A/N- I'm baaaaaaaaack! Another chapter for you guys! Trying to tie up as many loose ends as possible. Please do point out anything that doesn't make sense or I haven't managed to address. These last few chapters are key to establish the final part of my story. I've never been at this stage of a story before so I'm a little nervous. The end is in sight and I'm hoping that I don't mess up. lol

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter.

Home. What was home? Family? Not for Sirius Black. Safety? Not for Remus Lupin. What, then, was home? Home was a feeling of knowing that at the end of the day, there was a place to go.

Sia came back home after 3 years, not knowing what to expect. Her parents had gone into hiding and she was yet to see them. Her house, the place where she had grown up, was barren, lifeless and unwelcoming. She touched the walls, the furniture, the curtains - it was the same but it had no life. Home was not home when there was no one there. With a heavy heart, she decided to move her stuff out and shift somewhere closer to the Order headquarters. She would need to ask Dumbledore about that. He'd probably want to reintroduce her during one of the meetings and discuss exactly what had transpired between them and Grindelwald.

She wasn't sure whether she should visit anyone. Rowena was currently in St. Mungo's, recovering from her terrifying capture at the hands of dark wizards. She still didn't know where Anna was, whether she was even alive. She wondered if it would be alright to visit James and Lily. They had already had their baby - she wondered what the little child would be like. She was also somewhat worried about facing a man she knew would most definitely have been made godfather to the child.

Ultimately, her desire to see her friends triumphed over her fear. It was on a cold January afternoon that Sia found herself at Godric's Hollow, walking towards the Potters' with trepidation. The door was slightly open and she walked inside, hoping that she'd run into Lily before anyone else.

"Pa'foo'!"

A tiny squeak came from one of the adjoining rooms. Sia poked her head through the door, curious to see the newest Potter. She was not expecting to see a very handsome wizard in dark pants and a red pullover, swinging his godson in the air with a brilliant smile on his face.

Damn, Sirius was fit.

Sia could actually see a flash of his abs from when his pullover rode up while swinging the baby around. His hair was tousled as always, a slight stubble the only indication of a change in age. She gulped as he laughed at the baby in his arms, a melodious sound which gave her goosebumps.

He put down the baby and turned around, shock registering in his eyes, before it was masked expertly. Sia wasn't sure what to do. She wanted to look anywhere but at him. She knew he would want explanations. But most of that was Dumbledore's department.

"Hi."

Her voice was soft as she looked into his eyes, wondering exactly what was going on inside his head. He stared at her for a few moments before slipping his hands into his pockets, a cold look on his face.

"I'm back," she continued, clearing her throat which had suddenly become hoarse. "For good."

"I'm sorry for running off like that. And not keeping in touch. Dumbledore-"

"-can be an arse," he completed, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly.

"So… are we okay?" she asked, hesitantly.

"How could we not?" he said, his eyes softening.

Sia's face broke out into a full blown grin as she rushed forward and enveloped Sirius in a hug. She had wanted to do this for so long. Just hold him, feeling the rhythm of his beating heart against her cheek, inhaling his cologne and the unmistakable smell of leather. But mainly, having his arms around her. She fixed her head into the crook of his neck, sighing in contentment as he hugged her more tightly, one of his hands moving into her hair.

"Sia!"

They broke apart awkwardly, turning to face James, Lily and Remus. They had identical grinning faces, though James and Remus looked a little more shocked than Lily.

Butterbeer and cauldron cakes in the middle of James and Lily's kitchen. It was perfect, really. And almost surreal. The war had changed so much, destroyed so many lives and ruined the atmosphere of peace and learning which their parents had grown up in. But here, for just this small moment, it seemed like nothing had changed. James and Lily were in love, Remus looked tired but happy and Sirius lounged about in all his glorious attractiveness. Additionally, there was little Harry, the bright spark who clearly had everyone's heart. Especially Sirius'. He was almost smitten by the little baby who looked like the spitting image of his father. Except his eyes.

"He has your eyes, Lils," said Sia.

Sirius snorted into his drink, which strangely did not take away from his attractiveness. "Yeah, how many times have you heard that one, Evans?"

"Oi! It's Potter!" said James, pushing Sirius lightly. Sirius exaggerated his reaction, feigning an almost fall. Unfortunately, Sia was just walking behind him and he bumped into her, his head hitting her chin.

"Merlin! Such a klutz!" said Sia, rubbing her chin with one hand while the other tried to keep Sirius steady by holding on to his shoulder. She could actually smell his hair from her position. It smelt weirdly nice - a light citrus. Trust Sirius to take hair care seriously.

"Woah! Didn't see you there, Trouble," he said with a smirk, his arm automatically going around her waist to keep himself from losing his balance.

"I'm curious about how Sia got that nickname," said James. "Because if anyone should be called 'Trouble', it's Padfoot over here."

Sia rolled her eyes as Sirius excitedly began telling them how she actually had a double life, only masquerading as a boring Ravenclaw. His arm was still around her waist, grazing her lightly as he continued his dramatic narrative. Sia felt her cheeks flush slightly at the proximity but she didn't move away until he had finished telling the story. She took this chance to really look at him after a long time. His angled cheekbones, the aquiline nose and the tiny cleft on his chin - all accentuated by his beautifully tousled hair. She realised that he had noticed her staring when his lip curled upwards slightly. Quickly moving herself away without being too obvious, she went over to Harry, tickling him lightly.

"No! Please! Don't do this!"

Her voice echoed through the dark alley, falling on deaf ears as they closed in on her.

"Please!" she screamed in agony, fear overtaking her every sense.

"Crucio!" A jet of light hit her and she crumpled to the floor, thrashing about in pain. Her strangled screams were interspersed with low chuckles from her attackers.

"Did you think you would escape with such strong political opinions in your family, Diggle?" came a deep voice.

"Please… puh-please let… let me… GO!" Her hoarse whisper turned into another scream of pain as another jet of light hit her.

"Expelliarmus!"

"Stupefy!"

"Petrificus Totalus!"

Eve's eyes closed just as James, Sirius and a couple of others rushed in to fight the Death Eaters who had been torturing her.

Eve was at St. Mungo's. She hadn't suffered too many injuries because the Order had arrived just in time. The main problem would be the psychological trauma. But that would matter when she regained consciousness.

"You don't look okay."

Sia looked up at Sirius standing behind her chair. He must have just showered because his hair was still wet, which he pushed back with his fingers, giving him a sleek look.

"No, I'm fine," she said, looking away. It was getting difficult to be alone with him. She constantly felt like she would either explode or jump him.

"Such a terrible liar," he said with a chuckle, sitting down beside her. "Haven't managed to improve that in all these years."

"It's Diggle, isn't it?" he continued after a pause, his voice much softer.

"I… can't forget the image of her writhing in pain. Whatever happened in the last few years… I still can't."

"She didn't really do anything, you know," said Sirius, looking into the fireplace. "Avery was never seriously interested in her. He thought she was an easy target to convert and he thought he was going to be successful as well. But then they realised that she wouldn't be of much use. And the fact that she's related to Dedalus Diggle didn't help her cause. She needed to be removed before she became an inconvenience."

"That's despicable," mumbled Sia, feeling slightly sick. She felt conflicted about Eve. She had definitely chosen the wrong side in school but seeing her suffer like that had brought back all her memories from their first five years. The mixture of feelings caused a swirl of unease in the pit of her stomach.

"That's war."

"Where's Remus?" asked Sia. They were having dinner at James and Lily's. Sirius had just arrived, but she couldn't see their sandy haired friend.

"He's not coming," said Sirius stiffly.

Sia opened her mouth to question him but he walked into the bathroom before she could say anything. Strange. It seemed like Sirius was miffed with Remus. It was probably nothing, but she had never seen any of the Marauders disagree or argue.

"Moony couldn't make it today," said James, coming up behind her. He had a smile on his face as he handed her a Butterbeer. "What's wrong, Sia?"

"Is Sirius mad at Remus for not making it tonight?"

"Uh… Well, not exactly. You see," James sighed and pinched the bridge of his nose above his glasses. "Moony's been a bit reclusive these past few months. He doesn't come over that often. We mainly see him at Order meetings."

"I understand! I really do!" he continued, messing his hair up automatically. "It's the war. It's terrible. And Moony has his furry little problem to think of as well. But I don't think Padfoot's as considerate. He's pretty possessive and territorial. It's not surprising really when you look at his Animagus form."

"Hmm."

Later that night, Sia found Sirius standing out on the balcony. He was wearing a pair of dark jeans and a grey shirt, rolled up at his sleeves. He had a cigarette in his mouth which he was just in the process of lighting.

"When did this happen?" she asked, making him look up in surprise.

"Can't remember," he said, blowing out a puff of smoke.

So damn gorgeous. Ugh! Focus on the task at hand!

"What's up with you and Remus?"

"What do you mean?" he asked, not looking at her.

"You're pissed at him. I can see that. Are you upset that he isn't spending time with you?" she teased.

Her smile dropped abruptly as she saw the look on his face. He looked angry and his eyes were stormy and turbulent.

"Don't talk about things you have no idea about," he growled.

"What are you talking about? What's wrong, Sirius?"

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with."

"Why are you so upset?"

"Because unlike some people gallivanting across Europe, I was actually here. Fighting and watching people turn into traitors," he sneered.

"Gallivanting across Europe? You know I was on a mission! Dumbledore explained it during that meeting!"

"Whatever."

"And what do you mean people turning into traitors? Are you talking about Remus?!"

When he didn't reply, Sia grabbed his shoulder and turned him around to look at her. "What the hell are you saying, Sirius? I don't understand!"

"I wouldn't expect you to. You weren't there. He's changed. He doesn't transform with us anymore. We barely ever see him."

"So? That doesn't mean he's a traitor! He might be transforming alone so as to not bring attention to the rest of you! It isn't Hogwarts anymore! There's a greater chance of people discovering you guys."

"No. That's not all. Peter saw him leave Barnabas Belby's house."

"I don't see how-"

"The Belbys are purebloods who have very strong Anti-Muggle views! There's no question which side of the war they're on!"

"Oh… Did you speak to Remus about it?"

"I tried," scoffed Sirius. "But he blew me off, saying that he had never done something like that."

"Okay. But I still don't think that means that he's a traitor."

"A spy then," sneered Sirius.

"You shouldn't jump to conclusions like that, Sirius," said Sia, looking at him with concern in her eyes.

"I'm not jumping to anything. I just told you that he was in the Belbys' house! Why would he be there otherwise?"

"I don't know! This is the first I'm hearing of it! All I'm saying is that you can't let one stray incident mess up a decade of trust and friendship. This is all we have now!"

"Weren't you the one who told me that I trusted my friends blindly? That I should look at them for who they are? Why're you changing your tune now?" he asked, agitation lacing his angry words.

"Yes! But not like this! Why would you suddenly turn on Remus? Has he ever done anything before this to make you doubt him? And on whose word are you doubting him? Peter? If I remember correctly, he was the one who gave you two the spiked Firewhiskey in 6th year. And you trust his word about someone you've known half your life?!"

"You always had something against Peter."

"Merlin!" said Sia in exasperation. "Sirius! I don't have anything against Peter! I'm telling you the facts! Objectivity isn't your strong point. It's always black and white for you. I'm asking you to consider the possibility of grey."

"There's nothing grey in a war."

"Horace, I must ask you to be completely honest with me."

Slughorn looked at the Headmaster with agitation clear in his eyes. He fumbled slightly before wringing his hands nervously.

"I can assure you that I have been nothing but, Albus."

"I need to know about the extent of Tom Riddle's knowledge of Horcruxes," replied Dumbledore, his eyes no longer twinkling.

"And I have told you that I do not know anything about that. I do wish you'd stop hassling me about this!"

Dumbledore sighed and walked towards where Fawkes, the phoenix, was perched beside the bookshelf. He slowly stroked the bird's feathers, looking ahead in deep thought.

"Do you remember Ms. Evans?" he asked, after a long silence.

"Wh-? Ye-yes! Of course! She was one of the brightest students I have ever taught in my career. Why?" said Slughorn, momentarily distraction from his righteous indignation.

"She married James Potter and they recently had a child - Harry. He will turn one at the end of this month," said Dumbledore, turning to face the Potions master once again. "Lily and her family have been marked for death by Lord Voldemort. No one has been known to survive once he decides to hunt them down. I need you to tell me about the horcruxes, Horace. It will be vital information that we will require to save the lives of Lily, James and young Harry."

Slughorn looked utterly conflicted. There were beads of sweat glistening on his forehead which he mopped up with his scented handkerchief. Finally, he looked away, sighing in defeat.

"Alright. But no one else can know of this, Albus. This is one of the biggest mistakes of my life."

James and Lily looked between each other. They were both just 21 years old. Harry was yet to turn one. And now, they had been marked for death by the darkest wizard the world had ever known.

"Will the Fidelius Charm be sufficient?" asked Lily, looking at Dumbledore.

"It shall. It is an extremely rare and old form of magic which Voldemort has always looked down upon. If you both agree to this, we must then go about finding you a Secret Keeper."

"If that's what it takes to save Harry, then we agree," said James, looking determined as he clutched Lily's hand in his. "And we've already decided on our Secret Keeper. We want it to be Sirius."

"Sirius?" asked Dumbledore, raising his eyebrows just a fraction. "I see the reason for your choice. But I fear Voldemort will see it as well. And that will put Sirius' life in immediate danger. My advice would be to choose someone less obvious."

"No. We want Sirius to be our Secret Keeper. If he agrees, then we will go through with it. I'm sorry, but that is our decision," said Lily, a note of finality in her voice.

"Very well."

A/N- I know I didn't elaborate on what Dumbledore had asked Sia to do or what came off that mission, but that's for another chapter. If you have any questions or find anything even remotely confusing, please let me know! Your comment might be vital in helping me finish the story. Please keep reading! And don't forget to leave a review! I really look forward to those.

Cheers! xxx