A/N - A new chapter and look at that, it's Tuesday. :) I am going to attempt (key word being attempt) to get back to the weekly posting schedule, but I am not promising that I will be able to do it. We shall see how things go. Hope you enjoy this chapter!

Chapter 29

War

27 July 1997

Harry and Ellie were still up when they arrived, sitting with Jane and Edward. Rory had fallen asleep on one of the sofas and Carina and Miranda were both in bed.

"Mum," Ellie said in relief and hugged Catherine tightly. She looked up expectantly and Catherine nodded.

"Ethan got home just fine and Tonks went and helped Ian strengthen their wards a bit ago," Catherine explained. "They're as safe as they can be." Ellie nodded and hugged her mother again. "Go and get in bed now, we've got to talk to Harry about something."

Harry's head whipped up and he looked back and forth between the two of them. Catherine squeezed Sirius' hand.

"I'll just take this one to bed," Edward said and gently shook Rory's shoulder. Rory stumbled after him sleepily and Edward led him into his room. Jane followed to check on the girls.

"What is it?" Harry demanded as soon as they had left the room.

"There was an attack at Privet Drive tonight," Sirius said. Harry stared at him in disbelief. "Your aunt and cousin weren't home at the time and they've been taken to a safe house by some Order members." Sirius paused.

"And my uncle?" Harry asked quietly. Sirius shook his head.

"I'm sorry Harry," he said. Catherine saw Harry's hands fist at his sides and his jaw clench.

"This is because I didn't go there this summer isn't it?" Harry asked tightly. "The wards fell?"

"Harry this isn't your fault," Catherine insisted. Harry laughed hollowly.

"Of course it's my fault Catherine," he said. "Just like Moody and Cedric and my parents. It's always my fault." Sirius strode forward and grasped Harry's upper arms.

"No," Sirius said sharply. "This is not your fault. Not your uncle or Mad-Eye or Cedric and certainly not James and Lily. Voldemort is the only one to blame."

"But it's me he's after!" Harry shouted. "If he wasn't, none of those people would have died!" Catherine cast a quick 'Muffliato' around them.

"You don't know that," Sirius countered. "Your parents and Mad-Eye were heavily involved in the war," Harry cut him off.

"Fine, Cedric and my uncle then!" Sirius growled and raked a hand through his hair.

"Harry," Catherine said. "We have no way of knowing what might have happened. I know that you feel responsible and there is probably nothing that any of us can say to make you stop feeling that way, but you have to know that no one blames you." Harry snorted.

"I'm sure my aunt and Dudley blame me," he said.

"Well, even if they do, it still isn't your fault," Sirius said.

"Really Sirius?" Harry returned. "If I hadn't been dropped on their doorstep as a baby, you think that they still would have been attacked tonight?"

"It's possible," Sirius said. "Voldemort could be trying to draw you out by attacking your family."

"If that were true, then he would have gone to the Burrow," Harry said. "If I hadn't grown up at the Dursleys I might very well not even know my mother had a sister. It's not like they got on." Neither Catherine nor Sirius could think of anything to say. They all stood in silence for a few moments.

"I'm going to bed," Harry finally said. Catherine cancelled the charm as he turned to go.

"Harry," she called. He stopped but didn't turn around. Catherine walked around in front of him. She said nothing, just pulled him into a hug. He was stiff at first, but then relaxed into her and his arms came around her.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. He nodded and then abruptly released her before he walked to the room he shared with Rory.

Catherine watched him go, arms wrapped lightly around herself. She felt Sirius come up behind her and put his arms around her waist. He rested his forehead against the back of her head and sighed. She squeezed his hands before turning around to face him.

"Why does it have to be him?" Sirius asked quietly.

"I don't know," she replied. Sirius pulled her more tightly to him and they stood that way for quite some time before Catherine took his hand and led him to their bedroom.


28 July 1997

Catherine woke just before dawn and found herself alone in the bed. She rose and pulled on her dressing gown, seeing Sirius standing on the small porch outside their bedroom. She walked outside and joined him at the rail, wrapping an arm around his waist.

"I didn't wake you did I?" he asked pulling her into his side.

"No," she replied. "I didn't sleep much to be honest."

"Same," Sirius agreed.

"I suppose we'll leave for Grimmauld after breakfast?" Catherine inquired.

"I've been thinking about that," Sirius admitted. Catherine looked up at him quizzically. He led her to one of the chairs that sat on the porch and sat down, pulling her into his lap. He began to toy with the belt of her dressing gown.

"You know I hate that place," he began.

"Sirius, we've been over this," she interrupted, but he held up a hand.

"I know that, just listen," he said. "I've been thinking about it all night. Snape knows where Grimmauld is, even if he can no longer see it, which means Voldemort now knows where it is. You can't Apparate in or out. The only places the Floo was connected to were our house and Albus' office and neither of them are options for obvious reasons so we'd have to seal it. The Death Eaters know about my Animagus form so that's out. How would we even get out to take the kids to the train in September? We'd be stuck there Catherine, all of us."

"If Minerva is Headmistress, I'm sure we could leave that connection open," Catherine offered. "And it is password protected." But Sirius was already shaking his head.

"Too risky," he said. "If you leave it open to Hogwarts, it's also open to our house," he said. "And we know they can get in there now. Passwords can be broken. It's difficult, but not impossible."

"What do you suggest then?" she asked, somewhat exasperated. "We certainly can't go home."

"We could stay here," he suggested.

"But yesterday you told me that too many people knew about this place now," she reminded him.

"True, but if we put it under the Fidelius, none of that would matter," he said. "It's already got every other charm on it that Grimmauld has and to be honest, we might not even need the Fidelius." Catherine stared at him. "We could extend the charm around the property, so we could still go outside, to the beach or flying. The kids wouldn't feel so cooped up, if we had to, we could Apparate to that little town near here. It's all Muggles so a glamour should do the trick, but I'm sure Remus could get hold of some Polyjuice for us if we needed it. And nobody from my family knows about this place. The only people that did are dead."

"What about the neighbors?" she asked. True they were quite far away and the back the property was bordered by the sea, but still.

"This place already looks like it's falling down around itself," Sirius said. "They'll just think someone finally tore it down completely. Besides I never saw anyone so much as pass by last summer. I don't think we really need to worry about that." Catherine contemplated what he'd said. It was true that there was nowhere for them to go at Grimmauld. It would be nice for the children to be able to get outside. There was a small stand of trees just up the road that they could use if they needed to Apparate anywhere and they were relatively isolated here instead of in the middle of London. Still, there were issues.

"This place is small," Catherine pointed out. "You'll have a much harder time getting away from people than you would at Grimmauld." Sirius shrugged.

"The back garden, the beach," he said. "We'd manage. And it would be much easier to get the kids to school from here. No one would be watching." She nodded absent-mindedly. Suddenly something from the night before popped into her head. She hid a grin as she looked at him.

"Well, getting the kids to school may not be an issue," she said. "I had a rather interesting conversation with Minerva last night."

"What about?" Sirius asked.

"About you," Catherine replied. "Becoming either the new Defense or Transfiguration teacher." Sirius gaped at her and she laughed.

"You're not serious," he said.

"No, I'm not," she returned. Sirius looked at her in confusion and then groaned at the very old, very bad joke. She laughed again.

"She really said that?" he questioned. Catherine nodded.

"Actually she said she'd like to have Remus back as the Defense teacher and give you the Transfiguration post, but she didn't think the Board would agree," Catherine explained.

"Well that would certainly solve our safety concerns," Sirius said. "Although we would have to convince your mum and Edward to go to France then."

"I know," Catherine said with a sigh. "But it would probably be best for them anyway."

"Did Minerva say when she would know?" he asked. Catherine shook her head.

"The Board hasn't even approved her as Headmistress yet," Catherine answered. "So would you accept if she offered?"

"Honestly, me a professor?" he said with a chuckle. Catherine grinned. "I don't know, I think I just might."

"Speaking of work," Catherine said. "What are you going to do about the Ministry?" He sighed.

"I'm going to have to quit," he said. "Not that I'm all that upset about it, you know how things were between Robards and me, but with Voldemort after Harry I just can't leave him here unprotected." He held up a hand to stop her protest. "I know you're more than capable love, but he sent eighteen Death Eaters to our house last night. If we hadn't been having that party, they might have Harry now."

"I know," she agreed.

"Not to mention, I'm quite sure the Ministry has already been infiltrated at some level," Sirius said darkly. "And regardless of Minerva's possible offer, we've got to have another plan in place in case that doesn't happen."

"So who would be our Secret-Keeper if we stayed here?" she asked. "Remus can't do both."

"No," Sirius agreed. "I was thinking maybe Andromeda."

"I don't know Sirius," Catherine said shaking her head. "It's not that I don't trust her, but she's Bellatrix's sister and Malfoy's sister-in-law."

"They disowned her long ago," Sirius reminded her.

"I realize that, but if they even suspected that the two of you were in contact and she might know where we are," Catherine trailed off shaking her head. "What if one of them recognized Ted at our house last night?"

"You're right," Sirius agreed. "And Tonks is out for the same reasons."

"I can't ask Myra or Ian," Catherine told him.

"I wouldn't expect you to," Sirius said. "Arthur?"

"I don't know," Catherine said. "What about Minerva?"

"Possible," Sirius agreed. "Bill could do it."

"I don't know Sirius," Catherine said. "I hesitate to involve any of the Weasleys. They're just as big of targets as we are and I'm sure that Severus is well aware that Harry considers them family. And Bill is getting married in a few days." Sirius' mouth thinned when Catherine mentioned Severus' name. She chose not to respond.

"I suppose Minerva is the best choice," he agreed. "We'll send Maia and I'll meet her somewhere."

"Muggle London, please," Catherine requested. Sirius nodded.


Sirius and Minerva met that night at a small café in a busy part of London. She agreed to set the Fidelius on the cottage and did indeed offer Sirius the Defense job with the caveat that if she could convince the Board to let Remus back, Sirius would switch to Transfiguration. Sirius readily agreed.

Harry remained subdued, spending most of his time sitting on the beach and staring at the sea. Catherine and Sirius had both tried speaking to him, but he had gently rebuffed them. Surprisingly enough, it was Edward that finally got him to talk. Catherine knew the guilt that Edward harbored for both Daniel's and Nora's deaths. He felt that if he had been more present when his children were small that Nora might not have been able to corrupt Daniel the way that she did and kept him from the path that he had so recklessly followed.

The letter from Ron that had arrived just before Minerva set the Fidelius the next day didn't seem to brighten Harry's spirits any, just made him more determined. Catherine was unsure what to make of it, but she quickly found out the next day.


30 July 1997

"Are we really going to move to Hogwarts Dad?" Miranda asked Sirius at breakfast. He had told everyone about the job offer the day before.

"Nothing is for sure yet," Sirius reminded her. "Professor McGonagall hasn't officially been made Headmistress. But she's looking for replacements just in case."

"Well, I hope you get it," Ellie said, idly playing with her eggs. She had been quiet as well the last few days. Catherine knew part of it had to do with Ethan, but she suspected Ellie was more worried than she was letting on.

"What about Grandma and Granddad?" Rory asked. Catherine glanced at her mother who gave her a sad smile.

"Your grandmother and I thought we might go and spend some time with Paul and Sarah in France," Edward explained. Harry and Ellie looked at Sirius and Catherine. They both understood what wasn't being said. There was the possibility that Jane and Edward were now targets.

"But, can't you come to the castle with us?" Miranda asked.

"No sweetheart," Jane said. Miranda looked confused as her grandmother had spent time in the castle before when Catherine was unconscious after saving Sirius after the battle at the Department of Mysteries.

"Let's not worry about it now, shall we?" Sirius asked. "We don't know what's going to happen yet, in any case. Just don't think I'll go easy on any of you if Minerva does give me the job." He winked at Rory, Ellie and Harry.

"You won't have to worry about me," Harry said. "Because I'm not going back." There was complete silence at the table, save Carina banging her spoon on the tray of her high chair.

"Excuse me?" Sirius said.

"I said I'm not going back," Harry repeated, then stood and walked out the back door. Sirius glanced at Catherine who looked at him helplessly. He looked around the rest of the table but everyone else was just as surprised.

"I'll be right back," he said and followed Harry outside.

"What did he say?" Catherine asked when Sirius returned from talking to Harry.

"He said that he's not going back to school because he has to go and do whatever it is that Dumbledore asked of him," Sirius said in irritation. "Which, by the way, he still refuses to tell me."

"So what is he going to do?" Catherine questioned.

"I don't know, but I'm sure that Ron and Hermione do," Sirius replied.

"Do you think Molly knows they're not going back to school?" Catherine continued.

"If she didn't before, I'm sure she does now," Sirius said. "That letter Harry got from Ron asked if he could come to the Burrow and 'help' with the wedding preparations."

"I don't understand," Catherine admitted.

"I think Molly believes she can talk Harry out of it or at least get him to tell her what they're doing," Sirius explained. Catherine snorted.

"Well, I suppose that woman has never met a problem she couldn't solve," Catherine said. "We certainly haven't gotten anywhere with him. I say let her give it a go."

"He wouldn't be here on his birthday then," Sirius reminded her.

"Hm, do you think Molly would let us miss his birthday?" she asked with a smile. Sirius chuckled.

"No, I suppose not," Sirius agreed.


31 July 1997

Harry had gone to the Burrow early that morning. Sirius had offered to take him the night before, but Harry had declined. Catherine thought this was odd, but didn't question it. She and Sirius had been able to wish him a Happy Birthday and give him his gift that morning. Sirius had bought Harry's watch a few months before. He had wanted to give Harry James' watch, but had no idea what had happened to it. Remus suspected he had been wearing it the night he was killed.

Harry's face had been full of emotion when Sirius had given it to him. Catherine was glad that everyone else was still sleeping and it was just the three of them.

"We'll see you tonight," Catherine reminded him before the two left. "Molly has invited us over for dinner and a little birthday celebration since yours was interrupted." Harry nodded and hugged her, thanking her for the watch once again. She patted his cheek before he and Sirius left for the Apparition point. Sirius insisted Harry wear his invisibility cloak and Sirius transformed into Padfoot for good measure. Catherine knew they would have to come up with something for the wedding. Sirius didn't want Harry there as himself.

"You don't think they're going to do something stupid do you?" Catherine asked Sirius once he had returned. Carina was currently pulling on one of her mother's curls.

"I don't know," Sirius said with a sigh. "But even if they are, I doubt it will happen before the wedding. Molly didn't seem too inclined to let him out of her sight and Fleur's family is there now as well." Catherine nodded.

"My mum and Edward will be all right here alone, won't they?" she asked.

"Of course love," Sirius said, wrapping his arms around her. Carina bounced on her hip and clapped her hands. Sirius grinned and grabbed one of her hands, kissing the fingertips. "And Winky will be here. She can get us if there's any trouble. Or get them to Grimmauld." Catherine nodded.

"Don't worry," he said, running a finger down her cheek.


The atmosphere in Molly and Arthur's back garden was quite festive despite all that had happened in the last few days. Hagrid had come as well as Remus and Tonks. The Delacours proved to be quite pleasant and Catherine didn't miss the looks that Harry and Ginny were giving each other across the table, nor did she miss Ron's scowl whenever he caught them at it. She wondered what that was about.

When it was after seven and Arthur still hadn't arrived, Catherine could tell that Molly was getting extremely worried. However, just as Molly suggested they start without him a silvery Patronus swirled into the garden and spoke in Arthur's voice, telling them that the Minister was coming home with him. They were all confused by this and Catherine didn't even say anything when Remus and Tonks snuck away.

When the Minister took Harry, Hermione and Ron into the house, Sirius jumped up to follow.

"Sirius," Catherine said, grabbing his arm. He turned and glared at her. "Let them go."

"I won't," Sirius insisted. "Who knows what he's saying to them."

"They're all of age," Catherine reminded him. Sirius swore and raked a hand through his hair.

"Arthur do you know why he's here?" Sirius asked the older wizard.

"No, he caught me just as I was leaving and asked to accompany me," Arthur said with a sigh. He sat down at the table.

"Is zis not an 'onor, to 'ave ze Minister in your 'ome?" Mr. Delacour asked.

"Normally yes," Arthur agreed. "But in this situation," Arthur trailed off and shrugged. Fleur began speaking to her parents in rapid French, evidently explaining things to them.

Catherine could feel the tension radiating off Sirius and she knew that there wasn't much keeping him from rushing inside and bursting in on the conversation. She gripped his arm more tightly and tried to pull him back to his seat, but he wouldn't budge.

There was an uncomfortable silence in the garden, Molly and Ginny continually watched the back door of the house and everyone else made minimal small talk, if they spoke at all. Sirius' jaw was set and as Catherine glanced at Arthur she saw that his was as well.

At the sound of raised voices, both Arthur and Sirius bolted for the house. Molly followed quickly behind as did Catherine once she had told everyone else to remain where they were. By the time she reached the house the Minister was storming out and without a backward glance at anyone, passed the Apparition boundary and disappeared.

"What did he want?" Arthur was asking once she entered the house.

"To give us what Dumbledore left us," said Harry. "They've only just released the contents of his will." (1)

"What Dumbledore left you?" Molly repeated.

"Yeah," Harry said. "We were surprised too."

"What did you get then?" Sirius questioned.

"Just this," Harry replied, holding out a well-worn Snitch. "It's the first one I ever caught." Sirius' eyes narrowed as he took the Snitch from Harry's outstretched palm.

"It didn't open when you touched it?" Sirius asked. Harry shook his head.

"That's not all he should have gotten," Ron muttered. Hermione elbowed him hard in the ribs.

"What do you mean Ron?" Catherine asked.

"Just that, erm, I mean Dumbledore and Harry were close, you know," Ron finally managed, his ears reddening. "You think he would have left him something else." Molly stared hard at her youngest son, but he avoided her gaze.

"I'm starved," Ron announced abruptly. "Are we going to eat now Mum?"

"Oh, yes, yes of course," Molly said and walked back out to the garden, her concerns set aside for the moment. Sirius and Catherine exchanged glances before following the teens to the table.

Despite everyone's examination of the objects that Dumbledore had left the three young people, no one could determine just what exactly, if anything, he'd meant by them. Everyone ate quickly, as hungry as they were and because it was quite late, the party did not last much longer after they had sung Happy Birthday and had cake.

"We'll see you tomorrow before the wedding," Catherine said.

"Yes, we'll figure something out to disguise you," Sirius added.

"Oh, Fred and George have that covered," Harry informed them. "There are a few redheaded Muggles in the village, so they'll just get some hair from one of them and I'll be another Weasley cousin." Harry grinned and Sirius chuckled.

"All right, I suppose that won't draw anyone's attention at any rate," Sirius said. "Are you going to tell us what else Dumbledore was supposed to leave you?" Harry was caught off guard, but he covered quickly.

"Oh, that's just what Ron said," he replied. "We just thought he'd have given me something else. I mean Ron got the Deluminator and all and Hermione's book is obviously pretty valuable." Harry shrugged. Sirius stared at him for a few more moments before he nodded once.

"All right," he said. "Behave. We'll see you tomorrow." Catherine hugged Harry and after goodbyes from Ellie, Rory and Miranda, they headed to the Apparition point. Sirius took the girls and Catherine went with Rory.


Once the children were all in bed, Sirius and Catherine sat again on the porch outside their bedroom.

"Did you believe Ron and Harry about what else Dumbledore might have left Harry?" she asked.

"Not for a second," Sirius replied.

"Good," she returned. Sirius looked at her grimly before taking her hand in his. They stared out into the darkness, lost in their own thoughts of how they were going to get Harry to confide in them.


1 August 1997

They decided to leave Carina home with Edward and Jane once again. Catherine wasn't sure how late the wedding would go and she didn't want to have to worry about leaving early to put the baby to bed. They arrived a half hour before the wedding was to begin. Sirius immediately began to search for Harry until Catherine reminded him that they had no idea what he would look like.

"You're probably better off looking for Ron," she said. "Wherever he is, Harry is likely to be with him." Sirius nodded and began to search the crowd once more.

"Ah, there they are, standing in front of the marquee," Sirius said, pointing to where Ron, Fred, George and another redhead, who was most likely Harry, stood. As the five of them approached, Ron grinned.

"Meet our cousin Barney," he said.

"Nice to meet you Barney," Sirius said with a wink.

"Shall I escort you to your seats?" Harry asked, holding out an arm to Catherine.

"Of course, thank you," she said and Harry led them inside the marquee.

"Everything go all right last night?" Catherine asked quietly as they walked down the aisle. Harry nodded.

"We went to bed pretty much right after you left," Harry said without looking at her. Catherine said nothing, just continued to walk until Harry ushered them into the row they were to sit in.

Tonks and Remus joined them soon after, Tonks' hair blonde today.

"Wotcher Catherine," Tonks said as she sat down. She had a wide grin on her face and looked as if she was glowing.

"Hello Tonks," Catherine replied. "Remus." Remus nodded to her, but he looked miserable. Tonks didn't seem to notice, however. Catherine glanced at Sirius but he shrugged.

"All right there Moony?" Sirius asked.

"Fine Sirius," Remus replied with a small smile that instantly left his face.

"You're not worried about last night are you?" Sirius asked. "I'm sure Harry understood why you had to leave."

"No, no," Remus assured his friend. "Just tired I suppose." Catherine saw Tonks take Remus' hand and while he allowed it, he didn't seem to return her gesture.

"I'll talk to him later," Sirius said in a whisper in her ear. Catherine nodded and watched the rest of the guests being seated. Harry sat with Ron and Hermione, directly behind Fred and George. It made sense since he was supposed to be a Weasley cousin, but Catherine still wished he were sitting back with them.

Miranda's eyes sparkled in delight as Ginny and Gabrielle came down the aisle. Miranda had befriended the French girl the night before at Harry's party. Catherine also did not miss the fact that Harry watched Ginny long after his eyes should have been on the bride. Miranda actually gasped when she saw Fleur and her father come down the aisle.

"Oh Mum," she whispered. "She's so beautiful."

"Just like you'll look someday Princess," Sirius said quietly to her. Miranda grinned at him and he put an arm around her and kissed the top of her head.

The ceremony was wonderful and Catherine couldn't help the tears that gathered in her eyes during the vows. Sirius took her hand and kissed the back of it and she smiled at him. Tonks had rested her head on Remus' shoulder, but he still wore the same expression he had when he first sat down.

Once the ceremony was over and the marquee transformed for the ceremony, Catherine and Sirius quickly found a table and urged Remus and Tonks to sit with them. The children joined them as well, although once they had all eaten a little something, they all wandered off, Miranda joining Gabrielle and Ellie and Rory finding Harry's table. Hermione, Ron and Luna were currently sitting there as well. Catherine turned back to her own table.

Sirius was talking to Tonks about leaving the Auror department and Remus was sitting silently, sipping on Firewhiskey. Catherine moved to sit next to him.

"Dance with me," Catherine said to him. He turned towards her.

"I don't think I'd be very good company tonight," he said.

"I don't care," Catherine said. "Those two are talking shop and I want to dance." She stood and took Remus' hand, pulling him to his feet. He sighed and followed behind her.

"What's going on with you?" she asked once they were moving around the dance floor.

"I don't know what you mean," he said. "I told you I was just tired."

"And the full moon isn't for another two weeks," she pointed out.

"So I can only get tired if the moon is approaching?" he asked in irritation.

"No, but," Catherine began but he cut her off.

"For your information I didn't sleep well last night," he said.

"Why not?" Catherine asked. Remus said nothing for a moment, but his jaw worked.

"No specific reason," he finally said.

"You're lying," she replied. He glared at her.

"I know you too well, Remus," she said with a smile that he didn't return. "I'm worried about you." He said nothing as they slowly moved in a circle.

"It must not have anything to do with your wife at least," Catherine tried. He looked at her sharply.

"What makes you say that?" he demanded.

"Because she looks ecstatic, while you, on the other hand," Catherine trailed off with a shrug.

"I don't want to talk about it," Remus said. Catherine sighed.

"You know that I'm here for you, we both are," she said.

"I know," Remus replied, giving her a small smile, but at least it was genuine this time.

"Hey, how about we switch partners," a voice said and Catherine looked to see Sirius and Tonks dancing next to them.

"Sounds fine to me," Catherine replied. She kissed Remus' cheek and took her husband's hand and Sirius delivered Tonks into Remus' arms. Sirius immediately spun a short distance away from the two of them.

"Get anything out of him?" Sirius asked once they were out of earshot.

"No," Catherine admitted. "You?"

"As far as she's concerned, there's no problem," Sirius reported. Catherine looked over at the two of them and Tonks was looking up at her husband with a smile on her face. Remus was at least looking at her, although he didn't look all that happy. All of a sudden he pulled her tightly to him and buried his face in her hair. Catherine gave Sirius a quizzical look, but he just shrugged his shoulders.

"Something is definitely going on," Catherine said.

"Agreed," Sirius returned. "But we can't force him to tell us what it is."

"You don't think he's ill or something do you?" Catherine asked.

"Even if he was, what's the big deal?" Sirius asked. Catherine looked at him in surprise, then remembered that there really weren't any diseases like cancer in the Wizarding world. She wondered if Remus being a half-blood would make a difference or if it had to do with the magic that ran through them which kept such things at bay.

"Cat?" Sirius asked in concern at the look on her face. She shook her head to clear it.

"Sorry, it's just, there are quite a few diseases in the Muggle world that doctors can't cure or can't always cure," she said. "Some, people just learn to live with, but others eventually kill them." Sirius looked horrified. He knew that Dragon Pox sometimes took the very old or the very young, but that was an exception, not the rule.

"Well at least we don't have to worry about that," Sirius said.

"No, I suppose not," Catherine agreed.

"It's probably just everything that's going on," Sirius concluded. "We're all on edge and Moony's married now, so there's someone else to worry about."

"You're probably right," she allowed.

"Of course I'm right," he said with a grin. She rolled her eyes and rested her head on his shoulder as they finished their dance.

As they left the dance floor, Catherine noticed Harry standing against one of the pillars, watching Ginny dancing with Lee Jordan. He was watching her intently, resentful look on his face and Catherine elbowed Sirius lightly. She nodded her head in Harry's direction and Sirius shook his head.

"He could at least ask her to dance," Sirius said. "They're supposedly cousins. No one would think anything of it."

"He's got to work it out in his own way," she said. Sirius sighed.


The party grew a little louder, the drinks flowed a little faster and everyone seemed to be smiling a little wider. Sirius had joined Hagrid and Charlie in some ridiculous song for a bit and even Remus had laughed at that. She kept watch on her children, but they all seemed to be congregated at one table, except for Harry. She finally spotted him talking to Elphias Doge. The two seemed to be in earnest conversation and Catherine decided it couldn't do any harm. In fact, it might even help. She knew Harry had been having issues with what Rita Skeeter was saying about Albus.

She turned back to answer something Minerva had asked her and when she turned round again, an old woman had joined Harry and Elphias. Catherine had seen her earlier, sitting in the same row with Arthur and Molly, so she must be a closer relative, but Catherine didn't know who she was. She appeared to be cackling about something and Elphias' face was completely white and Harry looked shocked.

It was odd, seeing Harry's expressions on someone else's face. Catherine watched for a few more minutes and Harry appeared to be getting more upset, anger and shock on his face in equal measure. She rose, intending to go to him and make sure he was all right, when Hermione flopped down in a chair beside him and pulled off a shoe, rubbing her foot. Harry looked at her as though seeing her for the first time and Hermione's own face creased with concern.

Catherine took two steps toward their table to see what was wrong. Before she could go any further a silver shape fell through the canopy and when it landed on the dance floor Catherine realized it was a lynx. It opened its mouth and spoke in Kingsley's voice.

"The Ministry has fallen. Scrimgeour is dead. They are coming." (2)

Catherine spun around and instantly locked eyes with Sirius. She stared at him for mere second before they had both drawn their wands and Catherine's eyes frantically searched the tables for her children. Luckily Ellie had kept her head and ran toward them with Rory and Miranda in tow just as someone screamed. As people began to Apparate away, Catherine realized the wards had fallen before she even saw the masked and robed Death Eaters start to surround the sides of the canopy.

She and Sirius threw up shields as did the rest of the Order and a fair few of the adults in the crowd that hadn't left yet. She grabbed Miranda's hand as her children reached her and rushed toward Sirius.

"Harry?" Sirius asked quickly.

"He was with Hermione," Catherine said turning to look for him. The canopy was in utter chaos, spells were flying everywhere and people were screaming, panicking, running to get away.

"Sirius, the kids," she begged. He nodded and looked around the crowd once more before grabbing the girls and turning. Catherine took firm hold of Rory and followed. They reappeared in the grove of trees up the road from the cottage.

"Take the kids," Sirius said, handing a weeping Miranda off to Catherine. "And get in the house. I've got to go and get Harry." Catherine nodded, barely holding back her own tears. He kissed her, quick and hard and then disappeared again.

"Come on you three," she said. "Quickly now." She hurried them to the cottage and once they stepped inside the wards, she blew out a breath. Even so, as soon as they got inside, Catherine sealed all the doors.

"Catherine, what on earth?" her mother asked as she caught sight of them.

"Death Eaters attacked the wedding," Catherine explained. Jane gasped and Miranda began to cry harder.

"It's all right sweetheart," Catherine said leading Miranda to the couch and pulling her onto her lap. Jane put an arm around Rory and led him to an armchair. Edward had come into the room as well and put an arm around Ellie.

"What happened?" Jane asked. Catherine looked at her children and realized that it did no good to keep anything from them as they had heard what Kingsley's Patronus said.

"The Ministry has been taken over and the Minister is dead," Catherine said.

"You're at war," Edward said. "Officially now." Catherine nodded.

"Where's Sirius? And Harry?" her mother asked.

"We couldn't find Harry in the chaos and so Sirius went back for him," Catherine explained. Miranda sniffled in her lap. Catherine kissed the top of her head.


They all sat in silence, Catherine jumping at every sound she heard thinking Sirius might be back. The minutes dragged on and Catherine realized that Miranda had fallen asleep on her lap. She shifted her daughter to the couch and covered her with a blanket, rising and walking to the window. She crossed her arms in front of her and stared outside, waiting for Sirius and Harry to breach the wards.

She had no idea how long she had stood there, but it was long enough that both Rory and Ellie also fell asleep where they sat. Finally, there was a shimmer in the wards and Sirius came into view. Alone.

Catherine wanted to fling the door open and jump into his arms, but she waited until he'd knocked.

"Who did you Polyjuice yourself into when you were hiding out in Brazil?" she asked without thinking. Two months ago, they would have laughed about it, but now his face turned hard.

"Bloody Snape," he snapped and she rested her forehead against the door for a moment before she unsealed it and opened it. He walked inside and immediately gathered her into his arms. She sighed in relief.

"Where's Harry?" she asked. Sirius' arms tightened around her for a moment and she pulled back slightly.

"I don't know," he said.

"What do you mean you don't know?" she questioned.

"When I went back, I couldn't find him," Sirius explained. "Hermione and Ron were gone too."

"They're together then," Catherine said.

"Hopefully," Sirius replied. "Remus thought he saw them Apparate out, but he's not positive."

"You don't think," she trailed off not wanting to ask the question that she knew was on both their minds, that Harry had somehow been kidnapped.

"I don't know love," he said. "But the way that the Death Eaters were throwing spells around, I'm thinking probably not. If they had him, I'm sure they would have just left." Catherine nodded and moved close to him once again.

"Are the kids all right?" he asked quietly.

"They all fell asleep," she said turning and indicating the couches and armchair. Jane and Edward rose from where they were sitting.

"I'm so glad you're all right," Jane said embracing him as well. She pulled back from him. "Harry will be all right." Sirius nodded.

"Was anyone hurt?" Catherine asked.

"Not badly, at least not before I left," Sirius replied. "A few cuts from slicing hexes here and there. They weren't trying to kill. It was more a show of force than anything. That and a fishing expedition."

"You left before it was over?" Catherine said. He nodded.

"I figured they'd love to have me as bait, so I didn't give them a chance," he explained.

"Merlin Sirius," she said, her face going white at the thought. He pulled her to him again and Edward wrapped an arm around Jane. The all stood in silence for a few moments.

"So do you suppose that Harry is off doing whatever it is that Dumbledore wanted him to do?" Catherine finally said.

"Possibly," Sirius answered, his face grim. She pulled him over to the couch where Miranda lay and he sat, then pulled Catherine into his lap.

"Do you want us to get the kids in bed?" Jane asked. Catherine looked at her three sleeping children.

"No, Mum, just leave them for now," she said. Jane smiled knowingly and she and Edward said good night and went into their room.

"What do we do now?" Catherine asked once they'd gone.

"We hope that Harry gets in touch with us soon," he said. Catherine nodded and leaned into his chest, knowing that neither of them was going to get much sleep that night.


(1) Deathly Hallows by JKR - Chapter 7, The Will of Albus Dumbledore

(2) Deathly Hallows by JKR - Chapter 8, The Wedding