"It's as far as I remember" I said, looking down at our linked hands.

He had pulled his chair close to mine, his knees framing mine and our hands on my lap. He was nervously playing with my hands. He was tense, but trying to keep his emotions under control. He was not doing a very good job. His hands were trembling, and his shoulders so tense the muscles were spasming.

"Lily?" he choked out.

My hands tightened around his, and I took a deep breath.

"She was born that night. An emergency, of course. It was a miracle, really. They said she wouldn't have survived if Remus hadn't brought me to St. Mungo's right then" I said. "Neither of us would have survived" I whispered.

"But you did" he mumbled, relief clear in his voice.

"When I awoke, two days had passed. And I was confined to bed. I... I told them. I told them that you wouldn't do it. That you couldn't do it" I said, frowning. "You would never betray me, or James like that. But they wouldn't listen to me. And eventually..."

"You believed it as well" he said, finally looking up at me.

It wasn't an accusation, but the sadness in his grey eyes pierced me just the same. I lowered my head to his lap and felt his hands on my hair.

"I'm sorry" I cried. "I... James was gone, Lily was gone... Harry was taken from me. Nathan had to stay with Andromeda, and I couldn't even hold Lily, she was so small. Peter... There was only his finger left, and you... you... You never told me you weren't the secret keeper! I tried to defend you, but everything spoke against you. Who else? You knew where my brother was, you could have given them access to this house..."

He shushed me, lifting my head from his lap, and wiping my tears. He smiled sadly at me, and I launched myself at him. I wrapped my arms tightly around him, resting my face on his shoulder. He hugged me back just as tightly, and I knew we would be alright.


Night had fallen during our conversation. We walked side by side back to the house, with him carrying my letters under his arm.

"Oh, please, you loved the way I danced" Sirius said teasingly.

"It was funny, I didn't love it" I rolled my eyes laughing. "I hated when you did it in public"

"Did not!" he said scowling and it made me laugh even harder. "I remember those private dances as well" he teased with a smirk.

"Sirius!" I laughed, hitting his arm.

He grabbed my hand and pulled me closer, throwing his arm around my shoulders. We walked up the steps to the house and walked in to find everyone gathered in the formal dining room, where they had charmed the table bigger, so everyone fit in. The children were talking animatedly while passing dishes, and Molly was huffing as two elves served. Remus was talking to Arthur quietly, at the head of the table, and looked up as we walked in. I smiled at him and he gave me a worried expression, but I shrugged. Sirius took his arm from around my shoulders and walked to the empty seat between Harry and Remus, taking it while ruffling Harry's already messy hair. Harry chuckled, pulling away and continued talking to Ron. He seemed happier. I sighed and walked towards Remus, standing behind him and setting my hands on his shoulders. He grabbed my hand on his right shoulder, and looked up at me.

"Everything alright?" he asked quietly.

"Yeah" I said, slipping my hands down his chest and bending to kiss him softly. "I'm alright"

He nodded and kissed my temple, holding both my hands against his chest.

"Mum, can I go?" Lily asked excitedly.

"Go where?" I asked smiling as I sat on Remus' lap and took a piece of meat from his plate.

"Hogwarts!" she said. "I can go with Ginny and..."

"Sorry, darling" I shook my head before she could go on. "You can't go"

"Why not?" she frowned.

"Because we're Beauxbatons students" Nathan said rolling his eyes.

"It would call too much attention" I said. "They would know we are back in the country. We must be discreet for now"

"So" Lily frowned sadly. "We're going back to France when summer ends?"

"Well, no, we will stay here, but you and Nathan have to go back to school" Remus said.

"Can't I stay?" Lily asked. "You can teach me at home... François was homeschooled one year..."

"No, Lily" I said sadly but firmly.

"This is your fourth year, darling" Sirius said smiling at her. "You'll have so much fun, and before you know it, it will be over. You won't even miss us" he winked.

Lily smiled sadly at him, and Ginny whispered something to her. I sighed and smiled at Sirius, who winked at me and continued filling his plate and talking to Harry. Remus kissed my head, and I relaxed against him, enjoying the chatter and happiness that filled the house.


I heard footsteps, and grabbed my wand, but it was only Harry. I sighed and lowered my wand. He looked at it, set on the table, close by. I smiled at him and closed my silk robe.

"Couldn't sleep?" I asked.

"No" he frowned rubbing his forehead.

"Isn't your room comfortable?" I asked. "I can arrange something else..."

"No, I like my room" he smiled. "Maybe a bit too much"

"Really?"

"Yes" he said, nodding. "There's so much stuff from my dad"

"Mostly from his school time" I agreed. "Tea?"

"Please"

I gestured for him to take a seat and walked to the cabinets. After putting some water on a kettle in the fire, I walked back to the table and took my seat, organizing the papers I had left scattered.

"Sorry about this mess" I said.

"Too much work to sleep?" he asked, looking at the pile.

"Not really... I just... can't sleep" I shrugged.

"You lived here, right?" he asked. "That night, when my parents died, when Sirius was arrested. You were here"

"Yes" I said quietly.

"What happened?" he frowned.

"Death Eaters got in" I said. "I was alone, with Nathan, pregnant with Lily and... It was a horrible night"

"I'm sorry" he said softly.

"It's alright" I smiled. "We're safe now. I hired specialists and they reinforced the protection of the house, Lily was born healthy, and Nathan doesn't even remember anything"

I stood as the kettle whistled and grabbed the tea and two cups and brought it to the table. I served him, and gestured at the milk and sugar, before sitting down once more.

"If you would like... I can get the things that were at your house that night" I said. "Your parents things, mostly. Remus packed it up and we stored it away"

"Yes, I would like that" Harry smiled and sipped his tea. "Could you... tell me more about my dad?"

"Of course" I grinned. "Anytime, Harry. There's nothing I would like more than to share my memories of your parents with you"


"Love"

I hummed and leaned into the soft touch of a calloused hand on my cheek. It was rough, but warm and gentle. It rubbed my cheekbone softly, and I felt it play with my hair before the hand fell on my shoulder. I blinked my eyes open and found Sirius smiling down at me. I smiled at him, and lifted my head. I blushed as I realized I had fallen asleep on the kitchen window seat, and Harry was snoring softly across from me. Our teas were still on the table, cold, and my papers left aside, forgotten. We had talked until we couldn't keep our eyes open.

"You should go to bed" Sirius said softly. "The children will be up soon"

I looked at the clock and saw it was almost dawn. I nodded, and gathered my papers before standing, unsteadily on my feet.

"Do you need help?" Sirius asked amusedly.

"No... Harry..."

"I'll wake him up, don't worry. Go rest"

I nodded and felt him kiss the side of my head as I passed on my way out of the kitchen.


I slipped my wand into the small white clutch, and pulled my hair over my shoulder as I entered the kitchen. Everyone was there, divided into three groups. The ones helping Molly with dinner, although the elves had almost rebelled at the idea. James seemed to be chopping something, Ginny and Lily peeling potatoes as they chatted, and Tonks was washing the dishes. Around the counter were the twins, Nathan, Charlie, Bill, Remus and Arthur, talking about quidditch. And at the table, Sirius sat talking to Harry, Hermione, Ron and Kingsley.

"Mad-Eye?" I inquired as I walked towards Remus.

The twins whistled and Nathan playfully shoved them. Remus chuckled, leaning against the counter with his hip and crossing his arms as he looked at me.

"Will be here soon" he said smiling. "You look beautiful"

"Thank you" I said, stepping closer.

"That François better watch it" he said playfully, before I kissed him softly.

I grinned and wiped the red lipstick from his lips before I turned to the table. Ron blushed and Hermione chuckled, as Sirius stopped talking and leaned back, appraising me.

"You look very beautiful, Mrs. Lupin" Hermione said.

"Thank you, Hermione" I said. "And please, call me Ella"

"Where are you going?" Sirius asked.

"Dinner with the French minister"

"I should get you fired of that Ministry like I did with this one" he grinned.

I narrowed my eyes and shook my head before turning to Harry.

"How are you settling in?" I asked.

"I'm good, thanks" he said with a small smile.

"I'm glad" I smiled. "I've arranged for the boxes from Godric's Hollow to be here in the morning. I was hoping we could go through them together"

"Yes, I would like that" he grinned. "Thank you, very much"

"You're welcome"

Not resisting, I pulled his hair from his forehead gently, and kissed his temple. He blushed bright red, but smiled at me. I squeezed his shoulder before turning to Sirius who was smiling at us.

"Careful with what you say to them" I said.

"I didn't say anything!" he protested.

"You lack a filter and we all know it" I scoffed.

"I'll try to filter what I say, darling, don't worry" he smirked.

"I mean it, Sirius. Behave" I pleaded.

"I will"

"No teasing Snivellus... I mean, Snape" I grinned.

"Can't hold that promise, but I'll try" he laughed with the children.

"I've asked the elves to make sure the silence charms are good in the grand living room for the meeting" I glanced at the children. "But maybe you should check it before starting"

"Of course, Ella" he said. "Go on your date, we'll be fine"

"It's not a date" I rolled my eyes.

"He's still very lucky" he grinned at me. "You are a true sight. So beautiful"

I felt my cheeks heating up and thanked him before walking towards the fireplace.


"And I am sending a letter to the Bulgarian Ministry requesting a team to deal with the dragon people are claiming to be up north" I said sipping my wine. "The Brazilian contacted me, interested in a..."

"Ma chérie" he interrupted taking my hand.

I looked down at his hand and smiled at him.

"How about we stop talking of work" he grinned. "I'm sure you are doing your job perfectly, you always have"

"Thank you" I said softly.

"You truly do look beautiful tonight" he said softly.

I forced my smile to continue on my face, as I tried to take my hand from his softly.

"Thank you again" I said. "You flatter me, too much"

"Nonsense" chuckled, letting go of my hand, but keeping his eyes on mine. "Ella, you are truly the most enchanting woman I've met"

"François"

"And we both know I would like very much you would give me the chance to..."

"I'm married" I chuckled.

He grinned, and I frowned. He didn't seem to get the message.

"You are" he said, leaning back on his chair.

"Yes" I said although it hadn't been a question.

"I can't say it discouraged me" he said smoothly. "You know how it goes, don't you? The things we want and can't have, are the things we want the most"

I chuckled and sipped my wine once again.

"François, I have to say, I'm understanding a bit more how you became Minister"


I stepped out of the fireplace and found Sirius, Harry and Remus in the living room. They looked up at me expectantly, and I groaned as I tossed the clutch on the coffee table as I walked to the bar.

"How was your night?" Sirius asked teasingly.

"Terrible" I grumbled.

"Oh?" Remus asked as I poured some firewhiskey. "No goodnight snog then?"

I turned to him with a scowl and they laughed. I shook my head and walked towards the couch Remus was sitting in.

"He was very charming" I said, taking my heels off and lying on the couch with my feet in his lap. "Very persistent"

"Oh?" Harry asked amusedly. "Doesn't he know you are married? Twice?"

"Haha" I said sipping the drink. "I pointed it out to him repeatedly. He just doesn't seem to care"

"Sounds charming alright" Sirius scoffed.

"Good to know that if I decide to kick both of you from my life I can still have a handsome, charming, younger beau" I grinned.

"Oh yeah?" Remus asked amusedly, squeezing my foot, his fingers pressing right where I was ticklish.

"Ah" I squealed sitting up. "Alright, alright... He would be my secret lover then" I teased.

Remus shook his head and leaned in to steal a soft kiss. I smiled at him and leaned back as he continued massaging my feet, sipping my drink as my eyes found Sirius. He was smiling and tipped his own glass towards me in a silent toast.

"So what were you talking about?" I asked.

"Well, we were telling Harry what exactly is going on" Sirius said, with that charming smirk of his that was meant to convince you to anything, but usually to take your clothes off.

"Oh?" I frowned. "I thought Dumbledore had said 'only what he needs to know'"

"Well, what I think he needs to know then" Sirius shrugged.

I glanced at Harry, who seemed apprehensive with my reaction, and then smiled. I looked at Remus, knowing he was probably there to filter Sirius a bit.

"Well, I agree" I said shrugging.

"You do?" Harry asked surprised.

"Well, Harry, it is your life, your fight too... You are the reason we know He is back, so it's only fair we let you in on what's going on" I sat up, folding my legs underneath me. "But I don't think it would be good for you to know everything. There are some pieces of information that would only put you in danger, and that's not what we are here for"

He nodded and I smiled at him, before looking at Sirius, who seemed pleased, and nodded at him.

"So why doesn't Fudge admit Voldemort's back?"

"Cornelius Fudge is a politician first and a wizard second" I said sipping the drink once more. "His instinct would be to ignore it" Harry seemed a bit confused and I smiled sadly at him. "Fudge likes being Minister of Magic. If it turns out that Voldemort came back under his watch, he'll be sacked"

"He's been attacking Dumbledore as well. Smearing anyone who claims the Dark Lord has returned" Sirius explained. "He thinks Dumbledore's after his job"

"No one in their right mind..." Harry frowned.

"Exactly the point, Harry!" Remus said, leaning forward. "Fudge isn't in his right mind. It's been twisted and warped by fear. Now fear makes people do terrible things, Harry. The last time Voldemort gained power... he almost destroyed everything we hold most dear"

He glanced at me and I grabbed his hand and squeezed it, moving to sit closer to him. He was warm as always and it was comforting, as always.

"Now he's returned, and I'm afraid the minister will do almost anything to avoid facing that terrifying truth" Sirius said and met my eyes before he continued. "We think Voldemort wants to build up his army again. Fourteen years ago, he had huge numbers at his command. And not just witches and wizards, but all manner of dark creatures. He's been recruiting heavily, and we've been attempting to do the same. It hasn't been easy"

"Why?" Harry asked scowling. "People don't want to fight?"

"They think Sirius is a mass-murderer, Remus is a werewolf, and the members that word for the Ministry would lose their jobs since Fudge is willing to sack anyone just for disagreeing him" I said and held his gaze. "I have no credit here, unfortunately. I mean... Our family name can only go so far. Most people think I'm dead or have been tortured to insanity" I smiled bitterly. "After I went to the Ministry with you, it's common knowledge that I'm back, but we wouldn't want Fudge to realize we are gathering, preparing ourselves... He might take it the wrong way and it will be a... 'witch hunt' like muggles say"

"But gathering followers isn't the only thing He's interested in" Sirius said. "We believe... Voldemort may be after something"

"Sirius" I tried to interrupt, sitting properly.

"Something he didn't have last time" Sirius continued.

"You mean like a weapon?" Harry asked frowning.

"No. That's enough" I snapped, standing. "You say more and you might as well induct him into the Order"

"Good, I want to join. If Voldemort's raising an army, then I want to fight" Harry said eagerly.

I set my glass down on the table and walked towards him, crouching before him and holding his hands.

"I know, darling" I said softly. "But the Order only accepts witches and wizards older than seventeen and out of school... You still have three years ahead of you" I cupped his face. "If it was up to me, those would be the three most peaceful years you had. I can't guarantee you that. But I can make sure we do everything to keep you safe, and that means we can't tell you more than that"

He sighed and nodded, smiling sadly at me. I stood and kissed his forehead.

"It's late, time to bed" I said.

He said goodnight to Sirius and Remus and left.

"He should know" Sirius grumbled.

"Yes" I said sitting down beside him where Harry was. "But we've discussed this... Only Harry or Voldemort can get it, and if we tell Harry, he might try to get it, enter a trap... It's not safe"


AN: I'M SO SORRY! I know it took too long, but now I'm on vacation so, maybe I'll be able to update faster. No promises, though.

Inspiration restored after 8 movies (with some discussion of books vs. movies) marathon :)

Hope you liked it!