Disclaimer: HP and Buffy belong to JKR and Joss Whedon respectively/OCs belong to me.

Chapter 10: Uncovering the Truth

Hermione walked out of the room at the sound of a sharp crack. "Hello?" When no-one answered, she walked back into the sitting room to finish decorating the ceiling as Cammie had requested. "There's no-one there. I could've sworn I heard someone disapparating."

Xander shrugged as he lifted Cammie up again so that she could hang more mistletoe up. "It's probably just the floorboards creaking." He then lowered Cammie to stand beneath the mistletoe she had just hung. "So how about my kiss?"

Cammie gave a scream and a giggle as Xander blew a raspberry on her cheek. "Uncle Xander!"

Hermione looked at the time. "I think it's time you went to bed."

"Do I have to?" Cammie was having a great time and didn't want it to end.

"H.J. said you had to be in bed by eleven, so you're already fifteen minutes late," Xander informed her. "Now hop on my back and I'll carry you up."

Cammie gladly did as she was ordered, and Hermione smiled as she followed the two of them up the stairs.

H.J. suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs. "I timed that just right, didn't I?"

Cammie gave a happy yell. "H.J.!"

The two men waited outside Cammie's room while Hermione kept her company as she changed into her pajamas. "You can come in now."

Xander and H.J. entered the room and both of them kissed Cammie goodnight, before going downstairs where they headed into the kitchen.

Upstairs, Cammie lay back in her bed. "Aunt Hermione, will you sit and talk to me for a little while?"

Hermione could tell Cammie was still nervous about being in the house, and so she sat down beside her. After ten minutes, Cammie's eyes were starting to droop so Hermione got up. "I think you should get some sleep now."

Cammie yawned. "You are going to sleep in here with me tonight, aren't you?"

"I'll be here when you wake up." Hermione leant over and kissed her. "Goodnight."

"Goodnight." Cammie felt safe as she closed her eyes and went to sleep.

Hermione went downstairs to find the two men sitting with beers. H.J. immediately opened the fridge when she walked in. "Do you want a glass of wine?"

"Yes, please." Hermione took the glass off H.J. once he had filled it, and sat down at the counter.

"Was Cammie okay?" H.J. had started to get worried when Hermione didn't come straight back down.

Harry's voice interrupted the group. "She was half asleep when I just checked in."

"I thought you were still at the ball with Mione," H.J. observed.

"I left about fifteen minutes ago. I'm surprised you didn't hear me in the shower." Harry got himself a glass of wine and sat down next to Xander. "I was hoping to speak to Cammie as I'd promised her a goodnight kiss when I got home, but I probably should've seen her before I showered."

Hermione smiled as she thought about the young girl. "I feel so sorry for her. She's almost desperate for affection. From the way she acts, if I hadn't known she was eleven, I'd have said she was only eight or nine at most."

"It doesn't help that she's really quite tiny, which makes her seem younger," Xander pointed out. "But I know what you mean about the affection thing. We discussed it this morning while you were in her bedroom with her."

Hermione looked over at Harry, now at a stage where she felt comfortable meeting his eyes, but still a little unsure of herself around him. "I know Cammie wants me to stay but are you positive it's okay?"

"Of course," Harry assured her. He knew that Hermione didn't realize how much alike she and Cammie were, particularly when it came down to their constant need for reassurance. "I wouldn't have invited you to stay otherwise."

H.J. seconded Harry. "I'm glad he did. Cammie seems to have really taken to you."

"I must admit I'm pretty taken with her too," Hermione owned. "So I'm glad Harry came and got me."

Harry grinned. "You did look a little surprised to see me this morning."

Hermione had actually been almost speechless. "That's an understatement."

Earlier that day

After he had collected her from the home she had been placed in until the legalities of her adoption had been finalized, H.J. watched Cammie open the small welcoming gifts he, Harry, and Mione had bought for her to open on her first day in the new house. H.J. had been a little surprised to find out that Hogwarts did not stay open over Christmas, which was why Cammie had had to stay in the home. H.J. just hoped that she felt comfortable now. Looking at her face as she opened her first gift, he knew he had made the right choice in offering to take her in.

Cammie could feel her hands shaking as she nervously opened her gift from Dudley. H.J. had decided to let her have it then rather than waiting for Christmas Day. "He sent me a necklace."

H.J. bent down to look at it. "It's very pretty."

Cammie looked nervously up at H.J. "Do you think he really cares?"

"I'd say so." H.J. was aware that Dudley was seeing a wizarding psychologist, and that this was probably something she had suggested. "I've got his address, so if you want to send him a thank you card, we can do that."

"Thanks, H.J." Cammie smiled happily at H.J. She then opened Harry's present of assorted candies, something that she had never been allowed much of by her parents. "Thanks, Harry."

Mione had uncharacteristically sent Camille some hair ribbons, as well as matching brushes and combs. "They're really pretty. I'll write her a thank you note."

Cammie left the final present, the one from H.J. until last. She carefully unwrapped it to reveal a piece of parchment paper, which she quickly read. "So I can stay?"

Harry looked over at H.J., who was grinning madly at Cammie. "Is that what I think it is?"

"The final court order," H.J. confirmed, not taking his eyes of Cammie, who looked as if she was going to cry. "Are you happy?"

Cammie nodded her head and burst into tears. H.J. got up and pulled her on to his lap. "There, there."

Harry could see that H.J. was not exactly using to handling children but knew that he'd soon learn. "Congratulations."

"Thanks." H.J. stroked Cammie's hair as she sobbed into his sweater. "It's okay, no-one can take you away from me now."

Cammie lifted tear blurred eyes to H.J. "Does this mean that you're my dad now?"

H.J. looked a little helplessly at Harry, who was trying to hide his smirk, before answering, "I think it does but you can still call me H.J. if you want to."

"I don't know." Cammie wanted to call him 'Dad' but felt nervous about doing so.

"There's no hurry to decide what you want to call me," H.J. assured the girl. "But you can call Harry, Uncle Harry if you want to."

For Cammie this was an easier decision to make. "Can I really?"

"Of course."

"In that case, I'll call you Uncle Harry. Should I call Mione, 'Aunt Mione' or 'Professor Dominic'?" Cammie felt nervous around Mione, as she knew that she was likely to become her teacher at some time in the future.

"I think you should call her Aunt Mione at home and Professor Dominic when she's in school." H.J. climbed to his feet, still holding on to Cammie. "Now I think it's time for a late breakfast. I'm cooking pancakes and sausage as no doubt Xander will want leftovers and it's his favorite. Who wants some?"

"Not for me." Harry got up. "I'll be back a little later."

"Can you get the milk and eggs for out for me? I'll be there in a minute." H.J. put Cammie down, and she obligingly ran off in the direction of the kitchen. "You're going to see Hermione Granger, aren't you?"

Harry nodded. "I'm worried about her being alone as she said that her parents were going away for Christmas. I was thinking of asking her back here. I'm also going to drop by and collect Xander a little earlier than I planned." H.J. and Harry had introduced Xander to Cammie while they were still at Hogwarts, and the two of them had bonded almost immediately. Xander had therefore offered to take care of the young girl while H.J. and Harry attended the Ministry Ball that evening.

"I'll see you when you get back." H.J. frowned as Harry disapparated. A call returned his attention to the kitchen. "I'm coming, Cammie."

Harry walked out of the side alley and made his way up the street to the house he had discovered that Hermione lived in.

Hermione had her head in a book when she heard a knock on the door. Padding to open it, she was shocked to see Harry standing there. "Harry, um, what are you doing here?"

"Freezing." Harry shivered slightly. Even though he was a werewolf and cold temperatures rarely bothered him, today was particularly bitter.

"Sorry, come in." Hermione stepped aside to let Harry by. "Come through to the family room. I was just reading in there."

Harry followed Hermione into a large room with walls lined with books and several sofas arranged against them. A small television sat on a console. "Why aren't there any Christmas decorations?"

Hermione blushed. "Mother said it wasn't worth the expense as she and Edward wouldn't be here."

Harry could sense Hermione's nervousness as she talked about her parents, so he commented no further on the subject. "I actually came over to see if you wanted to go with me to drop by and see Xander." Harry refrained from telling her that they were then going to his home, as he had the feeling that she'd refuse to go if he did.

Hermione's face lit up. "I'd love to. I've got a cake in the fridge that I can take with me."

"I'm certain Xander will like that." Harry knew that the American would never refuse food.

Ten minutes later, Harry was knocking on Xander's door. Remus opened it. "Harry, Miss. Granger."

Xander came running up behind Remus. "Come in."

"I thought I'd collect you a little early." Harry hoped Xander wouldn't mind.

"My bag's already packed," Xander informed him.

Harry grinned at Xander's enthusiasm. "I'm not sure if you've eaten breakfast yet but H.J. is cooking sausage and pancakes as he knew you'd want some for later."

Xander's face split into a large grin. "It was going to be leftover pizza from last night as no-one's gone shopping."

Harry did the polite thing. "Remus, perhaps you and Rupert would care to join us for breakfast?"

Remus declined. "Thanks but Rupert has plans already, and I'm planning to catch up on some of my work."

Xander was horrified. "You can't work on Christmas Eve."

"I have to but I'm going to drop by the Ball later." Remus knew he would enjoy the peace and quiet until then. "Now get off with you."

"I won't be a minute." Xander disappeared as he ran up the stairs to grab his stuff.

Rupert came into the hallway. "Harry, good to see you."

"Rupert." Harry liked the reserved but friendly man. "Remus said you have plans. Not work I hope."

"Most definitely not. I'm taking a friend out for brunch before we spend the day together."

"I hope you have a nice time." Harry wished Xander would hurry up as he could sense that Hermione was totally out of her comfort zone. He knew she hadn't expected to see Remus there, and he had a feeling she still had a crush on the Defense teacher.

"I'm in no doubt we will." Rupert gave a brief smile to Hermione. "If you'd all excuse me."

Harry turned to Remus. "Is he okay?"

"He's nervous." Remus grinned. "He's liked our friend's daughter for ages and has never gotten the courage up to ask her out on a date. She actually asked him in the end."

Harry laughed, and Hermione gave a nervous smile. Xander came running down the stairs bearing a bag. "Let's go. See you, Remus."

Remus waved his hand and disappeared into his study, leaving the three of them standing in the hallway.

Harry grabbed Xander's arm, and then turned to Hermione. "I'm going to side-apparate you both at the same time."

Xander got no chance to protest and he soon found himself standing in a large hallway. Cammie heard the crack and ran out. "Uncle Harry, the pancakes are…" Her words died away at the sight of Hermione.

"Perhaps I'd better go." Hermione felt more uncomfortable than she had done when she had come face to face with Remus outside of school.

"Please don't." It was Cammie who spoke up. "I'm Camille Dur…, um, Cammie Sebastian." Cammie had decided she preferred the diminutive form of her name that H.J. had begun to use.

"Hermione Granger." Hermione tentatively held out her hand, half-expecting Cammie to reject it.

Cammie shook it firmly. "I've seen you at school but my classmates told me I can't talk to you and the other Muggle-borns."

"I think you'd better listen to them." Hermione didn't want Cammie to lose her friends. "But we can talk now if you want to."

Cammie grabbed Hermione's hand and dragged her into the kitchen. "Come have some breakfast. H.J.'s a great cook. I've already eaten two pancakes and three sausages."

H.J. waved over at Hermione and Xander. "Hi, you two. There's plenty if you want some."

Xander pulled a plate off the stack that H.J. had warmed. "I'm not going to say no."

"Shocker!" Harry laughed at his friend. "Hermione, try one."

"I'll try half of one," Hermione acceded. "But no syrup."

"I don't like it either," Cammie confided. "But butter's nice on it."

After breakfast, Cammie looked hopefully at H.J. "Can I show Hermione my bedroom?"

"I'm not sure she wants to see it." H.J. smiled apologetically at Hermione.

"I'd love to." Hermione followed a beaming Cammie out.

"Cammie seems to have latched on to Hermione terribly quickly," Xander noted. "She's still awfully anxious, isn't she?"

"She is." H.J. set up a ward so he could hear if Cammie returned but she couldn't hear them. "Her parents treated her like shit. At the moment she's really clingy but I can understand that."

"After what Harry told me, I can see why you took her in." Xander had immediately liked the young girl when he had first been introduced to her.

"After meeting her when I went to collect her, it just felt right." H.J. gave a wry smile. "But I have to be honest, I never in a million years expected to end up becoming a dad at such an early age."

"You'll do just fine," Harry assured H.J. "Now, why don't I get everyone a drink and we can watch some TV."

Xander was pleased that the house H.J. had bought to provide Cammie with a stable home life was in a Muggle neighborhood of Birmingham, and that they had a big screen TV. "Giles refuses to have one in the house."

"You don't say." Harry laughed as he passed out beer to Xander and a glass of wine to H.J. "I know it's a little early but it is Christmas Eve."

Xander twisted the lid off the bottle of beer. "Happy holidays."

"The same to you." H.J. took a small sip of wine before putting the glass down. "I don't want to drink too much in front of Cammie."

"Welcome to parenthood." Harry felt a bittersweet shaft of pain as he thought about his own children.

H.J. gave Harry an understanding glance but could do little more than that, as he knew that Harry had decided to put off telling Xander and Hermione about them until Mione agreed to it.

An hour later, Hermione and Cammie came back down, and Cammie sat down next to H.J.

"Hermione said I can call her Aunt Hermione if I want." Cammie looked hopefully at Xander. "Can I call you Uncle Xander?"

Xander winked with his good eye at the girl. "You can call me whatever you want to, as long as it's not Cyclops, or worse, Mr. Harris."

Cammie giggled at Xander. "You're funny."

H.J. turned to Hermione. "Can I speak to you in the kitchen?"

Hermione followed H.J. out. "Is it about Cammie calling me aunt? I can ask her not to, if you'd prefer."

H.J. put a hand on Hermione's arm. "Calm down. I'm glad she feels that comfortable around you. I know we really haven't talked much but I have a favor to ask of you."

Hermione was a little unsure of what she could do for H.J. "Do you want me to tidy up in here?"

H.J. immediately barked out, "Hermione, you're not a bloody house-elf." He softened his voice as Hermione visibly recoiled. While Harry and Mione were used to his sometimes abrasive manner, it was obvious that Hermione was not. "You're a guest in this house, not a servant. What I wanted to ask was if you'd mind staying over with Xander to watch Cammie tonight. I trust him but I'd feel better knowing that you're here. She seems to have taken to you."

Hermione relaxed. "I'd love to."

H.J. realized Hermione had not got a drink. "Would you like a glass of wine?"

Hermione shook her head. "It's a little early for me but I wouldn't say no to a cup of tea."

"I'll make one for you." H.J. pulled open the cupboard and got out a cup and teabags, before reaching into the fridge and getting out the milk. "Do you want sugar?"

"No, thanks." Hermione felt awkward standing around while H.J. ran around after her. "I could've done it, you know."

"It's the least I can do." H.J. tapped the side of the mug and passed it to Hermione. "I hope it's okay."

Hermione took a tentative sip. "It's perfect, thank you."

"Come on. Let's go back in." H.J. placed his hand at the small of Hermione's back and led her back to the sitting room.

It was obvious that Cammie had been worried that Hermione had left. "I thought you'd gone."

"No, I'm staying tonight." Hermione smiled as Cammie moved to sit by her.

"You can sleep in my room with me." Now Hermione had said that she would stay, the young girl had every intention of making sure that she stayed as long as possible.

"I look forward to it," Hermione said. "Now why don't we settle down and watch the movie?"

Cammie snuggled up to Hermione's side, feeling the most loved she had ever felt.

Present Time

Mione was shaking as she looked round the room Cassandra had apparated her into. "Where are we?"

"My bedroom." Cassandra realized that Mione had not yet been in it. "It was the first place I thought of."

"No wonder Harry didn't want to stay tonight." Mione felt miserable. "He wanted to get back home to be with her."

"I doubt he was doing anything, Mione." Cassandra put her arm around her friend. "Camille was there with them."

"You heard them... he kissed her." Mione felt sick. "He assured me everything would be fine before he left the ball, and then he went off and kissed someone else."

"Haven't you ever kissed someone under the mistletoe?" Cassandra hoped that there was innocent explanation.

"Yes, but this is different," Mione argued. "And I know he wasn't kissing her on the cheek."

"Mione, that doesn't mean a thing." Cassandra tried to reassure her friend. "Harry Potter kissed me under the mistletoe last year and it wasn't on my cheek, but it doesn't mean we're sleeping together. You've already said that Harry only views Hermione Granger as a friend. "

Mione was not sure that deep down she truly believed that. "I hope you're right." Mione knew that she couldn't stay in the bedroom forever, and she took a deep breath to steady herself. "I think we'd better get back to the Ball."

"Do you feel up to it?" Cassandra knew she could send a house-elf to James Potter with a message if necessary.

"I do." Mione smiled brightly at Cassandra. "Before we go, tell me, what was it like being kissed by Potter?"

Cassandra gagged. "Bloody horrible."

"So why did you do it?" Mione asked.

"I didn't kiss him; he kissed me because Orion dared him to." Cassandra shuddered as she recalled the sloppy, wet kiss Harry Potter had bestowed upon her. "Not quite how I pictured my first kiss."

"At least you didn't embarrass yourself trying to get a kiss." Mione held out her hand. "Apparate me back to the Ministry and I'll tell you about it."

Cassandra apparated them both back. "So tell me then."

"Do you remember I told you that Dae and I were engaged?" Mione watched her friend nod. "Well, we were at a ball at Hogwarts and I saw Harry with Chang. I ended up begging Dae to kiss me to try and make Harry jealous."

Cassandra gripped Mione's hand tightly. "And?"

"And he turned me down flat." Mione shuddered as violently as Cassandra had earlier. "I'm quite glad he did now, especially as he turned out to be my uncle."

Cassandra giggled. "I know what you mean. It would be like me begging Uncle Remus to kiss me."

Mione giggled as well. "Well, I can't say I'd mind that."

"And what are you two up to?" Remus' voice interrupted the two girls.

Cassandra went bright red. "Nothing."

Remus didn't let on that he had caught the final part of their conversation. "As long as you're both all right."

Cassandra relaxed. "We're fine. We're just going to find Orion and Katherine."

"I'll see you tomorrow night then." Remus kissed Cassandra on the cheek before doing the same to Mione. "Goodnight."

Mione waited for Remus to disapparate before turning to Cassandra. "Oh Merlin, do you think he heard us?"

"No. He'd have had to have bloody good hearing to be able to hear us over this lot," Cassandra told Mione.

Mione dropped her head on Cassandra's shoulder. "I'm so embarrassed."

Since Cassandra was unaware of Remus' abilities, she simply thought that Mione was embarrassed because Remus had kissed her. "It was just a kiss on the cheek, Mione."

Mione couldn't let her on to her friend what was really bothering her and decided to go with Cassandra's supposition. "It's just that he's a colleague as well as my teacher."

Grabbing Mione's hand, Cassandra dragged her back into the ballroom. "Stop worrying about it. I'm positive Uncle Remus isn't."

Just as the girls were about to go back in, they came face to face with Sirius and Faith. "Dad."

"Hi, Cassie." Sirius smiled affectionately at his daughter. "I've finally managed to get away. What are you doing out here?"

"Saying goodbye to Uncle Remus." Cassandra didn't want Sirius knowing that they had left the ball.

"That's nice of you." Sirius took Faith's hand and pulled her closer. "I'll see you both at home. Don't forget to make sure you bring Orion back with you when James is ready to leave."

"I won't, Dad." Cassandra then turned and continued back into the ballroom, towing Mione behind her.

After making sure that Cassandra had gone back in, Sirius let go of Faith's hand and stood behind her before sliding his arm around her waist. "Hold still, this might take a few moments as the wards will have to accept you."

Faith felt far from pleased about apparating even though she had been side-apparated quite a few times before by both Remus and H.J. "Okay."

After what felt like an eternity, Faith gasped as they materialized in Sirius' hallway. "I thought you said a few moments."

"Sorry, sometimes it takes longer than that." Sirius wasn't really bothered by the feeling but he knew that others were not so keen. "Come through to the kitchen."

Faith followed Sirius and whistled. "This is some joint."

"It's just home." Sirius rarely thought about the luxury he lived in, he simply took it for granted. "I also own an estate in Cheshire but I let my brother and his family use it." Even though Sirius had not spoken to Regulus in over twenty years, he had never rescinded the offer of using Black Manor as Sirius had never particularly liked the estate anyway. "Would you prefer wine or champagne?"

"Champagne." Faith loved the way the bubbles tickled her tongue, and it was something she could rarely afford.

Sirius disappeared through a door before returning with a bottle of red wine and several bottles of champagne. "Let me pour you a glass, and then I'll show you around if you're interested."

"I'm interested." Faith took the glass of champagne from Sirius and took a sip, before groaning in appreciation. "That's some champagne."

"It's from my vineyard in France." Sirius kept most of the champagne he produced for himself and his friends. Sirius held out his hand. "Come on."

As she let Sirius pull her along, Faith was surprised at the size of the house and more so by the massive conservatory. "How big is this place?"

"Well, let's just say that it's a lot bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside." Sirius grinned. "But magic goes a long way in helping with that."

As they walked along the top corridor, Faith glanced at the paintings that hung on the walls. "Ancestors?"

"Sadly but they're part and parcel of the house, which is why I banished them up here to the top floor where there's little except for a dueling room and storage." Sirius led the way back down. "So what do you think?"

"It sucks." Faith laughed at the slightly surprised look on Sirius' face. "Don't be dumb. Who wouldn't be impressed by this kind of money?"

Sirius frowned. "I didn't show you around to boast. This is simply home to me."

Faith had a feeling that Sirius was being honest about his feelings. "I'll go with that." She smiled playfully at him. "So which room is yours?"

"This one." Sirius opened the door to the master suite, which was decorated in dark blues and silvery grays.

Faith liked the feeling of comfort that Sirius had managed to inject into the room as she walked around it. "Nice."

Sirius started to walk back towards the door. "Thanks."

Faith remained where she was. "But I thought…"

Sirius knew exactly what Faith thought, and he returned to where she was standing before putting down his glass of wine. He then slipped his arms around her waist pulling her back against his chest, and he dipped his head to nuzzle gently at her neck. "You thought that we were going to sleep together, didn't you?"

"Huh, huh." Faith was enjoying the sensations that Sirius' mouth was invoking.

Sirius let his mouth trail up to Faith's earlobe, before whispering quietly in her ear, "I'd like nothing more than to have you lying on that bed under me while you cry out my name, but it's not going to happen. Not tonight anyway."

Faith pulled away. "But you knew what I expected when you invited me back here."

"I did," Sirius admitted as he picked up his wineglass again. "But I'm not like the boys you sleep with, Faith."

Faith suddenly realized that Sirius must know exactly who she was. "You knew who I was before H.J. introduced me, didn't you?"

"I'm head of Auror Division, Faith." Sirius took a mouthful of wine. "Do you really think I'd just let someone without any wizarding credentials just waltz into Hogwarts without checking them out first?"

"So you know what I did?" Faith asked tersely.

"I do, and I've spoken to Remus about it. I also know that you were willing to do the time for it." Sirius believed in second chances. "Tell me, would you change what you did if you could?"

Faith answered honestly. "No, because if I did, I probably wouldn't be the person I am today."

Sirius admired Faith for being honest. "But do you regret it?"

Faith responded without any hesitation. "Yes."

"Then that's good enough for me." Sirius looked contemplatively at Faith. "So now you've got a choice. I'm not going to sleep with you tonight, so we can either finish this before it goes anywhere…"

Faith raised an eyebrow. "Or?"

"Or we can see where things go." Sirius could see that Faith was uncertain of what to do. "If you choose the latter option, I'll take you out to dinner, where we can talk and get to know each other a little better."

"I don't do the whole dinner thing," Faith protested.

Sirius decided to be blunt. "If you want to sleep with me, then we do the whole dinner thing. I'm not the type of man who sleeps around indiscriminately."

Faith immediately became defensive. "What you're trying to say is that I do, aren't you?"

"I didn't say that." Sirius did know, however, that Faith would assume that from his statement. "All I'm saying is that before I sleep with a woman, I like to have some sort of intellectual and emotional connection with her."

Faith started to walk back towards the door. "I've just ditched one guy for complaining about a lack of an emotional connection. I simply don't do it."

"Fair enough." Sirius followed Faith out of the room.

Faith stopped outside of the room. "What's the big deal about being emotionally connected anyway?"

Sirius hid his smile; he knew now that Faith was still interested contrary to her avowal otherwise. "Would it be so difficult to sit opposite me and simply eat a meal?"

"No, but…" Faith was cut off.

"So let's try it," Sirius suggested. "I'll take you out to dinner on New Year's Eve. If you don't like it, you can simply leave."

Faith pretended to consider Sirius' offer and took her time answering. "Okay but I'm out of there if it isn't working."

"That's fair." Sirius led Faith downstairs. "Let's have another glass of champagne."

Despite her disappointment, Faith wasn't going to turn down champagne, and she followed Sirius back into the kitchen and sat down on a barstool. "If we're going to do this emotional crap, can I ask you something?"

Sirius nodded as he poured out more champagne for Faith. "Ask away."

"Are you divorced?" Faith had spotted photos of Sirius and a fair-haired woman in his bedroom.

"No, I'm a widower." Sirius topped up his own glass. "Eleanor died giving birth to Orion."

Faith was a little shocked. "But I thought your kind of magic could do anything."

Sirius closed his eyes as he remembered Orion's birth, before opening them to look at Faith again. "Not that time."

"Sorry." Faith did not know what else to say. "So you live alone in this place with your kids?"

"Most of the time they're at school, so I quite often sleep over at the office if I can't be bothered to come back home." Sirius sometimes didn't finish with his paperwork until the early hours of the morning.

"You obviously work too hard." Faith got up off the stool. "But I know a really good cure for that."

"I bet you do." Sirius slipped his arms around Faith's waist. "But I'm still not sleeping with you tonight, not even if you paraded naked in front of me." Sirius gave a barking laugh. "Well, maybe then I'd change my mind."

Faith burst out laughing just as Katherine apparated into the kitchen with Orion. Cassandra appeared moments later, Mione holding on to her arm. James finally apparated in alone.

James hid his dislike of Faith. Remus had introduced them earlier that night and James had decided that he didn't really like her. "Care to share the joke?"

"Not particularly." Faith didn't like James any more than he liked her.

Sirius took Faith by the hand. "Let's go into the sitting room."

"I'm actually going to head home." James yawned. "I've done my duty and delivered the kids."

Sirius frowned. "I thought you were going to stay the night."

"With this noisy lot? You're on your own, mate." James kissed Katherine on the cheek. "I'll see you in the morning."

"Night, Dad." Katherine then turned to chatter happily to her friends.

James nodded politely at Faith and shook hands with Sirius. "I'll see you after breakfast."

"Night." Sirius could tell something was wrong with James but he didn't want to ask in front of their children.

Faith suddenly felt a little out of place. "Perhaps I'd better be off."

"Have you got somewhere you need to be?" Sirius knew that she hadn't, even as he asked.

"No, but I don't want to intrude." Faith could not believe she was being so polite – it was certainly not her usual style.

"You're hardly intruding." Sirius put an arm around Faith's shoulders. "Kids, this is Faith. Faith, you already know Cassandra. Katherine is James' daughter, Orion is mine, and I think you already also know Mione Dominic."

Faith tipped her head. "Hi."

Katherine, Orion and Mione all politely greeted Faith. Cassandra totally ignored her in favor of asking Sirius a question. "Dad, do we have any orange juice?"

As it was Christmas Eve, Sirius decided to treat her. "Cassie, forget about the orange juice for you girls. You can take a bottle of champagne up with you instead. Orion, no, you can't have a glass."

"Can he just have half a glass, Dad?" Cassandra looked hopefully at her dad.

"Make sure it is only half," Sirius warned. "And no more than one glass each for you and Katherine."

"What about Mione?" Katherine felt a little annoyed that Sirius had not included Mione in his statement.

"Mione's more or less a teacher and can do what she likes." Sirius knew that it would irk both Katherine and Cassandra but he really had no jurisdiction over what Cassandra's friend did.

Mione decided to stop the controversy there and then. "One glass will be fine with me."

"Now that's sorted, off to bed," Sirius ordered.

Cassandra grabbed the unopened bottle off the counter. "Katherine, get some glasses. We'll use the large guestroom."

"That's great." Katherine knew that the three girls would probably end up sharing the same room.

Sirius waited for the girls and Orion to leave before addressing Faith. "Do you want to stay tonight?"

Faith hesitated. "But it's Christmas tomorrow."

"That's okay. I've got lots of people coming over so you aren't going to be in the way, in case that's what you're worried about."

"I'll stay then," Faith decided. "Do you have a spare room?"

"Faith, I know I didn't take you into every room but this place has ten bedrooms, so I think I can find a guestroom for you." Sirius let Faith go and started to walk towards the cellar door. "Let me just grab some more champagne for you and we'll go to my room."

"You're so confusing," Faith admitted. "You won't sleep with me but you want me to go up to your room with you."

Sirius laughed, and he summoned another bottle of champagne up from the cellar. "We're just going to talk but I'd prefer to do it somewhere more comfortable than down here."

"Oh." Faith was hoping that Sirius had changed his mind.

"Come on." Sirius led the way back to his bedroom. Once inside, Sirius opened the door to his closet and pulled out a shirt. "You can wear this to sleep in or I can transfigure what you're wearing."

"No, this'll do." Faith grabbed the shirt Sirius held out. "Where's my room?"

"Through that door." Sirius pointed to a room that adjoined the master suite. "It used to be Orion's but when he turned six he demanded a bigger room."

Faith walked through the door and looked around the room. The bedroom was small but adequate. "Do you put up all of your lady friends here?"

"You're the first woman I've had to stay over," Sirius revealed.

Faith's mouth dropped open. "You mean you haven't slept with anyone since your wife died?"

Sirius burst out laughing at Faith's incorrect assumption. "Of course I have, but I've never had anyone to stay over. I prefer to keep my family life private from my dating life. I'd never have dreamt of having anyone stay over when the kids were smaller."

"So why am I here?" Faith took a mouthful of champagne and opened the other door in the guest room.

"Because it was Orion's first proper date tonight, and I decided that the kids were both now old enough to know that I have a life outside of them." Sirius knew he was stretching things with the first date comment, but he was still hopeful.

"Do they know that you've dated?" In contrast to her own normal behavior, Faith found that she was actually interested in listening to what Sirius had to say.

"Of course but I've never introduced them to any of the women I've dated." Sirius hadn't wanted to do that unless he knew it was going to go somewhere. He couldn't say why but with Faith it felt different.

"And do you count us as dating?" Faith asked quietly.

"How do things stand between you and H.J.?" Sirius had assumed that they were over but he wanted to make certain.

"We've slept together a few times but it didn't work out." Faith gave a brief smile. "He wanted to do the emotional thing and I didn't but we are friends."

"In that case we're dating," Sirius finally answered. "However, there a few ground rules."

Faith folded her arms and smirked. "Aren't there always?"

"It looks that way." Sirius grinned at her. "My number one rule is that if you're dating me, then that's it, you're dating me and only me."

Faith nodded her head slightly. "Exclusivity, I get it."

Sirius thought for a moment, before saying, "If for any reason you can't make a date, let me know."

"Keep you informed." Faith nodded again as she answered.

"And most importantly, never lie to me." Sirius hated dishonesty. "If it isn't working out, or you don't want to do something, then tell me. I might not like it but I'd rather be told the truth."

Faith went red. "I get it."

"Good." Sirius was more than aware of Faith's track record. "Now, before we talk anymore, do you want to take a shower?"

"Yeah." Faith picked up her glass and the shirt, and headed into the small en-suite off the small bedroom. Finding towels on the side, she stripped off to get into the shower before she realized there was a problem. Grabbing one of the towels, she wrapped it around herself and stepped back out into the bedroom where Sirius was sitting on a chair. "How do you make the water run?"

Sirius got up and walked into the bathroom. "Sorry, I forgot you're a Muggle. How do you like your shower?"

"Between warm to hot." Faith ran a hand through her hair. "And you wouldn't have a comb and a hairdryer would you?"

Sirius barked out a laugh. "A comb I can provide but I'll have to cast a drying spell on your hair."

"That's good." Faith waited for Sirius to leave before stepping into the shower, finding the water was perfect. After ten minutes, she finally stepped out and dried herself off before spotting a comb and a toothbrush sitting on the counter. Deciding to get dressed first, Faith shivered a little as the silk shirt slithered over her naked body. After combing her hair and brushing her teeth, she made her way back into the bedroom.

Sirius felt his mouth go dry at the sight of Faith in his shirt. "Come here."

Faith could feel her heart begin to beat faster at the look on Sirius' face. "The shower's still running.

Sirius was almost regretting his decision not to sleep with her. "Turn around."

Faith felt her hair dry almost instantaneously. "Great trick."

"It's just a simple spell." Sirius walked into the bathroom before spelling off the shower. "I've put a robe on my bed for you."

Faith walked into Sirius' bedroom and picked up the deep red toweling robe and slid it on. "It's a little big."

Sirius laughed as the robe swamped Faith. "Allow me."

Faith felt the robe shorten until it fitted her perfectly. "Thanks."

"I'll be out shortly." Sirius headed into his own bathroom.

Faith burst out laughing as she heard Sirius swear a few minutes later. She had a feeling that he was taking a cold shower. Picking up her glass of champagne, she sat down on the sofa in front of the large blazing fire.

Sirius came out in his pajama bottoms and picked up a second robe and slipped it on. "Do you want more champagne?"

"Thanks." Faith leant forward to hold out her glass.

As she did, Sirius touched Faith's face. "You look so young without make-up on."

Faith felt vulnerable without any make-up. "I'm not surprised as I wouldn't exactly call twenty three old."

"Twenty three?" Sirius frowned. "But your profile said thirty three."

"It got it wrong then." Faith felt a little insulted. "You really thought I was thirty three?"

"I just thought that you were a really young looking thirty three," Sirius protested.

"So I'm a little younger than you thought." Faith could see that Sirius was being genuine. "It's not exactly a big deal."

"I'm forty two." Sirius put down the champagne bottle. "You're only five years older than Cassandra."

"Holy shit! You're really forty two?" Faith leant forward.

"Yes." Sirius felt a little uncomfortable under Faith's scrutiny. "How old did you think I was?"

"I don't know… thirty five, thirty six max, and only that age because of Cassandra." Faith looked even more closely at Sirius' face. "You look young as well."

"Wizarding genes," Sirius explained.

"Would you have invited me back here if you'd known my real age?" Faith had a feeling that he wouldn't have done so, and she also wanted to see how truthful Sirius really could be.

"No, I wouldn't." Sirius had meant it when he had said that he preferred the truth.

"So do you want me to go?"

"No, I don't. In spite of finding out how old you are, I like you."

"Good, 'cause I sort of like you too." Faith yawned. "So what now?"

Sirius could see that Faith was obviously tired. "Do you want to talk some more or would you like to go to sleep?"

"Sleep I think." Faith got up. "So before I go, do I get a goodnight kiss?"

Not trusting himself to take things too far, Sirius refused. "Not tonight."

"I didn't think so." Faith blew Sirius a kiss and swayed her hips as she walked into the room Sirius had given her. "I'll see you tomorrow."

Sirius waited for the door to shut before letting out a small groan. At this rate he would need a second cold shower.

After leaving Faith and Sirius alone, Cassandra headed up for the large guest suite that had been set aside for Katherine and Mione. Once she had closed the door, she opened the bottle of champagne and poured out glasses for everyone. "So, what does everyone think of the skank Dad's sleeping with?"

Mione choked on her champagne. "Cassandra, that isn't very kind. You don't even know Faith."

Katherine was on Mione's side. "I admit I'm not exactly fond of her but Mione's right."

Cassandra pouted a little. "But Dad's never brought anyone home before, and I know she was dating H.J. They were even at the ball together."

"And I was there with Orion, but that doesn't mean anything." Katherine didn't quite meet Cassandra's eyes as she spoke, something Mione noticed but didn't comment upon.

Cassandra let out a whistling breath. "I suppose you're right."

Orion sat down on one of the beds. "Cass, Dad's been on his own for so long, so don't you think he deserves someone?"

"Yes, but I wish it wasn't her," Cassandra complained, before giving a rueful smile. "I sound like a spoilt brat, don't I?"

"A little," Mione said gently. "But I think you're used to having your dad to yourself, aren't you?"

"Yes." Cassandra sat down heavily on the bed next to her brother. "I want him to be happy but I expected him to pick someone more like Aunt Carrie or Aunt Lily."

"You can't live Dad's life for him, Cass." Orion patted Cassandra a little awkwardly on the back. "Faith doesn't exactly seem like the type to stick around, so just grit your teeth and smile."

"For a little brother, you're all right you know." Cassandra kissed Orion on the cheek, making him grimace. "Now then, tell me where you and Katherine got to this evening."

Orion went very red. "We were just on the far side of the gardens as neither of us like the crowds."

"And that's it?" Cassandra looked carefully at Katherine's face. "Orion looks awfully guilty."

"That's because I gave him half a glass of champagne when I know I shouldn't have." Katherine looked a little guilty as well. "It didn't seem fair that I had a glass and he didn't."

"I'm not exactly going to tell Dad." Cassandra grinned. "Anyway, Dad said he could have half a glass."

Orion grinned back at his sister. "So I'm going to be allowed more?"

"You can have this half glass and that's it." Cassandra wasn't going to tell on Orion but she was also not going to deliberately give him more than Sirius had said she could. "Consider this a Christmas favor."

"Fair enough." Orion knew that Cassandra wouldn't back down once she had made up her mind.

The group chatted for several hours until finally Orion left, and the three girls, as Katherine thought they would, ended up bunking together.

The next morning, Cammie woke up to discover Hermione in bed with her. Cammie felt guilty as she had obviously hogged all the covers and Hermione had nothing covering her at all. As Cammie went to pull the cover over the sleeping Hermione, she was horrified to see massive bruises on Hermione's back where the pajamas Harry had loaned her had ridden up. After covering Hermione up, Cammie crept quietly out of the room and headed for H.J.'s bedroom.

Once she was outside the door, Cammie became self-doubting as to whether she should wake H.J. or not. Plucking up her courage, she tapped softly on the door and pushed it slowly open. "H.J.?"

H.J. groaned and slowly opened his eyes. As Cammie hesitantly called out his name again, H.J. came fully awake and shot up in bed. "Is something wrong?"

Cammie stood nervously in the doorway, bouncing from one foot to the other. "Can I come in?"

"Close the door behind you." H.J. got out of bed and slung his robe around Cammie. "What's wrong?"

"I think I've done something awful." Cammie could feel tears threatening.

H.J. knelt down. "You can tell me anything, Cammie. I promise I'll always listen."

"It's Aunt Hermione." Cammie went to reach out to touch H.J. but hesitated.

H.J. realized that Cammie needed to be held and gently tugged her by wrist until she was wrapped up in his arms, her head hidden in his neck. "What about Hermione?"

"I think I hurt her." Cammie started to cry.

"What do you mean?" H.J. couldn't see how Cammie could have hurt Hermione.

"I think I did accidental magic on her," Cammie sobbed. "She's got bruises all over her back."

"Stay here." H.J. picked Cammie up and popped her into his bed. "I'll be back in a minute."

H.J. crept along the landing and opened the door to Cammie's room where Hermione was still fast asleep. Casting a sleeping spell to make certain she stayed that way, H.J. slowly pulled back the covers. Harry's voice made him jump.

"What the hell are you playing at, H.J?"

H.J. was glad that he had had the foresight to cast a spell on Hermione as he looked behind him. "It's not what it looks like. Cammie came into my room crying that she's hurt Hermione. I'm just checking."

Harry stood over the bed as H.J. gently pushed up the back of Hermione's pajama top, gasping at the sight of the black and blue mass that covered Hermione's back. "How on earth did that happen?"

"Cammie thinks she performed accidental magic on her but unless she picked up a belt and beat Hermione with it, I don't think that that's the case." H.J. rolled Hermione's pajama top back down and covered her up. "I think we're going to have to have a talk with Hermione. I need to get back to Cammie. Let's get out and I'll drop the sleeping spell I've put on Hermione."

H.J. and Harry made their way into H.J.'s room where Cammie was curled up crying in H.J.'s bed. H.J. held out his arms and she shot out of the bed and into them. "Cammie, you didn't do it."

Cammie looked unbelievingly at H.J. "But they weren't there last night. I know because I woke up when Hermione was getting undressed."

"They were," Harry assured Cammie. "I think Hermione was wearing something called a glamour, but it must've faded when she was asleep."

Cammie was almost as upset again at the news. "Someone else hurt her?"

"I think so and I'm going to find out who it was." H.J. kissed Cammie on the forehead. "Why don't you go get showered and I'll make breakfast before we open presents."

Cammie felt miserable and couldn't face food. "I'm not very hungry."

H.J. decided the shower could wait. "Stay here with Uncle Harry then. I'm going to wake Hermione up."

Harry frowned. "Are you certain you don't want me to do it?"

"Harry, you'll just fly into a temper." H.J. knew how angry Harry would get. "I'll deal with it."

Cammie let Harry pick her up and carry her downstairs. H.J. made his way across the landing and knocked loudly on Hermione's door.

Hermione opened her eyes and pulled on a robe before opening the door. "H.J., am I late for breakfast?"

H.J. ignored her question. "Can I come in?"

"Of course." Hermione wondered what H.J. wanted. "I take it Cammie couldn't wait to see what Santa had brought her."

"Not exactly." H.J. looked Hermione in the eye. "She came in crying to me this morning saying that she'd hurt you, Hermione. She saw your back."

Hermione's hand automatically went to touch it. "I don't know what you mean."

"I've seen it, Hermione. I came to check on you after she told me," H.J. admitted. "So who did it?"

Hermione sank on to the bed and looked down at the floor. "It was an accident."

"No, Hermione, it wasn't." H.J. sat down beside her. "I know strap marks when I see them."

"It was my own fault." Hermione began to chew her lip. "Edward was angry at me for having to replace my potions textbook."

"Who's Edward?" H.J. had no idea who Hermione was talking about.

"My stepfather." Hermione refused to look at H.J. "He said that I shouldn't have left the book lying around, and that I was a thoughtless bit… girl who must believe that money grows on trees."

"Hermione, no-one should beat someone for forgetting to pick up a book." H.J. was disgusted. "Didn't your mum do anything to stop him?"

Hermione gave a bitter laugh. "She hates me."

H.J. thought it might be for the same reason the Dursleys had hated him. "Because you're magical?"

"No, because I exist." Hermione finally lifted her head to look at H.J. "She didn't want me but Dad begged her to go through with the pregnancy. He died when I was two. Mother's always telling me I ruined her life just like Dad. So when I found out I was a witch I was delighted that I was getting the chance to live somewhere else. I didn't care that Muggle-borns weren't treated all that nicely at Hogwarts. I just knew it had to be better than being at home."

"And is it?" H.J. asked gently.

"Yes," Hermione said honestly. "As bad as it is for me at Hogwarts, and as much as I hate it, it's still better than being at home. And I know that my parents are happier when I'm not there." Hermione went back to chewing on her lip. "They practically count down the days to when I have to return to Hogwarts."

H.J. knew what he was going to do. "You're not going back."

"I've got to. I have to attend all seven years," Hermione protested.

H.J. realized she had misunderstood him. "I meant to your house. You're moving in here."

"Mione doesn't like me." Hermione knew how Harry's girlfriend felt about her, even though Harry had never said anything.

"She's not here, and to be perfectly frank, I don't care." H.J. knew he couldn't in all good conscience allow Hermione to return home. "I'm sure Cammie will be happy to share her room with you."

"I can't do that." Hermione wanted to move in but she didn't want to be a burden.

"You can and you will." H.J. stood up. "I know it's Christmas Day but we're going to pack your things up and you're moving in today."

A knock sounded on the door and Harry came into the room. "Cammie's watching TV with Xander."

"Hermione's moving in, Harry," H.J. informed him. "I'm going to take her home to help her pack and we'll be back soon."

Harry knew Hermione's home life had to be bad for H.J. to make the offer. "She can have my room."

H.J. shook his head. "I've already said she can share with Cammie."

Harry knew that his new niece wouldn't mind. "I'll sort out this room so it's ready for when you get back."

Hermione felt like crying at the two men's kindness. "I don't know what to say."

"You don't have to say anything." Harry smiled at the girl. "I'll tell Cammie. She'll probably want to help me get this room sorted."

As Harry closed the door behind him, H.J. realized that he hadn't healed Hermione's back. "Hermione, I'm going to get some salve and I'll deal with your back. Take off your top and put the sheet around you."

Hermione was grateful for H.J.'s offer. Even though she was eighteen and, as such, could do magic outside of Hogwarts, she hadn't been able to heal her own back as she would have needed someone to rub salve into it as H.J. had offered to, and had been relying on numbing spells to get by.

When H.J. returned, Hermione had done as he had asked. "I promise I'll be as gentle as I can."

"I trust you." Despite her words, Hermione could not help shaking.

"Can you kneel on the bed?" H.J. could see that Hermione was feeling uncomfortable and a little scared, so he kept his voice gentle and low.

Hermione knelt on the bed, her cheeks flaming as H.J. began to tend to her back. "Ouch."

H.J. had known it was going to hurt and stopped. "I'm sorry but I can't cast a numbing spell or give you a potion just yet, it'll counteract the salve."

"I was just taken unawares." Hermione braced herself as H.J. once more began to gently rub the salve over her back.

H.J. finished as quickly as he could and got up. "We need to give that a little while to sink in. Once it has, I can give you a pain potion."

Hermione just nodded. She didn't speak as she didn't want H.J. to know that she was crying.

H.J., however, had already guessed. "I'll let you get dressed before coming back with that potion for you in a few minutes."

Leaving Hermione alone, H.J. walked downstairs and into the sitting room. As soon as she spotted him, Cammie pulled away from Xander, who had been comforting the distraught girl. "Is Aunt Hermione going to be all right?"

"She is, Cammie," H.J. reassured the girl. "Did Harry tell you she's going to be moving in with us?"

Cammie's smile was bright it could have lit up a skyscraper. "And that she's going to be sharing with me."

"I'm glad you're happy about it." H.J. kissed Cammie on the top of her forehead. "Now, I'm going to take Hermione home to pack, and you can help Harry and Xander get the room ready. Okay?"

"Okay," Cammie agreed.

H.J. then made his way back upstairs to get Hermione sorted.

At the same time Cammie was making her discovery, Katherine was letting herself quietly out of the girls' bedroom. Making her way downstairs, she saw that breakfast had already been laid out by the house elves. Grabbing a glass of orange juice, she headed out into the conservatory.

After rounding the bend on the far side, she spotted Orion sitting on a bench. "I thought I'd be alone."

"I couldn't sleep." Orion, however, refused to look at Katherine.

Katherine sat down next to him. "Orion, why won't you look at me? You were all right last night in the bedroom with the girls."

Orion still didn't look at Katherine. "I don't really know what to say now we're alone."

"Orion, it was just a kiss." Katherine nudged him gently. "Are you feeling guilty because of Luna?"

Consumed by nerves, Orion babbled out a response. "I always thought I really liked her but you looked really pretty last night so I didn't really notice she wasn't there. I had a nice time when I didn't think I would but I really shouldn't have kissed you without asking."

"I liked it," Katherine admitted, blushing as she did so.

Orion finally looked at Katherine. "But I must have been really awful." Orion felt a little embarrassed that he had reached sixteen and last night had been his first real kiss.

"No, you weren't." Katherine grinned conspiratorially at Orion. "I've only been kissed once before, and when Dan Matthews kissed me, it was like kissing a wet fish."

Orion knew who the seventh year Hufflepuff was, and he pulled a face and laughed as Katherine had hoped he would. "So I'm better than he was?"

"Most definitely," Katherine told him.

Orion let out his breath with a whoosh and asked the question that had been keeping him up all night, his words rushing out in a torrent. "So do you think you might like to be my date for the party tomorrow?" Sirius was holding the annual Boxing Day party that he always organized.

Katherine was uncertain if Orion was asking to taunt their parents or because he really wanted to take her. She decided to find out and asked lightly, "Are you doing this to tease Uncle Sirius?"

Orion went very red and looked down. "No, I really, really like you."

Katherine found that she was both relieved and happy about Orion's answer, something she had not expected. "I'm glad."

At Katherine's response, Orion met her eyes. "So am I."

Katherine blushed a little. "Do you want to go back in yet?"

Orion shook his head and moved a little closer. "I'd like to stay here."

Katherine could feel the beginning of butterflies in her stomach. "I forgot to say to say Merry Christmas."

"So did I." Orion turned to face her. "Merry Christmas, Katherine."

"Merry Christmas, Orion." Katherine's butterflies went into a frenzy as Orion leant forward and Katherine closed her eyes.

Orion could feel his own stomach going over as he gently brushed his lips over Katherine's before pulling away.

Just around the corner, Sirius walked back the way he had come, a smile lighting up his face. He had been taking his usual stroll around the conservatory when he had heard voices. He had not quite made it to the corner on the far side, when he had heard Orion's voice saying he wanted to stay there. On seeing who was sitting with his son, Sirius had hesitated long enough for the two children to wish each other Merry Christmas. Guessing how it was going to end, Sirius had wanted to give them some privacy and had turned back.

Walking into the breakfast room, he found Faith thickly spreading a croissant with butter. "Merry Christmas."

Faith was not big on Christmas, and she suddenly felt uncomfortable. "Sirius, do you think you could take me home?"

Sirius felt disappointed that Faith wanted to go. "I can. Before we go, I'm having a party tomorrow night here at Grimmauld Place. Remus is coming and could pick you up, so would you like to come as well?"

"I don't know." Faith just wanted to get out and she wrapped her croissant up in a linen napkin. "I'll get this back to you, okay?"

"Keep it. Are we still on for dinner on New Year's Eve or do you want to just call it quits now?" As much as he was attracted to her, Sirius was not going to pursue her if Faith had cold feet.

"What time?" Faith hated admitting that she was interested, but she was aware that Sirius was unlike anyone else she had dated before and would not be running after her.

"I'll collect you at seven." Sirius hid his relief at Faith's words. "Wear a skirt or dress as it's pretty conservative where I'm taking you."

Faith gaped. "A dress?"

"You know one of those things that don't cover all your legs," Sirius could not resist quipping.

Faith hated dressing up. "I can't wear pants?"

"No, Faith, you can't." Sirius held out his hand. "If you change your mind, tell Remus and he'll get a message to me."

"Okay." Faith knew that she would not change her mind. "Shall we go?"

Sirius wrapped his arm around her waist and apparated them both out. A few minutes later, he apparated back in just as Cassandra, who still was not dressed, was coming down the stairs. She frowned. "Have you just been out, Dad?"

"I dropped Faith home." Sirius watched Cassandra's face tighten. "Come with me."

Cassandra dutifully followed Sirius into his study. Usually she only entered his study if she needed him or if she was being disciplined. "I know what you're going to say."

"Tell me what I'm going to say," Sirius said, as he leant back against his desk.

Cassandra listed everything that the girls had said to her the previous night. "That I'm not being fair about Faith, that I don't know her, and that I should give her a chance."

"You're actually right for once." Sirius patted the side of the desk. "Come here."

Cassandra also leant back against the desk, cuddling up to her father as he put his arm around her. "I know you've got to lead your own life, but I thought it would be with someone different."

"I admit Faith's not everyone's ideal person but I like her." Sirius kissed the top of Cassandra's head. "Cassie, I know you worry, but I'm old enough and ugly enough to take care of myself."

Cassandra laughed and poked her father in the ribs. "You know very well that you're not old or ugly."

Sirius was tickled by Cassandra's comment. "That might be so, but what I'm trying to say is that I'll be all right."

"I know you will." Cassandra did not want to move. She rarely got much time alone with Sirius and right now she didn't want to spoil that time by talking about Faith.

"Did you enjoy your dance with H.J. last night?" Sirius had a feeling that Cassandra had a crush on him.

"I suppose." Cassandra was glad that Sirius couldn't see her face as it was burning as she thought about H.J.

"Do you like him?" Sirius asked bluntly.

Cassandra hesitated before telling the truth. "Yes. I've liked him since I first saw him."

Sirius started to understand Cassandra's resentment towards the girl. "And you're not happy that Faith was seeing him up until yesterday, are you?"

"I just think it's awful she was sleeping with H.J. and then she spent last night here," Cassandra said, disgust tingeing her voice.

Sirius let go of Cassandra and faced her, deciding that Cassandra was old enough to be treated like an equal, and so he told her the truth. "I didn't sleep with Faith last night. She slept in Orion's old room. I don't know her well enough to know if I'll take that step yet."

Cassandra found it difficult to believe. "She really slept in there?"

"Yes, she did." Sirius could see that Cassandra was finding it hard to deal with talking about Faith. "Do you want to drop the subject?"

When Cassandra nodded, Sirius decided not to tell her that he had invited Faith to the party the next night. "Let's go get some breakfast."

Orion and Katherine were both sitting eating breakfast when Sirius and Cassandra came in. Katherine beamed. "Merry Christmas, Uncle Sirius, Cassandra."

Everyone then exchanged greetings. Sirius could not resist teasing his son. "So, Orion, how was the conservatory this morning? I thought I heard your voice when I was taking a walk."

Orion went deep red. "A bit warm, actually."

"It felt slightly chilly to me." Sirius put bacon on to his plate. "But then again I didn't manage to get all the way around it as I had to take Faith home."

Orion slumped slightly in relief. "Did she get home okay?"

"As I apparated her into Remus' sitting room, I'd say so." Sirius knew that Orion thought he hadn't seen him. "After we've eaten, we'll do gift exchange. Where's Mione this morning?"

"She said she wasn't hungry." Cassandra rolled her eyes. "She's probably buried in a book. She's pretty excited about becoming Uncle Remus' full-time teaching assistant if she passes her exams."

"Actually, I'm here." Mione greeted everyone and sat down. "I'm just going to have a cup of tea."

"I think I'll join you." Remus walked into the breakfast room. "I hope you don't mind me coming so early but I've taken Faith home, Rupert is spending the day with a friend, and Xander's been at H.J. and Harry's since yesterday morning so I'm all alone."

Cassandra enquired, "What was he doing at H.J.'s, Uncle Remus?"

"Looking after Camille while H.J. and Harry attended the Ball." Remus picked up a teacup and sat down.

Mione put down her own teacup with a rattle. "Will you all excuse me?" She then hurried out of the room.

Cassandra also got up. "I'll be back shortly."

Mione reached her room and burst into relieved tears and moments behind her, Cassandra knocked and slipped in. "I don't think it was Harry you heard last night, was it?"

Mione shook her head. "It must have been Xander in there." Mione wiped her eyes. "I'm sorry but I'm just so relieved."

Cassandra pulled Mione into her arms and hugged her. "See I told you."

"I feel so awful now for thinking that about Harry." Mione kissed Cassandra on the cheek. "Thanks."

"No problem." Cassandra passed Mione a tissue. "Blow your nose, wash your face, and come back down when you're ready."

"I won't be long," Mione promised.

Cassandra made her way back downstairs. Sirius glanced up as she came back into the breakfast room. "Is everything okay?"

"It's fine, Dad," Cassandra told Sirius.

Remus put down his teacup. "Do you think Mione would mind if I popped up to see her? I've got her exam results here. I meant to give them to her last night but I left them at home."

Cassandra perked up. "How did she do?"

Remus smiled affectionately. "Even I have no idea of how well she did but I think Mione should know first, don't you?"

Cassandra pouted. "I suppose. She's in the Alabaster Room."

"I won't be long." Remus stood up and left.

Mione was about to return back downstairs when a rap on her door let her know someone was outside. Opening the door she went red when she found Remus standing there. "Remus."

"Can I come in?" Remus asked politely.

"Of course." Mione stepped back and let Remus in. "Before you say anything, I want to apologize for my comment to Cassandra last night. I'm in no doubt you overheard me."

Remus knew then that Harry had told Mione about him. "So Harry's told you about me?"

"I'm the person who's been making your Wolfsbane."

"You?" Remus was surprised. "But I thought that Harry..."

"He's pretty good at potions but I learnt from an expert." Mione, however, didn't elaborate. "As I've just said, I really am sorry about my remark last night. It wasn't very professional of me."

"I took it as a compliment, Mione," Remus told her. He hid his smile as Mione blushed. "Now for the reason I'm here." Remus held out an envelope. "I believe you've been waiting for these."

Mione nervously took the envelope and ripped it open, quickly scanning down the page. Suddenly her legs felt like jelly and she had to sit down.

Remus was worried at how pale Mione had gone. "Are you all right?"

Wordlessly, Mione held out the sheet of parchment.