"This was a really good idea," I said looking out across the open beach to a beautiful sunset on the Mediterranean. I was leaning on a balcony of the master bedroom of a small beach house in Southern France.

Sirius Black came up behind me, and wrapped his arms around my waist. He kissed my bare shoulder gently and rested his chin on it, looking out at the beautiful sea before us.

"You say that like I never have good ideas," he said in my ear. I smiled and looked at him.

"Of course you do," I said turning in his arms and leaning against the balcony. Sirius leaned forward and kissed my gently, and I welcomed it. We held each other and continued to kiss in the sunset.

Sirius had proposed taking a vacation after I returned from being held captive. He thought that we both needed to take some time to focus on us, and our relationship. The stress of the Order, and my Father was wearing us both down. We needed a break. We had retreated to the beach house I had inherited from my Grandfather.

I had almost forgotten about the beach house in the south of France. When we had arrived, Sirius and I had been very careful to make sure that there were no Death Eaters or booby traps around the house. We had told the Potters and Dumbledore that we weren't sure how long we'd be gone, but we would keep in touch by letters. They were the only ones who knew we were going away. I hadn't even told Gabriel. Dumbledore had made it clear that no one else was to know where we were going, and if anyone asked, we were on a mission for him.

"How long are we going to stay here?" Sirius asked as he kissed my neck slowly.

"How ever long we want," I whispered as I tilted my head back. I rubbed my fingers through his hair and he licked up my neck to my chin where he kissed me softly. His lips found mine and we engulfed each other, kissing and moaning into each other's mouths.

"Not too long, I suppose," he said pulling away from me suddenly. I sighed. That bastard, he teased me so badly, making me want him. "We do have to stop your evil Father and all."

"Oh yes," I said following him back into the bedroom. "And they can't fight against him for a week with out us?"

Sirius frowned slightly and turned back to me. I looked at him with a small smile and went into his arms. I knew he was worried that we were going to come back from our short vacation and the people we loved most would be gone. It was my fear when he first proposed the vacation idea to me. He reasoned with me though, that they'd be in the same amount of danger even if we weren't there. I was just worried that we'd come home and they'd be gone—what if we could have saved them?

"Hey," he said looking me in the eyes. "I know what you're thinking."

I forced a smile. "Yea, you're thinking it too."

"All will be fine," he said. "We'll only stay for a week then. We'll be back before they've realized we're gone."

I nodded my head and clung to him. As we stood in the dark bedroom, and Sirius stroked my hair and back, I relaxed. Somehow, he chased all of my stress away—I was reminded of everything I loved about him. How he was dark and mysterious, yet tender and romantic. He made me want to be better at everything I did. He gave me hope, for a future, to be a better person…the truth is he did so much for me and I took him for granted. I disrespected the love he gave me and betrayed him for Gabriel…a man who I didn't fully understand or could even trust anymore.

"What are you thinking about?" he whispered in my ear as we laid in bed together hours later.

"Sirius," I said very seriously. "I feel that I have taken you for granted these last couple of months, and I'm sorry."

He sat up and looked at me with raised eyebrows. "Cadence, if anyone has taken anyone for granted it is me taking you for granted." He brushed my hair out of my face and stroked my cheek gently. "You are always home waiting for me when I return from a mission. I've never stopped to think what I would feel if I came home and you weren't there. And then last week…I thought I had lost you."

"I've scared you like that a lot of times though," I whispered. He laid back down and held me against him.

"Doesn't mean I haven't taken you for a granted," he said. "That is why I thought getting away would be good for us. We have both strayed from each other."

I nodded my head against his chest. Sirius didn't really know how far I had strayed and perhaps it was better that way. But what kind of relationship were we in if I kept things from him? But was it really that bad when I kept things from everyone—even Gabriel and Sirius? There wasn't one person that I told everything.

Sirius kissed my forehead, bringing me back to reality. I looked up at him as I lay in his arms and beamed. He bent his head down and kissed me very delicately on the lips. I loved the way he kissed me. He was so tender and sweet. I felt that as we laid on top of me and we began to make love that he was forgiving me for any betrayal I may have committed.

He held me close, lifted my leg up as he held my thigh and slowly pressed his sex into mine. He pulsed and grew inside of me, filling me completely. I gasped and stared up into his dark blue gaze. He laid his head down on my breast and moaned as we began to move together, grinding and pumping rhythmically. I wrapped my arms around him and rubbed down his back as he lifted my hips and bucked into me. He reached over me, leaning on the head board as he reached the height of his excitement. He lifted me up, so we were sitting together, embracing each other as we climaxed. I moaned loudly as he kissed my neck and shoulders, causing me to quiver on him. We fell on the sheets together, gasping and still holding onto each other, our love dripping between us like the sweat dripping off our bodies. He kissed me, brushing my hair out of my face and whispered that he loved me.

"I love you," I whispered in reply. I lay on his chest, and he wrapped me in his arms. We lay there for hours, breathing deeply and resting. Eventually, sleep took both of us. While I lay in his arms I slept peacefully—the first true night of sleep that I had in months…and also the last.

Sirius and I stayed in France for well over a week. It was the end of May by the time we returned to England. We had not meant to stay away for so long, but we could not help it. Spending every moment together, on a private beach in a beautiful house, was too much to leave behind. Time was passing so fast in the beach house that we began to forget the problems that waited for us in England. It wasn't until we received a letter from Dumbledore that we remembered ourselves. We realized we had been gone too long and our help was needed once more in the fight against my Father.

The letter that Dumbledore had sent us informed us that the Dark Lord was now after the Potters, and they were going into hiding. I didn't fully understand why my Father had taken a sudden interest in the Potters. Yes, they had been openly active in the fight against him, but no more then anyone else in the Order of the Phoenix. Sirius and I were both concerned that something had happened that Dumbledore didn't wish to write about in the letter and immediately packed our bags to come home.

We arrived at Hogwarts within hours of receiving Dumbledore's note. He had mentioned that they were staying somewhere safe and familiar until a new hiding place could be found. Sirius and I both assumed that meant Hogwarts, where we had spent most of our time together with our friends. It was the safest place from Voldemort because Dumbledore was Headmaster, and it was familiar to us because of our history there.

I was surprised to see Lily in the Entrance Hall with Harry on her hip when we entered.

"This is the Entrance Hall," she was telling Harry. "Someday, you will come here Harry, to learn great magic."

"Lily!" I said with a smile. I dropped my bag and went to her. We embraced and Harry coed in between our bodies. "What the hell is going on?"

Lily forced a smile. "It's good to see you. James and I didn't wish to bug you while you were on holiday, but Dumbledore insisted."

"He was right to," said Sirius kissing Lily's forehead in greeting. He opened his arms to Harry who leaned towards his godfather. Lily allowed Sirius to take him as I picked up the bags and made to follow Lily upstairs.

"It was wrong of us to take a holiday right now anyways," I said as we mounted the stairs. Sirius followed Lily and I up the grand staircase.

"You two needed it," said Lily wisely.

"Tell us what happened?" I asked changing the subject.

"I'm not really sure," Lily whispered. "A few nights ago, Dumbledore came to the house saying that we had to go into hiding—that he had received word that Voldemort had taken a frightening interest in us."

"How'd he receive such word?" asked Sirius with raised eyebrows.

"He didn't say exactly," said Lily. "Simply that he had heard from a source that Voldemort found a prophecy, and that it involved Harry."

"Harry?" I questioned. "What could he possibly want with a baby?"

"What did he want with Haiden?" Lily responded with her own question. Her point was clear. Voldemort's intentions were unknown. He appeared to want Haiden because of her possible gift of premonition, like her Father's. Also, Haiden was his grand-daughter, the only heir in his line that could still be swayed to his side. Haiden was a powerful witch and no doubt a good asset to his services. My sudden fear was that Voldemort heard his prophecy from Divinity, Haiden's new identity, and she had foreseen that Harry was going to become a powerful wizard.

"Right now we're looking for a place to hide," Lily said as we reached the seventh floor. "Dumbledore wants to be sure that we are absolutely safe and no one knows where we are—not even you two."

I frowned deeply. "Of course, if that is what you want."

"No," Lily shook her head. "I want you to know where your godson is, that way if anything were to happen to James and I you could take care of him."

I frowned slightly, I didn't like the way this was heading. I knew Lily and James loved their son, and would do anything for him, but I hoped that they did not plan on dying anytime soon. I would not want Harry to grow up without his parents—almost like I did. I had no Father and my Mother lied to me most of my life. But I suppose growing up without parents was better then not growing up at all.

"Lily," I whispered. "Are you sure you want to leave Harry in our charge if something were to happen to you or James?"

"Yes," she said instantly. "Who else would I leave him with? My sister?" She laughed as she said the last part—it was absolutely absurd to leave Harry with Petunia, Lily's sister. Petunia was a nosey, magic hating Muggle. I had never met her, but I had heard enough stories from Lily and James to know that the woman was wretched. James had no family left, not after his parents were killed a few years back. Petunia and her husband were the only blood family Harry would have left if Lily and James were to die.

"I just fear," I said very slowly. "That…well, to be blunt, I have a shorter life expectancy then you or James, even with my Father's increased interest in you now. The chances of me out living you are slim to none."

"Shut up," said Sirius sharply. "Don't talk like that."

I rolled my eyes. "I'm just trying to be as proactive as Lily is. I don't want to be irresponsible when it comes to Harry's future. I want Harry to be safe, and I fear that we are not the best option for that."

Lily nodded her head slowly and bit her lip, as if she knew I were right, but what other choice did she have? She knew that her sister would never take Harry willingly, but who else would be safest for the boy? Perhaps a Muggle family would be safest for Harry if something were to happen to us by Voldemort's hand. I frowned as we reached Dumbledore's office.

"Is James up here?" Sirius asked as he bounced Harry in his arms.

"Yes," said Lily. "He, Dumbledore and Gabriel have been arguing about a safe place to hide."

"We'll find one," I said with confidence. Lily didn't look reassured by my words. I knew she was thinking that Sirius and I had not found a safe place to live for almost a year now. I glanced at Sirius to see that he wasn't very happy to hear Gabriel's name in the mix. This caused me to frown slightly, but I tried not to think about it. I tried not to think about Gabriel at all as we entered Dumbledore's office. I hadn't seen him since we escaped the Jasper's mansion, and frankly I didn't wish to. If I did it would simply stir up the feelings that I had left behind the night in the Entrance Hall. I didn't know how Gabriel felt about it at all, since I had left almost instantly to go on holiday with Sirius.

Lily and Sirius walked into the office first, I followed behind and closed the door behind me. As soon as I entered my eyes fell on him. There he was standing up straight, all tall and handsome—and he looked fine. He didn't look stressed or broken that I had practically left him standing in the Entrance Hall with his heart in pieces. He just looked frustrated, it appeared that no body was listening to his plan for the Potters safety.

"Sirius, Cadence," said James looking at both of us with surprise. "We really didn't mean to pull you from France."

"It's fine," Sirius said. "The holiday was too long anyways. We were being selfish."

"You had a good time then?" questioned Gabriel. I gave him a nasty glare as Sirius smiled at him.

"It was very pleasant thank you," he said politely. "We have returned rested and refreshed, ready to get our heads back in the game."

"You shouldn't have left," muttered Gabriel as he turned away from me.

I was still glaring at him. Apparently he was a little sore about us leaving, but I wasn't sure if it was because we left in the middle of a battle to take a holiday, or because we left after I had told him it was over between us…whatever "it" was. I suppose Gabriel had every right to be mad, because yet again, I had chosen Sirius over him.

I wasn't sure if anyone else had heard what he had said, which was fine. The last thing we needed right now was immature drama from Gabriel Quintin. I sighed out loud and shook my head. Gabriel was better then that.

"Where are you looking to relocate?" I asked crossing my arms over my chest.

"I'm not sure we should go anywhere," said James.

"James," sighed Dumbledore. "You know you can't stay here once the school year starts, that will not be safe for the students or for you."

"Not to mention that there won't be space," said Gabriel.

"Well for now, I think that will do," argued James. "My intention is to keep my family as safe as possible, and if that means staying here for the summer then that is fine."

"That gives us plenty of time to find a safe place," said Sirius with a nod.

"I don't want anyone to know where the Potters are staying," said Dumbledore. "Not even you Sirius, or Cadence."

"We're fine with them knowing," Lily said. "One of them will have to be our secret keeper."

Dumbledore sighed and sat down at this desk. "It is only my opinion."

"We respect your opinion, Sir," said James looking at Dumbledore. "And we appreciate it, but we don't want to be cut off from the world and the people that we love. We still have to be involved…"

"I don't know James," said Gabriel shaking his head. "It may be best for you to disappear, rename your family and become different people."

"No," said Lily. "We're not running away form this. If we do then Voldemort will have won. If we do not stand up for our right to live the way we wish as whoever we are then what do we have left to stand up for?"

"At least you'll have your life," said Gabriel without hesitation. I nodded slowly. Gabriel had always been a survivor—no matter what. He believed living day to day with the simple intention of surviving. You did what you had to do to ensure your life, not necessarily anyone else's.

I stared at Gabriel, in his black pants, white button up shirt, and black vest. His sleeves were rolled up, revealing his muscular forearms, one of which was stained with a Dark Mark that was barely visible because it was faded so much. He had stubble on his face, a five o'clock shadow that made him mysterious looking, especially with his dark eyes—they were forest green today.

As I studied him I noted that he was a selfish man, only interested in his own survival. As if that mental reminder would stop me from thinking he was incredibly attractive. He caught me looking at him and I frowned. His eyes lingered on me, looking at my eyes as if he wished he could speak to me about something very personal and important. I turned away from him, so I couldn't see him. It was pathetic that I couldn't even look at Gabriel because I felt like I was betraying Sirius by doing so.

"I think that is enough discussion for tonight," said Dumbledore before another word could be said on the matter. I was thankful for him drawing the conversation to a conclusion because that meant Gabriel would stop looking at me. "Cadence and Sirius, there is a bedroom ready for you next to the Potters."

"Thank you, Professor," said Sirius as he handed Harry to his Father. "Good evening to you."

"Good night," said Lily leading the way out of the office. I hung back for a moment and then bid good night to Dumbledore and Gabriel, following Sirius out of the office. When we reached the corridor, I heard Gabriel call my name. I paused in the hall and looked at him as he approached us. Sirius had stopped with me.

"I'll be along," I said to him calmly. I kissed his cheek. "I imagine it's the room I've stayed in before."

Sirius nodded. "Alright. Good night, Gabriel."

I was thankful for his politeness. He squeezed my hand as he began to walk away.

"Good night," Gabriel said with a nod to Sirius.

Once Sirius was out of ear shot I looked up at Gabriel with raised eyebrows. He crossed his arms over his chest.

"What is that look for?"

I sighed. I didn't want to be around Gabriel more then I had to. As much as I missed him, and even loved him, I had to stop feeling that way…and that meant I couldn't be around him.

"What is it Gabriel?"

"So, we can't talk anymore?" he asked with some bite in his voice. He was responding to my disgruntled tone, and I wasn't going to hold it against him.

"Not until," I sighed and looked over my shoulder. "…Not until I'm over you."

This brought a frown to Gabriel's face and he nodded.

"You have decided then," he whispered. The look in his eyes broke my heart, and suddenly I realized why he looked at me so desperately in the office. He thought I was going to take time and choose him or Sirius. He didn't realize I had made my decision a long time ago. He rolled his eyes and looked away from me. "That's fine."

I was so confused by how he was acting…Gabriel never struck me as a man who cared if a woman loved him or not. He didn't seem to care if other women left or clung to him. But I suppose I was different. He loved me. That did make a difference.

"Gabriel, you had to know I was going to stay with Sirius," I whispered sadly. I didn't like hurting him, and I didn't like the position I had somehow put myself into. How did I ever get tied up between two men like this? I didn't want to do this. I never sat down when I was little and decided my goal in life was to fall in love with two men at the same time.

"Yea," he nodded. "I know, doesn't mean I couldn't hope."

I sighed and looked away from him. "Gabriel," I paused for a moment. "I'm sorry. I never…I love you, I never wanted to hurt you. I didn't mean for this to happen."

"I know," he said quickly. "I didn't mean for it to happen either."

I could see it in his eyes that he wanted to hold me. He wanted to touch my cheeks, brush my hair behind my ears and kiss me passionately on the lips. It seemed that we always kissed each other like it was the last time we were going to kiss. For once, we both fought the desire to touch each other, to kiss or be in each other's arms. I stepped away from him, as I stared at the ground.

"Good night, Gabriel," I whispered.

Gabriel frowned deeply and nodded. He put his hands deep in his pockets, perhaps to prevent himself from grabbing me and holding me. "Good night, Cadence." I nodded and turned to walk away. In my head I imagined him chasing me, catching me and pressing my body against his. I closed my eyes tight and tried to clear my head. I had to stop thinking about Gabriel. I focused on the weeks I had just spent with Sirius, the love we had made, and the moments we shared. I focused all of my energy on that, because that is what was going to keep me with Sirius. It was the only thing to stop me from thinking about Gabriel.