A/N: Canon says Sirius never met Andromeda's family, but this is fanfiction, so guess what? ;)


The first week of classes came and went, and the seventh-years found themselves bogged down with assignments already. Sirius and Annabelle decided to start off the year right, and on Friday evening, they went to the library to work on their Defence Against the Dark Arts assignment. The new professor was a young man named Angus MacMillan, and in one week of school he'd already proven himself a far better instructor than Professor Jaeger ever was, and a much saner one at that.

"You know what's weird?" Sirius said, putting his quill down and stretching his arms above his head.

"What?"

"That in some small way, I'm related to at least half this school. Professor MacMillan is a descendant of my grandmother's family. Lucky for him, he comes from the better part."

"At least you're not related to me," said Annabelle, nudging his foot with hers under the table.

Sirius nudged her back. "And for that, I am grateful. Not that most of them are first cousins or anything. I'm talking about distant relations. Like Alice and Frank's families, and the vast majority of Slytherin House. Even James and I have a distant connection."

"Really? I didn't know that."

"Yep. Some descendant of his granddad's third cousin or something like that married my great aunt. Not that he counts as a relative, really, but every Pureblood will find places where their family trees intersect. Nasty, yeah?"

Annabelle thought about it for a moment, then shrugged. "Maybe the close family marriages are nasty, sure, but like you said, some of the connections are so distant they don't exactly count."

"Yeah, I guess so. I'd still rather not be a part of it." He let out a dry chuckle. "Then again, I'm not actually part of it anymore. Blood traitors are removed from the Black family tree, and treated like they never existed in the first place. To them, I was never even born."

"Burning holes in a tapestry doesn't erase a person," said Annabelle. "No matter how much they want to pretend it does."

Sirius set his elbow on the table and rested his head in his palm. "I wrote to my Uncle Alphard over the summer. He wrote me back last week."

"What did he say?"

"It was short, and practically illegible – his handwriting is horrid. But he mentioned at least twice, in big letters, that I was a 'genetic anomaly,' and he called me and the handful of others that have been blasted from the tree over the centuries 'the only lights in a sea of darkness.' He said if I didn't believe him, to 'hang that scraggy old tapestry from a window and see for myself. The holes are what lets the light in.'"

The image took shape in Annabelle's mind – the light forcing its way through the ragged places Sirius' mother and her ancestors had blasted away. She felt a lump rise in her throat.

"I rather like this uncle of yours. Maybe you could visit with him more often."

"He's a bit of a recluse – not keen on visitors. He also mentioned that he hasn't been well, which Andromeda already told me, but he was glad we communicated again. He said he was proud of me."

Annabelle could see that his uncle's kind words were a comfort to Sirius. If only the man was more open to visitors, Sirius could have another family connection besides Andromeda that wouldn't expect him to change. One more person to confirm for him that he wasn't alone.

"See?" she said. "You didn't just spring from a cesspool of hate. There's several of you that share similar attitudes, set apart by your consciences."

Sirius chuckled. "So you're saying I'm not the only freak of nature the Black family ever produced?"

"Exactly, except I prefer to think of you as a wunderkind, not a freak of nature. As your uncle pointed out, you're in good company."

He reached for her hand, but remained contemplative.

"I know you feel adrift," she said, lacing her fingers with his, "like you no longer have roots, but what you have is stronger than that old tapestry. In fact, I'm going to draw you a new family tree, with everyone who loves you on it. And you'll always be a part of it, no matter what."

He smiled as he rubbed his thumb over her fingers. He seemed far away, as he always did when the subject of his family came up.

"What are you thinking?" she asked.

He blew out a breath and an errant lock of hair lifted from his brow. "I think I should pay my cousin Andromeda a visit. She's asked me twice now, and I no longer have a reason to stay away, so…"

"Yes! Do it! I think you'll feel so much better if you do."

"Will you come with me?"

"Of course," said Annabelle. "If she doesn't mind."

"She won't mind. I told her about you in my letter to her, and she asked me to bring you along."

"Just say when."

Sirius shut his book. "I'll write to her now, and hopefully, we'll have our answer soon."

Annabelle felt a twinge of excitement at the prospect of meeting a member of Sirius' family. It made her sad that he'd never have the experience of introducing his girlfriend to his parents, not to mention how much she longed to know at least one person that shared his heritage – preferably one that didn't want her tortured and destroyed. From the way he spoke of Andromeda, it was possible she could fill that particular void for both of them. Andromeda wouldn't judge him or turn him away, because that would be the same as judging herself. Annabelle hoped that reuniting with his cousin would be another step toward healing the wounds his parents had inflicted on him, because if anyone understood what Sirius had been through his entire life, it was Andy.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

Golden September light filled the Great Hall the next morning as the students sat down to breakfast. The owls flew in with the post, and Lily, who hadn't been expecting a letter, was pouring syrup on a pancake when one landed in her lap, narrowly missing her plate. Sirius also received a letter, which had dropped straight into his hand. Andromeda had wasted no time replying.

He opened the envelope slowly, suddenly unsure about spending time with an actual family member, even if she was one of the few "good ones." The memories of his past still haunted him, sometimes brutally, and seeing Andromeda might dredge up feelings he'd been trying so hard to move beyond. Annabelle read it along with him, her smile growing with every sentence.

Dearest cousin Sirius,

Words can't express how thrilled I am that I'll get to see you again after all these years. You must come as soon as possible, the coming weekend perhaps? I will sort it all out with Dumbledore so all you'll have to do is hop into the floo. Nymphadora is eager to meet her cousin, and I'm quite excited to meet your Annabelle. Please, if you don't mind, let me know straight away so that I can prepare for your visit. I'm so happy I think I might burst!

With love,

Andromeda

Sirius stared at the letter a moment longer, then folded it and slipped it into the envelope.

"I guess we're going to see Andromeda next weekend," he said.

Annabelle gave his arm a pat. "It's going to be grand. You'll see."

Sirius exhaled heavily. His stomach knotted, and he set his napkin on the table. He was no longer hungry.

At the same time Sirius and Annabelle were reading Andromeda's letter, Lily opened her own letter, her mother's dainty script gracing the page, and read it as she took a sip of tea.

Dear Lily,

We've just been given the most wonderful news! Your sister has become engaged to her Vernon. Apparently, they were at his mother's home in Little Whinging when he got down on one knee and proposed! Isn't that lovely? You must send her a note of congratulation! Don't forget to have it delivered here first. You know how your sister feels about owls.

Also, she plans to tell Vernon soon about your special talents, and I suspect he'll be as impressed as we are. We're going to be having a little celebratory get-together in a fortnight. I've already written the headmaster, asking if you may be relieved of your head girl duties for the evening so that you might join us.

Please come, Lily-dear. It would mean a lot to your father and me, as well as Petunia. My goodness, how quickly you're both growing up.

Love,

Mum

Lily shoved the letter back into the envelope and violently chopped off a piece of pancake with her fork, then stuffed it into her mouth, her eyes filling with tears. Everyone else glanced warily at each other, unsure if she was angry or sad, or both.

"What did the letter say?" asked Alice.

Lily finished chewing, and squeezed her eyes shut as she swallowed. "My sister got engaged."

"Uh oh," said Annabelle.

"Why is this bad news?" asked Peter.

"Oh, I don't know," Lily replied with a shrug. "Maybe because her fiancé is an ignorant, shallow, bore of man?"

"Maybe she fancies ignorant, shallow, bores," said Peter. "Why should you care?"

James kicked him hard under the table.

"What?" asked Peter, bending to rub his leg. "It's an honest question."

Before James could respond, Lily said, "Because, the Petunia I knew would never marry someone like that. She wanted to marry Paul McCartney, last time I checked. And Vernon Dursley is no Paul McCartney."

"So? People change," said Peter. "It happens all the time."

James dropped his fork onto the table and raked a hand through his hair. "Pete, you don't know the man, and you don't know Lily's sister. Leave it alone."

"It's all right," said Lily. "I suppose people can change, but I just can't believe she's happy with him. Not that I know him all that well. She never talks to me about him, and I've only met him twice. But he was so… not right for her."

"Do you think if she'd been more open about him with you, you'd feel differently?" asked Alice.

"I don't know. He'd still be him, so probably not. But what can I do? She barely speaks to me anymore. I'm the last person she'd listen to."

Deep down, Lily knew if she disparaged Vernon to Petunia, that Petunia would cut her off completely. Even though their relationship was fraught with tension and years of bitterness, she always held out hope that with time and maturity, they would overcome their differences, and that maybe, one day, Petunia would have a change of heart.

"Does he mind that you're a witch?" asked Caradoc.

"He doesn't know yet. My mum says she's going to tell him soon."

"Maybe he'll break up with her when she tells him," said Caradoc. "He'll think she's gone mad."

"Then she'll just have one more reason to loathe my existence. I'll be the reason her cuddly crumpet left her."

Everyone shuddered at the mention of Petunia's pet name for Vernon, including Lily, as she recalled how sugary sweet Petunia was whenever she spoke to him. Maybe she truly had changed. Maybe she did love him.

"I've got to meet this chap," said James.

Lily's eyebrows shot up in hope. "Really? You would want to?"

"Sure, why not? I've never known any ignorant, shallow, boring muggles personally. Might be fascinating. Maybe he and I will get on well, and your sister would have to stop treating you like a massive, reeking pile of manticore dung."

Sirius, Remus, and Caradoc started laughing, but Alice put a napkin over her mouth like she was going to be sick.

"Fuck's sake," said Johnny B., who was trying not to laugh. "You're going to make Alice honk all over the table, talking like that. Proper table manners, lads, please."

James joined in with the laughter, but Lily felt weary, like she'd lost any chance of reconciling with Petunia. Her entire childhood felt like a lie; all those years, side by side with her sister, just to grow up and have it negated. She never would have guessed Petunia had it in her to reject her own little sister, and it hurt like crazy.

"It wouldn't matter," she said, staring down at her now soggy pancake. "She'd still hate me."

"She doesn't hate you, Lil," said Annabelle. "She's just lost. It may take a while, but she'll come to her senses."

"My mum wants me to go home for a celebratory dinner," Lily said. "Is it awful that I don't want to go? I mean, I'll go, but…" She sighed miserably.

"It's okay," said James. "Because I'm going with you. Your mum and dad won't mind, will they?"

"No, I don't think so, but James, she's not nice to my friends - Annie can vouch for that. I can't put you through it."

"I want to be put through it. All right? I can take it, I promise."

Lily's brows furrowed as she considered it. If Petunia was rude to James, Lily would no longer be civil. But, she didn't want to go alone, and she shouldn't have to keep her own boyfriend hidden away because of her sister's judgemental attitude.

"If you're sure-"

"Good, it's settled." He picked up his fork and dug into his tower of pancakes.

Lily kissed his cheek, and whispered, "Thank you."

James wiped his hands on his napkin and hugged her. "You're welcome," he replied, his words garbled by pancake. "I'd do anything for you."

Annabelle was relieved James had volunteered to go with her, even though she'd expected him to. Lily shouldn't have to deal with such an uncomfortable situation alone, and while Annabelle and Alice would have both offered to go along, James was the best choice to accompany her, because he wouldn't let Petunia get under his skin. Or so Annabelle hoped.

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

The weekends always felt too far away, due to the intense classes and the obscene amount of work that came with seventh year. Lily looked forward to her walk-throughs of the castle with James, since it was an excuse to take a break from revision and writing until her fingers blistered. They had already finished their usual route, but decided to keep strolling, not wanting to face the piles of parchment and textbooks that awaited them in Gryffindor Tower.

"So this is the infamous bathroom," said James, motioning toward the door in front of them.

Lily had never thought much about the Prefects Bathroom, until she suddenly had access to it herself. Now she was curious.

"Should we knock first?"

"If someone's in there, it locks automatically. Special charm to prevent perverts from getting a free show."

"That answers my other question."

James said the password, "Rubber Duck," and turned the knob to find it locked.

"See? Told you it's never open."

"Whoever's in there can't stay in there forever," she said. "We could always wait a bit."

"Why? Did you have something in mind?" He wagged his eyebrows up and down, a roguish grin on his lips.

She stared at him like he was out of his mind. "James, can you imagine if anyone found out? The head boy and head girl, caught together in the bath?"

"So? We need to get clean just like everyone else."

"You know what I mean. Come on, I will see it later."

They turned to walk away, James feeling a bit disappointed that his suggestion was met with such opposition, and Lily thinking that his suggestion actually sounded rather appealing, if only it wasn't a massive transgression, and something that she, as head girl, would never in a million years consider.

He took her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing it gently. She wished they weren't on duty, because she had the sudden urge to press herself against him and bury her face in his skin. She almost told him so, but he would most certainly find a way to make that happen, and they most certainly could not risk getting caught.

As though he read her mind, he said, "I wish I could get you alone right now."

"So do I," she blurted out, and his grin doubled in size. "But, honestly, we can't take any chances. Head girls and head boys are supposed to set an example, not get caught in broom cupboards or bathrooms together."

"There are other places we can go, besides broom cupboards and bathrooms. Places I'm pretty sure only the lads and I know about."

"And risk them accidentally walking in on us?"

"I could tell them to stay away."

"And they would know why, and I don't want them knowing our personal business."

James sighed in frustration. "We could always rent a room at The Leaky Cauldron."

"And if someone recognised us?"

"So, what you're saying is, we can't kiss or lay a finger on each other until school is finished, yeah?"

She gave a quick glance about, then yanked him into an alcove behind a suit of armour. After taking one last peek into the corridor, she pulled his face to hers and kissed him hard on the lips, eliciting a small whimper from him as he melted into her.

After a few minutes of fervently trying to get their fill of each other, Lily grew nervous. She hated to stop, but what if a professor caught them? Or some nosy student with a mouth for gossip? What if Dumbledore himself made an appearance?

"James," she said, pulling back, her arms still around his neck. "We're taking a chance. I shouldn't have…" She shook her head. "I shouldn't have done that."

"God, but I'm glad you did," he breathed, resting his forehead against hers.

"Really? Because I need you to know," she whispered, taking his face in her hands, "I… want you… just as much as you want me. I've been thinking about it… a lot."

His eyes widened. "A lot a lot?"

She nodded slowly.

"Lily…" he groaned, burying his face in her neck. "I'm going to need a moment to recover… if you catch my drift." He let go of her, and placed a hand on the wall to steady himself. "Thinking of Madam Wigworthy in the nude usually takes care of it," he said, squeezing his eyes shut.

"Be nice, James," said Lily. "She's married, you know. I'm sure her husband is perfectly content to look at her in the nude."

James shuddered. "Good for Mr. Wigworthy. I bet you wouldn't want to see him naked either."

"I'll be older someday, as will you. Will you be turned off by me, then?"

James started laughing. "That's impossible. I will never be turned off by you, no matter what. But, maybe you'll be turned off by me."

"That's not how it works. If you love someone, you'll always think they're beautiful. At every age."

"I know I'll always think you're beautiful," he said softly, running a thumb over her cheek. "Even when we're ninety."

She smiled and kissed him again, then took his hand. "Good response."

They eased out from behind the armour and headed toward the seventh floor.

"Next time," said James, "instead of old Wiggy, I'll picture the dead rabbit we saw in the forest once. It was half eaten and covered with maggots. Peter barfed, in his rat form-"

Lily covered her ears, and James laughed so hard he staggered slightly as he walked.

"Merlin, Lily, what would I do without you?"

She linked her arm with his, and nuzzled her head against his shoulder.

"If you promise you won't talk about naked faculty members and maggot-covered rabbits again, you won't ever have to find out."

He smiled at her and replied, "I'd say you've got yourself a deal."

.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

At long last, Saturday arrived again, and after lunch, Sirius and Annabelle entered the headmaster's office. Andromeda had wanted them to come for dinner, but Sirius hadn't felt comfortable with that. He didn't want to sit through a meal if things got awkward, so he'd written her that he had a lot of work to do that evening. Annabelle had told him that Andy would see right through that excuse, but she'd written back that any time was fine with her, that she just wanted so much to see him again. So they settled on an afternoon visit.

"Give Andromeda and Ted my warmest regards," said Dumbledore before they stepped into the fireplace. "And give these to Nymphadora."

He handed them a box of mini-chocoballs.

"We will, sir," said Sirius.

When they arrived at the Tonks residence, they were greeted by a little girl in pink bell bottoms and a pink and white striped top. Her round little belly poked out, and her upper lip was coated with what appeared to be a milk moustache. She was standing directly in front of the fireplace as though she'd been waiting for them, and her eyes went big as saucers.

"They're here! Mummy! Mummy! Come see!" She started skipping about. "Mummy! They're heeere!"

Sirius and Annabelle waited, smiling at the excited child whose hair had gone from brown to pink in under a second. A tall young woman appeared in a doorway to their left, and she gasped when she saw Sirius, her face overcome with emotion. She made her way directly to him and embraced him, a sob escaping her. Annabelle was awed by her resemblance to Sirius; she had the same grey eyes, the same high cheekbones, and the same lustrous hair, only hers was a shade or two lighter.

"My goodness, Sirius, how you've grown!" she said, her voice faltering. "You're no longer that little boy who used to hang onto my arm while I told you stories about knights and dragons!"

"I still remember those stories," he said.

"Mummy, why are you crying?" the child asked.

"I'm just so happy to see your cousin," she said as she let him go. "It's been far too long."

"Andy, this is Annie," he said, motioning towards Annabelle. "Annie, Andy."

Andromeda wiped her cheeks on her sleeves, then pulled Annabelle into a hug. "Thank you. Thank you so much for coming," she said in her ear.

"Thank you for having us," said Annabelle.

Andromeda relinquished her, sniffled, and put a hand on the child's shoulder. "And this is Nymphadora."

"I'm four and a half," Nymphadora proudly informed them.

"You'll be all grown soon," said Sirius. He held out the box of chocoballs. "These are from Professor Dumbledore."

Her eyes lit up and she took it from his hand, grinning. "Thank you. Can I eat them, Mummy?"

"You may have one now," said Andromeda. She took the box and opened it, and handed one chocoball to Nymphadora. The little girl tossed it into her mouth.

"Would either of you like one before I hide these?" asked Andromeda, and Sirius and Annabelle politely declined. "She'll have the whole box gone in one sitting and then she'll be bouncing off the walls."

Nymphadora starting jumping around, weaving between Sirius and Annabelle. "Look at me, I'm Peter Rabbit. Bounce, bounce, bounce."

Suddenly, she tripped over her own foot and fell, barely missing the corner of the coffee table.

"Calm down, darling," Andromeda said. "Let's have a day without an injury, please." She turned to Sirius and Annabelle. "Make yourselves at home. I'm just going to pop into the kitchen to put the kettle on. Ted had to go into work for a few hours, but he should be back soon I hope." She stopped at the door, and added in a hushed voice, "Oh, and just so you're aware, we try to limit the amount of magic we use in front of her – she's so impressionable and we fear she'll blow up the house if she learns too much, too soon."

She chuckled, but really, she was politely asking that they keep their wands stowed away. Some witches and wizards believed that overexposure to magic was dangerous for a young child, and felt that responsible wizarding parents did not to teach their children even the most innocent of charms before they were old enough to understand their powers.

Sirius and Annabelle sat down on the sofa, and Nymphadora stood and stared at them, a little finger digging in her nose as though she was contemplating something important. Her hair suddenly changed to lavender, the same shade as Annabelle's blouse. Annabelle looked round the sitting room to avoid her gaze. The room was spotless, not a speck of dust to be seen anywhere, but it still felt like a home - like a family lived there. There was a basket of toys in one corner, and photographs in frames along the mantel, some moving, some stationary. Most of them included a young man Annabelle assumed to be Andromeda's husband, and some featured people she guessed were members of his family.

Nymphadora had been watching Annabelle intently, and pointed to one of the photographs. "That's my daddy," she said to her. "He's at work." Then she began pointing at every picture, galloping a little as she spoke. "And that's me, and that's my mummy, and that's my daddy, and that's my granny, and my mummy, and me-"

"Now, now, darling, settle down," Andromeda said, returning from the kitchen. "I think they understand." She sent a pleading smile to Sirius and Annabelle as she sat down in a chair by the sofa. "What can I say? She's a spirited child with a mind of her own."

"That's better than the alternative," said Sirius curtly.

Andromeda paused, clearly surprised by his tone. "Agreed," she said. She looked down at her hand and twisted the ring on her finger.

An awkward silence filled the room, and Nymphadora began rocking side to side, whispering the words to "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star."

Sirius was tense, rigid almost, and Annabelle realised just how much he was struggling. She wished he would let his guard down, but, even though Andromeda was on his side and understood first-hand what he'd gone through, she was still a vivid reminder of the past, and seeing her again couldn't be easy for him. After all, he hadn't spoken to her since he just before he entered Hogwarts, when she was disowned, and there was a lot that needed to be acknowledged between them. Pretending everything was fine would help no one. Maybe if they had a few moments to themselves, without an audience, they could reconnect.

"Would you like a few moments to talk?" Annabelle asked. "I'm sure Nymphadora and I can find something to entertain us."

"Let's go outside and I can show you my tree house!" the little girl said. "You have to climb a ladder to get inside, and be careful or you'll fall."

Andromeda raised her eyebrows, tears still glistening in her eyes. "Are you sure? I don't want you to feel-"

"It's no trouble," said Annabelle, standing up. "I must see this tree house – it sounds amazing."

Annabelle looked at Sirius to make sure he didn't mind, and he nodded his head. She glanced at him one more time as Nymphadora pulled her along, and he smiled weakly back at her.

"Put on your jacket, darling," Andromeda told her daughter. "And be polite."

"S'all right, Mummy. I've got manners!"

On the way to the back door, they passed through the kitchen. It was also spotless, except for the refrigerator, which was covered with paintings of stick figures and teddy bears. Annabelle's heart warmed at the thought of this sweet little family, so profound to her because of their normalness. It made her nostalgic for her Granddad, and the place she once called home.

The garden was chilly, and Annabelle shivered, not having anticipated going outside, but it was well worth it when she saw the tree house. Multi-storied, and painted purple, pink, and turquoise, its windows paned with what looked like real glass, it had clearly been built by magical hands. Annabelle wondered what charms had been placed on it – probably dozens to prevent falls, glass from breaking, and wild animals or bees from making their nests inside. She imagined it was the safest tree house on the planet.

"My daddy builded it for me! Hold on tight when you climb or you'll fall and get a ouchie."

"Oh dear, I don't want to get an ouchie. I'll be very careful."

Climbing a ladder in a skirt wasn't ideal, but Annabelle made it without any wardrobe malfunctions. In the first level, there were silver-sequined cushions of varying sizes along the golden glittery floor, and on the hot pink wall hung a blackboard with coloured chalk in a tray below. The room was lit by a jar of what appeared to be fireflies, but Annabelle knew they weren't real, because they illuminated the entire space in a warm glow.

Nymphadora flung herself down on a sparkly cushion. "Sit down," she commanded, and smiled when Annabelle did as she was told.

"You want to play school? I'll be the teacher."

"Okay, let's play."

The game of school started off innocently enough, with Nymphadora drawing crooked letters on the board and calling on Annabelle to identify them, but soon she started acting silly, making scribbles and shouting at Annabelle to sit in the corner when she couldn't guess the right answer.

"How about you show me the rest of the house?" Annabelle suggested, and just like that, the little girl tugged Annabelle by the hand toward the next ladder, and they made their way to the floor above.

"This is my kitchen."

The room was light blue with polka-dots in every colour of the rainbow scattered over the walls, ceiling, and floor. There was a fancy toy kitchen against the wall, complete with a sink, oven, and refrigerator, as well as a little table with four tiny chairs and a tea set spread out on it. One wall was devoted to moving cartoons of fruits and vegetables, each with their names appearing beside their smiling faces.

"The sink really works, see?"

Nymphadora turned the tap, and sure enough, water came out. Annabelle was delighted, but not surprised.

They sat down at the tiny table and pretended to have a tea party. The child filled the cups with water, but soon grew restless again and began stirring the water so fast that it all flew out and onto the table.

"This is the most amazing tree house I have ever seen," Annabelle said, shielding herself with her hands and trying to distract Nymphadora from her mission to make a watery mess everywhere. "What a lucky girl you are."

Her face lit up in a toothy smile. "I'm Daddy's princess and he said it's my tree palace. Come to the top floor!"

The top floor was the best by far, in Annabelle's opinion. Instead of a room, Annabelle felt like she'd stepped into outerspace. It was dark except for the vivid night sky moving all around them, like a miniature planetarium. There were velvet floor mats in the centre of the room, and Nymphadora pulled Annabelle onto them.

"Lie down," she said. They made themselves comfortable and Nymphadora pointed to the ceiling. "Mummy says those are cons-ta-lay-shuns. And there's shooting stars, and comets, and meteors, and planets, and moons. Mummy says her family is up there. Sometimes she cries when she looks up at them. Can you see them? Mummy says you can see them in the sky at night."

Annabelle suddenly found it difficult to swallow past the lump forming in her throat. "Is that so?"

"Uh-huh."

"I'll have to start looking at the sky more often, then."

There was a brief silence as they watched the enchanted universe floating all around them. Faint lullabies were playing from somewhere, or more like everywhere, and Annabelle felt like she was in a dreamland.

Suddenly, Nymphadora blurted out, "My daddy farts in his sleep sometimes. It goes BA-ROOOM!"

Annabelle choked with laughter. "Well, I reckon he can't help it."

"Mummy and I call him Stinky Bum."

They both cracked up over that, and then to drive her point home, Nymphadora pressed her mouth to her arm and blew hard, imitating the noise. Annabelle laughed harder, and while she knew she shouldn't, because it only encouraged the child, she couldn't help it.

"Nymphadora! Annie!" Andromeda's voice called. "Come have some tea!"

Nymphadora turned to Annabelle, her eyes wide. "Biscuits," she whispered and scrambled to her feet, stumbling once on her way to the ladder.

Once inside, Annabelle joined Sirius on the sofa. Both his and Andromeda's eyes were red, and Annabelle's heart ached for them. But they seemed more relaxed around each other than before she'd gone outside, like two old friends.

"Are you all right?" Annabelle whispered to him after Andromeda went to the loo to wash her daughter's hands.

He put his arm around her shoulders. "I am," he said, and kissed her on the temple. "She's been hurting, as well. Her sisters no longer speak to her. They were close when they were young – much closer than I was with Regulus. I just wish I'd come to see her sooner."

"Better late than never."

"True. And thank you for taking Nymphadora outside so we could talk."

"You're welcome. It was worth it to see that tree house."

"Yeah? How was it?"

"Amazing. Magical, but not over-the-top."

He chuckled softly. "I have no doubt. Andy said Ted plans to add to it when she gets a bit older. It's charmed so the neighbours can't see it."

"They strike me as a loving family. Even in pictures," said Annabelle as she eyed the frames scattered on every surface and wall. "They just look so happy together."

"No traces of the Black family darkness here," he said. "I needed this."

She gave his leg a squeeze. "You both did."

Ted came home from work just as they were finishing their tea, and Nymphadora went crazy, skipping about in front of the fireplace, and screaming, "Daddy's home! Hello, Daddy!"

"Dora!" he said, hoisting her up. "How's my princess this afternoon?"

"I'm grand! Cousin Sirius is here. And Annie saw my tree house!"

"How lovely," he said. His wife stood up and they shared a quick kiss.

"Yucky," said Nymphadora, and covered her eyes.

Ted came round the sofa, his daughter still perched on his hip, and shook Sirius' hand, then Annabelle's. "I'm Ted, by the way. Sorry I couldn't get here sooner, but we had an emergency meeting at the radio station." He picked up a biscuit and popped it into his mouth. "Dromeda's been so eager for you to come over. Dora's always asking who Mummy's relatives are, but I don't have the heart to tell her they're mostly-" and he mouthed the word "loony." Then, seeming to realise he might have crossed a line, he added, "No offence, Sirius."

Sirius gave a small wave of the hand. "None taken, I assure you."

Ted observed Sirius for a moment, glanced at Andy, and looked at Sirius again. "There's definitely a resemblance there," he said, shaking his head. "Wow."

Sirius smiled at his cousin, and she smiled back at him, her expression wistful, but happy just the same. Then she rose from her seat and began cleaning up.

"Let me," said Annabelle, and she set her cup and saucer on the tray.

"No, you mustn't," said Andy.

Annabelle collected the rest of the cups and picked up the tray. "Please, I'd like to help."

Sirius moved to take the tray, but Annabelle shook her head. She wanted to make a good impression on Sirius' family.

"All right," said Andy, smiling good-naturedly. "If you insist."

As she followed Andy into the kitchen, she could hear the Quidditch talk beginning in the sitting room.

"Sounds like we left at a good time," Andy said, taking the tray from Annabelle and setting the cups in the sink. "Oh wait, I'm sorry. You play Quidditch. Do you want to go chat with them?"

Annabelle smirked. "Absolutely not. I don't mind playing, but I don't follow professional Quidditch."

"Neither do I. Puts me right to sleep. But we'll be attending one of your matches, you can count on it."

"That would mean a lot to us," said Annabelle. Remembering the no magic rule, she pushed up her sleeves to help wash the cups, but Andy insisted on doing them herself.

"So," Andy said, her voice taking on a sly tone. "How long have you and Sirius been an item?"

"Almost a year."

"A year? That's a long time for someone your age." She stopped washing for moment. "Merlin, listen to me. Ted and I were the same age as you when we started dating."

Annabelle smiled, not sure what to say, but Andy quickly filled the silence.

"When he told me your name was O'Neill, I was instantly terrified, for both of you," she said. "But I reminded myself he was disowned, so they won't hurt you now." She added with a bitter chuckle, "They won't even acknowledge your existence."

It was evident that the Black Family's dark ways still caused her anxiety, so Annabelle didn't think it was necessary to fill her in how they tried to ruin her relationship with Sirius a year ago. It would only upset her more.

"I know that young love can be tumultuous, but I'd hate to see him hurt again," she went on, then stopped washing and covered her mouth with the back of her wrist, soaps suds coating her fingers. "Pardon my forwardness. It's none of my business, I know that. And I'm not telling you what to do, or how to live your life, I -"

"His heart is safe with me," said Annabelle. "You have my word."

Andromeda nodded, and began washing another tea cup. "I'm sorry if I'm overstepping my bounds, Annabelle. I just worry about him. He's strong, I know, but sometimes…" She sighed and went quiet.

"I love him," Annabelle assured her. "Even when he's stroppy or distant… or sad. He means the world to me."

"Yeah?"

Annabelle didn't know how to convince her that she wasn't going to rip out her cousin's already battered heart. She hoped Andy would just believe her.

"Yeah. Like I really love him. Maybe it sounds mad, but it's true."

Andromeda blew out a long breath, her shoulders relaxing, and smiled. "It doesn't sound mad, and I'll have you know, he said he really loves you, as well."

Annabelle felt her cheeks warm as she fought the huge grin spreading across her face. "I know he does."

"This was a good day," Andromeda said, bumping shoulders with Annabelle.

After returning to the sitting room for a bit more conversation, and one more trip outside so Sirius could experience the tree palace, they hugged their farewells with promises to keep in touch. Andy grew teary-eyed again as Sirius and Annabelle stepped into the fireplace, and Ted put an arm around her.

"Bye-bye, Sirius and Annie!" Nymphadora said as she waved her hand.

"Bye-bye, princess," said Annabelle.

Moments later, after calling out their destination, they stepped out of the floo in the headmaster's office. Dumbledore wasn't there, so they let themselves out and headed to the Great Hall for dinner.

"Thank you for coming with me," said Sirius, as they walked through the empty corridors.

"You don't have to thank me. I wanted to go with you."

"Dora's a laugh, isn't she?"

"That's an understatement. You should've heard her in the tree house."

"Well, I'm glad you liked her because I volunteered us to mind her while they go out to dinner sometime."

"That's what family is for. Child minding."

Sirius let out a laugh. He had a skip in his step, like a small part of him had healed.

"Maybe someday Dora will be child minding for us," he said, raising his eyebrows.

Annabelle was surprised to hear him talk that way, considering he never spoke of things like marriage and children. His childhood had soured him against the idea. Quite frankly, she was okay with that, since talk of both frightened her a bit. They were still kids themselves.

"Sirius, is that you in there?" she asked, only half joking. "Or have you been cursed?"

He sighed, a faint smile still on his lips and shoved his hands into his pockets. "Eh, it's just a thought. It doesn't seem as awful after seeing them together."

"How about we worry about passing our N.E.W.T.s first?" she said, linking her arm with his.

"I could pass a bloody N.E.W.T. in my sleep."

"Oh, you could? Because I couldn't."

"Trust me, Annie. Everything is going to work out, and a year from now, you and I will be in our own flat, making sweet-"

"Sirius!" she scolded him, then whispered sharply, "Someone might hear you."

"I was just going to say, making sweet memories."

"I'll bet you were."

He laughed again, and his cheerful mood was infectious. When they reached the Great Hall, he tried to tickle her, and she gave him a harmless jab in the side before heading to the table.

He gripped his side dramatically, and said in an exaggerated, deep voice, "Don't hurt me like that, baby."

"Baby?" she giggled. "Who are you right now?"

He puckered his lips and tugged at his shirt collar. "I'm Andy Gibb's little brother."

Her shoulders began shaking with laughter, and when she caught her breath, she said, "I didn't know you were an Andy Gibb fan."

He broke character and replied, "I'm definitely not a fan, but I have a very sharp memory. When James and I paid you and Lily a visit over Easter hols, you'd been drooling over pictures of him in a magazine."

"Drooling?" she repeated as she sat down at the table. "Hardly."

"You were drooling again, Annie?" asked James. "You really should see a healer about that."

She let out a huff, but couldn't hide her smile.

"You remember," Sirius said to James. "They were drooling over that muggle chap called Andy Gibb."

"Right," said James. "The one with the feathery hair and his shirt unbuttoned to his navel."

"That's the one."

"He was born in Manchester," offered Caradoc. "A home town lad."

"So are you going to drool over him, as well?" asked Sirius. His remark was met with a bread roll to the face.

"Andy Gibb is a stone cold fox," said Johnny B.

Alice nodded in agreement, but Peter just shook his head in confusion.

"We weren't drooling over him," said Lily. "We were discussing whether we found him attractive or not."

"Lies," said James. Lily smiled and rolled her eyes.

"No discussion necessary," said Alice. "He's a fox."

"He may be a stone cold fox," said Remus, wiping his mouth with his napkin, "but I'm a stone cold wolf."

The boys seized with laughter, and just in case there was any doubt in Sirius' mind, Annabelle leaned in and said, "You're far foxier than Andy Gibb."

He grinned triumphantly, then whispered, "You wouldn't happen to be free tonight, let's say around midnight, would you?"

She pressed her leg against his. "I'll have to check my calendar and get back to you on that."

He took her hand under the table and rubbed his thumb over hers, sending a current through her. He gave her a timid glance and she pressed her lips to his cheek, but he turned his head and met her lips.

Peter rolled his eyes. "Oi! I'm eating over here."

They abruptly separated. "Sorry," said Annabelle, blushing crimson.

"Yeah, Peter still thinks kissing is nasty," said Johnny B. "Right, Pete?"

"In that case," said James. He took Lily by the face and planted a sloppy kiss on her mouth.

"Hope you enjoy my chewed potatoes," she said to him when he pulled apart from her. "Warn a girl next time."

"Those were the best potatoes I ever tasted."

Lily had just taken a sip of water and started coughing and laughing at the same time.

"I don't think kissing is gross," said Peter, "as long as I don't have to see it."

"So don't look," said James.

"Right," agreed Johnny B. "It makes you sound jealous."

Peter swallowed his food and put down his fork. "I'll have you all know, I kissed a girl this summer. And she was a fox."

"Kissing actual foxes doesn't count, Pete," said Sirius.

"Yeah," said James. "Stick to your own species."

Everyone laughed, and surprisingly, Peter shook his head and chuckled along with them. Maybe he had actually kissed a girl over the summer, but just accepted that his mates would never believe him. Whatever the truth was, Andromeda was right; it was a good day.