It had started in the pit of her stomach, the feeling of impending doom. Though it had been weeks with no incident, the feeling never wained, only grew. She had put off finding a semi-permanent residence and had opted instead to sleep beneath the stars. It helped to have little in the way of possessions when a person had to uproot in a hurry. And it was much easier if there was no one to leave explanations with. This wasn't the first time she had this feeling, but she knew this time was different. It had been fourteen years of peace, well, mostly peace. Fourteen years with very little worry. She knew it wouldn't last forever, she didn't even think it could have lasted this long. He was coming back, and soon.

It was a clear warm mid-August day and the breeze was playing with the ends of her curly red-blonde hair. She was currently sitting under a tree, losing herself in her favorite muggle book, when she felt the need to look up. She saw a spec in the sky getting steadily nearer. Almost immediately, she knew it was an owl. When it landed, she ripped off a piece of her bread she had been snacking on and gave it to the exhausted owl. "Poor thing," she said as she removed the letter. The familiar thin cursive script looked hastily written.

"Come. I no longer feel safe having you so far away. Meet me in my brother's pub around 8:00. Yours Always, A"

Apparently she wasn't the only one who felt the danger looming close by.

------

Sirius had just stretched out his legs and was settling in for another long night when he heard the shuffling sound of two pairs of feet climbing the steep, rocky ledge that led to the cave he was currently calling home. He had but a moment to transform into the large shaggy black dog only a few knew he could change into. He had backed into the shadows by the time a large figure silhouetted the entrance to the cave.

"You can relax Sirius," the soothing voice of Albus Dumbledore came out of the dark. "There is no danger tonight."

"How does he always managed to make things sound so calming and ominous at the same time?" Sirius wondered to himself as he transformed from his animagus to his human form.

"Thats better. Now, Sirius, I have a small favor to ask of you. I hope you are willing to comply, but I... I mean to say WE understand if you cannot help," Dumbledore said as he motioned with a sweeping hand and moved to the side, revealing the dark petite form of the other person he had brought with him.

Sirius, who had nearly forgot the second set of feet he had heard, said,"I will help anyway I can. I assume this is some task to help the Order and, well, as I haven't been able to do my part as everyone else seems to be able to do, I would gladly take on any responsibility you see fit for me to have!'

"Thats what I was hoping you would say! Now, lets start a fire and maybe have a cup of tea while we make introductions and discuss the specifics. I realize the lateness of the hour and I promise this wont take long." With a flick of his wand Dumbledore summoned a small fire, a kettle and three tea cups.

With the fire lit, Sirius was able to get a better look at the second, smaller and obviously female person Dumbledore had brought with him. She was slightly under average height with rosy pale skin and a warm happy mouth which currently had a small smile dancing in the corners. The rest of her was hooded and covered by a long green velvety cloak.

"First things first," Dumbledore pipped up, interrupting Sirius' thoughts. "Sirius, I would like you to meet Riley. Riley, this is Sirius Black."

Riley removed her cloak as she sat at the fire. "Its very nice to meet you Mr. Black," she said warmly, as she accepted a filled tea cup from Dumbledore.

Sirius managed to stutter out something that sounded like "The pleasure is all mine."He was transfixed on the greenest eyes he had ever seen, engrossed in large copper spirals that fell like a metallic waterfall from her head. He sincerely hoped none of this was showing on the surface. He broke his gaze out of necessity and and turning toward Dumbledore, took a sip of his tea. If he continued acting like a lunatic, Dumbledore might think twice about asking for his help in matters regarding the Order. "So, Albus, whats this favor you need from me?"

"Well," Albus chuckled knowingly, "I want Riley to stay here with you." At this Sirius choked on his tea. After a few coughs and a pat on the back, he continued. "I need you and Riley to watch out for one another. Both of you are in hiding and I was thinking it would be safer for you to hide together. If the Deatheaters were to get a hold of her, Sirius, the consequences would be grave."

"I'm a seer," Riley interjected at the quizzical look on Sirius' face. "And not your run-of-the-mill seer. I mostly see in my dreams, though I have had several vivid waking predictions, and most all of them come true. Down to the smallest detail."

Sirius had the feeling he wasn't get the whole story. "I understand what having a powerful seer could mean for Voldemort's followers, but why you?"

"She sees Harry, Sirius," Dumbledore grimly revealed.

Struck numb, Sirius looked from Dumbledore to Riley who nodded in confirmation. "Its mostly Harry or related to Harry. Of course I see others, but the majority is Harry."

"And, the Deatheaters, they know about you and what you can do?" Sirius tried to sound calm but the panic was setting it. It almost boiled over when Riley told him they did and had been tracking her since nearly her birth.

"So you see why we have to protect her?" Sirius could only nod at Dumbledore.

"Theres more you need to know," Riley started but Dumbledore soon interrupted.

"Riley...I really don't think it all needs to come out tonight."

"I do, Albus."

"I don't think that information is pertinent at this time."

"He has a right to know! He is Harry's Godfather for Heaven's sake! It will all come out eventually anyway. Besides, its my information to tell."

"Very well."

Sirius felt for a moment that he was watching a face paced Quidditch match with all the back and forth going on, but Riley's last comment seemed to end the argument.

Riley looked directly at Sirius. "I want to start off by saying that if anything I say causes you to change your mind about me staying here, I wont blame you. Albus has such an elevated opinion of me that he thinks if people get to know me before they know my "dark secret" they wont hold it against me. That isn't always the result." She closed her eyes and took a cleansing breath before meeting his gaze again. "Theres another reason the Deatheaters and Voldemort would like to have me. They think I can be persuaded to join their efforts. They think familial ties will change my opinion of what I know is right and what I know is wrong. Both of my parents are big supporters of a pure blood only wizarding society."

"I understand completely," chuckled Sirius. "The Black's are also well known for their prejudices."

"It goes beyond that, Sirius. My full name is Riley Ann Riddle. My father is Tom Riddle, known by all as Lord Voldemort."