Chapter Twenty One

January 25th, 1977

"How long do you think until she can get back to her dorm and classes?" James asked, rubbing his sore arm. Mia was getting tired of people trying to take care of her, and she wasn't afraid to show it.

"A day or two," Sirius sighed. He'd been playing medi witch for days, only taking a break when Regulus or Snape got there. "Her muscles are still twitching badly. She should really get physical therapy for it from Madame Pomfrey. Other than that, and aside from nightmares, she'll be fine."

"She's getting restless. Just punched me. Did you know she could punch so hard? Bloody hurt," James complained lightly. Sirius rolled his eyes and shrugged.

"I just don't underestimate her anymore."

"Yeah, well, remind me not to either." James's smile fell a little. "She's sitting with your brother doing her homework. He says she claims to feel better when he's there. He thinks it's that bond they have; says it's not sealed."

"I know, but they're not sealing the damn thing on my watch," Sirius growled out. Sealing it would bind them together forever, and only cause more pain down the road. James just shrugged.

"Fine with me. Regulus is fifteen. He may love her, but he doesn't need that yet."

"Mm," Sirius agreed. "Give her the pain potion, will you? I've got a few things to do. I'll be back."

James nodded in agreement and Sirius walked out. He stood outside of the Room for a bit with his eyes closed, trying to pull himself together.

It was hard for Sirius to see one of his best friends, a girl he thought of as a sister, like that. It was his cousin that had hurt Mia. It was because he had let her convince him to go in the store alone that she had been caught off guard. It was his fault Mia was hurt and he would never forgive himself for that.

"Sirius?" His head shot up to see Marlene walking to him, looking worried. "Are you okay?"

"What? I- Yeah. Of course, Marls." She frowned at him, obviously not believing the lie.

"You look pale as a ghost. What's wrong?" She pressed, giving him the familiar stubborn look he'd come to dread.

"Nothing, Marls. Honest. Just haven't slept well," he gave her a half lie, hoping she would accept it and go away.

"Funny, considering you and Potter – either one of them – haven't been back to the common room in days." She sighed and gave him a look he couldn't quite place. "Please, Sirius. What's wrong?"

"I-" He cut off when the door to the Room reappeared and James walked out. They could hear Mia yelling at him as he closed the door.

"Merlin, she's gone insane- oh. Marlene."

Sirius groaned inwardly. This just got infinitely harder.

"Sirius Black, you tell me what is going on right now or I swear I will hex your bollocks off!" Marlene warned. Mia had blindfolded the girls on the way to and from the Room for the party, so none of them knew where they'd been.

"I- uh-"

"Marlene, it's family stuff," James covered smartly. "That's all."

Marlene frowned at him for a few minutes. "Why's she so mad at you?"

"I, um… Got in her way while she was exercising some muscles," he said, hinting at Sirius that someone needed to chaperone.

Marlene rolled her eyes. "So Regulus is in there and you caught them kissing?"

James looked away sheepishly but nodded. "She needs a bloody chaperone-"

The door opened again and Regulus narrowly escaped a purple light that came after him. He slammed the door closed with a scowl. "Bloody woman is insane!"

Sirius smirked at his brother. "What's wrong, Reg? Finally got on her nerves?"

"I didn't even do anything! She told me I was holding her wrong and tried to fucking hex me!"

Marlene gasped as her eyes widened. "IS MIA PREGNANT?!" She yelled in horror. The boys looked at each other, confused at how she came to that conclusion.

"No! I am a man of honor! I would never!" Regulus said, offended.

"Well, she's having mood swings, and you said it's family stuff, and Regulus was in there… it's an easy enough conclusion to come to." Marlene explained, an evil glint in her eyes. The door opened again and Mia grabbed Regulus by the shirt before spotting her friend.

"Oh, Marlene, how lovely to see you. Want to come in?" She said in a sweet tone.

"Oh, of course, Mia dear." Marlene replied, the glint growing brighter. Mia dragged her boyfriend back in the room with her friend on her heels. Sirius and James shared a look of exhaustion and dread before also entering again, closing the door behind them.

"What's all this?" The Slytherin girl asked, waving to the hospital bed and potions.

"Oh, I got into a small accident on Saturday. They've been patching me up in here. That's why we haven't been back in days." Mia explained, shoving her boyfriend into a chair and sitting next to him.

"Hm. Are you alright?" The girl obviously knew Mia was keeping something, but decided better than to ask outright.

"Of course. I can leave tomorrow, right?" She glared at Sirius, who ignored her and looked at Marlene.

"Marls, she needs a couple more days of rest before she can leave. She's getting… restless. That's why she threatened my brother's manhood. Probably. She did that yesterday. We only heard the yelling."

"I did not yell, Sirius." She turned to the only friend that hadn't annoyed her yet. "Marlene, would you like some tea?" Marlene nodded as she tried to stifle her laugh.

"Jamie?"

"Yes, Mia?" He sounded exhausted, but slightly amused.

"Please get her some tea."

"Yes, Mia." He rolled his eyes and simply asked the room for tea.

"Wow, you should teach Lily that. You've got him more whipped than she does." Marlene commented, thoroughly amused.

"I don't have him whipped." Mia denied. "He's just being a sweet brother." In all honesty, she knew he would do anything for her. Since she'd done the bonding ritual with Sirius, the three of them had gotten closer. James especially treated her like the world. Sirius, however, stood his ground more.

"So, how come you came here instead of the infirmary?" Marlene asked, allowing herself some curiosity.

"Madame Pomfrey wouldn't have been able to help without asking questions, and Sirius knew just how to heal me, anyway. I'm much more comfortable here, so I figured it was best." Mia answered easily.

"She usually heals with very few questions, doesn't she?"

"Yes, but it's those few questions that I wouldn't be able to answer." Mia said with a soft sigh.

"Hmm."

James came back with the tea for Marlene and a potion – muscle relaxer – for Mia. Marlene sipped her tea slowly, watching the boys circle Mia in a not so surprising defensive stance. Marlene had noticed a lot of the people close to Mia often did that, and had caught herself joining in as well a few times.

"What is it about you, Mia, that you're always the center?" She asked gently. She caught the slight flinch at the question and sighed softly. "I'm not saying it's a bad thing. Actually, it just amazes me. You've been here for months and brought so many people together, while there have been rivalries for years. How do you do it?"

"I… I don't know," Mia whispered. She'd deflated a little at the words. "I'm sorry… I just…" But she couldn't bring herself to find a lie or try to explain. She couldn't tell her the truth, either. She couldn't tell anyone else.

Marlene looked at the boys for permission and, when they gave it, moved next to the girl. "It's nothing to be sorry for, Mia. I'm not… It's just that you changed everything here, didn't you? The boys have stopped bullying Snape, and James and Lily got together. Sirius is different," when he started to deny it, she put up a hand to silence him. "And he's friends with his brother again, no matter if it's a secret. Not to mention all of the little things. And it's just that everyone seems to hover around you. It's amazing." She finished quietly. Mia gave her a small smile but stayed silent, so Marlene hugged her. It was short, and Marlene squeezed her gently in the end, but even so, Mia let out a small squeak of pain.

"Mia? Oh, I'm so sorry- " Marlene's apology was cut off by Regulus gently pulling the Slytherin girl away to give his girlfriend another potion. Once she swallowed it, she gave her friend a sad smile.

"Please, don't be sorry. I'm fine. Just a little sore."

"What happened?" Marlene breathed. The boys shared a look, but they let Mia answer upon seeing the determination on her face.

"Bellatrix Lestrange," was all she said, but it was obvious Marlene understood, as she looked horrified.

"She tortured one of my cousins when they married a muggle," she explained. "Are… are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Mia said, knowing Marlene wasn't one to pity people. "My warden here," she waved to Sirius, "says I can go back to classes soon."

"Want me to stay, too? You seem to be getting annoyed with these tossers," Marlene winked.

"Hey!"

"Rude."

"No, it's okay. I'd rather you stay with the girls and keep them from asking where we are, if you will." Mia said, ignoring her boys. Marlene gave her a nod and a mock salute.

"Yes, ma'am."

"I'll walk you out," Sirius offered, trying to end the impromptu visit. "I've still got some things to do."

The two left the room in silence, but Marlene rounded on him when the door closed. "You stop blaming yourself right now, or I will hex you."

"Wow, that's so supportive, Marls," Sirius mocked, rolling his eyes. "I'm not sure what you're talking about."

"You might be able to lie to everyone else, but I know your tells, Black." Marlene said with a frown. "She may be your cousin, but that doesn't mean it's your fault."

Sirius sighed and shook his head. "I was supposed to protect Mia. I didn't."

"So? I was supposed to protect Mary, and Mia barely managed to save her for me." Marlene said, not a hint of guilt in her voice.

"Maybe, Marls, but Mary never actually got attacked. Mia was. And that wasn't even the first time." He rubbed his face and sighed again. "She's had a lot in her life. She doesn't need any more shit than necessary."

"Yeah, but there's a war. No one is going to escape it, even if they don't fight directly. Look at me, for example. I'm a pureblood Slytherin that sided with the Light. Slytherin hates me and I spent all my time in Gryffindor Tower."

"That's just stupid House rivalries, Marlene." Sirius snapped shortly.

"No, it isn't. I'm a blood traitor, Sirius. That makes it part of the war."

"I get what you're trying to say, but I don't think you get it-"

"Then try to make me get it. What's so bad that everyone circles her all the time? Have you seen her fight? She is more than capable of protecting herself-"

"Then why did my deranged cousin attack her?!" Sirius shouted hotly.

"Because your deranged cousin probably caught her off guard or in some sort of a disadvantage! I've no doubt that, in a fair wizard's duel, Mia could kill her without breaking a sweat." She grabbed Sirius's hand gently. "This is not your fault, Black. You've no reason to pretend it is. Carrying guilt will do nothing to protect her – even though she doesn't need it – or to get revenge… something I don't think you should try for until after Hogwarts, by the way."

"Don't worry," Sirius said darkly. "I don't exactly visit the family often."

"Just go easier on yourself. Promise me." She said, offering him a small smile.

"Yeah, okay." He muttered. She grinned now, and pecked his cheek.

"Good. Now go do whatever gloomy ass shit you need to do. And take good care of our Mia." She released his hand and walked off, leaving him with a burning cheek and extremely confused thoughts.

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January 28th, 1977

"I've finished them!" Mia grinned brightly. "I thought they were going to take months, but Gideon was right! I just had to get used to it is all."

Fred's gentle smile grew into one of the happiest grins she'd ever seen. "We can go home?!"

Mia nodded, her eyes filling with happy tears. "And they'll be as safe as they can be."

Before Fred could respond, Sirius came running into the Room. Mia had been cleared by Medi Witch Black days ago, but she spent her free time there whenever she could.

Sirius looked alarmed, and the joy drained from Mia's face, leaving the ghost of a smile. "Sirius? What's wrong, love?"

"Mum was here, kitten." Mia's eyes widened as she guessed why.

"I… I've got to… Sirius, go get Jamie and Lily along with Remus, Marlene, Mary, Alice, Frank, Fabian, and get him to floo Gideon to the castle, and… bring Peter."

"Mia…"

"We're going home... I'm so sorry." She hated doing it this way. She didn't want to just leave without the proper goodbyes, but she didn't have much of a choice.

Sirius stared for a horrible moment before hugging her tightly. "I love you, Mia Mine."

"I love you, too, Star Shine. Now go on, get them. I need to get a few Slytherins, too."

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Once everyone had been gathered in the Room, Mia and Fred in front of all of their friends… and Peter. She was holding back tears that she knew would break her. She stared at her friends – her family – for what seemed like forever before Fred nudged her gently.

"Right. So, not all of you know mine and Fred's secret, but a lot of you know there is one." She saw everyone nod, and Avery was eyeing her warily. "Well, I can't tell you. But I need you to know that it's something that will get us killed… and maybe you for knowing us.

"So this is a goodbye… party." She knew her friends wouldn't let her do what she needed to if they knew what was going to happen. She was going to talk to them all separately to get it done. Fred would be helping – he was taking care of Fabian, Gideon, Mary, and Marlene.

"Why do you have to go?" Mary asked quietly.

"Because it's no longer safe for us here." Mia said, thinking that it wasn't a total lie.

"Where will you go, though?" It was Peter who asked, and he had a worried look. Mia had avoided him completely the entire time she was there, and she was glad. She didn't want to have become friends with him and have to grieve him being a traitor, or just hate him and be in the Marauder's burn book.

"Home. To… fix things there." She said, again not lying completely. "So, just enjoy the party. We'll both make sure to say a goodbye to each of you before we leave."

And so the party started. Mia took Alice to a back room first, as she knew Alice and Frank would take the longest aside the Marauders and Fabian.

In total, Mia spent nearly an hour with the couple, putting their memories safely behind a surprisingly thick Occlumency wall and leaving instructions to put more there every night. She left that memory of herself to them, knowing they wouldn't do it if she took it.

She hugged them both before she put the Notice Me Not spells on their memories of her. She refused to take them away completely.

Next was Peter. She wanted to get him out of the way so she could have a few good goodbyes. Luckily, he didn't have much that she needed to hide. She also didn't bother putting a trigger word for those memories, for she never wanted him to remember her.

After Peter, she simply said a teary goodbye to Gideon and Fabian. The twins wrapped her in a hug and held her as she let out a few tears. They kissed her on the top of her head and promised to see her again before heading off to Fred.

Next she grabbed Lily. She hugged the girl for a few minutes before backing up and explaining what she was going to do. Lily refused until Mia promised that, when it was safe, she would use the trigger word to bring them back together. She also reminded Lily of the danger they'd both be in if they didn't do this. Mia felt sick as she watched Lily walk out of the room with absolutely no clue who she was.

After Lily, Mia started on the remaining Marauders. She brought Remus in first, and he held her while she pulled herself together. She reminded him that she loved him and that they'd see each other again. She blocked his memories, too, and sent him back to Gryffindor Tower like she'd done with the others she'd taken care of.

James was after Remus. They sat together in silence for ten minutes before he told her he would always miss her and love her. She felt sick at those words, knowing she'd never see her brother again. She held him tight and repeated a whispered "I love you, Jamie." Minutes later, she blocked his memories as well and sent him back to Lily.

And finally, she had Sirius. They stared at each other before, to Mia's surprise, Sirius cried silently and hugged her. He told her that he never thought he'd have a sister and that he was more than he'd deserved. He then told her that if she couldn't bring him back, it was okay because he'd always be with her, even if she didn't know it. She kissed his cheek gently and whispered that she loved him and would die before she failed to bring him back, and then, while sobbing, blocked his memories of her.

The Slytherins were last. She and Fred met them in the bigger part of the Room, and Mia sighed.

"Avery, you don't know my secret."

"No, I don't."

"Would you be able to block Voldemort from seeing me in your mind?" She asked.

"Obviously. I have so far." He responded, rolling his eyes.

"Well, I guess you're free to go." She said. She watched as he stepped forward nervously and pulled her into a hug.

"Thank you, Sano."

"You must not speak of Fred or I to anyone. It'll be like we never existed. And whatever you do, do not use that name." She warned. She had decided upon Sano as the trigger word for everyone. He nodded a bit before leaving the room, curiously stiff.

"Sev, you're next." She led him to the smaller room where she'd taken everyone's memories. "I've got to put a Notice Me Not spell on your memories."

"Can't you just let me go, like Avery?" He said, frowning when she shook her head slowly.

"I know you in the future, love. You can't know who I really am… er, will be." She'd never mentioned the future him, so he was surprised, but he didn't fight. He knew this was hard enough for her.

So she took his memories, too. She hated it, but she had to. She set the trigger word and sent him back to the dungeons. Regulus walked slowly into the room after he left.

"Fred said to take our time," her boyfriend informed her.

"We'll see each other again… if you remember to use the ring I gave you." She said. She'd given everyone their respective rings when she had blocked their memories.

"I promise I will, Little Lion." He kissed her gently, but she pulled away and shook her head.

"No. Not until I see you in the future."

"I love you, Mia." He said, shoving away the rejection.

"I love you, Regulus Black." And then she blocked his memories and sent him away. She took a few minutes to use her own Occlumency to block away the pain as best as she could. It didn't take her long, and she soon found Fred.

"Come on. We need to see Dumbledore before Dorea takes us home." Dorea had made Dumbledore agree to let Mia and Fred come home for a bit to heal. She insisted Fred come as well to help Mia feel more comfortable, something that Mia had a feeling was a lie.

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Ooookay. So. Stuff is happening. I know I've left a few things unanswered, so just pm me or leave a review if you're confused.

Thank padfootl0ve for them going home now. I've been feeling kinda antsy and wanted them home, and then she asked me a completely irrelevant question and triggered an idea… it's a sister thing. She has credit for a ton of stuff normal people wouldn't give her credit for.

Anyway, I hope you enjoyed, and remember to review!