embankment. "Don't worry about Harry, he's still- you know," she bit her lip, "a bit sad. We all are I guess, but Harry more so."
Remus nodded. Something about the sincerity of the youngest Weasley made his heart warm. "Your parents doing okay? Has Percy come crawling home yet?"
"Not exactly. I think Dad has in mind to disinherit him." She laughed slightly at her own words, "I'm not sure he cares. I mean, he won't be out more than a few sickles when the Weasley fortune is divided."
Remus laughed at her wit and the pair walked to the newly planted Ash tree and joined the other witches and wizards already gathered there. After exchanging a few words with the Weasleys, Dumbledore and McGonagall arrived and the short ceremony commenced.
"Fellow witches and wizards, we are gathered here today to remember the life and deeds of a good man and a great wizard, Sirius Black..." Dumbledore had only begun reflecting on Sirius's days at Hogwart's when Remus, lost in his own memories was awakened by a new face.
Behind Shacklebolt and Dodge stood what appeared to be a muggle woman. No ordinary muggle woman, but a young, attractive woman with shoulder length black hair and a fitted black dress. He studied her intently; skin was a soft cameo, Pearls trimmed her ears and in her hand she cared a single white rose. Remus was mesmerized. Was this woman some lover of Sirius's that he'd never known of? He's never mentioned anyone one, but how else would Black have known an attractive muggle woman?
"Remus would you like to say a few words." Dumbledore asked again, but Lupin's eyes were still focused on the mystery female. And then, for an instant, she raised her eyes, which were similar to the deep blue of an ocean and in them reflected the afternoon sunlight. He was aghast at her beauty which kindled in him a long forgotten memory, if only...
"Hem, hem Remus?"
The second call of his name awakened him from his starry-eyed gaze. "Yes, Headmaster," he replied somewhat dizzily as he stepped out from the small circle that had formed around Dumbledore.
Breathing heavily, he looked up, this time making eye contact with Harry. "Sirius Black was my best friend." Harry offered back a halfhearted smile and Remus, like a well groomed teacher, turned his gaze slowly to each member of the small group, speaking from the sincerity of his heart.
"He was a man of honor and integrity. His bond was his word. His bravery and veracity were evident whether he faced a life sentence at Azkaban or when he put his life on the line two weeks ago in a struggle with Death Eaters to saved those he loved."
Mrs. Weasley sniffed loudly as she held Ginny tightly against her bosom.
"I loved Sirius. He and James Potter were like brothers to me."
Now it was Professor McGonagall that let out a little yelp that she muffled in a plaid hanky.
"And although they have both passed beyond the veil, their legacies have not." Remus looked intently at Harry, Ron and Hermione. "They fought for ideals that cannot be put asunder by death because they live on in each one of us. Sirius and James dwell in the memory of every witch and wizard who stands up against the dark powers; in each one of us standing here today and in each child borne into a safe world tomorrow."
"Long live the Order!" Shouted Shacklebolt in his deep voice.
"Long live the Order!" Replied the small crowd.
And as Lupin stepped back into the circle, he noticed there was one voice that he had not heard, one pair of lips that had remained motionless. As Arthur Weasley began his eulogy, Remus allowed his eyes to drift back to the woman in black. He wanted to dislike her, because she was here uninvited, but as his mind shielded itself from her outward beauty, his heart melted from her obvious misery.
Black lashes were coated with wetness and a single, crystalline tear ran down her pale cheek. Like a voyeur, he watched her though lowered lids, an intruder on her pain. Closing her eyes, she lifted the rose to her lips, letting the smooth petals glide along her swollen mouth. "Sirius," she whispered called in near silent wording.
"I think this would be an appropriate time to let the family say a few words." Dumbledore interjected after Arthur's speech. "Nyphmadora, would you or Thaleia like to go next."
Tonks eyes were glued open, resembling to brown sauces, only able to say the woman's name in awe, "Thaleia Lestrange?!"
"Go ahead cousin, I have nothing to say." The dark woman replied. And although Tonks entered the circle now, many eyes were still apprehensively darting back to the woman in black. The long forgotten cousin of the Noble and Most Ancient House of Black.
*****
Lupin and Tonks offered to escort the children and the Weasley back to Grimmald Place where a number of them had been request to meet for the reading of the Sirius's last will. On the way back Remus was able to pull Tonks aside for a brief interrogation.
Trying to act casual as they made their way back to the enchanted car, Remus kicked some pebbles as he asked, "Might I enquired who Thaleia Lestrange is?"
Tonks looked up, surprised, "She's my cousin, and Sirius's."
"I didn't see her name on the family tree."
"And you didn't see mine there either. If you look under Bellatrix's name you'll see a small scorched mark; that'll be her. She's Bella's only daughter."
Remus was confused. "Is she a squib or something?"
"Oh no, not at all. In fact, I always heard that she was gifted as Sirius was at spells." Tonks looked away and shook her pink head. "Quite a surprise seeing her here today."
"Is she a-" but he didn't say the word.
"She's not a Death Eater." Tonks replied fervently.
He breathed a sigh of relief. He felt guilty enough lusting after one of Sirius cousins at his funeral. If she was evil, he would have felt even worse.
Tonks wrinkled her brow, "When Bellatrix and Uncle R, the Lestranges, were sent to Azkaban, she kind of disappeared. My mum and I heard she was living as a muggle. I guess the rumors were true."
"Hmm..." He couldn't imagine a life so bad that someone would leave the wizarding world altogether to become a muggle. Certainly, this woman, with her dark hair and elegant features was an interesting creature. And for the first time in a long time, Remus felt an unusual emotion. He felt the warmth and curiosity of desire.
*****
"If everyone would have a seat please, everyone. Thank you, thank you," Nodded a grubby little man in a pinched plaid waistcoat, as Molly and Arthur filled the final chairs at the dinning room table at number twelve Grimmald Place. An air of tension filling the room.
"I am barrister Angus Scattlelocks. You, Harry Potter, Remus Lupin, Arthur and Molly Weasley, Hermoine Granger, Nymphador Tonks and Thaleia Lestrange," he hesitated and peered over his octagonal spectacles at the muggle-looking woman. The clearing his throat he continued, "You have all be invited here because Sirius Black has asked me that you be present for the reading of his last will and testament."
Placing a large mahogany box on the table he barked, "Let's begin. Nymphadora Tonks, cousin of Sirius Black, daughter of Andromeda Black- Tonks, you are bequeathed the Black family jewels." He slid the box over to her, where she bit her lips and looked questionably at Remus.
Tonks was the last girl on earth that would want fine jewelry, Remus thought. In sympathy, he shrugged his shoulders.
"Remus Lupin, you are bequeathed Black family Wizard Street stocks fund investments, which are worth- hem," He adjust his specticals, "Twenty thousand Galleons." The table let out a collective gasp. "And this letter."
Remus was speechless.
"Arthur and Molly Weasley, you have been asked to take on guardianship of Sirius God Son-"
"We accept!" Cried out Molly before the lawyer could finish his words and Arthur vehemently nodded yes.
"If you choose to accept you shall be reimbursed a thousand Galleons until Harry Portter reaches the age of twenty one years." Peering down his long nose, "I assume you still want to accept."
"Yes. If that's alright with Harry," Arthur replied looking at the young man for his approval.
"I'd like that very much," Harry answered smiling for the first time that day.
Molly returned his happiness with a silly, delighted smile.
"To Hermione Granger, Sirius Black has left Kretcher, the house elf."
Hermione's face twisted in confusion, especially since it had been Kretcher that had lied to Harry.
"Thaleia Lestange, cousin of Sirius Black, daughter of Bellatrix Black- Lestrange, as the most senior Sirius second cousins, you are bequeathed number twelve Grimmald Street."
This time no one gasped but stared questionably back forth, from Harry to the beautiful, black haired Thaleia Lestrange.
"Finally, to Harry Potter, Sirius Black has left this letter, and Black family fortune."
Harry nodded silently.
At this, the barrister removed his spectacles and cleaned them on his tweed robe. "I don't think you understand Mr. Potter. Your god father has just left a fortune which reaches far over a million Galleons."
Remus thought he could see Harry visibly pale. It was obviously a blessing and curse, the burden of such a fortune. He wished he was sitting beside Harry, instead of across from him so that he could give the young man some gesture of reassurance.
"That's all witches and wizards, and so I say good evening to you all." With that, Angus Scattlelocks rolled up his parchment and apparated out of the room.
But no else moved, because everyone was staring at Harry.
"Hello, did the meeting go well?" Dumbledore entered the silent room.
Remus looked first at Harry and then at Thaleia.
They nodded silently.
"Oh, and I apologize for not making earlier introductions, but we have a new member to the Order, but then I'm sure you've already been introduced to Thaleia Lestrange."
All eyes turned back to the graceful, dark woman who sat hands in lap trying to evade their suspicious looks. Then looking up and smiling coyly, she replied, " If you please just call me Leia."
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