A/N: This chapter is dedicated to my newest commenters, Josey, DeerRobin12, and DrunkOnPancakes. Thanks for joining us!

"Sirius and James being twats."

Regulus' face lit up a bit more when she said that. He obviously thought it was cute that she was using British slang with her American accent. "They're always being twats."

Smiling prettily up at him, she said, "I think we should go play with them a little bit."

"And say what exactly? " Regulus didn't seem to particularly like this idea, but the smile did him in.

"Oh you know...ask them why they enjoy looking under boys' robes." she smirked. "They were dangling Severus upside down. I think we now know why James and Sirius don't have girlfriends."

Regulus chuckled at that, but when his mouth moved to respond, nothing came out. A second later, their part in the memory faded as past-Severus moved away from the area.

Severus didn't need to see anymore. Instead of following his younger self, he left the memory, his heart pounding as he returned.

Everything he had seen put Odessa firmly in Voldemort's camp. For Merlin's sake, she admitted that she loved him, and would even kill anyone who got in her or the Dark Lord's way. She was hanging out with Regulus, who had gotten his Dark Mark when Severus did, which was at the end of the following year. And Regulus adored Odessa. And who didn't, really? But the younger Black would not be spending time with her, at least openly, if it were not deemed socially appropriate considering his status. His parents were wretchedly overbearing and Regulus strived to please them and uphold their ideals.

Severus thought that maybe he didn't notice Odessa because he was too preoccupied with his ambitions and she kept to herself...but it was clear that if she was hanging around Regulus, he should remember her. He himself wasn't really chummy with Sirius' little brother, but he was a Slytherin, so Severus spent time enough around him by default. Regulus was intelligent, clever, and had a bit more talent and power than his peers. He was also attractive, quick and athletic enough to be Slytherin's Seeker, had a pureblood and wealthy lineage, and wasn't a bully like a lot of other future Death Eaters. This made him reasonably popular, both with fellow students and teachers. Sirius wasn't the only Black that girls swooned over.

In fact, now that he thought about it, he and Odessa would be the perfect couple. But he couldn't be the one she loved. Regulus didn't fit the bill. He was obviously smitten with her, but he wasn't alive. Regulus had died only three years after this memory. Even if she did love him, it wouldn't matter.

She loved Voldemort. It was incredibly clear. The agents also had gone missing at first in her home state. That's why she's a target. The Ministry just needed a little more evidence to connect her to the disappearances and nail her as a follower. But, if he was honest, just because she loved Voldemort, there was no evidence of her involvement with him. She didn't even have the Dark Mark. And there was nothing indicating that she was involved with the supposed abductions, other than the fact that they happened on the same continent as her. And none of it meant Odessa and Voldemort had a child together.

No, this was a desperate attempt by Shackbolt to pin it on someone, and to reason why it was happening, and Odessa was fair game. He was taking precautions of every kind. If another war broke out, especially so soon after the last...it would permanently cripple the Ministry. They would undoubtably lose. All the sacrifice in the previous wars would be for nothing.

Lily...

Severus needed to take a walk and clear his head.

As he swept through the corridors of the castle, he tried to think of what to do. Shackbolt wanted to get this information quickly, but there was no way Severus could see to do so. Of course he would go with her to Washington, it was his best hope. But would she open up to him then? Maybe if she thought he still believed in the cause...but that wouldn't make sense, not after his memories were leaked. Not after all the talk about Lily. He would have to pretend to be over her, just as he had with Voldemort.

Why couldn't this be simpler? The more he learned, the more confused he became. He didn't understand why Shackbolt hadn't had her arrested yet either. It's not like he needed to prove her guilt 100% before bringing her in.

He was about to turn a corner when he heard voices. He quickly pressed himself behind the wall. The voice that was speaking was cold, dark and...surprisingly familiar.

"-tried several times, but the centaurs are proving a problem." The voice was frustrated.

The voice that spoke next shocked him. It was Odessa's. "Have you tried explaining things to them? Offering them gifts? Anything?"

The unknown voice hissed slightly. "Yes. I've tried everything but kill them...and I really don't want to raise alarm. My only hope is to continue to search and try to avoid them. " The voice hardened. "Which is proving difficult with Snape lurking about."

There was silence for a moment. "We're going to get your father back, I promise." Odessa said softly. "Then we'll finish what was started. We just need to get Severus to remember that-"

"And we can't do that without getting all the Hallows." the voice cut her off. "We need all of them to get him back, mother."

"I know." Odessa said firmly. "Look, you're tired, you should go to bed."

There was another pause. "We know the wand and cloak are with Potter." he said. "Perhaps I should retrieve those first."

"No." Odessa said, "You look too much like your father, Potter would recognize you. Besides, you have too much anger against him for getting your father killed and us in this situation. I don't want you doing anything rash." There was a pause. "I sent Trip yesterday to retrieve them anyway, or at least scout them out."

Another hiss. "What?" the voice was angry. "Why didn't you tell me?"

Odessa's voice was low and full of warning. "I don't need to tell you anything, pet. Do not forget your place. You may be the heir, but I am still queen. I still make the ultimate decisions, at least until your father is back."

There was silence for several heartbeats. "I'm sorry." The voice sounded sincere.

"I know. You're just stressed." Odessa's voice softened. "I haven't heard from Trip yet, but I'm sure we will soon. I have no doubt he was able to obtain the wand and cloak. Take a couple days and start your search again. I'm sure you'll find the stone."

"Goodnight, mother."

Severus, as quickly and quietly as he could, rushed back to his room. He needed to speak to Shackbolt immediately. They had to find Potter.

One day ago, Ministry of Magic, Auror Department

Harry Potter was sitting at his desk, trying to finish up a report. It was horribly dull work compared to what happened during the war, but necessary. He heard the faint ding of the lift as it stopped on their floor. As the door pushed open, Harry looked up lazily. Then he did a double take.

The young man that entered was rather tall, perhaps around 6 foot. His hair was cropped short, but fashionably so. It was very dark, but not black. He had high cheekbones, a straight, fine nose, and clear, stunning blue eyes. His features were not lost on Harry. He looked very much like a Black, only more refined somehow.

As he strode purposefully through the hall, his long, dark blue robes, that covered him from neck to foot, rippled around him elegantly. He stopped directly in front of Harry's desk.

With a easy, winsome smile (that reminded Harry so much of Sirius) suddenly crossing his features, the young man said, "Excuse me, but are you Harry Potter?"

"I am." Harry said carefully

The young man offered his right hand, his smile growing a bit wider. "My name is Regulus Black. I've been looking for you."