Changing History With A Flair

by fan.f.freak

post GOF Harry gets help in the form of stranger who claims to come from 2011. Armed with knowledge, can harry along with this stranger save the world and rewrite the history. Will he save sirius and others? Fred, Lupin, Tonks... all of them?

11. Chapter 11 PARENTS AND THEIR KIDS

CHAPTER 11: PARENTS AND THEIR KIDS, GOOD AND BAD ONES.

Andrea opened her eyes and squinted in the sunlight. Morning already! She groaned and rolled over to the other side of the bed, but it was empty.

She frowned and hugged his pillow and smelled it. It smelled just like him. She smiled and stretched and reminisced the last few days.

She had shifted into Sirius' room that day but only after one whole hour of intensely passionate lovemaking. It was different. Maybe because they both had confessed to their love, (she didn't count her drunken slurring as one.) or maybe it has been too long. Any ways, it was heaven.

They had made their way to dinner and she saw people exchanging smiles with amusement. Harry was grinning like a school girl and Andrea rolled her eyes at him.

Things were good.

Though Regulus was a prim and proper pureblood, he definitely didn't waste an opportunity to make new relations. That night she sat and watched as two brothers, different in so many things but same on many levels, interacted after seventeen years, and Andrea saw both of their eyes gleaming and twinkling with new hope.

Sirius got his younger brother back, who had abandoned Voldemort before his downfall and Sirius couldn't be more proud of him. Regulus finally got the approval of his elder brother and his family back, who didn't criticise or pile up dark responsibilities on his shoulders.

Speaking of families, Andromeda Tonks nee Black finally showed up at number twelve in a very haughty demeanour which cracked when she saw both Sirius and Regulus. She was gentle and polite but she still had Black blood running in her veins. She refused to break down but was intensely happy to see them living. Tonks must have kept her filled in because she was up to date in all the facts. She surveyed Andrea with interest and speculation but smiled tremulously when she realised she was her daughter's playmate and pen pal, also currently, her best friend.

Speaking of best friends, Neville Longbottom officially became a member of the Golden Trio that was now the Golden quartet. He visited the headquarters with his parents and grandmother and Andrea could see a definite change in him. His personality was shining through. He wasn't a shy lad anymore, he was a rather confidant young man who had been given the stars of the world in form of his parents. Augusta Longbottom to everyone's surprise, often stopped by to chat with Andrea, ('they don't make young ladies like her anymore." She said)

The Trust was coming up rather nicely. Andromeda had helped Sirius in picking out a rather nice space in Hertfordshire. Andrea, Sirius and Remus had worked rather diligently, where others kept on adding suggestions and had planned the entire space. Harry and Regulus showed a special interest in the trust and kept coming with rather nice suggestions.

They had succeeded in erecting up the entire sets of buildings and the wards were unbreakable. There was a huge building with different offices which was the processing unit of the Trust. All official work was done here, potions were made, and a huge underground chamber for spell crafting resided in it. Harry had suggested the name 'Marauding Den' for it, which had the two marauders clearing their throats of the emotion.

On one side was a building that housed the researchers for the cures of deadly diseases for the humans and on the other was the one for magical creatures. A homestead, that was huge in its proportions, was set as a safe house. That was it for now. There was a lot to do but only this much could have been achieved in such a short time.

Regulus, on his third day, confronted his mother's portrait. Sirius stood in the back amused to watch his mother shocked for once. Regulus summoned Kreacher, who bawled like an ugly baby and relayed the story to his mistress. Mrs Black didn't even utter one word. Regulus told how he 'died' and how he 'survived' and who 'brought' him back. Kreacher looked at Andrea with tear filled eyes and she winced at the ghastly sight. Kreacher was further shocked to learn that the locket had been destroyed and by none other than Andrea. He actually came towards her and Andrea quickly stepped behind Sirius, not wanting to suffer the elf's wrath. But surprise, surprise, Kreacher bowed down to her that had the others wide eyed. He even apologised to 'Master Sirius' for being a bad elf and nowadays, number twelve housed two extremely different but very friendly elves that did their best to please the masters. The best of all reactions was of Mrs Black who just walked out of her frame, to God knows where, and her frame dropped. The pureblood sons didn't know what to make of it so they banished the frame in the attic, but Andrea could see the deep sadness in Regulus' eyes.

Remus apologised and Andrea rolled her eyes at him. This was her way to make it light. The werewolf was very sad indeed but when Andrea shrugged and said 'it's okay. Happens to the best of us', he looked even more morose. Thank god Tonks was there to snap him out of his funk, or else there would be no chocolate left in the house, considering Remus liked to 'nibble' on chocolate when sad or depressed.

The pets were all fine. Pig was still hyperactive, Hedwig was still regal, Errol was still snoozing, Artemis was on long journeys to France, and Merlin was growing rapidly. Now on his hind legs he was taller than Remus, who was the tallest of the entire crowd, being six feet four inches, but for Andrea he was still her puppy dog. His bright blue eyes were very intelligent and he was one very regal dog. Sirius' ego was hit when Merlin turned out to be much larger than him but he consoled himself somehow and went to lick his wounds.

The Burrow was still under construction and the Weasley twins had opened their shop finally. It was a huge affair. Their inheritance helped and it was not only a simple joke shop. It was the work of two highly intelligent and brilliant masterminds. The twins were still active members of the Trust, but used their discoveries in their product, to which no one had any problem.

Percy Weasley was still the 'official family git' but Andrea promised Molly to go and have a chat with him. The elder woman gave Andrea a death hug and Sirius came to the rescue, saying he didn't want his girl to die of smothering, which had the girls smiling and boys catcalling. Andrea refused to blush and smirked at them behind Molly's back, of course.

Andrea smiled and got up from the bed in her birthday suit and made her way to the bathroom. After a long and relaxing shower, she dressed quickly and made her way towards kitchen.

Sirius and Remus were sitting talking and Andrea paused to watch how different they looked, from the last year. Sirius was one very muscular and healthy man, (courtesy the potion regime Mary and Elizabeth put him through.). His hair was long and he had it tied back in a long ponytail. His face all filled up and a healthy flush on his cheeks, and his eyes were not the flat grey orbs she had first seen. They were bright and shining with new life.

Remus looked a bit peaky but that could be blamed on the full moon three nights ago. Gone were the frayed and patchy robe, instead were good quality silk robes or equally good muggle jeans or oxford shirts. His sandy hair, though streaked with grey, was clean and combed back neatly and the muscles in his shoulders strained impressively as he leaned on the table. Wolfsbane was doing him good, just like Tonks' brightness in his life and the happy and friendly atmosphere. They were happy.

"Sickle for your thoughts." She still jumped at his voice. She turned and glared at him, but Regulus Black didn't feel remorse. He smirked at her. Nothing was on the mend as fast as Regulus. Weeks ago he was rotting in a lake but no one can say that looking at him now. He was all flesh and blood. Muscles and blood were all over his body. Elizabeth had worked wonders with him, and literally changed him in just a few days. His eyes were not sunken anymore, good big grey orbs that shined with happiness, face full of happy flush, and he was mended.

"Stop sneaking on me." She muttered through clenched teeth and stomped up to the table to sit beside Sirius.

"Any problems, love?"

"You know very well what my problem is. I don't know how to deal with this living inferi." She said glaring at the guy who took seat right opposite her.

"It's fun to watch you jump every single time." She sulked as she saw all of them laugh. Men!

"Winky, can I have some breakfast please?" she said to the elf who smiled in delight and ran to her.

"Winky be making anything. Does Mistress wants eggs, or toast? Winky be making porridge for everybody. Will mistress be eating that?"

"Yes Winky. I'll have an omelette and some toast. Give me a bowl of porridge too." The elf beamed and scrambled away.

"You pack away so much, yet you are so tiny." Remus commented with an amused face, and she felt Sirius drape his arm around her shoulder and drop a kiss on her head. She leaned into him and smiled.

"I have good metabolism."

"I think you have some pixie blood in you, or it could be elf." Regulus was so going to get some good hexing.

"Watch it Black. Merlin doesn't like it when I'm angry." He gulped when Merlin made his entry at his name and the two Marauders laughed. Who wouldn't be wary of the giant Great Dane that had vivid blue eyes and was extra possessive of his mistress?

"Hello there handsome." Andrea cooed and scratched Merlin behind his ears. Merlin closed his eyes in contentment and Andrea smirked at Regulus.

"I swear, the dog practically stalks me." She heard Regulus claim and looked at her familiar in pride.

"I always wanted to have a horse and a dog. Do you think my wishes got mixed somehow, because I got a dog but he is almost as tall as a horse." She wondered and Merlin put his wet snout in her ear, while the others looked at her in amusement.

Just then Harry entered with Ron and Ginny was too far behind.

"Hey Shorty. Guys."

"'lo guys." Ron said a bit more tactfully.

"Ah, the- Boy-Who-Wouldn't-Die, Ron, Ginny." The others snickered at that while Harry looked sullen. Ginny sat right beside Merlin and began patting him absently.

"Hermione's letter came. She will be coming in the afternoon." Andrea frowned and looked at Ginny.

"Today?" Ginny looked at her.

"Uh… yes. That is what I meant." Ron and Harry sat down and began loading stuff on their plates.

She had completely forgotten about Hermione. She was supposed to talk to her parents, but it just slipped through.

"I'll go and get her." She said and people looked at her.

"You can't go alone." Sirius objected at once and Harry nodded his support.

"Why not?" she turned to look at him and he gave her one exasperated look.

"I won't even answer that. I'll come with you if you are going."

"And me." Harry piped up.

"I'll go too." Ron nodded enthusiastically.

"Yeah, I can do with fresh air." Ginny commented giving Merlin a toast from Andrea's plate.

"Hold on." Andrea spoke. "I'm not going on a picnic or rescue mission. This is something important I need to talk to Hermione and her parents."

"What's wrong with us going?" Ginny frowned.

"Aside from the fact that Voldemort is on rampage for anyone of us, you mean?"

"Yes." Ginny had a glint in her eyes and Andrea mentally groaned. Glinting female Weasley eyes were not a good sign.

"We can't all just barge into her home."

"We are her friends." She challenged.

"God dammit. Fine, ask you mum!" Andrea threw up her hands as the adults shook their heads and youngsters high fived.

"Poor you." Regulus said with a fake sympathetic smile and Andrea smiled sweetly at him.

"No, not poor me, but poor you. You are coming too. You will keep a look out, as you are the big bad Death Eater, while Sirius and I talk to Hermione's parents."

"I didn't came here to babysit these kids." He muttered through clenched teeth.

"Tough luck, big boy."

Sirius chuckled and kissed the top of her head once again.

"Sorry Reg. You do as the lady says." Andrea smirked at him, and pushed up from the table.

"I'll go get ready. Meet you here in fifteen minutes."

"I'll come with you." Sirius said standing up.

They left the kitchen and Andrea smiled when she heard Regulus mutter "whipped", and Harry agreeing, "Completely."

Fifteen minutes later, Ginny, Ron, harry, Regulus, Sirius were standing disillusioned except for Andrea who was wearing a hooded jacket over her jeans and trainers.

She raised her hand and with a bang the Knight Bus arrived. Andrea beamed at the sight of the violent purple colour. It stopped right in front of her and she was pulled back by a pair of strong hands.

"The Knight Bus. I'm Hades Toad, your conductor for the journey, where would you like to go?"

"Hades? Your name is Hades?" Andrea asked as the disillusioned crowd quickly got into the bus.

"Yes. Any problems with that?" the tiny man asked irritably and Andrea quickly shook her head.

"19, Oxford Street, Westbury, Wiltshire, please." She jumped aboard and the conductor grumbled.

"Eleven sickles. 19 OXFORD STREET, WESTBURY, WILTSHIRE, NEXT." He shouted and the bus moved with a bang, and again Andrea was caught in big strong arms.

Ten minutes later she was shaking her head.

"I'm never getting on that thing again." She grumbled and she felt someone's arm on her shoulder.

"It's nice isn't it?" Harry said in a jovial voice and Andrea chuckled.

"To think I wanted to ride in it. I might have just thrown up all over."

"eww." He gagged and Andrea swatted him.

"Now be nice all of you, and no dodgy behaviour. Get that Regulus?" she smiled when she heard him snarl and moved forward to the nice and warm looking number 19.

She rung the bell, and a moment later the door was opened and Andrea found herself spitting bushy brown hair from her mouth.

"Andy…." The voice was shrill and Andrea winced and then laughed.

"Hey Hermione." Hermione stepped back and Andrea chuckled at the obvious delight on the younger witch's face.

"'Mione, the crowd is waiting, if we could move in?" Hermione squealed as she saw the shimmering outlines and hurried to move in.

As soon as the charm was taken off, Hermione launched herself at her friends and hugged them enthusiastically.

"Oh my god…" she jumped up and down and hugged Sirius after Ron, Harry and Ginny.

"Hello Hermione." Sirius said politely. Hermione beamed and was about to hug Regulus when she stopped and balked back obviously not recognising him.

"hello." She said

"Hello." Regulus replied eloquently. Hermione looked at him shrewdly and then at the others.

"Oh don't mind him. His brain is full of water. Let's go in, shall we?" Andrea said lightly as Hermione led the way chatting with her friends.

She led them to a beautiful drawing room where Dr and Dr Granger were sitting.

"Oh. Hello Harry, Ron, Ginny. Oh, Andrea, what a pleasant surprise." Jean Granger rose along with her husband and smiled. "We were driving Hermione to London in just a few hours."

Andrea shook hands with both of them, and sat down.

"Beautiful house you have here." She complimented and the Grangers beamed.

"Mum, dad, this is Sirius Black, Harry's Godfather." Hermione introduced and Sirius shook hands with them.

"Allow me to introduce my younger brother, Regulus." Hermione looked dumbfounded at that.

"But…"

"'Mione. Many things happened over the summer." Harry told her.

"What do you mean?" she frowned.

"Nothing important Hermione. I'm sure you might have read the important things in the Prophet."

"Oh, yes." Hermione still didn't look convinced and Andrea didn't want to speak too much in front of her parents, who were blissfully unaware of the entire war situation.

"Hermione told us there is a new Minister elected?" her father asked with polite interest.

"Yes. The new candidate was far better than the last one." Sirius said evasively and the kids kept their faces devoid of any expression.

Andrea looked at Sirius and raised her eyebrows.

"Something the matter, dear?" Jean Granger inquired and Andrea squared her shoulders.

"Yes actually. I have been meaning to talk to you both regarding Hermione." Everyone except Sirius grew wary at that.

"What about Hermione?" Mr Granger asked with narrowed eyes.

"Well, nothing bad. Guess, I'll be blunt about it." Andrea took a deep breath and started. "Mr and Mrs Granger, Hermione is a witch. She has been studying at Hogwarts for a long time now and her place lies in the magical world."

The Grangers and the kids were looking at her oddly.

"We know that."

"Yes, please let me finish. What I was saying was that, no offense meant, you are muggles. I'm not saying that as an insult. My parents are muggles too, like my elder brother. Being an only witch in the family is quite difficult. We make friends and people consider us family but we never truly are. There is something that only the family can provide and there is no magical relative of Hermione's."

"What are you trying to say?" Jean Granger asked with a tremor in her voice.

"I want to become Hermione's magical guardian." She said simply and everyone gawked at her barring Sirius.

"You want to adopt Hermione?" Mr Granger said faintly.

"She has us." Jean Granger whispered and Andrea saw a deep possessiveness in her eyes.

"And you will be there, always. You are her parents and nobody can replace you. I just want to be there for her in the magical world, where you can't be. There are certain things that you wouldn't be able to understand of the magical world. If Hermione needs someone on her side, she will have all of her friends and me, to handle things. She won't be alone, and it would be legalised. I can take care of Hermione, when she is in the Magical World." Andrea looked at Hermione who had tears in her eyes and a weird expression. Andrea's heart sank.

"I thought that was a…" she gulped and looked at Harry, Ron and Ginny, who were regarding her very differently. "… Good idea. I like Hermione very much. Anyways, if you don't like it, it's okay."

She shrugged, trying not to blush in embarrassment, but the next second she was grabbed by a sobbing Hermione.

"Oh, Andy…. You would do that for me..?" she sobbed and Andrea rubbed her back.

"Of course I would. You are my friend aren't you?" Hermione sobbed and then broke free, and wiped her tears.

Andrea blinked and cleared her own throat and looked at her parents. Mr Granger was looking clenched jawed while Mrs Granger was blinking rapidly.

"You have some very great friends Hermione." She said and Andrea cleared her throat uncomfortably.

"I, uh, took a few early steps however. I'll accept your decision, no matter what, but I hope you will not refuse to this. Hermione is the wisest witch of the century and I would hate if her talents go unnoticed. I'm sure Hermione would love to study further at a magical university. Here." Andrea was stumbling over her own words, but she quickly held out the official parchment to Hermione.

She watched as Hermione gingerly opened the parchment and her eyes grew wide with every sentence. A bag dropped out of thin air and everybody jumped at the sound.

"Fifty million galleons?" she asked in a whisper, and her parents looked at her with large eyes. Her mother quickly took the parchment and together they looked at the parchment.

"You penned her into your will?"

"You are giving me fifty million galleons?"

"That means two hundred and fifty million pounds!" her father's voice was just a whisper.

"I can't accept this." Hermione said looking right at Andrea.

"Hermione, you have already been left this. What you do with this is your own decision. This is not my money, this is yours. I don't have any claim on it." Andrea said truthfully.

"Why are you doing this? Nobody does this for others." Her mother looked at Andrea with narrowed eyes.

"I already told you. I had to strive, to earn my place. I'm not saying that Hermione can't do it. She can and she will do it rather superbly. I don't want Hermione to waste her energy and resources just trying to make it through. Hermione is destined to do wonders, and I'm helping her achieve them."

"Hermione is our only daughter, and through God's Grace we earn enough to take care of our only child."

"Mr Granger, I'm certain you do. I'm not challenging you or showing you down. When I said I wanted to be Hermione's magical guardian, I said it in the whole sense. I just don't want to receive Hogwarts letters, or any other magical newsletter. I want to make sure; she has a bright and secure future. I want to make sure she doesn't go awry or be alone with nobody to share her sorrows. Hermione is your only child, so give her whatever you want to. I won't replace you or try and sabotage your relationship; I'm just here in the background to help, in every sense."

"Hermione, you'll be my sister if you agree to Andy's offer." Harry's voice broke the silence that had lasted for an eternity and Andrea looked at him gratefully.

"Andrea, can I talk to you alone?" Hermione said in a firm voice and Andrea nodded. Sirius nodded his head in encouragement and Andrea walked behind Hermione, away from the room.

She climbed up the stairs and entered a room. Andrea entered quickly and Hermione shut the door behind her.

"Why are you doing this?" Andrea sighed and walked to the bed and lied on it with her feet dangling.

"Hermione, I had Lily and Grandma, as my magical relatives." Andrea started in a faraway voice "… Grandma died when I was too young. Lily was like an elder sister, who I used to walk around like a puppy. She was there but then she was killed. I had to learn all this own on my own. My first and second years were disastrous. I made no friends till the third year." Andrea's mind was digging up all the memories.

"I made a few friends but my blood status was laughed at. I'm a muggleborn and proud of it. Later I made friends but I always kept them at a distance. Tonks was my pen pal, but other than a few more, I had nobody in the magical world."

She felt Hermione sit on the other side and she nodded.

"When I joined my work, I had to work like a slave. My mum and dad are well off, but the difference between galleon and pound is five times. My pride refused to take money from them after I graduated and believe me I wasted one whole year, doing meagre jobs to scoop up enough gold to the Wizarding Architects Academy."

She turned and looked at Hermione and shrugged.

"I have money, sure, but it took me a long time to get there. You know there is a war going on. Nothing is sure. You have Harry and the Weasleys, Tonks, Remus and the others but what will you do if nobody is there?"

Hermione was silent, and Andrea stared at her.

"Don't think of it as a charity. Think of it as a bribe, that I'm giving you, to say yes to me being your magical guardian." she winked at Hermione, who smiled through her tears.

"Use this money to study further, go to foreign universities, buy a house, open legal offices or carry on with S.P.E.W., it's yours to do. Besides look at the advantage, if anyone dares point their finger at you, I'm going to shove it up their arse and kick their butts. Nobody crosses me or my ward."

At that Hermione completely broke down and Andrea was teary herself. They stayed like that without saying a word and Andrea rubbed Hermione's back while she cried. Finally, Hermione quietened and wiped her tears.

"Harry is right. You really are a crusader." Andrea looked surprised.

"He said that?" Hermione laughed and nodded.

"Little git."

"Andy, who is that sitting downstairs? Regulus was dead, wasn't he?" Andrea groaned and quickly told her the whole story.

"You mean he was alive in a lake full of inferi."

"That git is too stubborn to even die. Inferi couldn't kill him and he tries to kill me every single chance." Andrea groaned and got up from the bed and looked at Hermione.

"We are good right?"

"We are more than good." Hermione smiled and they both went downstairs. Everybody looked up when they entered and they both smiled, everybody exhaled.

"Mum, dad?" Hermione asked her parents in a small voice.

"It's okay Hermione. I appreciate what Andrea is doing. You would have some guidance in the magical world and stability too. It's all I could ever ask for." Her father said and her mother nodded.

"We don't what to say to you Andrea. It's a very selfless act." Her mother approached Andrea and Andrea smiled.

"I promise to keep Hermione safe and secure." Her mother nodded and she smiled at Andrea.

"What is the procedure for getting the guardianship in the magical world?" Mr Granger asked and Sirius cleared his throat.

"Hermione will have to sign that parchment and hold Andrea's wand and exchange a vow. It will be done."

"Could it be done here?" her mother asked and Andrea nodded.

"We would like to see that please."

"I'll get my quill." Hermione said and the kids looked at each other with excitement.

"Sirius, you could be the bonder." Sirius nodded and Hermione came back, and bend down and took a deep breath and exhaled. She signed her name in the official parchment through which a sum of fifty million galleons was bequeathed to her, as ward under Andrea Evans.

"Andrea, hold out your wand and Hermione, please grab on tight." They stood in front of each other and Hermione grabbed Andrea's outstretched wand.

"Repeat after me Andrea, 'I, Andrea Liana Evans, take Hermione Jean Granger under a magical oath, to be ward, from now within.'"

"'I, Andrea Liana Evans, take Hermione Jean Granger under a magical oath, to be my magical ward, from now within" Andrea said firmly, a silvery rope bound her hand with Hermione's

"Hermione, repeat after me, 'I, Hermione Jean Granger, accept, Andrea Liana Evans, to be my magical guardian, from now within.'"

"'I, Hermione Jean Granger, accept, Andrea Liana Evans, to be my magical guardian, from now within."

A golden vine connected both of them and burst out in a sparkling show of golden brilliance, showering all of them with its warm presence.

XOXOXOXOXO

Regulus was sitting in the kitchen and he smiled to himself as he heard the noise from the floors above. Never had he thought that this house would be so full of life.

His parents would have killed them, had they dared to cause such mayhem. There was life in this changed house. So many people, full of happiness and mirth, opposite to the dark and dreary family members of his, made this house home.

Another person was added to this lot, the adopted ward of Andrea Evans, Hermione Granger.

He had been shocked when he heard what Andrea was proposing to the muggles. He didn't have any bitter feeling for them, but it was quite unheard of, to adopt even when the ward's parents are living.

But since when did Andrea do that was usual?

He was absolutely gobsmacked when he heard the sum that had been already set aside for Hermione. Andrea didn't look like she had that much money, no, he amended, she didn't show it. His life had been a show of wealth and bloodline, but he had never encountered such a situation.

They had been taught to flaunt wealth, and look down upon the poor. His views had changed just before his 'death' but he had been shocked to see a muggleborn, bequeathing such a huge amount, to another muggleborn.

She was only twenty five, ten years his junior, yet she still did something that nobody had ever done before.

He looked up to see his brother reading the Prophet with a frown on his face.

"Why did she do it?" Sirius looked up puzzled.

"What?"

"Why did she adopt?" Sirius face glowed in understanding and a small smile lit his face. A smile that Regulus had never associated with Sirius.

"She is a muggleborn. She knew how hard it is for muggleborns to make their place in the society, and she likes Hermione. She did it for Hermione."

"Fifty million galleons? That's a bloody huge sum. How selfless one has to be to give away such a sum and that too someone who is not related to you?" he was baffled and he needed some answers. He watched as Sirius smile grew tender.

"You don't know the half of it. She is not your average witch. She is different."

"I'd say, to get you wrapped around her fingers rather tightly." He muttered and Sirius chuckled.

"I hated her." Sirius began and Regulus was shocked. Hated?

"What? How could you hate someone, you most definitely love?" Sirius looked bemused and Regulus fought hard to understand.

"A year ago, I was the only one Harry had, and then suddenly there was this Andrea Evans, who dropped out of nowhere and was suddenly living with Harry. The Order was shocked and I was worried for Harry's safety."

"The next day Dumbledore got her here, and I saw a tiny little thing with huge twinkling eyes sitting right in front of me and I realised that she was the muggle who was living with Harry. Imagine my surprise when I was told that she was a witch and closely related to Harry. Can you believe it, I was jealous of their relationship? I saw both of them interact and it was exactly how Dromeda and I interacted. I was so pissed at her!" Sirius smiled sadly and Regulus frowned.

"Why did it matter if she got along with Harry so well?"

"Because I was scared that I would lose Harry if she took him away." Regulus nodded slowly as understanding dawned on her.

"You thought she was taking your place."

"Exactly."

"Was she?" Sirius shook his head.

"Far from it. I was still paranoid of her identity when next day she told she remembered Remus and me from James wedding. Though it told she was genuine but it even intensified my fear that she could actually take away Harry. What a fool I was!" he sighed.

"What happened to make you realise she wasn't taking away Harry."

"You did." Regulus was stunned.

"What?" Sirius looked a bit shamefaced but he told him bravely.

"We were cleaning the house, when I stopped to look at the tapestry. Harry came and we both discussed our family members. Harry pointed out your name when i… uh… called you a few names for joining Death Eaters. She was listening and she turned on me. She knew all about you and tried to tell me vaguely that you had sacrificed yourself. She said that I couldn't judge a person, and it hit a chord. I fled and started thinking. It made sense and I hated her for it. I wanted to be oblivious but she had opened a can of worms. And to top it off she sent Harry, to make me see sense, and not feel guilty over James and Lily. I wanted to kill her."

"Whoa…" Regulus breathed. She knew all about him?

"Yes. I started to avoid her after that. At every cost. The kids left for school and I was getting pissed every night. When I was in my senses I started looking at the house, and it was changing rapidly. I hated her again, but there was no cause for the hate. It was just defence mechanism."

"I'm sensing a change…" he muttered and Sirius' eyes dimmed.

"One day I was talking to Remus, and in a fit of rage I said that if she wanted to save Harry, I said I wished she died protecting him and she was standing right there at the door listening. I can never forget the look on her face." He rubbed a hand on his face and exhaled. Regulus kept silent waiting for him to continue.

"She left. She came after three days and she looked dead on her feet. We didn't see her for over a month, and when we did, she looked dreadful, like she hadn't eaten or slept in weeks. She barely had muscles but at that time she looked like one gust of wind would blow her away. I never felt so pathetic. We found her here, just before Christmas, and she was dozing off. Remus talked to her while I could only watch in horror, her face. All bones and eyes, and then suddenly she had a vision. She rushed off to the Ministry and saved Arthur Weasley from getting stabbed to death by Voldemort's snake."

"How?" Regulus breathed.

"She pushed Arthur and the snake bit her." Regulus sat back stunned.

"Sweet Salazar." That petite girl did that? "What happened to her?" He watched as Sirius' face looked pained.

"Lost blood, venom in the remaining, went in coma." Regulus' eyes widened.

"How did she make it through?" she was so tiny…! Sirius closed his eyes and gulped and Regulus felt compassion for his big brother.

"She just did. Her parents came here and they stayed. She was fragile but she didn't show. After everyone left, she started having nightmares. There were huge rings under her eyes, and they too were bloodshot. I consulted Dumbledore and he agreed to talk to her."

"Then what happened?" Regulus prompted.

"We started interacting. Rather she answered my questions. Gradually we got talking and she told Remus, Tonks and me the prophecy. That was a turning point. She even asked Remus and me to help her with her work and that was it. We started practicing duelling and one day I realised how different my life had become since she came in here."

"And then….?"

"Then Mary came. We were engaged before I went to Azkaban and whatever we had, fell apart. She once again fled."

"She has a habit of running away." Regulus remarked and Sirius shook his head.

"Not from her priorities, no. She made a deal with goblins. She got a basilisk and traded it, for armours and galleons."

Regulus' eyes widened.

"Basilisk?"

"Yes. She had a hundred armours made and she got a sum of five hundred million galleons in return, but the goblins made a deal with her. She had to make a new building for them and in return they wouldn't ever claim the armours."

"Interesting. She knew about the greediness then?"

"Of course. She works with them. Goblins have hired her as their architect. She's a famous one and had been working overseas." Regulus couldn't help be impressed.

"Things got back on track, and we were fine. She asked my help to bequeath money to Arthur, Remus, Tonks, Harry and Hermione. The rest she put up for the Trust."

"She didn't save any for herself?" Regulus was astonished. People just weren't that selfless.

"No. Said she had loads of it and she had a nice job."

They both were silent and Regulus was processing this huge bit of information.

"She didn't tell anyone the money was from her?"

"No, and keep it that way. Other than us, only Harry knows." Regulus nodded absently and then frowned.

"She told me she killed the Lestrange brothers." Sirius looked bitter at that.

"She did. Saved my life. Bella was about to send me into the veil but Andy banished me to the balcony. I'm indebted to her."

"We both are." Regulus said and a newfound respect for the girl who saved his life revolving in his mind.

"I guess I can understand now. She captured Wormtail too, right?" Sirius nodded, and Regulus laughed.

"Who knew that little bird had so much determination in her? No, not only determination but cunning and intelligence too." Sirius smiled tenderly.

"Yes and that bird is mine." Regulus laughed boisterously.

"No need to panic, I'm not a cradle robber."

"Who is a cradle robber?" they both turned to look at the topic of their discussion enter the kitchen. He smiled and felt happy as he saw Sirius face lit up with happiness at her arrival. He turned to look at her, and in the new found knowledge, he saw her as a tough little warrior.

"Sirius is, considering he is going out with you." He smiled inwardly as she glared at him and chuckled outright as she deposited herself in Sirius' lap, poking a tongue at him.

"It's in, besides old men are hot, how would you know, you cold sodding git."

"You think I'm hot." Regulus saw as Sirius cocked his eyebrow and watched the display with interest.

"Of course. Men of forty are hot!" Regulus smiled as she teased Sirius.

"I'm thirty six." Sirius said indignantly, and Regulus grinned at his scowling face.

"Really?" she asked sweetly and Regulus felt a pang in his chest when he saw the look between both of them. She was watching him with such love and care and Sirius was looking with such tenderness and happiness at her that, he felt like intruding upon their private moment.

"I love men of thirty six." Sirius grinned wolfishly at that and he kissed her. Though Regulus was feeling alone, he felt happy for his brother and the girl who had saved them.

"They are something, aren't they?" he looked to his right and saw Elizabeth sitting, with a beautiful smile on her face.

"Yeah, bickering all the time and making out the rest of it."

"Oye, if nobody kisses your ghostly inferi face, that's not our problem." Andrea said with a grin and he rolled his eyes at her.

"Don't worry Regulus; we'll get someone to kiss you soon." Elizabeth said patting his arm, and winked at him, when he looked.

Maybe, he wasn't going to be alone after all.

XOXOXOXO

The next week was a very good one. The kids all received their O. results, and the scene was something like this:

Andrea looked along with everyone as the three teenagers opened their results. They were all sitting in the kitchen when the owls came in and immediately all activity ceased.

"What's the result?" Molly looked at them and Andrea watched them swap.

"Really guys, we are waiting." She said in an anxious voice and watched as Hermione did a little dance.

"Oh my god, Ron. I'm so proud of you." She squealed hugging the ginger who had a smile on his face.

"Look at this. Harry even broke my record."

"I know, though this was expected of Hermione."

"Would you just say it?" Sirius called out loudly and the three of them looked at them.

Molly snatched Ron's first.

Ordinary Wizarding Level Results

Pass Grades:

Outstanding (O)

Exceeds Expectations (E)

Acceptable (A)

Fail Grades:

Poor (P)

Dreadful (D)

Troll (T)

Ronald Bilius Weasley has achieved:

Astronomy: A

Care of Magical Creatures: E

Charms: OO

Defence Against the Dark Arts: O

Divination: A

Herbology: O

History of Magic: E

Potions: A

Transfiguration: O

Andrea blinked in the silence and quickly snatched the other results. People looked over her shoulder.

Harry James Potter has achieved:

Astronomy: A

Care of Magical Creatures: O

Charms: O

Defense Against the Dark Arts: O

Divination: A

Herbology: O

History of Magic: E

Potions: O

Transfiguration: O

She looked unbelievably at Harry and turned to look at the last parchment.

Hermione Jean Granger has achieved:

Astronomy: O

Care of Magical Creatures: O

Charms: O

Defense Against the Dark Arts: O

Muggle studies: O

Arithmancy: O

Ancient Runes: O

Herbology: O

History of Magic: O

Potions: O

Transfiguration: O

"Oh my god" Andrea shrieked and went to grab all three of them. "You didn't fail any, oh my God"

The trio was crushed by the excited witch and then by Molly. Everybody was over the moon and they couldn't believe it.

"Man, you didn't fail a single exam, and got six outstanding. I'm so happy." Andrea beamed at Harry.

"I remember making a promise to a cousin of mine to study properly and drag Ron along." Everyone watched in amazement as Andrea busted in tears and flung herself at Harry.

Far away in a large Manor protected by dark ancient spells, a boy looked out of the window and saw albino peacocks in the garden.

He stood absolutely still, and didn't even blink his eyes.

A door opened and closed quietly, and he still did not stir.

"Draco." He turned at that and looked at the tall beautiful, fair form of his Mother.

"You got ten outstanding owls. You should be proud of yourself son." He heard the tremor in her voice but he didn't react.

His eyes were dead.

She took a few steps forward and he saw her properly since entering the room. Her skin was grey, hey eyes were bloodshot and she looked stiff.

"Draco…" his mother whispered in anguish and he couldn't even comfort her. His fate was doomed. All his choices had been made. There was nothing remotely comforting in his bleak life.

"Say something Draco. We can ask for help…." She trailed of and it was the first time he showed any emotion.

"There is no help Mother." His voice was hoarse and his mother looked at him in fear. Strange, how the woman who had offered him help was completely opposite of his mother. She was short, dark haired, tan skin and dark eyed, but she had the backbone that his Mother lacked.

"I will have to do it. For all of us, or he'll kill us all…" he whispered and closed his eyes in defeat. Nothing could be changed. Nothing could be saved.

He turned back to the window helplessly and stayed there.

Behind him, Narcissa Malfoy had witnessed the innocence leaving his son, and right now standing in front of her was just an empty shell. They did not deserve this.

She would not let this happen. She had lost her husband, but she won't lose her son. It was time to talk to Severus Snape.

XOXOXOXOXO

Andrea felt anxious. There was something going on inside her and she couldn't pin point what it was. She could practically feel it shifting, and it made her uncomfortable.

She got up from the chair in the library and paced.

Sirius, Remus and Regulus had gone to the Trust. Molly had taken the kids to Diagon Alley. She wanted to go too but her workload had increased exponentially, so she stayed back.

Mary and Elizabeth were at Mungo's, so Andrea was the only one alone in the whole house with the elves and pets.

Tonks and Kingsley were with Molly and kids, so there was no need to worry.

Andrea went to the kitchen and looked restless. She poured herself a glass of water and promptly dropped it when the fireplace roared.

"Andrea, she's here." Andrea turned to look at the fireplace and saw Severus' place sitting in the fire. She nodded at him and he was gone.

Andrea grabbed her wand, and donned a hooded cloak from the rack and pulled the hood over her face.

She threw a pinch of floopowder in the grate and clearly said:

"Spinner's End." And stepped into the emerald flames. She was sucked into the whirling motion of the fire and she stepped out into Severus' home.

The room was small and dingy but everything was exceptionally clean. She didn't look further because her eyes fell on the three figures.

Severus, Narcissa and Bellatrix.

Andrea noticed that Bellatrix was slumped in the chair, whereas Narcissa was looking around in fear.

"Is it safe?" she asked in a low voice and Severus nodded, his wand trained on Narcissa. Andrea cocked her eyebrow when she saw that he was holding two other wands. Nice.

"Cocoon Bellatrix with the snoozing charm. I don't trust her one bit." She could hear Severus rolling his eyes but he did exactly that.

Narcissa Malfoy watched as a short figure emerged from the fireplace and instructed Severus. Her heart was beating rapidly because she couldn't understand what was going on.

"Who are you?" Narcissa asked shakily and Andrea turned to her.

"How is her occlumency?" she asked Severus.

"Good, considering I taught her." Andrea rolled her eyes at that and saw Narcissa look positively alarmed.

"Narcissa Malfoy, you are here to ask Severus to complete the assignment that the Dark Lord gave to your son, Draco Malfoy." She watched as Narcissa's face drained of all the colour it had.

"Severus is Draco's Godfather, so he would agree, or so you thought." Narcissa was positively spooked and Andrea felt a stab of sympathy for her.

"Do you know what the assignment has been given to your son?" the pale witch nodded her head.

"Then you must realise that your son can't kill Dumbledore."

"But he has to. The Dark Lord will kill us all, if he doesn't." she whispered and tears filled her eyes.

"The Dark Lord won't be able to touch him, if you join the other side." Narcissa's eyes widened.

"Severus…?"

"Severus can only help you properly if you help yourself."

"The Dark Lord will kill all of us if he knew." The woman and the mother in her were battling, Andrea could clearly see. Though she said it, her voice was tremulous enough to make out her hesitation.

"You don't know that. Even if Draco manages to kill Dumbledore, the Dark Lord will consider you as nothing but financial backup. Your house will be taken away from you, your loved ones will be punished in front of you, and even your right to breathe will lie in the Dark Lord's hands. This is the Dark Lord's way of punishing Lucius for the Ministry mayhem. If Draco doesn't kill Dumbledore, the dark lord will kill him, if he does, the ministry will never forget it. Lucius is already dying in Azkaban."

Every sentence was affecting Narcissa. Tears trailed down her cheeks.

"He will kill Lucius even if we run away." She cried miserably and Andrea thought. Andrea was shocked she had not jumped up in hysteria and was even considering it.

"No he won't." Severus looked at her with a warning in his eyes and Andrea contemplated.

"Think. If we take Lucius to the ministry and get some names and important information, without letting anyone know. I'm sure the Minister would understand. We can take him away to the Trust and hide him there while an illusion of Lucius can rest in Azkaban."

She thought that one up, but the more she thought about it, the more it felt right.

"What?" Narcissa breathed out while Severus' eyes did some summing up. After an eternity he nodded.

"He doesn't have the stomach, just like his father" half-blood prince, said by one of the Death Eaters as Draco had his wand pointed at Dumbledore.

Narcissa saved Harry, didn't she?

"What do you think Narcissa? Are you ready to take this risk to save your family?" Andrea asked and Narcissa whimpered and tears fell down rapidly.

"He will find us and kill. Draco has to do it."

Andrea flipped back her hood and took two steps and bent down to look into the terrified pale blue eyes.

"Draco is not a killer. You cannot condemn him to such fate. Did you think what it would do to him? It will eat him alive. This fear will kill him from inside. He will lose his mentality, and it won't be a curse to do that, it will be you."

Narcissa was very frightened. The young woman had eyes the colour of flint and they were cold. Her words shook her up and she was shivering delicately.

"You are his mother. You should try and save him, not ask Severus to complete the task, shall Draco fail. Give your son a chance. Give your husband a chance. Their lives depend upon you. I see a bright young grandson of yours, skipping merrily in that manor, playing with peacocks, but if you don't take the chance, you won't have a family, much less grandchildren in a Voldemort free world. I say that because Voldemort is going to die."

"You are that seer." She breathed and Andrea kept staring at her. It was important that Narcissa understands this. Okay, so she made up that seeing grandson thing, but Scorpius Malfoy was real, wasn't he?

Narcissa had to say yes. She had to otherwise, her plan wouldn't succeed. Maybe she needed more incentive.

"Did Draco inspect the Vanishing Cabinet at Borgin and Burke?" Narcissa's eyes stretched in horror and Andrea smirked inwardly. Not inspected maybe, but shared his plan with his mother.

"No use, Narcissa. He will kill you if you don't come to the other side." She jerked her head towards a sleeping Bellatrix.

"She doesn't care for you. She cares just for her Dark Lord. She even tried to kill your own flesh and blood; Nymphadora and Sirius. I will help you and I won't let anything touch Draco and Lucius if you change allegiances. I swear upon my magic, that I'll protect you, Lucius and Draco from the product of inbred and muggle heritage, who calls himself Lord Voldemort, if you come to the other side."

Andrea didn't waver from those fearful eyes. Those pale blue eyes were searching something in her black ones. It seems an eternity later, that a decision was made behind the blue ones.

"Save Draco and Lucius." She said and Andrea straightened. She looked at Severus who too looked like the tension left his shoulders.

Andrea paced away from them and went to the window and exhaled. She did it! She actually did it!

She swayed Narcissa Malfoy but took an oath upon her magic. She made up her mind that whatever happened, even if people didn't support her, she will save them. Alone, if nobody agrees with her. Something tightened in her body and she felt uneasy but her decision was made.

"We should hurry up." She heard Severus and turned to look at them. Narcissa might have been close to Bellatrix and supported the pureblood mania all her life but when it came to her beloved son, she promptly threw all those notions out of the window, and Andrea had fully exploited that advantage.

"Are you marked?" she shook her head and Andrea nodded, already knowing.

"Tomorrow, same time. Meet me here with Draco. Right now, you will go, and act as if nothing happened. Block your mind. Nothing should get out or it will be the end. Don't even tell Draco. Tell Voldemort, shall he ask, that you are going to get school supplies and do some market research. Don't think over it. Severus, what shall we do with Bellatrix?"

Severus inclined his head and sneered at the mad witch.

"I'll clean her memory."

"We should put her back in the alley with me. She was trying to make me sense and to not come here. It will be wise if we shall continue from that point. I'll agree and we'll go back." Andrea raised her eyebrows impressively as Narcissa spoke in a monotone. She was good.

"We shall. Severus, please make sure this happens. I can't stay here." She turned to look at Narcissa.

"I will help only if you are willing. Remember that."

The snow haired witch looked at the fireplace in which the young woman disappeared and wondered, what was about her that had compelled to take such a huge step.

She gave you what the Dark Lord never did; assurance and promise, a voice inside her said and she put on her hood and as a disillusioned Severus levitated Bellatrix.

They were in the alley and Narcissa hurriedly looked around.

"Severus…" she couldn't see him but she felt a hand on her shoulder.

"Do not worry Narcissa. Andrea always means what she says. Trust her."

Narcissa nodded and cleared her thought just in time for Severus to clear Bella's memories and lift the spell.

Her eyes opened and Narcissa put on a hysterical face.

"Let go Bella."

"Cissy, this is the betrayal of Dark Lord's order. We cannot suffer his wrath taking this step." Narcissa turned with portrayed fear in her eyes.

"Can he know about this?" she saw as Bella's eyes gleamed.

"He has his ways." Narcissa gulped the actual fear.

"You are right Bella. It would be unwise to disobey the Dark Lord considering present circumstances, but Draco…"

"Do not worry Cissy. Draco will succeed. He has the noble Black blood running in his veins. Now let's go before someone sees us." She grabbed Narcissa's hand and they both apparated out of the alley, and a disillusioned Severus breathed in relief.

Back at number twelve Andrea flooed and stumbled in to the kitchen. There still was nobody in the kitchen, and Andrea felt a moment of panic.

She quickly sat down on the chair and put her head between her knees.

She had just indoctrinated Narcissa Malfoy. Bloody hell! Seer, her fucking arse! She was playing blind over here.

Here vision was blurring and it was growing into a full blown panic attack. Oh God!

What was she going to do now? Dumbledore is saved from the curse, the majority of Horcruxes destroyed, Sirius saved, Longbottoms recovered, Regulus resurrected, she didn't even knew how the story was going to progress.

They would have to destroy the horcruxes really fast and then kill Voldemort but how was she supposed to know where will Voldemort have the face off. What was she going to tell people, that suddenly the inner eye left her?

Her brain throbbed and her eardrums were closing in and the substance that she had felt shifting inside her was moving violently. It wasn't a panic attack.

Her body was reacting and she didn't know what to do. Blind panic seized her, and she got up from the chair and tried to move. She stumbled and tried to catch something in vicinity.

The blood was roaring in her ears, and her heart was beating at a furious pace. Her wildly waving hands clutched something and she held it like a lifeline.

Her body spasmed and her back arced. Hot pain blinded her. It went through every vein of hers and every atom in her body screamed.

She screamed, and the sound almost tore her throat and then suddenly, everything was black.

Her body crumpled into a heap just as the door to the kitchen opened to reveal Molly and the kids looking at her broken form in horror.

It was dark when Andrea opened her eyes. She blinked and realised that her whole body was throbbing or more like pulsing.

She scrunched up her face and tried to sit up. She closed her eyes and took deep breathes. Her body had ached in the endeavour.

"Hey." She opened her eyes to look at Sirius' grey ones. He was sitting on a chair by their bed and looked as if he just got up. Was he sleeping in the chair?

"Hi." Her throat ached and Sirius conjured up some water for her. She drank gratefully and leaned back on the bed.

"What happened this time?" Sirius chuckled at that and Andrea smiled, but she could still see fear lurking in those shadowed eyes.

"Something good." Andrea looked at him with a frown.

"All I remember is pain. Nothing good comes out of it unless it's the ecstasy spell." Sirius sat on the bed near her and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

"What you experienced was the replenishment of your magical core." Andrea's eyes widened.

"Really? Why didn't anyone tell me it pains so much."

"Because it doesn't." she frowned.

"What do you mean?"

"It normally takes a while to reach your normal portion but your body as per Elizabeth was working fast to get the core back in its shape."

"Wicked. Why do these things happen to me, again?" Sirius grinned handsomely at that and Andrea felt sleepy.

"You can sleep here? I'm not so huge like you." She yawned and patted her side. She lay down and put her head on the pillow and immediately went to sleep.

XOXOXOXO

She greeted everyone cheerfully next morning and everyone felt better knowing she was fine.

Nothing out of the ordinary happened. Same breakfast, same kids who were joking, same game of teasing Regulus. Life was good.

She was still sitting in the kitchen when the fire roared and a piece of parchment shot through it. Luckily Andrea was sitting right in front of it so she grabbed the piece of paper.

They are here.

Her eyes widened as she realised that she had completely forgotten about yesterday.

"What's that?" Sirius asked and Andrea bit her lip. Everyone looked at her questioningly and her mind blanked. Useless organ, where does it go when you need it.

"Ummm…. Some stuff at Severus', I have to go." She got up and Sirius frowned.

"What stuff?"

"Order stuff. I'll come back soon." She kissed him and hurriedly took the black cloak and raised its hood, which had the occupants of the room frowning heavily.

She quickly cast a muffliato and muttered Severus' address and stepped into the green blaze.

After being swirled around she stopped and stepped out of the fireplace. First thing she noted was that all the curtains were drawn.

Second, Draco Malfoy had leapt to his feet the instant she stepped out and had his wand pointed at her.

She looked at him for a moment. He was thinner, and his hair looked unkempt, like he had been raking his fingers through them hundred times. His eyes were bloodshot and there were bags under them.

He looked tired.

She moved forward and sat down on the lone armchair and surveyed the scene. Severus was sitting and had a drink in his hand, Narcissa was looking ahead stonily and Draco was looking frightened.

"Who are you?" Draco asked.

"Everything alright Narcissa?" the witch jerked at her name and looked at her and nodded. Draco looked at his mother and then at her.

"Who are you?" he asked taking in a thunderous voice, two steps towards her and trained the wand at her forehead.

"I told you help was a patronus away." Andrea said and removed her hood.

Draco stumbled back, and looked at her horrified.

"You" He whispered and Andrea raised her eyebrows.

"Yes, me" He looked at his mother, then at Severus and back at her.

"No…. no…. no, no…. NO!" he shouted and Andrea could see the panic assaulting his mind.

"Draco…" Narcissa breathed.

"NO MOTHER! NO!" Andrea had to give it to Severus who didn't winced, once. "HOW COULD YOU? HE WILL KILL US ALL NOW."

"Draco, please listen…." Narcissa started.

"HE WON'T LISTEN MOTHER. HE WON'T. HE WILL SEE THIS AS A BETRAYAL." Andrea looked at the angst ridden teenager and didn't interrupt.

"WHY DID YOU MOTHER! I COULD HAVE SAVED US, I COULD HAVE SAVED US BUT NOW HE WILL KNOW!"

Andrea looked as his face contorted and tears fell down his face, and her heart bled for him.

"He won't kill you." She said quietly and his head snapped up. His eyes burned and anger now replaced the horror and fear.

"How do you know that? You haven't seen him, have you? He doesn't show mercy! He won't listen, he will just kill."

"No he won't. To answer your questions, yes. I have seen him and fought him, twice." She watched as his eyes grew large. "I know he doesn't show mercy, and neither does he listen. He just kills, I know."

There was silence after that and no body moved.

"Severus, I think we can all use some drinks, preferably not poisoned." She said lightly and Severus looked at her like she was mad.

Severus waved his wand and a decanter poured drinks in three glasses. Another wave and the three glasses soared in front of the three occupants.

She took hers and watched as Narcissa grabbed hers and quickly gulped it down.

"Take it Draco." Severus said and Draco grabbed the glass with trembling hands.

Andrea sipped her drink and surveyed all of them. When no one spoke, she did the deed.

"I believe you have been given an assignment." Draco looked at her like he wanted to curse her. He didn't respond and Andrea continued.

"How will you mend the Vanishing Cabinet?" She asked sipping the apple cider.

The glass fell from his nerveless fingers and his hateful gaze grew fearful.

"Bought the necklace from Borgin and Burke to send it to Dumbledore?" she thought it was impossible but he grew paler at that.

"Rosemerta is your choice for Imperiousing, isn't it?"

"How do you know all this?" he asked in a shaky voice and Andrea sighed cutting the drama now.

"Draco, I know this and a lot more. Do you think Voldemort will spare you after you kill Dumbledore?" she snorted and Severus raised his eyebrows at her.

"He is punishing you for your father's incapability to fetch the prophecy. I was there that night, so I know what Voldemort can do. And apparently he knows about me, because currently I'm the most wanted witch after Harry Potter."

His eyes looked about to pop out of their sockets.

"You are Potter's cousin…" Andrea nodded her head at that and looked at him seriously.

"Voldemort…" all three of them flinched at his name"… does not know the future. I do. He wants me because I know what is happening and what is going to happen. He wants me because I'm helping Harry to kill him."

"I'll tell you so listen. Voldemort is just two steps away from dying. He thinks he is immortal but he doesn't realise that there are people wiser than him. What will you do if you give in to fear? Kill Dumbledore, and then what? What will you do when Voldemort dies, because I assure you he will, what will you do then? You will be wanted all over the world for killing the most powerful sorcerer of the world, where will you go? Your father is already in jail, but what will happen to your mother?"

He looked pained at that and Andrea continued brutally.

"The society will kill your mother. Like vultures, they will tear her away, flesh by flesh. You would be subjected to Dementors kiss. What is going to happen then? The Malfoy line, all down just because the heir apparent, couldn't suck up the courage to defy a monster?"

"I told your mother yesterday, and I'm telling you now. You are not a killer. Do not let fear make you one. You will never be whole after committing the act."

She looked at him right in the eye.

"Change your sides, and I'll guarantee your safety. Join the Order and no harm shall come to your father or mother. I'm willing to make an Unbreakable Vow, if you pledge your allegiances to the Order. Keep in mind Draco, Voldemort is going to die, and there is nothing stopping that. Choose wisely."

She leaned back and took a deep breathe, waiting for him to make his mind.

Choose me, she mentally chanted. This was huge, this was very important. If he chose her than things could speed up more rapidly and they could end it wisely. If he didn't then Andrea didn't know what she would be doing since she took the risk and disclosed the plans.

Andrea saw as he looked at Severus, who looked back blankly, and then at his mother who was looking like a stone statue. Finally, he looked at her and gulped.

"What about father." Andrea didn't realise she had been holding her breath till she exhaled.

"He will be taken from Azkaban, testify against the Ministry and will be hidden in one of the safe houses. A charm would make sure that Lucius' illusion remains in the cell."

He nodded resolutely and wiped his face, and got up.

"I need you to make an Unbreakable Vow, stating you will protect me and my family from the Dark Lord and should time arise, you will testify for us."

Andrea looked at him and found the scared boy, who was willing to do this for his family. She stood corrected, he was no killer.

"Only if you make one in return, stating your allegiances to the Order, and willing to do as I say."

He stood still for a moment and then nodded.

"Severus." She said moving a step forward and stretching out her arm. After a deep breath, he placed his cold and large one in her warm and small one. They clasped tightly and Severus put the tip of his wand on their interlinked hands. Andrea nodded for him to begin.

"Will you, Andrea Evans, help my father, Lucius Malfoy, to escape unscathed from Azkaban and protect him under your shelter?"

"I will." A red, hot fiery, flame shot from the tip of Severus' wand and wrapped around their hands.

"Will you to the best of your ability, protect my mother, Narcissa Malfoy, from harm?" Andrea looked into his silvery eyes and vowed.

"I will." Another flame bound their hands.

"Will you, help me and my family, shall the need arise to testify in front of the Ministry?"

"I will." The red flame glowed brightly and wrapped around their hands like manacles.

Draco silently held out his other hand and Andrea gripped his hand, once again Severus placed his wand tip on their interlocked hands.

"Do you, Draco Malfoy, pledge your and your family's loyalty to the Order of the Phoenix, disavowing the loyalty to Lord Voldemort?"

"I do." He breathed out and his voice fractured at the end. A black flame shot out and wrapped around their hands.

"Do you pledge to never betray the Order or any of its members, for Lord Voldemort or his Death Eaters and carry out the work assigned to you and your family?"

"I do." Another black flame joined the first one. Andrea looked deep in his eyes and asked for the last vow.

"Do you pledge to see the world differently than you were taught, and help bring about a change for the Greater Good?" Andrea bored her eyes into his and saw as he closed his eyes and gulped.

"I do." He whispered and the black flame divided into two parts and shackled their left hands.

Severus removed his hands and Andrea suddenly had an epiphany. The events were still happening. Not one but two unbreakable vows were made, in Spinner's End, with Severus and Narcissa in attendance. Slightly different but still the same.

Andrea nodded at Severus.

"We should call a meeting." Severus nodded and sent out various patronus. Andrea walked to the chair and sat down feeling the enormity of the situation.

She had made an Unbreakable Vow. She had the Malfoys!

"We should leave in half an hour." Severus drawled and Andrea nodded. She cleared her mind and concentrated on breathing. She saw Narcissa was gripping Draco's hand very tightly, and she realised that the kids were to be informed too.

She sent a patronus to Sirius, telling him to ask the kids to join the meeting.

Minutes ticked by and the fire roared and a piece of parchment flew through. Severus caught it and gave it to Draco.

Andrea frowned as she saw him passing it to his mother who burnt the piece after reading it and Severus rolled his eyes.

"Secret Keeper." Andrea almost smacked herself for not thinking. The clock chimed one and Severus got up.

"We need to get going." Andrea gulped when Severus went first. Should he wait to be the last and close the floo?

Some major handling would have to be done.

"Draco, close the floo when you come." The kid nodded and Andrea gulped again. She went into the fire called out her destination.

She stepped out of the floo to see, every Order member sitting on the magically enlarged table. She didn't get the chance to explain who was going to come, when the floo roared and Narcissa Malfoy stepped through.

Andrea clenched her jaw when her fellow members started getting up from their seats.

The first ones were Sirius and Harry. She shook her head and winced inwardly at the timing, when the floo roared again and Draco stepped out.

"What's he doing here?" Ron spat standing up and Andrea thanked Merlin when Dumbledore got up.

"Everyone, please be seated and do not speak till the situation is explained." That shut everyone up.

Dumbledore further elongated the table and gestured for them to sit over there. Now Dumbledore was sitting at the Head, on his right Draco, then Narcissa and then Andrea, with Sirius on her right.

"Andrea?" Dumbledore called and Andrea got up.

"The Malfoys have left Voldemort. They have pledged their allegiances to the Order, and are willing to risk and work for the Order to bring down Voldemort."

"What's in for them?" Bill asked quickly and Andrea looked at Dumbledore.

"I pledged that we will take Lucius out of Azkaban and make him testify, and then hide him in the Trust."

"Are you bloody insane?" Harry shot up and Andrea grimaced. "Hide him? He is a bloody Death Eater. He was there at the Ministry, and you saw him."

"Harry, I know all this. The Malfoys do not want to serve Voldemort. They saw their error in serving him when he turned on them. Please remember what I told you that morning, please." Andrea pleaded with him and he clenched his jaws.

"Andrea, you surely realise how tricky this is?" Kingsley rumbled.

"Malfoys turning light, I think I've seen everything." Moody laughed sarcastically.

"We already have two Death Eaters amongst us. One tried to bring down Voldemort, and the other has been risking his life ever since. If the Malfoys can change, then so can you." She challenged the old auror who glared at her with both his eyes.

"Andy, how can we be sure that they have left Voldemort and they won't betray us. It could be their plan." Arthur asked her politely but worriedly.

"Draco and I, we both made Unbreakable Vows." Everyone gasped around them and Andrea pinched the bridge of her nose.

"Are you satisfied now? Severus was the bonder; you can ask him if we left any field missing."

"You let her make an Unbreakable Vow!" she heard Sirius roar from beside her and winced.

"Calm down Sirius. I'm not breaking my vow, so I won't die." She said laying a hand on his shoulder.

"This was your Order stuff? You went to get bound for life?" he glared up at her and she pursed her lips.

"I told you I would do anything." His glare intensified and he looked away.

"Does that mean that the Malfoys are loyal to Order and won't betray us?" Alice Longbottom asked in her beautiful voice.

"Exactly, thank you Alice." She turned to survey all of them and looked with determination. "My vows consisted of protecting the Malfoys from Voldemort and helping them. It included getting Lucius out of Azkaban and cleared from the Ministry."

"You made a hasty vow, andrea." The Minister's voice boomed and Andrea raised one eyebrow at her.

"Well Minister, by all means, let me die. It's up to you after all, whether you wish me life or death." She said challengingly.

The Minister pursed her lips and Andrea smiled. Didn't wanted to lose the Seer, did she?

"If Miss Evans had made the vow and is assured from the Malfoy family about their loyalties, then I believe her. I shan't question her moves. She has always thought about the betterment, and if she is saying this is a good move, then I'm with her." Trust lady Longbottom to state the conflicting issue. Andrea wanted to kiss her.

"Hear Hear." Tonks said and Andrea winked at her.

"I'm with Andrea too." Remus smiled at her and Andrea thanked the little skirmish and guilt.

"So am I" Andromeda clearly said. She smiled at Andrea and silently thanked her for getting her younger sister out of death's mouth.

"I support Andrea." Regulus said in a normal voice and Andrea grinned at him.

"We too."

"Merlin knows how her brain is working these days." This was from Fred and George.

Hermione, Mary, Elizabeth, Kingsley, Ginny, Arthur, Bill, Charlie, Molly all said their support.

Andrea sat down and exhaled.

"I agreed with Andrea before and I still agree." Dumbledore said in a calm but firm voice that stopped all the conversations.

"She had told us what will transpire and I'm happy to say that Draco had made a wise choice. I'm extremely relieved to hear that Draco won't kill me and I shall live longer."

The Malfoys jerked at that and looked at Dumbledore with wide eyes.

"I have known this since your initiation Draco. Andrea had rallied since then to save you from making the worst possible mistake of your life." Draco turned his large eyes at her and Andrea winked at him. He rapidly blinked and looked down.

"What is going to be the next step?" Tonks asked with excitement.

"Lucius Malfoy." Dumbledore said. "What did you vowed Andrea?"

"Umm…. Get Lucius from Azkaban, make him testify and take information that will pardon him, and then hide him at the safe house of the Trust."

"But if Lucius is not in the prison, it would automatically get to Voldemort." Kingsley spoke and Andrea nodded.

"I guessed as much. We could use a spell or charm that could project Lucius in the cell." She answered.

"But the dementors can't be fooled." Sirius said for the first time.

"Don't worry; we'll come up with something." Fred or George said and Andrea beamed at them.

"Excellent. Now I was thinking that Draco should continue to fool Voldemort in believing that he is working hard to get you killed."

"How will I do that?" Draco spoke for the first time and his voice was very strained.

"I'll come up with something. Now, did you propose Voldemort the plan about Vanishing Cabinet?" he nodded.

"Vanishing Cabinet I hear?" Fred or George piped up.

"Yes the same that you sent Marcus Flint or someone, into. It has a sister cabinet in Borgin and Burkes. The original plan was to infiltrate Hogwarts with Death Eaters through that cabinet."

"Sick." They muttered together in revulsion and Andrea rolled her eyes.

"So, Draco, once you are in Hogwarts, you will go to the Room of Requirement, but not to mend the cabinet, but to practice."

"Practise? Practise what?" Harry asked suddenly.

"Duelling."

"What?" Draco whispered.

"Yes, you won't be alone though. Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Neville, they all will be joining you to practice."

"I won't be practicing with him." Harry stood up and Andrea shrugged.

"Fine. Don't practice. Look like a ninny, nancy boy when the final confrontation comes. Act like a buffoon, jumping up and down when Voldemort sends curses at you."

Harry glared at her and glowed red at her comment. She heard something and looked down to find Sirius trying to control his laugh. Her worries eased.

"Harry, it's important that you learn how to defend yourself. Draco knows how the Death Eaters work. He can tell you about their strengths and weaknesses and you can all play it to your advantages."

"She is right. You are getting a chance, all of you, so try and learn from each other." Oh how she wished, she could kiss Sirius then and there.

"Yes, after all, we don't want a bunch of kids, acting like a couple of baboons on the battlefield." Frank Longbottom nodded his approval.

"It won't hurt." Molly said and Andrea smiled as all the guardians called their approvals.

"So we are supposed to be all friendly from now on?" Ron asked in dismay and disgust.

"There's the fun part Ron. We don't Voldemort getting a whiff of this, so you get to act naturally. For the people, you are sworn enemies, and inside the Room of Requirement, you are allies, working together to bring down one evil psychopath."

"Thank Merlin for small favours." He muttered and rolled his eyes.

"That indeed is a commendable suggestion." All heads turned to look at Severus who was looking thoughtful.

Dear Sweet Merlin's Soul, Severus complimented her?

"I still don't want to trust that git. He has a dark mark." Ron said loudly and Andrea looked at him. Something's can never change.

"Ron, if I can grow up just to make sure You-Know-Who gets defeated, even if I have to work with the guy whose father tried to kill me, so can you." Ginny snapped and Andrea grimaced, completely forgetting the whole diary thing.

Before things could start in earnest Dumbledore stood up.

"If we wish to defeat Lord Voldemort, we will have to put aside our differences and work together, or else we may have already lost the war."

Dumbledore did have a way with words, Andrea thought as Ron looked down and Harry winced.

"I think it's too much of the time that we have taken today." He waved a wand and two pendants with silver serpent heads appeared. He waved again and the pendants glowed blue.

"Draco, Narcissa, these pendants will bring you directly here. They will work only for you so no fear of it landing into wrong hands, because I shall ask you to go back and wait till we devise a good strategy to shift Lucius. You will have to remain inconspicuous."

They both picked up the pendants gingerly from his palm and put it over their heads, and it vanished.

"No one can see but you can feel it. When there is a meeting, it will let you know an hour ago. You will feel it, so you will have plenty of time to make an excuse or line up an alibi. It works both ways; you can come here and go back to where you want."

Andrea was so impressed with Dumbledore. He really thought of everything.

"It has been long. I suggest you do not waste any more time." He stood up and addressed them all. "This has been a very huge change. A change for good. Please try to wise up yourselves and think it through. We have to stand together." He looked straight at Andrea and nodded.

"Good choice Andy. Good choice! And good work everybody. Good day to all of you." Dumbledore was gone after that leaving everyone silent.

Andrea wished no one would blow up, now that he was gone. From the corner of her eye she saw a movement and turned to look at Andromeda making her way towards them.

"Cissy…" she whispered and Narcissa's head whipped in her direction. Narcissa had not even once looked up from her lap and she was shocked to find her sister. It had been so long that she had almost forgotten her voice but that name only her family members used.

"Meda…" she breathed and got up. Andrea watched as Andromeda smiled and she looked so different from dark Bellatrix. Andromeda was haughty but she was soft. Her features were soft and her heart was soft too. She was the 'love 'em all' kinds.

"Oh Cissy…." Andromeda cried and hugged her little sister who just stood there in her elder sister's embrace.

They had never been that close. Narcissa was said to have been much closer to Bellatrix than her oldest sister. Maybe it had to do with the fact that Andromeda never believed in the blood purity.

Andrea watched with a small smile as Narcissa's arms draped around her sister's waist, after a fashion, as she gently returned the hug.

Both the woman were too proud to shed a tear with such a large audience, but Andrea saw two pair of shiny eyes, as the sister's broke free.

"Oh Cissy, you did a good thing." Andromeda stated proudly and Narcissa's gaze grew fearful.

"Don't worry Cissy; we will take care of you and Draco. Of course, Lucius too." She added the last part as if an afterthought.

"I say, Blacks are going through a roundabout phase." She saw both of them turn and Narcissa's eyes stretched in shock.

"Regulus?" Regulus was standing right by his chair, and Sirius too stood up at that.

"Narcissa." Sirius said nodding his head and Andrea thought to herself, how careful and neutral their voices were.

"Sirius." The Fair Lady breathed. Apparently, the Blacks haven't had a family get together in decades.

"You changed sides then." Regulus snorted at that.

"The Dark Lord showed his true colours, finally. Of course they had to change sides when the Dark Lord made it so obvious he wouldn't care if the ancient line of the Malfoys would no longer continue, eh Cissy?"

Andrea couldn't help but look in shock. She had said the same thing. But shouldn't they be happy that they had switched.

Narcissa was looking very pale and looked up when Draco stood up and put a hand on her shoulder.

They kept looking at each other; on one side were the tall and slender forms of Andromeda and Narcissa with a taller Draco, and on the other side were the huge and muscular forms of Sirius and Regulus, who were standing side by side.

Andrea thought that they may be inbred, but this bunch was one hell of a good looking one.

Andrea didn't dare interrupt, god knows, she will get blown to bits if she did.

An eternity later, Sirius blinked.

"If you have chosen this side, have faith."

"We protect our own." Regulus added and for the first time Andrea saw Sirius and Regulus like brothers. They were on the same sides and they were rallying for the same notion without the burden of the dark responsibilities or heavy pressure from the Dark members of the family. They were free and fighting.

It seems like Ministry had already declared them free because Narcissa's shoulders relaxed. Of course having some strong family members like Sirius, and Regulus vowing to help you did wonders for her. After all Bellatrix was not the caring types and Narcissa had been on her own since Lucius was sent to the prison. It helped!

She nodded.

"We should leave." She whispered. Andrea saw as Narcissa met her gaze and nodded at her. Draco too inclined his head looking at her straight in the eye, and then he grabbed his pendant in sync with his mother, and was gone.

Andrea was still wondering how fluently it all went, when all the gazes turned to her, as if in sync.

Uh-oh.

Could she make a run for it? Apparate and lock herself? Chatting with Voldemort was looking a better option than those flashing green eyes of Harry Potter.

She hastily got up and backed to the front of the table holding up her hand.

"This was important okay? This is necessary. You heard Volde…. I mean…. Gah…. Dumbledore. It had to be done. We have two more spies that actually reside in the base. God dammit, stop looking at me like that."

Harry clenched his jaws and Andrea squared her shoulders.

"Get over it Potter. This is how the Order works. Anyways, I have work to do. Fred, George, get working on the illusion. Uh… I have work to do."

She quickly apparated from the room and the room erupted in laughter.

"Did you see her face?"

"Hilarious." Fred and George guffawed.

"Damn, she looked scared." Bill commented with a large smile.

"Andrea Evans, the Crusader, afraid of Harry Potter." Regulus smirked, and shook his head. "Who would have thought?"

"Oh come one, I think she pulled this out perfectly. Think how the betrayal of Malfoys, Voldemort's right hand men, will affect the whole cause. We will have some pretty good information now, that we have three spies." Tonks admonished them.

"You should have seen how she persuaded them" Severus drawled and everyone went silent. "I was afraid that she had lost the cause when she talked to Draco. She persuaded Narcissa yesterday to bring Draco." He shook his head in amusement and surveyed them "she persuaded Draco to join. His Mother couldn't do what Andrea did, and that is saying something. A true Slytherin tact to exploit her advantage, and she did a stupendous job."

Everyone gawked at Severus who had never uttered a single word of appreciation, was now practically writing lyrical ballad for Andrea. Too surreal.

Sirius recovered from the shock and blinked.

"I'll go check her."

Though it had been a very risky move and Sirius was very angry with her for going there unprotected, he was proud of her. Though he was scared shitless after hearing that she had made an Unbreakable Vow, he still couldn't help but be immensely proud of her

He snorted as he climbed the stairs, his girl was indeed a crusader, and Godric help him, he fell in love with her more, everytime she showed her crusading style.

AND MERLIN HELP ME, I CANT STOP WRITING….. MY MOTHER HAS THREATENED TO DISOWN ME, IF I DIDN'T PASS THIS TEST…..

SO, HOW DID YOU LIKE THE CHAPTER? LIKED OR HATED IT? DO TELL ME…. IF I KEEP ON GOING LIKE THIS I'LL FINISH THIS STORY IN A WEEK.

ANYWAYS, THE WORD COUNT WAS 15,000. I HAVE GONE INSANE!

REVIEW…. PLEASE DO. IT MAKES ME FEEL GOOD AND IN RETURN I WRITE LIKE A MANIAC!

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