A/N: Hi, everyone, next chapter is here :) The attempts at tracking down Sirius continue frantically, Diane tries to keepher composure, meets a good friend and sees someone for the first time ;) Hope you will enjoy it and thank you to those who followed and favorited.

lunaz- Thank you, I am glad you liked it :D

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

One evening, a few weeks after Sirius's escape from Azkaban, Diane was home, reading about the First Wizarding War. Her job in the Investigation Department was to investigate and track down dark wizards and, therefore, she wanted to try and read between the lines. Not that she believed that Sirius was a dark wizard, but, since this was her work, she had to do her best—and, after all, maybe she would discover something that way. At the same time, she was listening to the Wizarding Wireless Network, which kept informing the community about what was going on. It was mostly following the line of the Ministry, of course, but, should there be news, Diane wanted to learn them at once.

'Black is still free and it is believed that he uses his knowledge of dark magic, in combination with various disguises…'

You've no idea, Diane thought, chuckling.

'There have not occurred any mysterious disappearances or murders; a fact that leads to speculations about what Black's next move will be and whether it is a matter of time for him to find his master, known as You-Know-Who, who is currently in hiding…'

'Oh, shut up!' Diane exclaimed, stood up and turned off the radio. 'It's more possible that you are a Death Eater than Sirius. Close-minded ignorant!'

She collapsed back on her chair and focused in her book again, reading about the creation of the Order of the Phoenix. Diane remembered, with a smile, how she, the Marauders and Lily had agreed that they would join the Order once they would graduate from Hogwarts. They knew it was dangerous, but the times then were dark and they all wanted to do something about it. Diane could even now name all the Death Eaters she had fought against, including Voldemort himself (Peter Pettigrew always screamed in fear when she was mentioning his name), whom she had defied twice.

" 'Ah, look who it is!' Diane commented with a smirk on her face and anger and determination in her expression. 'Voldy-Boy himself! Nice of you to drop by, together with your Death Eaters!'

'Well, well, well…Potter's cousin' Voldemort smiled viciously and his red, snake-like eyes sparkled as he caressed his wand. 'I see blood treachery is a family business'

'It's obvious that our opinions about who the blood traitor here is differ' she said, gripping her wand as well. She was standing in front of the darkest wizard of all times, the man who had killed numerous people, who despised anyone who wasn't a pure-blood, who was considered invincible.

'You are a skilled duelist as I have been told, are you not?'

'What of it?' Diane snapped, knowing that this wasn't going to end well.

'You and your family should join my armies. Join us, Walker, and you will be rewarded with honors you have not even imagined in your wildest dreams. You will be respected and feared by everyone'

'I will join you when Hell freezes, Voldemort!' she yelled and raised her wand, prepared for battle. 'I am loyal to the Order of the Phoenix and I would rather die than join you!'

'Your wish is my command, Walker; you want to die for your little friends? Then so be it!'

Diane would most likely die that time if Alice and Frank hadn't come to her aid. Still, even after his destruction, his image haunted her mind, since, every time she thought about her family, her thoughts automatically went to their murderer and she swore revenge and returning to battle the moment he would regain his strength.

At that moment, Sky, her eagle owl, flew from the open window and landed right on Diane's lap. She stretched her right foot, where a small parchment was tied. Diane took it and stared widely at the familiar writing character.

Why did Remus write to me? I haven't seen him for eight years now.

Dear Diane,

I know that hearing from me after such a long time must be a surprise for you. I wanted to write to you earlier, but I was travelling around and I wasn't in a position to write as well. However, I'd like to see you as soon as possible, because some things have occurred that you need to know. Sirius's escape (a great shock to me, as you can imagine), is only one of the matters I want to talk to you about.

Can you meet me at the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley on Saturday afternoon? Please, let me know. It concerns your cousin somehow, anyway.

Yours,

Moony

Diane chuckled at the old nickname the Marauders had given Remus. The last time she saw him was when he had informed her that he would travel across the country in search of magical creatures and he didn't look very well. He was quiet, upset and very tired—something understandable considering his lycanthropy. Despite the efforts of the Department for the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures, werewolves were still considered dangerous and unworthy of sympathy. If only Diane could convince these idiots that there were also brilliant and wonderful persons between them, Remus being the living proof. Affected by his condition, but still continuing his life and always with a kind word and an advice.

First Sirius breaks out from Azkaban and pays me a small visit, now Remus wants to see me…Two Marauders in less than a month time, now that is interesting.

Curious to see what he could tell her, and happy to see him anyway, Diane wrote a quick reply to him, which was sent right away and was signed with the nickname the Marauders had given her.

Dear Remus,

of course I can come to Diagon Alley on Saturday. I was expecting it, actually, given the…recent circumstances, if you know what I mean; not to mention that your reference to Harry made me quite curious. Have you met him? How? I really can not wait to learn.

Saturday afternoon it is, then.

Yours,

Storm

True to her word, at five o' clock on Saturday, Diane was at the Leaky Cauldron, the crossroad between the Muggle world and the wall that hid the entrance to Diagon Alley. It was filled with customers of all ages: mostly aged witches and wizards, but also teenagers: apparently Hogwarts students, who had come to buy their school supplies.

Remus Lupin sat all alone at a table and raised a hand in greeting when he spotted her. Diane approached him and observed his appearance. He was worn and exhausted, but smiling, and gave her a hug, which she gladly returned.

'Remus, it's so good to see you'

'Good to see you too, Diane. You look well; apparently, the Ministry work agrees with you'

'Oh, do not remind me of the Ministry, 99% of them are mental' Diane giggled as she sat down. 'I love my work, but my colleagues are getting on my nerves as much as Snape did in school'

'Ah, yes, your arguments were as epic as the ones between Snape and James' Lupin commented with a serious voice, but his amused gaze betrayed him. 'When will you learn to ignore those who get on your nerves, Diane?'

'Let me see…The day of Saint Never' Diane answered, laughing, but then the smile faded from her face. 'Anyway, you asked to see me in order to discuss some things with me, right? What is it? You worried me, to tell you the truth. Is there anything new about Harry?'

'Isn't the fact that he blew up his aunt enough?' Remus winked at her and she laughed again. Of course she had heard about the accident and how he had gotten away with it and, in contrast to most, she had found it quite funny.

'Anyway, I will meet him very soon, Diane. You see, I was appointed as the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher in Hogwarts'

'Seriously?' Diane gasped, as images of the beloved school and its residents danced in her mind. 'Well, Remus, I do not know what's in order: congratulations or condolences?'

'Condolences?' Remus repeating confused. 'Why condolences?'

'You'll be working with old Snivellus, won't you?'

'Diane!' Lupin explained. 'Come on, seriously? You still dislike him after so many years?'

'That's not something that will vanish, is it? Greasy, whining brat'

'As far as I remember, though, whenever James threw jinxes on him, you used to take the greasy, whining brat's side' her friend reminded her with a kind-hearted smile.

'I took his side because, otherwise, James would never have a chance to come closer to Lily, since she and Snape were friends' Diane made clear. 'There's a huge difference between this and liking him, Remus; oh, and also when Sirius told him to go to the Shrieking Shack…'

Diane stopped talking, as both Sirius's name and this particular event was painful for both of them. Before Remus could speak, though, the young woman quickly went on. She knew that he also wanted to talk about the escaped prisoner, but right now, another issue had come to surface.

'Not to mention that Snape knows what…what you are' she told him. 'And who's guaranteeing me that he won't tell anyone about this? You know what this will mean, Remus, and Dumbledore knows it as well'

'Dumbledore trusts Severus, Diane, and I have no reason to doubt him' Remus said seriously, although Diane didn't miss the worry in his eyes. 'I am very grateful that Dumbledore gave me this job and, even if Severus will be cautious and hostile towards me, I do not think that something will happen'

'You're impossible' Diane sighed, shaking her head. 'Think what you want, Remus, but this will not end good, mark my words'

'I understand, Diane. After all, you and James both disliked him…'

'…that's putting it mildly…'

'…but don't forget that, right now, there are more pressuring matters'

'Sirius's escape' Diane completed his thoughts. 'Remus, I know what you think, I know that you too consider him a traitor, but I find it impossible to give him that label'

'I respect that, honestly' Remus nodded and Diane could see that he was telling the truth. And then a thought hit her and she stared at him pointedly.

'It's not a simple coincidence that Dumbledore hired you this year, right?'

'He hasn't said anything about this, but I think not' Lupin smiled. 'He knows that we were friends and the impact his treachery—his supposed treachery, according to you—had on us. I am sure that he asked me to go to Hogwarts, maybe as a way to tell them more about how Sirius likes to move…and maybe to keep a closer eye on Harry as well…which I will do either way' he added, seeing her ready to speak. 'Whether Sirius is after him or not, I promise you that I will watch over Harry and write to you if anything happens'

'Thank you' Diane smiled too, relieved that the boy would be taken care of. 'He doesn't know me at all, but I want to learn his news and how he is'

'Which is understandable' Remus agreed and looked at his watch. 'Sorry, Diane, but I have to buy some books from Diagon Alley. Would you like to come?'

'Sure, I wanted to buy food for Coral, my new cat, anyway'

They spent some pleasant time, reminiscing events and pranks from their school years, but they didn't talk about Sirius or Harry. When Remus said goodbye to her and left, Diane stayed to take a stroll around the alley and she remembered how anxious she was when she had gone to buy her wand. She had tried ten, making glasses break, wands flying from the shelves, a parchment catching fire and Ollivander almost losing his patience with her, until the wand she had in her possession until now finally chose her: ten inches, dragon heart string, made by cedar wood, which, according to the wand maker, was perfect to those who had strength of character and unusual loyalty.

'Diane! Diane Walker!'

She turned around to see who had called for her and saw a tall, red-haired man coming towards her. She recognized him immediately as Arthur Weasley, Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artefacts Office, another subdivision of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement. The two of them didn't speak regularly, but Diane appreciated his kind character, unlike others, who didn't look up to him because of his financial status and his position.

'Good evening, Arthur' she greeted him and shook his hand. 'How do you do? Did you have a nice time in Egypt?'

'Oh, yes, thank you for asking. The kids loved the pyramids' he told her with a smile. 'And, as far as I learned, we had events here while we were missing!'

'Yeah; Sirius Black running away; unbelievable, he's the first one who did it' Diane replied, trying to sound indifferent. 'The Ministry is giving its best, of course, but I fear that they will jump to desperate measures'

'Well, both the wizards and the Muggles needs to be protected by this lunatic' Mr. Weasley said. 'I have spoken to Madam Bones and I am glad that she has kept her composure on the matter'

'Seriously, one who's panicking like a child is enough' Diane rubbed her wrist. 'Have you seen Fudge? Even a little child would confront the crisis calmer than he'

'People are disagreeing with his methods, especially the warning he gave to the Muggle Prime Minister' the elder man gave a possible explanation. 'Not to mention that this escape, the first one in history, basically put his position in danger. He thinks that, if we do not catch Black, he will lose everyone's trust'

'He has certainly lost mine. His biggest mistake is that he jumps to actions and decisions without thinking clearly; and, right now, we need clear minds more than ever'

'I only hope that he will do what is safer for all of us'

'Anyway' Diane changed the subject, offering him a polite smile. 'What brings you to Diagon Alley?'

'All of us are here, the children have bought their new books and equipment. And I am really glad I ran into you' at that point, Arthur's smile became sly 'because I have something, or, rather, someone to show you'

'What are you talking about, Arthur?'

'Just follow me and you will understand'

Diane shrugged and followed him back to the Leaky Cauldron, where he pointed someone who sat at a table with some red-haired teenagers. Tall, with black, unruly hair: his appearance, from this distance, at least, was normal, but Diane knew at once who he was, although she had not seen him for twelve years. Shock and happiness packed her and she couldn't suppress a wide smile that marked her face.

'Oh my God' she whispered, unable to draw her eyes away from her cousin, but she heard Arthur laughing gently. 'How is it possible…?'

'Apparently, the world is very small, Diane' he said. 'You see, Harry has become best friends with my youngest son, Ron' he showed her the boy who sat right next to Harry. 'He met us only two days ago and we will escort him to King's Cross'

'As if I am looking at James' Diane commented. 'I had seen him as a baby and the resemblance was obvious then, but now that he's grown up, he looks even more like him. Tell me, Arthur, is he alright?'

'He's fine and very happy that he will return to Hogwarts. And he is very kind and compassionate and also clever; and modest, Diane, you can not imagine how modest he is, despite being so famous. But troubled too, of course'

'Yes, I can believe that' she nodded, thinking what he was going through, living with relatives like the Dursleys.

'If you could meet him…I am sure that he would be happy to meet you…And you could talk to him about his parents, about how they were…'

'Not yet. I guess we will meet officially someday, but right now it's early and he doesn't know me at all' Diane explained. 'I can hardly go there and simply introduce myself as if it's the most normal thing in the world, right? He needs to be prepared. Right now, I am only happy that I saw him and that I'll learn his news from Dumbledore'

'Since this is what you have arranged, then I am sure that Dumbledore knows what he is doing' Arthur gave in. 'I only thought it would be a good idea for you to see him as he is now'

'And I am grateful to you for that' Diane smiled and tried to hide her emotions. 'I was wondering how he would look like, how he would be; and I am so glad that he has good friends and people who stand by his side. But now' she went on 'I have to go somewhere, it's…uh…It's urgent'

'Nothing bad, I hope'

'Just a visit to his parents'

When Diane apparated into the graveyard of Godric's Hollow, she felt cold chills running down her spine. She had not come here since James and Lily's funeral; she couldn't bare it to see their graves and knew that it had no sense either. However, after seeing their son, she thought it was her duty to come and, in a sentimental fist, to talk to them. The grave was clean, shining, with James and Lily's birth and death dates and the inscription "The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death". Diane still remembered the funeral; how almost all fellow-Order members had attended it. With her wand, she conjured a bouquet of lily flowers and placed them in front of the marble.

'I saw Harry today' she started 'for the first time in twelve years. He's a teenager now, a man, and he looks as if he's your twin brother, James, with Lily's eyes. His best friend's father spoke to me with the best words about him; he's a wonderful boy and you would be very proud of him. If only you knew what he's lived in school, what Dumbledore has told me about his adventures. He stopped Voldemort from being resurrected twice, can you believe that? He'll be a great warrior'

She stopped as she found nothing else to say; as that horrible night found its way in her mind again. The ruined house, the corpses, the baby crying. How she had lulled him to sleep until Hagrid came and told her that he would live with Petunia and her husband. Diane had sensed immediately that Harry's childhood would not be the best one; but there was nothing she could do; after all, Dumbledore had ordered it, for reasons unknown to her.

'You should be here, with him, watching him grow and make friends. I am sure that, one day, Voldemort will come back and he will do anything to kill him. I swear to both of you, Voldemort will take Harry only over my dead body! I owe him quite a deal and I will not let him kill Harry like he did with you!'

'Diane, guess!' was Jason's greeting two days later, when he saw her at work.

'You know I hate riddles, Jason, so spit it out!'

'I am a genius!' Jason exclaimed, grinning and seeming very satisfied with himself. 'I am truly brilliant!'

'Yes, cheers' Diane answered sarcastically. 'And what, may I ask, made you so brilliant?'

'When the Minister himself agrees with your suggestions, then you have to be brilliant, right?'

'I love how specific and modest you are. Now, may we jump to the main point, because I have a headache and am not in the mood for chit-chat?'

'I suggested measure to protect Hogwarts from Black and the Minister himself agreed with it!'

'Well, great' Diane attempted to sound enthusiastic. 'And this measure is…?'

'Dementors to guard the gates of the school'

For a few moments, Diane just stared blankly at him. In her "Most Vicious and Disgusting Creatures" list, Dementors were ranking on Number 1. She would never forget the feeling they spread to their victims; the endless misery and despair, the impression that you would never smile again. The fact that the Ministry worked with these happiness-sucking, soul-eating things was bad enough for her, but now they would "guard" the school as well?

'Diane? Do you have nothing to say?'

'Brilliant, Jason' she said, her voice filled with venom.

'Really?' Jason looked hopeful, obviously not knowing that there was a word named "sarcasm".

'Yes. Brilliant impression of an idiot'

'What? What the hell is that supposed to mean?'

'You suggesting these useless, pesky things to guards numerous students and teachers is what the hell it's supposed to mean' Diane raised her voice slightly. 'Are you out of your mind, Jason? Can't you think logically? Black escaped from Azkaban right under their noses and you sent them to guard the school? Who's telling you that Black won't sneak past them too?'

'Of course, what else would you say?' Jason didn't lose his arrogance. 'We all know that you're Black's little pet'

'Jason, have I ever told you that I was Beater for the Gryffindor Quidditch team? Unless you want a nice Bludger on your nose, stop implying anything and insulting my principals and beliefs, got it?'

'So, according to Your Highness, my idea was basically meaningless'

Diane threw him a glance as venomous as her voice earlier.

'We'll see what will happen'

A/N: Okay, guys, that was it for now :) Hope you enjoyed it :) I can not wait for your reviews and the next chapter will be up as soon as possible.