September 9, 1980

"Aren't you the cutest thing!"

I picked up my three-year-old godson from the floor and spun him around, causing him to giggle. Like his mother, he had dark brown hair and blue eyes. And like his father, he was extremely ticklish. And so when I placed him on the couch and began to tickle him, he begged me to stop between bursts of laughter.

From the kitchen came my sister-in-law, Patricia, just as I stopped tickling the boy. She crossed her arms and smiled.

"Having fun, Eddy?"

The boy laughed and nodded before hugging me. "Can she stay forever?!"

I laughed and kissed his head. "I'm afraid not, kiddo."

Eddy crossed his arms and pouted before his eyes lit up. "Is it because of baby? Cause she can go!"

"Eddy!" Patricia exclaimed just as we heard the front door open. "Be nice. Now go greet your father."

"Daddy!" Eddy screamed as he jumped down the couch and ran off.

Before long Eddy returned and was accompanied by my brother Jules and Patricia's mother, whose house we were staying in. I smiled when I saw them and gave Jules a big, long embrace.

"It's been too long, Reesa," Jules said, pulling away. "You look great."

I smiled and then turned to Patricia's mother, Kath, and the newborn she held in her hands. "And how is my second godchild?" I asked.

I was about to hold the baby when I looked up at Kath's face, which was full of fear. Frowning, I turned around and gasped. Racing towards the bay window of the living room was a glowing blue shadow. Jules and I took out our wands and pointed it at the window, but then I realized what it was. Before Jules could do anything, I forced him to lower his arm.

"Its all right," I told him as the blue mist formed into the Patronus shape of a lion: Marlene's Patronus.

Scaring everyone in the room but me, the Patronus spoke. "Send help!! Please! Quickly! Veronique's here!"

And just like that the Patronus disappeared, and everyone was left stunned. But not me. I acted quickly.

"Accio broom!" I shouted and before long the front door opened and soon the broom came to my hand.

"Reesa, what's going on?" Jules asked as I got on my broom.

"I'll explain later," I told him. "Stay safe."

Before he could say anything else, I levitated off the ground and shot out of the house, soaring into the night sky.

000000000000000

As a flew above the highlands and forests of England, it didn't take me long to find Marlene's location. I knew where the Order of the Phoenix sent her and so I was able to get there quickly.

Reaching my destination, I swooped down through the clouds and pulled up before I hit the ground. I flew into the wide forest, searching for the abandoned village Marlene was sure to be at. The wind soared past me, causing my short blonde hair and loose clothing to fly along with it. When the village was in sight, I landed on the ground a few yards away.

Leaving my broom where it was, I grasped my wand as I approached the village. Marlene's purprose for being there was to stake it out, to see if it was indeed being used for Death Eater meetings. She had been with another member. She had been with Sirius. I hoped beyond hope that they were both all right.

Before I could get closer, someone grabbed me from behind, covering my mouth and grasping my hand with my wand. I thrashed in their hold before a familiar voice whispered in my ear.

"Kaiser, it's me."

At the sound of Sirius's voice I calmed down immediately. He let me go and before he could say anything else I wrapped my arms around his neck and planted a kiss on his lips.

"I'm so glad you're alive," I said quietly, cupping his face in my hands. "Are you hurt?"

Sirius shook his head, taking my hands in his. "But Marlene is. Veronique has her inside one of the houses."

"We need to get her out," I said, looking at the village. "Is anyone else coming?"

"I don't know, but we can't wait. Veronique was using the Cruciatus curse on her."

I bit my lip and after a long moment I sighed and nodded. "All right then. Let's go. Usual plan?"

Sirius nodded and from there we parted ways. He pointed to which house it was and then we each went towards and around it on either side. My breathing was shaky as I stayed low, avoiding the windows on the house. As I got closer I heard voices, somone yelling the Cruciatus curse and then I heard screaming. I forced myself not to cover my ears. But this was Marlene. They were hurting Marlene!

When I got to the end of the right side of the house, I very careful and gently looked up from the window, into the house. My eyes widened when I saw the lack of people within. Marlene laid bleeding on the ground, crying. Veronique stood over her, wand outstretched, and behind her were two Death Eaters, both with masks.

I waited a few moments as accordance with the plan before I acted.

I jumped in through the window, landing on my feet and pointing my wand at the Death Eaters. "Stupify!"

Not long afterwards Sirius appeared and did the same. With the two Death Eaters taken care of, we stood side by side, wands pointed at Veronique, who gave us a wicked smile. Next to her, Marlene lifted her eyes at us and I gave her what I hoped was a reassuring nod.

"Sister, dear, how lovely to see you," Veronique said, her wand focused on Marlene. "Make one move and she's dead."

My nostrils flared. "Step away from her, Veronique. You're outnumbered."

Veronique looked particularly amused. "Yes, but two blood-traitors. How very intimidating."

My anger rose at her insufferable grin and my hold on my wand tightened. Beside me Sirius stood ever so still, his eyes on Veronique in case she should try anything. Marlene sobbed as she laid on the ground, covered on her own blood. There was only so much I could take.

Veronique smiled once again when on either side of her appeared two more Death Eaters, each wearing a mask.

"Are you outnumbered now?" Veronique asked.

"This the best you got?" Sirius asked before giving me a knowing glance. We had a plan.

Veronique wasn't given another chance go speak before I made fhe next move.

"Expelliarmus!"

The wand was thrown out of Veronique's hand and even caused her to stumble backwards. Following this, everything happened so fast. Sirius raced towards Marlene, lifting her in his arms, just as I disarmed the other Death Eaters. Then I raced for Veronique's wand but just as I did so, Veronique lunged for it. Unfortunately for me, she reached it first.

"Get out of here!" I shouted to Sirius, who stood at the doorway with Marlene in his arms.

"Kaiser—"

"Get out!"

I didn't look to see if Sirius had listened before I focused all my attention on Veronique once again. Wands pointed at each other, we circled the room, our eyes never leaving our opponent.

I only had one chance, one chance. If I failed, I died. If I succeeded, Veronique died. But it was fifty fifty. It depended on who could say it fast enough.

Five.

Veronique grasped her wand tighter.

Four.

I focused my senses.

Three.

Veronique flashed me a wicked grin.

Two.

My breath caught.

One.

"Avada Kedavra!"