A/N: Thank you all once again for your kind reviews. I really do want to see Umbridge squirm in a way she didn't in the books because of course the marauders weren`t there as such. Also maybe Draco`s vulnerability could be shown earlier and possibly have a blossoming romance with someone unexpected. Look out too for some Sirius and Shari drama!

On Friday morning Sirius is having breakfast in the kitchen of Grimauld Place with Regulus, James and Lily. There is a tapping at the window. When they look, they see a brown owl carrying a letter in its beak. James goes to retrieve it while the others speculate who it's from. As James returns to the table he looks at Sirius concernedly. Sirius eyes him suspiciously as James hands it to him. As soon as Sirius sees it, he understands.

"I see my long lost wife has decided to write." He smiles unconvincingly.

"Would you like some privacy Sirius?" Lily asks gently as Sirius begins to open it. He looks at her stunned.

"Oh as if Lil! I`m sure there is nothing in here that will be that shocking." Lily, James and Regulus eye one another anxiously. They sit in silence as Sirius reads. After a few moments Sirius throws the letter onto the table and abruptly walks over to the sink where he slams his cup down on the draining board. The three eye him. Lily signals for James to approach him. Just then Sirius says

"Read the letter James. Out loud. Read it." Sirius ordered still facing the back garden. James cleared his throat and picked up the letter as he began to read.

Dear Sirius,

I hope you and the children are well. I am aware of how hurt you must have felt when I left so suddenly. I want you to know that it wasn't because I didn't love you but rather that I needed time to deal with what happened by myself, away from everything. It still hurts. I feel ready to come home now. I will be there by Sunday.

Shari

"Well at least she`s coming home. That`s a good sign." James offered delicately. Sirius turned around and stared at them angrily.

"She leaves me here to deal with grief that we both shared and to look after our children. She could have had all the space she wanted here. I would have done anything for that woman. Not a word. Not a single word for weeks and she reckons one letter to say everything is hunky dorey and she`s ready to play happy families is sufficient?"

"Sirius everyone deals with grief differently. Shari probably needed a change of scene..."

"Don't give me that rubbish Lily! I have never in my life felt like that. It was torture. People may think that enduring physical pain is torture but I swear to you that losing a child is the worst pain any parent can feel. I couldn't sleep for so long, there are still nights when I can`t. I felt absolutely empty inside as though my soul had been sucked out. My heart was completely smashed into a million pieces. It still is. But do you know what the worst part is? It`s not the fact that we lost our boys, it`s not the fact that Shari ran away, it`s not even that Harry`s memorial was ruined; it`s the fact that I will never know what they look like. That will torture me until the day I die but you know what? I know they are with me and they always will be because they live in here." Sirius placed a hand over his heart as he looked at his brother and two friends. It was the first time that any of them had heard him speak so openly and passionately about the miscarriage. It seemed he had been bottling all that up since it happened because he felt he had to be strong for everyone else since the war was pending. Sirius himself felt as though he had finally conquered his demons. Lily stood up and approached him. He smiled cheekily at her saying

"I`ll bet you thought James was the only marauder who could be emotional." She looked at him sadly, on the verge of tears as she threw her arms around his neck and hugged him fondly. She sobbed quietly on his shoulder. Sirius rubbed her back as he comforted her. As they released one another, Sirius held her at arm`s length saying

"I thought I was the one who should be in tears Lils."

"Sirius that was the most beautiful thing you ever said. It was passionate, honest and real. I have never been prouder of you." She hugged him again. James smiled shaking his head as Sirius made a hand gesture signally incredulousness.

"I don't think I ever saw Lily this emotional before." Regulus remarked quietly to James.

"Oh, it happens Reg mate I promise you that." They both chuckled as Sirius and Lily broke apart again. Lily lightly smacked them both on the back of the head before resuming her seat at the table.

On Saturday morning Remus met James and Sirius at the front door of the castle with Harry, Arielle, Rob and Ryan. Hermione and Ron had declined to come because they felt some family time was essential.

"So guess what you guys! Shari is coming home tomorrow." Sirius said chirpily to Ryan and Rob. Ryan was ecstatic at having his mom back but Rob didn't seem too interested. Sirius noticed this as Ryan turned to him saying

"It will be great to have mom back wont it Rob?" Rob eyed Sirius angrily as he turned to Ryan and smiled as he replied

"Yeah, Ryan it`s great. Come on let`s go get some food." He walked out ahead of everyone. Sirius caught up to him as they were walking towards Hogsmeade.

"So, Rob are you going to enlighten me on why you aren't happier that Shari is coming home?" Sirius asked curiously.

"I thought it would be obvious Sirius. She abandoned us; she abandoned you at a time when you both needed to stick together. She had no right to do that. She was so self absorbed in her grief that she never once asked how you were coping or how any of us were for that matter. She may have miscarried but we all lost a family member. She destroyed our memorial plaque and she hasn't written once since she left. I don't see you doing cart wheels at the prospect of her returning either Sirius."

"I am as angry at her as you are Rob. You are correct in everything you said. Lily reckons that people grieve differently. Maybe she`s right but I won't know how I really feel until I see her tomorrow. Ryan is chuffed to have her back so please don't ruin it for him."

"Oh as if I would Sirius. I`m not as heartless as her." Rob marched on ahead leaving Sirius perturbed by his behaviour.

"Is everything ok Sirius?" James asked as he and Remus caught up to him.

"I`m not sure James. Rob is quite bitter towards Shari. I fear it may take a long time for him to forgive her for leaving. He doesn't care what her reasons were. As far as he`s concerned, she abandoned us."

"It`s only natural for him to think that Sirius. In time he will understand that nobody can control their grief."

"Yeah, I hope so Remus. I hope so."

As they all sat around a table in Leo`s Restaurant, Rob sat in the corner with the side of his head resting against the wall. He had barely touched his porridge. Sirius sat opposite him.

"You barely touched your breakfast Rob. Do you want some toast?" Sirius offered handing the bread basket. Rob eyed him glumly as he declined. He drank the last of his orange juice and stood up to leave.

"Where are you going Rob?" Sirius asked.

"I`m going back to school. Thank you for breakfast. I`ll see you later."

"Well I`m finished so I`ll go with you." Ryan said getting up from the table. Rob merely shrugged and left.

"Do you mind if I came too? I have to get a head start on my potions essay."

"I hope Snape isn't giving you a hard time Arielle." James said menacingly.

"No dad he isn't so just lay off." She warned as she left with Ryan.

"So it`s just us then Champ." James remarked smiling across the table at his son.

"It certainly seems that way dad but I can`t stay on for much longer either. I have to get back up for quiddtich try outs."

"Oh, yeah well you can rule your sister out. She apparently wants to go for chaser next year."

"Yeah, and Ryan wants to go for beater."

"Anyone would think ye were trying to get me to select them immediately."

"Oh we wouldn't do that Harry." James said winking. Harry laughed along with Sirius and Remus.

"So what is going on with Rob?" Harry asked as he drank the remainder of his juice.

"Oh, well Shari is coming back tomorrow and Rob isn't too pleased after the way she behaved."

"Yeah, but Sirius she was grieving. You both were. She just didn't deal with hers too well."

"She didn't deal with it at all Harry. I hope she found peace though."

"Sirius, as hard as it is to believe Shari needs you. You have to be there for her. She needs to be there for you too naturally. Being apart during something like this isn't healthy."

"How did you become so smart Prongslet?" Sirius asked with a small smile.

"It`s simple; I was raised by marauders. They are some of the smartest people I know. Anyway I need to get back to school. It`s almost 11:00." Harry rose from the table. James and Sirius paid for breakfast between them as they promised Remus that he could chip in when his twins were old enough to join them.

As they arrived back at the castle Hermione and Ron were out in the court yard waiting for Harry. They both ran over to him. Hermione threw her arms around his neck as she shouted his name. The marauders shared an amused glance. Ron looked on bemused.

"What is going on Hermi?" Harry asked concernedly as she released him.

"We have the best news! Tell him Ron."

"We were speaking to Cho and Luna earlier and they said..."

"They said they had people from their houses interested in joining us!" Hermione exclaimed happily. She glanced apologetically at Ron for butting in.

"Are you ser...that`s great news! YES!" Harry hugged Hermione tightly and twirled her around in the air excitedly. He slapped Ron`s palm in turn.

"Harry that really is great news but we need to careful with the old umbrella sniffing around Hogwarts these days. Meet us in Remus` room after try outs and we will talk more then." Harry nodded in agreement with James. As the marauders were about to leave Harry called them back.

"Hey dad I was wondering if you would come down to the quiddtich pitch with me. You were captain of Gryffindor too so it would be awesome to have your input into who I select today." James smiled widely at his son as he said

"Harry I would be honoured. The other two can watch from the stands." He winked at Harry as Sirius lunged playfully at him. Harry laughed along with Ron and Hermione. Remus merely shook his head amusedly.

"No matter how old they get, some things never change." Remus remarked as Harry left to get his broomstick and told Remus he`d see him down at the pitch.

Thirty minutes later Harry met his team mates down on the pitch. He informed them that the marauders would be watching from the stands and that James` input would be imperative to his final decision. Nobody had a problem. In fact they were delighted to have James present. They all knew of his extraordinary quiddtich talents. It was obvious from the start how Harry was skilful. There were ten Gryffindors competing for keeper. There were eight boys and two girls ranging from second to fourth year.

"Could I have everyone's attention for a moment please? Thank you. All right well as you all know the only vacant spot this year is keeper. Our last keeper as you know was one of the best Gryffindor ever had. As you can imagine the team would like to match his standard so all of you who are trying out today, be the best that you can be. In a moment I will release the quaffle. Fred and George Weasley are our beaters..." Harry pointed over to his left as the twins bowed making those on the pitch chuckle. "...Katie Bell and Angelina Johnson are our chasers so when they throw the quaffle threw the goal hoop; it`s the keepers job to stop it. Any questions?" Harry looked out on a group of perturbed Gryffindors. The one person he wanted to try out refused to. Ron sat in the stands with other Gryffindors and the marauders. "Ok then let`s begin. Todd Geller." A sheepish second year stepped forward carrying his broomstick. He stood approximately at 5`4. He had dark brown eyes and hair which was tightly cut into his head.

"Hi Todd, I think I know you. You are friends with Arielle and Ryan aren't you?"

"Yeah, I am." He meekly replied.

"Cool. Don`t be scared. All you have to do is kick off from the ground when you`re ready ok?" Todd nodded in agreement. Harry released the quaffle as his team mates flew above him. Todd mounted his broom the same time as Harry and followed him into the air. As Todd took his position, James turned to Sirius saying

"I don't think that kid has what it takes to be keeper. Did you see the hesitant way he flew up after Harry? And now look at him. That is third goal he has left in. He doesn't have sufficient experience yet."

"I reckon your right Prongs. Why don't you fly over there and tell him that."

"I`m being serious."

"So was I!" Sirius retorted. James laughed lightly. He and Sirius cringed as Todd ducked to avoid being hit by the eighth goal.

"I sure hope that the rest of them aren't that bad." James remarked. Sirius agreed which led Hermione to say

"You two are awful! Can you imagine how terrified he must be right now?"

"Yes." James and Sirius said in unison.

"Hermione, James and I were in his position many years ago. You may think we are being cruel but I promise you we are not sweetheart."

"If the kid had talent then he would at least try to catch one. If he had skill he would attempt to block one. You have to see how inexperienced he is."

"Ok let`s say you were right. You have to realise that nobody would think less of him than himself. He wouldn't be trying out if he didn't want the position."

"Everybody wants to be on the quiddtich team Hermione but only the very best can be selected. Ah look Harry is consoling him. Let`s hope the next one will be better." Hermione rolled her eyes at Sirius` remark.

"Are you upset that Toddy didn't make the cut Arielle?" Ryan joked. Arielle glanced at him perplexed.

"Why do you suppose I would be Ryan?"

"Oh, come on please don't tell me you don't know that he has a major crush on you."

"Ryan I don't like him that way ok? How many times must I tell you that? He`s sweet but I am so not ready for another relationship yet."

"Aww are you still in love with Dean?"

"Will you shut up? He is right over there." She exclaimed through gritted teeth as she pointed to the far end of the stand.

"Oooh that was such a narrow miss! She came so close to catching it then."

"Hey Arielle, Ryan who is the kid trying out now? She looks really young."

"That would be Lucy Knight. She is actually really cool dad." Ryan said which made Sirius and James smirk. Arielle turned to them saying

"I do believe that Ryan is a little bit in love with her."

"I am not!" Ryan retorted fiercely.

"Oh, yeah right Ryan. If ever she`s in the common room, you are sniffing around her like a dog in heat especially if you need help with an assignment."

"Whatever. You`re just jealous that I don't always run to you for help." Ryan barked irritated. Arielle scoffed and said

"Oh yeah that`d be right. Oh hey dad she saved one."

"Yeah, that would be the only one she saved. Todd and Lucy are as rubbish as each other. I`m sorry Hermione but it's the truth." Sirius stated flatly. Hermione shook her head in disgust.

One hour later and nobody had impressed Harry or the marauders. Before he called it a day Harry decided to ask the one person he most wanted for keeper initially. His team mates didn't protest when he suggested that person to them. Harry flew up into the stands and levitated on his broom in front of Ron.

"Ron I know you said that you weren't interested but I really need you mate. The standard this year has been shocking. There are one or two I might consider but it would be awesome if you would agree to try out. You have the support of the rest of the team."

"Harry I`m no good at being keeper. I always leave in too many."

"That isn't true." Harry jumped off his broom and sat in front of Ron.

"Do you remember when we were kids playing quiddtich back home? You were usually on my team and we beat Sirius several times." He smirked at Sirius who sat behind Ron.

"Thank you for the reminder Harry."

"Ron please I am begging you to help me out. If we don't have a keeper, we don't have a team. Gryffindor is the strongest quiddtich team in Hogwarts. I know you will be a great asset. I swear I will train with you every night if I have to so you won't falter."

Ron looked at Harry and then to Hermione who offered him an encouraging smile.

"Go on Ron you will be great!" James remarked kindly.

"Harry won`t find a better keeper in Gryffindor." Sirius said proudly.

"Nobody else has been approached personally by the team captain." Remus said jovially making the others laugh.

"I don`t have a broom though." Ron responded dejectedly.

"Follow me Ron." James ordered as he made his way towards the pitch. As he got down there he clapped his hands for attention.

"Hello everyone. My name is James Potter. I must admit that you all do a fantastic job today but there is one request I would like to make of you. I need one of you to volunteer your broomstick because you see this poor fellow beside me well he really needs one in order to try out for keeper. If one of you would partake in this kind gesture for me then I will personally deliver your broomstick back safely to you." James looked out on the crowd and saw some anxiety. He feared it was because they knew who he was. Nevertheless one by one they stepped forward. Since Todd was in front, his broom was selected.

"It`s Todd isn't it?"

"Yes sir." He answered meekly.

"Oh, well thank you Todd and please call me James. I promise you will have your broom back to you very soon. Ron will take very good care of it won't you?"

"Oh, yeah of course. Thank you for lending it to me." He smiled awkwardly at Todd. He then mounted it and followed Harry above the hoops.

"Oh, well I got to hand it to you James; you still have the magic touch." Sirius said laughing.

"Yeah, well if it pays off Ron will need a decent broom. We can`t expect Molly and Arthur to fork out."

"Just make sure you tell them first. You know what Molly can be like." Remus remarked. Sirius and James mouthed their agreement.

"That is like the fifth goal Ron has saved." Sirius exclaimed looking through Remus`omnioculars.

"Actually make that six...no wait seven...the kid doesn't know how good he is."

"Eight now Prongs. It looks like Harry made the right choice. Nine...come on Ron."

"TEN! YES!" Sirius and James shouted excitedly.

"It looks like Gryffindor have a new keeper fellas."

"Oh, yes it does Moony. Yes we do." James said happily.

As the team began to fly down; the marauders and other Gryffindors joined in their excitement. Ron was the only one who was incredulous about his skill. He returned the broom to Todd and thanked him. He then turned to Hermione and asked

"Do you put me under the confundus charm?"

"No, I swear I didn't Ron. That was all you." She hugged him lightly.

"Congrats Ron I knew you could do it. I told you so."

"Yeah, thanks Sirius, James. I just can't believe it."

"Well you better start because we have some practice to do before our first game in two weeks." Harry explained as he began walking back to the castle with Hermione. As they arrived inside Hogwarts; Snape came swishing towards them.

"Potter, could I have a word?" Harry turned to face him sensing his frustration.

"Yes, professor, what`s the matter?"

"Dumbledore has asked me to look for you. He requests your presence in his office now."

"Right well Harry we had best go and see him then." James said calmly as he ushered his son in the direction of Dumbledore`s office.

"He wishes to speak to him alone." Snape droned. James turned around, walked towards Snape as he placed a hand on his chest and whispered

"He is my son and if Dumbledore wants to speak to him then I have the right to be present. Have u got that Snape?" James walked away as Snape called out

"I am merely following Dumbledore`s orders..."

"I said have you got that Snape?" James shouted back. Both men glared at one another momentarily before Snape turned swiftly towards the dungeons.

"I wonder what that was all about." Hermione thought a loud. Sirius stepped forward, placed a hand on her shoulder and said

"Oh, I`m sure it`s no big thing love. I think that you should go back to the common room, all of you. Harry will be back in no time." Sirius smiled blandly. Hermione reluctantly left as Sirius turned to an anxious Remus.

"Do you think he is going to tell Harry?"

"No, I don`t think so Sirius. Albus is the one who instructed us to stay quiet."

"How do you feel about going up there?"

"You heard Snape; Dumbledore wanted to speak to Harry alone."

"Well I`m going to wait outside regardless, are you coming?"

"Only to keep you out of trouble." Remus replied as Sirius let out a bark like laugh.

Dumbledore sat with James and Harry in his living quarters behind the desk. He leaned forward on the arm chair as James sat beside his son on the sofa.

"Harry there is something that I have kept from you for a long time. I didn't see a reason for you to know about it. If I could keep it from you indefinitely I would." He glanced at James who wore a look of anxiety on his face.

"Harry before you were born there was a prophecy made about a child born at the end of July. That prophecy is the reason why Voldemort attempted to kill you fourteen years ago."

"What did it say?" Harry asked curiously.

"It claimed that the child born at the end of July would grow up to be more powerful than Voldemort himself. His mind is so warped and he is incredibly arrogant that it was impossible for him to have someone more powerful than him exist."

"So you`re telling me that`s the reason, the only reason he is after me because of some stupid prophecy?"

"Yes. I know it sounds preposterous..."

"It`s completely off the wall; just like him. Thank you for telling me sir."

"We will find a way to defeat him Harry. In the meantime you just focus on building up the D.A. because that will really aid those who don't know how to fight."

"I will. Do you mind if I go for lunch now? I`m starving." Dumbledore laughed lightly.

"No not at all Harry. You know where I am if you do need me."

"I do thank you. Are you coming dad?"

"I`ll be down in a minute champ." Harry nodded and left.

"Thank you for not telling him everything Albus. Lily would freak."

"Yes, I can imagine James but he will need to know soon. We can`t protect him from the truth forever. He has a right to know. He won`t thank you for concealing things from him."

"I know Albus but if we could wait until after Lily gives birth..."

"Yes, of course James. How is Lily?"

"Oh, she`s fine thanks. Just another six weeks and we will have another mouth to feed."

"Do you know whether it`s a boy or a girl?"

"It`s a boy. We did think it was twins for a while but now we`re certain it`s just the one. Anyway I had best get going. I`ll speak to you soon Albus."

At 7:00 on Sunday evening Shari arrived home. Sirius was in the kitchen playing cards with Samia and Kyrah when there was a knock on the door. Shari popped her head around and smiled at her daughters who ran to her immediately. She hugged them both at once.

"I thought I heard someone come in." Lily cried as she hugged her friend tightly.

"I`ve missed you Lily. Oh and James too of course." James hugged her lightly and kissed her on the cheek.

"I left some presents for you in the hall so why don't you go with your Uncle James and Aunt Lily." The twins shrieked with excitement as James and Lily left Shari and Sirius in peace.

"I told you I`d be back Sirius." She said flatly standing with her hands on the work top.

"Yes, Shari you did." Sirius replied gathering the cards together. Shari moved over to the table and sat beside him.

"I`m sorry Sirius. I had to leave. It would have ruined our marriage if I didn't and I couldn't stand the thought of hurting you."

"So you left instead." Sirius stated as he smiled cynically.

"Sirius..." Sirius stood up as she reached to touch him and said

"I understand Shari. You were grieving, you suffered a miscarriage, and you did what you had to do. I get it. Now it`s my turn. You abandoned me, you abandoned our children. Not a single day went by when those girls didn't ask when you were coming home. I put them to bed every night and the last thing they would say was "Will mommy be here when we wake up?" Do you have any idea how much my heart smashed into a million and one pieces when they said that? But you know what? It`s fine. I got on with it because I had to. I had kids who were depending on me to be there for them, to be strong for them and I think I was. As their father that`s my job. But that isn`t even the worst part. The worst part was when I closed my eyes every night I saw our sons. I know it sounds completely ridiculous because we don't know what they looked like but in my head and in my heart they will always be alive. I needed you Shari more than ever and the one time when I needed you; you weren`t there. I do really hope that you found whatever the hell you were looking for in America. Tell me this though; what could your brother do for you that I couldn't?"

"I needed to be in an unfamiliar place Sirius. He has a friend who is a grieving counsellor and she really helped to get me through it all. I know it`s hard for you to understand..."

"No actually Shari it isn`t. I am not a monster. I know it was extremely tough for you to be pregnant one minute and suddenly not to be. You may have been the one carrying our children but it doesn`t make it any less painful for me. I`m glad you got some...peace or whatever..."

"Sirius, I may have left and went to counselling but I still miss our boys. I will never stop. How do I make you understand that I still love you? How do I make things right between us?"

"Shari, you can`t just waltz back in here after weeks and expect everything to go back to how it was. I was so angry at you for leaving but I still got why you felt you had to. I need you to understand why it`s going to take me some time to get past that. I`m sorry Sharina but I thought I could do this. I thought after seeing you that I would feel differently...I need some space from you. You can stay in our room; I`ll take one of the spare rooms." He walked past her towards the door as she said

"I`m sorry Sirius. Please just tell me what I can do to make it right. I need you..." She cried with tears bubbling. Sirius sighed as he turned to face her and said

"I needed you two months ago. For now we need to try and stay civil for the kids. The war is pending. We need to keep them safe. Goodnight Shari." He smiled sadly as he left the kitchen. Shari sat down at the table and cried.