A/N - Hello all. Tissue warning for the beginning of this chapter. Bit shorter than usual, but the final battle is coming up next, so I needed to cut this one where I did. One more chapter after this and then an epilogue. Hard to believe that it is almost finished. Thanks for reading.

Chapter 34

Biding Time

30 December 1997

Catherine kept her eyes closed tightly, as if refusing to acknowledge that it was morning would prevent the day from coming.

"Love?" Sirius said quietly from behind her. She shook her head, burying her face further into her pillow. Sirius' arms tightened around her waist and he pulled her closer to him. Her hands gripped his and he kissed her shoulder.

"I can't do it," she whispered.

"You can still go with them," he said. She turned quickly in his embrace.

"Come with us," she blurted. "We can all go." He smiled sadly at her.

"You know I can't do that," he replied. She wrapped her arms around Sirius' neck and buried her face in his chest. Of course she did. She knew she couldn't leave either, as much as her heart screamed at her to go. They both had to stay and fight for what was right so that their children could return and live the lives they were supposed to live. She let out a shuddering breath.

"I know," she said, her voice muffled. He brushed the hair back from her face and she pulled back slightly to look at him. He leaned down and kissed her softly. The tears welled and slowly leaked from her eyes. He pulled her back to him and rubbed her back as she wept.

Breakfast was quiet that morning, even Carina subdued as if sensing that something was happening. Winky's eyes had been filled with tears whenever she brought a new dish to the table. Catherine tried to think of something to say to ease the tension, but all she wanted to do was grab all of her children and never let go of them.

They lingered over breakfast for as long as they could. It was Edward that finally broke the silence.

"We need to leave in about twenty minutes," he informed them. "The car service will be at the flat in thirty." Catherine nodded and stood to take Carina from her high chair, giving Winky a grateful smile when she brought out a wet cloth to clean the toddler's face.

She was glad that they had waited until after Carina's birthday. The way they had all laughed when Carina had devoured her first birthday cake with her hands, more frosting in her hair than anywhere else, had been like a balm for Catherine's spirit. She had made sure to take plenty of photographs so she and Sirius would have something to look at in the coming weeks. Or maybe months, although Catherine did not even want to contemplate that.

"I'll get the luggage," Sirius said quietly, leaving the kitchen. Catherine sat down in a chair with Carina in her lap and reached her arms out for the other three. Miranda was already crying and Ellie was close to it, although Catherine could see that her stubbornness was not allowing the tears to actually fall.

"I want all of you to be on your best behavior," she said and they nodded. "Help Grandma and Granddad with Carina, she's too young to understand what's happening. Keep up with your studies. Ellie you can help Rory." Both Ellie and Rory had absolutely refused to even consider attending school, magical or Muggle. Miranda was not all that enthused either, although she was less adamant about it. Jane and Edward had assured them that they wouldn't force them, but they had the option to change their minds if they wished.

"Don't use any magic," Catherine continued. "I'm unsure what the rules are in France regarding that and I don't know what happens with the Trace if you're in another country." They all looked at her solemnly and Catherine's heart ripped in two. She pulled them all as close to her as she could without crushing Carina.

"I'm going to miss all of you so much," she said in a choked voice. Miranda grabbed her tightly around the neck and they were all crying now.

"Cat," Sirius said quietly from the door. She looked up at the raw emotion on his face and her heart ripped again.

"Daddy," Miranda cried and ran to him. He picked her up and she wrapped her arms and legs around him. "I don't want to go. Please don't make me."

"Princess," he said in a strangled voice, running his hand over her curls. Catherine gripped Rory and Ellie tighter. Sirius cleared his throat. "I don't want you to go either, but we have to keep you safe. We love you all so much. Can you understand that?"

"No," she said petulantly and he chuckled.

"Come, let's go upstairs. It's almost time to leave," Sirius said. Catherine rose and followed Sirius and Miranda, Carina sucking her thumb with her head against her mother's shoulder. They reached the entry and Sirius called for Winky. She took them to the flat in small groups. When they had all arrived, Winky looked at them all tearfully.

"Winky will be missing all of you, young Sir and Misses," the elf said in a shaky voice. "And you Sir and Ma'am." Her lip began to quiver and then she disappeared.

Good-byes were begun and a few minutes later the door buzzed.

"That will be the car," Edward said.

"I'll help you with the luggage," Sirius told the other man and together they picked up the suitcases and left the flat.

"Mum," Catherine said, handing Carina off to Ellie for the moment. Jane smiled and stepped toward her daughter, pulling her into her arms.

"They'll be all right," Jane assured her. "We won't let anything happen to them."

"Thank you for doing this," Catherine replied, clinging to her mother as she had when she was a little girl waking from a nightmare. Jane hugged her back just as tightly.

"Swear to me Catherine," Jane whispered. "Swear to me that you will make it through this war."

"I promise," Catherine vowed. "Look at everything I have to live for." Jane gave a laughing sob at that and with one last tight squeeze, released her daughter. Catherine turned to Ellie and took Carina back into her arms.

"Mummy loves you so very, very much," she said into the baby's hair. "Don't change too much little one." She kissed Carina's forehead and then quickly passed her to Jane before she wasn't able to do it. Sirius and Edward had come back into the flat and Sirius took his daughter from Jane's arms, saying his own good-bye while Catherine turned to Miranda. She knelt down in front of her and gathered the girl in her arms.

"I love you," she said. "And I know you're going to be a great help with Carina." Miranda started to sob. "I will send you hugs and kisses every night before I go to sleep." Miranda nodded into her shoulder. "We'll be together again soon." And then Catherine let her go.

"Rory," Catherine said, getting to her feet. Her son had grown so much in the last few months, she barely had to look down to meet his eyes. She ran a hand over his hair and then hugged him. "Watch over your sisters." He nodded. She put a hand to his cheek.

"You're growing up to be such a wonderful young man," she said. "I'm so proud of you. I love you sweetheart." She hugged him once more and he squeezed her tightly before she let go of him. Catherine walked over to where Ellie stood looking out the window. She put her hands on her oldest daughter's shoulders and Ellie sighed. She turned around and looked at her mother.

"I'm sorry Ellie," Catherine said. Ellie nodded.

"I know Mum," she replied. Catherine cupped her daughter's face in her hands.

"You know how much I love you, don't you?" she asked.

"Yes," Ellie said rolling her eyes. Catherine grinned and pulled the girl to her.

"I'm going to miss that eye roll," she said with a choking laugh. Ellie's arms came round Catherine's waist.

"I love you Mum," she whispered.

"I love you too," Catherine returned. "Don't fight with your brother too much, all right?" Ellie nodded against her. Catherine kissed the top of her head. When Ellie pulled back, she was worrying her lip with her teeth.

"What is it?" Catherine asked. Ellie reached into her pocket and withdrew an envelope. She handed it to her mother and Catherine saw that it had Ethan's name written on the front.

"I don't know if you can get it to him, but," Ellie paused and pulled in a hitching breath.

"I'll make sure he gets it," Catherine promised.

"We've got to go," Edward said.

"All right," Catherine replied and pulled her three oldest to her for one more hug and then kissed Carina's cheek. Catherine walked to Edward.

"Thank you," she said.

"You don't need to thank me," he said. "I would do anything for any of them." He put a hand to Catherine's cheek and then pulled her into his arms. "Take care of yourself."

"Don't forget to call," she said.

"I'll call once we've reached the airport as well as when we get to France," he said. Catherine nodded. She and Sirius held hands as they pulled up the hoods on their cloaks and followed their family down to the waiting limousine. Once everyone was safely ensconced inside, Catherine took one last look at them, blew them all a kiss and then shut the door. The car pulled away from the curb and she and Sirius waved.

When it turned the corner and disappeared from sight, Catherine crumpled to the ground. Sirius bent down and picked her up and walked back up into the flat. He walked to the couch and sat down with her in his lap to wait for Edward's call from the airport.

3 February 1998

January had given way to February and the sadness had settled over Grimmauld like a blanket. The family had arrived safely in France and once she had heard, Catherine had begun to sob and hadn't stopped for days. She spent the first week in bed, clinging to Sirius for comfort whenever he lay down beside her. It was only his urging and concern that made her force herself to get up and sit in the library for part of the day.

It had become her routine. She would lie in bed for as long as Sirius would let her and then she would get up, shower and force herself to eat something before retreating to the library and reading. Or at least she pretended to read. She'd read the same page in the book on her lap about a thousand times, she was sure and still hadn't comprehended any of it. When Sirius came into the room, she would turn to a page further back in the book, so it at least looked as if she was making progress, but she didn't think he was fooled.

She retreated to their bedroom as soon as she was able, normally right after dinner. She only remained after dinner if there happened to be an installment of Potterwatch, listening desperately for any news of Harry or anyone else they knew. There never was, however. The last time they'd heard anything was when Remus had contacted them shortly after the children left to tell them about Xenophilius Lovegood being sent to Azkaban. No one was particularly surprised, given his stance on Harry and Catherine hoped that his cell was near his daughter's. She didn't hold out much hope for that though, given the fact that Voldemort now controlled the prison.

She knew that Sirius was both worried for her and frustrated with her in equal measure. She tried, so hard, to pretend that all was normal, but she just couldn't. Quite honestly, she was surprised she could even function at all, given how big of a piece of her heart that was missing. She heard movement at the bedroom door and saw Sirius standing in the doorway.

"Morning, love," he said quietly as he walked into the room. "Happy Birthday." She said nothing. He came and sat on the edge of the bed nearest her and took her hand. "Are you going to get up soon? I want to give you your present."

"The only thing I want, you can't give me," she whispered. He squeezed her hand.

"Maybe not," he agreed. "But I can give you the next best thing." She looked up at him in confusion and he tugged on her hand. "Get up and get yourself ready."

"For what Sirius?" she asked thinking that there really was no point. She had never felt like celebrating her birthday less.

"It's a surprise," he said with a wink. She just looked at him dully. "Please?" She sighed.

"Fine," she replied. He pulled on her arm until she sat up. He kissed her and then pulled her to him. She sighed against his chest, taking comfort from his presence.

"Winky's made a special breakfast for you," he said.

"I don't want any fuss," she insisted. "I don't want to celebrate without-" she trailed off on a sob. Sirius put a finger beneath her chin and tipped her head up.

"Trust me?" he asked.

"You know I do," she returned.

"Then get up and get ready and come down to your birthday breakfast," he begged. She sighed again, but couldn't bear to see the sadness in his eyes if she refused.

"All right," she agreed. He kissed her quickly and helped her to her feet. Catherine showered and dressed, picking something nicer than the lounge wear she had been wearing for the last month. She supposed if Sirius had gone to the trouble to try and celebrate her birthday, the least she could do was look nice for it.

"Happy Birthday Mistress," Winky chorused as Catherine stepped into the kitchen. The elf was bringing platters of food to the table.

"Thank you Winky," Catherine said with a smile. She sat down at the table and was surprised that she was actually quite hungry. She tucked into the breakfast in front of her.

Sirius smiled as he saw her eating more than she had since Carina's birthday party. She gave him a small smile in return. Once they had both finished, Sirius took her hand and pulled her out of her seat. He put his arms around her waist and kissed her.

"Are you ready for your surprise?" he asked. She tilted her head and studied his face.

"Am I going to like it?" she asked.

"I can safely say that yes, you will absolutely adore it," he replied with a smile.

"All right then," she agreed. He called for Winky and Catherine only had a moment to look at him in confusion before they disappeared.

They landed in Edward's flat seconds later. Sirius dismissed the house elf as Catherine wrenched herself away from him.

"Why did you bring me here?" she demanded, the tears instantly forming in her eyes as she thought of the last time she'd been here.

"Love," Sirius said quietly, reaching for her.

"No!" she exclaimed. "I don't want to be here. Take me home Sirius, take me back!"

"Catherine, listen to me," he begged.

"No, please," she said, tears running down her face. She was just about to call for Winky when the telephone rang. Catherine jumped and then stared at Sirius.

"Answer it," he said quietly. She looked at him blankly as it rang again.

"Sirius, what?" she questioned.

"Just answer it love," he replied. She moved to the desk, her hand shaking as she reached for the receiver. She picked it up and brought it to her ear.

"H-hello?" she stuttered.

"Mum?" a voice said. Catherine's knees buckled and she would have fallen had Sirius not been there to catch her. He eased her into the desk chair and Catherine put her face in her free hand, the other clutching the telephone so tightly her knuckles were white.

"Mum? Are you there?" Miranda asked again.

"Yes, baby, I'm here," Catherine managed.

"Mum, I miss you so much!" Miranda exclaimed, her voice breaking.

"Oh Miranda, I miss you too," Catherine replied. She reached out and grabbed Sirius' hand and squeezed it. He sank down on his knees next to her and kissed her temple, his arm going around her shoulders.

She spoke to all of the children; even Carina babbled to her for a few seconds and then Sirius spoke with them once Catherine was too overcome to continue. When she had recovered, she took the phone back to talk to her mother.

"Happy Birthday, Catherine," Jane said as she came on the line.

"Thank you Mum," Catherine replied. "How are they really?"

"They're all doing well," Jane assured her. "It has been difficult as I'm sure you've guessed, but we're getting on. We've found a beautiful house, the grounds are large and there is a small stream that runs through the property. They've been having a glorious time being outside."

"I'm glad," Catherine said and she truly was, even though she ached to hold them in her arms. "How are Sarah and Paul and the kids?"

"They've settled in well and Alex adores his new school," Jane said. "He's become quite fluent already and Sophia isn't far behind him. Your children have picked it up incredibly quickly as well." Catherine smiled.

"Have they said anything about school?" she asked.

"I don't think they want to get too far from us," Jane admitted. "Edward and I have been teaching them a bit and Ellie's been reading her textbooks and helping Rory."

"We've got to go love," Sirius whispered in her ear and Catherine nodded although she wanted to keep talking to them forever.

"Mum, we should go," she said. "We've been here quite a while now."

"All right darling," Jane said.

"Tell Miranda that we'll call her on her birthday," Catherine said impulsively. She glanced at Sirius and he smirked a bit before he nodded.

"I will," Jane assured her. "I love you."

"I love you too Mum," Catherine returned. Her mother disconnected and she listened to the silence on the other end of the line for a few moments before she replaced the telephone in its cradle.

"Winky," Sirius said, pulling Catherine to her feet and scooping her up into his arms. The elf appeared and took hold of Sirius' arm without a word, landing in their bedroom seconds later. Winky quickly left the room, closing the door behind her and Sirius sat down on the bed with his wife in his lap. Her head rested against his chest and she cried silently for a few moments before she looked up at him.

"Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome," he replied.

"How did you arrange that?" she asked.

"I set it up with Edward before they left," he told her. "I figured you would need to hear their voices by now and since I knew I wasn't going to be able to go shopping and get you a proper present, I figured this would have to do."

"This was better than any present you could have bought me," she said, putting a hand to his cheek. He smiled and leaned down and kissed her. She sat up straighter on his lap and deepened the kiss and spent the rest of the morning showing him just how much she had loved her gift.

23 March 1998

Catherine had a smile on her face when she and Sirius returned to Grimmauld. She had gotten to speak to the children again and while she missed them so much it was a constant ache inside her, it was still wonderful to hear their voices. And she would only have to wait three weeks this time to talk to them again on Ellie's birthday.

Ellie had been excited because Ethan had written her now that he was home for the Easter holidays and owls could actually get to Ellie in France, not to mention that he wouldn't have to worry about anyone reading his mail like at school. Catherine had cautioned her to be careful all the same, but Ellie had assured her mother that she hadn't written anything that would allow anyone to discern her location or even that she was no longer in Britain.

Sirius and Catherine were about to head down to the kitchen for supper when the mirror warmed in Sirius' pocket. He pulled it out and activated it.

"Moony," Sirius greeted.

"Hello Sirius," Remus said. Catherine could hear the anger fairly vibrating in his voice.

"What is it?" Sirius asked immediately.

"We've gotten news," Remus replied. Sirius waited his jaw tightening as Catherine clutched his arm. "Ted was killed."

"Oh no," Catherine said, bringing her hand to her mouth.

"Shit," Sirius swore. "How?"

"While he was on the run, he met up with Dirk Cresswell and Dean Thomas, plus a couple of goblins," Remus explained. "Snatchers caught them and they resisted."

"Were they all killed?" Catherine asked. Remus shook his head.

"We don't know what happened to Dean and one of the goblins. Either they escaped or they're on their way to Azkaban." There was something about the look in his eye that made Catherine question him further.

"There's something else," she said. Remus paused for a moment, the rage plain on his face.

"It was Greyback," he finally managed. Catherine's eyes closed for a moment.

"Moony, don't do anything stupid," Sirius urged.

"He has hurt my family Sirius," Remus hissed. "Besides, I already owe him."

"I know that, but think of Tonks," Sirius tried to calm his friend. "Think of your baby. Don't do this Remus, please." The vein in Remus' temple throbbed, but he said nothing.

"How are Andromeda and Tonks doing?" Catherine asked, trying to take Remus' focus from Greyback. His face softened.

"Dora is holding up all right," he said. "Andromeda is having a difficult time as you can imagine."

"Please give them our condolences," Catherine requested. "I wish there was something else we could do."

"I will," Remus assured her. "Have you any news of Harry?"

"Only what we've heard on Potterwatch," Sirius said with a sigh. "Same as everyone else. And I highly doubt that all these supposed sightings of him are even true. At least not all of them anyway."

"As long as there has been no news in the Prophet, you can assume that he is still all right," Remus returned. Sirius just nodded. "I should go and check on Dora."

"Remember what I said Moony," Sirius told his friend. "You'll get your chance."

"I know Padfoot," Remus said tiredly. "Thank you." He paused for a moment before continuing. "Tune in tonight," he said. "There will probably be a broadcast."

"All right Moony," Sirius said. The mirror went blank. Sirius sighed and wiped his as well. Catherine wrapped her arms around his waist.

"Do you think he'll listen to you?" she asked.

"I hope so," Sirius said.

"Let's go have supper," Catherine said and took his hand and pulled him down to the kitchen.

Sirius was quiet as they ate and Catherine assumed he was thinking of his cousins and worried about Remus. It wasn't until they were finished and he asked Winky to bring him a bottle of Firewhiskey that Catherine began to get concerned.

"Are you all right?" she asked as he poured himself a glass of the amber liquid.

"Fine," he replied, downing the glass in one go and pouring himself another. She watched him as he sipped at this one for a few minutes before drinking the rest of it and reaching for the bottle once again.

"Sirius," she said quietly. He glanced at her and toyed with the bottle for a minute before leaving it where it sat. "Please tell me what's bothering you."

"Well, my cousin's husband was just murdered," he snapped. "I think that might have something to do with it." She jumped a little at his tone. He sighed and scrubbed a hand down his face. "I'm sorry."

"It's all right," she replied. He shook his head and reached for her hand, giving it a squeeze.

"No, it's not," he said. "I'm sorry, I just, I feel so damned helpless." She moved her chair closer to his and laid her head on his shoulder.

"I'm stuck here in this house and I can't do anything to help anyone," he continued. "It's like Harry's fifth year all over again." Catherine said nothing for she knew exactly how he felt. "If we at least knew where Harry was or if they'd found anymore Horcruxes or something, anything, it might not be so bad."

"I know that you want to help him," Catherine replied. "But it isn't your fault that he didn't give you the chance." Sirius growled and stood abruptly, beginning to pace around the room.

"Obviously I didn't instill enough confidence to make him trust me," Sirius snapped.

"Sirius, that isn't why he left," Catherine said with a shake of her head.

"Then why did he?" Sirius demanded.

"Because that's just Harry," she said. "He doesn't ever want to put the people he loves in danger. You know that."

"He's a kid," Sirius muttered.

"He's not," Catherine returned.

"He should be a kid," Sirius said with a sigh.

"I don't disagree with that," she replied. "Unfortunately, it is not our reality." She rose from her chair and blocked his path. He sighed and put his arms around her. "We'll get our chance to help. Sooner or later."

"Merlin, I hope it's sooner," Sirius admitted.

"So do I," Catherine agreed. "So do I."

22 April 1998

Catherine and Sirius were reading in the library when there was a pounding on the front door. They both rose and pulled their wands almost simultaneously, Catherine glancing at Sirius in concern. There were only a few people that could have gotten through the wards and while Catherine sincerely hoped it was Remus or Tonks, she was sure that they would have used the mirror or sent a Patronus first.

Catherine followed Sirius down the stairs to the entry. He made sure she stayed behind him, although she rolled her eyes in his direction.

"Who is it?" he demanded when they had reached the door.

"Remus John Lupin," Remus' voice called out. "I am a werewolf, married to Nymphadora or Tonks as she prefers to be known to her friends. I am your secret-keeper which explains how I can be standing on your doorstep." Catherine looked at Sirius' incredulously. Remus sounded absolutely giddy.

"Is he drunk?" she asked. Sirius chuckled.

"Only one way to find out," he said. He opened the door and they were greeted with Remus' beaming face.

"Remus," Catherine questioned. "What are you doing here?"

"He's here!" Remus exclaimed stepping inside. Sirius shut and rewarded the door behind him.

"Who's here?" Sirius asked.

"My son!" Remus replied jovially. "Teddy for Dora's father. He's here!"

"Oh Remus," Catherine said with a smile. "Congratulations!" She hugged him tightly. Sirius hugged Remus himself once Catherine had released him.

"Congratulations, Moony," Sirius said, slapping his friend on the back.

"How is he?" Catherine asked as Sirius drew them into the sitting room. He poured Firewhiskey for himself and Remus and a glass of wine for Catherine.

"He's perfect," Remus said his grin wider than any Catherine had ever seen on his face. "Dora is doing well. Everything went smoothly." Sirius handed out the drinks and they toasted little Teddy.

"I'm so happy for both of you," Catherine said with a smile.

"You two will be godparents," Remus said, stating rather than asking.

"Of course we will," Sirius replied. Catherine nodded in agreement.

"What does he look like?" Catherine asked.

"Dora says me, but I think he is going to be exactly like his mother," Remus replied fondly. "His hair was black when he was born, but it was definitely red when I left. Andromeda said that Dora was the same way only hours after her birth." Sirius laughed and poured them both another drink. Catherine was still working on her first.

"A new generation of Marauders in the making," Sirius said his eyes twinkling with mischief. Catherine grinned at the both of them. Remus looked so completely besotted and happy, she couldn't help the tears that formed in her eyes.

"What's the matter?" Remus asked in concern when he caught sight of her. She shook her head.

"I'm just so happy for you both," she managed. He gave her a knowing smile and hugged her again, kissing her cheek.

"I shouldn't," Remus said when Sirius filled his glass once more. "Oh all right, this is the last though." The three sat and laughed and celebrated for a bit longer before Remus finally rose from his chair.

"I really should get back," he said.

"Give Tonks our congratulations," Catherine said.

"I will," Remus promised.

"Can't wait to see the little guy Moony," Sirius said. "You'll have to mirror call and let us get a look at him."

"Wonderful idea," Remus said with a grin. The three of them walked to the door and Sirius opened it. Remus stepped just onto the front step and then Apparated away. Sirius closed the door and drew his wife into his arms.

"A boy," he said with a grin. Catherine smiled back at him, but the longing to hold her own babies had grown worse the more Remus spoke of little Teddy. Sirius seemed to sense her distress. He leaned forward and rested his lips against her forehead.

"They'll be home soon," he whispered.

"How do you know?" she asked. He shrugged.

"Call it a feeling," he replied. She chuckled.

"Sirius Black, Seer extraordinaire," she said. He smirked.

"I've been called other things 'extraordinaire'," he admitted with a waggle of his eyebrows. "But never that." She slapped his chest.

"You're impossible," she said.

"But you love me," he returned.

"Hm, Merlin only knows why," she said with a dramatic eye roll. He laughed and kissed her.

1 May 1998

"…and escaped on the back of a dragon!" Lee exclaimed on the latest broadcast of Potterwatch. Sirius and Catherine stared at each other incredulously.

"No word on where the trio is now or why they were at Gringotts in the first place," Fred continued. "But Harry, if you're listening, we're all with you mate. Good show!"

"Stay tuned for our next broadcast," Lee said. "Next password is Prongs. Stay safe listeners!"

Sirius clicked off the wireless and turned to his wife. Catherine could see the whirl of emotions behind his eyes. He was at once proud, worried, irritated and excited, all at the same time.

"I can't believe it," he finally said, running a hand through his hair. "They broke into Gringotts."

"What were they doing there?" Catherine questioned.

"I assume it has something to do with the Horcruxes," Sirius said. He rose and went to the fireplace.

"Why was there a dragon in Gringotts?" Catherine asked.

"The oldest and most wealthy families have the most protections on their vaults," Sirius explained. "The dragon was just one of the many."

"The Black vault?" she questioned. Sirius nodded.

"Along with some of the rest of the Sacred Twenty-Eight," he replied. "A few others as well."

"So whose vault do you think they were in?" she continued.

"If I had to guess, Malfoy or maybe Lestrange," Sirius said. "There are quite a few other Death Eaters down there, Nott, Yaxley, Rowle, but my guess is You-Know-Who wouldn't have trusted them enough to leave a Horcrux with them."

"Harry said that Malfoy was the one that had the diary," Catherine reminded him. Sirius nodded.

"That's leaves Bella then," he said. "I hope to hell they got whatever they were after."

"I just hope they're all right," Catherine said with a sigh.

"So do I love," Sirius returned.

Sirius lit the fire and sank down on the couch next to her. He maneuvered them so his legs were on either side of her and she leaned back against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her middle and rested his chin on top of her head. They sat in silence, drowsing in the warmth of the room, both lost in their own thoughts about just where Harry, Hermione and Ron were. A few hours later they got their answer when a Patronus came through the wall of the sitting room.

"Harry is at Hogwarts," Remus' voice said. "Apparate to the Hogshead. We're fighting." They both sat in silence for a few seconds as the wolf faded from view.

"I don't suppose I can talk you into waiting here," Sirius said quietly.

"Not a chance," she replied, looking over her shoulder at him. He nodded and stood, holding out a hand to her. She took it and rose from the couch and he pulled her into his arms and kissed her soundly.

"Don't do anything stupid," she said to him and he released her.

"Same to you, love," he replied with a smirk. "Winky." The elf appeared in the room along with Kreacher to Catherine's surprise. Sirius raised an eyebrow in the old elf's direction.

"Kreacher will fight for Master Regulus," Kreacher said in a gravelly voice. Catherine didn't even bother asking how Kreacher knew what was going on.

"All right then," Sirius said. "You may go to Hogwarts." Kreacher bowed low and disappeared. "Winky, can you take us to the Hogshead?"

"Yes, Master," Winky replied holding out her arm. "Winky will be fighting too."

"Winky we don't expect you to do that," Catherine began, but the elf cut her off with a quelling look.

"Winky will be doing what Winky knows is right," Winky said. Catherine inclined her head and Winky gave a sharp nod in reply.

"Ready, love?" Sirius asked.

"Ready to kick some Death Eater arse?" she questioned. "Always." Sirius laughed, loud and bark-like before wrapping an arm around her waist. He grabbed Winky's arm and Catherine had time to glance once around the room before they were sucked into darkness.