Fragments of Us

Disclaimer: This story is based on characters and situations created and owned by JK Rowling, various publishers including but not limited to Bloomsbury Books, Scholastic Books and Raincoast Books, and Warner Bros., Inc. No money is being made and no copyright or trademark infringement is intended.

Warnings: None for this chapter

Chapter 54 – Stronger, We Begin Again

Sirius awakened hours later to find the room in total darkness, he and Kate entwined together in the magically enlarged bed. He shivered; it was chilly, even with Kate's warm body against his. Sirius carefully reached for his wand and pointed it at the edge of the down comforter that was folded neatly at the bottom of the bed. Guiding it carefully up and over them, Sirius sighed in relief as the warmth of the comforter began to envelop him. He tossed his wand on the bedside table and snuggled back down into the mattress.

"Show off," the whisper reached his ears just as he closed his eyes. Sirius smiled and with a whispered command, brought the gaslights up to a level sufficient for him to see her face.

"Fake," he retorted and was happy to hear Kate chuckle. "And, aren't you supposed to be sleeping, not spying on me?"

Kate rubbed her cheek against his shoulder. "I woke up about ten minutes ago, actually." She paused and levered herself up on one elbow. As a matter of fact, I'm a bit hungry and am considering a bit of a stroll to see what I might find to nibble on."

Sirius shook his head. "As if I'd let you go anywhere. You've been seriously hurt and in bed for three days as a result. You're hardly going to take 'a bit of a stroll'."

"Come with me?" Kate asked, undeterred.

Sirius arched his eyebrows. "Come with … ? Katherine Morgan! Was I speaking Parseltongue? I thought I made it clear…."

Kate sat up slowly and swung her legs over the side of the bed. She paused to catch her breath and to allow the room to stop spinning. Sirius heaved a great sigh as he got up, picked up his wand and came around to her side of the bed. Kate looked up at him. "'Katherine Morgan'? When did you start using my formal name?"

Sirius shrugged. "It got your attention, didn't it? Listen, Katie. If you're hungry and determined to eat something, why don't you let me fetch it for you?"

Kate shook her head. "Sirius, really. I'm tired of being in this room. I'm never going to get any stronger if I stay here – in bed." She paused. "I'll admit that I can't quite do it alone. Help me? Please?"

Sirius looked at her for a moment, then an idea struck. "Of course, Katie-girl." With that, he picked her up in his arms and carried her out into the Great Room. He settled her on the sofa in front of the fireplace then Summoned the comforter from the bed, tucking it in around her. A quick Incendio established a crackling fire in the hearth. Sirius admired his handiwork for a moment then turned toward Kate with a smile. "There," he said.

"Not quite what I meant," Kate said, dryly. "I suppose it will have to do for now, though."

Sirius leaned over and placed a kiss on her damp forehead. "Seems to me that it will be awhile before you're ready to run any marathons. Still hungry?"

Kate nodded. "What do you propose?"

"How about some scrambled eggs, toast and weak tea?" Sirius suggested, adding, "Molly was planning to have you try that once you'd awakened. I'll rustle it up for you if you're sure you're ok here for a bit."

Kate nodded. "I'm fine…and we should be quiet about it; there's no need in waking Molly at this hour." She smiled and settled in to wait, watching the fire and listening to the sounds of Sirius bustling around preparing food. He'd been right, of course, Kate recognized. She knew she was weak, but she was stunned to realize just how much the simple act of sitting up had taxed her. Kate sighed. Classrooms do not prepare you for the physical impact and sensation of the Cruciatus, she mused, nor could they really. Of course, the damage would take time to repair itself. The pregnancy didn't have a chance to…Kate caught her breath sharply as tears filled her eyes once again. The pregnancy. Nothing to worry about there anymore, was there? A son. She and Sirius would have had a son together, but that was over now. A small sob escaped before she could catch it and Kate gave in to the tears that had come so suddenly upon her. She grieved for the tiny life given and taken so quickly and the life the three of them would have shared together had it not been so. This time, her grief was not tinged with the fear of Sirius' reaction to her secret keeping. This time, Kate's grief was that of a mother for her child who had been loved if not completely known. So immersed in her emotions was Kate that she did not feel the sofa cushion dip beside her. When Molly placed an arm about her shoulders, Kate turned and recognized the kind face of the Healer who had been in on Kate's secret from the beginning. Seeing a kindred sadness in the older woman's eyes, Kate allowed her head to be drawn down to Molly's shoulder and she cried. After awhile, Kate's tears stopped and she raised her head to look at Molly. "Thank you," she whispered.

Molly smiled softly and handed her a handkerchief. "I know a bit of what you're going through and you will survive this, dear. Believe me."

Kate nodded. "I know, it's just…"

"sad, yes. War frequently is and both you and your son – and Sirius, as well – have been victims of this war," Molly said. "And so, we will add your son to the list of those for whom we fight and when we win, we will know that we have had our bit of revenge for them all, yes?"

Kate nodded and smiled. "Thank you," she said again, sounding stronger this time. She drew breath to add something but was interrupted by a loud crash followed by a slighter quieter, "Bollocks!" from the direction of the kitchen.

Kate and Molly exchanged looks then both looked up as Sirius entered the Great Room. He had egg yolk mixed with pieces of shell and quickly congealing egg white on his boots and the hem of his jeans. "Molly!" Sirius greeted her. "You're up early. Good to see you," he babbled. "Katie-girl, I've got everything under control, but it's going to be a minute longer. Dobby has just brought me fresh supplies. You see, I'm not sure how it happened, but when I was sending the rasher of bacon to the sideboard, it sort of nudged the bowl of eggs and they…well…sort of scrambled outside of the pan."

"How far 'outside of the pan'?" Out of Sirius' line of vision, Kate nudged Molly's arm as she asked her question.

Sirius mumbled something, as he studied the rug beneath his feet.

"Sorry, child," Molly piped up. "We didn't catch that."

When he looked back up at them, Sirius' face was defiant. "I said, 'on the floor ,'" he repeated and both women had difficulty keeping their own expressions neutral.

Finally, Molly felt safe enough to speak. "Well, Sirius, I can't imagine why you would have been cooking bacon in the first place. It's far too rich for Kate's stomach. I distinctly remember telling you she should have scrambled eggs, toast and weak tea to start."

Sirius rolled his eyes and turned toward the kitchen and the two women thought they could finally give in to the laughter they had suppressed to the point of discomfort. As he reached the doorway, Sirius turned and Molly and Kate struggled to restore neutral expressions to their faces.

"For your information, ladies," he announced. "The bacon was for me!" And with that, he thrust out his chin and stepped into the kitchen. It would have been a fine exit had his heel not found quite a large puddle of egg white, causing him to slide awkwardly across a short distance of the kitchen floor, flailing his arms in an effort to maintain his balance. At that, Kate and Molly completely lost control of their composure and laughed merrily – and loudly at the now totally ruffled wizard.

"I should go and help him," Molly said, wiping her eyes and pushing herself up from the sofa.

"I don't know, this is really quite entertaining," Kate chuckled, mopping her own eyes.

"Yes," Molly agreed. "But if I don't, I'm afraid you'll never get your eggs!"

"You know, I can hear you out here," came a disembodied, very disgruntled voice from the kitchen.

Swallowing hard, Molly took a deep breath and, with a final wink at Kate, headed into the kitchen.

It wasn't long before Sirius and Molly emerged from the kitchen with a tray of food, cups, plates, cutlery and a teapot filled with fragrant tea. Magically enlarging a side table and levitating it to rest in front of Kate, Sirius filled a plate with a spoonful of steaming eggs and a slice of buttered toast. Setting it before her, Sirius gave Kate a gentle kiss on her cheek before retrieving silverware and a cup of tea.

Once Sirius saw Kate begin to eat, he fixed himself a plate. Sitting next to Kate, he tucked in, leaving Molly to shake her head at him, smiling.

"Aren't you hungry?" Kate asked her, sipping her tea.

"I normally postpone breakfast until after 2:30 in the morning," she replied, adding. "I think you'll find that most normal people observe a similar schedule."

Sirius raised his eyebrows at her and grinned. "Yes, well, we're free thinkers around here, Molly. We're open to all sorts of new ideas!" He cast a sidelong glance at Kate to check on her progress and was gratified to see that she had consumed her eggs and was working on the last triangle of toast.

"Would you like more eggs? Toast?" Sirius asked.

Kate shook her head. "No, thank you. This was delicious but I'm satisfied for now. I don't want to overdo it." She finished the last of the tea in her cup then said, "I'll take a bit more tea, though."

Molly took Kate's cup and refilled it for her. "You look better, I think," she commented, handing Kate the cream.

Kate smiled. "I actually feel better. Still a bit tired and my back is a little sore. Must be from lying in that bed for three days." Kate smiled at Sirius. "Perhaps I'll just hunker down here instead."

"Nope, Katie-girl, I think not," Sirius said. "Sleeping should be done lying in a bed, not sitting up on a sofa."

"Perhaps I could sit up for awhile during the day – like a normal person and go back to bed if I'm tired," Kate suggested, abandoning Sirius and focusing on Molly, instead.

"I think that would be acceptable," Molly responded. "We'll try it and if it's tiring for you, we'll adjust the times a bit."

"How long do you think I'll stay here?" Kate wanted to know. While she wanted to be well and put this behind her, Kate dreaded the return to Grimmauld Place – for Sirius as much as herself. Despite the circumstances surrounding it, this respite from his childhood residence had furthered his recovery from his time in Azkaban and on the run.

Molly shook her head. "You won't leave until you are strong enough to resume your life as you lived it prior to your injuries. Unforgivables are called that for good reason. The after-effects take time to fully dissipate; I want you well before you leave my care."

Sirius nodded. "Selfishly speaking, I'd like to remain here indefinitely, of course." He smiled a bit self-consciously. "Most importantly, though, is Kate's health. I don't want her to be sent away before she's absolutely ready to go."

Molly rose and moved toward the tray, but Sirius beat her to the punch, loading all the dishes onto its surface and carrying it into the kitchen.

"He's quite fond of you," Kate observed after Sirius had left the room. "It's very sweet."

Molly's face turned slightly pink. "He's been beside himself with worry over you these past few days and I've been a ready ear for him when he's needed it." She looked squarely at the younger woman. "He is so very much in love with you, Kate."

"And I with him," Kate replied softly. "For many years now." She smiled at the Healer. "Thank you for all you've done for him. I think it's more than 'a ready ear', really. He's never had a true mother figure in his life, you know. His own mother was a ghastly woman who saw children as a necessary evil to continue the family dynasty. He suffered tremendously at her hands – both physically and emotionally. He's envied the relationships his friends have had with their own parents; if he's slotted you into the role of "surrogate" mum, it's possibly one of the best things that could happen for him." Kate said, smiling.

"For me, as well. I lost my own boy in the first War, as I shared with Sirius the other day. He reminds me quite a bit of him, although there are some fair differences, as you would expect. I suspected that your Sirius could use a bit of mothering and I am honored if he sees me in that light in any possible way," Molly responded.

"I think that he does and I'm so glad that it's not unwelcome to you. I'll warn you, though, once he gets into your system, Sirius Black is very difficult to dislodge!" Kate chuckled.

Molly laughed. "I'll bet so! I've grown very fond of him – and of you. It gives me a very warm feeling to see you together."

"Katie-girl, it's past 4. Let's get a bit more sleep before morning officially comes, yeah?" Sirius re-entered the room and, upon seeing Kate's nod, he bent down and scooped her off the couch – comforter and all – just as he'd carried her into the room some hours ago. As he passed Molly, he leaned over and kissed her cheek. "You get back to bed, too. You need your rest and I'm responsible for waking you so early."

Molly shook her head and, as he walked away, Kate caught her eye over Sirius' shoulder. "'night, Mum," she called, rolling her eyes in Sirius' direction and smiling.

Sirius paused and turned. "Yeah, ''night, Mum'," he smiled, adding. "I like that." With a waggle of his eyebrows, he resumed his path to the door. Molly watched them until they had reentered Kate's room and then, smiling, she disappeared inside her own.

XXXXXXXX

Morning found Sirius seated at the kitchen table, drinking coffee and nibbling on a bacon sandwich. While he was accustomed to being alone after his many years in prison and then on the run, solitude was not easy for him. It seemed different here, though. Better. Easier. He snorted, thinking that solitude anywhere was better than being alone at Grimmauld Place.

Pouring a second cup of coffee, Sirius stirred in cream and sugar and thought back to earlier in the morning. He'd helped Kate back into bed, then stripped off and climbed in with her to catch a bit more sleep. She'd fallen asleep immediately and was still slumbering away. It had taken Sirius a bit more time. Well, if he was to be truthful, he worked quite hard to stay awake so he could watch the woman he held in his arms. It seemed they had survived another challenge in their relationship and had emerged intact. Sirius realized that there wasn't much he wouldn't do to sustain this relationship, to make sure that they endured. If before this he was uncertain of their commitment to each other, this latest test of trust, this latest loss, had driven away all doubt. He would die for her; this he knew to the depths of his soul and he would protect her to his last breath. Sirius also knew that he felt as strongly about fighting for them, for their life together; yesterday's struggle had taught him that, as well. He knew there would be challenges when Kate was well enough to return to the Ministry, to her Order responsibilities. Sirius sighed. It would be difficult to remember to stand back and allow her to be herself and do her job without the feeling of him breathing down her neck, without the image of his worried face looming before her. As difficult as it would be, Sirius knew that he would manage it. He had promised – even without the presence of that damnable ring – and he would see that promise through.

A noise in the Great Room caught his attention and, thinking that perhaps Kate had decided to make her way to the kitchen alone, Sirius rose and walked to the doorway where he could see into the next room. To his surprise, it was not Kate, but Remus, who strode toward the kitchen. It had been too long since he'd seen his friend more than in passing.

Impulsively, Sirius threw his arms around the werewolf, giving him a tight hug. Remus returned the embrace warmly, stepping back after a moment and smiling down at his old friend. "Missed me, did you?" he asked, walking around to the far side of the table and sitting down.

Sirius joined him, pouring him a cup of coffee. "As a matter of fact, Mooney, I did," he confirmed. "How've you been? Any progress on Malfoy?"

"Yes, my boy, there has been some progress," Albus entered the kitchen, sat down at the table and conjured a mug of tea. "Ahh," he murmured, swallowing the first mouthful. "Just hits the spot."

Sirius looked at Remus quizzically then turned his attention back to the Headmaster. "I take it you're here to give us an update," he said.

Albus nodded. "Indeed. Kingsley will be joining us shortly as well. I thought we might wait for him. Meanwhile, how is our Kate doing?"

Sirius smiled. "Much better, Albus. Much better, indeed. She's still weak and needs building up, but she's going to be fine."

"Excellent!" Albus exclaimed. "Ah, and here's Kingsley now."

The Senior Auror strode into the room and pointed at the coffee pot. "Is there enough for one more?"

Sirius nodded, summoning a mug from the counter and filling it with the hot, dark brew. Once Kingsley was seated, Albus began to speak. "Kingsley, you'll interrupt me if I get any of this wrong, yes?" Kingsley nodded, although Remus and Sirius rolled their eyes at each other. Not too likely Dumbledore would get much detail wrong.

"It would appear that Mr. Malfoy is back in Wiltshire – and quite willing to speak with the Ministry, provided Fudge is present, Kingsley does the interview and the encounter is documented as a 'conversation' rather than an 'interrogation' for the official record," Albus' eyes twinkled a bit as he shared this information.

Sirius looked incredulous. "And the Ministry has agreed?"

Kingsley nodded. "To those terms, yes. There are two others that remain rather – contentious. He refuses Veritaserum, claiming that it is unnecessary and – how did he phrase it? 'Insulting to his position'. Of course, we're holding firm on that one. He must be questioned under Veritaserum."

Sirius nodded. "What's his other condition?"

Kingsley looked at Albus before continuing. "He demands that we produce Kate."

Sirius stiffened. "Out of the question! He's done enough to her; I don't want her hurt anymore and seeing him will only bring back everything about that night and…what came after," he finished, looking around the table and realizing that he had not yet heard everything.

Albus reached over and placed his hand over Sirius'. "The Minister, himself, is concerned that Kate has not come to work. We've told him that an Auror was grievously injured at Malfoy's hand, yet we have not produced her. He is adamant that we cannot accuse him of wrongdoing if we cannot produce a victim. If we cannot produce a victim then he feels there is no reason for him to subject himself to an interview of any kind." Albus paused. "Sirius, we're so close. If we're successful in our interview, Lucius Malfoy could be sent to Azkaban for use of an Unforgivable curse! It would be an enormous blow to Voldemort – and an equally enormous victory for the Light."

Sirius looked over at Remus. The werewolf nodded. "Padfoot, I know the cost of agreeing to this, but think of the potential gain. Kate's a trained Auror; she can stand up to this type of confrontation."

Sirius closed his eyes and images of Kate and their recent discussions filled his mind. The overriding issue they'd wrestled with above all else has been trust. How could she trust him if he made decisions for her without regard for her own feelings? Isn't that exactly what she had done with her pregnancy? Even though she – then – and he – now – were totally motivated by their love and concern for one another, that path was wrong. He made up his mind.

"I cannot make this decision on Kate's behalf," Sirius said, his voice strong and firm. "She is asleep at the moment. Can you all return this evening? I'm sure she will be ready to speak with you then."

Remus hid his surprise at Sirius' calm and rational demeanor. Both Kingsley and Albus nodded. "Time is of the essence," Albus stated, rising. "But I think that is a reasonable request. I'll see you all here this evening, then."

Kingsley rose, as well. "I'll walk out with you, Albus."

After the two men had gone, Sirius turned to Remus. "I still don't like it and I think it's the absolute wrong thing to do for Kate. If I've learned anything over the past three days, though, it is that I can't live Kate's life for her. She has to be able to trust that I won't make decisions without talking with her if I expect the same from her."

Remus smiled. "I'm proud of you, Padfoot."

Sirius smiled in return and rose. "Thanks, Mooney. Now, we'll see what Ms. Morgan thinks of my sudden maturity … not to mention if I can hold it together when she agrees to the plan!"