Thorns

The Marauders' Era

Chapter 37: For After the War

September 1981

"Will the both of you stop fretting!" Amalia laughed as Lily and Tessa hovered in the kitchen, watching as Apple, the house elf, carefully did the frosting design on Suri's birthday cake.

"I can't help it," Tessa exclaimed as she stole a bit of frosting with her finger, smiling apologetically at Apple's irritated look. "It's my daughter's fourth birthday!"

"I'm just trying to warm up a bottle for Harry," Lily laughed, amused at mother, daughter, and house elf. "I'm not fretting at all!"

"Both of you, out of the kitchen," Amalia urged, shooing Tessa and Lily away. "Go join your children and their fathers."

Tessa smiled while her mom pushed her shoulder, hurrying her out of the kitchen. Lily followed a minute later with a bottle in hand and joined Tessa in the living room where Sirius and James watched Suri and Harry play with toys strewn about the room.

For a moment, Tessa stood by the wall, watching the scene unfold. She watched as Lily crossed the room and sat on the ground beside Harry, offering him a bottle. Harry toddled closer to Lily, the happiest of smiles on his face as he reached for the bottle and Lily lifted him onto her lap. Nearby, Sirius sat on the ground against the leg of the couch, an arm draped casually over a bent knee as he watched James wow Suri with his stag patronus.

"Mummy! Watch Uncle!" Suri's grey-blue eyes were bright with adoration as she James's stag disappeared. "Again, uncle, again!"

"Oh I suppose I could," James said rather dramatically, offering the small girl a wink. "Anything for your birthday." He laughed as Suri clapped her hands with delight. James pondered a moment and then he waved his wand, "Expecto patronum." From his wand burst forth his stag, circling the room.

"Again! Again!"

"How about your Mummy and Daddy have a go, hm?" James said with a chuckle. "This is a very powerful spell, little one, and it takes a lot of energy."

"Mummy? Daddy?"

Tessa and Sirius looked at each other. "How about it, Princess," asked Sirius rising to his feet and rising to the occasion. He slid his wand out of his pocket and flipped it once, catching it gracefully.

"I don't see why not." Tessa reached into the waistband of her jeans and pulled out her wand as well. From across the room, Sirius winked at her and with his customary arrogant smile he muttered the incantation to get his patronus to show. Soon, a large silvery dog ran around the room, and Suri shrieked with delight.

"Mummy's turn!"

"Alright," Tessa laughed as she thought of her happiest moment. A series of past memories flicked behind her eyes, but her happiest moment was now: most of her dearest friends and family in the room with her, and momentarily carefree. This was everything she wanted. "Expecto Patronum."

From Tessa's wand, a sleek panther emerged and coolly stalked around the room, protectively, lovingly, circling Suri. From his spot in Lily's lap, Harry giggled and reached out for the panther. Suri smiled and walked over to Lily, kissing Harry's chubby cheek before she sat beside her.

Tessa watched the scene a moment longer as she slid her wand back into the waistband of her jeans. Quietly, knowing her family was safe and happy, she walked upstairs and into her bedroom and softly closed the door behind her. There, she sat on her bed and tugged at the neckline of her blouse so she could free the chain about her neck. She turned the iridescent vial over in her fingers, watching it catch in the sunlight and shine with a hint of pink—the crystal vial picked up reflected pigments of the bouquet of dark pink roses she kept at her bedside—a surprise from Sirius.

"Tess?" The door opened and closed as Sirius walked in and joined her, sitting beside her. "What are you doing?"

Tessa looked up from the vial and at Sirius. In the time Amalia had been there to help take care of Suri, their relationship had improved. "I'm putting together Suri's birthday present."

"Another one," Sirius laughed. "Princess, our daughter is going to be swimming in gifts this year. I thought you said we weren't spoiling her."

"I know, but this one's different." Tessa dangled the chain in front of Sirius. "I've had this necklace since I was eleven, and I want to give it to Suri." Tessa let Sirius catch the necklace in his hand and hold it up.

"There's nothing in it."

Tessa smiled. "You know, some of your housemates spread a rumor during our fifth year that I had a love potion made with dark magic in here that kept you in love with me. I told them they should concoct a potion to build their self-esteem because clearly they were terribly jealous of me."

"That explains why Marlene was so mad at you that year."

"Perhaps," Tessa said, aware of the sad look in his eyes as he thought of the McKinnon family. She gently reached over and took his hand in hers. "The truth was, I spent a lot of time wondering how someone as good and brave as you would stay with someone as vain as me."

"Princess, you are hardly vain compared to me. I still think I use more hair product than you."

"Then perhaps it's a good thing we found each other," Tessa laughed. She took the vial back in her hand. "No, I never filled this necklace. Narcissa told me that this vial was cut from the stone that held Excalibur—so this crystal should be completely indestructible. Because of that I knew if I were to put anything in it, it would have to be something very important. And I haven't thought of anything important enough until recently. I'm going to put my memories in here, so that Suri will always have a bit of history with her. One day, when she's old enough, perhaps she'll find a penseive so she can see everything she might have ever wondered about—Maeve family history, her mad parents and their equally insane friends."

Sirius frowned. "Tess, it's a good idea, but it sounds so…final."

"It's not meant to be," Tessa lied, she then caught Sirius's look—he saw straight through her. Tessa gripped the vial tightly in her palm.

"There will come a day when neither of us are with her and Suri will have to stand alone—not because either of us are dead, but because that's the nature of growing up. You can have all these great friends around you, but there will be that one defining moment when it's up to you, and only you, to make a decision that will forever change your life. I hope that Suri will have good friends and family for the rest of her life, and I hope we do our part to raise a girl who is as smart, brave, and resourceful as she will be beautiful. Maybe I'm hoping that in the moments before Suri is alone she can see these memories, and see how stupid her mum and dad were, and realize that if we turned out alright, she'll turn out so much better."

Sirius watched as Tessa uncorked the vial and drew a deciding breath. From her waistband, Tessa removed her wand and held the tip to her temple. Slowly she moved her wand away from her head and a long shimmery wisp of silver pulled away and swirled the tip of her wand. Carefully, Tessa directed the wisp into the vial no longer than her index finger and watched as her memories filled half the bottle. She was about to put the stopper on when Sirius shifted beside her.

"If you only give Suri your memories, the poor girl will become horribly biased," Sirius said, attempted to make is tone light.

"Biased against what? You? Please, our daughter knows that Mummy is always right."

"The poor girl will never stand a chance with that logic," Sirius chuckled. "Besides, you can't give her only half a bottle, it's all or nothing."

Tessa watched as Sirius pulled out his wand and put it against his temple. A minute later, he directed his own memories into the bottle as well, topping off the crystal pendant. Tessa replaced the cork and inspected the memories swirling together.

"Poor girl," Tessa laughed.

"Why do you say that?"

"There are two people's memories in here. I mean, we've spent ages together, but I'm sure our perspectives on some things are incredibly different. I have a feeling she'll have a hard time distinguishing the memories."

"Does she have to?" Sirius raised an eyebrow.

"No," Tessa slipped the necklace back on, planning to give Suri the necklace later when it was just the three of them. "I suppose not." She smiled. "I'm actually excited for the stories she'll get to see. Anyway, come on; let's get candles on the cake for her. Apple did an amazing baking job, and I'm excited to eat it!"

Sirius rose from the bed alongside Tessa, and before she left, he reached for her wrist.

"What is it?" She searched his eyes, seeing the somber look in the mischievous face of the boy she loved with all her heart.

Sirius pulled her closed and pressed his forehead against hers. Gently he tilted her chin up and kissed her. "I love you, Tessa Rosier. For all the trouble it's been, and the fun it's brought me. I love you."

"Sirius Black, you are an absolute thorn in my side," Tessa said with full honesty. She reached up and touched his cheek. "And you make me want to be the best person I can be. I love you too."

Together, they walked hand in hand downstairs to join their loved ones.

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"You are impossible, Sirius!" Tessa doubled over with laughter, wiping tears from her eyes.

"Mummy you're going to drop me!" Suri said between laughs as she clung tight to Tessa's neck.

"Sorry, my darling," Tessa continued to laugh as Sirius, in dog form, bounded up to his family. They were outside under the surprisingly clear night sky for the first day of September.

Suri wiggled out of Tessa's arms and jumped to the ground, clapping her hands as Sirius chased his tail around, barking excitedly. He allowed Suri to grab at the ruff of his neck and climb onto his back. Sirius barked again and jogged in circles as the small girl squealed with delight.

"I swear if James was as wild as that with Harry, he would not live to see the next day," Lily shook her head though she laughed. Not too far away, James had taken the form of a stag and he and Lily slowly walked as she kept her hands on Harry while James carried him on his back.

"Suri's old enough to hang on, and Sirius is much closer to the ground should she fall," Tessa assured Lily, though she kept a watchful eye on her loved ones.

Moments later, Sirius transformed back into himself and he threw Suri into the air and caught her before he swung her low and kissed her neck. The night echoed with her shrieking laugh.

"I may be impossible, but you love me for it," Sirius said, winking at Tessa.

"You're all impossibly drunk." Amalia Rosier walked out of the house, shaking her head at the four young adults acting like children. "This is Suri's birthday, not a tavern."

Lily, Tessa, Sirius, and James—who had transformed back into his human form as well—mumbled apologies to Tessa's mother and her stern reprimand.

"At least wait until the children are asleep," she continued reaching for Suri with one hand, and beckoning Lily to hand her Harry with the other hand.

"But I'm not the least bit tired," Sirius whined, and burst out laughing when Amalia rolled her eyes at him.

"You are the biggest baby of the lot, Sirius Black," Amalia chided, but everyone could see the affection in her face for the young man. "Now, Suri-dear and Harry-love, say goodnight to your mummies and daddies, it's well past bedtime."

"But Granna-!"

"Bedtime, birthday girl, you have stayed up way too late."

There was a flurry of hugs and kisses as the Potters and Tessa and Sirius kissed Harry goodnight and hugged and kissed Suri while wishing her goodnight and happy birthday.

Sirius wrapped his arms around the blonde older woman. "You miss us when you're away."

"You stink of alcohol," Amalia deadpanned as she juggled Harry on her hip and held Suri's hand. Still, she softened when Sirius kissed her head. "And I miss you all more than words can say." Amalia smiled at the foursome, proud of the friends her daughter had made. "Now, I'll put the little ones to bed and retire myself. I'll see you in the morning."

"Thank you," the group chorused, watching as the young children and grandmother disappeared back into the house.

"It's been a long time since we've run around like that, Padfoot," said James.

"You're right, Prongs," Sirius agreed. "It's not as fun being a dog when it's life or death."

Sirius's comment hung heavy in the air as the four remained outside a while longer, all of the memories they longed to forget pressing against their hearts.

"Well," said Tessa, looping her arm through Sirius's, "let's get inside, I'll have Apple put on some tea without alcohol."

Tessa went ahead of her friends to the kitchen to find there was hot tea already prepared and waiting on a silver tray. With her wand she levitated the tray out into the living room where Sirius had charmed a fire into life.

"Stay the night," Sirius said to James and Lily as Tessa sat beside him on the couch, putting the tray on the table in the middle of everyone. "You're both pissed, and it'll be safer to travel in the daylight."

"None of us are pissed, Pads," James laughed as he fixed himself a cup of tea. "Tipsy sure, but this isn't nearly as bad as we used to get."

"Prongs…"

"I think you're just trying to get me into bed." Sirius laughed and James winked.

"Shh, Prongs, not in front of Tess!"

"I don't mind. I always knew there was something going on between you two—I pick and choose my battles."

"If you and Padfoot need to have some pillow talk, all you have to do is say so, love," Lily chimed, blowing on her tea.

"You are the most understanding wife," James said, though he joked, the adoration in his voice was clear as he kissed Lily's temple.

"Sirius is right though," Lily continued. "Perhaps it's better if we stay the night. If it were just the two of us, I wouldn't mind risking the trek home, but with Harry…" Lily shook her beautiful red head.

"There's plenty of room for you." Tessa assured the Potters as she and Lily shared a look that conveyed a protectiveness that only came from mothers.

"I'll prepare the room," said Tessa after she finished her tea.

"I'll help you," Lily offered, following her friend up the stairs, leaving Sirius and James to reminisce about Hogwarts downstairs.

Lily and Tessa paused to check in on Suri and Harry. There was a playpen in Suri's room for Harry to sleep in, though it was empty. Harry was in Suri's bed beside her, and Suri had a protective arm over the baby.

"Look at that," Lily whispered sweetly. For a moment both she and Tessa watched their children sleep before Lily expertly plucked Harry out from Suri's arm and put him back in the pen. She brushed his jet-black hair out of his forehead and made sure his blankets were secure. Tessa did the same for Suri; tucking her in and kissing her forehead, though she left the girl's wild curls alone. She took after Sirius in that way—her hair was always messy in such a way that it looked fashionable.

"Do you ever find it funny to realize you're a mother," asked Lily as she and Tessa made up the bed in the other guest room after leaving their children.

"All the time," Tessa answered, brushing invisible lint off the grey duvet before she sat on the bed and Lily sat beside her. "We've come a long way from sneaking into muggle pubs in London, haven't we?"

"A very long way," Lily giggled. Her sparkling green eyes turned down for a moment. "Suri had a wonderful birthday, though I do wish Remus were here."

"Me too," Tessa said in a quiet voice. "But you know how Sirius feels about him these days. Remus can't know where you live, and Remus isn't allowed here anymore."

"It's awful," Lily murmured, her countenance heavy with sadness. "You know James and I help him with a stipend monthly, to get by…and we have to send it to him by owl from a location far from our house because of the protection charm—"

"Lily, change your secret-keeper," Tessa urged, gripping her friend's hand. "Sirius means well, but that rat Pettigrew can't be trusted. Please, Lily."

"Peter is harmless, Tessa, and he's proven himself time and time again," said Lily, defending her friend.

"You defended him time and time again," Tessa corrected, remembering every battle they had fought as a group.

"Though," Lily interrupted, "I do fear for him. If anything were to happen to him, I just don't think he has what it takes to stand up for himself…so James and I are trying to get Sirius to consider being secret-keeper…"

"Yes!" Tessa's deep blue eyes were bright. "I'll see if I can persuade him to change his mind too. Sirius, Suri, and I love your family so much, we'd make sure you're safe."

"I have no doubt of that." Lily smiled.

There was a soft knock on the door before it opened and James peeked his head around the corner. "Is everyone decent?"

"James, you're supposed to ask that before you look," Lily giggled, and James winked.

"If it's alright with the lady of this house—for the record, I would just like to say in my mind you are Lady Black, even if you two aren't officially married—but I'd like to go to bed now, and Sirius is too provocative for me, so I prefer the company of my wife."

"Too provocative," Lily's eyebrows shot up while Tessa laughed.

"We've talked about marriage," said Tessa as she got up from the bed. "But it's something we'll discuss after the war is over."

"What's there to discuss," asked James, rubbing the back of his messy hair. "If there has to be a duel over who gets to be flower girl, I'm sure I can beat Suri any time."

"I don't know, Suri is a Rosier and a Black, she'll give you a go for your galleons."

"After the War," Lily murmured.

"There's so much to look forward to after the War," Tessa agreed. "Anyway, sleep well, Potters. Towels are in the closet."

Tessa closed the bedroom softly behind her and walked quietly across the hall to her bedroom. Quietly, she entered her bedroom and closed the door behind her. She could hear the shower running and Sirius singing, and she loved the sound of his voice. She was glad the silencing charm still worked, she realized when hear him from the hallway.

Still quiet, Tessa removed her wand from her waistband and put it on the bedside table beside Sirius's. After tonight, for the first time, she had hope that she would see through the War and see her daughter grow up.

Gently, she fingered the vial that swirled with memories, and decided she'd give it to Suri when there weren't any visitors in the house. Tessa opened the bathroom door and closed it before she pulled her shirt over her head and slipped out of her jeans. She shimmied out of her underwear and laughed when Sirius welcomed her into the shower with him.

For now, with Sirius's strong arms around her waist, the warm water cascading on her body she was content. After celebrating her child's birthday with her family and her friends that were like family, she had so much to look forward to after the war.

Author's Note:

I am STILL taking questions for this story! So PM me, or send them in a review-you can ask more than one! The plan is to put them all in one document as an FAQ at the end of this story (coming soon...). So, if you have questions about the writing process, my take on Sirius, anything about Tessa, anything about me-ask away!

:)

Your reviews are love.

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