A/N - Sorry for the delay and the fact that this chapter is shorter than usual. Life is kicking my butt right now and I struggled with this chapter quite a bit. But, I decided to go ahead and post today, even with the length, as I will not have any time to write for the next five or six days. I'm not even going to speculate as to when I'll be able to get the next chapter out, as it seems every time I do, something crazy happens! So enjoy this one and I hope to have another one out soon!

Chapter 26

Funerals

2 July 1997

Their somber group of three made their way from Hogsmeade to the school grounds. The Floo entrances into Hogwarts had been closed to all but school staff, so Sirius no longer had access into the hospital wing. They would have had to arrive another way regardless, as Catherine had allowed Miranda to attend with them. She had left Carina home with her mother and Edward. And so they had Flooed into the Three Broomsticks and walked up to the school.

The grounds were teeming with people when they arrived. Sirius nodded to fellow Ministry workers and Catherine searched the crowd for her children, although the students didn't seem to be present as of yet.

"Catherine," she heard a voice call and she turned around to see Myra and Ian approaching, the twins in tow. Myra hugged Catherine, Ian shook Sirius' hand and Alexis and Anna spoke quietly to Miranda. Gone was their normal exuberance whenever they saw each other, the seriousness of the day falling onto even the youngest of heads.

The two families talked with each other for a few minutes before moving to find seats together. They sat next to Remus and Tonks who were hand in hand, the Weasleys on the other side of Tonks.

"How are you feeling Bill?" Catherine asked as they walked down the row to take their seats.

"Better thank you," he said. "Poppy told me everything you tried to do while we were still at the Astronomy Tower and I appreciate it."

"I wish there was more I could have done," Catherine said eyeing the scars that now marred his face. Bill shrugged and Fleur took his hand.

"A few battle scars," he said. "At least I'm still here to see them." Catherine nodded, her throat tight and Sirius put a hand to the small of her back to escort her further down the row. They settled into their seats and Myra immediately pulled a handkerchief from her pocket. Catherine gave her a rueful smile and they all sat in silence, even the girls. Although she saw Miranda's eyes widen as she took in the ghosts that hovered around the edges of the crowd.

Catherine looked up at the large white marble table set at the front of the rows of chairs. She seemed to lose her breath for a moment when she realized what it was for. She cleared her throat and blinked rapidly a few times, as she felt Sirius' hand squeeze her shoulder. His arm was on the back of Miranda's chair who sat between them.

The students began to file in, the Ravenclaws coming first. Catherine saw Ellie clutching tightly to Ethan's hand, her face pale. Ethan whispered something in her ear and she nodded then turned and caught sight of Catherine. Catherine gave her a small smile which Ellie returned, following Ethan down a row on the opposite side of the aisle, Tess and Will trailing behind.

Minerva appeared, walking as stately as Catherine had ever seen her, all of Gryffindor following behind. Harry, Ginny, Ron and Hermione slipped into seats a few rows ahead of them, Harry giving Sirius a nod as they did so. Rory was further back in the line and gave his mother a sad smile as he passed by.

Once the students had been seated, the staff took their places in the front rows along with the Ministry dignitaries. She heard Sirius growl under his breath and looked up to see Umbridge hurrying towards a seat as far away from the lake as possible, carefully eyeing Firenze who was standing near the lake's edge.

When the merpeople began to sing, Catherine felt her heart twist. The song was haunting and lovely all at the same time. There was movement amongst the crowd and she looked back to see Hagrid walking up the aisle carrying what she knew was Albus' body. Large, fat tears ran down Hagrid's face and she began to silently weep in the bald face of the half-giant's pain. Dumbledore had been like a second father to Hagrid, she knew and she could only imagine how difficult it must be for him.

The Ministry delegate stood in front of Dumbledore and began to speak about him, but Catherine really did not pay much attention. She glanced at Sirius and recognized the look in his eyes enough to know that he was not listening either. Miranda leaned into him and Sirius' arm automatically came round the girl's shoulders and gave her a squeeze as she sniffled.

Catherine turned her attention back to where Albus lay on the marble table and her tears fell faster. Although she had not agreed with all of his decisions and they had been at odds mere weeks ago, she was having a difficult time imagining how they were all going to carry on without him. It was like he was some kind of fixture in their lives that had always been there and always would be. The thought of the rest of them having to go through the war without their leader was a heavy one.

When the body caught fire, Catherine gasped along with Myra and one of the twins let out a small scream. Miranda went rigid for a moment before Sirius reassured her. Once the tomb appeared, the centaurs made their tribute and Catherine realized just how many people and beings had respected the headmaster, if not always agreed with him. When the centaurs disappeared and the merpeople sank back into the lake, Catherine knew it was over. He was well and truly gone and the rest of them would have to somehow carry on in his stead.

Sirius helped her to her feet and hugged her and kissed her temple before taking Miranda's hand and turning to speak to Remus. Ellie and Ethan were making their way towards them and before Catherine could look for Rory or Harry, Ellie had fallen into her mother's arms. Catherine soothed her as best she could, rubbing her back and hugging her tightly, while Ethan greeted his parents. They all spoke for a few moments before Catherine began to scan the crowd for the boys once again.

She spotted Rory almost immediately. He too was making his way towards them and once he reached the group, Catherine hugged him as well. When she released him, he moved towards Owen and the two stood talking quietly. Ellie had moved to Ethan's side. Catherine glanced back toward where Harry and his friends had been sitting and while Ginny, Ron and Hermione were still there, Harry wasn't with them. Hermione was sobbing into Ron's shoulder and Ginny was looking rather dejected. Catherine's eyes narrowed and travelled through the students, but she saw no sign of Harry.

"Sirius," she said and her husband turned from Remus. "I can't find Harry." Sirius looked up a few rows.

"There are Ron and Hermione," he pointed out. "And Ginny. He's not with them?" Catherine shook her head. They both began to look through the sea of people to try and find him. Finally Catherine thought she saw a mop of black hair halfway around the lake. There was someone else with him.

"Is that him?" she asked Sirius, pointing to the person she thought was Harry.

"Yes," Sirius said. "What the hell is the Minister doing with him?"

"Scrimgeour?" Remus questioned, having caught their conversation. Sirius let go of Miranda's hand and began walking quickly towards Harry. Catherine watched in concern and then glanced back at Remus.

"Go ahead," he said. "We'll keep an eye on the children." Catherine gave him a smile of thanks. She had no idea what the Minister was discussing with Harry, but she knew that Sirius wouldn't keep his temper if he felt it was in any way threatening.

The Minister had begun striding back towards the crowd before Catherine had taken more than few steps and from the look on his face, whatever he had discussed with Harry had not gone well. Sirius had nearly reached Harry as Catherine quickened her pace.

"-did he want?" she heard Sirius saying as she reached them. Harry shrugged.

"Wanted me to say what a great job the Ministry is doing to find Voldemort," Harry said. Sirius snorted. Harry gave him a half-grin. "He also wanted to know where I went with Dumbledore."

"I'd like to know that myself," Sirius said, taking Catherine's hand as she came up next to him. Harry said nothing, just turned and stared out at the lake.

"I thought he would always be here," Harry said quietly a few moments later. Sirius put his free hand on Harry's shoulder, letting the previous topic go for the moment.

"I think we all did," Sirius replied. Catherine leaned against Sirius shoulder, her silent tears returning and the three of them stared out over the lake until Catherine noticed Ron and Hermione approaching.

"Why isn't Ginny with them?" Catherine asked.

"Because I broke it off with her," Harry answered flatly. Catherine looked at him startled.

"Harry, what?" Sirius said in confusion.

"She's in danger as long as she's with me," Harry continued. "Everyone around me is. I won't let Voldemort use her against me." Sirius opened his mouth to reply, but Catherine put a hand on his arm and shook her head. Ron and Hermione had reached them in any case.

"What did the Minister want Harry?" Hermione asked. Harry glanced at Catherine and Sirius.

"We should talk to Ellie and Rory for a bit," Catherine said to Sirius. Sirius looked between the three teens, ready to protest, then allowed his wife to lead him away.

"You know they're going to talk about whatever Harry won't tell us," Sirius said once they were out of earshot. Catherine watched the three friends sit down under a beech tree.

"Of course they are," she returned. "But you can't force him to tell you either." Sirius sighed and rubbed his forehead tiredly. "It will be all right, they will all be home in a few hours."

"I know," Sirius said, wrapping an arm around her waist and kissing her temple. They reached the children a few minutes later.

"Are the two of you all packed?" Catherine asked Ellie and Rory. They both nodded somberly. Catherine reached out and tugged lightly on a lock of Ellie's hair. "If you don't want to take the train, I'm sure Minerva would let you come home with us."

"No, it's all right," Ellie said. Ethan squeezed her hand.

"Rory?" Catherine addressed her son.

"I'll be fine Mum," he said. Catherine nodded. "Where's Harry?"

"He's with Ron and Hermione," Catherine said. Her eyes flicked toward the spot Ginny had been sitting, but the girl had disappeared. Looking to her right, she saw Ginny a few feet away, standing in the circle of her father's arms, tears on her cheeks.

"Mum?" Miranda said. Catherine looked down at her and smiled. "Can I go to Alexis and Anna's house?"

"Oh, well, I'm not sure sweetheart," Catherine hesitated.

"It's fine with me," Myra interjected appearing at Catherine's side. "It will keep their mind off things for a little while. I can bring her with me to King's Cross when we meet the train."

"All right, if you like," Catherine told her daughter. Miranda gave her a small smile and then moved away a bit with the twins where the three began to whisper amongst themselves. Catherine turned back to Sirius who was speaking with Remus and Tonks once again.

"Come to dinner tomorrow," Catherine said impulsively to the couple. She had a strange longing to keep everyone she loved as close to her as she could. Remus glanced down at Tonks who nodded.

"All right," he agreed. "There's something we need to discuss with you anyway." Catherine looked at him quizzically but he just shook his head. "I'll tell you tomorrow."

"Ready to go love?" Sirius asked.

"Miranda is going home with Myra for a few hours," Catherine told him. "She'll bring her to the train station." He nodded. Most of the students had begun to drift back into the castle in order to gather last minute belongings before taking the carriages to the station in Hogsmeade. Catherine's and Myra's children all made their good-byes and followed the crowd. Catherine glanced back to the lake and saw that the trio of friends was also walking towards the castle steps.

"Let's go," she said to her husband. He took her hand and kissed her palm before leading her back to the gates and the apparition point.

When they arrived in the back garden, Catherine only wanted to go inside, cuddle her baby and curl up with Sirius somewhere. Walking into the house, however, she was greeted with something quite different. Her mother and Edward sat at the kitchen table, looking somber. A third person sat with them, holding Carina.

"Sarah!" Catherine exclaimed in surprise. She hadn't seen her sister-in-law since Daniel's funeral and had only spoken to her twice on the telephone. Both conversations had been short and tension-filled.

"Hello Catherine," Sarah said sadly. Catherine glanced between the three of them.

"What's happened?" she asked. There was silence for a few moments. Jane's eyes narrowed in confusion.

"Where's Miranda?" she asked.

"She went home with Myra for a few hours," Catherine explained. Jane looked to Edward and nodded.

"It's Nora," Edward said.

"What about her?" Catherine demanded. Sirius' hand went to the small of Catherine's back and she fought back the urge to snatch Carina away from Sarah, wondering just what her horrid ex-mother-in-law had done now.

"She's dead," Sarah said flatly. Catherine's mouth dropped open in shock and her knees wobbled. Sirius steadied her with a grip on her elbow.

"Wh-what?" Catherine whispered. Edward sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face.

"Her butler found her this morning," he explained.

"What happened to her?" Sirius questioned when Catherine didn't speak.

"He found her lying at the bottom of the stairs," Edward said quietly. "Her neck was broken."

"Dear god," Catherine whispered and Sirius pulled out a chair and set her in it.

"Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma," Carina began to chant. Sarah wordlessly passed the baby to Catherine and Catherine snuggled her close, kissing the top of her head. Regaining a bit of her equilibrium, she looked up at Edward.

"Do you have any idea how it happened?" she asked.

"It appears she was drinking," Edward said. "She must have tripped and fallen or something, I don't," he shook his head and Jane reached over and took his hand.

"I can't believe it," Catherine said and Sirius put his hands on her shoulders. Carina nestled her head on Catherine's shoulder and stuck her thumb in her mouth.

"Mother had been living solely for Daniel for…ever I guess. She didn't take his death well," Sarah said quietly and Catherine glanced her way.

"Sarah, I'm so sorry," Catherine said sadly. Sarah shrugged a shoulder.

"It's not as if we were close," Sarah said. "I hadn't spoken to her in quite some time."

"I know, but she was still your mother," Catherine replied. Sarah nodded and blinked rapidly, looking down at her lap. Edward rose and moved next to his daughter, gathering her into his arms. He stroked her hair and whispered softly to her. Jane had put a hand on her back from the other side. Catherine suddenly felt like she was intruding.

"We'll be in the lounge," she told her mother as she rose from her chair. Sirius followed her in silence. The both settled on the sofa, Carina sitting on Catherine's lap facing them. Sirius put an arm around Catherine.

"How are you?" he asked.

"It's strange," Catherine began, then paused and made a face at Carina. Their daughter giggled. "I was angry with her for so long and then I just felt nothing but disgust and maybe pity. But," she trailed off and bit her lip.

"But," Sirius prompted.

"I can't help but feel something," Catherine finally said. "I think it's mostly sympathy for Sarah. She lost her brother and now her mother." She shook her head. "I know the two of them weren't speaking, but still." Sirius nodded.

"My mother died while I was in Azkaban," he said. "I didn't know about it until I escaped. And she was a foul, shrew of a woman. There was no love lost between us and she had been dead for nine years before I found out." He stopped speaking and stared over Carina's head toward the fireplace.

"But you still felt something," Catherine guessed. Sirius shrugged.

"Something surely," Sirius said. "Relief, regret, maybe a bit of sadness, but something yes." Carina had begun to examine her fingers, something she found particularly fascinating and Sirius chuckled. She glanced up at the sound and gave him a wide grin. He smiled back and picked her up off Catherine's lap, tossing her lightly in the air. Carina shrieked in delight. Settling the baby into the crook of his arm, he put his other back around his wife. She laid her head on his shoulder and smiled at their daughter.

"Are you going to tell the kids?" he asked.

"I suppose I'll have to," Catherine sighed. "Maybe not until tomorrow though. It's been a rough few days." There was silence for a few moments as Carina grabbed for Sirius' hair, but he moved his head out of her reach before she could. "I wish I knew how they were going to take it."

"Well, they never had any kind of relationship with her," Sirius pointed out.

"I know," Catherine said. "Ellie is the only one who even remembers her, in any case. But it's just one more thing, you know?"

"Mm," Sirius voiced in agreement. "Unfortunately, there may be more of those 'just one more things' for some time to come." They sat in silence for a time, watching the antics of their daughter, who had decided that the wedding band on Sirius' finger was rather intriguing. She poked at it, trying to get hold of it to pull it from his hand. Catherine reached up and ran a hand through the baby's curls after a few minutes.

"Do you know what I'd like?" she said quietly.

"What's that?" he questioned.

"I'd like all of us to be at the cottage just doing this," she said. He looked at her in confusion. "Just sitting in the quiet, everyone content and peaceful, doing what they like. Ellie curled up with a book and Harry and Rory sprawled on the floor looking at Quidditch magazines. Miranda snuggled up next to you and Carina being her curious little self. My mum and Edward on the other sofa not doing much of anything. Just…being." Sirius kissed the top of her head.

"Me too, love, me too," he agreed. They sat in silence for a few more minutes before Sirius spoke again. "Let's do it then." She looked at him quizzically. "The cottage," he said. "We'll go tomorrow."

"But you've got work," she protested. He shrugged.

"No different than last summer," he pointed out.

"I don't know, I just feel like we should be here right now. Edward and my mum might need me," she said. "Or Sarah."

"Talk to them then," Sirius said. "See what the plans are. We can wait a day or two or you can pop back here if they need you." Catherine contemplated this. "I think we could all use the break."

"You're definitely right about that," Catherine agreed. "I'll talk to my mum." Sirius kissed her temple and then turned his attention back to Carina when the baby babbled loudly.

"It's nearly time for her lunch and then a nap," Catherine said. "Let me go check on them." Sirius nodded. Catherine made her way back into the kitchen. Her mother was fixing tea and Edward was sitting next to Sarah, her head on his shoulder. Catherine put a hand on Sarah's arm and gave it a squeeze and Sarah smiled at her.

"I'm sorry," the other woman said, but Catherine shook her head.

"No need," she replied.

"Well, I certainly didn't mean to chase you from your own kitchen," Sarah said as she sat up straight, her father's arm still around her shoulders.

"It's no bother," Catherine assured her. "I was just about to bring Carina in for some lunch."

"Shall I make lunch for everyone?" Jane asked.

"Actually Dad and I have an appointment," Sarah explained. "About the arrangements. And I don't feel much like eating." Jane nodded in understanding.

"Catherine?" she questioned.

"Sure Mum, thank you," Catherine answered.

"Are you ready sweetheart?" Edward asked his daughter. Sarah nodded and stood, a bit shakily. Edward put a hand on her arm to steady her. Catherine walked towards her and tentatively hugged the younger woman. After a second, Sarah returned it.

"I'm so sorry," Catherine whispered in her ear. "If you need anything, anything at all, promise me you'll let me know." Sarah nodded and hugged Catherine tighter and there were tears in her eyes when she pulled away. Catherine smiled and squeezed her hand lightly before she let her go. Sirius appeared in the doorway with a faintly protesting Carina.

"Sorry," he said. "Someone's hungry." Sarah smiled and ran a hand over Carina's head.

"She's absolutely perfect," Sarah said. "I'm so happy for the both of you." She smiled at both Sirius and Catherine.

"Thank you Sarah," Sirius replied. "We're a bit partial to her as well." Everyone in the kitchen laughed and Edward walked to Jane and kissed her cheek.

"I'll be back in a few hours," he told his wife. "I'll drop Sarah at home once we've finished."

"All right darling," she said. "Take your time, the children won't be home until nearly supper." Edward nodded and he and Sarah left.

Catherine moved into the kitchen, readying Carina's lunch as Sirius put her in her high chair. Once she had handed off the food to Sirius and he began to feed their daughter, Catherine turned to Jane.

"Mum, we're thinking about going to the cottage soon," Catherine said. "Maybe as early as tomorrow. We want you and Edward to come with us."

"Oh, so soon?" Jane asked as she made sandwiches.

"Sirius and I thought we could all use the break," Catherine explained.

"Well, I don't know Catherine," Jane said. "There's the funeral and then Sarah is going to need Edward." Catherine nodded in understanding. "We'll see how things go, all right?"

"All right Mum," Catherine replied.

Later, after Carina had been put down for her nap, Sirius and Catherine sat snuggled in the window seat in their bedroom.

"I think we should still go to the cottage," Sirius said into her hair as she leaned back against him. "Winky can bring your mother and Edward whenever they're ready to join us." She hummed in thought. She did relish the idea of walking on the beach with her husband.

"Maybe you're right," she replied, turning her head slightly as he dipped his head to kiss her neck. "I do miss the view from our bedroom."

"I miss other things about our bedroom," he said and she could feel him grin against her neck.

"Well, you may have to keep missing those things," she teased. "Seeing as we'll have a roommate." Sirius sat up quickly a surprised look on his face. Catherine bit her lip to keep from grinning.

"Roommate?" Sirius repeated.

"Are you forgetting the recent addition to our family?" Catherine asked innocently. Sirius glanced at the closed nursery door.

"We can't put her in with the girls?" he asked.

"She is a bit young for that, don't you think?" Catherine questioned, finding it very difficult to keep a straight face. Sirius didn't seem to notice however, apparently all plans of seducing his wife falling apart in front of him. Unable to keep it in any longer, Catherine burst out laughing. Sirius stared at her in confusion for a moment, then glowered.

"You are so horrible to me," he pouted.

"Oh, but you're just so easy I can't help it," Catherine laughed. Sirius growled and with a sudden movement, Catherine was reclined back on the window seat, Sirius kneeling over her.

"Easy, am I?" he asked, predatory look on his face. Catherine's grin slowly faded as Sirius lowered his head until their lips were only inches apart. He stared at her for a few seconds before he moved to her jaw and then kissed her behind her ear. She gasped and he grinned as he nipped her ear lobe.

"You were saying, Mrs. Black?" he asked when he pulled back to look at her again. Hooking her leg around the back of his and putting her arms around his neck she grinned.

"I'd say I was exactly right, Mr. Black," she replied. He looked at her quizzically. "I've got you right where I want you after all." He chuckled and leaned down and kissed her properly this time.

Catherine and Sirius ran into Myra and Ian on the Muggle side of King's Cross. Miranda was still giggling with the twins as they stepped through the barrier and onto platform 9 ¾.

"Day off as well?" Sirius asked Ian as the two men walked a bit in front of their wives. Ian shook his head.

"Came home early," he replied. "Myra usually drops the boys off and picks them up at the station, but I just…needed to be here this time." Sirius nodded in understanding and clapped the other man on the back.

"We may be going to the cottage in the next day or two," Catherine told Myra quietly.

"So soon?" Myra questioned. Catherine glanced over at the girls, but they were still engrossed in their conversation. She held Myra's sleeve to slow her friend a bit and let the girls catch up to the men.

"More has happened," Catherine explained and then proceeded to tell Myra about Nora. Knowing how the woman had treated her friend, Myra had little sympathy for her. But she did inquire after Edward and Sarah.

"Sarah hadn't spoken to her since everything that happened with the kidnapping all those years ago," Catherine said. "But still, she was her mother." Myra nodded. "It's just, too much."

"I understand," Myra said. "How do you think the kids will take it?" Catherine sighed.

"Honestly, I have no idea," Catherine said tiredly. "Ellie is the only one who really remembers her and even when Daniel and I were still married, Nora didn't want much to do with them. She was never the doting grandmother." Catherine snorted. "Far from it actually."

"Well, I think the cottage will be good for all of you, in any case," Myra said. "It will give Ellie and Ethan a chance to survive without each other for a few days." Catherine chuckled.

"I'm sure Maia will be getting quite the work out the next week," she said.

"No doubt about that," Myra agreed. They had reached their husbands and daughters and stood waiting for the train to arrive. Catherine realized this would be the first time she and Sirius had openly picked the children up together. When they had dropped them off in September, Sirius had still worn the glamour. She realized it didn't concern her in the least, even though she supposed that maybe it should.

She stepped forward and took Sirius' hand and he kissed her temple before putting his other hand on Miranda's shoulder. Catherine smiled. She was tired of hiding and pretending anyway.

All of the students were much quieter as they exited the train once it arrived. Families spoke more softly, hugs were tighter and children were hustled away much more quickly. Catherine found herself doing the same as soon as she had her three in sight. They exited the platform with Myra and Ian and then the families went their separate ways, Catherine and Sirius to their car and Myra and Ian to Floo from the Leaky Cauldron. Catherine promised to keep her friend apprised of the cottage decision. Keeping one arm around Ellie and the other around Rory as Sirius took Miranda and Harry, they all piled into the car and headed home.

3 July 1997

Catherine yawned and stretched, rolling to her back. Sirius had an early shift that morning and was already gone when she awoke. All of the children were still asleep, even, miraculously enough, Carina.

Last night had been quiet. After dinner, the children had gone to their rooms and spent most of the night there, although when Catherine had gone upstairs to send them all to bed, she had found them all in Ellie's room, sitting on the bed and the floor talking. She had stood and watched them fondly for a few minutes before Miranda finally caught sight of her.

She and Sirius had decided to wait a day to go to the cottage. While he was working today, he had the next day off and Catherine had remembered her dinner invitation to Remus and Tonks as well. It would also give Winky a day to get the cottage prepared and opened for them before they arrived. Sirius had summoned the house elf the night before and she was overjoyed to be taking care of the family once more.

The adults had discussed Nora's arrangements once the children were all safely ensconced upstairs. The funeral would be in three days and Catherine had still not decided if she would attend. Her presence would solely be to lend support to Edward and Sarah. She felt no need to pay any kind of respect to the woman that had clearly hated her from the moment they met.

While she intended to tell the children about the cottage that morning, she was going to wait until Sirius was home to let them know the news about their grandmother. Catherine really did not want any of them to come to the funeral, even if she went herself, but she supposed they were all old enough to make their own decision about it.

"Mum?" she heard from the doorway and turned to see Ellie standing there.

"Good morning sweetheart," Catherine said sitting up and leaning against the headboard. She patted the space beside her and Ellie climbed in next to her. "You're up early."

"Didn't sleep very well," Ellie admitted. Catherine put an arm around her and Ellie snuggled into her side.

"Why not?" Catherine asked. Ellie shrugged.

"Just thinking," she said. Catherine waited for her daughter to say more, but Ellie remained silent.

"What about?" Catherine prodded.

"Just…everything," Ellie said with a sigh. "What's going to happen now?"

"Well, Professor McGonagall is the Deputy Headmistress, so I'm sure she'll be named Headmistress by the Board of Governors," Catherine explained. "You'll have a new Transfiguration teacher I expect and Rory and Harry will get a new Head of House most likely." Ellie was silent and Catherine was fairly certain that what was going to happen at Hogwarts was the least of her daughter's worries.

"That's not what I meant," Ellie finally said.

"What did you mean then?" Catherine asked. Ellie moved from her mother's side and looked up at her.

"Mum, I'm not stupid," Ellie said. "And I'm not a child. I know that Professor Dumbledore was the only one that Voldemort was afraid of and I know that the Professor was head of the Order. I know that Harry was meeting with him this year and that Harry has something to do with getting rid of Voldemort for good." She stared intently at her mother. Catherine was lost for words for a moment. Most of what Ellie had said didn't surprise her, but the fact that she knew something about the prophecy did.

"What exactly do you mean about Harry?" Catherine asked carefully.

"I do read the newspaper," Ellie replied dryly.

"And you also know better than to believe everything you read," Catherine pointed out, keeping her face neutral. Ellie huffed in frustration. "As to what is going to happen now, we're going to take things one day at a time. Starting, in fact, with the cottage."

"What about it?" Ellie asked, her attention diverted for the moment.

"We're leaving tomorrow," Catherine explained.

"Tomorrow!" Ellie exclaimed.

"Yes, tomorrow, what's the problem?" Catherine said in confusion.

"We just got home!" Ellie continued.

"Well, the cottage is just as much home as this house is," Catherine said. "And Sirius and I thought that we could all use a break from everything."

"Can Ethan come with us?" Ellie asked.

"Ellie, you just spent an entire school year with him," Catherine said in exasperation. "You've seen him every day for the last ten months. I think you can manage some time apart. Besides the fact that he just got home as well and I'm sure his family would like to spend some time with him."

"But, Mum," Ellie began but Catherine cut her off.

"No buts," she said firmly. Ellie looked down at her lap.

"Ellie," Catherine said softly, tilting her daughter's chin up to look at her. Ellie scowled. "I know you're upset with me and I do understand, believe me I do. But right now, Sirius and I just want some time with the five of you. We're only staying for a week or so. I think you can survive, don't you?" Ellie sighed.

"Only a week?" she checked. Catherine nodded. "Fine," she said, sounding anything but. Catherine put an arm around her and kissed the top of her head.

"I appreciate your sacrifice," Catherine said dryly. Ellie stuck her tongue out at her mother and they both laughed.

Everyone else was much more excited than Ellie at the prospect of going to the cottage and Miranda and Rory started packing immediately. Once Sirius got home from work and had eaten, they gathered the children and told them about Nora. There was silence when Catherine finished.

"The funeral is in two days," Catherine explained. "I'm not sure yet if I'm going to go, but if any of you want to, I will. Aunt Sarah will be there of course and Granddad and Grandma."

"I don't want to go Mum," Rory said. He sat next to Ellie on the couch and was resting his head on her shoulder. Ellie leaned down and laid her cheek on top of his head. Catherine knew that he wasn't really upset about Nora, but as she'd said to Sirius the day before, it was just one more thing.

"Me either Mum," Ellie said.

"All right," Catherine replied.

"Mum?" Miranda questioned. "Do you think Aunt Sarah would like it if we were there?"

"I don't think Aunt Sarah would mind either way," Catherine answered.

"Maybe we should go," Miranda mused. "Aunt Sarah will probably be sad." Catherine looked at Sirius, who smiled at her. That was Miranda.

"That's very sweet Miranda," Catherine said. "Let's talk about it more later, all right?"

"Okay Mum," Miranda agreed. Sirius began talking quietly with Harry, Miranda moving to sit on his lap and Catherine went and sat on the couch next to her son.

"Are you all right?" she asked.

"Yeah," he replied. "I'm not sad about Grandmother or anything. I mean, I don't even remember her and I know she wasn't nice to you." Catherine brushed a lock of hair from his forehead. "It just reminds me, I guess."

"I know," Catherine said. He gave her a sad smile and Catherine took his hand. The three of them sat in silence for a bit.

"I'm glad we're going to the cottage," Rory said after a while.

"Hm, me too," Catherine agreed.

"The flying wards are still up, right?" Rory asked.

"Yes," Catherine said with a smile.

"Harry," Rory called. Harry looked up. "Quidditch tomorrow? First thing?"

"Of course," Harry agreed with a wide grin.

"Excellent," Rory said. Catherine and Ellie looked at each other over Rory's head and rolled their eyes. Boys.