Chapter Three: Broken

Terrible things happen when you least expect them. You could be continuing with your life normally, enjoying every second that you have with your loved ones, living life to the full but one terrible thing could change that forever. One terrible thing could leave you distraught, depressed and alone in a world so dark that you wished you never existed. You feel like you don't belong any more, you have nothing to live for. Or so you think. But within all the debris of a broken world there is a tiny glimmer of hope that could change everything, make everything right again.

It was just a normal day of work at the Auror Department. The chatter and laughter made it feel as though it wasn't a serious job, but everyone knew it was. The amount of Death Eater attacks had risen in the past few months, the Aurors rarely spent a day in the office. Today being an exception. It was Hallowe'en. A day you would have thought that the Death Eaters would have preferred to attack on, living up to it's name. But surprisingly, not a single attack was reported, leaving the Aurors to finish writing up cases or simply lounging about with nothing to do. Finally, a quiet day in the Auror Department.

Evangeline was leaning back in her chair, her feet up on her desk, tapping her wand against her chin thoughtfully as she dictated a report to her quill that was scribbling away on a piece of parchment. She watched the photos that she had stuck on the walls of her cubicle, all pictures of happiness and joy. Smiling absent-mindedly she continued to recite the report. She had always wondered how things would have turned out if she had not been friends with the Marauders, or Lily and Izzy. When she went to Hogwarts for the first time, the Sorting Hat considered putting her in Slytherin because she was ambitious. And how she begged that manky old hat to reconsider, knowing that her brother would hate her, not to mention the majority of the Slytherins because she came from a well-known Gryffindor family. She had never told anyone except Lily, it was her darkest secret. She was extremely relieved when the Sorting Hat shouted 'Gryffindor', and she bounded off towards the table as though nothing had happened. But then again, she was always good at concealing her emotions. But there was one day that the power she had of concealing those emotions left her completely; her wedding day.

Flashback to August 2nd 1979

I was flustered, extremely flustered. The fact that Izzy kept reminding me that I was getting married in less than an hour, didn't help. She kept fussing over my hair which I have held up in a messy bun with some curled tresses falling into my face. The same way I had it for the Masquerade Ball in fifth year. My dress is hanging up on the frame of the door of my wardrobe, it's simple yet classy. I didn't feel the need for a big who-ha over what it should look like so I went and bought it myself, alone. It didn't cost much, about forty galleons, a bargain really. Every time I glanced at it I get a swooping sensation in my stomach. I'm not particularly sure whether or not that's a good thing. The door to my room opened, Lily walks in dressed in her midnight blue bridesmaid dress. I practically jump for joy, finally someone with some sense of propriety.

'Gosh, Evie,' She said as looks at me concernedly. 'You look awfully white. Are you okay?' she asked. Thank you very much, Lily Potter. That really helped. I thought she was supposed to be the smart one. Telling a wife-to-be she looks 'awfully white' about thirty-five minutes before she walks down the aisle is not smart.

'I'm fine, Lily,' I replied, wringing my hands nervously. Yes, I'm nervous. Which is strange, I'm never nervous. Maybe it's the fact that I will never be single again; that couldn't be it. I haven't been single since fifth year when I first started dating Sirius. Yes, we have a few bumps along the way. We had a fight in seventh year and broke up for nearly a week, but we decided we couldn't cope and went back to sucking face as James called it. I glanced at Lily, she is examining me thoroughly. I'm not sure I like it. 'Maybe I should put my dress on now,' I said, getting of the bed and standing beside the chair in which Izzy has occupied. I swayed slightly and clasped my hand on the arm of the chair.

'Maybe you should just sit down,' Izzy said, raising her eyebrow. 'You look like you're drunk,' she informed me. That, I didn't want to hear either. I can just imagine myself stumbling down the aisle, not exactly what I had in mind.

'Don't be silly, Izzy,' I said, walking slowly over to my wardrobe where my dress is hanging. 'I am not drunk, how irresponsible would that be,' I said, clutching my head as a pain shot straight through it. 'Ow,' I muttered to myself, and closed my eyes as the pain continues.

'Evie, are you sure you're okay?' Lily asked as she walks towards me.

For a while I said nothing, I can feel the tension building. 'I just – I feel a bit … dizzy,' I said, leaning on the door of the wardrobe for support. Dizzy is the closest word I could come up with for feeling like I'm on a ride at the amusements. My head was actually spinning. Ahaha, look, there's two Lily's standing beside me. That's not good. 'Uh, guys,' I said, slowly glancing between them. 'I really – I don't f –' And everything went black.

I had always wondered what it felt like to be unconscious. It's not really anything exciting, it's like being in a thoughtless sleep. A bit boring really. 'She's just unconscious, she should wake up in no time,' said a calm voice from above me. 'She's been out for fifteen minutes! She'll be late for her own wedding,' said another voice, this one sounded more frantic. I eventually find the energy to slowly open my eyes; Lily and Izzy are kneeling beside me, staring wide-eyed down at me. 'You're awake!' Izzy said, kissing my cheek joyfully. A glanced oddly at her, she responded by saying, 'You were out cold for over fifteen minutes! We were getting worried!'

'Correction. You were getting worried, Izzy,' Lily said, glancing sideways at Izzy who ignored her statement. 'Are you okay now?' Lily asked me. I nodded subconsciously. 'Good,' she said, getting to her feet, she offered me a hand. I gladly took it and she pulled me to my feet. 'You better put your dress on now,' she said, glancing over at the pearly white dress that was waiting for me to put it on.

I slowly, and more steadily walked over to the wardrobe, gently reaching up and taking the dress from where it is hanging and walk over to the bed with it placed carefully in my hands. It looks beautiful, I can't help but wonder whether it will look just as beautiful when it's on me. I stood and gazed at it, forgetting that I actually had to put it on.

'What are you waiting for?' Izzy asked me. I couldn't answer. I glanced around at her, she was watching me expectantly. 'C'mon, you don't want to be late. Sirius'll think you've chickened out,' she said. That final statement frightened me, I didn't want him to think that.

I untied my dressing robe, letting it fall of me to the floor. Izzy coughed loudly, I glanced at her. Her expression was priceless as she looks me up and down. 'Nice underwear,' she said with a wink. 'I have a funny feeling Sirius'll like them too,' she said. I rolled my eyes and took the dress in my hands. 'Oh! Wait!' Izzy exclaimed and she slingshot something at me, it hit me on the side of the head. I looked down to see a frilly white garter on the floor. I glanced up at Izzy to see her grinning from ear to ear. 'Just a little something for afters. You know, he has to take it off with his teeth in front of everybody,' Izzy informed me. Of course, I already knew that. I set the dress down on the bed, picked up the garter and slipped it onto my leg, leaving it around my thigh. I picked up the dress once more, putting it on carefully. Once I had it on I smoothed it down, glancing in the long mirror on the wall every so often. 'Beautiful,' Izzy said and she hugged me. 'I can't believe you're getting married!' she squealed in my ear before breaking away from the hug.

'Neither can I,' I said with a smile, as I glanced in the mirror once more.

Lily returned to my room, three bouquets of white lilies in her hands. She seemed to be doing all the errands and making sure everything was perfect. That was why I chose her as my Maid of Honour, I knew she would have everything sorted. 'You look gorgeous, Evie,' she said, setting down the flowers and hugging me tightly. 'We should get going,' she said, letting go of me. 'Oh this is so exciting,' she said, bouncing on the balls of her feet. It wasn't like Lily to get excited over things like this. She grabbed the flowers, handing a bouquet to me and then one to Izzy. 'Let's go!' she said, I could see her concentrating hard.

'We're apparating to the church?' I asked her, she nodded in response and with a small crackle she had disappeared. I glanced at Izzy who gestured for me to disapparate. So I did, and with a small crack I landed on my feet in the reception of the church where James and Lily where awaiting me. James was for taking me down the aisle as father died a few years ago, just after we had left Hogwarts. After Sirius and I had decided that James would take me down the aisle we named Remus Best Man.

'Sis,' James said, walking towards me, 'You look beautiful.'He hugged me briefly and kissed me on the cheek. 'Padfoot is one lucky guy, I can tell you that,' he said, taking both of my hands. 'Everyone's there, even Bagnold for some strange reason,' he said.

'Why on earth would Bagnold want to come to my wedding?' I asked him. I certainly hadn't invited her, and it was quite rude of her to turn up on her own accord, even if she was Minister for Magic. 'Well, I suppose I am one of the most promising trainee Aurors that works for the Ministry,' I said with a grin.

'That must be the reason then,' James said, shaking his head and rolling his eyes. He squeezed my hands and smiled down at me, 'I can't believe my little sister is getting married,' he said. 'Just think, when you walk out of here you won't be a Potter any more,' he said. 'It'll be Mrs Black from now on.'

I laughed, 'You can still call me Potter if you want. I'll always be one at heart.' I glanced over at the door of the church. Albus Dumbledore waved over before disappearing inside the church. 'Maybe we should get going,' I suggested, swinging mine and James' hands that were still clasped together.

'Yeah, c'mon,' James said, letting go of my hands and offering his arm. I slipped my arm around his and laced my fingers through his, squeezing them tightly. We watched as Lily and Izzy walked down the aisle towards the front together. 'Dad would have loved to have seen his little girl getting married,' James whispered as we slowly walked towards the door of the church. 'I know he would have been glad that you were marrying Padfoot too.'

'I do wish he was here,' I said quietly, bowing my head attempting not to shed a tear. 'But I know he would have been happy. Happy that you'll take me down the aisle instead,' I said. We finally reached the doorway, I took a deep breath, squeezed James' hand so ferociously that I heard him gasp and began to walk down the aisle. Then the music started, I groaned inwardly. I hate that music, it's so common. I kept my gaze in front, ignoring all the stares from the guests. Sirius glanced around, I met eye contact with him and smiled. He smiled back, and seemed like he didn't want to turn back around again. He bit his lip longingly, Remus nudged him and he turned around again. Remus glanced back and grinned. On the ends of the pews, flower arrangements of lilies and roses. It truly did look lovely.

Eventually James and I reached the front of the church where Sirius and Remus where standing. The minister was facing them, bible in his hands. He smiled warmly as I stopped beside Sirius. I glanced sidewards at Sirius and smiled. 'You look beautiful,' he said, grabbing my hand and entwining our fingers.

'You don't look half bad yourself,' I replied with a smile.

The minister was glancing between us. 'May I begin?' he asked us as he flicked through the pages of the bible, stopping at one particular page. Sirius and I nodded. 'Dearly Beloved, we are gathered here today in the presence of these witnesses, to join Sirius Orion Black and Evangeline April Potter in matrimony, which is commended to be honorable among all men; and therefore – is not by any – to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly – but reverently, discreetly, advisedly and solemnly. Into this holy estate these two persons present now come to be joined. If any person can show just cause why they may not be joined together – let them speak now or forever hold their peace,' he began and glanced around the room. The church remained quiet.

'May the reader please come forward,' the minister said, gesturing towards Izzy who was sitting in the front pew, a small piece of parchment in her hand. She got off her seat, walked forward until she was standing beside the minister.

'How do i love thee? Let me count the ways. I love thee to the depth and breadth and height. My sould can reach when feeling out of sight. For the ends of Being and ideal Grace. I love thee to the level of everyday's,' Izzy said. She finished with a smile and returned to her seat.

After Izzy had recited the reading, the minister went on to talk about marriage, the seriousness of the vows that Evangeline and Sirius where about to take and the new life together that they were creating. Sirius and I turned to face each other. 'Now, Evangeline, if you could repeat after me. I, Evangeline April Potter take you Sirius Orion Black to be my lawfully wedded husband,' the minister said.

'I Evangeline April Potter take you Sirius Orion Black to be my lawfully wedded husband, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, for sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part,' I said, not bothering to wait for the minister to finish the rest.

'Thank you, Evangeline,' the minister said before turning to Sirius. 'Mr Black, could you repeat after– '

'No need, minister,' Sirius said, glancing at the holy man. 'I know it off by heart anyway. I, Sirius Orion Black take you Evangeline April Potter to be my lawfully wedded wife, to have and to hold from this day forward, for better or for worse, for richer, for poorer, for sickness and in health, to love and to cherish; from this day forward until death do us part.'

After a short song and the exchanging of the rings which Remus had hidden safely away in his pocket. The minister spoke his final thoughts of the marriage and said 'And I now pronounce you man and wife,' the minister smiled. He paused for a while, Sirius glanced at him expectantly. The minister chuckled at his expression, 'You may now kiss the bride,' he said.

'About time,' Sirius said, and he stared into my eyes. We were inches apart, my gaze flickering between his eyes and his lips. He reached his hands up, placed them on my cheeks. 'Angel Black, sounds good,' he whispered and moved his face closer to mine. I closed my eyes as our lips connected as they had many times before, but it felt different. He kissed me deeply, his tongue tentatively licking the outside of my upper lip. I open my mouth so that our tongues are entwined, it feels good, but I know that we have an audience and it would be better to save that sort of thing for tonight. I pull away, licking my lips and looking him in the eye. 'You are such a tease, Mrs Black,' Sirius said quietly, kissing me gently on the lips.

'I present to you Mr and Mrs Black,' the minister concluded.

'C'mon, our carriage awaits,' he said, taking my hand. 'No, wait. Let's do this the proper way,' he said, dropping my hand. I glanced confusedly at him, he grinned back and bent down, taking my knees from underneath me and lifting me off my feet.

'Sirius!' I cried, clasping onto him as he walked down the aisle. The church was now empty, everyone had evacuated from the building. 'Just don't drop me,' I said as he let go of me slightly, I grabbed onto his collar for support. 'I said don't drop me,' I said, hitting with my bouquet of flowers. He laughed and kissed me on the cheek. Smiling, we made it out the front door of the church to meet the gathering of our guests. As soon as we walked through the doorway we were engulfed with a storm of white and blue confetti. Izzy and Lily had their cameras out, snapping as many photos as possible. James, Remus and Peter where standing by the door cheering with the rest of the crowd.

I smiled when I woke up that morning. I smiled when I looked in the mirror with my dress on. I smiled when I walked down the aisle. I smiled the whole way through the ceremony. I smiled for the cameras snapping away. I smiled when we got home that afternoon, well, grinned more like. I smiled at the after-party and the receiving of our gifts. Yes, probably the happiest day of my life.

End of Flashback

'Let's see,' Evangeline said, thinking to herself as she tapped her wand on the arm of her chair. 'Suggested sentence … life,' she said as the quill continued to scribble away on the parchment. A life imprisonment would be the only sentence suitable for a Death Eater, nothing less. She leaned forward in her chair, took the quill in her hand and signed the bottom of the parchment. She picked up the rolls of parchment, rolled them up and set them on the edge of her desk, ready to take to Moody. She glanced at the clock on her desk; seven o'clock. Later than what she had expected, Sirius would surely be wondering where she was. She picked up her bag, took some of the contents out, knowing that it was the weekend and she had the next day off. She fastened the bag closed, stood up and swung it over her shoulder. She grabbed the parchment and wandered over to oak door at the other side of the Department. She knocked on the door. 'Come in,' Moody said gruffly. She slowly pushed the door open. 'I have the Dolohov case, Mad-Eye,' Evangeline informed him, holding it up for him to see.

'Very good,' Moody said, gesturing for her to bring it forward. Evangeline walked towards his desk, handed him the case and stood back while he glanced over it. 'Thank you, Black,' he said, looking up at her, his magical eye twitching.

'No problem, Mad-Eye,' Evangeline said, turning and walking towards the door, she pushed down the handle and glanced around. 'Have a good weekend,' she said. 'Hopefully we'll have a few more quiet days on our hands,' she said with a smile before exiting his office. She walked through the Department, wishing Jefferson and Kingsley a good weekend before walking through the large oak doors and out of the Department and towards the lift that would take her to the main entrance. After spending over five minutes in the lift it eventually reached the ground floor. She walked through the crowds, through the golden gates and into the main entrance hall. After waving goodbye to Eric the security guard, she disapparated home.

Having already managed to get something to eat down at the Department she walked over to the bench where Sirius had left her dinner. She cleared it up, not wanting anything else to eat. She left her bag on one of the kitchen chairs, hung her cloak on the peg on the back of the kitchen door and walked into the living room. Sirius was sitting in his usual armchair, asleep. She chuckled at the calm, slumberous expression etched across his face. She walked over, brushed his hair out of the way and kissed him gently on the forehead. He sighed and moved his head so that it was resting on his shoulder. Evangeline smiled and left him in his peaceful slumber. She crossed the living room towards the front door. She glanced out of the window, it was dark outside, chillingly so. She continued her journey to the bathroom by climbing up the stairs and walking towards the bedroom. She turned on the light, walked through the bedroom towards the bathroom where she turned on the shower. She sighed heavily and leant against the bathroom wall, closing her eyes because of her lack of energy. Motivating herself, she got undressed and stepped into the warm, steaming shower. It felt as though she was washing away all her stress and unruly thoughts. She stood in the shower for over twenty minutes, just concentrating on staying calm and focused. She loved being an Auror, it was an exhilarating job but it could be very stressful.

After stepping out of the shower, putting on her comfy pyjamas and tidying away her clothes she went back downstairs. Sirius was not sitting up in his chair reading a book. 'Good evening,' Evangeline said cheerfully, walking towards him. He looked up at her expectantly with a raised eyebrow. She rolled her eyes, bent down and kissed him softly on the lips before retreating from him and collapsing on the sofa.

'Good evening to you too,' Sirius replied, setting down his book. 'Have a good day?' he asked her as he drummed his fingers on the arm of the chair.

'Stressful,' Evangeline replied, as she resorted to lying lengthways on the sofa, her head resting on the arm. 'Strangely, there were no attacks. But I still had a mountain of paperwork to do,' she said, running her hand through her hair.

'Every job comes with it's flaws,' Sirius said wisely, picking up his book and returning to the page he was reading before Evangeline had entered the room. He sighed and set it down again. 'I left you some food in the kitchen, I wasn't sure what time you would be home at,' he informed her. He watched her as she turned on her side.

'I know,' Evangeline said with a smile, 'and thank you,' she said. 'I got some food at the Ministry anyway, so I wasn't that hungry,' she said. There was a tension between them, but Evangeline couldn't put her finger on why it was occurring. She furrowed her eyebrows, 'Are you okay, Sirius?' she asked him.

He glanced at her, 'Why wouldn't I be?'

'It's just … you seem a bit distant or something,' Evangeline said, sitting up. She winced as a pain shot through her stomach. 'I don't think I'll have that food at the Ministry again,' she said, making a face and setting her hand on her abdomen.

'You do look a bit green to be honest,' Sirius said, leaning forward and setting his book on the coffee table. He got off his chair and reached his hand up to Evangeline's forehead. 'Hmm... you've got a temperature too,' he said, gently brushing Evangeline's hair out of her face. 'Lie down and I'll go and get you some of that potion that Izzy gave us,' he said, kissing her forehead before walking through the living room and into the kitchen.

Evangeline lay down on the sofa once more, clutching her stomach and resting her head on the cushion she had took from Sirius' chair. She groaned as the pain got worse. Eventually Sirius returned to the living room, a large green bottle in one hand and a metal spoon in the other. He knelt down beside the sofa in front of Evangeline, opened the bottle and sniffed the contents. 'Just to warn you, it smells bad so it'll probably taste bad too,' Sirius said, pouring the gloopy liquid onto the spoon. He held the spoon in front of her face.

'I'm not a baby, Sirius,' Evangeline said, narrowing her eyes and pouting.

Sirius sighed melodramatically. 'Even when I try to help you you're as stubborn as a mule,' he said, shoving the spoon under her nose. 'Here,' he said. Evangeline glared at him and opened her mouth, Sirius stuck the spoon in and she took the potion unwillingly. She wrinkled her nose as the potion travelled down her throat. 'That wasn't so bad, was it?' Sirius said, in a tone that you would speak to a five year old child with. Evangeline ignored him and closed her eyes as the potion began to numb her pain. Sirius smiled and kissed her nose before getting up and returning the potion to the medicine cupboard in the kitchen.

Eventually, Evangeline just fell asleep. The potion performed a numbing effect on any pain inflicted whilst also acting as a sleeping draught, sending Evangeline into a peaceful sleep. Sirius had returned to the living room, plunked himself down in his armchair and had began to read his book again. For Evangeline it was good to be rid of all the stress of work, she was looking forward to having a day off tomorrow just to spend time with Sirius. They had spent the last couple of evenings planning what they were going to do, eventually coming to the decision that they would visit Diagon Alley before going to Hogsmeade. Evangeline continued to doze on, showing no signs of awakening. It was approaching midnight, Sirius had fallen asleep in his armchair, the book he had been reading, resting in his lap.

The grandfather clock in the front porch chimed; midnight had come. Evangeline flinched, but did not wake. Her head was filled with visions. Visions she could not interpret. She turned, shaking her head as if to rid herself of them; it did not work. She heard voices, ones she did not recognise, others she did. 'Oh my God. NOOO,' one shouted frantically. 'Angel,' she was being shook one moment later, 'Angel, please wake up!' Evangeline slowly fluttered her eyes opened. Sirius was leaning over her, his chest was heaving up and down as he breathed heavily. 'You're awake. Good,' he said, his expression was confused, shocked. Tears were glistening in his eyes. He walked away shaking his head as he paced the living room.

Evangeline sat up, frightened as to why her husband was a nervous wreck. 'Sirius, what's wrong?' she asked quickly. She got to her feet, walked over to him and she searched his face for an explanation when he looked up. She could see his cheeks, wet from the tears. 'Sirius, you're scaring me … please tell me what's wrong,' she said, her eyes swelling up with tears of her own at the sight of her sorrowful, mournful husband. 'Sirius ….' she whispered weakly. She met eye contact with him, they stared at each other for a while. Her eyes widened, her lips parted, unable to speak she inhaled quickly. 'No – please – No, that's not true,' she said, tears spilling down her cheeks. Sirius held out a piece of parchment, Evangeline watched him before taking it in her hands. She glanced over it but dropped it immediately as if it had burnt her. She brought her hand to her mouth, inhaled deeply, almost choking. 'Oh my God,' she sobbed, her knees almost buckling from under her. 'Not … James and Lily – Nooo,' she cried breathlessly, tears falling predominantly down her cheeks.

'Sssh,' Sirius ushered her as he gently wrapped his arms around her, putting his hand on the back of her head and gently pushing it into the crook of his neck. Evangeline wrapped her arms around Sirius, buried her head in his chest, tears still streaming down her face and her breathing still uneven. 'Wh-What about … H-Harry?' Evangeline sobbed into his chest.

Sirius' eyes widened, he almost choked. He let go of Evangeline, cupped her face in his hands and looked her in the eye. 'Go to Remus',' he said. He was regretting sending his wife away, but she needed to be with someone, rather than crying in their house alone while he went and looked for Harry.

'Y-You're not leaving me, are you?' Evangeline sobbed, she grabbed onto Sirius' wrists.

Sirius shook his head, 'I would never leave you, baby,' he said, kissing her on the forehead. He cupped her face tighter and stared into her eyes, wishing he could rid her of her tears. 'Now …' he inhaled deeply, 'you go to Remus', he'll look after you. I'll go and find Harry and bring him back here. Then… I'll see you in the morning,' he said, it sounded like a perfect plan, he just hoped that there were no flaws. 'Okay?' he asked her. Evangeline nodded feebly. 'You apparate to Remus' first,' Sirius said.

But before he could say anything else, Evangeline flung herself on him, hugging him tightly. She let go of him and looked up at him. He couldn't help but notice how adorable she looked with her dishevelled hair and big pyjamas. 'I love you,' Evangeline said, her eyes swimming in pools of tears.

Sirius reached his hand up to her face and kissed her softly on the lips. 'I love you too,' he said quietly, taking her hand. 'And I promise I'll be back in the morning,' he said, squeezing her hand comfortingly. 'Now, you go to Remus',' he said, kissing her one last time. Evangeline reluctantly let go of his hand and took one step back, keeping eye contact with Sirius the whole time. There was a small crackle and she disappeared.

Evangeline landed in Remus living room, sobbing loudly. Her brother, her James, had been taken from her. Ruthlessly and brutally taken from her, taken from his son who would never know him properly. Lily, her best friend, had been murdered, like her brother, at the hands of the Dark Lord. In the pits of her stomach she felt anger, anger that no one had yet witnessed. But it was drowned out by the sadness and mournfulness that had overcome her whole body. It was dark in Remus' living room. Tears continuously streaming down her face she found his couch and sat down. She looked around, the half-moon shining in the window and onto a photo that stood on the windowsill. She howled with sadness once she identified who was in it.

The door slammed open, 'Who's there?!' a voice shouted threateningly from the doorway.

'Oh Remus, don't hurt me,' Evangeline cried as Remus switched on the light. She was blinded by the light and the tears that blurred her sight. She could vaguely see Remus approaching her, a shocked, concerned expression etched across his face.

'W-What's wrong?' Remus asked, sitting beside her and wrapping his arm around her consolingly. He pulled her closer once she didn't answer. 'Has Sirius cheated on you?' he asked. Evangeline shook her head violently, unable to speak. Then she remembered the note that Sirius had given her. It was still in her hand, crumpled into a ball. She grabbed Remus' hand and set the note in it, looking up at his confused face. 'What's this?' he asked, but he knew he would not get an answer. He slowly unfolded the parchment, and glanced down at it. His head snapped up and he looked at Evangeline who was crying silently. He closed his eyes and pulled her into a hug. 'That's why you came here, isn't it? Because you couldn't live with him – you couldn't live with what that bastard had done,' he said, with anger in his voice.

Confused, Evangeline let go of Remus. 'What do you mean?' she asked him. Sirius had done nothing wrong, why was Remus blaming him for James' and Lily's deaths. She searched his face while he gaped open mouthed at her.

'He sold them to Voldemort! He was their secret keeper!' Remus shouted, clearly angry. 'It's his fault they're dead, it's his fault – God knows what's happened to Harry!' he bellowed. Evangeline flinched as his voice echoed through the house.

Evangeline shook her head. 'No,' she said, Remus glanced bewilderedly at her. She answered his questioning expression. 'He wasn't their secret keeper, Remus. Peter was,' she said quietly, wringing her hands.

'No he wasn't! I specifically remember James and Lily picking Sirius to be their secret keeper,' Remus said, getting to his feet and pacing around the living room, his arms flailing. 'Don't tell me that you're trying to cover up for him,' he snarled.

'Don't be ridiculous, Remus!' Evangeline spat, getting up off the sofa, following Remus. 'He wasn't their secret keeper. Peter and him swapped. Everyone knows that Sirius is James' best friend. If James and Lily were to pick a secret keeper it would be obvious to anyone who it would be! They certainly wouldn't think twice about the short fat boy that followed them around everywhere!' Evangeline said, raising her voice. Defeated by her own thoughts she sat back down again. 'They all thought it would be a better idea – I did too – but … clearly we were wrong,' she said quietly.

'Well, where's Padfoot?' Remus asked, as he looked out the window, his arms crossed. 'Why did he send you here?'

'He went out to try and find Harry,' Evangeline explained. 'He said he would try and find Harry and when he does he will take him back to ours,' she said. 'He said it would be better if I stayed here rather than in our house.'

'Okay,' Remus said quietly. 'You can stay here as long as you like. Izzy isn't back, she was working late,' he sighed and sat down beside her. They sat in silence. Evangeline had managed to calm herself down, but was still silently mourning. Remus sat, gobsmacked that his best friends had been murdered. He didn't know what to do with himself.

'Remus,' Evangeline whispered. Remus turned to look at her. 'Do you think we could g-g-go and s-see them? I-I don't want them … lying there,' she said, tears filling her eyes once more.

'If you want,' Remus said simply. Evangeline got up, Remus shook his head, she was in no state to see her brother and best friend dead but he followed her and stood up. He knew Evangeline was stubborn, even if he tried to talk her out of it he knew she would go anyway. So, he thought it would be better for him to go along with her. She would need all the comfort she could get. Evangeline grabbed his hand and laced her fingers in his. Remus looked up at her, she smiled back feebly. 'When you're ready,' Remus said quietly. There was a small crackle and they disapparated.

They landed in the small lane that lead to James' and Lily's house. Remus heard Evangeline gasp, he looked up; the top of the Potter's house had been blown off. Evangeline let go of his hand and sprinted towards the house. 'EVIE!' Remus shouted, he began to run after her, 'EVIE! IT MIGHT BE CURSED. YOU CAN'T –' he broke off. Evangeline had slammed open the small gate and ran up into the house; the front door was already open. All went silent. Then, a wail of despair. Remus ran through the small gate and up into the house. He glanced into the living room, Evangeline was sat on the floor, sobbing, clutching the hand of her dead brother.

'James,' Evangeline murmured, as if hoping that he would wake up. 'M-My … b-big brother,' she cried, squeezing his lifeless hand. Remus walked towards her, knelt down and put a hand on her shoulder. Evangeline was almost choking, her breath catching on the back of her throat. She sniffed, wiped a hand across her nose carelessly. She bent down closer to James and kissed him softly on the forehead. Tears began to stream plentifully down her cheeks. 'G-Goodbye, big brother,' she said through suffocated sobs.

Remus had got to his feet, tears threatening to fall from his eyes as he watched the anguished Evangeline let go of James' hand and reluctantly leave his side. She got to her feet slowly, glanced back at her brother one last time and walked out of the living room. She was still sobbing when Remus put his arm around her comfortingly, he attempted to guide her towards the front door, but she resisted and turned towards the stairs. Evangeline looked back at Remus, her eyes red and puffy. He nodded and she slowly climbed the stairs, preparing herself for what she was about to witness. The house was cold, she shivered as she walked onto the landing. Heavy-heartedly, she walked towards Harry's room, the door was open. As she turned the corner, and stood in the doorway, she closed her eyes before she saw exactly what she didn't want to see. Bravely after a moment of preparation, she opened her eyes. Her heart plummeted to the pits of her stomach, underneath the debris, lying peacefully as though in a deep sleep; was Lily. Evangeline took one step into the room, then another. She picked up pieces of wood, threw them out her path as she made her way towards her best friend. She collapsed at her side, sobbing she put her head in her hands and wept bitterly.

Once she had calmed herself, she took the time to just sit and reminisce all the times that she and Lily had spent together. Ten long years they had known each other and known each other well. They knew all of one another's secrets, knew almost everything about one another; they loved each other as best friends. And it hurt Evangeline to be sitting there beside her; alive and living whilst Lily would never get to grow old or see her son grow up. She reached out and brushed Lily's beautiful red hair from her face. She was unscathed, no signs of a struggle. It was as though she was sleeping, and that's what Evangeline wanted to think. After kissing Lily goodbye, she got to her feet, took one last look around Harry's room and slowly exited. She walked quickly across the landing and down the stairs, Remus was waiting outside the front door. He was talking to someone.

'Yes, terrible, terrible,' said the voice. Evangeline reached the bottom of the stairs. Millicent Bagnold was in the doorway, St. Mungos Healers where in the living room tending to James. 'Such a pity. Yes, there were twelve muggles murdered just twenty minutes ago, Peter Pettigrew also. Nothing left, drain pipe exploded,' Bagnold explained.

'Peter?! W-What happened?' Remus asked. Evangeline walked slowly out towards them. Bagnold had yet to notice her.

'Sirius Black,' Millicent Bagnold said simply. 'Killed them all.'

'That's bullshit,' Evangeline shouted, she was startled by the loudness of her own voice. 'Sirius wouldn't do such a thing,' she said, glaring deathlike at Bagnold who had flinched once Evangeline had appeared. She watched her carefully, blinking occasionally.

'He sold his best friend and his wife to You-Know-Who, didn't he?' Bagnold said, clearly not remembering that Evangeline was Sirius' wife and she knew him best. 'It is obvious that he was capable of murdering. And in such a ruthless way … twelve innocent muggles and one of his best friends. Stupid boy went to find Black once he knew that the Potter's had been killed.'

Evangeline stood open mouthed at her accusation. 'Sirius wasn't James' and Lily's secret keeper; Peter was!' she said, frantically. Suddenly her eyes widened and her mouth went dry. 'Where's Sirius?' she turned to Bagnold.

'He has been sent to Azkaban,' Bagnold informed her. 'Where else would we put a blasted murderer?' she said, examining Evangeline as though she were crazy.

'HE'S NOT A MURDERER!' Evangeline roared, almost tearing her hair from her scalp. 'Doesn't he get a trial? He wasn't even James' and Lily's secret keeper! You can't lock him up!' she cried tormentedly.

'My dear girl you have no proof that he wasn't the Potters' secret keeper,' Bagnold said, glancing around at the Aurors that surrounded them. 'And murdering thirteen people .. anyone who commits that crime deserves –'

'I'M SIRIUS BLACK'S WIFE!' Evangeline yelled angrily. 'SEE THAT MAN LYING DEAD IN THERE? THAT IS MY BROTHER! I WAS THERE THE NIGHT THEY NAMED PETTIGREW THEIR SECRET KEEPER! IF THAT'S NOT PROOF THEN WHAT IS?!'

'I would appreciate it if you did not yell at me, Mrs Black,' Bagnold said disdainfully. 'One person cannot change the ways of the law. As far as we know, your husband killed thirteen people, there is no proof to say he didn't.'

Evangeline did not reply, she shook her head as she fought to hold back tears of knowing that she might not ever see Sirius again. But she would make sure she did, she was determined to fight for his freedom. Thinking of all the horrible things that had went wrong that night, two loved ones dead, her husband being sent to Azkaban for something he didn't do, her nephew – . 'Where's Harry?' Evangeline blurted out.

'Why, Professor Dumbledore has sent him to live with Lily Potter's sister.'

I hope you liked the chapter!! REVIEWS!! Now, I will try to stick to most of J.K's plot throughout the Harry Potter books. There will be some changes, to which I am not for revealing just yet .. you will just have to wait and see XD Thank you to all my reviewers! Tori xo