The following morning Sirius had breakfast with Regulus, James and Lily. He and James were almost finished when Shari arrived down. She was greeted warmly by Lily as she sat down beside her. James and Regulus smiled at her. She reciprocated while looking at Sirius who had his head in the daily prophet.
"Good morning Sirius I hope you slept well."
"Yeah, I did thanks. Can you believe James that Fudge is still sceptical about the pending war? He calls Dumbledore an alarmist..."
"Yeah, well Fudge always did have his head in the sand when it mattered. Do you remember last year when he refused to cancel the tournament?"
"I know..."
"Sirius where are the twins?"
"They are in the sitting room with Tonks. I would have thought they would have been your priority." Sirius replied as he glanced briefly at her.
"So much for being civil." Shari retorted as she picked up a slice of toast and began to butter it. Sirius closed the paper abruptly, threw it on the table and glared at her fiercely.
"I said we`d be civil for the kids but they aren`t here at the moment."
"Oh, I see so when they aren't in the room you can be a total jerk to me!"
"Well you know why I can barely stand to be in the same room as you right now."
"Oh, you know what Sirius? Grow up! I already apologised for leaving you and I explained countless times why I did but apparently that isn't enough for you."
"Finally she gets it. Took you long enough." Sirius drank the remainder of his coffee, slammed the mug on the table and abruptly rose from his seat.
"I`ll see you in Hogwarts later James."
"Yeah, hang on I`ll go with you. I need to go to the ministry." He kissed Lily on the cheek, said goodbye to Regulus, smiled at Shari and left with Sirius.
"Maybe I`ll see you later Shari, if you don't leave again." Shari stood up and threw a mug at Sirius but it got the door instead since he just missed it. Shari ran her fingers through her hair, her elbows resting on the table. She began to sob. Regulus looked at her sadly, wanting to help. Lily indicated for him to leave as she began rubbing her back. Once Regulus had left Lily said gently
"Shari, Sirius needs some time to adjust to everything." Shari looked at Lily as she wiped tears away.
"Lily you know he hates me. You heard the way he spoke to me. Our marriage is over."
"No it isn`t Shars. Sirius loves you more than anything in this world. He wouldn't react the way he is if he didn't. You remember two years ago when James and I were having problems? He was acting completely out of character because of all the stress he was under. Eventually it all came right for us. You guys for now just need to respect each other`s space and feelings. I have never in my life seen Sirius as sad as he was when you left."
"So what do I do to make it right Lily? I love him so much."
"I know you do but for now he needs time. You have to be patient. No more bickering. If he passes a snide remark, James and I will correct him if we`re in the room. You can`t react when he does though. It will be ok. I promise you. Maybe you should make him a home cooked meal tonight. I`ll bet he`ll love that. Oh, come here." Lily hugged Shari as she sobbed lightly.
At Hogwarts Sirius was standing in the main hall when Kingsley came charging towards him.
"Sirius there is something you need to know." Sirius glanced at him anxiously. He had never seen Kingsley look so spooked.
"What is it Kingsley? Are Harry and the kids all right?"
"Yeah, for now. Dumbledore just informed me that he sent Remus home to rest after last night. Nothing happened so don't look so worried. Snape had supplied him with some wolfs bane potion. This is the part where we worry. Umbridge is taking his classes today and one of them is Harry`s." Sirius eyes widened as he yelled
"WHAT! How can Dumbledore let that interfering old hag teach the kids anything? He knows what she`s like. He knows she is totally opposed to the order`s work. What the hell is he doing? I have to go see him and get this sorted." Sirius began to march towards Dumbledore`s office. Kingsley ran after him.
"Sirius, we can`t do anything. It`s too late. If Dumbledore pulls her it will be detrimental to his position as headmaster of Hogwarts."
"Kingsley I never thought I would say this but even Snape would be better at covering for Remus. She is trying to get him out of here and this is her golden opportunity. You know that Harry will be expelled. He hates her and she will relish every second of it."
"That is why you have to talk to him before class. Sirius you are his godfather. He will listen to you."
"You`re having a laugh aren`t you? Harry has been around me way too long. His temper is as hot as mine when people we care about are in jeopardy."
"You are the only chance we have Sirius. Harry needs to hold his tongue today around Umbridge." Sirius rolled his eyes but consented nonetheless. He walked into the great hall and found Harry sitting between Hermione and Fred. He tapped Harry on the shoulder from behind as he bent down on his haunches.
"Hey how you going Prongslet. I have a massive favour to ask you."
"What is it Sirius?"
"Hey Sirius!" Arielle chimed from across the table. Sirius smiled wryly as he waved saying
"Hey sweetheart."
"Hey dad did mom come back? Is she ok?"
"Yeah, Ryan she`s fine but I`m talking to Harry so..." Sirius placed his index finger against his lips signalling for Ryan to keep quiet.
"Remus is sick today. Dumbledore sent him home to recover for a couple days. Kingsley just told me. He also delightfully informed me that our mutual friend will be taking his classes. I have to ask you Harry to not give her any ammunition to shake things up any further for Remus` sake. Can you try and do that?"
"Yeah, I`ll certainly try Sirius." Harry replied openly.
"If she gives you any hassle then by all means fire it back at her. Your dad and I will be here today so let us know how things go ok?"
"Yeah sure thing Sirius." Sirius winked at Harry in gratitude as he patted his cheek and stood up.
"Ryan you should write to your mother. I`m sure she`d love to hear from you. I`ll see you all later." Sirius gave them a thumb up as he left.
Back at Grimauld Place Shari had taken Lily`s advice and was preparing a meal for Sirius; the muggle way. Regulus walked in unexpectedly. She turned and smiled warmly at him.
"I`m so sorry Shari, I didn't know you were cooking."
"Oh, don`t be ridiculous Reg. You do live here so please don't apologise." He smiled as he walked over to the sink to fetch a glass of water.
"It smells good Shari. I`m sure Sirius will love it."
"I`d rather him say that he loves me." She retorted as she continued to roll the dough. She was making a cherry pie; Sirius` favourite. Regulus put the glass on the draining board. He looked at her horrified. After a moment he stood beside her. She turned to him as he said
"Sirius loves every bone in your body. It killed him when you left and I don't care what your reasons were Shari. The point is that you didn't even try to get past your grief with Sirius. I know I wasn`t there when you got married but doesn't the vows you took mean anything? As far as I know you both took vows to be there for each other through the good and bad times. Losing a child is about as bad as it can get. You do know that Rob hates you for leaving right? Sirius...he doesn't hate you and he won't allow Rob to say anything bad about you either. He is a good man Shari so start realising that before it`s too late."
"I am trying Regulus. I am cooking a meal for him to show him how much he means to me. What do you suggest I do?"
"Shari, one meal, one conversation, and one gesture aren't enough. It will take a lot more meals, conversations and gestures for Sirius to forgive you. You need to understand that. If you are making that meal with an agenda then don't bother finishing. The only reason you should be making him dinner is because you want to, because you love him and want to make things right between you. Sometimes you have to be patient. Sirius isn't punishing you. If he were you`d know. I know there is a lot of love between you both but right now there is also a lot of hurt in Sirius` heart so it`s your job to heal it with your love. I`ll leave you to it." Shari reciprocated Regulus soft smile. She thanked him as he left. He smiled with the hope he had made her understand Sirius` point of view.
Harry sat near the back with Ron in D.A.D.A. class to avoid temptation. Hermione reminded him how proud she was of him and kissed him. Not even that could encourage Harry to remain silent throughout the entire class. At promptly 9:00 Umbridge strode to the top of the classroom; all dressed in pink. She smiled insincerely at all the despondent faces staring back at her.
"Good morning children. I know that you were expecting to see Professor Lupin but unfortunately he is sick today. I`m certain he will be back very soon."
"Yeah, not if she has anything to do with it." Harry muttered to Ron who agreed.
"Have you got something to say Mr. Potter?" Harry shook his head and replied
"No nothing at all."
"Good. Let us begin our lesson. I fear that your education in the dark arts thus far has been extreme. You have not been taught any real practical magic."
"Yes, we have." Ron shouted.
"Students will raise their hands in my class before they speak." Umbridge exclaimed.
"Professor Lupin has been teaching you magic that is not necessary. He has been wasting valuable time. This is the year you sit your O.W.L.S. and it is vital that you all succeed. I cannot see how that will happen with someone as incompetent as him..."
"Are you going to say anything Harry?" Ron asked concernedly.
"I promised Sirius I wouldn't but I`m slowly losing my grip on that promise."
"You should be taught about safe ways to practice magic and not use it in such volatile ways."
"Professor Lupin is more than qualified to teach us everything we need to know for our O.W.L.S." Hermione remarked angrily.
"Well I disagree my dear. I see him as being surplus of requirement really. There would have to be someone better than him somewhere..."
"If you are referring to yourself then you can forget it." Rob barked.
"Are you actually planning on teaching this class or is it your mission to destroy Remus` decent reputation? He is a good man and the best professor Hogwarts has ever had for this subject. You are so blinded and obsessed by Fudge and his idiotic principles that you can`t see that you are tarnishing a good man`s reputation. All because you cannot face the truth. Voldemort is back and the sooner you and the rest of the ministry officials who are in denial remove your heads from your asses the better we all will be!"
"ENOUGH MR. POTTER! I want you out of this class right now. I will see you for detention in this room at 7:00 sharp. I will not tolerate any disruptions in my class. If anybody else wishes to follow Mr. Potter`s example then leave right now but be warned; you will all have detention this week." As Umbridge finished speaking; Harry and all the other Gryffindors walked out of the class. Umbridge glared at each of them menacingly. As they marched back towards the great hall laughing and joking, they came upon a stern looking Sirius. He folded his arms and glared at them for an explanation. Everyone but Harry expressed a sense of guilt.
"So who is going to tell me why none of you are in D.A.D.A. class right now?" Rob pushed Harry forward. Harry turned and rolled his eyes at him as Sirius said
"Oh, come now Harry don't be shy. I know you don't have it in you mate." The others chuckled but stopped as they saw Sirius` stern expression.
"Sirius, I swear I didn't start anything with Umbridge. She was having a go at Remus and I eventually had to say something." Sirius closed his eyes as he sighed. He opened them, looked at Harry momentarily and then ordered the rest of them to go into the great hall. Once they did, Sirius beckoned Harry outside. They walked towards the foot bridge. Sirius leaned over the side as he said
"Harry this has got to stop. Whatever about me or James speaking out of turn to her; you can`t afford to. She has ways of punishing you mate."
"Yeah, well we all have detention with her at 7:00."
"You see that is what I mean! Oh...what are we going to do kid?" Sirius asked leaning his back against the bridge.
"Do you know any trained assassins?" Harry asked making Sirius laugh.
"I told Kingsley earlier that I couldn't convince you to keep quiet in her class. He still asked me to try though..."
"If it makes a difference, Hermione and Rob spoke up to her before I did but it was only me she threw out of the class. The others followed when she asked if they wanted to."
"All right well I guess the only thing we can do now is aim for damage control."
"Meaning?" Harry asked perplexed. Sirius placed his hands upright on Harry`s shoulders as he turned him in the direction of the castle saying
"Meaning we have to speak to the one person who is your truest ally in this school and quite possibly entire world."
"Sirius I promised Dumbledore I wouldn't speak out of turn..."
"Yeah, well I didn't beat you after you broke your promise to me so I`m sure Dumbledore won`t either. Now come on kid, shake your booty." Harry smirked as he followed Sirius to Dumbledore`s office. As they ascended the spiral staircase Sirius began to reminisce.
"You know I distinctly remember being a constant visitor to Dumbledore`s office when I was at school here. There was always one teacher who had in for me. Good ole Mc Gonagall." Sirius laughed to himself.
"So you`re telling me that you weren`t a star student Sirius? You didn't win student of the year ever? You really didn't ace your O.W.L.S. or N.E.W.T.S.? Now that is shocking." Sirius smacked Harry lightly on the back of the head as he laughed.
"You can shut up now smart ass because we`re here."
As they walked towards the door they heard the voice of Alastor Moody inside.
"Oh boy he is going to freak Sirius." Harry droned.
"I got ya kid. It will be fine." Sirius knocked loudly on the door and entered on command.
"Good morning Albus, Moody and how are we on this fine morning?" Moody stood with his arms folded and eyebrows raised as he said
"Enough of the grinning like a Cheshire cat Sirius. What is the problem?"
"I am." Harry said glumly as he stepped inside. Moody continued to glare at him as Dumbledore came out from behind his desk. He looked anxiously at Harry as he asked
"What is the matter Harry?"
"It`s Umbridge sir...again. I am so sorry. I didn't mean it..."
"You young Potter will cost the order everything if you don't learn to keep your trap shut!" Moody snarled stepping closer to him.
"OI! Moody now just back off from him. Umbridge is a filthy, nasty piece of work and you know you couldn`t keep quiet either..."
"Sirius, Alastor I wish to speak to Harry alone please."
"I`ll be downstairs Prongslet." Sirius said as he walked out.
"I`ll be back later to finish our discussion Albus." Moody exclaimed as he hobbled out of the office.
"Harry come over and sit down. I need to know exact details." Harry followed Dumbledore to his living area. They both sat down opposite one another. After a few seconds Harry related the circumstances which brought him here.
"I want you to know Harry that I didn't ask her to take Remus` class today. She overheard me sending Remus home earlier. I did intend to ask Professor Snape. I know that wouldn't be very thrilling for you either but at least I have more control over him." Harry returned Dumbledore`s smile as he replied
"Actually Professor Snape and I seem to be on even ground at the moment. I don't mean to cause problems for the order sir. It`s just she has a way of goading me. She loathes Remus because of his condition. I grew up with him so I know how much he loathed himself for years. He is finally happy with whom he is and I know Tonks is a big part of that. I lose it when anybody speaks badly of him. I know Sirius and my dad can look after themselves." Dumbledore laughed lightly. He knew all too well what Harry meant.
"I understand your point of view Harry so here is what I propose. I will ensure that she never again fills in for Remus. If she happens to walk into another class of yours, try your best to ignore her but if something happens; I vow to you that the teacher of that class will have authority over the punishment you receive. Naturally, unless your behaviour is outrageous there will be no such punishment." Dumbledore winked at Harry who smiled brightly.
"Thank you sir but I have detention with her tonight at 7:00 along with the other Gryffindors. She said it would last the entire week."
"If you go tonight Harry then I promise you that will be the end of it. We have to pretend a little bit to be on her side."
"Ok, sir. I`ll let the others know." Dumbledore nodded as Harry stood up to leave. As he got to the door, Dumbledore who was standing at his desk said
"Harry, I admire your courage. I have only seen that amount in bravery in a handful of students and one of them was your father. In times of darkness we all need to look to a leader. I know you will make a fine one." Harry eyed Dumbledore perplexed. He thanked him and left, uncertain of what he was on about.
Back at Grimauld Place Lily had informed James that they would be eating out tonight. Shari and Sirius needed time to themselves. Lily, Tonks and Molly had helped Shari decorate the kitchen. They placed one tall, slim line candle in the centre of the table. There were four heart shaped night lights surrounding it. Lily had cast a spell on the ceiling; it resembled the night sky. Stars shone brightly all across it and once in a while a shooting star would fly throughout. Tonks had selected songs from their wedding to play on Lily`s CD player. Molly had decorated the table in rose petals and enchanted the kitchen to smell of vanilla and cherry blossoms; a fragrance which Sirius and Shari loved.
Sirius arrived home at 6:00 promptly. He called out but received no reply. As he made his way down to the kitchen, he was immediately overwhelmed by the scent. He walked in to find a dimly lit kitchen, soft music playing and Shari standing by the table smiling warmly at him. He was amazed by his sudden urge to kiss her. He held back.
"What is all this Shari?" He asked stepping further inside and looking at the enchanted ceiling, smiling.
"I wanted to do something for you Sirius. I know my actions lately have damaged our relationship. It`s time we at least tried to set things right."
"The place looks great. Did you do all this?"
"I had some help from Lily, Tonks and Molly." She confessed smiling.
"Yeah, I recognise the ceiling as being Lily." Sirius admitted smiling softly.
"Yeah, why don`t you sit down and we can have dinner?" She smiled a little nervous of what the night might bring. Sirius walked over to the end of the table. Suddenly he stopped, turned around and said
"Shari, you look beautiful as always." She smiled abashed as she thanked him. She brought over two cylinder shaped glasses which contained prawn cocktails.
"So where is everybody?" Sirius asked.
"Oh, Lily told James they were going out for dinner."
"Ah, well if Lily told James then that was that." Sirius remarked as he laughed with Shari.
"Yeah, I think they went into Hogsmeade. I guess it`s an excuse for them all to have a break from being stuck inside really."
"Yeah, that`s true. This is divine Shars."
"Thanks, I made it the way you like it; mayonnaise, lemon juice and a touch of basil." They smiled at one another shyly. Shari gathered up the glasses as she carried them to the sink. She had made a steak meal for the main course. As she brought the plates over to the table Sirius smiled widely at her.
"A steak meal. This looks incredible Shari."
"I certainly hope it tastes as good as it looks."
"Oh yeah it does." Sirius replied sampling a piece
"Anybody who says you can have a steak without onions, potatoes and gravy is insane." Shari laughed at Sirius as she said
"I know how much you love your food Sirius. It`s always a pleasure to cook for you." They sat in silence for a few moments as they ate and enjoyed the food. Sirius broke it by asking
"So how is Dieter doing these days? He really should pay a visit more often."
"Yeah, I know. He is fine thanks for asking. He actually is thinking of getting married."
"Oh, really? Who`s the lucky lady?"
"Oh, her name is Anita Reynolds. They met through some mutual friend. I met her a couple times. She seems nice. I think it's time he settled down. Mom and dad love her so that definitely helps."
"I can`t imagine your parents disliking anybody Shari. That meal was simply incredible. Thank you for making it." Sirius reached across the table and clasped her hand in his. She smiled back at him. "Are you ready for desert?" She asked releasing her hand and gathering the plates together.
"I`m not sure if I could fit in another thing but I`ll certainly try."
"That`s good because I made your favourite; cherry pie." Sirius smiled widely as she brought the two plates to the table. As they were about to begin, Sirius mirror began to vibrate in his pocket. He took it out and saw Rob`s distressed face reflected in it.
"Sirius you have to come to Hogwarts immediately. We have an emergency."
"Hey Rob what`s the problem?"
"It`s Umbridge..."
"What has she done?" Sirius asked angrily as he abruptly rose from the table.
"We just had detention with her, look." He held up his hand. On the back in red ink was written "I must not tell lies."
"Please don`t tell me..."
"Yeah, it`s blood."
"THAT`S IT! I`ll GET JAMES AND REMUS DOWN THERE RIGHT NOW! THAT FOUL CONIVING EVIL GARGOYLE IS GOING DOWN! You get the others back to the common room. I`ll meet you there in ten minutes."
"Sirius what`s going on?" Shari asked concernedly.
"I have to go Shari. Umbridge has crossed the line. I`ll explain later." He ran out the back door as he apparated to Hogsmeade.
As Sirius arrived in Hogsmeade he contacted James and told him to meet him with Remus at the shrieking shack. As bewildered as James was he complied with Sirius` request. Lily noticed his concern and asked
"What is going on James? Why does Sirius want you to meet him at the shack?"
"I don't know Lily but as soon as I do, I`ll tell you. Molly, Arthur, can you please make sure that Lily gets home safe?"
"Yes, of course we will James."Arthur replied.
"James, don't do this..."
"Lily I`m sorry we have to go. Sirius is waiting. I`ll be home soon I promise." He kissed her on the cheek as he left with Remus.
James and Remus ran as fast as they could to meet Sirius. When they finally arrived they found a distressed friend waiting for them.
"Sirius, what the hell is going on?" James asked urgently.
"Rob contacted me asking for us to come to Hogwarts. Umbridge has crossed the line this time. Her idea of punishment is repulsive. We have to get to Hogwarts through the shrieking shack, it's the only way. Come on!" The three of them ran towards the shrieking shack; unaware of how bad things were at Hogwarts. They stumbled their way through the house; each with a brightly lit wand. Their last obstacle was getting past the whomping willow unscathed.
"On the count of three we jump. One, two, three." Sirius shouted as all three jumped out onto the ground, face down as the many branches circulated in the breeze. As the three stood up and dusted themselves down James turned to his two friends saying
"I think we`re getting a bit old for this sort of thing." Remus smirked as Sirius shook his head and looking towards the castle replied
"Nonsense Prongs! We still got it. Now hurry our kids need us." Sirius began running towards the castle but James shouted
"Hold it Sirius!" Sirius stopped and turned around to face him with an inquisitive expression etched on his face.
"Look, if we keep running we are going to be out of breath soon and then we will be of no use to anyone. So how about we walk from here. It will only take us five minutes anyway. On the way maybe you could fill us in some more on what exactly Umbridge has done Sirius and then we can work out a plan."
"That sounds good to me James." Remus remarked as he walked beside James.
"Oh that would be right Remus. You always were one for the quiet life." Sirius barked.
"Sirius, if you don't learn to calm down and think rationally in times of distress, we will accomplish nothing. Now, tell us what Rob said."
Back in the common room Harry sat in the arm chair starring into the fire. He held his marked hand by the wrist as he glanced down at the engraving it now bore. Rob sat on the arm of Harry`s chair as he said gently
"I had to tell Sirius, Harry. We can't let Umbridge get away with it."
"I told you I would handle it. You didn't listen." Harry said still starring into the fire.
"You don't think they would have noticed eventually?"
Harry breathed in deeply, anger boiling inside of him. He stood up and turned to face Rob who rose to his feet in turn.
"I said I would handle it but you wouldn't listen. Why do you never listen Rob?" Harry shoved Rob in the chest as he continued berating him.
"If you had kept your big mouth shut then nobody else had to be involved. We don't need Sirius every single time!" Harry violently pushed Rob to the ground as the marauders entered the common room. James and Sirius rushed over to Harry and Rob respectively. James swung his arms around Harry`s chest as Sirius helped Rob off the floor. James turned Harry to face him as Remus looked on concernedly. He gripped his son firmly by the shoulders as he said
"Harry, what is going in with you? Are you feeling ok?"
"Yes, why wouldn't I be?" Harry asked quizzically.
"You just shoved Rob to the ground. Why did you do it?"
"I don't know. I`m sorry dad I don't know why I did it." He looked at James sorrowful. James eyed his son anxiously as he turned to Rob and apologised. Rob accepted.
"Show me your hand Harry. I need to see how much damage has been done." Harry glared at Rob while James grabbed his wrist. He read the back of Harry`s hand. James stared horrified at his son.
"Dumbledore is waiting in his office for us. He wants to see you and Rob. Remus get the others down to the hospital wing right now. I am not going to let that venomous tart get away with this. "
Dumbledore paced around his office in an attempt to make sense of all that was happening. He knew he had to make Fudge realise that Voldemort was back before things at Hogwarts became even more serious but how? Similarly he was conscious that James would wish to implement further protection particularly for his son. This would require outside help and Dumbledore knew exactly who to contact. The question was would they be willing to help after all this time? A loud bang on his door brought Dumbledore back to reality. As James and Sirius marched in with Harry and Rob, Dumbledore eyed them all pensively.
"Albus, I respect you as Head Master of Hogwarts. I always have but the day you told me that that poisonous, loathsome, disgusting excuse of a human being was intending on "supervising" the running of this school, on that day Albus I sat with you in this office and I implored you to reconsider. I warned you that she would wreak havoc and she has. I am going to ask you again, beg you if I have to. I want you to get that filthy piece of trash out of this school now. I am not going to tolerate my son or any other Hogwarts student to be treated in this despicable way."
"I don't want her here anymore than you do James." Dumbledore replied softly.
"THEN GET HER OUT!" James bellowed starting Harry. Sirius noticed as he beckoned for him and Rob to wait outside. James tried to interject but Dumbledore interrupted saying
"I believe James that the three of us need to sit down and discuss the situation rationally." Dumbledore sat behind his desk as Sirius motioned for James to take a seat in front of it. Reluctantly James followed suit.
"Now, James I know you are distressed but we need to think about this logically. If I were to inform Umbridge that her services at Hogwarts had expired; how do you suppose it would appear? She would inform Fudge; he would thus barge in here and accuse me of harbouring some intention of bringing down the ministry. Things would escalate out of our control James. I promised Harry earlier that this would be the very last time that Umbridge would have authority over punishment of students. I will speak to her about this in the morning but I am asking you to trust me James. I will not let anything happen to Harry. You have my word on that. If necessary we will resort to bringing in outside forces."
"What do you mean outside forces?" Sirius enquired perplexed. Dumbledore smiled softly as he replied
"I have people outside of this school who I am certain will be willing to participate when the time comes. Now could you please call Harry and Rob?" Sirius and James nodded as they obliged.
Sirius and James stood behind them both and placed their hands on their shoulders as Dumbledore spoke to them.
"I will keep this brief because I know Madam Pomfrey is expecting you both. Firstly, I wish to offer my sincerest apologies for what you both went through this evening. Had I known of this I assure you I would never have let it happen. Secondly, I vow to you that this will not happen again. I`ll admit to have been a bit slack as of late. I don't believe my mind has been completely here within Hogwarts but that is about to change. Dolores Umbridge will not be harming any of my students again. Finally I would like you both to promise me that if either of you ever need to talk about anything I am here day or night. I am conscious that the activity at home cannot be easy to understand completely. Just please trust me. James and Sirius are two of the finest aurors the order has ever seen. They know that their priority is their family. Now, off you go. I will see you tomorrow."
Back at Grimauld Place Shari was waiting for Sirius in the kitchen. He walked in past midnight, looking and feeling exhausted. Shari stood up. He eyed her emotionlessly.
"Are you going to tell me what happened?" She asked cagily.
"It was just something to do with Umbridge. It's sorted now. Harry was a bit messed up but he seems fine now."
"Oh well if Harry is fine then that's great Sirius." Shari retorted coldly.
"What is your problem? I`m sorry I ran out on you but I didn't have a choice Shari."
"I understand why you had to go Sirius but you could at least have contacted me to tell me what was going on."
"How could I have Shari? You don't have a mirror..."
"No but Remus does. He gave his one to Lily before he went with you."
"Oh, well I didn't know..." Sirius replied truthfully.
"You didn't ask Sirius!" Shari barked as she folded her arms.
"I`m going to bed. I can't deal with you right now." Sirius exclaimed tiredly as he turned to leave the room. Shari unfolded her arms as she turned on him angrily saying
"Oh, that's right run away Sirius."
"You are the expert at running Shari." Sirius replied as he glanced at her over his shoulder.
"Oh, here we go back to square one." Shari cried throwing her hands in the air dramatically. Sirius turned to face her as his frustration towards her poured out of him.
"We never left it Shari. What exactly did you think would happen tonight? Did you think that because you cooked for me that I would suddenly find you insatiable and by the morning everything would be forgotten?"
"I am trying to fix our marriage Sirius. You act like you aren't interested."
"Sometimes things aren't salvageable Shari."
"Sirius...please don't say that." Shari pleaded but to no avail.
"I`m sorry Shari but you wanted the truth. I don't feel like this is a marriage anymore. I lost my wife the day we lost our children. The woman who suffered the miscarriage, the woman I married, the woman I fell in love with at sixteen isn't here anymore. I don't know if she will ever be. I hope she will come back to me soon. The woman standing in front of me is so hostile, argumentative and tumultuous. I don't know her and I don't want to know her. The Shari that I knew wouldn't be so self absorbed as to not understand why it still hurts that she ran away from me. Until you get why my heart is still smashed then we have no future. Goodnight Shari." Sirius abruptly left the kitchen as he marched up to his bedroom. Shari stared at the spot in shock where her husband had just stood. After a moment she turned to the table, sat down, buried her face in her hands and cried. As Sirius reached his room, he closed the door behind him. He breathed in deeply as he slumped down behind the door. He buried his face in his hands as he silently cried.