A/N - Next chapter. Not much else to say. Thanks for reading. :)

Chapter 28

The Beginning of the End

20 July 1997

Catherine sighed as Sirius rubbed the tension from her shoulders and neck. She had spent the day with Luvenia, getting Celia settled at St. Mungo's. It had been a very emotional, tearful day on everyone's part. When she had gotten home, Sirius had taken one look at her and led her to one of the armchairs without a word. He hadn't asked her anything, just started the massage.

"Thank you," she said quietly. He leaned down and kissed the top of her head.

"Did things not go well?" he asked.

"It was difficult to convince Celia that she wasn't being punished," Catherine admitted.

"And I'm sure that didn't help Luvenia's guilt," Sirius said.

"No," Catherine agreed. "She almost took Celia home at one point. It took quite a bit of convincing from both Celeste and me."

"But she agreed, I take it," Sirius said.

"Eventually yes," Catherine replied. "We finally calmed Celia down by letting Luvenia stay with her tonight. Normally it's not allowed on the locked ward, but Celeste pulled a few strings."

"What about the wand?" Sirius asked. Catherine smiled.

"That definitely perked her up," she said. "But her own wand didn't really work for her."

"Makes sense I suppose," Sirius said. "She's not exactly the same person she was when she was eleven."

"No," Catherine agreed. "Thankfully, Luvenia had a few others for her to try. Apparently, Luvenia's grandmother's wand worked rather well. So they'll use that one for now." They both grew quiet. Had it been just a year before, Celia could have gone to Ollivander's for a new wand, but the wand-maker was still missing. Neither Catherine nor Sirius had any doubt that he had been kidnapped. He would never have fled. The question now was whether he was even still alive. Sirius moved to sit in the chair opposite Catherine.

"What about the childlike behavior?" Sirius asked. Catherine sighed.

"Celeste thinks it possible that as time goes on Celia might mature a bit," Catherine said. "She's discussed celebrating her birthday and building new memories. The problem is Hogwarts. Celia obviously can't repeat her years there, so it would have to be done with a tutor at home."

"I don't understand what the problem is with that," Sirius admitted.

"There isn't directly, except that Celia, like every other eleven year-old in Britain, would expect to get her Hogwarts letter." Sirius nodded in understanding. "I suppose there is time before we need to worry about that. It's possible that it Celia will remain as she is now anyway."

"How long does Celeste expect that she'll have to stay at St. Mungo's?" Sirius questioned.

"Hopefully just a week or two, until they've gotten some of the build-up under control and taught her a few simple spells," Catherine explained. "It's Celeste's hope that if she can learn some spells that she might use on a regular basis, it will keep her magic from building up so much. That should cut down on both the frequency and the severity of her outbursts at the very least." Catherine sighed again.

Sirius rose and approached her chair. He held out a hand and pulled her to her feet, then gathered her into his arms. Catherine melted into his embrace, tucking her head under his chin.

"It will all work out love," he said quietly, stroking her hair gently.

"I hope so," she replied. "She could have died Sirius." He gripped her tighter and she closed her eyes and took a breath.

"But she didn't," Sirius said. "Deskin came for you and you healed her. She's fine." Catherine nodded into his neck and they stood in silence for a few minutes.

"Come on," Sirius finally said. "Your mother left some dinner for you. I'll warm it up." He moved to her side and wrapped an arm around her waist, leading her into the kitchen.


27 July 1997

There were a fair number of people gathered in the back garden for the combination birthday party and anniversary celebration. Remus and Tonks, of course, and Sirius had invited Andromeda and Ted. Catherine was enjoying seeing them again. Minerva and Poppy had come, but Filius had sent his regrets. Myra's family was there, along with most of the Weasleys. Charlie had not yet arrived from Romania and Percy was still not speaking to his family. Hermione had come with the Weasleys, having arrived at the Burrow a few days prior.

Sarah and Paul had indeed decided to take the transfer to France and were in the midst of packing up their house. They had stopped by for a bit at the beginning of the party, but hadn't stayed long. Catherine was grateful that they were getting out of the country. It was a few less people to worry about.

Celia was still at St. Mungo's, however Luvenia expected to be able to take her home in the next day or two. Things had been going very well and Celia had learned the spells quickly and easily. So far, she hadn't shown any signs of outbursts or magical build-up.

The children and teenagers had congregated in one corner of the garden and loud laughter could be heard coming from the group quite often. It was usually followed by what appeared to be conspiratorial whispering. The Weasley twins were in the middle of it all and Catherine was quite sure she didn't want to know what they were discussing.

"Merlin help us if those two are training the next generation," Minerva said, bouncing Carina on her knee. Poppy chuckled.

"Given the father that four of them have, not to mention this little one," Poppy tickled Carina and she giggled. "I don't think they need much more training." Minerva snorted.

"Rory certainly doesn't," Catherine agreed. "As for this one, we may just be doomed given she not only has a Marauder for a father, but a godfather as well." The two older women laughed.

"This was such a nice idea, I'm glad you decided to do it," Poppy said, taking a sip of her wine.

"Well, with the wedding so close to Harry's birthday, we knew that the Weasleys might not be able to get away to celebrate with us and I know Harry would have been upset if Ron and Ginny hadn't been able to make it," Catherine said. "Besides everyone could use a bit of happiness right now." They all sobered thinking of Albus, Catherine knew. Minerva cleared her throat and began to bounce Carina again.

"Minerva, have you heard anything from the Board about taking over as Headmistress?" Catherine asked. Minerva shook her head.

"No and if they don't let me know soon, I'm afraid I won't be able to find a suitable replacement for the Transfiguration post," she said with a sigh. "Not to mention Head of Gryffindor. I've already been searching for a Defense professor." Her eyes suddenly narrowed and she looked over to where Sirius was talking with Ian. Catherine followed her gaze and her mouth dropped open.

"Surely not," she said turning back to look at the older witch incredulously. Minerva chuckled, but there was a wicked gleam in her eye.

"Why not?" she asked. "He could easily fill in at either position, although Defense is the more important right now, Merlin knows. If I could bring Remus back, I'd give him the Defense job and Sirius Transfiguration." Catherine stared at her with her mouth hanging open. "Unfortunately, I don't think the Board would give me that much leeway."

"You could continue to help Poppy or Floo to St. Mungo's if you chose to go back there," Minerva continued. "You'd be a sight safer in the castle than here at any rate." She turned Carina around and gathered her in her arms. "And this one, this one would have no shortage of caretakers, I dare say." Carina giggled and reached for the witch's glasses, but Minerva muttered a spell under her breath and Carina's hand stopped short of being able to grab them every time. Confused, the baby's small brow furrowed. Minerva waved her wand again and a small pebble on the ground transformed into a stuffed lion that roared quietly whenever Carina squeezed it. The little girl clutched the toy in delight.

"You would let him back into the castle willingly?" Catherine asked, still shocked that Minerva would even consider making Sirius a professor. Minerva laughed loudly and Poppy chuckled.

"I realize it is a bit mad," Minerva replied with a grin. "Although I'd say that if he hasn't yet blown up the Ministry in the time he's been back there, then perhaps Hogwarts would be safe as well." Catherine shook her head in amusement.

"Do you think he would consider it?" Minerva asked her now in all seriousness. Catherine thought about all the complaining Sirius did about Robards and the Auror office.

"You know," she said. "I think he just might." A loud burst of laughter from the group of teens drew their attention and Catherine noticed that Harry and Ginny were sitting awfully close to each other.

"So I take it that all is not as over as it appeared between Harry and Miss Weasley?" Minerva asked, noticing the same thing. Catherine sighed.

"He was trying to be noble, but honestly, if he thinks that simply breaking things off with her makes her less of a target," Catherine shook her head.

"That girl would be a target whether she dated Harry or not," Poppy said. "Regardless of the fact that her family is considered blood traitors, she's got the temper of her mother. I can't tell you how many Slytherins I treated last year for her infamous Bat Bogey Hex." Catherine smiled. It was a rather ingenious little spell.

"Something tells me that Miss Weasley isn't going to allow Mr. Potter to ignore her for long," Minerva said and the three of them looked over at the group of teens. Ginny's arm was brushing against Harry's and as they watched, Catherine saw the girl curl her pinky finger around Harry's where it rested on his knee. Harry froze for a moment before he relaxed and allowed her hand to remain where it was. Catherine smiled.

"I think Harry might be in some real trouble," Sirius said coming up behind his wife and putting his hands on her shoulders.

"Noticed that as well, did you?" Catherine asked.

"Your mum wanted me to tell you that she's getting the cake ready to bring out," Sirius said. Carina began to shriek at the sight of her father and he took his daughter from Minerva's lap.

"Hello Sunshine," he said, rubbing her nose with his. She giggled and patted his cheeks with her hands. "What's this?" he asked holding up the lion.

"That's your old Head of House trying to influence our daughter already," Catherine said in mock irritation. Minerva merely smiled like the cat that had caught the canary.

"Well of course she's going to be a Gryffindor," Sirius said. "Look who her father and godfather are."

"Are you forgetting who her mother and godmother are?" Catherine asked dryly.

"Of course not love, but everyone knows that lions are far superior to eagles," he answered and then jumped back when Catherine tried to smack him.

"Come on, let's go visit with Uncle Remus and Auntie Tonks," Sirius said to his daughter with a grin. He blew his wife a kiss before walking to where Remus and Tonks were sitting with Myra and Ian. Carina immediately held her arms out for Remus to take her. He obliged, examining her new toy before settling her on his lap. Catherine saw Tonks give Remus a fond look that Remus didn't see and Catherine wondered what it meant.

"If you'll excuse me," she said to Minerva and Poppy. "I'll just go see if my mother needs any help." The older women nodded and Catherine got up and went into the house.

"Need any help Mum?" she asked as she walked into the kitchen.

"No, not at the moment," Jane replied, finishing putting candles into the cake. "I'll need help getting this outside in a bit though." Catherine opened her mouth to reply when she heard a strange noise.

"Did you hear that?" Catherine asked.

"Hear what dear?" Jane responded.

"That noise, it sounded like," she trailed off, fear gripping her instantly.

"Sounded like what?" Jane said in confusion. Catherine held up a hand for her mother to be quiet and started walking soundlessly toward the front of house. Seconds later, she heard it again, the distinct sound of Apparition.

Pulling her wand from her sleeve, she made her way to the window in the sitting room. She peeked around the edge of the curtain and what she saw made her blood run cold. There were three masked Death Eaters standing just outside the wards surrounding the house and as she watched, three more appeared.

"Shit," she hissed, her heart pounding loudly in her chest.

"What is it?" her mother asked coming up behind her.

"Death Eaters," Catherine said as two more arrived. She grabbed her mother's arm and they ran back through the house towards the back garden. Just as she burst through the back door, the wards pinged. Sirius whirled around and their gazes locked. Tonks, Minerva and Arthur were instantly on their feet, wands drawn. Remus turned and handed Carina to Andromeda, then drew his wand as well. The rest of the adults followed quickly behind.

"Everyone, inside," Sirius barked. "Now." Molly and Andromeda moved to the group of children, herding them inside. "Remus, guard the back door. Ian?" Sirius looked to the Hufflepuff for confirmation that he was willing to stay and fight. Ian nodded immediately. "Stay with Remus."

Everyone else hurried into the house. By unspoken agreement, Andromeda and Jane had taken the children into the lounge. Tonks, Arthur and Minerva went toward the front door and Tonks peeked out the curtain again.

"They're trying to break the wards," she announced.

"How many?" Sirius called back.

"Ten," Arthur replied. "No twelve." Sirius swore.

"Bill, head back outside with Remus and Ian," Sirius asked and the younger man quickly did as asked. "Minerva, send a Patronus to Mad-Eye."

"We've got to get the kids out of here," Catherine said.

"I know," Sirius said. "Come on." They hurried toward the lounge. Myra and Molly had joined the children, Ted, Poppy, Fleur and the twins moving toward the front room. Edward looked at a loss for what to do. Catherine knew he wanted to fight, but a Muggle against twelve Death Eater wands was nearly useless. She grabbed his arm and pulled him with her.

"All right listen," Sirius said as they came into the room quieting everyone instantly. Catherine glanced around the room. Ginny held Harry's hand tightly and Ron and Hermione were standing very close together. Ethan had his arm around Ellie, her head buried in his shoulder. Miranda was on Jane's lap, Rory standing protectively in front of them, holding his sister's hand. Andromeda was swaying with Carina who began to whimper at the sight of her parents. Alexis and Anna clung to their mother and Molly had a hand on Owen's shoulder.

"What's going on?" Rory asked.

"There are Death Eaters outside," Sirius said grimly. The room erupted into a cacophony of noise and Carina began to cry. Catherine hurried to her and took her from Andromeda, burying her face into her baby's dark brown curls. "Quiet!" he snapped.

"This is what's going to happen," he said. "We're sending you all to," but when Sirius tried to say what Catherine assumed was Grimmauld, his mouth shut. Sirius swore.

"Damn it, I forgot about the charm," he said, raking a hand through his hair.

"Sirius, we have to," Catherine protested.

"I know, but it will take too long," Sirius growled in frustration. The wards shrilled again.

"They've dropped the first set," Arthur called from the front room.

"Damn it!" Sirius yelled, raking a hand through his hair. It was Edward that spoke next.

"Sirius, the cottage," he said. Catherine's head snapped up. The cottage had all the same protections as Grimmauld, save the Fidelius and the only people that knew about it were currently in the house.

"Yes, the cottage," Sirius agreed. "Thank you Edward. All right new plan. We're sending you to the cottage. We'll start sending you through the Floo in pairs and Winky can take some of you as well. Winky!" The house elf appeared with a pop. Before she could bow, Sirius continued speaking.

"Winky we need to evacuate the children to the cottage," Sirius explained. "As well as some of the adults. Molly, Myra, Andromeda are you staying to fight or going with Catherine?"

"I'm not going," Catherine protested.

"Oh yes you are," Sirius said.

"Oh no I'm not," Catherine snapped.

"I want to stay," Harry said. Ron, Hermione and Ginny piped up in agreement.

"Absolutely not," Molly shrilled.

"This is ridiculous," Sirius said. "Catherine!" She just glared at him and finally Sirius sighed in resignation. "Winky, take Jane and Carina to the cottage, then come back. Ellie, take Miranda and go through the Floo." Jane stood to take her granddaughter. Catherine breathed in her baby's scent one last time and handed her over. Winky grabbed hold of Jane's arm and disappeared, just as Catherine's other two girls stepped into the Floo. Winky was back a few seconds later and grabbed hold of Edward.

"Ethan, take one of your sisters and go," Sirius said giving the boy the password for the cottage Floo. Sirius turned back to the three women he had spoken to earlier.

"I'm staying," Myra said.

"I as well," Molly replied.

"Sirius, what do you want me to do?" Andromeda asked. "Do you want more wands at the cottage or would I be more useful here?" Winky had reappeared.

"Can you seal the Floo?" he asked.

"Of course," Andromeda said.

"Go with Winky then," he said. "As soon as all the children are through, seal the Floo. We'll come to you. Don't try and come back here until you get the all clear from us." He walked to her and whispered a safe word in her ear. Andromeda nodded and she and Winky disappeared.

"Owen, Rory, go through," Sirius ordered. The boys quickly threw powder into the grate and stepped in.

"Sirius," Harry said.

"Harry, I am not arguing this with you," Sirius snapped.

"Ginny, take Anna and get in the Floo," Molly ordered.

"But Mum," Ginny protested, but one glare from her mother had her complying. Winky returned.

"Winky, take Harry, Ron and Hermione, follow behind Ginny," Sirius said. "Winky, once Ron and Hermione arrive tell Andromeda to seal the Floo. And you are not to respond if anyone calls you until I've given the safe word to Andromeda. No matter what. Understood?"

"Yes, Master," Winky said with a sniffle. Sirius turned back to Harry.

"You're still underage, meaning you still have the trace on you," Sirius said. "You are not, under any circumstances, to use magic at the cottage unless you are attacked. Tell everyone else as well. Do you understand?" The wards shrilled again.

"Second set," Bill called.

"Sirius," Harry tried once more.

"Harry!" Catherine snapped. Harry turned to her. "The wards are nearly down. You have got to get out of here. I need you at the cottage. Now." Harry stared at her for a few moments and then nodded. Winky grabbed his arm before he could say anything else and disappeared. Before Ron and Hermione could go, Catherine grasped the girl's arm.

"Stun him if you have to," Catherine said. Ron's mouth dropped open in shock, but Hermione nodded grimly. They both knew how hot-headed Harry could get. Ron and Hermione were gone seconds later. Sirius waved his wand in a complicated pattern once they were gone and there was a squelching sound from the Floo.

"So they can't try and come back," Sirius said in response to Catherine's questioning glance. "We can Apparate out if we have to. They're dropping all the wards anyway." They all hurried to the front of the house.

"How many?" Sirius asked.

"Last count there were eighteen, but a few of them have disappeared since," Tonks said.

"Disappeared as in left or moved somewhere else?" Sirius asked.

"I don't know," Tonks admitted. She looked around. "Where's my mum?"

"Went with the kids to the cottage," Catherine said. She saw Ted visibly relax out of the corner of her eye.

"We've got to spread out," Sirius said. "Myra, you should head to the back of the house. Minerva, Fleur and Molly, cover that large window in the dining room, Fred, George, Ted, the ones in the lounge. Catherine stay here with us. Poppy do you want to join one of the groups or set up for healing somewhere?" He turned and sealed the door to Jane and Edward's bedroom effectively removing the need for someone to cover the window there. As of now, none of the Death Eaters looked to have brooms so they weren't going to worry about the second floor unless they had to.

"Where's your kit Catherine?" she asked.

"Upstairs," Catherine replied, summoning it for her mentor.

"I'll set up in the lounge and then I'll just float throughout the groups as I'm needed," Poppy said. Sirius nodded. Everyone hurried to get into position as the last of the wards fell.

Catherine could barely keep track of what was happening as she threw spell after spell at the Death Eaters outside her house. Sirius had vanished the glass from the windows so as to allow them to fight from inside the house, but it left them more vulnerable as well. So far they had managed to keep the Death Eaters outside.

Mad-Eye had arrived at some point, along with Kingsley. Some of her more curious neighbors had come outside to see what all the noise was about and she nearly fell to her knees when one of the Death Eaters turned and sent a killing curse at Mrs. Carson from across the street. Catherine screamed for everyone to stay inside, not knowing who, if anyone actually heard her. Sirius nearly getting caught by a slicing hex refocused her attention.

She knew there had been injuries. Something had happened to George Weasley, she just wasn't sure what, but Poppy was working on him. Tonks had a large gash on her leg. They all had small cuts and bruises and Ted had boils all down one arm. Catherine had muttered the counter-curse, but it was deflected a bit when she'd cast and so instead of getting rid of them, they merely stopped multiplying. Mad-Eye had disappeared, but she assumed he was outside with Remus and the others. She didn't know how they were all faring outside, but she refused to think the worst.

She had no idea how much time had passed, but as she heard the sounds of sirens in the distance, the Death Eaters all Disapparated, except for the two that were dead and the one that had been too injured to Apparate himself and too far away from any of his fellows to be taken by side-along. As the first police car turned onto their street, Catherine clasped Sirius' hand briefly before hurrying to the lounge.

Poppy was still working on George who looked to have lost an ear. Fred was sitting by his side, face and knuckles white where he was grasping George's hand. Catherine caught Poppy's eye.

"Unconscious," the matron said. "It was a Dark curse that took off the ear. There won't be anything I can do."

"It was Snape," Fred said tightly. Catherine's head snapped up to meet Fred's gaze.

"How do you know?" she asked. All the Death Eaters had been wearing their masks.

"He lost his mask right after he cursed George," Fred explained. Instead of trying to reconcile this information, Catherine pushed it to the back of her mind for further examination later.

"Let me look at your arm," she said instead, reaching toward Fred. There was a gash on his wand arm, just below his elbow.

"It's nothing," he said, trying to wave her off, but Catherine insisted. While she was healing him, Molly ran into the room.

"George!" she exclaimed as Poppy began cleaning his face of blood and bandaging the ear.

"He should be fine," Poppy told the other woman. "I've given him a Blood Replenisher and the bleeding has almost stopped at any rate. I won't be able to fix his ear though." Molly simply nodded and conjured a stool, sitting down next to her son and taking the hand Fred had been forced to let go of while Catherine healed him.

Arthur rushed into the lounge a few moments later and dropped to his knees next to George, grasping Molly's free hand in his own. Fred had risen to stand behind the back of the sofa, looking down at his twin. Poppy was surreptitiously checking Molly and Arthur over. Catherine moved back toward the front of the house to give the family some privacy.

Sirius, Kingsley and Ted were standing in the entry talking to two policemen. Catherine could see Kingsley's wand held loosely at his side and as the policeman looked down to write something in his notebook, Kingsley muttered a Confundus charm under his breath. Sirius did the same for the other officer and the two Muggles stood there blankly.

"Ted, can you check on how the others are doing?" Sirius asked and Ted nodded and went out the front door. Catherine walked to Sirius' side and put a hand on his arm. Kingsley began speaking lowly to the two policemen.

"Remus, Tonks and Minerva are Obliviating the neighbors," Sirius explained. Catherine shook her head. She hated memory charms, especially after what Celia had done to her, but she knew it was necessary. "Bill and Fleur and Myra and Ian are cleaning up outside."

"What about Mad-Eye?" she asked.

"He followed one of the Death Eaters down the street just before they Disapparated," Sirius explained. "He probably caught up with Remus and is helping them."

"We should bring in the injured one," she said. "I'm sure you'll want to question him." Sirius shook his head.

"He's dead," he said. "I think one of his own killed him before they left so he couldn't tell us anything."

"So that's three then?" she said. Sirius nodded.

"How are you going to explain this?" she asked.

"Mrs. Carson had a heart attack," he said. Catherine's heart clenched. "As for the rest, Kingsley has some ideas. Something about gangs I think he said, wrong house, mistaken identity or something. How is everyone else?"

"George lost an ear, Snape cursed it off," Catherine said. She saw Sirius' fists clench. "He's still unconscious, but Poppy says he should be fine. Everyone else just has superficial injuries." Ted came back into the house.

"They've nearly finished," Ted said. Kingsley was ushering the policemen out the door. They said good night and then walked to their car. Catherine saw the paramedics loading Mrs. Carson's body into the ambulance across the street. Tears pricked her eyes and Sirius wrapped an arm around her waist. Her mother was going to be devastated.

Catherine and Sirius wandered back into the lounge. George was now awake and Poppy was tending to the boils still on Ted's arm. Everyone else started drifting in behind them until only Bill, Fleur and Mad-Eye were still missing.

"I've got to go," Kingsley said. "I've left the Muggle Prime Minister for too long as it is. The police shouldn't be a problem." Sirius nodded. "But, I'd consider the fact that the Death Eaters now know where you are. I don't know where you sent all the kids, but maybe you should join them." With that, he turned and Disapparated.

"Where's Bill?" Molly asked when she realized her eldest son wasn't there.

"He and Fleur were checking on something in the neighbor's garden," Ian explained.

"How did they find out where we lived?" Catherine asked. "After all this time."

"I don't think they really felt the need to try and find out before," Sirius said with a shrug. "But we weren't exactly trying to hide anything when we picked the kids up from the train a few weeks ago. It's not really a secret that Harry is my godson. I have no doubt they were after him."

"Kingsley's right," Remus said as Poppy fixed a cut on his cheek. "You can't stay here. They may not come back tonight, but they will be back." There was silence in the room as they all contemplated what had happened. Bill and Fleur walked in seconds later.

"Mad-Eye is dead," Bill said with no preamble. It was then that Catherine saw the tears running down Fleur's face. Molly gasped and Tonks started to cry, Remus drawing her into his side. Catherine saw Minerva's mouth harden into a tight line and Poppy's lip began to tremble.

"How?" Sirius asked. Bill shook his head.

"I saw him run after that Death Eater," he said. "I think it was Travers. I wanted to follow, to help, but there were five of them against Ian and I as it was." He shook his head.

"It's not your fault Bill," Remus assured him.

"I don't know what happened exactly, but he must have been ambushed," Bill said. "No way Travers could bring down Moody on his own."

"Bellatrix was here," Tonks said with a shudder. Remus' arm tightened around her. "She was very focused on me, but then she disappeared."

"We found him in the neighbor's garden. He's in the front room," Bill explained. "But, his eye is gone." Poppy choked and turned from the rest of them, hurrying to the front room. Catherine watched her go, remembering Poppy's treatment of Moody after he'd been locked in his trunk by Crouch Jr. Catherine wondered just what there had been between the grizzled old Auror and the Hogwarts matron.

Sirius raised his wand and summoned a bottle of firewhiskey and glasses from the kitchen. He passed them around to everyone and they toasted Mad-Eye Moody.

Catherine slipped away after the toast and made her way to the front room. Mad-Eye was laid out on the sofa and Poppy was sitting on a stool next to him, holding his hand while tears ran down her cheeks.

"Poppy?" Catherine said tentatively. Her mentor looked up and gave her a watery smile.

"We went to school together," she said. "He was a year above me."

"I had no idea," Catherine said, conjuring her own seat and sitting down next to Poppy.

"We dated, I suppose," she said. "Although it wasn't called that back then." Catherine stayed silent. "Then he left and went into Auror training and I went to Healer training a year later and we were both busy and things just sort of ended. Neither of us blamed the other and we were still friendly when we saw each other, which wasn't often once I went to Hogwarts to work. And then after the First War and all that happened to him." She shook her head.

"I knew something was off when he came back to teach," she said. "We hadn't seen each other in quite some time and he had grown so paranoid about so many things, I just chalked it up to that. Perhaps if I hadn't," she trailed off and Catherine put an arm around her shoulders.

"You weren't the only one that said that," she assured Poppy. "Minerva told me something similar and she said Albus felt that way as well." They sat in silence for a few moments.

"The week he spent in the infirmary after Albus found him in his trunk," she continued. "We talked like we used to. The day I released him he walked right up to me and told me that once the war was over he was going to court me again."

"So I asked him what he would do if I didn't want to be courted," Poppy said. "And he told me I didn't have any choice. Then he kissed me, winked and stomped out." Poppy shook her head with a smile and Catherine chuckled.

"He was a good man," Minerva said from behind them. She walked forward and put a hand on Poppy's shoulder. "I assume you know where he would wish to be buried."

"Yes," Poppy said, new tears making their way down her cheeks. "The funeral will have to quiet and private. It would be a prime target for an attack."

"We'll take him to Hogwarts," Minerva said. "I don't trust St. Mungo's or the Ministry right now. We can do it there and then you and I will take him home." Poppy nodded.

"Love?" Sirius said from the doorway. Catherine turned to face him. "We've got to pack." She nodded and then turned back to Poppy.

"Will you be all right?" she asked, even as Minerva picked up a small ceramic figurine from the end table and muttered a Portus spell over it.

"Yes," Poppy replied, squeezing Catherine's hand. "Thank you." Catherine watched as Poppy laid the Portkey on Alastor's chest, then laid her hand over the top of it, holding onto his arm as they disappeared.

Catherine turned to Sirius. He hugged her and kissed her forehead.

"I'm going to go and let Andromeda and the kids know what happened and have her unseal the Floo," he said. "I'll send everyone through except for our kids. And I'll send Winky back to help you."

"All right," Catherine agreed. "Be sure to ask if there's anything specific that they don't want me to forget."

"Remus and Tonks will stay here with you," Sirius explained. "I doubt anyone will come back tonight either, but just in case." Catherine nodded again, too tired and drained to say anything.

"I've got to head back to the school and see to Poppy," Minerva said. "I'll see you at the wedding."

"You'll have to go outside to Apparate," Sirius told her. "Remus, Arthur and I have put some of the wards back up." Minerva nodded and walked out the front door.

Catherine and Sirius walked back into the lounge where George still lay on the couch, Fred sitting next to him, both of them laughing quietly. Catherine smiled, glad that the injury hadn't been any worse. Sirius unsealed the Floo on their end and then Apparated to the cottage. A few moments passed before Winky appeared in the room with a pop.

"All the little sirs and misses is fine Mistress," Winky said with a bow.

"Thank you Winky," Catherine said. "You did well." The elf beamed. "Can you start packing in Carina's room?" Winky nodded and disappeared with a snap of her fingers. Catherine looked expectantly to the Floo.

Ethan and Anna appeared first, followed closely by Ginny and Alexis. Hermione, then Owen and finally Ron appeared. Andromeda brought up the rear. Anna and Alexis had immediately run for their mother and had their faces buried in either side of her neck as she attempted to keep the both of them somewhat on her lap. Ian had an arm around Owen and had clapped his eldest son on the shoulder before pulling him into a tight hug as well. Ginny had allowed her mother to smother her for a moment before she began talking to Fred and George along with Ron and Hermione. Andromeda approached Catherine.

"The children are all fine," she assured the younger witch. "Carina is in bed and Miranda looked as if she were close to heading there as well. Harry is a bit agitated." Catherine cocked her head in question. "He wanted to come back with Sirius. The two were arguing about it when I left." Catherine sighed.

"Thank you Andromeda," Catherine said. "For everything."

"No thanks necessary," she said. "I appreciate you helping Ted." Catherine gave her a smile before the other woman walked over to her husband and hugged and kissed him.

"Do you want me to stay and help you pack?" Myra asked, having finally disentangled herself from the twins.

"No, take your kids home," Catherine insisted. "They look exhausted." Ian held Alexis and she was nearly asleep on his shoulder, while Anna leaned up against Ethan, her eyes drooping as well. "I'm sorry that things didn't exactly go as we'd planned." Myra snorted and despite, or maybe because of, the stress of the evening, Catherine chuckled a bit.

"Will you stay at the cottage?" Myra asked once they had sufficiently recovered.

"For now, yes," Catherine replied, although she suspected that Sirius was contemplating Grimmauld as well. For obvious reasons, she couldn't tell her friend this, however.

"Keep in touch with us," Myra requested.

"I'll do my best," Catherine said. Myra hugged her and then gathered her family, stepping through the Floo a few seconds later. The Weasleys and Hermione followed shortly behind them.

Catherine was just about to go upstairs to help Winky pack when Sirius returned, irritation clear on his face.

"What is it?" she asked immediately.

"I nearly had to tie Harry to a chair," he growled in frustration. "Insisted on coming back with me, even though he is well aware it's him they're after." Before Catherine could respond, a silvery lynx bounded into the room and spoke in Kingsley's voice.

"The Dursleys were attacked. Jones and Diggle are headed there now."

"Shit," Sirius said. He looked at Remus, who nodded.

"We've got to go love," Sirius said turning back to Catherine.

"I know," she sighed. "Be careful."

"Always," he said, then kissed her quickly. Remus was doing the same with Tonks. Once the two men had left, Ted turned to the three women in the room.

"Why don't you all go up and help Catherine pack," he said. "I'll keep watch down here."

"I'll stay with you Dad," Tonks said. "My packing expertise consists of pointing my wand at a general pile on the floor and shoving it all in a trunk." Andromeda shook her head at her daughter as Catherine laughed.

"Are you sure you don't mind?" she asked the older woman as they made their way to the stairs.

"Not at all," Andromeda assured her. Winky was just coming out of Catherine's bedroom as they reached the top of the stairs.

"Little Miss is all packed, Mistress," Winky said, levitating a small trunk behind her. She set it down against the wall in the corridor. "What does Mistress wish Winky to do next?"

"Why don't you do Miranda's things?" Catherine suggested. Of the rest of the children, Winky knew Miranda the best. Winky nodded and walked towards Miranda's room without even needed to ask Catherine where it was. Catherine shook her head once again in awe of house elf magic.

"What would you like me to do?" Andromeda asked.

"Well, perhaps Rory would be easiest," Catherine said. "Boys aren't too fussed about what they wear." Andromeda chuckled as Catherine led her to Rory's room. She pointed out his school trunk and gave Andromeda another rucksack that she could use for anything that wouldn't fit in his trunk. Catherine decided to pack Ellie first, as her eldest would be the pickiest about what she did or didn't need along.

She had just finished Ellie's clothes and was gathering her school books and supplies when she heard the Floo and then voices downstairs. She and Andromeda met in the corridor and walked downstairs together.

"Well?" Catherine asked, as she stepped into the lounge and saw the grim expressions on Sirius and Remus' faces. "Are they all right?" she questioned. Sirius scrubbed a hand down his face.

"The wards were breached as they were here, but I doubt it took as long since Harry no longer considers that his home. Petunia and Dudley weren't home," he replied flatly. "But Dursley is dead." Catherine knew he meant Harry's uncle. She sat down heavily on the couch as Andromeda gasped.

"They were looking for Harry," Catherine said and Remus nodded.

"According to the neighbor's accounts, they must have attacked here and there simultaneously," Remus explained. "They only sent about six Death Eaters there and they all got away of course. And they had a bit of fun with Dursley before they killed him." Catherine shuddered. She could well imagine just what kind of fun Remus meant.

"Where are Petunia and Dudley now?" she asked.

"Hestia and Dedalus are taking them to a safe house," Sirius explained. "They'll stay with them for the foreseeable future." He meant until the war was over, Catherine knew.

"I'm sure that went over well," she said.

"Well, I think Petunia was in too much shock to protest, to be honest," Remus said. "Dudley was concerned about Harry though." Catherine looked at Remus in confusion. He shrugged. "He wanted to know why Harry hadn't come home that summer and where he was now. We assured him Harry was safe."

"Shock too?" she asked. It was the only thing that made sense, given the few stories they had heard from Harry about his cousin.

"Likely, although he did seem genuinely concerned," Remus replied.

"And regardless of how he felt about them, Harry is going to be upset about this," Sirius said.

"He'll blame himself," Catherine agreed. They all fell silent at that knowing that Catherine was right.

"Does this change things for us?" Catherine asked her husband. If Voldemort was trying to track Harry down, she wondered how long it would take for them to discover the cottage that Sirius' Uncle Alphard had left to him.

"I don't know," Sirius said tiredly. He dropped down onto the couch next to her and rested his elbows on his knees. He rubbed his face with his palms. Catherine put a hand on his back.

"There are too many people that know about the cottage now," he admitted. "It's probably not completely safe."

"Is anywhere anymore?" Andromeda asked.

"There is one place," Sirius said quietly. Catherine leaned her head on his shoulder, knowing that he did not want to go back to Grimmauld.

"It's different now," she murmured. "Winky has completely changed it and our family will be there."

"I know," he said with a sigh.

"What about my mother and Edward?" she asked, turning to Remus.

"I'm sorry Catherine, I've looked everywhere and I haven't been able to find anything," he said. "We could still take them there and see what happens if we give them the address." He tapped his chin in thought. "Your mother can get into Diagon Alley, but she can't get through the barrier at King's Cross, so I don't know if it will work or not." She nodded.

"I suppose we'll have to work extra hard to get them to go with Sarah," she said. "Maybe it would be good for Sarah and Paul anyway to have the help while they get settled. It might help Alex and Sophia too." She tried to smile, but her eyes filled with tears. There was a small pop behind her.

"Mistress, Winky has finished with other Little Miss' trunk," Winky said.

"Thank you Winky," Catherine said a bit tearfully.

"Mistress is not well?" Winky asked in concern.

"No, I mean, yes, I'm fine," Catherine said, wiping her face quickly. Her brow furrowed in thought. "Winky, do you know if there is a way to get my mother and Edward into…" Catherine's tongue nearly choked her. She cleared her throat. "Into the house."

"Oh yes, Winky can be taking them," the house elf stated confidently.

"Even with the charm that's on the house?" Remus asked making sure the elf understood they were talking about Grimmauld Place.

"Oh yes, sir," Winky assured him. "House elf's magic is different than wizard's magic. House elves can be seeing the place no matter the charm. And house elves magic can be taking anyone through, even the Muggle ma'am and sir." Catherine smiled widely.

"We should still give them the choice," Sirius said gently. "It would probably be better for them to get out of the country."

"Yes, of course you're right," Catherine agreed. "We'll tell them everything and let them decide." Catherine directed Winky to Harry's room to pack.

"You know," she said. "Myra and Ethan should strengthen their wards, especially since they know about the cottage. And what about Sarah and Paul? They're not leaving for another week." Sirius' brow furrowed.

"What do you have left to pack?" he asked.

"I need to finish up Ellie's things and then do ours," she replied and then glanced at Andromeda.

"Rory is finished," Andromeda said.

"Remus, will you go with me to Sarah's while Catherine finishes packing?"" Sirius asked. "And Tonks can go to Myra's. Ian's more than capable of helping her with the wards. We should get this done sooner rather than later."

"All right," Remus agreed. Sirius looked at his cousin.

"We'll stay until you get back," she assured him. Sirius kissed her cheek.

"Thank you," he said. He turned back to Catherine. "I'll be back as soon as I can. Finish packing." She nodded.


An hour later, Catherine was making a last sweep through everyone's room to be sure that she had gotten everything she thought they might need. She had released Maia and sent her on to the cottage. She thought about doing the same with Hedwig, but the owl was so distinctive she decided it probably wasn't a good idea. She didn't want anyone to be able to track her after all.

"Sorry girl," she said to the faintly protesting owl in the cage. "You'll have to come through the Floo with us." Shrinking all the luggage, she gave it to Winky who put it in small sack and returned to the cottage. Catherine waited in the lounge for Sirius and Remus to return. Tonks had gotten back a few minutes before. Myra and Ian already had basic protection wards up, so it didn't take Ian and Tonks long to strengthen them.

"Do you think Bill and Fleur will still have their wedding as planned after this?" Catherine asked. Tonks nodded.

"Their wards are nearly as strong as the ones on…" she was stopped from speaking as Catherine had been earlier. Laughing sheepishly, Tonks went on. "Anyway, I don't think they'll change anything. Bill won't want to, just to prove a point. That I know for sure."

"But if Fleur did," Catherine suggested.

"Ah, well if Fleur did, then he would agree in a second," Tonks agreed with a grin. "But from what I've seen of her, she won't want to either."

"No I suppose not," Catherine mused.

There was a noise outside and Sirius and Remus came through the door a moment later. Catherine sighed in relief and she saw Tonks do the same.

"Everything go all right?" Catherine asked.

"Sarah was a bit surprised to see us, but yes, no problems," Sirius replied. "Are you ready here?"

"Yes, Winky has already taken the trunks," she explained. "We've just got Hedwig." Sirius nodded and they said goodbye to everyone else. Once they had all gone, Sirius looked around the house one more time.

"You're sure you've got everything?" Sirius asked. "I don't know if we can risk coming back here. Remus and I reset the basic wards, but if the Death Eaters come back, they won't hold." Catherine understood what he was saying. That anything left behind would most likely be destroyed.

"Yes," she assured him. "They're just things Sirius. Everything that's important is already at the cottage." He smiled and kissed her.

"Shall we go?" he asked. Catherine nodded. He walked her out to the back garden and wrapped his arms around her as she held tightly to him with one hand and Hedwig's cage with the other. He kissed her and then turned and they disappeared from the house, possibly for the last time.