Chapter 2

October 31st, 1981

Petunia was just leaving work so she could get home and celebrate Halloween with Harry. James and Lily didn't plan on taking him out that night, since it was too risky, so Petunia decided to rent a few movies and bought way too much candy to have a little party of their own. They would all dress up in silly costumes and hopefully it would relieve some of the tension that constantly seemed to saturate the air. She had been trying for four months now to get a hold of Remus, but not being magical herself it was hard to track the man down. Her owl always brought her letters back unopened and she was running out of ideas. He was so ordinary that anyone that came across him would most likely forget him the second he left their company. The only feature worth remembering were his scars, which she was sure he kept well hidden.

Ever since he and Sirius had that horrible fight, she had neither seen or heard from him. Sirius was distraught with worry twenty-four seven these days, only trusting the four people he still spoke to; James, Lily, Peter, and herself. Even the other aurors he worked with he'd deemed untrustworthy. She had no idea where the Longbottom's were, Marlene never came around anymore ever since she and Remus broke it off. Sirius probably wouldn't trust her either, and would call her a spy and a traitor just as he did Remus.

Pushing those thoughts aside, she rushed to get home from St. Francis Children's Hospital, where she worked. Being a hospital administrator was exhausting and time consuming, but she loved it. She had just reached her car and started the engine, anxious to get home and decorate, when she saw a bright ball of blue light heading straight towards her. She got out just as the dog took form.

Tuni, somethings wrong. I've just been to Wormtail's, get somewhere safe! DO NOT go home!

Without a second thought she got back in the car and raced home to Godric's Hollow as fast as she could, not giving a damn that he told her not to. Sirius would never risk magic exposure unless it was life or death, and that didn't set well with her at all.

The street was crowded with aurors and bystanders, all trying to figure out what happened. Leaving the car running and the door open she ran down the street, hoping to find anyone she recognized.

"Move! Get out of my way!" She pushed and shoved her way to the front of the scene, where once she saw her house blown to pieces she gasped. She walked forward in shock, when a hand grabbed her by the arm and yanked her back.

"Excuse me, Miss. This area is off limits."

Petunia whipped around and came face to face with a young auror she'd never met before. "Do you know who I am? I am Petunia Black, and I demand to know what happened here!"

"Jenkins, back off." Someone barked from behind them.

"Mad-Eye." She breathed as the man unhanded her. "What the hell happened?"

"Voldemort was here, he found them."

"What? No."

"Sirius has gone AWOL, and Lily and James are dead."

Her world was crumbling before her. "What? Sirius is gone? Lily and James...?" Mad-Eye said this so matter-of-factly that he could have been talking about anything. "Where's Harry?!" She panicked.

"Hagrid took him to Dumbledore."

"What the hell for?"

"Harry is safest there until we can figure this out, once it's over he'll be returned to you. Now step aside. I've told you all I can." He pushed passed her and just like that she was cast aside. Tangling her hands in her short wavy hair she walked back to the car. She hadn't the slightest idea what to do now. She drove around for hours, her eyes stinging from exhaustion and tears. It was nearly one am when she finally found herself on her street again. The place was quiet and empty, all the commotion from earlier having died down.

She looked at her broken house, and the harsh reality of her life now hit her. Her brother and sister dead, her husband missing, her nephew gone. Not daring to go inside the house, she pulled into the single car garage and slept in her car, desperately trying to think about what she was going to do now.

The next morning she decided to be brave and went inside. Harry's room was in shambles and she ran passed it, not wanting to see anything that would remind her that her brother and sister most likely died in that room protecting their only child. She grabbed a few things from her and Sirius's room, then ran out again and left to check into a hotel several hours away, where no one would recognize her. She sat there all day in complete silence when the pounding of someone at the door scared her half to death. Finally noticing it was dark out, she peaked out the peep hole. Unlocking the door she came face to waist with Rubeus Hagrid.

"Hagrid? How did you find me?"

"Dumbledore sent me." He said as she stepped aside so he could duck into the room. He sat on the other bed in the room, the poor piece of furniture creaking violently under his weight. "I brough' Harry to ya."

"Harry!" She noticed the little bundle in his arms and took him right away. "Oh my God, Harry." She cried.

"Little tike fell asleep just as we were flying over Bristol."

She ran her fingers through his soft hair, thanking anyone that was listening that Harry was alright, then she saw his scar. "What happened?" She asked as she touched it gently.

"Curse scar, I reckon." He said grimly. "You-Know-Who tried to kill him, but somehow Harry survived and killed him instead."

"What? How?"

"Don't know. Dumbledore asked if ye had somewhere safe to go. What're ye gonna do now?"

Petunia simply shook her head. "I don't know. Has no one heard from Sirius?"

Hagrid averted his eyes, and Petunia knew he knew something. "Hagrid." She warned.

"I didn' wanna be the one to tell ye!" He practically cried. "Sirius has been arrested. For the murder of-"

"What?! No, that impossible! He would never-"

"I tried to say so! They're callin him a traitor and a supporter of You-Know-Who."

"He absolutely was not!" She yelled.

"He's in Azkaban righ' now. I'm sorry Tunia."

"No! No this is all wrong! Sirius is innocent! He sent me a patronus and said that he... Hagrid! Has anyone talked to Peter!"

Hagrid looked at her sadly. "Tunia, They're sayin Sirius killed Peter. Peter tracked him down an' they had I fight I suppose and Sirius killed him an' twelve muggles."

Petunia stared at him in shock. This couldn't be happening.

"He got life in Azkaban."

"He's had a trial already?!" She was a muggle but even she knew that there were wizarding laws against that kind of thing. His face told her all she needed to know though. He'd been thrown in there without a trial, and no one thought to tell her. Her brain was in overdrive, trying to figure out what to do now.

"Do ye have someplace to go?" Hagrid asked again.

"I-" she was about to say no, you idiot! My house got blown up, remember?! But then she remembered. "Yes, Sirius's parents house. His brother passed and that means the house belongs to Sirius, we got the notification when his father died."

"I'll tell Dumbledore, then." Without another word, he left.

"Oh, Harry." She sobbed as she was left in silence once again. "What are we going to do?"

November 21st, 1981

Narcissa Malfoy sat quietly, rocking her son in his nursery. Everything had to be precise, the plan had to work perfectly, the slightest flaw would ruin everything. She'd been going over their plans for the last three weeks, remembering every single detail. The second she heard that the Potter's had been murdered, she knew she had to get out of here, that even though everyone believed that Voldemort was gone and the war over, she knew better. She couldn't raise her children like this. No, she had to get them out of this life. If it took her last breath she would never let her children grow up to be anything like their father. Laying a hand across her still flat stomach, she looked down at her son asleep in her arms while she thought of the child that was yet to come. She hated Lucius. Hated everything about him. His arrogant attitude, his death eater ways, his horrid friends. But most of all, she hated when he entered her private bed chamber, expecting to be able to use her like some corner slut. When she realized she was with child, she began plotting a way out. Only when the news of James and Lily being ambushed and murdered did she finally begin taking steps to make sure her plan would work.

Grimmauld Place sat abandoned, she and Phaedra could get there easily enough then she could enact the blood wards that would add additional protection. She was positive they would be safe there, for the time being. Next, she had to figure out a way to get Sirius out of Azkaban. The man was innocent, she knew it in her bones. And she knew who the real traitor was, she would gladly offer whatever information she could to the aurors in exchange for their safety. Lucius and Tobias would put up one hell of a fight, and she had to win. If she didn't, she would be as good as dead and Draco would grow up to be just like him. Molded to fit into the perfect death eater that Lucius always dreamed about.

She just had to make it for another three weeks. She knew they were planning something big, she just didn't know what. She hadn't seen Reggie in over a year and Severus never spoke to her anymore, not trusting her loyalties. She scolded herself for not putting on a better show, she had to get better at that. She wondered how many of her friends had survived the terrible things her husbands friends had done. She knew Marley had died, that bastard wiping out her entire family. She thought of Remus and how heartbroken he must be, she was murdered just before the Potter's. Most likely for not giving up any information. Voldemort was such a fool, the order members always stood firm, they would rather die than betray any of the other members. Well, nearly all of them, she thought with a scowl.

She hadn't heard anything on Frank or Alice Longbottom. She knew they had gotten married a while back. She hoped they were still safe.

She closed her tired eyes as she got up and laid Draco down on the bed next to her. This was the one room she knew she was safe in, since Lucius never bothered to enter. She knew she couldn't hide in here forever, but she could try.

December 12th, 1981

Tonight was the night. The death eaters had found some kind of lead and were all gathering to figure out their next move. There was still no sign of Voldemort's return, but they still had a job to do. She didn't know what that was, but she really didn't care. As long as it allowed her to make her escape, they could do whatever they damn well pleased. Waiting the extra three weeks was practically torture, but Lucius was tense with excitement at something, so she knew that waiting would give them the better advantage. In less than two hours she and Phaedra could make their escape.

Once Lucius finally left, Narcissa made sure she had everything they needed. She was rather gifted in charms, and had packed several things into a small pocket sized handbag she could easily conceal. With everything ready to go, she carefully picked up her son and flooed over to Nott Mansion to meet Phaedra. Hopefully she was ready.

"Cissa!" Fay screamed as she was stepping out of the floo.

"What?" She didn't like the panic on her friends voice.

"I don't know what to do!" She said as she ran her fingers through her long sandy colored hair. "I overheard Tobias talking tonight. Cissa... they've found the Longbottom's!"

"Oh no." She breathed.

"They're going to torture them for information! On the Dark Lord! Cissa, they're going to kill them!"

Narcissa's mind was racing with what to do. So many of her friends had either disappeared or been killed.

"I can't let them hurt Frank and Alice... they don't deserve it."

"Do you know where they are?"

Phaedra nodded. "That rat Pettigrew was here, too."

Narcissa couldn't hide her fury. "Siri's rotting in Azkaban because of him." She seethed. "Alright, we'll leave the boys here, maybe if we can get to them first we can get them out. Lucius just left, no doubt they have to meet up first."

Phaedra nodded. "Okay, Lolly will watch them, she'll make sure they're safe.. should anything happen."

Narcissa pretended not to hear her friend. She couldn't leave her son alone in this world.

"Be careful, Cissa." Her eyes drifted to her friends stomach, worried over what they were about to do, which was surely a death sentence.

"I'll be fine, you worry about you, I know you're not well."

"I'm well enough for this."

She tried to sound stern, and Narcissa loved her for it. The woman had nerve that was hard to break, and she knew Tobias Nott had certainly tried. Her friend was always showing up with new bruises, or a limp that she didn't have before. At least Lucius never hit her.

"Alright, let's go. Can we apparate?"

"Yes, I know where they are." Without any further thought, she called for her elf to watch their children, then with a pop disappeared.

They landed in the middle of a dark forest, the sun already well hidden by the tall trees.

"We should split up." Phaedra said. "I know these are the coordinates I overheard. They must have heavy wards, if they spot us first then we can get them out of here."

Narcissa wasn't too sure about splitting up, but they both knew they were fighting the clock. The quicker they got this done the quicker they were to safety. "Alright, be quick and be quiet."

They ran off in separate directions, both looking around frantically for any flicker in their wards. Narcissa trusted her friend, so she knew that Frank and Alice were here somewhere. After walking around in several directions and feeling around with her magic, she felt them. The heavy wards that surrounded their safe house. Her heart beating fast, she began running around, hoping that one of them would show themselves. It wasn't long before she spotted Frank, alive and well, running towards her.

"Narcissa?" He called.

"Frank! Thank Salazar! They're coming! They know where you are, you have to leave now!"

"What? How?"

"There's no time!" She hissed. "Get Alice and get out of here! I have to find Fay." Her frantic voice must've shown him how serious she really was.

"Alright, we'll leave. You two get the hell out of here before they find you!"

With a nod and a squeeze to his hand she ran off, hoping to find Phaedra before anyone else. She was too late.

Narcissa was at the edge of the wards when she saw them, the death eaters that were sent for the Longbottom's, and Phaedra on the ground, kneeling in pain before them. She recognized her sister's maniacal voice instantly, and suppressed a shudder. She couldn't make out what they were saying with the wards still in place, but it was obvious that they were questioning her about why she was there, and if she was a traitor to their cause. She heard crunching of leaves behind her and turned to see Frank and Alice coming up to stand next to her.

"What do we do?" Frank whispered.

"Nothing. You two leave, I'll get her out of this."

"Then you'll both die." Alice said plainly.

Narcissa swallowed the lump forming in her throat. Alice was probably right. "It's too risky. They're after you, this is your only chance."

"We'll show ourselves, cause a distraction. You grab her and disaparate." Alice said firmly.

"No-"

"Yes." Frank cut her off. "You both risked your lives to warn us, Malfoy Manor and Nott Mansion have some of the most powerful wards there is, it would've only taken minutes for them to break ours."

This was madness, they all knew it, but it was their only shot at getting out of here alive. "Alright. Ready when you are."

Frank and Alice both took deep breaths and looked at each other, then ran to the far side of their wards, out or reach but still visible, then stepped through them.

"Looking for something?" Alice taunted.

Bellatrix Lestrange looked up and cackled. "Come out to play, have we?"

Frank simply shrugged. "We're here, aren't we?"

Narcissa saw that Barry Crouch Jr. was there, along with the Lestrange brothers. This was not looking good. She looked to Fay who was still on the ground panting, but otherwise showed no indication she was hurt, she was no doubt used to it by now. Wands were raised and the fight started. Narcissa sent a patronus to Head Auror Moody, telling him to search Malfoy Manor, Nott Mansion, and the Lestrange estate. Without thinking she burst forth from the wards to try and grab her friend and get them to safety, but failed as Rabastan saw the movement and stunned her. She hit the ground just in time to see Frank and Alice bound by Bellatrix. They were all as good as dead now.

Narcissa woke up to screaming. Horrible, pain filled screaming that didn't cease. She covered her ears in a foolish attempt to block out the noise, but realized her mistake too late. They knew she had come to now.

"Well, well. How nice of your to join us... wife."

She kept her eyes closed as Lucius spoke, her stomach turning with bile and nerves.

"Come, it's time you joined in the fun." He grabbed a fist full of her hair and dragged her closer to the screaming, which stopped the moment she was thrown to the floor.

"Tell me, how was it that you knew the location of the Longbottom's?" Lucius drawled. "What was your grand plan, Narcissa?"

She wanted to shout at him, finally give him everything he deserved, but before she could speak the screaming began again. She whipped around to see three sets of bodies on the floor beside her, two screaming in pain, and one unconscious. "Stop! Stop it, now!"

"Do you want to have a turn, Cissy?" Bellatrix laughed out over the terrifying screams.

"Bella, stop!"

She let them have it a few seconds more, then dropped her wand. Her husband, Rodolphus, stopped shortly after.

"Why have you done this?" She asked her sister.

"The Dark Lord has vansished! They might have information!" She hissed.

"There was also a prophecy made." Lucius said right after. "Severus informed the Dark Lord that there were two possible children that could defeat him, the Longbottom boy being one of them."

That snake! Narcissa hoped he felt the fires if hell every time he thought of Lily now. His desire to please the Dark Lord got her killed!

"The Dark Lord is gone." She said slowly.

"Lies!" Bellatrix screamed as she raised her wand at her sister, casting the cruciatus. It was a favorite of hers and she used it often. Before long the pain became so intense that she couldn't even tell when the curse stopped, her body jerking so violently that she was still screaming even after the curse had ended.

"Thought you could sneak them away, did you? You filthy blood traitor!" Rabastan glared at her.

"And what about that one?" Rodolphus nodded towards Phaedra.

"She's mine." Tobias Nott's gravelly voice came from behind the group of death eaters torturing the them. Without warning he cast the cutting curse on her, slicing up her torso and her arms. She woke suddenly from the pain, then he immediately cast the cruciatus, her blood getting everywhere as she seized on the cold stone floor.

"No! Fay!" Narcissa tried to stand to help her, to try and stop the curse, to try and do anything, but Lucius kicked her down and cast his own curse. Soon enough she was screaming, tears soaking her dirt stained face from the intensity of it all. It finally subsided, and she looked to Fay, who looked inches away from death. She mouthed the word Lolly to Narcissa, just before her own bastard of a husband cast another cruciatus.

"Do you have anything to say for yourself?" Tobias asked once he lowered his wand.

"Do it!" She wasn't looking at him, only Narcissa.

"No!"

"Quiet!" Lucius roared. He'd held the curse so long this time Narcissa was sure she was going to die. Her bones felt like they were breaking, her skin on fire, her insides turning to acid and eating her from the inside out.

"Do it, now!" Phaedra screamed.

The moment Lucius stopped Narcissa whispered for Lolly. It was all she could manage. Frank and Alice were screaming again as well, and Narcissa looked over just in time to see Tobias Nott grin.

"Avada Kedavra!."

Phaedra was dead.

Lolly apparated in and grabbed onto Narcissa like she already knew the plan. She was taken away without a single glance at anyone else. They landed upstairs in Phaedra's bedroom, where the boys were awake and waiting.

"Where to, Missus. Quickly." The little elf said as she gathered the children.

"12 Grimmauld Place. Kreacher. Blood wards." Was all she could get out before she passed out.

When Narcissa woke up she was in a warm room and a soft bed. Her body hurt, and she could barely open her eyes. Moving her aching arms she ran her hands up and down her arms and legs, making sure everything worked properly. She tried to sit up but was in such pain she laid back down in a flop.

"Missus is awake." An old frail voice came from the other side of the room.

"Lolly."

The little elf shuffled over and began checking her over. Everything was still so sore, especially her... "Lolly, what happened?"

"I'm sorry, Missus. Yous lost the babe."

"What? No, no." Even though she would be bringing another one of Lucius's children into the world, she already loved her. She just knew that this baby was her little girl.

"We tried, Missus. Me, and Kreacher and Missus Petunia-"

"Petunia? She's here?"

"Yes, Missus. Gave her quite the fright we did!"

Narcissa took a moment to collect herself. "I want to see her."

"Right away." Lolly left the room in search of Petunia, making Narcissa wonder how long she'd been asleep, and how long Petunia's been here. She assumed the house would be empty, Sirius hated this house.

A few moments later the door opened and a tall thin woman with short wavy brown hair entered. She had on a simple dress and she surprisingly looked well put together. Narcissa thought she looked very pretty.

"Narcissa."

"You know who I am." She said as she watched her sit down in the chair next to the bed.

"I've seen pictures, Sirius always spoke so highly of you."

"How did you get in here?"

"I should be asking you thst, but I figured it out." At Narcissa's questioning look she elaborated. "After Sirius's brother and father died, the house was left to him. I am a Black, so the house recognized me I guess, albeit reluctantly I'm sure. Sirius told me about blood wards, so I'm assuming that why you were allowed to enter."

"Very impressive." Narcissa said genuinely.

"Sirius taught me a thing or two."

"I heard he's in Azkaban." She said slowly.

Petunia's face hardened. "He's innocent. Peter-"

"I know." Narcissa cut in. "Peter is a death eater. Fay..." she swallowed hard. "Phaedra and I figured it out after the Potter's were killed. I'm sorry for your loss."

"I'm basically useless, even though I'm a purebloods wife, I'm still a muggle. I can't do anything to get him out, and I have to evidence."

"I will help you. I hope you will help me too."

Petunia nodded. "You want to stay here with your sons?"

"One is mine, the other belongs to my best friend, Phaedra. She was killed by her husband the night I was brought here."

"Lolly told me. She's a helpful little thing, unlike the monstrosity of an elf that resides here."

Narcissa gave a small chuckle. "Kreacher is definitely one of a kind. One of the many reasons Sirius hated living here. How long have you been here?"

"Since November second."

"So two months." Narcissa figured out with a nod. "And how long have I been alseep?"

"About two days. The boys are very cute, if a little shy. Harry seems to enjoy the company."

"You have Harry? Potter? He lived? Do you know if the Longbottom boy is still alive?" Narcissa fired her questions rapidly. If the boy was dead then it all was for nothing.

"Mad-Eye found Frank and Alice at Nott Mansion, thanks to an anonymous tip, but they're far from fine. The effects of the cruciatus curse were severe, I'm afraid they're metal state is very weak. Their son, Neville, he is alive and well. Living with his grandmother."

"Thank Heaven." She breathed. "Were any of them caught?"

Petunia eyed her carefully. True, Sirius told her several things about his favorite cousin, but four years changes people. "The two Lestrange brothers and your sister were caught and thrown in Azkaban. Your husband was also taken in, but from what I hear he's pleading imperious, and will likely get off scotch free."

"What?" She growled. Damn Lucius and his political connections. He deserved to rot in that hellhole just the like the rest of them. "He'll get away with it, I'm sure of it, being the well connected bastard that he his."

Petunia smiled at her. "You should rest, there isn't much we can do now, I'll fill you in on what little progress I've made later."

"Of course. Draco and Theo are alright?"

"Very well."

She sighed then. "Good."

Petunia knew that being married to a wizard did not make her a witch. She tried to tell Sirius that many times through their life together, but he insisted that because Lily was a witch, and a powerful one, magic lingered in her blood, too. She insisted that he was being ridiculous, and if he wanted to date a witch he should instead of wasting his time with her, but he never gave up the argument. And when the day came that she made a leaf flutter just as Lily used to, he was ecstatic. She could by no means do anything of real significance, but what she could do she did perfectly. What impressed Sirius the most though, was her skill in potions. She could brew anything just as well as Lily. She new a few charms and spells, but potions was her thing. She devoured it, learning everything she could about it. It was very similar to muggle medicine and culinary skills that she could apply her own knowledge to it and was damn good at doing it.

As she held Sirius's first wand in her hand, she knew it was a lost cause, but it was worth a shot. If she couldn't figure it out she would simply have to ask Narcissa tomorrow. She was out of ideas, and had no one else she felt she could trust. Dumbledore was perfectly happy to leave Sirius in that rotten place, and anyone else in the order would surely tell him what she was trying to do. So with a deep breath and a muttered spell, she held the wand above the sheet of parchment and prayed for a miracle.

Remus wandered around the various slums of Yorkshire. He was cold and depressed, but he didn't care. He deserved it. This was his life now. Three of his best friends dead, the other a murderer, Marlene was dead. He had no one left. Once word had reached him that Lily and James were dead, he lost all hope of ever going back. He couldn't even be there to protect them that night because of his stupid fight with Sirius and his damn wounded pride. To top it all off, it was a full moon that night, he couldn't even be there if he wanted to. Even if everything else was perfectly fine, he still wouldn't have been there. He couldn't protect anyone, it was better this way. He had to keep telling himself that.

His bones creaked due to the cold and his recovery from the full moon just the day before. A clear reminder that he's destined to be alone. Out of nowhere a blood red envelope danced in front of his face, and he recognized it immediately. A howler. Who the hell would send him a howler? He quickly grabbed it and hid in a darkened alleyway and cast a silencing charm just before the thing exploded and began yelling at him.

"REMUS LUPIN! YOU GET YOUR ASS BACK HERE RIGHT NOW! I HAVE BEEN SEARCHING FOR YOU FOR MONTHS! DO YOU KNOW HOW HARD IT IS FOR A MUGGLE TO FIND A WIZARD?! EXTREMELY DIFFICULT! WE ARE ALL THAT'S LEFT. SO YOU GET BACK HERE RIGHT NOW AND HELP ME CLEAR HIS NAME AND RAISE HARRY, WHO IS STILL ALIVE IF YOU DINT KNOW THAT. IF YOU THINK HARD ENOUGH YOU'LL KNOW WERE TO FIND ME, AND DONT THINK FOR ONE SECOND YOU WONT GET THESE DAMNED THINGS ON A DAILY BASIS NOW, REMUS!"

He stood in shock as he watched the letter disintegrate into pieces. Harry was alive! Was Sirius innocent? Remus himself never believed that he was a follower of Voldemort, but Sirius had been incredibly off balance in the last year or so. He at least owed it to Petunia to pay her a visit, as long as he left before the next full moon.

Three days later Remus showed up on the front step of Grimmauld Place. His clothes in tatters, his face unshaved, and he was sure he smelled like a garbage can. As soon as the door opened and he was ushered inside, he was embraced in a tight hug.

"Remus." Petunia cried. She pulled away and began smacking him with both hands. "Where. The. Hell. Have. You. Been?!"

Remus tried to cover himself as much as she could, but she was relentless.

"I've been looking for you six months! Six months, Remus! Do you even realize how hard that is?!"

"I'm sorry, I-"

"You're sorry? Damn right you're sorry, I've been here for two months by myself, in a house that hates me! And don't even bother telling me that I'm crazy because that blasted woman on the wall tells me every day!"

Remus laughed at that. He'd heard stories of Walburga's portrait. "I am truly sorry, Petunia. I should have come back sooner, but you must know that I can't stay here. I would only put you and Harry in danger."

"That's a load of hippogriff shit, Remus."

Good Godric, how he missed this woman. She was so perfectly matched for Sirius that it made his chest ache. "How are you holding up?"

She sighed as she hung her head. "Come in. Please."

He made his way inside where she lead him through the dark and dreary house. "Love what you've done with the place."

"Oh, shut up. This place is a disaster."

They made their way into a sitting room, where he stopped dead in his tracks when he saw Narcissa Malfoy and three children sitting on the floor.

"Cissa." He said in surprise.

"Remus." She greeted back.

"What the hell?"

"Why don't you sit." Narcissa said as she waved her hand towards an empty chair. "We have much to discuss."

An hour later he'd learned a lot. He mourned the fate of the Longbottom's, and the death of his once friend Phaedra. He heard the story of that terrible October night and Petunia and Narcissa's suspicions on Peter. It made some sense he supposed, more so than Sirius, even though his heart had a hard time believing it. Peter was their friend. He'd learned that Narcissa was here permanently, as one of the last living Black's she claimed the house as hers, and in doing so was safe for now from Lucius. Together they were certain that they could at least get Sirius a trial, if not set free for good.

"I applaud your determination, I really do, but I'm not sure how I can help."

"You can be here." Petunia answered. "We have three boys to take care of, two of which are orphans. They need love, and you are more than capable of that. Stay here with us." She nearly begged.

"Petunia, you know I can't. I would only put you and the boys in danger-"

"I can brew it." She said quickly. "Your potion. I can brew it."

They stared at each other a moment, before Narcissa butt in. "I'm sorry, brew what?"

"Wolfsbane." Petunia answered without taking her eyes away from Remus, who was gaping at her like a fish.

"Tuni!" He chastised. She's just blurted it out like he only had acne or something equally as harmless.

"What? She would find out eventually." She said with a shrug. "I've read all the books, the potions sections in this library is extensive. I can do it."

"And I can get you ingredients." Narcissa said confidently.

Remus was floored, he didn't know what he'd done to deserve this. "I deserted you." He said quietly.

"You're here now."

November 22, 1982

One full year later, Sirius Black was released from Azkaban. It took ten months of preparation and dismissals and nagging at the ministry to finally come up with enough evidence for him to receive the trial he should have gotten to begin with. Petunia waited outside the courtrooms, anxiously awaiting her husband. They hadn't even given her the opportunity to speak with him, or exchange letters. The first time she'd even laid eyes on him was well into his trial when he was finally called in to offer his testimony, and even the he was ushered right back out before he would even realize she was there.

The heavy door swing open and out walked Sirius Black as a free man, although no one would know it. He still wore his ratty prisoners uniform which was in tatters, his hair and mangled beard unwashed. And he smelled. Horrible.

"Sirius." She cried as she ran into his arms, the scratchy fabric of his uniform irritating her soft skin.

"Tuni." He choked. "Oh, Flower. I thought I'd never see you again."

"Shh. It's alright. You're free. We did it!" She pulled away and kissed him right on the mouth, his chapped lips feeling like heaven against hers. She had missed him so much. "Let's get you home."

"Do we have a home?"

"I'll explain it all when we get there. And after you've had a shower."

They flooed to Grimmauld Place, where he was ushered upstairs immediately to shower and groom himself properly. An hour later, dressed in fresh warm clothes he made his way back down stairs where a whole group of people he hadn't expected to see again were waiting for him. Narcissa, Remus and... three children?

Harry walked over on chubby little legs and Petunia picked him up.

"Who dis, Tuna?"

Those words tore at his heart. Harry didn't remember him. "Tuna?" he tried to mock in an attempt to his his true feelings.

"Harry sweetie, this is your Uncle Sirius. He's finally come home. Why don't you introduce him to your friends?"

"Kay." The little boy who looked exactly like James waddled over and pointed to a boy with bright blonde hair. "Dis Dayco." Then walked over to the other boy with sandy blonde hair and bright blue eyes. "Dis Tee-O."

"Phaedra." Sirius breathed. He looked exactly like her.

Sirius nodded, then looked to his old friend, Remus. Unsure of what to do or say, he stood there awkardly.

"Padfoot." Remus rasped out.

"Moony."

And just like that it was all forgiven. The two men embraced each other tightly. "How?"

"Like I said, we have a lot to talk about." Petunia said from beside him. "Now lets get something to eat and then we'll explain everything."

Sirius smiled at his wife. "Then we'll be a proper family."

A/N: So! What does everyone think? Next chapter should be up in a few days and starts at Year One of Hogwarts.