Chapter Nine: So Far

So far from who I was

From who I love

From who I want to be

So far from all our dreams

From all it means

From you here next to me

~ So Far, Olafur Arnalds

A/N: Alright soooo here's the chapter when you're all going to hate me. Remember how I said the Remix relationship develops fast and takes a setback? Well, uh, here's that setback. It's very necessary for the overall plot and Phoenix's character arc, so...there's that? I'm gonna duck any flying tomatoes now.

Warnings for this chapter: some physical abuse

The first match of the year against Gryffindor was a raging success, and Phoenix couldn't help but roll her eyes as everyone commended Regulus on what a great job he'd done as captain. It had been the Slytherin team as a whole, not just bloody Regulus. As the team made their way into the changing rooms, laughing and whooping, Phoenix took a moment to catch her breath. It had been an intense game, and they'd barely managed to scrape victory over Gryffindor.

"We're headed to Hogsmeade," Barty Crouch announced as he headed over to Phoenix, "Do you wanna come?"

The kid's skills had improved over the past year, even if he was beginning to spend too much time hanging around the young Death Eater crew. Barty was a badass Beater, and he and Phoenix had some great conversations about the Quidditch World Cup and competing Quidditch teams in general.

"As long as she doesn't bring her boyfriend," Evan called out, to laughter from the other Slytherins and a clenched jaw from Phoenix. "Keep the half-blood at home, Nix!"

Phoenix ignored him. She'd learned of late that was the best method to deal with their taunts. They wanted to get a rise out of her, and while she wanted nothing more than to defend Remus, she knew that was why they did it.

"Sure, Barty." Her tone was all false cheer. "I'll come out to Hogsmeade."

Ignoring the jeers of the other Slytherins, she swept out of the changing room and headed back to the common room. Phoenix returned to the dorm and changed out of her Quidditch uniform, prying her dark hair from its windswept braid. It was only when she tugged out a sweater and some jeans that the door creaked open, and Beth walked in. The two girls paused, sizing each other up. Beth cracked first.

"Where are you going?" She hoisted a fake smile across her features, and Phoenix had to commend that she was at least trying. She and Beth still hadn't really spoken more than a handful of words since their heated exchange on the Hogwarts Express. Perhaps this was Beth's way of trying to put the past behind them.

"Hogsmeade, with the team." Phoenix paused, before deciding to extend the olive branch. "Do you want to come?"

There was a heartbeat between them when Phoenix wondered if her offer would be rejected, but instead Beth smiled.

"Sure."

It was like a weight had lifted off Phoenix's shoulders, and the girls got ready together with chatter, helping each other pick out shoes and earrings to match. Phoenix's cat, Saturn, even padded over to purr and wind herself around Beth's ankles. By the time they headed out of the dorm, their arms were linked and they were trading gossip as if nothing had ever happened. Phoenix realised that she had missed Beth, even if her friend's words on the Hogwarts Express had hurt.

The Hog's Head was brimming with students when Phoenix and Beth entered. Seeing Regulus by the bar, Phoenix immediately made a beeline for her twin. Regulus was sitting away from his friends with a foaming mug of butterbeer, of which she immediately took a sip as she seated herself beside him, earning a scowl.

"That's mine, get your own."

"Part of the fun of being siblings is sharing," Phoenix said delightedly, cocking her head to the side, "What's the matter? Don't feel like basking in the glory of being the amazing Slytherin Quidditch Captain who brought the team to triumph?"

"Very funny," Regulus muttered. His sullen demeanour told her something was up, something he wasn't sharing. He could be withdrawn at times, but his attitude indicated he was in a bad mood. Frowning, Phoenix leaned closer. When he was like this, she felt troubled, and she wanted to help.

"What is it?"

"Nothing you need to concern yourself with." Regulus's voice was clipped, before he sighed heavily. "I'm sorry. I'm not trying to take things out on you. There's just a lot going on right now."

Phoenix chewed at her lip. Regulus felt distant from her recently, and she wondered if it was his Death Eater activities, or something else. Perhaps if she confided in her twin, he would return the favour. She shifted closer so that no one would overhear what she was about to say.

"There's something I have to tell you. About Remus."

Her heart hammered in her chest, and she knew she was taking a big risk. But Regulus had always been there for her. He would never betray her trust, just as she would never betray his. They'd promised to always have each other's backs.

"What is it?" Alarm slackened Regulus's terse expression.

"He's a werewolf." The words were a whisper, and Phoenix immediately felt guilt for saying them. It was something that was kept between the Marauders. She and Regulus were twins. They had always traded secrets as children, so why should that be any different now that they were older?

"What?" Regulus's fingers tightened around his mug of butterbeer, grey eyes widening as he examined his sister. "Nix, that's...he's dangerous. He could hurt you."

"Remus would never hurt me," Phoenix assured him with certainty, "Besides, this is between you and I."

Regulus arched an eyebrow. "And why wouldn't I tell anyone this little secret?"

"Because I'm keeping yours." Phoenix gripped his forearm. Even through the sleeve of his shirt, she knew by the way he tensed that her fingers were touching the Dark Mark branded on his skin. She tightened her grip meaningfully. They both had their secrets now, an unshakeable bond between them.

"I have to go." Regulus climbed off his stool, pressing a kiss to Phoenix's cheek, making her warm at the unusual display of affection. "Finish my Butterbeer if you want."

"Regulus…"

"Hey." He cupped her face in his hands. "It's alright. There's just something I need to do. It's got nothing to do with what you told me about Lupin, I promise."

Phoenix bit her lip and nodded, forcing herself to believe his words. Regulus gave her a tight smile and headed outside. She contented herself with raising the mug of Butterbeer to her lips, savouring the taste of it. It didn't escape her notice that, one after the other, the other Slytherins she knew to be Death Eaters also left the Hog's Head. There was something going on, and Phoenix was too curious to let it go. Finishing the mug of butterbeer, she slipped off the stool and headed outside.

It was cold and dark as she stepped out into the November sludge, hugging her coat more tightly around her frame. She could hear laughter from nearby, and she trailed toward the sound. A group of the Slytherin boys had gathered around someone. When Phoenix looked closely, she could see a fourth-year Hufflepuff girl in the midst of the crowd.

"Go on, Alexander, do it."

Alexander Wilkes stepped forward with a smirk on his face, and Phoenix's stomach turned even though nothing had happened yet. The Hufflepuff girl looked confused and frightened about what was about to happen, picking at the frayed edges of her scarf.

"Imperio." Alexander pointed his wand at her, and the girl's expression slackened. At the jeering of his friends, he cast around at the rest of the group. "What should I have her do? Jump off a roof? Drink Butterbeer until she pukes it back up?"

"What the fuck are you doing?" Phoenix's heart hammered in her chest. This wasn't some curse being thrown at a party. This was the Imperius Curse, and here Alexander was using it out at Hogsmeade like it was a game. The boys all turned to face her, and though she couldn't help but feel she had made the wrong move, she stood her ground.

"Nix." Regulus sounded annoyed, walking over to catch his sister's arm. "It's just a stupid dare, that's all. Come on, we should get back to the castle…"

Phoenix tugged away from him. "No, not until I know nothing's going to happen to that girl."

"She's just a stupid little Mudblood," Alexander sneered, "Mind your own business, Nix, there's a good girl."

Phoenix wanted to argue with him, but she couldn't find the words. Stepping away from his twin, Regulus trailed back over to Alexander and the others. She couldn't hear what was said as they muttered under their breaths, but her focus was drawn to the girl. Suddenly compliant, ready to do whatever was commanded of her. Nausea rose in Phoenix's throat at the idea of having that little power, of someone controlling your every movement.

Whatever Alexander said must have pissed Regulus off, because he turned abruptly and stalked back towards the castle. Phoenix wanted to follow her brother, but it was like she was frozen in place, as though her being there was the only thing stopping something horrific happening to the Hufflepuff girl. Realising that she wasn't just going away, Alexander snarled and aimed his wand at the girl again.

"Obliviate."

Phoenix was shaking violently. Even as the Hufflepuff girl looked around her in confusion and walked away, with no recollection of what had just happened, Phoenix could taste bile on her tongue. Alexander swaggered toward her, clearly feeling secure with the rest of the young Death Eaters around him.

"See? No harm done. You need to relax, Phoenix."

She didn't say anything, simply glowered up at him. Alexander turned and headed back towards the castle with the others, their laughter filling the evening air. A sudden fury came over Phoenix and she withdrew her wand from her robes, pointing it directly at Alexander.

"Flipendo."

Alexander went face-down in the sludge, filling Phoenix with a sense of amused satisfaction. A few of the other Slytherins laughed at the sight of him pushing himself up, spluttering. Phoenix smirked, but kept a hold of her wand as she prepared for a magical retaliation. Alexander shoved off Isaac Mulciber's helping hand and marched over to Phoenix. She braced herself for him to whip out his hand, but instead his arm swung forward, his closed fist colliding with her face.

Phoenix hit the ground hard, her face throbbing where Alexander had punched her. When she raised her shaking fingers to her lips, they came away crimson. Her ears were ringing and all she could see was Alexander looming over her, pale eyes glittering with malicious glee. When he raised his hand again, she flinched away violently, and his mocking laughter filled her ears. A choked sob escaped her lips as tears welled in her eyes.

"Oh, you're gonna cry now?" Alexander scoffed contemptuously. "Sounds about right."

He turned on his heel and marched off, leaving her sitting there in the dirt, tugging her knees to her chest and trying to ignore the blood spilling from her split lip. Evan Rosier hovered behind, kneeling down beside Phoenix and offering her a hand. When she didn't take it, he sighed and sat beside her despite her stubborn silence.

"I'm sorry he hurt you." Evan reached out to put an arm around her, but she shoved him away, getting to her feet. Somehow, his sympathy cut even deeper than the punch to the face.

"Fuck off, Evan."

"Are you kidding?" He sounded annoyed as he got up as well. "I'm trying to be nice to you, Phoenix."

She whirled around to face him. "I know exactly why you're trying to be nice. Funny how it only happens after your psychotic friend has already done the damage."

More tears welling in her eyes, Phoenix stormed off towards the castle. She had seen enough tonight. She had seen too much tonight. She had thought the young Death Eaters were just mucking around, taking on the Dark Mark to prove to themselves how big and bad they were. After seeing Alexander using the Imperius Curse, Phoenix had been forced to change her mind.

Phoenix crept into the dorm as quietly as possible, her body trembling violently. Her fingers were still shaking as she guided herself to her bed with the lit end of her wand. The sound of fabric shuffling made her whirl around. Beth had kicked the blankets off the bed, rubbing her eyes. Once she adjusted to the glare of the light, squinting against its harshness, her expression morphed into concern.

"Phoenix? You're back so late."

"I'm fine." Phoenix's tone was curt, but Beth wasn't taking 'no' for an answer. Padding over to her friend, she grabbed Phoenix's arm and spun her to face her. Her big blue eyes grew even wider as she examined Phoenix, horror etched across her pale features.

"Merlin's beard. Your lip…"

Phoenix forced a smile. "That bad?"

"There's blood all on your shirt, too." Beth rubbed her friend's arms, and Phoenix willed herself not to cry for the second time that night. "Nix, what happened? Who did this to you?"

"I don't want to talk about it." Tears blurred her vision. She didn't want to get teachers or anything involved either. Technically, she had pulled a wand on Alexander first, and she wasn't even sure where to begin without mentioning the fucking Imperius Curse. "Please, can we not talk about it?"

Beth's gait was one of determination as she snatched up her dressing gown and tied it around her thin form. Phoenix watched her with tired resignation. Once Beth had a mission in mind, there was no convincing her out of it.

"Right. We're going to make a potion up to fix that lip, or at least a salve."

Phoenix frowned. "Where are we going to get the things for that?"

Beth's smile was mischievous. "The Potions supply cupboard, of course. Slughorn's always forgetting he leaves it unlocked."

Phoenix decided not to ask how Beth knew that. Instead, she accepted her friend's hand and the pair slipped down the stairs, out of the Slytherin common room. Sure enough, when they reached the supply closet, it opened with a murmured 'alohomora' from Beth.

The blonde busied herself gathering ingredients, before gripping Phoenix's shoulders and forcing her to sit on an empty crate. An overwhelming array of scents invaded Phoenix's nostrils, and her eyes raked the shelves of the supply closet. Would Slughorn notice the supplies were gone?

"Won't we be in trouble if we're caught?"

"Ah, but I'm here with my Prefect friend." Beth winked. "I'm sure we can think of something to get ourselves out of trouble. I know a quick fix salve. Mum uses it on Thomas all the time, he's always getting bloody injured. While I'm making it, you're going to tell me what happened."

Phoenix omitted several parts from the story, predominantly the use of the Imperius Curse. Her version of events entailed her catching Alexander harassing the young Hufflepuff girl, and Phoenix deciding to hex him. Everything after that was pretty much an accurate sum up of how the night's events had gone.

"So Evan decided he'd try and comfort you, but didn't actually step in?" Beth scoffed as she mashed up some of the ingredients with a mortar and pestle. "How typical. He clearly still wants to try and get in your pants."

"Which is absurd," Phoenix complained, "He knows I'm with Remus, they all do. He can take his protective saviour bullshit and shove it up in his ass."

"Alexander is worse," Beth shuddered. "I don't know what's gotten into him lately. He's become even more cruel than he was before."

"He's an asshole," Phoenix agreed. It probably wasn't best to tell Beth about the Dark Mark, about the fact that several of the Slytherins they knew were Death Eaters now.

"He's a fucking wanker," Beth seethed as she gently applied the salve. It stung, but Phoenix was grateful for it nonetheless.

"Who's a wanker?"

Beth whirled around, wand at the ready, and both girls were dumbfounded when they saw Sirius in the doorway, casting a look between the pair of them. Phoenix tried to cover up what was happening, but the blood on her shirt and the bright blue salve on her lip were evidence enough. Sirius's expression darkened when he noticed the dried blood.

"What happened?" he demanded.

"Alexander Wilkes punched Phoenix."

"Beth!" she exclaimed indignantly.

Sirius's eyes flared with rage. "He fucking did what?"

"I hexed him first," Phoenix murmured.

"Phoenix, I don't give a shit. He should never have laid hands on you."

Beth nodded adamantly, clearly approving of Sirius's fury. Phoenix never thought she would have seen the day when those two agreed on something, but she supposed there was a first time for everything. Phoenix also knew when Sirius got an idea in his head, it was very hard to convince him out of acting on it.

"Please don't do anything stupid," Phoenix begged. When she pushed herself up off the crate, her limbs were heavy as lead. She just wanted to sleep for a week.

Sirius flashed her a feral smile. "That's like asking me not to breathe, Nix."

Remus was prone to early mornings. He enjoyed rising with the sun, having a hot mug of tea while he studied or worked on his latest assignment. The golden rule was that Sunday mornings were the exception, and he liked to sleep in. This was something all of the Marauders knew well, which was why Remus was immediately grumpy when he was roughly shaken awake when dawn's tendrils had only just reached in through the dorm window.

"Fuck off."

"Get up, Moony." It was Sirius, and by his tone, he meant business. "We have work to do."

"No work before nine." Remus pulled his pillow over his head. "It's the rule."

"All we do is break the bloody rules." Sirius unceremoniously yanked the pillow from Remus's grasp, ripping the blankets back. "Besides, this is important."

"Yes, Sirius?" Remus knew his best friend had a tendency to be dramatic, but decided to give Sirius the chance to explain what was behind this morning's said dramatics. He pinched the bridge of his nose as he forced himself to sit up.

"Wilkes hit Phoenix."

"What?" White-hot rage coursed through Remus. He was not typically quick to anger, but the idea that one of the Slytherin boys—one Remus knew was a Death Eater—had been violent toward Phoenix filled him with anger. He shot out of bed so quickly that Sirius drew back, a grin spreading across his features.

"Attaboy. Let's go teach him a lesson."

For once, Remus was inclined to agree with Sirius. Usually it was James who was Sirius's partner-in-crime, but today he'd found a new ally. No one touched Phoenix and got away with it, even if the kid was a Death Eater. A thrill of daring raced through him as he quickly dressed, picked up his wand, and followed Sirius.

Like most groups, the Slytherins had designated areas around the school they enjoyed occupying aside from the common room. Sirius would often call it forcing their presence on the general population. A few of the Slytherins liked to smoke out the back of the greenhouses where Herbology classes were held, and as Remus and Sirius approached, it appeared Wilkes was no exception.

"I heard what you did to my sister." Sirius marched over with purpose, the statement earning several 'oohs' and suggestion nudges from the other Slytherins. Remus noticed that Regulus was among the gang, though he clenched his jaw and said nothing at Sirius's presence.

"Don't know what you're talking about, Black." Wilkes blew a plume of smoke in Sirius's face, which was immediately a bad move. Remus had been prepared to be the one to deal the blow, pissed beyond belief that this git had hurt Phoenix, but Sirius had a score to settle today, and it was obvious in the way his expression darkened.

"You like hitting girls, huh?" Sirius pointed his wand in Wilkes's face. "Langlock."

The Slytherin boy's face contorted with fury, and a satisfied smile tweaked at the corners of Remus's lips. He recognised the jinx as one that glued the tongue to the roof of the mouth, rendering the person unable to speak. Try as Wilkes might, he wasn't able to say anything. Sirius grabbed him by the tie, slamming him hard against the side of the greenhouse.

The other Slytherins watched, but surprisingly, Regulus muttered something to them that seemed to prevent them interfering. Sirius, meanwhile, maintained a firm group on Wilkes, a sneer crossing his face.

"Now that you've finally shut the fuck up, listen closely, wanker. Touch my sister again, and this is the least of what I'll do to you."

Sirius yanked his tie hard, sending Wilkes sprawling to the ground. His irate eyes fixated upon Regulus, and a cool chill came over Remus. He knew the brothers had barely spoken to each other since Sirius had left home, despite Phoenix's best efforts to patch up their relationship.

"I don't want to hear that one of your friends has hurt our sister again, Reg." Sirius's tone was clipped and cold, and no sooner had he said the words than he spun on his heel and marched back up toward the castle.

"Padfoot, mate…" Remus couldn't suppress his concern. "Er, are you alright?"

"Just fine, Moony."

"You can't bullshit me."

"Regulus shouldn't be standing for shit like this." Sirius folded his arms over his chest. Remus had underestimated how worked up his best friend was. Sure, he was angry about it too, but Sirius was beyond upset. "That's our sister, and that's how he's letting his friends treat her."

"Mate, he probably didn't know," Remus reasoned. He wasn't much of a fan of Regulus either, but he knew Regulus loved Phoenix just as much as Sirius did. There was no way Wilkes had hit Phoenix in front of Regulus.

"Yeah, you're probably right." Sirius exhaled his tension, and when he looked at Remus, a wry smile crossed his lips. "As bloody usual."

"We should get some breakfast before class," Remus suggested, shaking his head. "You're always moody when you don't eat."

"I prefer the term brooding. Sounds sexier, more mysterious."

Remus couldn't help but laugh, and he and Sirius made their way into the Great Hall. When he glanced back outside, he saw the first snow had started to fall over the grounds. Soon, the grass and roofs would be coated in a fine white layer. That was the thing about Hogwarts—every little thing was magic and wonder.

Regulus confronted Phoenix while she was finishing up her Charms assignment in the library. When he gently gripped her face and tilted her chin up, she knew precisely what he was looking for. Her twin had been bound to find out what Alexander had done sooner rather than later. The salve Beth made had worked wonders—there was only a yellowing bruise now on her lip where Alexander had hit her.

"Do you have to?" she protested, squirming in his grasp and trying to tilt her face away from his prying eyes.

Regulus's eyes narrowed. "Is it true that Alexander hit you?"

Phoenix shrugged. "Ask him yourself."

"I'm not asking him, Phoenix. I'm asking you."

"Yes," she ground out.

"That fucking imbecile." Regulus stepped back, eyes flashing with anger. Merlin, why was everyone so caught up about it? It had been days now since the incident had occurred, and in truth, Phoenix just wanted to forget about it.

"I don't need anyone to defend me, Regulus, I'm quite capable of doing that myself."

"It's not about that," he snapped, whirling to face her. "It's about the fact that he should know better than to raise a hand to you."

"Can we not do this in the library?" she hissed, aware of the fact that several fourth-year Gryffindor girls had stopped their conversation to peer curiously over at them. Regulus seized her arm and practically dragged her out of the library. Only once they were alone in the corridor did he continue the conversation, pacing back and forth.

"You're a pure-blood. He shouldn't mess with you."

"So it would be okay if I was a half-blood or Muggle-born?" Phoenix asked, arching an eyebrow before heaving a sigh as she contemplated the truth of Alexander's actions. "He probably thinks I'm a blood traitor because I'm in a relationship with Remus."

Regulus stopped dead in his tracks, pausing as if he'd just thought of something. Relief washed over him, and he was smiling as he moved across to kiss Phoenix on the top of the head. She wriggled away from him, embarrassed. Why was he suddenly being affectionate toward her? She really couldn't keep up with Regulus's changing mood.

"I will never let anyone hurt you," he promised.

"Whatever, Reggie." Phoenix didn't place too much faith in his words. They were growing up now, and he'd chosen a dark path for himself, a violent future. How could he promise no one would hurt her, when his actions might reflect back on her? As Regulus mocked a salute and headed away in a considerably better mood, Phoenix walked back to the library. It was only when she resumed her seat that she realised she hadn't even asked what sort of glorious revelation Regulus had come to.

Winter's chill had settled over Hogwarts, and Phoenix stared wistfully out of the window during her Transfiguration class—the final one of the day, before she would be able to head home for the Christmas period. The plan was that she would spend Christmas Day with her family, before heading over to Sirius's for some New Year's antics. The thought of ringing in the new year with Remus again had her practically bouncing on the balls of her feet as she scrambled from Transfiguration the moment class was over.

"Someone's excited," Beth teased, a broad grin across her features as she fell into step beside Phoenix. Whatever else was happening, Phoenix was grateful that she had mended her friendship with Beth. The two had become inseparable over the past few weeks, and Phoenix had promised she'd managed to find time for Beth over the holidays in her busy schedule.

"Come on, no classes for a few weeks?" Phoenix flashed her a dazzling smile. "Aren't you excited?"

"Phoenix!" It was Remus. She bit down on her lip, knowing how many of her pure-blood peers judged her relationship with him, but Beth nudged her playfully.

"Go say hi. We'll catch up."

Feeling like she was about to burst with happiness, Phoenix headed over to Remus, flinging her arms around his neck. Remus laughed as he caught her by the waist, and she was thrilled to see that her joy was infectious. Merlin, she loved it when he laughed like that. It delighted her even more to know that she was the cause of it.

"So, sounds like I'm actually getting to see you over the holidays." Remus smirked. "You're a hard girl to make time with, but I'm glad I managed to book an appointment."

Phoenix tugged playfully on his red-and-gold tie. "Behave. I might even stay a few nights at Sirius's. I think Beth's actually starting to warm to the idea of you."

"Are we breaking his bed again?" A mischievous glimmer entered his green eyes, sending heat coursing through her.

Phoenix mocked a scandalised expression. "I have no idea what you're talking about. To this day, we don't know who could possibly have done such a thing, may Sirius's bed rest in peace."

"Are you sure you're alright?" Remus's playful demeanour dropped, replaced by something serious and concerned. "About...what you found out about me?"

"I'm more worried about you than me." Phoenix slipped her arms around his neck, her eyes flicking up to peer into his. "It takes a toll. I can tell."

"This is why I love you." Remus's smile was warm enough to melt butter. It certainly felt like it was melting her heart. "You're perceptive, compassionate...not to mention drop-dead gorgeous."

She tapped his nose. "You are far too smooth, Remus Lupin."

Phoenix was thrilled. Remus could far too often be found with his nose in a book, quiet and studious compared with his friends. Around her, she saw a side that many others didn't when in comparison with his fellow Marauders. Remus might be soft-spoken at times, but he also had a wicked sense of humour, and a way with words.

"Ah, I learn from the best." Remus chuckled. "Sirius says the ladies love it."

Phoenix pulled a face. "I do not need to hear anything about my brother's conquests."

"Come on, Moony, wrap it up!" James yelled from where he was standing with Sirius and Peter. The three all had stupid grins on their faces. "We've got trunks to pack, places to be."

"I guess that's my cue." Remus pressed a kiss to her lips. "I'll see you at Sirius's."

"Wouldn't miss it." Phoenix's stomach did somersaults as he turned and walked off to join his friends. She would miss Hogwarts, but she had the feeling that this was about to be the best winter break of her life, and she planned to cherish every moment of it.

The first few days of the break were as tedious as Phoenix had anticipated. Grimmauld Place was stuffy and smothering, particularly as Regulus was out with his friends for most of it. Christmas Eve had her filled with anticipation about what was to come, as she knew Walburga delighted in having the family over for Christmas lunch. She supposed she'd be seeing several of her cousins, although of course not Andromeda. That was a shame, as Andromeda had always been one of Phoenix's favourites.

It was getting late when Kreacher told Phoenix she had been summoned to the living room for brandy and dessert. It struck her as odd—she was typically only allowed to consume alcohol at family events, and they'd never really done much on Christmas Eve. Nonetheless, Phoenix wrapped her thickest dressing gown around herself and padded downstairs.

Something was wrong. Phoenix couldn't tell precisely what it was, but an unpleasant chill ran up her spine. Orion and Walburga were both sitting in the living room, a decanter of brandy open on the table. Regulus sat on the couch opposite them, and he wouldn't look at her. As Phoenix opened her mouth to ask a question, Walburga indicated the other couch.

"Sit down." Her tone would broach no argument.

"What's going on?" Phoenix asked, her knees feeling like jelly as she took a seat. Regulus had a glass of brandy in his hand, only a sliver of the amber liquid left.

"We wanted to have a talk." It was Orion who spoke this time, his voice softer than his wife's. It was always good to have him home during the holidays, though Phoenix didn't doubt he'd be called into the Ministry at some point.

"What about?" Phoenix's eyes darted between her parents and Regulus. Why was everyone so solemn? Had there been a death in the family? The somber atmosphere certainly indicated it was something along a similar line.

"Your relationship with this half-blood," Walburga spat the words, her eyes wild with anger as she glared at her daughter. "This werewolf."

Sudden horror dropped through Phoenix like a cold stone, and she turned to look at Regulus to realise how she had been betrayed. Her brother wouldn't even make eye contact, his guilty grey eyes fixed on the carpet. Tears welled in her eyes. She had trusted him, and he had repaid that trust with secrecy, lies, and the exposure of a secret she would have given anything to protect.

"How could you?" she whispered, though Regulus clenched his jaw and remained silent.

"Phoenix, your mother and I taught you better than this," Orion admonished, his brow furrowing. She hated the disappointment she saw etched on his face, but she needed her parents to understand this wasn't some stupid fling. Not like Sirius and the girls he flirted with, not like Regulus and Beth.

"I love him."

The words made incandescent fury alight in Walburga, and every line in her body tensed up. She launched herself from the couch and slapped Phoenix across the face. Phoenix touched her cheek, noticing that Regulus looked away as if he couldn't stand to watch what was happening. Watch, she wanted to scream at him, watch what you've fucking caused.

"You will end things with this boy." Walburga practically spat the words as she sat down beside Orion once again. "You stupid little girl. If anyone else was to find out what this boy is, you would be ruined forever. Be grateful Regulus brought this to our attention before things could go any further."

"I will not!" Phoenix cried, hands balling into fists. She did not often raise her voice to her parents, and did not argue many things, but Remus was worth fighting for. Their relationship was worth risking Walburga's ire and Orion's shame.

"You will make a respectable pure-blood marriage!" Walburga shrieked. "You will not bring shame on this family as Sirius has done. We have already started to make arrangements for a betrothal. When you are of age, you will marry and absolve for the sins you have committed."

"A betrothal?" Phoenix suddenly couldn't breathe. She was sixteen. Marriage wasn't even something she'd thought about. "To who?"

"Regulus tells us that Evan Rosier is fond of you." Walburga said, sounding satisfied. Again, when Phoenix looked at her brother, he seemed too wracked by his own guilt to meet her furious eyes. "Be thankful. The Rosier family are also members of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, and your match to Evan will do well."

"I don't want to marry Evan," Phoenix said through clenched teeth, "I don't want to marry any of them, which he knew all too well when he told you!"

Regulus took another sip of his brandy. He grabbed the decanter and refilled the glass, and neither of their parents objected.

"Look at me!" Phoenix snarled, startling Regulus into jerking his head up. "I want you to look at me and realise what you've done."

"It would be a shame for anything to happen to this werewolf boy." Cold cruelty contorted Walburga's features, and Phoenix felt like ice had slithered down her spine at the threat in her mother's words. "Creatures like that don't tend to fare too well. They don't last very long."

Phoenix shook her head fervently. She couldn't let anything happen to Remus. She had never gotten the chance to ask him how he became a werewolf, but she doubted it was a happy story. That boy had suffered enough. He would not suffer any more, not on her own account, not because she was too selfish to put aside her pride.

"Leave him alone."

"Then do as you're told, Phoenix, or it will be worse for the both of you," Orion warned, "Do you think your cousin Bellatrix loves her husband? She understood it was necessary. She did it for her own good, and the good of the family."

Phoenix took one of the empty glasses and poured in some brandy from the decanter. She tilted her head back and drained the glass, letting it burn its way down her throat. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she slammed the glass back down onto the table.

"Your brother has done us proud, going into the service of the Dark Lord." Walburga smiled indulgently in Regulus's direction, but he was staring into the fire. When she turned to face Phoenix, her expression went sour. "This is the least you could do."

Phoenix threw one last desperate look at Regulus, but her twin wasn't coming to her aid. Her twin, the person she had trusted above everyone else, was the one who had put her in this horrific situation to begin with. She wondered if she would ever be able to forgive him for it. She wondered if this was the knife that would sever their closeness, a knife he wielded, just as he'd done when he cut Sirius off.

Phoenix knew the Death Eaters targeted people like Remus. He had a Muggle mother, and he was a werewolf. He was a prime target for their wrath, and she would do whatever it took to keep them from hurting him. Whatever it cost her, she would do it. The price was a difficult pill to swallow, but she would, because no matter what her parents or Regulus believed, she loved him so fiercely she would rather break him than see him touched.

"We will be having a dinner party here for New Year's Eve." Walburga rose gracefully and stared disdainfully down at her daughter. "At the end of the night, you will give me a name. The name will be one of the pure-blood families in attendance, of which you will marry into. If you do not choose, the choice will be made for you."