AN: thanks to all my reviewers. Sorry it took so long. There won't be many spoilers for DH I swear. I must say I like how I portray Andromeda better than her attitude in DH, though. But maybe I'm being arrogant. Okay, I know this makes Tonks only 4 years older than Harry but bear with me.

Chapter 45

"What did Regulus say to you, sister?" Andromeda heard from behind her, as she fingered the note in a pocket of her robes.

She turned to see her younger sister, Bellatrix, glaring at her. "Regulus only wanted to tell me congratulations on my daughter."

Bellatrix snorted in contempt, "I'm surprised he even knew about it. It's not as if she's family."

"It seems some members of your family still know how to be civil in mixed company, Trixi."

Bellatrix made a sound of disgust, "If I were you, Meda, I would watch my back. Blood traitors aren't too popular now adays." and with a faintly sinister laugh, she went to join the rest of her family.

Regulus went to his room after arriving home, claiming exhaustion. He needed to think over what to say to Professor Dumbledore to prove his sincerity.

How did you tell the person who had probably never even thought of personal glory that you had just wanted to belong? That the only friends you ever had were joining and you didn't want to lose them? How did you tell someone who never did anything cowardly that you were afraid to emulate your baby brother's example and defy your parents?

"I don't care what it takes to convince him, I need to tell him all I know before my "friends" catch up to me." He sighed, taking a last look around the room before leaving. This might be the last time he ever saw it.

Just before he went out the door, he called softly, "Kreacher?"

Instantly there was a pop and the old house elf stood looking up at him, "Yes, Master Regulus?"

"I'm going away for awhile, Kreacher. There are some things I have to do. Take care of mum and dad, will ya? They won't understand."

Regulus turned to leave and then, reluctantly realizing that he may never make it to Hogwarts, he said, "If I don't call for you in two hours, Kreacher, please go to Hogwarts and give this only to Professor Dumbledore. Tell him that it contains a part of He-Who-Must-N- Lord V-Voldemort that must be destroyed." he handed Kreacher the heavy locket he carried.

Kreacher nodded and said, "Yes, Master."

"Good-bye, Kreacher. You've been a good friend. I will miss you."

Sirius couldn't sleep. The facts they had learned over the past several days kept running through his head. Funny, he thought, that none of us even considered the possibility that it was just a story, we've taken for granted that it was real.

Everywhere else in the castle, things were settling down. Freedom had eventually calmed Remus down enough that he returned to his human form. They had then joined the others in the Great Hall. Remus had decided that the newspaper wasn't really as bad as he had thought and he was sure that Dumbledore would sort it out.

A long time later, after the families had celebrated with their children and reunions were had, Dumbledore told them they should all get some rest. He told the Marauders and Lily that he would find out their story in the morning after breakfast. It wasn't until then, unfortunately, that anyone remembered there was one Marauder missing. (AN: I know, I know, don't kill me! I need him alive a little while longer.)