The War: Chapter Four

Galatea was stunned. She cleared her throat. "What did you say?"

"I said I found another who fits the prophecy. You know, parents who thrice defied the Dark Lord, born as the seventh month dies, all of that? Are you sure you don't have any of my clothes here still?"

Galatea sighed. "I don't know." She flicked her wand, summoning any clothes that might have been around. A shopping bag pushed its way out of the back of her closet. "Here, I don't know what's in there."

Sirius disappeared into the bathroom.

"What about the Dark Lord marking him as his equal? That was what made Harry so important," she asked, a little incredulous.

"Well, that's a little tricky," Sirius allowed, coming out of the bathroom. "Do you want to come back to headquarters? I can show you everything I've found."

"No. I do not want to go back to headquarters. I've just gotten home," she sighed in exasperation and flopped down on her bed. "You always do this!"

"Don't know what you mean," he said innocently, looking over himself in the mirror.

"Fine. You can go then. I'm not coming to headquarters with you today. You've made me too angry. And don't you dare ask someone to come and reason with me. You're just as arrogant as you were at school!"

Sirius put his hands up in defeat and left. She had always been difficult to reason with. It was times like this that he really missed Remus; he had always been able to talk sense into her.

Galatea slammed the door after him. It was times like this she really missed Remus; he had always been able to get Sirius to leave her alone. She wondered if it was too late to call him. Galatea kept a Muggle phone for the sole purpose of calling Remus and Dora.

She went into the living room and dug it out from under many old issues of the Prophet. His was the only phone number she knew and she didn't call it as often as she'd have liked.

When the dial-tone was replaced by an automated voice requiring a numerical password she dialed 768837 for "Potter" and the ringing continued.

"Name," another automated voice requested.

"Galatea Grey," she said, having forgotten all of Remus's security precautions.

Finally, after another two rings, a tired voice answered. "Hello?"

"Remus?"

"Yes, who's calling?"

"Sorry, it's Galatea. I can never figure out the time. It's not too late is it?"

"About midnight here."

"Oh."

"Sirius being a prat again?" he asked.

"How can you tell?"

He chuckled. "You're tone was always easy to understand."

"Hmph. Well, you're right. His is being a prat again. Well, as usual actually."

"What is it this time?"

"He's just always around and he can't seem to take a hint. I don't want to be around him. That's why we're not married anymore. But he doesn't understand. And it doesn't help that we're always sent on missions together. I don't know who is sending the owls but their information is obviously outdated. I'm so glad I can talk to you," she finished.

"I miss you too."

She smiled. "Any advice on what to do with him?" she asked.

"Not really. If you want him to leave you alone, you could just be in his face about it."

"I am! All the time. But we're either forced to be in the same place, and unhappy about it or he seeks me out. I just don't understand. We were on a mission last night and he was obviously annoyed about it. And then this morning when I got home, Padfoot was waiting for me. I'm tired of this hot and cold treatment."

"What did he want?"

"I think you're missing the point Remus…"

"Still, maybe I'm not," he continued. "What did he want?"

"He thinks he's found someone else who fits the prophecy and he wants me to play detective with him," she grumbled.

"What?"

"I know, ridiculous right?"

Remus was silent on the other end.

"Remus?"

"Maybe you should hear him out. That could be quite important."

"Are you kidding? Remus, why would—."

"Galatea, this war has been going on for too long. It's been thirteen years since we were in England. Teddy doesn't even remember it. Have you ever considered that the reason Harry failed might have been because he was the wrong person?"

"But Dumbledore…"

"Dumbledore was wrong before."

"Remus, this is preposterous." But this was exactly what she and Sirius had talked about that morning.

"Just think about it. And go talk to Sirius. You don't completely hate him."

Galatea scoffed. "I suppose not, but he makes it so easy."

"Well, I'd love to hear what you find out, but I'd really like to get back to bed now," he yawned.

"Yes, of course. Give my love to Dora and the kids."

"Take care Tey."

Galatea hung up the phone and sighed. She would just have to swallow her pride and return to headquarters. She hated it when Sirius was right.