A/N: Hello everyone! This chapter is not historically accurate in any way, just as a heads up. A little in-betweener chapter to keep you guys in the loop of what is going on. Thanks for taking the time to read. Love you guys.

~o0o~

"Ginny!"

Dora threw her arms around the red-head the second she was within arm's reach of her; holding her close to her chest, Dora gave a heavy, dry sob and Ginny pulled away from her to see that her friend had tears in her eyes.

"We need to talk, come on," Ginny said gently, for once being the mother to the woman who had always watched out for her. She took her hand in hers and they walked away from where the rest of their friends were congregated in the sunshine, partaking happily in some wine and cheese.

When the girls were far enough out of ear-shot, they sat down on the grass, not minding in the least that their pretty dresses would get damp and Ginny turned to the sad-eyed woman, looking at her expectantly.

"I think we've made a very large mistake," Dora said and Ginny's chest tightened. She looked at Neville, Fleur, Minerva, and Luna laughing happily on the blanket a dozen or so meters away. So much had changed in a matter of days, but until right now, they had all been very disconnected and if it had gone on any longer, it could have resulted in much worse.

"I agree. Sirius and Hermione should not have left. Harry really should be with us…Madame Malfoy hasn't been around…" Ginny pulled at a cuticle, trying to resist biting it. She would give anything for a cigarette and as if reading her mind, Dora tentatively pulled out her small, silver, cigarette holder; one of her few gifts from Severus, and offered Ginny one. It felt odd to be smoking in that beautiful park in silence with her best friend, but the two women inhaled deeply, letting the chemicals soothe their nerves.

"I think Severus is in trouble. Ginny, I think we all are, and yet here we sit, in the damned park luncheoning. Isn't it a bit ridiculous?" Dora snapped. It was uncharacteristic of her, but Ginny knew she must be suffering greatly. Her skin was not as luminous as it normally was and she looked poorly.

"Well, what would you rather we do? Hide under out beds while the world caves in around us? Dora, you don't know the half of it. I am truly sorry that Severus might be in danger, but there are more pressing matters going on…"

Nymphadora sighed and pushed back her hair over her shoulder. She had been a bad friend to all of them…in truth; they all had been terrible to each other recently. The threat from Tom Riddle was so strong that they had each been singularly caught up in their own selfish pursuits, so afraid that time was running out, "How is Hermione? And where are they?"

"The country. While you had barricaded yourself in your lover's house, Sirius had a rather unexpected visitor. Her name is Lily Evans-Potter…well her husband died a long time ago so I hardly know what to call her…"

"Potter?" Dora's eyes went wide and Ginny rolled hers.

"Yes, turns out she is my future husband's mother. Long lost. She gave up Harry when he was little, but apparently the man she married wasn't the father. That's apparently why she made this huge trek to Paris from London-Sirius is Harry's biological father…"

"I don't believe it," Dora gasped, "There is no way…"

"I hardly know if I believe it myself…but here is the thing, she shows up out of the blue and now Harry and I cannot find her. It is like she's disappeared again and I for one would like to meet my mother-in-law. Harry seems happy enough, but I am with Hermione on this…a little angry. I mean, why show up now? And then why disappear? Things seem so odd Dora," Ginny admitted. She was having terrible feelings of foreboding and she hated it. A woman's intuition was nothing if not nagging.

"I have missed a lot…"

"This was before Sirius and Hermione had planned a trip to the country, so Lily deterred them for a while, but they are gone now and haven't told any of us when they are coming back. I haven't seen sight nor sign of Madame Malfoy, which frankly concerns me a bit, and Harry is so busy with my brother and Remus for their gallery showing that I just feel so alone."

"And why is Mademoiselle Lovegood not with her prick of a lover?" Dora asked, eyeing the blonde blushing at Neville.

"Dora, I am banning you from ever holing yourself up in Severus' house again. If we do not stick together, then we could be in trouble in a situation like this," Ginny took the moment to scold her friend before turning to the gossip, "I don't know the whole story. I've only really seen them this afternoon. Neville said that she randomly showed up asking for a place to stay. I don't know how Sirius will feel about a new ward when he comes back, but I think Monsieur Malfoy hurt her…"

"Lucius," Dora spat, she refused to refer to him under proper terms, "the bastard…I always knew she shouldn't have left the Bergére and become his mistress."

"Well, it seems she is learning her lesson. They all seem happy to be out. It has been quite stressful lately, but I don't think we should act as if this is all going away," Ginny said.

"You are right. If anyone knows Sirius and Hermione are away, they could easily hurt us. We need to find Narcissa and talk to her. I have some ideas. I have been planning something, just in case Severus couldn't get back in time, and I think it might just have to happen Ginny…"

"I'll do whatever I have to," her friend conceded.

~o0o~

It had been a long day for Harry, Remus, Ron, and the handful of other Impressionist painters setting up for their exhibit opening the following evening. Each painter had a section of this glorious wall space in a large gallery in the middle of Paris. When Ron's were hung up, he couldn't stop staring in awe that his work had finally amounted to something. Remus was a bit shier, nearly refusing to have them hang the portrait of Narcissa that he had prudently left untitled, but Monsieur Bougeureau insisted. The gallery was teeming with lively, satisfied chatter between the artists, but Harry was standing off to the side, gazing pensively at his work. He was happy to have this opportunity, but felt empty that Ginny, nor Hermione, Sirius, or even his new-found mother, were there with him at that very moment. He knew he would bring them within the coming days, but he was realizing how important his growing family was. He had gone from being orphaned to having two parents in the same city within moments and it was reeling.

"Pardon me, dear boy,"

It was a soft, nearly other-worldly voice that brought Harry out of his thoughts and he turned to see an older man with a mid-length white beard and glasses. The top hat he was now holding loosely between his left thumb and forefinger was an eccentric deep plum, and he smiled at Harry as if he had known the boy all his life.

"Can I help you, sir?" Harry asked the man who only turned and gazed upon his paintings for a while, the silence between them comfortable but mysterious. Finally, the man turned and extended his free hand which Harry shook instantly.

"Harry Potter isn't it? I've heard much about you. You see, a man of my age doesn't have much in the way of work other than making it his personal hobby to know the goings on of the city. And of art…Albus Dumbledore…Main Judge of the Academie de Beaux Arts," the man told Harry.

"Sir," the dark-haired man inclined his head a bit at the realization of his position, then straightened, "Pleasure to meet you."

"All mine, of course, Harry," Monsieur Dumbledore winked knowingly, addressing him as if he was family, "Monsieur Bougeureau has told me about you…no formal training, orphaned, recently engaged…"

Harry was startled. He had very few close friends and knew he wasn't nearly famous enough to have strangers know about his personal life. Why had this man taken such an interest?

"Yes…."

"And your friends?" Dumbledore motioned over to Remus and Ron who were talking happily in front of their paintings, "Both very gifted as well, but not as much as you…"

Harry wasn't sure what the man was hinting at. He seemed to already know the answer to whatever question he was baiting Harry for, but seemed intent on talking towards it anyway.

"It's relative," Harry said. They were all such different artists, and lucky to even be standing in that building, that he felt he couldn't judge him, even in front of this man.

"Modest as well. Everything I have been told is not far from reality. Harry, I know this must seem strange and rather unheard of seeing as I will be officially judging your paintings in a few days, but I would like to make you an offer…"

Harry froze, "I am sorry, sir, but I really cannot be swayed to…"

Monsieur Dumbledore took Harry's arm gently and led him out of the main gallery into an ornately decorated hallway where they were far more alone, "Harry, I assure you that I mean you no ill will. For some reason, I have been enthralled by your progression as an artist and have been keeping tabs on you over time. I bought a few of your sketches in the park about a year ago, although you probably don't remember. I am quite the advocate for this artistic movement and I want to help you in any way I can. But let me make myself transparent. Just because I have no malice towards you, it does not mean that I do not have something to gain from this. But whatever decision you make, let it be known that it will not pull favor with me when judging begins, nor will it be placed against you. Understood?"

Harry could only mutely nod; he had no idea what was going on. Yet, he did vaguely remember a man who bought some early sketches from him a while ago, but he was not dressed nearly as immaculately and his beard was not as long.

"Good. Now, I do not think this venue is the most appropriate for this conversation," Monsieur Dumbledore handed harry a small calling card, "Join me for dinner, Harry? You can bring Ginevra," he winked at him before turning away casually and walking the opposite way down the hall. It took Harry a few moments before he realized he was not breathing and had been standing in the hallway, mouth agape. He was also thankful that when he returned to the main gallery, Remus and Ron were in the same conversation. Harry took one last look at his paintings before moving over to his friends and preparing to leave.

~o0o~

After Remus left the gallery, he parted with Ron and Harry and walked with his hands shoved deep into his coat pockets back to the studio. He hoped he could get in a few hours of painting, but wouldn't have minded in the least bit if Narcissa was there. He had given her a key, and in all honesty, he was completely in love with the woman who had fiercely and quickly taken over his heart and his mind. Needless to say he was more than a little sad when the blonde was not sitting on the couch of the studio waiting for him.

As Remus shrugged off his coat, he thought himself the daftest man for even thinking she would sit around and wait for him. She wasn't like Hermione, but even she didn't want to wait around for too long. No, Narcissa was as independent as they came and he supposed by living years in a loveless marriage, it was the only choice one had.

A few moments later, he did notice the small piece of parchment that had fallen to the floor and he realized it must have been stuck in the door. He hurried to pick it up and his heart beat quickened when he saw the pretty, practiced handwriting of a society woman.

Please come to Malfoy Manor as soon as you receive this.

Xxx

It wasn't signed other than the love marks, but Remus knew it would have been too risky for her to, especially if Lucius was leaving threatening notes there. His coat was on once again and he left the studio without a second thought, his mind whirling about what she could need. He sincerely hoped it wasn't bad news.

Waiting for Remus had Narcissa impatient and pacing the foyer. Her son and Mademoiselle Parkinson were upstairs, each packing in their separate rooms. She had called a locksmith earlier after Draco had confessed what Lucius had done, and now felt assured that her husband would not be able to enter Malfoy Manor, at least not in a traditional way, again. So many thoughts were flying through her head. At first, she had not wanted to abandon her friends, her family, and especially not Sirius, Hermione, nor Remus. However, she knew that it would be safer if Draco and Pansy to quietly disappeared for a while. She would do anything to protect her son, and him leaving Paris seemed the best option.

But over the last few days, she had become so close to, so intimately attached to the unlikely Remus Lupin that it seemed odd for her not to request his counsel on the matter. Draco's initial idea of her running off with her lover was so tempting. That was why she had asked him over-to talk her out of such nonsense.

Just as she had thought about his gentle face, the knocker was resounding on the door and Narcissa ran a hand absently over her perfectly coiffed blonde hair and opened it for him. He was standing there, his slim frame slightly shaking from the sudden cold spell lurking into Paris, and she quickly ushered him in.

He reached for her hand instinctively and kissed her palm, then moved his lips and ventured a kiss on the thin webbing between her ring and pinkie fingers. Narcissa lowered her eyes to try and hide that she wanted nothing more than to make love to him, but she cleared her throat and he reluctantly let go. He followed her noiselessly up the stairs of the manor, down the left hall, and into a rather ostentatious, lilac colored bedroom. Narcissa motioned for him to take a seat at the little tea table by the large window overlooking the small garden and he did as told. Her hands shook as she locked the door behind her, at least comforted by the idea that Draco and Pansy were in the other wing of the house and would not hear them.

"Cissa, something is terribly wrong. Please tell me before I burst with worry," he said softly. He was momentarily shocked at himself for his admission of caring, but she didn't seemed phased. On the contrary, she gave him a sweet, genuine smile and sat down across from him.

"I was about to go over to Sirius', but I wanted to talk to you first…"

"Sirius and Hermione are out of town. Harry told me today at the gallery. We've missed quite a bit," he blushed ever-so-slightly, but both hardly regretted their time together, the stolen moments that Narcissa now feared they would never have again.

"Out of town? Oh, Remus, this is worse than I thought…"

"Narcissa, whatever it is, I can handle it…"

She then quickly and bluntly proceeded to tell her lover about how she had found Mademoiselle Lovegood, battered by her husband, learned of his threats towards Hermione, and the most recent information about how Lucius…and by default Tom Riddle, had Sirius' money and had paid her son to betray her. Remus sat, mouth slightly agape, head nodding every so often as her words cut into his heart. It really was worse than everyone thought.

"Draco and Mademoiselle Parkinson want out of whatever insidious scheme this is, and I suggested for them to head out of Paris. They are both in their rooms packing as we speak. My son knows about us as well, and he wants me to leave with them, to leave with you," she finished and searched his eyes, hoping he would object.

Yet there was softness in his eyes, a softness that expressed to her that he wanted to.

"I'd run away with you in a second, Cissa, but only under different circumstances. Although I have had my differences with Monsieur Black, I have grown to respect him immensely, and you love him dearly. Along with him comes Hermione, who I know you think of as a daughter, and I also care for deeply. Both you and I will be directly affected by whatever happens and I know you would never be able to forgive yourself if something happens and you are not around," he reasoned and she reached her hand up to gently caress his unshaven face before lingeringly kissing him. Remus wrapped his arms around her and held her close. He could feel her body shaking with emotion, the wetness transferring from her cheeks to his gave her away but he continued to kiss her. They both knew they had to stay, and it scared them both as they kissed and held each other for a very long time.

~o0o~

"I'm starving!" Hermione couldn't help but hold her stomach as Sirius unlocked the door to the manor. They had both knocked numerous times but no one had answered them and Sirius had to go fishing within his luggage to find the key. He was grumbling under his breath about how going without help in the country was hard enough and acting like a petulant little brat, grumpy from lack of solid food. Hermione had given in as well, her grumbling stomach giving her away, although she still swatted him on the arm for acting so spoiled.

"Neville? Fleur!" Sirius shouted into the seemingly deserted house, "Minerva?"

They both dropped their luggage, "Where in the world are they?" Hermione asked and Sirius took off to find out. They had come home earlier that afternoon than anticipated, but he still expected them to be there. Hermione took the opposite route, heading straight up the stairs and into Sirius' bedroom, nearly forgetting she had her own. She found it odd for a second that the bedroom door was slightly ajar, but brushed it off to them being in a rush to leave on their trip. The only thing she wanted in the world was to strip down and get into his bed, to lie there for the rest of the afternoon, and have some tea. The fact that Fleur wasn't around to bring her tea was of secondary importance and Hermione gave a contented sigh as she opened the door….a sigh that became strangled in her throat as she looked at the bed.

There was Theresa Gold, completely nude and sitting in a compromising position on Sirius' bed, looking exactly as shocked as Hermione did.

A/N: CLIFFHANGAR I know, but I really want to hear from you guys and I know this is a little bit of a teaser chapter but it is needed to move things along towards the big finale. So, please review. What do you think Dora and Ginny are up to? Dumbledore emerges! And what in the world is Theresa doing? Love you all!